Xi congratulates Milanovic on reelection as Croatian president

Xinhua) 09:07, January 18, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- 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.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Sao Paulo, Jan 18 (UNI) Six suspects were killed on Friday in a shootout with police in Ponta Grossa, a municipality in the southern Brazilian state of Parana, local authorities said.

The gunfight occurred during a police raid to confiscate illegal weapons of a gang.

The criminal organization was stockpiling weapons and planned to attack cash transport trucks and banks in small towns in the state of Parana, according to the police.

During the raid, six suspects were killed and no security agents were injured. The police confiscated weapons including rifles commonly used by the military.

UNI XINHUA ARN
The UK government confirmed Wednesday that it will not finalize a deal to hand over sovereignty of the contested Chagos Islands to Mauritius until President-elect Donald Trump's administration is consulted.

The governments of Britain and Mauritius have been negotiating in recent months to complete an agreement to settle the future of the disputed Indian Ocean archipelago, which is home to a strategically important UK-US naval and bomber base.

But the agreement was opposed by Trump and his supporters. The president-elect's pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, warned last year that the deal posed 'a serious threat' to US national security.

The military base, located on Diego Garcia, the largest of the chain of tropical islands off the tip of India, has supported US military operations from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2008, the US acknowledged it also had been used for clandestine rendition flights of terror suspects.

The official spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Wednesday it was 'obviously now right' for Trump's administration to consider any deal.

'It is perfectly reasonable for the new US administration to actually consider the detail and we will obviously have those discussions with them,' he said. 'We will only agree to a deal that is in the UK's best interests and protects our national security.'

Media reports this week had suggested that officials from Britain and Mauritius were hurrying to complete the deal before Trump enters the White House.

A deal between Mauritius and the UK over the Chagos Islands will have to wait for Donald Trump's approval

The military base, located on Diego Garcia has supported US military operations from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan

Keir Starmer's team said it was 'obviously now right' for Trump's administration to consider any deal

Britain split the islands away from Mauritius, a former British colony, in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence, and called the Chagos archipelago the British Indian Ocean Territory.

In the 1960s and 1970s Britain evicted up to 2,000 people from the islands so the US military could build the Diego Garcia base.

Mauritius has long contested Britain's claim to the archipelago, and in recent years the United Nations and its top court have urged Britain to return the Chagos to Mauritius.

Britain agreed to do so in a draft deal in October, but that has been delayed by a change of government in Mauritius and reported quarrels over how much the UK should pay for the lease of the Diego Garcia airbase.

A statement issued by the Mauritian government on Wednesday said the Cabinet had been 'informed of developments' and that talks in London will continue.

At Prime Minister's Questions this week, Kemi Badenoch took Sir Keir to task over the cost of the Chagos deal.

Sir Keir was attacked over claims Labour is poised to pay nearly 9billion to Mauritius for a 99-year lease of the Diego Garcia military base.

'The Chancellor (Rachel Reeves) is apparently promising to be ruthless in reducing spending. Let me suggest something he should cut,' the told the PM.

Britain evicted up to 2,000 people from the islands so the US military could build the Diego Garcia base

'There is no way that we should be giving up British territory in Chagos. He is rushing a deal which will be disastrous and will land taxpayers with a multi-billion pound bill.

'Why does he the PM think British people should pay to surrender something that is already ours?'

Sir Keir responded: 'We inherited a situation where the long-term operation of a vital military base was under threat because of legal challenges.

'The negotiations were started under the last government. The then-foreign secretary came to this House to say why he was starting negotiations and what he wanted to achieve.

'He said the aim was to 'ensure the continued effective operation of the base'. That is precisely this deal has delivered.'

But Ms Badenoch hit back: 'There is no one he can blame for this dud deal except himself.'
Labour's tax plans have triggered a record exodus of millionaires since Keir Starmer took to office.

Thousands of millionaires have fled Britain amid growing concerns that new tax plans will damage the economy and international investors.

The Treasury is now facing pressure to reverse its crackdown on non-domiciled residents as growing numbers of British entrepreneurs are also said to be prepared to leave the country after the autumn budget.

It is estimated that Britain lost a net 10,800 millionaires to migration last year, which is a 157 per cent increase from 2023, the Times reported.

This means Britain has lost more wealthy residents than any other country in the world, apart from China, with the increase accelerating after the general election, according to figures by New World Health.

The UK's richest residents mainly fled to other European countries like Italy and Switzerland, as well as to the United Arab Emirates.

This comes after it was revealed that one of Britain's oldest surviving family businesses claimed it could face ruin after Labour's budget 'torpedoed' its operating model.

Jim Rankin, a sixth-generation owner of Rankin Brothers & Sons, a cork manufacturer founded in 1774, was blindsided by Rachel Reeves proposals, which he slams for 'running completely contrary to the government's ambitions for growth'.

A record number of millionaires have left Britain since Sir Keir Starmer took to office

Thousands of millionaires have fled amid growing concerns that new tax plans set by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will damage the economy

Rankin, who is also the chairman of the Cork Industry Federation, detailed to MailOnline how the latest changes to employer National Insurance (NI) contributions and adjustments to inheritance tax will directly impact their cash flow, the affordability of human resources, and succession planning.

He's blunt in his criticism: 'The policies the government is putting forward run completely contrary to their own aims. How can they claim to be fostering growth when they're slapping taxes on businesses that are already struggling?'

Business Property Relief (BPR) has up to this point allowed individuals to transfer trading businesses to the next generation free of tax, allowing family-owned businesses to carry on from generation to generation, but from 2026 all companies valued over 1million will be saddled with a 20 per cent inheritance tax when passed on to the next generation.

'This change could seriously damage the future of family businesses like ours,' Rankin explains.

'We've been around for over 250 years, and part of that longevity is thanks to our careful succession planning. But these new policies mean that we're going to have to reimagine everything. It's going to force us to make decisions we never thought we'd have to make.'

Rachel Reeves' proposals have been slammed for 'running completely contrary to the government's ambitions for growth'. Pictured: the Bank of England

Now he's calling out what he sees as a flawed budget and a government that's failing the businesses that drive the economy.

Another group affected in the budget is expected to be holidaymakers who could be forced to pay a 'hotel tax' as part of frantic efforts by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to stabilise the public finances.

Treasury officials are understood to have carried out 'modelling exercises' to work out the impact of introducing a similar 'tourist tax' to that applied in France, where a nightly accommodation charge ranges from less than a pound per person per night at a campsite to up more than 12 in a five-star hotel.

The move comes despite Ms Reeves' insistence that she has no plans to add to the 40billion of tax rises she imposed in the autumn Budget, which have been blamed for crushing the UK's growth prospects.
Britain has become a nation of dishonest scroungers where people cheat the benefits system and openly steal from supermarkets, a study has warned.

The report sheds a light on the worrying trends mostly 'associated with younger people' and changing social attitudes that have made theft almost a 'national sport'.

Research from David Shepherd, a criminologist at the University of Portsmouth, highlighted a growing tolerance for 'everyday economic criminality'.

The comments follow statistics that indicated a decrease since 2011 in the share of the population that thinks benefit claims are 'never justified', from 85 to 67 per cent.

A drop of similar margin was seen in the number of people who believe it is never permissible to accept bribes or buy stolen property.

And between 2019 and 2022 the share of adults who told the British Social Attitudes survey that benefit cheats were likely to be caught fell from 41 per cent to 28 per cent.

Mr Shepherd told The Times: 'What the research shows is that there has been a decline in honesty and that it is associated with younger people.

'We have young people being exposed to attitudes and behaviours which normalise everyday dishonesty and everyday cheating.'

Research from David Sheperd, a criminologist at the University of Portsmouth, highlights a growing tolerance for 'everyday economic criminality' (file image)

Statistics indicate a decrease since 2011 in the share of the population that thinks benefit claims are 'never justified', from 85 to 67 per cent (file image)

Social media fads that have encouraged stealing include a TikTok trend that involves younger thieves explicitly sharing tips on how to steal from large retailers - known as the 'borrowing' community.

News of the social change follows the Department for Work and Pensions' warning of how Britain's 'growing propensity to commit fraud' could cost the benefits system an additional 2billion each year.

Professor Emmeline Taylor of City, University of London, who coined the term 'swiper' - 'Seemingly Well Intentioned Patrons Engaging in Regular shoplifting' - has weighed in with her thoughts on the topic.

She said it is easier to steal in a digital society, explaining: 'You wouldn't go and take 50 from somebody in person  but if you know you could benefit by 50 by tapping an incorrect figure into a spreadsheet on a screen, it's very different.'

It comes as both criminologists have suggested the social contract that would normally prevent such behaviour is 'loosening'.

Stores like Waitrose have reportedly tried to tackle the outbreak by using tactics like 'love-bombing' where staff are trained to be extra attentive towards customers at checkouts.
The heartbroken mother of murdered schoolboy Jimmy Mizen has slammed his killer as 'heartless' after he boasted of the violent murder and returned to prison.

Jake Fahri, also known as drill rapper TEN, was handed a life sentence in 2009 with a minimum term of 14 years for killing Jimmy by throwing an oven dish at him and was released in June 2023.

It emerged the killer was being looked into for gloating in rap videos about the altar boy's murder, including with the line: 'Watched him melt like Ben and Jerry's.'

However, the 35-year-old was arrested by the Met Police on Thursday after facing calls that he breached his license by seeming to reference his offences in lyrics and filming a rap video inside a police-enforced exclusion zone.

Hours after the arrest, it was claimed on his social media that Jimmy and his brother started the fatal altercation - going against the evidence given in court.

Jimmy's mother, Margaret Mizen, has now slammed the rapper as 'heartless'.

She told The Sun: 'It saddens me it could be so heartless. So much has happened in the last 48 hours. I need to sit with my family and digest what's been going on. But what he's said is making me feel a little bit sad.'

It comes after Jimmy's family criticised the BBC after it played several of Fahri's tracks on the radio.

Jimmy's mother, Margaret Mizen, pictured, has now slammed the rapper as 'heartless'.

Jake Fahri, 35, also known as drill rapped TEN, was arrested and recalled by police yesterday

The thug was jailed for 14 years for murdering Jimmy in a south London bakery in 2008 before being released in June 2023

Fahri was showcased on BBC 1Xtra and lauded by DJ Theo Johnson as someone who 'really stands out'.

This prompted Ms Mizen to criticise the corporation for 'playing the songs of a murderer'.

Announcing on Friday that he had been recalled to prison, a Probation Service spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with Jimmy Mizen's family who deserve better than to see their son's 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.'

Fahri murdered Jimmy by throwing a glass Pyrex dish at him during a row at a south London bakery on May 10, 2008.

The glass dish shattered and severed blood vessels in the 16-year-old neck. Afterwards, witnesses reported seeing Fahri swaggering from the shop with a smile.

Ms Mizen, previously said she would 'like answers' about why Fahri's songs had been played on the radio.

And his father, Barry Mizen, said prison does not 'seem to have made a blind bit of difference' to the killer's rehabilitation.

Mr Mizen said parole statements said Fahri has 'done all the programmes' but added: 'I think it does strike quite a few questions about the whole (prison) system - what's the point, you know?'

Several scenes from one of Fahri's music videos appear to have been illegally filmed from inside prison.

Reacting to the decision to air some of Fahri's songs, Mrs Mizen said: 'I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with the BBC for playing any of his music on the radio station.

'I'll be wanting answers about that as well because I think it doesn't matter if if it wasn't the two songs that are the worst.

Several scenes from one of Fahri's music videos appear to have been filmed inside prison

At one point in the music video, a hand is seen holding a suspicious substance wrapped in a pouch

In this scene, a man is seen pacing around a prison exercise yard

'It's the fact they played some. You know, when you're playing the songs of a murderer. It's pretty bad isn't it?'

In his songs, Fahri appears to refer to Jimmy's murder by saying: 'Sharpen up my blade I've 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 he's gonna throw the book at me.'

DJ Theo Johnson said Fahri was an 'up and coming star', telling listeners: 'I'm really liking what I'm hearing, when I'm hearing what he's laying down at the moment.'

Fahri later posted on Instagram: 'Got my first spin on BBC introducing 1xtra Theo Johnson show.'

After the news broke about the content of TEN's lyrics, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voiced concern about the 'the significant additional stress that this will have caused to the family', his official spokesman said.

The BBC said: '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. He's 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.'

Fahri - pictured posing with a Ferrari - has been featured on the BBC

The drill artist has a Spotify profile with several songs where he is called TEN

Jimmy, (pictured) described as of 'immaculate character' by police, bled to death in the bakery, dying in his brother's arms. He was the 13th teen to be murdered in London that year

The Prison Service said of the prison footage: '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.'

While Fahri's tracks appear to have been removed on the BBC, his profile as a rapper called TEN can be found on Spotify and YouTube.

Jimmy's murder in 2008 was sparked by a petty row between the pair and Jimmy's older brother Harry, 19.

Fahri started the argument at the Three Cooks Bakery in Burnt Ash Hill before hurling a Pyrex dish at the former altar boy, which shattered.

Glass was driven deep into his neck, severing an artery and his jugular vein.

Jimmy, who was described as being of 'immaculate character', bled to death in Harry's arms.

He had been out to buy his first lottery ticket on his 16th birthday when he was attacked.

The Pyrex dish Fahri threw at Jimmy, which caused fatal injuries

Barry (right) and Margaret Mizen attend a special memorial service for their son

Jimmy died from his injuries at the Three Cooks Bakery near the family home, in Lee, South-East London. Pictured: Forensic officers investigate the scene in 2008

Fahri, who pleaded not guilty to murder, ran out of the shop and was described by one eyewitness as 'walking with a swagger' while another said 'he had a big grin on his face'.

Sir Keir's spokesman said: '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.'

The BBC said in a statement yesterday: '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.

'He's 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.'
Video has captured the wild moment ferry passengers were swept off their feet by monster waves as the Manly Ferry braved giant swells on Sydney Harbour.

The week of wild weather in Sydney has officially been declared a national disaster, with people and a car crushed by a fallen tree and thousands left without power.

A stomach-turning video captured on the iconic Manly Ferry showed the boat ploughing through waves on Friday as it crossed the heads in Sydney.

The decks were covered with surges of seawater, with two passengers knocked down and swept along by one of the waves.

Photographer Manly Drone also filmed the ferry in action on Friday morning, pitching with the waves as passengers desperately clung to the railings.

Eventually, even the stalwart Manly service had to be grounded in the afternoon, along with Mosman Bay, Blackwattle Bay and Taronga Zoo services.

Swells up to five metres were reported at Manly, Coogee and Bondi beaches.

Thousands of Sydneysiders were also left without power due to the wild winds.

A stomach-turning video taken on the iconic Manly ferry on Friday showed the boat being pummelled by waves as it crossed the Sydney heads (pictured)

Two passengers were knocked down as the decks filled with seawater (pictured)

Passengers were seen bracing themselves as the monster waves rolled in (pictured)

Passengers clung to the railings as the ferry ploughed across Sydney Harbour

Wind gusts of up to 100km/h throughout the week cut power to more than 100,000 Sydney customers, and 40,000 were still without electricity on Saturday morning, Ausgrid said.

Another 12,000 customers were without power in Newcastle and the Hunter regions, along with 8,000 in Port Stephens.

The NSW State Emergency Service received 2,825 calls for help on Friday night, including four flood rescues.

Warnings are in place for communities and campers northwest of Newcastle, downstream of the Chichester Dam.

'We do currently have some communities and some locations that are becoming isolated, and the warnings reflect that, and we're very closely engaged with the local communities,' SES commissioner Michael Wassing told reporters on Saturday.

'Most of our other calls are associated with significant storming impact around the Sydney area, particularly North Sydney.'

On Friday afternoon at least two people were injured when a large fig tree in Hyde Park crashed to the ground across a footpath and onto a busy street.

Two people suffering minor injuries were transported to the nearby St Vincent's Hospital for treatment, a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.

Photos also showed a car crushed by a tree in Kingsgrove in southern Sydney

The tree was uprooted with such force that it displaced the paving on the footpath

On Friday afternoon at least two people were injured when a large fig tree in Hyde Park crashed to the ground across a footpath and onto a busy street (pictured)

Photos also showed a car crushed by a tree on Homer St in Kingsgove, southern Sydney.

The tree was uprooted with such force that it displaced the paving on the footpath.

And earlier in the week, a man in his 80s was killed when a tree fell on his car overnight in the state's central west.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister has declared the wild weather a natural disaster in Maitland, Port Stephens and Snowy Valleys, with disaster payments for families and businesses affected.

'The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation and ensure councils can start clean up and repairs,' Minister McAllister said.

'This is a time when individuals need to think about their own risks and listen to advice.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds were set to ease off on Saturday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Rainfalls up to 120mm could fall in alpine areas across NSW.

Hazardous surf warnings will remain in place for the Sydney and Illawarra coasts.

In Western Australia, a tropical low is likely to from north of Pilbara, with a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone.

Damaging winds may develop on coastal and island communities between De Grey and Dampier from early Sunday, extending to Exmouth on Sunday night.

While the expected cyclone will move offshore before it develops, large waves could cause minor flooding between De Grey and Exmouth.
A woman from Ohio says she wants to get revenge on Jeff Bezos after Amazon accused her husband of participating in a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme.

Amy Nelson's family have been embroiled in a years-long battle against Amazon, and she claims the ordeal has left them irrevocably changed.

What began as allegations of fraud against Carl Nelson steadily evolved into a full blown legal fight against one of the most powerful companies in the world.

Now, Amy is vowing to ensure Amazon and its founder, the world's second richest man, are held accountable for the turmoil allegedly inflicted on her family.

In 2020, Amazon accused Carl Nelson, a former employee, of participating in a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme involving real estate deals for Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in Northern Virginia.

The accusations included claims that Carl and his colleague, Casey Kirschner, conspired with Colorado real estate developer Brian Watson to defraud the tech giant through overpriced land deals, pocketing kickbacks in the process.

The pair were accused of illegally profiting from over $500 million in Amazon real estate development projects in exchange for more than $33 million in kickbacks that were laundered through a series of shell entities.

The fallout was immediate and immense. 'The trauma of it is very real,' Amy Nelson shared in a recent interview with the Seattle Times.

Amy Nelson's family have been embroiled in a years-long battle against Amazon

Amy is vowing to ensure Amazon and its founder, the world's second richest man Jeff Bezos, are held accountable for the turmoil she says has been inflicted on her family

In 2020, Amazon accused Carl Nelson of participating in a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme involving real estate deals for Amazon Web Services data centers in Northern Virginia

The FBI raided their Seattle home and froze the family's assets, and forcing them to uproot their lives.

Unable to sustain their financial obligations, the Nelsons moved multiple times, ultimately settling in Columbus, Ohio.

'Many of the things that we lost over the past four years, we can never get back. We can never get our home back. We can never get our jobs back. We can never get our reputation back,' Amy lamented.

Despite Amazon's aggressive pursuit of both civil and criminal cases, the tide began to turn and earlier this month.

The Department of Justice took the unprecedented step of vacating the guilty pleas of two individuals - Kyle Ramstetter and Christian Kirschner - who had previously admitted to charges related to the alleged scheme.

Federal prosecutors stated that continuing the case was 'not in the best interests of justice' and also decided not to pursue charges against other accused parties, including Carl Nelson.

'This is another indication that there is no merit to Amazon's claims,' said J.D. Thomas, Carl's attorney, celebrating the DOJ's decision as a step toward vindication.

'We look forward to  finally closing this unfortunate chapter,' Thomas said.

In a posting shared to her TikTok, Amy shared her relief.

Amy Nelson is vowing to ensure Amazon are held accountable for the alleged turmoil inflicted on her family

For Amy, the fight is deeply personal. Through interviews, social media posts and public speaking engagements, she has taken on a prominent role in challenging Amazon's narrative

Amy Nelson has continued to keep followers updated online about the family's battle with Amazon

Amazon Web Services accused Carl of conspiring with Colorado real estate developer Brian Watson to defraud the tech giant through overpriced land deals, pocketing kickbacks in the process

'Jeff Bezos and Amazon secretly accused [my husband] of a crime. The DOJ seized our bank accounts, the FBI rated our home with our four little girls watching, Amazon sued my husband for anti-trust and racketeering in federal court, and we lost our house to pay lawyers.

'And today, the DOJ returned the money and dropped the investigation and refused to impress anyone. Because US attorney Jessica Ava said it 'wasn't in the interest of justice',' Amy wrote.

But even now, Amazon is not backing down and the company plans to continue its civil lawsuit against Carl Nelson and others.

'These defendants orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to obtain millions of dollars in kickbacks related to Amazon real estate projects and there is extensive evidence to prove it,' Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser said, defending the company's efforts to recoup damages and pursue justice.

'Given that evidence and the egregious facts we've uncovered related to this misconduct, we must act to protect our interests and will move forward with our civil case.'

For Amy, the fight is deeply personal. Through interviews, social media posts and public speaking engagements, she has challenged Amazon's narrative.

In a fiery Instagram post, she wrote, 'This isn't a game. This is a life or a livelihood. And you can't escape it by saying, well, it's my job. It's your choice.'

The FBI raided their Seattle home, freezing the family's assets and forcing them to uproot their lives. The family have now moved to Columbus, Ohio

Amy said the family of four young girls could do nothing but watch as the FBI raided their home

'When you live in sustained legal trauma, it can be hard to even breathe. And if you are a lawyer who represents big companies going after individuals, families or small businesses, please remember the human cost of it all,' she wrote.

'You can stop billing and go home. We live with it every minute of every day. At our kids' birthday parties. While we drink coffee in the morning. During the commute. It is always, always there.'

Another post celebrated her family's resilience: 'Amazon's lawyers at Gibson Dunn have been paid tens of millions of dollars and had unprecedented access to DOJ And WE won. We beat them. We had the truth, but they had every advantage.'

The legal fight has exacted a toll on the family that includes four young girls. Amy's company, The Riveter, originally a co-working space for women, was rebranded amid financial and logistical challenges.

She is now launching a second company, Cotton Candy and Dreams, to curate family experiences.

Meanwhile, Carl continues to work in commercial real estate as the couple strive to rebuild their lives.

Amy has continued to highlight the massive power imbalance between individuals and corporations together with the ethical questions surrounding corporate influence on federal investigations

Despite the case being dropped, Amy's anger remains palpable, now having to face a civil case

Alex Little, one of Carl's attorneys, accused Amazon of using the DOJ as 'a tool' to further its own interests. 'This effort has failed,' he said, pointing to the vacated guilty pleas as what he considers to be evidence of overreach.

Judge Rossie Alston Jr., who presided over Amazon's civil case, dismissed most of the company's claims last year, citing 'fundamental' flaws in their arguments.

Alston ruled that Amazon could not prove financial harm from the real estate deals, noting that the company's own contract authorized the disputed actions.

Despite the case being dropped, Amy is still angry with big box retailer.

'We just fought a massive battle against pillars of Seattle society,' she said, reflecting on the years spent challenging one of the world's largest corporations. 'It was very personal.'

Her fight is far from over and Amy appears determined to restore the family and her husband's reputation - even while some lingering legal matters unresolved.

'We chose to fight like hell for the truth, one another and our family. We survived. Now we work for justice,' she posted online.

'The trauma of living through legal hell is indescribable,' she wrote. 'But surviving it? That is a victory of its own.'

DailyMail.com has contacted the DOJ and Gibson Dunn for comment.
Whitney Cumming, who has two hit stand-up programmes available on the streaming service, has said that With Love, Meghan is about trolling King Charles and Prince Harry's relatives. The focus on making tea and jam as well has her outfits and hair are all 'burns' aimed at the British royals, she claims. 'I don't think she cares if you like the show. This has nothing to do with making a good show. It is just her subtly roasting the Royal Family. This isn't made for us. This is made for like 30 people in that castle. That's all she's doing', she said in a burn video. Ms Cumming is the third Netflix star to take aim at Meghan after fellow comedian Christina Pazsitzky said the show was 'highly inauthentic', 'fake' and 'phony'. Stand-up Katherine Ryan, previously a supporter of Meghan, accused her of 'cosying up to celebrities and acting humble', adding: 'She is very Hollywood - even for me - and I don't like that in people'.
A British fishing boat has been accused of carrying out a 'life-threatening' attack on a French ship in the latest escalation of the 'scallop wars'.

Officials across the Channel claimed the vessel had cut one of the trawler's cables in a deliberate attack in the early hours of January 15 between Brighton and Dieppe.

There are fears the allegation marks a re-ignition in the conflict between both sides amid a history of each continually accusing the other of trespassing and breaking fishing regulations.

Henk Senior and Rose de Cascia were the two vessels involved by the English and French respectively as they traipsed through English waters.

The "attack" allegedly took place an hour after the two ships had passed each other as an Englishman reportedly threw a grappling hook which caught on the cable linking the French boat to its net.

They then tugged on the cable which brought the trawler astern and it subsequently broke, causing the French vessel to lose its net.

Etienne Dachicourt, the co-owner of the French trawler, told Ici Nord: 'There have always been intimidating maneuvers. We've been warning since Brexit that there would be problems of cohabitation in the English Channel. But you don't put people's lives at risk.'

The fisherman went on to consider what might have happened if the trawler had 'flipped over', adding the crew would be lost and six people would die.

There are fears the allegation marks a re-ignition in the conflict between both sides amid a history of each continually accusing the other of trespassing and breaking fishing regulations (file image)

Other French officials like Xavier Bertrand, head of the Hauts-de-France region, dubbed the events an 'exceptionally serious incident'

Other French officials like Xavier Bertrand, head of the Hauts-de-France region, dubbed the events an 'exceptionally serious incident'.

The La Voix du Nord reports the Rose de Cascia is currently back fishing in UK waters while Henk Senior is in the Dutch port of Vlissingen.

This is not the first alleged attack of recent months as in arch last year, Mr Bertrand condemned UK fishing bans in 13 marine protected areas off the French coast.

New restrictions came in to effect on December 16 as part of 'fisheries management plans' after Britain became an independent coastal state following Brexit.

Other scuffles had occurred in 2014 and 2010 over the fact British scallopers were allowed to fish all-year-round but the French were not permitted to do so between May 15 and October 1.

A brief blockade of Jersey was carried out by French fishing boats in 2021 to protest their loss of fishing licences in the wake of Brexit.
Walgreens has been accused of filing millions of 'dangerous' opioid prescriptions in a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice.

The complaint filed against the pharmacy giant alleges the company knowingly filled the 'excessive' amount of prescriptions over the last decade without a legitimate purpose.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, says Walgreen's pharmacists filled controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated they were highly likely to be unlawful.

'These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores,' Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, said in a statement.

Walgreens also allegedly systematically pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions without taking the time to confirm their validity, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit says Walgreens' alleged actions were in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act.

Four different whistleblowers who previously worked for Walgreens in various parts of the country stepped forward, the statement said.

Since the lawsuit, Walgreens responded in a statement saying it 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 lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Walgreens alleged that Walgreens knowingly filled millions of 'dangerous and excessive' prescriptions over the last decade without a legitimate purpose

The lawsuit says the pharmaceutical company filled 'unlawful' prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act and sought reimbursement from federal health care programs for them in violation of the False Claims Act (Stock Photo)

'These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores,' said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M Boynton (pictured), head of the Justice Department's Civil Division

'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,' the release said.

'We look forward to the opportunity to defend the professionalism and integrity of our pharmacists.'

The news comes after Walgreens recently announced widespread closures, including 12 stores in San Francisco at the end of February.

The drugstore chain has been struggling financially for several years, leading to the closure of over 1,200 stores nationwide by 2027.

Walgreens' CEO Tim Wentworth unveiled a series of changes last year, with hopes of turning around the struggling pharmacy chain's sluggish consumer spending and low drug reimbursement rates.

'Our retail pharmacy business is central to our go-forward business strategy. However, increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures are weighing on our ability to cover the costs associated with rent, staffing, and supply needs,' Maloney told SFGate.

Maloney added that 'as many [employees] as possible' will be given the opportunity to transfer to other stores, and customer prescriptions will be transferred to nearby stores with plans to contact customers with further information.

Walgreens responded in a statement which said that it 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 drugstore chain has been struggling financially for several years, leading to the closure of over 1,200 stores nationwide by 2027

Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said: 'When closures are necessary, like those in San Francisco, we will work in partnership with community stakeholders to minimize customer disruptions'

According to Walgreens' closure schedule, by 2027, one in seven Walgreens will have shuttered its doors. San Francisco, after the new closures, will have just 29 Walgreens stores left.

The Illinois-based company announced the closures after Wentworth revealed about a quarter of Walgreens' 8,600 stores were underperforming across the US.

'It is never an easy decision to close a store. We know that our stores are important to the communities that we serve and therefore do everything possible to improve the store performance.

'When closures are necessary, like those in San Francisco, we will work in partnership with community stakeholders to minimize customer disruptions,' Wenworth said.

Wentworth also recently revealed that the company's efforts to keep shoplifters at bay by locking up items hasn't worked.

Not only did the practice not deter thieves, but it also dramatically - and negatively - affected sales.

Over the past few years, major retailers like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Target have increasingly resorted to locking up everyday items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry detergent, coffee and even milk.

At a recent earnings call, Wentworth admitted that despite the measures there was a 52 percent increase in 'shrinkage', a term used for inventory lost to theft

The practice has sparked customer frustration, with many complaining about the inconvenience of waiting for an employee to unlock basic necessities.

At a recent earnings call, Wentworth admitted that despite the measures there was a 52 percent increase in 'shrinkage', a term used for inventory lost to theft.

'When you lock things up  you dont sell as many of them. Weve kind of proven that pretty conclusively,' Wentworth admitted.

Instead, Wentworth said the company will need to look into 'creative' solutions to fight the 'hand-to-hand combat battle' of shoplifting.

For now, however, Walgreens appears to be addressing the issue by closing stores in areas most affected by theft.

A federal judge ruled in 2022 that Walgreens could be held responsible for contributing to San Francisco's opioid crisis for over-dispensing highly addictive drugs for years without proper oversight.

In November of that year, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart agreed to pay $13.8 billion to resolve thousands of lawsuits over opioid painkillers.

A federal judge ruled in 2022 that Walgreens could be held responsible for contributing to San Francisco's opioid crisis for over-dispensing highly addictive drugs for years without proper oversight

Under the proposed settlement, Walgreens agreed to pay about $5.7 billion over 15 years.

The companies did not admit to allowing highly addictive opioids to be redirected into illegal trafficking despite the payouts, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Walgreens said in its SEC filing that it 'continues to believe it has strong legal defenses' and will defend itself vigorously against any future lawsuits not covered by the settlement.
TikTok said it will go dark in the US on Sunday unless Joe Biden provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that it will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.

The statement came hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app in the United States on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to go dark.

The court's 9-0 decision throws the social media platform - and its 170 million American users - into limbo, and its fate in the hands of Donald Trump, who has vowed to rescue TikTok after returning to the presidency on Monday.

'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 said.

The White House declined to comment.

Apple, Alphabet's Google, Oracle and others could face massive fines if they continue to provide services to TikTok after the ban takes effect.

The law was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress last year and signed by Biden, though a growing chorus of lawmakers who voted for it are now seeking to keep TikTok operating in the United States.

TikTok, ByteDance and some of the app's users challenged the law, but the Supreme Court decided that it did not violate the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protection against government abridgment of free speech as they had argued.

TikTok said Friday it will go dark in the US on Sunday unless Joe Biden provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that it will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect

The statement came hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok in the United States on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to go dark in just two days

ByteDance has done little to divest of TikTok by the Sunday deadline set under the law. But the app's shutdown might be brief. Trump, who in 2020 had tried to ban TikTok, has said he plans to take action to save the app.

'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 social media post.

Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed TikTok in a phone call on Friday.

The court issued its decision on Friday after TikTok argued a law banning the popular video streaming app unless it is sold violated users' First Amendment rights.

'We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights,' the country's highest court wrote in its decision, which reaffirming an appeals court ruling.

Last year, TikTok, along with some users and creators, sued in an effort to block the ban. But their efforts were rejected by lower courts, leaving them with no choice but to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on January 10, where it signaled it would not interfere with the ban going into effect on Sunday.

In that decision on Friday, the country's highest court noted that the provisions of the law in question were content neutral, targeting a foreign adversary's control of a platform rather than targeting particular speech.

Protesters outside the Supreme Court as it heard oral arguments on the TikTok ban January 10

Some 170 million Americans use the video app, and some warned that banning the Chinese-owned app would disrupt the business and livelihoods of millions of Americans.

The path forward now depends on how the incoming Trump administration responds as the CEO of TikTok Shou Zi Chew will be seated in a place of honor with other tech leaders at President-elect Trump's inauguration on Monday.

Moments after the decision, Trump told CNN the fate of TikTok 'ultimately goes up to me, so you're going to see what I'm going to do.'

'Congress has given me the decision, so I'll be making the decision,' Trump said but he did not provide details.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump later wrote the decision was respected, 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,' he posted.

TikTok's CEO posted a video message on the social media app responding to the decision where he thanked Trump directly and argued they were fighting 'to protect the constitutional right to free speech.'

'On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thanks President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,' he said.

President-elect Trump speaking at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago last month. He said he had a fondness for TikTok and credited it with helping him win the election. During his first term, Trump raised concerns with TikTok over national security due to its data collection

President-elect Trump posted after the Supreme Court decision on the TikTok ban

Trump said on Friday he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping including about TikTok

'This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,' Chew added.

He said TikTok is 'grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform.'

In response to the decision, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the court's 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,' he added.

But despite the ban set to go into effect on Sunday, President Biden signaled he would not enforce it, leaving it to Trump who takes office Monday.

'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,' the White House said in a statement on Monday.

'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,' outgoing press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added.

During his first term in office, Trump was among the first to raise concerns that TikTok was a national security threat. But he has since done a complete 180 and changed his tune.

Last month after winning the election, Trump met with TikTok's CEO at his Mar-a-Lago estate and signaled he wanted to stop the ban.

'I have a little bit of a warm spot in my heart I'll be honest,' Trump told reporters of the video streaming app.

He credits the app for helping him make gains with young people in the 2024 election.

Before their decision, Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay enforcing the ban and mulled an executive order to delay it.

It's not exactly clear what the app will look like when users go to use it after it's banned on Sunday.

The app store and internet hosting services have strong incentives to comply with the ban and stop providing TikTok in the U.S. after January 19 as they could face hefty fines with the Justice Department.

While Trump could try to save TikTok from being banned, it would put him at odds with some of his Republican allies in Congress as lawmakers overwhelmingly supported passing the law.

GOP Senator Tom Cotton said that the Supreme Court correctly rejected 'TikTok's lies and propaganda masquerading as legal arguments.'

'ByteDance and its Chinese Communist masters had nine months to sell TikTok before the Sunday deadline. The very fact that Communist China refuses to permit its sale reveals exactly what TikTok is: a communist spy app,' Cotton posted on X.
Indonesia welcomes WTO ruling against EU discrimination

Jakarta, Jan. 17 (UNI) 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.
Despite being branded as 'disloyal' former Vice President Mike Pence plans to attend President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration, according to a report.

Four years after Trump's 'major falling out' with his once VP, Pence, 65, accepted an invitation to his former running mate's inauguration on Monday, two people with knowledge of the planning told the New York Times.

The 48th Vice President of the United States was invited by the congressional committee overseeing the event, as per the custom for all former Presidents and Vice Presidents, according to the New York Times.

The two men had hastily parted ways following the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Trump had wanted Pence to throw out Electoral College votes from swing states that President Joe Biden won as he presided over the joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 election.

Pence refused and Trump's supporters went after him - chanting 'hang Mike Pence' and erecting makeshift gallows outside the Capitol Building amid the riot.

The January 6 House select committee found that a Proud Boys informant had told the FBI that if members of the group had found Pence that day, they would have killed him.

Despite his being branded as 'disloyal,' former Vice President Mike Pence (right) made a shocking 'reversal' in his support for President-elect Donald Trump (left), ahead of his inauguration

Four years after the soon-to-be president's 'major falling out' with his once VP, Pence (pictured), 65, plans to attend his former running mate's inauguration on Monday, according to two people with knowledge of the planning

Still Pence refused to leave the Capitol, hiding out in a garage-like structure deemed a secure location within the complex.

'The Vice President did not want to take any chance that the world would see the Vice President of the United States fleeing the United States Capitol,' counselor to the VP Greg Jacob testified to committee members in 2022.

Since leaving office, Pence has been in the political wilderness.

He tried running against Trump for the 2024 nomination but only stayed in the race from June through October 2023.

Trump - the far-and-away frontrunner - wouldn't even participate in the GOP primary debates - so the two men never met onstage.

However, Pence was seen shaking the hands of the President-elect during Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9 - their first public interaction since 2021.

Pence, however, refused to endorse Trump in his 2024 Presidential campaign, but he also wouldn't endorse the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Instead, his political action committee financed advertisements ahead of the 2024 election pushing Americans to vote for Republicans on issues.

Pence has since sent sent well-wishes to Trump as his election victory was officially certified.

'I welcome the return of order and civility to these historic proceedings and offer my most sincere congratulations and prayers to President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance on their election to lead this great Nation,' he said.

Pence was seen shaking the hands of the President-elect during Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9 - their first public interaction since 2021

Trump also said he had no use for those backed by first-term Vice President Mike Pence, who said he did not vote for Trump in November

Trump, re-elected in November to serve a second term as the country's leader, selected Ohio senator, JD Vance, rather than Pence, for his running mate in July 2024.

The president-elect will officially return to the White House on Monday, with the Senate process of confirming several of his nominees already underway.

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.'

He specifically named 11 different Republicans and first-term Trump employees, many of whom he addressed by nicknames.

Trump referred to ex-UN Ambassador and primary opponent Nikki Haley as 'Birdbrain' and singled out 'disloyal warmongers Dick Cheney and his psycho daughter, Liz,' referring to the former vice president and Wyoming Congresswoman who endorsed Harris.

Trump also said he had no use for those backed by Pence, who said he did not vote for Trump in November.

'Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days' is the new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.
Adrian Portelli has reportedly gifted Channel Nine presenter Alex Cullen $50,000 for being the first person to use his nickname 'McLaren Man' live on air.

The billionaire last week asked Australian media to refer to him as 'McLaren Man' in a shock departure from his long-held nickname 'Mr Lambo' which stuck after he arrived at an auction for The Block in a Lamborghini.

Cullen seemed all too eager to oblige, dropping the name during a Today Show cross from the Australian Open on Friday morning.

Portelli took to social media saying 'We have a winner! Well played sir,' and sharing what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to Cullen.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.

It comes after Portelli this week denied charges of conducting an unlawful lottery.

The 35-year-old is charged with nine counts of conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery in South Australia, while his business Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which trades under the name LMCT+, is charged with 10 counts of the same offence.

He was not required to appear In Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where lawyer Ben Lodge entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Portelli and Xclusive Tech.

Portelli took to social media saying 'We have a winner! Well played sir,' and sharing what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to Cullen (pictured)

Portelli asked media last week to call him 'McLaren Man,' rather than his usual nickname of 'Mr Lambo,' garnered after an appearance on The Block

The charges, instigated by South Australia's Consumer and Business Services, allege Portelli's business did not hold a licence to conduct the lotteries in SA.

Portelli's company offers members subscriptions to a 'rewards club', which includes entries to win cars and properties.

Under SA law, any trade promotion lotteries with prizes exceeding $5,000 need a licence to operate and entries must be free of charge.

'The major prize for the lottery was a property situated in Gisborne in the state of Victoria, as seen on the Australian television show The Block, or a cash prize of $3,000,000,' court documents state.

Winning the prize 'involved an element of chance' but the defendant 'did not hold a licence to conduct the lottery in South Australia'.

Portelli and his company face a potential maximum penalty of $190,000. He has said on social media that if he were convicted, he would 'round it up to $200,000'.
Donald Trump appears set to make good on a promise 'border czar' Tom Homan made to start his mass deportation program in Democrat-run Chicago shortly after his inauguration.

However, the Windy City isn't alone, according to a person with knowledge of the plans, as multi-day raids will take place coast-to-coast.

'We're going to be doing operations all across the country,' the person told Reuters on Friday. 'You're going to see arrests in New York. You're going to see arrests in Miami.'

Chicago appears to be first on the list, having seen more than 50,000 migrants flock to the Windy City since August 2022.

Following Trump's election in November, Mayor Brandon Johnson defended the city's sanctuary status - as he declared that he would not allow cops to help federal ICE agents.

In December, Homan said that Chicago would be the first city set to expel illegal migrants.

The raid is expected to begin on Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after Trump's second inauguration.

ICE will carry out the operation for an entire week and is sending between 100-200 officers to handle the job, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Donald Trump appears set to make good on a promise 'border czar' Tom Homan made to start his mass deportation program in Democrat-run Chicago shortly after his inaugurations

A raid is expected to begin on Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after Trump's second inauguration

It is not yet clear how many people will be targeted but the New York Post has reported that the operation will also extend to the Big Apple as part of multi-day 'ground operations.'

The Windy City was chosen because of Trump's back-and-forth with Johnson on the issue and the large number of immigrants they can extract, according to WSJ.

The Trump transition team, ICE, Mayor Johnson and Democrat Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have not commented on the alleged plan.

Homan, 63, the former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term, laid out his plans to remove migrants who illegally crossed the southern border last month.

'Chicago is in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks,' Homan told the crowd at the Northwest Side GOP holiday party where attendees included Pritzker and Johnson.

He went on to call them both 'terrible,' while also urging them to follow in the footsteps of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and 'come to the table' for discussions, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Homan also warned Johnson, who had vowed to fight the Trump administration's deportation plan, not to 'impede' his efforts.

'If he doesn't want to help, get the hell out of the way,' Homan said.

'If he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien - I will prosecute him.'

Tom Homan, 63, the former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term, laid out his plans to remove migrants who illegally crossed the southern border

He hit out at Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (left) and Mayor Brandon Johnson (right) for their refusal to help the Trump administration in its deportation effort

Homan went on to explain what Trump's deportation efforts entail.

Migrants who have committed crimes while in the United States will be the first to be targeted - followed by legal migrants, including asylum seekers and those who entered the US with humanitarian parole under the Biden Administration.

Homan has said he would work on verifying the status of asylum seekers and arrest anyone who is found to be harboring criminal migrants.

He also reiterated that there is no plan in place to separate families, though he suggested 'it may happen.

'My goal is to enforce the law, but if you put yourself in that position, it may happen,' the incoming border czar said. 'But there's no plan in this administration right now to separate families.'

'However, we're going to enforce the law. So if you put yourself in that position it's on you,' he said, declaring that parents of Dreamers - the children of migrants born in the United States - have two options.

'You can either take a child home with your or they just stay here,' Homan said. 'But you don't get a pass.'

He also said those who do not qualify for asylum through the courts system would be ordered to be deported.

A young child sleeps on the floor of a makeshift shelter operated by the city at O'Hare International Airport

Williany Sanchez, 18, pushes her son Manuel Carvojal, 3, while walking with her husband Danilson Carvojal, 20, outside a migrant shelter on Chicago's Lower West Side

'If we don't, what the hell are we doing? Shut down immigration court?' he asked, rhetorically.

'There's no more consequences. We have to remove them if the law requires.'

Homan then criticized media coverage of Trump's deportation plan and denied that it was racist.

'We know exactly who we're going to arrest,' he claimed. 'We know most likely where we're going to find them. We know a lot about them because of investigative case files.

'So it's not a sweep, it's not an uncontrolled operation. It's a very targeted operation.'

Governor Pritzker is in discussions with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office to explore what legal resources or staff they will need to challenge Trump's policies - including his plan to withhold federal grants for police.

He had called any such recourse 'illegal' and vowed to take legal action.

'To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,' he said following Trump's electoral victory.

President-elect Donald Trump and wife Melania Trump arrive at the U.S. Capitol on January 8

Border Czar Tom Homan, right, stands with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, left, as he makes statements before serving meals to state troopers and national guardsmen taking part in Operation Lone Star at a facility on the U.S.-Mexico border

'You come for my people. You come through me.'

But following Homan's remarks in December, Pritzker took a less combative approach.

'It's no secret that Illinois will face countless, baseless attacks over the next four years from the Trump administration,' spokesman Alex Gough said.

'Rather than responding to every ridiculous boast from Trump lackeys, Gov. Pritzker is focused on what he was focused on during the first Trump term: leading our state with competence instead of chaos.'

US Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Democrat from Chicago, however, was even more firm

'Tom Homan, the next time you come to #IL03 - a district made stronger and more powerful by immigrants - you better be ready to meet the resistance,' she wrote on social media.
Bill Gates has revealed how he sat down for dinner with Donald Trump and came away 'impressed' with the President-elect.

The tech mogul and philanthropist recounted his extended sit-down meal with Trump and offered a rare glimpse into the private discussion with The Wall Street Journal.

The meeting saw Gates, Trump, incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and a close confidante of Gates chat over a 'long and actually quite intriguing dinner.'

'So the four of us sat there, and it was quite wide-ranging,' Gates said, noting that much of the three-hour discussion was focused on global health, a cornerstone of Gates' philanthropic efforts.

'You know, global health is the area that I work in, and such amazing things have happened and can happen there.'

Gates elaborated on his efforts to combat HIV, revealing that his foundation is working on a cure for the virus.

'We're at an early stage,' he admitted, but he noted that Trump's role during the COVID-19 pandemic in accelerating vaccine development had given him hope.

'I was asking him if maybe the same kind of thing could be done here. And we both got, I think, pretty excited about that.'

Tech mogul and philanthropist Bill Gates has revealed how he sat down for dinner with Donald Trump and came away 'impressed'

The meeting took place as Trump prepares to assume office days from now

Another critical topic was the ongoing fight against polio, a disease that Gates' foundation has long targeted for eradication.

'We talked about polio, where we're very close to getting that done,' Gates explained while stressing the fragility of such progress.

'If you stop, it'll spread back,' Gates explained.

He recounted detailing the challenges faced in regions like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gaza, and parts of Africa.

Trump, Gates said, was 'fascinated' by the complexities of achieving eradication and, he claims, seemed eager to explore how his administration could support the effort.

Gates noted that achieving such a milestone during Trumps presidency would be an historic accomplishment.

Overall, Gates said he 'felt like [Trump] was, you know, energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation.'

The tech titan, who has spent decades advocating for scientific advancement, appeared genuinely optimistic about Trump's willingness to engage with such critical issues.

Gates explained to Trump about his efforts to combat HIV, revealing that his foundation is working on a cure for the virus. Gates is pictured on a trip to a hospital in Nigeria

Gates meeting focused specifically on actionable goals tied to health and innovation. Gates is pictured on a trip to Africa where he's looking to eradicate the highly infectious disease of polio

The meeting is the latest in a long line of business leaders attempting to establish a renewed rapport with Trump, with figures including Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg seeking to make inroads with the President-elect.

Notably absent from Gates' meeting was Elon Musk, a fellow tech billionaire and known Trump confidant.

While the Wall Street Journal released only a short clip of Gates' interview, the publication teased how more insights would be revealed following Trump's inauguration next week.
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Bill Maher returned from hiatus with a furious monologue attacking the LA Fire Department leadership for how they handled the city's disastrous wildfires.

Of the 30 wildfires, which have killed at least 25 people, two of the largest remain active.

Maher spent much of Friday night's Real Time season premiere angry with how the city had handled the blazes and in his 'New Rules' segment, asked: 'Look me in the eye and tell me how anybody could've done worse?'

'We got our a** kicked by fire, something neanderthals fought to a tie,' he quipped.

The liberal comedian then questioned the fire department's commitment to DEI policies.

'The good news is, our fire chief is a lesbian,' he said sarcastically, referring to LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.

'Am I against a lesbian being chief? Of course not. Do I think a lesbian can do the job? Of course I do and maybe she's the best person,' he said, before dropping the hammer.

'Or maybe they really wanted a lesbian in the job and maybe she's the best lesbian for the job and with essential services, that is not enough.'

Bill Maher returned from hiatus with a furious monologue attacking the LA Fire Department leadership for how they handled the city's disastrous wildfires

'The good news is, our fire chief is a lesbian,' he said sarcastically, referring to LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley

Maher specifically cited a portion of Crowley's bio that her 'highest priority' is being devoted to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI.

'It's telling that 'diversity' is mentioned twice before we get to 'while'... 'while striving to meet expectations,' he noted of her bio.

He then took a shot at a public relations video that re-emerged from 2019 of Deputy Chief Kristine Larson - who heads the Equity and Human Rights Bureau - defending the fire department's use of DEI hiring practices.

'You want to see someone that responds to your house, to your emergency - whether it's a medical call or a fire call - that looks like you,' she said in the clip.

Maher responded: 'Which would sound kinda' racist if a southern sheriff said it!'

'So we should be sending white firefighters to white houses and black ones to... who teaches people this bulls***? No one cares what someone looks like when they're pulling you out of a burning house!'

He then attacked Larson for addressing concerns that female firefighters may not be strong enough to carry a man out of a burning building, to which she simply responded: 'He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out of a fire.'

'Well, tell that to these guys,' he said, showing videos of firefighters on the ground who were 'paying the price' for the failure of essential services.

He then took a shot at a public relations video that re-emerged from 2019 of Deputy Chief Kristine Larson - who heads the Equity and Human Rights Bureau - defending the fire department's use of DEI hiring practices

'Now, is wokeness the main reason for the fires? Of course not. But it's also not wrong to associate some of the unforced errors our government made with the things normies see as hallmarks of uber-progressive politics,' Maher continued.

He cited 'questionable budget priorities, high taxes that get you nothing, making everything about identity politics' and 'virtue signaling overseas instead of tending to the nuts and bolts at home.'

The last complaint was an apparent shot at Mayor Karen Bass, who was in Ghana attending the swearing in of the country's first female vice president when the fires broke out.

He finished by calling for California to get back its common sense, joking that 'wildfires in California are like boob jobs in a strip club: inevitable and they're only get bigger.'

Furious Los Angelinos have blasted their mayor for traveling to Ghana while the city burns, despite having ample warning about 'critical' weather conditions in the days before.

Maher at one point in the show referred to Bass as the city's 'Nero,' who famously fiddled while Rome burned.

Earlier in the show, Maher interviewed Rick Caruso, who finished second to Bass in the 2022 mayoral race.

Caruso would not announce or rule out challenging Bass again in 2026.

Maher at one point in the show referred to Bass as the city's 'Nero,' who famously fiddled while Rome burned, as she was in Ghana attending the swearing in of the country's first female vice president when the fires broke out

Earlier in the show, Maher interviewed Rick Caruso, who finished second to Bass in the 2022 mayoral race

'There's time for me to decide if I'm gonna run or not. I am just honored that I can at least help in some way,' he said.

'This problem is too big for politics and I've got zero patience for politics.'

Firefighters were said to be making progress on the biggest blazes Friday but tens of thousands remain under evacuation orders.

Residents who have been returned to their homes are under a curfew from 6pm to 6am, according to the New York Times.

Bass, Crowley and Governor Gavin Newsom have all faced calls to resign over their failure to act faster.
A man has been arrested after he allegedly set a woman on fire in what police suspect was a domestic violence incident.

Emergency services were called to an address near Jacaranda Avenue in Kingston, a suburb in Logan, south of Brisbane, at 7.45am on Saturday.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said the woman, aged in her 30s, was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Police have taken a 36-year-old man into custody. He has since been charged with attempted murder.

The man and woman were known to each other and police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Officers and forensic investigators were seen taking photos during an inspection of the Kingston property with several police cars parked outside.

Police have arrested a man after a woman was set on fire in Queensland (pictured, forensic police at the scene)

Emergency services were called to this Logan home on Saturday after a woman was allegedly set on fire in a suspected domestic violence incident

The property is now a crime scene and has been cordoned off with police tape.

Forensic police were seen scouring the house and yard on Saturday afternoon.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed the incident is being treated as domestic violence linked.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Vladimir Putin is rumoured to have taken a secret break this week at his bolthole mountain palace where he 'bathes in the blood of young deer' ahead of anticipated talks with incoming U.S. president Trump.

The 72-year-old dictator is fanatical about using ancient remedies to prolong his life and give him strength, say reports.

His 'Flying Kremlin' Ilyushin 96-300 - equivalent to Air Force One - disappeared from radar screens over the remote Altai region in Siberia, after a flight from Moscow on Monday, New Year's Eve under the calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Two days later the aircraft reappeared in roughly the same location, this time flying back to Moscow.

Telegram channel 'More Than Fact' suggested Putin may have spent time at his sprawling Altai Courtyard retreat in neighbouring region Altai Republic.

This Siberian palace is reported to have a vast underground hi-tech bunker with its own power station from which he could control Russian in the event of nuclear war.

The 72-year-old dictator is fanatical about using ancient remedies to prolong his life and give him strength, say reports

Telegram channel 'More Than Fact' suggested Putin may have spent time at his sprawling Altai Courtyard retreat in neighbouring region Altai Republic

Vladimir Putin attends a signing ceremony with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025

It was reported last year that sufficient quantities of food had been stashed here to feed up to 300 people 'for several years'.

The eerie complex includes a maral deer farm where antlers are sawn off terrified Siberian stags so Putin and his inner circle can take blood baths, according to previous investigative reports.

The ancient tradition is seen as a testosterone-driven elixir to improve male potency, but also as bringing multiple health benefits and slowing the ageing process.

Putin was seen in videos released by the Kremlin during the period he was supposedly away, but they may have been pre recorded, or in Russian parlance 'canned', to be used during the ruler's secret vacations.

The Telegram channel reported: '[Russian] Air Force One was absent from the capital for two days [from January 13 to 15].

'It disappeared from radar screens in the Altai region.

'Putin's Altai Courtyard recreation centre is located there - where he takes baths in the blood of young maral [deer] to improve his health, prolong his life, and give him strength.'

The usual season for fresh blood bathing is in late spring or early summer.

The channel did not say if his glamorous partner - Olympic gymnast Alina Kayaeva, three decades younger than him - was with him on the suspected Siberian odyssey.

It was reported last year that sufficient quantities of food had been stashed here to feed up to 300 people 'for several years'.

Putin's plane disappeared near the Altai mountains during Russia's Old New Year holiday, sparking rumours of secret health retreat at one of his Siberian mansions

Orthodox New Year's Day - known in Russia as Old New Year according to the Julian calendar which was used in tsarist times - is marked on January 14.

The couple share two sons, Ivan and Vladimir junior, aged nine and five, according to reports.

Putin has never disclosed his relationship with Kabaeva, nor his two sons, one born in Switzerland, the other in Moscow.

One theory is that he would use this bunker to protect his secret family if Armageddon is unleashed.

Kabaeva, 41, was once spotted by local hunters using her private helicopter at this Siberian hideaway as a prop for stretching exercises.

If true, this week's break in Siberia came ahead of key decisions on the war faced by Putin as Donald Trump seeks an early meeting to halt the bloody war in Ukraine.

Putin was back at the helm by Thursday meeting the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, in Moscow.

The estate - some 135 miles south of the Altai Republic regional capital Gorno-Altaisk, and 2,375 miles east of Moscow - was in the headlines last year when a mysterious fire destroyed a building on the compound.

The republic shares borders with China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
Police have arrested 77 people as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters took to the streets of London today - some carrying signs apparently praising Hamas and others displaying the swastika.

The Met said this was the highest number of arrests the force has seen and it that it was in response to the 'the most significant escalation in criminality'.

Despite the demonstrations initially starting in Whitehall, demonstrators went on to go to force their way through police lines in a 'co-ordinated effort to cause disruption'.

Protesters had initially planned to rally around the Broadcasting House on Portland Place to protest alleged bias in the BBC's coverage of the conflict in Gaza.

But thousands of demonstrators, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the party's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, marched towards Trafalgar Square from Whitehall after speeches were made at the rally.

Protesters met a line of police officers and eventually broke through, with those who made it to the square later finding themselves being held in one corner.

Commander Adam Slonecki, who led the policing operation, said: 'We could not have been clearer about the conditions in place. Protesters were to remain in Whitehall with no march towards the BBC.

'Our relationship with protest organisers has to be based on trust and good faith. If they say they will act responsibly and lawfully we need to be able to know those are genuine assurances.

Police try to bring to an end a rally by Pro-Palestine supporters which had taken place earlier in Whitehall but has spilled into Trafalgar Square

Police officers responding to the national march for Palestine in central London

People clash with police officers whilst taking part in a national march for Palestine on Whitehall in central London

Heightened security at the Central London Synagogue during Pro Palestine protests in Whitehall

Protesters clashing with police during a pro-Palestine protesters in Whitehall

A woman being arrested outside the BBC headquarters in Portland Place

A line of police officers outside the BBC headquarters in central London

'That is why it was so deeply disappointing to see a deliberate effort, involving organisers of the demonstration, to breach the conditions and attempt to march out of Whitehall.

'Officers responded bravely and decisively, ensuring they got no further than Trafalgar Square and certainly nowhere near their target.

'I am quite confident this was a coordinated breach with the intention being to reach the BBC at Portland Place in defiance of the conditions. There is video footage of one of the organisers clearly inciting the crowd to join a march and one of the organisations involved has released a statement this evening confirming as much.

'At the same time as the group was attempting to force its way past police lines, camera crews were seen arriving in Portland Place. It is unlikely that the timing was simply a coincidence.

'We are in possession of footage from officers' body worn cameras, from CCTV and from social media. We know who was involved in leading the movement of so many people through police lines. Investigations are now underway and we will make every effort to bring prosecutions against those we identify.'

Officers explained how initially the demonstration was peaceful despite several arrests of public order offences.

Around 3pm, a group of protesters at the north end of Whitehall was joined bu a larger crowd, which police say was made of around 1,000 people.

The group then breached a line of police officers and moved toward the north west corner of Square, where they were stopped by another line of officers and two police vans.

Officers arrested one of the protest organisers who had been leading the group.

Despite police warning them to leave the area, the group continued to try to leave the square through alternative routes and were eventually arrested.

According to the police, 65 of the arrests were for breach of conditions, five were public order offences, two for obstructing justice, and the rest were for support for a proscribed organisation, inciting racial hatred, common assault,assault on an emergency worker and sexual assault.'

Police officers talking to a person during a national march for Palestine

Protesters breach a police line whilst taking part in a national march for Palestine on Whitehall, London

Police arrest a woman after pro-Palestine protesters gather on Whitehall in central London

Protesters met a line of police officers and eventually broke through, with those who made it to the square later finding themselves being held in one corner

Over five thousand joined the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) demonstration today despite Israeli war cabinet agreeing to a deal which will establish a ceasefire in the Gaza strip from Sunday.

One sign displayed the Swastika above the Israeli flag, appearing to draw comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany, accusing both of being 'child-killers'.

According to the government-adopted International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of anti-semitism, 'drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis' is anti-semitic.

Other anti-semitic signs included those displaying support for Hamas a proscribed terror group, and those referring to conspiracy theories suggesting 'Zionist control' of the government and the media.

The Met Police have made eight arrests for offences including support for proscribed organisations.

A man was arrested on suspicion of holding a placard suggesting support for banned organisations, while four people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and three others on suspicion of breaching conditions put in place for the protest.

One of the conditions prevents anyone involved in the protest from entering a specific area around Portland Place.

Three pro-Palestine protesters being arrested near the BBC's Broadcasting House on Portland Place

Over five thousand joined the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) demonstration in London today

The protest was originally planned to take place outside the Broadcasting House but this was blocked by the Met Police due to its close proximity to a synagogue

One sign displayed the Swastika above the Israeli flag, appearing to draw comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany, accusing both of being 'child-killers'

A masked protester wearing a Celtic football tracksuit has been handcuffed by police and escorted away from the protes

Pro-Palestinian activists demonstrate on Whitehall in London demanding the end of Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip and for the British government to end to all arms trade with Israel

Thousands of Palestine supporters demonstrate despite police banning the previously agreed route and imposing severe restrictions on Whitehall Street

Former Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks at the rally

Eight people have been arrested at the protest being held in Whitehall, London

Police have now warned protesters who 'forced' their way through a police line and are now being held in Trafalgar Square they must disperse

Protesters held signs that read 'Gaza. Stop the massacre' and 'Stop arming Israel', with a large group of people having marched from Trafalgar Square holding a banner that said 'Labour, Tories, BBC. You show Russia's crimes but hide Israel's. Why?'

Many of the protesters at the demonstration carried signs criticising the BBC and suggesting Israeli influence over the broadcaster.

A masked protester wearing a Celtic football tracksuit was seen being handcuffed by police and escorted away from the PSC rally in Whitehall, with a large group following with megaphones and chanting: 'Let him go.'

Also at Saturday's protest, a woman was laid on the ground as a group of police officers appeared to be detaining her, prompting a large crowd to surround the officers and shout 'you're a disgrace', 'shame on you' and 'let her go'.

A minor scuffle broke out as police attempted to push protesters away before officers took the woman behind some barriers while people continued to chant 'let her go'.

Taking to X, the Met Police wrote: 'Officers are actively looking at banners and placards to spot where people cross the line from political speech into criminality.'

The force added that a woman had been arrested on Friday for inciting others to breach the force's restrictions.

A 61-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of inciting others to breach Public Order Act conditions after she was allegedly heard at a rally on January 10 encouraging other protesters to do so, police said.

The Met has now added that around 20-30 people who breached the conditions in Trafalgar Square are being arrested.

Police make arrests outside of the Broadcasting House on Portland Place

The Met Police announced on Thursday it would use its powers under the Public Order Act to prevent the demonstrators gathering in Portland Place and nearby area

Thousands of demonstrators marched towards Trafalgar Square from Whitehall

Pro-Palestinian activists demonstrate on Whitehall in London

Protesters carried signs reading 'courage is made in Palestine'

Police officers detain a person taking part in a national march for Palestine in central London

A woman being arrested during the pro-Palestine protests in central London this afternoon

The Met said further investigations into other allegations of inciting people to breach conditions are ongoing.

Prior to the protest, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said more than 1,100 officers were due to be deployed, with 200 coming from other forces.

Questioned on whether the Met was putting a ring of steel around Broadcasting House, he said: 'I wouldn't describe it as a ring of steel.

'What I would describe it as is a visible presence of officers in and around the BBC/Portland Place area and surrounding streets.

'Firstly, their role is to engage with people, make sure people understand the conditions that are around there, and generally do their policing duties as they would do every day.

'If anyone is considering breaching those conditions, we have brought officers in from other forces, eight other forces, to assist - so we have got significant forces to enforce any breaches of conditions.'

Having 'considered the likely impact of the PSC's plans', the Met Police announced on Thursday it would use its powers under the Public Order Act to prevent the demonstrators gathering in Portland Place and nearby area.

Police have powers under the Act to insisted the route of a protest march should be altered to prevent 'intimidation, serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community'.

More than 1,100 officers are due to be deployed for the protest, with 200 coming from other forces

Pro-Israel activists stage a counter-rally to a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Whitehall in London

The Met said further investigations into other allegations of inciting people to breach conditions are ongoing

The Metropolitan Police denied putting a 'ring of steel' around Broadcasting House

The Met Police announced on Thursday it would use its powers under the Public Order Act to prevent the demonstrators gathering in Portland Place and nearby area

The PSC described the Met's conditions as 'repressive', saying: 'We reiterate our call for the police to lift the repressive restrictions they have imposed and allow us to march'

In a statement, the police said it had considered the 'cumulative impact' of regular protests over a prolonged period that have taken place on Saturdays and 'on numerous occasions' in the vicinity of synagogues.

The force said it acknowledged the planned protest had been 'a cause of increased concern for many Jewish Londoners' and the it could have brought 'serious disruption.'

On Thursday, senior Conservative MP Bob Blackman said those who defy police orders by deliberately gathering outside a synagogue should face the 'full force of the law'.

The PSC described the Met's conditions as 'repressive', saying: 'We reiterate our call for the police to lift the repressive restrictions they have imposed and allow us to march.

'If they continue to refuse to do so and prevent us from marching, we will rally on Whitehall in protest.'

In a statement, Campaign Against Antisemitism claimed pro-Palestine marches posed a 'threat' to synagogues.

A spokesperson said: 'It is shameful that the Met has refused to act on that threat all this time and is mustering a show of strength only now that it appears that the war might be ending.

'The least that it can do is see this tokenistic gesture through and finally limit these marches to static protests, as we have been urging for over a year.'

In its own statement, charity Community Security Trust, which aims to provide safety to Jewish people, said of the planned protest: 'We have been working closely with the police and with affected Jewish community locations to put sufficient security in place so that services and other activities can go ahead in safety tomorrow.'
Octopus Energy has overtaken British Gas to become the nation's largest energy supplier.

Launched nine years ago by its CEO Greg Jackson, Octopus now serves nearly one in four British households with more than 12.9million household accounts, according to analyst Cornwall Insight.

This displaces British Gas from the top spot, a place it has held since the industry was privatised in 1986 under Margaret Thatcher.

It comes as BG, which has a market share of 23.1 per cent, was ranked on Friday as the country's joint worst energy provide for customer service in a Which? survey, the Telegraph reported.

Topping the survey, Octopus gained many customers following the collapse of several small and medium suppliers following Russia's invasion of Ukraine - which saw more than half either leave the market or go under.

Hailing the landmark achievement, Mr Jackson said: 'We became Britain's biggest energy supplier by relentlessly delivering better service, lower costs and more innovation.

'We've invested heavily in technology to deliver this rare combination of rapid growth and outstanding service.'

As well as leading the UK market, Octopus has spread its tentacles to 26 countries and supplies energy to nine million customers worldwide.

British Gas has been replaced by Octopus Energy as Britain's largest energy supplier (file photo)

Octopus was founded nine years ago by Greg Jackson (pictured) and now serves nearly one in four British households

Dan Morris, the CEO of Cornwall Insight said the milestone was the 'biggest development in the domestic retail energy market' since privatisation.

He said: 'Octopus Energy started from zero market share in 2015 and has worked its way up to the top spot on this measure in less than a decade.

'This is a notable achievement in the highly competitive and tightly regulated UK supplier market.'

A survey by Which? of almost 12,000 customers placed British Gas as among the worst domestic energy suppliers, along with OVO energy and So Energy, which all received a total score of 58 per cent.

Octopus came first with a score of 74 per cent, ranking five stars for its overall customer service.

BG, which raked in a record 750million profit in 2023, achieved a below average customer score of 61 per cent and a customer survey score of just two stars and was ranked among the worst for providers for value for money, with just two stars.

It also performed poorly for the volume of customer complaints it received in the first half of 2024, how efficiently it resolved these complaints and for meeting its smart meter targets.

Its boss, Chris O'Shea came under pressure for taking an 8.2million salary in 2023 despite his firm's poor performance.

The results come as fixed deals have started to return to the market, offering customers a greater choice of deals that are slightly lower than the price cap.

The price cap is currently forecast to increase by around 3% in April, with consumer groups urging households to consider switching to a fixed deal to limit costs.

Many deals hover around a similar price point, and Which? urged those considering switching to take a firm's customer service into account.

British Gas ranked poorly for its customer service, complaints process and meeting its smart meter targets

Which? Energy editor Emily Seymour said: 'Our research shows that while some energy firms are powering ahead of the competition, others are letting down their customers badly - and that's unacceptable for such a vital service.

'Some big energy firms - including British Gas, Scottish Power and Ovo Energy - underperformed in our research.

'Any firms falling short urgently need to up their game to ensure they are providing the service and value for money that consumers rightly expect from their energy supplier.

'If people are unhappy with their provider, we'd recommend shopping around to look for a cheaper deal and switching to a supplier with better customer service.'
A Channel Nine star has been stood down from his high profile role after accepting a sizable cash prize from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli.

The rich lister gifted Today show presenter Alex Cullen $50,000 after he was the first media personality to use his new self-given nickname 'McLaren Man' live on air on Friday morning.

Portelli has grown tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo' which had stuck after he turned up to a 2022 auction of popular house makeover show The Block in a yellow Lamborghini.

The 35-year-old LMCT+ founder offered the cash reward to the first member of the media to use his new nickname, and Cullen obliged during a Today show cross from the Australian Open on Friday morning.

Channel Nine said Cullen had agreed to step down on Saturday while the network looked into the payement, reported the Sunday Herald Sun.

'Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,' a spokesperson told the publication.

'Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned.

'While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.'

Alex Cullen has been stood down after he and his Today show co-star Karl Stefanovic dropped Adrian Portelli's new nickname during a live cross from the Australian Open on Friday

Portelli took to social media saying 'We have a winner! Well played sir,' and sharing what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to Cullen (pictured)

Nine's response came after the billionaire took to social media saying: 'We have a winner! Well played sir.'

He then shared what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to Cullen.

Cullen however, was not the only newsreader to try and claim the prize.

His colleague Karl Stefanovic quickly repeated the line and joked that the two presenters would split the prize money if Portelli paid up.

Nine said it is taking the matter 'extremely seriously'.

The billionaire once bet The Block host Scott Cam a hefty sum that he would not down a shot of tequila at a ritzy Phillip Island restaurant.

Cam donated the money he won on that occasion to two charities.

It comes after Portelli this week denied charges of conducting an unlawful lottery connected to his LMCT+ business.

Scott Cam previously won $10,000 from Block bidder Adrian Portelli but could have walked away with $50,000. The wager started when Portelli was having dinner with Cam and Block co-host Shelly Craft (all pictured)

He is charged with nine counts of conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery in South Australia, while his business Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which trades under the name LMCT+, is charged with 10 counts of the same offence.

He was not required to appear In Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where lawyer Ben Lodge entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Portelli and Xclusive Tech.

The charges, instigated by South Australia's Consumer and Business Services, allege Portelli's business did not hold a licence to conduct the lotteries in SA.

Portelli's company offers members subscriptions to a 'rewards club', which includes entries to win cars and properties while they pay a monthly fee.

Portelli asked media last week to call him 'McLaren Man,' rather than his usual nickname of 'Mr Lambo,' garnered after an appearance on The Block

Under SA law, any trade promotion lotteries with prizes exceeding $5,000 need a licence to operate and entries must be free of charge.

'The major prize for the lottery was a property situated in Gisborne in the state of Victoria, as seen on the Australian television show The Block, or a cash prize of $3,000,000,' court documents state.

Winning the prize 'involved an element of chance' but the defendant 'did not hold a licence to conduct the lottery in South Australia'.

Portelli and his company face a potential maximum penalty of $190,000. He has said on social media that if he were convicted, he would 'round it up to $200,000'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.
Jerusalem, Jan. 17 (UNI) 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.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is due to come into effect at 6.30am GMT tomorrow, mediators confirmed today after the terms were finally passed by the Israeli security cabinet on Friday.

'As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8.30 am on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza,' Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, wrote on X this morning.

'We advise the inhabitants to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources.'

Until now, the exact time of the ceasefire's start had been unclear, though Israel had said that no Palestinian prisoners would be freed before 2pm GMT.

The justice ministry said 737 prisoners and detainees will be freed as part of the first phase of the three part deal, hoped to pave the way for more enduring peace terms.

In return, Hamas has agreed to free 33 of the 94 hostages still in Gaza, having been taken into captivity during the group's October 2023 incursion into southern Israel. It was not clear what condition the hostages are in, or how many are still alive.

Included in the list of 33 hostages is 28-year-old Emily Damari, the only remaining British-Israeli captive still held in Gaza.

Hamas explained today that the mechanism for releasing Israeli captives will 'depend on the number of Palestinian detainees Israel agrees to release'.

Just three hostages are to be released on the first day of the ceasefire, with four more returned on the seventh. Three hostages will then be released each week for a period of four weeks. Finally, 14 hostages will be returned on the sixth week of phase one.

Israel continued its bombardment of the beleaguered Gaza Strip through Saturday morning. The enclave's civil defence reports that at least 122 Palestinians, including 33 children, have been killed since the two sides agreed on a ceasefire.

The 15-month conflict has seen 46,876 people, most of them civilians, killed in Gaza according to local health officials.

The long offensive began after groups led by Hamas stormed into Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage, according to Israeli figures.

Smoke plumes rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip, January 14

Demonstrators hold torches during a protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Jan. 13

A relative carries the body of a child, one of four members of the Palestinian al-Qadra family (parents and their two children) killed in an Israeli strike that hit their tent north of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, in the yard of the Nasser hospital on January 18

As Israel continued operations in Gaza, the IDF claimed to have intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

Residents in Tel Aviv were seen rushing to emergency shelters as sirens sounded across the city.

While Israel has negotiated terms to wind down hostilities with Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and ostensibly with Iraqi militias, clashes continue with Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The long-awaited ceasefire was approved by Israel's cabinet on Friday after months of back and forth between Israeli and Hamas delegations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

The talks have not been without issue; Israel accused Hamas of reneging on details of the deal on Thursday, allegations Hamas denied.

Israeli ministers on the far-right also threatened to quit the government if the deal was approved.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it a 'dangerous deal' and insisted that his party's continued membership in government depended on Israel staying in the war and fully vanquishing Hamas.

A spokesperson for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military wing today also called for the IDF to stop strikes on the Gaza Strip ahead of the ceasefire coming into effect, threatening to harm or kill Israeli hostages.

Under the terms of the deal, Israeli forces are to withdraw from Gaza's densely-populated areas and allow displaced Palestinians to return home.

The war has displaced around nine tenths of Gaza's 2.3mn pre-war population, according to UN estimates.

Hamas' role in the future of Gaza remains unclear, however. Analysts believe that the de facto authority in Gaza is likely to continue to build back its influence.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said meanwhile that the Palestinian Authority has completed preparations 'to assume full responsibility in Gaza' after the war.

Emily Damari was shot in the hand and leg when she was snatched from her home in southern Israel during the October 7 attack by Hamas

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

A boy runs with a Palestinian flag atop a mound of rubble at a camp for people displaced by conflict in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip on January 17

Protesters, predominantly Houthi supporters, demonstrate in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen January 17

Hamas' allies have heralded the ceasefire deal as an achievement for the group.

Naim Qassem, chief of the Iranian proxy group in Lebanon, said that 'this deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups, which took what they wanted while Israel was not able to take what it sought'.

He said that Israel's war with Hezbollah had contributed to Gaza's victory.

Israel's prolonged conflict with Hezbollah ultimately resulted in a ceasefire deal in November 2024, with the group's military capabilities significantly downgraded.

Regime change in Syria also threatens the supply routes used by Iran to funnel arms into Lebanon for Hezbollah - a constraint acknowledged by the Qassem in December.

Hamas said on Saturday that Israel had 'failed to achieve its aggressive goals' in Gaza, a day before the start of a ceasefire and hostage release deal it agreed with Israel.

Israel 'only succeeded in committing war crimes that disgrace the dignity of humanity,' the group said in a statement.

For civilians, the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is the first step on a long journey towards physical and psychological recovery.

Israel has set up frontier reception points to welcome returning hostages tomorrow, where they will be joined by doctors and mental health specialists before being 'transported via helicopter or vehicle' into Israel.

The Israeli authorities assume the 33 are alive, but Hamas has yet to confirm that.

Ninety-four of the hostages were taken into captivity on October 7, 2023. Four were captured at other times, according to the Israeli prime minister's office, totaling 98 still in Gaza.

Kfir Bibas, whose second birthday falls on Saturday, is the youngest hostage, and is among those expected to be released from Sunday.

Hamas said in November 2023 that Kfir, his four-year-old brother Ariel and their mother Shiri had died in an air strike, but with the Israeli military yet to confirm their deaths, many are clinging to hope.

'I think of them, these two little redheads, and I get shivers,' said 70-year-old Osnat Nyska, whose grandchildren attended nursery with the Bibas brothers.

Smoke rises over the Gaza Strip after an Israeli strike, as seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on January 17

Food is distributed to displaced Palestinians in Gaza's Deir al-Balah on January 17

Mourners pray near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, before a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel takes effect, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 18

Palestinians will also be hoping to return to what is left of their homes after potentially more than a year displaced.

'I will go to kiss my land,' said Nasr al-Gharabli, who fled his home in Gaza City for a camp further south. 'If I die on my land, it would be better than being here as a displaced person.'

A ceasefire paves the way to begin the arduous task of rebuilding the Palestinian enclave.

The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) reported in September that two-thirds of all structures in Gaza had sustained damage during the conflict.

The World Health Organization's representative in the Palestinian territories, Rik Peeperkorn, said on 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.

U.S. President Joe Biden said the truce would 'surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families'.

Dr Luigi Daniele, senior lecturer at Nottingham Law School, part of Nottingham Trent University, said challenges still remain.

'In Gaza, it will take 8 months to restore the conditions for Palestinians to produce an egg,' he said in comments shared with MailOnline.

'The moral and legal abyss of Gaza has indicted the international community for the inability to prevent mass civilian victimization, stop it while ongoing, and ensure accountability for international crimes.'

Action Against Hunger said in a statement shared with MailOnline that in spite of the ceasefire, 'the humanitarian needs remain urgent and overwhelming'.

'Thousands of families have been in extreme hunger for months, not knowing when or where their next meal will come from. The commitment to increasing aid is a step in the right direction, but it falls far short of what's needed,' said Natalia Anguera, Action Against Hunger's Head of Operations in the Middle East.

'Even before the conflict, 500 trucks a day couldn't meet the needs of Gaza's population. Now, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble, thousands of families displaced, and critical infrastructure in ruins, the response must scale up dramatically.'

A Palestinian child stands beside the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, before a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel takes effect, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 18

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

Supporters and family members of hostages protest ahead of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 16

Anna Gallina, Legal Adviser at Global Rights Compliance's Starvation and Humanitarian Crisis Division and Gaza Project Lead, welcomed the ceasefire, but urged the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid.

'A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is a vital first step towards alleviating the current humanitarian catastrophe afflicting civilians in Gaza, but it must be followed by immediate access by the civilian population to objects indispensable to its survival and the facilitation of full, rapid, safe, and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance,' she said.

'A hallmark of the tactics used by the Israeli Defence Forces in this war has been the deliberate obstruction and restriction of humanitarian aid, coupled with attacks on aid workers and a neglect of the basic tenets of international humanitarian law.

'As a result, the population of Gaza has experienced an unprecedented scale of civilian casualties, repeated displacement, and widespread famine - it is now vital that all actors persevere with demands to restore basic standards of living in Gaza and lasting peace.'
This is the moment Russia struck a residential area in central Ukraine with ballistic missiles, killing at least five people and injuring more than a dozen.

Russian forces struck targets in the city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, damaging houses and an 'educational institution', according to Ukrainian media.

Children were forced to jump from windows to get out of the wreckage, unable to reach shelter before the missiles fell, Ukrainian outlet TSN reports.

As many as 14 people were reported to have injured in the attack, with the tally of victims climbing. Bodies were seen amid the rubble after the strike.

Mr Igor, a father of three, told TSN: 'I dodged. And my wife was hit by two pieces of shrapnel in the chest, and by the time the ambulance arrived, she was dead.'

He said the tragedy happened on his eldest son's birthday, and that they were out shopping for him at the time.

Mr Igor told the outlet he had moved to Kryvyi Rih, the birthplace of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and remarried after burying his first wife in Kherson.

The attack came as it emerged Ukraine had killed a Russian colonel in charge of radiation, chemical and biological defences in an attack with British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Lt-Col Alexei Seliverstov was killed in a strike three weeks ago, revealed in a since-deleted obituary by his wife, Olesya. The deaths have not been announced by the Russian defence ministry.

The moment a missile struck the central Ukrainian city on Friday

Smoke billows over the central Ukrainian city after a ballistic missile attack on Friday

At least four people were killed and a number wounded in a Russian Iskander missile strike on residential area and aviation college in Kryvyi Rih

Volunteers turned out in the aftermath of the attack to help clear the rubble

Russian sources claimed that the Friday strike on Kryvyi Rih was on a Ukrainian armed forces training centre.

The roof of an aviation college was damaged and the building partially collapsed after the strike.

Volunteers turned out in the aftermath of the attack to help clear the rubble.

Initial reports said four people - three women and a man - were killed in the attack.

They included a 20-year-old student and his grandmother, TSN reports.

President Zelenskyy said of the attack: 'The Russian army hit the city with missiles and ballistic missiles.

'Ordinary residential buildings, an educational institution, and other city infrastructure were damaged. Unfortunately, there are fatalities.

'As of now, four lives have been lost in this attack. My condolences to the family and friends.

'Rescuers and emergency services are currently working at the scene. The rescue operation is ongoing.

'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. By pressure from everyone in the world who values life.'

Serhiy Lysak, Governor of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, said later that a woman injured in the strike on Friday had died in hospital.

'A total of 5 people died. My sincere condolences to all who lost loved ones,' Lysak wrote on Telegram.

Four more people were killed in the capital, Kyiv, on Saturday as Russia carried out another attack with ballistic missiles, city officials said.

At least three people were wounded, while a separate overnight strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia wounded 10, per the regional governor.

Kyiv is frequently targeted by Russian drones and missiles but deaths are rare in the capital, which is heavily protected by air defence systems and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country.

'Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace,' Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said in a post on social media.

'He must be forced to accept a just peace through strength - maximum economic and military pressure,' he added.

The air force said it had downed two Iskander ballistic missiles as well as 24 Russian attack drones overnight.

But it said the downed missiles 'fell' on Kyiv's central Shevchenkivsky district, damaging an industrial building, a subway to the metro and residential buildings, and temporarily knocking out local water supplies.

Damage after the attack on Kryvyi Rih on Friday

Residents flee after a deadly night-time Russian attack on Kyiv that killed four

The attack came as it was claimed Russia had tried to cover up the death of a paratrooper colonel in charge of radiation, chemical and biological defences.

Lt-Col Alexei Seliverstov was killed in a strike three weeks ago in which two other colonels also died.

Ukraine reportedly carried out a strike with British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on a key military command post in Lgov, in Russia's Kursk region.

Seliverstovs death was revealed in an online obituary posted by his wife, which was subsequently removed in an apparent attempt to hide the death, according to independent outlet Mediazona.

The names of the other two colonels were previously disclosed, although none of the deaths has been officially announced by the Russian defence ministry.

A total of eight officers were killed in the strike, with one more named as Major Ali Tsurov, a deputy chief of staff.

The names of four others killed in the 30 December strike are not known.

Ukrainian secret services claimed responsibility for the attack.
A mountain in New Zealand will now have the rights of a human being under legislation to be passed by parliament.

Taranaki Maunga and his companion peaks are to become a legal person to be called Te Kahui Tupua when the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill becomes law on January 30.

The area has become increasingly popular for tourists after Lonely Planet named it one of the best places in the world to visit and the new law will mean that if a person harms or mistreats the mountain it will be the same legally as harming a tribe.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation put out the call this week for four traditional owners who would like to sit on a panel alongside four Crown representatives to represent the mountain on the country's south island.

The Crown agreed to give up ownership of the land two years ago with the panel known as Te Topuni Kokorangi given responsibility to caretake the mountain range.

The Crown had previously agreed to share its ownership of the mountain with the region's eight iwi, or tribes, and also apologise for historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi against the mountain, but there will be no financial or commercial redress.

Moutn Taranaki is a dormant volcano which last erupted in 1775. It holds significant cultural importance to local tribes and is also the most frequently climbed mountain in the country.

The New Zealand government has also previously granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River.

Taranaki Maunga in New Zealand has gained the rights of a human being after a new bill passed the country's parliament

The Department of Conservation said the purpose of the panel 'is to be the human face and voice' of the mountain range.

'We are seeking nominations from those with knowledge in strategic and governance leadership, matauranga Maori, environmental management, stakeholder management, finance, local government, nature conservation, earth sciences, recreation, tourism and the local community,' the department continued.

Conservation board members are also being sought which will include three members for Taranaki Whanganui.

The Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill will become law after it's second and third readings are held at Parliament on January 30.

The reading will officially recognise the peaks as ancestral mountains which will grant the land human status.

Once this occurs the mountain will officially own itself and the park will be renamed Te Papa-Kura o Taranaki.

This new law will fulfill the redress agreement for the confiscation of Taranaki Maunga, also known as Te Ruruku Putakerongo.

Former Treaty Settlements Minister Andrew Little, who signed the Te Ruruku Putakerongo redress agreement, said cultural, spiritual, ancestral and historical values of the land would be cemented into law while he was in the job in 2023.

Former Treaty Settlements Minister Andrew Little (pictured) said the values of the committee would be signed into law

Going forward the Department of Conservation will retain day-to-day management of the grounds but 'everything that happens within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki will be guided by these values' set by the new committee, Mr Little said.

All new management plans for the land will need approval from both the conservation minister and another group with a representatives from each iwi, Te Topuni Ngarahu.

Jamie Tuuta, who led the negotiations for the new laws, said Te Ruruku Putakerongo meant 'weaving a foundation for reconciliation'.

'It is more than just the recognition of our tupuna maunga and the recognition of our iwi, but how we might build a platform of reconciliation for this generation and the generations to come,' he said.

Mr Little had previously said the Crown caused 'immeasurable harm over many decades to nga iwi o Taranaki and to your tupuna' through it's failures to honour past treaties.

Nominations for the role of the oversight committee panel will remain open until February 12 and nominations for the conservation board will close on January 31.
A building company has gone bust in South Australia leaving multiple homeowners with half finished properties they had already handed over large sums of cash for.

JAC Homes was placed into liquidation this week, according to documents filed to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, with clients left unsure if they will receive any of their money back after assets are sold off to pay debts.

Oracle Insolvency Services have been appointed liquidators for the company which had been operating in the Murray Bridge, Srathalbyn and Coorong regions for three decades.

The owner of JAC Homes announced on its website that the 'stress' of the company's collapse had affected them personally.

'After many years of proudly serving our clients and building homes with dedication and care, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations,' the note said.

'This decision was not made lightly. Ongoing challenges and circumstances have significantly impacted our ability to continue operating, and the resulting stress has affected both the business and my personal well-being.

'I want to sincerely thank our clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and partners who have supported JAC Homes throughout our journey. Your trust and collaboration have meant the world to us, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people over the years.

'Thank you again for your understanding and support.'

SA builder JAC Homes has gone into liquidation (pictured, one of their building sites)

Hundreds of building companies have collapsed in Australia in recent years amid soaring costs of materials and labour

Some of JAC's customers had been complaining for months that their properties were left unfinished or had building defects that were not rectified.

First homeowners Ahmed Tayba, 32, and his partner Kelly moved into their four bedroom JAC home last year and claim they quickly found it was riddled with problems that they estimate will cost $50,000 to repair.

'It's a nightmare, it makes you not want to do it again,' Mr Tayba told The Adelaide Advertiser.

They said the issues included the house had no garage door or driveway, had damaged bricks, cracked tiles, gaps in the walls and no insulation.

The couple added they were having trouble getting contractors to even look at the issues because they 'don't want to touch another builder's home' .

Another customer Simon Wilden said his house also had no driveway or fences and a rainwater tank had been left unconnected in the backyard.

He added that he had 'chased the site supervisor for weeks' after his family's move in date kept getting pushed back.

The builder is understood to have about 10 homes under construction.
Influencers have found themselves in hot water after jumping on a last-minute trend and revealing what they've lied about to gain millions of followers - leaving their fans disgusted ahead of the app's blackout in the US.

Many content creators took the opportunity - before losing their livelihoods when the ban comes into effect on Sunday - to drop bombshells and expose that their most popular videos had always been fake.

One social media star who ruffled feathers with the trend is Lexi Hidalgo - as she admitted to her 2.7million followers that some of her most iconic content was made up.

The influencer rose to fame with her 'coffee chats' and workout videos, which were beloved by many. But on the eve of the US TikTok ban, Hidalgo decided to reveal a secret about the clips.

She said: 'There's one more secret I feel I have to share with you. I never once drank the coffee I made in my coffee talks. And only did like half the workouts I posted.'

Her admission caused outrage, with one follower writing: 'I hope that post helps people realize how she actually is! Shes not a good human I fear.'

Another furious follower chimed in: 'This one took me out. Thats the reason (plus the workout videos) that I followed her and both were lies??? Instant ick.'

And a third user added: 'Just think about all of the worse lies she would never admit to if she thinks these things that are the core of her brand is no big deal. Obviously not the end of the world but just shows her entire online persona is fake. Not sure how anyone could ever trust her.'

Lexi Hidalgo used the last-minute trend to admit to her 2.7million followers that some of her most iconic content was phony

Content creator Sara Uy decided to reveal to her followers that one of her most-watched videos, with 47million views on TikTok, was all a complete stunt

Hidalgo deleted her initial video, and then attempted to backpedal by saying: 'The coffee was always for my mom, I drink the coffee now - just not when it was iced and super sweet in 2020.

'I did the workouts. Just not when I posted them. I was a kid on a brand new app. I didn't know better yet.'

Many TikTok fans were quickly irritated by the last-ditch trend of influencers exposing their own dishonesty - after years of throwing their support behind a 'bunch of liars.'

'So, you all lied? You built this following based on a lie?' one wrote on Reddit. 'I know I shouldn't be surprised, but it's just so odd.'

'Cannot wait until the documentary on the lies of influencers come out in a few years,' another wrote. 'They are just marketers with faces to them,' a third wrote.

Sara Uy, who gained a following by sharing her corporate life in New York City, was also among the content creators to expose that she lied about her videos.

The influencer's most watched clip - raking in over 47 million views on TikTok - showed her doing an outfit 'check' before heading out for dinner, but in the video, she quickly realized that she 'forgot' to put her skirt on.

Standing in her apartment with just tights on her legs, the startled content creator's reaction made millions of people laugh when it was posted last year.

But now with the app on the brink of a blackout, Uy decided to reveal to her followers that it was all a complete stunt - and her reaction was phony.

She said in a video on Friday: 'I didn't actually "forget" to put my skirt on after I put on my tights.'

Immediately her comment section was filled with disbelieving fans: 'How could you do that to us?!' one wrote, while another added: 'THIS WHOLE TIME?! I thought it was real!'

Xandra Pohl, who became big on social media by posting about her life at college in Miami and her ritzy Hamptons vacations with her ex-boyfriend, took to TikTok to reveal that he had in fact 'cheated' on her

Other influencers, like beauty influencer, Meredith Duxbury, (pictured) who claimed to have used 10 pumps of foundations on her face in one video (left), revealed she actually 'did wipe some of those 10 pumps off.' However, she insisted the latest video was a joke

Serena Kerrigan, who dubbed herself the 'Queen of Confidence,' used the trend to admit that she had been on Monjauro - a weight loss drug similar to Ozempic - this whole time, despite previously denying it.

'Yes, that was a Monjauro pen in my fridge,' she wrote on the video. 'It quieted the food noise that held me hostage since middle school.'

'Girl, we knew,' one fan replied.

Beauty influencer, Meredith Duxbury, who became a viral sensation on the app for using a ridiculous number of pumps of foundations on her face, also came out and admitted she only did the stunt as rage-bait.

'I did wipe some of those 10 pumps off...' she wrote on the video. However, the question still remains as she captioned the video: 'Or did I?'

Some influencers used the TikTok trend to reveal juicy details about their personal life as a final farewell to the app, which helped them rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars through brand deals and sponsorships.

DJ Xandra Pohl, who became big on social media by posting about her life at college in Miami and her ritzy Hamptons vacations, took to TikTok to reveal that her ex-boyfriend had in fact 'cheated' on her.

Many of her 1.3million followers had been speculating about what caused the shocking split - and felt vindicated that the influencer finally admitted it. One wrote: 'Weve been waiting for this one.'

Another added: 'THE WAY MY JAW DROPPED,' as a third chimed in: 'BYE I HAVE BEEN WAITING. I AM LOVING ALL THE CONCLUSIONS TO ALL MY CURIOSITIES.'

Serena Kerrigan (left), who dubbed herself the 'Queen of Confidence,' revealed on Friday that she had been on Monjauro - the sister to Ozempic - this whole time, despite previously denying it. DJ Xandra Pohl (right) revealed her ex-boyfriend, who she did not name, 'cheated'

Other influencers like Charli D'Amelio took the trend more lightheartedly. She agreed with her haters who have often said they don't see why she is so famous, saying: 'I still don't understand the hype either [to be honest].'

Content creator Josh 'Bru' Brubaker revealed his bosses were totally on-board with his on-air shenanigans and actually 'loved the stupid things I did on the radio.'

'Never was in trouble,' he wrote.

The Circle star used to take random words from his followers and find a way to use them in a sentence before song played, like butter and butterfly.

He also posted a video where he 'accidentally' played Cardi B's WAP instead of a Morgan Wallen song. He feigned surprised - per a fan's request - before quickly changing the song.

'Y'all want me to lose my job, huh?' he said at the start of the video before pulling the prank.

Despite the trend's intention of being lighthearted and funny, many were saying they were 'hurt' by the revelations.

'My whole life is a lie,' one wrote.

'I feel like I've been lied to my whole life,' another agreed.

'No, this is the only one that has hurt,' a third wrote.

Influencers have found themselves in hot water after revealing what they've lied about to gain millions of followers, leaving their fans disgusted. Some influencers, like Charli D'Amelio (pictured) played it safe and agreed with her haters that she didn't get the 'hype' around her

Despite the trend's intention of being lighthearted and funny, many were saying they were 'hurt' by the revelations

Another accused influencers of clinging to relevancy before TikTok's potential blackout on Sunday.

'That sounds is full of people trying to grasp for whatever relevancy is left on TikTok.'

Others pointed out that TikTok's disappearance in the US might not even happen and influencers are exposing themselves prematurely.

'They are acting like they are dying,' a Redditor wrote. 'Even if TikTok goes away they have other platforms and now everyone knows [you're] a liar.'

'This would be so exciting if TikTok stays and they just exposed themselves [as f**k],' another agreed.
Three men have been charged with murder after a woman was killed in a drive-by shooting outside a north-west London church hosting a wake.

Shots were fired in Harlesden at about 9pm on December 14, killing 44-year-old Michelle Sadio, who was standing among mourners outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church after a wake.

Michelle Sadio was gunned down when a car pulled up outside a church in North West London, near Wembley Stadium, and opened fire on a crowd of mourners in the street.

She was attending a nine night ceremony to celebrate the life of 80-year-old Dinah Boateng, who was the mother of one of her school friends.

The ceremony - held at the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church in Harlesden - was organised to mark the ninth day on from Mrs Boateng's death on December 5.

Ms Sadio, 46, from Walthamstow, East London, had stepped out of the venue to take a breather when she was shot just before 9.15pm on Saturday night.

Two men were also injured. Kenneth Amoah, 39, suffered a gunshot wound to the back and Kadeem Francis, 30, was shot in the foot.

Today police confirmed that three more people have been charged with Ms Sadio's murder, following the charging of an 18-year-old man earlier this week.

Three men have been charged with murder after Michelle Sadio, 44, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside the River the River of Life Pentecostal Church in north west London

Shots were fired in Harlesden at about 9pm on December 14, killing 44-year-old Michelle Sadio, who was standing among mourners outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church

Ms Sadio was attending a nine night ceremony to celebrate the life of 80-year-old Dinah Boateng, who was the mother of one of her school friends

Perry Allen-Thomas, 26, Amir Salem, 18 and Shaquille Sutherland, 24, all from Wembley, north-west London, have each been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder, the Metropolitan Police said on Saturday.

Salem, of Barnhill Road, and Sutherland, of Havenwood, were remanded into custody after appearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Friday. They will attend a hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Allen-Thomas, of Queenscourt, will appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Saturday afternoon.

Tahjin Sommersall, 18, of Lafone Avenue, Feltham, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Three other people were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending further inquiries.

On December 14, a wake was being held for 80-year-old Dianne Boatong who had died nine days earlier.

At about 5pm a group of young people arrived and congregated in the area outside the church, having been denied entry as some were drinking and smoking, the Old Bailey heard on Wednesday.

Just after 9.10pm, a dark-coloured Kia pulled up and shots were fired into the crowd before the vehicle drove away.

Perry Allen-Thomas, 26, Amir Salem, 18 and Shaquille Sutherland, 24, all from Wembley, north-west London, have each been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Pictured: Forensic officers probe the scene after the shooting

Earlier this week, a fourth man - Tahjin Sommersall, 18, of Lafone Avenue, Feltham - appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life

Ms Sadio, who had been standing with mourners, was fatally shot and died at the scene.

Children as young as five years old were said to be among the crowd when the shooting happened.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke said: 'This investigation is progressing at pace and we are very grateful to the local community for their continued support in our endeavours to charge those responsible for Michelle's murder.

'We would like to thank members of the public for sharing CCTV footage with us, which has proved to be vital evidence and extremely helpful to the investigation.'

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or message @MetCC on X with reference CAD 7137/14DEC.
Dozens of people have been injured after a chairlift derailed at a ski station in Spain today.

Thirty people are reported to have been injured in the incident this morning at Astun Ski Resort in the heart of the Aragon Valley in north-eastern Spain.

Seventeen of the victims are said to be seriously hurt and others are said to be still 'clinging to the cable'.

Five helicopters and a dozen ambulances were dispatched to the resort to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals, local media said.

Several chairlifts at the resort reportedly fell to the ground and around 80 people are understood to be still trapped.

One of the survivors, who gave his name as Oscar, told a Spanish TV station today: 'A pulley wheel appears to have broken or come loose and the cable started to jump around and every time it happened we went up and down.

'We were lucky in that we didn't hit the ground but there were people in front of us who did hit the ground and received blows to their faces and other parts of their body.'

One skier who witnessed the drama said: 'Thank God we haven't fallen but others have and there are lots of people injured.'

Another witness said people were flung into the air as the chairlifts bounced up and down.

'We are on a chair... thank God we have not fallen. But on arrival they did fall and there are people injured,' one witness wrote on Twitter/X

Medical and emergency teams at the Astun Winter Complex

An emergency helicopter flies over the ski lifts at the Astum ski resort in Huesca, Spain, northern Spain on Saturday, Jan 18, 2025

'Suddenly we heard a sound and we fell straight to the ground, inside the chair. We bounced up and down about five times and our backs were quite sore or we were hurt, but there were people who fell out of the chairs,' Maria Moreno told public television TVE.

'The truth is that we were very scared,' said Moreno, adding that must be people with serious injuries because 'the chair hit them directly' when it collapsed.

'It's like a cable came loose and suddenly all the chairs started to bounce and people went flying,' a young man told TVE.

Local media said 39 people were injured, nine of them very seriously.

Miguel Angel Clavero, the Aragon Government's head of emergencies, said at just after 2.15pm local time today: 'There's been a failure of the return on one of the chairlifts and that has caused loss of tension and led to chairlifts falling.

'Three people have been evacuated, two by helicopter including a woman who needs an emergency operation.'

Fernando Beltran, a representative of Spain's government in Aragon, later posted on X that 'all the skiers affected by the accident' have been evacuated and those who were injured were receiving medical treatment.

A special telephone number for families of the victims has been set up.

Initially it was reported Jaca Hospital was the only one to have been put on alert but a number of other hospitals in the region have also been told casualties are on their way.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez said in a tweet: 'Shocked by the news of the accident at Astun ski resort.

'I have spoken to Aragon president Jorge Azcon to offer him the government's full support.'

A number of people were injured on 18 January during a failure on a chairlift

Seventeen of the victims are said to be seriously hurt and others are said to be still 'clinging to the cable'

Hospitals in the region have been told casualties are on their way

An emergency helicopter flies over the ski lifts at the Astum ski resort in Huesca, Spain, northern Spain on Saturday, Jan 18, 2025

Jorge Azcon, the president of the Aragon region the ski resort is in, has headed to the scene.

The Aragon regional government says the total number of casualties is unknown because evacuations are still taking place but at the moment it is aware of 'eight people who are seriously hurt and nine who are very seriously injured.'
Former first lady Michelle Obama has reportedly 'checked out' of Washington DC life after she decided to snub Donald Trump's inauguration.

Sources close to the 61-year-old told Page Six that after she and her husband Barack left the White House in 2017, she 'checked out' of DC politics.

Insiders say it has led to 'nonstop chatter that Michelle is fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is OK with Barack all the time.' The comments come amid swirling rumors that the former first couple's relationship is on the rocks.

A source who worked with the couple added: 'They dont pretend that they have this Camelot relationship. Theyre not trying to present that theyre this magical couple.'

Speaking on her move to not attend Monday's ceremony, they added: 'Shes always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up.

'She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesnt have to unify around [Trump]. Her absence speaks volumes.'

The move is 'getting a lot of DC peeps talking. I'm told she was furious at seeing her husband yukking it up with Trump at the Carter funeral' the source added.

Barack and the president-elect lit up the internet as the two were spotted chatting and laughing together at Jimmy Carter's memorial service, which she didn't attend.

Sources close to the 61-year-old told Page Six that after her and husband Barack left the White House in 2017 she 'checked out' of DC politics

The former first lady has been less publicly engaged since the death of her mother, Marian Robinson, in May

Her lack of public appearances comes amid wild conspiracy theories that the Obamas are heading for a split.

On Friday, Barack quelled these divorce rumors by posting a gushing tribute to his wife, who he described as the 'love of his life'.

'Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,' he wrote, alongside a snap that showed them holding hands while enjoying dinner.

'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 life's adventures with you. Love you.'

Michelle was said to have missed Carter's funeral 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.

On Friday, Barack quelled these divorce rumors by posting a gushing tribute to his wife, who he described as the 'love of his life'

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

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 inaugurations - 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 is still planning on attending Monday's swearing in despite the absence of his wife.

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.

Michelle Obama made headlines at that ceremony after she awkwardly shook Trump's hand and looked away.

Speculation erupted that the couple (seen in 2015) were having problems after her abcense from her husband's side in recent weeks

Over the years, the couple has spoken candidly about their martial struggles

Michelle 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.'

Over the years, the couple has spoken candidly about their martial struggles, with Michelle previously describing the 'resentment' she had over having to put her career on hold to be a mother while Barack's continued to flourish.

And tensions only grew during their time in the White House - thanks to the immense 'pressure' that came with 'needing to get everything right and be "on" at every moment,' as well as Barack's focus on his work rather than his family.

But even at their worst, Barack explained to The Breakfast Club that they never let their arguments turn too ugly - and that they always 'respected' one another.

And he made it clear that even when they would fight, he never considered a divorce.

'We were pretty good even when things were tough, we never loss basic respect for the other person,' he shared.

'We never thought that person was a bad person. We never said things that would make it seem that you completely disrespect me.

'It was more, "I love you, Barack, but this is driving me crazy," or, "I respect you, but..." I think that's what kept us 'cause we never doubted each other's intentions.

'Michelle is a remarkable woman. Even if she drives me crazy sometimes, I never thought that there was anybody who I would rather be with.'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's hopes of making a hit podcast with Spotify ended in disappointment after a series of challenges, a bombshell article has revealed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ran into several snags that saw their lucrative deal with the streaming service, reportedly worth 18million, collapse in just three years, according to a Vanity Fair article.

The couple reportedly failed to yield consistent, successful content for the platform, with one former employee, claiming they were unlike other celebrity podcasters, who will 'turn on the mic and talk'.

Instead, the source said, the couple 'wanted a big theme that would explain the world, but they had no ideas'.

Some of Harry's bizarre concepts ranged from reviewing hot chocolate every week to interviewing the likes of Putin and Donald Trump about being 'sociopaths'.

Meanwhile, Meghan found it hard to commit to single idea before 'backtracking' and 'watering them down', meaning each episode had to be 'completely reimagined late in production', the article states.

Even when Meghan finally premiered her podcast Archetypes - aimed at empowering women by breaking down gender stereotypes - it failed to take off amid rumours that Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion all declined to appear on it.

Here, MailOnline looks at some of the claims from Vanity Fair's bombshell article about Harry and Meghan's podcast disaster.

Vanity Fair (pictured) has published an article about the the five years since Megxit have panned out for the Sussexes

Meghan premiered her podcast Archetypes - aimed at empowering women by breaking down gender stereotypes - in 2022

However the podcast failed to take off amid rumours that Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion all declined to appear on it

Harry's 'sociopath' podcast idea

During the couple's signing to Spotify, the Duke reportedly wanted to host a podcast series where he interviewed powerful men with complicated stories, first reported by Bloomberg.

Harry took a particular interest in how these men's personal experiences transformed them into sociopaths, a source who worked closely with the couple on audio projects recalled.

According to the source, Harry questioned why his own 'childhood trauma' meant he never ended up as 'one of these bad guys', and wanted to explore this idea further.

Harry's other ideas reportedly included Harry reviewing a cup of hot chocolate with a different friend each week, which he and his considered and rejected.

Another included the Prince 'fixing' something different each episode, ranging from something as trivial as a flat tire, to huge worldwide issues such as global warming.

A novel idea Harry pitched himself involved interviewing disabled people who competed in the Invictus Games - an sporting event for members of the armed forces founded by Harry in 2013.

But there were reportedly concerns that this would alienate audiences who 'want to hear about Harrys life'.

Queen Elizabeth II and Donald Trump pictured together at Buckingham Palace, with Ivanka Trump seen speaking with Prince Harry behind them in June 2019

Prince Harry shakes hands with 102-year-old WW2 veteran Norm Baker at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017

Failing to get big stars

It took nearly two years after the couple's deal signing with Spotify, before Meghan premiered her podcast Archetypes - aimed at empowering women by breaking down gender stereotypes.

Vanity Fair cites a source saying that the idea for the Sussexes' solo creation Archetypes did in fact come from another employee.

However, the noted, the 'employee didnt own any of the intellectual property'.

The podcast debuted on August 23, 2022, before Spotify and Archewell Audio released a statement confirming they had mutually agreed to part ways in June 2023.

Because of Archewell Audio taking so long to handle production, Spotifys studio Gimlet was called in, meaning the production was costlier and required more resources from the podcasting giant than expected.

Another source recalled there had been rumours that Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion were asked to come on the show but declined and, despite an initial star-studded guest list, the podcast was eventually discontinued.

Taylor Swift performing on stage at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, during the Eras Tour

Beyonce appears at a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Houston, on October 25, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion poses on stage during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena

Issues with Spotify staff

According to two unnamed sources, after working on Archetypes, one colleague took a leave of absence following a three-episode on the stint. This is before they left Gimlet altogether.

It's claimed others described 'taking extended breaks from work to escape scrutiny, exiting their job, or undergoing long-term therapy after working with Meghan'.

The source told the writer she felt that if Meghan chose to 'acknowledge her own shortcomings or personal contributions to situations' instead of adopting a perpetual victim role, her perception might be 'better'.

Meanwhile, an individual who worked in media projects read claims of Meghan 'bullying' palace aids and said they could not imagine such behaviour really happened.

However, after working with the Duchess, the person allegedly changed their mind, thinking: 'Oh, any given Tuesday this happened.'

The couple were famously disparaged by podcaster Bill Simmons who worked with the Sussexes at Spotify.

In June 2023, he famously referred to the couple as 'f******* grifters', adding: 'I have got to get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. Its one of my best stories. F*** them. The grifters.'

Podcaster Bill Simmons who worked with the Sussexes at Spotify and famously described them as 'f******* grifters'

Walking back on 'provocative' ideas



When it came to the episodes for Archetypes, it was claimed that Meghan would agree to 'provocative' ideas and then walk back on them.

According to the source in media projects, the Duchess thought about saying the word b**** in one episode, as she thought 'you hear it all the time'.

But this was later watered down to her calling it the 'B-word'.

On another occasion Meghan reportedly wanted to do an episode titled 'Slut', which would explore how trans womens sexuality is used against them.

This was later retitled 'Human, Being' and was completely reimagined late in production, according to Vanity Fair.

A source claimed: 'Every episode got more and more watered down and further away from actual conversation.'

Mindy Kaling and Meghan Markle sit down together for an episode of her podcast Archetypes

Harry 'was challenging to engage with'

One former Spotify staffer described Prince Harry as 'challenging to engage with'.

They added that while the couple were interviewing someone for a job, Prince Harry gave of an air of 'why should I do this?'

The prompted the employee to wonder: 'Didnt Spotify pay you a lot of money to do this?'

A person who knows the couple added that it was their belief that Harry would be happy for Meghan to make all the money.

Instead, they believe, Harry would prefer not to have to, and to instead concentrate on charity work.

When it came to the episodes, it was claimed that Meghan would agree to ideas and then walk back on them.
Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro has resigned 'for moral reasons' after a video surfaced of him shooting randomly from the window of a moving car while singing to loud music.

'I hereby submit my irrevocable resignation,' Dabro posted on Facebook, after trying to explain the clip, saying it was filmed years ago and that he was using training bullets.

The video, made public earlier this week, shows him sitting in the passenger seat of a moving car, singing to loud music and firing a pistol into the dark. Lights in the distance appear to show an inhabited area.

'I am aware that these circumstances create an additional burden for the government and my party,' he wrote in his resignation statement.

'As a responsible man and public official, I believe that my personal situation must not distract attention from the key priorities of the government and the sector.'

He said that he filmed the video before he held any position in government and claimed that its airing was a political attack by a former friend-turned-rival.

The leader of his party, Ivan Penava, told a news conference the video 'was private and was sent to people who Mr Dabro thought were his friends... At no point did he put anyone's life in danger.'

The politician was seen in shocking video firing a gun from the window of a moving car

The clip resurfaced last week and appears to have been filmed during the summer

Dabro claimed the video was filmed years ago and said they were using training bullets

The deputy PM is a member of the hard-right party Homeland Movement

Josip Dabro (C) pictured on May 15, 2024

Dabro noted that he had sought to implement 'changes' within the farming, forestry and fishing ministry to introduce greater 'transparency', claiming he had faced 'significant pressures and threats' over plans to reform his department.

But he conceded that his actions were 'the result of a moment of thoughtlessness' in an apology before resigning.

Penava insisted the coalition remained 'stable'.

Dabro is a leading member of the nationalist hard-right party Homeland Movement, in coalition with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.

Plenkovic's office confirmed Dabro had been asked to resign on Friday night and would be dismissed from duties today.

The incident is the latest to trouble the cabinet of conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, whose health minister, Vili Bros, was dismissed in November to face a corruption probe.

The government said on Friday night his behaviour had been 'inappropriate and irresponsible'.

Plenkovic's HDZ party formed a coalition government in May 2024 with Dabro's Homeland Movement, which holds nationalist, anti-immigration and anti-LGBT views and advocates banning abortion.

Zoran Milanovic was re-elected president of Croatia in a landslide victory on Monday, winning almost three-quarters of votes cast.
A Los Angeles homeowner was left horrified after he saw a man fiddling with a tree outside of his Hollywood mansion, before the suspected arsonist started a fire.

The LA Fires have been razing neighborhoods to the ground as 40,600 acres have become scorched in the past two week - but it seems one man was caught on camera attempting to ignite another blaze in Hollywood.

Mission: Impossible actor, Ricco Ross, woke up on Monday to reports that someone had tried to start a fire with a palm tree in his neighborhood on Fuller Street around 6:30am.

'Woke up this morning and heard that two doors down, somebody had set fire to a tree to try and start a whole fire in West Hollywood,' he said as he walked around his Melrose neighborhood.

'He drops a match right here and then just starts walking down the street,' he explained before telling his followers he was going to try to find the suspected arsonist.

Surveillance footage, shared by Ross, showed a man in a light-colored hoodie stopping near a tree and appearing to throw something before calmly walking away.

As he walked away, sparks can be seen flying off the tree onto the ground.

Smoke can be seen billowing off the tree as firefighters spray it, a separate video showed.

The LA Fires have been taking neighborhoods to the ground as hundreds of acres have become scorched in the past week, but it seems one Neanderthal was caught in Hollywood attempting to set another blaze

Surveillance footage, shared by Ricco Ross, showed a man in a light-colored hoodie stopping near a tree and appearing to throw something before calmly walking away. As he walked away, sparks can be seen flying off the tree onto the ground

Ross revealed a woman used his neighbor's hose to contain the fire shortly after it started. She noticed the flames while walking by and contained the fire until firefighters arrived

Ross revealed a woman used his neighbor's hose to contain the fire shortly after it started. She noticed the flames while walking by and contained the fire until firefighters arrived.

A white van that was parked next to the tree sustained heavy damage, with its entire passenger side burnt to a crisp.

It is unclear if the man was apprehended. DailyMail.com has contacted authorities for comment.

The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7 and is only 43 percent contained, have left mass destruction through Los Angeles - burning through 23,700 acres.

The idyllic Palisades neighborhood has gone from a beloved celebrity paradise to something that now resembles a smoldering apocalyptic hellscape.

Hundreds of ritzy, multi-million-dollar homes are now nothing more than piles of rubble and ash, with little evidence left behind of the treasured heirlooms and household items that used to decorate the walls.

Properties that remain partially standing barely offer a glimpse of the glamour they once displayed. Instead of picturesque buildings with perfectly manicured lawns, the properties paint a portrait of the horrific fires.

Mission: Impossible actor, Ricco Ross woke up on Monday to reports that someone had tried to start a fire with a palm tree in his neighborhood on Fuller Street around 6:30am

A white van that was parked next to the tree sustained heavy damage, with its entire passenger side burnt to a crisp

Six fires have erupted across the greater LA area since earlier this month, killing at least 25 people and burning more than 14,445 homes and other structures (pictured: debris from the Palisades Fire)

The remains are covered in black soot and littered with debris, while the trees and shrubbery that were previously green and full of life are burnt to the crisp.

Six fires have erupted across the greater LA area since earlier this month, killing at least 25 people and burning more than 14,445 homes and other structures.

Firefighters are still battling the Palisades Fire, which is the most destructive blaze in LA history.
Hilary Benn was behind the decision to approve a law change that paves the way for Gerry Adams to claim compensation, Number 10 has confirmed.

The Northern Ireland Secretary was the main actor behind the Government's decision to table a law change which, it is warned, will allow the former Sinn Fein leader and 400 other former suspected Northern Irish terrorists to lodge compensation claims.

Until now, they have been blocked from receiving payouts for alleged unlawful detention in the 1970s by legislation passed under the previous Conservative administration.

But the Government is planning to repeal this after Northern Ireland's High Court ruled last year that the 2023 legislation breaches the European Convention on Human Rights.

There is no obligation for ministers to follow the Belfast court's ruling but they have chosen to, with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn saying it shows an 'absolute commitment' to human rights.

It opens the door for Mr Adams, who has always denied being a member of the IRA, and others to get compensation.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed it was Mr Benn who was involved in the decision, The Telegraph reports.

The revelation comes just hours after Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General - who has previously represented Mr Adams - was accused by Tory MPs of 'hiding behind' a Whitehall convention as he repeatedly refused to answer if he had been involved.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn was behind the decision to approve a law change that paves the way for Gerry Adams to claim compensation, Number 10 has confirmed

A law change will allow the former Sinn Fein leader and 400 other former suspected Northern Irish terrorists to lodge compensation claims

He also claimed he does 'not recall' if he benefited financially from representing the former Sinn Fein leader just over a year ago in a lawsuit brought against Mr Adams by three victims of Provisional IRA bombings.

Lord Bew, one of sixteen senior peers opposing Labour's human rights plans, said any successful compensation claims could cost taxpayers 'billions'.

And Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branded it 'shameful' that Labour plans to 'write a cheque to compensate Gerry Adams' during a heated exchange at Prime Minister's Questions.

Sir Keir, who appeared flustered, suggested he could now abandon the move.

He replied: 'We are working on a draft Remedial Order and we will look at every conceivable way to prevent these types of cases claiming damages.'

But his official spokesman failed to say how the Government will do this.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, described the decision as 'shocking'.

He said: '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.'

Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General, was accused by Tory MPs of 'hiding behind' a Whitehall convention as he repeatedly refused to answer questions

In 2020, the UK Supreme Court agreed that, on a technicality, Mr Adams and others were unlawfully detained during the 1970s

Meanwhile, former prime minister Boris Johnson also took aim at the controversial move.

Writing for today's Daily Mail, he said: 'Welcome to Starmer's Britain, folks, a country where you can be locked up for a stray tweet...and former terrorists and their apologists are suddenly showered with unexpected gold.'

Jason McCue, who acted for the families of the Real IRA's 1998 Omagh bombing, said the lifting of obstacles to compensation was 'perverse'.

He said: '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.

When asked if Lord Hermer was involved in the law change, a No 10 spokesman confirmed it was the Northern Ireland Secretary who took the decision, adding: 'I appreciate the strong interest here, but there's a long-standing convention observed by successive governments that the substance of law officers' advice to the Attorney General is not disclosed.'

During the Troubles, Mr Adams was twice detained without trial  a practice introduced by UK ministers in Northern Ireland in a bid to contain spiralling violence in the early 1970s.

More than 1,900 people suspected of being members of paramilitary or terror groups such as the IRA were detained under the powers. But in 2020, the UK Supreme Court agreed that Mr Adams and others were unlawfully detained.

This conclusion was reached on a technicality, which was that then Northern Ireland secretary Willie Whitelaw had not personally signed the interim custody order.

During the Troubles, Mr Adams was twice detained without trial, a practice introduced by UK ministers in Northern Ireland in a bid to contain spiralling violence in the early 1970s. Picture: Mr Adams with former Prime Minister Tony Blair

Tory former ministers rejected the ruling before passing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, which  under sections 46 and 47  blocked those detained without trial from lodging compensation claims.

But Labour quietly tabled secondary legislation last month which would repeal these sections. If it does not withdraw it, the Bill is likely to pass the Commons because the party has a huge majority.

It could however run into trouble in the Lords, where the Tories have a majority.
One person has been seriously wounded in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv, Israel police reported this afternoon.

A passerby shot the attacker and he was in critical condition, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency rescue services.

Emergency service provider Magen David Adom said staff were providing medical treatment to a 30-year-old male 'injured from stabbing'.

A friend of the victim told Israeli outlet Maariv: 'My friend was stabbed right in front of me.'

'There are injuries at the scene, and at this stage, large police forces are on their way to the location. The circumstances are currently unclear,' the police said in a statement, adding the incident occurred on Levontin Street in Tel Aviv.

Police identified the attacker as 19-year-old Salah Yahye, and said the stabbing was a terror attack.

The incident occurred a day before a ceasefire is set to take effect in Gaza, hoped to pave the way for more enduring peace.

The body of a man who attacked pedestrians with a knife is examined by Israeli police after he was shot during the stabbing incident in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18

Israeli security forces secure the area of a stabbing attack in which several people were injured and the attacker was shot, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18

A security personel attends the scene of a suspected attack in Tel Aviv, Israel January 18

'Suddenly, there was a crazy burst of gunfire, and then someone shouted "terror attack",' a witness who gave his name as Ran told Maariv.

Ran said they were sat in a cafe at the time.

'We all ran into the kitchen to hide. There was hysteria and chaos; people were afraid to come out.

'Someone said it was a stabbing attack, and what we heard was gunfire aimed at the terrorist.

'One of the friends said he saw two people lying on the ground. People started heading home as quickly as possible.'

'I never thought something like this could happen on a quiet street in central Tel Aviv,' said witness Kim, who was dining nearby at the time of the attack.

Police said they believe the event was a terror attack carried out by a resident of Tulkarm who entered Israel illegally.

Tulkarm is a Palestinian city in the West Bank.

The IDF was today said to be bolstering its forces in the West Bank in anticipation of the return of Palestinian prisoners due to return there as part of the ceasefire deal.

A military source told the Times of Israel that seven additional companies would be drawn in.

A handout photo from police shows the knife used in the stabbing on Levontin Street in Tel Aviv

Palestinians have carried out scores of shooting, stabbing and car-ramming attacks against Israelis across Israel and the occupied West Bank, especially during the past 15 months of the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel has launched near-nightly military raids across the territory that frequently trigger clashes with militants.

There has also been a sharp rise in attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers, leading the United States to impose sanctions.

The attack comes after Houthi rebels launched two missiles towards Israel on Saturday, both of which were intercepted, according to the IDF.
Viral TikTok sensation Alix Earle has filmed herself having a teary-eyed breakdown over the possibility of the app shutting down.

Earle, 24, rose to fame through her TikTok videos, which she started making while in college at The University of Miami.

Known for her 'get ready with me videos' and relatable vlog-style content, the starlet has amassed 7.2 million followers on the platform - but she took to the social media platform in tears over the thought of the nationwide blackout on Sunday.

The app that propelled her to fame is now at risk of being banned in the United States, following a ruling from the Supreme Court just days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office for his second term.

'I can't sleep, I'm so freaked out about this,' a watery-eyed Earle told the camera. 'I'm just so sad, just thinking like all of the memories just going away.

'I love you guys so much and I just feel like I need to just check in with you guys right now.'

The Gen-Z queen bee also shared her sorrow over losing an app where she had cultivated such a devoted fan base.

'I'm freaking out because I'm like where am I gonna scroll, it's so much fun talking to everyone on here,' she said.

Viral TikTok sensation Alix Earle breaks down in tears over the possibility of the app shutting down.

Earle, 24, rose to fame through her TikTok videos, which she started making while in college at The University of Miami

'As much as I love posting stuff, I love consuming it as well.'

She lamented: 'Guys this is not okay, someone's going to have to check me into a mental hospital. What the heck is going on? Can we all just like hang out?'

'This is going to be the worst day ever,' she added.

Earle, who now boasts 10.8 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, is said to earn between $40,000 and $70,000 for brand partnerships.

Forbes reports that the influential star made $8 million from her social media presence in 2024.

TikTok has also opened doors for her to explore other media ventures, including launching the Hot Mess Podcast and introducing her soda brand, Poppi.

Earle isn't the only social media behemoth who's going to mourn the platform.

Charli D'Amelio, who boasts an enormous TikTok following of 156.2 million, rose to fame virtually overnight in 2019.

Known for her 'get ready with me videos' and relatable vlog-style content, the starlet has amassed 7.2 million followers on the platform

The competitive dancer from Connecticut became the second most-followed person on the app, with sponsorship deals reportedly earning her six figures per post.

The Supreme Court made its decision on Friday, following TikTok's argument that the law banning the app, unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sells its stake, violates users' First Amendment rights.

'We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners' First Amendment rights,' the court stated, affirming an appeals court ruling.

Last year, Congress passed a law mandating the sale of TikTok or its ban by January 19, 2025, citing national security concerns about the app collecting Americans' data.

But with no deal in place before the deadline, the ban remains imminent.

The decision came less than an hour after Trump revealed a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok, vowing the two leaders would work together to 'solve many problems.'

Earlier, TikTok, along with some users and creators, filed lawsuits to block the ban, but their efforts were rejected by lower courts, forcing them to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Court heard arguments on January 10, signaling it would not intervene in the ban set to take effect on Sunday.

TikTok has roughly 170 million users in the U.S. The ban is set to go into effect on January 19

In its decision on Friday, the Court noted that the law's provisions were content-neutral, targeting a foreign adversary's control of a platform, rather than targeting specific speech.

Some 170 million Americans use the video app, and some warned that banning the Chinese-owned app would disrupt the business and livelihoods of millions of Americans.

The future of TikTok now hinges on how the incoming Trump administration responds, as CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to be honored alongside other tech leaders at President-elect Trump's inauguration on Monday.

Shortly after the decision, Trump told CNN that the fate of TikTok 'ultimately goes up to me, so you're going to see what I'm going to do.'

'Congress has given me the decision, so I'll be making the decision,' Trump said, though he did not provide further details.

Later, in a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the decision would be respected, emphasizing that '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,' he added.

In response, TikTok's CEO shared a video message on the platform, thanking Trump directly and stressing that they were fighting 'to protect the constitutional right to free speech.'

Protesters outside the Supreme Court as it heard oral arguments on the TikTok ban January 10

'On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to working with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,' Chew said.

'This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,' Chew added.

He said TikTok is 'grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform.'

Before their decision, Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay enforcing the ban and mulled an executive order to delay it.

It's not exactly clear what the app will look like when users go to use it after it's banned on Sunday.
A popular barbecue chain has been ordered to pay $2.8 million to a teenager who was brutally burned by their sauce.

Genesis Monita, 19, and her sister went to Bill Miller in San Antonio, Texas, to get four breakfast tacos before heading to school on May 19, 2023.

After receiving their food in the drive-through line, she drove them into a space in the restaurant's parking lot to eat.

She said in court filings the barbeque sauce container was extremely hot when she took it out and it led to her dropping it - causing burns on her upper right thigh.

After deliberating for less than two hours, a jury in Bexar County court decided that the horrific injuries she suffered came about due to 'gross negligence'.

Jurors awarded her $900,000 for her past and future mental anguish, physical pain and impairment, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

She was also given $25,225 for medical care expenses and $700 for lost earnings, alongside $1.9 million in punitive damages on top of the compensation.

Speaking after the jury decision, Monita told News 4: 'No one has ever apologized to me, they just shook my hand. I have not received an apology from them.

Genesis Monita, seen here, and her sister went to Bill Miller in San Antonio, Texas , to get four breakfast tacos before heading to school on May 19, 2023

She said in court filings the barbeque sauce container was extremely hot when she took it out and it led to her dropping it - causing burns on her upper right thigh

'I just hoped Bill Miller's can just put their customers first and not try and blame them like they did to me. Two years [later], I am just glad it is over.'

The sauce was 189 degrees when she dropped it on herself, 24 degrees above the temperature spelled out in the company's policy.

In court, Bill Miller's lawyer Barry McClenahan countered that the 165 degrees is a minimum temperature to comply with safety.

He added that there was no policy that prohibited the sauce from being heated to 189 degrees.

Attorney Lawrence Morales II who represented the teen told the jury on January 15 the chain had violated their safety policy about food temperatures.

'Bill Millers unequivocal policy is they will serve their sauce at 165 degrees. Bill Miller violated their safety policy and allowed their barbecue sauce to heat up to a dangerous 189 degrees.'

He also claimed they further violated their policy by handing the sauce over in a four-ounce plastic cup rather than a Styrofoam cup.

Morales said restaurants must warn customers if their food or serving containers are dangerously hot and claimed that the chain has failed to do so this time.

After receiving their food in the drive-through line, she drove them into a space in the restaurant's parking lot to eat

In court, Bill Miller's lawyer Barry McClenahan countered that the 165 degrees is a minimum temperature to comply with safety

However McClenahan hit back against the allegations and said that Monitas own negligence was the 'proximate cause' of the incident.

'What would we have warned Ms. Monita of that she did not already know? She had the sauce a hundred times, and it was always the same temperature.

'At Bill Millers, the sauce is always hot, and our customers know that. And thats why its hot,' McClenahan said.

Referencing the use of plastic cups, he told the court that the manufacturers had said they were safe up to 230 degrees.

Bill Miller's had previously tried to reimburse Monita for her medical expenses, lost income and to have her car cleaned.

One of their arguments was that Monita only received medical care for the burn on the day of the incident and never went back to the doctors.

Monita added: 'I just want to thank my lawyers and my jury for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.

'So, that honestly played a big role, because I was ready to give up, but they kept telling me, "No, keep going" So, I really want to thank them for everything they did for me.'
Donald Trump, just days away from being inaugurated as America's 47th president, never seemed to doubt that he could win November's US presidential election - and neither did one staunchly red county located in western Nebraska.

Grant County proved it was more Republican than most when 95.9 per cent - or some 351 voters out of 366 - marked their dot for Mr Trump.

In comparison, just 15 voted for Kamala Harris on their cards, officially sealing Grant County's fate as America's 'Trumpiest' county.

That the majority of voters backed Trump over other candidates suggests a place that overwhelmingly believes in his conservative, unorthodox brand of Republicanism.

It's all the more incredible that their opinions largely align with one another given that Grant County has a population of just under 600 people, making it the fourth-least populous county in Nebraska - and the ninth least populous in the US.

And yet, the county covers a vast 800 square miles, making it at least a third larger than Greater London.

Forget Cheers, here in Grant County it's likely everyone really does know everyone's name in this remote corner of Nebraska.

Dotted between the residences, the county's largest town, Hyannis, and two hamlets, Whitman and Ashby, boasts a few post offices, businesses and churches, but little else.

Grant County proved it was more Republican than most when 95.9 per cent - or some 351 voters out of 366 - marked their dot for Donald Trump

TeJay Fenster, pictured with his wife, describes Grant County as a 'no BS place'

The sprawling acres are largely peppered with cattle herds and rifle-welding, Stetson-wearing ranchers protecting their land from coyotes.

The nearest doctor is some 70 miles away, as is the cinema. For anyone wanting to go to hospital, they will need to travel more than 100 miles.

Trump's isolationist policies don't go down well with everyone, but for those who come from Grant County, the reliance on just each other in this remote outback is a more than accepted way of life.

Rancher TeJay Fenster, who lives in Grant County with his wife and two children, describes Grant County as a 'no BS place'.

He told The Telegraph it was no coincidence that Trump has largely won over hearts and minds in Grant County, adding that many were left 'disgruntled' by Joe Biden's 2020 election win.

'Trump just has to deliver now. I think he can,' he said.

Meanwhile, local rancher and Republican county commissioner Brian Brennemann, holds strong views over 'kids who identify as cats', homosexuality and what he refers to as 'the pronoun business'.

With Trump coming into power, he refuses to believe it will be anything but a boon for his community.

It's all the more incredible that their opinions largely align with one another given that Grant County has a population of just under 600 people, making it the fourth-least populous county in Nebraska - and the ninth least populous in the US. Pictured: The hamlet of Ashby

'Good times are ahead alright,' he said.

Dissenters are hard to find, but of the 15 who voted for Harris, one 83-year-old is comfortable to make the admission.

'Screw it,' she said defiantly. 'It's what I voted and if it bothers people, then that is their problem.'

She loves the place she has called home for some six decades, but concedes many hold old-fashioned, perhaps even sexist, views in this county where a love for Trump has seemingly flourished.
The French coastguard rescued scores of migrants from a small boat off the Calais coast suffering from engine failure, as another 183 people reached the UK by crossing the English Channel.

Patrol boat Jacques Oudart Fourmentin (JOF) found the vessel carrying the migrants off the old Walde lighthouse near Calais on Friday, France's Maritime Prefect confirmed.

The JOF launched two rigid inflatable boats to help those on board and carry them to safety.

The JOF rescued 68 migrants from the boat and dropped them off at the dock in Calais where they were taken care of by emergency services.'

The Maritime Prefect, who is the French government's representative at sea, issued a stark warning to any would-be migrants thinking of attempting a Channel crossing.

He said: 'The Maritime Prefect of the English Channel and the North Sea warns anyone who plans to cross the English Channel about the risks involved.

'This maritime sector is one of the busiest areas in the world, with more than 600 merchant ships transiting there per day and weather conditions are often difficult (120 days of wind greater than or equal to force 7 on average per year for example), it is therefore a particularly dangerous sector, especially in the middle of winter for precarious and overloaded boats.'

The rescue came as the Home Office confirmed that 183 people from three boats were brought ashore to the UK on Friday.

Migrants disembark from a British Border Force vessel as they arrive at the Port of Dover on January 15, 2025

Enforcement officers escort migrants off a Border Force boat after encountering them crossing the English Channel

Another small migrant boat prepares to depart from Petit-Fort-Philippe Beach in Gravelines, France, and head towards United Kingdom on January 17, 2025

This brings the total for the year so far to 890, which compares to 621 by the same point last year, 150 in 2023 and 771 in 2022.

A total of 36,816 people crossed the English Channel in 2024, which was an increase of 25 per cent from the 29,437 who arrived in 2023, according to the Home Office - but down by 20 per cent on the record 45,774 arrivals in 2022.

On January 11 a Syrian migrant became the first UK-bound migrant of the new year to die in the English Channel after being 'crushed to death' in an overcrowded small boat.

The unnamed man, who was in his 20s, was in a flimsy dinghy that was launched in the early hours of Saturday from a beach near Calais.

It was full of asylum seekers heading from France to England, but began to collapse in freezing cold seas and so turned back.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.

'The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.'

In April 2024, a criminal enquiry was also launched following the deaths of five migrants including a little girl around Wimereux - a town 30km south of Calais.

Migrants are often at huge risk due to the flimsiness of the craft deployed by people-smuggling gangs, who overload the boat. Pictured: Migrants sit onboard an inflatable boat before attempting to illegally cross the English Channel on July 18, 2024

A long line of migrants walks across Petit-Fort-Philippe Beach on January 2025 as they prepare to attempt the journey to the UK

A French policeman looks at a migrant wading to the shore after attempting to cross the English Channel to reach Great Britain on a smuggler's inflatable dinghy at Sangatte beach near Calais

Pictured: French police officers look at a body discovered near Calais on November 4, 2022

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The worst tragedy of this kind came in November 2021, when 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK  the highest recorded number of deaths from a single incident.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said of the tragedies: 'Our government will intensify the fight against these mafias who are getting rich by organising these crossings of death.'

Because of adverse weather conditions, only 61 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats between January 1st and 10th this year, according to UK Home Office figures.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to 'strengthen cooperation' to fight the people smugglers.

One of the new Government's first acts in office was scrapping the Conservatives' 715million Rwanda asylum deal, which was designed to deter migrants from crossing the Channel.

The cost of the UK's asylum system has risen to 5 billion, the highest level of spending on record and up by more than a third in a year, according to separate Home Office data released in November last year.

However British PM Sir Kier Starmer has sought to blame his Conservative predecessors for the migration figures.

Sir Kier said: 'A failure on this scale isn't just bad luck, it isn't a global trend or taking your eye off the ball, no this is a different order of failure. This happened by design not accident. Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration, Brexit was used for that purpose to turn Britain into a one nation experiment in open borders.'
A row between a property tycoon, a Canadian energy giant and a Highland community over plans for monster wind turbines deepened last night as locals branded the plans a symbol of corporate bullying and greed.

Super-rich laird Dr Christopher Moran  who owns a block of flats said to be so rife with prostitution that it was once dubbed Ten Floors of Whores  hopes to expand a network of wind turbines on his 48,000-acre sporting estate in the Cabrach, Moray.

Already, 78 turbines operate within a six mile radius of the area of outstanding natural beauty, prompting residents to claim they have reached saturation point.

Yet to their horror, Dr Moran has launched a joint venture with Canadian energy company Boralex to install 22 further turbines measuring up to 650ft on his land.

Now, locals represented by The Cabrach Trust, have written to Boralex to highlight it is going into business with a man who holds perceived animosity to his neighbours.

They have also labelled the Canadian companys plans as symbol of corporate bullying and greed.

Trevor Smith, Cabrach resident and member of the Cabrach Community Association said: The Clashindarroch Extension development has become a symbol of corporate bullying and greed.

This is a proposal which seeks to exploit government policy deemed sympathetic towards the corporate interests of people far removed from this community who feel they can do as they please and strip The Cabrach of the natural assets which make it such a special place to live.

Dr Christopher Moran and his partner Emily-Rae attend a ceilidh dance on his estate

Canadian energy giant Boralex plan to erect 22 further turbines in the Cabrach area, Moray

Their sole intention is to grossly profit, at the material expense of the local community.

And in a letter to Boralex seen by this newspaper, the Trusts chief executive Jonathan Christie wrote: We feel strongly there is acute over-provision of wind turbines around our remote and fragile community, and further expansion, such as planned by Boralex, is at odds with our ambitions to regenerate the area in a way which is sensitive and in harmony with its landscape, community and history.

He added: By taking on this project you have associated your company with an estate that has a longstanding and questionable track record with regards to stewardship of the land and perceived animosity towards this community.

With glorious scenery for miles and a sleepy pace of life, the Cabrach on the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park should be a perfect haven of tranquillity, yet the calm of the remote village has been shattered by the battle to stave off the development of enormous wind farms.

The advanced plans from Boralex are for 22 further turbines to be positioned on Dr Morans land.

It would represent phase three of the Clashindarroch wind farm, whose other two phases  one yet to be built  are on adjacent property.

Boralex took control of the windfarm extension project in 2022, after it took over the UK interests of European energy company Infinergy.

It has promised to foster an open dialogue with our host communities, listen to their concerns and take them into account in our environmental response.

However in a blistering letter, Mr Christie has said the companys consultation with the community has been a facade.

Even the Ministry of Defence has objected to the plans because of potential interference with radar systems at Lossiemouth.

Yet approval is being sought from the Scottish Governments Energy Consents Unit and from the Moray Council to go ahead with the plans.

Mr Christie said: We are not opposed to wind energy, but enough is enough and we have accepted more than our fair share.

Dr Moran, estimated to be worth 400 million, has gained a reputation for his colourful past.

Dr Moran has been expelled from Lloyds insurance market, censured by the Stock Exchange Council, fined $2 million by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

In 2018 it was reported that more than 100 prostitutes were working from the Chelsea Cloisters block in London owned by Dr Moran.

He said he knew nothing about the illegal activity and launched a clean-up operation, reportedly appointing his friend Sir Hugh Orde to mastermind the task.

Online forums for men who use prostitutes were said to make repeated references to the extensive availability of women in the building - even dubbing it 10 floors of whores.

The Cabrach in Moray is an area of outstanding natural beauty treasured by local residents

Recently, Dr Moran has been termed a wind farm vulture by locals amid claims that he charges lucrative rents at the expense of his neighbours and the landscape.

Operators of the almost 60 turbines at the local Dorenell wind farm pay rent estimated at more than 1million a year to the landowner.

Last night Esbjorn Wilmar, Country Director Boralex UK said: National and local planning authorities in Scotland use objective planning criteria to systematically assess and evaluate development proposals, to ensure that a wide variety of planning matters such as landscape value are taken into account.

'The role of the planning system is to find the right balance between the need for more development on the one hand and the protection of landscapes and undeveloped space on the other.

We have undertaken extensive consultation for this project and have received constructive feedback, which we have implemented where possible.

'This has resulted in an improved project compared to the original proposals, to which none of the statutory consultees are objecting anymore. 2024 was the warmest year on record and the need for urgent action to combat climate change is recognised by both the Scottish and UK Governments.

'If approved, Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension will have the capacity to contribute a significant 195 megawatts to our 2030 renewable energy targets.

'Employment and contract opportunities will open up for local people during the construction stage, and we are committed to providing a Community Benefit Fund which will invest 29 million into the local community over the life of the wind farm.

Dr Moran was approached for comment via his estate.
An FBI agent who claimed the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans was 'not a terrorist event' has been reassigned, sources said.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Alethea Duncan, has been temporarily reassigned, multiple sources told Fox News.

It is unclear where she has been reassigned to, but she is still employed with the FBI, according to Fox.

Her reassignment came after she said at a press conference that Shamsud-Din Jabbar driving a truck into a crowd wasn't related to terrorism.

'This is not a terrorist event,' she said just hours after the event. 'What it is right now is improvised explosive devices that was found and we're working to confirm if it's a viable device or not.'

The mayor of New Orleans had already referred to the event as a terrorist attack earlier in the press conference when Duncan corrected the notion, only for the federal agency to reverse it.

After the press conference, the FBI, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and President Joe Biden all called the tragedy that killed 14 people a terrorist event.

The 42-year-old terrorist's truck had an ISIS flag attached to it when he drove into the crowd on Bourbon Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene after a shootout with police.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Alethea Duncan, has been temporarily reassigned, multiple sources told Fox News. It is unclear where she has been reassigned, but she is still employed with the FBI

Her reassignment came after she said a press conference that Shamsud-Din Jabbar driving a truck into a crowd wasn't related to terrorism (pictured: Jabbar's truck)

The 42-year-old terrorist's truck had an ISIS flag attached to it when he drove into the crowd on Bourbon Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene after a shootout with police

The coroner's office said all the victims died from blunt force injuries. The youngest victim was 18 years old and the oldest 63. Most victims were in their 20s.

The Texas-born US citizen and Army veteran's motive is currently unknown, but reports suggest his life had gone off the rails after he quit the Army in July 2020. The cash-strapped father and double divorcee's real estate business was floundering.

Court records show Jabbar faced a deteriorating financial situation in 2022 while separating from his then-wife. Jabbar said he was behind on house payments and had accumulated credit card debt and wanted to quickly finalize the divorce.

The FBI said Jabbar had acted alone, reversing its original position.

On the same day of his attack, Matthew Livelsberger - who was at the same military base as Jabbar - caused a Cybertruck to explode outside of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, sparking rumors the two attacks were connected.

Livelsberger, 37, was identified by law enforcement sources as the bomber in the attack, which left seven wounded.

The blast was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks', according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The $80,000 car was seen in a fiery blaze outside the front revolving doors of the hotel, killing one and injuring seven at around 9am, according to Las Vegas police.
Joe Rogan has been called out by his guest for sharing a wild conspiracy theory about arsonists and looters during the Los Angeles fire disaster.

The podcaster was discussing investigations into whether the Eaton and Palisades fires were started by arsonists, and reports of evacuated homes being looted.

Rogan was discussing the aftermath of the fires - which are still raging after destroying thousands of homes - with frequent guest, comedian Bryan Callen.

He claimed organized groups of up to 100 people were breaking into homes that were evacuated but untouched by the fires, and robbing them.

'People are looting like f**king crazy... pulling into neighborhoods that are being evacuated, smashing through doors and pulling out TVs,' he said.

Looters, some even dressed in fake fire department outfits, have been spotted and some arrested, but there are no credible reports of huge organized gangs.

Callen said in frustrated hyperbole that arsonists 'should be put to death', before Rogan made an even more bizarre claim.

'One guy got caught setting fires, and he had a UN debit card... He had a bunch,' he claimed.

Joe Rogan has been called out by his guest for sharing a wild conspiracy theory about arsonists and looters during the Los Angeles fire disaster

Rogan made wild claims about arsonists in the LA fires. This alleged arsonist was arrested right next to the small blaze he was accused of starting

'He had five cell phones and the United Nations prepaid debit card.'

Callen wasn't buying it, telling Rogan to check the source of the claim because it didn't sound right.

'I'm skeptical. Is this conspiracy? I just don't want to be played. You know what I mean, though? I don't want to be played. I don't know what's true anymore,' he said.

Rogan had his producer check the source of the claim and laughed when he was told is was an anonymous Twitter account and the tweets were deleted.

'You see? You see? I told you. I'm already like hmm, I don't know,' Called laughed.

'You're spreading rumors, Joe Rogan. You got played.'

Rogan was discussing the aftermath of the fires - which are still raging after destroying thousands of homes - with frequent guest, comedian Bryan Calle

A looter sits on the footpath after being arrested by police

A car full of items stolen from evacuated homes after looters were caught by police

Tools some of the looters used to break into evacuated homes and steal belongings

Screenshots of the claims made by various other accounts are still online, mostly labeled as fake news.

The UN does not issue debit cards to anyone and no such product exists.

New York City has since March issued prepaid debit cards with $350 on them to migrants, so they could buy food, clothing, and other essentials.

The city found it was half the cost of providing the migrants with food directly.

Mayor Eric Adams announced the one-year pilot program would end, and be replaced by 'more competitive contracting for asylum seeker programs'.
Cuddled next to each other, their thick coats almost merged, the lynx found in the wilds of the Highlands appear to be settling into their current home.

Far from the snow and frost covered countryside where they were found starving, the cats now have a sheltered home, food and the care they require.

In total four lynx were humanely captured in pairs in the Dell of Killiehuntly area near Kingussie this month after their shocking presence in the area was captured on wildlife cameras.

The first two were found 100 yards from a lay-by where a crate was discovered containing recently dead chicks, a staple food of captive animals. One cat died shortly after it was caught.

According to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the lynx, which appeared to be tame, would have been under great stress after being abandoned in a new and extremely harsh environment they were not equipped to survive in.

The remaining cats were moved to Edinburgh Zoo where they are currently undergoing a 30-day period of quarantine.

The Lynx which were illegally released in the Highlands are in their new home at Edinburgh Zoo

The cats are currently undergoing a 30-day quarantine period but are doing well, the zoo said

The Lynx which were successfully captured in the Cairngorms National Park on Thursday after they were illegally released into the Highlands

Two "deliberately abandoned" lynx at large in the Scottish Highlands, which have now been captured safe and sound

RZSS, which operates the zoo as well as the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, said it is pleased with the progress they have made.

A spokesman said: The three lynx are doing well and are being cared for by our expert keepers and vets. The two that were rescued together are still together and the third is alone for now.

Conservationists are split over whether the lynx were released as part of an ill-conceived attempt at rewilding or if they were dumped by an illegal owner who did not want to care for them.

However, given they are clearly tame, it is unlikely the felines would have survived in the wild.

Taking on the animals, which require an enclosure, quarantine, health exams, food, permits and staff allocation, is costly and a fundraising drive is under way.

The RZSS spokesman added: Theres been huge support from the public on this case and were sure people would love to visit the trio were they to stay in Scotland and be on show to the public.
A Pennsylvania mom was arrested after she handcuffed her son to an oil tank in a basement while she was at work, according to authorities.

Chazzity Candelario, 33, told officers she would chain her son, 11, for up to two hours or lock him in a utility room inside their Lebanon County home.

Officers had responded to the area just before 10pm on January 11 to reports of a child chained to his bed.

After officers arrived they found the boy handcuffed to the railing of a top bunk bed inside the property.

According to a criminal complaint seen by WGAL, the child told cops that his mom had tied him to a post in the basement before he managed to get free.

He then accidentally cuffed himself to the bed frame, before also telling officers his mom would routinely handcuff to the fuel tank in the basement for up to two hours.

Police said that when questioned about the claims, Candelario admitted handcuffing her son to the tank and to locking him in the small utility room.

She was charged with unlawful restraint of a minor, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of children.

Chazzity Candelario, 33, told officers she would chain her son, 11, for up to two hours or lock him in a utility room inside their Lebanon County home

According to a criminal complaint seen by WGAL , the child told cops that his mom had tied him to a post in the basement before he managed to get free

Police said that when questioned about the claims Candelario admitted handcuffing her son to the tank and to locking him in the small utility room

Fox43 also reported that Candelario would keep track of what the boy ate and watched the cameras in the home to do so.

She is said to have woken up on the early hours of January 11 for an 'eating infraction' after the young boy ate too many hot dogs, before chaining him up.

Candelario then left the home for the rest of the day and did not return, and was still not home when officers arrived on the scene.

She later told officers that she 'has a hard time controlling her children' while she works.

Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said: 'There's a difference between respect for authority and disciplining your child and abuse.

'This is abuse. Leaving a kid from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. chained, handcuffed, it's absolutely horrifying.'

She added: 'I can't imagine being that little boy and thinking this one person on earth, who is supposed to love me and care for me and protect me, this is what she thinks is appropriate to do to me.'

Candelario posted bail of $100,000 on January 16 according to court records, she is expected back in court on January 23.
President-elect Donald Trump has said he will likely sign an executive order after assuming office on Monday to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve.

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he hadn't yet made a final decision but was considering the extension of the Sunday deadline for the app.

An extension would give the China-based parent company of the app to sell to a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban across the states.

He told the outlet: 'I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate.

'You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation. If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday.'

His comments came after The Supreme Court allowed the ban to go into effect in the United States on Friday.

The court handed down its decision after TikTok argued a law banning the app would violate their users' First Amendment rights.

In a phone interview with NBC News , Trump said he hadn't yet made a final decision but was considering the extension of the Sunday deadline for the app

An extension would give the China-based parent company of the app to sell to a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban across the states

Last year, Congress passed a law banning TikTok unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sells its stakes by January 19, 2025.

U.S. officials raised concerns that the wildly popular app is a national security concern with the collection of Americans' data. But as the clock ticked down on the deadline, no deal has materialized.

TikTok, along with some users and creators sued in an effort to block the ban. But their efforts were rejected by lower courts, leaving them with no choice but to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on January 10, where it signaled it would not interfere with the ban going into effect on Sunday

In that decision on Friday, the country's highest court noted that the provisions of the law in question were content neutral, targeting a foreign adversary's control of a platform rather than targeting particular speech.

Some 170 million Americans use the video app, and some warned that banning the Chinese-owned app would disrupt the business and livelihoods of millions of Americans.

The path forward now depends on how the incoming Trump administration responds as the CEO of TikTok Shou Zi will be seated in a place of honor with other tech leaders at President-elect Trump's inauguration on Monday.

Protesters outside the Supreme Court as it heard oral arguments on the TikTok ban January 10

Last month after winning the election , Trump met with TikTok's CEO at his Mar-a-Lago estate and signaled he wanted to stop the ban

Hours after the Supreme Court announced its decision, Trump said he had discussed the video sharing app with China's leader Xi Jinping on a phone call.

Trump confirmed the call with a post on his Truth Social platform, saying: '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!''

Following the Supreme Court ruling Trump had also said: '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!'

During his first term in office, Trump raised concern that TikTok was a national security threat, but he has since done a 180 and changed his tune.

Last month after winning the election, Trump met with TikTok's CEO at his Mar-a-Lago estate and signaled he wanted to stop the ban.

'I have a little bit of a warm spot in my heart I'll be honest,' Trump told reporters of the video streaming app.

He credits the app for helping him make gains with young people in the 2024 election.

It's not exactly clear what the app will look like when users go to use it after it's banned on Sunday. 'Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days' is the new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.

Influencers on the app meanwhile have been sharing videos of them crying over the move.
A woman was left lying on a hospital trolley in A&E for 50 HOURS before receiving treatment, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Mother-of-two Lynn Nelson - who was suffering from flu, pneumonia and a collapsed lung - said she believed she was going to die.

Mrs Nelson, 45, was left to languish in a holding wing of University Hospital Wishaw in Lanarkshire for more than two days.

Last night Mrs Nelson relived her terrifying ordeal. She said: I genuinely did not believe I would leave that hospital.

And her husband Richard, 45, added: We we were failed by the NHS.

It hurt me so much to have to watch Lynn firstly sitting on a chair in a A&E and then lying on a trolley for 50 hours.

The harrowing case is revealed following a report last week by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) which told how a severe shortage of beds has resulted in sick Britons being left in animal-like conditions.

It exposed normalised for them to be left for days at a time in chairs or trolleys in inappropriate settings.

Patients being treated in hospital corridors is now 'normalised' in the NHS

First Minister John Swinney was forced to apologise after the report laid bare the broken and inhumane state of hospitals and detailed how patients were being treated in toilets and corridors.

The couple, of Carluke, South Lanarkshire, told how:

They waited almost four hours to be seen at A&E, which resembled a warzone.

Mrs Nelson was left languishing on a hard trolley without a mattress - and without pain relief or access to a loo - for over 49 hours.

When she complained of a searing pain in her chest, Mr Nelson said medics did not help her for almost three hours.

Despite claims there were no beds available, social media pictures showed staff using a bed in the same hospital as a TABLE for food.

Last night, Scottish Conservative public health spokesman Brian Whittle said: It is devastating to hear of Lynns recent experience in University Hospital.

To be left on a trolley for 50 hours with no pain relief or access to a bathroom, instead of receiving the basic health care every patient deserves, is utterly appalling.

Lynn (second left) and Richard Nelson (far right) pictured with sons Reece and Euan

Neil Gray should be deeply ashamed that she and so many other patients are being neglected in this way.

The couples ordeal began in the early hours of Tuesday December 17, when Mrs Nelson felt a huge pressure bear down on her chest - as if somebody was sitting on it - and she struggled to breathe.

She went to her GP practice where a nurse told her she was gravely ill and that she needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

There was no point in waiting for an ambulance, the nurse said, claiming it could take more than six hours to arrive. She advised Mr Nelson to take his wife by car as quickly as he could.

Nothing could have prepared them for the scene that greeted them at University Hospital Wishaws emergency room that afternoon.

It was nothing like a general hospital. It was a warzone, Mr Nelson said, his wife adding: It was horrendous. There were people lying all over the floor, there were no seats, and there were so many ambulances outside.

Mr Nelson said: The waiting room itself was dirty because there were so many people in it, and a lot of the chairs were broken and hadnt been replaced. There was a shortage of seats anyway so people were just standing or lying on the floor.

Being an NHS employee myself and a member of the Royal College of Nursing, I was just thinking: This is not what our NHS is supposed to be. It is broken. This is not healthcare.

I was extremely upset, and I was worried as well, because Lynn is quite fit and we dont really go to the hospital or doctors much unless we really need to, but when we needed it, it wasnt there. We were really failed.

While sitting in A&E Mrs Nelsons oxygen saturation levels dropped to a life-threatening low and she sat, bent double, drifting in and out of consciousness, Mr Nelsons priority was his wifes safety.

She was finally sent to triage at 4.30pm - around four hours after they first arrived at 12.45pm - where she was diagnosed with a highly infectious form of flu - influenza A - pneumonia, a chest infection and a shadow on her lungs.

She was then placed on a trolley in Ambulatory Care - a holding zone before she was transferred for treatment in a ward.

Unlike a bed, the trolley did not have a proper mattress, pillows or blankets, but Mr Nelson was satisfied his wife of 24-years and mother to their children Reece, 21, and Euan, 17 was finally going to be seen to, and left for the evening.

He told how due to staff shortages, he arrived at lunchtime the next day to find her still in the holding zone, unwashed and wearing the same clothes as when he left her.

Her condition, then vice-like and preventing her from being able to speak, was at its zenith - only allowing her to lie still on the bed with her head lowered onto her chest.

Even my boys were saying: Mums not speaking, thats just not like her, she just didnt speak for two days, she couldnt lift her head, Mr Nelson said.

Mr Nelson felt forced to intervene and carefully washed and changed his wife and even stripped the sheet which had been draped over the hard exterior of the trolley.

He recounted that on the afternoon on December 18, around 3.30pm, she complained of a searing pain in her right lung but it was only when Mr Nelson spoke to a charge nurse at around 7pm that the matter was addressed.

And on the following day at 1pm, nearly 36 hours after she first arrived at hospital, the couple were told Mrs Nelson had a partially collapsed lung, a small pneumothorax - yet there was still no sign of her being moved to a proper ward with a bed.

Shockingly, it was around the time of that diagnosis that a social media post flashed up on Mr Nelsons phone, showing a bed in the same hospital being used as a table for a staff Christmas spread.

Images show pizza boxes and sauces, as well as a cannister of squirty cream, adorning the clean ward bed.

I was furious seeing that and thinking, my wife is laying on a trolley now, at that time had been for 40-odd hours, and Im thinking theyre having a buffet on a bed?

A director of the hospital later explained the bed was in the fracture clinic. But Mr Nelson, still enraged by the situation, last night said: There was a bed to have a buffet on while my girl, my wife, was still on a trolley.

At 6pm on December 19, Mrs Nelson was finally transferred to Ward 7 for treatment - 53 hours since she first arrived to be seen.

Mrs Nelson, who was discharged on December 23 just in time for Christmas with her two sons and loving husband, is still coping with the aftershock of her illness and recuperating at home.

Mr Nelson, who has submitted a formal complaint to the Chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: It was the worst I have ever seen, of any hospital I have ever been in.

The nurse and Conservative councillor for the Larkhall ward of South Lanarkshire, added: I was frightened and I cant change whats happened to Lynn, but if I can change the care that somebody else is going to receive, then I will do my best, and I will work the hardest I can work to make it better for others.

Last night, Russell Coulthard, NHS Lanarkshire Director of Acute Services, said he was unable to comment on individuals, but added: We continue to investigate the circumstances of this case through our complaints process and several NHS Lanarkshire staff worked to support these concerns at the time and to make Mrs Nelson as comfortable as possible and respond to her care needs.

We would like to apologise to any patient who has experienced delays when using our emergency departments or other hospital services in recent weeks.

At the time of this admission these services were under significant pressure as result of particularly high levels of flu across the UK, impacting both patients and staff. The cold weather and icy conditions in this period also placed extra strain on our hospitals.

All our teams continue to work extremely hard to maintain patient safety and manage these pressures.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: I want to apologise to anyone whose experience of the NHS has fallen short of the standards we all expect from our health service.
Donald Trump Jr. was spotted proudly showing off some very patriotic garb on Friday alongside his new girlfriend.

The 47-year-old appeared alongside partner Bettina Anderson at the Crypto Ball in Washington DC.

Going for the patriotic look, Don Jr wore cufflinks emblazoned with the American flag alongside golden buttons that spelled out MAGA on his dress shirt.

Trump proudly showed his accessories in a clip that he shared to his social media, as Anderson blew the camera a kiss.

The event was attended by the likes of Snoop Dogg and crypto czar David Sacks ahead of president-elect Trump's inauguration on Monday.

His ex-fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle was also spotted at the event as she too looks to attend the inauguration.

DailyMail.com revealed earlier this week that Anderson and Guilfoyle would both be in attendance.

Allies of the president-elect had been trying to keep Anderson away, but the inauguration will be the new couple's next public event together.

The 47-year-old appeared alongside his new beau Bettina Anderson at the Crypto Ball in Washington DC

Trump proudly showed his accessories in a clip that he shared to his social media, as Anderson blew the camera a kiss

Sources say Anderson isn't 'MAGA enough' and that her notorious party girl reputation in Palm Beach doesn't mesh well with the first family's clientele.

'It's one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago,' said a source close to the transition team.

'But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.'

At least two people close with Don Jr. allege that she is only using their friend as her latest step in her 'social ladder climbing' and carefree influencer lifestyle.

One of Trump Jr.'s friends has shared that she has a pattern of dating wealthy men in addition to her hard partying.

'She's not someone he should be around, and let him know about her past,' the friend said.

Two of Anderson's ex-lovers have also warned the president-elect's eldest son and told him to steer clear of a woman who allegedly prefers 'transactional relationships.'

Anderson, 38, may even be seen as a 'potential liability' to the Trump family as father Donald heads back to Washington.

The pair took their relationship public immediately before his father will be sworn in as the nation's 47th president on January 20, 2025

Going for the patriotic look, Don Jr wore cufflinks emblazoned with the American flag alongside golden buttons that spelt out MAGA on his dress shirt

Trump, who reportedly 'does not approve' of the relationship, has even been told not to allow her to the inaugural.

Anderson appears undeterred, posting a photo of a pair of custom-made, MAGA-themed footwear to her Instagram story on Tuesday and telling those close to the Trump family that she'll see them in Washington on Monday.

The pair took their relationship public immediately before his father will be sworn in as the nation's 47th president on January 20, 2025.

Anderson has publicly posted pictures of love letters and flowers sent to her from Don Jr. and openly documented a luxurious European escape to Italy.

First whispers of her relationship with Don Jr. started in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near the Trump's southern Florida residence.

At the time, the 46-year-old father-of-five was still publicly engaged to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle.

More images of the two together were obtained in mid-December by Daily Mail and just hours later it was revealed that Don Jr.'s relationship with Guilfoyle was over after a four-year engagement.

President-elect Trump then announced Guilfoyle would be his Ambassador to Greece in his next administration.
Two ruthless Iranian judges allegedly responsible for the mass execution of political dissidents in 1988 have been killed in a shooting at the Supereme Court building in Tehran.

Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh were shot Saturday morning after a gunman opened fire in the Supreme Court in a 'planned assassination', according to the judiciary's website.

The shooter is said to have then killed himself following the attack.

State news agency IRNA also reported that one other person was injured in the attack.

The two slain judges are said to have worked on cases 'fighting crimes against national security, espionage and terrorism'.

The motive behind their killing was not immediately clear, but according to the judiciary, the assailant was not involved in any cases before the Supreme Court.

It did not provide further details on the attacker's identity.

An investigation into the incident has been launched, according to authorities.

Two top Iranian judges have been killed in a shooting at the Supereme Court building in Tehran. Pictured: Judge Ali Razini

Mohammad Moghisseh, 68, had been sanctioned by the US in 2019

Members of the police stand in front of the judiciary building after the assassination of the Supreme Court Judges Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini in Tehran, Iran, January 18, 2025

President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences over the deaths, calling on the authorities to act swiftly.

'I strongly urge the security and law enforcement forces to take the necessary measures as soon as possible by examining the dimensions and angles of this reprehensible act and to identify its perpetrators,' he said.

Veteran judge Moghisseh, 68, was sanctioned in 2019 by the United States for having 'overseen countless unfair trails, during which charges went unsubstantiated and evidence was disregarded', according to the US Department of the Treasury.

Razini, 71, held several important positions in Iran's judiciary and was previously targeted in a 1998 assassination attempt by assailants 'who planted a magnetic bomb in his vehicle', according to Mizan.

Though attacks targeting judges are rare, Iran has seen a number of shootings targeting high-profile figures over the past years.

In October, a Shiite Muslim preacher was shot dead in the southern city of Kazeroun after leading Friday prayers.

The motive behind their killing was not immediately clear

Attacks targeting judges are rare, but Iran has seen a number of shootings targeting high-profile figures over the past years

In April 2023, a powerful cleric identified as Abbas Ali Soleimani was also shot dead at a bank in the northern province of Mazandaran.

And in August 2005, renowned Iranian judge Hassan Moghaddas was murdered by two gunmen who climbed into his car in the middle of a busy business district in Tehran.

Two men convicted over his killing were publicly executed by hanging two years later.
Police in Florida are investigating the suspicious death of a mother who was found dead inside a home that was burned down.

Paula Ribeiro, 54, of Deerfield Beach, was found dead inside the remains of her scorched property on Friday morning after a roaring fire broke out around 4:30am.

But police were alarmed when they realized that her body was not found fully burned - indicating that Ribeiro may have been murdered before the house was set ablaze, her daughter Kimberly Silva said.

Neighbors also revealed the haunting detail that they heard screaming coming from the property before it erupted into an orange inferno.

'There was evidence she was murdered before the fire,' Silva told CBS News. Broward Sheriff's Office have not officially called her death a murder.

Ribeiro's two roommates survived the devastating fire. Silva said her mother was having problems with her live-in boyfriend, who was not named. They had been together for six months.

'He's been threatening her,' Silva told CBS News.

A week ago, Ribeiro had temporarily moved out of the home due to her boyfriend troubles, according to the outlet.

'There was evidence she was murdered before the fire,' her daughter Kimberly Silva said. Police have not officially called her death a murder, but have labeled it suspicious. Silva said her mother (pictured) was having problems with her live-in boyfriend

When firefighters arrived at the duplex, they were met with heavy flames and smoke coming from the home, Battalion Chief Michael Kane said

Police have advised the public to be on the 'lookout' for Ribeiro's boyfriend, as he is suspected of having started the fire, according to WSVN.

When firefighters arrived at the duplex, they were met with heavy flames and smoke coming from the home, Battalion Chief Michael Kane said.

'I could see flames to the sky. It was just orange, every little  it was four little windows, and it was just orange,' neighbor Alicia Baiocchi said.

Another neighbor said he heard a 'big boom' coming from the home around 5am.

'I looked outside my window, and I see the house right in front engulfed in flames, and I see all the neighbors outside,' he told WSVN. 'About two minutes later the ambulance came, the firefighters and theyre taking out the fire.'

Firefighters found Ribeiro dead in the back bedroom, Kane said, and neighbors reported hearing her screaming before her death.

The family who live on the other side of the duplex had to escape the home through a window after they were unable to get through the front door, according to WSVN.

Ariana Hunter and Caleasha Harris were two of the people who had to escape through the window.

Paula Ribeiro, 54, of Deerfield Beach - near Fort Lauderdale - was found dead inside the remains of her burnt home on Friday morning after a fire broke out around 4:30am. Her boyfriend, who was not named, is suspected of setting the fire

Another neighbor said he heard a 'big boom' coming from the home around 5am

The family who live on the other side of the duplex had to escape the home through a window after they were unable to get through the front door

'Opened it up, nothing but smoke, couldnt get through there,' Ariana said of the front door.

'I pushed out the screen, we made it out the front of the house,' Caleasha said. 'When we looked back, the window we crawled out of, it was a fire.'

Authorities are still investigating the fire.
Furious Neapolitan locals are attempting to crowdfund the purchasing 'back' of a tiny island in the shadows of Mount Vesuvius after it was listed for sale at over 8million.

The island of Punta Pennata, which spans an area of just 70x500 metres, lays a mere 100 metres offshore the town of Bacoli in the Gulf of Naples.

Despite being a favourite fishing retreat of locals for decades, the rocky peninsula was this month put up for sale by luxury auctioneers Sotheby's.

Residents and officials from neighbouring towns are not simply accepting the island's sale though, with Bacoli mayor Josi Della Rangione leading the campaign to place Punta Pennata under the stewardship of the local community.

Italy as a nation has already dealt with vast levels of overtourism and a plethora of foreign tycoons buying up similarly prime real estate from under local's noses.

In a bid to stop Punta Pennata from falling into the hands of another exorbitantly wealthy businessperson or celebrity, Mr Della Regione has been drumming up support from all over Italy in the hopes that the local community can raise enough funds to 'buy back' the island.

'We'll do crowdfunding, we'll do anything', the Bacoli mayor told The Times.

Describing the island as the Monte Carlo of the Roman era, Mr Della Regione argued that 'the earth (of Punta Pennata) is fertilised by our forefathers', given the presence of a 19th century on the islet.

The island of Punta Pennata, which spans an area of just 70x500 metres, lays a mere 100 metres offshore the town of Bacoli in the Gulf of Naples

Bacoli mayor Josi Della Rangione is leading the campaign to place Punta Pennata under the stewardship of the local community

Following the moving of the island's cemetery back to the mainland in 1886, it fell under the private ownership of a reclusive Naples family who rarely showed any interest in it.

That was until late last year when the unnamed family decided it was time to sell up and cash in.

According to Mr Della Regione though, any would-be buyer would be unable to expand upon the sole 140 square metre building currently on the island due to its strict planning and construction restrictions.

'Not even Bill Gates would be able to open a hotel here', said Mr Della Ragione, who harbours aspirations of one day turning the island into a park for locals.

Private Italian islands such as Punta Pennata have been a must-have accessory on the wish-lists of the uber wealthy ever since Soviet millionaire Rudolf Nureyev purchased the Li Galli islands off the coast of Positano in 1989.

There has been growing political momentum behind the efforts to halt the sale of private islands though, with the head of Italy's Green-Left party, Angelo Bonelli, preventing the sale of Santa Stefano in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Back in November, the Italian politician also blasted plans to sell off the Sicilian island of Capo Passero to a firm which builds holiday resorts for tourists.

Other local-led initiatives aiming to recapture islands for the use of their communities include in the city of Venice where residents have been fighting to take over Poveglia, a tiny island where locals hold picnics away from the centre's thronged streets.

Locals in Venice have been fighting to take over Poveglia, a tiny island where they hold picnics away from the centre's thronged streets

A source of inspiration for Bacoli residents may actually lie thousands of kilometres away in Scotland's northwesterly islands.

Places such as Eigg, Ulva and South Uist have all been brought back into local ownership from landlords over recent years.

It appears the movement headed by Mayor Della Ragione is garnering considerable local backing too, with residents rallying behind his social media posts and voicing their support.

Local council members have also spoken out against the potential sale of Punta Pennata, with the council's head, Francesca Di Meo, stating: 'we have always felt the island was ours'.

She added: 'I am very attached to Bacoli. I have one tattoo, the map co-ordinates of the town, which should tell you how strongly I feel about the place'.
Thousands of people from around the US rallied in DC for women's reproductive rights and other causes they believe are under threat from Donald Trump.

The march reprised the original Women's March days before President-elect Trump's second inauguration.

Eight years after the first Women's March at the start of Trump's first term, protesters said they were caught off guard by Trump's victory.

They were determined to show support remained strong for women's access to abortion, for transgender people, for combating climate change and other issues.

The march is just one of several protests, rallies and vigils focused on abortion, rights, immigration rights and the Israel-Hamas war planned in advance of the inauguration on Monday.

Around the country, more than 350 similar marches are taking place in every state.

Jill Parrish of Austin, Texas, said she initially bought a plane ticket to Washington for what she expected to be Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris's inauguration.

She wound up changing the dates to march in protest ahead of Trump's swearing-in instead, saying the world should know that half of US voters didn't support Trump.

Thousands of people from around the US rallied in DC for women's reproductive rights and other causes they believe are under threat from Donald Trump

They began by marching through the streets of DC before they reached the National Mall

They included a blowup Trump costume depictng him as an orange baby

The march is just one of several protests, rallies and vigils focused on abortion, rights, immigration rights and the Israel-Hamas war planned in advance of the inauguration

Protesters converge on the Lincoln Memorial after marching through the streets of DC and up the National Mall - notably to the other end away from the Capitol

Closer to the front of the crowd near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial shows the Mall filling up

'Most importantly, I'm here to demonstrate my fear, about the state of our democracy,' Parrish said.

Demonstrators staged in squares around Washington ahead of the march, pounding drums and yelling chants under a slate-gray sky and in a chilly wind.

Protesters then marched to the Lincoln Memorial for larger rally and fair, where organizations at the local, state and national level will host information tables.

They held signs with slogans including, 'Save America' and 'Against abortions? Then don't have one' and 'Hate won't win.'

There were brief moments of tension between protesters and Trump supporters. The march paused briefly when a man in a red MAGA hat and a green camo backpack walked into a line of demonstrators at the front.

Police intervened and separated him from the group peacefully as marchers chanted 'We won't take the bait.'

As the protesters approached the Washington Monument, a small group of men in MAGA hats walking in the opposite direction appeared to draw the attention of a protest leader with a megaphone.

Protesters march through DC before they reached the National Mall

A banner calling Trump a dictator is held aloft as march towards the Lincoln Memorial

A sign accuses Trump of rape. A court a year ago awarded E Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages after she sued Trump for claiming she lied about him raping her, and for sexual battery. The court found Trump sexually assaulted Carroll

A woman dresses as a character from The Handmaid's Tale, warning that Trump would take away reproductive freedoms

The crowd also included climate protesters, concerned Trump would undo many of Joe Biden's efforts to lower US emissions

This year, the crowd was far fewer than the expected 50,000 participants, already just one-tenth the size of the first march

The leader veered closer to the group and began chanting 'No Trump, no KKK' through the megaphone. The groups were separated by high black fencing and police officers eventually gathered around.

Rick Glatz, of Manchester, New Hampshire, said he came to Washington for the sake of his four granddaughters: ' I'm a grandpa. And that's why I'm marching.'

Minnesota high school teacher Anna Bergman wore her original pink pussy hat from her time in the 2017 Women's March, a moment that captured the shock and anger of progressives and moderates at Trump's first win.

With Trump coming back now, 'I just wanted to be surrounded by like-minded people on a day like today,' Bergman said.

Rebranded and reorganized, the rally has a new name  the People's March  as a means to broaden support, especially during a reflective moment for progressive organizing after Trump's win in November.

Women outraged over Trump's 2016 presidential win flocked to Washington in 2017 and organized large rallies in cities throughout the country, building the base of a grassroots movement that became known as the Women's March.

The Washington rally alone attracted over 500,000 marchers, and millions more participated in local marches around the country, marking one of the largest single-day demonstrations in US history.

This year, the crowd was far fewer than the expected 50,000 participants, already just one-tenth the size of the first march.

The National Mall in DC fills up with many thousands of protesters

Protesters flood the streets of Washington DC as the march towards the National Mall

Protester holds a sign calling for abortion to stay legal across the US

Protesters cram on to a ledge overlooking the frozen Reflecting Pool on the National Mall

Protesters hold signs declaring solidarity with women and transgender Americans

'I shouldn't have to tell you fascism is bad', this sign declares

The demonstration comes amid a restrained moment of reflection as many progressive voters navigate feelings of exhaustion, disappointment and despair after Harris' loss.

'Before we do anything about democracy, we have to fight our own despair,' said one of the event's first speakers, Rachel O'Leary Carmona, executive director of Women's March.

The comparative quiet contrasts sharply with the white-knuckled fury of the inaugural rally as massive crowds shouted demands over megaphones and marched in response to Trump's first election win.

'The reality is that it's just hard to capture lightning in a bottle,' said Tamika Middleton, managing director at the Women's March.

'It was a really particular moment. In 2017, we had not seen a Trump presidency and the kind of vitriol that that represented.'

The movement fractured after that hugely successful day of protests over accusations that it was not diverse enough.

This year's rebrand as a People's March is the result of an overhaul intended to broaden the group's appeal.

Saturday's demonstration promoted themes related to feminism, racial justice, anti-militarization and other issues and will end with discussions hosted by various social justice organizations.

The People's March is unusual in the 'vast array of issues brought together under one umbrella,' said Jo Reger, a sociology professor who researches social movements at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

Women's suffrage marches, for example, were focused on a specific goal of voting rights.

Climate protesters hold signs along the side of the Reflecting Pool among others

Protest signs connect Trump and Elon Musk with the KKK

A sign referring to a Supreme Court ruling that allowed virtually unlimited political donations

A protester holds a sign above the crowd as it marches along the Mall

The Reflecting Pool is frozen enough for a protester to walk across it as thousands stand either side

A protester holds a sign in solidarity with women and black people

For a broad-based social justice movement such as the march, conflicting visions are impossible to avoid and there is 'immense pressure' for organizers to meet everyone's needs, Reger said.

But she also said some discord isn't necessarily a bad thing.

'Often what it does is bring change and bring in new perspectives, especially of underrepresented voices,' Reger said.

Middleton, of the Women's March, said a massive demonstration like the one in 2017 is not the goal of Saturday's event.

Instead, it's to focus attention on a broader set of issues  women's and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, immigration, climate and democracy  rather than centering it more narrowly around Trump.

'We're not thinking about the march as the endgame,' Middleton said. 'How do we get those folks who show up into organizations and into their political homes so they can keep fighting in their communities long term?'
Rescued hostage Noa Argamani last night said she knows what its like to be left behind as tensions simmered ahead of the planned first release of Israeli captives today.

Noa, 27, said her heart breaks for her boyfriend Avinatan Or, 30, who is among 98 still held in Gaza, and pleaded for them to be freed.

She spoke with Israel on tenterhooks over the proposed ceasefire deal, due to come into force at 6.30am today, amid fears it could yet collapse at the last minute.

Under the agreement, Hamas is meant to be freeing three hostages today in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners and families.

Israelis were due to be told at 4pm yesterday if their loved ones were on the list. But late last night there was still no word, with Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning further delays could collapse the deal.

And underlining how fragile any peace could be, Mr Netanyahu said Israel was treating the ceasefire as temporary and retained the right to continue fighting if necessary.

Tensions were high after an intercepted Houthi missile attack on Israel yesterday morning, continued bombing in Gaza and a terror attack in Tel Aviv.

One man was wounded in a stabbing before the terrorist, identified locally as Salah Yahye, 19, was shot dead.

Noa, 27, pictured, said her heart breaks for her boyfriend Avinatan Or, 30, who is among 98 still held in Gaza , and pleaded for them to be freed

Police officers detain a protester, during a pro-Palestine protest in central London on Saturday

Joining demonstrators was the former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, his former shadow chancellor John McDonnell. Picture: Protesters in London

It came as former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was criticised for leading a pro-Gaza march in London yesterday.

Mr Corbyn and his former shadow chancellor John McDonnell were at the front of the march as it appeared to breach a police line imposed at Trafalgar Square. But a source said the two MPs obeyed police orders.

Neither MP was detained, but police arrested 77 people, including Chris Nineham, vice-chairman of the Stop The War Coalition.

Lord Walney, the Government adviser on political violence and disruption, said: Disturbing footage of sitting MPs apparently defying police to force their way through the security line... It is completely unacceptable to risk inflaming that sensitive situation.

Israel and Hamas signed a deal which will see 33 captives released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, which lasts for 42 days.

The second stage requires the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to withdraw from Gaza, which they will do only if Hamas relinquishes power.

Noa, whose image went viral after featuring on The Mail on Sundays award-winning front page when Hamas struck in October 2023, was among those left behind in the last ceasefire before the IDF rescued her last May.

Following the protests, the Met Police they had arrested 77 people

Noa, pictured, was among those left behind in the last ceasefire before the IDF rescued her last May

She said: I know what its like to be left behind, watching other hostages being released. I know Avinatan is still there... my heart breaks to think he will continue to be there until the second stage of this deal.

'It is absolutely critical we bring all the hostages home.

A source close to the families waiting to hear if their loved ones are coming home said it is absolute torture.

Mandy Damari, the mother of British hostage Emily Damari, has pleaded with aid agencies to get medical care to those captives who must wait to be released.

Palestinian prisoners due to be freed reportedly include Ahmad Barghouti, convicted of supplying weapons for terror attacks, Ahmad al-Shibani, an Islamic Jihad commander who orchestrated a deadly bombing in 2003, and senior figure in the group Adham Younes.

Additional reporting: Abul Taher, Peter Henn and Charlie Faulkner
The City of Melbourne council and Victorian government remain steadfast in their Australia Day policies despite a swell in support for the national holiday.

Victoria will not bring back Melbourne's Australia Day Parade, which was a centrepiece of celebrations up until it was cancelled by former premier Dan Andrews during the Covid period four years ago.

Staff working for the state government and City of Melbourne Council will also continue to have the option to shun Australia Day as a holiday by choosing another day to have off.

Although the City of Melbourne will host traditional citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day the council confirmed it still opposes January 26 as the date of national celebration.

'The City of Melbourne will host nine citizenship ceremonies in 2025  including on January 26,' a council spokesperson told the Herald Sun.

'Under the City of Melbourne's enterprise agreement, employees can substitute any public holiday for an alternative paid leave day of their choice.'

The Victorian government said it will still hold some traditional Australia Day activities including the annual 21-gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance, a RAAF flyover and the Flag Raising Ceremony and Open Day at Government House.

'The Victorian government supports Australia Day and we fund a range of free events for families,' a government spokesman said.

The City of Melbourne council and Victorian government remain steadfast in their Australia Day policies despite a swell in support for the national holiday (pictured, Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast)

'We know the day means different things to different people and that's something we can all be respectful about.'

Earlier this week right-wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs released a poll showing a surge of support for January 26 as Australia Day, particularly among young people.

The survey, which is held annually, found that 69 per cent of 1,002 respondents agreed that the national public holiday should remain on January 26 - a six point increase from 12 months ago.

There was an even more dramatic increase of support from those aged 18-24 with 52 per cent backing January 26 - up from 42 per cent last year.

The poll showed a majority in every age bracket now prefers January 26 as the date for national commemoration.

It also found 86 per cent of respondents were 'proud to be Australian' while 68 per cent agreed that Australia has 'a history to be proud of'.

January 26, which marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney's Port Jackson in 1788, has been labelled Invasion Day by those who see it as a date for mourning the colonisation and dispossession of Indigenous Australians.

IPA deputy executive Director Daniel Wild said the results demonstrated a shift in the vibe and energy surrounding Australia Day.

Although the City of Melbourne will host traditional citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day the council confirmed it still opposes January 26 as the date of national celebration (pictured, an Invasion Day rally held in 2023)

'It is clear that mainstream Australians have had a gutful of this attitude and being put upon by the elites,' Mr Wild said.

'The 26th of January is more than just a date, it represents the establishment of modern Australia as a free and fair country.'

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has flagged he will make the date of Australia Day an election issue by promising to enact laws forcing councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

Daily Mail Australia revealed on Friday more than 150 councils across the country will not be holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day this year.

However, that number may be far higher, given just under two-thirds of Australia's 537 local councils responded to our questions.

Responding councils also revealed that was just one of the measures they were taking to make January 26 feel more inclusive, with some lowering flags to half-mast that day, and others holding healing ceremonies for their new citizens.

In late 2022, the Albanese administration scrapped a previous rule which mandated that councils held citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

At the time, Anthony Albanese insisted there were 'no changes here' but it led to over 80 councils last year deciding to scrap citizenship ceremonies on January 26 in 2023, up from just four a year earlier.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced claims last night that she was being snubbed at home and abroad by powerful rich investors potentially vital to Britains economy.

A record total of millionaires have reportedly quit the UK since Labour won power over its plans to replace the non-dom tax regime.

Non-doms, whose permanent home is abroad, may only pay tax here on money earned in the UK.

The Mail on Sunday can also reveal that Ms Reeves has not got a main speaking slot at the prestigious World Economic Forum which opens tomorrow in Davos, Switzerland.

Not one member of Sir Keir Starmers Cabinet is included on the agenda for the five-day event.

Only last week Ms Reeves insisted she had what it takes to deliver for people in this country.

But yesterday Tories seized on a report that sparked fears her policies were encouraging an exodus of very wealthy foreigners.

There were also concerns that home-grown British entrepreneurs were also packing their bags in the wake of tax hikes in Ms Reevess Budget.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, pictured, faced claims last night that she was being snubbed at home and abroad by powerful rich investors potentially vital to Britains economy. Picture: The then shadow Chancellor in Davos in January 2023

The Mail on Sunday can also reveal that Ms Reeves has not got a main speaking slot at the prestigious World Economic Forum which opens tomorrow in Davos, Switzerland

Global analytics firm New World Wealth says Britain lost a net 10,800 millionaires last year  a 157 per cent increase on 2023, with one millionaire reportedly quitting the country every 45 minutes since the election.

A report in The Times also highlighted concerns that far from raising billions of pounds in extra tax, the non-dom changes will lose Britain money as so many wealthy people will leave and no longer spend their money here.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said last night: Labour say their number one priority is growth and yet their disastrous Budget is driving away the very people who will deliver that growth.

In a further blow to Ms Reeves, she is not listed for any of the more than 900 slots available for panellists and key speakers in Davos  in contrast to her high-profile appearances when she was in Opposition.

Last January, the then Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, pictured, was invited to speak in a key Davos debate on technology

Last January, the then Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was invited to speak in a key Davos debate on technology.

The Treasury said that Ms Reeves would be speaking at a series of private events at Davos with top level attendees from across business and government, as well as at a range of side events and bilateral meetings.

Last night former Tory MP Grant Shapps, who spoke at Davos in 2023 when he was Business Secretary, said: Rachel Reeves attending Davos without even being given a platform to speak underlines Labours fundamental problem: they dont understand business  and the world sees it.

The Treasury spokesman said that it was right that those who can afford to should contribute their fair share to fix the foundations to provide stability and fund public services to drive growth.
Members of Donald Trumps White House team are helping Nigel Farages bid to become Prime Minister in revenge for Labour campaigning for his opponent Kamala Harris.

Mr Trumps key advisers are also debating whether to put Sir Keir Starmer at the back of the queue of world leaders invited to Washington after tomorrows inauguration, with one Trump ally saying the PM was gonna have to eat humble pie if he wanted a speedy visit to the White House.

The new administration could further humiliate Sir Keir by rejecting Lord Mandelsons appointment as Britains ambassador to the US, it was reported last night.

The ally added that Mr Trump had his eye on a UK trip, but was considering circumventing the British Government by asking the Royal Family directly for another state visit.

A senior source in Mr Farages Reform UK, which is neck-and-neck with Labour in the polls, said: We have a deep relationship with the Trump team and talk on a daily basis.

Labour sending its operatives to campaign for Harris in the Presidential election will not be forgotten.

Mr Trumps aides are understood to have met members of Reform UK in Londons elite private members club 5 Hertford Street early last week for talks about boosting the partys election chances.

Mr Trumps key advisers are also debating whether to put Sir Keir Starmer, pictured, at the back of the queue of world leaders invited to Washington after tomorrows inauguration

A senior source in Mr Farages, right, Reform UK, which is neck-and-neck with Labour in the polls, said: We have a deep relationship with the Trump team and talk on a daily basis'

The timing of any official US visit by Sir Keir will be compared to that of Theresa May, who arrived at the White House as Prime Minister just seven days after Mr Trumps first inauguration.

Government sources insisted last night that constructive discussions with the incoming administration were under way over when Sir Keir could visit Washington.

Mr Trumps campaign filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Labour in October, accusing it of blatant foreign interference after the partys head of operations, Sofia Patel, asked for people to travel to the US to campaign for Harris.

A Trump ally told The Mail on Sunday: It was election interference, plain and simple. Who the f*** do these people think they are?

Trumps view is its none of their business what is going on here and they should have kept out.

'How could their meddling possibly achieve anything? It didnt. But its left a nasty taste in the mouth as far as President Trump and his team goes.

'What a f***ing cheek these people have. And it didnt do any good because Kamala was useless and clearly so were they.

Meanwhile, a member of the Trump team told The Independent it was still not certain that the incoming President would accept Lord Mandelson as ambassador.

The new administration could further humiliate Sir Keir by rejecting Lord Mandelsons, pictured, appointment as Britains ambassador to the US

Concerns about the Labour grandees perceived links to China were said to be partly to blame.

Mr Trumps swearing-in tomorrow, which has been moved indoors due to icy weather, will be attended by Mr Farage, along with former Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.

Despite the tensions, Sir Keir told the Financial Times he was building a constructive relationship with Mr Trump, which he hoped would exempt the UK from threatened punitive trade tariffs and drown out the vitriolic attacks on him by Elon Musk, the worlds richest man and a member of Mr Trumps team.

The Trump ally told this newspaper there had been some chat that Sir Keir wanted a meeting in Washington as early as next month, but said: Thats not Donalds priority.

I tell you who he has been talking about  Prince William. He enjoyed their meeting in France [at the re-opening of Notre Dame] and Donald would like another state visit to the UK. He is talking about going through Palace channels.

'Of course that isnt how these things are traditionally set up but Donald doesnt think traditionally.

Keir needs to put his big-boy pants on and realise that dealing with Donald isnt like dealing with anyone else.

Concerns about the Labour grandees perceived links to China were said to be partly to blame. Picture: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Chancellor Rachel Reeves

The Trump ally told this newspaper: 'Donald expects you to kiss the ring. This time around, the President knows what he is doing and who his friends are'

'Donald expects you to kiss the ring. This time around, the President knows what he is doing and who his friends are.

First time around there were clingers on, disingenuous people trying to get alongside for nefarious means.

People like Nigel Farage have proved their loyalty. Liz Truss has been over here several times and the President rates her highly.

Of course, he loves Boris. He makes him laugh. Boris is an alpha male like Donald.

Speaking brutally about Sir Keir, the Trump ally said: No one here knows who he is and, frankly, no one cares. Keir who? Ask most Americans in the street and theyve no idea who he is.

President Trump has excellent UK contacts and he knows he can move through non-diplomatic and non-traditional routes and that suits him just fine.

'He doesnt need Starmer and doesnt care about him. The guy is irrelevant. He will come at some point, of course, but the optics are more important to your guy than they are to Trump.

A Downing Street insider insisted: I dont think Sir Keir or No 10 is overly stressing about when he gets out there.

A Downing Street insider insisted: I dont think Sir Keir, pictured, or No 10 is overly stressing about when he gets out there.

'But he does want to go and I think theres a hunger to make that happen. They [Sir Keir and Mr Trump] have had dinner together, and the PM does speak to him quite a bit.

The insider hinted that the Government was ready to give Mr Trump his desired state visit, which would potentially make him the first elected politician in modern history to have been granted two such trips, hosted by the Royal Family. The late Queen entertained Mr Trump during a three-day visit in 2019.

Despite Sir Keirs remarks to the FT, the Trump ally said: A trade deal with the UK isnt top of Trumps agenda. You guys [in the UK] need it more than we do.

Having said all that Trump does have a sentimental love for the UK  for family reasons mostly [his mother was Scottish]. Hes bringing Churchills bust back into the Oval Office on day one. But hes pragmatic and this time around its all business. What can you do for us? The onus is on the UK to make an attractive trade offer.

Yes, there will always be a special relationship but thats increasingly in the rear view mirror.

Meanwhile, Navin Ramgoolam, the prime minister of Mauritius, has accused the UK Government of trying to fast-track its deal to surrender the Chagos Islands, then backing out as Trumps inauguration loomed following pressure from the incoming President.
The Princess of Wales has toured two elite north London day schools  sparking rumours Prince George could be educated at one of them.

Kate, in remission from cancer, was seen at 10,000-a-term University College School (UCS) in Hampstead just after it closed for the Christmas break.

The same week, Highgate School  just two miles away  was also closed for a special VIP visitor  said to have been the princess.

Her alma mater, Marlborough College in Wiltshire is understood to be the preferred choice for her elder son when he leaves Lambrook School in Berkshire in 18 months.

But Kate and husband Prince William may be keen to explore other options.

Prince George, 11, attends co-educational Lambrook with siblings Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

Kate is thought to be keen to keep them together. And Marlborough, a 59,000-a-year a co-educational boarding school, could take all three.

Prince George is believed to have been offered a place and a house has already been earmarked for him. It is said to be the best option for his security requirements.

The Princess of Wales has toured two elite north London day schools  sparking rumours Prince George could be educated at one of them

Kate, in remission from cancer , was seen at 10,000-a-term University College School (UCS) in Hampstead, pictured

The same week, Highgate School (pictured)  just two miles away  was also closed for a special VIP visitor

Her alma mater, Marlborough College (pictured) in Wiltshire is understood to be the preferred choice for her elder son

Prince George, 11, attends co-educational Lambrook with siblings Princess Charlotte , nine, and Prince Louis , six

A source said while a day school in north London would be an unexpected choice, events of the past year might also have changed the Waleses priorities.

With the year Catherine has had, she may well have thought to herself that she wants to soak up every drop of Georges childhood and tuck him into bed herself each night, the source said.

However, it might not be a surprise, either, if the school visits were linked to Kates work with the Royal Foundation. One of Kates first official engagements after her chemotherapy finished was an Early Years meeting at Windsor Castle in September.

It is a subject close to her heart, and she has said she takes great joy from her work.
Millions of royal fans tuned in from around the world as the American bride Meghan Markle walked down the aisle to say 'I do' to Prince Harry at their fairytale wedding in 2018.

Among the splendour, there was much to catch the eye, including the Duchess of Sussex's minimalist silk 200,000 Givenchy wedding gown.

But her show-stopping 16ft-long veil quickly became a problem, as it got caught when she stepped out of the Rolls-Royce that had taken her to St George's Chapel on that beautiful day on May 19.

Her heel had become tangled and she needed a moment to fix it, but the escorting officer who opened the door offered her no help.

Royal author Tom Bower claims he was told by another officer that he remained unhelpful because of an incident during the wedding rehearsal the previous day, and that 'no one had any feeling of goodwill towards the bride'.

He says the explanation for the officer's actions foreshadowed what was to come.

Eventually Meghan managed to sort out the veil herself and stepped out of the car, but she refused to take the arm of a different escorting officer.

But as well as the veil episode, the car Meghan chose to ride in also raised some eyebrows among royal watchers.

Among the splendour of Meghan's 2018 wedding, there was much to catch the eye, including the Duchess's minimalist silk 200,000 Givenchy wedding gown and its 16ft-long veil

Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland arriving at Windsor Castle

Queen Elizabeth II watches over Meghan during her wedding to Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for her royal wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018

Magnificent in its own right, the maroon-coloured Phantom IV transporting the former Suits actress and her mother Doria Ragland from the Cliveden House Hotel to the chapel had a rather unique history.

It had been used to convey another American divorcee, the Duchess of Windsor, to the funeral of her husband, the Duke, in 1972.

Was there anything significant in the choice? The Duchess of Windsor, a figure at the very heart of the abdication crisis, can hardly have been a welcome comparison as she remained a figure of controversy until her death in 1986.

The Daily Mail's Sebastian Shakespeare asked at the time if it might be a joke in regrettably bad taste.

Only 18 Phantom IVs were built by Rolls-Royce from 1950 to 1956. Other models are in museums and public collections.

It had been built and delivered to the Queen in 1950 when she was still Princess Elizabeth.

Magnificent in its own right, the maroon-coloured Phantom IV transporting Meghan and her mother Doria Ragland from the Cliveden House Hotel to the chapel had a rather unique history

Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for her wedding to Prince Harry

The brief reign of Edward VIII came to an end with his abdication in 1936 after being told by Stanley Baldwin's government that he would not be allowed to marry a divorced woman and remain as King.

He made a broadcast saying he could not do the job of the king 'without the help and support of the woman I love' - the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson.

The pair married on June 3, 1937, at the Chateau de Cande in the Loire Valley but no senior members of the Royal Family attended.

His departure forced his younger brother, the Duke of York, to step up and become King George VI, creating a family wound that never healed.

Meanwhile Meghan and Harry's royal wedding was the source of a number of other controversies, too.

It emerged that there had been a row between Harry and one of the Queen's closest aides over the tiara the duchess wanted to wear at her wedding.

In the lead-up to the big day, the Queen had graciously offered Meghan access to her collection of tiaras during what Harry later described as an 'extraordinary morning'.

She allowed her to try them on in front of her and her devoted dresser and friend Angela Kelly, as well as a royal jewellery expert in her private dressing room.

Edward and Wallis Simpson pose for a portrait after their wedding at the Chateau de Cande, in Monts, France, on June 3, 1937

Wallis (with veil) is driven to the funeral of her husband, the Duke of Windsor, in 1972

But Meghan wanted to try the tiaras on when her hairdresser was visiting as they are quite complicated to wear and require a fitting beforehand, royal expert Richard Eden claimed.

He said something went badly wrong, because when Meghan tried to arrange a fitting with Kelly, it was difficult to agree to a date, and the tone of the messages between the couple and the Palace seemed to annoy Kelly.

Eden thinks Meghan was perhaps accustomed to ordering around underlings on a television shoot and may not have been used to dealing with someone such as Kelly, who - although a servant - was also a confidante of the Queen.

Harry denied in his memoir Spare that he angrily told Kelly, 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets.' He did, however, admit they had been exasperated by the dresser, who 'fixed me with a look that made me shiver'.

He added: 'I could read in her face a clear warning. This isn't over.'

Eden claims the tiara episode was an example of Harry feeling as though Meghan was not given the respect she deserved - setting a bad tone for her relationship with the entire Royal Family.

Meanwhile, Meghan was said to have complained about the mustiness of St George's chapel and wanted it sprayed with air freshener before the ceremony.

Meghan Markle arrives for her wedding to Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018

Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, being driven along Windsor's Long Walk in the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV

In retrospect, the royal wedding could be seen as evidence that Meghan was a young woman who was clearly not going to accept her position quietly.

There was further trouble over the bridesmaids' dresses, which was an early sign of the great tensions to come. It was reported that Meghan had reduced Kate to tears with her manner.

However, the Duchess of Sussex later claimed in her 2021 bombshell interview with Oprah that it was actually Kate who had made her cry.

Although the awkward 'veil-gate' moment was captured by the cameras, looking back, it seems it was just a taste of things bubbling under the surface.
When Kate Middleton and Prince William attended their joint graduation ceremony at St Andrews University, the Vice Chancellor gave a speech that would prove prophetic for the couple.

Vice Chancellor Brian Lang told the audience in 2005 that St Andrews prides itself on being 'Britain's top match-making university' and that one in ten students would go on to marry.

Indeed, Mr Lang's speech was recorded in biographer Katie Nicholl's book Kate: The Future Queen.

And, as predicted, the royal couple tied the knot almost six years later at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

William and Kate first met at the university as students and graduated on the same day in June, with Queen Elizabeth II among the audience.

Both achieved an upper second class degree, William in Geography and Kate in Art History.

Aside from studying, the young students developed a strong relationship with one another mostly away from the pressures of the media and public eye.

After meeting in their first year, they even went on to live with each other and friends before graduating on June 23, 2005.

Ms Nicholl shared Vice Chancellor Brian Lang's speech on William and Kate's graduation day, in her biography, Kate: The Future Queen.

Mr Lang said: 'You will have made lifelong friends. You may have met your husband or wife. Our title as the top matchmaking university in Britain signifies so much that is good about St Andrews, so we rely on you to go forth and multiply.'

Little did he know how 'prophetic' those words would become years later, Ms Nicholl wrote.

The graduation day had been a success and unknown to anyone in attendance, would follow with a royal wedding.

Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth talking with Vice Chancellor Brian Lang after the graduation ceremony at St Andrews in 2005

Kate Middleton and William smiling together on their graduation day in 2005

Kate walking across the auditorium at St Andrews University in June 2005

William's guests at the graduation ceremony included the Queen, Prince Philip, his father Prince Charles and Camilla who all proudly watched on.

He was reportedly too nervous to walk across the hall when his name was called and he instead entered the stage through a side door, strolling with his head shyly bowed down.

The auditorium was full of flashing cameras as he collected his degree certificate with guests hoping to snap a photograph of the prince on his big day, Ms Nicholl wrote.

William's grandmother, the late Queen, beamed and Charles congratulated his son with a kiss and fatherly pat on his back.

Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, were also in the audience and watched as their daughter collected her degree wearing a black mini skirt, white blouse and heels.

Ms Nicholl also describes in her book how Mr Lang said: 'The Queen was wonderful; she was the proud admiring doting grandmother, I remember hearing William say: "Hello Granny, I'm so glad you were able to come".'

The Vice Chancellor explained how the late monarch had been unwell, but still managed to attend.

He added: 'Everything went right that day, thank goodness, because we had the world's press watching us.'

The prince being awarded his upper second class degree in Geography at St Andrews

William wearing his graduation day robes for the ceremony at the Scottish university

Fulfilling the prophecy, the former St Andrews students marry at Westminster Abbey in 2011

However, some questioned if the relationship would survive outside the safe world of university.

William enjoyed the privacy student life offered him, a royal source told the Daily Mail's Rebecca English at the time.

They said: 'William is a very private young man and has relished the anonymity he has been afforded at St Andrews. It has been something of a sanctuary for him.

'While he knows that times must change and that he has some wonderful opportunities ahead of him, he is, understandably, somewhat nervous about what the future holds.'

Christopher Wilson previously revealed in the Mail how both of the couple's families 'sensed the relationship was reaching a crossroads'.

Either their romance would go down in history as a 'university fling' or it would survive and turn into something much bigger.

William reportedly told friends at his graduation, 'I suppose it's time to face the real world'.

The 'real world' came with challenges as the couple navigated life in the public eye and William working as a royal.

The Prince and Princess leaving St Mary's Hospital with new born Prince George in 2013

The couple after the birth of their second child, Princess Charlotte, in 2015

William and Kate smile with their third child, Prince Louis, in 2018

He soon went on to train at Sandhurst Military Academy and was commissioned in 2006. Kate and her family were there to watch him during his passing out ceremony and rumours of an impending engagement began to swirl.

However, in April 2007, William ended the relationship over the phone after having doubts and a strong desire to not rush into marriage.

They rekindled later at a fancy dress party held by their mutual friend, Sam Waley-Cohen, where Kate turned up as a nurse in fishnet tights and a short dress.

After three more years of romance, William and Kate announced their engagement to the world in 2010.

They wed at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 and now have three children together, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - eerily fulfilling the prophecy spoken by their university Vice Chancellor years before.
Sarah Ferguson has admitted she went to 'dark places' as she was diagnosed with two different forms of cancer within months of each other.

The Duchess of York, 65, opened up on her health battle after her breast cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2023 and undergoing a single mastectomy.

She was then hit with another blow being told she had a form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, last January.

The former wife of the Duke of York, described the moment as 'a bomb' and said that her family 'have been an immense support to me through this period'.

Despite joking about her treatment, revealing that she has renamed her reconstructed breast 'Derek', it would appear that the true depth of her double cancer trauma was much harder than first thought.

'It was hard. I'm generally a positive person but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life,' she told The Times.

'One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two in the space of a year. I don't mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.'

Sarah - or 'Fergie' - remains close and still lives with her former scandal-hit husband Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate.

Sarah Ferguson admitted she went to 'dark places' as she was diagnosed with two different forms of cancer within months of each other

Sarah - or 'Fergie' - remains close and still lives with her former scandal-hit husband Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate

Fergie and ex-husband Andrew pictured with their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Following his links to an alleged Chinese spy, Andrew and his ex-wife voluntarily agreed to pull out of the royal Christmas party was not required but it understood the King is grateful towards Sarah for acting as a conduit between him and his younger brother.

The alleged agent, Yang Tengbo, was so close to Andrew that he visited Buckingham Palace twice, and entered St Jamess Palace and Windsor Castle. He was even authorised to act on Andrews behalf to seek investors in China.

Mr Tengbo, who has since been banned from entering the UK after an MI5 investiagtion, has denied being a spy or doing anything illegal. He challenged his ban at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) in July, but lost his appeal last month.

Amidst the alleged Chinese spy scandal, Sarah is thought to have influenced her ex-husband's decision to not attend the royal Christmas party.

Speaking prior to the latest allegations, Fergie professed her undying support for her ex-husband, revealing that she is currently looking after him and 'won't let him down'.

The duchess also discussed her personal experience of mental health problems among men and recently said she acted like a 'carer' when she lived with her father who she described as 'profoundly sad and struggling for many years'

She added: 'I was left to look after a sad man, which is sort of what I'm doing now,' a possible reference to the relationship she has with her ex-husband Andrew.

The duke, 64, was forced to step back from palace duties due to his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and was stripped off his of title, military roles and royal patronages on January 13, 2022 by his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

Amidst the alleged Chinese spy scandal, Sarah is thought to have influenced her Andrew (pictured) decision to not attend the royal Christmas party

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Sandringham for the Christmas Day festivities

Fergie attending the walkabout on Christmas Day last year with other royals last year for the first time since 1992

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson arriving at the memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece at Windsor Castle in February

Sarah also told the story of the son of the duchess's 'oldest and dearest' friends, who took his own life on December 15, 2006.

James Wentworth-Stanley, a 21-year-old Spanish and business studies student at Newcastle University, reported feeling suicidal after a minor operation but was left waiting a few hours after being classed as a low priority at A&E. He took his own life days later.

The duchess, who said she 'adored' James, is the gpdmother to his younger brother Harry and Milford Haven is godmother to her elder daughter, Princess Beatrice.

The suicide rate in the UK has risen to its highest level in over 25 years and is now the leading cause death for men and women aged between 20 and 34, making up for almost a quarter of deaths - more proportionally than any other age group.

She added that she also worries about her daughters, Princess Beatrice, now 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34.

She said: 'You worry about them all the time. I still do now, when they're adults. I think young people today have it harder than ever. Social media is a cesspit and it's very frightening what young people are exposed to.'

Sarah and Prince divorced in 1996 after separating in 1992, but the Duchess has remained close to her ex-husband.

'I've been told by sources on both sides of the fence that she has been instrumental in just being a small, still voice of calm in her dealings with her ex-husband and I've been told that the King does understand it's a very delicate situation,' Royal Editor Rebecca English said on Mail+'s Palace Confidential last moth.

'She has been very loyal to Andrew with all his difficulties over the years, but also to actually be fair to her, has been respectful to the King and the Queen and the late Queen Elizabeth.'
A proposed $25 million, 500-acre housing community may cause home values to surge in one of the hottest - and most affordable - home markets in North Carolina.

For the last decade, housing in Johnston County has been in high demand, leading the southern state in housing growth, going from roughly 68,000 to 84,000 housing units between 2010 and 2020, according to U.S. Census data.

'This is one of the things you see often in areas outside a state capital,' Bonnie White, CEO of Johnston County Association of Realtors exclusively told the DailyMail.com.

'Inevitably, whether it is three years from now or 20 years from now, as that state becomes more popular, which North Carolina has, we see more people moving in.'

Now, not only has the heightened demand led to a rise in housing values, but the proposed 1,400-unit community may also further increase home prices - a trend commonly seen in new builds.

The monstrous new housing development, set for the quaint town of Smithfield, may be good news for homeowners looking to cash out on their 'winnings'.

However, for renters, the prospective housing market increase may spell trouble - only fueling the ongoing affordable housing crisis plaguing Americans.

Simmons and Harris Inc., a Rocky Mount-based real estate company, listed roughly 500 acres off Mallard Road for a whopping $25 million - or $50,000 per acre - for a project they are calling 'Mallard Crossing.'

The massive project includes space for 336 apartments, 431 townhomes and 627 single-family detached homes and aims to fulfill a 'live-work-play' concept.

For the last decade, housing in Johnston County has been in high demand, leading the southern state in housing growth, going from roughly 68,000 to 84,000 housing units between 2010 and 2020, according to U.S. Census data. Pictured: An aerial view of Smithfield, NC

Simmons and Harris Inc., a Rocky Mount-based real estate company, listed roughly 500 acres off Mallard Road for a whopping $25 million - or $50,000 per acre - for a project they are calling 'Mallard Crossing.' Pictured: The land slotted for a new mixed-use development in Smithfield

A project of this size would provide a major boost to Smithfield, whose average home price was $288,454 in 2024 - a 1.1 percent increase from the previous year - according to Zillow.

'We have seen the median home price increase for years now,' White said. 'Recently, we have seen increases of 3 to 5 percent, in some years 10 percent, but the value of home sales in Johnston County is still on that upward trajectory.

'Homes, and especially land, are still increasing in value,' she added.

Like home prices, the average cost of rent in Smithfield increased in 2024 from the previous year, but by much more - 12 percent for an average price of $1,752, according to Apartments.com.

The plan for Mallard Crossing has also invited discussions with national grocers, a national day care organization, local medical providers, retailers and restaurants - all aimed at fulfilling the desired 'live-work-play' concept.

'It's having amenities right there where you can walk, bike or take a short drive over to get what you need,' Benton Moss, owner of Simmons and Harris Inc., told the Triangle Business Journal.

'It's a community rather than just a residential development. So that's kind of what we've been pushing for - what other commercial uses can we have to make it super convenient for residents that will ultimately end up living here.'

Moss also said that ground could be broken on the project 'no sooner than the end of next year, if not early 2026.'

Pictured: Smithfield, whose average home price was $288,454 in 2024 - a 1.1 percent increase from the previous year

Pictured: The nearly 500 acres that will eventually become Mallard's Crossing

He added: 'Some engineering work still needs to be done for the site, as well as extension of public water and sewer infrastructure to the development.'

The colossal project was first approved years ago when the land was rezoned to allow 'for a roughly 2,000-unit residential subdivision,' the TBJ reported.

However, plans never came to fruition as the million-dollar project's developer, Ray Perkins, and his group, NRP Ventures, filed for bankruptcy in 2022.

The vast land set to house the mammoth development is made up of multiple parcels with different owners, according to Johnston County tax records. Simmons and Harris Inc. is representing the owners as their advisor and listing broker, TBJ reported.

With a population just shy of 242,000, Johnston County is bursting at the seams with growth.

'The growth came quicker than I think anyone expected,' White said, adding, 'Although it is a little bit of a shock to some who live in the community to see the amount of homes coming in, it is really going to benefit the community in itself.'

In the last decade, developers and homebuilders alike have been willing to pay a pretty penny to get in on the action as more people continue to funnel into the county.

The strong demand for land and commercial property continues to drive prices up.

A project of this size would provide a major boost to Smithfield, whose average home price was $288,454 in 2024 - a 1.1 percent increase from the previous year - according to Zillow. Pictured: Historic downtown Smithfield, North Carolina

Like home prices, the average cost of rent in Smithfield increased in 2024, up 12 percent from 2023, for an average price of $1,752, according to Apartments.com. Pictured: The Howell Theatre in downtown Smithfield, North Carolina

The high-in-demand county has seen several large listings and purchases since August.

These luxe listing including a $12.4 million sale of an Ashley HomeStore and distribution center, a $2.4 million sale of a Popeyes Lousiana Kitchen and an $8.7 million purchase of 69 vacant lots across two neighborhoods in the southern county.

In 2024, the average cost of living in North Carolina was $38,295 a year, according to Unbiased.com.

The cost of living in the Tar Heel state is expected to increase by 2.5 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, which aligns with the Social Security Administration's Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2025.
A new theory about who built the iconic human-like figures on Easter Island has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community.

Most historians agree that the stone structures were constructed by Polynesians around 900 years ago. However, Graham Hancock, a British writer and explorer, claims they are more than 11,000 years old.

Easter Island is home to approximately 1,000 large stone heads, known as Moai, scattered across the island.

Hancock argues that the island was settled, and the statues were built about 12,000 years ago, with a population remaining on the island to eventually meet the Polynesians.

His theory is based on a study suggesting banana plants were present on Easter Island at least 3,000 years ago. He uses this to argue that the plantsand a pre-existing populationarrived 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age.

'What I am suggesting is that the Polynesians encountered a pre-existing population on that island, evidenced by those banana [remains]... present there at least 3,000 years ago,' he told DailyMail.com.

'And that from that pre-existing population, they inherited the older traditions and songs that we see today.'

Hancock also proposes that the statues on Easter Island are likely much older than the platforms on which many of them sit, suggesting that the two feature different construction techniques.

What IS the origin of the Easter Island statues?: Graham Hancock is pictured in front of the statues which, he argues in his new Netflix series, were made by an ancient civilization that arrived on the island about 12,000 years ago

The claims are part of Hancock's 'Lost Ice Age Civilization' hypothesis, which suggests that a highly advanced ancient civilization existed before the end of the last Ice Age.

This theory has reached millions through the Netflix series 'Ancient Apocalypse.'

However, it has made been criticized by many archaeologists who argue there is insufficient evidence to support Hancock's claims.

According to Hancock, the statues are single, smooth works, while the platforms are much cruder, constructed from shards of stone stacked together.

In one instance, a platform even reuses the head of a Moai statue.

Dr. Dale F. Simpson Jr., an archaeologist who has studied the Moai, refuted Hancock's claims. He pointed out that similar stone statues are found on multiple other islands, including Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands and the Raivavae Islands.

These statues are also positioned similarly to those on Easter Island, with their hands clasped around their bellies and featuring the same elongated figuressuggesting a potential connection between their builders.

'[Easter Island] is one of the most amazing places on planet Earth that I have been to. It is riddled with mystery,' said Dr. Simpson. 'But sometimes, people take micro bits of data and turn them into macro-interpretations to support claims that are not entirely substantiated.'

Easter Island is one of the most remote islands on Earth, located about 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) from the nearest landmass, the Pitcairn Islands, and more than 2,100 miles (3,500 kilometers) from the coast of Chile.

Mr Hancock pointed to the positioning of the heads on the island, saying some were on platforms while others appeared to be scattered at random. He used this to suggest some may have been moved at a later date

The above is a map of the positions of the stone heads on Rapa Nui. Mr Hancock pointed out how some were on stone platforms while others were spread seemingly at random

Both Hancock and archaeologists agree that how anyone ever reached Easter Island is nothing short of a 'miracle.'

However, unlike the academics, Hancock suggests that the island was settled much earlier.

He cites a 2013 study on a soil core from the crater of the island's long-extinct volcano, which indicates that banana plantsa species that could not have crossed the ocean without human interventionwere present on the island 3,000 years ago.

A second study, published in 2008, showed that the island was populated with various shrubs and herbsplants potentially consistent with human habitationaround 14,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, archaeologists raised concerns about the 2013 study, noting that sediments, particularly in waterlogged areas like craters, can shift over time.

This movement could cause remains, such as those of banana plants, to settle into much older layers, creating an inaccurate impression of the island's flora and fauna during a specific period.

Dr Simpson added that evidence shows six species of large, flightless landbirds existed on the island more than 1,000 years agoa finding not typically consistent with human habitation.

Famously, the Dodoa large, flightless birdsurvived on Mauritius for thousands of years but went extinct within 80 years of Dutch sailors' arrival.

Additionally, there is no evidence of pigs, dogs, cattle, or other large animals typically associated with human habitation on Easter Island several thousand years ago.

Easter Island vs Marquessa Islands: The statue on the left is on Easter Island and on the right is from the Marquessa Island, about 3,600 kilometers away. Archaeologists said the two were similar. The statue on the right is dated to about 1,000 years ago, and archaeologists say the one on the left is around 600 years old

The above shows a stone figure in Raivavae, Polynesia. The picture was taken between 1913 and 1915

The above shows the side of the main volcano from which the Easter Island heads were carved

In the Netflix series, Hancock highlights oral traditions on Easter Island that describe people arriving from an island called Hiva, which was flooded and forced its inhabitants to relocate.

Hancock interprets this as a reference to massive floods at the end of the last Ice Age, when global sea levels rose by 400 feet, submerging low-lying and fertile areas where humans likely lived.

He suggests that when the first settlers arrived, Easter Island was likely larger due to lower sea levels and tectonic plate movements. He theorizes that most of the population lived in the now-submerged low-lying areas.

Dr. Simpson countered that extensive research has been conducted in the waters surrounding Easter Island, including diving expeditions in the 1970s and 1980s and scans by the Chilean Navy.

The above shows the stone altar with tight-fitting blocks, that Mr Hancock suggests was built by a different culture

But around the sides and back of the sculpture, it is revealed that the altar is filled in with rubble, not too dissimilar to the other altars on the island. An Easter Island head also lies on its side

These investigations have revealed little evidence of human activity, except for one site used to extract obsidiana glass-like substancelikely after the area was submerged.

No evidence of additional statues or platforms, which might be expected if the island had been inhabited before sea levels rose, has been found.

When DailyMail.com presented the archaeologists' response to Hancock, he said: 'I see nothing in the ecology of the island to rule out a human presence that far back, and I doubt if anyone has looked specifically for evidence of such early settlement.

'I'm not surprised that this legacy iconography turns up in other parts of Polynesia as well as Easter Island.'

However, the Easter Island Moai are so different from the anthropomorphic figures in the Marquesas and Raivavae that I believe they are best understood as having evolved entirely independently from those figures," Hancock said.

"Nonetheless, they share a key element of the iconographic 'DNA' found scattered across the world and throughout historynamely, the hands positioned close to the navel."

Hancock is now preparing for a third season of Ancient Apocalypse, which he hopes will focus on Ancient Egypt.
They've kept people in touch with friends and family for more than a quarter of a century, but the era of SMS messaging may finally be over.

Experts warn that the 'outdated' technology  which was developed in Europe in the 1980s  puts your messages at risk of being intercepted by cybercriminals.

Instead, the public should be using 'encrypted' apps like WhatsApp, which turn your messages into secret code that can only be deciphered by the recipient.

Dan Lattimer, cyber expert at software firm Semperis, told MailOnline: 'SMS lacks encryption, making it more vulnerable to interception, spoofing, and other forms of unauthorised access.

'From a security perspective, transitioning from SMS to encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or others may be prudent, especially when communicating sensitive or personal information.'

John Kingston, cyber security lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, called SMS messaging 'an old technology' and 'therefore vulnerable in more ways than one'.

'SMS has many of the same vulnerabilities that emails do, such as sending fake phishing links or flooding recipients with masses of unwanted messages,' he told MailOnline.

'But SMS messages can actually be intercepted and redirected to another phone.'

As the average millennial will remember, SMS was an integral part of using a mobile phone, whether you had the Nokia 3310, the BlackBerry and the Motorola Razr

SMS, which stands for short message service, was devised in the 1980s but hit its heyday around the turn of century.

It was in December 1992 that the very first SMS message  simply reading 'Merry Christmas'  was sent by British engineer Neil Papworth from his computer to colleague Richard Jarvis, who received it on his Orbitel cordless telephone.

As the average millennial will remember, SMS was an integral part of using a mobile phone, whether you had the Nokia 3310, the BlackBerry or the Motorola Razr.

SMS is typically transmitted over mobile or 'cellular' networks  the vast equipment that enable wireless communication between mobile devices.

But fast-forward 25 years and the technology has been superseded by apps such as WhatsApp, Signal and Signal, which use end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

Now considered a privacy standard, E2EE 'scrambles' messages into code which can only be unlocked and translated by the receiver  and no-one in-between.

SMS messages, on the other hand, are not encrypted end-to-end, which means that they could be intercepted or read by anyone  such as hackers or even your mobile carrier.

'An SMS message is sent in plain text, meaning there is no encryption,' Mr Lattimer, added.

The the very first SMS message - simply reading 'Merry Christmas' - was sent by British engineer Neil Papworth in 1992 (pictured here in a more recent photo). More than 30 years later, SMS messages are still sent by millions all over the world using texts, videos and emojis

The world's first text message was sent in December 1992 by engineer Neil Papworth from his computer to colleague Richard Jarvis and simply said 'Merry Christmas'.

What is end-to-end encryption? End-to-end encryption ensures only the two participants of a chat can read messages, and no-one in between  not even the company that owns the messaging service (such as Meta). It stops data being read or secretly modified when in transit between two parties - the sender and the receiver. End-to-end encryption is not without its controversies, however; children's charities have criticized it for making it harder to detect criminal activity such as pedophilia. Advertisement

'This means that the content of your messages can be easily intercepted and read by unauthorised parties.

'Additionally, your mobile provider stores these messages along with data such as the sender and recipient phone numbers, granting them full access to your communications.'

Mr Lattimer said SMS 'can be considered dated', but permanently abandoning SMS is 'not entirely practical' because it 'continues to serve some essential roles'.

For example, SMS is still helpful for two-factor authentication (2FA)  which sends a code to your smartphone to get into your online accounts.

It also remains 'universally accessible', Mr Lattimer said, in the sense that it can be used in areas where internet connectivity is unreliable.

He added: 'A balanced approach might involve using secure messaging apps whenever possible, especially for private conversations, while reserving SMS for cases where accessibility is a concern.'

'With all older technology it can be modernised and security can be embedded in the future.'

Marc Rivero, researcher at cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, agreed that SMS 'still has its place', while calling it 'outdated in terms of security'.

SMS has largely been superseded by messaging apps like WhatsApp (pictured) which uses end-to-end encryption

Android phones use Google Messages (left) for sending and receiving SMS messages (as well as encrypted messages) while iPhones use iMessage (right)

Tips to stay safe Use encrypted messaging apps where possible, especially if you are sending personal and private information

Never tap on any suspicious-looking links in SMS messages, especially if they've been sent by numbers that you do not recognise

Set up your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) which sends a code to you in an SMS message - proving an extra layer of security during login Advertisement

'SMS works without internet access, on basic phones, and as a fallback for two-factor authentication (2FA) when no alternatives exist,' Mr Rivero said.

'But privacy and security, messaging apps are far superior because of their encryption and protections against interception.'

Meanwhile, Luke Dash, CEO of ISMS.online, said people don't need to stop using SMS entirely, but that 'its a good idea to switch to more secure messaging apps where possible'.

The most popular messaging app with EE2E is Meta's WhatsApp, but other options include Telegram, Signal and even Facebook Messenger.

Android phones have a pre-installed app called Google Messages for sending and receiving messages, while iPhones use iMessage  but both have E2EE too.

The problem is, Google Messages only uses E2EE when it's sending a message to another Android phone, while likewise iMessage only uses E2EE when it's sending to another iPhone.

So if you're sending from Google Messages to iMessage or vice versa, your device will switch to SMS.

That's why the likes of WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal are generally considered more secure options, because they always use E2EE.

Vendors of so-called 'lawful intercept' spyware, such as RCS Lab and NSO, usually claim to only sell to entities that have a legitimate use for surveillanceware such as police forces fighting organised crime or terrorism, Lookout says. However, there have been many reports, especially in recent years, of spyware being misused (file photo)

Sachin Bhatt, technical director at CyXcel, said encrypted platforms like WhatsApp are safer for communication, but 'they are not fully safe'.

He pointed to mobile phone 'spyware'  dodgy software that steals information from a device  including Pegasus created by Israeli cybersecurity firm NSO Group.

'The Pegasus scandal showed that popular end-to-end encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp have also been compromised,' Mr Bhatt said.

'Moreover, with the advancement in quantum computing for intelligence gathering, encryption methods which are believed to be secure today may not be in the near future.

'If threat actors are able to harvest encrypted data, they may be able to later employ sophisticated techniques and methods to decrypt these datasets.'

Danny Howett, technical director at CyXcel, also warned of SMS messages containing links to download malware.

Malware embedded into rogue applications often requests permission to access SMS, allowing attackers to read messages,' he told MailOnline.

'Whilst E2EE apps are less susceptible to interception, users should remain vigilant about device security, phishing attacks, and app settings to maximise protection.'
On a balmy spring morning in 1561, King Felipe II of Spain climbed into his royal carriage in Toledo to embark on a historic 50-mile journey north to Madrid, an undistinguished town of some 9,000 inhabitants that he was to designate the countrys new capital.

Little did the dour, black, doublet-attired Habsburg monarch suspect that in some 460 years time, his new centre of empire was to become the cocktail hub of Spain.

This is but one of many surprises awaiting those of Madrids more than 10million annual visitors who may feel a curiosity to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist sites and imbibe a jug of sangria, that foul concoction invented by 16th-century English mariners in the Caribbean.

For a proper Spanish tipple, head for La Venencia in the ancient, cobbled Calle de Echegaray.

Since opening its doors in 1921, this gloriously dilapidated Sherry bar has not had a lick of paint or replacement of the peeling plaster walls, on which there still hangs a working dial-up phone. Be aware that La Venencia serves nothing but sherry. If you ask for a glass of wine or a beer, they will show you the door.

Other house points to keep in mind: tips will be firmly refused and photos are not allowed.

You select from the five varieties of sherry listed on the wall, your host will make a note on the mahogany bar with a stick of white chalk and your drink will be served with a bowl of olives.

Feeling a bit peckish? Fancy a traditional Madrid sweet?

Madrid experts Jules Stewart and Helen Crisp write: 'Many surprises await those of Madrid's more than 10million annual visitors who may feel a curiosity to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist site.' Above is Plaza de Cibeles

Pictured left are Jules and Helen at the Rosi la Loca cocktail bar (right). It was founded by a Romanian woman who set it up in an abandoned ironmongers shop

A unique confectionery-buying experience awaits at Casa Mira in Calle de San Jeronimo, just around the corner from La Venencia.

Here the giant slabs of turron, a time-honoured almond nougat sweet, are cut to your requirement, wrapped in waxed paper and tied with parcel ribbon.

Next comes the delightfully old-fashioned system whereby the assistant gives you a handwritten invoice to take to the cash desk, where you pay.

Once you have had your invoice stamped you return to pick up your turron from the counter.

An even more quaint confectionery experience is to be found at the Corpus Christi Convent in Plaza del Conde de Miranda, near the Mercado de San Miguel. Buying biscuits from the nuns marks a journey into a strange world of silence.

After buzzing the intercom, there is a feeble beep and the door opens. Because the nuns are cloistered, the torno (a cross between a wooden revolving door and a Lazy Susan), enables them to make the transactions without seeing or being in the same room as their customers. You give your order, the torno turns and out come your biscuits.

A 'unique confectionery-buying experience awaits at Casa Mira', the writers declare. Picture courtesy of Creative Commons picture licensing

The Literary Quarter (above) was once home to Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega and other luminaries of Madrids Golden Age of literature, the writers note

Lope de Vega wrote nearly 2,000 plays in his career and you can take an English-language tour of his home (above) in Calle de Cervantes

Biscuits can be bought from the nuns at the Corpus Christi Convent in Plaza del Conde de Miranda

Another special shop that takes you back in time is Capas Sesena in Calle de la Cruz, makers since 1901 of capes - and only capes. The founders great-grandson, Marcos Sesena, designs and manufactures the capes on the premises.

The list of aristocrats, celebrities and artist customers includes Orson Welles, who famously wore his cape to advertise a brand of sherry. Pablo Picasso left instructions to be buried in his Sesena cape.

The ultimate special shop in Madrid must be the Royal Tapestry Factory in Calle de Fuenterrabia, near the Atocha railway station.

It was founded in 1721 and offers a fascinating window into a large-scale craft enterprise of the sort that exists almost nowhere else today.

For anyone with an interest in textiles and weaving it is a must, with guided tours daily in English. You can even order your own tapestry, made to an original Goya design.

After all that activity, it is time to visit one of Madrids unique cocktail bars.

The first stop might be Rosi la Loca in Calle de Cadiz, founded by a Romanian woman married to a Spaniard, who called her a loca (crazy person) when she came up with the idea of opening the bar in an abandoned ironmongers shop.

Since this first venture, the mysterious Rosi, who few have ever laid eyes on, has launched four more imaginatively themed emporiums in the area, Brutal Bar Valle Inclan, Lovo and Calle 365, all within staggering distance of one another around the Calle de Echegaray.

Capas Sesena in Calle de la Cruz, makers since 1901 of capes - and only capes. Picture courtesy of Juan Antonio Segal and Creative Commons picture licensing

The ultimate special shop in Madrid is the Royal Tapestry Factory (above) in Calle de Fuenterrabia. Picture courtesy of Creative Commons picture licensing

A good place to end the night (or not) is the Josephine Baker-themed Lovo, where you can sip cocktails until the 5:00am closing hour.

It is time for a pre-dinner stroll through the Barrio de las Letras, the Literary Quarter once home to Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega and other luminaries of Madrids Golden Age of literature.

Lope wrote nearly 2,000 plays in his career and you can take an English-language tour of his home in Calle de Cervantes, named after his next-door neighbour.

It is said that a leisurely ramble from the Plaza Mayor to Plaza Tirso de Molina takes you past more bars than are to be found in Norway.

And there are excellent places for dinner nearby.

La Huerta de Tudela in Calle del Prado and Julian de Tolosa in Cava Baja are inspired by the matchless vegetable dishes and seafood of the northern region of Navarre.

It is after supper at the former restaurant that we take a stroll along the Calle de Alcala to arrive at Plaza de Cibeles.

It is nearly midnight and we have an early return flight to London the following morning.

Jules and Helen end their trip to Madrid with a 'cooling glass of cava' at Cafe Gijon

Jules and Helen describe Madrid as 'the cocktail hub of Spain'

Jules has written three books on Madrid. His latest tome is Cadiz: The Story of Europe's Oldest City, co-authored with Helen

Without giving it a second thought, rather than continue along the street to our hotel, we turn left along the tree-lined Paseo de Recoletos to the landmark centenarian Cafe Gijon, where inside the Monday-night poetry reading, a tradition masterminded by the waiter-poet Jose Barcena, is in full swing.

Outside on the terrace, the pianist is playing a medley of classic Broadway show tunes.

This calls for a cooling glass of cava.

Yes, it is late, but the pianist has begun accompanying the ivories with a rich basso rendition of Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific.

The couples strolling hand-in-hand along the Paseo de Recoletos, the laughter of the group of friends at the next table, who have just ordered another bottle of Rioja and who understand that one day every one of us will be twanging a harp  this Madrid moment brings to mind what the poet John Dryden said about moments such as this: Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.

Helen Crisp and Jules Stewart are the authors of Cadiz: The Story of Europe's Oldest City, released by Hurst Publishers in November 2024. Jules has also written Madrid: Midnight City (with Helen Crisp); Madrid: The History; and Madrid: A Literary Guide for Travellers.
Julia Morris has been hit with diva rumours yet again as sources from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia reveal a recent budget cut has sparked some 'big meltdowns'.

The comedian, 56, who has hosted the star-studded series since its debut in 2015, is said to be furious that her 'backstage requests' have been 'halved'.

Insiders working closely with the show told Daily Mail Australia that the TV presenter has had to 'give up her luxuries' to keep within budget this year.

'The upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity has been facing some setbacks due to "budget issues" and everyone has been affected by the tightening of the belt,' one Network Ten source claimed.

'Let's just say that a few people known for their previous demands were not happy.

'Ten doesn't have the budget they once had and some of the long standing crew and Julia Morris have noticed that the 11th series is far from the "big budget production" it once was.'

Julia Morris, 56, (pictured) has been hit with diva behaviour rumours yet again as sources from I'm A Celebrity Australia reveal a recent budget cut has sparked some 'big meltdowns'

A former producer of the series said the money being spent to 'lavish' hosts Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brownwho has since been replaced with Robert Irwinand 'lure' celebrities to I'm A Celebrity in its early years 'was quite ridiculous'.

'That era was all before streaming platforms started to cannibalise the free to air networks,' they added.

'When I'm a Celeb started, Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris were living polar opposite lives to the 'celebrities' in "the jungle" and that was kind of done on purpose.

'It was hilarious to watch Julia with perfect hair and perfect nails from the salon and with different designer dresses each night while the likes of Chrissie Swan and Shane Warne would fester away in camp.

'Wearing the same clothes and in desperate need of a toothbrush! That juxtaposition was perfectly curated.'

Another casting producer said hosting I'm A Celebrity was once 'one of the most sought after gigs in Australian TV history'.

'That all changed when ITV Studios Australia were handed half the budget they were accustomed to for this upcoming series,' they alleged.

'[The 2025 season] is going to be massively affected and that hasn't gone down well.

The comedian, 56, who has hosted the star-studded series since its debut in 2015, is said to be furious that her 'backstage requests' have been 'halved'

'Julia has had her backstage requests halved and that hasn't been an easy conversation for the producers that are accustomed to treating the long standing host like a queen,' the insider added.

They went on to say that the 'mantra' on set of the once popular reality TV series is that if the show is to continue, then 'everyone on board has to give up their luxuries'.

The source said: 'However, I don't think Julia was aware of some of those usual sweeteners being axed.

'The extras to keep Julia happy during the filming of the annual series have all but dried up and I don't think this is the dream job it once was.'

Another former producer remarked: 'I would dare say the people who have been on this show since day one will be the ones throwing the biggest tantrums.'

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Julia and Network Ten for further comment.

It's not the first time insider claims have emerged about Julia's alleged 'diva' behaviour on set of I'm A Celebrity Australia.

The media personality is said to have locked horns with producers on the series before former co-host Dr Chris, 46, left for a Channel Seven gig in 2023.

Insiders working closely with the show told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that the TV presenter has had to 'give up her luxuries' to remain within budget this year. Pictured with former co-host Dr Chris Brown

Sources told Daily Mail Australia in March 2024 that Julia was throwing tantrums on set if she didn't get her way, leading to tensions between the two stars.

And insider claimed there were times when Dr Chris was asked to host segments of the show on his own when Julia refused to come out of the trailer.

'Julia would often throw tantrums on set if she didn't get her way,' the source said.

'One day in particular she refused to return to set if she didn't get a rather obscure "feather joke" away.

'Leaving Dr Chris to be asked to go on solo if the debate wasn't resolved.'

They went on to say Julia's tantrums may not 'be as easy to hide' with Chris' replacement host Robert Irwin, who took his place in 2023.

'If Julia acts like a child again and leaves a 20-year-old to pick up the pieces it probably won't be as easy to hide,' the insider said.

Chris was allegedly very tolerant of Julia and her quirks, and was considered the key ingredient to making their dynamic work on the Channel Ten show.

'Julia has had her backstage requests halved and that hasn't been an easy conversation for the producers that are accustomed to treating the long standing host like a queen,' the insider said

However, Julia was said to have been 'disappointed' when Chris decided to leave their award-winning series to host new rival Seven show Dream House.

'[Chris] was quite disappointed to hear that Julia had addressed his departure publicly,' the source added.

'That wasn't how he saw their relationship and it certainly has impacted their friendship moving forward.

'In fact it has highlighted some old wounds from their time together over the 9 years.'
She recently sparked concern with her dishevelled appearance in worrying new photos on Monday.

Taryn Manning, who is renowned for her starring roles in Orange Is The New Black and Crossroads alongside Britney Spears, looked a far cry from her glamorous red carpet looks.

And it's not the first time the Hollywood actress, 46, has raised concern as she's previously shocked fans with multiple bizarre rants and out of character Instagram posts.

Recently fans have feared if Taryn is on a downward spiral following a random dance video in her living room.

One wrote in her comments: 'I love Taryn. But anyone else feel a little sick to their stomach watching this. Not sure why I feel that way. Its like an anxious feeling.'

In 2023, Taryn was seen roaming around Palm Springs in her underwear while holding her dog.

It followed shortly after she defended convicted rapist Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women in the early 2000s.

She has also been in a long feud with her makeup artist Holly Hartman, whom have had a number of violent incidents over the years.

Here, MailOnline takes a look inside Taryn's downward spiral.

Taryn Manning, 46, recently sparked concern with her dishevelled appearance in worrying new photos on Monday

The Hollywood actress, 46, who is renowned for her starring roles in Orange Is The New Black and Crossroads alongside Britney Spears, looked a far cry from her glamorous red carpet looks

In 2023 (pictured) Taryn was seen roaming around Palm Springs in her underwear while holding her dog

And it's not the first time the Hollywood actress has raised concern as she's previously shocked fans with multiple bizarre rants and out of character Instagram posts

Recently fans have feared if Taryn is on a downward spiral following a random dance video in her living room - Here, MailOnline takes a look inside Taryn's downward spiral

Worrying new photos

Taryn looked markedly different from her previous public outings, looking unrecognizable as she posed at night while sitting on the trunk of a car with a Trump/Vance sticker on Monday.

She was far from her red carpet glamour, appearing disoriented and with a visible red scratch on her hand.

Taryn, who starred as Tiffany 'Pennsatucky' Doggett in the hit Netflix series, wore a white t-shirt featuring the logo of punk band Suicidal Tendencies.

A white zip-up hoodie jacket, which she paired with white joggers, partially covered her unkempt hair.

The 8 Mile star drew attention to a red mark on her hand while adjusting her sweatpants.

Bizarre rant about married man

In 2023, Taryn sparked concern after the star posted a three minute video detailing graphic sexual acts she had performed on an unnamed married lover - and later posted a statement apologising

She said she had an affair with a married man who originally claimed he would leave his wife, and she shared her video after he allegedly refused to do so. Taryn apologised for airing the conflict publicly and said she hoped to find a healthier relationship

In 2023, Taryn sparked concern after the star posted a three minute video detailing graphic sexual acts she had performed on an unnamed married lover - and later posted a statement apologising.

In the now-deleted clip, she detailed how she performed alleged sexual acts on the man, wanted to buy him a boat, and claimed his wife threatened her with a restraining order.

The Orange Is The New Black star, who played Tiffany Doggett in the Netflix show, shared a simple text post to her Instagram account in which she said she was dealing with 'a lot of guilt' from sharing the original video, in which she claimed the wife of the man she was allegedly having an affair with was trying to get a restraining order against her.

The clip particularly concerned many of her fans, as she filmed it in her car and was clearly slurring her words as she recorded it.

She included explicit descriptions of alleged sex acts with the man, including 'l*****g his b******e because he liked it,' and she described buying him a boat because she was so smitten with him.

'Over the past few days, I've had some time to reflect on the situation I've been dealing with,' she began her statement. 'I was deeply hurt and handled things on a public platform when I should've just dealt with them quietly with the support of my close friends and family.'

Taryn went on to claim that she had been 'deeply hurt' and admitted she should have 'just dealt' with the issue 'quietly with the support of my close friends and family,' rather than posting on a 'public platform.'

She even claimed that she considered just lying about the incident before allegedly coming clean.

'I felt a lot of Guilt After exposing everything and thought maybe the best resolution to the situation would be to say I lied about it all, but that is not the truth,' she continued.

'She went on to say that she had begun an affair with 'somebody who was married and told me he would leave his wife,' she continued, adding, 'In the end, I found out that wasn't possible.'

Taryn said she considered herself an 'ethical and kind person,' and said she knew 'what I did was wrong.'

However, she said 'the heart makes you do crazy things sometimes.'

'I am sorry for exposing my situation; I am not sorry for how I love,' she said, noting that she hoped to find 'somebody who cherishes me the way I adore them.

She said she was looking for 'a healthy type of love,' and 'a love that isn't so blind that it forces me to be somebody I'm not. With all this said, I am asking everyone to please give me my privacy so I can heal and mend my heart. Thank you,' she concluded.

Bizarre underwear outing

Taryn sparked concern while stepping out in her underwear in Palm Springs in 2023.

The star was seen walking around Palm Springs with her dog in her arms, wearing black underwear and a crop top, adding a jacket and red mini boots.

Her shock underwear outing came shortly after she defended convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Defends Danny Masterson after his rape conviction

Her shock underwear outing in 2023 came shortly after she defended convicted rapist Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women in the early 2000s (Danny pictured in 2017)

She went on to slam Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis (seen with Danny in 2000) for issuing an apology for writing character reference letters for their former co-star

Danny was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women in the early 2000s.

In a Instagram video uploaded to her account, the actress slammed the public for 'crucifying' the actor for making a 'mistake.'

'There's no human on this planet that doesn't deserve to have the best life and to be happy and free because you are made in the image of the good Lord, made perfectly just the way you are,' she told her more than 1 million Instagram followers.

Taryn expressed outrage over the public 'crucifying' Masterson for his 'mistake.'

'He made a mistake, but everyone just keep going, keep crucifying him, as if he's not already suffering,' she said, before urging critics to 'leave him alone.'

She went on to slam Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis for issuing an apology for writing character reference letters for their former co-star.

In the footage, she accused the the couple of humiliating somebody that she 'actually really loved and cared for.'

Troubled relationship with her makeup artist

Back in 2012, the Static Codes actress was arrested for allegedly attacking her makeup artist Holly Hartman (Pictured in Beverly Hills in June 2011)

Back in 2012, the Static Codes actress was arrested for allegedly attacking her makeup artist Holly Hartman.

She spent the night in jail on misdemeanor charges of assault and strangulation. Taryn was subsequently sentenced to one day of community service.

The charges were later dropped due to her good behavior over the following six months.

In 2015, the assistant and makeup artist filed for a restraining order in Los Angeles.

Holly claimed Taryn had put her in a headlock, headbutted her in the face, whipped her with a wet towel and sprayed Windex in her eyes and mouth, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

The judge in LA denied the restraining order because the alleged attacks reportedly took place in New York, which had jurisdiction.

In 2014, the Hustle & Flow actress had another brush with the law for 'violating her restraining order and making criminal threats against her former roommate, Jeanine Heller,' according to CBS News.

Breakdown

Taryn was previously taken to psychiatric hospital Silver Hill in nearby Connecticut in 2016, after suffering a breakdown on the Orange Is the New Black set, as per The Hollywood Reporter (pictured in Orange Is The New Black)

She checked out after two days, but later worked with a sober companion for a month (pictured in 2017)

Taryn was previously taken to psychiatric hospital Silver Hill in nearby Connecticut in 2016, after suffering a breakdown on the Orange Is the New Black set, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

She checked out after two days, but later worked with a sober companion for a month.

At the time she stated she 'doesnt have a problem, nor does she partake in drugs of any kind.'

'I've never even seen methamphetamine. Nothing. Never. I'm not saying Ive never done drugs.

'I've made it clear [on Instagram] that I used to do a bump [of cocaine] here and there, but not anymore,' she told the publication, adding, 'I call it the devil's dandruff  can't stand it.'
Kylie Jenner has been labelled a climate criminal after she posted a statement about relief efforts amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles just hours after her private jet made its 11th flight since January 1.

Despite the growing backlash against stars including her sister Kim Kardashian over excessive flying, the reality star-turned-business woman appears to have made no plans to minimise her usage in 2025.

In fact, her luxury 70 million aircraft has flown 11 times since the start of the year, with the jet making three flights in one day on January 16.

Based on statistics tracked by CelebrityJets, the flights have emitted around 162 tons of CO2 emissions to date.

It is the equivalent of the electricity use of 33 homes for one year, according to the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

Four out of 11 flights were under one hour, with the jet spending a shockingly short 15 minutes in the air on one of those journeys.

Kylie Jenner has been criticised after she posted a statement about relief efforts amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles just hours after her jet made its 11th flight since January 1

The billionaire, 27, was branded a 'climate criminal' over her jet use with the $70 million aircraft making three flights in one day on January 16

The jet has also flown eight times since the catastrophic wildfires broke out on January 7.

It made one of its shortest trips on January 9 when it was in the air for 15 minutes, flying between Los Angeles and Camarillo, both in California.

The trip emitted one ton of CO2 emissions and used 120 gallons of jet fuel.

Three days later it took off again, this time for a slightly longer 36 minute flight to Palm Springs, emitting a further three tonnes of CO2 at a cost of $1,555.

Hours later, Kylie took off for London to support boyfriend Timothee Chalamet at the premiere of his new Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, where ironically the actor appeared to swerve a car in favour of a Lime bike for his red carpet arrival.

Making the most of their time in Europe, the loved-up couple then jumped back on the jet for a 47 minute flight across the Channel to Paris, France.

The journey emitted four tonnes of CO2 and 361 gallons of jet fuel at a cost of $2,000, nearly six times the price of a single premier ticket for the Eurostar which takes just under three hours.

On her way back to America, the jet stopped at Fargo, North Dakota, then Rifle, Colorado, before finishing in Teterboro, New Jersey, tallying up three flights in 24 hours.

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Four out of 11 flights were under one hour, with the jet spending a shockingly short 15 minutes in the air on one of those journeys (pictured on board with daughter Stormi and sister Khloe)

Kylie took off for London to support boyfriend Timothee Chalamet at the premiere of his new Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, where ironically the actor opted for a Lime bike

The actor, 29, has come under fire from fans for using her jet (pictured at the Golden Globes 2025)

Her arrival coincided with a post from her Kylie Cosmetics Instagram account, promising to donate skincare, body, hair and makeup products to help provide items that help teens in Altadena feel confident and like themselves again.

The statement read: We are truly heartbroken to see the devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles. Watching so many people forced to evacuate and hearing the stories of those who have lost everything is deeply saddening and difficult to comprehend.

The post, which garnered 21,000 likes, sparked a backlash over her jet use, with one follower telling her to use your power accordingly.

Taking a private jet to Paris, which contributes to the warmer weather and wild fires in LA, and we know you do this many times a year, and then put a bandaid on middle class LA fire victims with your lotion, is horrific, they wrote.

The billionaire mum-of-two purchased the Bombardier Global 7500 jet in 2020 for a rumoured $72.8 million and fashioned every seat with Hermes blankets.

She took 195 flights in 2024, according to Celebrity Private Jet Tracker.

Fury around her jet use has been exacerbated in the face of multiple fires which have turned huge swathes of Southern California into an inferno, with 40,000 acres reduced to ash and 27 people dead.

Her statement about the fires in LA coincided with the jets 11th flight, sparking a backlash over her flying, with one follower telling her to use your power accordingly

They dont care. They will never care. Kylie sharing donation links is performative, wrote one furious person on Reddit.

Kylie is so fake how is she going to share things about the LA fires when shes a big contributor towards the fires starting in the first place with the overuse of her private jet and shes been using her jet for days while the fires are still happening. Worms for brains.

Its not the first time that Jenner has been accused of eco-terrorism.

In summer 2022, she was slammed for taking a 12-minute flight on her private jet  for a 26-mile journey that would have taken just 39 minutes by car.

The revelation followed a string of posts from the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star urging her fans to go green to save the planet.

She had consistently plugged the eco-friendly products she buys for her daughter Stormi.

She previously told her followers that she was going 'vegan and clean' with her products because it was 'time to elevate.'

Jenner is among a host of stars who have drawn criticism from environmental activists and the media over their excessive jet use.

Pop powerhouse Taylor Swift was named the biggest celebrity CO2 polluter of the year in 2022, with DailyMail.com exposing the number of flights she was taking as she embarked on her whirlwind romance with Travis Kelce back in 2023.
They say couples that workout together, stay together.

And it appears Tom Holland and Zendaya are in it for the long haul as the newly engaged couple have signed up for a 300 a month luxury gym together.

The couple, both 28, reside together in South-West London leafy suburb Richmond in a 2.5 million house Tom bought in 2018.

In the seven years since, the couple have been frequently spotted quietly enjoying the anonymity that the area grants them, including going for dog walks in Hampton Court, shopping at Waitrose and eating at local pubs.

Now grounding their roots even more, the newly engaged couple have started the new year like many  signing up to a gym.

Sources have told The Mail on Sunday that the pair joined luxury celebrity gym Third Space Richmond at the beginning of the year, just being a stone's throw away from their house.

It appears Tom Holland and Zendaya are in it for the long haul as the newly engaged couple have signed up for a 300 a month luxury gym together (pictured in Richmond in 2023)

Sources have told The Mail on Sunday that the pair joined luxury celebrity gym Third Space Richmond at the beginning of the year

Only opening this week to the public, they will be joining celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson, 52, and Rosie Huntinton-Whiteley, 37, who also workout in the same gym.

Although, Mr Holland might find himself in one awkward run-in whilst on the treadmill as his fellow Spiderman actor Andrew Garfield, 41, is also a member.

Garfield played Spiderman in 2012 and 2014 and also made an appearance in the 2021 version alongside Holland, No Way Home.

Tom Holland then took over the role in 2017 and will star in the new 2026 Spider Man, alongside girlfriend Zendaya again.

Described as a wellness and workout retreat, Third Space offers a spa and pool as well as gym space and classes.

Pilates studios, a cafe, a running track and a hydropool, the couple will be feeling right at home.

There is also a cycle studio which suits the couple well as they've already admitted to enjoying spin classes.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live last year, Zendaya revealed she and Mr Holland had nearly once got a speeding ticket.

'Tom and I were rushing to a spin class, with his mother,' she said.

The couple, both 28, reside together in South-West London leafy suburb Richmond in a 2.5 million house Tom Holland bought in 2018

Richmond's riverfront - stacked with coffee shops and swish restaurants - has wooed plenty of celebrities west

Now grounding their roots even more, the newly engaged couple have started the new year like many  signing up to a gym

Only opening this week to the public, they will be joining celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson, 52, and Rosie Huntinton-Whiteley, 37, who also workout in the same gym

Described as a wellness and workout retreat, Third Space offers a spa and pool as well as gym space and classes

There is also a cycle studio which suits the couple well as they've already admitted to enjoying spin classes

Ther gym boasts a huge pool area for members to enjoy a swim

News of their reported engagement came after Zendaya sparked engagement rumors when she flashed a massive diamond ring on her wedding finger at the Golden Globes

'He was going to do the spin class, but we were going a little fast. They recognised that he was Spider-Man, and we were fine. We got a warning, and everything was okay.'

News of their reported engagement came after Zendaya sparked engagement rumors when she flashed a massive diamond ring on her wedding finger at the Golden Globes two weeks ago.

At the event, she was seen showing off her cushion-cut 5-carat diamond to friends and colleagues that rushed to congratulate her.

The ring is said to be by the fashionable New Zealand-born and London-based jeweler, Jessica McCormack, and estimated to be worth over $200,000.

Zendaya and Tom met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017 but have mostly kept their relationship out of the public eye.

And just a month before he got down on one knee and proposed to the two-time Emmy winner the couple also made the decision to get each other's first initials inked to their bodies.

While the Euphoria star gave a glimpse of her tiny lowercase 'T' tat as she walked the red carpet in a stunning Louis Vuitton gown at the Golden Globes, Mr Holland is also said to have a 'Z' on his ribcage.
Casey O'Gorman 'casually' revealed to his fellow Love Island: All Stars contestants that he had already slept with Tina Stinnes when she arrived in the villa

The reality star, 28, is appearing on the spin-off version of the ITV2 show, and when series two contestant Tina, 29, arrived on Friday night, he slipped in a candid confession that the pair knew each other from their reality television past.

As the blonde beauty strode into the villa, he said: 'I've slept with her...'

Casey - who initially appeared on the 2023 edition of Love Island - sent shockwaves around the set with his confession.

He said: 'We were both on Made In Chelsea together, and we hooked up literally on the first night of Antigua.

'Maybe the second night, and then...not again. And then...'

Casey O'Gorman revealed to his fellow Love Island: All Stars contestants that he had already slept with Tina Stinnes when she arrived in the villa

The reality star, 28, is appearing on the spin-off version of the ITV2 show and when series two contestant Tina, 29, arrived on Friday night, he slipped in a candid confession

When asked by his co-star Scott Thomas - who previously dated Tina - if there was a connection, he replied: 'There was on the night!'

During a chat with the girls around the fire pit, Tina admitted that the fling hadn't been serious.

Viewers at home were also surprised at the admission and flooded social media with their reactions.

However, some were not impressed with how Casey had made the decision to 'blurt it out' in front of everyone, including his couple Gabby.

One wrote on X:'Casey giving everyone who cares to listen the full low down of his adventures with Tina is so cringe #LoveIsland'

Another said: 'Sorry but why is Casey telling everyone he slept with Tina?! Like ????? #LoveIsland'

A third said: 'Is it just me or was is immature for Casey to blurt out he slept with Tina. Marking his territory!

'It's very little boy energy'

When Tina coyly told the girls that she 'already knew Casey' from outside the villa, her co-stars were shocked at the confession

Asked by his co-star Scott Thomas - who previously dated Tina - if there was a connection, Casey replied: 'There was on the night!

Viewers at home were also surprised at the admission and flooded social media with their reactions

Tina Stinnes made her bombshell arrival as part pf Friday's episode of Love Island All Stars

Tina entered as a bombshell on series 2 and had eyes for Scott back then

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

Just before her arrival in the villa, Tina was reunited with her former flame Scott on a date.

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.

'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.'

Tune in from 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Eric Dane was spotted on a romantic date night with new girlfriend, Priya Jain, as they grabbed a bite to eat in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The Grey's Anatomy alum, 52  who was first spotted with the actress and model, 27, late last year in November  strolled arm-in-arm with Jain during the lowkey excursion together.

It comes six years after his shock divorce from Rebecca Gayheart following 14 years of marriage. The former couple co-parent their two teenage daughters: Billie, 14, and Georgia, 13.

Dane kept it casual wearing a pair of gray sweatpants as well as a printed white shirt.

The actor layered the ensemble with a brown jacket that was left unbuttoned at the front and completed the look with a cap placed on top of his head.

Jain  who stars in the upcoming survival thriller Not Without Hope alongside Zachary Levi  was effortlessly chic in a pair of light blue denim jeans and a dark navy sweater.

Eric Dane, 52, was spotted on a romantic date night with new girlfriend, Priya Jain, 27, as they grabbed a bite to eat in Los Angeles on Thursday

The model slipped into a pair of closed-toed, white heels and carried a large white purse over her left shoulder to hold items she needed during the night out.

Her brunette locks were pulled back into a simple ponytail to prevent loose strands from falling onto her face.

Eric and Priya cozied up together as they made their way down a sidewalk in the city, and later held a lighthearted conversation inside a restaurant.

The pair first sparked relationship rumors when they were seen at a celebrity sushi spot in West Hollywood last year in November 2024.

The two stars held big smiles on their faces as they left the popular eatery and headed to their next destination.

While Eric and Priya have been spotted on a few occasions, they have yet to publicly comment on their budding romance.

Priya has starred in a number of projects in the industry, including the TV movie Cruel Intentions (2016) and the miniseries Knock Out (2023).

According to her IMDB page, the beauty has also taken on roles in six upcoming productions, such as the disaster horror film Deep Water with Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley.

cozied up together as they made their way down a sidewalk in the city, and later held a lighthearted conversation inside a restaurant

Jain - who stars in the upcoming survival thriller Not Without Hope alongside Zachary Levi - was effortlessly chic in a pair of light blue denim jeans and a dark navy sweater

Jain is also represented by Evolve X Modeling Agency and is the founder and designer of the clothing brand, Naked Lynx

Jain is also represented by Evolve X Modeling Agency and is the founder and designer of the clothing brand, Naked Lynx.

The items are described as 'luxury resort wear' designed by Priya, per the official website.

The Euphoria actor's new relationship comes six years after his split from ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

He said 'I do' to the Scream 2 actress in 2004 until she filed for divorce in 2018 and cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the split.

The star also had requested both joint legal and physical custody of their two daughters.

At the time of the separation, Dane issued a statement to People which read: 'After 14 years together we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family.'

'We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us.'

In 2019, Rebecca opened up about moving on following the divorce and focusing on positively raising their kids.

The Euphoria actor's new relationship comes six years after his split from ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The former couple co-parent their two teenage daughters: Billie, 14, and Georgia, 13; seen in 2017 in L.A.

'There's a new normal for me and my family,' the Jawbreaker actress told People. 'And it's taken us a little bit to get that down. Not going to lie, it hasn't been easy.'

'But I think what's exciting is what's ahead because there are so many different things that could happen now. I mean, we have so many options, and the good news is my kids are happy and healthy.'

Gayheart added, 'My ex Eric and I, we are friends and we are doing our best to co-parent and maintain a family, even though we're not married...'

'And I think we're doing a pretty good job of it. Life is just good. There are so many exciting things happening.'

Back in 2022, the former couple notably reunited during a lavish European getaway with their daughters.

The following year, Eric and Rebecca were also seen holding hands during a family vacation in Cabo  which had sparked reconciliation rumors at the time.

Dane is also known for his roles in projects such as Cal Jacobs in the HBO Max series, Euphoria. The third season of the show is slated to kick off production early this year.

He has also starred in Burlesque (2010), Bad Boys: Ride Or Die (2024), and Grey's Anatomy.

'We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us,' he said in a statement at the time; seen with daughters Billie and Georgia in L.A. in May 2024

He played Dr. Mark Sloan in the medical drama from season three until he was written out of the show after the eighth season.

While on the Armchair Expert podcast in June 2024, Eric talked about the reasoning behind his departure and said, 'I didn't leave so much as I think I was let go.'

When questioned about his past drug and alcohol addiction, Dane admitted, 'I was struggling. They didn't let me go because of that, although it definitely didn't help.'

'I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on the show, you start to become very expensive for the network.'

He added, 'And the network knows that the show is going to do what it's going to do irrespective of who they keep on it  as long as they have their Grey they were fine.'

Dane had been sober leading up to being cast on Grey's Anatomy, but relapsed back in 2007 at the time of the Writer's Guild of America strike.

'I wasn't the same guy they had hired, so I had understood when I was let go and [show creator] Shonda Rhimes was really great,' the actor explained. 'She protected us fiercely. She protected us publicly, she protected us privately.'

Dane is also known for his roles in projects such as Cal Jacobs in the HBO Max series, Euphoria. The third season of the show is slated to kick off production early this year; seen in 2022 in Denver

While on the Armchair Expert podcast in June 2024, Eric talked about the reasoning behind his departure and said, 'I didn't leave so much as I think I was let go'

'I love Shonda Rhimes and she protected me but I was probably fired. It wasn't ceremoniously like, "You're fired," it was just like, "You're not coming back."'

The father-of-two continued, 'If you take the whole eight years I was on Grey's Anatomy, I was f**ked up longer than I was sober and that was when things started going sideways for me.'

He also attributed to his sudden rise to fame as the cause for him to step away from being sober.

'It was overwhelming, and I think I just wanted to pretend that it wasn't and that I was comfortable with it. Act like you've been there, but you haven't been there.'
Melissa George has shared a sweet tribute to director David Lynch following his death aged 78.

The auteur's family announced the devastating news via social media on Thursday that he had died after a battle with emphysema.

George, who starred in Lynch's 2001 thriller Mulholland Drive took to Instagram on Friday to share her grief over the director's passing.

She shared an image from the film that showed her locked in a passionate embrace with co-star Laura Elena Harring.

Captioning the image, George revealed that working with the lauded director had been the pinnacle of her 30 year acting career.

'Such a heavy heart to know you are no longer with us,' she wrote.

'Working with you David was the greatest highlight of my career. I will miss you.'

The tribute was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers including George's former Home and Away co-star Debra Lawrence.

Melissa George has shared a sweet tribute to director David Lynch after his death at 78

'Thinking of you dear one,' Debra, who played Pippa Ross from 1990 to 1998 on the iconic soap, said.

Others were quick to praise Lynch's directorial genius, particularly evident in the critically lauded Mulholland Drive.

'Had to watch this iconic film last night. Can imagine what a force it must have been working with him,' one fan wrote.

Another added: 'Iconic. So proud of you & that you will always live in the David Lynch universe.'

'What an incredible creator. I'm sorry for your loss. He was one of the greatest and most inspirational directors of ALL TIME.'

In the iconic thriller, Melissa starred alongside fellow Australian Naomi Watts in the role of the film's antagonist Camilla Rhodes - or at least the Mulholland Drive dream-world version of the actress.

The role, her third US feature, further propelled the former Home and Away star's career Stateside, with subsequent big screen role in the likes of 30 Days of Night and LA Confidential.

The auteur's family announced the devastating news that he had died, aged 78, after a battle with emphysema, via social media on Thursday

George, who starred in Lynch's 2001 thriller Mulholland Drive took to Instagram on Friday to share her grief over the director's passing

George has also appeared in such small screen fare as Friends, Grey's Anatomy, he Good Wife and, most recently, The Mosquito Coast.

Speaking with Deadline in 2021, George revealed the unusual way she was cast in the film.

'The way I got that part was I arrived off a flight from Australia, and I went to meet Johanna Ray whos cast all of his movies, from Blue Velvet, to all of them,' she revealed.

'I went into her office. I was 19 years old, and she took a polaroid of me. That was it, there was no casting.

'David Lynch put the polaroid pictures on a table, and he basically meditated on our faces and he came to my face and said, "This is the girl."'

'I mean, I had the iconic line in the movie, "This is the girl." I didnt have to do much.'

Melissa added that she was confused about the plot of the cryptic thriller, and a conversation with the auteur did nothing to clear things up.

'At one point, I asked him what the film was about, and he said, "Whatever you think its about is what its about."'

'Such a heavy heart to know you are no longer with us,' she wrote. 'Working with you David was the greatest highlight of my career. I will miss you.' Melissa is pictured in a scene from Mulholland Drive

In the iconic thriller, Melissa starred alongside felow Australian Naomi Watts in the role of the film's antagonist Camilla Rhodes - or at least the Mulholland Drive dream-world version of the actress. Melissa is pictured with co-star Laura Elena Harring

"And Im like, "Yeah that doesnt help me a lot, but thank you."'

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.
Tori Spelling revealed what she had grabbed during the chaotic evacuation from her home amid the deadly L.A. wildfires with her 'panicked' five children and beloved pets.

The TV personality, 51  who previously opened up about fleeing the Kenneth Fire last week  further reflected on the experience during the new episode of her MisSpelling podcast on Friday.

The catastrophic infernos began last week on Tuesday in the Pacific Palisades, and have destroyed over 12,000 structures  with the death toll now at 27, per CBS News.

'When we evacuated and fled, we just literally, we did the best we could, I would say, in 30 minutes or less,' the star expressed to her listeners.

'In 30 minutes or less, we packed up six lives and three animals... I don't know how we did it, honestly.'

Her daughter Stella, 16  whom Tori labeled as her 'co-parent'  assisted her siblings Liam, 17, Hattie, 13, Finn, 12, and Beau, seven, to quickly pack what they could. She notably shares her kids with ex Dean McDermott.

Tori Spelling, 51, revealed what she had grabbed during the chaotic evacuation from her home amid the deadly L.A. wildfires with her 'panicked' five children and beloved pets

Spelling admitted that once she was in her closet, she 'froze' and said, 'Here's me, self-professed hoarder my whole life, and...it could be gone. In the moment, I was like, "I don't know what to take."'

Tori shared that she took a DIY Los Angeles shirt that she was already wearing and a 1985 jacket from her private elementary school.

She also swiftly took a seashell that was from her uncle, as well as crystals for 'good energy' and her contacts.

'I'd rather my kids grab things they want than me,' she said, and added that there was not enough space in the vehicle to put any suitcases.

'Who cares about me?  I looked down at my Louboutin's and my Balenciaga shoes, and I said, "What does it matter?"'

Spelling also grabbed pet food, water and family photos before heading to the car which was 'stuffed' full and small arguments 'started breaking out.'

'I said, "Listen, everyone has a different way of handling things and what's important to them. If we can get it in the car, let's get it in the car,' she continued.

'We packed everyone in. Everyone was saying, "I can't move. I can't breathe." And my daughter said, "Mom, you're not gonna be able to see out the back."'

'When we evacuated and fled, we just literally, we did the best we could, I would say, in 30 minutes or less,' the star expressed to her listeners

Her daughter Stella, 16  whom Tori labeled as her 'co-parent'  assisted her siblings Liam, 17, Hattie, 13, Finn, 12, and Beau, seven, to quickly pack what they could. She notably shares her kids with ex Dean McDermott

'I mean, I don't even know how we got ourselves packed into that car. It was like Tetris on the next level  and not in a good way. It was just jammed in,' the Beverly Hills, 90210 actress recalled.

As Tori and her family left their home, she remembers 'driving right into the fire' while heading to an Airbnb.

'I looked and we could see the fire. And all of a sudden, smoke was coming through the vents, and I said to the kids, "Everyone grab a t-shirt."'

'And I said, "Put it over your mouth, hold your breath, and we're driving right through it." And they were panicked,' Tori added of the frightening moment.

'As we were literally driving on the freeway, my kids covering their faces with T-shirts and holding their breath, I couldn't help but think like, "God. I've seen this movie."'

The actress continued, 'But we drove through. We drove past it. The kids were able to breathe again.'

While the star's home survived the fires, her mother Candy Spelling's $23 million Malibu beach house was destroyed.

She told TMZ, 'I'm in shock and processing this massive loss for our family. I am beyond grateful for the memories. It was truly a wonderful gift to have.'

Tori shared that she took a DIY Los Angeles shirt that she was already wearing and a 1985 jacket from her private elementary school; seen in December 2024 in L.A.

While the star's home survived the fires, her mother Candy Spelling's $23 million Malibu beach house was destroyed; Tori and her mom seen above

A number of residents and celebrities lost their homes in the fires, including Miles Teller, Billy Crystal, Jeff Bridges, Paris Hilton, Tina Knowles, Joshua Jackson and Anthony Hopkins.

Last week, Tori also shared an emotional and harrowing account of her family's home evacuation on Instagram.

In the heart-wrenching post, Tori admitted that she had been avoiding addressing the the fires on social media, feeling that the space was already filled with 'amazing kindness, sorrowful loss, helpful shares, and pleas.'

But, when her and her five children were forced to evacuate their Woodland Hills rental home, she could no longer remain silent.

'The post I didn't want to have to do days of watching destruction and monitoring and living in fear,' she penned in the lengthy caption.

'I haven't posted or shared bc social media was saturated. amazing kindness , sorrowful loss, helpful shares, and pleas. I didn't want to be redundant.'

'But, last night we were evacuated. I tried my best to hang in there and not just flee to flee but we had too finally. My hearts are w/everyone who have lost and suffered so much. But, as a mama bear w/5 kiddos & fur babies your gut tells you when it's time to take action.'

The Dancing with the Stars alum also revealed that despite being encouraged to evacuate sooner by pals, she did not take immediate action  which she now regrets, urging others to not make the same mistake.

She continued: 'And, all the amazing apps and LIVES that have been keeping us updated. In a SUV me and 5 kids, 3 large dogs, 1 cat, and a ferret left unplanned. Friends who care, told me for days to pack and have a plan. I should have listened.'

The star then revealed that she, her children and furry friends fled the area with no idea where to go, but a pal with connections to Airbnb set them up with temporary housing.

Last week, Tori also shared an emotional and harrowing account of her family's home evacuation on Instagram; taken of the Kenneth Fire on January 9

'The post I didn't want to have to do days of watching destruction and monitoring and living in fear,' she penned in the lengthy caption

Tori added, 'I fit us all in barely. No clothes. But grabbed photo albums. And fled. In a non planned panic I reached out to my friend I made recently Jami Schwartz.'

'She had mentioned at Iheart jingle ball in December she works with @airbnb .i knew it was a long shot but as I just drove my kids onto the 101 N with no plan she responded! @airbnb saved us!'

'Literally! They stepped in and found something to house our massive family and pets and same night. Jami and Taylor I will forever be grateful! With terrified kids and one w/terrible asthmaI drove.'

Describing the daunting journey, Tori recalled how her children questioned her decision making at the time as he she appeared to drive right into the inferno.

With smoke seeping through the vents of their car, Tori urged her kids to cover their faces before proceeding to speed her family to safety.

She said: 'My kids said "Mom. You sure we should go this way? Freeway is standstill other direction. We are headed right into the fires."'

'Indeed we were. Mother instinct took over and I pressed on north on 101. As we drove literally thru it and smoke coming thru car vents I told my children to take a deep breath and hold and put T-shirts over their noses and mouths.'

Thanks to Tori's connections at Airbnb's, she and her youngsters found a place to stay that Tori described as featuring a koi pond and a monarch butterfly sanctuary

She went on, 'I said then "This is scary but hopeful. We will drive thru it and past. It will be ok. I promise you all" We pressed on. Leaving behind a burning LA. Indeed we were ok. We are some of the lucky ones. It looked and felt like a movie Id seen too many times.'

Thanks to Tori's connections at Airbnb's, she and her youngsters found a place to stay that Tori described as featuring a koi pond and a monarch butterfly sanctuary.

Since February of 2024, the blonde vixen has lived in a two-story, five-bedroom, three-bath home in Woodland Hills, California, with her children.

She moved to the rental home after going public with her divorce from her husband of 17 years, Dean McDermott.
Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are set to make a huge comeback together, years after their last joint venture.

The beloved couple, married since 1986, became household names as co-hosts of their iconic show Richard and Judy.

While Judy, 76, has largely stepped away from the spotlight, Richard, 67, remains a regular face on This Morning.

Now, after years apart professionally, the duo hints at an exciting new project together.

The power duo might soon launch their own line of underwear, having trademarked their name for a variety of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, and more.

This week, the Intellectual Property Office published the application.

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are set to make a huge comeback together, years after their last joint venture (pictured in 2019)

The beloved couple, married since 1986, became household names as co-hosts of their iconic show Richard and Judy (pictured in 1990)

The couple originally trademarked 'Richard and Judy' in 2000 and renewed it late last year, paving the way for their latest business endeavor.

This bold move might have been inspired by Judys infamous wardrobe mishap at the 2000 National Television Awards, where she accidentally flashed her bra.

'Judy's bra flash was perhaps one of the outstanding moments of their career and may have inspired the couple to consider underwear as an option - and clearly they still think so,' said an insider, as reported by the Mirror.

'But it's not the only product they'll be able to put their name on and they could make a mint.'

Representatives for Richard and Judy have been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

The pair first met back in the 80s while working at ITV Granada Television, before going on to tie the knot in 1986.

Richard and Judy recently reflected upon their relationship in their Channel 5 documentary, Our Best Bits - In Our Own Words, which aired in summer.

They spoke about the first time they met at Granada and the initial chemistry between them.

The power duo might soon launch their own line of underwear, having trademarked their name for a variety of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, and more (pictured in 2020)

This bold move might have been inspired by Judys infamous wardrobe mishap at the 2000 National Television Awards, where she accidentally flashed her bra

At the time Judy was wedded to journalist David Henshaw and Richard was in the midst of separating from his first wife Lynda.

Judy said: 'I remember you coming into the newsroom on your first day, you were wearing a ridiculous sky blue suit... you just looked like a pr**.

'I was assigned as your minder, they had a system at Grenada that the newbie would be assigned a father or a mother to show them the ropes literally, and I was your mother.'

Reminiscing, Richard said: 'I suddenly felt two hands on the back of my neck and I heard this voice saying ''I'm your mummy'' and I turned around and it was this beautiful blonde.

'It seemed an off thing to say so I was like ''what??'' So yeah she was my assigned mummy.'

Opening up about their first kiss the pair revealed it was after a working day in Blackpool in the back of a black cab.

'We were filming in Blackpool, we spend a very long day filming promos, we really hit it off. We ended up getting a black cab, because the crew had gone, we went back to Manchester which was a good hours drive.

'It was in the darkness of the cab that we kind of fell for each other really, and kissed.'

The pair first met back in the 80s while working at ITV Granada Television, before going on to tie the knot in 1986

It comes after their daughter Chloe revealed that her parents have 'really struggled' at times during their marriage (Pictured in 2013)

The couple married then welcomed children Jack and Chloe, while also carving out a successful presenting career together, fronting shows including This Morning and their very own teatime magazine show.

And in a new interview, daughter Chloe, 37 opened up about how her parents have navigated their four-decade long relationship as she divulged the secret to their long-lasting union.

When asked how her folks had sustained such a lengthy marriage, she told Closer magazine: 'They would honestly say the same thing - that the secret to them having such a long marriage is to not get divorced.

'Theyve been together for over 40 years and during that time there have been periods where they have really struggled, but they kept going and stayed together. I dont think it was ever bad enough for them to split.'
Despite being an internationally famous supermodel, Irina Shayk found herself being upstaged during her latest New York stroll.

The 39-year-old fashionista was spotted Friday strutting her stuff in Manhattan, radiating her usual glamour as she pounded the pavement.

Sharpening her unmistakable features with makeup, she accessorized with sleek black sunglasses and rounded off the look with leather boots.

She was accompanied by a female friend who matched her in a long black anorak, well-suited to winter in the American northeast.

But the show was stolen by Irina's adorable little dog, who was being walked by her gal pal as the two women made their way down the sidewalk.

Decked out in a sweet little silver puffer jacket, the pooch had a presence all its own as it scampered along with the two humans.

Despite being an internationally famous supermodel, Irina Shayk found herself being upstaged during her latest New York stroll

Adding another dimension to the furry fun, Irina was carrying a fuzzy pink purse that featured a large stuffed bunny's face on one side, complete with long floppy ears.

At another point that day, irina was seen out and about with Lea De Seine, the seven-year-old daughter she shares with her ex Bradley Cooper.

Irina has a starry dating history including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kanye West, and was also linked to Tom Brady after the collapse of his marriage to Gisele Bundchen.

Bradley and Irina were first linked in 2015 before going public as a couple in 2016, welcoming their little girl in 2017 and then parting ways two years later.

Shortly after their breakup it emerged they had decided to split custody and to both remain based in New York in order to make joint parenting easier, via TMZ.

In fact she and Bradley are such close co-parents that they have made sure to live just blocks apart in Greenwich Village in order to raise their daughter.

'He's a full-on, hands-on dad - no nanny,' Irina told Highsnobiety. 'Lea went on holiday with him for almost two weeks - I didn't call them once.'

Irina has explained that she and Bradley 'always find a way' to align their work schedules with their parenting responsibilities, in an interview with Elle.

The show was stolen by Irina's adorable little dog, who was being walked by her gal pal as the two women made their way down the sidewalk

At another point that day, irina was seen out and about with Lea De Seine, the seven-year-old daughter she shares with her ex Bradley Cooper

'Hes the best father Lea and I could dream of. It always works, but it always works because we make it work,' she gushed.

Irina, who hails from an industrial Soviet town on the foothills of the Urals, noted that she and Bradley hoped to provide their daughter with an ordinary upbringing in spite of their celebrity, as they themselves both had 'normal backgrounds.'

Bradley has been linked to Gigi since October 2023, and the pair have often been spotted out in public enjoying interludes together.

Near the beginning of this year, Bradley gave an interview to the British Film Institute and remarked on the glare of public scrutiny on his personal life.

'I definitely think I'm a private person,' he reflected. 'But you almost sort of have to give over to the fact that it's impossible to be private these days.'

The Hangover star acknowledged: 'So it's more about acceptance of the reality, instead of creating my own reality that doesn't exist.'
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have responded to the backlash they received for getting donations after losing their home in the Los Angeles fires.

Beginning last Tuesday, the Los Angeles area was struck by its worst windstorms in over a decade, fueling fires that have destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least 27 lives, though the full death toll is not yet known.

One blaze in the ritzy Pacific Palisades consumed a number of celebrity homes, including Heidi and Spencer's $2.5 million house in the neighborhood.

They fled the disaster area with their two young sons Gunner, six, and Ryker, two, leaving most of their personal belongings behind.

Although Heidi, 38, and Spencer, 41, did not solicit donations themselves, two of their TikTok friends created a GoFundMe for them - eliciting outrage from social media users who pointed out that many less privileged people had also lost their homes.

In reply to the blowback, Spencer insisted he and Heidi are 'not rich,' adding that no one was 'required' to give money to them and 'it's not a tax,' via Us Weekly.

Spencer is pictured on Friday of last week in an Instagram photo he took in front of some of the ruins that were left by the fires ravaging Los Angeles

'Speidi,' as they are known to fans, first rose to fame as a reality TV couple on The Hills, which concluded its run on MTV in 2010.

Along with the over $134,000 they netted from the GoFundMe, they have also been earning money - Spencer, for example, has been selling his Pratt Daddy Crystals.

Heidi's fans meanwhile have been streaming her 2010 album Superficial so enthusiastically that her single single I'll Do It reached number one on iTunes US.

She had a little bit of help from other celebrities, as her music was boosted on social media by Paris Hilton - who also lost a home to the fires - and Emily Ratajkowski.

Spencer has taken a defiant stance to the backlash over the GoFundMe, saying: 'Were very used to negative things, so its pretty standard. If people want to send their own money to whoever they want, its the equivalent to buying a celebritys merch, buying their movie tickets.'

He added: 'People can do whatever they want with their own money and, thank God, theres people who want to support and send us whatever.'

Spencer noted: 'Nobodys required to, and its not a tax. People can say whatever they want and theyre entitled to their opinion. But, all the people that are messaging, theyre asking to send money, theyre asking to do the Amazon wishlist.'

He pointed out that it was his TikTok friends who 'created a GoFundMe on their own and it just kept on doing great and so amazing. And then they transferred it over to us. Were so thankful for them doing that and they set up the Amazon wishlist.'

Heidi and Spencer were also criticized for breaking down in tears while discussing the loss of their home this Wednesday on Good Morning America

Spencer meanwhile shared: 'The worst was like, sorry, our kids' room is like so magical,' adding: 'We do storytime every night'

Heidi said she and Spencer were against soliciting money on a crowdfunding platform, but 'our friends Brandon and Courtney were like: "We dont care what you say. We know people who want to donate money to you and even if its one donation thats going to help you."'

She iterated: 'So, we had no expectation of anyone donating. I havent posted it, but weve had so many people wanting to give $5.'

Spencer pointed out many people donated small amounts like $5, which is 'a coffee for somebody, so somebody bought us a coffee,' though he added: 'Theres some people that its a bigger number and I thanked every single person.'

Turning his attention to his 'haters,' he said: 'Nobody thought we were rich celebrities until three days ago and its getting frustrating. Like if you Google "Spencer," it literally [says]: "Broke, no net worth."'

He continued: 'So now our house burns down, my parents house burns down [and] now were rich celebrities, which is infuriating because the media, respectfully, has never called us celebrities [and] never called us rich.'

Spencer maintained: 'Theres nobody with a brain [who] thinks were rich celebrities. Its like these are just hater people trolling. The people [who] are supporting us and have been following our lifestyle on social media, they see were not rich celebrities.'

The fans, he said, 'see what we do every day. We have been posting our life on Snapchat for the last 11 years, all day long. Our audience knows were not rich celebrities, they know we just eat Mexican food and we get organic eggs and they know we do it. We film everything.'

He shared: 'We put all of our money into our house and our life to build something for our kids to put in their name and every detail we just kept on every year for the last eight years. Our house was 3,000 square feet. It is not a mansion in the Palisades.'

They fled the disaster area with their two young sons Gunner, six, and Ryker, two, leaving most of their personal belongings behind; the family are pictured last month

'Speidi,' as they are known to fans, first rose to fame as a reality TV couple on The Hills, which concluded its run on MTV in 2010; pictured 2019

Spencer wistfully recalled: 'Everything was perfect from the stoves to the washing machines. Thats all we put our money into  and then we go and eat nice groceries at Erewhon. But our life was like: "Put our money into our house, eat clean groceries and thats it." We go on one trip a year to see Heidis parents in Colorado.'

He doubled down: 'Any money we make from any TV opportunities or social media opportunities is just check to check. So the whole like: "Oh, Heidi and Spencer [are] these rich celebrities ask for money." I wish I was a rich celebrity, I keep saying Id be in Cabo right now eating tacos.'

Heidi and Spencer were also criticized for breaking down in tears while discussing the loss of their home this Wednesday on Good Morning America.

'Spencer was like, "Grab anything you want to keep." And I was like, "How do you choose?"' Heidi recalled in tears on the program.

'Like, my brain actually stopped working because I was so overwhelmed with so many things you can't replace. So I grabbed my kids' teddy bears.'

She called her home 'a refuge from the world and to have that be gone is a really difficult concept to continue to daily deal with.'

Spencer meanwhile shared: 'The worst was like, sorry, our kids' room is like so magical. We do storytime every night. It's such our routine, so much love is in there.'

He added: 'I feel like a ghost. I don't have a single photo now before an iPhone existed. I don't have any of the dumb little things that are on your shelves in your parents' house. They're all gone, not a single nothing.'
Steve-O used Instagram to show off a quirky haircut he received from Mark Wahlberg on Thursday.

Sharing a selfie with his 7.4 million followers, the 50-year-old Jackass alum wrote, 'I got a rad haircut from @markwahlberg to match his character in Flight Risk (in theaters everywhere January 24).

Referencing his podcast, the former MTV personality added, 'And we sat down to record todays new episode of @wildride (link in bio). Talk about a @wildride!'

During the podcast sit-down, he and the 53-year-old actor chatted about the Wahlberg's forthcoming thriller, in which he plays pilot and hitman Daryl Booth.

A video clip shared online shows the Boston native shaving Steve's  full name Stephen Gilchrist Glover  head down the middle, leaving hair on the sides to resemble Booth.

Discussing his transformation into Daryl, Mark told Steve this week, 'I had to test it a couple of times. When I went home, my wife was terrified. The kids didn't want to see me.'

Steve-O used Instagram to show off a quirky haircut he received from Mark Wahlberg on Thursday

According to an account from Men's Journal, he praised the stuntman, known for pulling edgy pranks, for committing to the striking, part-bald haircut.

'I've just gotta say that I'm so impressed because I wanted to do the haircut for real. First of all, I don't want to sit in that makeup chair putting on a wig and a bald cap and all the s**t,' he noted.

And he added, 'I know a lot of guys who are bald and always embraced it  my dad, for one.'

The A-list actor continued, 'So I'm hoping this is going to carry on a trend.

'Steve is going to be the first one to say "Hey, in support of the movie, he wants to do it." And then I thought, when I first came to him, I said, "This guy's done everything. There's nothing he's scared of."'

Steve's post has been a hit with his social media followers, so far racking up more than 130,000 likes.

Earlier this month Mark shared a similar video showing his head being shaved down the center in a behind-the-scenes snippet.

'I'm a little worried but it's gonna come back,' he said to the person recording, adding, 'Oh yeah. F**k you lookin at? ...It'll come off.'

A video clip shared online shows the Boston native shaving Steve's, full name Stephen Gilchrist Glover, head down the middle, leaving hair on the sides to resemble Mark's Flight Risk character Daryl Booth

Referencing his podcast, the former MTV personality wrote in his Instagram caption, 'We sat down to record todays new episode of @wildride (link in bio). Talk about a @wildride!'

He wrote in an Instagram caption, 'Check out @flightriskmovie Keeping it real, no bald cap. NO CAP.'

According to the official website, the forthcoming action movie sees Wahlberg act as pilot tasked with transporting a U.S. Marshal to New York City.

The site teases a suspenseful journey during which 'tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.'

Wahlberg told People about shaving his head last June, 'There was no bald cap. I shaved the middle and left the horseshoe around the sides.

'We just shaved it. [Crew hairdressers] would shave the top as close to the scalp as possible every day, obviously, because we didn't have any stubble or anything. So I just hid it with a hat.'
Zooey Deschanel shared stark before-and-after photos of her childhood home on Friday, now gone after the devastating LA fires.

The New Girl star, 45, took to Instagram to post the emotional photos, joining a growing number of celebrities who have lost their homes in the devastation sweeping through the region.

The photos captured her Pacific Palisades home in its prime, showcasing its stunning 1920s Spanish Revival architecture, alongside another image of the same spot now reduced to nothing but ash and rubble.

'My childhood home. A marvel of 1920s Spanish Revival architecture,' Zooey began. 'Full of too many incredible memories to count,' Zooey captioned the post. 'It was one of the oldest homes in the Palisades and so spectacularly beautiful.'

'It wasn't a mansion, but it was cozy and lovely, unique, and perfect to me,' she continued. 'The Christmas dinners, Easter egg hunts, trick-or-treating, weddings, birthdays, baby showers we celebrated the best moments of our lives there.'

She shared throwback photos of her family enjoying the property, including her sister Emily Deschanel, best known for her role on Bones.

Zooey Deschanel shared stark before-and-after photos of her childhood home on Friday, now gone after the devastating LA fires; (seen in April 2024)

 Slide me  The photos captured her Pacific Palisades home in its prime, showcasing its stunning 1920s Spanish Revival architecture, alongside another image of the same spot now reduced to nothing but ash and rubble

'The family photos that lined the hallways, the artwork, the piano I learned to play on, the wedding china, the furniture my great-great-grandfather built the reminders of generations past,' Zooey added.

'All have vanished into thin air.'

Recognizing the widespread loss, she expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from both friends and strangers.

She thanked everyone who stepped up to help, whether by offering meals, clothes, or emotional support.

The actress also gave a shout-out to the firefighters, calling them 'true heroes,' and emphasized how the kindness of the community has made this tough time a little easier to bear.

Zooey wrapped up by saying just how much all the kind gestures have meant to her and her family.

'Thank you all for showing us the goodness in your hearts. You have no idea how much it means to us,' she said.

As the fires continue to rage, Zooey and many others are left grappling with the heartbreaking loss of their homes in one of the hardest-hit areas of Los Angeles.

She shared throwback photos of her family enjoying the property

One photo including her sister Emily Deschanel, best known for her role on Bones

'It wasn't a mansion, but it was cozy and lovely, unique, and perfect to me,' she continued. 'The Christmas dinners, Easter egg hunts, trick-or-treating, weddings, birthdays, baby showers we celebrated the best moments of our lives there'; (Jonathan Scott and Zooey in 2024)

Zooey's childhood home is just one of the thousands of structures destroyed by the Palisades fire that erupted on Tuesday, January 7.

General Hospital star Cameron Mathison broke down in tears as he recounted returning to the ruins of his California home after the blaze swept through his neighborhood last week.

'I can't sleep. I've lost everything I own. I have this hoodie I'm wearing, a pair of pants, and two pairs of sneakersthat's it,' he explained to GMA. 'But obviously, it's important to focus on what we have and what we can be grateful for.'

Mathison and his now-estranged wife Vanessa Arevalo had lived in the Pasadena home since 2012, along with their children Lelia, 18, and Lucas, 21.

Actor Adam Brody and Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester's home in the Pacific Palisades also fell victim to the catastrophic wildfires.

They bought their home in 2019 for $6.5 million. The house had five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and three floors across 6,000 square feet.

Cary Elwes, Paris Hilton, James Woods, Miles Teller, Jhene Aiko and Billy Crystal are among the stars who lose their houses to the unprecedented fire.

The LA blazes have collectively destroyed over 12,000 structures and scorched 60 square miles of land in just over a week; the Pacific Palisades pictured on January 7

The celeb-loved enclave is also home to Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon and Adam Sandler, but their properties were left untouched by the blaze.

Across town, actress Mandy Moore saw part of her Pasadena home destroyed as a result of the Eaton Fire that leveled much of Altadena, California.

Sadly, at least 27 people have lost their lives in the fires that spanned across LA County.

The blazes have collectively destroyed over 12,000 structures and scorched 60 square miles of land in just over a week.
Taran Killam has resigned from his role in the off-Broadway production of Urinetown after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the devastating Los Angeles fires.

On Friday, a message was released by the New York City Center explaining to ticket holders that the 42-year-old was exiting the show because he was 'no longer able to participate.'

The full statement posted by a fan via Reddit read: 'Unfortunately, Taran Killam, previously announced to play the role of Lockstock, has been impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles and is no longer able to participate in the production.'

According to People, the veteran performer has been replaced by Greg Hildreth in the role of Officer Lockstock in the Encores! production.

Hildreth has previously starred in Maestros, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Radium Girls and has been nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.

Just last month, Killam took to his Instagram page to announce that he had landed the role of Lockstock in the comedy musical.

Taran Killam has resigned from his role in the off-Broadway production of Urinetown after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the devastating Los Angeles fires; seen September 2024

The Saturday Night Liv alum did so by sharing the off-Broadway show's calling card.

Other actors in the Urinetown production include Tiffany Mann, Daniel Quadrino, Geena Quintos, Graham Rowat, Keala Settle, Stephanie Styles, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Rainn Wilson and John Yi.

The off-Broadway show was slated to run at the New York City Center in the heart of Manhattan from February 5 through February 16, 2025.

Killam's exit from the production comes just over a week since he and his wife Colbie Smulders, 42, lost their $5.6 million residence in the Palisades Fire.

The Culver City, California native and the How I Met Your Mother alum  who wed in 2012  purchased the home back in 2017 and spent over a year modernizing their costly abode.

As DailyMail.com previous reported, the fire started on the side of the house and within minutes engulfed the entire property, despite efforts from fire fighters to contain the blaze.

The home boasted an impressive five bedrooms and six bathrooms.

In a 2018 interview with Architectural Digest, Smulders revealed that solar panels were her biggest splurge for the house, noting that she added in a 40-year-old photo booth.

Despite having lost their home, the couple  who share two daughters Shaelyn, 15, and Janita, 10  are proactive in sharing resources via social media for other Angelenos who have fallen victim to the tragic events.

Smulders penned via Instagram Story: '@savethechildren and @projectcampla are doing amazing work to support children and families who have been affected by the CA wildfires.

On Friday, a message was released by the New York City Center explaining to ticketholders that the 42-year-old was exiting the show because he was 'no longer able to participate'

The full statement read: 'Unfortunately, Taran Killam, previously announced to play the role of Lockstock, has been impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles and is no longer able to participate in the production'; Killam seen November 2023

His exit from the production comes just over a week since the actor and his wife Colbie Smulders, 42, lost their $5.6 million residence in the ravaging Palisades Fire; seen April 2024

The Palisades Fire is at 39% containment as of Friday night; Palisades Fire seen January 7, 2025

'If you need childcare or trauma care for your child register for a camp spot now, link is in my bio.'

DailyMail.com recently shared images showing the scorched remains of the actor's Palisades home.

After his home loss was announced fans flooded threads offering their condolences to the actor and his family.

'I can absolutely see how losing one's home would prompt such a decision. It's just crazy how many people that make things we enjoy have been devastate,' one pan penned via Reddit.

More than 100,000 residents of the City of Angels were forced to flee their homes and 27 have been confirmed dead as scattered blazes have continued to pop up in Southern California.

Among those impacted were several A-listers who lost their million-dollar mansions though most of the people affected by the fires are neither famous nor wealthy.

Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Jen Atkin are among those whose homes have been destroyed by the inferno.

The Palisades Fire is at 39% containment and the Eaton Fire in Altadena/Pasadena is at 65% containment as of Friday night, per CalFire.
Their tantric sex life has been a hot topic for decades, after famously claiming to bed each other for hours on end back in the nineties.

But now, the truth of what really happens during Sting and and wife Trudie Styler's supposed seven-hour sessions has finally been revealed.

In a new interview with The Times, the music legend, 73, and his director wife, 71, who tied the knot in 1992, joked about what goes on behind closed doors, decades after the famous claim.

Sting, real name Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, shrugged: 'It could be worse. And the seven hours includes dinner, a movie and five hours of begging.'

The star has been plagued by questions about his energetic love life since he once gave the interview in which he boasted about the tantric sex sessions.

He previously clarified his infamous admissions during an interview for Bravo series Inside The Actor's Studio in 2014.

The truth of what really happens during Sting and and wife Trudie Styler's supposed seven-hour sessions has finally been revealed (pictured in September)

The music legend, 73, and his director wife, 71, who tied the knot in 1992, joked about what goes on behind closed doors, decades after the famous claim (pictured in 1992)

'The idea of tantric sex is a spiritual act,' he explained. 'I don't know any purer and better way of expressing a love for another individual than sharing that wonderful, I call it, 'sacrament.' I would stand by it. Not seven hours, but the idea.'

He then quipped, 'Seven hours includes movie and dinner,' generating laughs from the audience.

In 2011, Trudie said her husband's original claim about their love life was a drunken boast.

But while she poured scorn on the idea they were 'doing it all day long', she pointedly stopped short of saying he had lied about the yoga-related practice.

She said: 'Sting said that 21 years ago. He has just turned 60, and I imagine [the tantric story] will carry on going until he drops.

'Do you know who I blame for that? Bob Geldof. Him and Sting had gone to do an interview with a rock journalist, and the interview turned into a drinking session.

'At one point, the journalist asked how long they could go for, and Geldof said he was a three-minute man, but, as Sting did yoga, he could probably go for hours. And Sting said 'Well, haven't you heard of tantric sex?'

'So Sting explained that it is all about being intimate, about caring for your partner, really engaging in intimacy before you, you know have sex. And that's the premise of tantra, really.

'It's simply engagement with your partner.'

Sting, real name Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, shrugged: 'It could be worse. And the seven hours includes dinner, a movie and five hours of begging'

The star has been plagued by questions about his energetic love life since he once gave the interview in which he boasted about the tantric sex sessions

He previously clarified his infamous admissions during an interview for Bravo series Inside The Actor's Studio in 2014 (pictured on their wedding day in 1992)

Another playful moment in the new interview saw Sting be quizzed on what his favourite acting performance of Trudie's is, to which he hilariously responded: 'When she was dressed as a dominatrix'.

The couple also admitted that neither of them are a fan of SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Sting summed up Musk's position as 'There are no rules and the proles can go to hell', adding: 'I think it's wonderful to go to Mars  but f*****g stay there.'

Despite their fun-loving antics, the couple are each others biggest fans and Sting was every inch the proud husband as he supported Trudie at the Globo d'Oro Awards in July.

The musician cut a dapper figure as he joined the director on the red carpet, before she was honoured with the Best Documentary prize.

Trudie opted for an elegant cream lace dress as she prepared to accept the award for her film Posso Entrare? An Ode to Naples.

The film detailed Trudie and Sting's passion for Italy, with the actress detailing her history with the country at the ceremony, during an interview with People.

She said: 'Sting and I fell in love with Italy many years ago  so much so that after one of our kids was born near Pisa, we spent years looking for a home for us all. Italy has always been incredibly kind to us.

Despite their fun-loving antics, the couple are each others biggest fans and Sting was every inch the proud husband as he supported Trudie at the Globo d'Oro Awards in July

The musician cut a dapper figure as he joined the director on the red carpet, before she was honoured with the Best Documentary prize

'Since the 1980s when I made films here in Rome at Cinecitta, then Sting wrote one of his most emotional albums near Pisa the year after his parents died, and at the same time I gave birth to one of our kids, Italy has a special place in our hearts for many reasons.'

Sting and Trudie are parents to four children, Mickey, 40, Jake, 39, Eliot, 33, and Giacomo, 28, while The Police frontman also shares son Joe, 47, and daughter Fuschia, 42, with ex Frances Tomelty.

Detailing how the family juggles Trudie and Sting's busy work schedules, she said they are 'proud' of them.

She said: 'They appreciate that we are busy and fulfilled. The kids all have their own paths and careers and they've got good work ethics, so we're proud of them for that.'

The outing came after the couple attended the Ivor Novello Awards, where Sting was awarded with a Fellowship which is the highest honour the Academy bestows.

Speaking on the carpet, the British rocker said he 'loves' the Ivors Academy and was 'delighted' to be 'granted this wonderful honour'.

He said: 'The last time I was here I got a lifetime achievement award which I thought was a bit premature...

'But the fellowship was obviously beyond lifetime and it sounds a bit like Lord Of The Rings, but I think there are more duties attached to a fellowship.

'The Ivors protect the rights of songwriters - that's one of the things they do, not just established songwriters like me, but up-and-coming songwriters.

'It is also a major export of Britain, our songwriting, so they need protecting, so I am very proud to be part of this organisation.'

Sting was the frontman, songwriter and bassist for new wave band The Police from 1977 until their breakup in 1986.

He launched a solo career in 1985.
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy looked in good spirits on Friday night as she and her cameraman boyfriend Marc Humphreys arrived for the leaving party of co-star Jonny Freeman.

Jonny was also seen arriving at The Wellington Pub in Borehamwood having just finished filming his very last scenes for the BBC soap after just over two years playing bumbling Reiss Colwell.

Natalie, 41, plays his onscreen fiancee Sonia Fowler, who is currently languishing in prison after being accused of murdering Reiss' wife Debbie.

But despite her character's woes, Natalie looked in a party mood as she climbed out of her car and made her way into the venue.

The actress, who has played Sonia for over 30 years, bundled up in a white coat as she joined partner Marc, who looked smart in a black jumper and coat paired with blue jeans.

The couple share daughter Joanie and raise Natalie's other daughter Eliza from a previous relationship.

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy looked in good spirits on Friday night as she and cameraman boyfriend Marc Humphreys arrived for the leaving party of co-star Jonny Freeman

Jonny was also seen arriving at The Wellington Pub in Borehamwood having just finished filming his very last scenes for the BBC soap after just over two years playing Reiss Colwell

Natalie, 41, plays his onscreen fiancee Sonia Fowler, who is currently languishing in prison after being accused of murdering Reiss' wife Debbie [Natalie and Jonny in character]

Meanwhile, Jonny was seen making his way out of his car wearing a dark coat worn over a yellow shirt and white T-shirt.

He added a multicolored scarf and brown trousers to his look, while also carrying a brown leather briefcase.

Other soap stars in attendance at the leaving bash included Avani Nandra-Hart actress Aaliyah James, who was seen dressed down in a brown tracksuit.

While Charlie Suff, who plays Johnny Carter, donned a black leather jacket as he also made his way inside.

While she lets her hair down for her co-star's bash, Natalie's soap character Sonia is no doubt far from the party spirits as she's stuck in jail following her wrongful arrest.

Sonia, who is heavily pregnant with Reiss' baby, is set to ace trial this month for the murder of Reiss' wife Debbie.

But little does the character know, it was Reiss who was responsible for his wife's death after smothering her with a pillow, and is now framing his fiancee for a crime she didn't commit.

Reiss is also keeping Sonia's sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) prisoner in a soundproof lock-up after she discovered the truth about him.

Despite her character's woes, Natalie looked in a party mood as she climbed out of her car and made her way into the venue

The actress, who has played Sonia for over 30 years, bundled up in a white coat as she joined partner Marc, who looked smart in a black jumper and coat paired with blue jeans

The couple share daughter Joanie and raise Natalie's other daughter Eliza from a previous relationship

Meanwhile, Jonny was seen making his way out of his car wearing a dark coat worn over a yellow shirt and white T-shirt

Other soap stars in attendance at the leaving bash included Avani Nandra-Hart actress Aaliyah James, who was seen dressed down in a brown tracksuit

While Charlie Suff, who plays Johnny Carter, donned a black leather jacket as he also made his way inside

Jonny placed a hand on Aaliyah's back as they made their way inside alongside Charlie

The soaps stars chatted away as they prepared for a night in the pub

Jonny was enjoying his downtime after filming his final scenes as Reiss

Upcoming scenes will see Sonia take to the stand as her murder trial begins, but it remains to be seen whether she will go down for the crime or if Reiss finally confesses the truth.

Jonny's exit come amid news that actress Natalie will be taking 'a short break' from the show.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant will temporarily exit the serial as she prepares to explore consumer products on What's The Big Deal? for More4

A source said: 'Natalie will be taking a short break, just like many of her co-stars do when they have another project.

'Bosses always try to let stars spread their wings and if they can make it work with the often punishing soap schedule, then they'll do it.

'Natalie's really excited to tackle the project for Channel 4. This is another string to her bow.'

While she lets her hair down for her co-star's bash, Natalie's soap character Sonia is no doubt far from the party spirits as she's stuck in jail following her wrongful arrest

Little does the character know, it was Reiss who was responsible for his wife's death after smothering her with a pillow, and is now framing his fiancee for a crime she didn't commit

Upcoming scenes will see Sonia take to the stand as her murder trial begins, but it remains to be seen whether she will go down for the crime or if Reiss finally confesses the truth

Natalie will be testing out the products with participating families and is looking forward to helping viewers find the 'best deal' for them,

She said: 'I am looking forward to getting to ask questions we all want answers to, about must-have products.

'Like all of us, I love to try the latest things.

'But as a busy mum, what I really want to know is what lives up to the claims and what is the best deal.'

It is expected that the four-part series will air on More4 later this year.
He's the New Zealand-born comedian who rose to fame as the clueless manager Murray in the HBO hit Flight of the Conchords.

Known for his over-the-top Kiwi accent, Rhys Darby says that the sound of voice was a boost to his career, but he now admits it was not a hit when it came to romance.

Appearing on Friday's episode of The Project, the 50-year-old reflected on his attempts to woo women in his early days of dating.

'I always thought I was funny and unique but a lot of the ladies weren't into it,' he admitted with a laugh.

However, the popular funnyman said his thick New Zealand sound was an asset when it came to make people laugh.

'I always knew I had a unique voice and I've always done funny, silly character voices over the years...Inanimate objects [and] always something bizarre.'

Known for his over-the-top Kiwi accent, Rhys Darby (pictured) says that the sound of voice was a boost to his career, but he now admits it was not a hit when it came to romance

Rhys, who is based in Los Angeles, is set to play a series of stand up stage shows Down Under later this year.

His Aussie tour kicks off in Melbourne on April 8th for a series of dates, before heading to Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle.

Further shows will take place in Wollongong, Sydney and Perth before wrapping up in Brisbane in May.

Meanwhile, earlier this week it was announced that Rhys will take part in a benefit concert for the victims of the Los Angeles fires.

The Inauguration Day Concert for America event will raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organisation supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need.

Concert for America will take place at The Town Hall in New York City on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Talent includes Jon Cryer and wife Lisa Joyner (who are spearheading the LA efforts), Melanie Lynskey and husband Jason Ritter, Matt Walsh, Rachel Bloom and Melissa Rauch.

Also attending are Abigail Spencer, D.L. Hughley, Jimmy O. Yang, Caroline Rhea, Ryan Hansen, Diane Farr, Paget Brewster, Rhys Darby, and Trae Crowder.

Appearing on Friday's episode of The Project, the 50-year-old reflected on his attempts to woo women in his early days of dating

Rhys, who is based in Los Angeles, is set to play a series of stand up stage shows Down Under later this year

They will livestream in to the program.

Additional virtual appearances by Julie Bowen, Tony Hale, Adam Scott, and Kate Walsh will be seen.

Yellowstone star Piper Perabo and actress Rosie Perez have already been added.

The musical performances are from Wayne Brady, Rachel Bay Jones, Carly Hughes and Cheyenne Jackson, accompanied by Michael Orland.

The livestream, which will include both NY and LA programming, will be available to 'anyone wishing to tune in via StarsInTheHouse.com and the Stars in the House YouTube page,' a press release stated.

It comes after Darby's hit show Our Flag Means Death was canceled last year following a two-season run on Max.

The show from creator David Jenkins, which was set in the year 1717, centered around a fictional pirate named Stede Bonnet, played by Darby, who was captain of a ship called Revenge.

In the storyline of the series, Stede crossed paths with Captain Blackbeard, played by Taika Waititi, and the two began an unlikely romantic relationship.

It comes after Darby's hit show Our Flag Means Death (pictured) was canceled last year following a two-season run on Max

The series also featured Samson Kayo, Leslie Jones, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher, Nathan Foad, Samba Schutte, Con O'Neill, Vico Ortiz, Kristian Nairn and David Fane.

The series' first two seasons will remain available to viewers via the streaming service, Deadline reported.

A rep for the streaming service said in a statement: 'While Max will not be moving forward with a third season of Our Flag Means Death, we are so proud of the joyous, hilarious, and heartfelt stories that creator David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, Garrett Basch, Dan Halsted, Adam Stein, Antoine Douaihy and the entire superb cast and crew brought to life.

'We also thank the dedicated fans who embraced these stories and built a gorgeous, inclusive community surrounding the show.'

Jenkins took to Instagram to comment on the latest development, saying he had 'good news and bad.'

The good news, Jenkins said, was two seasons spent 'in a bizarre, beautifully-rendered world populated by some of the greatest actors and creatives working.'

He said that 'the second season was made possible by the enthusiasm of one of the most likable fan communities in the history of this medium,' as the supportive voices of the fans 'made a difference.'

The bad news was that the show 'wont be returning for a third season,' Jenkins said.

He added, 'Weve sailed at the pleasure of the fine people at Max, and it brought them no joy to see this journey come to a premature end.'

Jenkins said he was 'very sad' he 'wont set foot on the Revenge again with my friends, some of whom have become close to family.
Henry Cavill is settling into life in Australia as he prepares to film his latest film.

The British actor, 41, and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso took a stroll on Queensland's Gold Coast on Saturday, ahead of his busy schedule shooting the Voltron feature.

The ultra private pair, who have not revealed the gender or name of their baby, had the little one in a pram as they enjoyed the summer weather.

Henry looked dapper in a casually chic ensemble including a white button down shirt and dark blue jeans.

He added a pair of sunglasses and dark belt as well as a chunky watch and finished the look with biege sandals.

Natalie kept things casual in a black boho maxi dress over which she had on a flowing green cardigan, adding black flip flops.

Henry Cavill is settling into life in Australia as he prepares to film his latest film. The British actor, 41, and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso took a stroll on Queensland 's Gold Coast on Saturday, ahead of his busy schedule shooting the Voltron feature. Both pictured

She wheeled along the pair's baby in a black pram that also contained her handbag and a straw hat.

In June last year, Natalie broke her silence on her pregnancy and gushed she can't wait to be a mum in a sweet post on social media.

Henry and his girlfriend Natalie, 34, announced they were expecting their first child together back in April last year.

Natalie shared a post to her Instagram as she looked forward to the 'next phase of life'.

She wore a denim jacket that said 'mama' in red letters on the back as she looked back at the camera for the stunning shot.

The beauty then penned in the caption: 'So very excited for this next phase of life - becoming a mama! I do hope this kid loves horror movies as much as I do, one day. #hellodarkness.'

Henry had earlier asked fans for some parenting 'tips' in a sweet Father's Day post last year.

The Superman star took to Instagram of Father's Day as he asked for some parenting 'tips' ahead of becoming a dad for the first time.

The ultra private pair, who have not revealed the gender or name of their baby, had the little one in a pram as they enjoyed the summer weather

Henry looked dapper in a casually chic ensemble including a white button down shirt and dark blue jeans

Henry wore a chunky watch and finished the look with biege sandals

He added a pair of sunglasses and dark belt

Henry lay beside a baby cot as he wrote: 'Oh yeah.....and Happy Father's Day ye dads out there.

'Turns out I shall be joining your hallowed ranks soon! Any tips?? And don't worry, pillows won't be in the crib when the wee one arrives, just glue and scapels so he or she can build Warhammer miniatures. #FathersDay (sic)'

Back in April Henry revealed that he was 'very excited' to be expecting his first child with Natalie.

The Man Of Steel star shared the news at the premiere of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare in New York City, admitting that he can't wait to become a dad for the first time.

Henry told Access Hollywood: 'I'm very excited about it. Natalie and I are both very excited about it. I'm sure you'll see much more of that.'

After being told that he will make a great father, Henry replied: 'Thank you.'

The longtime Superman star will be busy in Australia for the next few months working on Voltron.

He signed on to the film that already features unknown star Daniel Quinn-Toye, and Rawson Marshall Thurber as the director, who will be working from a screenplay he co-wrote with Ellen Shanman.

Natalie kept things casual in a black boho maxi dress over which she had on a flowing green cardigan, adding black flip flops

She wheeled along the pair's baby in a black pram that also contained her handbag

In June last year, Natalie broke her silence on her pregnancy and gushed she can't wait to be a mum in a sweet post on social media

Henry and his girlfriend Natalie, 34, announced they were expecting their first child together back in April last year

Voltron is based on the 1980s animated TV series that followed a team of space explorers who pilot a giant super robot known as Voltron, and was adapted from several Japanese anime TV series by Toei Animation.

The details of the plot are still unclear, as the cast, crew, and Amazon studio have all remained tight-lipped about how the storyline plays out.

According to Deadline, Amazon went into a bidding war with Universal and Warner Bros. in 2022 in order to secure the right to the production.

After winning the bidding war to secure the rights last August, Amazon took about three months to reveal Quinn-Toye had been cast in a lead role in early October.

The premise for Voltron centers on five young pilots in a battalion named the Robot Lions, which are vehicles that join together to form the mega-robot.

Of course, most people know Cavill for playing the role of Superman/Clark Kent in the DC Extended Universe, including: Man Of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021), along with cameos in Black Adam (2022), The Flash (2023), and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).

The British actor has also had success in non-superhero roles in both film and television such as Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005), Stardust (2007), Immortals (2011), Mission: Impossible  Fallout (2018), Enola Holmes (2020), Enola Holmes 2 (2022), and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024).

On the small screen side his resume features main roles in the hit series The Tudors (2007-2010), which ran on Showtime for four seasons, and The Witcher (2019-2023), following its three season run on Netflix.

Natalie shared a post to her Instagram as she looked forward to the 'next phase of life'

Henry had earlier asked fans for some parenting 'tips' in a sweet Father's Day post last year

The Superman star took to Instagram of Father's Day as he asked for some parenting 'tips' ahead of becoming a dad for the first time

Looking forward in his career, Cavill is currently in the gym training for the lead role in upcoming reboot of Highlander, which will be directed by Chad Stahelski.

He is best known for his work as director of John Wick (2014), and the three sequels that followed: John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3  Parabellum (2019), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).

Cavill has appeared in two spy-action comedies this year. Matthew Vaughn's Argyle features a star-studded ensemble cast such as Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson

The other is Guy Ritchie's The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare that also has ensemble cast including the likes of Eiza Gonzalez, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, Henry Golding, and Cary Elwes.

For his most current role, Cavill reunited with Ritchie for In The Grey, which will also star Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza Gonzalez, and Rosamund Pike.

The action thriller film was slated to premiere in the USA on January 17, 2025.

As for Thurber, 49, fans know him for writing and directing such films as the comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, the buddy action comedy Central Intelligence (2017), the action thriller Skyscraper (2018), as well as director of the hit comedy film We're The Millers (2013).

Back in April Henry revealed that he was 'very excited' to be expecting his first child with Natalie
James Argent is reportedly 'looking to propose' to his stunning Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson.

The former TOWIE star, 37, and the blonde model, 31, are stronger than ever as they enjoyed a romantic holiday in the Caribbean this week to celebrate Nicoline's birthday.

Reports emerged the TV favourite is 'planning to take the relationship to the next level' with the former Miss Sweden - nine months after meeting casually in a supermarket.

The reality alum 'has never been happier' after overcoming several challenges with insiders adding the model 'loves him for who he is' - something Arg is finally able to cherish.

'He's totally smitten. He's definitely looking to pop the question and start their future together,' a source told OK! Magazine.

'He has absolutely no doubt that she is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, they are absolutely soulmates, there's no question about it.

James Argent is reportedly 'looking to propose' to his stunning Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson

The reality alum 'has never been happier', according to reports, after overcoming several challenges

'And seeing his good friend Mark Wright and his wife Michelle Keegan so happy and expecting their first baby, it's just a lovely sign to Arg of what his happy future might hold.'

James' representatives replied with 'no comment' when approached by MailOnline.

The lovebirds are currently soaking up the sun at Sandy Lane, a celeb-favourite resort in Barbados.

The star is also ready to settle down and have children.

Speaking to OK! Magazine in their first joint interview, James and Nicoline revealed that it was love at first sight for the pair after they bumped into each other outside a Spanish supermarket.

And since that fateful meeting, Nicoline moved to the UK and has now moved into Arg's Essex home.

Describing the moment they met, James revealed he thought Nicoline was out of his league but decided he had nothing to lose.

He said: 'I was walking to my gig at Elliott Wright's restaurant in Marbella.

'All of a sudden I see this woman coming towards me. I was like, 'Wow, she's beautiful.' She was just in her gym clothes, wearing no make-up. She'd actually just fed a stray cat.'

James revealed nine months after their fateful meeting in a supermarket, they're so smitten they're already planning to start a family (Nicoline pictured)

And after summoning up the courage, James asked her out.

Nicole described James as a handsome man with a big smile, before adding that he makes her laugh, and it was these traits that helped cement their relationship.

James and Nicoline went on their first date a week later, where James explained about his past addiction issues and his weight loss, and the couple were so engrossed in one another that they forgot to order anything to eat.

Despite James's confession about his seven-year drug addiction which saw him go through a near-fatal overdose, a hospitalisation and a stint on rehab, the model was unfazed.

He explained: 'I've been through a lot over the years. I've been to rehab, I've had to get help. I also had to explain that I used to be morbidly obese, I was a big guy and I've lost a lot of weight. I've had an operation which has helped with my portion control. I have to eat little and often.

'It was probably quite a lot to take in, but she was really cool. She was fine about everything. Being open and honest and putting your cards on the table from the start is so important.'

And Nicoline echoed James adding that the pair had decided to be completely open with each other from the start.

And now, several months later, the pair seem more loved up than ever and during the interview, the blonde beauty who previously modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch pointed out her Christmas stocking on the fireplace in the reality star's living room.

James said: 'Were both at the right stage in our lives. Weve both lived a life, weve both had experiences with previous partners'

James explained they would both 'love to have a family one day, absolutely.' while Nicoline added that one her favourite things about James is 'hes very family-oriented'.

James said: 'Were both at the right stage in our lives. Weve both lived a life, weve both had experiences with previous partners, but now its a really good time to be sure of who you are with.'

But for the moment they seem to be enjoying each other's company.

In September, James packed on the PDA with his Nicoline as the couple were spotted snogging in St Tropez.

The former TOWIE star seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a dip in the sea.

James showed off his toned physique as he went shirtless and wore a pair of blue patterned shorts.

James whisked his new girlfriend away for a lavish long weekend at Indie Beach at Plague de Pampelonne, The Sun revealed.

Nicoline, 31, won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also asked to take part in the French version The Bachelorette but declined to focus on her studies.

James broke up with Stella Turian in November after a year-long romance

It is James's first relationship since splitting from his ex Stella Turian last November and the star previously opened up about feeling he would never find someone.

In March, Arg told the My Dirty Laundry podcast that he really struggled on Valentine's day because of his single status - and had to stay off social media because it got him down so much.

Having tackled his demons, staying sober for two years and losing 15 stone in weight, James said: 'I'm in a really good place. Everything in my life is perfect, apart from my love life. It would be nice if that would change.

'I'll be completely honest, this year I really struggled on Valentine's Day. I remember, I woke up and thought, I am not going to look at social media.

'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew it's not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend.

'But, I couldn't help it. There was times where I'd just have a little glance and all you would see was couples. Everyone's madly in love. Everyone's happy.

'Everyone's out on dates. There's flowers, there's balloons, there's chocolates, there's date nights or trips or happily married couples - and yeah, it did start to affect me a little bit.'

James also admitted to OK! magazine that following the breakdown of his last relationship he lost his confidence.

He explained he was worried he wouldn't meet anyone new or have the chance to settle down but he revealed that's all changed now.

He added that Nicoline is his biggest supporter and knew it was love when she said she liked his singing.

And Nicoline has slotted into the reality star's life with ease with James exposing her to a proper Essex night out and even a Sunday roast which the model says is her new favourite food.

The beauty has also been welcomed with open arms into the TOWIE family, meeting many of James's friends, including Mark Wright and Joey Essex.
This week City of Mitcham workers spent hours pruning a dead Red River Gum to create five nesting boxes for native animals  and they're not done yet.

A street tree maintenance team's passion for Adelaide's wildlife has led to a 'great' new initiative. Source: Supplied/City of Mitcham

An Aussie councils fantastic transformation of an old decaying tree has locals very excited. This week, a street tree maintenance team for the City of Mitcham, in Adelaides south, spent hours pruning a dead Red River Gum in Ragless Reserve to create hallows for five nesting boxes.

The potential homes for a range of animals, including possums, grey shrike-thrush birds, parrots and micro bats, are the first to be installed as part of a new project.

Many native species rely on tree hollows for shelter and breeding, but the availability of natural hollows has declined due to urbanisation and the removal of older trees, Dan Baker, general manager of engineering and horticulture for the city, told Yahoo News Australia on Friday.

By creating nesting boxes in strategic locations across our community, were creating safe habitats for these species and helping to protect and sustain our local ecosystems.

Street tree team's passion brings new initiative to life

Mr Baker said the street tree maintenance team and their passion for biodiversity and supporting local wildlife, has played a key role in bringing the initiative to life.

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This effort is part of our broader environmental strategy to preserve and enhance the natural environment for future generations, he added.

Workers even attended a habitat pruning workshop to learn the necessary skills. Habitat tree hollows require different installation techniques, orientations and hollow sizes depending on the species, Mr Baker told Yahoo.

Many native species rely on tree hollows for shelter and breeding, but the availability of natural hollows has declined due to urbanisation. Source: Supplied/City of Mitcham

Locals praise council's nesting box project

There are approximately 75,000 trees in the City of Mitcham, with plans already in place to create additional nesting boxes in others deemed suitable.

The street tree maintenance team carefully assesses each tree individually to determine if it can support a habitat box and the appropriate number of boxes for the species being catered to, Mr Baker said.

This process involves evaluating the trees condition and location to ensure it can safely and effectively host a habitat box. Once identified, the team installs the boxes and ensures regular monitoring of the trees to maintain their suitability as habitats.

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The new project has thrilled locals after details were posted online. This is really good news. This should be a baseline policy. Old native trees  they stay dead or alive, one woman commented.

Amazing! This is how dead trees should be utilised, another wrote. Fantastic initiative! We love to see it, the Local Government Association of South Australia added.

Aussies urged to install nest boxes in their backyards

Last month, Aussies were urged to install nest boxes  small, man-made structures designed to provide a safe place for small animals to nest and raise their young  in their backyards.

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They are a critical and cost-effective way we can give back to nature and help protect animals from the elements and predators like cats and foxes, wildlife enthusiast Alice McGlashan previously told Yahoo.

Theyre also a great way for people to connect with nature in their backyard urban environments, she said. Watching and sharing the antics of nest box families. This can also lead to much more interest and awareness of the needs of native critters.

Since European settlement, we have lost more mammal species than any other continent, with over 100 species declared extinct or extinct in the wild.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Major music labels have cancelled their glamorous Grammy afterparties due to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles.

While the 67th Annual Grammy Awards will still proceed as planned on Sunday February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, the usual star-studded celebrations have been deemed inappropriate given the ongoing crisis.

A music industry insider told MailOnline: 'It feels inappropriate to go for a booze up during these times.

'It's such a relief that the ceremony will take place but anything more than that just wouldn't feel right.'

Universal Music Group (UMG) led the charge, announcing the cancellation of all its Grammy-related events, including its Artist Showcase and afterparty.

A UMG spokesperson stated: 'We have cancelled all of our Grammy-related events, including the Artist Showcase and After-Grammy Party and will redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.'

Major music labels have cancelled their glamorous Grammy afterparties due to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles (Sabrina Carpenter pictured)

While the 67th Annual Grammy Awards will still proceed as planned on Sunday February 2, the usual star-studded celebrations have been deemed inappropriate (pictured Chappell Roan)

Following UMGs decision, other major labels quickly followed suit.

Sony Music announced the cancellation of its Grammy Week events, with its parent company, Sony Group Corporation, pledging $5 million (4.1 million) to emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts.

Warner Music Group (WMG), in partnership with the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, also announced an initial $1 million (822,000) donation to support local fire relief initiatives.

A WMG representative said that their efforts would focus on aiding key organisations, first responders and those in the music industry affected by the fires.

BMG added: 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce BMG will no longer host its Pre-Grammy Party on Tuesday, January 28.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and first responders in Los Angeles County who are working tirelessly to contain the fires.'

Lucas Keller, founder of Milk & Honey Management, was among the first to publicly call for event cancellations.

Keller took to Instagram to share his decision to cancel Milk & Honeys popular Grammy party, writing: 'It would be tone deaf to celebrate and I hope all other companies will follow suit.'

Lucas Keller, founder of Milk & Honey Management, was among the first to publicly call for event cancellations. He said: 'It would be tone deaf to celebrate' (Pictured: Fire engulfs a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California)

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, and Tammy Hurt, chair of the academys board of trustees, addressed members via webinar on January 15 to outline plans for Grammy Week.

In a statement, Mason explained the rationale for proceeding with the awards ceremony: 'We understand how devastating this past week has been on this city and its people. This is our home, its home to thousands of music professionals, and many of us have been negatively impacted.

After thoughtful consideration and multiple assurances from state and local elected leaders, public safety agencies and with support from our incredible artist community, we have decided to go ahead with the Grammy telecast and some select events.'

He continued: 'This years show will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.'

The Recording Academy also revised its Grammy Week schedule, condensing planned activities to focus on relief efforts.

The telecast itself will serve as a platform to amplify resilience and raise funds for wildfire relief.

Despite these cancellations, Clive Daviss pre-Grammy party and the MusiCares gala are still scheduled, with organisers incorporating charitable components to support victims of the fires.

Meanwhile, Beyonces BeyGOOD Foundation has pledged $2.5 million (2 million) to help displaced families and rebuild community infrastructure, and Live Nation has announced a benefit concert, FireAid, to further support recovery efforts.

Billie Eilish and Finneas, John Mayer, Gracie Abrams, Gwen Stefani, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Pink, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Sting, and Tate McRae are all scheduled to perform on January 30, with the event being streamed live.
David Lynch was working on a limited series for Netflix at the time of his death according to Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO for the streamer.

Sarandos revealed the information in a tribute to the late filmmaker and television show creator, who died after a long battle with emphysema on Thursday at the age of 78.

The executive wrote in a social media post on Friday that the legendary director 'came into Netflix to pitch a limited series which we jumped at.'

'It was a David Lynch production, so filled with mystery and risks but we wanted to go on this creative ride with this genius.'

Sarandos said that the Covid-19 pandemic which sent Lynch into isolation due to his emphysema, 'then some health uncertainties lead to this project never being produced but we made it clear that as soon as he was able, we were all in.'

'The last time I spoke to David was as thrilling as the first. He came to my home with my friend and his muse, Laura Dern and we had a long amazing conversation about projects, cinema, life, art and my windows (He loved my windows),' Sarandos explained.

David Lynch was working on a limited series for Netflix before his death at age 78, according to co-CEO Ted Sarandos. The media executive revealed the information in a lengthy tribute to the late writer and director on social media Friday

After earning Oscar nominations for directing The Elephant Man and Blue Velvet, the versatile and quirky writer and director changed the TV landscape with his breakthrough series Twin Peaks, a thriller about an FBI agent who travels to a small town to investigate the death of a prom queen.

The mystical mystery series won two Emmys during its three seasons.

After his 2006 movie Inland Empire, an eerie story about an actress who begins to adopt the persona of her film character with nightmarish results, the prolific writer and director began to focus on short films and videos written, produced and directed by Lynch.

It wasn't until 2017's Twin Peaks: The Return, that he sold a major project to a network on studio. All 18 episodes of the sequel, starring Dern and Twin Peaks veteran Kyle MacLachlan, were shown on Showtime.

In his post, Sarandos recalled how reached out to Lynch in the Netflix's early days to bulk buy copies of Eraserhead, which the executive revealed was one of his favorite movies.

The deal also included a promise from 'Netflix to produce a DVD of all of his visionary short films.'

In an April 2024 interview with Deadline, Lynch revealed Netflix has passed on his animated project Snootworld, and that he was seeking financing for it.

'Snootworld is kind of an old fashioned story and animation today is more about surface jokes,' Lynch told the outlet. 'Old fashioned fairytales are considered groaners: apparently people dont want to see them. Its a different world now and its easier to say no than to say yes.'

Sarandos wrote in a post on Friday that the legendary director 'came into Netflix to pitch a limited series which we jumped at.' 'It was a David Lynch production, so filled with mystery and risks but we wanted to go on this creative ride with this genius'; seen in 2017 in Cannes, France

'The last time I spoke to David was as thrilling as the first. He came to my home with my friend and his muse, Laura Dern and we had a long amazing conversation about projects, cinema, life, art and my windows' Sarandos explained (Pictured in Los Angeles in May 2017)

Lynch was best known for his ground breaking television show Twin Peaks, and his quirky and gritty films, including Blue Velvet. After his 2006 movie Inland Empire, Lynch worked on short films and videos, and did return to a network until 2017's Twin Peaks: The Return for Showtime

Lynch was on supplemental oxygen and unable to do much more than walk cross a room in the months before his death he told People in November.

Sources told Deadline the director's health took a turn for the worse when he was forced to evacuate his Hollywood Hills home as flames from what was referred to as the Sunset fire approached the area.

Whether any of Lynch's notes for his proposed Netflix series survived his death, is unknown. 'David Lynch was an unapologetic genius,' Sarandos asserted. 'He didnt want you to understand his work. He knew that was impossible and it was part of the ride together.'

'His body of work is remarkable, visionary, bold and artful. I will always wonder about what he had in mind for us with what would have been his last project.'
Ben Affleck has added a new member to his household  a security dog.

The actor, 52, who was spotted on a recent outing with his middle child, was joined by his son, Sam, 12, as they took the black-and-brown German Shepherd for a walk through the actor's Brentwood neighborhood on Friday.

Father and son were accompanied by two trainers from Trident Elite Protection Dogs.

The Oscar winner looked relaxed in a gray-and-white cardigan sweater over a white button-down shirt and tan pants.

He wore brown shoes and his hair and beard were neatly trimmed.

Sam looked relaxed in a pair of green-and-black plaid pajama pants with a black T-shirt and gray shoes.

Ben Affleck has added a new member to his household - a security dog. The actor, 52 was joined by his son, Sam, 12, and two trainers from Trident Elite Protection Dogs as they took the German shepherd for a walk through the actor's Brentwood neighborhood on Friday

The elementary school student looked excited to be handling the canine, using an orange and black leash.

The tony area of Los Angeles where Affleck lives was not ravaged by the Palisades fire which has devastated parts of the west side of Los Angeles.

Law enforcement officers and FBI investigators were seen in the area earlier this week, reportedly looking for the person responsible for flying a drone that collided with an air tanker working to douse the flames.

No one has been arrested for that incident.

On Thursday, members of the National Guard were stationed in the neighborhood along with a large military Hummer.

Affleck's home is reportedly near the edge of the evacuation zone, which could be the reason for so much added security near the house.

Local news station KTLA has reported Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, own a home in the area, and on Sunday police were called out at 4:40 a.m. on a report of a possible burglary and found two people who were detained for breaking curfew and then released.

Harris, who will leave office on Monday, January 20, has decided, along with her husband, to use their California home as their base, according to Page Six.

The addition of a security dog may come after law enforcement and members of the National Guard were seen in the area. Affleck's home is reportedly near the edge of the evacuation zone, which could be the reason for added security

Later in the day, Affleck was seen running errands with his and ex-wife Jennifer Garner's middle child, Fin

The Oscar winner let the 16-year-old drive his BMW

At one point, Affleck stopped to grab a to-go drink

It appears Affleck will be staying close to home in the coming weeks.

His latest film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring ex-wife Jennifer Lopez will debut next weekend at the Sundance Film Festival.

Affleck, who is a producer on the film, will not be attending.

Daily Mail spoke to a source earlier this month that the actor, director and producer wanted to stay away because 'his appearance will mean the focus is not on his artwork, but rather, it will be focused on his interactions with his ex.'
Anthony Hopkins was supported by his wife Stella Arroyave as he attended his attended the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The Oscar-winning actor, 87, tragically lost his home in the Pacific Palisades fire, the largest raging within the LA area which has destroyed thousands of structures.

However, the Welsh star put on a brave face for the star-studded event which took place at The Venue.

Dressed in a sharp black suit and a classic white button-up shirt, he posed for photos alongside his wife Stella on the red carpet.

While his actress and director wife looked glamorous in a black blazer layered over a lacy black dress.

The pair appeared in high spirits as they posed up a storm at the glamorous event.

Anthony Hopkins was supported by his wife Stella Arroyave as he attended his attended the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia on Saturday

The Oscar-winning actor, 87, tragically lost his home in the Pacific Palisades fire , the largest raging within the LA area which has destroyed thousands of structures

However, the Welsh star put on a brave face for the star-studded event which took place at The Venue

His appearance comes just days after he shared a poignant message of support to those impacted by the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles, after suffering the loss of his own home.

Posting to his 5.4million followers last week, he wrote: 'As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, it's important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.'

The actor, who purchased a stunning four-bedroom, five-bathroom home in the Pacific Palisades area for $6 million in 2021, saw his property destroyed by the flames.

Photos reveal the charred remains of the classic colonial home, with little more than a scorched fence standing as the only trace of what was once a beautiful property.

The house purchase was a fresh start for the Oscar-winning actor, who had just sold his long-time Malibu oceanfront place for $10.5 million - more than double what he paid for it back in 2001.

Unfortunately, the recent tragic events are not the first time Anthony's home has faced devastating flames.

Back in November 2018, his home narrowly escaped the Woolsey fire, which burned down his neighbor's property.

Going even further back to 2000, Hopkins lost his London home in a fire too, but fortunately, he was safe in Los Angeles at the time.

Dressed in a sharp black suit and a classic white button-up shirt, he posed for photos alongside his wife Stella on the red carpet

While his actress and director wife looked glamorous in a black blazer layered over a lacy black dress

Anthony seen arriving at the event

His appearance comes just days after he shared a poignant message of support to those impacted by the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles, after suffering the loss of his own home (pictured)

Posting to his 5.4million followers on last week, he wrote: 'It's important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give'

As the fires continue to rage, he and many others are left grappling with the heartbreaking loss of their homes in one of the hardest-hit areas of Los Angeles.

Anthony's tragic loss comes just after he marked nearly five decades of sobriety via social media, regaling his fans with a story of what led him to turn his life around.

The two-time Oscar-winner said on Instagram that a 1975 incident convinced him to stop drinking, noting, 'Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped.'

The iconic Welsh actor admitted he 'was having such fun' until he 'realized' he was 'in big, big trouble' as he 'couldn't remember anything' and 'was driving a car drunk out of [his] skull.'

Anthony, known for playing the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in multiple films, said the near-tragedy led him to seek support to deal with his addiction to alcohol.

'Then, on that fatal day, I realized I needed help - so I got it,' said the Nixon actor. 'I phoned up a group of people like me - alcoholic. And that was it - sober. Anyway, I've had more fun these 49 years than ever.'

Anthony told more than 5.3 million followers that help is available for those in search of it.

'If you do have a problem - having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help,' he said. 'It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol, get some help, there's plenty of help around.

Anthony's tragic loss comes just after he marked nearly five decades of sobriety via social media, regaling his fans with a story of what led him to turn his life around

The actor pictured in 1975, the year he said he confronted his alcoholism problems

'One thing I didn't realize, that I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me - anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life.'

He added: They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I'm going to be 87 in two days now.'

The actor captioned the clip, 'One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session.'

He then wrapped up in saying, 'So I'm celebrating my long life - unexpectedly long life.

'So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step program, whatever you could do - because it is a killer - with that, happy new year!'

The star has had a busy year professionally, amid a number of professional endeavors.

He provided the voice of Jimmy in the Zack Snyder film Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver, which debuted on Netflix in April; and played the role of Vespasian on the 10-episode Peacock series Those About to Die, which debuted in July.
Snoop Dogg has responded to fans criticizing his decision to perform at Donald Trump's 'Crypto Ball.'

On Friday, the rapper headlined the pro-Trump, pre-inauguration event in Washington, D.C., which attracted a mix of celebrities and politicians, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The 'Crypto Ball' was organized to celebrate Trump's support for cryptocurrency and his pledge to integrate bitcoin and other digital assets into the country's financial systems.

Social media users accused the rapper of hypocrisy, referencing his past opposition to Republican Trump.

In 2017, Snoop made headlines for a controversial music video in which he targeted a Trump-like clown character.

Unbothered by the criticism, Snoop Dogg wasted no time responding. Just hours after fans aired their grievances, he re-posted an Instagram story from fellow performer Rick Ross.

'Got a real Crip up in the Crypto Ball, bang bang,' Snoop added in the video.

The unphased rapper showed he had no time for the haters as he flashed a peace sign and smiled for the camera while wearing sunglasses at the event.

Snoop Dogg responded to fans criticizing his decision to perform at Donald Trump's 'Crypto Ball'

On Friday, the rapper headlined at the pro-Trump, pre-inauguration event in Washington, D.C., which attracted a mix of celebrities and politicians

Users on social media were ruthless in the comment sections.

'2pac always was right about snoop dogg, he always playing both sides for a check and some clout smh,' said one user.

'I have deleted all Snoop dogg songs from my playlists.. i have blocked him from my accounts. I will not listen to his music after i found out that he will be there to perform for the traitors on Monday,' said another.

'Even Snoop Dogg bent knee to Donald Trump. Never thought Id see that. His crip walks will never be the same,' chimed a third.

The event also featured a performance by Soulja Boy and Nelly, who joined Snoop and Rick Ross on the lineup.

Conservative internet personality Bo Loudin backed the West Coast Icon, posting a picture beside him on Snoop donning a 'Make America Great Again' hat.

'President Trump is unifying the country and will bring us into the GOLDEN AGE! Welcome to MAGA, Snoop!' Loudin captioned his a post on X.

In another video captured by reporter Jessica Reed Kraus, Snoop was jamming to Bob Marley's song 'Three Little Birds' as he sang the lyrics 'don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be all right.'

Conservative internet personality Bo Loudin backed the West Coast Icon, posting a picture beside him on Snoop donning a 'Make America Great Again' hat

Despite the uproar, Snoop's involvement reflects a broader shift, as he joins a growing list of public figures who have seemingly softened their stance toward the President-elect, who will be officially sworn in on Monday.

Throughout the evening, red 'Make Bitcoin Great Again' hats were distributed to attendees, while Snoop DJed and performed some of his most iconic hits.

Tickets for the exclusive, four-hour event ranged from $2,500 to $5,000, giving crypto enthusiasts the chance to network with key policymakers who may shape the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S.
Wendy Williams' family members are speaking out after she claimed she had never even met her guardianship attorney.

The 60-year-old talk show host, who has been living under a guardianship and was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023, recently blasted attorney Roberta Kaplan for saying she would require care for the rest of her life despite allegedly having never met her.

In an exclusive statement to DailyMail.com, Williams' family say they are looking for a new lawyer to represent her as she battles to end her guardianship.

'The family of Wendy Williams wishes to address the current circumstances surrounding her guardianship and her ongoing journey toward reclaiming her self-determination,' the statement begins. 'As we navigate this challenging time, we believe it is crucial to advocate for Wendys rights and autonomy.

'We are reaching out to esteemed Ben Crump Law Firm to assess the guardianship arrangement currently in place for Wendy in New York City,' Williams' family members announced.

'Our primary goal is to ensure that Wendys best interests are being served and that she has the opportunity to regain control over her life and decisions.

'Wendy is an extraordinary individual who has inspired countless people through her work and personal journey,' they continued. 'It is our firm belief that she deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and make her own choices, free from undue influence.

The family of Wendy Williams, 60, said in an exclusive statement to DailyMail.com on Saturday that they are looking for an attorney to help her 'regain control over her life and decisions'

'We are hoping that  through the legal system  we can shed light on this situation and work toward a resolution that honors Wendys voice and wishes,' her family said. 'We ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this complex process, and we thank Wendys fans and supporters for their unwavering love and encouragement during this time to #FREEWENDY.

'Wendy has always been a fighter, and we are committed to ensuring that she has the resources and representation she deserves. Together, we will work diligently to help Wendy reclaim her self-determination,' the statement concluded.

In a recent chat with TMZ, Williams  whose family has started a GoFundMe to help free her from her guardianship  took particular umbrage with her guardianship attorney Kaplan's recent claims that she has 'good days and bad days.'

Wendy claimed that the lawyer has no business commenting 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.'

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 her aphasia and frontotemporal dementia diagnoses.

The 74-year-old television personality said: '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.'

Williams' family said she 'deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and make her own choices, free from undue influence'; seen in 2019 in NYC

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

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 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.'

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

She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during the call and claimed she has been isolated from her family.

Williams' fans were outraged after Wendy claimed Morrissey had taken her old phone and replaced it with a new one that can only make calls, but not receive them, making it impossible for friends or family to call her directly.

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.'

She added: 'To talk to these people who live here, that is not my cup of tea. I keep the door closed.'

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

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.'
Dakota Johnson took part in a spiritual experience in Mumbai, India Saturday.

The actress, 35, who has been traveling around the country with boyfriend Chris Martin and Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour of the southeast Asian country, was spotted at the iconic Siddhivinayak Temple.

The Madame Web star was accompanied by Indian actresses Sonali Bendre, 50, and Gayatri Joshi, 47 and could be seen waving to fans.

The temple is a popular tourist destination.

Devotees of will gather there on Tuesdays to ask that their wishes be granted by Darshan, according to Mumbaicity.gov.

All of the women were dressed modestly and covered up in a traditional dupatta or shawl and each had markings on their foreheads.

Dakota Johnson, 35, was seen visiting the iconic Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, India Saturday, accompanied by Indian actresses Gayatri Joshi, 47, (l) and Sonali Bendre, 50 (r)

Johnson and Martin were also seen visiting the Babulnath Temple, an ancient Hindu house of prayer where they participated in a religious ceremony on Friday.

'COLDPLAY AT BABULNATH MANDIR BEFORE THE CONCERT STARTS' the Instagram account ColdplayIndia._in announced, sharing a video of the Daddio actress and the frontman.

In another video, Johnson can be seen whispering her wish into the ear of an Nandi bull statue.

'In a world where Indians are losing touch with their own culture, a famous British couple is diligently performing puja rituals before embarking on a massive tour. ' wrote one approving fan.

'You cover Nandi's one ear with your hand and then pray into the other ear. So nobody except Nandi listens to your wish. That's how it should be done.' one fan explained about the ritual.

This is the first time Coldplay have been in India in nine years. The rockers scheduled shows for Saturday and Sunday nights and again on Tuesday in Mumbai.

The band will then head to Ahmedabad for a show at the Narendra Modi Stadium January 25. The January 26 show at the same venue will be streamed live on Disney+Hotstar to all of India.

Johnson could be seen waving to a fan. All of the women were dressed modestly and covered up in a traditional dupatta or shawl and each had markings on their foreheads

Johnson and Martin were also seen visiting the Babulnath Temple, an ancient Hindu house of prayer where they participated in a religious ceremony on Friday.

'We hope you can join us. We're so excited to come to your beautiful country and we hope you're well,' Martin and his bandmates said in a video released in social media Friday.

Coldplay will then return to their native England, with shows scheduled across the country through May 10, where, after a brief stopover for a show in the Netherlands, they will head to North America.

Johnson recently signed on to star opposite Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett in Verity, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel by the same name.

Johnson has recently completed work on two projects, including Materialists, with Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal.
Henry Cavill and his girlfriend of three years Natalie Viscuso appear to be engaged after welcoming their first child to the world.

The couple were spotted taking a stroll on the Gold Coast in Queensland on Saturday as Natalie, 34, pushed along a baby pram and sported a huge diamond ring.

It is unclear when the British actor, 41, and his love welcomed their new bub, as the notoriously private pair have yet to announce its birth or their apparent engagement.

Preparing to film his latest movie Voltron in Australia, Henry appeared to be settling into life Down Under as a new father and fiance.

The ultra private couple, who have not revealed the gender or name of their baby, had their little one in a pram as they enjoyed the summer weather.

Natalie kept things casual in a black boho maxi dress which she covered with a flowing green cardigan.

Henry Cavill, 41, (left) and his girlfriend of three years Natalie Viscuso, 34, (right) appear to be engaged after welcoming their first child to the world

She wheeled along her bundle of joy in a black pram, that also contained her handbag and a straw hat, with a huge diamond ring flashing on her wedding finger.

The new mum accessorised her look with a set of black flip flops and thin wire-framed glasses as she stacked her wrists with gold bracelets.

Meanwhile, Henry looked dapper in a casually chic ensemble which included a white button down shirt and dark blue jeans.

He added a pair of sunglasses and dark belt as well as a chunky watch and finished the look with beige sandals.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Henry's representatives for comment.

Natalie broke her silence on her pregnancy back in June and gushed that she can't wait to be a mum in a sweet post on social media.

The couple announced they were expecting their first child together back in April, but have been very private about the details of their bub.

Natalie shared a post to her Instagram as she looked forward to the 'next phase of life'.

The couple were spotted taking a stroll on the Gold Coast in Queensland on Saturday as Natalie pushed along a baby pram and sported a huge diamond ring

She wore a denim jacket that said 'mama' in red letters on the back as she looked back at the camera for the stunning shot.

The beauty then penned in the caption: 'So very excited for this next phase of lifebecoming a mama! I do hope this kid loves horror movies as much as I do, one day.'

Henry had earlier asked fans for some parenting 'tips' in a sweet Father's Day post last year.

The Superman star took to Instagram at the time as he asked for some parenting 'tips' ahead of becoming a dad for the first time.

Henry lay beside a baby cot as he wrote: 'Oh yeah... and Happy Father's Day ye dads out there.

'Turns out I shall be joining your hallowed ranks soon! Any tips??

'And don't worry, pillows won't be in the crib when the wee one arrives, just glue and scalpels so he or she can build Warhammer miniatures.'

Back in April, Henry revealed that he was 'very excited' to be expecting his first child with Natalie, admitting that he can't wait to become a dad for the first time.

It is unclear when the British actor and his love welcomed their new bub, as the notoriously private pair have yet to announce its birth or their apparent engagement

Natalie broke her silence on her pregnancy back in June and gushed that she can't wait to be a mum in a sweet post on social media

The Man Of Steel star shared the news at the premiere of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare in New York City.

Henry told Access Hollywood: 'I'm very excited about it. Natalie and I are both very excited about it. I'm sure you'll see much more of that.'

After being told that he will make a great father, Henry replied: 'Thank you.'

Natalie works behind the scenes in the movie industry and she is believed to have met Henry when the pair crossed paths for work.

Their friendship blossomed into romance during the COVID-19 pandemic and they have been going strong for just over three years now.

The Justice League star made their relationship Instagram official in 2021 with a snap of them playing chess.

They went on to make their red carpet debut at the premiere of Enola Holmes 2 in 2022.

A source previously told MailOnline: 'Henry first connected with Natalie years ago, and while a romantic spark wasn't instant between them, they always kept in touch.

The pair debuted their relationship on Instagram in 2021 and first stepped out on the red carpet together in 2022

'Despite strict travel restrictions in place, Natalie flew from the States to the UK so she could be with Henry.

'As a hugely famous actor, Henry is usually very discreet about his personal life and relationships but he's smitten with Natalie.'

Hollywood executive Natalie works in TV but had a brief taste of life in front of the camera as a teenager on the MTV hit My Super Sweet 16.

And MailOnline understands Natalie's father Michael is a former nightclub mogul, which led to her appearance on the TV series that later became a global hit.

Now, the New Mexico-turned-California executive loves hanging out in the beautiful nature her new home has to offer alongside boyfriend Henry and their two dogs.

For the moment, the pair are temporarily living in Australia as the Superman star will be busy Down Under for the next few months while working on Voltron.
She always puts on an eye-catching display in her chic outfits.

And Saturday was no different for Katie Price, who turned heads in an all pink ensemble on Instagram.

The former glamour model, 46, took to her Stories wearing a tight pink top that accentuated her assets, paired with matching pink leggings.

To add some extra height, she slipped into a pair of pink heels adorned with fluffy pink feathers.

She toted her belongings in a Louis Vuitton bag and appeared deep in conversation while on her phone.

The star captioned the snap: 'I just LOVE pink. How cute are my fluffy heels. Sunny days are coming. Hopefully soon.'

Katie Price put on an eye-catching display in an all pink ensemble on Instagram on Saturday

It comes after Katie addressed her drastic weight loss and revealed she's getting bum fillers as she's been left with a 'saggy a**' after losing 'loads and loads' of weight.

The star recently sparked concern about her health among fans when she showcased her noticeably slimmer figure in a new Instagram video.

And in another social media post shared on Wednesday, Katie told how she's now been forced to get the non-surgical procedure to enhance her bottom as it's been left 'flat' before brazenly showing off her behind.

Filming herself at an aesthetics clinic where she had just topped up her lips, Katie proudly unveiled her plans for yet another cosmetic procedure.

Speaking about herself in third person, Katie said: 'Oh she's done it again! She's closer to looking like a Bratz doll! She's done the lips at The Clinic Club. I just love it here, I'm obsessed with them here.'

Discussing her latest plans while addressing her weight loss, Katie continued: 'That obsessed as where I've lost loads and loads of weight, my a**e s now saggy! So no, I've got to have my bum filler done here.'

She concluded: 'I can't wait. Keep tuned. It's not happening today, but I'm doing my bum.'

She then urged her followers to head to the clinic if any of them have 'lost weight' and has a 'saggy a**'.

It comes after Katie addressed her drastic weight loss and revealed she's getting bum fillers as she's been left with a 'saggy a**' after losing 'loads and loads' of weight

Katie told how she's now been forced to get the non-surgical procedure to enhance her bottom as it's been left 'flat' before brazenly showing off her behind

In a second video Katie pulled down her jogging bottoms to reveal her tattooed bottom as she told: 'This is an insight to why I need my bum doing. Look how flat it's got.'

Captioning the racy post, she remarked: 'Bum filler pending'.

The mother-of-five has long been known for her love of cosmetic surgery and has had numerous procedures over the years.

Only in November, she revealed she is getting a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) to make her bottom 'as big as my lips'.

Sharing a video of herself at The Clinic Club on Harley Street, Katie said: 'I've just had my consultation to get my bum as big as my lips.

'I'm getting it done in January but this time they've got an ultrasound which means it'll be much safer. Get used to the big lips because soon I'm going to have a bubble butt. Wahey!'

Filming herself at an aesthetics clinic where she had just topped up her lips, Katie proudly unveiled her plans for yet another cosmetic procedure

Discussing her latest plans while addressing her weight loss, Katie continued: 'That obsessed as where I've lost loads and loads of weight, my a**e s now saggy! So no, I've got to have my bum filler done here.'

She concluded: 'I can't wait. Keep tuned. It's not happening today, but I'm doing my bum' [pictured in December]

Only in November, she revealed she is getting a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) to make her bottom 'as big as my lips'

She first underwent a bum lift in January followed by another one in March [pictured]

Katie has already had a bum lift in the past but appears to have not been satisfied with the results as she's going back for more.

She first underwent a bum lift in January followed by another one in March.

It comes as Katie worried fans as 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,'

The former glamour model recently sparked concern about her health among fans when she showcased her noticeably slimmer figure in a new Instagram video

'Who is looking after her? This needs flagging up before it goes too far,'

'Looking frail and elderly,'; '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.'

Fans flooded the comment section with messages urging her to prioritise her health, with many pleading: 'No more weight loss'

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

The star revealed last year that she had been getting into exercise as a way to her help her 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.

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.

Katie and JJ appeared to squash split rumours on Tuesday night, as they put on a loved-up display at Geordie Shore party.

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 (pictured together)

Katie spent the holidays with BFF Kerry Katona, who she has been supporting after her split from fiance Ryan Mahoney in November after six years together

However, The Sun reported that the pair were 'frosty' with each other and spent much of the bash apart, suggesting that their romance is on the rocks.

An insider told the publication: 'Katie and JJ arrived separately to Geordie Shore launch and didn't speak at all for a few hours.

'They were with their own friends on separate sides of the room and were really frosty with each other.

'They did finally speak for about five minutes later in the night, took a few pictures together and then left. It was all very bizarre and it's clear that they aren't at their best right now.

'They are clearly trying to make things work in some way and haven't called it quits yet, but the signs don't look good.'
South Carolina became the most popular state to move to in 2024, according to U-Haul's annual Growth Index.

The state overtook Texas, which had dominated the top spot for several years, signaling a notable shift in migration patterns.

U-Haul based its rankings on over 2.5 million annual one-way truck, trailer, and moving container transactions.

The company determined rankings by measuring each state's net gain or loss of customers using its equipment.

While Texas held onto a high ranking, South Carolina secured first place with 51.7 percent of U-Haul transactions in the state involving arrivals.

U-Haul reported that Texas has consistently ranked first or second since 2016, and Florida has placed in the top four every year since 2015.

J.T. Taylor, president of U-Haul International, emphasized that the 2024 data highlights long-standing migration trends.

'Families continue moving to the Southeast and Southwest as they prioritize cost of living, job opportunities, quality of life, and other factors,' Taylor said.

South Carolina became the most popular state to move to, overtaking Texas, which had dominated for several years

Texas maintained a strong position, consistently ranking first or second since 2016. Florida has stayed in the top four since 2015

'At the same time, many people are leaving the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast, especially California.'

Taylor also outlined U-Haul's commitment to serving customers wherever they relocate.

'We are expanding our network, rental fleet, and self-storage options to ensure we're ready to meet moving needs in 2025,' he said.

Migration to Southern states aligns with findings from the National Association of Realtors, which observed similar trends in 2023.

Surprisingly, only one percent of people who moved south cited weather as their reason for relocating.

Instead, 42 percent moved for housing-related reasons, 26 percent for family, and 16 percent for job opportunities.

North Carolina ranks as the third most popular state to move to, as they welcomed 126,712 new residents in 2023.

Florida and Tennessee followed closely behind the Tar Heel State.

With 51.7 percent of U-Haul transactions being arrivals, South Carolina secured the top spot

Only 1 percent cited climate as a factor for moving south, while 42 percent moved for housing reasons, 26 percent for family, and 16 percent for jobs

The Sunshine State saw a net inflow of 372,870 people last year, while 75,000 went to Tennessee, according to the report, which analyzed US Census data.

DailyMail.com recently revealed that Arkansas surprisingly attracted the most newcomers in 2024.

'We have one of the lowest costs of living in America,' real estate agent Heather Keenen, who is based in the state,

'Couple that with tax cuts and low crime rates, and we are continuing to see an influx daily.'

Bentonville, in Northwest Arkansas, which is home to Walmart's headquarters, is seeing a particular influx, Keenan pointed out.

'People are flocking to the places that have strong job markets and affordability - but also extra elbow room, fantastic food, and hospitable culture,' she said. 'Here in Northwest Arkansas, we certainly have all of that going for us.'

The common narrative about Americans moving south often centers on a search for warmer weather and sunnier skies, but the reality is more nuanced.

But a nationwide housing crisis has played a significant role in driving these moves.

Pictured: Drone aerial view of Greenville, South Carolina

Pictured: Aerial view of Fort Worth, Texas

Between 1995 and 2023, the median household income increased 2.3 times, rising from $34,076 to $80,610 annually.

However, during the same period, the median home sales price surged 3.4 times, jumping from $114,600 to $389,800, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

This disparity has pushed many Americans out of the housing market, with the average age of homebuyers rising to 56 in 2023, up from 49 the previous year.

Escalating home prices, combined with historically high mortgage rates, have created a perfect storm of housing inaccessibility.

Despite these challenges, affordable housing options remain available, primarily in the southern United States.
Sarah Briggs collected five carcasses from her garden last week alone and is at a loss over what to do with them.

Sickly rabbits are dying on properties in northwest Tasmania, leaving residents unsure of how to dispose of their bodies. Source: Supplied

Residents in a quiet Aussie town are fed up with their state and local governments doing nothing as their properties become inundated with rotting rabbit carcasses.

Sarah Briggs told Yahoo News she picked up five dead animals from her yard in Devonport, Tasmania last week alone and is struggling to dispose of the bodies.

Feral rabbits are considered a pest species in Australia as they cause significant environmental and agricultural damage, leading the states Department of Natural Resources and Environment to control their numbers through poisoning and biological controls.

But while most residents appreciate the rabbit numbers being controlled, the aftermath has left rural landowners with a disturbing problem.

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The issue is if theyre on your property, you cant dispose of them easily once they start dying around your yard, Sarah said. You dont want your dog catching rabbits, and if they do die in the yard and start rotting I dont want my dog going up to the carcasses and trying to eat them.

Rabbits infected with myxomatosis show swelling around the eyes and impaired movement. Source: Getty/File

Photo captures dying rabbit on driveway

Earlier this week, a sick rabbit sat on her driveway and didnt react to her approaching car. It prompted her to take a photo and ask her local community what can be done to dispose of the diseased animals.

Once they start getting the symptoms they really slow down physically, like they can barely move, Sarah said. It wasnt hopping out of the way like a normal rabbit would. It looks like quite a slow and uncomfortable death.

When I have to go and pick up the body, you can really see that their eyes are swollen, all the classic symptoms of myxo [myxomatosis]. They just look really, really sickly.

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After finding a dead rabbit on her property almost every day, Sarah was at a loss of how to dispose of them.

I dont have an incinerator at home. I dont have time to be digging hole and burning fires in them to throw rabbits into. And the thought of putting them in a bag and putting them in my freezer til the FOGO bin gets collected is a bit yucky when theyve got all these diseases and fleas on them, she said.

The huge number of rabbits have also led to an increase in roadkill, Sarah said. Source: Getty/File

Sarah clarified that she was happy to see the rabbit population being controlled, but feels the animals are more of a problem after their death because of the lack of disposal options.

I find the rabbits a bit creepy to be honest in the populations that theyre in because there are so many, but thats probably less of an issue than having all these dead rabbits popping up in your yard.

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Biosecurity Tasmania says leave dead rabbits alone

The official advice from Biosecurity Tasmania is to leave infected rabbit carcasses where they died, and report the details to the department as soon as possible.

But for Sarah, its not a solution.

Its an unprofessional response and its just impractical. Its also a health issue. Its not good to have that in the yard, she said.

This issue is something of significance. Its something that is a health hazard and an issue for people. Its not something that can be left for people to deal with on their own.

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Devonport Council could not offer any solutions, but advised against putting dead animals into the green waste bins. Pet waste and dead animals, however, can be put into the landfill bin.

Residents in Devonport are not the only ones feeling the strain of the rabbit invasion. Locals in Hobart and Queenstown have also observed them in "plague proportions", while residents in Circular Head  in the states far northwest  have also reported an increase in dead rabbits appearing on their properties.

Biosecurity Tasmania will be releasing calicivirus in the coming months as an added measure to control numbers.

The department's website advises:

"If you notice rabbits dying suddenly, you can support the spread of biological control agents by leaving infected rabbit carcasses where they died and report the details to Biosecurity Tasmania as soon as possible on (03) 6165 3777 or invasivespecies@nre.tas.gov.au."

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The government on Friday relaxed the rules governing cable television networks by making the registration process for Local Cable Operators (LCOs) fully online, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting designated as the registering authority.

The amended Cable Television Network Rules of 1994 came into effect on Friday, and the government announced that the Local Cable Operators registration certificate would be issued in real-time after the successful verification of applicant details, including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, and DIN, among other documents.

Previously, the LCO registration process was conducted offline at the local head post office in the area where the LCO's office was situated, with the head postmaster serving as the registering authority.

Under the new rules, LCOs will apply for new registrations or renewals online via the Broadcast Seva Portal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The registration certificate will also be issued online.

LCO registrations will be granted or renewed for a period of five years, with a processing fee of Rs 5,000. The registration will be valid for operations across India. Renewal applications must be made at least 90 days before the registration's expiry.

LCOs may appeal to the Appellate Authority, i.e., the Under Secretary (DAS), if their registration or renewal is denied by the registering authority (Designated Section Officer). The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the denial.

Existing LCO registrations will remain valid until the period mentioned in the registration certificate. However, if the existing registration is valid for less than 90 days, LCOs must immediately apply for renewal via the portal.

Applications for registration or renewal made to post offices that are currently pending must be withdrawn, and new applications must be submitted via the portal.
With campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections heating up, claims and counterclaims erupted between AAP and BJP as the former alleged that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwals car was pelted with stones in New Delhi constituency on Saturday. However, BJP leader and New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma refuted AAPs allegations, saying the AAP chiefs car hit three youths who had been protesting against him. Verma claimed it was Kejriwal who asked the driver of the car to crush them.

Fearing defeat, BJP panicked, got its goons to attack Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP, which has been ruling Delhi since 2013, posted on X within minutes of the attack on its leader.

The AAP convener also said the Delhi Police on Saturday stopped the screening of the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) documentary Unbreakable on January 18, citing non-compliance with election guidelines. AAP convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the Delhi Police to stop the screening. However, the Delhi Police denied these allegations. The Delhi Police said that no permission was taken for the screening of the documentary. The police emphasized that political parties must apply for permission for such events through a single-window system at the District Election Officers (DEO) office. It further added that such permission could not be granted or rejected by the police at this time.

The documentary Unbreakable, which explores AAPs journey during Kejriwals leadership and the partys activities during and after his imprisonment, was scheduled to be screened at Pyarelal Bhawan, ITO, at 11:30 AM.

Its timing coincided with the Delhi Assembly elections, intensifying the political discourse in the capital.

The Aam Aadmi Party wrote on X on Saturday that Kejriwal was attacked by the people of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma. The AAP further alleged that BJPs Parvesh Verma, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, got his supporters to attack the AAP leader to stop him from campaigning, adding that the people of Delhi will give a befitting reply. The goons of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma targeted Arvind Kejriwal with stones so that he could not campaign. Listen, BJP, Arvind Kejriwal is not going to back down because of your cowardly attack on him. The people of Delhi will give you a befitting reply, the AAP posted on X. Manish Sisodia, Kejriwals party colleague, was quick to condemn the BJP over the attack.

In a purported video of the incident, Kejriwal can be seen sitting in a vehicle with police personnel clearing the route for it. A black SUV, as shown in the video, is surrounded by security men on either side as a few protesters try to obstruct the cars way. A big stone comes flying from one end, hits the roof of the car in which Kejriwal is seated, and falls away, as the video shows.

Reacting to the AAPs allegations, Verma said, Arvind Kejriwal hit two youths with his vehicle. Both were taken to Lady Hardinge Hospital. Seeing imminent defeat, (he) forgot the price of human lives. When AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal was campaigning door-to-door near Lal Bahadur Sadan, people of the New Delhi assembly constituency were asking questions to Kejriwal about employment, etc. When three residents named Vishal, Abhishek, and Rohit, who are unemployed, tried to ask questions to Kejriwal, Punjab Police beat them up and a workers phone was broken, Verma said. He further claimed that Kejriwal signaled the driver to crush them. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwals car hit the three youths, and the driver of the car applied brakes after seeing the three youths, but Arvind Kejriwal signaled the driver to crush them. They have been injured. This is an attempt to murder, and I am going to the police station. The three youths will also file an FIR, and a case of attempted murder will also be registered, he added. Police also said that no one pelted stones at Kejriwals car, but some people were trying to show black flags to the former chief minister, who was immediately removed from the spot.

Earlier in the morning, the AAP convener shared a picture of the venue of the screening at Pyarelal Bhawan at ITO, showing a heavy police presence. He charged that the police did not allow the screening at the behest of the BJP. The BJP is completely scared of the documentary because it uncovers the secrets and conspiracies behind the arrest of AAP leaders in the past two years. It exposes the illegal and unconstitutional activities of the BJP, he alleged.

The AAP chief further questioned why permission was needed for a private screening event. He told a press conference that the documentary Unbreakable was to be shown to the media at the private event, and it was not any political program.

Kejriwal said that the screening was stopped by the Delhi Police because the BJP was scared of this film. A film has been made on Aam Aadmi Party. Today, when this film was to be shown to journalists, look there, BJP prevented the screening of this film by deploying a huge police force. BJP is very scared of this film, the AAP national convener said in an X post in Hindi.

Why? Why does the BJP want to stop this film? What is there in this film that the BJP is scared of? This film exposes all the secrets behind the scenes when AAP leaders were wrongly arrested. It exposes the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the BJP government, he added. No votes were going to be sought at the event, nor was anything to be said against any party, Kejriwal said.

Reacting to the accusations, the police said that no permission was taken for the screening of the documentary. The police emphasized that political parties must apply for permission for such events through a single-window system at the District Election Officers (DEO) office. It further added that such permission could not be granted or rejected by the police at this time. The force urged the political parties to follow the election rules and regulations during the election period.

For the said event, no such permission was taken, and hence it would have been a violation of guidelines. We urge all parties to follow the election rules and regulations at this time. As elections have been declared, political parties must apply for permission through a single-window system at the DEO office. This is a standard process during elections, the Delhi police said. Further, it is clarified that Delhi Police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time, as all permissions for political activity are granted through a single-window system in the concerned DEO office, it added.
A Kolkata Sessions Court on Saturday held prime accused Sanjoy Roy guilty in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case.

The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Monday, District and Sessions Judge of Sealdah Court Anirban Das told Roy in a 12-minute hearing, adding that he had been held guilty in the case and could be condemned to death or imprisonment for life. Roy was convicted of rape under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and murder under Sections 66 and 103(1).

The body of the victim, a 31-year-old postgraduate lady doctor working in the Chest Medicine Department of the RGKMCH who was brutally raped and murdered, was discovered inside the seminar room of the said hospital in the wee hours of August 9 last year, triggering nationwide protests.

Subsequently, on the basis of the CCTV footage, the Kolkata Police on August 10 arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the police. He was seen entering the seminar hall and coming out of it after about half an hour.

The judgment was delivered 57 days after the trial commenced in-camera on November 12, during which 50 witnesses were examined. The hearing in the case concluded on January 9.

When the Court held Sanjoy Roy guilty of the crime of rape and murder, he continued to call himself innocent and a victim of conspiracy. The honorable Sessions Judge told him that he had been found guilty of the crime which could invite capital punishment like death or life imprisonment... the quantum of punishment shall be given on Monday when the Judge will also hear out the convict, the advocate of the victims family said, adding that justice will not be fully complete until other people who might have been involved in the case were punished.

Though the copy of the judgment is likely to be uploaded on Monday, the Court did not seem fully satisfied with the investigation as it often raised the issues of lacuna and loopholes in the process of investigation... we will have to see whether these things find place in the judgment or not, the advocate said.

The parents of the victim also held the same opinion, wondering why the administration would not go after the masterminds of the crime. We have 20 questions that are yet unanswered. Let the agencies, be it the CBI or the state police answer them, said the mother of the victim, partially welcoming the judgment.

The mother of an only child, she said, Sanjays guilt was proved through biological evidence. He is only one person but not the only person who has killed my daughter. The entire medical fraternity, the entire hospital says so, the truth is known to every brick, every wall of the hospital, and the names of the real accused are being discussed but why it was not taken up judicially is not known to us. There are others who havent been arrested yet. So, justice hasnt been fully delivered. We are people of humble background and have nothing to lose so we will continue our fight for justice till the last day of our life.

The father of the victim, who had on Friday held the Mamata Banerjee government guilty of brushing the case under the carpet again, said, I have many questions. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself kept awake the whole night and supervised the investigation. Where was a need for her to do so? The investigation was nothing but an act of erasing evidence. The police destroyed evidence, which finally led to the other culprits either not getting arrested or two others getting bail. The entire medical fraternity knows that this rape and murder is not the work of only one person.

Dr Utpal, a senior doctor who had been in the forefront of the movement, wondered why the investigating agencies had preferred to ignore forensic reports. What about the four DNA imprints that were found on the person of the victim. What about the forensic experts comment that the murder might not have taken place at the place where the body of the victim was found. Why did the agencies not take into account the telephonic conversations that had taken place between the top police officers and some top political persons of the State.

Senior Dr Tamta said how even the Supreme Court had admonished the agencies calling it one of the shabbiest investigations that the police could have done.

Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, however, welcomed the verdict. We welcome the judgment. But we would have been happier if the former principal of R G Kar hospital, Sandip Ghosh, and former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal were also punished today. The allegations of a bigger conspiracy leveled by the parents and junior doctors must be looked into. It must be seen whether anyone else was also involved in the crime or not.

The junior doctors forum, supported by a section of the civil society, immediately took out a long procession demanding justice for Abhaya as the victim is popularly known. While Sanjay has been convicted, what about the other culprits?... no doctor worth his salt will say that this is an act that can be done alone... we will continue our struggle till the remaining people of influence are punished, junior doctor Aniket Mahato said.

Incidentally, former principal of RGKMCH Sandip Ghosh, who had been arrested by the CBI, subsequently got bail as the agency could not submit the chargesheet within the stipulated 90 days.

The doctors circulated a list of 20 key questions about the case, which they claimed remain unanswered, and pointed out that the crime scene had been tampered with.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel detained a 31-year-old suspect in the Saif Ali Khan attack case at the distant Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh on Saturday afternoon, offering a ray of hope to the Mumbai police, who had been searching for over 48 hours for the elusive assailant.

Acting on a lead provided by the Mumbai police, RPF officials detained the suspect, identified as Aakash Kailash Kanojia, from the Mumbai-Howrah Jnaneswari Express when the train arrived at Durg railway station at 2 pm.

We identified the suspect based on a photograph, train number, and location details sent to us by the Mumbai police. He was sitting in a general compartment. A Mumbai Police team will soon arrive here to take him into custody, a senior RPF official said at Durg railway station.

Enquiries by the RPF revealed that the suspect was travelling without a ticket. When questioned, he initially stated that he was going to Nagpur but later corrected himself, saying he was on his way to Bilaspur.

During the initial questioning, the suspect claimed that he stayed in Byculla, south Mumbai. The RPF officials arranged for him to speak to the Mumbai police via video call. A Mumbai police team is expected to take custody of the detained suspect late on Saturday and bring him to Mumbai for further investigation.

However, there was no formal statement from the Mumbai police regarding the suspect detained by the RPF at Durg railway station.

Earlier, fresh CCTV footage aired by some television channels showed the assailant at Dadar in north-central Mumbai at 9 am on Thursday, buying a pair of headphones before heading to the railway station.

So far, five CCTV clips have surfaced, including two purportedly from the staircase of the actors building Satguru Sharan, showing him going up and then coming down, one at Bandra station with a change of shirt, and two more from Dadar.

Saif 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) in north-west Mumbai. The knife attack on the actor took place between 2 am and 2:30 am on Thursday, following a failed burglary attempt by the yet-to-be-identified intruder.

After being admitted to Lilavati Hospital, the actor underwent surgery to remove a knife lodged in his spine and to plug a spinal fluid leak. The actor was brought to our hospital with six injuries, two of which were deep. We performed 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.

Meanwhile, in a statement recorded before the Mumbai police on Thursday night, Saif Ali Khans wife, actress Kareena Kapoor-Khan, said that although jewelry was lying in the open, the attacker did not touch any of the ornaments. The attacker was aggressive. I saw him attack Saif repeatedly... Our priority was to take Saif to the hospital, Kareena told the police.

In a video that has surfaced, Kareena is heard saying that after her husband Saif left for the hospital, she was terrified, and her sister Karishma took her to her home.

Kareenas statement that the intruder did not touch the ornaments has come as a surprise, given that the police had been maintaining that robbery was the motive behind the attack. In fact, Maharashtras Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, had gone on record telling media persons on Friday: There is no involvement of any criminal gang in the attack on Saif Ali Khan. The preliminary probe points to robbery as the motive behind the incident.
In the run-up to assembly elections in next fortnight, the ruling AAP is making several attempts to borrow the soft-Hindutva policies of the major opponent BJP. From announcing monthly salary for the temple priest, to forming temple prakoshth the APP led by Arvind Kejrwal which catapulted to power 12 years ago by poaching on the Congress minority votes, has now asked the candidates, sitting MLAs, Ministers to glorify their temple presence. So far in the run-up to the February 5 election, the Aam Aadmi Party has been seen to be coasting along a religious course, in an apparent bid to force the BJP, a Hindu hardline party, to defend its turf.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP recently announced a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 to temple priests and the granthis of gurdwaras under a "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojna" - to be implemented if the party returns to power in Delhi.

The BJP, in its turn, is likely to announce 500 free units of electricity monthly to worship places, including temples and gurdwaras.

Both parties have accused each other of shortchanging the poor and marginalised Hindus while patronising the illegal migrants to beef up a vote bank.

Recently, while addressing a rally at the city's Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised the slogan "Jai Shri Ram" and urged the slum dwellers to become Delhi's "liberators" by changing the government.

The BJP accused the ruling party of filing applications for the deletion of the names of 44 voters in the Valmiki Mandir area, accusing Kejriwal of being "anti-Dalit."

On January 14, BJP's Parvesh Verma, pitted against Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency, alleged that the Election Commission "at the instance of Kejriwal," was verifying voters in the Valmiki Mandir area but doing nothing about mosques and dargahs. He said the EC must refrain from "targeting and defaming" Hindus at the instance of the AAP chief.

The AAP supremo, a self-proclaimed "Hanuman Bhakt," filed his nomination papers from the New Delhi seat after praying at the Valmiki Temple and Prachin Hanuman Mandir. Chief Minister Atishi started her nomination procession after offering prayers at Kalkaji temple and a

gurdwara in the area.

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, after being fielded from Jangpura went on a visit to several prominent shrines, including Vaishno Devi in Jammu. He too sought the blessings of Kali before filing his nomination papers.

Sisodia started his campaign in Jangpura after a Hanuman Chalisa recital at Anguri Devi Mandir in the Kilokari area of the constituency. All these temple visits were widely publicised through social media by the party. The AAP has also appointed office bearers for the "Sanatan Sewa Samiti," which is supposed to oversee the implementation of its grant scheme.

The BJP has fielded its Mandir Prakoshth head, Karnail Singh, from Shakur Basti against AAP leader and former minister Satyendar Jain.

Earlier, the Delhi government issued an order restricting the admission of Bangladeshi immigrants in Delhi schools aligns with the BJPs long-standing narrative against illegal immigration.

This is not the first time AAP has played the BJP's game against it.

During the Jahangirpuri violence, Kejriwal maintained a calculated silence while his party subtly painted Muslims as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas, indirectly blaming the BJP for their presence. This tactic allowed Kejriwal to appear neutral publicly while appealing to the Hindutva sentiments of a section of voters.

The elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly are going to be held on February 5.

The BJP, out of power in Delhi since 1998, has been making all-out efforts to dethrone the AAP, ruling the city since 2015.
Citing the AAP leaders affidavit filed in Jangpura Assembly constituency, the BJP questioned former Delhi deputy chief minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia who sent his son for higher education in Canada by taking personal education loans of Rs 1.54 crore in his wifes name. The loan has been given to Sisodias home-maker wife by three individuals -- Romesh Chander Mittal, Guneet Arora and Deepali. Sisodia has declared the educational loan in the name of his wife Seema, who has multiple sclerosis, and needs care.

The affidavit identifies his son Meer Sisodia as a dependent and gives details of Scotiabank, 392 Bay Street, Toronto, where the AAP leader has opened three separate accounts to park funds for his sons education. The affidavit also shows foreign exchange assets of about Canadian $3,980 (Rs 2.4 lakh) in the foreign bank.

Leaders in the BJP are now raising questions on the terms on which Sisodia, an accused in the excise policy case out on bail, has taken personal loans of Rs 1.54 crore, considering that he has declared his familys total assets to be worth only Rs 57 lakh.

The BJP asked why the former education minister of Delhi didn't send his son to any government school in the national capital, which AAP claims to have revolutionised in the last decade. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya criticized the AAP leaders actions, suggesting that the partys claims to be champions of education were not reflected in Sisodias personal decisions. Not only this, Manish Sisodia took a loan of Rs 1.5 crore for his sons education, but not from a bank, but from individuals. Why so? All the leaders and ministers of AAP are hypocrites. They only do politics in the name of students but do nothing for them, Malviya stated.

Sisodias affidavit also mentions his sources of income as salary from ministry, house property and author royalty. His wifes income has been mentioned as rental.
In a significant breakthrough against narcotics smuggling, the East Singhbhum district police apprehended an interstate bus conductor for trafficking marijuana. The accused, Jayant Das, was caught red-handed with eight kilograms of the illegal substance, which he was transporting from Odisha to West Bengal.

The arrest was part of a well-coordinated operation led by SP (Rural) Rishabh Garg. Acting on credible intelligence inputs, the police had been monitoring activities along the Odisha-Jharkhand-Bengal route, a known corridor for smuggling. The information suggested that a bus traveling from Odisha to Bengal was being used to transport narcotics.

We received a tip-off about a bus carrying marijuana along this route, said SP Garg during a press briefing. An anti-crime check post was set up in Barsole, near the Odisha-Bengal border, to intercept the vehicle.

However, upon spotting the police checkpoint, the bus conductor attempted to evade capture by diverting the vehicle onto a mud road. Unfazed, the police team swiftly adapted their plan and managed to intercept the bus. A thorough search led to the discovery of eight packets, later confirmed to contain marijuana.

The investigation revealed that the conductor, Jayant Das, a resident of West Bengal, was the primary suspect in the smuggling operation. He was immediately taken into custody after the recovered material was verified as marijuana, SP Garg added.

The incident underscores the growing challenge of drug trafficking across state borders, particularly in regions like East Singhbhum, which shares critical transit routes with neighboring states. The police have intensified their vigilance in the area, leveraging intelligence networks to curb such illegal activities.

This arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement against the trafficking of narcotic substances. Authorities are now probing further to identify the source and destination networks involved in the smuggling operation.
A landlord, who allegedly shot dead his tenant in outer north Delhi, for not repaying a loan was arrested on Saturday, police said.

On January 17, a body was found in a pond in Alipur area, which was later identified as Rakesh (29), a police officer said.

The victim had a gunshot wound to his head and blood stains were found on the roof of a nearby building, which had been partially cleaned, along with an empty bullet, he said.

Investigation suggested that Rakesh was shot on the rooftop and his body was disposed of in the pond, police said.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was immediately formed to

investigate the case, the officer said. The victim's mother, Bhagwati Devi, told police that Rakesh had left his home earlier that day with their landlord's son, Govind Ballabh.

She also mentioned about an ongoing property and financial disputes between them, the officer said. Govind, who owned the building where the incident occurred, was arrested, he added.

During interrogation, Govind confessed that the crime stemmed from financial disputes.

Rakesh had allegedly taken Rs 5 lakh and a Mercedes car from Govind on a loan arrangement but failed to deliver the promised funds, leading to a heated dispute and the eventual murder, police said.

The victim's mobile phone was recovered, and efforts are underway to locate the weapon, which Govind claims to have disposed of in the pond, they added.
The Seventh Delhi Assembly convened for just 74 days over its five-year term, the lowest number compared to all previous assemblies, according to a report by the think tank PRS Legislative Research. The report states that the assembly sessions were called every year and divided into several parts. Within each year, sessions were adjourned without prorogation and were divided into parts. This resulted in the House meeting for only one or two days on several occasions, the report said.

Of the 74 sitting days, Question Hour was held on nine days. Members are required to submit questions 12 days in advance. On other occasions, Assembly meetings were announced with seven days notice on average, giving insufficient time for questions to be submitted. ? Between 2020 and 2025, MLAs asked 219 questions a year on average. Between 2019 and 2024, MPs in Lok Sabha asked 8,200 questions in a year on average, the report said.

While the Lieutenant Governor summons and prorogues sessions, it is the Speaker who calls for sittings during a session, the report added. The first session of the 7th Delhi Assembly began on February 20, 2020, and was prorogued on March 3, 2021, after being held in five parts.

The second session commenced on March 3, 2021, and was prorogued on March 8, 2022, after four parts. The third session began on March 8, 2022, and was prorogued on March 9, 2023, also after four parts.

The fourth session was called on March 9, 2023, and prorogued on February 7, 2024, again held in four parts. The fifth session was called on February 7, 2024, and has not been prorogued yet.

Over the five years, only 14 bills were passed, the lowest number since all its previous terms. Of the 14 bills, five were related to the salaries of legislators. All the bills were either passed on the same day or the next day, the report noted.

In 2021, the Committee on Questions examined the response to a question and concluded that the response was incorrect, amounting to a breach of privilege. It recommended that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee. In 2022, sitting days on which question hour was held the Speaker referred the matter of unsatisfactory replies to questions to the Privileges Committee. The matter is currently pending with the Committee.

During the Winter Session in 2024, the Speaker observed that departments such as revenue, services, land and building, and home do not submit replies to questions, undermining Question Hour. State Assemblies often have separate discussions on the annual budget and expenditure budget of ministries. The Delhi Assembly combined these discussions. During this term, on average budget discussion lasted for four hours.

The Assembly has 33 Committees. House Committees oversee issues such as daily business, petitions and privileges. Financial Committees examine CAG reports. Standing Committees examine working of ministries.

The Committee on Petitions presented four reports; it had presented 27 reports in the previous term. It looked at issues such as disbursal of old age pension and functioning of OPD counters in Delhi government hospitals.

The Assembly had 62 male and 8 female members. Female MLAs had an average attendance of 83%, compared to 79% for male MLAs. Male MLAs participated in 20 debates on average, female MLAs participated in 16 debates. MLAs asked 15 questions on average. MLAs from the BJP asked 40 questions on average, and MLAs from the AAP asked an average of 11 questions
In a proud moment for Jharkhand, Deepak Devi from Bokaro, a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, has been invited to the At Home Reception hosted by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the 76th Republic Day.

Devis recognition celebrates her adoption of a 3KW rooftop solar plant, installed by Tata Power Solar Rooftops Channel Partner, M/s Surya Mitra. Her solarized home symbolizes the success of Tata Powers #GharGharSolar campaign, which has delivered 51 MW of rooftop solar capacity in Jharkhand, benefiting households by reducing electricity costs and promoting energy independence.

Tata Power Renewables is driving Jharkhands energy transition by implementing solar solutions across key districts like Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Giridih, supported by nine Channel Partners and a dedicated workforce. These efforts align with the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, which provides financial incentives for adopting solar energy and contributes to Indias renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030.

This achievement underscores Tata Powers commitment to a sustainable future through innovative and accessible rooftop solar solutions.
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Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi visited the Command Control and Communication Center of Ranchi Smart City Corporation on Saturday, January 18 and took information about traffic management, police surveillance and steps taken for the safety of women and girl students from here and also gave many suggestions.

The Union Minister said that this type of command center has been seen earlier in Gujarat, but it is very pleasant to have this center in Ranchi as well. She said that just as the role of this center has increased in the field of police surveillance, traffic management and information broadcasting, similarly the steps taken for girl students and women safety can also work better and awareness has to be increased in this area.

Annapurna Devi suggested the officials of Ranchi Smart City to make more efforts in the direction of awareness and also directed the officials of Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Department to bring their employees here and provide them with information about it so that they can make people aware of these facilities with the help of Anganwadi centers.

Smart City officials informed the Union Minister how the traffic management of the entire city is done from this centre and how this helps in preventing criminal incidents and investigating the incidents. Along with this, video and audio messages about government schemes, public welfare schemes, necessary measures to prevent diseases, traffic rules and law and order are broadcasted in the entire city from here while emergency call box and SOS feature is also available for women, students or any needy person to get police or government help in case of an emergency.

The Union Minister was invited to Jupmi Bhawan by the officials of the Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Department of the State government where talks are going on to open a training centre by the department. The Minister also saw the place for the training centre.

On this occasion, Manoj Kumar, Director Kiran Kumari Pasi, Smart City GM Rakesh Kumar Nandkuliyar, CFO Jyoti Pushp, PRO Amit Kumar, Manager Santosh Kumar Patel, Manager Utkarsh Kumar and Kishan Kumar along with other officers and employees of Social Welfare Directorate and Smart City were present.
The positive effects of gratitude extend beyond mental health. Gratitude journaling helps with better sleep, reduced blood pressure and improved immune function

Gratitude is often described as the quality of being thankful and the readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness. It is a fundamental human emotion, yet its potential to transform lives is frequently underestimated. Gratitude journaling, a simple practice of recording things you are thankful for, has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering emotional well-being, enhancing mental health, and even improving physical health. By consciously focusing on the positive aspects of life, gratitude journaling reshapes perspectives, rewires the brain, and cultivates happiness.

The concept of gratitude has long been studied in psychology, particularly within the field of positive psychology. Researchers Dr. Robert Emmons and Dr. Michael McCullough are pioneers in studying gratitude. Emmons defines gratitude as a two-step process: recognising that one has obtained a positive outcome and acknowledging that there is an external source for this positive outcome. This perspective connects gratitude not only to personal satisfaction but also to relational and societal harmony.

Neuroscience supports the transformative effects of gratitude. Studies using functional MRI scans show that practicing gratitude activates the brain's reward system, specifically the medial prefrontal cortex. This area is associated with decision-making and the regulation of emotions. Furthermore, gratitude enhances the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, often referred to as the "feel-good" chemicals. These changes not only foster happiness but also mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Gratitude journaling involves regularly writing down things you are grateful for. This practice may appear simplistic, but its effects are profound. Research indicates that gratitude journaling can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. A 2015 study published in the journal Psychotherapy Research found that individuals who engaged in gratitude writing reported significantly better mental health outcomes compared to those who focused on negative emotions or did not engage in any writing practice. Gratitude helps reframe thoughts, reducing rumination and encouraging a focus on the positive.

Putting gratitude on paper- promotes emotional resilience by encouraging individuals to concentrate on their blessings rather than their shortcomings. This positive focus redirects attention away from stress and difficulties, fostering a mental buffer that strengthens the ability to navigate adversity. Research by Dr. Emmons highlights that gratitude significantly boosts optimism, a critical factor in building resilience.

Reflecting on the kindness and support received from others through gratitude journaling can significantly improve interpersonal relationships. By deepening appreciation for those around us, it strengthens social bonds. According to a study published in the journal Emotion, gratitude not only enhances feelings of connection but also inspires prosocial behaviour.

The positive effects of gratitude extend beyond mental health. Gratitude journaling has been associated with better sleep, reduced blood pressure, and improved immune function. A study in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being found that participants who practiced gratitude journaling for two weeks experienced better sleep quality and longer duration, likely due to reduced stress levels.

Incorporating gratitude journaling into daily life is simple and requires minimal resources. Dedicate a specific time each day for journaling. Many people find that writing before bedtime helps them reflect on the day and end it on a positive note. Begin by listing three things you are grateful for each day. These can be as simple as a good meal, a kind word, or a moment of laughter. Rather than writing "I am grateful for my family," elaborate on a specific moment, such as "I am grateful for the conversation I had with my sister today, which made me feel understood." Dive deep into one or two experiences rather than creating a long list. This approach helps reinforce the emotional impact of the practice. Incorporate gratitude for challenges and lessons learned. This reframes obstacles as opportunities for growth. If you struggle to get started, use prompts such as, "What made me smile today?" or "What is something I take for granted but am truly thankful for?"

The power of this practice is evident in countless personal stories. For instance, individuals recovering from trauma often find solace in gratitude practices. One such example comes from veterans participating in a gratitude program developed by the University of California, Berkeley. Many reported reduced symptoms of PTSD and improved overall well-being after weeks of gratitude journaling. Similarly, organisations like schools and workplaces have embraced gratitude initiatives to foster a positive culture. Employees and students who engage in gratitude practices report higher satisfaction, productivity, and collaboration.

In todays fast-paced, often overwhelming world, journaling serves as a grounding practice. Social media, while connecting people, can amplify feelings of inadequacy through constant comparison. Gratitude journaling counters this effect by focusing on intrinsic values and personal blessings rather than external validation. Moreover, technological advancements have made this journaling more accessible. Apps like "Gratitude," "Five Minute Journal," and "Day One" offer digital platforms for consistent journaling, making the practice convenient and engaging.

Gratitude journaling is more than a habit; it is a transformative practice that rewires the brain, reshapes perspectives, and fosters holistic well-being. By consistently focusing on the positive aspects of life, individuals can enhance their mental and physical health, build resilience, and nurture meaningful relationships. Scientific research supports the profound impact of gratitude, making it a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and personal growth. In a world that often emphasises what is missing, gratitude journaling reminds us to cherish what we already have, transforming lives one thought at a time.
Deposed Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said she and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana escaped death by just 20-25 minutes on August 5 last year when her Awami League government was toppled in a student-led mass uprising.

In a brief audio note released by her party on its Facebook page, Hasina expressed her gratitude to God for saving her life.

She also recalled two previous attempts on her life she narrowly escaped and said she believed that God had saved her life as part of a divine design to get something greater done by her.

"We escaped death by just 20-25 minutes. I feel surviving the killings on August 21, surviving the large bomb in Kotalipara, or surviving on August 5, 2024, there must be a will of Allah, the hand of Allah. Otherwise, I wouldn't have survived this time," she is heard saying in Bangla in the audio clip.

In a trembling voice, the 77-year-old leader accused her political opponents of conspiring to get her killed.

Hasina has been living in India since August 5 last year when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League's 16-year regime.

"I am suffering, I am without my country, my home, everything has been burned," said Hasina.

Hasina survived several attempts on her life including that of the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a party rally where she was addressing as the opposition leader. Twenty-four people were killed in the attack.

In 2000, Hasina, then the prime minister of Bangladesh, was scheduled to speak at a rally in Kotalipara Upazila, Gopalganj District when police discovered a time bomb weighing 76 Kg 50 feet from the stage.

On August 5 last year, security forces gave her 45 minutes to evacuate her official Ganobhaban residence saying an angry mob was proceeding towards the government establishment and her life was in danger.

Hasina was initially flown to a nearby military air base and later an air force plane carried her along with Rehana to India.

Shortly after she left Ganobhaban, the mob vandalised the premier's residence and set on fire her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's house-turned-museum at 32 Dhanmondi named after him.
Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has informed the police that the intruder who entered their house in Mumbai got aggressive during the scuffle but did not touch jewellery kept in the open, an official said on Saturday.

The police recorded the actress's statement following the attack at the Bollywood star couple's apartment in Bandra in the early hours of Thursday, the official said.

An intruder attacked Khan (54) after entering his 12th-floor apartment in the Satguru Sharan building. The actor sustained multiple stab wounds, including on his neck, and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

The official said Kareena, in her statement, said the intruder got very aggressive during the scuffle with Saif, stabbing him multiple times. He, however, did not touch the jewellery kept in the open.

He said the police are yet to record Khan's statement.

After the incident, Kareena's sister, actress Karishma Kapoor, took her to her residence in Khar, the official said.

The police have formed more than 30 teams to trace the attacker, who remains at large more than 48 hours after the incident.
The Uttarakhand Waqf Board has set up the state's first modern madrasa offering general education under the NCERT curriculum with Sanskrit as an optional subject besides Arabic.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Modern Madrasa has been developed by the board at a cost of around Rs 50 lakh and will commence classes from the next academic session in March, Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams said.

The madrasa located at the Muslim Colony near the railway station in Dehradun, he said.

Shams said of about 10 madrasas located in the areas around the colony, this madrasa, has been improved with infrastructure, including well-equipped classrooms, furniture, computers and smart boards.

Students from the nearby madrasas will be brought here for consolidated education, the chairman said.

He said the Waqf Board plans to modernize eight to 10 madrasas in the state by the end of the year and the smaller madrasas in the surrounding areas will be merged into a central facility located at the best location.

He said, "This will streamline the management and the Waqf Board will be able to use the vacant properties to increase its income."

Students from these madrasas will study general subjects under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) syllabus in the morning while the evenings will be reserved for for religious eduction, including Quran, teachings of Prophet Muhammad or texts related to Lord Ram, as per their choice, he said.

The chairman said, "Our aim is to create a beautiful India where all children get equal education and equal opportunity to progress."

The Waqf board will provide free education, uniforms and books to students in these modernized madrasas, he added.

For the first time an ex-army personnel will be recruited as physical education instructors to ensure student's fitness and instill patriotism. Teachers for Sanskrit will also be appointed, Shams said.

A total of 419 madrasas are registered in Uttarakhand of which the Waqf Board currently runs 117 madrasas.

The focus is to have to have few madrasas that provide high quality education, Shams said, adding that the presence of so many madrasas in the state is as unnecessary.

He acknowledged that some members of the Muslim community have opposed the modernization initiative, urging the Waqf Board to use the word "school" instead of "madrasas".

Talks are underway with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to bring all madrasas under the Waqf Board's management for uniform functioning, Shams said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday that Elon Musks support for the far-right in Europe is completely unacceptable, adding to his previous criticism of Musks 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 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.

The Tesla and SpaceX chief executive has also demanded the release of jailed UK anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson and called British Prime Minister Keir Starmers government tyrannical, claiming Starmer should be in prison.

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 Musks interventions, he said its important to criticise the right thing.What we must criticise 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 criticised, Scholz said.

Polls show AfD in second place ahead of the election, with support of about 20 per cent, but Weidel has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the party.

Centre-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz has also criticised Musks endorsement of AfD.

Merzs Union bloc leads polls and he is the favourite to become Germanys next leader.
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Unless US President Joe Biden's administration immediately provides "a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement," TikTok will be forced to go dark on Sunday local time, TikTok said in a statement on Saturday, following the US Supreme Court's decision to uphold a law banning the app in the country.

In the statement, TikTok said that both the Biden White House and the US 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."

The statement came hours after the US Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok in the US on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to go dark in just two days, Reuters reported on Saturday.

In direct reaction to the US Supreme Court's decision, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said on Friday that "we will do everything in our power to ensure our platform thrives" for the years to come. Chew noted in a video that the company and its users "have been fighting to protect the constitutional right to free speech for the more than 170 million Americans" who use the popular platform every day, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Chew also noted US President-elect Donald Trump's commitment to working with TikTok to find a solution that keeps the app available in the country.

"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, per the Xinhua report.

Following the US Supreme Court's decision, Trump said in a social media post that "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!"

On March 14, 2024, in response to a question about the US House of Representatives passing a legislation that would ask ByteDance to divest TikTok, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that "if 'national security' can be abused to bring down other countries' competitive companies, there would be no fairness or justice at all. It is sheer robbers' logic to try every means to snatch from others all the good things that they have."

Global Times
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Independent TDs who support the new government but who are not coalition ministers are entitled to form an official grouping on the Dails opposition benches, the Ceann Comhairle has said.

Verona Murphy said under current standing orders that govern procedures in the Oireachtas, members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state would be able to be part of a technical group within the Dail.

In a letter to TDs on the chambers Business Committee, Mr Murphy said any change to the standing orders was not within her powers, and would instead have to be considered by the Committee on Standing Orders and Dail Reform.

The Ceann Comhairle shared the advice she had received on the issue amid a row over a bid by some Regional Independent TDs to form a technical group.

A recognised group has more speaking rights within the Dail chamber than an unaffiliated backbencher, such as the entitlement to ask questions to the Taoiseach during Leaders Questions.

Opposition parties have criticised the bid to form the new technical group, claiming it would see opposition speaking time swallowed up by supporters of the coalition.

On Saturday, Sinn Feins chief whip in the Dail Padraig Mac Lochlainn branded the potential arrangement as a farce that will be strongly challenged.

The Regional Independents grouping of TDs and independent Kerry TDs and brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae have agreed to support Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in the new look Irish government, which is set to be formally appointed on Wednesday.

However, independents who are part of that arrangement, but who will not hold a ministerial role in the coalition, want to continue to sit on the opposition benches and secure recognition as a technical group.

In her letter on Friday evening, Ms Murphy said there was a long standing precedent to support the advice she had received, as she highlighted the 2016 confidence and supply deal that saw Fianna Fail support a Fine Gael-led coalition from the opposition benches.

I am advised that to exclude a non-party member who is not a Minister or Minister of State from a technical group would require an amendment to Standing Order 170 and any amendments to the Standing Orders must be dealt with by the Committee on Standing Orders and Dail Reform, she wrote.

I am advised that the Ceann Comhairle is bound by the Standing Orders and I neither have autonomy nor jurisdiction to unilaterally amend them.

Ms Murphy asked any TD who did not agree with the advice to send her a submission, with legal advice if available, outlining a proposed alternative process.

Pursuant to receipt of any submission, I will carefully consider the points raised and take any necessary further advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, she added.

I would be grateful to receive your submissions by close of business on Wednesday 22 January 2025.

Finally, I am very anxious to ensure that this matter is considered thoroughly and transparently, in this regard whatever your view I look forward to hearing from you.

Sinn Feins Mr Mac Lochlainn said he was consulting with the whips of other opposition parties on the contents of Ms Murphys letter. He said his party was also seeking independent legal advice.

Last nights email to opposition will be strongly challenged, he posted on X.

TDs with agreement to support govt cant sit in Opposition.

The dispute has flared as Fine Gael and Fianna Fail members deliberate on whether to back the new proposed programme for government.

Fine Gael held the first of five regional meetings to brief the party faithful on Friday evening in Dublin, with four more planned over the weekend.

Fianna Fail is hold a special ard fheis in Dublin on Sunday where members will get the opportunity to vote on the 162 page coalition deal.
Dundalk Institute of Technology have launched a brand-new course aimed at qualified Electricians and Advanced Testers. The Qualified Certifier (QC) in Electrical Testing and Verification Course has been introduced as a 2-day course or 4-day course, depending on the level of experience of the participant.

This is the only QC course in Ireland, verified by a Higher Education Institution. Students can gain both a Qualified Certifier number from Safe Electric and 5 ECTS Credits from DkIT, at the same time. This course aims to prepare them to meet the stringent requirements of the CRU and Safe Electric and advance their career in the electrical industry. The course is also fully accredited by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities Water and Energy (CRU).

Read Next: Louth Cllr calls for portion of Apple tax surplus to be made available for local councils

Gerard Galligan, Head of Section Electrical & Motor Trades commented We are delighted to be the first Higher Education Institution in Ireland to offer the QC course. The flexibility of our 2 or 4 day courses, coupled with our fantastic training facilities in Dundalk, means that these courses should appeal to electricians and testers throughout the country. 

Multiple course dates are available, with more to be added. Space is limited for each session.

Visit dkit.ie/courses for more information.
Long waits at hospital emergency departments and a lack of GPs in Louth are impacting on patients, Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu has said.

The Dundalk Sinn Fein deputy was speaking after the HSEs Regional Executive Officer for Dublin and North East, Sara Long, issued a memo to elected representatives in the area who admitted some patients are experiencing long waits in EDs, while others will have non-essential surgery cancelled in the coming weeks.

Deputy O Murchu said it was clear from the winter surge, which has impacted Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, that significant reform was needed from the new government in order to get to grips with the crisis which happens in the health service every year at this time.

He said that recent photos of ambulances queued outside the Drogheda hospital is not the first time we have seen images like these. He said: The totality of healthcare needs to be part of the picture, from prevention to GPs and primary care to hospital waiting lists and emergency departments.

The health service has been through another really busy December and January with serious issues present in hospitals from overcrowding and understaffing. These are predictable crises that are allowed to happen every year. They are made worse by the stealth recruitment embargo that is in place.

He said that Dundalk in particular is facing a massive GP crisis with those who get medical cards having to wait months to be allocated a GP. Those who dont have medical cards struggle badly to get into a surgery.

Deputy O Murchu said: In addition, there is, as I have highlighted numerous times in the last 12 months, a major crisis in mental health and child mental health in this area, along with access to disability services for children.

The response to these crises has been far too slow and there seems to be no political will to do anything. The health service needs ambitious leadership from the next government. A fair and functioning public health service is not beyond us. This needs clear and progressive commitments for delivering universal healthcare in the next programme for government.

Deputy O Murchu concluded by adding: The long-term solution lies in strategic investment, spending accountability, and workforce planning. These are essential to build up health system capacity, make hospitals safe, deliver safe staffing, and ensure effective use of public money. Whenever there is a government in place, it needs to get to grips with this reality otherwise we will have continued failure.
Sabina, a Thai Trusted Lingerie brand is now here in the Philippines, and alongside its launch in the country they also brought with them a well-recieved campaign they started for breast cancer survivors  the Sewing Cup, Sewing Heart campaign.

The main objective of the Sewing Cup, Sewing Heart camapign that started in Thailand 8 years ago is ,. Donating money to cnacer patients is easy, donating willingness is another story. Sabina wants to be a vehicle wherein customers may participate in doing something out of their good hearts for breast cancern survivors.

Event participants were taught on how to sew the cup. Each of us were given a Sewing Cup Kits which has synthetic sheets, a finished bag, a plastic LLDPE beads bag and a cone of thread and needle. The cups can be used on Sabina Fill Up Bras specifically for 34B,34C, 36B, and 36C bras.

Take a look at this video on how we made the sewing cups

LLDPE stands for linear low-denisity polyenthylene which is a plastic produced through a lower pressure process. LLDPE plastic performs better at low and high tempertures, higher surface gloss, higher strength at given densities and greater resistance to environmental stress. Simply put, LLDPE plastic is generally safe to use specifically on the breast area.

All the contents of the kit were donated by PTTGC (PTT Global Chemical PLC) the biggest manufacturer of plastic beads in Thailand.

Another objective of the Sweing Heart campaign is to warn women that breast cancer is very likely to all women in all age brackets. Did you you know that the youngest breast cancer patient in the world is only 3 years old.

In the Philippines, the Sewn Cups are donated to the ICanServe Foundation for the use of breast cancer survivors. The Foundation assists breast cancer support groups in Baguio, OLangapo, Quezon City, Pasig City and Muntinlupa.

Sabina Lingerie can be found at the SM Woman undergarments section.

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Where to Eat?

There are a lot of restaurants in Sagada but we ate mostly at the Sagada Hub as recommended by our driver and at the Happy House just across it. Most restaurant there has a Php150 price per meal with rice but no drinks included yet Then we also tried the Lemon Pie at the Lemon Pie House which is delicious.

Lemon Pie is one of Sagadas famous treats that you have to order in advanced if you want to buy a whole pie. Its Php280 per box and Php60 per slice.

How to get there?

We got there via van with some strangers weve never met or talked to before. I found this DIY travel group on Facebook and found some posting about joiners to a Sagada trip. For a 2 days 1 night trip , we were charged Php1,990 each. This includes a private room for two and the roundtrip transportation to and from Sagada.

A tip on joining travel packages/groups . Some are misleading.

One of the lessons I learned from finding travel groups to join from Facebook is that most of them are misleading and most of them know each other.

In the group of 12 we were in, which three had couples and two groups of friends , all of us booked from a different travel/tour agent and was charged differently. One group was charged 200 less, one was charged 700 more than what we paid.

One thing we got in common was we were all misinformed in the deal we signed in. Just like me, everyone thought the charge included the pay for the places we were going to visit. But we were all tricked.

How? First they will give you the price for a package , lets say for our 2D/1N Sagada Tour they will also give you a Sample Itenerary like this:

This was the actual Sample Itenerary I was sent by my travel / tour agent. I assumed this is all inclusive in the payment she charged us. Unfortunately, to my surprise. It was not!

As soon as we got to our transient house / accommodation, thats when our driver would informed us that a different travel guide will talk to us about our itenerary . This guide was the one who asked us where we would like to go. From there he will come up with a fee on how much we need to pay again from going to those venues.

Yup! You read that right, we have to pay more! Our travel group mates were also surprised. They did not expect to shell out extra for going to the places detailed on our sample Itenerary. No wonder its a sample Itenerary because its just that a sample .

So it means the Php1,990 you pay is just for the roundtrip fare and for a one night accommodation for each person. There were 12 of us in the van.

The van who brought you to Sagada will also not be your service to the places you want to visit in Sagada . We had to shell out an extra Php1,000 plus each to see the 3 places we want to visit in Sagada. This fee covers the vehicle, tour guide and entrances fee.

Luckily, we were with a fun bunch of young ones. Two others were celebrating their birthday too so it was a triple celebration for us.

Recommendations for your operators and for joiners of such tours:

For joiners be very inquisitive. Tour operators wont say everything unless you squeeze the information out of them. All they want is to get booked and earn they really dont care if you get a full disclosure unless you ask for it. For your operators dont give a sample Itenerary if its not really included in the tour, just say you are providing a roundtrip service van to Sagada and back to Manila plus accommodation. Do not say tours or show sample Itenerary , its misleading. Also disclose that the van who takes you to Sagada is not the van you will use for touring destinations in Sagada. We were in a 44 on a rainy day poor girls on the back ! They didnt sign up to get sick ! Tour operators should fully disclose that picking the itenerary of the trip is up to your group. Also disclose before hand not when theyre already there waiting on what happens next. Also tell them the price for each destination and where the money is going to before leaving Manila. I dont know why the three destinations we choose cost us an extra Php2,160 . Tour operators please tell your joiners what to bring when they go to Sagada. With sample Itenerary as Spelunking and Hiking everyone should be well equipped. We needed flashlights and raincoats. Dont just say bring clothes that you can get wet on when going to the cave.. Its not a swimming event. Im also unhappy with our driver who had more personal errands than actually do his job.

Dont get me wrong I enjoyed our trip inspite of all these major disappoitment. Im glad I was able to see what I wanted to see and was able to do it with a awesome travel partner.

Thanks Marcus for my Sagada Birthday trip. Looking to more travels with you.

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Opening hours at the Garda station in Corks fastest-growing town have been announced.

Carrigaline Garda Station will be open for four additional fixed hours a week and a further two hours on two separate evenings, which will be advertised locally a week in advance, following a review. It will also open for three hours every second Sunday.

Yesterdays announcement follows a year of concern expressed by residents of the town, which now has a population of almost 20,000, as well as local representatives. A public meeting on the issue was held last March.

In a statement issued by the Garda Press Office, a spokesperson said a review had been carried out in the Cork division, stating: The station will now be operating within both fixed and flexible opening hours in order to provide further service to the community of the greater Carrigaline catchment area.

The opening hours are every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm to 2pm; two evenings a week, to be announced a week in advance, from 5pm to 7pm, and from 11am to 2pm every second Sunday.

The Togher Garda Station is the nearest station providing a 24-hour service and can be visited by anyone in the area who may need to speak with gardai outside of these opening hours, said the spokesperson.

Guarded welcome

While Cork South Central TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire had a guarded welcome for the confirmation of the opening hours, the Sinn Fein representative said it was not nearly enough to adequately police a town the size of Carrigaline.

The announcement of scheduled opening hours is welcome and long overdue, said Mr O Laoghaire. The fact is that we have not had scheduled opening hours in Carrigaline for some time now. For a town the size of Carrigaline, close to 20,000 people and more in the outlying areas, it isnt good enough that people are expected to just take a chance. Thats not the fault of the gardai in the station who are doing the absolute best that they can, but it is a problem with resourcing.

So these new scheduled hours, while they arent anywhere near as long and extensive as we might like, its better to have hours that we can rely on than not to have any sense of when it will be open at all.

This has come about as a result of pressure from public representatives, the community, and the media. Prior to this, we had been waiting for almost a year. So Im glad that the pressure has led to a result.

What we now need to see is more investment in the station, the most important thing is that there are Garda patrol cars out at night.

Its been clear for a long time now that the Garda resources available in Carrigaline do not match the population and its growth in the past 10 to 15 years.
More than 2.8m was spent in Cork hospital car parks in 2023, the majority of this at Cork University Hospital (CUH), new figures have shown.

Documents provided by HSE South West to The Echo show that 2.2m was spent in CUH car park in 2023.

The hospital said there is a national target for car parking costs, and that all money goes back into the main CUH account.

The car park is run by the hospital, but CUH has a maintenance contract with Skidata Ireland, which cost 45,935 in 2023, at a quarterly rate of 11,483.75.

The hospital said it provides free parking for staff, but that there is limited availability and highlighted the free offsite park-and-ride system in operation.

A further 245,704.55 was spent on parking in Cork University Maternity Hospital, on the same site as CUH.

The figures have prompted calls for improved public transport services to the hospital.

All of this money goes back into the main CUMH account. The car park is maintained by CUH, so shares maintenance costs with CUMH.

South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital made 355,949 on car parking, and all money goes back into the main SIVUH account.

Demand

The car park is managed by SIVUH, but no details of maintenance costs were provided. There was no free parking for staff at the hospital.

Neither Mallow General Hospital nor Bantry General Hospital have charges to use their car parks, leaving them free for patients, visitors, and staff.

Labour Party councillor for Cork City South West, Laura Harmon, told The Echo: The public should know where exactly the 2.8m is being spent.

There is a need for more public parking solutions for CUH staff and patients, and more public parking in the Bishopstown area in general.

The free park and ride system should be expanded.

The demand for parking in the area is very high. I live near CUH and I know many people are parking in estates and outside shopping centres if they cant get parking in CUH when they are going for appointments or to work, and this is causing a huge amount of stress for people.

Ultimately, we need more reliable and frequent public transport servicing CUH, and we need to see action on a Cork light rail.

For a modern city, Cork has been left behind by the Government in terms of public transport.

Enormous

Sinn Fein TD for Cork South-Central, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, said: The numbers from the CUH for car parking are enormous, huge money, which is coming from patients and their loved ones.

It is particularly stark when you consider there is no charge in Mallow or Bantry.

This is a huge burden on patients, especially those regularly in attendance. This particularly impacts people with cancer and other conditions that require frequent hospital attendance.

The last government was committed under the programme for government to capping hospital parking charges, but they did not act.

This is an important part of reducing the cost of healthcare, and it shouldnt take years to do this. There has been a review and an implementation plan from the HSE, and I am calling on the Government to get on with it.
Following the Israel's Cabinet approval of a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza pausing the 15-month war with Hamas, a spokesperson for the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign group has told The Echo the organisation still has a lot of work to do.

"We welcome it," said Christina Collins.

"We want ceasefire, because all that has been happening has been the targeting and killing of men, women and children, civilians and the destruction of hospitals and infrastructure. So any news of that slaughter being stopped is excellent. It's so good, and we are happy to celebrate," she added.

However, Ms Collins expressed concern over the fragile nature of the situation in Gaza, saying the group will monitor the situation over the coming days and weeks.

"Apartheid is still happening in Palestine. Palestinians are still being separated from their lands, both in Gaza and the West Bank. So there's no reason that we'll be stopping the Cork Palestine Solidarity campaign. The work is not finished and we have a lot still to do domestically," said Ms Collins.

"The message is that we are happy to see a ceasefire, but that is not the end of the story.

We will be on the streets again today and next week. We will be taking it week by week to see how it develops, but rest assured, we will still be as active as we have been because apartheid is a crime against humanity and that is the next thing that needs to be dealt with by the international community.
A Cork entrepreneur has said she is more than a little shocked to be one of three finalists shortlisted for a prestigious sustainability award at one of Irelands largest international trade shows.

Claire OSullivan, founder of Bantry-based WASI (Wild Atlantic Seaweed Ireland) Seaweed Skincare, has been shortlisted as one of three finalists under the category of Sustainability Champion for the Business of Craft Awards as part of the upcoming international showcase for Irish craft and design businesses.

WASI is one of 14 Cork businesses being supported by Cork county and Cork city Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) at the showcase, which will run in the RDS Dublin from January 19 to 21 with the winners due to be announced on January 20.

Mentoring

LEOs support thousands of established and emerging businesses each year by providing them with mentoring and a wide range of support and grants.

Ms OSullivan said she could not thank the Cork LEOs enough: Without the LEOs, my business wouldnt be where it is now, she said.

Their mentoring has meant the world to me, and going to showcase, those have been two incredibly important turning points in my business.

I sell all over the country, and I sell directly to customers all over the world, and theres not a hope that would have happened without the Local Enterprise Office and the help that Ive received from them.

Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Local Enterprise Offices and from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the showcase, one of the countrys largest international trade shows, offering manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their collections to 3,500 buyers visiting from Ireland and overseas.
The Minister for Higher Education, Patrick ODonovan, has described the N20 main Limerick to Cork road as a glorified cattle track and that it was not safe for motorists.

Speaking on Tuesday at the official sod turning of ground of a new garda station in Newcastle West, the Fine Gael Limerick TD said that a motorway between the two counties should be constructed as soon as possible.

It is proposed that upgrading the N20 to a full motorway would reduce travel times between the two cities and improve road safety.

Numerous accidents

The second and third largest cities in the country should be linked with a high quality corridor. At the moment, they're linked by a glorified cattle track, its not safe, it has numerous accidents and incidents on it every year, said Minister ODonovan.

"There are some desperately dangerous junctions on it, like at ORourkes Cross, Rock Hill and elsewhere, it carries a huge amount of traffic on a daily basis, and the sooner it is upgraded, and the sooner that we see a tender awarded and construction commence on the new M20, linking Limerick to Cork, the better.

The estimated cost of the road upgrade is around 2 billion, and motorists would have to pay a toll.

It is expected that travel times between the two cities would be reduced by up to 30 minutes after the proposed upgrade.

Last June it was reported that at least 64 people had been killed in road traffic collisions on the N20 over the previous 27 years, and that collisions on the route were likely to be four times more fatal than the average road in Ireland.

Uncertainty

However, a lack of confirmed funding for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has created a level of uncertainty about the progression of the scheme, and it was not specifically mentioned in Budget 2025, delivered last October.

Despite this, Minister O'Donovan said: The government have committed to the M20 and I've always said that, in my view, because it cuts right through the heart of my constituency, that it should be a motorway.

"I will be looking forward to the next Minister for Transport, whoever that is, to clear up the issue with regard to designation very quickly and make that road a motorway, he said.
Members of the public attending at the courthouse on Anglesea St in Cork were verbally abused by a drunken man  who also lashed out at gardai during a disturbance  and now the culprit has been jailed.

The same man was abusive to gardai during another incident at Merchants Quay in Cork City centre when he told them to f*** off and said: You dont know what youre talking about.

Thomas Cauley, aged 35, who is originally from Thurles, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to several public order offences, including one that was carried out at Mercy University Hospital.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a total sentence of five months on Cauley at Cork District Court.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said that shortly after 11am on December 10, 2024, Cauley was in the foyer of the district court at the Anglesea St courthouse in Cork in an intoxicated condition.

Sgt Davis said: He had to be escorted from the courthouse. He was verbally abusive to members of the public.

He attempted to lash out at gardai.

Four days earlier, on December 4, Cauley came to adverse attention again at 4pm at Andersons Quay, Cork, where he was so drunk that he was a source of danger to himself or others.

On July 19, 2024, gardai went to Merchants Quay to deal with a situation where Cauley was causing a disturbance with another man.

He stumbled out on to the street and returned to bang and kick at a door of the shopping centre.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said: This man is a self-confessed alcoholic.

He has had seizures and other numerous difficulties.

He is a 35-year-old man from Thurles. At the age of 11 he lost his father. He has no contact with his mother.

He came to Cork in 2016. He has gone to numerous treatment centres but unfortunately he has relapsed.
Independent Ireland leader and Cork South West TD Michael Collins has said that Independent TDs who are supporting Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in Government should get speaking time in the new Dail  but not from the time allocated to the opposition.

As both main parties seek to get the agreement of grassroots members for the document agreed with the Regional Independent Group which Kerry TDs Michael and Danny Healy Rae have now joined, a row has erupted over the allocation of speaking time in the new Dail with Government-supporting TDs.

Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Danny Healy Rae, and Gillian Toole, who are supporting the Government, are seeking to form a technical group in the Dail, despite being one short of the threshold to be recognised as such and standing orders stipulating that the technical groups are part of the opposition.

Before the agreement between the Regional Independent Group, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the Healy Raes, the Kerry TDs had been part of the technical group set up by Independent Ireland.

This is not a matter of concern for Mr Collins, who leads a four-strong Independent Ireland contingent.

As long as we have five TDs in our group, we will have as much speaking time as if we had seven, he told The Echo.

Along with the four Independent Ireland TDs, we also have independent Dublin TD Paul Gogarty in our group.

Entitled

While the Healy Raes have defected to the Regional Independent Technical Group, the Independent Ireland leader said they were entitled to speaking time on the basis of every other party but that members of that group should only be allocated speaking time from the Governments share of that time, rather than from the oppositions.

You cant be on both sides of the border, he said, adding that the time allocated to the opposition was limited as it was and should not be further eroded.

In terms of what was absent from the Programme of Government, Mr Collins pointed to the lack of a promise to provide free medical cards to cancer sufferers during their period of treatment for the illness. This was something we had set as a priority and were disappointed that it hasnt been included in the Programme for Government but its something we will continue to fight for, he said.

We dont see much in the Programme for Government that will reduce the waiting time of those on trolleys or on other waiting lists thats what we will be focusing on going forward, being as constructive an opposition as possible to solve these issues.

In its talks with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael regarding the possibility of supporting the Government, the Independent Ireland leader had said that his party regarded the rejection of the Mercosur deal as a red-line issue.
The chief executive of European Movement Ireland has welcomed the inclusion of the countrys strong support of the EU in the Draft Programme for Government but expressed disappointment at the lack of mentions for civil society and the non-profit sector in the document.

Noelle OConnell, who hails from Blarney, told The Echo the organisation would welcome if the Government would include words aimed at supporting a strong and robust civil society in the document, which is to be discussed at regional meetings by Fine Gael members this weekend as well as at a Fianna Fail special ard fheis on Sunday.

Civil society advocates, articulates, champions, and represents voices that may not always be heard, said Ms OConnell. Given the increasingly complex geopolitical world order we are seeing, not least within our own European borders, I think Ireland has a strong role to play in championing and being a role model for upholding the values which we as a people and a community hold dear and on which Europe was founded.

Ambitious

Ms OConnell welcomed an ambitious plan to strengthen Irelands role within the European Union, in particular, its commitment to increase Irish applications for jobs within the EU Institutions, funding Northern Ireland students to participate in the Erasmus programme, the John Hume Fund for reconciliation, promoting EU enlargement, continuing support for Ukraine and the advancement of a two state solution to achieve peace in Israel and Palestine, as hope of a ceasefire emerges this weekend.

European Movement Ireland is hopeful that the government will support initiatives in strengthening civic space, which contributes to a healthy and functioning democracy and also forms part of the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGraths portfolio.

The organisation is calling for the following in the Programme for Government; protections for civil society; clearer commitments and targets to increase the number of Irish people working in EU institutions; ensuring the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum complies with human rights standards; and the publication of a timeline for a referendum on the Unified Patent Court after its deferral in April 2024.
It is my first column of the new year, and I am excited to share some news about ongoing schemes, funds, and a new art exhibition with you.

This week, I am inviting applications from community and voluntary groups for funding under the new Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) Fund 2025.

The scheme follows on from the remarkably successful 2024 programme which supported more than 160 groups in the county.

Cork County Council is proud to support the community and voluntary groups who make valuable contributions to local communities in every corner of our county.

Funding like this will help support groups to carry out repairs and maintenance, improve their facilities, and help with daily operations. I encourage groups to consider applying to avail of this opportunity.

Showcase

It is great news for our Local Enterprise Offices as they will support 14 of their clients at the upcoming international showcase for Irish craft and design businesses at the RDS Dublin.

Each year at Showcase, the LEO area is a vibrant destination for buyers to discover talented designers and makers showing exciting new products across all four categories  home and gift, jewellery, fashion, and wellbeing.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Showcase, one of Irelands largest international trade shows that offers manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their collections to 3,500 buyers visiting from Ireland and overseas while generating sales orders of more than 25.6m during the three days of the show.

Community Fund Scheme

I am delighted to announce that support of over 1.8m to enhance community engagement and facilities in 2025 is available.

The Community Fund Scheme supports a range of projects and initiatives by local voluntary groups and organisations each year and has opened for applications this Monday.

I am continually inspired by the incredible work carried out by community groups under this scheme.

The scheme supports a wide range of meaningful projects and initiatives and I am proud to see this vital support continue in 2025.

Local Festival and Event Fund

I would like to remind everyone that there is still time to apply for the Local Festival and Event Fund for 2025.

The fund is designed to support festivals and events that celebrate local culture, stimulate economic growth, and attract domestic visitors to County Cork.

Festivals breathe life into our communities, energising towns and villages across Cork County.

They reflect who we are, showcasing our unique identity and offer essential support to local businesses.

With the backing of Failte Ireland, this fund is a key part of our commitment to ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of Corks vibrant cultural celebrations, and to making Cork a destination that welcomes domestic visitors all year round.

Art exhibition

Lastly, I have some good news for art enthusiasts as a new exhibition Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe has opened this past week at LHQ Gallery and will run until February 28.

Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe is a collaborative of eight contemporary artist weavers: Tish Canniffe, Pascale De Coninck, Heather Underwood, along with Muriel Beckett, Frances Crowe, Lorna Donlon, Terry Dunne, and Catherine Ryan.

Exploring ideas of resilience at a time of global challenge, instability and uncertainty, this exhibition showcases a collaborative 1m x 5m tapestry, eight new individual tapestries, as well as a short documentary film.

Drawing from a broad range of diverse visual references, this collaboration also incorporates current UCD plant science research imagery.
Hundreds of people gathered in Cork today to celebrate the impending ceasefire in Gaza, which will come into effect from 8.30am Irish time on Sunday.

Protests have been held in the city centre by the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC) group each Saturday since October 2023, with people rallying to show their support for Palestinians and their outrage at the ongoing conflict.

News came through late on Friday that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between the Israeli Government and Hamas, which will initially see 33 Israeli hostages released over the next six weeks, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Hamas has agreed to free three female hostages on day one of the deal, four on day seven and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks.

The remainder, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second phase that will be negotiated during the first.

Following this announcement, the CPSC has said that the agreement in question is practically identical" to the one proposed and agreed to by Hamas in May 2024.

Since May, thousands more Palestinian people perished, leading to arrest warrants from The Hague for Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

Michael Martin last year affirmed that the State will carry out these arrests should the Israeli leaders enter Ireland.

Speaking at todays rally, a spokesperson for CPSC told the crowd that protests will continue for at least six weeks while the delicate first stage of the ceasefire is implemented.

"We have a responsibility to continue our work in opposition to the crime of apartheid, which Israel is continuing to tighten in the West Bank.

This deserves our attention, this deserves our work and we will keep marching and protesting and speaking to the people of Cork until the apartheid is abolished."
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.

Sunrise Movement LA demonstrators step out after occupying a building at the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles, California on Jan. 16, 2025. Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Survivors of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires are calling for lawsuits and policies to hold those most responsible for global climate disasters accountable, reported The Guardian.

Increasing evidence shows that oil and gas companies have known for decades that fossil fuels are the cause of global heating, but they have continued to market their products while spreading doubt about climate change.

It is hard to properly express how much was lost, said Palisades resident Danielle Havanas, whose home was destroyed by last weeks fire, as The Guardian reported. How do you communicate the value of your deceased moms journal from 1981 when she was pregnant with you?

University of California, Los Angeles, climate scientists have already concluded that the climate crisis was most likely the cause of a quarter of the dry conditions that fueled the rapid spread of the fires.

The Palisades section of Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles, California on Jan. 12, 2025. Qian Weizhong / VCG via Getty Images

[I]t should not continuously fall in us to address the consequences of big oils negligence, said Altadena neighborhood resident Sam James, whose grandfather lost his home in the Eaton fire. They must take responsibility for the harm that theyve caused, pay reparations to the affected communities who lost their homes and businesses, and take immediate steps to mitigate further damage.

California and other states, along with some cities, have brought lawsuits to hold big oil accountable and force them to foot the bill for damages.

Were already paying for big oils climate destruction, not just with money, but with our lives, so thats why we need our own climate superfund bill, said Clara Vondrich, senior policy counsel at nonprofit Public Citizen, of a new version of legislation originally considered by California last year.

On Thursday morning, dozens of climate activists with Sunrise Movement LA protested outside a Phillips 66 oil facility, while 16 demonstrators stormed the Lubricant Terminals office building, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Sunrise Movement LA is demanding that oil companies pay up to help with wildfire relief and support the states clean energy transition.

Fossil fuel CEOs are responsible for the destruction that is happening right now in Los Angeles, said 18-year-old Simon Aron, a volunteer with Sunrise Movement and action lead for the protest, as the Los Angeles Times reported. They are responsible for the fact that me and my neighbors had to evacuate our homes, that we still cant drink our water.

Police escorted some of the demonstrators out, but no arrests were made.

The group that was inside decided to step out, said Kidus Girma, Sunrise Movement national organizer, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. The plan is to continue holding space and seeing if other possible occupations begin in the state.

Sunrise Movement LA planned to keep protesting at the facility through Thursday, until their demands were met or the CEO of Phillips 66 agreed to meet with them.

According to fire experts, Southern California wildfires are becoming more destructive for multiple reasons, including increased development in high-risk areas, as well as a feedback loop where native plants dont have enough time to regrow between fires, which opens the land for more flammable, fast-growing invasive vegetation to spring up.

Following the Eaton and Palisades fires, bipartisan leaders criticized city officials for problems with water pressure and lack of preparedness.

At least 25 people have died in the fires, which left 23 still missing, burned over 27,000 acres and are not yet 100 percent contained.
(Photo: Carol M. Highsmith - Library of Congress Catalog)Dallas Hall on the campus of Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

The Texas Supreme Court is hearing a case over church control of Southern Methodist University (SMU) regarding a dispute with the institution on social issues such as strengthened restrictive policies toward LGBTQ people, ordinations, and marriages.

Critics say the dispute tests the United Methodist Church's autonomy, The New York Times reported.

SMU changed its governing language in 2019 to declare itself independent from the denomination's control about nine months after the United Methodist Church voted to strengthen bans on gay weddings and pastors in gay relationships, The Dallas Morning News reported on Jan 15.

Later, in 2019, the South Central Jurisdictional Conference of the denomination sued the university, saying it violated bylaws that required the regional group's approval before declaring independence.

Key questions before the court included whether the conference had the authority to sue the school in the way it did and whether church autonomy prevented the courts from ruling in SMU's favor.

- 'Partners in ministry'

"Our hope is that we can be partners in ministry, just as we have since SMU was founded by our foremothers and forefathers in faith in 1911," Bishop Delores Williamston of the Louisiana conference said in a Jan. 16 statement.

SMU was founded on April 17, 1911, by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Southnow part of the United Methodist Church--in partnership with Dallas civic leaders, according to Wikipedia.

However, it is non-sectarian in its teaching and enrolls students of all religious affiliations

The controversy revolves around who controls the university-its Board of Trustees or the church-after the university tried to distance itself in 2019, Inside Higher Education reported on Jan 15, 2025.

It came at a time when the church strengthened restrictive policies toward LGBTQ ordinations and marriages, aggravating ideological differences within the denomination.

SMU president R. Gerald Turner said at the time that the church decision would have no bearing on the university as "a separate corporate entity governed by the SMU Board of Trustees," and the university would continue to follow its nondiscrimination statement, which includes "sexual orientation and gender identity and expression."

The United Methodist Church has since pedaled back on its stance on LGBTQ issues.

However, that didn't end the power struggle over the private Dallas University, which has more than 12,000 students and a $2.2 billion endowment.
Amazon's drones won't be making any deliveries in the foreseeable future. According to Bloomberg, the company has paused all commercial drone deliveries in Texas and Arizona after a previously undisclosed event in which two of Amazon's MK30 drones had crashed at the Pendleton, Oregon airport it uses for testing. MK30 is the company's next-gen drone model, which is lighter and has a longer range than its predecessor, the MK27. The incidents took place in December, with one of the drones even catching fire after it fell. Amazon reportedly determined that its drones crashed due a software issue that's linked to the light rain drizzling at the time the tests were being conducted.

The company said, however, that the crashes weren't the "primary reason" why it's putting its drone deliveries on hold. Amazon spokesperson Sam Stephenson told Bloomberg that it's "currently in the process of making software changes to the drone" and that the operational pause is voluntary. After the updates are completed, Amazon still has to secure an approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before it can resume its operations. "Employees at the drone sites, who were told of the action Friday, will continue to be paid during the pause," Stephenson added.

In addition to the crashes in December, two MK30 drones collided during another test a few months earlier. Stephenson explained that Amazon expects to see incidents like these during testing and that they help the company improve the service's safety. Amazon has been sending out non-medical shipments via drones in Texas since 2022 before adding prescription medication a year later. In 2024, Amazon halted drone deliveries in California, but it also launched the service in Phoenix, Arizona.
On Thursday, The New York Times published a lengthy story about the rise in power of Stephen Miller, a longtime loyalist of Donald Trump known for his hardline views on immigration. Normally, a story like that wouldnt get much attention in the tech press. But the piece opened with an anecdote about Mark Zuckerberg that immediately raised eyebrows.

The story detailed a recent meeting Miller had with Zuckerberg when the Meta CEO traveled to Mar-a-Lago last year. According to The Times, Zuckerberg  who would soon renounce Metas prior fact checking efforts and ditch corporate diversity programs  blamed his former chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, for an inclusivity initiative at Facebook that encouraged employees self-expression in the workplace.

That line set off a fresh round of speculation (and some outrage) in tech circles. Sandberg, who left Meta in 2022 and rose to fame after authoring her women in the workplace manifesto Lean In, was known for her once close partnership with Zuckerberg at the top of Facebook. That Zuckerberg would blame his former top lieutenant for fostering inclusivity at his company, raised eyebrows even among longtime observers of the company.

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She always knew who Mark Zuckerberg and covered for him, New York Times reporter Sheera Frankel, who co-wrote a book about Facebooks dominance, observed on Bluesky.  The question is whether she will continue to do so when he so blatantly throws her under the (Trump) bus. Journalist and longtime tech pundit Kara Swisher likewise noted that folks I talked to tonight from the Mark/Sheryl Facebook era are shocked but not surprised by his blaming her.

I also weighed in on my Threads account, sharing a link to a Business Insider story from February that quoted an interview in which Zuckerberg said that Sandberg had raised him like a parent. I joked that the comment hadnt aged well.

But on Friday, Zuckerberg decided to let me (and I guess everyone else) know that he and Sandberg are still cool, after all. Sheryl did amazing work at Meta and will forever be a legend in the industry, he wrote in a reply to my post. She built one of the greatest businesses of all time and taught me much of what I know.

Threads

A few minutes later, Sandberg jumped in to helpfully let me know there are no hard feelings on her side, either. Thank you, @zuck. I will always be grateful for the many years we spent building a great business together - and for your friendship that got me through some of the hardest times of my life and continues to this day.

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Zuckerberg responded with a single heart emoji.

I asked Zuckerberg if he felt Sandberg was too focused on DEI initiatives at Meta, or whether she took away from the masculine energy he recently told Joe Rogan corporations should embody. Notably, he has not denied The Times reporting about his comments regarding Sandberg, though he claimed they are being misconstrued.

"I answered a question about where the phrase 'bring your whole self to work' came from, and now there's a whole bogus narrative saying I blamed Sheryl for a bunch of stuff that I never did and never will," he said. (Bringing your "whole self" to work is a slogan popularized by Sandberg in Lean In. Similar language often appeared on Meta's careers site when the company highlighted diversity among its employees. "Being your authentic self is the foundation of who we are as a company," Meta wrote on a since-deleted page of its corporate website where it shared its internal diversity reports.)

So, I guess that settles it. Nothing to see here, folks. Mark and Sheryl are definitely still friends. They may not work at the same company anymore, but they are still able to come together to head off a potential PR crisis. What could be more inspiring than that?

Update, January 17, 2025, 4PM PT: This post was updated to reflect an additional comment from Zuckerberg.
Taylor Swift was reportedly left "perplexed" after being named in Justin Baldoni's explosive countersuit against Blake Lively. The countersuit follows Lively's sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni related to their work on the film It Ends With Us.

Lively, 37, accused Baldoni, 40, of creating a hostile work environment in her complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department last month. In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit, making startling accusations, including that Lively enlisted Swift, 35, to pressure him into using her script rewrites.

Baldoni claimed that Swift was not named directly in the legal filing but appeared in text screenshots accompanying his allegations. According to Baldoni, Swift joined a meeting between him and Lively and excessively praised Lively's script revisions, making him feel obligated to adopt them.

A source close to Swift revealed her confusion about the claims, stating her connection to Lively is solely based on friendship.

"Taylor is proud of the film because her music was featured in it, which gave her a sense of involvement, though she wasn't fully aware of the extent of the project's developments," the source explained, per the Daily Mail.

The insider emphasized that Swift's appearance at the meeting was coincidental, as she was visiting her friend. "She finds Justin's interpretation of the encounter perplexing, and those close to her suspect she's being drawn into the situation as a means to target Blake," the source added.

According to court documents, Baldoni texted Lively after the meeting, referencing Swift: "Was working on rooftop scene today, I really love what you did... And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor."

Baldoni's countersuit alleges that Lively's frequent script changes disrupted production, leaving the studio and crew concerned. Both Lively and Baldoni's legal teams have issued fiery statements, further intensifying the high-profile legal battle.
Wendy Williams' family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign seeking $50,000 to help free the former talk show host from her guardianship.

The fundraiser, titled "Support Wendy Williams' Fight for Independence," was launched on January 15, just before Williams' phone interview on The Breakfast Club.

Read more: Jayson Tatum Trolled Online for Seemingly Staring at Women During Shocking Loss to Raptors

In a dramatic development, Williams, 60, called into The Breakfast Club on Thursday, January 16 asserting she is "not cognitively impaired" despite being placed in a facility where most residents are in their 70s to 90s. During the interview, she expressed feeling imprisoned by her current situation, saying, "I feel like I am in prison."

However, her attorney Roberta Kaplan presents a different perspective. Speaking to 'TMZ', Kaplan maintains that Williams continues to struggle with frontal lobe dementia, explaining that while the star may have lucid days  as demonstrated in The Breakfast Club interview  her condition requires ongoing care.

Kaplan emphasized that a New York state court determined Williams unable to make legal and financial decisions independently due to her neurological condition  which has no cure.

The family's fundraising effort aims to help relocate Williams to Florida, arguing she has been "unjustly placed under guardianship and labeled as incapacitated" despite her desire to live independently.

"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," the fundraiser read. "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. 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," the GoFundMe reads.

As of this writing, the GoFundMe has raised over $16,000 dollars.
Barack Obama is singing praises for former first lady Michelle Obama on her birthday, all while complimenting her good looks.

Obama  who has been married to Michelle for over thirty years  took to Instagram Friday, Janaury 17 to post a warm photo of the two, which went on to gain over 800K views in a matter of three hours.

Fans in the comment section poured in to send their well wishes to Michelle on her 61st birthday, in addition to adding positive comments and dropping heart emojis.

"Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama," the 44th president wrote to his wife Friday. "You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace  and you look good doing it. I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!"

The Obamas are seen in the photo holding hands across a table complete with a floral arrangement smiling in the camera in what appears to be a dining setting. The birthday girl is dressed casually in a black V-neck dress, black waist belt, and printed head scarf. Barack is seen in a grey button-down and black pants.

"Forever 1st lady. Forever our president. Happy birthday," one fan wrote. "Happy birthday Queen! You will forever be loved by President Obama and by US!" a second penned with love. "HBD to one of the most inspiring humans on the planet. Strength, grace, intelligence, grit, integrity, and beauty inside and out," a third added. "She's not about to spoil this birthday, with this inauguration," a fourth fan teased.

Skipping the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump appears to be the plan, as it's been reported that the now 61-year-old has no plan to attend the ceremony set to take place at the Capitol on January 21.

That said, the 60th inaugural ceremony won't be the only tradition she skips out on, as the former first lady was also notably absent during the late president Jimmy Carter's funeral which was held last week in Washington, D.C.

"There's no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She's not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol's sake," a source close to Michelle told PEOPLE. "Michelle doesn't do anything because it's expected or it's protocol or it's tradition."

Kid Rock had a "kind message" for the Chicago native, reminding her that despite not voting for Barack, he still performed at his inauguration.

Jesse Watters with Kid Rock 

pic.twitter.com/eqMHMlOIkK  Carlos America (@CarlosBtnoCigar) January 17, 2025

"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."

When Jesse Watters asked the star why she may not be coming, he was unsure.

"I dunno, she seems a little angry," the rockstar replied. "She might be. I don't know."
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Daughters are often the primary caregivers for parents with dementia, shouldering much of the emotional and physical burden.

By 2060, the number of Americans facing the heartbreaking reality of dementiaa devastating condition that slowly takes away memory, clear thinking, communication, and independenceis expected to double.

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's is growing  and growing fast.

Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's. An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer's in 2024. However, within just a few decades, that number of new cases is projected to soar to one million lives impacted yearly, according to a study published in Nature Medicine.

These aren't just numbersthey represent parents, grandparents, spouses, and loved ones whose journeys will profoundly affect their families and communities. The time to understand, prepare, and support one another is now.

Matt McCann, a leading expert on long-term care planning, says this alarming trend underscores the urgent need for long-term care planning as part of comprehensive retirement preparation.

"These aren't just statistics; they represent families facing emotional and financial challenges. Preparing now ensures you can protect your loved ones, safeguard your savings, and maintain control over the care you may need in the future."

McCann emphasizes the need for quality long-term care services, a common concern for many families. He notes that with the proper care, individuals living with Alzheimer's can experience an improved quality of life while also easing the emotional and physical burden on their loved ones.

America is Getting Older - So Are You!

Demographic shifts are reshaping the U.S. population. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over 65, and by 2034, older adults will outnumber children under 18 for the first time in American history, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

As life expectancy rises, so does the demand for long-term care services, placing a significant financial and emotional strain on families. With the cost of care skyrocketing across the country, McCann warns that too many families are unprepared for the profound impact this can have on their loved ones and their finances.

"As you plan for retirement, ask yourself: Where will an extra $6,000 or more per month for quality long-term care come from? How will covering these costs affect your lifestyle, your savings, and the legacy you want to leave behind?"

Memory care is even more costly, according to the LTC News survey of long-term care costs across the United States. Nationwide, the base cost for a memory care facility averages $5,830 per month, excluding additional fees, with some regions being significantly more expensive.

According to the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator, the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home exceeds $100,000, and in-home care services can reach $60,000 or more annually.

McCann notes that these costs can vary widely depending on where you live and the level of care needed and will increase dramatically in the years ahead.

Who is at Risk?

A study sampling over 15,000 people found that nearly one in two adults over 55 are at risk of developing dementia. Women, Black Americans, and individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease face disproportionately higher risks.

Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Risk

While the statistics are concerning, experts emphasize that certain lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of dementia. Research published in The Lancet in 2020 estimates that 45% of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors.

"Lifestyle interventions are the foundation for how we approach cognitive health," says Dr. Nathaniel Chin, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and medical director for the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC).

Here are five key habits to adopt:

Keep Learning Stimulate your brain through activities like learning a new language, trying a musical instrument, or solving puzzles. These activities help strengthen cognitive skills, much like physical exercise strengthens muscles. Connect Locally Social isolation increases dementia risk by 50%, according to the CDC. Engaging in local activities, volunteering, or participating in community events can reduce loneliness and foster mental well-being. Manage Chronic Conditions Chronic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol are linked to higher dementia risks due to increased bodily and brain inflammation. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight through lifestyle changes can help protect your brain health. Protect Your Hearing Hearing loss accounts for 8% of dementia cases, according to The Lancet. Using hearing aids can reduce dementia risk significantlyby about 50% for those at higher risk. Monitor Alcohol Use Excessive alcohol consumption harms the brain and increases risks of conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive drinking.

Long-Term Care Planning Matters

Long-term care is both a cash flow challenge and a family concern. Without proper planning, it can quickly escalate into a family crisis. McCann highlights Long-Term Care Insurance as an affordable and effective solution to protect assets, secure access to quality care, and ease the financial and emotional burden on loved ones.

"By planning now, ideally before you retire, you can maintain control over your care decisions and enjoy greater peace of mind throughout your retirement years."

McCann explains that dementia is just one of many reasons you might need assistance with daily living activities or supervision due to memory decline. Chronic illnesses, accidents, mobility challenges, and general frailty also become more common with age, increasing the likelihood of requiring long-term care services.

He stresses that long-term care costs aren't covered by health insurance or Medicare, as these only provide for short-term skilled care. This is why McCann says having a Long-Term Care Insurance policy is essential for a secure and successful retirement, helping to protect your finances and ensure access to the care you need.

With dementia rates expected to rise and an aging population poised to dominate the demographic landscape, integrating long-term care planning into retirement strategies is not just advisable but necessary.

By adopting healthier lifestyles and proactively addressing future care needs, McCann says you can better prepare for the challenges of aging while safeguarding your quality of life.

Most people purchase a Long-Term Care Insurance policy between the ages of 47 and 67. Premiums and underwriting rules can vary widely among insurance companies that offer these solutions. McCann advises working with a specialist who represents the leading providers of long-term care products. This ensures you can confidently shop for and customize a plan tailored to your unique situation, age, and health, giving you peace of mind for the future.

Get Professional Planning Help

Matt McCann represents the top-rate insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions. His innovative approach enables clients to consult with him via phone while viewing his computer screen, making the education, exploration, and selection of options convenient and transparent.

You can get free and accurate quotes from all the top companies, along with professional recommendations - Free and Accurate Quotes.

Media Availability

McCann is available for radio, TV, and podcast interviews. He also speaks to groups and organizations worldwide on the issues of aging, caregiving, health, and long-term care. Contact McCann through his website for information.
BELGRADE, Mont.  The Belgrade School District is planning to build its fourth elementary school as the city continues to grow. The district has $20 million left for new construction, but officials are planning carefully due to rising costs since the bond first passed in 2019.
Jamie Foxx has been Cameron Diaz's "biggest cheerleader".

Jamie Foxx has been very supportive of Cameron Diaz

The 57-year-old actor stars alongside Cameron, 52, in the new Netflix movie 'Back in Action', and Jamie supported her co-star throughout her return to the movie business.

Seth Gordon, the film's director, told PEOPLE: "Anyone who was on set will tell you he was the biggest cheerleader and hype man for her, and really for everybody involved, but especially for her."

The new movie marks Cameron's first acting job in more than a decade. And Cameron was similarly supportive of Jamie, after he suffered a stroke while they were shooting the film in April 2023.

Seth shared: "She got to return the favour in that way spiritually.

"It was a very unusual situation to navigate, but it makes a big difference when they have this old friendship, and it's coming from such a good place."

Cameron recently revealed that she feels "so proud" of Jamie.

The actress praised her co-star for how he's dealt with his health scare.

Cameron told 'Extra': "For every person who knows Jamie, like, it was terrifying.

"For everybody who loves Jamie, the world, like, everybody was concerned  I can't even imagine how he feels.

"I'm so proud of him, how brave he was to do his [stand-up special], to let us all know. But you know, its hard. You walk up to him and hes like, Everybody cries!"

Meanwhile, Jamie recently revealed how he convinced his showbiz pal to board the project.

The actor explained: "Listen, we were very humble in our ask. We were very respectful in our ask.

"There was a couple of promises. I was like, I dont want your feet to touch the ground. I want this to be fun thing for for you to do.'"
Rami Malek was once "thrown on the bonnet of an LAPD cop car" after he mistaken for a criminal.

Rami Malek grew up in Los Angeles

The 43-year-old actor still has vivid memories of being stopped by police officers on the streets of Los Angeles during his younger years.

Rami told the Guardian newspaper: "I got thrown on the bonnet of an LAPD cop car because someone had robbed a liquor store and stolen a womans bag.

"They said the [thief] was of Latin descent and, You fit the description. I remember how hot that engine was, they must have been racing over there and it was almost burning my hands.

"My friend, who was Caucasian, was clever enough to go, Actually, sir, hes Egyptian. Not Latin. I remember laughing on the cop car, thinking, OK, this is a very precarious situation. I may well be going to jail for something Ive not done."

Rami was born in California to Egyptian parents and he now appreciates the sacrifices his parents made for him after arriving in America.

The 'Oppenheimer' star explained: "The school system in Los Angeles was not great. She would handwrite these long letters in blue fountain pen explaining our situation. Shed say, Im going to give my kids every opportunity possible.

"I would hear stories about her being pregnant with my brother and me, and taking three buses  three different buses!  to get to work and back."

Rami previously admitted that he struggled to fit in during his childhood.

The actor told The New Yorker: "I felt that we stuck out like a sore thumb, as a family, our traditions.

"Going to school with that type of consciousness, and feeling like we were wearing our heritage on our sleeves, was always something that was confusing."
Tori Spelling "froze" after being told to flee her Los Angeles home.

Tori Spelling was recently forced to flee her home

The 51-year-old star has confessed to panicking while she was trying to flee her property amid the recent wildfires.

Tori - who has Liam, 17, Stella, 16, Hattie, 13, Finn, 12, and Beau, seven, with her ex-partner Dean McDermott - said on her 'MisSpelling' podcast: "When we evacuated and fled, we just literally, we did the best we could, I would say, in 30 minutes or less.

"In 30 minutes or less, we packed up six lives and three animals ... I don't know how we did it, honestly."

Tori actually didn't know what items to grab when she opened her closet.

The actress - who was married to Dean between 2006 and 2024 - shared: "Here's me, self-professed hoarder my whole life, and ... it could be gone. In the moment, I was like, 'I don't know what to take.'"

Tori admitted that the evacuation was a chaotic process. However, the safety of her children was always her primary concern.

The actess - who previously played Donna Martin on 'Beverly Hills, 90210' - said: "I said, 'Listen, everyone has a different way of handling things and what's important to them. If we can get it in the car, let's get it in the car'.

"We packed everyone in. Everyone was saying, 'I can't move. I can't breathe.' And my daughter said, 'Mom, you're not gonna be able to see out the back'.

"I mean, I don't even know how we got ourselves packed into that car. It was like Tetris on the next level - and not in a good way. It was just jammed in."
Sri Lanka and China have expressed commitment to advancing all major development projects, including the integrated development of the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, and expedite the signing of a comprehensive free trade agreement.

During Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's state visit to China recently, both sides issued a joint statement that outlined the signing of a Belt and Road cooperation plan aimed at opening new avenues for successful development.

Sri Lanka and China are committed to advancing major development projects, including the integrated development of the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, and expedite the signing of a comprehensive FTA. During President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to China recently, a joint statement outlined the signing of a Belt and Road cooperation plan to open new avenues for successful development.

The joint statement emphasised the swift implementation of the agreed debt restructuring plan with Chinese financial institutions.

China reiterated that it will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions.

Both sides agreed to work together actively on climate change.

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.

They sides will continue to work in and develop the China-Sri Lanka Joint Centre 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.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times at his Bandra residence on the night of January 16 by an intruder. He is currently admitted at the Lilavati Hospital where he is recovering after undergoing surgery.

The Railway Protection Force has detained a man in connection with the recent attack on Saif Ali Khan. He was travelling by a Mumbai-Howrah train and was nabbed at the Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, as per officials. As soon as he was caught, the officials informed Mumbai police, and their team is expected to reach there shortly.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) ("FRG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the extension to the exclusivity period of the non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with Aion Mining Corp. ("Aion") to February 7, 2025.

As previously stated in the news release dated September 17, 2024 - In consideration of additional shares of Aion, the Company will pay $5,000,000, comprised of the following:

$4,000,000 in cash on closing; and

$1,000,000 in common shares of the Company at a price per share equal to the closing of the share price of the Company on the closing date of the Proposed Transaction, subject to CSE policies.

The Company will also be granted anti-dilution rights by Aion for a 12-month basis post-closing, and a subsequent right of first refusal on all equity financings by Aion for the ensuing 4-year period, so as to allow the Company to maintain a post-closing control position of 60% in Aion's voting securities on a fully-diluted basis.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and any other conditions agreed to by the parties in a definitive share purchase agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") including: receipt of all necessary approvals and consents on terms satisfactory to the parties, and completion of a due diligence investigation into Aion by the Company and its representatives.

Aion is a non-arm's length party to the Company by reason of sharing a common director, Cole McClay and a common officer, Camilo Cordovez. The terms of the LOI were reviewed and approved by a committee of the Company's independent directors.

There are no assurances or guarantees that the proposed transaction will be completed, whether on the terms and conditions described above or at all. The Company will provide further updates as they become available.

About Forge Resources Corp.

Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and advancing the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. The Company holds a 40% interest, with an LOI in place to acquire up to 60% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. The project contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. 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 information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237707

SOURCE: Forge Resources Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (the "Company" or "Blackrock") announces that it has granted an aggregate total of 640,286 performance share units ("PSUs"), 89,286 deferred share units ("DSUs") and 1,320,307 stock options ("Stock Options") to certain directors, management and consultants of the Company and its Nevada subsidiary pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Plan").

Each Stock Option entitles the recipient to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at an exercise price per Common Share of $0.43 and will vest as to one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant and will expire on January 17, 2030.

Each PSU entitles the recipient to receive one Common Share, or a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of the Common Shares on the vesting date, or a combination of Common Shares and cash, as determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The PSUs awarded will vest as to one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to the achievement of certain corporate and individual performance criteria.

Each DSU entitles the recipient to receive one Common Share upon settlement of the DSU. The DSUs awarded will fully vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant date, being January 17, 2026, and will settle on the DSU holder's termination of service with the Company.

For further information regarding the Plan, readers are encouraged to review the management information circular (the "Circular") prepared for the Company' annual general meeting of shareholders held on December 20, 2024, which includes a summary of the material terms of the Plan. The Circular is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and by visiting the Company's website (www.blackrocksilver.com).

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237718

SOURCE: Blackrock Silver Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2025) - Edgemont Gold Corp. (CSE: EDGM) (the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") of up to 8,500,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of C$0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$425,000. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (the "Shares") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.05 per Share. The Units and Shares upon exercise of the Warrants sold pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to securities laws in Canada.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for general working capital.

The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the submission of all required forms to the Canadian Securities Exchange.

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 requirements 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 by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Edgemont

Edgemont holds a 100% interest in the Dungate copper/gold porphyry project located just 6 km south of Houston, BC, in a region with a history of successful mining projects including the Equity Silver Mine and Imperial Metals' Huckleberry Mine. The Dungate project is comprised of five mineral tenures covering 1,582.2 hectares that can be explored year-round by all-season roads. For more information, please visit our website at www.edgemontgold.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the terms and completion of the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the receipt of regulatory and stock exchange approval in respect of the Offering, the technical, financial, and business prospects of the Company, its assets and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward looking information or statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information or statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information or statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, the ability to achieve its goals, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward looking information or statements reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties included in in documents filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking information or statements include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms described herein, including obtaining the requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to compete effectively with competitors, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to comply with applicable laws, including environmental laws, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties. The Company does not undertake to update forward looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

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/237727

SOURCE: Edgemont Gold Corp.
Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSX-V:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to provide details of its executive and technical team's participation at three conferences, including a Core Shack display at AME Roundup in Vancouver, British Columbia ("BC") during January 2025.

Amarc Technical Advisor Mark Rebagliati, President & CEO Diane Nicolson & Executive Chair, Bob Dickinson

at the New AuRORA Discovery in the JOY District

Dr. Diane Nicolson, Amarc President and CEO states, "These upcoming conferences give Amarc and its team an opportunity to update our investors on our 2024 programs and the potential of our three copper-gold districts in BC and, in particular, to discuss an important discovery, called AuRORA, in the JOY District. Our first hole - JP24057 - intersected a new porphyry Cu-Au-Ag system hosting high and continuous gold grades (see January 17, 2025 release), and step out holes to the east and west also returned strong and consistent results. Moreover, the AuRORA Deposit discovery area is only one of eight large scale sulphide mineralized systems drilled in the District in 2024. As such, we are extremely optimistic about further progress at JOY."

CONFERENCE DETAILS

On January 17-18, Amarc is presenting at the Metal Investors Forum Vancouver at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.

Visit the Amarc Corporate Booth in the Foyer

Corporate Presentation by Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEO

Saturday, January 18 at 11:10 am in the Speakers Hall

Learn more about the Metals Investor Forum Vancouver

On January 19-20, Amarc will be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference in the Exhibit Hall at Vancouver Convention Centre West.

Visit Corporate Booth #300

Corporate Presentation by Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEO

Sunday, January 19 at 10:50 am in Workshop 1

Learn more about 2025 Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

On January 20-23, Amarc is exhibiting at 2025 AME Roundup Conference in the Exhibit Hall at Vancouver Convention Centre East.

Visit Corporate Booth #1001

Showcase of drill core from the new AuRORA Deposit discovery at the Core Shack

Booth #921C on January 20-21

Learn more about the 2025 AME Roundup Conference

Conference delegates are also invited to contact Diane Nicolson, Amarc President & CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or at dianenicolson@hdimining.com in advance to organize a time for a meeting or to receive further information.

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.

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.

SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
MWB Research, one of Europe's largest independent research firms, has initiated coverage on Circus SE (XETRA:CA1.DE), issuing a "Buy" recommendation with a price target of 75 Euros. This valuation represents a 215% increase compared to the previous trading day's closing price on XETRA.

Circus SE specializes in Physical AI, a field that combines artificial intelligence with physical systems to enable autonomous operation in real-world settings. Its flagship product, the Circus Autonomy One (CA-1), has gained recognition for its ability to address challenges in the food service sector, particularly in areas such as labor shortages and operational efficiency. According to the company, the CA-1 robot integrates AI-driven software with advanced robotics, allowing it to perform tasks traditionally handled by human workers.

The recommendation from MWB Research comes shortly after Circus SE's announcement of its acquisition of FullyAI, a European company specializing in Agentic AI. This technology focuses on enhancing the decision-making capabilities of autonomous systems. Circus SE has stated that it plans to integrate FullyAI's technology into its Physical AI platforms, including the CA-1, with the aim of advancing human-robot interaction. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to bolster the company's position in the automation and robotics sector.

Circus SE has reported that it has secured over 8,600 pre-orders for the CA-1 since the product's launch. These orders, which span multiple industries, represent a potential annual revenue of approximately 1.1 billion euros from recurring AI software fees and an additional 1.7 billion euros from robotic sales. The pre-orders reflect significant interest in the application of autonomous systems within industries that rely on labor-intensive processes.

MWB Research's analysis highlights the broader implications of Circus SE's technology for the automation sector. The firm emphasized the potential for substantial disruption in the food service industry, citing its size and reliance on manual labor. According to the report, the industry's scale exceeds that of the global automotive market, presenting opportunities for companies like Circus SE to introduce solutions that can address inefficiencies and reduce costs.

The analysts at MWB Research noted that Circus SE's approach to Physical AI positions it uniquely within the automation landscape. Unlike traditional robotics, which often require extensive human oversight, Physical AI systems are designed to operate autonomously, combining advanced sensing, reasoning, and decision-making capabilities. This distinction could make Circus SE a key player in shaping the adoption of AI-powered systems across various industries.

The report also discusses the competitive landscape, acknowledging other players in the robotics and AI sectors while highlighting Circus SE's focus on the practical application of autonomous systems. Analysts believe this focus could enable the company to establish a strong foothold in the market, particularly as industries increasingly adopt automation to address workforce challenges.

Circus SE's management has described the integration of FullyAI's technology as a step toward unlocking new possibilities for human-robot collaboration. The company has stated that its goal is to develop systems that can perform complex tasks efficiently and safely, reducing the reliance on human labor for repetitive or physically demanding work.

Investors and industry stakeholders can access the full report from MWB Research, which provides detailed insights into the company's technology, market potential, and growth prospects. The report is available at: https://research-hub.de/companies/circus-se .

About Circus SE

Circus SE is a Germany-based company specializing in Physical AI, a field that integrates artificial intelligence with robotics to create systems capable of autonomous operation in real-world environments. The company's flagship product, the Circus Autonomy One (CA-1), is designed to enhance efficiency in the food service industry and other labor-intensive sectors. Circus SE is focused on developing solutions that combine advanced technology with practical applications to address global challenges.

Media Contact

Organization: Circus SE

Contact Person Name: Maximilian Hartweg

Website: http://www.circus-group.com/

Email: ir@circus-group.com

Country: Germany

SOURCE: Circus SE

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Experts call for reforms such as promoting sustainable farming practices, increasing research funding, rationalising taxes and expanding digital infrastructure in the Union Budget 2025 to support the sectors growth. read more

As the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present her eighth budget on February 1, experts and industry leaders called for comprehensive reforms to address longstanding challenges in agriculture and ensure sustainable practices.

The agriculture industry is hopeful that the government will announce measures in the Union Budget 2025 to boost rural infrastructure, strengthen crop insurance and introduce incentives for key crops to boost farmers incomes.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Ltd, highlights the importance of agri-tech innovation and rural infrastructure. He stressed the need to incentivise eco-friendly research and expand farmers access to crop protection solutions and digital tools which could improve yields and ensure food security.

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Maninder Singh Nayyar, CEO and Founder of CEF Group calls for a transition to natural and sustainable farming practices. He proposes policies to encourage organic farming, support urban agriculture and offer education and training for farmers.

Nayyar also advocated for allocating dedicated budgetary resources for farmers education and skilling will be pivotal in equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable agriculture. Building smart villagesrather than focusing solely on smart citiescan foster a more inclusive rural development model, integrating technology, sustainability and a strong sense of community, said Mr Nayyar.

This budget has the potential to serve as a turning point in aligning Indias agricultural practices with long-term sustainability goals, while also nurturing rural ecosystems that contribute to the nations broader growth and prosperity," he said.

Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor at ICRIER said that the forthcoming budget may focus on linking agriculture to nutrition and food fortification to address micronutrient deficiencies.

Subsidies may be given to reduce the cost of laboratory testing and certification for small and marginal farmers, FPOs and MSME manufacturers. Subsidies may be linked to healthy food production. It is important to streamline the subsidies for agriculture inputs, focusing on quality, she said.

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Dr. Mukherjee further said that the GST rates for processed food are one of the highest in the world and are not aligned with the objective of nutrition security. Healthier products like low-sugar and/or zero-sugar beverages should have lower GST while unhealthy products can have high GST. Taxes and subsidies can be used to reduce the salt content in processed food, where India has committed to the WHO to reduce the sodium intake by 30% by 2025 to reach less than 5 gm salt per day but recent studies show that the intake is higher than 10 gm/day, she added.

S.K. Chaudhary, Chairman of Safex Chemicals draws attention to the financial disparity between farmers and consumers, suggesting the establishment of a board for farm produce under a National Cooperative Policy. He also stresses the need to increase agricultural R&D investment to at least 1% of the agricultural GDP, up from the current less than 0.5% as this would boost crop productivity.

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On the financial front, the annual PM-KISAN installment could be doubled to 12,000 from the current 6,000. Small and marginal farmers could also be offered free crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The government should rationalise GST rates on pesticides, seeds, fertilisers and farm equipment, bringing all four into the same slab. Also, tax incentives could be introduced for biofuel investments, creating demand for ethanol and boosting returns for farmers, he said.

Ramakrishnan M, Managing Director of Primus Partners calls for enhanced support for climate-resilient agriculture, digital infrastructure through Agristack, and increased investment in fisheries and aquaculture under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

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During a virtual review meeting ahead of the budget, Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan, announced the governments six-point strategy to strengthen the farm sector. This includes boosting per-hectare production through ICAR-led research and introducing new seed varieties.

The governments strategy focuses on reducing production costs, promoting micro-irrigation, advancing farm mechanisation, adopting new technologies, and implementing innovative agricultural methods.

Progress has also been highlighted in flagship schemes such as PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the DAP fertiliser subsidy, the Kisan Credit Card initiative, and Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PMAASA).

For 2024-25, the government allocated 65,529 crore to agricultural schemes, excluding PM-KISAN. Since 2019-20, the agriculture budget has grown at a CAGR of 5.4%, with non-PM-KISAN spending increasing by 6.5% annually.

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Saif Ali Khan suffered grievous injuries after an intruder stabbed him with a knife repeatedly at his 12th floor flat in Mumbais Bandra area early Thursday morning read more

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan by an intruder at his home was a serious incident, but it would be wrong to call Mumbai unsafe because of it.

Police were taking action, and the government will take steps to make the countrys financial capital safer, said Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio.

Saif Ali Khan suffered grievous injuries after an intruder stabbed him with a knife repeatedly at his 12th floor flat in Mumbais Bandra area early Thursday morning. The actor was out of danger, according to the doctors who operated on him to remove the knife from his back.

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I think Mumbai is the safest among mega cities in the country. It is true that some incidents take place sometimes, and they must be taken seriously. But to say that Mumbai is unsafe due to such incidents is not right, Fadnavis told reporters. Mumbais image gets maligned (due to such comments). But, to make the city safer, the government will certainly make efforts, he further said.

He was talking to the media after attending a special screening of Kangana Ranaut-directed film Emergency.

Opposition leaders including state Congress chief Nana Patole have targeted Fadnavis over the attack on Saif Ali Khan, demanding his resignation as home minister.
Donald Trumps latest official portrait has turned heads with its intense glare, dramatic lighting, and striking resemblance to his 2023 mug shot. Experts call it a message picture, crafted to reflect Trumps polarising persona as he prepares to take office once again read more

United States President-elect Donald Trumps new official portrait, released ahead of his inauguration, has turned quite a few heads.

With a piercing glare, furrowed brow, and dramatic lighting, the photo stands apart from the traditional, polished images of past US presidents.

Taken by his chief photographer, Daniel Torok, the image showcases a president-elect who is once again rewriting the rules of political presentation.

Breaking from tradition

Unlike the warm, approachable demeanor traditionally captured in presidential portraits, Trumps image radiates seriousness and determination. T

he photo, which features him gazing intently into the camera, is set against a stark background and illuminated by dramatic lighting from below  a technique rarely seen in political photography.

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Experts in the field have weighed in on the unique choices. Paul Duerinckx, a senior photography lecturer, described the lighting to BBC as displaying seriousness and intent, a stark departure from the soft, natural lighting typically associated with such portraits.

Portrait photographer Eliska Sky likened the image to that of a boxer preparing for a fight, while Eric Draper, a former White House photographer, noted that the lighting setup flips convention, creating a deliberate sense of intensity.

You definitely make photos to please the client, and in this case, I think this is the type of image they wanted to portray, Draper told BBC.

Trumps expression is no less notable. His furrowed brow and unwavering stare echo his infamous mug shot from 2023, taken after he was booked in Georgia on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.

T-shirts and hats with an image depicting the mugshot of US President-elect Donald Trump are pictured at the Y-Que printing store in Los Angeles, California. File Image/Reuters

That image, a cultural phenomenon in its own right, inspired countless memes, merchandise, and discussions, cementing itself as one of the most iconic images of the decade.

A deliberate nod to the 2023 mug shot

The parallels between Trumps new portrait and his 2023 mug shot are unmistakable, with many speculating that the similarities are intentional. Jared Polin, a photography YouTuber, confirmed that Torok drew inspiration from the mug shot, a photo that dominated headlines and became part of American pop culture, reported BBC.

If Donald Trumps old Clint Eastwood High Plains Drifter squint got married to the Georgia mug shot photo, they would have produced this inauguration photo, Trump biographer Timothy OBrien was quoted by The New York Times.

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The mugshot of Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump is displayed on screens at a campaign event in Duluth, Georgia, US, October 23, 2024. File Image/Reuters

The mug shot, which has been emblazoned on everything from coffee mugs to T-shirts, became a symbol of Trumps resilience for his supporters  and a source of ridicule for his detractors.

For Trump, the choice to adopt a similar pose and expression for his official portrait seems to signal continuity in his personal brand. Shealah Craighead, who served as chief White House photographer during Trumps first term, noted that the former president is highly involved in crafting his image.

Hes very hands-on. He will ask to see the photos on the back of the camera or on a computer screen while its happening in real time so he can decide if its headed in the right direction. If he likes what he sees, then he will ask to see tangible paper prints rather than on a computer. she told The New York Times.

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Trump has long sought to cultivate a Churchillian image, as evidenced by his request during his first presidency to restore a bust of Winston Churchill to the Oval Office. This latest photo continues that theme, projecting strength and authority, qualities he believes are essential to his leadership style.

A shift from his 2017 portrait

The new portrait marks a stark departure from Trumps 2017 official image, which depicted him smiling broadly in a businesslike pose.

According to Craighead, Trump was never fully satisfied with that photo, which was hastily arranged after months of delay. The photo you see today is probably the one he would have loved to have back then, she said.

Official inaugural portraits of Donald Trump. 2017 (left) and 2025 (right) pic.twitter.com/FFkin9TZ23  TrueDispatch (@true_dispatch) January 16, 2025

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This time, the portrait was carefully planned and executed. Taken a few weeks ago, it was specifically intended for Mondays inauguration, where it will be printed in official programs and prominently displayed. Soon, another photo will be selected as his official presidential portrait, which will hang in government buildings and embassies worldwide.

Andrew Parsons, a political photographer who has worked with several British prime ministers, told BBC that political portraits often carry a deeper message. Its a message picture. Im delivering you a message. Its not like a candid laugh; its a stern, hard look straight down the barrel of the lens, he said of Trumps new image.

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The legacy of political portraits

The release of the portrait has drawn polarised reactions. Supporters have lauded the photo as a symbol of strength and resolve. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk expressed his approval on social media, writing, Dad is home.

Many others see the image as setting the tone for a new era in Washington, one focused on retribution and a strong hand, as promised during Trumps campaign.

Critics, however, have pointed to the photos confrontational tone, with some describing it as more fitting for a movie poster than a presidential portrait. The lighting, pose, and expression, they argue, project an air of intimidation rather than unity or approachability.

Yet, the photos impact is undeniable. As Eric Draper explained, The official portrait of the president is the most printed, most seen image of the president, ever.

Also Watch:

Historically, presidential portraits have served as a reflection of both the individual leader and the mood of the nation. Pete Souza, who photographed Barack Obama during his presidency, noted that Obamas first official portrait captured a hint of a smile, reflecting the somber tone of the nation during the recession, reported The New York Times.

By contrast, Trumps latest image opts for a bold, dramatic approach, a deliberate choice to project strength and authority. As Parsons observed, A picture can make or break a political campaign.

For Trump, this portrait is more than just a photograph  it is a statement of intent and a visual representation of his leadership style.

With inputs from agencies
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by a burglar, who broke into his house in Mumbai. What happened during the attack and its immediate aftermath? We explore this and more in our weekly wrap from news across India read more

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan sustained six stab injuries after an intruder broke into his house in Mumbai on Thursday. He is now out of danger, said doctors. The Mumbai police are still investigating the crime. File image/PTI

The week has gone by quite quickly with big stories from India capturing the worlds attention.

This week started with thousands and thousands converging at Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj for the one-in-a-hundred years Maha Kumbh. The week also saw India achieving another huge space milestone  it joined four other countries that could achieve two satellite docking in space.

Indias military might also got a major boost this week when the Nag Mk-2 anti-tank guided missile was successfully tested and ready to be deployed to the Indian Army. Also, this week Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three naval vessels  the INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer.

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But among the many achievements and milestones that India achieved in the week gone by, it was also stunned and shocked when news emerged that Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan had to be rushed to hospital after suffering stab wounds when intruders broke into his house in Mumbais tony area of Bandra.

All this and more in our weekly roundup from around the world.

1. On Monday (January 13), the worlds largest religious gathering  the Maha Kumbh Mela  began with thousands thronging Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj. Even wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell, was in attendance for the first day of the event.

But what makes this Kumbh Mela more special than the previous one? Why does this one, which runs until February 26, hold more significance? Read our report on it.

A sadhvi reacts as she takes a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India. Reuters

2. At the Maha Kumbh Mela, theres a sea of devotees from all around the world. However, theres one group of devotees that have captured the imagination of people  the Naga Sadhus. This year, the female contemporaries of the Naga sadhus  mystics with ash-smeared bodies, dreadlocked hair, and minimal clothing  has grabbed the attention of many.

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As they pique the curiosity of the public, our explainer deep dives into who they are and what separates them from their male counterparts.

3. This week, has also seen India successfully testing indigenously-made third-generation anti-tank guided missile Nag Mk-2. Following the tests at Rajasthans Pokhran, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who is the brains behind the weapon, said that the entire weapon system is ready for induction into the Indian Army.

Following the trials, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Army and industry for the successful field evaluation trials of the entire weapon system of Nag Mk 2.

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What are the capabilities of this new weapon? How will it prove to be a game-changer for Indias military might? Read on to find out.

An aerial view of the Naval Dockyard during the commissioning ceremony of three Indian Navy warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer in Mumbai. PIB/PTI

4. On the matters of defence and military might, India made headlines again this week when Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three naval assets  the fourth and final stealth guided missile destroyer under Project 15B, INS Surat; the Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, INS Nilgiri, and the sixth and final submarine of the modern stealthy Kalvari class built under Project 75, INS Vaghsheer  at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

At the event, PM Modi applauded the domestic defence-manufacturing sector for taking big strides towards self-reliance, and said the country is now being recognised as a reliable partner across the world, especially the Global South.

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If you are wondering what makes these ships special, read our special report here.

Media persons collect outside Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khans residence after an intruder attacked him with a knife, at Bandra, in Mumbai. PTI

5. On Thursday morning, came the shocking news that Bollywoods Pataudi Saif Ali Khan had been stabbed in his Bandra home in Mumbai by an intruder. The actor was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment where doctors revealed that he had sustained six stab wounds including two deep injuries, with one near his spine. Doctors later revealed that a piece of the knife had been removed from the stars spine to prevent spinal fluid leakage.

A day after the attack, more chilling details emerged from the case, including how the intruder had made his way into the house and made his way to the stars son, Jehs room where he then was intercepted by Saif.

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Find out what the Mumbai police investigation has uncovered and how this deadly crime unfolded.

6. This week was also monumental for Indias space agency, Isro. On Thursday (January 16), it conducted space docking by joining together two small craft in space. The historic moment came just days after the space agency, on January 12, brought the two spacecraft to three metres and then placed them back at a safe distance in its trial attempt to dock the satellites.

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission was successfully launched on December 30, 2024.

With the success of this experiment, India has become only the fourth country in the world with such technology after United States, Russia and China. But how was this historic moment achieved? Our explainer has it all.

And with this, we are done for the week. If you liked our way of giving you the big news of the week, click here for more.

PS: If you want more on the Maha Kumbh Mela, read our explainer on the  most beautiful sadhvi'.
Donald Trumps inauguration, set to take place on the steps of the US Capitol, has been relocated indoors to the Rotunda due to extreme cold. This marks the first indoor swearing-in in 40 years, reshaping plans for thousands of attendees and posing unique logistical and security challenges read more

A general view shows the West Front of the US Capitol building on the day it was announced US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration is being moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures expected on Monday, in Washington, US, January 17, 2025. File Image/Reuters

United States President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony, originally planned for the Capitol steps, has been moved indoors to the US Capitol Rotunda due to sub-freezing temperatures expected in Washington, DC.

This marks the first time in 40 years that a presidential swearing-in will occur indoors.

The US National Weather Service predicts temperatures around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (6 Celsius) at noon on Monday, accompanied by strong winds, making it one of the coldest Inauguration Days on record.

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Trump addressed the decision on Truth Social, stating, The weather forecast for Washington, DC, with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. I dont want to see people hurt or injured in any way.

The last indoor inauguration occurred in 1985, when US President Ronald Reagans second term began amid temperatures as low as 7 degrees Fahrenheit (14 Celsius).

What has changed?

The move to the Capitol Rotunda significantly limits the number of attendees. The Rotunda can hold approximately 700 people and will be reserved for members of Congress, their spouses, and other VIPs.

Most of the 220,000 ticketed guests who had planned to attend the outdoor event will no longer have access, with their tickets becoming commemorative keepsakes instead.

In a notice to ticket holders, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies confirmed that most spectators will need to watch the ceremony from designated indoor venues.

Capital One Arena, which has a capacity of just over 20,000, will be available for live viewing. Trumps presidential parade, traditionally held outdoors along Pennsylvania Avenue, will also be relocated to the arena.

What is the new security plan?

The decision to move the ceremony indoors has prompted significant changes to security arrangements. Originally, over 30 miles of fencing and multiple security checkpoints were planned to manage the outdoor crowd, expected to exceed 250,000.

Now, law enforcement agencies, including the US Secret Service and Capitol Police, are adapting these plans to the indoor setting.

Officials inspect the construction of a stand in the Rotunda, where US President-elect Donald Trump is due to take the oath of office on Monday, at the Capitol in Washington, January 17, 2025. File Image/AP

Alexi Worley, a spokesperson for the agencies overseeing the event, stated, The US Secret Service is working closely with Trumps inaugural committee and the congressional committee to adapt our security plans as needed due to the expected inclement weather.

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While an indoor event reduces some security challenges, it also limits crowd capacity, leaving many live attendees disappointed.

How has weather affected past inaugurations?

Washingtons weather has played a pivotal role in past inaugurations. US President John F Kennedy took the oath of office in 1961 under 22-degree temperatures, delivering his famous speech with his breath visible in the cold air.

Similarly, William Howard Tafts 1909 inauguration was moved indoors due to 10 inches of snow. US President William Henry Harrisons 1841 inauguration in cold, wet weather, without proper clothing, is believed to have contributed to his death from pneumonia just a month later.

Snow covers the grounds of the US Capitol building on the day it was announced US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration is being moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures expected on Monday, in Washington, US, January 17, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Trump acknowledged these concerns, stating, I dont want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. 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!).

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What comes next?

Despite the changes, Trumps inaugural events will proceed with some modifications. A rally planned for Sunday at Capital One Arena remains on schedule, as do three inaugural balls on Monday night. Trump also plans to join the crowd at the arena following his swearing-in.

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region is working to finalise adjustments for the parade and other inaugural activities. Marching bands and participants from across the country are expected to take part in the revised celebrations inside the arena.

For spectators unable to attend in person, organisers recommend tuning in to live broadcasts or attending designated indoor viewing venues.

Trump said on Friday that other inaugural events, including the Sunday rally and his participation in three inaugural balls on Monday night, would take place as scheduled.

With inputs from agencies
The man, identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia (31), was traveling by Jnaneshwari Express which runs between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Kolkata Shalimar, the RPF official said read more

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained a suspect in the case of knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan from a train at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh on Saturday afternoon, an official said.

The man, identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia (31), was traveling by Jnaneshwari Express which runs between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Kolkata Shalimar, the RPF official said.

Around 12.30 pm, the RPF Post Durg received information from Mumbai Police about the suspect in Saif Ali Khan stabbing case travelling by Jnaneswari Express, and shared the location of his mobile phone and his photo, he said.

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RPF Durg alerted its counterpart at Rajnandgaon station (which comes before Durg on Mumbai-Howrah route) but the suspect could not be located when the train halted there, the official said.

Two teams were kept ready at the Durg station, and on the arrival of the train, the suspect was found in the front general compartment, he said.

His photo was sent to Mumbai Police who confirmed his identity, the official said. The intruder who attacked Khan had been captured in CCTV footage while going down a staircase at the actors building.

A Mumbai Police team is expected to reach Raipur by a flight in the evening and take his custody.

Khan, 54, a popular Bollywood star, was stabbed repeatedly by an intruder during a robbery attempt at his 12th floor residence in Mumbais Bandra area early Thursday morning.

The actor was recovering from his injuries, as per the doctors treating him. PTI COR TKP KRK

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Pakistans former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, while his wife Bushra Bibi received a 7-year sentence, after being convicted in the Al-Qadir Trust case, also known as the 190 million case read more

As widely anticipated, despite several postponements, Accountability Court judge Nasir Javed Rana finally came out with a strong judgement on January 17, sentencing former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years of imprisonment and seven years to his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Al Qadir Trust case, where money laundering proceeds worth 190 million pounds, illegally garnered abroad (UK) by a Pakistani estate dealer, Malik Riaz, were wrongly paid into the account of Pakistans Supreme Court instead of to the States revenue account in 2019.

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This was done to facilitate payment by Malik Riaz of dues amounting to PKR 460 billion fixed by the Supreme Court in March 2019 for the irregular grant of land by the Sindh Government to Riazs Malir Development Authority, a part of his Bahria Town housing project in Karachi.

In lieu of this favour granted, Imran and his wife were given 458 kanals (nearly 60 acres) of land in Jhelum district, ostensibly to set up a university. Apart from this land, several other gifts, including jewels and another plot near Imrans Bani Gala house near Islamabad, were bestowed by property tycoon Malik Riaz, now a proclaimed offender (PO) in the case reported to be living presently in the UAE. The judgement now orders this land to be confiscated.

The Assets Recovery Unit (ARU) & Malik Riazs culpability

When Imran Khan came to power, he made much ado about dealing with the corruption indulged in by the Sharifs and Bhutto-Zardari families with an iron hand. The ARU was set up under Shahzad Akbar, a bureaucrat who worked as PM Imran Khans special assistant (now also a PO in this case, staying in exile in London). As brought out so tellingly in investigative journalist Naziha Syed Alis April 2021 report in the Dawn, Akbar interceded with British officials at the highest levels to bring about an out-of-court settlement between the National Crime Agency, UK, and Malik Riaz, directing payment of his frozen assets to the Pakistani State. Ironically, these proceeds also included the sale of Hassan Nawazs 1, Hyde Park Place house in London.

The settlement was affected with the use of new civil powers known as Account Freezing Orders (AFOs), which allow law enforcement to target suspected proceeds of crime using a civil rather than a criminal burden of proof. Because it was a civil case, the NCA was able to settle it privately with Riaz rather than going to court to secure a forfeiture order. As a Pakistani lawyer (Farooq Quereshi) commented then, this was as if one was apprehended with the proceeds of a crime, but instead of such proceeds being reimbursed to the person wronged, they were used as reparations for another crime. The amount recovered should [have] come straight back to Pakistan, rather than being put back into Malik Riazs pocket.

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The transactions were sought to be given a veneer of respectability in a Cabinet meeting, where Imran Khan steamrolled queries about what the sealed cover deal entailed. Later, four of his cabinet ministers, including Pervez Khattak, Zubeida Jalal, and the PMs special assistant, Azam Khan, testified about these events before the National Accountability Bureau Court proceedings.

Despite claims from Imrans legal team about this being yet another `bogus case which they will appeal against, this judgment demolishes in a fairly open and shut manner his high sounding attempt of following the Islamic tenet of `amr bil maroof (enjoining good and forbidding evil) without applying its appendage `nahi al munkar (stop all wrong doing) in his personal conduct. Bushra Bibis arrest now demonstrates how she proved to be the weakest link in the chain of corruption linked to this case. Her close friend Farah Gogi, who helped in selling gifts from the Toshakhana still absconds abroad.

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Military leaderships reaction against continuing PTI harangues in Social media

In recent statements, the military has taken a harsh line against criticism on social media, with army chief, Gen Asim Munir, himself warning that it was being used as a tool to spread anarchy and false information targeting the armed forces. The term digital terrorism is increasingly being used by the military to describe the use of online spaces by its harshest critics  including PTI activists  whom it accuses of spreading falsehoods.

A Tamed Judiciary?

There have been murmurings in the media about dubious antecedents of Judge Nasir Rana, about how he was deemed unfit and his judicial powers were withdrawn by the Supreme Court in a 2004 case and his reappointment as a judge in 2022. Expectations of relief from a previously biased Islamabad High Court (IHC) still offer hope to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)s social media trollers, who are continuing their tirade against Army Chief Gen Asim Munir from abroad. However, after the 26th Amendment, the higher judiciary seems tamed.

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There are prospects of a major reshuffle of judges, induction of new incumbents to dilute the bias of `the gang of six there and possible appointment of a senior judge from Lahore High Court, Chaudhry Shahram Sarwar as senior puisne judge there, putting paid to hopes Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani may be harbouring of becoming Cheif Justice. The present CJ of IHC, Justice Amir Farooq could then be elevated to Supreme Court.

Impact on negotiation process with PTI

Though PTI leaders outside jail, like Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz raised a hue and cry, the process of negotiations initiated recently with the ruling civilian regimes committee is unlikely to be derailed by the Al Qadir Trust judgment. The talks are likely to be tortuous and long-winding, with a talk, talk and fight, fight approach being resorted to by either side. Much was made by PTIs team of recent contacts made by Barrister Gohar Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur with Army Chief, Gen Asim Munir in Peshawar (Jan 13-14). However, official sources explained away these contacts in a different manner, suggesting this was only an interaction at a roundtable of politicians at Peshawar (Jan 13), where the Army Chief also emphasised that there is a special relationship between the people and the army. In this relationship, the false narrative of a gap is mainly driven by a specific agenda from abroad.

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The Al Qadir Trust judgement has clearly emphasised the militarys writ and determination to keep Imran Khan behind bars for the foreseeable future. Imran seems to have reached a political dead end, becoming, in a sense, a prisoner of his own narrative of victimhood!

The writer is a former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The agreement, while a beacon of hope, also underscores the regions complex and fragile nature of peace read more

While the current ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict is a necessary and welcome respite, it is only a stepping stone towards a larger, more challenging journey. Image: AFP

The latest development in global politics with the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas marks a crucial juncture in the long-standing conflict that has left a trail of devastation and human suffering. Announced to commence on January 19, 2025, this agreement, brokered with the involvement of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, offers a moment of respite to families torn apart by the violence since October 7, 2024, and provides much-needed relief to Palestinian civilians enduring dehumanisation and prolonged hardship.

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The deal encompasses several critical components to alleviate immediate suffering and build a foundation for further negotiations. The cessation of hostilities is the initial step, set to begin the first phase of the agreement expected to last six weeks. This pause in violence is essential to provide humanitarian relief and create a conducive environment for dialogue. It also facilitates the release of hostages held by Hamas.

An initial group of 33 hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and the ill, is set to be released. Among them is Kfir Bibas, a two-year-old who was taken captive along with his family. In exchange, Israel is expected to release many Hamas prisoners, signifying a mutual concession aimed at fostering trust between the parties.

Furthermore, the agreement facilitates significant humanitarian aid to Gaza. This provision aims to address the dire living conditions faced by Palestinian civilians, ensuring that essential supplies such as food, medicine, and water are delivered to those in need. It recognises the severe humanitarian crisis and the urgent need to alleviate suffering.

This agreement, while a beacon of hope, also underscores the regions complex and fragile nature of peace. The conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, especially children, and significant destruction, demands more than temporary accords; it requires sustained diplomatic effort and genuine commitment from both parties and the international community to pave the way for a lasting resolution, which is a two-state solution.

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Beyond Immediate Relief: The Roadblocks to Peace

While the ceasefire offers a necessary pause in violence, it does little to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict. Historical grievances, territorial disputes, and profound mistrust between Israel and Hamas are deeply rooted, presenting formidable challenges to lasting peace. Temporary agreements have often failed to address these core issues, leading to recurring cycles of violence.

The socio-economic impact of the conflict further complicates peace efforts. Gazas infrastructure lies in ruins, hampering economic development and exacerbating poverty. In Israel, particularly in areas near conflict zones, economic stability has also been shaken. Sustainable peace requires comprehensive economic strategies that rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, and foster economic cooperation. Without such initiatives, the despair that fuels extremism will persist, threatening the fragile peace.

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The psychological toll on the civilian population is another pressing concern. For generations, both Israelis and Palestinians have lived under the shadow of conflict, fostering a culture of fear and hatred. Breaking this cycle requires not just political and economic interventions but also efforts to heal the deep-seated emotional scars. Education systems on both sides need reforms that promote peace, tolerance, and understanding. Initiatives that bring together youths from both communities can play a pivotal role in fostering a new generation that values coexistence over conflict.

The Crucial Role of the International Community

The international communitys reaction to the ceasefire has been one of cautious optimism. US President Joe Biden and Israels President Isaac Herzog have highlighted the agreements diplomatic importance. However, its success depends heavily on the continued engagement and cooperation of global actors. Diplomatic pressure and support for peace initiatives must remain steadfast to prevent the fragile ceasefire from collapsing.

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The ceasefire deal comes amid significant global developments, including Donald Trumps recent triumph in the U.S. presidential election. Trumps warnings and policy positions on international conflicts and his administrations approach to Middle East diplomacy undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Trumps return to power signals potential shifts in US foreign policy, which could impact the peace process in the region. His administrations past policies have shown a preference for strong, unilateral actions rather than multilateral diplomatic efforts. This approach may pose challenges to the fragile peace established by the current ceasefire agreement.

Humanitarian aid, while essential, must be part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and promote mutual understanding. This involves ensuring that governance structures in both Israel and Palestine are transparent, accountable, and uphold civil liberties. The international community must advocate for these principles, supporting efforts that foster a culture of peace and respect for human rights.

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Moreover, international mediators must remain impartial and consistent in their approach, avoiding the pitfalls of previous peace processes that were often perceived as biased or insufficiently inclusive. The role of regional powers like Egypt and Qatar is also crucial, as their geographic and political proximity grants them unique influence and insights. Collaborative efforts that harness the strengths of both global and regional actors are likely to be more effective in fostering a wave of sustainable peace.

Towards a Comprehensive Peace Framework

Achieving lasting peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond immediate humanitarian relief. Addressing the root causes of the conflictsuch as economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, and human rights violationsis crucial. Only through tackling these issues can a durable peace be established.

If followed by robust social and economic initiatives, the fragile ceasefire can serve as a foundation for more substantial diplomatic engagements. The international community must remain committed to this path, ensuring that efforts to foster peace are sustained and inclusive. In doing so, they can help pave the way for a future where Israelis and Palestinians coexist in mutual respect and shared prosperity, turning this temporary truce into a stepping stone towards enduring peace.

Economic initiatives should focus on the reconstruction of Gazas infrastructure, investment in public services, and the creation of job opportunities. Special attention must be given to the development of industries that can thrive in both Israel and Palestine, encouraging economic interdependence that makes peace a mutually beneficial goal.

Furthermore, the political landscape must evolve to accommodate the aspirations of both peoples. This includes supporting democratic institutions, ensuring fair representation, and upholding the rule of law. Mechanisms for conflict resolution should be institutionalised, providing channels for grievances to be addressed without resorting to violence.

Lastly, the role of civil society cannot be understated. Grassroots movements, non-governmental organisations, and community leaders play a vital role in peacebuilding efforts. By fostering dialogue, promoting human rights, and advocating for social justice, these groups can build bridges where governments and official channels fall short. A comprehensive peace framework must therefore integrate the efforts of all societal levels, ensuring that the peace process is holistic and resilient.

In essence, while the current ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict is a necessary and welcome respite, it is only a stepping stone towards a larger, more challenging journey. The path to lasting peace requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions. The international community, regional actors, and civil societies must work in concert to transform this fragile ceasefire into a durable peace, ensuring a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in security, dignity, and mutual respect.

Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist. Prashanto Bagchi is an International Relations scholar at the JNU, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
They say old habits die hard, and if one looks at the way British political dispensation behaves with India to date, this saying would appear to be a lot more true read more

No matter how hard the politicians in the UK are trying to dictate terms to their former colony, the fact is that the ship of imperialism has sailed. AP

Britain is undergoing a massive crisis these days. The ghosts of the grooming gangs that molested and sexually abused underage girls in the country are back to haunt the government even as it is dodging every single demand for a fair inquiry. What complicates things further is that the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is a man who himself is at the centre of the storm. There are multiple allegations against him for silencing the victims and emboldening the perpetrators of this ghastly crime during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008-2013. But even as Starmer and his safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, are still rejecting a demand for a national inquiry, Starmer has earned the ire of the British-Indian community with his much uncalled-for remarks.

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Despite many sane voices cautioning Prime Minister Starmer against the use of the blanket term Asian Grooming Gangs, he continues to use the term, thus leading to an outrage by the Indian community in Britain. While defending himself against Elon Musks charged attack, Starmer still used the phrase Asian Grooming Gangs instead of Pakistani grooming gangs thus taking away the burden of blame from the real perpetrators and shifting it on the very law-abiding British-Indian community. This when inquiry after inquiry has proven that the grooming gangs are dominated by people of Pakistani origin only. But such is the desperation among British politicians to bad-mouth India that they can borrow blames of others crimes and shift them to the people of Indian origin.

They say old habits die hard, and if you look at the way British political dispensation behaves with India to date, this saying would appear to be a lot more true. A country that colonised India, erased its civilisational glory, planted myths to send Indians on a collective trip of inferiority, and even made the country suffer a terrible loss of territory through an arbitrary partition is not willing to mend its ways even in the 21st century. If the twentieth century was all about direct colonisation of India by Great Britain, then the current century is dominated by a tendency to promote separatist forces, endanger the countrys national security, and defame India at the international level.

In 2022, clocking a GDP of $3.53 trillion, India, which is a former colony of the United Kingdom, overtook its coloniser to become the fifth largest economy in the world. This definitely was a huge sign of the countrys arrival as the next big thing, where in a matter of a few years, India is poised to become the third largest economy in the world, behind only the US and China. But for the UK, it was a moment of great humbling as a country whose riches it had plundered for two centuries was now bigger than its own economy despite all the loot.

The reactions that had come to this feat of India from Britain were partly amusing but also very revealing of how low they think of India even today. For instance, a section of British media immediately resorted to shaming India for its per capita income, an age-old trope to embarrass post-colonial and developing countries for something for which colonial past and an unfair trading system are also responsible. Many in the political establishment even saw it as a loss of status for the UK to be overtaken by a country that was once under the thumb of the British crown.

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If Indias achievements in the economic domain were already too unpalatable for them, the geopolitical manifestations of the countrys rise were further going to perturb them in a big way. In fact, if there is one country that has repeatedly shamed India for its independent foreign policy, where it has refused to follow the whips from the West on the Russia-Ukraine war, then it has to be none other than the United Kingdom. How can we forget then UK Trade Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyans very public warning to India that its stand on the Russia-Ukraine war would definitely impact the trade talks between the two countries? Even Britains deputy prime minister at that time, Dominic Raab, had also tried to lecture India on how it should conduct itself on the issue.

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No matter how hard the politicians in the UK are trying to dictate terms to their former colony, the fact is that the ship of imperialism has sailed, and no government in India worth its salt is willing to obey the ex-colonial masters instructions today. This has caused a significant amount of heartburn among British politicians who are now deploying very cheap theatrics to get India to behave.

In November 2024, several lawmakers of the ruling Labour Party were found attending an event organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs, a pro-Khalistan group. The party has a long history of supporting separatist movements in India, including the Kashmir issue and the Khalistani separatism as well. This was when a resolution seeking international intervention in Kashmir during an annual conference under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had cost the party British Indian votes in the 2019 General Elections.

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Despite this electoral backlash from the Indian-origin community, the pandering to separatists by British politicians doesnt stop at all. Case in point being the Sikh Federation, a Khalistani outfit masquerading as an NGO for British Sikhs. The group is known to have conducted many anti-India events promoting Khalistani separatism, but guess what? In December last year, UK Security Minister Jan Dervis wrote a letter to them addressing their concerns of being harassed by Indian authorities at the airports. The same letter also professed solidarity with the Canadian government over the diplomatic row that erupted after the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom the West portrays as a Sikh activist, a human rights activist, and other such absolutely incorrect labels.

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Despite the best attempts by the Labour Party and other actors in the country to scare India into submission and clip the wings of its India First foreign policy under PM Narendra Modi, the truth is that statistics do a great job of busting the bubble of British supremacy. Further, India is home to a large, vibrant, young population, an unexplored demographic dividend, and one of the largest emerging markets in the world. Britain, on the other hand, is home to a mere 67 million people, that too, an ageing population requiring more expenses on healthcare and pensions. It is anybodys guess who needs the Free Trade Agreement more.

Post-Brexit, the UK is desperate to seek trade ties with a large market like India, and obviously this wont happen until it tones down some of the anti-India sentiments. The time for British politicians is to smell the coffee and take a hard look at the calendar because a quarter of the current century has already passed, and the rest of the remaining century has India written all over it.

The author is a New Delhi-based commentator on geopolitics and foreign policy. She holds a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She tweets @TrulyMonica. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Armenias decision to acquire the Indo-French Trajan 155mm towed artillery system further strengthens its growing defence ties with India, solidifying New Delhis role as a key partner in military supplies and geopolitical affairs in a region where multiple powers have diverse interests read more

Armenia, a country in the Caucasus region of West Asia, has chosen to induct the Trajan 155mm towed artillery gun system that has been jointly developed by India and France. This move strengthens Indias position as a major defence partner for Armenias military modernisation. India has been supplying advanced guns, rockets, radars, and missile systems to the landlocked nation in the last few years.

In November 2023, Armenia received the first supplies of launchers and associated equipment of multi-barrel rocket launchers, Pinaka, valued at $250 million. Additionally, Armenia had ordered 15 Akash missile systems in 2022, worth $720 million, a consignment of which was delivered last November.

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Armenia has emerged as Indias top defence export destination, after the US and France. The Trajan artillery system, developed by Bharat Forge and Nexter (a French weapons manufacturer), offers superior accuracy, mobility, and firepower, making it an ideal choice for the terrains of a country facing threats from its neighbourhood.

The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020 and the subsequent Azerbaijani offensive of 2023 have been an eye-opener for Armenia. In the former, the 44-day-long war resulted in Azerbaijan gaining control over 72 per cent of the territory of the breakaway state of Artsakh and a defeat of Armenia; in the latter, Azerbaijan gained control over the whole of Nagorno-Karabakh. These circumstances underscored Armenias need for modernising its defence sector and choosing the alternatives.

Armenia, a Christian country, found itself compromised on having been overly dependent on Russia for its defence needs. While Muslim-majority Azerbaijan received support from Turkey, a middle power anxious to regain leadership of the Islamic world.

Consequently, Armenia took a West-ward turn, forging close relations with the US and EU as Russias closeness grew with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Remarkably, Iran supports Armenia, a Christian country, supported by the US! (Iran supported Armenia diplomatically, particularly in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict). Geopolitics in the 21st century for you!

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And India, with its growing defence production sector and strategic interest in the Eurasian region, became Armenias natural choice. Reportedly, Indias defence production has gone up 2.6 times since Financial Year 2015. New Delhi has set a goal of increasing defence exports to 50,000 crore ($60 billion) by 2028-29, which seems well achievable.

Both India and Armenia have become crucial partners. New Delhi has been a trusted supplier of small arms, ammunition, and other light weaponry and has fit Yerevans equations for arms diversification. Armenias military supplies have been heavily dependent on Russia, and the changing geopolitical realities and experiences in the last couple of years have underlined the challenges of it, particularly in the context of Russias engagements in Ukraine and changing geopolitical equations in the South Caucasus and West Asia.

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For India this purchase signifies expanding defence export markets and growing influence in the South Caucasus and Central Asiaan expanded neighbourhood of India with historical ties, but now mostly covered up under the power equations of Russia, China, and Turkey.

The ties between India and Armenia are crucial to balancing Turkish influence in the region, which is mutually beneficial to both nations. Turkeys close ties with Azerbaijan have been a constant concern for Armenia. Meanwhile, Turkey under the presidency of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pan-Islamic ambitions, which include warm relations with Pakistan and advocacy of the Kashmir issue overlooking growing Islamic fundamentalism in the region and Pakistans use of terror as an instrument to further its interests, particularly against India, and Indias integral partKashmir.

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Turkeys closeness with post-Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh has also been growing, and the nexus between Ankara and Islamabad now also includes Dhaka. Recently, in the second week of January, 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.

Beyond all of these, Russias ongoing defence ties with Armenia are unlikely to be disrupted, as Armenias strategic location remains vital to Russian interests in the region. Armenia is also a key member of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), and Moscow continues to influence Armenias security policies. Having robust defence ties with India fits this equation as well, as India and Russia have been historical partners.

But there is still a lot left to be done; the partnership must not be limited to defence supply and purchase; it should expand to areas such as intelligence sharing, cyber defence, and joint military training so that a broader strategic alignment against common challenges, ranging from regional security threats to the evolving global balance of power, can be forged.

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The Indo-Armenian cooperation will not just be a military partnership in the Caucasus region but will have geopolitical implications beyond, becoming a cornerstone of regional stability in an increasingly unpredictable world. As Sun Tzu says in The Art of War: In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The statement came after the US Supreme Court upheld the law which forces TikTok to be banned unless its parent company ByteDance divest from the app read more

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has to decide whether to sell the company or risk it being shut. AP

Popular video-sharing app TikTok confirmed that it will go dark on Sunday unless the company gets more clarity from US President Joe Bidens administration and the Department of Justice. The statement came after the US Supreme Court upheld the law which forces TikTok to be banned unless its parent company ByteDance divest from the app.

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, the company said on Friday evening in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Meanwhile, TikToks CEO Shou Chew also shared a video message on Friday thanking the incoming US President-elect Donald Trump.

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Statement on Possible Shutdown



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  TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 18, 2025

The statement from the company came hours after Chew shared his video message. 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 statement continued. It was earlier reported that the app had planned to go dark as a final resort.

TikTok CEO thanks Trump

The video posted on TikTok marked Chews first public statement since the Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app just hours earlier. 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.

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 thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process," the TikTok CEO furthered. On Friday, the Biden administration announced that it was leaving the implementation of the controversial law in the hands of Trump who will assume the White House on Monday.

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It is important to note that during his first stint in the Oval Office, Trump unsuccessfully tried to ban TikTok. However, he has changed his tune since then and actively used the app during his 2024 presidential campaign. After his victory, Trumps team emphasised how the app helped the former president to reach a wider younger audience. Despite the court ruling Chew is expected to attend Trumps inauguration Monday and sit where he will sit with other tech executives.

While reacting to the Supreme Courts ruling, Trump wrote on Truth Social that 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!

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With inputs from agencies.
The retreat, hosted at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, is expected to see the participation of over 200 delegates. It will bring together foreign ministers from the 10 Asean member states and Timor-Leste, an observer read more

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Foreign Ministers Retreat is set to kick off in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Saturday (January 18).

The retreat will bring together foreign ministers and representatives from the 10 Asean member states and Timor-Leste, an observer.

Here are five key things about this significant gathering:

1. Heralding Malaysias busy year as ASEAN chair

The AMM Retreat is the beginning of Malaysias packed schedule as ASEAN Chair in 2025. The Langkawi meeting sets the stage for a significant year of collaboration and progress for the region.

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The retreat, hosted at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, is expected to see the participation of over 200 delegates. The discussions and decisions made here will shape ASEANs path forward in 2025.

After that, over 300 key meetings and programs are planned across the country throughout the year, reflecting Malaysias commitment to advancing ASEANs goals.

2. Timor-Lestes participation as an observer

For the first time, Timor-Lestes Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, will attend the retreat as an observer. This is a step forward in Timor-Lestes gradual integration into Asean as it seeks full membership in the regional grouping.

3. Key topics on the agenda

The retreat will focus on several pressing issues, including the groups external relations, regional security, and international developments of shared concern. It will also address community-building efforts within Asean and discuss strategies to enhance collaboration across member states.

4. Senior officials meetings

Ahead of the formal retreat, Asean Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) leaders, including Malaysias Asean SOM Leader Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, will convene to discuss preparatory matters.

Amran will also host a welcome dinner for the delegates on January 17. A press conference on the SOMs outcomes is also scheduled.

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5. Malaysias Asean chairmanship theme: Inclusivity and sustainability

Malaysia officially assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN on January 1, 2025, for the fifth time since Aseans establishment in 1967. This years theme, Inclusivity and Sustainability, aims to shape discussions and initiatives for the year. The retreat will chart the blocs priorities, including the Asean Community Vision 2045, which outlines long-term goals for regional integration and cooperation.
The full cabinet meeting ended in the early hours of Saturday as the lawmakers agreed that a six-week ceasefire would come into effect on Sunday read more

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. AP

Shortly after the approval from the security cabinet, Israels government ratified the ceasefire-hostage deal paving the way for its implementation on Sunday. The deal will focus on the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and mark a pause to the 15-month-long war in Gaza for an initial six weeks.

The full cabinet meeting ended in the early hours of Saturday as the lawmakers agreed that a six-week ceasefire would come into effect on Sunday. However, some key questions are still bothering Tel Aviv, 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.

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The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, The government has approved the hostage return plan. In the late hours of Friday, the agreement was approved by Israels security cabinet despite a brief snag. Netanyahu also faced internal pressure from far-right members of his coalition government, which had the potential to derail the months of work to end the conflict.

The govt approved the plan at midnight for Sunday implementation

According to The Times of Israel, the Jewish government confirmed the ratification at around 1:00 a.m. (local time). The full Israeli cabinet approved the deal after a six-hour meeting that went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, a rare occurrence and a reflection of the moments importance.

Meanwhile, negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the US, and Israel concluded a separate meeting in Cairo. At the meeting, the delegation agreed on all necessary arrangements to implement the Gaza truce deal, Egyptian state-linked media reported. On Friday, Israels President Isaac Herzog welcomed the security cabinets decision. This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens, he remarked.

Things became complicated on Thursday after Israels Security Minister and far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he would quit the Netanyahu administration if it ratified the ceasefire deal. The next day after announcing his plans, Ben Gvir pleaded 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 The Times of Israel, during the full cabinet meeting, both Ben-Gvir and the far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, voted against the deal, while other ministers voted in favour. David Amsalem, a minister not part of the security cabinets voting plenary, also raised his hand in opposition during the vote.

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Now that the full Israeli cabinet has approved the deal, the Israeli high court is scheduled to hear the petition against the release of Palestinian prisoners within 24 hours. However, several Israeli media maintained that the court is unlikely to intervene in the matter.

The first phase of the deal will last for 42 days, in which 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. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) made it clear that the names of the hostages will be only made public after they are handed over to their respective families.

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With inputs from agencies.
Like his ousted predecessor Michel Barnier, Bayrou has made deficit reduction a priority, although with less ambitious tax hikes and spending cuts designed to gain parliamentary support read more

France is on the brink of an economic crisis and must act swiftly to rein in its budget deficit, former International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Olivier Blanchard warned, pointing to years of political inaction as the root of the problem.

He also criticised Prime Minister Francois Bayrous actions, saying Bayrous government has done more or less its best, but its best is not much, and is not sufficient.

Like his ousted predecessor Michel Barnier, Bayrou has made deficit reduction a priority, although with less ambitious tax hikes and spending cuts designed to gain parliamentary support.

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While this has been beneficial, Blanchard said in an interview with POLITICO We are absolutely not doing what is needed, thats for sure.

After a five-decade career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Blanchard has returned to France, where he sees troubling signs of a looming market crash.

Political gridlock could cause disaster

While not predicting an immediate collapse, Blanchard cautioned that Frances failure to address its massive budget deficit, which stood at 6.2 per cent of gross domestic product in 2024, puts the country on a precarious path.

The situation is exacerbated by political gridlock after lawmakers ousted PM Barnier over his aggressive deficit-reduction plans, leaving the country without an approved budget for the first time in modern history.

Frances political impasse, in which no party holds a parliamentary majority, further complicates efforts to balance the budget. For now, French parties are not ready to accept something that is necessary, Blanchard said. It will take a budget crisis, maybe a financial crisis, for parties to sit down and say were going to do something.

Blanchard also expressed doubt that European Union mechanisms could compel France to act. Brussels doesnt have the practical tools to force France to make a bigger effort; only markets can do that, he said
The authoritarian leader, in power since 1994, is set to extend his rule next weekend in a contest that his critics, the West and independent rights groups have slammed as nothing more than a show read more

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday freed 23 political prisoners, state media reported, the latest mass pardoning ahead of next weeks presidential election.

The authoritarian leader, in power since 1994, is set to extend his rule next weekend in a contest that his critics, the West and independent rights groups have slammed as nothing more than a show.

Lukashenko and his riot police cracked down hard on tens of thousands of protestors who took to the streets in 2020 to protest widespread allegations of electoral fraud in that years presidential vote.

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Rights groups say the country has more than 1,000 political prisoners, including protest leaders and Lukashenkos opponents arrested in 2020.

On Saturday, he pardoned 23 people  three women and 20 men  who authorities said had committed crimes of an extremist orientation, state media reported.

More than 200 people have been freed in a string of such pardons over the last six months in the run-up to the January 26 vote.

Lukashenko will face no genuine competition in that contest and in a visit to a factory last week said he saw no point in conducting debates and was not really following the election campaign.

The identities of those released in Saturdays pardon were not made public and it was not clear if any of them were prominent figures in the countrys opposition.

Political prisoners are held in tough conditions, often denied access to lawyers or contact with relatives on the outside.
The judge ordered Morless assets to be frozen and banned the former president from leaving the country read more

A judge in Bolivia ordered the arrest of the countrys former President Evo Morales over his alleged abuse of a teenage girl while he was in office. On Friday, the judge in the southern city of Tarija called for Morales arrest after Bolivias first Indigenous president skipped a hearing on his pre-trial detention for a second time.

The Friday ruling raised stakes in the states months-long showdown between the current and the former leader. According to The Guardian, the ruling was broadcast on state television for the citizens to watch. The judge ordered Morless assets to be frozen and banned the former president from leaving the country.

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Theres been a warrant ordered for his search and arrest, said Judge Nelson Rocabado after a hearing in Tarija, where the alleged victim lives. Morales, who rose from poverty became one of the most prominent and longest-service leaders in Latin America. In the past few months, Morales managed to bring thousands of people on the streets to protest against the accusations hurled at him.

What the case is about?

Morales was accused of abusing a 15-year-old girl while he was in the office in 2015. It was also alleged that he fathered a child with her the following year, which would have been considered statutory rape under the Bolivian law. The Bolivian leader has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.

Prosecutors pursuing the case have charged him with trafficking. They argued that the girls parents enrolled her in the youth guard of Moraless political movement when he was president with the sole purpose of climbing the political ladder and obtaining benefits  in exchange for their underage daughter. Sandra Gutierrez, the prosecutor leading the case that the charges carry a sentence of between 10 and 15 years in prison.

It is pertinent to note that the girls father has been in preventive custody since October. The prosecutors called the judge to place Morales under detention after he skipped the pre-trial hearing twice. The lawyers of the former president told the court that he was suffering from a health problem.

On Friday, the judge rejected the medical reports and pressed on with the hearing in Moraless absence. Meanwhile, Morales has maintained that he has been a victim of legal warfare carried out by his ally-turned-rival, Bolivias current President Luis Arce. Outside the courthouse, a group of women identified themselves as mother and carried banners that read Evo Morales abuser, girls are not to be touched," demanding justice in the case.

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With inputs from agencies.
The European Commission stated on Friday that it will add extra stages to a probe that began in December 2023. That investigation became politically charged as Musk, who will play a crucial role in the new Trump administration, partnered with European far-right groups such as the German Alternative for Germany ahead of a Feb. 23 election read more

EU tech authorities are expanding their inquiry into Elon Musks X following his frequent assaults on European nations, just days before Donald Trump takes office as US president.

The European Commission stated on Friday that it will add extra stages to a probe that began in December 2023. That investigation became politically charged as Musk, who will play a crucial role in the new Trump administration, partnered with European far-right groups such as the German Alternative for Germany ahead of a Feb. 23 election.

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Brussels was under pressure to examine Musks compliance with EU social media regulation, the Digital Services Act, including a live-streamed conversation Musk held with AfD leader Alice Weidel on January 9.

It had already committed to monitor if Xs algorithms provided the webcast a boost. This increase would give the AfD an unfair edge in the election.

On Friday, barely three days before Trumps inauguration, the Commission announced three concrete initiatives.

On Friday, in Brussels, European Commission Spokesperson Thomas Regnier told reporters, These steps are completely independent from any political considerations or any specific events recently.

X must provide clarification on current and prospective changes to its content delivery infrastructure. The deadline for information on previous adjustments, which might tell regulators more about whether the Weidel stream received a boost, is February 15.

The corporation was also instructed to keep any information about planned modifications until the end of the year or until the Commission concluded its investigation.

This is not the first time the European Commission has issued a detention order. TikTok, a Chinese video app, already faces a similar injunction for its participation in last years Romanian elections.

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Third, the Commission wants access to Xs interfaces so it can learn more about how accounts go viral.

Last July, the European Commission made a preliminary conclusion that X was in violation of the DSA. It claimed that X tricked users with its blue mark authentication scheme and a lack of advertising transparency and data availability.

The Commission has stated that it is currently evaluating Xs replies to those charges, in response to worries that Musks involvement with the US government has slowed the decision-making process. X might face fines of up to 6% of its global sales.

European MPs are scheduled to question the European Commission on Tuesday over Xs compliance with the DSA.

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The External Affairs Minister said even as Indias growth serves as a lifting tide beyond its borders, the extended neighbourhood too is keen to revive its historical connections. read more

The cancer of terrorism is now consuming Pakistans political system and the country remains an exception in Indias neighbourhood due to its support for cross-border terrorism, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday.

The minister said the entire sub-continent has a shared interest in Pakistan abjuring that approach of supporting terrorism.

Jaishankar made these remarks while delivering the Nani Palkhivala memorial lecture in Mumbai, stating that Pakistans continued support for cross-border terrorism sets it apart from its neighbors and is now undermining its own political structure.

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Pakistan remains the exception in our neighbourhood in view of its support for cross-border terrorism, and that cancer is now consuming its own body politic, he said.

There are also issues in respect of two other neighbours, Myanmar and Afghanistan. We, in India have longstanding people-to-people ties with both societies and we must be mindful that those more proximate have stakes which are quite different from others far away, he said.

The external affairs minister said even as Indias growth serves as a lifting tide beyond its borders, the extended neighbourhood too is keen to revive its historical connections.

Three decades ago, a Southeast Asia led by Singapore displayed that interest, laying the foundation of what then came to be known as the Act East policy, he said.

In the last decade, the United Arab Emirates has spearheaded an even deeper effort on the part of the Gulf kingdoms, he added.

Jaishankar said the Gulf region houses Indias largest diaspora and it is among New Delhis key trade partners, as well as the dominant source of its energy needs.

It is now increasingly investing in Indias growth and partnering it in collaborative ventures, he said.

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The current conflict in the Middle-east is therefore as much a cause of anxiety to India as it is to others, he said.

Getting the balance right between countering terrorism, minimising civilian casualties, providing humanitarian support and promoting a two-State solution sums up our approach, Jaishankar said.

India has been pitching for a two-State solution to the Palestine issue.

With inputs from agencies
Participants held up placards bearing slogans including Stop arming Israel or Gaza, stop the massacre amid regular chants of From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free read more

Londoners rallied on the eve of the Gaza ceaasefire to support free Palestine. AFP

Thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered in central London Saturday, on the eve of the start of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hoping to put pressure to ensure the ceasefire holds.

We desperately want to be optimistic about the truce, Sophie Mason told AFP.

And so we need to be out on the streets in order to make sure the ceasefire holds, said the 50-year-old, who is a regular at the pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the British capital.

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The ceasefire, which comes into effect Sunday morning (0630 GMT), involves the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, Israeli withdrawal from densely populated areas of Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to the war-ravaged region.

The London rally took place in Whitehall, site of the main British government offices, after police rejected the route initially proposed by organisers  which the Met police said would have been in the vicinity of a synagogue.

Participants held up placards bearing slogans including Stop arming Israel or Gaza, stop the massacre amid regular chants of From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Obviously, were delighted theres a ceasefire, said Linda Plant, a retiree from London, however, pointing out that Israeli strikes on Gaza have continued since the ceasefire deal was announced Wednesday.

We need to make pressure to make that ceasefire hold and for international aid to reach Gaza, said Ben, 36, a workers union member who only shared his first name.

For Anisah Qausher, a student, the ceasefire is too late, I think its too little.

While she hopes it will bring temporary relief, she believes that were gonna need to do a lot more, citing the challenge of rebuilding Gaza.

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Around 20-30 protesters were being arrested for breaching the authorised perimeter for the protest, and at least seven other protesters had already been arrested for various offences, the Metropolitan police said on X.

A counter-demonstration with around 100 protesters waving Israeli flags also gathered nearby.

Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war and resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Of the 251 people taken hostage, 94 are still in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israels retaliatory campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46,899 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territorys health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

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Eight people were killed in attacks by criminal gangs and another five died in clashes with the police since Tuesday morning, according to Rondonias security department read more

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 Rondonias security department.

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.

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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.

A recent report by Brazilian Public Security Forum, a think tank, showed crime rates are rising fast in the Amazon, home of the worlds largest rainforest. In 2023, the region registered 34 homicides for every 100,000 people, almost twice the national rate.

While Brazils 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 tanks 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.

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The Amazon is a perfect environment for crime. The gangs control the territory and define the rules, Lima said. Eventually, the police show up.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry issued an advisory to Palestinians to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources 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

The Gaza ceasefire which will bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas will take effect at 6:30 GMT (12 noon IST) on Sunday, mediator Qatar said on Saturday.

As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 am on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza, Qatars foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on X.

The truce deal passed a major hurdle on Saturday after the Israeli cabinet voted in favour of the ceasefire, ending days of uncertainty about whether the truce would go into effect this weekend.

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The Qatari Foreign Ministry also issued an advisory to Palestinians to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources.

The Israeli Justice Ministry has announced that it would release 737 prisoners and detainees as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal. The exact time of the ceasefires start had been unclear, though Israel had said no prisoners would be freed before 1400 GMT.

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire will take effect on the eve of US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Last year, Trump had warned that there would be hell to pay if the hostages were not returned before his inauguration on January 20.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said the Palestinian Authority has completed preparations to assume full responsibility in Gaza after the war.

Even before the truce began, displaced Gazans were preparing to return home.

The ceasefire agreement followed intensified efforts by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of fruitless negotiations.

In the days of talks, Biden pointman Brett McGurk was joined in the region by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in an unusual pairing to get the deal over the line, US officials said.

If we werent involved the deal wouldve never happened, Trump said in an interview Thursday.

With inputs agencies
US President-elect Donald Trump wants members of the NATO military alliance to devote five percent of their national output to defence, a demand that has already been rejected as too high by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. read more

Firefighters work on the site of a damaged building after a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Image- AP

Germanys Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed openness to sending German soldiers to Ukraine to help secure a demilitarised zone if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached.

In an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung published Saturday, Pistorius said Were the largest NATO partner in Europe. Well obviously have a role to play, adding that the issue would be discussed at the appropriate time.

Pistorius also advocated for Germany to target defence spending of around three percent of GDP. His remarks come as US President-elect Donald Trump pushes NATO members to allocate five percent of their national output to defence, a proposal dismissed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as excessive.

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Trump, set to take office on Monday, claimed during his campaign that he could end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours. However, his team has since suggested that resolving the conflict may take more time.

Discussions could nevertheless start soon, notably with a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But Ukraine is not currently in a position of sufficient strength to start any peace negotiations with Russia, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said on Monday.

Pistorius said Russia was currently occupying 18 or 19 percent of Ukrainian territory. But despite nearly three years of war, it had not gained more than that and had suffered extensive losses in its own army in the attempt.

The United States claimed recently that Moscow had lost nearly 1,500 men a day in November.

Asked about the contribution Germany should make towards NATO defence spending, Pistorius said: We should be talking more about three percent than two.

Germany currently devotes around two percent of its GDP to defence.

On January 9, Chancellor Olaf Scholz rebuffed Trumps demand for NATO members to raise defence spending to five percent of GDP.

For Germany, that would mean finding an additional 150 billion euros every year, he said.

With inputs from agencies
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has warned that continued Israeli strikes on Gaza will affect the hostage deal and even result in their deaths ahead of their release read more

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, on Thursday. Reuters

Hamas said on Saturday that Israel failed to achieve its aggressive goals in Gaza, just a few hours before the ceasefire is supposed to take effect on Sunday.

In a statement, Hamas said that Israel only succeeded in committing war crimes that disgrace the dignity of humanity.

The Gaza ceasefire which will bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas will take effect at 6:30 GMT (12 noon IST) on Sunday, mediator Qatar said on Saturday.

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The truce deal passed a major hurdle on Saturday after the Israeli cabinet voted in favour of the ceasefire, ending days of uncertainty about whether the truce would go into effect this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad has warned that continued Israeli strikes on Gaza will affect the hostage deal and even result in their deaths ahead of their release.

Families of Israeli hostages should urge the Israeli military to halt intensified strikes in the final hours before a ceasefire begins, as such actions could justify the killing of their children, stated Abu Hamza, spokesperson for the PIJ military wing.

The Israeli Justice Ministry has announced that it would release 737 prisoners and detainees as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal. The exact time of the ceasefires start had been unclear, though Israel had said no prisoners would be freed before 1400 GMT.

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire will take effect on the eve of US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Last year, Trump had warned that there would be hell to pay if the hostages were not returned before his inauguration on January 20.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said the Palestinian Authority has completed preparations to assume full responsibility in Gaza after the war.

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With inputs from agencies
This deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said read more

Hezbollah's leader Sheikh Naim Qassem delivers an address from an unknown location in this still image from video. File image/Reuters

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Saturday (January 18) congratulated Palestinians on the Gaza ceasefire agreement, calling it proof of the persistence of resistance against Israel.

In his first public remarks since the agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group described the deal as a victory for resistance movements.

This deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups, which took what they wanted while Israel was not able to take what it sought, Qassem said in a speech.

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The comments came shortly after Israels cabinet approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas on Saturday, a day before the agreements scheduled start.

According to Qatar, the agreement is set to be implemented in Gaza at 6:30 am local time on Sunday (January 19).

What does the Gaza ceasefire deal say?

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas outlines a six-week initial phase, during which:

Israeli withdrawal: Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from central Gaza, enabling displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

Humanitarian aid: 600 truckloads of aid, including 50 carrying fuel, will enter Gaza daily, with half allocated to the north.

Releasing captives: Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages (women, children, and men over 50) in phases, prioritising women and minors.

Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees in exchange for civilian hostages, and 50 Palestinians for every Israeli female soldier. The release of Palestinian detainees will also include all women and children detained since October 7, 2023. The total releases could range from 990 to 1,650 detainees.

Guarantees and oversight: Qatar, Egypt, and the US will guarantee the agreement.

Next phases: Negotiations for a second phase will begin mid-way, aiming for the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and complete Israeli withdrawal. A third phase will focus on returning deceased bodies and initiating Gazas reconstruction, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN

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With inputs from agencies
Swedens armed forces said the mission of 550 troops will contribute to the alliances deterrence and defense efforts, and ensure stability in the region, and that it marks Swedens largest commitment yet since joining NATO. read more

Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade stationed along NATOs eastern flank. Sweden has described this deployment as its most significant operation since becoming a member of the Western defence alliance.

A mechanised infantry battalion, accompanied by the Swedish air force and naval units from Sweden and Latvia, arrived at Rigas port early Saturday, according to the Swedish armed forces.

Latvia, bordering Russia and Belarus, is situated in a region of heightened tensions due to Russias war in Ukraine. Swedens deployment of 550 troops aims to bolster NATOs deterrence and defence efforts, ensuring regional stability.

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Swedens armed forces said the mission of 550 troops will contribute to the alliances deterrence and defense efforts, and ensure stability in the region, and that it marks Swedens largest commitment yet since joining NATO.

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he felt great pride in contributing to the alliances collective defense.

Its a historic day, but at the same time, its our new normal, he said.

The Swedish troops join one of eight NATO brigades along the alliances eastern flank. The battalion is stationed outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.

Sweden formally joined NATO in March as the 32nd member of the trans-Atlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Finland also abandoned its longstanding military neutrality to join NATO in April 2023, due to anxieties sparked when Russia invaded Ukraine the previous year.

With inputs from agencies
The base is located 500 meters underground in Irans strategic southern waters that comprise the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman read more

Iranian flag flutters in the wind. Image used for representative purpose/AFP

The naval arm of Irans Revolutionary Guards has unveiled an underground naval base housing dozens of missile-equipped assault boats, state television reported on Saturday (January 18).

The exact location of the facility was not disclosed, with the broadcaster stating only that it is situated in Irans strategic southern waters, encompassing the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.

According to the report, the base is located 500 meters underground and has been created to boost Irans naval capabilities in these key waterways.

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State television asserted that some vessels housed at the newly revealed base are capable of destroying US warships and destroyers.

Footage aired by state television showed Guards chief General Hossein Salami touring the facility alongside Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval arm.

Military modernisation amid Trump threat, West Asia setbacks

The unveiling comes just days before US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday (January 20) for his second term. During his first term, Trump adopted a maximum pressure policy against Iran, withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposing extensive sanctions.

Given the Trump threat, and the setbacks it has suffered in West Asia, Iran has intensified efforts to strengthen its military capabilities.

A significant development in this direction is the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (January 17).

In the agreement, Moscow and Tehran have promised to work together against common military threats and take part in joint exercises and develop their military-technical cooperation.

Additionally, Iran has recently inducted into its military 1,000 new drones that reportedly have high stealth and anti-fortification abilities. Alongside this, a warship to enhance the countrys navy was also set to be inducted.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy chief of the Iranian Army for Coordination had said last week that additional upgraded vessels and flight units are expected to join the Navy in the near future.

With inputs from agencies
President Joseph Aoun told visiting United Nations chief Antonio Guterres that it was necessary for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27 read more

Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun arrives for a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, at the government palace in Beirut, Lebanon, December 16, 2024. File Image/AP

Lebanons new president said on Saturday that Israel must withdraw from his countrys south by the January 26 deadline set to fully implement an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreed last year.His remarks follow a speech by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem who accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire violations, warning it against testing our patience and calling on the Lebanese state to be firm in its response.President Joseph Aoun told visiting United Nations chief Antonio Guterres that it was necessary for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27.

Israels continued violations on land and in the air blowing up homes and destroying border villages, completely contradicts what was stated in the ceasefire agreement, a statement from Aouns office added.

Under the November 27 ceasefire deal, which ended two months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside peacekeepers from the UNIFIL mission in south Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws.

At the same time, Hezbollah is required to pull its forces north of the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the south.

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Occupation

Earlier on Saturday, Qassem had called on the Lebanese state to be firm in confronting violations, now numbering more than hundreds. This cannot continue.

We have been patient with the violations to give a chance to the Lebanese state responsible for this agreement, along with the international sponsors, but I call on you not to test our patience, he said in a televised speech.

Qassems speech came as Guterres met top Lebanese officials including prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam and Aoun  the former army chief who has vowed that the state would have a monopoly on bearing weapons.

Analysts say Hezbollahs weakening in the war with Israel allowed Lebanons deeply divided political class to elect Aoun and to back him in naming Salam, who was presiding judge at the International Criminal Court, as prime minister.

But Qassem insisted Hezbollah and ally Amals backing is what led to the election of the president by consensus, after around two years of deadlock.

No one can exploit the results of the aggression in domestic politics, he warned. No one can exclude us from effective and influential political participation in the country.

After his meeting with Aoun on Saturday, Guterres expressed hope that Lebanon could open a new chapter of peace.

On Friday, Guterres had called for Israel to end its military operations and occupation in the south.

He also said UN peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups.

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French President Emmanuel Macron was also in Lebanon on Friday and said there must be accelerated implementation of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.
Trudeau, under pressure from legislators over the partys pool poll showing, announced on Jan 6 that he would step down after more than nine years in office. read more

Canadian cabinet minister Karina Gould said on Saturday that she would participate in the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.

Gould, 37, becomes the third serious candidate to announce their candidacy. She is currently the Liberals House Leader, in charge of pushing legislation through Parliament.

Gould will be up against former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. The new leader is due to be announced on March 9.

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On Friday, Chrystia Freeland, Canadas former deputy prime minister, whose unexpected resignation in December played a role in Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus decision to resign, announced that she is seeking to replace him.

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.

Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney announced on Thursday that he was running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, saying he wanted to focus on the struggling economy.

Carney, 59, launched his bid at an event in the western city of Edmonton, casting himself as an outsider who was not part of Trudeaus unpopular government.

Trudeau announced his resignation this month amid unhappiness among legislators alarmed by the partys poor polling numbers ahead of an election this year.
A ceasefire in the Gaza war will begin on Sunday morning, mediator Qatar said after Israels cabinet voted to approve the truce and hostage-prisoner release deal. read more

Children play with fireworks on the rubble of destroyed buildings at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip on January 18, 2025, a day before a ceasefire is set to take effect following the Israeli cabinet's approval of a deal between Israel and Hamas. Image- AFP

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel reserves the right to resume fighting in Gaza with US support, as he pledged to bring home all hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

We reserve the right to resume the war if necessary, with American support, Netanyahu said in a televised statement, a day before a ceasefire is set to take effect. He added that Israel had changed the face of the Middle East since the war began.

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Earlier today, Netanyahu said that Israel would not proceed with the Gaza ceasefire until it receives a list of the names of the hostages, Hamas will release in the first phase of the deal.

We will not move forward with the agreement until we receive the list of hostages who will be released, as agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas, Netanyahu said in a statement on X.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:



"We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible."  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 18, 2025

Israel had expected to receive the names by 4 p.m. local time Saturday, now more than three hours ago. Netanyahu in a statement says that Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement.

Hamas was to give the names to mediator Qatar. There is no immediate Qatar response to questions. There is no immediate Hamas response, either.

Israels Cabinet approved the deal early on Saturday; the ceasefire will see the first hostages released.

Brokered by mediators the United States, Qatar and Egypt in months of indirect talks between the warring sides, the ceasefire is the second truce achieved in the devastating conflict.

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Netanyahus office said the deal supports achieving the objectives of the war.

But Hamas said Israel had failed to achieve its aggressive goals and only succeeded in committing war crimes that disgrace the dignity of humanity.

Israels justice ministry said 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees would be freed as part of the deals first phase  none before 4:00 pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday.

Israel warns Palestinians against moving through Gaza corridor

Ahead of the ceasefire set to begin Sunday, Israels military is warning Palestinians against moving from southern Gaza to northern Gaza through the Netzarim corridor until further notice. The corridor is a belt across central Gaza where Israel had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they return to the territorys north.

Spokesman Avichay Adraee in a social media post also warns Palestinians not to approach Israeli forces, who will withdraw to border areas and the Philadelphi corridor, the band of territory along Gazas border with Egypt.

He said Saturday the military will release a detailed statement when displaced Palestinians will be allowed to move from south to the north.

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With inputs from agencies
The creative shared by the airline showed a plane aiming at the French landmark with the caption Paris, were coming today. The advertisement received major flak online with many comparing it to the devastating 9/11 attacks on New York Twin Towers in the United States read more

After facing a major backlash, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued an apology on Friday for sharing an advert of a plane flying at Frances Eiffel Tower. The advertisement aimed at promoting PIAs first flight to Paris after the safety bans were lifted by the European authorities. The creative shared by the airline showed a plane aiming at the French landmark with the caption Paris, were coming today.

The advertisement received major flak online with many comparing it to the devastating 9/11 attacks on New York Twin Towers in the United States. In 2001, two planes hijacked by Al-Qaeda flew into the historic skyscrapers, killing at least 3,000 people.

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The terrorist groups leader Osama bin Laden was eventually killed in Abbottabad by US special forces in 2011, while a Pakistani militant currently held in Guantanamo Bay is considered the chief mastermind of the attack.

The apology

In the statement released on Friday, PIA emphasised the ad was blown out of propositions. Unfortunately, this was blown out of proportion with connations and perceptions that were not intended, PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told AFP. It might have triggered some negative emotion, for which we truly apologise, he furthered.

During Tuesdays Senate session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the advert, insisting that the ad shows stupidity. Its stupidity to show the Eiffel Tower and a plane close together, facing it. A better design would have shown the plane flying above or in a different direction, he told the Senate.

However, a PIA spokesperson told Dawn that the airlines return to Europe was extremely positive, with flights so far operating at more than 95 per cent capacity. PIAs Paris campaign involved multiple mediums. We ran TV commercials, radio ads and a print ad (this one). All were received extremely positively resulting in great reach and consequently, our loads have picked up on the Paris sector, the spokesperson told the Pakistani news outlet.

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The total collective reach of this ad alone is 30 million now with 755,000 reactions out of which only 10pc were negative. The negative was triggered by a smear campaign that was started from across the border, concocting a connotation which was and can never be intended," he added. It is pertinent to note that the debt-ridden PIA was banned from flying to the European Union in June 2020. The ban was imposed a month after one of its Airbus A-320s plunged into a Karachi street, killing nearly 100 people.

With inputs from AFP.
Navalnys lawyers Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser and Igor Sergunin were found guilty of participating in an extremist organisation by a court in the town of Petushki read more

Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser and Vadim Kobzev were found guilty of participating in an extremist organisation by the court in Petushki. Reuters

A court in Russia has sentenced three lawyers who defended deceased opposition leader Alexei Navalny to several years in prison in its latest crackdown against the voices of dissent. The court found the lawyers guilty of sharing Navalnys messages from prison to the outside world. The ruling came amid fears that Moscow will ramp up trials against legal representatives in addition to jailing their clients.

The Kremlin has moved forward in punishing everyone who was associated with Navalny after the Russian opposition leader faced an unexplained death in an Arctic prison colony last February. On Saturday, Navalnys lawyers Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser and Igor Sergunin were found guilty of participating in an extremist organisation by a court in the town of Petushki, AFP reported.

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As per the report, Kobzev, who was the most high-profile member of Navalnys team was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. Meanwhile, Liptser was handed five years and Sergunin three and a half years of jail sentence.

The sentence drew backlash from the West

What makes the sentencing crucial is the fact that the trio were almost the only people who were visiting Navalny in prison while the opposition leader was serving his own 19-year-long jail term. During his time in prison, Russian President Vladimir Putins political opponent communicated to the outside world by sharing messages through his lawyers.

His team used to publish the same messages on his social media platform, making it reach a wider audience. It is pertinent to note that passing letters and messages from prisoners through lawyers is not an illegal practice in Russia, making many surprised by the Saturday ruling.

Navalnys exiled widow, Yulia Navalnaya reacted to the sentencing, insisting that the lawyers were political prisoners and should be freed immediately. Western nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, all criticised the sentencing. This is yet another example of the persecution of defence lawyers by the Kremlin in its effort to undermine human rights, subvert the rule of law and suppress dissent, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on the Kremlin to release all political prisoners. Frances foreign minister also described the court ruling as yet another act of intimidation against the legal profession as a whole, while Germany said that even those meant to defend others before the law face harsh persecution.

A closed-room trial

According to AFP, the lawyers were sentenced in a closed-room trial in a court which was 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, the Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, a statement from the court stated that the three attorneys 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."

The ruling maintained that the passing of the messages allowed the Russian opposition leader to plan crimes with an extremist character from his maximum-security prison. In most of his messages, Navalny denounced Russias Ukraine offensive as criminal and urged his supporters not to give up. In October 2023, he also denounced the arrest of his lawyers calling it an attempt to isolate him.

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Last week, Kobzev 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.

With inputs from AFP.
According to a report by the Times of Israel, the attacker has been identified as a 19-year-old man from the West Bank city of Tulkarem named Salah Yahye. He entered the country illegally and was shot dead at the scene of the attack read more

The body of a man who attacked pedestrians with a knife is examined by Israeli police after he was shot during the stabbing incident in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. Image- AP

A shooting incident in Tel Avivs commercial hub left several people wounded, the Israeli police said on Saturday. One victim was injured by stabbing.

There are injuries at the scene, and at this stage, large police forces are on their way to the location. The circumstances are currently unclear, the police said in a statement, adding the incident occurred on Levontin Street in Tel Aviv.

A 30-year-old male victim who was stabbed by an attacker is being treated by medics and is in serious condition, Emergency service provider Magen David Adom said. A spokesman for the provider added that the terrorist involved in the attack has been eliminated.

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The incident occurred a day before a ceasefire is set to take effect in Gaza.

According to a report by the Times of Israel, the attacker has been identified as a 19-year-old man from the West Bank city of Tulkarem named Salah Yahye. He entered the country illegally and was shot dead at the scene of the attack.

Police have described the situation as a terror attack.

Meanwhile, the Gaza ceasefire which will bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas will take effect at 6:30 GMT (12 noon IST) on Sunday, mediator Qatar said on Saturday.

As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 am on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza, Qatars foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on X.

The truce deal passed a major hurdle on Saturday after the Israeli cabinet voted in favour of the ceasefire, ending days of uncertainty about whether the truce would go into effect this weekend.

With inputs from agencies
Donald Trump is all set for his inauguration day slated for January 20. The 78-year-old US president-elect has big plans for his first day at the Oval Office. From deportations to pardoning Jan 6 convicts, heres what Trump plans on doing on Day One read more

Donald Trump is just a few hours away from taking over the US presidency. The 78-year-old Republican has very specific plans for the first day of his second term as the president. Trump does not want to waste a minute on his first day at the Oval Office.

A Fox News anchor had asked Trump if he would abuse his power as a president and to that Trump vowed that he would not be a dictator except for Day One.

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As a dictator the Republican leader would, close the border and drill, drill, drill. On the first day after taking the oath, Trump would seemingly settle the score with the special counsel, Jack Smith, who brought the two criminal cases against him and fired him within two seconds.

Heres all that Trump plans on doing on Day One of his presidency:

Mass deportations

Since the launch of his presidential bid, Trump has consistently focused his campaign on the issue of immigration. However, his 2024 re-election campaign stood out by including more distinctive promises on the topic, which he pledged to implement on his first day in office, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.

He said that his administration would begin the largest deportation operation in American history and eliminate every open borders policy of the Biden administration on the first day of his second presidency.

His incoming presidential administration plans to launch a large immigration raid in Chicago the day after he takes office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing four people familiar with the planning.

The raid, expected to start on Tuesday, would last all week, the newspaper said, adding that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) would send between 100 and 200 officers to carry out the operation.

A source with knowledge of the plans told Reuters that Ice would intensify enforcement across the country and there would not be a special focus on Chicago or a surge of personnel there.

Were going to be doing operations all across the country, the person said. Youre going to see arrests in New York. Youre going to see arrests in Miami.

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End birthright citizenship

The incoming president has also vowed to end birthright citizenship on his first day in office. This would mean that children born to unborn immigrants would not by default get US citizenship unlike before.

On Day One of my new term in office, I will sign an executive order making clear to federal agencies that under the correct interpretation of the law, going forward, the future children of illegal aliens will not receive automatic US citizenship, Trump had said in May 2023.

Pardon Jan 6 rioters

The president-elect has also intended to free some of the convicts charged with the January 6 Capitol attacks, who he believes were wrongfully imprisoned.

We got immunity at the Supreme Court. Its so easy. I would fire him within two seconds. Hell be one of the first things addressed, he said in 2024.

Trump has frequently stated that he intends to move swiftly, promising to pardon many of the over 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes for their involvement in storming the Capitol during the protest against the electoral certification.

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End the Russia-Ukraine war

Trump had said last year that there would be hell to pay if all the hostages held by Hamas were not returned before January 20 and now we have a Gaza ceasefire deal that would not only see the hostages freed but also end the Israel-Hamas war.

The Republican leader claims that he will end the Russia-Ukraine war by settling things between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

If Im president, I will have that war settled in one day, 24 hours. It will be over. It will be absolutely over, he said last year at a CNN Town Hall.

I will get it settled before I even become President When Im President-elect, what Ill do is Ill speak to one, Ill speak to the other, Ill get them together, he added referring to Putin and Zelenskyy.

Cut off federal funds if

Trump seems to be on a warpath against the US education system that teaches what he calls critical race theories and transgender insanity.

On the first day after assuming office, the leader would stop the flow of federal funds to schools that teach and discuss race, gender and sexual orientation with students.

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At the same time, he also wants to cut funding for educational institutions that mandate masks or vaccine.

With inputs from agencies
Yoon on Wednesday became the countrys first sitting president to be arrested, in a criminal probe related to his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3 read more

Yoon Suk Yeol,South Koreas impeached president, plans to attend a court hearing on Saturday to fight a request by investigators to extend his detention on accusations of insurrection, his lawyer said.

Yoon on Wednesday became the countrys first sitting president to be arrested, in a criminal probe related to his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.

Investigators requested a detention warrant on Friday to extend their custody of Yoon for up to 20 days. He has been refusing to talk to investigators and has been held in Seoul Detention Centre since his arrest.

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Police were seen breaking up a crowd of Yoons supporters blocking the gate of Seoul Western District Court, where the hearing is expected to begin at 2 p.m. (0500 GMT). A decision is expected on Saturday or Sunday.

He decided to attend to restore his honour by directly explaining the legitimacy of emergency martial law and that insurrection is not established, Yoons lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, said in a statement.

Insurrection, the crime alleged against Yoon by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, is one of the few that an incumbent South Korean president does not have immunity from.

Detention warrant hearings usually last about two hours in South Korea but can last eight to 10 hours if arguments heat up.
Starmer took office in July 2024 and the government is already in strife with internal divisions. But that is not it. His leadership is facing other problems like a scandal that accuses Starmer of accepting thousands of pounds of free gifts and an economic outlook that has been blotted by a tax-raising budget read more

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his desire to stay in the position for the next 10 years amid a political crisis that has been brewing in the country.

In an interview with Politico, Starmer ignited speculations of an early election in Britain. He said, We are now, what, four and a half years before the next election. I remind myself that four and a half years ago, Boris Johnson was prime minister with very high ratings and most commentators were saying hes going to be prime minister for the next 10 years.

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So I am a great believer in taking each step as it comes, facing each challenge as it comes, keeping my eye on the long term and not getting distracted by the noises off, the British PM added.

Starmer took office in July 2024 and the government is already in strife with internal divisions. But that is not it. His leadership is facing other problems like a scandal that accuses Starmer of accepting thousands of pounds of free gifts and an economic outlook that has been blotted by a tax-raising budget and higher costs.

When asked if he is committed to serving a 10-year-long term, Starmer said, Yes. We want a decade of national renewal. I always said this will take time. We will see material change in the first term of a Labour government but we are talking about a decade of national renewal and I intend to lead from the front.

Meanwhile, Brexit campaigner Nigel Farages right-wing Reform UK is Britains second most popular political party and sits just one percentage point behind the governing Labour Party, according to an opinion poll released earlier this week.

A YouGov polling showed that if a general election were held tomorrow 26per cent of British voters would choose Labour and 25 per cent would vote Reform UK. The Conservatives were on 22 per cent.

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The poll is YouGovs first since the July 4 election and showed Reform, which won 14 per cent of the vote last summer, gaining support from the Conservatives and, to a lesser extent, Keir Starmers Labour Party.

With inputs from Reuters
Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, enjoyed strong support from the first Trump administration, including regularising arms sales which have continued under President Joe Biden. But Trump unnerved Taiwan on the campaign trail by calling for it to have to pay to be defended read more

Taiwan's parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu poses for photos as he leads a delegation to the United States for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Reuters

The head of Taiwans delegation to next weeks inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president said on Saturday he was going there to extend the islands highest blessings to the United States.

Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, enjoyed strong support from the first Trump administration, including regularising arms sales which have continued under President Joe Biden. But Trump unnerved Taiwan on the campaign trail by calling for it to have to pay to be defended.

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Taiwan parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu, a senior member of the opposition Kuomintang party and who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2020, said at Taoyuan airport before leaving for Washington that many foreign leaders were also on their way even with the threatened heavy snow.

All of our delegation members likewise are taking this enthusiasm to the United States to represent (our) 23 million people, and we extend our highest blessings to the U.S. presidential team and to the people of the United States.

Han is being accompanied by a cross-party delegation of seven other lawmakers.

Chinas delegation is being led by Vice President Han Zheng, and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by telephone with Trump on Friday, discussing issues including Taiwan.

Hans party traditionally favours close ties and dialogue with China, but denies being pro-Beijing.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

China has ramped up its military pressure against Taiwan over the past five years and refuses to speak to President Lai Ching-te, calling him a separatist. He rejects Chinas sovereignty claims, and China has rebuffed his offers of talks.

Meeting late on Friday with Mike Pence, Trumps vice president in his first administration, Lai said given Chinas threats against Taiwan and Beijings cosying up to countries like Russia, democracies needed to work together.

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I believe that when the partnership between Taiwan and the United States becomes stronger, the power to maintain peace and stability in the world will also become stronger, Lai told Pence.
With the courts approval of the warrant, investigators can now hold him for up to 20 days, including the time he has already spent at a detention center. If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty read more

South Korea's impeached leader Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025 over his failed martial law bid. Now the period of his detention has been extended. File image/AFP

A South Korean court has approved a detention warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The Seoul Western District Court announced Sunday (January 19) that the warrant was granted over concerns Yoon could destroy evidence related to allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.

The charges stem from Yoons declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, during which he allegedly deployed troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from overturning the decree.

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If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Extended detention and investigation

Yoon, who was apprehended at his Seoul residence last Wednesday (January 15), initially refused to cooperate during the first 48 hours of his detention.

With the courts approval of the warrant, investigators can now hold him for up to 20 days, including the time he has already spent at a detention center, South Koreas Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) currently has custody of Yoon and plans to transfer him to prosecutors after 10 days.

The prosecution is expected to conduct additional investigations and file formal charges before the detention period expires.

CIO officials said that they will carry out a probe into the president in accordance with the law and procedures.

Supporter protests

The courts decision sparked unrest among Yoons supporters, some of whom reportedly broke into the courthouse in protest and caused a commotion.

Yoons legal team has defended his actions, describing the martial law declaration as an act of governance to address a national crisis. They argued that the presidents decision was necessitated by opposition-led impeachment proceedings against Cabinet members, legislative deadlock, and budget cuts and should not be subject to judicial scrutiny.

Political implications

Yoons presidential powers were suspended on December 14 after the opposition-dominated National Assembly voted to impeach him. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him from office.

This marks the first time in South Koreas history that a sitting president has been detained. The case has thrown the nation into political turmoil, with the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches deeply entangled in the controversy.
Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir told state television that the two judges had long been involved in national security cases, including espionage and terrorism. read more

Two senior Iranian Supreme Court judges involved in handling espionage and terrorism cases were shot dead in the capital Tehran on Saturday, Irans judiciary said.

It said the attacker killed himself after opening fire at the judges inside the Supreme Court, and that a bodyguard of one of the judges was wounded.

The judiciary identified the judges who were killed as mid-ranking Shiite Muslim clerics Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.

While the motive for the assassination was still unclear, judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir told state television that the two judges had long been involved in national security cases, including espionage and terrorism.

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In the past year, the judiciary has undertaken extensive efforts to identify spies and terrorist groups, a move that has sparked anger and resentment among the enemies, he said.

State TV said these cases were related to individuals linked to Israel and the Iranian opposition supported by the United States. It did not elaborate.

Opposition websites have in the past said Moghiseh was involved in trials of people they described as political prisoners.

Razini was a target of an assassination attempt in 1998.

With inputs from agencies
Saturdays protests, though vibrant, were smaller than those in 2017, reflecting fractures within the womens rights movement following Trumps defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris in Novembers election read more

People attend the "People's March on Washington" ahead of the presidential inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Reuters

Several thousand demonstrators, predominantly women, gathered in Washington on Saturday (January 18) to protest President-elect Donald Trumps upcoming inauguration.

The event marked a smaller yet spirited echo of the massive protests during Trumps first inauguration in 2017, where many were seen wearing pink caps. This time around, too, many participants wore the iconic pussyhats from the earlier movement.

Calls for gender justice, bodily autonomy

Protesters assembled at three starting locations near the White House as part of the Peoples March, which focused on gender justice, democracy, immigration, and local issues. In Franklin Park, participants rallied in light rain, holding signs advocating for reproductive rights and equality.

Its really healing to be here with all of you today in solidarity and togetherness, in the face of whats going to be some really horrible extremism, said Mini Timmaraju, head of the advocacy group Reproductive Freedom for All, addressing the crowd.

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Timmaraju said the good news was that abortion rights remain popular despite Trumps win, leading a chant of We are the majority!

A fractured movement

Saturdays protests, though vibrant, were smaller than those in 2017, reflecting fractures within the womens rights movement following Trumps defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris in Novembers election. Trump, who won all seven battleground states and the popular vote, is set to take office on Monday (January 20).

Still, the event brought together reproductive rights groups, civil rights organisations, environmental advocates, and other women-focused groups in opposition to Trumps agenda. The march concluded with a final gathering at the Lincoln Memorial.

Throughout the rally, demonstrators carrying signs with messages like Feminists v. Fascists and People over politics were visible. Vendors were seen selling buttons with slogans such as #MeToo and Love trumps hate, alongside flags for the march.

Police cars, with sirens on, drove between the kickoff locations.

With inputs from agencies
Shortly after the courts ruling, Trump took to TruthSocial to state that he would review the situation. He asked people to respect the Supreme Courts decision and give him some time to deal with the matter read more

ByteDance has been actively lobbying to protect TikTok. The company hired former Trump campaign adviser David Urban for $150,000 to lobby lawmakers and spent millions more on in-house and external lobbyists. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters

After the US Supreme Court upheld the law which forces TikTok to be banned unless its parent company ByteDance divest from the app, the ball is now in US President-elect Donald Trumps court. While the world is grappling with two wars, safeguarding TikTok will be the first challenge Trump will deal with once he comes back to office.

Before the Supreme Courts ruling, outgoing US President Joe Bidens administration made it clear that they would hand over the responsibility to implement the law regarding TikTok to the incoming president. Shortly after the courts ruling, Trump took to TruthSocial to state that he would review the situation. He asked people to respect the Supreme Courts decision and give him some time to deal with the matter.

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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. After Trumps post, TikTok CEO Shou Chew shared a video message on Friday thanking the incoming US President-elect Donald Trump.

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.

Trumps team fought for TikTok as well

While the Supreme Court was considering the case, Trumps legal team also asked the justices to delay the decision and give him some time to find a solution to the matter. President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform, the brief read.

However, the court did not turn in Trumps favour. With the Friday ruling from the apex court, the question of whether the popular social media site is going to continue to operate in the US will now be in the hands of politicians or businessmen and not in the hands of the judges. Amid the chaos, several Trump supporters in Congress are floating the idea of Trump using his presidential executive order on Monday afternoon to delay implementation of the ban.

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Meanwhile, Trump is doing his share of political manoeuvring to ensure that the app is not banned. According to BBC, Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday and the topic of TikTok did come up. But this road is not an easy one for Trump since his foreign policy team is filled with China hawks like Marco Rubio and Michael Waltz  who represent a popular view on the right that the Chinese communists are more than an economic rival, they are a geopolitical adversary.

Trump doesnt have a lot of options

The situation is complex for the president-elect since he spent almost a year and a half campaigning with the support of social media influencers who rely heavily on TikTok. There are not a lot of options available to Trump in the current circumstances. He can use his one-time power to extend the deadline of the ban. Following this, he has to convince TikTok to separate itself from ByteDance.

Since the Supreme Court has ruled on the matter, a precedent has been set and an amendment to the law will be hard to usher in at such short notice. If somehow the incoming president can ultimately find a way to satisfy national security concerns while keeping TikTok up and running in the US, it would be seen as a significant political victory for Trump, right at the very start of his second stint as the president.

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The whole saga is turning out to be ironic since during his first term Trump tried to ban the popular video-sharing app. This time as well, it was the Conservatives who were pushing for the legislation, citing national security concerns.
The announcement from Washington comes as Lebanon seeks to implement the flimsy ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The latter has been considerably weakened following the conflict with Israel that was sparked by the Gaza war read more

A Lebanese army soldier stands guard near fire trucks at the scene of a reported pager device explosion in Saida in southern Lebanon on September 18. File image/AFP

The United States announced on Saturday (January 18) a donation of over $117 million in security assistance to Lebanons armed forces, as the crisis-hit nation works to enforce a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

In a statement, the State Department said it convened a virtual donors meeting on Thursday (January 16) with international partners to discuss Lebanons urgent security needs.

The new assistance seeks to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and internal security forces as they work to assert sovereignty and stability across the country.

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International pledges

Earlier today, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the international community would back Lebanon for what we believe will be a speedy recovery of this country, making it again the centre of the Middle East.

The statement came after his meeting in Beirut with President Joseph Aoun. The international community will back Lebanon for what we believe will be a speedy recovery, making it again the center of the Middle East, Guterres said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Beirut on Friday (January 17), announced that Paris would soon host an aid conference to support Lebanons reconstruction.

Spain has also pledged 10 million euros ($10.3 million) in assistance for the Lebanese army.

Economic Crisis in Lebanon

Lebanon has faced years of economic turmoil, which escalated into a severe financial crisis in 2019, leaving public institutions, including the military, struggling to operate.

The situation has been exacerbated by the aftermath of the recent war between Hezbollah and Israel. The conflict, sparked by tensions over the Gaza war, ended in November with a US-brokered ceasefire.

The military confrontation has left Lebanon grappling with reconstruction and recovery.

Ceasefire implementation

President Aoun has insisted on the importance of Israel adhering to the January 26 deadline to withdraw from southern Lebanon as outlined in the ceasefire deal.

The agreement also requires Hezbollah to dismantle its military infrastructure in the region and retreat north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Israeli border.

Lebanons government and armed forces are expected to work with UN peacekeepers to secure the area once the withdrawal is complete.

With inputs from agencies
Sheikh Hasina flashes the victory symbol after casting her vote, as her sister Sheikh Rehana looks on at a polling station in Dhaka on December 30, 2018. File photo/AFP

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina recalled details of his final moments in her own country before she fled Dhaka. In an audio message shared on Bangladesh Awami Leagues Facebook page, Hasina revealed that she and her sister Sheikh Rehana survived an assassination plot after she was ousted.

Rehana and I survivedjust 20-25 minutes apart, we escaped death, the Bangladeshi premier averred. The 76-year-old leader fled to India after a violent student revolution toppled her government and claimed the lives of 600 people. Recalling the events that played out last year, Hasina alleged that there was a coordinated conspiracy to eliminate her.

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Hasina insisted that she survived multiple assassination attempts and called it a divine intervention. I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survivedthe August 21 grenade attack, the Kotalipara bomb plot, and now this recent threat, she said emotionally. Otherwise, I wouldnt be alive today.

Not the first time

It is pertinent to note that this is not the first time there has been an assassination plot against Hasina. On August 21, 2004, a grenade attack was targeted at Hasina during an anti-terrorism rally in Dhaka. The incident killed 24 people and injured 500 others. The former Bangladeshi premier narrowly escaped the explosion and suffered only minor injuries.

Similarly in 2000, a 76kg bomb was discovered in Kotalipara, where she was scheduled to address a rally. The remarks from the Awami league supremo came days after Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal issued arrest warrants against her for alleged enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule.

The prosecutors accused the Hasina administration of abducting 500 individuals. She must face justice for crimes against humanity, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Bangladeshs interim government.

Bangladesh waits for Hasina.

As the chaos simmers down in Bangladesh, Dhaka has formally requested Hasinas extradition from India. However, the problem lies in the fact that the extradition treaty between the two countries lacks a clear timeline, leaving her fate uncertain. In light of this, the current Bangladeshi government under interim advisor Muhammad Yunus has hinted at putting international pressure on India, to get Hasina back to Bangladesh.

In the audio message, Hasina continued to maintain her defiance over the matter. Although I am without my country and my home, I believe Allahs mercy has kept me alive for a reason, she said tearfully, reaffirming her resilience amidst growing challenges. While responding to reports that India is planning to extend Hasinas visa, the Bangladeshi government has clarified that all visa matters are irrelevant once a passport is cancelled. Last year, Dhaka revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including Hasina, for alleged involvement in protests-related crimes.

With inputs from agencies.
The language of the oath is stated in Article II, Section One, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution, and a new president must swear it before exercising or performing any official authorities or responsibilities read more

US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during the inauguration ceremony in 2017. File image/Reuters

President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House on Monday, after formally becoming the 47th president of the United States.

Inauguration day include a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony, musical performances, a festive parade, and a number of formal balls.

Along with Trump, vice president-elect JD Vance will take the oath of office to formally launch their new administration.

The language of the oath is stated in Article II, Section One, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution, and a new president must swear it before exercising or performing any official authorities or responsibilities.

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President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration will be significant for several reasons.

Trump will serve as the 45th and 47th president of the United States, making him the second president in history to serve non-consecutive terms, following President Grover Cleveland. In addition, Trump will be the second-oldest president to serve as Commander in Chief and the first president to be convicted of a crime.

In a joint meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris, the House and Senate confirmed Trumps victory on January 6, four years after the Capital riot.

Next week, Trump, who defeated Harris in the November 2024 election, will take office as the 47th president of the United States.

Trump has already made no secret of his objectives for his first days back in the White House, which includes pardoning the Jan. 6 rioters and imposing import duties on China, Canada, and Mexico.

Inauguration Day

The president-elect and vice-president-elect are sworn in and begin office on Inauguration Day.

Every four years, January 20 (or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday) is Inauguration Day. The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC, is the site of the inaugural event. The date of the upcoming presidential inauguration is set on January 20, 2025.

Presidential oath of office

The vice-president-elect takes the same oath of office as senators, representatives, and other federal workers, which has been in effect since 1884.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

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According to Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, the president-elect takes the following oath at noon:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
It is five in the morning on a cold Tuesday and F.B.I. Special Agent Orin Bishop, F.B.I. Special Agent Mark Richardson, John Polk from Homeland Security, more than a dozen heavily armed Homeland Security agents, the F.B.I. S.W.A.T. team and bomb squad all silently arrive around the corner from an old warehouse near Long Island City. There was an unusual apprehension among the agents because agents from the Organized Crime division had warned them the day before that this particular gang based inside that warehouse building was considered to be just as dangerous and violent as either the Hells Angels or the Russian Mob. This was the headquarters of the gang which had orchestrated the blackout at, and attacked Lennox Hill Hospital. F.B.I. agents had interrogated those members of this gang they had captured there. Those agents had, with the help of questions provided by 'the specialist' Cindi Gander, tangibly established a direct connection between this gang and those "other world travellers" whom had attempted to kill Emily Brisk again. Now Homeland Security and the F.B.I. were enacting orders together that can came directly from the State Department. They were to completely close down the whole criminal organization, arresting "as enemies of state" any member of the group who doesn't resist with deadly violence. John Polke was there to oversee the operation. Also the previously mentioned F.B.I, agents wore live cameras directly linked to heads at the F.B.I. headquarters on Manhattan. As the Bomb Squad and S.W.A.T. team extremely slowly approached the warehouse, all of the agents thought it to very odd that absolutely nobody was guarding the building, In fact the front door was sitting open. Such a strange development was dominating the continuous telephone conversation between John Polke and Roland John in Manhattan. There was a shared apprehension that maybe this wasn't the right place after all. An agent from the Organized Crime division confirmed that they have been watching the building for months, right up to last night. The decision to continue was unanimous. John was fighting a head cold. He kept hearing distant church bells ringing. It didn't make any sense to him in the darkness of the early morning in an industrial park. Looking for explosives and traps, agents very slowly and systematically breached entrances. The armed force started advancing in with fingers on their triggers. As they all entered and cleared the building it became very painfully obvious that every last member of this heavily armed gang inside had been already brutally murdered. It was almost as if they had been exterminated. There was blood absolutely everywhere! The warehouse building was filled with 67 corpses. Agents even found somebody on a toilet; shot between the eyes, in the middle of his business. The whole scene stunk of blood. It was gruesome. Everybody from Homeland Security and the F.B.I. was left stunned and sickened by the carnage. Nobody had to fire a gun at all. Some agents needed to rush out of the building to vomit. After a difficult call with the State Department, John Polke enacted a set of official plans which were formally accepted by the F.B.I. heads on Manhattan. He called Dona Smith in Boston and gave her an update. She was extremely interested in the specific time the actual massacre occurred. He passed his phone to his assistant Dan Whallis so that Dan could go around giving Dona and her crew a glimpse of the scene. John Polke made it clear to everybody there that all involved F.B.I. and Homeland Security agents there were formally ordered to never share with anybody else what they saw in this warehouse. It was coming from the State Department in all seriousness and severity. "This massacre never happened." There was that extremely strong official push to continue keeping all of this "other America" business completely secret. Most of the agents had encountered such a level of secrecy often. This particular situation was just so extremely difficult. John Polke stood in one of the blood soaked offices a rhetorically asked one of his assistants there out loud, "What the hell happened here?!" Four hours later an army of F.B.I. forensic investigators and coroners had invaded the building. That old warehouse was now a heavily guarded location, off limits to the public and the press. Local traffic had been barred from the street. Everybody going in or out of the building was wearing hazmat outfits. Homeland Security had brought three large nondescript refrigerated trucks that were parked at the old loading docks. From a distance it looked like an urgent operation to remove toxic materials or something, Some of the local businesses who couldn't open nearby yet were told that explosives had to be carefully removed from the abandoned warehouse. Both the F.B.I. and Homeland Security seemed to have had successfully macerated was really one of the worst massacres in the modern history of The mainland United States. Polke and his assistants were aggressively rifling through mountains of paper looking for clues. They had found an internal surveillance system. One of the agents was busting holes in walls trying to locate computers. Suddenly that agent called John Polke out to come and enter a previously hidden room. The morning sunlight was now poring into that room revealing hastefully tacked up topographical maps covering most of the walls. Dan Whallis turned to Polke and asked, "Why the hell did this gang have topographical maps?" As they stood surveying the maps, Dona called John back from Boston and asked him about the timing of the attack. John told her that the coroners were not certain yet. Dona asked John to use his phone to help her look at the maps. Suddenly she noticed an 'X' in black magic marker on one of the maps. Eventually three 'x's were found on all of the maps. Minutes later Dona said that she had been sharing the images with Ajinder Gill who had found the locations of the three "x"s. One was at "Mary's Lunch Bar" - the code name for a secret Homeland Security compound in Connecticut, The second 'x" was at "Harry's Cottage" the code name for a secret Homeland Security compound in south eastern Vermont. The last "x" was at "The Bear Lodge" which was the code name for the Homeland Security compound in the mountains of New Hampshire; where Dona and the rest of the specialists had taken Emily Brisk for safekeeping. John Polke loudly yelled out, "Bloody Hell!!" A minute or so after John's outburst one of the F.B.I. coroners came by to update him. They believe that most of the gang was killed around 4;00 am. Still on the phone, Dona had to sit down. With her phone on speaker for the benefit of everybody in her crew, she had to verbally situate it all, "John, If I am to understand the situation, somebody murdered the whole dangerous gang an hour before you all arrived!" John quietly said that her assessment was probably accurate as she continued, "You were all likely being watched John! Whoever wiped out those criminals probably also murdered Catriolana here in Boston. It is beginning to look like a clean up operation." It was agreed that Emily Brisk would have to be moved again, as quickly as possible.

BLACK GOAT OF THE WOODS (PART 2)

BLACK MOUNTAIN TRANSMITTER - BLACK GOAT OF THE WOODS (LP) - AURORA BOREALIS IN ABANDONED PLACES

RAISON D'ETRE - REQUIEM FOR ABANDONED SOULS (CD) - COLD MEAT INDUSTRY REPOSITORY OF LIGHT

DEMDIKE STARE - VOICES OF DUST (LP) - MODERN LOVE THREE SIGNS FROM THE OTHER SIDE (THIRD SIGN)

JEFF MILLS - THE CLAIRVOYANT (3LP) - AXIS THE FEELING ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

JEFF MILLS - THE CLAIRVOYANT (3LP) - AXIS THE SEANCE

JEFF MILLS - THE CLAIRVOYANT (3LP) - AXIS OF DECAY & SHADOWS

DEMDIKE STARE - VOICES OF DUST (LP) - MODERN LOVE KOMMUNION (ALTERNATE VERSION)

DEMDIKE STARE - ELEMENTAL (2CD) - MODERN LOVE HASHSHASHIN CHANT

DEMDIKE STARE - VOICES OF DUSTS - MODERN LOVE HEADLESS (TEKNOBRAT RECONSTRUCTION MIX)

BERTRAN - HEADLESS (EP) - PSYCHO THRILL THE MYSTERIOUS PARADOX 0F TIME

TEKNOBRAT - BUBBLE WERKS - PSYCHO THRILL - BUBBLE WERKS - ACID EIFFEL

CHOICE - PARIS (EP) - FNAC MUSIC DANCE DIVISION ACID BAMAKO

TEKNOBRAT - INDUSTROLLUTION (EP) - SOIREE RECORDS INTERNATIONAL - INDUSTROLLUTION (EP) - VENUS ANOMALY

TEKNOBRAT - . - BUNKERBLISS - . - PEOPLE FREAKING OUT - SMALL CROWD, CHAOS, PANIC (mixed with...)

EPIDEMIC AMBIENCE - RAIL TRANSFER

TEKNOBRAT - ABSTRACT LOGIC (EP) - SOIREE RECORDS INTERNATIONAL - ABSTRACT LOGIC (EP) - SIMULATOR (DUB VERSION)

ADAM BEYER & GREEN VELVET - 12" - DRUMCODE CAGED IN STAMMHEIM

DEMDIKE STARE - LIBERATION THROUGH HEARING (LP) - MODERN LOVE EURYDICE

DEMDIKE STARE - LIBERATION THROUGH HEARING (LP) - MODERN LOVE NOTHING FURTHER CAN BE DONE

TEKNOBRAT - GANZFIELD EXPERIMENTS

JEFF MILLS - THE CLAIRVOYANT (3LP) - AXIS
Samsung has announced the addition of a Health Records feature to its Samsung Health app. This new feature is designed to enhance users ability to manage their health information by enabling the creation and access of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) directly within the app.

The Health Records feature allows users to consolidate their medical data generated from various healthcare providers across India. This integration with Indias digital health ecosystem aligns with the Indian governments Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) project, which aims to digitize and streamline healthcare access and management nationwide.

Developed in collaboration with Eka Care, an ABDM-certified integrator, the Health Records feature allows users to register for an ABHA account within the Samsung Health app using their Aadhaar or mobile phone numbers. Once registered, users can view their medical history, including prescriptions, lab results, and hospital visit details, all linked to their unique ABHA IDs.

Samsung highlights the potential for this feature to simplify personal healthcare management by allowing users to securely store health records in ABDM-certified digital lockers, eliminating the need for physical documents. Additionally, at ABDM-compliant hospitals and clinics, users can scan QR codes through the Samsung Health app to obtain virtual queue tokens, potentially reducing wait times.

The Samsung Health app already provides a range of health services, including medication management, sleep tracking, mindfulness programs, and irregular heartbeat notifications. Samsung emphasizes that user data within the app is protected by its defense-grade Knox Security Platform.

The new Health Records feature is available to Indian users through the latest updates of the Samsung Health app on the Samsung Galaxy Store and Google Play Store.

Commenting on this, Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, Samsung Research Institute, Noida, said:

Samsung prioritizes customer needs and continually enhances products and services to enhance their everyday experiences. The introduction of the Health Records feature for India within the Samsung Health app signifies our dedication to provide convenient access to Digital Health records, enabling data sharing with doctors or caretakers in a secure manner anytime. This feature empowers users to manage their health history, track progress, and maintain better control over their well-being.

Deepak Tuli, co-founder, Eka Care, said:

At Eka Care, we are thrilled about this partnership with Samsung, as it will significantly accelerate the adoption of ABDM across India. This collaboration is a key step toward building a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem in the country.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
This screenshot shows the Washington Posts website with its former slogan Democracy Dies in Darkness. The Post debuted a new slogan earlier this week: Riveting Storytelling for All of America.
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G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) statement on Russian Influence Campaign

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

January 17, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, Canada alongside other G7 RRM members (European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States) as well as G7 RRM Observer states (Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden) issued the following statement:

"The G7 RRM notes recent statements by the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada exposing the ongoing covert activities of Russian state media outlet RT (formerly Russia Today) and the Social Design Agency (SDA). These statements reveal that the Kremlin has funded and directed covert efforts by these entities to subvert societies using global disinformation and influence campaigns.

"The above-referenced statements have noted that RT and SDA employ deceitful tactics, aiming to exploit social and political issues to polarize and weaken societies, to undermine and delegitimize elected governments, and to advance the Kremlin's malign interests. This includes diverting attention from the atrocities committed and humanitarian crises caused by its war of aggression against Ukraine.

"The G7 RRM regards any foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) with the utmost seriousness. G7 RRM members will continue to shed light on these malign activities, which may include but are not limited to state-backed hostile cyber activities, psychological and information operations, and covert influence.

"Since its inception, the G7 RRM has focused on countering foreign state-sponsored disinformation and promoting the resilience of society against FIMI. The G7 RRM includes G7 members and partners, including Australia, New Zealand, NATO, the Netherlands, and Sweden as observers. The G7 RRM and likeminded global partners stand together in countering these ongoing malign activities."

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Justice Department Statements on Supreme Court's Decision in TikTok, et al. v. Garland

Friday, January 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department issued the following statements from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on the Supreme Court's decision in TikTok, et al. v. Garland:

"The Court's decision enables the Justice Department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine America's national security," said Attorney General Garland. "Authoritarian regimes should not have unfettered access to millions of Americans' sensitive data. The Court's decision affirms that this Act protects the national security of the United States in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution."

"We welcome today's decision by the Supreme Court. The Justice Department has long warned about the national security harms from PRC control of TikTok  including the ability to gather sensitive information about tens of millions of Americans and to covertly manipulate the content delivered to them," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "The Court's ruling also underscores that the bipartisan legislation upheld today is focused on protecting Americans, not restricting free speech. Rather, this legislation is about breaking the ties that bind TikTok to the government in Beijing, in a manner consistent with the Constitution. 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."

Topic: National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Office of the Deputy Attorney General

Press Release Number: 25-88

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U.S. Takes Action Against PRC-Linked Cyber Actors for Treasury Hack and Salt Typhoon

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

January 17, 2025

The United States is imposing sanctions today on Yin Kecheng and Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD. (Sichuan Juxinhe), People's Republic of China (PRC)-linked malicious cyber actors responsible for serious intrusions against U.S. victims.

Yin Kecheng, a Shanghai-based malicious cyber actor and PRC Ministry of State Security affiliate, was associated with the recent compromise of the Department of Treasury's network. Sichuan Juxinhe is a Sichuan-based cybersecurity company with direct involvement in the Salt Typhoon malicious cyber activities. PRC-linked Salt Typhoon malicious cyber activity is responsible for numerous compromises of U.S. telecommunication and internet service provider companies as part of a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign.

PRC-based hackers pose a persistent and significant threat to our national security and these intrusions into U.S. government systems and critical infrastructure are examples of the PRC's willingness to operate in a malicious and reckless manner in cyberspace. We are sharing information with countries around the world on how to identify PRC intrusions into their systems and apply best practices to harden their networks.

In addition to sanctions, the U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

The United States will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to impose costs for, defend against, and deter PRC cyber threats to the safety and security of Americans, U.S. critical infrastructure, and that of our allies and partners.

More information about this reward offer is located on the Rewards for Justice website. The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended. For more information, see Treasury's press release.

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Treasury Sanctions Company Associated with Salt Typhoon and Hacker Associated with Treasury Compromise

U.S. Department of the Treasury

January 17, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Yin Kecheng, a Shanghai-based cyber actor who was involved with the recent Department of the Treasury network compromise. Additionally, OFAC is sanctioning Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD., a Sichuan-based cybersecurity company with direct involvement in the Salt Typhoon cyber group, which recently compromised the network infrastructure of multiple major U.S. telecommunication and internet service provider companies. People's Republic of China-linked (PRC) malicious cyber actors continue to target U.S. government systems, including the recent targeting of Treasury's information technology (IT) systems, as well as sensitive U.S. critical infrastructure. As highlighted in the most recent Office of the Director of National Intelligence Annual Threat Assessment, Chinese state-backed cyber actors continue to present some of the greatest and most persistent threats to U.S. national security.

"The Treasury Department will continue to use its authorities to hold accountable malicious cyber actors who target the American people, our companies, and the United States government, including those who have targeted the Treasury Department specifically," said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Adewale O. Adeyemo.

This designation follows a series of recent Treasury sanctions actions aimed at combatting increasingly reckless cyber activity by the PRC and PRC-based actors, including the January 3, 2025 designation of Integrity Technology Group, Inc. for its role in Flax Typhoon malicious cyber activity, the December 10, 2024 designation of Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Ltd. and one of its employees for dangerous firewall compromises, and the March 25, 2024 designation of Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Ltd. and two of its employees as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) 31 malicious cyber actors. These all represent dangerous cyber activities directed at the United States, its partners, and allies.

The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. More information about this reward offer is located on the Rewards for Justice website.

Chinese malicious cyber actor yin kecheng

Yin Kecheng has been a cyber actor for over a decade and is affiliated with the People's Republic of China Ministry of State Security (MSS). Yin Kecheng was associated with the recent compromise of the Department of the Treasury's Departmental Offices network.

OFAC is designating Yin Kechengpursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as further amended by the new E.O. on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation's Cybersecurity, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, activities related to gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to a computer or network of computers of a United States person, the United States, a United States ally or partner or a citizen, national, or entity organized under the laws thereof, where such efforts originate from or are directed by persons located, in whole or substantial part, outside the United States and are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States.

Chinese malicious cyber group SALT typhoon

Salt Typhoon has been active since at least 2019 and has been responsible for numerous compromises of U.S. companies in the communication sector. Recently, Salt Typhoon compromised the network infrastructure of multiple major U.S. telecommunication and internet service provider companies, marking a dramatic escalation in the Chinese cyber operations against U.S. critical infrastructure targets. The Salt Typhoon intrusions are one example of an increasing number of PRC state-backed malicious cyber activities, which necessitate costly remediation efforts.

Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD. (Sichuan Juxinhe) had direct involvement in the exploitation of these U.S. telecommunication and internet service provider companies. The MSS has maintained strong ties with multiple computer network exploitation companies, including Sichuan Juxinhe.

OFAC is designating Sichuan Juxinhe pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by the new E.O. on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation's Cybersecurity, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States that are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States and that have the purpose or effect of harming, or otherwise compromising the provision of services by, a computer or network of computers that support one or more entities in a critical infrastructure sector.

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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TikTok's fate in limbo after US Supreme Court rules against it

By Steve Herman January 17, 2025

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 non-consecutive 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 company's 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 (@themadivlog), 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.

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Former CIA analyst pleads guilty of leaking information on Israeli plans to attack Iran

By VOA News January 17, 2025

A former CIA analyst pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Virginia to charges that he leaked classified information about Israeli plans to strike Iran.

Asif William Rahman, 34, of Vienna, Virginia, was arrested last year in Cambodia and later taken to Guam. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the two charges: retention and transmission of classified information related to the national defense.

Rahman had worked for the intelligence agency since 2016 and had a top-secret security clearance.

Prosecutors said Rahman illegally downloaded and printed classified documents at work and then took the documents home, where he altered the items to cover up the source of the information before distributing it.

The secret information was eventually published on the Telegram social media platform.

A Justice Department statement said that beginning in the spring of 2024 and lasting until November, Rahman shared the "top-secret information" he learned at his job with "multiple individuals he knew were not entitled to receive it."

"Government employees who are granted security clearances and given access to our nation's classified information must promise to protect it," Robert Wells, executive assistant director of the FBI's National Security Branch, said Friday in a statement.

"Rahman blatantly violated that pledge and took multiple steps to hide his actions. The FBI will use all our resources to investigate and hold accountable those who illegally transmit classified information and endanger the national security interests of our country," Wells said.

The Justice Department said Rahman destroyed journal entries and written work products on his personal electronic devices "to conceal his personal opinions on U.S. policy and drafted entries to construct a false narrative regarding his activity." He also destroyed several other electronic devices, including an internet router that the Justice Department said Rahman "used to transmit classified information and photographs of classified documents, and discarded the destroyed devices in public trash receptacles in an effort to thwart potential investigations into him and his unlawful conduct."

The Associated Press reported that Rahman was born in California but grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Yale University after only three years.

Rahman is scheduled to be sentenced May 15.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Christiane Amanpour for CNN, CNNi, and PBS

US Department of State

Interview

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Benjamin Franklin Room

Washington, D.C.

January 16, 2025

A portion of this interview aired on January 15, 2025 and was previously transcribed and released. The following transcript reflects the Secretary's interview, as-aired on January 16, 2025, in its entirety.

QUESTION: Ben Gvir and his ilk - they are extremist firebrands that even the U.S. has sanctioned in the past. They want settlements. They say that they want to stay in Gaza. The infrastructure that the IDF is creating in Gaza points to a permanent stay there in some parts. Are you sure, is USG sure that Israel will pull out or that it will stay for, I don't know, months, years afterwards?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: What I can tell you is this, Christiane: First, it's our policy and it's been our policy very clearly, including principles that I laid out months ago at the very beginning of the conflict in Tokyo, that there can't be a permanent occupation of Gaza, that Israel has to pull out, that the territory of Gaza shouldn't be changed. And of course, it obviously can't be run by Hamas, who uses it as a base of terrorism.

The ceasefire deal itself requires the Israeli forces to pull back and then, assuming you get to a permanent ceasefire, to pull out entirely. But that's what's so critical about this post-conflict plan, the need to come to an agreement on its arrangements, because there has to be something in place that gives Israelis the confidence that they can pull out permanently and not have Hamas fill back in and not have a repeat of the last, really, decade.

QUESTION: I want to ask you in the broad picture, because I was actually quite, I don't know, stunned that I saw President-elect Trump retweet a position by a former U.S. official, Jeffrey Sachs, as you know very well. He basically called Benjamin Netanyahu a mean, rude SOB, dark and all the rest of it, and then alluded to the fact that it's him running the show and not USG. USG, the biggest, biggest backer of Israel, has not been able to change the dynamic in any appreciable form.

(A), what did you think of President Trump? Would you think that's a message that he plans to be harder than maybe you? And also, do you think that the tail has often been wagging the dog, that no matter what you've said about respecting international law, getting humanitarian aid in, all of the rest of it - your clients have ignored you by and large. So I'm wondering whether you think it's time to re-ask the question that former President Trump did during particularly fraught negotiations -

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So -

QUESTION: - when he said: Who is the effing superpower here?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So first, I focus less on personalities and more on policies. What is a given country actually doing? Doesn't matter who the individual is. What are they actually doing?

Second, I think that what's been misunderstood around the world is ascribing to one individual or maybe a small group of individuals the policies that Israel is pursuing that many people don't like. I think this is a reflection of 70, 80, 90 percent of Israelis following the trauma of October 7th, and ascribing this to any one individual, I think, is a mistake and actually leads you to maybe draw the wrong conclusions.

This is where the country is, and the policies that the government's pursuing are really a reflection of the country, even - even many people who don't like the prime minister. So that's one thing, and it's important to understand that. You have a traumatized society, just as you have a traumatized Palestinian society because of the horrors that children, women, and men have had to endure in Gaza, caught in this crossfire of Hamas's initiation that they didn't start and are powerless to stop.

QUESTION: I'm not going to ask you the genocide question because I've heard you answer it. You don't believe that that's what Israel is doing, although the leading U.S. Israeli scholar on genocide and Holocaust studies has told me he believes, after a year of studying this, that it does fit that description.

But I'm going to ask you about your own officials here in the State Department. More than a dozen have resigned, and they are very, very deeply concerned that the actual American laws governing the use of military aid have not been followed.

And furthermore, I'm going to ask you about the Israelis themselves who talk about war crimes. Moshe Yaalon, the former defense secretary for Netanyahu, a Likudnik, not a bleeding-heart liberal - ethnic cleansing and war crimes are taking part, and he's doubled down on that.

The truth warriors at Haaretz who've discovered what Israeli soldiers have been saying, that they have in the recent past - recent present been even considering children who come to a certain area as terrorists; that the brave soldiers from Breaking the Silence are taking the confessions of IDF coming back and who - many of them, some of them, concerned about what they have been doing. Are you prepared to say that war crimes have been committed by Israel?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I can't speak to individual instances. I can say, obviously, we've had concerns - more than concerns - about the way Israel has conducted itself, understanding, first of all, that this is a unique environment, one we haven't really seen before, one where you have a population that's trapped inside of Gaza. In virtually every other situation in the world, people are able to get out of harm's way. They become refugees in a neighboring country. That's not a good thing, but it's better than being caught in the middle of this kind of maelstrom.

Second, uniquely, you have an enemy that intentionally embeds itself within the civilian population in and under apartments, in and under schools, mosques, hospitals. That does not in any way absolve Israel of the responsibility, the obligation to conduct itself according to international law -

QUESTION: Seventeen-thousand children -

SECRETARY BLINKEN: - but it makes it - it makes it much more challenging.

So we look at this very, very carefully; Israel looks at this very, very carefully. There are hundreds of cases that are within the Israeli system as we speak. Those cases, I believe and trust, will move forward to assess exactly what you've asked, whether individuals have committed violations of international humanitarian law, war crimes, you name it. That's the nature of the system. We need to see it obviously come to fruition, just as we look intensely at any things that are brought to our attention. But the challenge of doing that, not only in real time but doing it in this unique environment, are real. That doesn't mean we don't do it. We do, but it takes time to get to the facts.

The second thing I want to say is this. I more than respect, I deeply value the fact that we have people in this department and in our system who have different views and speak up, speak out. We have something called the dissent channel in the State Department, where people object to a policy we're pursuing, they can send me a note, a memo, a detailed brief, and I see it. I read it; I respond to it. And I've gotten, I don't know, a couple of dozen when it comes to Gaza, as well as other issues. That is a cherished tradition in this department, and I wanted to make sure that people feel that they can do that. And it's also affected our thinking in many cases, including our actions.

QUESTION: I want to go to Ukraine, because in the fight for democracy, in the fight for - as you and President Biden have been speaking about, especially as you wind down the administration, that these are the big successes of your administration, that you brought this huge alliance together. You expanded NATO. You helped Ukraine survive. As you know, even within the U.S. environment, people, some experts believe that you didn't go far enough, you didn't give them enough weapons, it's just enough to survive but not enough to win or even enough to bring Putin properly to the table seriously.

I don't know whether you're going to answer that, but I want to ask you about what you've just written with Secretary of Defense Austin, where you have listed your achievements and then said that this is leverage that we can pass on to Donald Trump and his administration, and if he doesn't use it and if he just surrenders, that would be catastrophic for everybody concerned. Do you think that leverage will be used by the next administration?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Of course, I can't speak to what the next administration will do. I do know that President Trump often says that he wants and gets good deals, so one of the things that we've tried to do is to make sure that Ukraine has, but also the United States has, the strongest possible hand to play if it comes to trying to get a resolution, to trying to get a ceasefire. And that really depends on two things. It depends on whether that's what Ukrainians want to do, and it depends on whether Putin will agree to engage in that kind of process. So we'll see; the jury's out on that.

But Christiane, what I can tell you is this. Remember where we started. Putin, who sought to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate Ukraine as an independent country, to subsume it into Russia - this was an imperial project. That project has failed, and it's failed because, obviously, the courage of the Ukrainian people, but it's also failed because we rallied and kept together a coalition of more than 50 countries in Ukraine's defense. And every step along the way, we've been determined to make sure that Ukraine had what it needed to defend itself. As the nature of the battlefield changed, we changed too in terms of what we were providing them.

Every step along the way, we not only had to determine whether a given weapons system was something that we were prepared to do, but could they use it effectively? So did they have the training? Could they maintain it? Was it part of a coherent operational plan? All of those factors went into every decision. But the fact is Ukraine is standing, and that was not at all what was expected when Putin began this invasion. It's standing. It also has an incredibly bright future as a country that is standing independently, that's increasingly integrated with institutions in Europe and the transatlantic community, that can fend for itself militarily, economically, democratically. That is the ultimate rebuke to Vladimir Putin.

QUESTION: And you know that Putin has no interest, no expressed interest in anything other than total surrender and to completely obliterate Ukraine as an independent, sovereign nation?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: That's right.

QUESTION: A vassal state. What would the effect of that be on - well, we know what would happen to Ukraine, but Europe, American leadership?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I think two things are important to keep in mind. First, when it comes - if there is going to be some kind of ceasefire, it's essential that that have embedded within it some kind of deterrent to make sure that Russia doesn't attack again, because we know what's in Putin's mind. Putin, if there is a ceasefire, will, yeah, try to use the time to rest, to refit, and to re-attack. So there has to be a strong deterrent in place to make sure that that doesn't happen. There are different ways of doing that, but that's going to be critical.

More broadly, you get at what this has always been about. Of course, it's about Ukraine, it's about the Ukrainian people, but it's about something much broader. It's about the fact that Russia committed an aggression against the very principles that are at the heart of the international system, that are necessary to try to keep the peace, to try to preserve stability, to try to prevent war; the notion that you can't just violate another country's borders by force, that you can't simply go in and try to take over another country and run its future. And we know that had we not stood up for those principles, had Putin been able to violate them with impunity, the message that would have sent to would-be aggressors everywhere - well beyond Europe, all over the world - would have been crystal clear.

One of the most powerful moments in this was early on, when the then-Japanese Prime Minister Kishida stood up and put Japan strongly behind Ukraine and said: What happens in Ukraine today could be happening in East Asia tomorrow. That's why this has been so much bigger than Ukraine, and why it remains so essential that we continue not only to defend Ukraine, but to defend those principles.

QUESTION: Do you think in the full fading light of this administration, after all that you've done, that you wish that you had done more? For instance, the former Russian foreign minister said to me, in the aftermath of the invasion: All Putin understands is strength. The former French president, mild-mannered, Francois Hollande, told me that the West is afraid of war; Putin is not afraid of war; that's what gives Putin his advantage. We know that the U.S. government has been intimidated by the saber-rattling, the nuclear saber-rattling. Do you really think that he would have followed through with that, and should you have called his bluff as a massive U.S. and NATO force?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I'll take - I'll take objection to one part of your question with the notion that we've been intimidated. We certainly haven't. Look at what we've been able to do, not only ourselves but dozens of other countries that we brought together and that we've kept together, in terms of what we've provided Ukraine - and Ukrainians have been willing themselves to carry this fight - and it's hundreds of billions of dollars in military support and more as well in terms of humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine.

And the losses that Russia has suffered on the battlefield in a meat grinder of Putin's making, by some estimates, 7- to 800,000 casualties. That includes people killed and people wounded. That's beyond what almost anyone can conceive of. So certainly Ukrainians, with our support, have more than taken the fight to Russia.

President Biden has a responsibility that none of us ultimately have. The buck really does stop with the President. And that's to make sure, on the one hand, that we provide all the support that we can for Ukraine so that it can effectively defend itself, but also, yes, avoid getting into a direct conflict with a nuclear power. And he's managed, I think, to do both very, very well. We also have a NATO Alliance that's stronger, that's bigger, that's better resourced than it's ever been. That's the best deterrent to making sure that there's not further aggression coming from Putin. He does not want to take on NATO, and we've seen that time and time again.

QUESTION: Do you think Marco Rubio and company, who have expressed doubts about supporting Ukraine and have actually prevented aid going there in a timely manner and who have expressed doubts about alliances - certainly the first Trump term was not one that respected alliances like yours has done. Do you think that they will maintain this alliance that you have rebuilt, or do you think that that is going to - I know you can't look into the future, but what do you - what is your fear? What's your worry?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, yes, of course, my concern is that there will be a move away from what I think is a signal achievement of this administration, which has been to re-energize, to re-engage, to rejuvenate, even to re-imagine our alliances and partnerships, because we believe fundamentally that we're stronger, we're more effective when we're working with others. And I think most Americans don't want to see America go it alone, that they understand we're better off when we can do things in partnership with - with other countries, and that's been a hallmark of this administration.

The fact that we did that is what enabled us to bring so many countries together in defense of Ukraine, to make sure that they were picking up the burden, not just the United States. The fact that we did that, made that investment in allies and partners, that's why we've been able now to focus everyone in a very similar way on the challenges posed by China so that we're all taking on those challenges together collectively, and the weight of that is much greater than if we were just doing it alone.

Now, they could move away from that. I've had really good conversations with Senator Rubio, soon to be Secretary Rubio, and he's someone who is deeply steeped in these issues, long-time service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on the Intelligence Committee. He knows - he knows the issues well. He's very thoughtful about them, and I believe - but I don't want to speak for him - I certainly don't want to damn him with praise - that he's someone who understands the imperative of American engagement and American leadership.

QUESTION: What do you think then would be the consequence if President Trump pulled a Putin, so to speak, and annexed Greenland or invaded Canada or Mexico or whatever?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: This - this is not going to happen. And so - of course, not a good idea to begin with, but not much point in really spending time talking about it because it's not going to happen. We have a very strong relationship, of course, with Denmark, which is, after all, a NATO Ally. I've been to Greenland myself, very early in my term. We have a military base there that's critical. We have important economic relationships, and those can grow deeper and stronger. That would be a good thing, but not by taking the route that you just described.

QUESTION: And finally, on Iran, I mean, there's so much to talk about, but I want to ask you whether the demonstration in the full light of day of Iran trying to attack Israel and it failing completely, do you think that will accelerate Iran's as yet - they don't have a nuclear weapon, they're not building a nuclear weapon, according to the UN - do you think that that's a worry for the next several years that they'll conclude that they have to have that?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, we've seen two things from this. One is the nuclear question. And of course, we had Iran's nuclear program in a box with Iran nuclear deal -

QUESTION: And remember, Trump pulled out of it.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And I think that was a big mistake, especially pulling out and not then moving in with something else. And since then - Iran was at a point where it would have taken it more than a year to produce the fissile material for a nuclear weapon; that was what the Iran nuclear deal did. Now, that so-called breakout time is down to a week or two, enough material for a weapon - they don't have a weapon itself, but the fissile material can be done very quickly.

So Iran is going to have to calculate whether, because it's lost all of its proxies - Hamas, Hizballah, the Syria connection - it may conclude that in order to defend itself it has to move in that direction. It may also conclude that no, it'd better strike a deal. And if President Trump is serious about what he said back then, which is that he wanted a better or stronger deal, well, there may be an opportunity to get one.

There's something else, Christiane, that's so important here as well, though. What's happened with Iran also demonstrates where the region can go, where Israel can go, where the Palestinians can go if they move down the track that we've established for greater integration. Israel's profound hope, from the beginning of its existence, was to be treated like any other country in the region, to have normal relations with its neighbors. We now have an opportunity, they now have an opportunity to do that.

We were - before October 7th, we were working intensely on normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, building on the Abraham Accords, and I was scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia and Israel to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues, including and in particular in that moment, dealing with a pathway to a Palestinian state, because for the Saudis it would be critical, for us as well - critical to have that pathway in order to move forward with normalization.

We've seen the benefits of integration for Israel's security. When Israel was attacked in an unprecedented way by Iran not once but twice, we were able to pull together a coalition of countries, including countries in the region, to defend Israel. Israel could see that being part of a regional security architecture, which is what comes with integration, comes with normalized relations, is good for its security. But two things are required to get there, to have this historic normalization. One, ending the war in Gaza. Two, agreeing to a credible pathway for a Palestinian state. We have done a lot of work on all of that. The normalization agreements - they're ready to go. Ideas for how you would have a credible pathway to a Palestinian state, they're also there ready to go. I talked about some of them just this week.

I think we're handing off to the next administration the possibility of actually moving through this path, moving down a path that they, with the Abraham Accords, really moved forward. Having this integration, having a region that is focused on working together, creating more opportunity for people in every country, dealing with terrorism, dealing with threats from countries like Iran that want to undermine the order, but Gaza and a pathway for the Palestinians. Those are the two critical things.

My hope, my strongest desire is that the next administration will be able to move forward with all of those plans, all of those projects. That can radically change the future of the region.

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thank you very much.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Christiane. Good to be with you.

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Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with Gabonese Transition President Oligui

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 16, 2025

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Campbell spoke today with Gabon's Transition President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Deputy Secretary Campbell received an update on Gabon's democratic transition and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Gabon's efforts to implement an inclusive and transparent political process culminating in free and fair elections. Each agreed to take concrete steps to deepen and expand the bilateral relationship based on shared priorities, including economic and social development, maritime and border security, environmental conservation, and security cooperation.

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Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics' Remarks on U.S. Principles of Economic Statecraft

January 16, 2025

During this century, major powers have deployed economic sanctions and other restrictive tools of economic statecraft to an unprecedented degree. The number of sanctioned individuals and entities across the world has increased by an order of magnitude since 2000.[1] Tariffs and other trade restrictions have tripled over the past five years.[2] The percentage of OECD countries screening investments in sensitive sectors has risen over the past decade from less than a third to more than 80 percent,[3] while the number of countries with sophisticated export controls has quadrupled since their inception during the Cold War.

These trends are global, and while precise data are difficult to source in many jurisdictions, the growth of restrictive economic measures is accelerating both from the United States and our strategic rivals. China, despite having issued the lowest cumulative number of explicit sanctions among major economies, increased its designation activity by almost 100 percent last year - the highest rate of growth within this peer group - on top of its existing array of informal and extralegal barriers such as consumer boycotts, tourism restrictions, phytosanitary standards, and corporate pressure.[4] Russia, for its part, now applies its own sanctions regime at scale and is routinely weaponizing its commodity exports - including nickel, tin, titanium, refined uranium, and, of course, oil and gas - to coerce trading partners and adversaries.[5]

Structural Forces & Shocks Underpin the Rise of Restrictive Statecraft

In my judgment the trendlines are set to extend, for three main reasons.

First, sanctions and other restrictive measures are symptomatic of new and durable geopolitical realities. We're no longer in the post-Cold War, unipolar order that underpinned the so-called "great moderation" in the global economy. Instead, we've returned to the "old normal" that prevailed for much of modern history, in which divergent forms of national governance and political ideology lead to intense geopolitical competition, less opportunity for cross-border cooperation, and greater risk of cross-border conflict. Since most of today's "great powers" are also nuclear powers, barring catastrophic miscalculation, the logic of mutually assured destruction suggests that direct competition is likely to continue playing out mostly in the theaters of economics, technology, and energy rather than in kinetic conflict on the battlefield. Set against this backdrop, the range of potential outcomes - the promise and peril for major powers to rise and fall - has widened, ushering in an era of more active use of economic tools to shape the course of events.

Second, these trends reflect opportunity. Though we've left the era of hyper-globalization, the world economy is still nearly as connected as ever - which provides scope for economic powers to break existing linkages (or threaten to do so) in exchange for geopolitical leverage. The ratio of global trade to global GDP has plateaued not far from the peak reached earlier this century.[6] Worldwide foreign direct investment declined sharply after the pandemic but is rebounding and still exceeds the long-term historical average at well above a trillion dollars per year.[7] Technology diffusion across borders remains largely unabated for all but the most sensitive items, in part because U.S. restrictions on technology remain narrow and targeted.[8]

Third, the succession of cross-border shocks this century - most prominently the COVID pandemic, but also financial crises, climate change, mass migration, and acute episodes of energy and food insecurity - has punctuated the sense among policymakers that the singular pursuit of maximal efficiency and minimal cost will leave critical supply chains insufficiently resilient. Here in the United States, the Biden Administration centered its geoeconomic strategy on making long overdue public investments at home and building partnerships abroad to strengthen and scale our productive capacity, but we also imposed targeted tariffs in strategic sectors to level the playing field against competitors playing by a different set of rules. Under the same rationale, many other leading economies have also implemented a similar mix of policies - including tariffs - to "de-risk" their supply chains from disruption and distortion.

Sanctions (and their ilk) Are Never Costless

Indeed, there is a growing policy reflex across the world to navigate a more uncertain and turbulent world by applying a sanction, tariff, export control, or investment restriction. As President Biden has reminded us, however, these measures are never costless. In each instance, they weaken or sever economic bonds that took decades to build, with immediate and sometimes unintended costs for households and businesses. And though in our Administration we've deployed restrictive measures in service of a higher geopolitical objective - not as an end to themselves - their repeated use can invite skepticism about American stewardship of the global economy.

To the extent that our use of restrictive tools is perceived as arbitrary or illegitimate, the incentive to "hedge" against perceived dependency on the United States will rise. China and Russia are making every effort to increase their (and others') capacity to do so in finance, technology, and other domains in which the United States has a dominant position.

Take, for instance, China's longstanding effort to build a cross-border payment architecture without any nexus to the U.S. financial system - and therefore outside the reach of U.S. sanctions authorities.[9]Several non-aligned G20 economies have already signed up for this platform, and while the volumes transacted are far from reaching a threshold of macroeconomic significance, they have already surpassed a threshold of geopolitical consequence, with a run rate large enough to intermediate a significant portion of Russia's procurement of dual-use items from China that are finding their way to the battlefield in Ukraine.

In addition to strengthening the incentives to hedge against the sources of American economic power, the unconstrained use of restrictive economic statecraft also invites efforts by adversaries to deploy these same tools to target our own and our allies' vulnerabilities.

This isn't conjecture, but rather a description of reality. The PRC is by far the world's largest supplier of manufactured goods, accounting for almost a third of global manufacturing in value-added terms - equivalent to the combined production capacity of the United States, India, Japan, Germany, and South Korea.[10] From this position of strength, China has already weaponized its economic leverage in its attempts to coax geopolitical concessions from trading partners such as Lithuania, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.[11] It also has untapped potential to exploit chokepoints in a wide range of supply chains in which it has dominant market share and where the current production capacity of the United States and our allies is limited (for now), including medical equipment, ship-to-shore cranes, solar panels, EV batteries, pharmaceutical ingredients, critical minerals, and lagging-edge semiconductors. Russia restricted its export of enriched uranium last November, creating the risk of disruption to our and allied nuclear power production, and for years has attempted to coerce Europe by modulating its supply of natural gas. Iran and its proxy forces have repeatedly exploited their control over the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping lanes to pressure the United States and its allies.

The Urgent Need for Limiting Principles

Against this backdrop, we have an urgent need to implement a set of principles that guide and constrain why, when, how, and to what extent we deploy restrictive economic tools. I believe this effort should have three overarching goals: first , to sustain the credibility and potency of America's economic statecraft toolkit for when we need it most; second , to prevent an escalatory tit-for-tat in the use of restrictive tools that could make the United States and the world worse off; and third , to update the rules of the international economic order we've worked to build and sustain for over 70 years.

I suggest we seek to embed five principles in the practice of restrictive economic statecraft, first in our conduct, and then among allies, non-aligned countries, and eventually our adversaries.

First, economic and financial sanctions should be used sparingly, and in service of clearly defined and achievable geopolitical objectives.

Sanctions are a tool, and often a force multiplier, but never a standalone strategy. They should be designed and deployed in service of a geopolitical objective that policymakers outline prior to implementation and assess periodically afterwards.

Prior to articulating the objective, policymakers would be well served to analyze and explain - at least internally - how they expect an economic measure to influence the decision-making calculus of the target, how they are expected to reinforce other levers of foreign policy (e.g., military, diplomatic, humanitarian), and the degree to which a multilateral coalition is necessary for their success.

These objectives could be pursued before an adverse "trigger" event occurs, either to deter a target's malign behavior, degrade its capabilities, or both. Alternatively, or additionally, these measures can be imposed after a trigger event to impose costs, change the calculus of the target, or create leverage for an eventual settlement.

In every instance, the objective should be achievable. Efforts to engineer regime change through maximalist sanctions, for example, predictably fail to persuade the target (often an autocrat) that the benefits of sanctions relief outweigh the costs of giving up power (typically jail, or worse).

Relatedly, the individuals or entities being sanctioned need to know why and for what behavior they are being penalized, so that the consequences of an action - whether it's support for a terrorist organization, a serious human rights abuse, or the prosecution of an illegal war - are understood, such that the key actors can ultimately seek the reversal of sanctions through a change in behavior.

Second, the force of restrictive actions should be responsibly calibrated to their expected impact, spillovers, and uncertainties.

As the leading economic and geopolitical force in the world, restrictive measures imposed by the U.S. are capable of imposing great and lasting harm, producing ripple effects that are impossible to identify fully in advance. The force of our restrictive actions must be calibrated in proportion to their expected impact, spillover costs, and the uncertainties involved.

This requires the U.S. government to continue building the analytical muscle to conduct rigorous, data-driven analyses on historical and imagined scenarios in which restrictive measures could be implemented - whether unilaterally or multilaterally, alone or in tandem with military and diplomatic actions, before or after a trigger event.

Assessments should highlight the degree to which the range of outcomes depends on the breadth of the implementing coalition, the target's potential to mitigate the impact (e.g., by substituting the good or service with domestic supply or import from third countries), and our own vulnerabilities and potential for risk mitigation in an extended and escalatory conflict.

Third, policymakers must consider explicitly and upfront the efficacy of restrictive measures on the decision-making calculus of the target.

The design of restrictive measures is typically prepared by those with expertise on how to impose costs on the macroeconomy and financial system of the target while minimizing spillovers to the U.S. and global economy. While this is a vital and necessary contribution, the ultimate success of restrictive measures depends on how these costs are likely to influence the decisions of key actors in the target country or entity. It also depends on the extent to which these actors are influenced by their economic, political, social, and humanitarian impact on political elites and the civilian population. Meeting the analytical test of sufficiency requires the upfront and explicit integration of economic analysis with political intelligence.

Fourth, restrictive measures should be maximally coordinated, both with domestic stakeholders and international partners.

Unity with partners multiplies the impact of restrictive measures - due to the higher impact it delivers on the target, the reduced opportunity for evasion, and the perceived legitimacy of the action. This last point on legitimacy is critical: when we act together, it makes clear that our purpose is not the unilateral exercise of brute economic force, but rather the collective defense of shared principles that underpin peace and security.

It's also critical that restrictive measures are explained to the range of stakeholders that transmit the force of restrictive policies to the real world - including private sector institutions, the regulatory community, and central banks. Private sector actors, in particular, often represent the "front lines" of implementing financial sanctions and export controls, and we depend on their cooperation and sense of civic duty to spot and counter circumvention. In exchange, we owe them clarity and coordination.

Finally, restrictive measures must be flexible and adjust to unintended consequences, evolving economic conditions, and the reaction of the target.

Even after exhaustive analysis and careful design, restrictive measures are blunt tools that are typically implemented under conditions of high uncertainty - often with little or no precedent from which to make confident projections about their likely effects.

It should surprise no one when the impact delivered, or spillovers caused, are materially different than expected. Humility requires us to admit when we're mistaken in our judgments and course correct as needed.

Separately, the context in which restrictive measures are applied inevitably evolves over time. The coalition that implements sanctions may grow or decline. Economic and financial conditions may change for the better or worse, both in the target country and within the implementing coalition. Political and power dynamics within the target country may harden or soften, along with the behavior we seek to influence.

All of these are reasons why we must have timely and demonstrated pathways to ratchet higher or lower the scale and scope of restrictive measures, to adjust the channels through which we generate impact, and to stand ready for mitigation of unanticipated risks or costs.

Towards an Economic Geneva Convention

Under the leadership of President Biden and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, we've made important strides in putting these limiting principles into practice - not in a formalistic sense, but in real-time as events unfolded - and often in ways that were never made public. Each of the principles I've just described animated the design and execution of the sanctions program against Russia; the intuition of the oil "price cap" coalition; the logic of the "small yard and high fence" for our export controls and investment restrictions; and the targeted nature of the tariffs we deployed against China in strategic sectors.

I'd like to close my remarks, and my time in government, with three recommendations on how to institutionalize these practices. Of course, it won't be for those of us in the Biden Administration to decide whether and how these get implemented, but I believe emphatically they each would serve to advance our shared bipartisan interests of safeguarding America's national security, while enhancing our economic prosperity.

First, much as we restructured our national security apparatus amid rising tensions in the aftermath of Second World War, this is a moment to evaluate whether the U.S. government's organizational design for conducting economic statecraft is fit for purpose. Too many of our tools and subject matter experts are spread across too many agencies without a unifying set of incentives, objectives, and metrics for strategic success. Japan pioneered the elevation of economic security to a Cabinet level in 2021, and we would be wise to consider following suit in this new era of geoeconomic competition - particularly to strike a deliberate balance between restrictive tools that impose economic pain and positive tools that offer the prospect of mutual economic gain.

Second, we must continue to upgrade what I've described previously as the "analytical infrastructure" of economic statecraft - the personnel, technology, data, and connectivity to continually assess the efficacy, limitations, and tradeoffs of using our restrictive tools; to "stress test" and wargame their use against historical and simulated scenarios; to anticipate how and where evasion is likely to occur and build readiness for countermeasures in real time; to build surveillance capabilities that provide early warnings on developing threats; and to maintain the capacity to execute at pace, even if multiple conflicts emerge at once. While these and other demands on the practitioners of economic statecraft have grown exponentially, their available resources have increased only at a linear rate, and in some cases much less.[12]

Finally, we should begin a series of conversations that aim to forge a common vision on the rules of engagement on why, when, how, and to what extent restrictive measures are used. We should start with our allies and then seek to build consensus with non-aligned or multi-aligned countries. Ultimately, in the same spirit of the Geneva Conventions, we must include our adversaries in a good faith effort to avoid creating a fractured economic system that damages lives and livelihoods across the world, and brings us closer to the hot conflicts that economic statecraft seeks to avoid.

[1] 2021 Treasury Sanctions Review and Atlantic Council analysis of Castellum.AI data.

[2] IMF data. https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/05/07/sp-geopolitics-impact-global-trade-and-dollar-gita-gopinath

[3] BCG analysis of OECD data. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/economic-statecraft-is-back

[4] Castellum.AI data. https://www.castellum.ai/insights/2024-sanctions-year-in-review

[5] Atlantic Council analysis of Castellum.AI data. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econographics/global-sanctions-dashboard-sanctioning-soars-across-the-board/

[6] Oxford University analysis of World Bank data. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/trade-as-share-of-gdp?tab=chart

[7] According to the Kearny 2024 Investor Confidence Survey, 88 percent of investors globally said that they were planning to increase their FDI in the next three years  6 percent more than last year. Kearny has tracked FDI optimism since the 1990s through annual survey data. https://www.kearney.com/service/global-business-policy-council/foreign-direct-investment-confidence-index

See UN Trade & Development data for year-over-year global FDI. https://unctad.org/data-visualization/global-foreign-direct-investment-flows-over-last-30-years

[8] See National Security Advisor Sullivan remarks on "small yard, high fence." https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/04/27/remarks-by-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-on-renewing-american-economic-leadership-at-the-brookings-institution/

According to the International Trade Administration, 95 percent of all items exported from the United States do not require an export license. https://www.trade.gov/us-export-licenses-navigating-issues-and-resources

[9]China has been working on a "one-stop-shop" since 2016 for messaging and settlement of financial payments through its Cross-Border Interbank Payments System, or CIPS, and most recently with its wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) experiment, the mBridge Project. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/not-so-fast-the-case-for-a-new-swift/

[10] Center for Economic Policy Research / Vox analysis of OECD data. https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/china-worlds-sole-manufacturing-superpower-line-sketch-rise

[11] Australia Strategic Policy Institute analysis. https://ad-aspi.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023-02/Countering%20Chinas%20coercive%20diplomacy_1.pdf?VersionId=HZDwezgnFY5eitQqtEMEU7WuFci8S75z

[12] To give one example, Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control is using IT systems developed in the 1970s.

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January 17, 2025

Release

The Department of Defense Releases the Fiscal Year 2024 Strategic Management Plan: Annual Performance Report

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks approved the FY2024 Annual Performance Report for the DOD Strategic Management Plan for FYs 2022 - 2026.

As Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks noted in her letter inside the report, the FY2024 APR highlights the department's FY2024 Implementation Results, which show how the department has accelerated progress in achieving our strategic priorities and objectives. Over the last two years, DOD Components have focused in particular on aligning our strategic ends and our resources. The department has improved oversight and governance mechanisms, streamlined processes, and championed a culture of proactive performance tracking and monitoring to inform executive decision-making. The result is enhanced accountability and visibility, using authoritative data.

The department's Performance Improvement Officer (PIO) led the preparation of the FY2024 APR through coordinated and collaborative partnerships with the DOD components. The report consolidates performance results across all DOD components and communicates overall implementation progress against the SMP's strategic objectives and performance goals, as well as the Agency Priority Goals.

For the first time, the FY2024 APR also addresses the statutory requirements in Title 10, U.S.C.,  125a and includes progress updates on Performance Improvement Initiatives (PIIs). The objectives of PIIs are to: 1) accelerate the implementation of enduring advantages as articulated in the NDS and SMP, and 2) address management priorities, including enterprise-wide reform and transformation.

The SMP FY2024 APR is available on the PIO and Director of Administration and Management's website and also here.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4033787/

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January 17, 2025

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Defense Department Bids Farewell to Outgoing Commander in Chief

At Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, today, the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff bid farewell to President Joe Biden, who has served as commander in chief of the U.S. military for four years.

The leaders praised Biden's contributions to the military and support for service members.

The president secured funds needed to support the department's mission, equipment and troops, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., said. He also ensured the U.S. military remains prepared for whatever challenges are on the horizon.

"President Biden's work with Congress on bipartisan legislation has set our military on a course to confront the threats of tomorrow, to ensure our warfighters are ready when the nation calls," Brown said.

"He supported significant investments in shipbuilding to modernize and expand our naval fleet. We are on track to increase the number and lethality of our fighters and bombers and to expand our space domain capabilities."

Brown said DOD is now able to increase long-range fire capability, implement next-generation combat vehicles and improve air and missile defense. The department is also modernizing its nuclear triad. He attributed all of this to Biden's leadership.

But Biden's impact can be felt on more than just improved equipment, the chairman said.

"President Biden has worked tirelessly to care for our men and women in uniform and their families, improving the quality of military housing, providing historic pay raises and implementing new programs to expand the benefits available to all service members," he said.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said the president dramatically strengthened America's global network of allies and partners.

"He rallied the free world to help Ukraine fight for its freedom after Putin's indefensible invasion [and] positioned America to succeed in strategic competition with the People's Republic of China," the secretary said.

Under Biden, Austin said, NATO expanded with the inclusion of Sweden and Finland. And when Hamas attacked Israel, the president demonstrated America's commitment to Israel's security.

"He helped defend Israel from outrageous direct attacks by Iran, and he's prevented the Middle East from erupting into an all-out regional war," Austin said. "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."

Austin said he learned a lot from working with the president over the past four years.

"Mr. President, it has been an honor to serve with you," the secretary told Biden. "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, deeply grateful for your love of our troops."

Biden told the troops gathered at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall that serving as their commander in chief has been the greatest honor of his life.

"While I'm deeply grateful for your thanks and affection," the president said, "I'm here to thank you for your service to our nation [and] for allowing me to bear witness to your courage, your commitment, your character."

Biden thanked service members for, among other things, concluding the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan, the department's efforts to defend Ukraine against Russia and Israel against Hamas, for operations in the Red Sea to defend commerce there against Houthi attacks, and for their work in growing the strength and size of the NATO alliance.

"Everything I and others have asked of you, you've done ... with honor, commitment, grit and guts," he said. "Let me close with a final request. I say it not as your president or commander in chief. I say it as a man who spent 50 years of his life serving his country in a different way: remember your oath."

The president said the U.S. military is the strongest, best-trained, best-equipped fighting force in the world, but that is not what makes it the best military in the world.

"It's our values  American values  our commitment to honor, to integrity, to unity, to protecting and defending not a person or a party or a place, but an idea," he said.

That idea, Biden said, part of the Declaration of Independence, is that all Americans are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"That's the idea that generations of service members have fought for, an idea you've sworn an oath to defend," the president said. "As a nation, we've never fully lived up to that idea, but we've never, ever, ever walked away from it. And our country is counting on you to ensure that that will always be true."

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January 17, 2025

By Jim Garamone, DOD News

Austin Thanks Service Members, Families During Farewell Address

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., hosted an Armed Forces Farewell Tribute honoring Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.

Austin spoke from the heart to service members and their families and reflected on 45 years of military service during his speech. Upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1975, Austin rose from second lieutenant to four-star general during his military career before President Joe Biden nominated him to be the 28th secretary of defense.

He took office in January 2021 and presided as DOD responded to the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. He worked to build the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to arm that country after Russia's unprovoked invasion. He worked tirelessly to stop the Hamas attack on Israel from spreading to a greater war in the Middle East. He also put in place programs to improve pay and working conditions for service members and their families.

While Austin thanked his staff and co-workers for their support, he aimed most of his remarks at service members. "This business is not just about platforms and procurement; it's about you," he said. "We're not just the most lethal fighting force on Earth. We are also the finest fighting force on Earth, and that is down to all of you."

The secretary spoke of lessons he learned from his first platoon sergeant, Army Sgt. 1st Class Fox Ballard. "He taught me that the most important thing you can do is to take care of your people," he said. "That has always been my North Star."

Austin said America's greatest strategic advantage will always be the talents of its people. He said the power of the U.S. military "flows from both our people and our principles," adding, "We don't lower our standards for our recruits; we take good people and make them better."

Noting the unrivaled capabilities and platforms of the U.S. military, Austin said while those are expressions of strength, they are not its foundation. "Every military defends a country, but the United States military also defends a Constitution," he said. "That isn't some side point. It's the oath that I swore when I commissioned to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That is what we do, and that is who we are. And I will never stop saying this."

The secretary said he learned at West Point "to pray that I would choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. I have tried, every day as secretary, to live up to that teaching."

Austin said he leaves the department with great pride and confidence because of the courage, character, strength, integrity, and commitment of American service members.

"You and your families bear an extraordinary burden to keep your fellow citizens safe, and we must always be honest with ourselves about the sacrifice that this enterprise demands," he said. "Over the past four years, yellow folders have arrived at my desk again and again. Those yellow folders carry the letters of condolence to the parents of the fallen  to new widows and widowers and to children who will grow up without their mom and dad. I have sat with those letters, and I have thought of them before each decision, and I will hold them in my heart until the day I die. I still mourn for the fallen of Abbey Gate, of Tower 22, of every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and guardian lost in a training accident, and of every American in uniform who gave in to unseen wounds and took their own lives. And I hope that, as Lincoln said, we will all take increased devotion from these honored dead."

Austin called serving as the secretary of defense the highest honor of his life and the heaviest responsibility.

"This job demands calm judgment and humility," he continued. "It tests you; it tempers you, and I shouldered it with a deep sense of resolve and duty. I will set it aside with gratitude and confidence. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together at this hinge in history. The world continues to look to America, and we must stand as a beacon of freedom."

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Statement by Minister Tvinnereim on attacks against civilians in Sudan

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 17/01/2025

Statement by Minister of International Development, Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, on attacks against civilians in Sudan.

The reports of retaliatory and ethnically based attacks on civilians in al- Jazira state in Sudan are shocking. The local population in al-jazira state has been through repeated waves of conflict and suffering and must be protected from further violence.

I am also deeply disturbed by reports of atrocities in other parts of the country, including reports on use of chemical weapons. It is illegal and reprehensible to retaliate against civilian populations or infrastructure.

I strongly denounce any form of violence against civilians and yet again call upon the parties to the conflict in Sudan to comply with international humanitarian law and with their commitment to the Jeddah Declaration.



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Speech by Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin at the Folk och Forsvar National Conference 2025

Government Offices of Sweden

Speech by Carl-Oskar Bohlin

Published 17 January 2025

Speech by Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin, delivered at the Folk och Forsvar Annual National Conference in Salen on 13 January 2025.

Check against delivery.

Your majesty,

Dear colleagues in total defence

It is said that one can never step into the same river twice. The kitchen window of my house has overlooked the Dal River for 225 years. I often think about the people I don't know who sat here before me with the same view from the kitchen table, who saw the world changing - often slowly and gradually, but at times disruptively and radically fast.

For around a hundred of those years, the river was a waterway for transporting timber. A constant presence right up until log-driving stopped. A lot of things seem unwavering until they come to an end. We are now precisely halfway through the 2020s, and we are witnessing how geopolitics can tear down much of what we had previously considered eternal. Everything is subject to change and even what appears permanent can be challenged right down to its foundations.

Sometimes there is a tendency to regard our future as equally predestined as the logs met in the river basin. That things are what they are and that there is no point in trying to change them. But Sweden is not a log in the maelstroms of the world whose path and fate is predetermined. We are a country whose future is determined by human decisions, our own and others'. Swedish political decision-making and crisis management can no longer be characterised by the maxim "wait and see," as has sometimes been the case historically.

When we describe the security situation as being more serious than any time since the end of the Second World War, it is an expression of the fact that we have to change things we can influence and come to terms with those we have less influence over. A year ago, I stood on this stage and said to you that now is the time to act.

Many of you had already started. And many more are beginning to understand the need for urgency. In my role, I have had the benefit of meeting so many of you working every day building up our civil defence and also highlight why it is necessary. It fills me with great confidence to meet municipalities that are leading the way, government agencies taking their preparedness mandate more seriously than at any time since the end of the Cold War and companies making plans to meet war requirements.

HOWEVER, too often it is a case of depending on the right person being in the right place. Building up the civil part of our defence is not an optional activity, or a job that can be handed over to a few driven individuals.

Before Christmas, the Government unveiled its strategic objectives for our civil defence. They are uniquely clear, mandatory and must be enforced. Implementing these objectives is a core responsibility of all leading decision-makers in agencies with a specific responsibility for civil preparedness and their work will be evaluated.

When this Government took office, SEK 2.7 billion per year was allocated for civil defence. In just a few years, that figure will be SEK 15 billion per year. That is a five-fold increase in funds, and it underlines that we will get the civil defence that has been talked about for 10 years but whose allocation has often only led to more discussions on what may be on the way. SEK 15 billion is a limited sum that will require strict prioritisation and a maximisation of our capabilities. It is not a question of everything for everyone and certainly not a free pass to carry on just talking our way back to resurrecting our civil defence.

Substantial investments will be made in areas that build up our robustness and capability, back-up power, islanding and supply preparedness for vital societal functions. Now it is a matter of implementing these measures and to delay doing so could be critical.

A year ago, I talked about the possibility of introducing a fast-track civil conscription via short supplementary training with the rescue services. Since then, not only has it been put in place, but we have already managed to train 300 people, and in just a few years we will have trained nearly 3 000. Alongside this, we have proceeded to do roughly the same regarding the electricity supply. Today, I can announce that we have launched another fast-track mission to create civil conscription, with a long basic training course within the emergency services and that is recruited from the conscription base. At the same time, work has begun to be able to start training civil service personnel to staff the civil protection. Step by step, we are rebuilding Sweden's capability.

These practical measures only form part of the changes that must take place. There is also a need for a new perspective and approach. Allow me to consider the bigger picture, because:

"Freedom Is Not Free." This message is engraved in one of the white marble benches at the Restare veterans' memorial monument in Stockholm. The notion that freedom is not free is long-established among those who have served abroad in any capacity, whether civilian or military, in any of the conflict zones with a Swedish presence during this recent period of detente. Men and women have fought side by side, paying the price of peace, and some have paid the ultimate price.

But for many of us living here in Sweden, freedom has essentially been given to us free for the last 30 years. Many of us need to understand that regardless of our background, the future may have completely different demands on us.

I am part of the generation of everlasting peace. History ended when I turned four years old, and views differ as to when it resumed. Shakespeare turned out to be right in that the past is prologue. Out of the ashes of a murderous regime rose another one. Once more, war is raging on the European continent, one that is more brutal and unpredictable than for a very long time.

My generation's recollection of total defence, if any, is of banners being folded away, disbanded units and an army surplus that turned from selling shovels and military tents to dandruff shampoo in bulk.

Society has become more effective, productive and prosperous, but that's not the whole picture. Nostalgia is not the answer to the deteriorating geopolitical situation, but we nevertheless need to understand that the assets accumulated during the everlasting peace are but one side of the balance sheet. The other side holds accrued debt, a withdrawal that can not wait until another day.

As a country, we took the Cold War seriously and I believe that I am justified in saying that my generation and its decision-makers took the everlasting peace seriously as well.

It is high time that we take the current situation very seriously. Whether our time will be remembered as the pre-war era is yet to be determined. This is subject to our influence and efforts to build deterrence at all levels of threat to ensure that it will not. Different generations with different experiences must now work together to build a modern total defence. We are not preparing for a previous war, but nor can we disregard certain constants in relation to the toll and suffering that armed attacks inflict on a society.

Let me be just as clear as I was last year when I said that war could also come to our doorstep. The age of extreme individualism is over. The future will demand greater unity. Protecting Sweden's interests is a greater task than our own self-realisation. Those who have still not yet dealt with the question 'what can I do for my country,' should do so. Sweden is, in a deeper sense, about all those who went before us, those who we don't know who looked out of our kitchen windows before we did. It's about all of us who are here now. And it's about those who come after us. And ultimately, it is about a joint commitment to the defence of our society, democracy and values. The essence of total defence is that the defence of our country is not a task for a few, but a task for all of us.



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Iran, Hamas discuss Gaza ceasefire deal

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the deputy head of the political office of the Hamas movement discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the stability of the Palestinian nation in a telephone conversation.

Araghchi congratulated the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas on the victory of the resistance and the Palestinian people against the Israeli regime in its genocidal war in Gaza.

Araghchi made the remarks on Thursday evening in his telephone conversation with Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of the movement's Political Bureau, a day after a long-awaited truce deal was announced to end Israel's brutal onslaught on Gaza.

Araghchi praised the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of the Israeli genocide and unprecedented crimes of the regime over the past 15 months.

The Iranian foreign minister said that the Palestinian resistance forced the occupying regime to surrender and accept the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

He emphasized the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in continuing to support the Palestinian cause and the legitimate and lawful resistance of the Palestinian people against the occupation and the violation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Meanwhile, the Hamas official also provided updates to the Iranian foreign minister on the latest situation in Gaza and the ceasefire negotiations.

Al-Hayya appreciated the support of the Iranian leadership, government, and nation, and hailed the support of the resistance groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq for the Palestinian people.

2050

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Prime Minister's Office Announcement

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Media Statements

The 37th Government

17.01.2025



The Prime Minister's Office:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been updated by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal for the release of the hostages.

The Prime Minister has directed that the Security Cabinet be convened later today (Friday). The Government will be convened later in order to approve the deal.

Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the negotiating team and all those who assisted.

The Prime Minister's Office Authority for the Hostages and Missing has updated the families of the hostages.

The Prime Minister has also directed the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing to 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

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Joint Statement of the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on the U.S. Framework for the Artificial Intelligence Diffusion

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-01-17

We are concerned by the U.S. administration's decision to exclude several countries from Paragraph (a) to Supplement No.5 to Part 740 of the U.S. Framework for the Artificial Intelligence Diffusion.

This decision risks creating artificial divisions in the EU Single Market and undermining the development of our national AI ecosystems.

We stand ready to work with the European Commission and the U.S. administration to address our concerns.

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Gitanas Nauseda met with NATO Deputy Secretary General

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Januray 17, 2025

On Friday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with Radmila Sekerinska, Deputy Secretary General of NATO, who had arrived in Lithuania. The meeting focused on the implementation of decisions made at this week's Summit of the Baltic Sea NATO countries in Helsinki, preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, and support for Ukraine.

Speaking on critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, the Head of State stressed that he appreciates NATO Secretary General Rutte's decision to reinforce NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea, to which Lithuania will contribute with its national capabilities. "We will continue to work actively within the EU and NATO and implement regional initiatives with other allies to restrict the access and movements of the Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea. Such actions by hostile countries endanger critical underwater infrastructure, fuel Russia's war machine in Ukraine, and pose a serious threat to Baltic Sea security," the President emphasized.

"The meeting also discussed preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague, where we will underline the importance of implementing past decisions. The 3% of gross domestic product for defense has to become the new benchmark for all NATO allies. We need to address critical gaps in NATO's defense plans to ensure readiness to deter and, if necessary, defeat Russian aggression," the President pointed out.

According to Gitanas Nauseda, it is equally important to put more emphasis on practical support for Ukraine. We need to focus on strengthening Ukraine's local defense capabilities and continuing to provide military assistance. Ukraine is not only a European issue, despite the war raging at the heart of Europe for three years. Ukraine's defeat would have severe geopolitical consequences for the entire Euro-Atlantic security. Attempts to pressure Ukraine into negotiating on unfavorable terms that undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity will not lead to a just or sustainable peace.

The President's Communication Group

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itanas Nauseda met with Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defense and Space

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Januray 17, 2025

Gitanas Nauseda met with Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defense and SpaceOn Friday afternoon, President Gitanas Nauseda met with Andrius Kubilius, the member of the European Commission for Defense and Space.

The Head of State emphasized Lithuania's readiness to work closely with the European Commission to strengthen the European Union's role in Europe's armament efforts.

The President highlighted the importance of increased defense funding, noting that this responsibility should not rest solely with NATO but also with the EU. Therefore, we need to encourage EU Member States to boost their national defense budgets. President Gitanas Nauseda also called for changes to the European Investment Bank's lending policy to facilitate the financing of defense infrastructure projects.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of highlighting in the upcoming White Paper that EU security is seen as an integral part of Euro-Atlantic security. Addressing the EU's efforts to promote defense industry production, he underlined the need for compliance with NATO standards and stressed the importance of increasing access to defense products from the United States and other NATO allies and partners.

"The EU's efforts in military mobility are crucial, but we have to go further by supporting the development of other strategic enablers necessary for the deployment and sustainment of forces," the President underlined.

The discussion also focused on support for Ukraine. The President stressed the need to ensure that all support for Ukraine continues, that our commitments are fully met, and that we maintain our efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry.



The President's Communication Group

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The President: We will allocate 5-6% of GDP to defense in 2026-2030

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Januray 17, 2025

On Friday, President Gitanas Nauseda chaired the regular meeting of the State Defense Council, where a decision was made regarding the sustainable financing of the national defense system. It was agreed that, between 2026 and 2030, annual defense allocations will amount to 5-6% of GDP.

According to the President, this commitment was necessary to achieve full operational capability for the Division and other critical armed forces capabilities required for national defense by 2030 at the latest. A review of the situation during the last State Defense Council meeting at the end of October revealed that this goal demands far greater resources than ever planned.

"The threat of Russian military aggression is real, but not inevitable. We have to significantly increase our efforts to strengthen defense and deterrence, dedicating more resources to this purpose, which is exactly what we are doing," the Head of State stated.

According to Gitanas Nauseda, our security is also ensured by our membership in the Alliance, but it will only be effective if we are prepared to defend ourselves. Our armed forces need to have the necessary weaponry, equipment, personnel, and supplies, and these must be delivered on time.

"With the increase in funding for the national defense system, I expect the full mobilization of institutions. We need to continuously monitor the progress of project implementation and adjust processes and priorities to ensure that resources are allocated optimally, and capabilities are developed on schedule," the President stated after the State Defense Council meeting.

The meeting also assessed the security situation and, in addition to national defense, addressed NATO defense planning issues. The topic of withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty was discussed separately, with a decision to enter into consultations with allies and further coordinate our position with neighboring countries.

This meeting marked the first session of the new Council following the change of Government.





The President's Communication Group

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Admiral Cavo Dragone takes over from Admiral Bauer as Chair of the NATO Military Committee

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

17 Jan. 2025

Today, 17 January 2025, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone assumed the role of Chair of the NATO Military Committee, officially receiving the gavel from his predecessor, Admiral Rob Bauer, during a special session of the Military Committee. Prior to the session, Admiral Bauer laid a wreath at the Danish Memorial Stone, which honours those who have fallen in the service of the Alliance.

In his farewell address, Admiral Bauer stipulated the importance of trust and cooperation between Allies as well as between the political and the military level. He stressed that it is crucial that the Committee maintains its independent role in providing unfettered advice to the political level.

In his inaugural address to the Military Committee Admiral Cavo Dragone highlighted his ambition to further build cooperation, cohesion, and collaboration between Allies and Partners. Adding that, "Alone, we may go faster, but together, we can go further."

Admiral Cavo Dragone's ability to foster cooperation is underscored by his years of dedicated service to the Alliance through his military service in the Italian Armed Forces. Service that includes positions as Commander of the Italian Joint Operations Headquarters, Chief of the Italian Navy, and Chief of Defence of Italy. Admiral Cavo Dragone has also earned a number of awards and recognitions from across the Alliance, including the Knight Grand Cross, Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

With his new role, Admiral Cavo Dragone will become NATO's senior military officer a position that pertains to far more than simply chairing the Military Committee. He will now serve as the Alliance's primary spokesperson on all military matters and act as the principal military adviser to the NATO Secretary General. Most crucially, he will be the conduit through which consensus-based advice from the Chiefs of Defence of all NATO member countries is communicated to NATO's political decision-making bodies.

Following the session, during a special ceremony, the NATO headquarters said goodbye to Admiral Bauer. He expressed why the Alliance is so vital in today's global environment. Stating, "We are the shield for the innocent. We are what stands between freedom and oppression."

During the ceremony Secretary General Mark Rutte thanked Admiral Rob Bauer for his years of dedicated service to the Alliance. "These have been transformational years for NATO. And it is no exaggeration to say that you have played a key role in this transformation. Helping NATO refocus on its core business of collective defence. And preparing our Alliance for this new era of heightened confrontation" he emphasized.

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NATO Deputy Secretary General in Lithuania: NATO will deter any aggression

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

17 Jan. 2025

On Friday (17 January 2025), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska concluded a three-day visit to Lithuania, where she attended the Snow Meeting 2025 in Trakai and met NATO forces at the Rukla military base.

At the Snow Meeting, Ms Sekerinska highlighted the importance of increasing defence spending and production, supporting Ukraine, and countering hostile actions against Allies. "Russia is the most significant threat to our security. It wants to wipe Ukraine off the map," she said. The Deputy Secretary General went on to describe how Moscow is trying to divide Allies and deter support to Ukraine with the help of China, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus. She was clear: "They will not succeed."

The Snow Meeting is an annual high-level discussion forum organised by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, to address challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic community.

Addressing the surge in cyber-attacks, disinformation, political interference, and sabotage against Allies, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted the launch of Baltic Sentry by NATO to enhance vigilance in the Baltic Sea. She said at the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague Allies will "agree an updated strategy to counter hostile actions against our countries." In light of these increasing threats, Ms Sekerinska said that Allies need to go well beyond spending 2% of GDP on defence.

In Rukla, the Deputy Secretary General met with troops from NATO's Forward Land Forces, led by Germany, and Lithuania's Iron Wolf Brigade. She praised their professionalism and dedication, and said their presence, "sends an unmistakable message. Lithuania does not stand alone. NATO will deter any aggression. One for all, and all for one."

Her visit to Lithuania included meetings with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, and Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene. On Wednesday, Ms Sekerinska opened the eighth Transatlantic Policy Planners' Conference in Vilnius.



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NATO takes stock of cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

14 Jan. 2025 - 16 Jan. 2025

Last updated: 17 Jan. 2025

NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Boris Ruge, visited the Republic of Korea and Japan, from 14 to 16 January 2025.

Ambassador Ruge met with senior officials in Seoul and Tokyo to discuss security issues of common interest, at a time when security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are more interconnected than at any time in recent history, including as a result of China's and North Korea's support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Ambassador Ruge engaged with members of civil society and academia, at the Chey Institute in Seoul and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo. He also met with the Ambassadors of NATO nations in the two capitals.

As part of the high-level staff talks Ambassador Ruge and his Korean and Japanese counterparts discussed the state of play of NATO's long-standing relations with both countries and explored options for further strengthening the partnerships. The topics addressed ranged from defence industry cooperation, cyber defence, countering hybrid threats, to disinformation and artificial intelligence.

NATO is developing its cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Japan through their respective individually tailored partnership programmes (ITPP) and through flagship projects launched at NATO's Summit in Washington. The four flagship projects are support to Ukraine (military healthcare), cyber defence, countering disinformation, and artificial intelligence, based on cooperation between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, i.e. Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.

Earlier this week, Japan opened a dedicated diplomatic mission to NATO. The newly appointed Ambassador Osamu Izawa was received by Secretary General Mark Rutte, on 15 January 2025.





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HMNZS Aotearoa departs on resupply mission to Antarctica

New Zealand Defence Force

HMNZS Aotearoa, the Royal New Zealand Navy's maritime sustainment vessel, is sailing to Antarctica to deliver food, supplies and engineering equipment for New Zealand and United States bases on the ice.

17 January, 2025

Commander Rob Welford, Aotearoa's Commanding Officer, says he and his ship's company are excited to be travelling to a part of the world few people get to experience.

He has served in the Royal Navy for 28 years and the Royal New Zealand Navy since 2014. He took command of Aotearoa in 2023 and last year he completed a four-month deployment through the Indo Pacific.

Icebergs and Southern Ocean weather would be a new experience, he said.

"From a Commanding Officer's perspective, this is a really different kind of marinership, and a very rewarding one. This is all about the weather. You're aware of the Roaring Forties, the Furious Fifties and the Screaming Sixties - well, they are not called that for no good reason. Down there, the weather can be relentless."

Aotearoa has departed from Devonport Naval Base this morning and will stop in Geelong, Australia before continuing to Antarctica.



Aotearoa's missions are part of the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) support to Antarctica New Zealand programmes, which have been sustained since the 1970s using RNZAF C-130 Hercules and more latterly Boeing 757s, and in support of the Antarctica Joint Logistics Pool, made up of New Zealand, the United States of America, Italy and the Republic of Korea.

Aotearoa' s first supply mission to Antarctica, which can only take place in summer, was in 2022, the first Royal New Zealand Navy resupply mission to Antarctica in more than 50 years.

As well as its resupply mission, Aotearoa is supporting scientific research.

Three scientists are tasked with running experiments for the Antarctic Science Platform (ASP) and Defence Science and Technology (DST).

DST research and programme lead Sally Garrett says their focus is safer navigation by measuring marine weather and sea ice.

"The use of Aotearoa greatly increases the extent of where science can be undertaken, including the deployment of robotic ocean sensors in the eastern regions of the Ross Sea."

"These science activities complement the ASP voyage in NIWA's research vessel RV Tangaroa, which is in Antarctic waters at the same time."

Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell says that supporting the Antarctica Joint Logistics Pool is an important role for the NZDF.

"This is the sort of mission that Aotearoa was designed for, so we can ensure that New Zealand is a valuable partner in the Ross Sea region. We are very pleased to play our part through the Joint Logistics Pool and support Antarctica New Zealand and the scientific programmes being undertaken on this deployment.

"It will be a challenging deployment, but one that the crew will remember for a life time."

Commissioned in 2020, Aotearoa is a Polar Class 6 vessel, meaning it has a higher grade of steel plating to withstand cold temperatures, and thicker steel to protect its hull from ice. It has heating and other systems fitted to operate in temperatures down to minus 25 degrees Celsius. It is the largest ship our Navy has ever operated.

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UN experts urge all parties to accept Gaza ceasefire and deliver on justice, humanitarian aid and Palestinian self-determination

Press releases

Special Procedures

17 January 2025

GENEVA -- UN experts* today urged all parties to accept the Gaza ceasefire deal, deliver justice and humanitarian aid, and ensure Palestinian self-determination, expressing hope that a sustainable truce will end immense suffering and loss of life in the besieged and devastated Gaza strip, across the occupied Palestinian territory and in Israel.

"This ceasefire agreement follows 15 months of immense and terrible suffering in Gaza. We are dismayed that shortly after the deal was announced, Israel continued bombing Gaza indiscriminately, killing Palestinian civilians despite expectations of calm until the ceasefire takes effect," the experts said.

"It is time for all people and illegally detained captives to return home to their loved ones - both the Israeli captives in Gaza and thousands of Palestinians who have been arbitrarily detained and often tortured in Israeli prisons. Nearly 2 million people displaced within Gaza should also be allowed to return home, and be supported to rebuild their lives without fear of further displacement or persecution," they said.

"We can only hope that this agreement will end the devastating loss of life, stop the genocidal assault and violence that has tormented millions in the occupied Palestinian territory and brought apocalyptic destruction in the Gaza Strip."

The experts warned that the challenges ahead were monumental, with more than 70 per cent of Gaza's civilian infrastructure destroyed mainly by the relentless bombing.

"The immediate priority in Gaza is ensuring unfettered humanitarian relief, early recovery and - crucially - reparations to the affected people commensurate with the damage wreaked by Israel since 7 October 2023. The immediate need is for shelter during winter with many children already dead from hypothermia, and food, water and medical and other essential supplies," the expert said.

"It is essential that Gaza be brought under one legitimate Palestinian Government based on the rights to self-determination of the Palestinian people and full respect of international law. No foreign-imposed control of the strip will be compatible with these rights," they said.

"The violence, destruction and inhumane suffering that the world has witnessed for over a year is testament to collective political failure and decades of forcibly displacing Palestinian people from their homeland," the experts said.

"We must continue to uphold international law, especially for survivors that have been affected by the devastation," they said.

"This must be the opportunity to start resolving the Question of Palestine in line with international law. The occupation that began in 1967 must end and the international community must ensure the independence and full sovereignty of the State of Palestine in line with the 1967 borders," the experts said. "This will be the first concrete building block for a path to freedom and security for both Palestinians and Israelis."

They noted that sustainable peace required addressing the conflict's root causes and driving fundamental change in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel.

"The 17-year siege on Gaza must end, and Israel must fully and unconditionally withdraw its presence from the land internationally recognised as the State of Palestine. Peace depends on ending racial segregation and apartheid, as ordered by the International Court of Justice in July 2024, and ensuring equal rights for all Israelis and Palestinians.

Palestinians displaced since 1948, survivors of the Nakba, must be able to return to their historic lands, rebuild their lives and end the cycle of forced exile," the experts said.

They also called for all journalists, including the international media, to be granted full, free and safe access to Gaza.

The experts urged Israel, the State of Palestine and other States to investigate and prosecute international crimes under national laws or universal jurisdiction to end impunity in the region.

They called on Israel to cease obstructing investigations by the International Criminal Court, the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and allow UN Special Procedures to conduct country visits.

"Justice for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity is owed to the millions directly affected by the brutal violence of the past year," they said.

"Only the long overdue end to the occupation, apartheid and ensuring justice for atrocities committed will end cycles of violence in the region and underpin a durable peace."

*The experts: Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; Astrid Puentes Riano, Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Olivier De Schutter; Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights; Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism; Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities; Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences; Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Genevieve Savigny, Chair of the Working group on peasants and other rural workers; Mama Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children; Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change; Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran; and Bina D' Costa, Chair; Barbara G. Reynolds, Catherine S. Namakula and Isabelle Mamadou (Members); Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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PH Navy ships hold unilateral drill while on WPS patrol

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 17, 2025, 5:14 pm

MANILA -- Three of the country's major warships carried out a "unilateral exercise" aimed at enhancing and improving their crew and operation efficiencies while conducting sovereignty patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, Philippine Fleet public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Randy Garbo said the drill took place "in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc".

The warships include the multi-mission capable frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the Philippine Navy capital ships currently deployed in the WPS -- the Del Pilar-class patrol vessels BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), Garbo said.

Capital ships refer to vessels considered the most capable or updated in any naval fleet.

"Officers and crew of the three vessels trained on routine surface operations fostering their expertise and mastery in handling and manning the modern systems toward the efficient utilization of these combat ships in support of the Navy's overall mission," Garbo said.

He said the routine exercise is vital in maintaining the readiness and interoperability that are crucial to fulfilling the Navy's mandate of securing the seas.

Meanwhile, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos, in a separate message, said the activity is a normal part of the Navy's operations.

"Normally, all warships even those of different navies conduct regular exercises, it just so happened that the three of them were in the same vicinity so they had the opportunity to conduct warfighting exercises amongst them," he added.

Alcos added that exercises are a continuous thing for all military units.

"Ang purpose nito (the purpose) is for us to be very competent in the four dimensions of warfare which is anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine and electronic warfare," he added. (PNA)

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Illegal China incursion in PH waters on its 13th day - PCG

Philippine News Agency

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

January 17, 2025, 4:44 pm

MANILA -- The China Coast Guard's (CCG) illegal incursion within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has reached its 13th day Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

In a post over X, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela said BRP Gabriela Silang is monitoring CCG vessel 5901, dubbed "monster ship" and the world's largest coast guard vessel at 165 meters in length.

He said the PCG vessel had repeatedly issued radio challenges due to the CCG vessel's non-compliance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

"The brave men and women aboard the PCG vessel have successfully ensured that the significantly larger Chinese vessel remains at least 70 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales province," Tarriela said.

Tracking data for CCG 5901 showed that the ship's movements are "inconsistent" with the principles of freedom of navigation under the UNCLOS.

"Freedom of navigation requires continuous and expeditious passage, and it is essential to note that this freedom does not permit illegal patrols by foreign vessels within the EEZ (exclusive economic zone) of another state," Tarriela said.

He noted that CCG-5901 has radioed the PCG vessel of its intent to de-escalate tensions but continued its incursions within the Philippine EEZ.

"If China is genuinely committed to deescalating tensions and sincerely seeks to foster mutual trust and cooperation between our nations, as articulated by CCG-5901 over the radio, the Chinese government must respect the Philippines' sovereign rights in our EEZ," he said.

Tarriela said CCG's claims on the legality of its actions have been invalidated by the 2016 Arbitral Award, "which is final and legally binding on both the People's Republic of China and the Philippines."

A Newsweek report on Jan. 15 said the 12,000-ton CCG-5901 is three times heavier than the United States Coast Guard's Legend-class cutters.

Based on ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic and Global Fishing Watch, the ship departed from the port of Sanya in China's Hainan province on Dec. 30, 2024, sailed into the Philippine EEZ, and on Jan. 1 joined several other CCG and maritime militia at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, known in Beijing as Huangyan Island, the Newsweek report stated. (PNA)

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PAF chief visits key facilities in West PH Sea

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 17, 2025, 2:26 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday said its commander, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, visited key installations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and reminded troops there of their vital role in defending the country.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in a statement, said Cordura's visit from Tuesday to Wednesday included trips to Antonio Bautista Air Base (ABAB) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Pag-asa Island.

Castillo said the Air Force commander's visit underscores the PAF 's commitment to national security and the well-being of its personnel.

Cordura was welcomed by ABAB personnel, led by Brig. Gen. Erick Escarcha, Wing Commander of Tactical Operations Wing West (TOWWEST), Castillo said.

Cordura toured various facilities and engaged with the troops stationed there.

"During the visit, he presented the PAF's command thrust, 'FOCUS PAF,' outlining his strategic vision for the Air Force. This framework emphasizes Mission Essential Tasks as the core of operational readiness and defines the critical steps necessary for establishing a robust Integrated Air Defense System," Castillo said.

Cordura also visited Balabac Island, a strategic Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site within the area of responsibility of the TOWWEST that plays a significant role in bolstering the country's defense capabilities, promoting regional security, and facilitating cooperation in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

"Following the visit to ABAB, the PAF chief visited Pag-asa Island in the WPS. This visit served to reaffirm the PAF's unwavering dedication to protecting the nation's sovereignty. He inspected the island's facilities and interacted with the deployed troops, boosting their morale and reinforcing their vital mission," Castillo said.

Cordura also gave gifts for the residents of Pag-asa Island and distributed food packs to the children.

"With the series of field visits, the PAF showcases its commitment to ensuring the readiness and welfare of its personnel while strengthening their mission to serve the country and its people, particularly in strategically important areas like Palawan and the WPS," Castillo said. (PNA)

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Biden: Netanyahu used US bombing of Berlin as justification for Gaza genocide

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 7:47 PM

Outgoing US President Joe Biden has claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu used the American bombing of civilians in Germany during WWII, as well as the nuclear attacks on Japan in 1945, as justification for the carpet bombing of civilians in Gaza.

In an interview with MSNBC on Thursday night, Biden recalled a conversation he purportedly had with Netanyahu during the first weeks of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

According to Biden, when he confronted Netanyahu on the issue of bombing civilian areas, the Israeli prime minister pointed out that the Americans also used carpet bombings against Berlin, as well as nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

Biden said that Netanyahu responded to his concerns by saying "You killed thousands of innocent civilians because you had to in order to win the war."

This was not the first time the massacres against civilians in the Second World War were used to justify Israeli atrocities in Palestine.

Back in December 2023, pro-Israel American Senator Lindsey Graham also responded to criticisms of Israel's killing of Palestinian civilians by saying "Did the American people worry about how many people were dying to destroy Tokyo or Berlin?"

During World War II, Allied air forces, primarily those of the United States and the UK killed millions of German and Japanese civilians through bombing raids of civilian areas.

Apart from the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the deadliest Allied air raids against civilians were the March 10th, 1945 bombing of Tokyo which left one hundred thousand people dead, and the bombing of Dresden with a death toll of around 200,000, according to some estimates.

Many of the Allied bombing raids were done with incendiary bombs designed specifically to maximize destruction and civilian deaths. Despite this, no Allied commanders were ever prosecuted for these crimes.

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UN chief says Israel must end occupation of south Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 7:05 PM

UN chief Antonio Guterres says Israel's military operations and occupation in southern Lebanon must cease, as the regime continues to violate the ceasefire agreement it clinched with the Arab country in November 2024.

"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," Guterres said on Friday.

He was speaking on a visit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqura, and referring to the Security Council decision that ended a 2006 war between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah.

Guterres is visiting Lebanon as the January 26 deadline approaches for full implementation of the November 27 ceasefire between Lebanon and the occupying Israeli regime.

Under the November 27 ceasefire accord, the Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside UNIFIL in south Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws.

At the same time, Hezbollah is required to pull its forces north of the Litani river, around 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border.

A monitoring committee comprising representatives of Lebanon and some other states and UNIFIL is tasked with reporting any ceasefire violations.

In the most recent aggression on Friday, Israeli forces blew up a residential block in southern Lebanon. The detonation took place in the town of Aita al-shaab in Bint Jbeil district. There is no information on the possible casualties caused by the explosion.

According to Lebanese authorities, there have been over 500 Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal. They include airstrikes on southern Lebanese towns and villages as well as detonation attacks and territorial incursions.

Hezbollah Resistance group opened a support front for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after Israel unleashed a genocidal war on the besieged territory on October 7, 2023, launching numerous retaliatory attacks against targets in the occupied lands.

Israel was forced to accept the truce with Hezbollah on November 27, 2024, after suffering heavy losses on the battleground and failing to achieve its goals despite killing over 4,000 people in Lebanon.

The deal, due to expire on January 26, gave Israel 60 days to pull out its forces from the occupied areas and hand over control to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.

Israeli officials have reportedly said that the regime's troops would not leave southern Lebanon past the deadline for pullout.

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Yemen conducts 4 retaliatory operations against Israeli, US targets

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 4:29 PM

The Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman says they have carried out four military operations against Israeli and US targets in retaliation for the genocide in Gaza and anti-Yemen strikes.

In a statement on Friday, Brigadier General Yahya Saree said "four cruise missiles" were fired at "vital" Israeli targets in the city of Umm Rashrash, also known as Eilat, in the southern part of Occupied Palestine, describing the operation as "successful."

He added that two other drone attacks "successfully" hit Israeli targets in occupied Yaffa (Tel Aviv) and Asqalan.

Meanwhile, Saree announced that the Yemeni naval forces targeted the American aircraft carrier "USS Harry S. Truman" in the northern Red Sea, using a number of drones. "The operation achieved its goals successfully."

The operation came after US warplanes launched multiple airstrikes on Yemen's northwestern province of 'Amran.

Saree reiterated the armed forces' readiness to respond to any anti-Yemen Israeli or US escalatory actions, and also vowed to retaliate in case Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza.

He made the remarks during a pro-Gaza rally in the capital Sana'a.

On an almost a weekly basis, Yemenis have been staging mass protests across the country to decry the Israeli atrocities in Gaza, and to reiterate their support for their country's retaliatory operations.

Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories.

Israel launched a genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 110,453 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal on Wednesday, Israel has intensified its airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza, killing dozens of people.

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Israel's 'security cabinet' approves ceasefire deal

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 3:51 PM

The Israeli regime's so-called "security cabinet" has approved a ceasefire deal between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian resistance movements in the Gaza Strip, which has endured 15 months of an incessant genocidal war by the regime.

The cabinet lent its approval to the agreement on Friday, paving the way for its potential endorsement by the regime's full cabinet, which is slated to meet later in the day.

Upon initiation of its potential implementation on Sunday, the phased-out deal would begin with a six-week truce and could eventually end the brutal military onslaught that has so far claimed the lives of 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The Gaza-based resistance movement Hamas has already approved the deal, hailing the Palestinian fighters and civilians for their overcoming the regime's aggression and prompting it to fail to achieve any of its wartime goals.

The vote was delayed after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hamas had sought "late concessions," which the group denied.

More than 240 Zionists were taken captive by the resistance groups last October, following which the regime launched the war.

A large number of them have been killed as a result of the Israeli military's indiscriminate assaults on Gaza amid Tel Aviv's insistence on keeping up the war until Hamas' "elimination."

The first phase of the deal's execution is reportedly expected to feature the release of 33 of the captives in exchange for 1,977 Palestinians.

The exchange will reportedly be carried out across seven phases over the first 42 days.

The regime approved the deal after coming under monumental pressure from the families of the captives and despite far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening that he and his party colleagues would resign from the cabinet and cause it to collapse if the agreement was approved.

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Israel making 'no effort' to investigate Gaza war crimes allegations: ICC

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 3:39 PM

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan says Israel has not properly investigated war crimes allegations brought against the regime over its barbarism in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The chief ICC prosecutor in remarks on Friday defended his decision to issue the arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant.

Khan emphasized that Israel had made "no real effort" to investigate into the 15-month-long campaign of death and destruction in the besieged Palestinian territory itself.

"We're here as a court of last resort and ... as we speak right now, we haven't seen any real effort by Israel to take action that would meet the established jurisprudence," he added.

"The question is have those judges [in Israel], have those prosecutors, have those legal instruments been used to properly scrutinize 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'," Khan said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Khan also strongly criticized the US House of Representatives' vote last week to sanction the ICC for issuing an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

The chief prosecutor says it "is a matter that should make all people of conscience be concerned".

The US earlier this month approved a bill to sanction the ICC officials in response to the arrest warrants that the tribunal has issued against Israeli authorities for war crimes in the blockaded Palestinian territory.

The chief prosecutor recently submitted his formal response this week to Israel's appeal challenging the court's jurisdiction.

Khan noted that the ICC court has jurisdiction over the most serious crimes facing the international community as a whole, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Last year, the ICC, based in The Hague, issued warrants for the arrest of Netanyahu and Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. Israeli authorities are also accused of using hunger as a weapon in Gaza.

ICC judges are expected to deliver a decision on the matter in the coming months.

In January 2024, the international court of justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza. However, the regime has ignored the court's verdict.

In December 2023, South Africa initiated legal proceedings against Israel, accusing it of breaching the Genocide Convention in its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.

Cuba has now become the 14th country to join South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ.

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Israel kills over 100 Palestinians in Gaza despite ceasefire deal announcement

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 9:54 AM

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal, Israel has intensified its airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza, especially its residential buildings, killing more than 100 Palestinians.

Gaza's civil defense said on Friday at least 101 Palestinians, including 27 children and 31 women, have been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza since the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday.

The attacks have also left more than 264 injured, according to the rescue agency.

Most of the killings came in Gaza City.

The report comes as Israeli attacks have shown no sign of slowing on the ground, with dozens of strikes reported on Friday.

In northern Gaza's Jabalia, nine members of a Palestinian journalist's family, including women and children, were killed.

Two more Palestinians were killed in a separate Israel airstrike in the Jabalia al-Balad area, in the north of Gaza.

Jabalia has come under fierce attack since the Gaza ceasefire announcement this week. On Thursday, at least 20 were killed in one attack in the area.

At least five others were also killed in another attack that targeted a home, east of Khan Younis City, in Southern Gaza on Friday.

To the west of Khan Younis, three people were killed in attacks on tents housing displaced people.

Another tent was targeted in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, killing one person.

That's while Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene his cabinet later on Friday to approve the long-awaited ceasefire.

Israel launched a genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 110,453 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, consists of three phases and would come into effect on Sunday over 42 days.

The truce deal stipulates that a large-scale prisoner exchange will occur, including the release of 1,000 prisoners from Gaza and hundreds of detainees serving lengthy sentences.

The first stage involves the release of 33 captives, including "children, women, female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick," as well as a gradual, partial withdrawal of invading Israeli units.

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Iran dismisses claims of training, providing assistance to Yemeni forces

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 9:15 AM

Iran's ambassador to the UN has dismissed as "groundless" claims that Tehran has trained or provided assistance for the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance forces, saying such claims lack credible technical evidence and are driven by political agendas.

In identical letters addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the rotating president of the Security Council Amar Bendjama, Amir Saeid Iravani responded to a report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen.

The panel, Iravani said, had cited what it viewed as Ansarullah's limited capabilities to conclude that it was affiliated with "foreign trainers" and that similarities between the group's materials and those linked to Iran indicated technical support from Iran.

After "thoroughly reviewing the alleged evidence, Iranian authorities categorically rejected these claims, including the supposed similarities between confiscated weapons and Iranian productions," Iravani wrote in the letters.

Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN emphasized that weapon similarities alone cannot establish their origin or prove Iranian involvement.

"Such claims are unfounded, as similar weapons can be manufactured worldwide through reverse engineering, and the technology in question is neither advanced nor exclusive to Iran. Moreover, the photos and images presented by the Panel lack credibility and fail to meet the standard of reliable evidence. Regrettably, the Panel has compromised its own credibility by relying on speculative assumptions instead of providing substantiated and verifiable facts."

The senior Iranian diplomat stressed that a significant portion of the report relies on "vague and unreliable" references, including so--called "sources," "confidential sources," and "multiple sources," undermining its credibility with biased and unsubstantiated claims.

He also roundly repudiated the allegations in paragraph 67 of the report regarding "the level of coordination between Ansarullah, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and other resistance groups" concerning Operation True Promise against Israeli assets within the occupied territories.

"This operation was exclusively an Iranian military initiative, undertaken in the exercise of its inherent right to self-defense. It was a direct and proportional response to the Israeli terrorist attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus on April 1, 2024 - a blatant violation of fundamental principles of international law, particularly the inviolability of diplomatic premises and representatives. Such baseless claims seek to distort the legitimate nature of Iran's response to an unlawful act of aggression," Iravani stated.

Iran's UN ambassador also stated that his country has never had proxy groups nor considers other nations in the region as proxies.

"Ansarullah are a part of the legitimate government in Sana'a and operate with full political independence, making decisions and taking actions based solely on their own interests and priorities. Therefore, their activities and decisions have no connection to the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.

Iravani noted that the final report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen contains "inaccurate and unsupported political analyses" regarding the root causes of regional instability.

"It disregards the interconnectedness of the Gaza crisis with the Yemenis' faith, religious beliefs, and commitment to Palestine, as evidenced by the flawed analysis in paragraph 7. This omission reflects a deliberate bias that further undermines the report's validity.

"Furthermore, the ongoing military aggressions conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and the bombing of Yemen's vital and civilian infrastructure constitute clear violations of the UN Charter, international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions," the Iranian diplomat said.

Iravani added that such unlawful actions not only endanger international peace and security, but also exacerbate Yemen's already dire humanitarian crisis.

He noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible member of the United Nations, fully complies with its obligations under international law and is committed to relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen.

"Iran categorically denies the claims of violations of arms embargoes or involvement in fueling conflicts in Yemen or elsewhere propagated by certain members of the Security Council," said the envoy, noting that Tehran fully complies with its obligations under international law and is committed to relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen.

"From the outset of the Yemen crisis, Iran has consistently supported a political resolution, advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire, inclusive dialogue, and a peaceful process that upholds Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Iravani stressed.

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Jan. 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 7:40 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 46,800 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 Thursday, January 16, are as follows:

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Jan. 16:

Targeted Israeli soldiers and military vehicles that had advanced into Beit Hanoun with mortar fire and shelled the Nir Am settlement with multiple 107mm rockets.

Seized an upgraded Israeli military Evo Max drone before it could conduct spying missions in the northern Gaza Strip.

Attacked concentrations of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles near the grassy stadium in central Jabalia Camp, northern Gaza Strip, using 60mm mortar shells.

Martyr Omar Al-Qassem Brigades' operations on Jan. 16:

In a joint operation with the Al-Quds Brigades, targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles with mortar fire along the Netzarim Corridor in southern Gaza City.

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Israel's minister Ben-Gvir threatens to quit if ceasefire deal approved

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 6:52 AM

Israel's far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened that he and his party colleagues would resign from the cabinet and collapse it if a Gaza ceasefire deal to end the Gaza carnage were approved.

"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 news conference late Thursday.

Still, he kept open the possibility of reversing course if the deal aimed to end 15 months of Israel's genocide in Gaza 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 cabinet," he said.

Ben-Gvir sits on the Israeli cabinet alongside two fellow Jewish Power MPs. His party also holds six seats in the 120-seat parliament (the Knesset).

The hardline minister also urged far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich to quit.

Smotrich had already described the ceasefire deal as "dangerous" for the occupying regime.

The rising tensions in Netanyahu's coalition raised concerns about the implementation of the deal announced on Wednesday.

Netanyahu in a pre-dawn statement on Friday said a deal to release the captives had been reached and that he had ordered the political-security cabinet to convene later in the day.

The announcement came after Israel delayed a vote on the deal on Thursday, with Netanyahu's office claiming that there was a last-minute dispute with Hamas.

The resistance movement denied the claims, with Izzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, saying the group "is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators."

"The prime minister ordered the political-security cabinet to convene tomorrow (Friday). The government will then convene to approve the deal," Netanyahu's office said.

Ben-Gvir has yet to comment on Netanyahu's latest announcement.

If approved by Israel's cabinet, the truce agreement would begin on Sunday and involve the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners, after which the terms of a permanent end to the war would be finalized.

The ceasefire, announced by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani late on Wednesday, consists of three phases and would come into effect on Sunday over 42 days.

The truce deal stipulates that a large-scale prisoner exchange will occur, including the release of 1,000 prisoners from Gaza and hundreds of detainees serving lengthy sentences.

The first stage involves the release of 33 captives, including "children, women, female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick," as well as a gradual, partial withdrawal of invading Israeli units.

Israel launched its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since October, the occupying regime has killed at least 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 110,450 others, in Gaza.

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Iran FM hails 'resilience' of Palestinians in talks with Qatar, Egypt counterparts

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 6:59 AM

Iran's foreign minister hailed the resilience of the Palestinian people and resistance forces as he discussed with his Qatari and Egyptian counterparts a ceasefire deal that is set to end the 15-month-long Israeli genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

During a telephone conversation on Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, discussed the developments in Gaza, the truce deal, and issues related to Tehran-Cairo relations.

Araghchi welcomed the agreement, which is meant to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and halt the crimes of the occupying regime against Palestinians.

He also thanked Egypt for its efforts to facilitate the ceasefire and voiced hope that the arrangements outlined in the agreement would be fully implemented.

Abdelatty, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement of the ceasefire agreement and hoped that its implementation would help alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.

In a separate phone call on Thursday, the top Iranian diplomat exchanged views with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on the Gaza truce and other topics of mutual interest.

Araghchi expressed his satisfaction with the deal, attributing it to the "steadfastness and resilience of the resistance and the people of Gaza against 15 months of Israeli genocide."

The Iranian foreign minister further appreciated Qatar's efforts to secure the ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to address the Palestinians's living conditions in Gaza, particularly through the immediate provision of humanitarian aid, assistance to refugees, and the reconstruction of damage caused by the Zionist regime's aggression.

The top Qatari diplomat, in turn, provided a detailed account of the negotiations leading to the ceasefire agreement.

He also expressed appreciation for the principled stance that the Islamic Republic adopted on supporting the Palestinian people, especially over the past 15 months.

Qatar announced on Wednesday that Israel and the Palestinian Hamas resistance group had agreed to a ceasefire.

The truce is expected to come into effect on January 19 and includes three phases, each of which will last 42 days.

The first phase will see the release of about 1,000 Palestinian abductees, including those with lengthy sentences, in exchange for 33 Israeli captives held in Gaza. It also requires Israeli occupation forces to begin withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor - also known as the Salah al-Din axis - on the Gaza-Egypt border.

In a statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire deal is the "result of unparalleled resistance, courage, bravery, and endurance of the great people of Palestine and Gaza in the face of one of the largest genocides and population displacements in history. "

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US warplanes strike northwest Yemen in fresh aggression

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 6:27 AM

US warplanes have launched multiple airstrikes on Yemen's northwestern province of 'Amran, hours after the Ansarullah leader pledged to target Israel if its aggression on Gaza continues.

Yemen's al-Masirah television channel reported on Friday morning that American warplanes conducted at least five airstrikes on the Harf Sufyan district in the province.

The attacks followed remarks by leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, on Thursday that Yemeni armed forces would continue launching attacks against Israeli-linked targets if strikes continue on Gaza.

"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," Houthi said in the televised speech..

Yemenis have been hitting Israeli and American targets in support of Palestinians in Gaza since Israel launched its devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, and in response to the American-British aggression on their homeland.

The Yemeni army has been also targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Tel Aviv regime's brutal war on Gaza.

The operations have effectively shut down the Eilat port south of the occupied territories, causing significant economic setbacks for the Israelis.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

Israel has killed more than 46,780 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 111,000 other individuals in Gaza since the onset of the war.

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Iran congratulates Hamas on victory against Israel

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 1:34 AM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has congratulated the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas on the victory of the resistance and the Palestinian people against the Israeli regime in its genocidal war in Gaza.

Araghchi made the remarks on Thursday evening in a telephone conversation with Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of the movement's Political Bureau, a day after a long-awaited truce deal was announced to end Israel's brutal onslaught on Gaza.

Araghchi praised the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of the Israeli genocide and unprecedented crimes of the regime over the past 15 months.

He said the Palestinian resistance forced the occupying regime to surrender and accept the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

He emphasized the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in continuing to support the Palestinian cause and the legitimate and lawful resistance of the Palestinian people against the occupation and the violation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Meanwhile, the Hamas official also provided updates to the Iranian foreign minister on the latest situation in Gaza and the ceasefire negotiations.

Al-Hayya appreciated the support of the Iranian leadership, government, and nation, and hailed the support of the resistance groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq for the Palestinian people.

He considered this support to be very effective in achieving this great victory and emphasized that the resilient and brave Palestinian people will continue to resist with exemplary empathy and solidarity until all their legitimate rights are realized.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, was announced by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani late on Wednesday. It consists of three phases and would come into effect on Sunday over 42 days.

The truce deal, which would potentially bring an end to Israel's devastating genocidal aggression on the territory, stipulates that a large-scale prisoner exchange will occur, including the release of 1,000 prisoners from Gaza and hundreds of detainees serving lengthy sentences.

The first stage involves the release of 33 captives, including "children, women, female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick," as well as a gradual, partial withdrawal of invading Israeli units.

Israel launched its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since October, the occupying regime has killed at least 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 110,450 others, in Gaza.

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In bilateral talks, Philippines complains about China's 'monster' ship in EEZ waters

Rival South China Sea claimants also agreed to continue the implementation of Manila's resupply missions to a disputed shoal.

By Camille Elemia for BenarNews

2025.01.17

MANILA -- Senior Philippine diplomats confronted Chinese counterparts in face-to-face talks about China's "monster" coast guard ship intruding into Manila's territorial waters, as the two sides met to discuss the hot-button issue of the South China Sea.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro led the Philippine delegation in the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, or BCM, which took place on Thursday in the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong headed the Chinese delegation in the BCM, a series of bilateral talks that were started in 2017 with the aim of lowering tensions between the two countries - rival claimants - over the contested waterway.

The Philippine side expressed "serious concern" about the presence and activities of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels lately within Manila's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, including the 12,000-ton ship, dubbed "The Monster."

CCG 5901, the world's largest coast guard ship, had been spotted patrolling the resource-rich Scarborough Shoal area in recent days and waters off the coast of Luzon, the main island in the Philippines.

Manila had already lodged protests and diplomatic complaints about the ship's intimidating presence in Philippine-claimed waters.

Earlier this week, a Philippine National Security official said China was "pushing us to the wall" as he indicated that Manila was considering pursuing a new lawsuit against Beijing over the South China Sea.

While CCG 5901 had not carried out any dangerous maneuvers so far, Philippine officials said its activities within Manila's waters were not backed by any international law, according to a statement from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

"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," the statement quoted Lazaro as saying at the meeting.

China's actions were "inconsistent" with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, which both Manila and Beijing had signed, and the recently passed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, according to the Philippine foreign office.

Beijing earlier said that the presence of its ships in Scarborough was "fully justified," reiterating its jurisdiction over the shoal.

"We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations and false accusations, and stop all its actions that jeopardize peace and stability and complicate the situation in the South China Sea," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

Located about 125 nautical miles (232 km) from Luzon island, Scarborough Shoal - known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines - has been under China's de facto control since 2012.

Beijing's possession of the shoal forced Manila to file a lawsuit at the world court in The Hague.

Four years later, an international arbitration tribunal ruled in Manila's favor but Beijing has never acknowledged that decision, insisting on its historical claims over the waterway.

Another flashpoint

At Thursday's meeting, the two sides also agreed to keep implementing a "provisional understanding" regarding Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a decrepit World War II-era military ship stationed in Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal, another disputed South China Sea feature.

CCG vessels had been regularly blocking Philippine ships carrying supplies and troops to the shoal. But the two countries arrived at a provisional agreement in July, following a dramatic standoff the previous month between Filipino servicemen and CCG personnel at Second Thomas Shoal, during which a Philippine serviceman lost a finger.

Philippine and Chinese officials, however, have not yet publicly disclosed the official document of the agreement or its details, with both sides making their own claims about the deal's contents.

At the talks on Thursday, both sides acknowledged the deal's "positive outcomes" and "agreed to continue its implementation to sustain the de-escalation of tensions without prejudice to respective national positions," Manila's foreign office said.

Both sides also "agreed to reinvigorate the platform for coast guard cooperation" but no specific details were provided.

In 2016, under then-President Rodrigo Duterte who adopted a pro-Beijing policy, the two nations' coast guards formed the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC), establishing a hotline between the two maritime law enforcement agencies.

In January 2023, amid increasing tensions in the disputed waters, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to set up a communication line between their foreign ministries.

But a few months later, Manila officials said that China could not be reached in times of high tensions at sea.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

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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Widow says shooting of former Cambodian lawmaker was 'definitely political'

French citizen Lim Ani spoke after a funeral held at a pagoda near Paris for government critic Lim Kimya.

By RFA Khmer 2025.01.17 -- The widow of a former Cambodian opposition party lawmaker who was killed in a brazen street attack in Bangkok said she believes the shooting was "definitely political" and not the result of a personal dispute.

Lim Ani spoke to Radio Free Asia on Thursday following a funeral held at a Cambodian Buddhist pagoda near Paris for Lim Kimya, who in recent years had been a frequent critic of the Cambodian government.

"This murder is definitely political. I am sure that this shooting is political," she said. "As far as I know, my husband has no enemies or grudges with anyone. He is a good person.

"But he exposed the injustices that happened in Cambodia. This is what he wrote, he showed," she said. "As usual, there are always people who like what he says and people who don't."

Lim Ani, Lim Kimya and his uncle had just arrived in Bangkok on Jan. 7 when he was shot twice by an assassin in Bangkok's old quarter.

Lim Ani, a French citizen, flew to France several days later. She told RFA she underwent questioning by French judicial authorities on Wednesday and has also filed a complaint related to the shooting with authorities there.

Thai police have charged suspected gunman Aekaluck Paenoi, a former Thai Marine who was arrested on Jan. 8 in Cambodia's Battambang province and was extradited to Thailand on Jan. 11.

Suspected mastermind

Earlier this week, Thai police said they were searching for Ly Ratanakrasmey, an adviser to former Prime Minister Hun Sen who they believe masterminded the assassination.

However, a document posted on Facebook this week by a Cambodian government minister showed that Ly Ratanaksmey was removed from his adviser position last March.

Two letters -- the first showing Ly Ratanaksmey's appointment in January 2024 and the second showing his dismissal two months later -- were published by So Naro, who holds the title of minister delegate attached to the prime minister in charge of ASEAN affairs.

The dismissal followed an internal decision made by the ruling Cambodian People's Party because he had violated party rules, party spokesman Sok Eysan said.

Thai police have also issued an arrest warrant for another Cambodian who they identified as Pich Kimsrin. They alleged that he acted as a spotter for the gunman.

Moved to France

Lim Kimya, 74, held dual French-Cambodian citizenship. He moved to France in the early 1970s, finding work with the French Ministry of Economy and Finance.

He returned to Cambodia about a year before the 2013 election. He won a seat in the National Assembly as a member of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, and served until 2018.

A Supreme Court decision in late 2017 ordered the CNRP dissolved and banned Lim Kimya and other party members from politics for five years. Lim Kimya told Agence France-Presse at the time that he would "never give up politics" and planned to stay in Cambodia, even as many of the party's top leaders left.

Thursday's funeral was attended by Sam Rainsy, a former opposition leader who remains acting president of the CNRP. He told RFA that he also believes that the shooting was motivated by politics.

The ceremony at Wat Porvong, also known as Wat Saint-Simon, was organized by Cambodians living in France.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Trial Of Former Nagorno-Karabakh Leaders Begins In Baku

By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service January 17, 2025

The trial of 16 people, including former leaders of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, has begun in Baku, Azerbaijan, after the defendants spent more than a year in pretrial detention.

The defendants are being tried on charges of terrorism, crimes against humanity, and crimes against the state of Azerbaijan, some of which can carry terms of life imprisonment.

Azerbaijan retook control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenian separatists in September 2023 following a lightning offensive. Since then, Azerbaijan and Armenia have held negotiations on a peace treaty.

Among the defendants on trial is Ruben Vardanyan, a former Russian businessman of Armenian descent who was a leader of Nagorno-Karabakh's separatist government.

Also on trial are former de facto presidents of Karabakh, Arayik Harutyunian, Arkadi Ghukasian, Bako Sahakian, former de facto Foreign Minister David Babayan, and de facto parliamentary speaker David Ishkhanian.

Three judges from the Baku Military Court conducted the hearing, which is being held in a purpose-built courtroom. Though the authorities announced the trial was open, only state media was permitted to attend the January 17 hearing.

Fifteen of the defendants are being tried together, while Vardanyan is being tried separately.

'I Reiterate My Complete Innocence'

Vardanyan is specifically accused of financing terrorism, forced deportations, torture, and illegal border crossings, as well as other crimes -- charges which he and his family deny.

"I reiterate my complete innocence and the innocence of my compatriots and demand the immediate cessation of this politicized case against us, " he said in a statement issued on the eve of the trial.

In the statement, Vardanyan said he had not been granted the opportunity to fully review the official indictment. He has also asked for an open trial and the combination of his case with that of 15 other defendants.

Prosecutors said Vardanyan had received full access to the case materials and had been granted rights to a legal defense, the use of his preferred language, and other procedural rights during the investigation.

At the first hearing on January 17, the court assigned the defendants state-appointed lawyers and translators fluent in Azerbaijani and Armenian.

The trial also features testimonies from hundreds of alleged victims, including relatives of those who died in the Nagorno-Karabakh fighting.

Baku and Yerevan were locked in conflict over Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh for years. Armenian-backed separatists seized the mainly Armenian-populated region from Azerbaijan during a war in the early 1990s that killed some 30,000 people.

Diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict brought little progress and the two sides fought another war in 2020 that lasted six weeks before a Russia-brokered cease-fire, resulting in Armenia losing control over parts of the region and seven adjacent districts.

The separatist regime in Karabakh declared its dissolution in 2023 but later renounced this decision after moving to Armenia.

The trial will resume on January 21.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/baku- azerbaijan-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-trial-vardanyan-sahakian- harutyunian-ishkhanian/33279621.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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Trial For Former Leader Of Nagorno-Karabakh Set To Open In Azerbaijan

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service January 17, 2025

The trial of Ruben Vardanian, the former de facto prime minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, on charges of terrorism, crimes against humanity, and crimes against the state of Azerbaijan is set to begin on January 17 in Baku.

Vardanian, a former banker who made a fortune in Russia, rejects all the charges against him and in a statement issued by his family on Telegram complained that he had not been given enough time to prepare his defense.

"I reiterate my complete innocence and the innocence of my compatriots and demand the immediate cessation of this politicized case against us, " he said in the statement issued on the eve of the trail.

Prosecutors said Vardanian had received full access to the case materials and had been granted rights to legal defense, the use of his preferred language, and other procedural rights during the investigation.

Vardanian disputed that, saying in the statement that he had been informed that he faces 42 charges, including some carrying sentences of life imprisonment, but he said he had not been granted the opportunity to fully review the official indictment.

He said the 422 volumes of the criminal case against him had been presented to him and his lawyer on December 9 in Azerbaijani, a language he does not speak.

He appealed for support from the public to have numerous demands met, including more time to study the indictment, an open trial, and the combination of his case with that of 15 other defendants.

Vardanian also said that, despite being detained for more than 470 days, including 340 in solitary confinement and 23 in a punishment cell, he had neither "malice nor hatred" and wanted "true peace" between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

According to prosecutors, the accusations against him include torture, gun-running, forcibly deporting people, seizing power by force, and planning and conducting a war of aggression.

Vardanian, who was born in Yerevan, moved to Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022, serving as de facto state minister, the equivalent of prime minister, from late 2022 until February 2023. His Russian citizenship was revoked in December 2022.

He is the former chief executive officer and shareholder of the Troika Dialog investment bank that was bought by Sberbank in 2011. Forbes estimated his wealth at $1 billion in 2021.

In September 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured Nagorno-Karabakh, known as Artsakh to Armenians, ending three decades of de facto independence since it broke away from Baku's control in a war that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Vardanian was arrested when he fled as part of a mass exodus of some 100,000 Armenians from the mountainous territory.

The 15 other people who have been charged, including several former politicians in Nagorno-Karabakh, such as Arayik (Ara) Harutyunian, who served as the region's de facto president, also face trial.

The charges against them include genocide and war crimes, according to Azerbaijani prosecutors.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33278816.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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Israeli Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal With Hamas for Gaza

Sputnik News

20250117

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - 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.

"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.

 Sputnik

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Romania Scrambles Two F-16 Fighters Over Suspected Airspace Breach - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20250117

CHISINAU (Sputnik) - Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets on Friday after the country's monitoring systems detected airspace violation, the Defense Ministry said.

The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said that it discovered traces of a possible drone crash not for from the Plauru village, located less than 1000 feet from Ukrainian town Izmail.

"Monitoring and surveillance systems detected violations of the airspace. In this regard, two F-16 fighter jets from the 86th Borca airbase were scrambled into the air at 01:35 (23:35 GMT on Thursday). The aircraft returned to the base at 03:48," the ministry said in a statement.

At the same time, the National Military Command Center asked the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations to notify the residents of Tulcea district about the situation. An alert signal was turned on before the return of F-16s to base. The command center also added that missions to monitor the airspace and study potential threats will continue.

 Sputnik

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Denmark to Build Military Airbase in Greenland to Strengthen Arctic Defense - Reports

Sputnik News

20250117

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Denmark is planning to establish a military airbase in western Greenland to demonstrate its strength and enhance the country's defense capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, Danish state broadcaster reported on Thursday, citing a confidential Danish armed forces report.

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 base will be especially required to receive Danish fighter jets (F-35) to periodically stay and land in Kangerlussuaq due to periodic readiness to repel attack and protect sovereignty, as well as show force ... within the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark," the document read, as quoted by broadcaster.

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 Denmark's 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.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken With David Remnick of The New Yorker Radio Hour

US Department of State

Interview

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Harry S Truman Building

Washington, D.C.

January 17, 2025

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thanks for coming to the New Yorker Radio Hour with - and this turns out to be your absolute exit interview.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: (Laughter.) That's right.

QUESTION: I think we can acknowledge that in the position that you have that sometimes you have to stick to talking points or formal language, but with all due respect, I'm hoping that we can peel aside some of that - at least some of that caution and confront some serious and even contentious questions more directly than before.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I'll do my best to take on my deep-rooted instincts of caution and sticking to talking points.

QUESTION: (Laughter.) Exactly. So let's start with the Middle East, which is always a good place to begin. Before October 7th, your colleague, the National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, wrote a 7,000-word essay for Foreign Affairs magazine, and he wrote, "Although the Middle East remains beset with perennial challenges, the region is far quieter than it has been for decades." He even congratulated the administration for having what he called "de-escalated" the crises in Gaza.

Now, this went to print on October 2nd. How did the Biden administration, seemingly before October 7th, get things wrong?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, I think when you look at where we were before October 7th, and I think what Jake was talking about or writing about - rightly so - were the efforts we were making, and I think making real progress on, to bring countries together - not to try to change the nature of the regimes or the systems but to try to change the relationships among them, to integrate the region. And the fact is, up until October 7th we were making good progress on that, building on the Abraham Accords that the first Trump administration initiated, bringing disparate countries together - everyone from, in one case, the UAE, Israel, India, and the United States - on common projects, working with the Abraham Accord countries to actually do things together, concrete things that would deliver results for people in each of those countries.

And what we were really focused on in that moment was kind of the ultimate culmination of the Abraham Accords, and that was normalization between Saudi Arabia and between Israel. And in fact, David, on October 10th of 2023, I was scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia and Israel 

QUESTION: I know.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  to try to work on resolving some of the remaining issues on that.

QUESTION: Well, I understand that. But the critique of the Abraham Accords was that it was missing a very vital piece, and that was what to do with the Palestinian question.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah. That's exactly - that's exactly right. Actually, that's exactly what I was going to the region to focus on in the context of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. We knew that for us and also for the Saudis, getting to normalization required also having a credible pathway toward a Palestinian state. We saw it as essential not just to normalization but 

QUESTION: Are you saying that the Israelis were prepared to make a very serious accommodation?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So this is - this was and remains an incredibly important question. Because even as we speak today, even with everything that's happened since October 7th, I believe that there is a possibility, an opportunity, to actually move forward on integration, to move forward on normalization. But it requires two things: It requires an end to Gaza and it requires a credible pathway to a Palestinian state.

I've sat with the leader of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, on many occasions before and after October 7th. And before October 7th, having that credible pathway for a Palestinian state was important. But since then, since October 7th, the price has gone up and it's more than important; it's essential.

QUESTION: How do you mean the price - how do you mean the price has gone up?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Meaning that I think for the Saudis - let me put it this way. On one of these occasions when I was meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, he reminded me that about 70 percent of the Saudi population is younger than he is, and that's saying something because he's very young. And before October 7th, they were not focused on Palestine, on the cause of Palestinian self-determination. Since October 7th, they've been fixated on it. And in order for him to be able to proceed with normalization, it's very clear that he has to have at the least a credible pathway to a Palestinian state. And that, I think, is more deeply felt, more strongly felt now than it was before October 7th.

But here's the thing that I think is why this question remains so important. First, I've also had many opportunities to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and when the conversation comes to normalization with Saudi Arabia, that's the point at which he sits up, leans forward, leans in. He knows that for Israel, too, that would be an absolute game changer. Because think of it this way: The one thing that Israelis have wanted from day one of their founding, the one thing that they've sought the most, was to be treated like any other country - to have normal relations in the region.

QUESTION: I understand that, but he sits up and takes notice when these - when the Saudi question comes up with normalization. How does his body language change when the Palestinian question comes? Because it seems his interest in normalization there is quite something else.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, it may well be, but the point is that to get there, to get to normalization, that road leads through a pathway for Palestine in the context of two states. So he, other Israelis, Israeli society will have to choose. They'll have to decide if that's the path that they are ready and willing and able to travel in order to get to normalization. We can't answer that question for them.

QUESTION: Now, it's hard to count the number of former American presidents and diplomats who've left their posts infuriated by their experience when dealing with Benjamin Netanyahu. This has been going on for a very long time. In Bob Woodward's most recent book - a book that I think, if I learned how to read, has the imprints of the administration's highest-level security and foreign policy voices as sources - President Biden is quoted as saying, "That son of a bitch Bibi Netanyahu, he's a bad guy. He's a bad fucking guy." This was in the spring of 2024. What is your honest assessment of working with Benjamin Netanyahu? Is he trustworthy as an interlocutor?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: One of the mistakes that I think people make is to ascribe to Prime Minister Netanyahu all of the policies and actions that Israel is taking that they don't like or, beyond don't like, profoundly contest. And I say that because I think what we've seen in Israel since October 7th is a reflection not of an individual prime minister, not of individual members of his cabinet, but genuinely a reflection of 70, 75 percent, 80 percent of Israeli society.

The trauma - societal trauma - is reflected in its policies and support for those policies. Even those who 

QUESTION: I get that, but what I'm asking you is does he deal with you truthfully.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: In our conversations, in the moment of those conversations, yes. (Laughter.) But look, one of the things that 

QUESTION: You're laughing. Why are you laughing? In the moment - then what happens?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I'm laughing because 

QUESTION: What happens when your airplane door slams shut and you leave?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah, no, I'm laughing because particularly right now in Israel, given the incredibly complicated politics and coalition politics that exist, I think he proceeds in many ways on the basis of what gets me to tomorrow and keeps my coalition together. And so if - he might say one thing to me, and then depending on the audience he's before next, maybe that takes a little bit of a different turn.

QUESTION: A lot of people are dying in the meantime.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah. Well, the point is this: We have been laboring to try to get to a better place in Gaza, and particularly to get a ceasefire that brings the hostages home, that stops the firing in both directions, that surges humanitarian assistance, that also creates space to get something permanent.

As we're sitting here together, we're - I hope - finally, belatedly on the brink of getting that. And everything that we've done, everything that I've done, everything that my colleagues have done these past months, has been in service of getting to that point, because we believed it was the quickest and most effective way to actually end the conflict and get to a better place.

So in the course of doing that, sure, there are many moments of frustration and more, and I can think of - I can think of a lot of them. But you have to keep your eye on the prize.

QUESTION: Now, you've said more than once that what's happening in Gaza is not a genocide. You were asked this by The New York Times and you simply said no. You didn't really elaborate. So I wonder what your definition of genocide is when the State Department has classified what's gone on in Sudan and with the Uyghurs as genocides. I more than realize how powerful a charge that is, maybe not least when it comes to Israel considering its history and the history of the Jewish people in the '40s, and yet.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Simply put, the intent - the intent - to erase a population, and that's not what I see or what's going on in Gaza, as horrible, as horrific as conditions are for innocent children, women, and men who are caught up in a crossfire of Hamas's initiation that they obviously didn't start and that they're powerless to stop. As horrific as that is, and as much as one can - and as we have disputed some of the actions that Israel has taken - it does not by a long stretch amount to the intent to erase a population. That's not what's happening.

QUESTION: Do you think such charges are antisemitic?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I don't want to ascribe motives to the charges that people are making. And also, look, I more than understand the passions that people feel on all sides of this issue.

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, you gave sort of a farewell speech at the State Department today addressing the Middle East in particular, and you said something curious. You said that too few people, if any, have focused much on the Hamas regime in Gaza and its horrific actions on October 7th. With respect, I don't see that - and not in this publication, not in the best newspapers that I could name. Plenty of publications, even as they document the destruction and death and Gaza, have gone a long way toward describing the nature of Sinwar and Hamas. Do you disagree with that?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: As I hear it around the world, not just in the region but well beyond but in - and also in our own country, there is a chorus of condemnation of Israel. And again, I understand why people get to that point, but I still hear deafening silence when it comes to Hamas. And I really believe that if there had been a sustained, public, vocal demand that Hamas put down its arms, that it give up the hostages, that maybe many, many months ago Hamas would have felt pressured to actually do that, and a lot of this suffering would have been alleviated. But I really hear deafening silence about Hamas. Look -

QUESTION: You've heard deafening - I mean, I don't mean to be defensive 

SECRETARY BLINKEN: No.

QUESTION: But even as somebody who's written a 10,000-word profile of Sinwar, deafening silence on Hamas?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I wish The New Yorker was reflective of all of our media, all of our social media, and 

QUESTION: Social media is something else. Social media is 

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, but unfortunately, social media is what 

QUESTION: Everybody plays to their team.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah, but social media, as we both know well, is so much of what drives conversations and drives perceptions.

QUESTION: At the same time, the politics are such that the chorus for annexation of the West Bank, for potentially resettling - putting settlements back into Gaza, if not expelling more people from Gaza, has grown louder and more prevalent in Israeli politics, and not just on the far, far, far right.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: It's grown louder. I don't think it represents a majority, but it's certainly grown louder. And to your point, not just voices, but actions, including on the West Bank - more settlements, more illegal outposts.

QUESTION: More violence.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: More taking of land, more violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers than we've seen at any time in the recent past. But I think what's also evident is this - start with Gaza. Right now, Israel has accomplished what it sought to accomplish in trying to ensure that October 7th couldn't happen again. It has destroyed the military capacity of Hamas, and, of course, it's dealt with the leaders who are responsible for October 7th.

If it stays in Gaza, it's going to get bogged down there. There is going to be an enduring insurgency. By our assessment, Hamas has been able to recruit almost as many new militants as have been killed, and we see that every day in the north, where Israel has cleared an area and then Hamas returns; Israel goes back. That is a recipe for perpetual war. It's a recipe dealing with an insurgency ad infinitum.

QUESTION: I agree. In your speech - in your speech today, you gave a lot of time and credibility to and hope for the Palestinian Authority's role in this situation going ahead, which is - oh were it so, but it's extremely weak and even more unpopular, as you well know. And on the Israeli side, Bibi Netanyahu continues to dominate the Israeli political scene. Anybody that's risen up as a potential challenger to him, either within his party or outside of his party, has the half-life of a loaf of bread. And so the prospects for what you are hoping seem to be extremely far off.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, in this moment, David, no one's ready for that conversation. I acknowledge it. But it proceeds in steps. The first step is getting an end to the conflict in Gaza, and again, as we speak, we're on the brink at least of getting an initial ceasefire. Then it's turning that ceasefire into something permanent. And in order to do that, we have to have understandings, we have to have arrangements for what's going to fill into Gaza for security, for governance and administration, for reconstruction that is not Israel and not Hamas. And we've done a lot of work on that over the last six months with Arab partners, with others.

QUESTION: Absolutely.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So that we can hand over a plan to the incoming administration - which it can use or not use, look at or not look at - to do that. But if we can get to that point where we have a permanent ceasefire, okay, Gaza is then settled down - at extraordinary, excruciating cost, but that's one piece.

And then I come back to what we were talking about before, which is, again, why I believe that the road to finally resolving the Palestinian question is still there, and that is the prospects for Israel of finally integrating the region, finally having normal relations with everyone. We saw powerfully what that can mean for Israel's security when, not once but twice, Iran attacked Israel - the first time, unprecedented, hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones. And what happened? Because of countries that we, the United States, put together - including countries in the region - Israel was defended. The attacks failed.

QUESTION: I'm speaking with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. We'll continue our conversation in a moment. This is the New Yorker Radio Hour with more to come.

(Break.)

QUESTION: I'll return now to my conversation with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He has finished his work with the Biden White Houe and he is turning the reins over to a new administration. Donald Trump's State Department will almost certainly be led by Marco Rubio of Florida, who seems at this point a shoo-in for confirmation.

You've got Tulsi Gabbard in intelligence, Pete Hegseth in defense - seems likely to be - to make his way to the top, at home domestically Kash Patel. How will this team serving under President Trump, who President Biden has in no uncertain terms and everybody in your administration has described as everything from dangerous to unstable to authoritarian, what does that spell in your mind for the future when it comes to a national security issue as enormous and as complex and as dangerous as the Middle East?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, David, as someone who actually worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff for six years, I hate to get ahead of the Senate confirmation process. So let's see what actually happens over the course of the next week. But let me - look, let me just say this. I've had - (laughter). I've had a number of conversations with Marco Rubio, Senator Rubio, who I've known for years in part because of his service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And at the risk of damming him with praise that he might not want, we've had really good conversations about 

QUESTION: And Tulsi Gabbard?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I don't know her, have not talked to her. But I do know Senator Rubio and I think he is extremely well-prepared for the job by his service on the Foreign Relations Committee, on the Intelligence Committee, and he is deeply thoughtful about most of the things we have to confront.

QUESTION: I want to switch to Russia if you don't mind. I know you have limited time. Do you think Zelenskyy is inclined to or can sell to his people the notion of a Ukrainian future in which they lose 20-odd percent of their territory for the foreseeable future? And can Putin reconcile himself to that future in which Ukraine - the heart of it, the remaining 80 percent or whatever it is - is in fact free, sovereign, and aligned with the West?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: It depends, I suppose, for each how they see the alternative. In the case of Zelenskyy, he has to be responsive to the Ukrainian people. And if the Ukrainian people feel, believe, desire that there be a resolution or at least a ceasefire, then I suspect that he'll reflect that in the policies he pursues. But he has to be responsive to them.

Look, here's what I think the fundamental issue's going to be, especially for the incoming administration as they're looking at this: If there's going to be a ceasefire, we've tried to do everything possible to make sure that Ukraine could - if that's the decision it made to pursue a ceasefire, they could do it from a position of strength. And I think it's also in the interest of the Trump administration to make sure that if a deal is cut, it's a good deal, a strong deal. President Trump prides himself in making the best deals.

So it needs to be from a position of strength, but there's something else that's critical. One thing that has to be built into any resolution - and when I say "resolution," I really mean a ceasefire, because there's not going to be an ultimate resolution in the near term. The question - the status of the territories currently under Russian control probably won't be resolved for a long time. But if there is going to be a ceasefire, it has to be one that holds, and that means that there has to be a credible deterrent, because Putin will use any ceasefire to rest, refit, and then eventually re-attack.

QUESTION: Do you think the Russians and the Chinese are thrilled to see a second Trump administration?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Oh, I think there are different ways that each of them probably looks at it. They probably see some things that they like and some things that they'd have to be concerned about too, because 

QUESTION: How would you spell it out?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, a certain degree of unpredictability is - can be useful, and it may be that in the case of adversaries, competitors, that's something that does concern them. But the real question is how that actually plays out in practice. What are the policies that the administration pursues? What's the effect of those policies? That's the - that's where the rubber meets the road. So at some point you actually have to make decisions. You have to choose. You have to pursue a certain policy. So we've got to see how that plays out.

QUESTION: If China were to move to seize and occupy and take over Taiwan, how would the Biden administration have behaved, and how do you think the Trump administration will behave? It seems very different on this issue.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, we've done everything possible to make sure that it didn't come to that point and that that was not a decision that anyone had to make. And I think we've been very successful in doing that for a number of reasons. First, of course, look, I think from China's perspective 

QUESTION: But I'm saying if they had invaded, would you have sent American troops to Taiwan?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, we - we've said, and I'll continue to say, that we would do everything possible to ensure that Taiwan had the means to defend itself. But part of that 

QUESTION: That's a pretty tall order.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Part of that, though, is making sure that - and this gets back to Ukraine, among other things. One of the reasons that our response to Ukraine was so important was because this aggression committed against Ukrainians and against the country was also an aggression against some pretty basic principles at the heart of the international system that everyone looks at. And had we allowed this to go forward with impunity, the message to would-be aggressors anywhere is open season, you can get away with it.

One of the most powerful moments in the aggression against Ukraine was when the Japanese prime minister, half a world away - Kishida, the then-prime minister, who stood up almost immediately, put in his lot with Ukraine and said what's happening in Ukraine today could be happening in East Asia tomorrow. That's why this response has been so important not just for Ukraine - as important as that may be - but because of what it says more broadly. I think China has paid very close attention to that.

At the same time, we brought country after country together with the proposition that what happens in and around Taiwan matters to them, including countries way far away from Taiwan, because you've got 50 percent of commercial container traffic going through that strait every day, 70 percent of the semiconductors made on Taiwan. If there were a crisis of China's making over Taiwan, the entire world would be affected. We'd have an economic crisis. That's why we got country after country to weigh in with China, with Beijing, to say: keep the peace, preserve stability.

QUESTION: That all may be true, but soon-to-be-President Trump has made it plain that his view of China's relationship to Taiwan is of minimal concern to him.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And I obviously can't speak for him, and I also really can't predict what he would do, how the administration will approach this. I think he also - rightly, in my judgment - during his first term put more focus on some of the challenges coming from China. That was a good thing.

Now, where I disagreed was the way he went about trying to meet those challenges, and that is also at the same time taking it to our allies and partners who we actually need with us if we're going to be effective in dealing with China. When we're dealing, for example, with economic practices that China is engaged in that we don't like - undercutting our companies, our workers, with overcapacity; destroying communities by flooding in subsidized products; doing all sorts of things in their trade and commercial relationships that are unfair, that we don't do to them - when we're taking those on alone, we're, what, 20 percent of world GDP. If we're aligned with allies and partners in Europe and Asia, we're at 40, 50, 60 percent of GDP, and China can't ignore that. That's exactly what we've done. David, we have more convergence now in how to deal with all of the challenges posed by China - with Europe, with Asia - than we've ever had before. And that's a source of strength.

Now, maybe we haven't done a good enough job explaining it, just as with NATO. People don't want war, they don't want conflict. Of course. Well, President Biden got us out of America's longest war after 20 years.

QUESTION: We're roughly the same age. We lived in the post-Soviet era when there was the illusion - I think it was an illusion - of American singularity, and now every year or so there's another article about how Pax Americana is over. Is it true?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: What's true is this. I think we're living in a period that is in so many ways more combustible, more contested, more complicated, than any since the end of the Cold War. And as we've seen it, we are moving into a new era, a new phase.

QUESTION: What's the greatest danger of this new era?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I think fundamentally, look, there are near-term dangers that we see playing out in Ukraine. There are near-term dangers that you can see anywhere from Pakistan to North Korea. But fundamentally, the larger danger I see is this: We did construct an order after two world wars with the express design of preventing another global conflagration, and that order was always imperfect. It's been tested, it's been challenged, but it basically did its job in making sure we didn't have another global conflagration.

And with it came a lot of rules, norms, understandings of one kind or another, and we now have some revisionist powers that are contesting that entire system. The core revisionist powers - Russia, North Korea, Iran - are testing it in certain ways. China is testing it, I think, in a different way. It's the one country that has the capacity militarily, economically, politically, diplomatically to actually find a way to change the rules but in a way that reflects its interests and its values, not ours. That's the biggest challenge I see, and that's the contest to 

QUESTION: China specifically?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And China specifically, but over many years, and there's not a clear finish line. And I think the challenge for us, for any American administration, is amplified by this: One of the things - I've been doing this now for 32 years; I came in at the very beginning of the Clinton administration, I'm going out at the end of the Biden administration. And it goes a little bit, David, to the business you're in so effectively. Back then, 32 years ago, when I went to my office at the White House - well, first at the State Department, then at the White House - I did what everyone else does, or did back then, is you got up in the morning, opened the front door of your apartment or your house, picked up a hard copy of The New York Times and The Washington Post or maybe The Wall Street Journal. And then if you had a TV in your office, if you had a TV in your office, you turned it on at 6:30 and you got the national network news.

Now, of course, we all have this intravenous feed of information and we're getting new inputs every millisecond, and the pressure to simply react is more intense than it's ever been. And no one has the distance, the buffer, to really try to reflect and to think before you act, that - at least it's really much harder to do that. The speed with which things is happening is much harder.

The multiplicity, the complexity, the interconnectedness of challenges is greater than it's ever been. So I keep joking about this, but my friend Tom Friedman wrote a column a few months ago that I love because it said: parents, don't let your sons and daughters grow up to be secretary of state. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Well, Mr. Secretary, you're going to - I assume you're going to give yourself a week off at least after the inauguration.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Oh, you bet.

QUESTION: And maybe you'll write a book. And you've been working with Joe Biden for a very long time, a very long time, and you're - I don't know anybody in government that's closer to Joe Biden. And you've spelled out here and in other venues his virtues and what you see as your successes and your analysis of the administration.

We are, though, ending this era when even very friendly commentators feel that this administration is ending with a central tragedy in that Joe Biden is doing what he never wanted to do, which was to hand the presidency back to his historical foe who he considers a deep danger to matters domestic and foreign, and it's quite likely that had he decided not to run a second time we might not be in this position, and that he made a perhaps understandable human decision but born of some denial of the human condition and mortality. Do you wish that he had made a very different decision and not run a second time, and do you think that his aging was to some degree overlooked or even covered up?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: David, here's what - here's what I saw. And you're right; I've worked with the President for more than 20 years and it's really been the greatest privilege of my professional career, starting in the Senate, then as vice president. and then as president. And do we - do we all change as we get older? Yeah, absolutely. When you get to a certain age are you likely to slow down a little bit? Of course. But - and this is the - this is the God's truth because I was in the Oval Office and the Situation Room and everywhere else in between with him for four years. Whether you agree or not, whether you like or not, I can tell you that every decision that was made, every policy that was pursued, reflected his judgment and his decision. It's not like someone else was doing it.

QUESTION: And I know you've said this both sincerely and elsewhere 

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah.

QUESTION: But do you really think he had the capacity to not only finish out this term but to be president of the United States at the highest level for another four years?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I think that's the - I think that's the - exactly the question. And I believe that in answering that question for himself, he came to the conclusion that while he was doing the job now, it was hard to say whether he could do it in the same way for another four years. And I think that's ultimately what motivated his decision to pull out, to pull back. That's exactly what - what drove him.

QUESTION: You'll forgive me, and I say this with genuine respect. What I'm hearing mainly is loyalty, and maybe - and it's a very hard thing to grapple with specifically at this time. Am I right?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: No, I think - yeah, I certainly hope loyalty because he's more than - more than earned it as the person that he is and the president he's been. But no, beyond that, look, I think if I felt that he wasn't - wasn't up to the job, that's something that I would have 

QUESTION: You would have had that conversation with him?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I would have had that conversation. But 

QUESTION: And you didn't?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: But I saw - everything that I experienced myself was when it came to grappling with all these issues, when it came to debating them, when it came to looking at them from every angle, when it came to making decisions, when it came to having judgments, his were strong, his were sound.

QUESTION: So when you saw that debate with Trump, it was an aberration and a shock?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: It was. It was. Now, a lot goes into that. And I think, look, one of the things that I think may have been missed in that period is - and this is not something he said to me; this is just by way of observation as someone who knows him and knows his family well. I think that the impact in that period of time of the prosecution of his son weighed very, very, very heavily on him.

QUESTION: To the degree where he performed the way he did in that debate?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I just think it was a very, very heavy weight and maybe one that we saw reflected a little bit more visibly in those - in those days and in those weeks.

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thank you so much. I appreciate your time.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: David, great to talk to you. Thanks.

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Sanctioning Anti-Dayton Actors and Their Financial Enablers in Bosnia and Herzegovina

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

January 17, 2025

The United States today designated eight individuals who organized and executed the commemoration of Republika Srpska (RS) Day on January 8-10, 2024 in support of RS President Milorad Dodik's secessionist agenda. Seven of those sanctioned today also helped plan and organize the 2025 commemoration. RS commemorations have been determined to be unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Directed and overseen by Dodik, they are emblematic of Dodik's longstanding efforts to undermine the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, a cornerstone for regional peace and security. These individuals' actions threaten the territorial integrity, peace, and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina by undermining the Dayton framework and its core institutions, including the BiH Constitutional Court and the authority of the High Representative.

Today, the United States is also sanctioning five individuals and one entity that form part of the Dodik family's financial patronage network. Dodik has used his official position to accumulate personal wealth through companies linked to himself and his family at the expense of the Bosnian people. Dodik and his family often rely of a network of trusted associates to obfuscate their involvement and circumvent U.S. sanctions.

The Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of BiH are the democratic and multiethnic framework essential to peace and stability in the country. As demonstrated by President Biden's January 8, 2025 E.O. expanding U.S. sanctions authorities in the Western Balkans, the U.S. government will continue to promote accountability for those who seek to erode the rule of law and threaten peace and stability and facilitate efforts to circumvent U.S. sanctions.

The Department of the Treasury designated Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik on January 5, 2022, and on July 17, 2017. Treasury's actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) Executive Order 14033 , as amended by E.O. 14140 . For more information on today's action, see Treasury's press release .

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Treasury Sanctions Destabilizing Actors and Financial Enablers in Republika Srpska

U.S. Department of the Treasury

January 17, 2025

Using expanded sanctions authorities, Treasury sanctions Republika Srpska President Dodik's patronage network and individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina for undermining regional peace and rule of law

WASHINGTON -- On January 8, 2025, the President issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14140, an amendment to E.O. 14033, which expanded the United States government's ability to curtail activity that undermines, or attempts to undermine, regional peace frameworks and the rule of law in the Western Balkans and efforts to circumvent U.S. sanctions.

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating five individuals and one entity that facilitate Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik (Dodik) and his family's efforts to enrich themselves at the public's expense. Today's action also targets eight individuals who, at Dodik's direction, organized and executed the commemoration of "Republika Srpska Day" (RS Day) in January 2024, in contravention to the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and which the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Constitutional Court (CC) ruled unconstitutional.

"Today's action highlights Dodik's continued efforts to undermine the democratic and multiethnic framework that defines modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States, leveraging our expanded authorities, remains committed to disrupting any attempts by Dodik and his cronies to enrich themselves and destabilize the region."

SIGNIFICANT ACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DODIK FINANCIAL NETWORK

The Dodiks' efforts to enrich themselves led to OFAC's October 20, 2023, June 18, 2024, November 6, 2024, and December 18, 2024 designations of core parts of the Dodiks' corrupt patronage network, including several entities and individuals under the direct control of Dodik's son, Igor Dodik (Igor). While Igor controls many of the companies in this network, he obfuscates his personal connection to the companies by relying on distinct owners and nominal directors. Today's action builds on OFAC's recent designations and utilizes the expanded authorities of E.O. 14033, as amended, to hinder attempts to circumvent sanctions.

BiH and Serbian national Pavle Corovic (Corovic) is the husband of Dodik's U.S.-designated daughter, Gorica Dodik (Gorica), and the director of U.S.-designated and RS-based Global Liberty d.o.o. Laktasi (Global Liberty) (both designated on October 20, 2023). Along with other Dodik-affiliated entities, Global Liberty has received lucrative incentives from the RS budget.

OFAC is designating Corovic pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended, for owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, Global Liberty, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

BiH-based Radmila Bojanic (Bojanic)and Nemanja Reljin (Reljin) are the director and owner, respectively, of U.S.-designated Nimbus Innovations d.o.o. Banja Luka (Nimbus) (designated on December 18, 2024). Previously, both Bojanic and Reljin served in the same roles for Sirius 2010 d.o.o. Banja Luka (Sirius) (designated on June 18, 2024) before it formally merged with Nimbus. Both Nimbus and Sirius were designated for being controlled by Igor. Bojanic provided Igor with business updates and solicited Igor's approval before moving forward with business decisions.

OFAC is designating Bojanic and Reljin pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended, for owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, Nimbus, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033. Bojanic is also being designated pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

To benefit from the businesses both directly and indirectly under his control, Igor relies upon strategic insights from associates responsive to his interests. For example, BiH national Sinisa Dodik (Sinisa) has reported to Igor on numerous high-level developments and has advised him on business opportunities. Igor and Serbian national Marko Gujanicic (Gujanicic) were publicly identified in a scheme related to media research and public polling in BiH wherein they sought to capitalize on a recent rule change, that was subsequently annulled by a BiH court for being unlawfully restrictive and contrary to the public interest. Both Igor and Gujanicic were involved in the formation of Cyprus-based SEE Media Research LTD (SEE Media Research) and local operations in BiH. Igor worked with associates between at least September 2023 and July 2024 to ensure that his preferred company would have a monopoly on measuring TV viewership. Additionally, Gujanicic informed Igor of a strategy to manipulate TV survey responses to further their goals.

OFAC is designating Sinisa and Gujanicic pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

OFAC is designating SEE Media Research pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Gujanicic, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended.

ORGANIZERS OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA DAY

On January 8-10, 2024, the RS government organized celebrations of RS Day in defiance of prior BiH Constitutional Court (CC) decisions that held that the commemoration of January 9 unconstitutional due to its violation of the BiH constitutional obligation of non-discrimination. These events were explicitly organized by the RS government. Specifically, Dodik personally oversaw and directed efforts to organize and commemorate RS Day 2024. In response to these commemorations of January 9, the High Representative stated that the celebration of January 9 as RS Day represented "a clear and direct failure to implement the final and binding decisions of the BiH CC" and noted that such non-compliance with BiH CC rulings constituted a criminal offense under the BiH criminal code. By openly defying the decisions of both the BiH CC and High Representative  two bodies whose authorities are enshrined in the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and are critical to upholding it  the actions undertaken by the RS government, and directed by Dodik, undermine the DPA.

BiH-based RS Minister of Interior Sinisa Karan (Karan), Chief of Staff in the Office of the RS President Danijel Dragicevic (Dragicevic), Head of the RS Protocol Office Goran Rakovic (Rakovic), RS Secretary General Dalibor Panic (Panic), Director of Radio Television Republika Srpska Dijana Milankovic (Milankovic), President of the RS Constitutional Court Dzerard Selman (Selman), President of the RS Academy of Arts and Sciences Rajko Kuzmanovic (Kuzmanovic), and Chief of Cabinet to the RS National Assembly (RSNA) Speaker Goran Filipovic (Filipovic)  alongside three additional members of the 2024 RS Day Organizing Committee whom the United States designated on March 13, 2024  proposed, adopted, and implemented the plan of events for the 2024 commemoration of RS Day.

Beyond his lead role in overseeing the 2024 event, Dodik more recently directed the planning of RS Day 2025. To assist in planning RS Day 2025, Dodik directed public officials  including Dragicevic, Karan, Milankovic, Selman, and Panic  to support various organizing efforts. All of these officials agreed to follow Dodik's instructions and worked to ensure RS Day 2025 events were organized according to his wishes. Karan, Dragicevic, Rakovic, Panic, Milankovic, Selman, and Kuzmanovic were formally appointed to serve on the 2025 RS Day Organizing Committee by the RSNA. In spite of repeated declarations by the BiH CC and the High Representative, these officials have continued to engage in behavior that undermines the DPA.

In addition to these efforts, in 2024, Dodik instructed several Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) officials to convene a working group to draft a plan for the RS to secede from BiH. Both Karan and Panic were part of this secessionist working group that drafted the secession plan for Dodik.

OFAC is designating Karan, Dragicevic, Rakovic, Panic, Milankovic, Selman, Kuzmanovic, and Filipovic pursuant to E.O. 14033, as amended, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, a violation of, or an act that has obstructed or threatened the implementation of, any regional security, peace, cooperation, or mutual recognition agreement or framework or accountability mechanism, or posing a significant risk of committing such an act, related to the Western Balkans, including the Prespa Agreement of 2018; the Ohrid Framework Agreement of 2001; United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244; the Dayton Accords; or the Conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference Council held in London in December 1995, including the decisions or conclusions of the High Representative, the Peace Implementation Council, or its Steering Board; or the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, or, with respect to the former Yugoslavia, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

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.

For identifying information on the individuals and entity sanctioned today, click here.

###

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Treasury Increases Financial Pressure on the Houthis

U.S. Department of the Treasury

January 17, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Yemen-based Yemen Kuwait Bank for Trade and Investment Y.S.C (Yemen Kuwait Bank) for its financial support to Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis. A U.S.-designated terrorist organization, Houthis continue to attack U.S. military personnel, U.S. regional partners, and legitimate commerce in the Red Sea.

"The Houthis rely on a few key financial institutions like Yemen Kuwait Bank to access the international financial system and finance their destabilizing attacks in the region," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States is committed to disrupting these illicit channels and working with the internationally recognized Government of Yemen to ensure that the country's banking sector remains insulated from Houthi influence."

Today's designation builds on previous Treasury sanctions that have targeted Houthi-affiliated exchange houses and international finance networks responsible for channeling the illicit proceeds of Iranian petroleum sales to the Houthis. The Department of the Treasury remains committed to tackling the financial networks underpinning the Houthis' regional aggression. The United States is prepared to use all tools at our disposal to block their access to the U.S. financial system and work with our partners and allies to restrict their ability to access the global financial system.

This action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. The U.S. Department of State's designation of Ansarallah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, became effective on February 16, 2024.

YEMEN KUWAIT BANK

The Houthis rely on a network of exchange houses, banks, and other financial intermediaries to receive funds from, and engage in illicit trade with, Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). Senior Houthi officials, including Hashem Ismail Ali Ahmad al-Madani, the sanctioned governor of the Houthi-aligned central bank in Sana'a, have played key roles in transferring funds to the Houthis from the IRGC-QF.

Yemen Kuwait Bank aids the Houthis in exploiting the Yemeni banking sector to launder money and transfer funds to its allies, including Lebanese Hizballah. Yemen Kuwait Bank has helped the Houthis establish and finance front companies, which the group has used to facilitate Iranian oil sales in coordination with sanctioned Houthi-associated money exchange Swaid and Sons for Exchange Co.

Yemen Kuwait Bank is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Ansarallah.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated person described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons is 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.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated today entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Pursuant to this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account of any foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated any significant transaction on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

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.

For identifying information on the individuals and entity sanctioned today, click here.

###

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The UK will continue to support UNIFIL's essential role in maintaining calm along the Blue Line: 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 UNDOF and UNIFIL.

17 January 2025

After over a year of conflict and suffering across the Middle East, we now stand at a moment of hope for the people of the region.

With the Syrian people free from Assad's tyranny, political progress in Lebanon, and news that a ceasefire and hostage release deal have been finalised for Gaza.

The UK will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we seize this opportunity and deliver much-needed peace.

The past year has seen continuous and devasting violence across the Blue Line.

We strongly believe that a ceasefire and lasting political solution are the only viable route to peace, stability and security for the Lebanese and Israeli people.

As we approach the end of the 60-day ceasefire period, every effort must be made to continue the progress and avoid a return to conflict.

Violations of the agreement will only bring us back to the brink, and we call on parties to uphold the commitments they agreed to.

Against this backdrop, the UK commends UNIFIL for maintaining its visibility and operational activities in difficult circumstances.

The UK will continue to support UNIFIL's essential role in maintaining calm along the Blue Line and enabling the enhanced Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to southern Lebanon, consistent with the ceasefire agreement and UNSCR 1701.

We have consistently condemned attacks on UN Peacekeepers.

They must never be targeted.

All parties have an obligation under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeeping personnel and premises.

Turning to UNDOF, the UN Disengagement of Forces Agreement remains vital for stability at this pivotal moment for Syria and the wider region.

Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

This is more important than ever as Syria embarks on a political transition in pursuit of a more secure and peaceful future.

The UK is clear that we expect Israel to adhere to their commitment that their presence in the Area of Separation is both limited and temporary.

We call on Israel to lay out timelines for their withdrawal from the Area of Separation.

Let me, once again, reiterate the UK's long-standing position that the Golan Heights are occupied territory, and we do not recognise Israel's annexation.

Finally, after months of despair, news of the agreement between Israel and Hamas offers much-needed hope.

The hostages and their families have endured unimaginable agony and the level of suffering in Gaza defies belief.

This deal is the basis for progress.

To bring the hostages home.

Bring relief, reconstruction and hope to long-suffering civilians.

And to achieve a long-awaited two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelis living in peace and security.

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Climate change, conflict and political unrest: Mozambique's triple crisis explained

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

A convergence of crises in Mozambique is forcing people to flee their homes, often multiple times, and complicating efforts to assist them.

By Isadora Zoni in Pemba, Mozambique

17 January 2025

Post-election unrest since October has forced thousands of Mozambicans and refugees to flee their homes. Additional displacement and misery have come in the wake of Cyclone Chido and Cyclone Dikeledi, which have left trails of destruction across the north of the country since December. Repeated climate shocks like these have added to the suffering of vulnerable populations, including people already displaced by the ongoing armed conflict in northern Cabo Delgado Province.

What is at the root of Mozambique's displacement crisis?

Since 2017, non-state armed groups have been launching attacks on towns and villages in Cabo Delgado, forcing over 1 million people to flee their homes. After initially seeking refuge in safer areas of the province like Pemba, Metuge, and Montepuez, recurring waves of violence have forced some families to flee multiple times. With their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed and armed groups still active, returning home is not an option for many people. Meanwhile, the communities hosting them are increasingly stretched to the limit.

How has climate change made the situation worse?

Mozambique is among the countries most impacted by the climate crisis. Cyclones, floods, and droughts have uprooted hundreds of thousands of people in recent years. For families in northern Mozambique, including refugees and those displaced by conflict, the extreme weather has made them even more vulnerable. Since 2019, storms have become increasingly intense and frequent. Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, devastated eight provinces in early 2023, displacing 184,000 people and leaving 1.1 million in need of aid. Flooding and droughts are threatening livelihoods, particularly for the majority of displaced people and their host communities reliant on farming.

Mazamo Itabile and his family were first displaced from their village in Macomia in Cabo Delgado by Cyclone Kenneth in 2019. Just months later, attacks by non-state armed groups forced them to flee again, this time to Metuge District. Over the years, they worked hard to rebuild their lives. Mazamo, a former fisherman, learned masonry to support his family and saved enough to construct a modest three-bedroom house in Mieze.

"Life wasn't easy, but we managed," Mazamo recalls. "The children could go to school, and we had a roof over our heads."

This fragile sense of stability was shattered when Cyclone Chido made landfall in northern Mozambique on 15 December 2024. The intense tropical storm left a trail of destruction across Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa Provinces, affecting over 450,000 people and completely or partially destroying more than 100,000 homes, as well as schools, health centres and roads.

"It was strong, so strong that the house was dancing," says Sonia, Mazamo's eldest daughter. "Then the roof was ripped off, and the house crumbled." The family fled in the middle of the night, braving relentless winds and flying debris. By morning, they had lost everything once again.

Marcelo, Mazamo's 16-year-old son, fears his dream of being the first in the family to attend university may no longer be possible. "I want to study, but I have nothing," he says, holding the few water-damaged books he managed to save.

With the cyclone season lasting until March, additional storms are expected. Cyclone Dikeledi, which made landfall this week, affected an additional 30,000 people, destroying homes, schools and churches in its path.

How are political tensions driving more displacement?

The contested 9 October presidential election has fueled protests and unrest, pushing almost 8,000 people from Mozambique to seek refuge in Malawi and Eswatini.

In Eswatini, the new arrivals are being sheltered at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre, which is now critically overcrowded. Those arriving in Malawi report fleeing attacks and looting, then hiding in the bush before crossing the Shire River. UNHCR is distributing tents, blankets, and hygiene kits to displaced families, but resources are limited. The EmaSwati and Malawians have warmly welcomed the refugees, but with resources stretched thin, additional support is crucial.

Mozambique itself is home to nearly 25,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. One third of them reside in the Maratane refugee settlement, in northern Nampula Province. They have also been impacted by the political unrest. Over 1,000 refugees and asylum-seekers fled to Maratane settlement in late December after the destruction and looting of many shops and businesses, including those owned by refugees.

How has the unrest impacted humanitarian efforts and UNHCR's response?

The continuing insecurity has hampered efforts to deliver aid and rebuild critical infrastructure destroyed by Cyclone Chido.

Violence and looting have disrupted efforts to distribute food and shelter in several districts in Cabo Delgado while in several areas in Nampula and Cabo Delgado, humanitarian access has been hindered by the security situation.

Ahead of the cyclone's landfall, however, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, supported the Government, together with other UN agencies and NGOs to warn communities to prepare for the disaster. Within 48 hours after the cyclone, UNHCR was on the ground, distributing tarpaulins and blankets and referring the most vulnerable for psychosocial support. UNHCR's response has also included working with local partners to ensure displaced people in remote areas receive support even where access is difficult due to the post-election tensions, attacks by non-state armed groups and cyclone-damaged roads.

Mazamo and his family are among those who have received assistance from UNHCR, including tarpaulins and blankets. Yet the road to recovery will be long. "This house; it was everything," Mazamo says, gesturing to the remains of his home. "Now, we begin again."

As Mozambique deals with the overlapping impacts of conflict, climate shocks, and political tensions, more international support is vital and UNHCR is in need of additional resources to be able to increase support to the affected communities. Last year's humanitarian response plan for Mozambique was only 40 per cent funded.

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Escalating violence in eastern DR Congo displaces more than 230,000 since start of year

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

17 January 2025

GENEVA -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is alarmed by the worsening violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has already displaced 237,000 people this year.

Escalating clashes between non-state armed groups and the Congolese army in North and South Kivu provinces are intensifying one of the world's most alarming yet under-reported humanitarian crises, marked by widespread human rights violations and massive forced displacement.

These two provinces are already home to 4.6 million internally displaced people, making the DRC one of the world's largest hosts for people uprooted within their own borders.

From 1 to 6 January, intense fighting in the Masisi and the Lubero territories of North Kivu Province forced approximately 150,000 individuals to flee their homes. Many initially sought safety in Masisi territory, northwest of Goma, the territory's main town, only to be displaced yet again as violence spread. Simultaneously, in South Kivu's Fizi territory, the local government reports that 84,000 people are now displaced and it has requested humanitarian assistance from the international community. Civilians in both regions are enduring indiscriminate bombings and sexual violence. The use of heavy weaponry in populated areas has resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children.

The ongoing violence has severely limited humanitarian access in the short term and left displaced populations in desperate need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. Many are seeking refuge in overcrowded host communities, makeshift shelters, or public buildings such as hospitals. Already dire humanitarian conditions are worsening rapidly, and access to these vulnerable populations is severely restricted by insecurity, roadblocks and the presence of violent armed actors. Fighters are reportedly using people's homes as shelters, endangering residents by blurring the distinction between combatants and civilians.

Despite the volatile security situation, approximately 25,000 displaced people returned to Masisi-Center following a temporary lull in violence on 4 January. However, renewed clashes on 9 January forced many to flee once again, highlighting the fragility of the situation. The town remains engulfed in uncertainty, with civilians facing ongoing violence, including forced recruitment, and suspicion from armed actors.

As soon as access is restored, UNHCR is ready to help these populations. The agency constructed and rehabilitated shelters for more than 95,000 people in this region in 2024 and distributed critical household items such as mosquito nets, blankets, and cooking pots to 45,000 people.

UNHCR emphasizes the urgency of addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis. Safe and unimpeded access for aid workers must be guaranteed, and measures to protect civilians - particularly women and children - must be prioritized. While UNHCR remains committed to supporting displaced communities in eastern DRC, the scale of the crisis demands immediate action to scale up relief efforts. In 2025, UNHCR requires a total of $226 million to address the protracted emergency in the DRC and to date UNHCR has received less than 10 per cent of the needed funding.

UNHCR reminds all stakeholders that it is high time peace prevails in the DRC in the best interests of the region and humanity. It urges increased investments in peacebuilding and conflict resolution to address the root causes of displacement and build a foundation for lasting stability.

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Almost one in eight children internally displaced in Haiti as armed violence continues - UNICEF

UNICEF

Over half a million children internally displaced in the country, a 48 per cent increase since September

17 January 2025

PORT-AU-PRINCE/NEW YORK, 17 January 2025 -- The number of internally displaced children in Haiti has increased by nearly 50 per cent since September - now equaling approximately one in eight children in the entire country - as a result of ongoing violence caused by armed groups.

According to latest estimates, there are now over one million internally displaced people in Haiti, over half of them children in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

"It is a horrific time to be a child in Haiti, with violence upending lives and forcing more children and families from their homes," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Children desperately need safety, protection and access to essential services. We cannot look away."

Years of political turmoil and devastating poverty and inequality have fueled the growth of armed groups in Haiti. In the absence of other means of survival or protection, children are increasingly forced to join armed groups - with a notable 70 per cent increase in child recruitment over the past year. Up to 50 percent of armed group members are estimated to be comprised of children. Recruitment and use of children is a grave violation of children's rights and international law.

Displaced children and adolescents in Haiti face heightened risks of violence, including sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse, which has also surged 1,000 per cent in the past year. Their access to essential services, such as education, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is severely disrupted - exacerbating malnutrition, and increasing exposure to disease and violence. Nearly 6,000 people are living in famine-like conditions. Unsanitary conditions in displacement sites further increase their vulnerability to diseases such as cholera which, with almost 88,000 suspected cases, continues to affect children on the island nation.

UNICEF estimates that approximately 3 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance in the country, with over 1.2 million children under threat in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince alone, where the situation continues to deteriorate. By December, attempted sieges of residential areas led to widespread displacement, forcing an estimated 40,000 people to relocate within just two weeks.

UNICEF reiterates its urgent call for all parties to end violence and halt grave violations of children's rights, including the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, and all forms of sexual violence. It also calls for the unimpeded access of humanitarian workers to safely reach vulnerable communities, including displaced populations in need.

"Children in Haiti are bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not create. They rely on the Haitian Government and international community to take urgent action to protect their lives and safeguard their futures," said Russell.

#####

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Security Council briefed on challenges to peacekeeping in Lebanon, Syria

17 January 2025 - Two senior UN peacekeeping officials briefed the Security Council on Friday on recent developments in Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan, and the challenges facing "blue helmets" serving there.

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix was joined by Major General Patrick Gauchat, Head of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) who is temporarily in charge of the UN force in the Golan, UNDOF.

Mr. Lacroix is currently in Lebanon, where the UN Interim Force in the country UNIFIL, monitors the Blue Line border of separation with Israel. He is there with the UN Secretary-General and they visited the Mission's area of operations earlier that day.

Recent hostilities

The peacekeeping chief updated on UNIFIL's activities as a fragile truce between Lebanon and Israel continues to hold.

The agreement, signed on 27 November 2024, ended more than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah militants and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), triggered by the Gaza war.

It calls for Israel to withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon within 60 days, and for Lebanese troops to redeploy during this period.

Hezbollah and Israeli forces previously clashed nearly 20 years ago, and the Council adopted Resolution 1701 (2006), which continues to apply today.

Deployments and demolitions

Mr. Lacroix said the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have deployed to 93 locations south of the Litani River as of 15 January, compared with an estimated 10 locations on 27 November, and UNIFIL has supported many of these movements.

He was encouraged to hear that a plan for a carefully sequenced IDF withdrawal and Lebanese redeployment was presented at a meeting of the cessation of hostilities mechanism on 6 January.

"With 10 days until the end of the stated 60-day period for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, however, Israeli demolitions of tunnels, buildings, and agricultural land continue," he said.

"Some airstrikes have also been reported, as have ongoing violations of Lebanese airspace."

UNIFIL also continues to detect trajectories of projectiles fired from south to north of the Blue Line, although at a far lower level compared to before the truce.

Withdraw from the region

"Noting that the Israel Defense Forces has stated that its actions are targeting Hezbollah assets and personnel, the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon is a violation of resolution 1701," he said.

"We urge the Israel Defense Forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory without delay, certainly by the end of the period envisaged in the announcement of the cessation of hostilities."

Mr. Lacroix told the Council the past year has clearly demonstrated the significant presence of unauthorized armed personnel, assets and weapons related to Hezbollah and other non-State armed groups south of the Litani - in blatant violation of the UN resolution.

He said the LAF have shown increased resolve in dealing with these in recent weeks. Furthermore, UNIFIL has also located 116 caches of weapons and ammunition, in addition to observing potential tunnels and Hezbollah sites, and informed the LAF for their appropriate action.

"It is vital that such action by Lebanese authorities continues," he said, adding that the Secretary-General will underscore this message in his meetings with Lebanon's newly elected President, Speaker of Parliament, and caretaker Prime Minister in Beirut on Saturday.

Support for UNIFIL

Mr. Lacroix reported that UNIFIL has been adjusting its posture and operational activities to support the cessation of hostilities, in line with its mandate under resolution 1701.

He expressed hope that with the "new political dynamics" in Lebanon, "more space and political support will be forthcoming to UNIFIL as we move forward, for the Force to fulfill its mandate."

The Mission's unrestricted freedom of movement and full access throughout its area of operations are critical to support the full implementation of the resolution, he said.

Yet, seven weeks since the truce, most contingents remain confined to base and occasionally have to seek shelter in bunkers due to nearby IDF military activity or IDF advisories.

Operational activities are further constrained due to the presence of unexploded ordnance, IDF roadblocks, and interference from local people.

"As the IDF has been replying to very few of the Mission's requests for deconfliction, the Mission has adjusted to a notification system for critical operational and logistics movements," he said.

'Reason for optimism'

Mr. Lacroix noted that while challenges remain in Lebanon, "there is reason for optimism coupled with strong determination that there be no return to the past."

He stressed that confidence in security and stability along the Blue Line is necessary for communities in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

"The ongoing returns of residents to southern Lebanon will continue as Israeli forces withdraw and as reconstruction efforts gather speed. We note that Israel has also presented a plan for the return of its residents to communities close to the Blue Line, in March 2025," he said.

He hailed the election of a new President in Lebanon, and the designation of a Prime Minister who will form a new government, as "important steps towards the strengthening of State institutions and the extension of State authority."

Peacekeeping activities amid restrictions

Major General Patrick Gauchat emphasised the operational difficulties his mission has encountered in maintaining its mandate amid heightened tensions in the area of separation.

"While UNDOF has had continuous contact with Syrian interlocutors throughout these recent developments, liaison by UNDOF with Syria is impacted," he explained, noting that efforts are underway to establish stable communication channels with the de facto authorities.

UNDOF peacekeepers, supported by UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) observers, remain at their pre-December 2024 positions. They continue key tasks such as monitoring the ceasefire line and patrolling the ceasefire line.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have undertaken construction work using heavy equipment and setting up communication in the area of separation as a "temporary defensive measure," Mr. Gauchat quoted.

UNDOF has informed its Israeli counterparts that their presence and activities in this area violate the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

The IDF's presence and roadblocks have severely impacted UNDOF's operational capacity, reducing movements from 55 to 60 operations daily to just 10 essential logistics missions.

However, the mission has adapted its approach, increasing weekly patrols from 10 to 40 and addressing urgent safety concerns, such as the neutralisation of unexploded ordnance in public areas.

Local concerns, liaison efforts

Residents of the Golan have expressed concerns to UNDOF, calling for the IDF to leave their villages. Some reported instances of searches and arrests of their relatives.

UNDOF is working to understand and address these grievances through ongoing liaison efforts.

"It is imperative that the UN peacekeepers are allowed to carry out their mandated tasks without obstruction," Mr. Gauchat stressed, urging all parties to maintain the ceasefire and respect the terms of the 1974 Agreement.

"We count on the continued support of Member States to return to full mandate implementation," he concluded.





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In Lebanon, Guterres highlights challenges and support for peacekeepers

17 January 2025 - Continuing his high profile visit to Lebanon, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday underscored the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers and reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces.

His itinerary included a trip to Naqoura in the south - where the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is headquartered - and he expressed his gratitude for the courage and determination of peacekeepers operating in one of the most challenging environments, where a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces across the Blue Line of separation is largely holding.

Frontline of peace

Mr. Guterres' visit to Naqoura was marked by a tour of UNIFIL positions that had been targeted by Israeli forces last year. Go here to read our explainer recapping the mission's long history and role in keeping the peace.

Addressing the assembled leadership of the UN mission, he emphasized the critical role of peacekeepers, stating: "You are not just on the Blue Line of Lebanon but on the frontline of peace. The UNIFIL mission is the most challenging environment for peacekeepers anywhere."

The Secretary-General highlighted ongoing violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which continue to occupy areas within UNIFIL's operational zone and conduct military operations in Lebanese territory.

These actions, he noted, pose significant risks to the safety and security of the peacekeepers. The UN chief also pointed out that since 27 November, UNIFIL's 'blue helmets' had uncovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah and other armed groups.

Support for the national army

During his visit, Guterres met with the general leading the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon.

He reiterated that the UN presence is temporary and emphasized the importance of supporting the Lebanese military. "UNIFIL is here to do everything possible to support the Lebanese Armed Forces," he said, underscoring the collaborative efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Diplomacy in Beirut

After returning to the capital Beirut in the afternoon, the Secretary-General had discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was also visiting the Lebanese capital.

They covered a wide range of regional developments, reflecting the international community's ongoing interest in Lebanon's stability and security.

In the evening, Mr. Guterres, along with UN Special Coordinator in Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Force Commander General Aroldo Lazaro, attended a working dinner hosted by Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

This provided an opportunity for further dialogue on the challenges facing Lebanon and the role of the international community in addressing them.

Looking ahead

The Secretary-General's visit will continue on Saturday, with a full day of meetings in Beirut.

He is scheduled to meet President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri.

These meetings are expected to focus on Lebanon's political and economic situation, as well as the ongoing efforts to support the country's recovery and stability.

The UN chief's visit to Lebanon comes at a critical time, as the country grapples with political instability, economic challenges, and security threats.

His presence underscores the United Nations' commitment to supporting Lebanon and its people, as well as the vital role of UN peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security in the region.





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World News in Brief: Antisemitism action plan, DR Congo violence escalates, new migration movie, year of 'peace and trust'

17 January 2025 - The UN launched a new Action Plan on Friday that will enhance monitoring and response to antisemitism.

The plan was announced by the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), a platform for intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation.

Miguel Angel Moratinos called antisemitism - prejudice or hatred towards Jews - "a toxic ideology with deep roots in bigotry and racism that still plagues our world manifesting itself in different forms."

Eradicate antisemitism and all bigotry

He noted that the international community will soon mark 80 years since the end of the Holocaust, but antisemitism is still persistent in many parts of the globe.

"It is our collective responsibility to eradicate antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry, hatred and discrimination," he said.

The plan is focused on the UN system and includes recommendations such as establishing a Working Group to monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and measures to address antisemitism.

Other actions include enhancing awareness and understanding of antisemitism among UN personnel.

Mr. Moratinos said the aim is to mainstream the Action Plan across UN policy frameworks, knowledge management and programming activities.

To this end, his office is working on launching a series of dialogues to exchange views on good practices on countering religious intolerance and bigotry, one of which will focus on antisemitism.

Escalating Violence in eastern DR Congo displaces hundreds of thousands

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and aid coordination office, OCHA, have expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has displaced 237,000 people this year alone.

"Escalating clashes between non-State armed groups and the Congolese army in North and South Kivu provinces are intensifying one of the world's most alarming yet under-reported humanitarian crises," said UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun on Friday, in a briefing in Geneva.

The violence has led to widespread human rights violations and massive forced displacement, with North and South Kivu already hosting 4.6 million internally displaced people.

From January 1 to 6, intense fighting in North Kivu's Masisi and Lubero territories forced approximately 150,000 to flee.

Many sought safety in Masisi territory, only to be displaced again as violence spread. In South Kivu's Fizi territory, 84,000 people are now displaced, with the local government requesting international humanitarian assistance.

'Broader escalation'

OCHA reported that between January 14 and 15, at least 30 people were killed in Lubero territory, and 30,000 fled to Butembo and surrounding areas. "These recent attacks are part of a broader escalation of violence since June 2024, which has claimed at least 220 lives," OCHA noted.

Humanitarian access is severely limited, leaving displaced populations in desperate need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. "Safe and unimpeded access for aid workers must be guaranteed," emphasized UNHCR. Both agencies call for an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.

UNHCR and OCHA remain committed to supporting displaced communities, but the scale of the crisis demands immediate action to scale up relief efforts.

Dignity for migrants should be our guiding light, insists 'Cabrini' actress

Film star Cristiana Dell'Anna travelled to Geneva on Friday to highlight her film about the age-old dangers confronting migrants and the astonishing Italian missionary who worked in the slums of New York at the turn of the last century, trying to protect them.

The film, Cabrini, is inspired by the true story of Italian nun, Mother Francesca Cabrini, who Pope Leo XIII tasked with helping vulnerable migrants arriving in the United States at the turn of the last century.

It offers an uncomfortable front row perspective on the discrimination and racism reserved for poor Italian migrants, who were unable to speak English in the already booming city and whose dark skin led to them being called "monkeys".

Despite serious lifelong sickness, Mother Cabrini took in orphans, fed, clothed and educated them in New York. She was canonized for her work in 1946 - the first US citizen to be made a saint.

Increase awareness

Ms. Dell'Anna said that the film is an opportunity to raise awareness about the difficulties migrants continue to face: 'Where does the migrant stand today in a world where it's easier to trade merchandise and it's easy for things to travel around the world rather than human beings?"

"We should probably reflect on these issues and understand where we place humankind, compared to objects."

Latest UN estimates indicate that there are at least 281 million migrants worldwide, a number that has increased over the past five decades, with people continuing to leave their homes - driven by poverty, conflict and climate change.

International Year of Peace and Trust begins

Friday marked the opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly-mandated International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York - an initiative designed to foster a culture of peace and dialogue between Member States.

The resolution's main sponsor is Turkmenistan, and Friday's launch event provided a platform to align efforts, mobilise resources and inspire collective action to address global challenges through dialogue, trust building and cooperation.

The initiatives unveiled will guide activities through the year, culminating in the International Forum for Peace and Trust in December, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Among the senior officials making keynote addresses were the President of the General Assembly, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and the head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.

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Press briefing by UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini (17 January 2025)

UNRWA

17 Jan 2025

This morning, I briefed the Security Council in a closed session.

I welcomed the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.

I joined the Secretary-General in calling on all parties to ensure the deal is fully implemented.

We need rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access to respond to the tremendous suffering in Gaza.

A ceasefire is only a starting point.

UNRWA is ready to support the international response by scaling up aid delivery.

We are ready to support the recovery of Gaza by resuming education and continuing to provide primary healthcare.

I warned that in less than two weeks, the Knesset legislation to end UNRWA's operations in the oPt will enter into force.

Full implementation will be catastrophic.

In Gaza, it will massively weaken the international humanitarian response.

This will immeasurably worsen already catastrophic living conditions.

The Government of Israel claims that UNRWA's services can be transferred to other entities.

In fact, the Agency's mandate and capacity to provide public-like services to an entire population are unique.

UNRWA's ability to directly provide education and primary healthcare far exceeds that of any other entity.

These services can only be transferred to a functioning State.

UNRWA's personnel and services are also tightly woven into the social fabric of Gaza.

The disintegration of the Agency will intensify the breakdown of social order.

Dismantling UNRWA now, outside a political process, will undermine the ceasefire agreement and sabotage Gaza's recovery and political transition.

In the West Bank, the PA has stated clearly that it does not have the financial resources or capacity to compensate for the loss of UNRWA's services.

A chaotic dismantling of UNRWA will irreversibly harm the lives and future of Palestinians.

It will obliterate their trust in the international community and any solution it attempts to facilitate.

I reminded the Council of the fierce, global disinformation campaign against the Agency.

Intense diplomatic lobbying by the Government of Israel and affiliates has targeted parliaments and governments in top donor countries.

Billboards and ads accusing UNRWA of terrorism recently appeared in several cities, including New York.

They were paid for by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel.

Google ad campaigns re-direct people seeking information about the Agency to disinformation websites.

This propaganda endangers our staff in the occupied West Bank and in Gaza - where 269 colleagues have already been killed.

It creates a permissive environment for the harassment of our representatives in Europe and the US.

This year, the Israeli Foreign Ministry received a funding boost of 150 million dollars for such propaganda - approximately a sixth of UNRWA's annual operating budget.

A ceasefire in Gaza must be followed by a political transition that includes an orderly conclusion of UNRWA's mandate and the handover of its public-like services to empowered Palestinian institutions.

This is the path now pursued by the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, led by Saudi Arabia, the EU and the League of Arab States.

A clear choice lies before us:

We can allow UNRWA to implode because of the Knesset legislation and the suspension of funding by key donors.

Or we can allow the Agency to progressively conclude its mandate within a political framework.

The Agency is working closely with government authorities in Ramallah on how to meet education and healthcare needs in the oPt.

UNRWA is the largest provider of primary healthcare in Gaza, where we still conduct approximately 17,000 medical consultations per day.

We are the second-largest healthcare provider in the West Bank.

Our health services and expertise are essential for building a strong national health system.

UNRWA also has a pivotal role to play in education.

In Gaza today, 650,000 girls and boys are living in the rubble.

Absent a full-fledged State, only UNRWA has the capacity to bring them back to learning.

If we fail to resume education in Gaza, and to preserve it in the occupied West Bank, we will sacrifice an entire generation of Palestinian children.

This will have profound consequences for the future of the Palestinian people, and a Palestinian State.

It is critical that the efforts to dismantle UNRWA are not compounded by the Agency's financial instability.

This is now a major risk as some key donors have decided to end or reduce their voluntary contributions to the Agency.

I appealed for an urgent increase in financial support to UNRWA, the early disbursement of allocated funds, and a review of any funding currently on hold.

I asked Council members to avert a looming peace and security crisis.

To prevent the implementation of the Knesset legislation - the Agency's personnel and services are integral to the success of the ceasefire. To insist on a political path forward and clearly delineate UNRWA's role as a provider of essential services, especially education and healthcare. To ensure that a financial crisis does not abruptly end the Agency's lifesaving work.

ENDS

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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Security Council Speakers Urge Israel to Withdraw from Lebanon, Golan Buffer Zone, Allow Peacekeepers to Operate without Obstruction

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9841st Meeting (PM)

SC/15970

17 January 2025

With 10 days until the end of the 60-day period for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, its airstrikes and demolitions continue, a senior United Nations official warned the Security Council today, underscoring that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers must be allowed to carry out their mandated tasks without obstruction.

"The cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, while fragile, continues to hold," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, noting that the Lebanese authorities are committed to upholding their commitments under Council resolution 1701 (2006).

The Lebanese Armed Forces have deployed to 93 locations south of the Litani River as of 15 January and  as part of a plan to deploy an additional 6,000 troops south of the Litani  have deployed 262 newly recruited personnel to the South Litani Sector. A plan for a carefully sequenced withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces and deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces was presented at the meeting of the cessation of hostilities mechanism on 6 January, he noted, urging the former to withdraw from Lebanese territory without delay.

He further commended the Lebanese Armed Forces' "increased resolve" in dealing with the significant presence of unauthorized armed personnel, assets and weapons related to Hizbullah and other non-State armed groups south of the Litani. UNIFIL has located 116 caches of weapons and ammunition, including rocket-propelled grenade launchers, rockets, anti-tank mines and rifles, and observed some potential tunnels and Hizbullah sites. Additionally, the mission is stepping up its operational activities in areas where the security situation allows, including further north of the Blue Line in Sector West. It will also seek to utilize technology to enhance its monitoring capacity along the Blue Line and throughout its area of operations.

However, UNIFIL's operational activities are constrained due to the presence of unexploded ordnance, roadblocks at various locations, and interference from local individuals, he cautioned, underlining the critical importance of the mission's unrestricted freedom of movement and full access throughout its area of operations.

"While challenges remain, there is reason for optimism, coupled with strong determination that there be no return to the past," he said, stressing that "confidence in security and stability along the Blue Line is necessary for the communities of southern Lebanon and northern Israel".

Also briefing the Council today was Patrick Gauchat, Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan, who stated: "The fall of the Assad Government on 8 December has had an impact." Nevertheless, UNDOF is working to establish stable communication channels with the caretaker authorities. And, noting such authorities' recent public statements regarding their commitment to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, he stated that UNDOF personnel, supported by UNTSO military observers, "remain at all their positions occupied before December 2024".

He also reported that "the Israel Defense Forces remain present in the area of separation", where they continue to carry out construction work and set up communication equipment. For its part, UNDOF has informed Israel that its presence and actions in that area violate the 1974 Agreement. Yet, the presence of the Israel Defense Forces and its roadblocks have impacted the operational movements of UN personnel, and residents in the area of separation have appealed for UNDOF's assistance in asking the Israel Defense Forces to leave their villages and lift roadblocks impacting agriculture.

Further, he said that such residents have reported damage to roads, water pumping stations and solar panels, "allegedly by IDF [Israel Defense Forces] battle tanks", as well as searches and arrests. "There should be no military forces or activities in the area of operation other than UNDOF," he said, stressing that all parties must respect their obligations under the 1974 Agreement "to preserve stability on the Golan".

...

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Secretary-General's remarks at UNIFIL Headquarters [as delivered]

United Nations Secretary-General

Naqoura, Lebanon

17 January 2025

Dear Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz and the mission leadership,

Dear Team UNIFIL,

It is such an honour to be with you after one of the most challenging periods imaginable.

I told the world that all of you are not just on the Blue Line of Lebanon, you are on the front line of peace.

The UNIFIL mission is the most challenging environment for peacekeepers anywhere.

Day after day - month after month - you stood with bravery, dedication, and resilience in the face of strikes across the Blue Line.

And your continued service -- in line with the decision for peacekeepers to remain in position to implement your mandate under resolution 1701 - was essential and remarkable.

You showed the value of 'blue helmets' to deter violence, support de-escalation, provide humanitarian access, and protect civilians.

Your contributions have been crucial in supporting the restoration of stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line.

I am so proud of you all.

I want you to know that the decision for UNIFIL to remain in position was taken after deep consideration for the safety and security of all its members,

I have been crystal clear: all parties have an obligation to ensure the safety of our 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, against international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime.

Now, thanks in no small part to your efforts, we are in a period of relative calm that needs to be nurtured.

This represents a long-awaited opportunity to support the parties make real progress towards fully implementing resolution 1701 and delivering enduring security and stability for the people of Lebanon and Israel.

You have our full support in making the adjustments that may be needed in this new stage.

We will continue to work closely with troop-contributing-countries to ensure you have strengthened capacities -- including for clearing mines and disposing of unexploded ordnance -- so that you can resume mandated patrolling and monitoring functions.

I know these capacities, together with the adaptation of the conduct of operations within your mandate, are vital for the mission to regain freedom of movement and access throughout the mission's area of operations.

I will underscore these messages in my meetings with the Lebanese leadership this afternoon.

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 continued risk to your safety and security.

They must stop.

I note that that UNIFIL also uncovered over a 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups since 27 November.

The presence of armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL between the Blue Line and Litani River are also clear violations of resolution 1701 and undermine Lebanon's stability.

I will also reiterate this in my meetings in Beirut.

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.

Your strong support for, and your closer coordination with, the Lebanese Armed Forces will be fundamental in supporting an enduring cessation of hostilities and realizing the ultimate goal of resolution 1701.

We will continue to urge the international community to strengthen support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The path ahead is full of challenge. But together we can help make good on this window of opportunity.

Once again, thank you for all you have done - and all you are doing - for peace.

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SECNAV Surface Navy Association Remarks

US Navy

Washington D.C.

Speech by Carlos Del Toro

Presented on 16 January 2025

Date Published 17 January 2025



Good afternoon, everyone!

Thank you, Vice Admiral Jackson, for that kind introduction and for your 32 years of distinguished service to our United States Navy. As a fellow Naval Academy grad and one of the first women to serve on combatants, you have blazed a trail for so many to follow. Thank you for your continued leadership of our surface warriors.

Secretary Mabus, it is wonderful to see you here today. Thank you for your exceptional dedication to our Department as a surface warfare officer and as 75th Secretary of the Navy.

I would also like to extend a special welcome to Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr.

Commander Alvarez was once Lieutenant Junior Grade Alvarez and endured eight and half years as a prisoner in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War.

Sir, thank you for being here today, and thank you for all you have done for our Nation.

I am also honored to welcome and recognize Marine Corporal Kyle Carpenter.

On November 21st, 2010, while serving with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Afghanistan, Corporal Carpenter was manning a rooftop security post when the Taliban launched a grenade attack.

In an act of extraordinary bravery, he threw himself onto a grenade to protect his fellow Marine.

For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Mr. Carpenter, thank you for your presence this afternoon.

And to all of the distinguished guests, Flag and General Officers, senior enlisted leaders, and fellow surface warfare officers here with us todaywelcome.

It is wonderful to join you here at the Surface Navy Association's National Symposiuman event I have attended for many years throughout my lifetimeto gather with friends and peers from all across our Navy.

However, this year, it is also bittersweet to address you, my friends, for the final time as your 78th Secretary of the Navy.

When I took office three and a half years ago, the world was changing at a pace unlike anything we had seen before.

From the threat of terrorism in distant regions to the rise of state-sponsored aggression on the high seas, the role of our Navy and Marine Corps in safeguarding America's interests became more critical than ever.

Yet, with every challenge we faced, we witnessed the unwavering strength, skill, and innovation of our Sailors and Marines.

Together, we achieved significant milestonesadvancing modernization efforts while strengthening both the size and capability of our fleet.

And we have refined and adapted our focus on future readiness, ensuring that our Sailors and Marines are equipped with cutting-edge technology and training to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

It is that same ability to adapt that has kept our Navy and Marine Corps at the forefront of technology and innovation since its inception nearly 250 years ago.

And it is no different today than it was in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy took office, the year I was born.

Locked in a tense Cold War, President Kennedy faced a nuclear arms race spawned by the Soviet Union's development of nuclear weapons.

The threat of mutually assured destruction profoundly reshaped the way he viewed military strategy, and he understood that the U.S. military would need to evolve and adapt to maintain a credible deterrence against Soviet aggression.

President Kennedy prioritized the development of strategic nuclear capabilities, notably through the expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarine fleet.

Then-Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke had already envisioned a future in which nuclear power fueled future U.S. submarines, as well as aircraft carriers and surface combatants.

In the late 1950s, he created the Fleet Ballistic Missile Program which brought both Polaris submarines and their revolutionary weapons systems from drawing board to deployment in just five years.

The Polaris program became a cornerstone of Kennedy's U.S. nuclear strategy, offering second-strike capabilities that would make it nearly impossible for the Soviets to wipe out the U.S. nuclear arsenal in a surprise attack.

Then, on October 16, 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union began an unprecedented and dangerous 13-day confrontation.

Ironically, later that month, I would come to the United States as a Cuban refugee.

The threat of nuclear war loomed closer than ever.

Until the Navy's surface warriors took station.

Led by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral George Anderson and commander-in-chief of the Atlantic Fleet, Admiral Robert Dennison, U.S. Navy destroyers and frigates intercepted merchant ships and soviet submarines enroute to Cuba, proving Anderson's word to Kennedy: "The Navy will not let you down."

The Navy's courage and performance in this crisis illustrated the critical importance of our naval forces to national defense and strategy.

The Navy continues to demonstrate that courage and performance today.

In the Red Sea, our shipsand the Sailors and Marines aboard themhave experienced the most intense combat since World War Two, courageously placing themselves in our adversary's weapons engagement zone to protect innocent merchant shipping.

Our surface ships have intercepted hundreds upon hundreds of Houthi and Iranian missiles in defense of themselves, merchant shipping, and Israel.

These are not just statisticsthey are a testament to your incredible skill, courage, and dedication.

Men and women like all of you are standing the watch, day in and day out, facing constant danger with unwavering resolve.

We should all take immense pride in their accomplishmentsand be inspired by their strength and resilience.

Because of your courageous and tireless aggressive efforts, you have provided your President and Commander-in-Chief the decision space to finally achieve the necessary cease fire, just announced hours ago.

Thank you.

However, our challenge is not only about maintaining naval superiority, but also ensuring that the U.S. military is prepared to confront the evolving threats posed by the People's Republic of China, especially in the realms of advanced technology, maritime claims, and military modernization.

Much like President Kennedy's recognition of the need for a modernized nuclear deterrent, today's Navy and Marine Corps must continue to adapt, leveraging both manned and unmanned capabilities to counter the PRC's growing naval and technological advances.

That is why, over a year and a half ago, at Harvard University's John. F. Kennedy School of Government, I introduced my vision for a new National Maritime Statecraft to prevail in an era of intense strategic competition.

This vision emphasizes innovative approaches to shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair, requiring collaboration across the entire U.S. government and partnerships with both public and private maritime sectors.

The goal is to build awareness and understanding that solving the Navy's long-term challenges relies on renewing the health of our Nation's broader seapower ecosystem.

And we achieve these goals by building a culture of warfighting excellenceby empowering our Sailors and Marines to continually learn and develop their skills, investing in acquisition programs, and advancing research that ensures we remain the most powerful Navy in the world.

As I have said many times before, innovation must permeate every level of our Department, inspiring and empowering individuals to drive transformative change.

We must focus on modern, mission-centric innovations such as unmanned autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

It is no secret that the PRC, Russia, and Iran have made consistent strides in developing their drone fleets.

We must continue to do the same.

We must continue to adapt and utilize our autonomous fleet to mitigate the strain on human personnel, reduce operating costs, and offer an effective way to increase presence without overextending manpower.

Our unmanned air, surface, and underwater vehicles can operate for hours, days, or even weeks at a time, performing reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering tasks without the need of crewed vessels or aircraftthat is our modern-day Navy.

And a crucial step towards the integration of autonomous systems is the establishment of the Navy's newest rating in more than two decades, the Robotics Warfare Specialist.

Since its inception in March, nearly 300 Sailors have converted to the rating, providing the Navy with operators, maintainers, and managers who can plan and control the operations of robotics systems.

And innovation also extends to naval logistics.

At my direction, we have successfully demonstrated the Transferable Rearming Mechanism, or TRAM, which will enable our warships to reload their Vertical Launching Systems through connected underway replenishment.

I announced TRAM at this very conference two years ago.

Ensuring the Navy has the capability to rearm ships at sea has been a priority of mine dating back to when I was still on active duty.

TRAM surpassed expectations, completing successful operations in Sea State 4 from its very first day of at-sea testing onboard USS Chosin (CG 65) and USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11).

This critical capability will significantly increase our ability to maintain forward presence without the need to withdraw from combat for extended periods of in-port reloading time.

I have the highest confidence that our skilled Sailors, civilian mariners, and industry partners will continue to press forward on this capability and field it for sustained persistent forward-strike capacity during wartime long after my tenure as Secretary.

And our commitment to innovation has already begun to pay dividends to strengthen maritime dominance for our surface fleet.

As we gather here today, we have 93 ships under contract and 56 in construction, including Ford-class aircraft carriers, Constellation-class frigates, San Antonio-class LPDs, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Columbia-class SSBNs, and Virginia-class SSNs.

Last fall, the Department of the Navy awarded contracts for procurement of one America-class amphibious assault ship (LHA) and three San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock (LPD) ships.

In addition to our amphibious ship procurement, the Department of the Navy also awarded a Multi-Ship Contract to procure eight T-AO ships.

These multi-billion-dollar contracts represent a forward-leaning approach to innovation, providing critical investment in our shipbuilding infrastructure.

In a significant milestone, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) has recently been undocked and received the Conventional Prompt Strike upgrade, greatly enhancing its combat capabilities.

And today, the Littoral Combat Ship is equipped with the Naval Strike Missile, a long-range precision strike weapon. Additionally, the integration of the MK 70 Payload Delivery System with Vertical Launching System technology is ongoing and will give us tremendous firepower and even more tactical advantage over our adversaries.

Our commitment to innovation is not newit has always been the cornerstone of our success.

Carvel planking, cannons, sextants, and steam power were once the cutting-edge technologies of their time.

These innovations have since evolved into steel hulls, missiles, radar, nuclear propulsion, satellite communications, and navigationeach leap forward defining a new era of naval power and capability.

The future demands that we not only embrace but actively drive the evolution of technologyour progress lays the groundwork for prosperity and success for generations to come.

We also recognize that no nation can achieve success through platforms and technology alone.

We must continue to enhance strategic partnerships across our world's oceans and at sea.

In my time as Secretary, the Department of the Navy has placed a greater emphasis on integrated, forward-deployed forces, including rotational deployments in Australia, Japan, Guam, and other strategic locations.

These efforts reflect a broader strategy to contain the PRC's growing influence in the South China Sea and beyond, mirroring Kennedy's approach to maintaining a credible military presence to deter Soviet aggression.

Through the generational AUKUS agreement, we are fostering deeper cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and collaborating on advanced technologies that ensure our three nations maintain a technological edge over our adversaries.

By securing access to cutting-edge technologies, AUKUS nations can better monitor, detect, and neutralize threats posed by China's advancements in military technology.

Beyond the direct technological advancements, the pact strengthens the broader network of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Navy and Marine Corps this year, we are reminded of the incredible journey we have undertaken.

Yet, we focus our fix firmly on the next 250 years, where continued innovation and bold leadership will ensure that we remain at the forefront of global maritime power.

And as we reflect on the importance and impact of innovation within our Navy, we must also acknowledge that it is our people who drive these advancements and build our relationships.

It is our people who will continue to shape the future of naval warfare, technology, and operations.

In order to continue to attract and retain the best, our Surface Navy must foster leadership that prioritizes mentorship, cultivates meaningful connections, and supports personal and professional developmentultimately ensuring every surface warfare officer has the opportunity to thrive in this demanding calling.

And this culture of mentorship, connection, and development must endure long after the end of this symposiumafter we've finished exchanging business cards and sea stories here in our Nation's capital.

Every surface warfare officer should take pride in their craftwhat you do each and every day is anything but ordinary, as evidenced by our daily performance in the Red Sea.

Our pride is rooted in the legacy of selfless service and sacrifice given by those who have gone before usleaders who exemplified the honor and resilience which define our Navy's ethos.

Service is not an obligation; it is a privilegea chance to be a part of something greater than ourselves and to uphold the values which define us as a country.

Service is not merely a job or a career; it is a fundamental aspect of our democracy, deeply ingrained in the very fabric of our Nation.

Together, we build on this foundation, ensuring the next generation of Sailors and Marines is prepared to carry our mission forward with the same unwavering resolve.

Since I entered office, I have taken seriously my congressionally-mandated responsibility of naming the ships that will navigate the world's oceans, deter aggression from hostile threats, and serve as symbols of security and stability around the globe.

And so today, at my final Surface Navy Association Symposium as Secretary of the Navy, I am honored to announce four new ships which represent the future of our fleet.

The newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers will be USS Ray Mabus (DDG 147), USS Kyle Carpenter (DDG 148), and USS Robert R. Ingram (DDG 149).

And the newest Constellation-class guided-missile frigate will be USS Everett Alvarez Jr. (FFG 68).

These ships will be critical to our combat effectiveness, equipping us with modern capabilities to operate across all domains in which we are called.

Everywhere these ships sail, they will represent the legacies of four leaders and heroes who placed country over self and service above all.

And these ships will chart a course toward a future where the United States Navy remains the most advanced, capable, and innovative maritime force in the world.

As my time as Secretary comes to a close, I implore all of you here todayespecially the junior surface warfare officers in the roomto "sharpen your sword."

Always lead with character and integrity.

Always tell the truth, and strive to inspire those you lead.

Hone your skills, drive emerging technologies, and ensure you understand what it takes to operate in contested environments and maintain superiority at sea.

Three and a half years ago, I knew that we were at a critical juncture in the history of our Navy and Marine Corps, facing an increasingly complex and competitive global environment.

Yet, it is clear to me that our Sailors and Marines, and particularly our surface forces, have risen to meet those challenges head-on.

Together, we have built a more agile, more lethal, more capable, and more modern force, from the integration of advanced systems to the ongoing efforts to sustain and expand our readiness.

But none of this progress would be possible without the men and women who are the heart and soul of our Navy and who serve with excellence every single dayeach of you.

You are the backbone of our fleet.

You are the ones who project power, protect our interests, and secure freedom of navigation across the world's oceans.

You are the ones who stand the watch, ensuring that our Navy can respond swiftly and decisively to any threat, anywhere on the globe.

And it is your relentless dedication and commitment to mission success that allow us to maintain the global influence we have today.

The challenges ahead will require us to be faster, smarter, and more adaptive than ever before.

And though I may be leaving, my pride in you, my belief in you, and my support for you will never waver.

I look forward to watching you all achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

Thank you all for your commitment to the Department of the Navy, the maritime services, and indeed our Nation.

As I close out my time as your 78th Secretary, please know that it has been the honor of my life to serve you, and please know that my wife Betty and I will always carry you in our hearts and prayers till our dying days.

May God continue to bless our Sailors, Marines, Civilians, and their families stationed around the globe with fair winds and following seas.

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SECNAV NWC Farewell Address

US Navy

Washington D.C.

Speech by Carlos Del Toro

Date Published 17 January 2025



Greetings to the staff and esteemed members of our Naval War College family.

Admiral Walker, thank you for your years of distinguished service in the United States Navy, and for your stewardship of the Naval War College.

And I welcome the Education for Seapower Advisory Boardthank you for being here today. Thank you for the significant successes you have achieved in our Naval Education Strategy. Your insights and recommendations to the larger Naval University System have paved a clear path forward for our Department.

It is an honor to address you today I bid farewell to a role, a mission, and a calling which have profoundly shaped my life.

I am sorry I could not be with you in person today, but time is not on my side.

As a Naval Officer, I too had the opportunity to study and learn at the War CollegeI earned my master's degree in National Security Studies and proudly attest that this is the place I really learned how to first think, and then write.

I am proud to be the first ever graduate of the Naval War College to serve as Secretary of the Navy.

As I close out my time in this role, it is only natural for me to return to this institution which was so crucial to my own professional development.

As I reflect on everything we've accomplished over the past three years, I'd like to share a few parting thoughts on some of the enduring precepts of seapower that I hope you will bear in mind as you prepare to face challenges to come.

As you likely know, we at the Naval War College just celebrated our 140th anniversary.

Let me anchor here for a moment and tell you briefly about the context of how our institution came to be.

The era of our institution's founding is one I have thought about often as Secretary of the Navy. I think there is a lot we can learn from this period, and you can tell me if any part of this story sounds at all familiar to you.

In October 1884, Secretary of the Navy William Chandler issued General Order #324, directing Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce to establish the Naval War College.

At the time, the United States was coming off a two-decade period of underinvestment in the foundations of its seapower.

During the Civil War, a large percentage of the U.S. Merchant Marine had been either sunk by Confederate raiders or preemptively sold off to foreign flags to avoid destruction.

Similarly, after the highly successful fleet expansion to meet the requirements of the Anaconda Plan in the Civil War, the U.S. Navy decayed as the nation turned inward to pursue westward continental development after the war was won.

This neglect led to a rude geopolitical awakening in 1882, when the U.S. government was forced to abandon an attempt to pressure Chile to the peace table in its War of the Pacific against Peru and Bolivia.

Washington suddenly recognized that the Chilean Navy far outmatched the U.S. Navy's outdated force of 20-year-old Civil War leftovers.

That reckoning led to a national, multi-decade effort to rejuvenate the nation's seapower.

Within a year, the Department of the Navy ordered its first steel ships and created the Office of Naval Intelligence to collect insights on new technologies and best practices from foreign navies.

And so it was in that context, two years after we realized that we had a problem, that we founded the Naval War College.

Over the years that followed, visionary naval thinkers and leaders like Theodore Roosevelt, Stephen B. Luce, and Alfred Thayer Mahan came together in Newport to conjure and plan America's new steel battlefleet.

Thanks to their work, the U.S. Navy was able to dominate in the Spanish American War, deter the Imperial German Navy from coercing Venezuela at the turn of the century, and then steam around the world in a show of might and logistical reach.

Once we committed ourselves to the task, it wasn't long before we had built "a navy second to none."

The Naval War College, and indeed seapower itself, has never been so urgently essential as it is today.

The 21st century is a maritime century. When economists talk about how the world has never been more interconnected, they are talking about humanity's use of the sea.

There are more ships on the world's oceans today than there ever have been in recorded history.

The number of ships larger than 1000 deadweight tons has more than doubled just in the past 25 years, to nearly 60,000 ships.

In that same timeframe overall world fleet tonnage has quadrupled to more than 2.3 billion tons.

For perspective, 100 years ago, the entire world fleet would be a rounding error of the world fleet today.

More than 90% of global trade volume travels by sea.

And while we refer to the internet as "in the cloud," in reality the internet is in the waterover 95% of global communications pass through undersea cables.

As British Rear Admiral Chris Parry observed at the Current Strategy Forum a few years ago, the ocean is the original, physical incarnation of the internet.

This is to say, with sufficient fuel and supplies, a ship can put to sea and travel to any other continent.

America in particular depends on freedom of the seas for economic and military access to the overwhelming majority of the world's populations and markets.

The United States is effectively an island. You all know how to read a chart, so you know more than most that if we want to go anywhere beyond Canada or Mexico, we must travel on or over the ocean.

This is why the freedom of the seas has been a foundational American national interest since the earliest days of our republic.

Our Navy and Marine Corps exist to defend free seas and protect our interests abroad.

And our Navy-Marine Corps Team is the single most versatile instrument of national power we have.

By virtue of the physical properties of buoyancy, warships can bring a greater volume and sophistication of combat capability faster, more cost-effectively, and with greater flexibility and persistence than any other form of military force.

Combat effectiveness remains the fundamental prerequisite for the exercise of naval power.

We see this in the Red Sea again today, as the Houthis continue to launch indiscriminate attacks on civilian merchant vessels of all countries, as well as unprovoked air and missile assaults on U.S. warships.

And our Sailors and Marines continue to demonstrate incredible skill in taking their ships and aircraft into battle.

These Houthi attacks are not routine by any measurein the Red Sea, we are engaged in the longest sustained naval combat operations we have faced since the Second World War.

At the same time, we must not forget that our role does not begin and end with combat. Navies have an enduring function in peacetime competition as well as wartime.

The Navy's Title X mission codifies our enduring role in "the peacetime promotion of the national security interests and prosperity of the United States."

Naval forces are unique in their ability to achieve positive political and economic objectivesenabling us to prevail without ever having to fight.

This is particularly important in a world where we have multiple adversaries employing strategies designed to advance revisionist objectives without triggering a conventional armed response by the United States.

The People's Republic of China is one of the most notable examples of this approach.

The PRC is pursuing a dual-track strategy, both preparing its military for a possible future war while working to "win without fighting" today through its coercive maritime insurgency in the South China Sea.

The disparate nature of these challenges mean that our forces must be both combat credible and competition-credible.

The requirements of combat and peacetime competition stress different aspects of what naval forces bring to the table.

For example, while combat credibility depends primarily on our ability to bring decisive firepower to bear on a target from range, competition credibility depends at least as much on our ability to persist on station in contested waters and at close quarters in support of our local allies and partners.

As the Naval War College's own Professor James Holmes put it"want to compete? You have to be there."

Our continuing operations shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine partners within their Exclusive Economic Zone, including through Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities alongside the navies of the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are good examples of us showing up for our partners when and where it counts.

To this end, it helps that navies are different from other kinds of forces in that we can be persistently present at sea, fully ready for any contingency, without the need of the hospitality of a host country.

And at the same time, navies are welcomed into other countries in ways that different kinds of forces are not.

Similarly, consider the effect of a port visit by a carrier strike group or an amphibious ready groupsomething most of us are familiar with.

Port visits are an essential tool of naval diplomacy which we have used to strategic effect during my tenure.

Not long after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the USS Kearsarge and her group played a key role in reassuring our partners in the Baltic of the U.S. commitment, while deterring opportunistic aggression.

This was particularly salient in the case of Sweden and Finland as they finalized their entry into NATO.

Moreover, port visits have a profound impact in deepening the bonds of our alliances.

Our Sailors and Marines heading ashore on liberty and interacting with the local community infuses direct, personal goodwill into the bilateral relationship.

It injects tangible stimulus into the local economy that continues to help build local prosperity long after we slip our moorings to get back underway.

No other form of national power can have that unreserved positive impact on our friends, in addition to the deterrent signal it sends to potential adversaries.

An armored division rolling through city streets or a bomber wing flying overhead send rather different political messages than ships sailing into the harbor for a port visit with flags flying.

This is yet another reason why I have advocated so forcefully to strengthen our maritime power as your Secretary of the Navy.

Naval diplomacy is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal to not only navigate, but also calm troubled waters around the world.

My role as your Secretary of the Navy is to man, train, and equip our naval forces so they can be ready and available to our nation's leaders.

And as I suggested earlier, the situation we found ourselves in during the crisis with Chile back in 1882 probably sounds eerily familiar to most people in this audience.

After I entered office as Secretary of the Navy, it was clear to me that our country is once again recovering from a multi-decade period of underinvestment in the foundations of our seapower.

Following the shortsighted decision by then-President Reagan to cut off government support to our maritime industry in 1981, our merchant marine and commercial shipbuilding sectors dwindled.

Post-Cold War defense consolidation eliminated much of the competition that's necessary to have a healthy domestic shipbuilding marketplace.

These twin developments are existential for those of us in the Navy, because history demonstrates that no great naval power has long endured without also being a great commercial maritime power.

And as British naval historian and geostrategist Sir Julian Corbett opined, "It is upon the navy that the military position of a country primarily depends."

For the first time in a century, we face in the PRC a comprehensive maritime competitor.

This has framed my approach to my time in office as Secretary of the Navy.

We began moving out on an aggressive and innovative strategy to reinvest in the sinews of our maritime power beginning with my speech to Columbia University in December 2022.

And in September 2023, in my speech to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, I officially introduced this strategy by its formal name: A new National Maritime Statecraft.

Our National Maritime Statecraft encompasses not only naval diplomacy and maritime competition, but a whole-of government effort to build comprehensive U.S. and allied maritime power, both commercial and naval.

Our National Maritime Statecraft depends on a strong Navy and Marine Corps as well as active engagement in areas of economic development, trade, education, science, innovation, and climate diplomacy to enable us to compete on a global scale.

Making naval shipbuilding more cost effective requires that we restore the competitiveness of U.S. commercial shipping and shipbuilding, reversing the decline of those industries since the 1980s.

This is why I have mounted a comprehensive advocacy campaign outside the lifelines of the Department, meeting with cabinet leaders across this administration.

The goal of this effort has been to build awareness and understanding that the long-term solutions to many of the Navy's challenges requires we renew the health of our nation's broader seapower ecosystem.

I drove the creation of the Government Shipbuilder's Council, which brings us together with MARAD, Coast Guard, NOAA, and yes, even the Army, to tackle common challenges in ship construction and maintenance.

We catalyzed multiple White House-led interagency processes on both naval and commercial shipbuilding, bringing together the National Security Council, National Economic Council, and departments across the Executive Branch.

My staff and I have been working in close support with the Maritime Administration to deliver a new National Maritime Strategy.

And we have worked very closely with partners in Congress on both sides of the aisle to reinvigorate existing but unfunded authorities and craft new incentives to build and flag commercial ships in the United States.

The result of this extensive bipartisan, bicameral collaboration is the SHIPS for America Acta critical piece of legislation announced in September and officially introduced in Congress last month.

This bill is a major milestone in our Maritime Statecraft, and I look forward to the day it is signed into law.

We expect these efforts will offer significant returns to Navy shipbuilding and sealift.

And I am pleased to say that Maritime Statecraft has gone global.

In February, I traveled to the Republic of Korea and Japan where I met with top executives of some of the world's most technologically advanced and prolific dual-use commercial and naval shipyards.

These companies are recognized leaders of the global shipbuilding industry, and their presence in the United States could introduce new competitive dynamics, renowned innovation, and unrivaled industrial capacity within the domestic shipbuilding market.

During each of these engagements, I brought to the table a simple, yet profound opportunity and message: invest in America.

In June, Hanwha announced they had reached an agreement to purchase the Philly Shipyard.

You may have also heard the good news that Hanwha successfully closed the deal and completed their purchase last month.

Hanwha has declared their intent to expand the yard's facilities, update its technology, double the size of the workforce, and quadruple the output to compete for both commercial and naval shipbuilding contracts.

I am hopeful that Hanwha will be just the first of many world-class shipbuilders to come to America and take part in our country's maritime renaissance.

We are also working on several initiatives to leverage the shipbuilding intellectual capital of our allies and partners.

In June, the White House announced the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort or ICE Pactan enhanced trilateral partnership amongst Canada, Finland, and the United States.

ICE Pact will leverage shipyards in these countries to build polar icebreakers for their own use while also working closely to build and export polar icebreakers for the needs of allies and partners.

And to rebuild our cadres of naval architects, we facilitated a new educational partnership with the University of Michigan, Seoul National University, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

As our long-term strategy kicks into gear, at my direction, we are moving out aggressively on measures to make our current fleet more formidable.

Rear Admiral Henry Eccles, "the Clausewitz of Logistics," namesake of the Naval War College library, and mentor of my own mentor John Hattendorf, wrote that "the essence of flexibility is in the mind of the commander. The substance of flexibility is in logistics."

This is why I have prioritized a series of logistics innovations to make our ships more present, available, and lethal.

At my direction, we have successfully demonstrated the Transferable Rearming Mechanism, or TRAM, which will enable our warships to reload their Vertical Launching Systems through connected underway replenishment.

TRAM surpassed expectations, including successful operations in Sea State 4 from its very first day of at-sea testing onboard USS Chosin (CG 65) and USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11).

This represents a revolution in contemporary naval logistics.

Up to now only our carriers and big deck amphibs could fully rearm their main batteries at sea.

TRAM will enable all of our surface combatants with Vertical Launching Systems to do the same.

This will allow our destroyers to relentlessly pummel any adversary with an overwhelming volume and tempo of long-range strikes.

Studies show that a true VLS at-sea rearming capability increases the effective size of our fleet by as much as 40%.

Once fielded across the fleet, TRAM will be an investment that provides tens of billions of dollars in value to the taxpayer.

The TRAM revolution holds significant implications for future naval force design.

The Naval War College will have a major role to play in fully exploring how the composition of the future fleet should evolve to take advantage of this technological breakthrough.

You at the U.S. Naval War College are the architects of our nation's maritime strategy.

Maritime Statecraft must continue to evolve as a long-term vision for our maritime powerone that considers the interplay of political, economic, technological, and environmental factors.

I urge each of you to take ownership of the idea of Maritime Statecraft. Continue to iterate on it. Take it to the next level.

We need a robust analytical framework to assess risks, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions.

This means investing in education and training programs that develop the critical thinking, analytical skills, and foresight necessary to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century maritime environment.

This is why I am proud to share that the Naval War College has gained the support of the Naval War College Foundation in aligning $91,000 in grant money for faculty and student research on questions pertaining to Maritime Statecraft.

We must continue to encourage intellectual curiosity, foster open dialogue, and challenge conventional wisdom.

Now, more than ever, our maritime services and our Nation require officers who will think strategically about how to lead naval forces in an increasingly contested maritime domain and amidst intense economic, technological, and military competition.

And we need to create institutional opportunities for naval strategists to contribute directly to the work of our leaders.

One opportunity includes the establishment of the Naval Strategic Studies Group, which I announced this past year, modeled after the renowned Cold War-era Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies group.

This new Naval Strategic Studies Group will have a mission which serves two purposes: train future flag and general officers in strategic leadership and conduct new research on pressing strategic challenges of importance to our most senior decision-makers.

The first cohort will include both uniformed and civilian members from our Navy and Marine Corps and will further our work on Maritime Statecraft.

They will anticipate future threats, identify emerging opportunities, and develop long-term strategies to ensure our Navy remains a globally dominant force.

The problems the NSSG will examine are not solvable with a new whiz-bang piece of kit.

Instead, they are conceptual in natureand expansive.

How can the Navy and Marine Corps most effectively support our allies in standing up to Beijing's coercive maritime insurgency in the South China Sea?

As AI-enabled sensors proliferate, how can naval forces continue to hide, deceive, and maneuver at sea?

This level of thinking requires strategic foresight that surpasses the traditional confines of operational planning.

It demands a dedicated space for scholars, strategists, and policymakers to engage in rigorous debate and critical analysis, free from the immediate pressures of operational demands.

The Naval Strategic Studies Group is that space, and a generational reinvestment in creating future Navy and Marine Corps strategic leaders.

The future of the Navy is now. We must continue pushing the boundaries of strategic thinking, just has the Naval War College has for over 140 years.

Strategyat its coreis the art of marshalling finite resources to achieve prioritized objectives under conditions of competition and uncertainty.

It is a concept often invoked and too little understood.

Without a serious rival, the purpose and urgency of strategy can fade, leaving leaders with dulled instincts for effective decision-makingwhich can have grave consequences when a new adversary emerges.

Today's era of renewed strategic competition demands a renaissance in America's maritime power and maritime strategy. The Naval War College must lead it once again.

The Naval War College is a national treasure. For 140 years, this beacon of learning is where the sharpest minds in maritime strategy have honed their craft.

This institution continues to serve as the strategic heart of our maritime serviceswhere theory and practice converge to ensure our maritime superiority.

Extraordinary thought leadership in Newport made the nation a global power at the dawn of the 20th Century.

Luce, Mahan, Simsicons of this institutionchanged the world with revolutionary works on sea power.

They recognized then, as now, that for the United States, maritime strategy is grand strategy.

There is no institution better suited to build the intellectual foundation of Maritime Statecraft. It is in your DNA.

I again emphasize that no great naval power has long endured without also being a maritime power.

For the last forty years we have sought to defy that maximcompletely outsourcing our commercial shipping and shipbuilding to other countries.

Is that still tenable today? When 99.6% of our seaborne commerce travels on foreign flagged ships what are the risks to our economy in times of crisis?

All of you in the audience today have a tremendous opportunity to lead the way on groundbreaking research we need to guide our actions and policies.

You are writing the future of our maritime strategy.

It has been the honor of my life to serve as your 78th Secretary of the Navy.

I close my remarks today tremendously grateful for the opportunity to lead the nearly one million Sailors, Marines, and Department of the Navy civilians who proudly serve the greatest nation on earth.

Please know that my wife Betty and I will always carry you in our hearts and prayers till our dying days.

May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

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US fortifying Indo-Pacific air bases against potential attacks from China

By Christy Lee January 17, 2025

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 China's, 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 China's if they attacked each other's 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 Center's 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.

"It's 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 Hudson's 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 Trump's 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 there's a nuclear threat, you've 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 we've 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 don't think the Defense Department has considered it as one of important tasks," Bennett said.

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UNRWA chief: Israel's planned dismantling of aid agency would be 'catastrophic'

By Margaret Besheer 17, 2025

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, Israel's 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 UNRWA's 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 UNRWA's work. But Lazzarini said UNRWA's 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 UNRWA's 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 UNRWA's role as a provider of essential services, and ensure the agency's 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 UNRWA's 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.

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Ethnic attacks, hate speech surging in Sudan, UN rights office says

By Lisa Schlein 17, 2025

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," Turk's 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 ICRC's 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.

Sudan's 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."

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Malawi takes steps to end cholera outbreaks by 2030

By Lameck Masina 17, 2025

Malawi's 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 Thursday's 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, UNICEF's 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."

Malawi's 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.

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Israeli regime approves Gaza ceasefire deal

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 18 January 2025 2:31 AM

The Israeli regime's cabinet has voted to approve a ceasefire deal between Tel Aviv and Palestinian resistance movements in the Gaza Strip, after more than 460 days of genocidal war in which Israeli forces have killed more than 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The office of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a statement in the early hours of Saturday morning, adding that the deal to halt the fighting with Hamas would come into effect on Sunday.

Netanyahu's office said the regime "has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday."

Earlier, the Israeli regime's so-called "security cabinet" approved the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which has endured 15 months of genocidal war by the regime.

The cabinet lent its approval to the agreement on Friday, paving the way for its potential endorsement by the regime's full cabinet.

The phased-out deal would begin with a six-week truce and could eventually end the brutal military onslaught.

The Gaza-based resistance movement Hamas has already approved the deal, hailing the Palestinian fighters and civilians for their overcoming the regime's aggression and prompting it to fail to achieve any of its wartime goals.

More than 240 Zionists were taken captive by the resistance groups last October, following which the regime launched the war.

A large number of them have been killed as a result of the Israeli military's indiscriminate assaults on Gaza amid Tel Aviv's insistence on keeping up the war until Hamas' "elimination."

The first phase of the deal's execution is reportedly expected to feature the release of 33 of the captives in exchange for 1,977 Palestinians.

The exchange will reportedly be carried out across seven phases over the first 42 days.

The regime approved the deal after coming under monumental pressure from the families of the captives and despite far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening that he and his party colleagues would resign from the cabinet and cause it to collapse if the agreement was approved.

Lead negotiator for the US in the ceasefire talks, Brett McGurk, said the White House expected the ceasefire to start on Sunday morning.

"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident ... it is ready to be implemented on Sunday," McGurk said in a television interview from the White House.

Israel unleashed its bloody Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 110,453 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 17 January 2025 - Day 1059

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Nikolai Patrushev, an influential and long-term ally and presidential aide to Russian President Putin, as well as the former Secretary of Russia's Security Council reportedly stated that Ukraine could "cease to exist" as a country in 2025 in an interview with the Kremlin-aligned Komsomolskaya Pravda. Despite claiming a "fraternal" bond between Russians and Ukrainians, he blamed the destruction of Ukrainian cities on Ukraine's supposed "violent enforcement of neo-Nazi ideology" and "ardent Russophobia."

Patrushev's comments form part of a longstanding pattern of anti-Ukraine statements by senior Russian officials, which seek to undermine and threaten Ukrainian nationhood, identity and culture. This directly contradicts Russia's recognition of Ukraine's independence and sovereignty following the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as international recognition of Ukraine.

Russian leadership rhetoric and frequent allegations of Ukrainian Nazism prior to, and since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, almost certainly seeks to influence Russian military personnel and the domestic population into participation in, and support for, Russia's war in Ukraine. It seeks to take advantage of the deep historical and psychological impact of Russia's war with Nazi Germany to foster perceptions of Ukraine and Ukrainians as a threat, thereby justifying the Russian invasion. Such narratives have been supported and proliferated by Russian state-controlled media.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 155 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance into the depths of Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Russian zagarbniki launched a missile strike on the territory of Ukraine using two missiles. In addition, 694 kamikaze drones were recruited and carried out more than 3,200 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk district, the Defense Forces successfully repelled the enemy's attempt to advance.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces carried out seven offensive actions near Golubivka, Stepovoi Novoselivka and Kruglyakivka. Three clashes are ongoing so far.

With the support of aviation in the Lyman direction, Russian invaders 13 times stormed the positions of Defense Forces near Kopanok, Tverdohlibovy, Makiyivka and Terniv. Three clashes are ongoing so far.

In the sivers komu direction, Russian forces attacked in the direction of bilogorivka, had no success.

Since the beginning of the day in the Kramatorsky direction, Russian forces attacked in the areas of Time Yar and in the direction of Stupochok and White Mountain, 24 attempts by Russians to suppress Ukrainian defenders from occupied positions were unsuccessful, two clashes are ongoing.

18 boezitknen  took place in the Toretsky direction today. Russian forces stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, Diliyivka, Crimea and Scherbinivka. There is currently one confrontation in progress.

In the Pokrovsky direction, since the beginning of this day, the Russian enemy attacked 64 times in the areas of Green Field, Water Second, Elizabeth, Beam, Fox, Shevchenko, Zvirovogo, Udacnogo, Uspenivka, Silver, Dachnogo, Ulakliv and Amber. Ukrainian defenders have repelled 49 assaults, 15 more clashes continue so far.

Today, according to preliminary data, 410 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction, of which 173 were irrevocably. Also destroyed three motorcycles, ten units of car equipment and two means of satellite communication.

In the Novopavliv direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled one attack of the Russian zagarbnikiv in the area of Velika Novosilka.

Twice the Russian opponent futile attacked Ukrainian defenders in the Pridniprovsky direction.

In Kurshchina, the Defense Forces repelled nine assault actions of Russian invaders, so far three clashes are ongoing.

In other directions, there is no much change.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that from 11 to 17 January 2025, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out eight group strikes by high-precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles, which hit Ukraine's crucial gas and energy infrastructure facilities that support the work of the Ukrainian defence industry. The strikes also engaged armament depots, a fuel base, and infrastructure of military airfields.

Moreover, the group strikes hit assembly facilities and storage areas for strike UAVs and uncrewed surface vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas for Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries.

The Sever Group of Forces continued fighting against the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the territory of Kursk region.

As a result of the active offensive operations, the settlements of Aleksandriya, Leonidovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kruglenkoye have been liberated.

In addition, aviation and drone strikes and artillery fire hit manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, four mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and two territorial defence brigades.

In Kharkov direction, Russian troops inflicted losses on units of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades over the past week.

In the area of responsibility of the Sever Group of Forces, the AFU losses amounted to over 2,225 troops, 10 tanks, and 71 armoured fighting vehicles. Seventy motor vehicles, 34 field artillery guns, including two manufactured by Western countries, were eliminated.

The Zapad Group of Forces has liberated Kalinovo (Kharkov region) and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic).

The Group inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, three mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one air mobile brigade, and one assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine along with three territorial defence brigades and one National Guard brigade.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 3,300 troops, four tanks, 27 armoured fighting vehicles, including six U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, and one Turkish-made Kirpi armoured vehicle. Moreover, the enemy sustained losses of 72 motor vehicles, 44 field artillery guns, with eight of them manufactured by NATO countries, nine electronic warfare stations, and 15 ammunition depots.

As a result of decisive actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Yantarnoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

They also hit six mechanised brigades, two motorised brigades, two assault brigades, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses in this direction during the week amounted to up to 1,655 troops, two tanks, 22 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers and one French-made VAB APC, 31 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, including two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers. Seven ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing into the depths of enemy defences and liberated Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Ukrainka, and Slavyanka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The Group inflicted losses on eight mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, two National Guard brigades, and the Lyut Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian armed formations sustained losses of more than 3,770 troops, six tanks, including three German-made Leopard tanks, 29 armoured fighting vehicles, including five M113 APCs, one Bradley IFV, and two U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured vehicles, one French-made VAB APC, and one Turkish-made Cobra II armoured vehicle. Twenty-seven motor vehicles and 45 field artillery guns, including three manufactured by Western countries, were eliminated.

The Vostok Group of Forces liberated Neskuchnoye (Donetsk People's Republic) as a result of intensive operations.

The Group inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, one air assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, three territorial defence brigades, and one National Guard brigade.

The enemy's losses amounted to more than 1,445 troops, four tanks, seven armoured fighting vehicles, including one HMMWV and one Stryker, 48 motor vehicles, and 18 field artillery guns, with five of them manufactured by NATO countries. Two ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, two coastal defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one National Guard brigade, and two territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 550 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 49 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, four electronic warfare stations, and five ammunition depots.

On 16 January 2025, Ukraine once again attempted to launch a missile strike against facilities in Belgorod region by six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles.

All the missiles were shot down by air defence systems. There were no casualties or destruction.

The Russian Defence Ministry will take measures to provide a retaliatory strike.

Over the past week, Russia's air defence system have shot down 12 U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, eight UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, seven French-made Hammer aerial guided bombs, 48 U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles, and 747 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

Over the past week, 49 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered on the line of contact.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 40,643 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,650 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,510 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,742 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,433 units of support military vehicles of the enemy 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.

?? Russian troops are in offensive in all directions. Despite the transfer of additional reserves, the enemy suffers heavy losses and retreats from the occupied areas.

A total of 63.2% (801 sq km) of the area originally occupied by the enemy (1,268 sq km) has been liberated in the Kursk region.

In two weeks of January, during the offensive operation, the Sever Group of Forces has liberated four settlements: Aleksandriya, Leonidovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kruglenkoye.

Servicemen of the 7th Guards Air Assault Division, the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, the 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade, the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, the 810th Separate Guards Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, as well as 1427th Motorised Rifle Regiment distinguished themselves in actions when liberating the settlements.

In addition, a counter-attack launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the direction of Berdin was repelled. The enemy resorted to the counter-attack to stop the Russian offensive in Kursk direction and get out of the blocking area.

The Akhmat units of the 42nd Guards Motorised Rifle Division together with the 106th Air Assault Division of the Airborne Troops inflicted significant losses on the enemy, after which the enemy abandoned further actions in this direction and was driven back to initial positions.

In January in Kursk direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine sustained losses of more than 5,600 troops and more than 570 units of military hardware, including 40 tanks, 213 infantry fighting vehicles and others, 91 artillery guns and mortars, and more than 210 motor vehicles.

Over 230 troops of the AFU have been neutralised in Kursk direction during the day. One tank, three armoured personnel carriers, to include two U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carriers, two armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and a mortar have been eliminated as well.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,450 troops, 304 tanks, 231 infantry fighting vehicles, 173 armoured personnel carriers, 1,562 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,493 motor vehicles, 371 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, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 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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Chinese FM urges US to stop wrongdoing after cyberattacks revealed targeting Chinese tech firms

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 17, 2025 04:15 PM

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated during Friday's press briefing that the CNCERT reports that revealed two cyberattacks against Chinese tech companies once again expose the US government's cyberattacks against China, including the theft of commercial and intellectual property.

Guo expressed serious concern over these revelations and urged the US to immediately cease such malicious activities. He emphasized that China will take necessary measures to safeguard cybersecurity and interests.

The National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team Center of China (known as CNCERT) released two investigative reports on Friday exposing two recent cyberattacks by US intelligence agencies targeting major Chinese technology firms to steal trade secrets.

"Cyberspace is closely linked to national security and economic prosperity of all countries," Guo said. He called on the US to reflect on its actions, halt political smear campaigns, and adhere to the same international rules it expects others to follow. Guo further stressed that, with a responsible attitude, the US should work with the international community to jointly maintain peace and security in cyberspace.

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First ADF Regional Presence Deployment for 2025

Issued by Defence Media

17 January 2025

Today's departure of HMAS Hobart from Darwin reaffirms the Australian Defence Force's long-standing regional deployment program and Australia's commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.

Regional Presence Deployments (RPDs) involve maritime and air military visits and participation in a range of exercises and international engagement activities within the Indo-Pacific region.

These deployments demonstrate Australia's commitment and ability to maintain a near continuous presence in the region, supporting regional security and stability.

HMAS Hobart's crew of around 230 personnel including an embarked MH-60R Romeo Seahawk departed its homeport of Sydney on 6 January for a six-week deployment through Southeast Asia.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, said RPDs continue the long history of successful maritime and air deployments contributing to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific region.

"Regional Presence Deployments demonstrate Australia's ongoing commitment to supporting regional security and stability, and promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," VADM Jones said.

"These deployments also provide the opportunity to engage with our partner nations at sea and in the air to enhance interoperability."

The first maritime Regional Presence Deployment for 2025 will include participation in Exercise LA PEROUSE 25, a biennial multilateral exercise led by France, and drawing together a range of partner nations.

Commanding Officer HMAS Hobart, Commander Alisha Withers said the crew have been working hard to ensure they are ready and mission capable.

"All of the crew are looking forward to representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific region and I thank their families for their ongoing support," she said.

Commissioned in 2017, HMAS Hobart is the lead vessel of the three-ship Hobart Class and equipped with the advanced Aegis combat system, SPY-1D radar arrays, an MH-60R Romeo Seahawk combat helicopter, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and SM-2 and ESSM surface-to-air missiles.

This RPD will conclude in late February.

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Blinken Says Upcoming Election In Belarus Cannot Be Credible In Current 'Repressive Environment'

By RFE/RL January 17, 2025

The presidential election in Belarus later this month cannot be free or fair because of a "repressive environment" in the country, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on January 17 in a statement.

"The United States joins many of our European allies in assessing that elections cannot be credible in an environment where censorship is ubiquitous and independent media outlets no longer exist," Blinken said.

The presidential election is scheduled to take place on January 26, and authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has run the country since 1994, is expected to win.

The election will take place in an environment in which only regime-approved candidates can appear on the ballot and members of the opposition are either imprisoned or in exile, Blinken said.

The United States condemns the regime's attempts to "legitimize an election that cannot be free or fair," he added.

The State Department issued the statement after Belarusian state broadcaster ONT aired the fourth part in a series of a propaganda films called Svaboda Slova (Freedom of Speech) that featured interviews with jailed RFE/RL's journalists.

The statement did not mention the film series but quoted Blinken as saying the regime's "systematic efforts to silence any dissent have determined the outcome of the election long before any ballots are cast, depriving the Belarusian people of the opportunity to choose their own leaders and determine their own future."

The outgoing top U.S. diplomat also noted the regime's failure to issue a timely invitation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to observe the election "underscores its disregard for a transparent electoral process, as well as for its obligations as an OSCE participating state."

The regime's tactics to stifle the opposition "make it clear that the Lukashenka regime fears its own people," showing that the bravery of Belarusians inside and outside the country is "having an effect," Blinken added.

The United States recognizes the "extraordinary perseverance" of Belarusian individuals and civil society organizations working to hold the regime accountable, he said.

Washington also continues to advocate for the nearly 1,300 political prisoners who remain behind bars in Belarus and stands with the Belarusian people as they demand transparency, democracy, and freedom.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-blinken- election-lukashenka-repressive-environment/33279722.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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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

January 17, 2025

Greater Toronto Area, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.

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 noted the importance of G7 unity in the current geopolitical context, and they underscored the importance of protecting democratic processes, combatting disinformation, respecting sovereignty, and upholding and respecting the rule of law.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor exchanged views on ongoing global crises. They reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine against Russia's ongoing war of aggression and their support for Ukraine's efforts toward a just and lasting peace. The leaders emphasized that they stand behind the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas and encouraged all parties to engage constructively to ensure its full implementation. They also discussed the situation in Syria and noted their support for an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Scholz reflected on the excellent bilateral relationship between Canada and Germany. They agreed to remain in close contact.

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A Vietnamese debt collection gang brutally tortured a gambler, tied his body, and dumped it into a Cambodian river as part of a violent debt recovery scheme.

The Criminal Investigation Department (C02) of the Ministry of Public Security announced Saturday that it had initiated a case and detained Ngo Phi Long, 31; Nguyen Hoang Long, 36; Nguyen Van Tuan, 36; Le Van Chung, 28; and Nguyen Van Phuong on charges of murder, robbery, and illegal detention. Additionally, Nguyen Manh Hai, 34, and Tran Ngoc Binh were arrested for robbery and illegal detention.

The suspects, from Hanoi, currently reside in Binh Duong Province and other southern areas.

On Dec. 2, 2024, authorities in Cambodia's Svay Rieng Province discovered the body of Hoan, a 42-year-old Hanoi native, in a river. His hands and feet were bound, and his death was linked to a Vietnamese gang involved in high-interest loans for gamblers in Cambodian casinos.

Investigators found that the gang, led by Long, lent money to Vietnamese gamblers, trapping them in debt and threatening them or their families with torture or death if repayments were not made.

The gang's operations

In April 2023, Long established an illegal credit operation in Cambodian casinos, lending VND50 million (US$1,973) to VND200 million for three-day terms with a 10% upfront fee.

The group monitored borrowers closely, forcing them to gamble at specific locations and taking 15% of winnings.

When gamblers lost all their money, they were detained, threatened, and coerced into calling their families for repayment.

Ngo Phi Long when being arrested. Photo courtesy of the police

The victim's ordeal

On Nov. 29, 2024, Hoan and his wife traveled to a casino near Vietnam's Long An Province in Cambodia. After losing all their money, Hoan borrowed VND100 million from the gang and was taken to another casino, where he incurred an additional VND200 million debt.

Detained in a rented room managed by a Chinese accomplice, Hoan was forced to call his wife and relatives to demand repayment, while the gang issued threats.

When Hoan attempted to escape on Dec. 1 but was later captured by guards in the area.

This resulted in a find of US$5,000 for Longs group for causing a disturbance. Those managing the area also banned his group from keeping Hoan in detention.

Long decided to hand Hoan over to Nguyen Manh Hais group for further extortion.

While being transported, Hoan struggled and screamed. The gang beat him, gagged him, bound his hands and feet, and Long personally stabbed him multiple times, leaving the car soaked in blood. Hoan died shortly afterward.

Long and his accomplices drove Hoan's body to the Thomo border gate and dumped it into a river in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province. They discarded the blood-soaked blanket and the murder weapon along the roadside.

By early Dec. 2, Longs group fled to Binh Duong, where Long ordered them to delete their Telegram group, turn off their phones, and provided money for their escape.

The victims wife reported the case to authorities on Dec. 25, leading to the gangs arrests.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Council on Canada-U.S. Relations

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

January 17, 2025

Toronto, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the first meeting of the newly established Council on Canada-U.S. Relations. The Council, which comprises leaders in business, innovation, and policy, will provide advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on issues related to Canada-U.S. relations, including the threat of tariffs.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and Council members highlighted the strong and successful relationship between Canada and the U.S. Our two countries are steadfast allies and partners, with the world's most comprehensive trading partnership, which supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border.

Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the importance of building on this relationship and highlighted the economic benefits for the two countries. He also reiterated the harm that the proposed U.S. tariffs would have on both Canadian and American consumers and businesses. Council members reinforced the potential economic and social impacts these tariffs could have and discussed options to minimize their effect.

The Prime Minister outlined the full range of possible measures being considered by the federal government to ensure a robust response and protect Canadians. He highlighted the Team Canada efforts underway with provinces and territories to strengthen Canada's relationship with the U.S. and protect Canadian investment and jobs. Prime Minister Trudeau also highlighted the actions Canada has undertaken to strengthen border security and immigration, as part of the recently announced $1.3 billion border action plan. Council members shared their perspectives and offered advice to support the government's ongoing work on Canada-U.S. relations.

The Prime Minister expressed his thanks to Council members for their participation and support for this important work, and looked forward to their next meeting.

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President Xi Jinping Speaks with U.S. President-Elect Donald J. Trump on the Phone

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 17, 2025 23:13

On the evening of January 17, President Xi Jinping took a phone call from U.S. President-Elect Donald J. Trump.

President Xi congratulated Trump on his reelection as President of the United States. President Xi noted that they both attach great importance to their interactions, and both hope for a good start of the China-U.S. relationship during the new U.S. presidency. President Xi expressed his readiness to secure greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point.

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 to their people. Given the extensive common interests and broad space of cooperation between the two countries, China and the United States can become partners and friends, contribute to each other's success, and advance shared prosperity for the good of the two countries and the whole world.

President Xi pointed out that it is natural for two big countries with different national conditions to have some disagreements. The important thing is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and find a proper solution. The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The U.S. side needs to approach it with prudence. The bilateral economic ties are essentially mutually beneficial and win-win. Confrontation and conflict should not be an option for the two countries. 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 benefit the two countries and the world, and keep the two giant ships of China and the United States sailing forward along the route of steady, sound and sustainable development.

President-Elect Trump thanked President Xi for the congratulations, and said he values his great relations with President Xi. He hoped they would keep talking to each other, and looked forward to meeting with President Xi soon. As the most important countries in the world, the United States and China should get along well for years and beyond and work together for world peace.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other major international and regional issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders agreed to set up a channel of strategic communication to keep in regular touch on major issues of shared interest.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 17, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 17, 2025 19:55

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 China's 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: It's reported that many outcomes have been reached during Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's 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 Dissanayake's 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, people's livelihood, and news and broadcasting, among others. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National People's 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 Dissanayake's 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 Hossain's official visit to China, what's China's 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: I'm 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 Xuexiang's visits to Switzerland and the Netherlands? What's China's 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 Jinping's 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 China's 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 China's Ministry of Commerce has responded to that. Let me stress that the Biden administration's 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 China's 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 Serbia's 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 people's life and property, and never allow criminals to go unpunished.

I'd 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. What's 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 it's 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.

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Trump holds phone call with Xi Jinping ahead of inauguration

By William Yang January 17, 2025

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 Trump's 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 President's 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 state's 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 Trump's inauguration ceremony is the best option, and it shows Beijing's goodwill to President-elect Trump," he told VOA by phone.

While Beijing tries to respond positively to Trump's invitation, other experts say Han's attendance will remain largely ceremonial.

"I don't expect anything concrete out of Han's 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 Han's attendance at the inauguration, Zhu said Beijing's 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.

Trump's 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 don't 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 Rubio's 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 don't think they will override Trump's 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 Trump's first term so it looks like they want to start afresh this time," he said.

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Transcript of Special briefing by Secretary (East) on State visit of the President of Singapore to India (January 17, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

January 17, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to a special briefing on the ongoing State visit of the President of Singapore. We have with us Secretary East, Shri Jaideep Mazumdar to brief us on this State visit. We are also joined by Shri Ashish Sinha, who is Joint Secretary looking after South, looking after Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia. With that, I invite Secretary Sir to make his remarks. Sir, over to you.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Thank you, Randhir and good afternoon to you all. As you all know, the President of Singapore, His Excellency Shri Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on a four-day visit, 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 the 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, Shri Narendra Modi had invited him to deliver the inaugural address, NITI Aayog speech on transforming India, where the entire Cabinet and the Senior Bureaucracy of India was present. Over the years, he has been to India many times. In a way, this was a culmination of his association with India and that too on the 60th year of our diplomatic relations. The President is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Jane Ittogi , 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 recognized Singapore, a fact that is acknowledged very much by the Singaporean leadership.

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.

This was followed in the evening by talks between the President, Shrimati 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 Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, the Honorable President of India. Today, the President and his delegation are travelling to Odisha. This is a significant visit. He is 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 the Prime Minister had encouraged him to do so. It fits in with our Prime Minister's 'Purvodaya' thrust 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.

The visit takes off from where Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi'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 and the various areas of cooperation that were 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 roundtables, both the first and the second and the results of this particular visit will see the actualization of those.

So I will stop here and if you have any questions, I would be happy to respond to them.

Manash Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: Sir this is Manash Pratim Bhuyan from PTI, Press Trust of India. Yesterday in his media remarks, the Singaporean President talked about the possibility of establishing an energy corridor between India and Singapore. And he also talked about a corridor between Gift City in Gujarat and Singapore for safe data transfer between the two sides. So would you like to elaborate on that?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): So there is already some work going on in terms of the energy corridor, which is basically a green energy corridor, a green hydrogen corridor between India and Singapore. Along the eastern part of India, one in from Tuticorin and the other that is being identified is from Paradeep in Odisha. So you will see an agreement also, an MOU also being signed during this particular visit on that.

The data corridor is also an important area between Gujarat, Gift City and Singapore, which is also being discussed. No MOUs during this visit on that, but this is also an important area which bilaterally we are discussing.

Sidhant Sibal: Sidhant from WION, Sir, Yesterday it said that the statement at Rastrapati Bhavan, the Singaporean President also talked about MROs and cooperation on that front. So, if you can talk about how India and Singapore are working together and how important it can be when it comes to our defense needs?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): So maintenance, repair and overhaul especially of aircraft is something that is gaining great importance for us because as you know we have nearly 1,500 aircraft on order by different airlines, some of the biggest orders in the world for aircraft anywhere. And over the years we will see that there is not only tremendous amount of employment that can be generated and value addition made, but India could really become a hub for MRO for others as well. Also Singapore is itself a very strong MRO center, but they do have their own limitations in terms of area, in land area, in terms of manpower, resources. So they too are looking to work with us and we are looking to work with them. As President Shanmugaratnam himself said, two of the foremost MRO players in the world today are based in Singapore and they would like to partner with us in developing our MRO sector. So that is certainly a very important area in which we wish to cooperate with Singapore.

Niraj, News18 India: Sir, semiconductor ke baare mei aapne jikr kiya, usmei kis tarah ka samjhauta hoga aur kya scope Singapore mei hum log dekhte hain ya Singapore Bharat mei dekhta hain?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, you mentioned semiconductors; what kind of agreement will be made in this regard, and what scope does Singapore see in India, or does India see in Singapore?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Toh jaise aap jante hain Pradhanmantri ji jab gaye the Singapore daure par, September 2024 mei, toh us samay ek semiconductor Complex visit kiya tha, AEM Semiconductor complex mei, aur wahan Singapore ke Pradhanmantri bhi unke sath gaye the. Iska ek signal banta hain ki Singapore ka semiconductor industry India ko ek partner ke hisab se dekhte hain. Aur hum bhi hamara jo semiconductor ecosystem hain woh ek bahot complex ecosystem hota hain, toh kafi usmei develop karne ke liye hamari ieecha hain, toh Singapore ek appropriate partner banta hain and Singapore is also interested in working with us in that. So ek toh woh hain, aur dusra hain skill development. Toh is area mei aap dekhenge kuch samjhautein honge Odisha mei iske bare mei on skill development in the semiconductor area. So these are some of the important areas in semiconductor industry which we are looking to cooperate with Singapore.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] As you know, when the Prime Minister visited Singapore in September 2024, he visited the AEM Semiconductor Complex, accompanied by Singapore's Prime Minister. This signals that Singapore's semiconductor industry views India as a potential partner. Similarly, we also aspire to develop our semiconductor ecosystem, which is quite complex, and Singapore is an appropriate partner for this. Singapore is also interested in collaborating with us on this.

One aspect of this partnership is skill development. In this area, you will see some agreements being made, particularly in Odisha, focusing on skill development in the semiconductor sector.

Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Stalin visited Singapore with a delegation and they signed couple of MoUs. Is there something on the diaspora and Tamil Nadu front, please?

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): On that, on the diaspora front, I am afraid I can't speak on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government what their objectives are., if you see, a number of States have been reaching out to Singapore and Singapore has also been very forthcoming. There is Tamil Nadu of course. We will soon have a delegation from Assam Government as well, Rajasthan Government before their business event had also sent a delegation and Telangana also of course. So a number of States are partnering with Singapore in different areas. So this is also something that we encourage for States to do.

Jugal Purohit, BBC: Sir this is Jugal from BBC. Sir since you mentioned that the discussion between India and Singapore also covered the ASEAN nations as a whole, just wanted to understand if there was any discussion around the circumstances of the situation in Myanmar and whether India and Singapore have some kind of a common understanding on how to deal with the circumstances there.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): As you know, we work very closely with ASEAN countries in our general neighborhood and of course since Myanmar is both India's neighbor and also an ASEAN member and also a member of BIMSTEC, so it is of particular significance and importance for us. So it is natural that we do discuss such countries, such issues and apart from Myanmar also there were other issues that were also discussed during the visit. Yes, I can that there was discussion about it, mainly around the ASEAN five point consensus that the ASEAN countries have and how that is progressing in regard to Myanmar.

Abhishek Jha: Hi sir, this is Abhishek Jha. I am Independent journalist. My question is regarding the President's mentioning of maintenance, repair of aerospace work. So if you could throw some light whether these issues were discussed and what kind of collaboration India and Singapore can have on this MOR sector.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): I think your question is the same as was asked earlier on MROs which I have already responded. So is there anything further on that that you wish to know? I had said that yes this is an area where both India and Singapore are very interested in working together.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that we come to the close of this special briefing. Thank you very much for your presence.

Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East): Thank you.

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Pezeshkian: Comprehensive cooperation agreement document will open new chapter in Iran-Russian ties

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia will open a new chapter in the relations between the two countries in all fields, especially economic sectors.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin after signing the agreement in Moscow on Friday, Pezeshkian said that the document, which is aligned with the interests of the two nations, will pave the way for future cooperation.

The two countries are determined to remove the obstacles related to tariffs, banking, investment guarantees, and the facilitation of business activities and visa issuance, he added.

The agreement emphasizes increasing exchanges through the capacities in the Eurasian Economic Union, he added.

Enhancing cooperation in combating extremism, terrorism and organized violence is also a key focus of the agreement, he noted.

Pezeshkian described Russia as an important global player with a privileged position in the framework of Iran's neighborhood policy.

He mentioned that he had reviewed obstacles to the implementation of the agreements and discussed solutions.

He also highlighted the importance of increasing trade exchanges, leveraging the capacities of the two countries, as well as Iran's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Expanding regional relations through joint membership in important organizations such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS will deepen regional integration and yield mutual benefits, he asserted.

Pezeshkian reiterated that war is not a viable solution to conflicts and said that Iran welcomes negotiations of peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Iran firmly believes that Western countries should respect the security concerns of other countries and avoid imposing their excessive demands on others, he added.

Iran and Russia emphasize the importance of establishing a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and ending the Israeli regime's aggression on Syrian territory, he said, expressing hope that a definitive ceasefire will be established in Gaza and the aggression on this land will end, he stated.

Meanwhile, President Putin said that Tehran and Moscow coordinate on the international level, especially the issues that are of mutual interest, such as the Middle East and the Caucasus.

Russia attaches importance to developing trade relations with Iran with a population of 85 million people, he noted.

Referring to the implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union in the near future, he said that Iran has developed its cooperation with the Eurasian Union, which is a very important issue.

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Pres. Pezeshkian: Iran-Russia ties can neutralize excessive demands of US, West

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the potential for Iran and Russia to engage in extensive cooperation across sectors such as infrastructure, education and trade, which can counteract the sanctions and excessive demands of the United States and Western countries.

During a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on Friday, Pezeshkian underscored the Iranian government's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Pezeshkian described signing the agreement between the two countries as a new chapter in the relations.

He referred to the upcoming summit of the Caspian Sea states and expressed hope for fruitful negotiations on the sidelines of event.

He also praised various opportunities for collaboration between Iran and Russia.

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Iran, Russia sign joint comprehensive strategic agreement

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have signed the joint comprehensive strategic agreement in a ceremony in the Kremlin Palace.

The agreement, consisting of 47 clauses, was signed by Pezeshkian and Putin during the Iranian president's official visit to Moscow on Friday.

The document, according to the presidents of the two countries, will open new opportunities for cooperation, especially economic relations between Tehran and Moscow.

Tehran and Moscow emphasized their determination to expand bilateral cooperation in the form of a new document.

The two presidents will answer the questions from reporters at the end of this meeting.

The reason for the authorities of Tehran and Moscow to prioritize the signing of this treaty is that the previous agreement no longer accommodated the growing volume of relations between the two countries in various dimensions,

Iran and Russia, which share common and close views in many ways from international and regional issues, including confronting US hegemony, have outlined a roadmap for their cooperation at different levels.

According to diplomatic sources, this document covers all aspects of bilateral relations; including political ones.

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Iran urges Russia to play greater role in forcing Israel to fulfill its commitments

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has urged Russia to play a greater role in forcing Israel to fulfill its commitments and ending violence.

Referring to President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Russia, he told Russian media RIA Novosti that the developments in Syria and Gaza will be one of the main topics of the discussion in Moscow.

The presidents of Iran and Russia are likely to discuss the latest developments related to Iran's nuclear issue, he added.

They will also exchange views on the importance of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), whose importance is increasing day by day.

These two bodies are effective in neutralizing Western sanctions, he stressed.

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Putin: Iran-Russia comprehensive agreement expands economic ties

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that the joint comprehensive strategic agreement between Russia and Iran will help expand bilateral economic cooperation and will give "us the opportunity" to diversify relations in all fields.

Speaking in a meeting with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, Putin hailed the comprehensive agreement between the two countries, saying that signing of this document will pave the way for diversifying all aspects of bilateral relations.

We witnessed a growth of more than 15% in bilateral exchanges during the 10 months of 2024, he added.

He wished the best for the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, saying: What is happening with regard to the two countries' relations is under Iranian Leader's control.

He referred to the plans for developing the nuclear power plant, the energy field, and the increase in transportation as manifestations of mutual cooperation.

Expressing satisfaction with the expansion of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Iran, he said that tourism exchanges have increased to 21%.

Pezeshkian, heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, arrived in Moscow on Friday morning to meet his Russian counterpart and sign a significant agreement.

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Grab ties up with BYD to expand EV fleet in Southeast Asia

A Grab taxi drives on a street in Hanoi, Vietnam on Oct. 29, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Kham

Grab Holdings plans to deploy 50,000 electric cars made by China's BYD across Southeast Asia as part of its efforts to boost the number of EVs on the roads.

The partnership would provide Grab drivers and fleet partners with access to BYD vehicles at "the most competitive rates," Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia quoted the companies announcement as saying.

Drivers can either rent the EVs from owners, also known as fleet partners, or access financing support through Grabs car ownership schemes. Extended battery warranties will also be included as part of the deal.

The collaboration will be rolled out in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Grab operates in eight countries, the other two being Cambodia and Myanmar.

"This collaboration enables us to drive the transition to EVs forward by lowering the financial barriers that are often associated with EVs," Chuk Kim, managing director of group business development at Grab, said. "And, in the long run deliver economic benefits to our driver-partners which may include fuel cost savings."

The Grab app will come pre-installed in the head unit of BYD vehicles, allowing drivers to access bookings, maps and chats on a larger screen. Integrated sensor data, including wiper signals and travel speed, will help Grab infer weather and traffic conditions, guiding drivers to high-demand areas.

"BYD, as the world's leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, will best integrate our technology with Grab's," Liu Xueliang, general manager of the Chinese companys Asia-Pacific auto sales division, said.

"We look forward to working with them to deliver a unique and unparalleled experience for their drivers and users."

Southeast Asias ride-hailing industry is shifting toward greener mobility. Grab has pledged to fully convert its Singapore fleet to low-emission vehicles by 2030, targeting carbon neutrality by 2040.

In Indonesia, Gojek plans to transition its two-wheeler fleet to electric bikes by 2030.

Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroups Green and Smart Mobility launched electric taxis in Jakarta last year after debuting in Vietnam and Laos.
Pres. Pezeshkian: Iran-Russia ties critical, strategic

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the relations between Iran and Russia are sensitive, critical, and strategic.

President Pezeshkian, who is in Moscow to sign an important agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, made the remarks on Friday in a meeting with President Putin.

President Pezeshkian and President Putin met in Moscow on Friday to sign a Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, President Pezeshkian stated that the view of Iran's Leader and his advice is that the region should be managed and administered by regional governments and that there is no need for outsiders to come and disrupt the region and impose their policies.

Pezeshkian expressed confidence that the relations and cooperation between Iran and Russia would thwart outsiders' plans.

Conveying the special greetings of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to President Putin, Pezeshkian emphasized the Leader's view on deepening and strengthening Tehran-Moscow relations. He noted that the relations between Iran and Russia, both regionally and bilaterally, are steadily improving and progressing in all areas.

Referring to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two countries, Pezeshkian said that with the signing of the treaty, the two neighboring countries can strengthen their ties in all security, cultural, and commercial fields.

The President hailed the progress of the agreement between the two countries for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Iran as satisfactory and added that a new agreement in this regard has also been signed and will enter the operational phase.

For his part, President Putin stated that the comprehensive agreement between Moscow and Tehran would help expand bilateral economic cooperation and allow them to diversify relations in all dimensions.

In another part of his speech, Putin mentioned that the speed of increasing trade exchanges between the two countries is acceptable and added that in the first 10 months of 2024, there was more than a 15% growth in bilateral trade.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, including trade, investment, transport, logistics, the humanitarian sphere, and current issues of regional and international importance.

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Iran pursues construction of two more units in Bushehr nuclear plant: AEOI chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 17, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami said that the construction of the second and third units of Bushehr nuclear power plant (NPP) in Bushehr province, southern Iran, is presently in progress, and "we can say that it is in the best operational condition".

In an exclusive interview with IRNA on Friday, Eslami said that the signing of Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation will open new opportunities to broaden cooperation between the two countries in all aspects.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Russia and holding talks with Russian officials will help to develop bilateral relations and establish the necessary foundations for the expansion of cooperation, he added.

President Pezeshkian left Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, for Moscow, Russia, in the second leg of his official visit.

Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Moscow on later today to sign a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two sides will discuss expanding cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, including in trade, investment, transport, logistics, humanitarian sphere, and current issues on the regional and international agenda.

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Talks with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian

Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who had arrived in Russia on an official visit.

January 17, 2025

17:20

The Kremlin, Moscow

The Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister, Special Presidential Representative for the Development of the International North-South Transport Corridor Vitaly Savelyev, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Russia's Ambassador to Iran Alexei Dedov, and Energy Minister, Co-Chair of the Permanent Russian-Iranian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Sergei Tsivilev.

Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran.

After the talks, the two presidents gave a joint press conference.

* * *

Beginning of conversation with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

We are delighted to see you in Moscow. Welcome.

Your today's visit is of particular importance, because we will not only discuss all areas of our cooperation but also sign a major treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran.

We have been working on it for a long time, and I am very pleased that this effort is now complete. This is important, as it will provide an additional boost to almost all areas of our cooperation.

I am confident that this will also contribute to the further development of trade and economic ties, although I find the current pace overall acceptable. Trade growth over the first ten months of last year was 15.5 percent, which is a good indicator.

We continue our large projects, including those in nuclear energy. There are also other emerging projects in the energy sector and good prospects in logistics.

Mr President, I am also pleased to highlight our cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. Tourist exchanges are growing, with an increase of about 21 percent. Transport communications are developing, and there is noticeable progress between the Ministries of Culture. This June, we will hold the Days of Russian Culture in Iran. We are looking forward to it and preparing.

Of course, our consultations on the international agenda are in great demand, both in the world as a whole, and in the region.

Mr President, we are delighted to see you.

Please pass my best regards to Spiritual Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. We know that everything done on the Russian-Iranian track is under his personal control, and we are grateful for this.

Welcome.

President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian (retranslated): Good afternoon, Mr President, colleagues,

I would like to say how happy I am that you have found time for our conversation today.

I have to say that earlier today, ahead of my visit, I spoke with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, and he emphasised how important it is to develop comprehensive relations with Russia.

As you rightly noted, we cooperate not only in the region, but also on the international arena, as well as bilaterally. The development of trade is also something we are very pleased about.

I am confident that the signing of our major treaty today, which encompasses all areas of activity between the two countries, including culture, economy and humanitarian relations, will provide a great boost to the development of bilateral relations and serve as a solid foundation for further progress.

Ahead of my visit to Moscow, we also reviewed a number of agreements between our countries; there were minor errors and delays, which we tried to correct. I am pleased to announce that our colleagues, ministers and experts, are discussing all the issues that are still on the agenda. I am confident that today they will reach an agreement on how to progress on these issues. Our agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant are very good news. I believe that today they will be able to finalise our agreements in this area.

In fact, I have made every effort to ensure that all the problems on our side have been addressed by today.

We believe that our bilateral relations with the Russian Federation are strategically important and comprehensive. We will continue our robust conversation and our dialogue with you.

Our Supreme Leader, along with all of us, believes that all regional problems must be resolved through agreements among regional parties. We think that the presence of external forces in our region can only exacerbate and destabilise the situation. Of course, our cooperation will shed light on all the problems in our region.

<...>

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Leader favors expansion of interaction between Iran, Russia: Pezeshkian

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 7:35 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei favors the expansion of interaction between the country and Russia.

The chief executive made the remarks, attending a meeting of Russian economic activists in Moscow on Friday.

Earlier in the day, he and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement for long-term cooperation between the countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing event, Pezeshkian said the agreement would open a new chapter in relations between the two nations in all arenas, notably in the economic sector.

"This document, which has been drawn up based on the two countries' interests, can chart the path of cooperation between Iran and Russia with a bright horizon," he added.

Pezeshkian emphasized the imperative nature of the operationalization of the deal, hailing it for heralding "a new chapter in the countries' relations."

The president also predicted that the relations would expand even further during the upcoming Caspian Sea summit.

Putin approved a proposal forwarded by the country's foreign ministry for signing the agreement last September through a decree.

The decree stated that signing such an agreement would be "expedient," without specifying the timing of its expected conclusion.

The development came a day after Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited the Iranian capital Tehran, to meet with senior Iranian officials, including Pezeshkian.

Meeting with the chief executive, Shoigu emphasized that Putin had asked him to convey the message to the Iranian officials that Russia's position on cooperation with Iran on regional issues had not changed.

Pezeshkian, meanwhile, assured the Russian security chief that the Russo-Iranian relations would continue to expand along a permanent and lasting path. He asserted that boosting cooperation between the countries would undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions and unjust actions that had been imposed on both nations.

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Iran-Russia cooperation can thwart US, West extremism, sanctions: President Pezeshkian

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 2:30 PM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the expansion of relations with Russia in various fields can thwart the "sanctions and excessive demands" of the United States and Western countries.

In a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on Friday, Pezeshkian said Iran and Russia enjoy various capacities to boost cooperation.

"Iran and Russia can have extensive cooperation in the fields of roads, education, trade, and other areas, and this cooperation can neutralize the sanctions and extremism of the United States and Western countries," he said.

He said Tehran is determined to expand relations with Moscow, emphasizing that the signing of a long-awaited comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two sides will open a "new chapter" in mutual ties.

The Iranian president and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are expected to sign the agreement in Moscow later in the day. The two presidents held talks earlier on Friday.

The new 20-year agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and Russia covers the sectors of economy, transportation, energy, health, and agriculture.

The agreement also covers Tehran-Moscow cooperation in the face of common challenges, including natural disasters, organized crimes, and terrorism.

Iran and Russia are both subject to illegal Western sanctions. They have over the past years deepened their cooperation in various sectors.

The Russian prime minister, for his part, highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership cooperation and said the two countries are expanding relations in a host of fields.

Referring to the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Rasht-Astara railway section under the North-South international transport corridor project, Mishustin expressed hope that the project will be completed as scheduled.

The 162-kilometer Rasht-Astara railway is a strategic transport corridor that will connect the Iranian city of Rasht, near the Caspian Sea, to Astara on the border with Azerbaijan.

The project, which is aimed at integrating the transport and information routes of Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and India, is carried out within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Mishustin expressed his country's readiness to export gas to Iran and noted that talks have been held with the Iranian oil minister in this regard.

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Iran, Russia sign comprehensive strategic partnership agreement

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 2:27 PM

The presidents of Iran and Russia have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement for long-term cooperation.

The agreement was signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday.

Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing event, Pezeshkian said the agreement will open a new chapter in relations between the two countries in all arenas, notably in the economic sector.

"This document, which has been drawn up based on the two countries' interests, can chart the path of cooperation between Iran and Russia with a bright horizon," he added.

He said both Tehran and Moscow are determined to remove obstacles to customs tariffs, banking, investment guarantees, facilitation of meetings among traders and visa issues.

The Iranian president noted that the document includes increasing the level of exchanges by utilizing the capacities and capabilities within the Eurasian Economic Union.

It also emphasized the importance of improving bilateral cooperation on issues such as the fight against extremism, terrorism and organized violence, he added.

He expressed hope that Iran and Russia will strengthen bonds to serve mutual interests and open a new chapter in strategic cooperation.

Pezeshkian said Russia is an important country in the world which has a privileged status in the Islamic Republic policy of neighborliness.

He noted that he held "positive" talks in Moscow on regional and international cooperation, including the developments in the West Asia region, the Caucasus and peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Given the two countries' membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group of emerging economies, the development of mutual relations will have a leading impact on strengthening regional convergence and serving common interests, the Iranian president stated.

Pezeshkian reiterated that war is not a proper solution to issues and said Tehran welcomes the establishment of peace between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations.

"We firmly believe that Western countries should respect the security concerns of other countries and avoid imposing their own excessive demands on others."

He said he exchanged views with Putin on the Israeli regime's military aggression against Lebanon and Syria.

"Both countries emphasize the need to establish a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and put an end to this regime's aggression against the Syrian territory."

Iran and Russia hope that a final ceasefire will be established in Gaza to end the war in the Strip, Pezeshkian added.

Iran-Russia intelligence cooperation in accordance with international law: Putin

The Russian president said Tehran and Moscow heed the developments in Ukraine and have intelligence cooperation in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

Putin said the two sides have very close stance on the developments in West Asia and the Caucasus which will be beneficial to all countries.

Iran and Russia do not interfere in the internal affairs of the countries and stand against illegal sanctions against them, he emphasized.

The Russian president placed a premium on the expansion of trade ties with Iran and noted that in talks with Pezeshkian, the two sides discussed ways to increase trade exchanges.

Putin expressed hope that a ceasefire in Gaza would lead to a "long-term stabilization" and called for efforts to secure a "comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict".

The Russian president also said that both his country and Iran are resolutely opposed to external pressure from abroad and attach importance to the establishment of peace and security in the Caucasus.

He voiced his country's support for the settlement of issues in Syria based on its territorial integrity.

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Iran, Russia steadfast in 'sensitive, strategic' ties: President Pezeshkian

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 1:15 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran and Russia stand steadfast in mutual "sensitive, pivotal and strategic" relations.

Pezeshkian made the remark in a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday ahead of a ceremony to sign a long-awaited comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

"Iran and Russia are strengthening relations on a daily basis in bilateral, regional and international aspects as well as in the economic and trade sectors," he said.

The president added that the comprehensive agreement can help the two countries improve relations in all economic, cultural, trade, security and communications areas.

Pointing to Iran's efforts to remove the obstacles in the way of "full and faster" implementation of all previous agreements with Russia, Pezeshkian noted that the two countries' experts and officials have held negotiations in this regard which would be finalized during the talks in Moscow.

He said that Tehran and Moscow signed new agreements on the construction of a new power plant in Iran.

Pezeshkian said that Iran believes that regional issues should be resolved by the countries in the region.

"There is no need for others from the other side of the world to come here and disrupt the region and implement their own policies," the Iranian president emphasized.

He said that the development of Tehran-Moscow relations will thwart their plans.

The new 20-year agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and Russia covers economic, transportation, energy, health, and agricultural areas, in addition to Tehran-Moscow cooperation to deal with common challenges, reduce the consequences of natural disasters, combat organized crimes, fight terrorism, and make joint investments.

Iran and Russia are both subject to illegal Western sanctions. They have over the past years deepened their cooperation in various sectors.

Iranian president's visit to Moscow of particular importance: Putin

During the meeting, Putin said the current visit by the Iranian president and his accompanying delegation to Moscow is of special significance as the two sides are determined to discuss bilateral cooperation in various fields and sign the strategic partnership deal.

He hailed growing relations between the two countries, explaining that they succeeded in increasing the volume of trade exchanges by more than 15 percent over the past 10 months.

The Russian president said the strategic deal will certainly help the two countries accelerate the development of relations in all aspects.

Based on the treaty, the two countries will cooperate in important and large-scale joint projects, including the development of nuclear power plants and the energy sector, he added.

He said both sides would also enhance cooperation in the areas of tourism, transportation and culture.

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Iranian coast guards conduct maritime exercise in Sea of Oman

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 10:51 AM

Iranian coast guards have held a maritime exercise in the country's southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province along the shores of the Sea of Oman.

The drill, codenamed "Mohammad Rasulullah 3" (Prophet Mohammad 3), kicked off during a ceremony off the coast of the strategic port of Chabahar on Friday, with Iran's police chief Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Radan and several provincial military and police commanders in attendance.

The naval drill started with the motto of "empathy and authority for security." Naval units from Sistan and Baluchestan province as well as private vessels paraded in the event.

The exercise aims to maintain the operational readiness of coast guards, enhance their combat capabilities, and establish cooperation and coordination among marine units, coastal patrol teams and various border guard forces.

"Through powerful measures and timely operations, the armed forces have kept enemies at bay and denied them the chance of launching an act of aggression on the sacred soil and waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Radan said while addressing the event.

Iran's police chief also honored the families of several martyred coast guards with appreciation plaques and gifts.

Iranian military forces hold routine exercises according to a detailed schedule in various parts of the country in order to test their weaponry and equipment and evaluate their combat preparedness.

Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

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Iran president arrives in Russia to sign partnership pact

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 8:05 AM

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Russia on the second leg of his two-nation visit that also took him to Tajikistan.

On Friday morning, he left Tajikistan's capital of Dushanbe, where he held talks with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon, on bilateral, regional and international issues and oversaw the signing of 23 documents on cooperation in different fields.

"We hope that by implementing these agreements, we will see significant steps towards increased interaction and achieving our desired goals," Pezeshkian said in a press conference on Thursday.

Iran and Tajikistan have numerous shared interests, he said, noting, "the necessary groundwork to surpass the half-billion-dollar trademark between our nations is achievable."

During his trip to Dushanbe, Pezeshkian also met with the Iranians residing in Tajikistan and received an honorary diploma along with an honorary professorship at the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU).

In his visit to Moscow, the Iranian president will meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and discuss the "prospects for further expansion of bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investment, transport, logistics, and culture, as well as current regional and international issues," according to the Kremlin.

Following the talks, the two sides will sign an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and Russia.

The new 20-year deal covers economic, transportation, energy, health, and agricultural areas, in addition to Tehran-Moscow cooperation to deal with common challenges, reduce the consequences of natural disasters, combat organized crimes, fight terrorism, and make joint investments.

Iran and Russia are both subject to illegal Western sanctions. They have over the past years deepened their cooperation in various sectors.

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A Weakened Iran's New Russia Pact Comes In Shadow Of Distrust

By Golnaz Esfandiari January 17, 2025

A common enemy -- the United States -- has brought Iran and Russia together despite their troubled history and deep mistrust. Now, two of the world's most sanctioned nations are poised to sign a strategic partnership that will govern their bilateral relations for the next two decades.

The agreement deepens the ties between Tehran and Moscow, which have expanded in recent years, including in Syria -- where both countries bolstered the regime of now-deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad -- as well in Ukraine, where Iran, despite official denials, has supplied cheap drones to Russia for the all-out war the Kremlin launched on its neighbor in 2022.

The agreement, expected to be signed during Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on January 17, is likely to be viewed with distrust and suspicion by the Iranian public -- and even by some of the country's politicians who say Tehran cannot trust Moscow.

Most recently, a senior commander with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) accused Russia of betrayal in Syria and aligning with Iran's chief enemy, Israel.

In 2021, it was Iran's then-Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, currently serving as a vice president for strategic affairs, who accused Russia of working to undermine nuclear diplomacy with the West.

The new partnership agreement comes with the Islamic republic at one of its weakest points in recent history.

Iran's economy is in shambles, and its so-called "axis of resistance" is significantly weakened -- or even dead, as some would argue.

Meanwhile, the regime faces an Iranian public increasingly angry and frustrated by the clerics' more than four decades of mismanagement and incompetence, which have brought misery and poverty, repression, and even widespread power cuts in a country with major energy resources.

The signing of Iran's new strategic partnership with Russia comes days ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington on January 20, and Iranian officials -- including Pezeshkian -- have been sending signals to Trump's incoming administration, which is likely to ramp up pressure on Tehran.

The agreement is unlikely to offer the Islamic republic much-needed economic relief or provide Iran security amid heightened tensions with Israel and reports that Tel Aviv could strike Iran's nuclear sites.

For now, Tehran's ties with Russia have brought the country more sanctions and isolation while strengthening its pariah-state image.

The partnership is likely to bring even more international pressure on Iran and make a potential detente with the West more difficult.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran- russia-strategic-partnership-pezeshkian- putin-tensions-analysis/33279352.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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When women raise their voices to contribute to political and public life, countries are more peaceful and stable, have higher economic growth, and their government policies are more inclusive and effective. However, women can only stay engaged in public life if their environment remains safe and enabling.

Regrettably, We see around the world that there is a risk of backlash as we make gains on [womens] rights and opportunities, said Jamille Bigio, USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment.

The U.S. government continues to be committed to support our partners around the world who are invested in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, who are invested in creating opportunities for everyone to be able to fully participate in society, to fully contribute to the economy and to growth and to be able to reach their full potential.

World-wide, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence over the course of their lifetimes. So, in 2023 alone, the U.S. Department of State and USAID invested $369 million to address gender-based violence.

In the last year, USAID has reached over 4.2 million individuals around the world with GBV services to help ensure that more people who have experienced violence in their lives have access to the support that they need to recover, said Senior Coordinator Bigio.

We have also worked to help strengthen the legal protections from gender-based violence so that there are more laws in countries around the world that help protect girls from child early and forced marriage, that help protect women from gender-based violence they may be experiencing in their homes or in their workplaces.

USAID also responds to conflict-related sexual violence, said Senior Coordinator Bigio.

So for example, in Sudan, USAID is supporting local organizations that are working to document and provide services for survivors who are experiencing sexual violence, as part of the ongoing conflict there. USAID in Mexico is working  to strengthen the services that the government provides to survivors of gender-based violence, including improved access to justice so that there is stronger accountability for those who perpetrate gender-based violence around the world.

We are supporting the women leaders, said Senior Coordinator Bigio, who are at the front lines of calling for that change, the organizations that are invested in their communities, the governments that are at the front lines of creating new reforms to help ensure that everyone can benefit.
Amid Biting Sanctions, Russia And Iran Sign Pact To Deepen Ties

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 17, 2025

Iran and Russia, two of the most-sanctioned nations in the world, have signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty as Moscow and Tehran deepen cooperation that has steadily increased since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, on his first visit to the Kremlin since he won a presidential election last July, signed the pact in Moscow on January 17 after meeting for talks that both leaders said would strengthen relations in a broad spectrum of areas.

The new treaty, which runs for 20 years, aims to strengthen Tehran and Moscow's "military-political and trade-economic" relations, the Kremlin said.

While details of the agreement are scarce, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on January 15 that the treaty "is constructive in nature and is aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Russia, Iran, and our friends in various parts of the world."

The agreement reportedly does not include a mutual defense clause.

Russia and Iran are both under severe Western sanctions, including restrictions on their energy industries.

Pezeshkian's visit and the signing of the treaty are further signs of the deepening relationship between Tehran and Moscow. The two countries have also expanded their military cooperation despite warnings from Western countries over the supply of Iranian-made Shahed drones to Russia.

Europe and the United States have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Iranian entities and individuals for providing various types of support to Russia, including the Shaheds. Iran claims to be "neutral" in the Ukraine war.

Pezeshkian's visit to Russia comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump, who withdrew the United States from an international deal designed to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and ordered the killing of one of Iran's top generals in 2020, was the target of an alleged Iranian plot to kill him last year.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-russia-putin- pezeshkian-treaty-ukraine-shahed-drones/33278795.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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Inside the Russia-Iran Comprehensive Partnership Treaty: What's In It and Why It Matters

Sputnik News

20250117

Ilya Tsukanov

Three years of negotiations on a new strategic partnership pact between Russia and Iran reached a fruitful conclusion Friday with a signing ceremony in the Kremlin attended by top officials, including Presidents Putin and Pezeshkian. What's inside the agreement, and what will it mean for regional and international security? Here's what to know.

The 47-article Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty signed January 17 includes a heavy focus on security, with the parties broadly agreeing to "strive to deepen and expand relations in all areas of mutual interest, strengthen cooperation in security and defense, engage in close coordination of activities at the regional and global levels."

Rejecting Unipolarity

The treaty includes an overarching commitment to "mutual respect" for one another's national and security interests, support for multilateralism in world affairs and "rejection of unipolarity and hegemony" - a clear nod to US policy and Washington's so-called 'rules-based international order'.

"If one [party] is subject to aggression, the other shall not provide any military or other assistance to the aggressor that contributes to the continuation of aggression," and strive to resolve the conflict through diplomacy on the basis of the UN Charter, the agreement says.

Furthermore, the parties commit not to allow each other's territory to be used to support separatists or engage in any other hostile actions against one another.

The two countries' intelligence and security services have been given a green light to ramp up the exchange of information, experience and expertise, while their militaries have the right and opportunity to increase joint drills, consult and cooperate in countering "common military and security threats of a bilateral and regional nature."

Protection for the Region Against Meddling by "Third States"

Alongside cooperation against terrorism, crime, illegal immigration the proliferation of WMDs and array of other dangers, the new treaty includes a separate article on measures to assure peace and security in the Caspian, Central Asia, Caucasus and Middle East regions, and cooperation "to prevent interference in these regions and destabilizing presence there of third states."

Who these "third states" might be is not difficult to guess, given the long-standing Russian concerns about US and NATO encroachment in these and other regions of the world, and Tehran's long-standing proposals for a new Persian Gulf security arrangement without US involvement.

Article 14 of the agreement highlights the need for strengthened security, political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation via the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and expanded ties between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union.

The Economic Front: Cooperation on Sanctions, Science and Space

The treaty's economics-related side promotes the creation of new "direct connections" between Russia and Iran's regions for enhanced economic and investment cooperation.

Significantly, the parties commit to reject "the use of unilateral coercive measures," (i.e. sanctions), and to take "practical efforts to reduce risks, eliminate or minimize the direct and indirect impact of such measures on mutual economic relations."

The treaty calls for the creation of "modern payment infrastructure independent of third countries, transition to bilateral settlements in national currencies, the strengthening of direct inter-bank cooperation and distribution of national financial products," and the creation of a simplified customs regime.

Special attention is paid to gold and diamond mining and processing, work on the ambitious North-South Transport Corridor, and cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including scientific and technical engagement and experience exchange, resource supply and swaps, investment, and cooperation via OPEC+ and other international forums.

Article 23 calls for the promotion of development of "long-term and mutually beneficial relations" in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the construction of new nuclear energy facilities.

The treaty makes mention of opportunities for the ramping up of cooperation across a broad array of other areas, including health, education, science, culture, media, publishing, tourism and sport, plus expanded "interaction, exchange of views and experience in the field of space research and exploration for peaceful purposes."

Interestingly, the treaty's dispute resolution mechanism, which is based on consultations and diplomatic negotiations, includes reference to an English-language version of the text of the agreement (which is also available in Russian and Persian) in case of any disagreements about its interpretation.

Pact Will Allow Russia and Iran to Survive, Thrive in Hostile World

"It is a very important agreement, especially as the world is changing so rapidly and the West is behaving in such a hostile manner towards the global majority and of course Iran and Russia in particular," renowned Iranian-American international affairs observer Dr. Mohammad Marandi told Sputnik.

The two nations have "huge potential" for cooperation, from the North-South Transport Corridor to conventional and nuclear energy, defense and more, Marandi said.

The treaty was really made possible by the short-sighted US policy of antagonizing both countries - including over four decades of hostility to Iran, and the slapping of "equally barbaric and brutal" sanctions on Russia in recent years, according to the observer.

The West's efforts to antagonize both countries simultaneously has proven a "grave mistake," Marandi said.

"We have the potential for Russia to do trade through the Persian Gulf with the Indian subcontinent, Indonesia, Africa, Southeast Asia in general. But also Russia has the potential to export its natural gas to Pakistan, to Iraq and other countries in the Arabian Peninsula through Iran, so the types of cooperation that can be expanded are enormous. The two countries haven't explored enough of their potential in the past, and they're just finally beginning to move to exploit that potential," Dr. Marandi believes.

The same applies when it comes to enhancing cooperation in the nuclear energy field, Marandi says.

"Iran has been developing its peaceful nuclear program and it is now one of the most developed countries in the world" in this area. "Because of Russia's very long experience with nuclear energy, Iran is very keen on furthering that cooperation. It has enormous financial benefits for Russia to build these power plants. And for Iran, it's a means for the country to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels so that it could export more fossil fuel," the observer noted.

The immense "potential" unleashed by the treaty will make it "more difficult for the United States to try to undermine Russian power and to undermine Iranian capabilities," Marandi added.

In the defense sphere, enhanced cooperation is "key" because both countries "are being threatened by the West and both have enormous military capabilities," whether it be Iranian drones and missiles or Russian defense technologies being used by Iran, according to Marandi.

"Both countries feel that the expansion of NATO and regimes affiliated with the West are potentially dangerous for the world and definitely dangerous for Iran and Russia. So the two countries have a shared interest to keep NATO out of the Caspian Sea, but also both are deeply concerned about terrorism," the scholar emphasized.

Pointing to the recent successes enjoyed by the US and its European and regional allies in strengthening al-Qaeda* and ISIS* elements in Syria, and the risks of terrorism spreading to Central Asia and across Asia, Dr. Marandi said these events show that Russia and Iran need to expand security cooperation like never before to contain the spread of the terror threat.

Not Outright Military Alliance, But the Next Best Thing

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty between Russia and Iran isn't strictly an alliance committing them to fight on one another's behalf in battle, but is basically the next best thing, retired Russian Army colonel Viktor Litovkin told Sputnik.

The treaty commits Russia "to provide Iran with assistance. What kinds of assistance? At the United Nations and in other international forums, we will defend Iran's interests. We'll supply Iran with the military equipment and weapons it needs to defend itself," the military analyst explained.

As far as aggressors go, "we will not only not support them; we will not provide them with any assistance, including intelligence, or allow them to use our territory for raids. For example, we have our base in Armenia. We would not allow foreign planes to land there to attack Iran," the Litovkin said.

When it comes to potential for enhanced defense cooperation afforded by the new treaty, Russia could help plug gaps in Iran's powerful air defenses, via the delivery of Sukhoi Su-30 jets, and/or Pantsir, Tor, Buk or S-400 systems, for example. Russia, for its part, could benefit from Iran's vast domestically-developed arsenals of missiles and drones, Litovkin said.

* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

 Sputnik

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Russia and Iran Cement Strategic Alliance With New Agreement

Sputnik News

20250117

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement at the Kremlin.

The new agreement replaces a previous cooperation framework signed in 2001  and reflects the enhanced level of relations between the two nations.

Work on the agreement began in 2022, and by June 2023 the text had been finalized. The document sets ambitious goals, targeting stable and sustainable development for both countries and the broader region.

Key Highlights From Putin's Statements

The Agreement

Aims to bring relations to a new qualitative level

Lays the groundwork for stable and sustainable progress

"Great prospects are opening up for us in connection with the development of the INSTC," Putin told reporters after talks with Pezeshkian. "Discussions continue on issues related to the construction of its section that includes the Rasht-Astara railroad line."

Russia-Iran Relations

Constructive and friendly dialogue was a hallmark of the talks

Russia prioritizes strengthening ties with Iran

Shared positions on most foreign policy issues

Both nations pursue independent global courses and resist external pressures and illegitimate sanctions

Economic cooperation is growing, with the International North-South Transport Corridor opening new opportunities

"The flagship joint project for the construction of two new Bushehr NPP units by Rosatom is progressing," Putin said. "Its implementation will certainly make a significant contribution to strengthening Iran's energy security, stimulate further growth of the national economy, and provide Iranian households and industrial enterprises with inexpensive and environmentally friendly electricity."

Regional and Global Cooperation

Joint efforts to maintain stability in the South Caucasus

Commitment to a comprehensive solution for Syria

Discussion of Gaza and hopes for stability through agreements

Iran's Perspective

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that the agreement covers economic, technological and humanitarian collaboration.

It sets a roadmap for the future, including defense and security cooperation, increased trade, energy production and exports, renewable energy technology transfer and simplified travel conditions for tourists. The new pact also aims to enhance cultural exchanges and create joint programs.

 Sputnik

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Putin: Strategic Agreement With Iran Marks a New Era of Cooperation

Sputnik News

20250117

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Russia is of particular importance, since a major strategic partnership agreement with Iran will be signed, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.

"Your visit today is of particular importance. Because we will not only have the opportunity to discuss all areas of our cooperation, but we will also sign a major basic agreement between Russia and Iran on a comprehensive strategic partnership," Putin said at a meeting with Pezeshkian.

The new treaty between Russia and Iran will give an additional impetus to all areas of cooperation between the countries, the president added.

Russia and Iran continue to implement joint projects, including in nuclear energy, and there are other possible projects in the field of energy, Putin said.

"We are continuing our major projects, including the nuclear energy project. We have other possible projects in the energy sector. There are good prospects in the field of logistics," Putin said during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on an official visit to Moscow.

Putin also called the current pace of development of trade and economic relations between Russia and Iran as quite acceptable.

Consultations between Russia and Iran on international agenda are in demand, Vladimir Putin said.

"Of course, our consultations on the international agenda are in great demand both in the world as a whole and, of course, in the region," Putin said at a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia will give an impetus to the development of relations between the countries, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday.

"I am confident that today, after signing our major agreement, which covers all areas of activity of the two countries, including culture, economics, humanitarian relations, I am confident that this will give a great impetus to the development of bilateral relations and this will become a solid foundation for further movement forward," Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pezeshkian added that he had spoken with Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei before meeting with Putin, adding that the supreme leader stressed importance of developing relations with Russia.

"As we have noted, our interaction is not only in the region, in the international arena, but also in terms of bilateral interaction, the development of trade, all this pleases us," the president added.

Relations between Moscow and Tehran are of strategic importance and comprehensive nature, Pezeshkian said.

"Relations with Russia are of strategic importance and comprehensive nature," Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Additionally, he said that the agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant are very good, noting that they can be finalized on Friday.

 Sputnik

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Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Visits Israel

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 17, 2025 17:11

On January 16, 2025, Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue visited Israel and met respectively with Israel's Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eden Bar-Tal, Deputy Director-General for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aviv Ezra and Deputy Director-General for the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oded Joseph. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, the ceasefire in Gaza, and other topics.

Zhai Jun pointed out that the innovative cooperation between China and Israel is characterized by complementary advantages and mutual benefits, and promoting the stable and sound development of bilateral relations is an important consensus between the two countries. China sincerely hopes for the early cessation of regional conflicts, to create favorable conditions for the development of exchanges and cooperation between China and Israel in various fields.

Zhai Jun said that China welcomes the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and prisoners and hopes that the agreement will be earnestly implemented, leading to the safe release of hostages and a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. China also hopes that the agreement will serve as an opportunity to ease regional tensions and promote the early political resolution of the Palestinian question based on the two-State solution.

The Israeli side said that developing relations with China is Israel's established policy, and emphasized its steadfast commitment to the one-China principle. Israel is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation across various sectors with China. Israel hopes the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and prisoners will be effectively implemented, ensuring the safe return of all Israeli hostages as soon as possible.

The two sides also discussed the current situation in the Middle East and other topics of common interest and concern.

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Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the politically motivated charges of Alexei Navalny's defence lawyers

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.01.2025

EEAS Press Team

On 17 January, the Petushinsky District Court of the Vladimir Region, Russia, sentenced defence lawyers of late Alexei Navalny for performing their professional duties defending Alexei Navalny in the farcical justice system in Russia. Vadim Kobzev, Alexey Liptser and Igor Sergunin were respectively sentenced with 5 and a half, 5 and 3 and a half years in prison for "participation in an extremist community".

The sentence was announced four years after the same day of Alexei Navalny's brave return to Russia and his immediate detention, arrest and sentencing following his recovery from an assassination attempt through poisoning in 2020.

This outrageous and absurd politically motivated verdict further demonstrates Russia's total disregard for the rule of law and the lack of an independent judiciary. The EU strongly condemns criminal prosecution of lawyers for performing their professional duties and trying to weaken further the legal community in Russia. Lawyers must be allowed to practice their profession safely and without fear, including lawyers representing those arrested and sentenced on politically motivated grounds.

Russian authorities must immediately stop the unfounded accelerating repression to respect Russia's own Constitution and uphold its obligations under international law, including on human rights and freedoms. They and all political prisoners must be immediately and unconditionally released.

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Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the Armenian side's initiative.

January 17, 2025

13:00

As a follow-up to the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in December 2024, Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan discussed several current aspects of further deepening integration, primarily in the energy sector. They acknowledged the tangible practical impact of the joint work within the EAEU, including for the Armenian economy.

Nikol Pashinyan explained the situation with Yerevan's recent steps in its relations with the European Union. In response, the Russian President offered his comments and assessments.

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Russia expects no major change in US sanctions policy under Trump

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2025 6:27 PM

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has ruled out significant changes in the US policy of sanctions against Russia under the incoming administration of Donald Trump.

"It is no secret that, despite expressing some political willingness for dialogue, the US administration is unlikely to alter its stance on this issue. There is no basis for heightened expectations. No substantial changes should be anticipated," Peskov said on Friday.

His remarks came after Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for heavier sanctions against Russia, especially on its oil industry.

"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 from taking sanctions up, especially on the Russian oil majors to levels that would bring the Russian Federation to the table," Bessent said Thursday before the Senate Finance Committee.

The Kremlin spokesman said "it would be strange if Bessent, as a minister, did not support his president's decision."

"This is simply unthinkable. If he opposed it, he would just resign," he added.

In February 2022, Russia launched what it called a special military operation in Ukraine partly to prevent NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the military alliance was following an "aggressive line" against Moscow.

Western countries have responded to the Russian military operation by backing Ukraine with cash and heavy weaponry, while imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russian officials and entities.

Moscow has repeatedly warned that such a flow of weapons to Kiev will only prolong the conflict.

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Supporters Chant 'Heroes!' As Russian Court Jails Navalny's Lawyers

By RFE/RL's Russian Service January 17, 2025

A Russian court sentenced three lawyers of Aleksei Navalny to lengthy prison sentences for carrying correspondence from the late anti-corruption crusader out of prison, prompting his supporters at the hearing to erupt into chants of "heroes."

The court in the Vladimir region, just east of Moscow, convicted Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Aleksei Liptser on January 17 of belonging to an "extremist group" for helping transport writings from Navalny that became the basis for his memoir, Patriot, which chronicled his life as President Vladimir Putin's most-vocal critic and as the country's most recognized political prisoner.

Kobzev received a prison sentence of 5 1/2 years, while Lipster was sentenced to 5 years and Sergunin, the only one to have admitted his guilt, to 3 1/2 years. All three have been in pretrial detention since October 2023.

"This is illegal political persecution," Pervy Odtel (First Department), a legal association in Russia that represents people accused of major crimes, said on Telegram.

"Defense is not complicity!" it said "Lawyers are not partners or accomplices of their clients, they provide them with defense, the right to which is enshrined in the Constitution of Russia...This is a gross violation of the very principles of law."

Those who managed to cram into the courtroom to hear the verdict -- the trial was held behind closed doors -- began chanting "Guys, you are heroes! We are proud of you!" as the three lawyers stood in a cage reserved for defendants.

Mediazona, meanwhile, reported that several journalists who had arrived to cover the hearing had been detained by police.

Arrest warrants have been issued to two other Navalny lawyers, Olga Mikhailova and Aleksandr Fedulov, on the same charges but they fled the country before they could be detained.

The verdicts highlight the Kremlin's crackdown on civil society and any dissent inside the country -- a situation that has become even more brutal since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Navalny's groups and his organization were labeled as extremist and banned in Russia in June 2021.

Two months later, Navalny, who was already in prison on charges he and his supporters called political motivated, was found guilty of creating an extremist organization, with the Moscow City Court more than doubling his prison sentence to 19 years.

The charges against Navalny were widely seen as retribution for his efforts to expose what he called the pervasive lawlessness, corruption, and repression within Putin's political system.

Navalny was Russia's loudest opposition voice and galvanized huge anti-government rallies before he was jailed.

He died in prison in February 2024 under mysterious circumstances.

The official autopsy report said that hypertension and other diseases caused a heartbeat disorder which led to Navalny's demise.

After Navalny's death, however, officials refused to hand the body over to his mother for more than a week, prompting accusations from his supporters that officials were trying to hide evidence of his murder.

In 2020, Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok-like nerve agent but survived after he was airlifted to Germany and treated there. Navalny accused Putin of ordering his poisoning then, which was denied by the Kremlin.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/chants-heroes-russian- court-navalny-lawyers-sentenced/33279052.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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Condemning the Sentencing of Navalny's Lawyers

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

January 17, 2025

The United States condemns today's sentencing of Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Aleksey Liptser. These attorneys for late opposition politician Aleksey Navalny were sentenced to prison terms for allegedly participating in a so-called "extremist group." In this case, the Kremlin arrested and intimidated 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. This is 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.

We call on the Russian Government to release all political prisoners immediately.

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Russia adds VOA, Current Time, BBC journalists to register of 'foreign agents'

By VOA News January 17, 2025

Russia's Justice Ministry on Friday added more journalists to its list of so-called foreign agents, including reporters for Voice of America, Current Time and the BBC.

Six journalists were named to the registry, including Ksenia Turkova, who works for VOA's Russian language service in Washington, and Iryna Romaliiska, who works for Current Time, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty program in partnership with VOA.

Others designated by Russia include Anastasia Lotareva and Andrey Kozenko, who work for BBC Russian; Alexandra Prokopenko, a journalist and research fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin; and Anton Rubin, a journalist at exiled media outlet Ekho Moskvy, who is also the director of a nongovernmental organization that helps orphans.

Authorities use law to target critics

Russia's foreign agent law came into effect in 2012. Since then, say watchdogs, it has been used by authorities to target groups and individuals who are critical of the Kremlin. Hundreds of media outlets, journalists and civil society groups have been listed by the Justice Ministry.

Those named as foreign agents have to mark any online content, even personal social media posts, as having come from a foreign agent, and to share financial details. Failure to comply can lead to fines or even imprisonment.

Both VOA and its sister network RFE/RL have been designated as so-called foreign agents. Turkova is the first VOA journalist to be named individually.

In a statement, VOA director Mike Abramowitz said that VOA and its journalists, by law, provide "a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news around the world."

"We stand with our journalists who often face repercussions for providing this vital public service and we remain committed to ensuring that audiences can access the vital content that VOA provides," he said.

Turkova told VOA that she considers the designation by Russia a "meaningless label."

"For the authorities, it's a synonym for 'traitor,' 'enemy of the people,' " she said. "For those whom the Russian authorities are targeting, it's, in general, an empty sound, a word that means absolutely nothing."

Previously, Turkova worked in Ukraine, where she reported on Russia's occupation of Crimea, the war in Donbas and repressive actions by Moscow.

Since moving to Washington, Turkova said, "I continued to write and speak about the topics that I consider very important. First of all, it's the war in Ukraine. It's repression in Russia and it's the role of propaganda."

Current Time's Romaliiska said she did not care about the designation.

"This only means that the Current Time channel is working great, that our team is doing a good job, which is what we will continue to do, regardless of any lists and statuses," she told Current Time.

30 journalists behind bars

Russia has a dire media freedom record, ranking 162nd out of 180, where 1 shows the best environment on the World Press Freedom Index.

It is also a leading jailer of journalists, with 30 behind bars, according to data released Thursday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ.

The report noted that as well as the high number of journalists in custody, Russia in 2024 "took its transnational repression to new levels."

Foreign correspondents and Russian reporters in exile faced in absentia arrest warrants or sentences. The CPJ report described the action as "an intimidatory tactic," adding that it "serves as a chilling illustration of Moscow's determination to control the narrative of its war in Ukraine."

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Who Is Ahmed Al-Awda, The Man Who Could Be A Threat To Syria's New Rulers?

By Kian Sharifi January 17, 2025

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ahmad-al-awda-syria- leadership-threat-islamists-uae-ties/33279067.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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"As Turkiye, our goal is to ensure the elimination of all terrorist organizations in Syria"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

17.01.2025

Addressing AK Party's provincial congress in Kayseri, President Erdogan said: "As Turkiye, our goal is to ensure the elimination, either peacefully or by force, of all terrorist organizations in Syria. By doing so, we aim both to guarantee our own security and to remove the obstacles to the territorial integrity, political unity and internal peace of our neighbor."

President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at the party's 8th ordinary provincial congress in Kayseri.

"History has proved us right about Syria. The Baathist regime, which had committed all kinds of atrocities against its people for 61 years, was destroyed over a few days. The cruel Assad had to pack his bags and flee Syria one night. Now those who were complicit in the massacres are being held accountable one by one. The criminals and murderers who brutally killed children, babies and civilians are getting the treatment they deserve. The Syrian people are taking firm steps towards building a new administration in which they will decide their own future. We are and will be providing all necessary support for this," President Erdogan said.

"AS LONG AS ARMED SEPARATIST TERRORISTS MAINTAIN THEIR PRESENCE IN SYRIA, WE CANNOT FEEL COMPLETELY SAFE"

"As Turkiye, our goal is to ensure the elimination, either peacefully or by force, of all terrorist organizations in Syria. By doing so, we aim both to guarantee our own security and to remove the obstacles to the territorial integrity, political unity and internal peace of our neighbor. As long as armed separatist terrorists maintain their presence in Syria, we cannot feel completely safe," President Erdogan underscored.

"If those, who recently turned Syria and our region into hell with the DAESH plot, are trying to stage the same plot again, they will, inshallah, not succeed this time. Let me state once again that the YPG terrorist organization, which occupies one third of the country's territory and a significant portion of its natural resources, is the biggest obstacle to Syria's security and peace. With the change in the international conjuncture, the scenarios designed in our region through this terrorist organization are no longer valid. This organization will soon be discarded just like every other structure whose expiration date passed while serving the agendas of others. There is no escape, no getting around this," President Erdogan said.

"WE WILL STEP UP OUR ENDEAVORS FOR PEACE TO PREVAIL THROUGHOUT OUR REGION"

"We will step up our endeavors for peace, tranquility and brotherhood to prevail throughout our region. I hope we will see very important developments in this direction in the coming period. We are determined not to leave our Syrian brothers and sisters alone both in the reconstruction of the state organization and the reconstruction of the country. We will also provide the necessary conveniences to the Syrian muhajirun in our country who want to return to their homes voluntarily and with dignity," President Erdogan said.

"My brothers and sisters, steps are being taken to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, which has caused great loss of life and material costs for more than 40 years. These efforts, which started with the initiative taken by Mr. Bahceli, our partner in the People's Alliance, have made significant progress in recent weeks," President Erdogan said.

Pointing to the broad consensus in the Parliament, President Erdogan said: "I would like my nation to know this very well: In every step we take, we always take into consideration the cherished memories of our martyrs, the sensitivities of our martyrs' relatives and veterans. The People's Alliance has only one goal, to end a 40-year period with very painful memories and to open the doors to a terror-free Turkiye. We are focused only on this. We have no hidden or alternative agenda, bargains or intentions other than this. With the contribution of our nation and everyone who acts with a sense of responsibility, I hope we will reach this goal sooner or later."

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Taiwan 'welcomes' China's plan to resume group travel on limited basis

ROC Central News Agency

01/17/2025 03:51 PM

Taipei, Jan. 17 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has cautiously welcomed an announcement by Chinese authorities on their plan to resume group travel to Taiwan for residents of Shanghai and Fujian province.

"The (Taiwanese) government welcomes Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan," the MAC said in a statement on Friday.

"However, the specifics of implementation are still pending the Chinese authorities' announcement of specific measures," the council said.

The MAC also urged Chinese authorities to open communications on issues related to tourism safety, quality, and stability with Taiwan through the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association (TSTA) and the Association For Tourism Exchange Across The Taiwan Straits (ATETS).

"This will help ensure the smooth resumption of tourism exchanges in the future," the MAC said.

The TSTA and ATETS were established by Taipei and Beijing, respectively, to facilitate coordination and negotiations between the two sides on tourism.

The MAC's statement came in response to an announcement made by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) early Friday, in which it said China's government will "soon resume group travel to Taiwan for residents of Fujian province and Shanghai."

The purpose of the resumption is to "further promote the normalization of interaction between individuals across the Taiwan Strait and the regularization of (cross-strait) exchanges in various fields," the MCT said.

It was also aimed at responding to the "strong expectations" of grassroots communities and the tourism industry in Taiwan, it said.

The MCT said it hoped the tourism sectors on both sides will strengthen communication and coordination to provide high-quality services and products for Chinese residents visiting Taiwan as part of group tours, without elaborating on the communications it foresaw.

In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese visitors accounted for around a quarter of all foreign visitors to Taiwan, but that source of tourism income has all but dried up, with independent or group travel largely frozen by the Chinese authorities for over four years.

The MCT currently only allows Fujian residents to visit Taiwan-held Kinmen and Matsu, but not other cities or counties in Taiwan, belying China's stated interest Friday of regularizing exchanges.

Meanwhile, Chen Binhua (), spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), the MAC's counterpart in China, also said in a statement that the TAO "actively supports and would be glad to see the outcome (of the resumption)."

Chen hoped that "the Democratic Progressive Party authorities will acknowledge mainstream public opinion and the voices of the industry on the island" and lift the ban on Taiwanese group travel to China as soon as possible while fully restoring passenger flight routes.

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/ls

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Defense ministry slams Lai's claims that 'Taiwan needs to raise defense budget,' says seeking independence leads to self-destruction

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 17, 2025 12:51 PM

The Lai Ching-te authorities, in collusion with foreign forces, have been making constant provocations for "Taiwan independence". It is now the biggest source of chaos that undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the Asia Pacific. We warn the Lai Ching-te authorities and separatists that any attempt to seek independence by force is just like holding back the tide with a broom, and will eventually lead to self-destruction, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday when commenting on Lai Ching-te's recent claims that countries like China and Russia threaten the rule-based international order and undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond and Taiwan needs to continue to raise "defense budget" and enhance "defense capabilities.

Lai Ching-te and his kind have betrayed their ancestors and what he said was far away from the truth. International documents including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation have confirmed that the Taiwan region should be returned to China. Such fact is an important part of the post-WWII international order, Wu said.

Wu added that the victory and outcome of the WWII must be respected and safeguarded. There is no other status of the Taiwan region in the international law than being a part of China.

Those seeking "Taiwan independence" will never have a good end. The PLA will spare no effort to fight separatism and promote national reunification. We have full confidence that the Taiwan region will return to the motherland and will have a better future after its return, Wu said.

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China to resume Taiwan tour groups amid blame game

Beijing accused Taiwan of stalling cross-strait tourism, which Taipei denied.

By Alan Lu for RFA

2025.01.17

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- China announced on Friday a plan to resume group tours to Taiwan after it criticized the island over what it called its inaction in normalizing cross-strait interactions.

Tourism between China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, and the democratic island has often been a barometer of relations across the Taiwan Strait, is widely regarded as one of the world's most dangerous flash points.

"In order to further promote the normalization of cross-strait personnel exchanges and the regularization of exchanges in various fields ... the mainland will resume group tours to Taiwan for residents of Fujian and Shanghai in the near future," said China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism in a statement on Friday.

The ministry added "preparations were underway," without giving further details, including the timeline.

Taiwan has a ban on its citizens joining group tours to the mainland but independent tourists from both sides are free to come and go.

The announcement came after China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, for not lifting its ban on island groups going to the mainland and for maintaining an "intermediate-level" travel alert for the mainland.

"The DPP authorities have ignored the struggles of Taiwan's local tourism industry and disregarded the voices of businesses and the public, continuously delaying and obstructing the normalization of cross-strait tourism," said Chen Bin-hua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

Chen said the first list of Chinese tour groups to Taiwan was "still sitting on the desk of the relevant departments of the DPP authorities," implying that Taiwan was to blame for delaying the long-awaited resumption of cross-strait tourism.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, or MAC, said that it welcomed Chinese tourists and was awaiting more details of the plan from China.

However, the council denied the suggestion it had intentionally stalled the process of resuming visits by Chinese tour groups to Taiwan.

Liang, Wen-chieh, the MAC's deputy minister, told a press conference on Thursday that no formal applications for group tours by mainland Chinese tourists to Taiwan have been received, so there was no such list sitting on any desk, as China had said.

"There was only a concept proposed earlier by tourism operators to organize a familiarization tour, inviting counterparts from the mainland to visit Taiwan," Liang said.

"Such familiarization tours, which consist of professional groups from travel agencies, should be considered professional exchanges rather than tourist groups."

China's announcement follows the Shanghai-Taipei City Forum in December, when Shanghai Mayor Hua Yuan hinted at the resumption of Shanghai tour groups to Taiwan.

At that time, Chen Fang-Yu, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Taiwan's Soochow University, saw China's move to resume group tours as a tactic to advance Beijing's pro-unification agenda.

"It feels like they are treating the reopening as some kind of favor to Taiwan," Chen said, referring to the resumption of group tours.

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 faces decline in troop numbers, report reveals

By Chin Ku January 17, 2025

Taiwan's military has announced new recruitment and retention measures to help sustain troop levels, as the island faces continued threats from China amid a shrinking number of volunteer soldiers.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, the Ministry of National Defense unveiled measures Wednesday that call for pay raises for volunteer enlistees among other incentives.

According to data from the Budget Center of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, the number of volunteer troops has dropped by 12,000 over the past three years. The military currently has 152,885 soldiers, compared with 164,884 soldiers in 2021.

Additionally, more Taiwanese soldiers are choosing to discharge from their service commitments early, according to the data. Some 1,565 troops took early leave in 2024, a sharp increase from the nearly 400 personnel who did so in 2020.

The decline has prompted Taiwanese authorities to reinstate a one-year conscripted service requirement for Taiwanese males and make efforts to improve the military's defense training infrastructure and provide higher salaries to its troops.

Still, some analysts are worried that these reforms might not be enough to ensure Taiwan's combat-readiness.

Yu-Ping Chou is a former director of the planning division at the Air Defense Missile Command under the General Staff Headquarters of Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense. He told VOA's Mandarin Service that so far reforms have not been enough to ease the challenges of troop recruitment and retention.

Current active-duty personnel find themselves taking on extended hours of training and service work to offset the impact of depleted troop enrollment, which drives more troops to seek discharge, Chou said.

More frequent aggressive maneuvers from China have also required Taiwan's military to increase surveillance and patrol missions, adding to the burden put on already overworked soldiers, he said.

Chou said the military is also facing a type of "brain-drain." This problem is particularly prominent within the air force, with many skilled pilots deciding to leave and seek higher salaries in the commercial airline industry.

Experienced soldiers are essential to operate advanced weapons systems, which makes the heightened discharge numbers especially challenging for the island's efforts to modernize its defense force.

"The defense force is currently in the process of upgrading its equipment and weapons systems, and needs quality manpower to operate these new, advanced weapons," Chou said. "If there's no one to operate the best equipment, can it perform at its full potential?"

A final reason for the fall in enrollment, Chou said, stems from the perceived heightened danger of serving as a soldier at this time. He said the current "danger of war" has made some families reluctant to send their children into service.

A-Wei, a 32-year-old volunteer officer who has served for 11 years in Matsu, an island off the southeastern coast of mainland China, says he has never considered early retirement.

While Wei admits that many units are troubled with a salary mismatch and understaffing, with some even operating with 50% or 60% of the desired manpower, he says that the capacity of Taiwan's fighting forces has not faltered.

For Wei, these present challenges have, on the contrary, pushed the military to become more efficient.

He asserts that, despite issues with the military budget and troop recruitment, the capacity of Taiwan's military has not faltered, and that troops remain steadfast despite the looming threat of war.

"Many of the military's current equipment is actually very advanced. I don't think the decrease in personnel has a big impact. In the past, there were actually some surplus personnel. Now, the training has become much more enhanced and streamlined, eliminating some unnecessary procedures," Wei told VOA.

Upgrades in equipment and a stable, good-enough salary have kept Wei at his position in the military. Wei says that with his salary and bonuses for participating in combat-related missions, he is earning more than some office workers on the island.

As for talk online and in the media about whether Taiwanese soldiers are willing or afraid to go to war, Wei said that this is likely a Chinese "information warfare" tactic.

"The most common reason people leave the military, or why a unit may struggle to keep personnel, is because they feel the task distribution is unfair or the workload is too heavy," Wei said. "I've never heard of anyone wanting to leave the military just because they think mainland China is going to attack."

Su Tzu-yun, director of the division of defense strategy and resource under the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei, blamed demographic factors for the fall in recruitment, and pointed out that many advanced democracies are also facing challenges in military recruitment.

The number of men eligible for military recruitment is falling, dropping below 100,000 in 2024 for the first time in Taiwan's history, according to the Ministry of the Interior. By 2031, it is predicted that there will be fewer than 75,000 recruitable men on the island.

Taiwan is looking to meet this challenge with its reinstatement of one-year compulsory service requirement, Su said, adding that he has faith in the program's ability to increase manpower and ease the burden on volunteer troops.

"I think that during this transition period, with the addition of conscription soldiers, around 6,900 people, for example, joined the military last year, and more will join this year. After supplementing the manpower, the workload of the voluntary service members will be reduced, which will help decrease their overall discharge rate, thus avoiding this vicious cycle," Su told VOA.

Aside from lengthening the conscription requirement and improving salaries and benefits, Taiwan's Defense Ministry is looking at a variety of other measures to combat the recruitment and retention problem.

These programs include adopting more tolerant management practices within the service and liberalizing entry restrictions to recruit foreign personnel.

VOA's Katherine Michaelson contributed to this report.

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PM meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland: 17 January 2025

The Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk today in Warsaw.

17 January 2025

The Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk today in Warsaw.

The leaders had a warm and productive discussion, beginning by reflecting on the Prime Minister and Lady Starmer's visit to Auschwitz and how 80 years on from its liberation, the world must never forget the atrocities committed there.

The UK and Poland are close allies and share an important relationship which the leaders agreed to continue to strengthen to deliver economic growth, security and prosperity for both countries.

They were delighted to announce the start of talks on a new Defence and Security Treaty, which will bring the UK and Poland even closer together to tackle shared threats - including Putin's ongoing aggression, the vile people smuggling gangs fueling illegal migration, and protecting our energy security.

On Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Tusk on his recent visit and meetings with President Zelenskyy. It was vital that international partners continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, the leaders agreed.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

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PM meeting with President Andrzej Duda of Poland: 17 January 2025

The Prime Minister met President Andrzej Duda of Poland today in Warsaw.

17 January 2025

The Prime Minister met President Andrzej Duda of Poland in Warsaw this afternoon.

The leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-Poland relationship, agreeing that our countries are the strongest of allies and our partnership will endure for generations to come.

They welcomed the launch of negotiations on the new UK-Poland Defence and Security Treaty. In the face of increasing threats to Europe's security, they agreed the treaty would bring our two countries closer together to tackle shared threats such as Putin's aggression and the vile people smuggling gangs wreaking havoc at our borders.

They also underscored the vital importance of NATO, which underpins Euro-Atlantic security.

The Prime Minister reflected on his visit to Ukraine, and both leaders agreed that President Zelenskyy can count on the support of the UK and Poland for as long as it takes.

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North Koreans show 'superior combat readiness' to Russian contractors: official

Captured Russians said North Korean equipment was far better than that of Russian contract soldiers.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.01.16

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine "expressed concerns" about the superior combat readiness of allied North Korean troops compared with Russian contract soldiers in the Kursk region, said a senior Ukrainian officer.

As many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia to support its war against Ukraine in Russia's Kursk, according to Ukraine and the United States - although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has acknowledged this.

Last year, Kyiv said its forces had captured more than 700 Russian troops during operations in Kursk.

"Interestingly, the Russian captives report that the equipment, armament, and training of North Korean soldiers were significantly better than that of the Russian contract soldiers," said Petro Haidashchuk, a senior sergeant at Ukraine's 80th Independent Air Assault Brigade, during an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Espresso TV on Thursday.

Russian contractors typically comprise former military personnel, including retired servicemen aged between 35 and 55, according to media reports. Recruitment efforts have expanded to include various demographics. They operate in a legal gray area, with their numbers and combat readiness varying.

Haidashchuk's remarks stand in contrast to media reports suggesting that North Korean soldiers were battling with deteriorating supplies and outdated weaponry.

Mykhailo Makaruk of Ukraine's 8th Special Operations Regiment told Radio Free Asia in December, after searching through uniforms of North Korean soldiers who had been killed in Kursk, that the soldiers had no military food in their bags, but only some low quality grenades as well as poor military medicine kits.

Separately, Haidashchuk explained that the captured Russians said they had no contact with the North Koreans as they were kept separate at training bases.

"Firstly, due to the language barrier. Secondly, the North Koreans live, eat, and conduct their activities completely separately from the Russian occupiers. They have no joint operations, except for combat," he said.

"The North Koreans' task, according to the captured occupiers, was exclusively assault operations, while the Russians were meant to secure the positions in case of success," he added.

'Expendables'

South Korea's top envoy to the United Nations said Thursday that North Korean troops were being treated as "expendables" and as a "cynical" means of sustaining the North Korean regime.

"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," ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said during a U.N. Security Council meeting.

Citing Seoul's estimate of 12,000 North Korean troops dispatched to Russia, with more than 300 were killed with about 2,700 injured, Hwang said the large number of North Korean casualties was due to what he called "inhumane" tactics on the front lines.

"According to the reports, they were even crossing land mine fields in a single column, 3 to 4 meters apart, like human mine detectors without cover or mine-clearing vehicles," Hwang said.

Hwang was referring to a report published by British daily The Times, which cited a Ukrainian military official as saying that North Korean soldiers sent to Russia were being used as "human mine detectors."

Hwang also said that news of the North's troop deployment was 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," citing South Korea's intelligence reports.

"This must stop immediately," Hwang added.

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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Zelenskyy on shelling of Kyiv and Zaporizhia: Everyone who helps Russia should be under pressure no less than these strikes

Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on increasing international pressure on all accomplices of the Russian Federation, commenting on the missile strikes on Zaporizhia and Kyiv on Saturday morning.

"Everyone who helps the Russian state in this war should be under such pressure that it is noticeable no less than these strikes. We can do this only in unity with the whole world," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

According to him, ten victims are known in Zaporizhia, other people may be under the rubble. In Kyiv, according to the head of state, three people were killed and three were wounded, but earlier the city military administration and the prosecutor's office reported four deaths.
Britain, Ukraine sign 100-year agreement

By VOA News January 16, 2025

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.

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Update 270 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

4/2025

Vienna, Austria

17 Jan 2025

Ukraine's Rivne nuclear power plant had to temporarily reduce its power output Wednesday, amid heightened military activity near all of Ukraine's nuclear power plant sites in recent days, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

As part of their ongoing efforts to assess and report on nuclear safety and security, IAEA staff stationed at Ukraine's operating nuclear power plants (NPPs)Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPsas well as the Zaporizhzhia NPP (ZNPP) and the Chornobyl sitehave reported significant military activity in recent days.

The Rivne NPP reduced the power of one unit Wednesday morning at the request of the grid operator, as a precautionary step due to an air attack. Later in the morning, the affected unit returned to nominal full capacity.

At the ZNPP, where the general situation remains precarious on the frontline of the conflict, the IAEA team reported multiple explosions occurring each day, including some at both near and medium distances from the plant.

In Chornobyl, the IAEA team was informed that drones have been spotted flying over the exclusion zone for the past two months. On 14 January, at least two drones flew close to the industrial area of the site. The team also reported hearing gunfire in the vicinity.

The team at Khmelnytskyy NPP was forced to shelter at their residence on 15 January due to air raid alarms. The team at the South Ukraine NPP was informed about recent drone sightings as close as 5 kilometres from the site.

"These ongoing threats continue to jeopardize the nuclear safety and security of nuclear power plants," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. "Our presence is crucial to monitoring and reporting on such activities. No one stands to gain from attacks on nuclear facilities, and indifference to these dangers is not an option."

As the IAEA continues to analyse observations and information gathered during its recent missions to Ukraine's electrical substations following attacks on the nation's energy infrastructure, challenges with external power supplies persist at the ZNPP. The plant's last remaining 330-kilovolt (kV) power line was disconnected for several hours on 12 January for maintenance. Meanwhile, the IAEA team was informed that repairs to the voltage stabilizer for the ZNPP's 750-kV power linepreviously disconnected due to the activation of a protection mechanismwere completed, and it was successfully reconnected on 31 December.

Additionally, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to ZNPP (ISAMZ) team was informed about the maintenance of several of the reactor safety systems. Maintenance activities were carried out on safety trains in unit 2 and unit 6, and work has commenced on a safety train in unit 4 and on one of the emergency diesel generators (EDGs) that are designed to provide on-site power, in case of a total loss of off-site power.

Despite the challenges from nearby ongoing military activity, the IAEA team has continued to conduct regular walkdowns across the ZNPP site over the past week. They visited the main control room of each unit and made note of staffing levels, checked fuel levels in the EDGs at unit 6, and witnessed the change of the spent fuel pool cooling pump from one safety train to another in unit 6. Furthermore, the team visited the cooling pond area, including in the vicinity of both cooling towers - one of which sustained damage in August 2024 - an area where the team was previously denied access. ISAMZ also performed a walkdown of the turbine hall of unit 2 and was once again denied access to the western part of the hall. The team also visited the temporary on-site emergency crisis centre, where they discussed the draft emergency preparedness and response plan, as well as the planned emergency response exercise to be held in 2025.

Separately, the IAEA continues to deliver on its comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. On 2 January, the Agency marked its 100th delivery of equipment and supplies with a delivery of an individual monitoring system to the state operator Energoatom. Moreover, in the past three weeks, 11 additional deliveries were made to nine different organizations in Ukraine comprising of radiation protection- and nuclear security-related equipment, diesel generators, IT equipment, as well as medical equipment and supplies. The funding for these deliveries was provided by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom. With these deliveries, over 15 million worth of equipment and supplies reached Ukraine since the start of the armed conflict.

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Ukraine's security will decide the security of the entire Europe, says D. Sakaliene meeting with Deputy Secretary General of NATO

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-01-17

International cooperation

On January 17 Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene met with Deputy Secretary General of NATO Radmila Sekerinska conducting a visit to Lithuania to discuss the European security architecture, increasing defence spending, assistance to Ukraine, and other topics.

"We take national defence very seriously, for which reason today we have taken a historic decision to significantly increase defence spending in 2026-2030. Lithuania is prepared to ensure the security of its citizens with every means possible and we become leader of defence spending worldwide. The enemy is speedily replenishing and developing capabilities, so we cannot afford drowse away," emphasised Minister.

She pointed out that Europe was in need of more defence spending and to rapidly strengthen defence industry. A unified approach to Alliance security and considerable defence investments send a strategic message to Russia.

The officials also discussed the Baltic Sea security. Minister thanked for the expeditious NATO response to hybrid threats and the launch of the Baltic Sentry activity. D Sakaliene also underscored the necessity to assemble regional experts and develop mutual interpretations of exemptions to the international law of the sea.

Assistance to Ukraine was also the focus at the meeting. Minister expressed an expectation that it will be a priority topic at the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.

"Ukraine's security will decide the security of the entire Europe. We have to provide to UKRAine all assistance needed expeditiously because every Russian tank destroyed on the Ukrainian soil is a tank that will never get into our territory," noted D. Sakaliene.

Deputy Secretary General of NATO Radmila Sekerinska conducting a visit to Lithuania also met with commanders of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania and the Iron Wolf Brigade in Rukla.

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Russian Missile Strikes Kill 4 In Ukraine's Kryviy Rih

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 17, 2025

Four people were killed and seven others were wounded in a Russian missile strike deep in the heart of Ukraine, partially destroying an educational facility in the central city of Kryviy Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown.

Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, said that of those injured in the January 17, four were hospitalized and in a serious condition.

Witnesses said explosions from the attack could be heard throughout the city, while Lysak said two multistory buildings, one of which caught fire, were damaged.

One resident, Ihor Stepanenko, who had already lost his wife and been displaced in an attack in the Russia-occupied part of Kherson region, told RFE/RL his new partner was killed in the Kryviy Rih attack.

"We have been living here since 2023. My apartment in Kherson was blown up. There, I've buried my father; I've buried my wife.... Nothing else was left," he said.

"Here, I met a woman who worked at the 114th lyceum. She didn't survive [today's attack]. After two pieces of shrapnel hit her, she died," he added.

The Russian attack came a day after Moscow said Kyiv launched six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles at Russia's Belgorod region. Officials had pledged to retaliate for that attack and any others that involve longer-range Western-supplied missiles.

The January 17 attack on Kryviy Rih appears to have again targeted civilian infrastructure, which Russia had denied doing despite mounting attacks on such installations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the attack was conducted using ballistic missiles, underlining the continued threat posed by Russia's weaponry.

"Every terrorist strike speaks loudly about the enemy we are fighting. Russia will not stop itself -- it can be stopped only through joint global pressure by all those who cherish life," Zelenskiy said.

Russian officials have not publicly commented on the Kryviy Rih attack.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-missile-strikes- ukraine-kryviy-rih-casualties/33279386.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 (17 January 2025)

17.01.2025

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

?? Russian troops are in offensive in all directions. Despite the transfer of additional reserves, the enemy suffers heavy losses and retreats from the occupied areas.

A total of 63.2% (801 sq km) of the area originally occupied by the enemy (1,268 sq km) has been liberated in the Kursk region.

In two weeks of January, during the offensive operation, the Sever Group of Forces has liberated four settlements: Aleksandriya, Leonidovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kruglenkoye.

Servicemen of the 7th Guards Air Assault Division, the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, the 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade, the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, the 810th Separate Guards Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, as well as 1427th Motorised Rifle Regiment distinguished themselves in actions when liberating the settlements.

In addition, a counter-attack launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the direction of Berdin was repelled. The enemy resorted to the counter-attack to stop the Russian offensive in Kursk direction and get out of the blocking area.

The Akhmat units of the 42nd Guards Motorised Rifle Division together with the 106th Air Assault Division of the Airborne Troops inflicted significant losses on the enemy, after which the enemy abandoned further actions in this direction and was driven back to initial positions.

In January in Kursk direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine sustained losses of more than 5,600 troops and more than 570 units of military hardware, including 40 tanks, 213 infantry fighting vehicles and others, 91 artillery guns and mortars, and more than 210 motor vehicles.

Over 230 troops of the AFU have been neutralised in Kursk direction during the day. One tank, three armoured personnel carriers, to include two U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carriers, two armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and a mortar have been eliminated as well.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,450 troops, 304 tanks, 231 infantry fighting vehicles, 173 armoured personnel carriers, 1,562 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,493 motor vehicles, 371 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, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 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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The President Held a Meeting with the Heads of the Foreign Ministries of Southeast European Countries

President of Ukraine

17 January 2025 - 22:39

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Heads of the Foreign Ministries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkiye, Croatia and Montenegro who came to Ukraine to participate in the first ministerial meeting in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe format.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the representatives of these countries for helping Ukraine and supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"All the meetings we have had in this format have yielded results; we have improved our mutual understanding. Thanks to the countries that have already held summits, we have gained support in demining, humanitarian aid, and military assistance," the President said.

The countries of Southeast Europe have made an important contribution to the protection of human life. Now it is essential to strengthen cooperation to achieve a just peace for Ukraine and the entire region.

Representatives of the foreign ministries of Southeast European countries reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine both bilaterally and in multilateral formats.

Strengthening defense capabilities, developing human capital, providing humanitarian assistance, implementing infrastructure projects, ensuring global food security, and offering mutual support on the path to the EU - these are the issues that Southeast European countries are focused on in their relations with Ukraine.

The Ukraine - Southeast Europe format was launched in 2022. The first summit was held in Greece in August of that year, the second in Albania in February 2024, and the third in Croatia in October.

Today, this format was also extended to the ministerial level. The key issues of the meeting, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, included enhancing regional cooperation, supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and collectively advancing toward the EU. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communique.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Slovak Parliamentarians

President of Ukraine

17 January 2025 - 16:43

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a delegation of the Progressive Slovakia political party led by Michal Simecka.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukrainians are grateful to the people of Slovakia for their support and assistance in the fight against Russian aggression.

"We are very grateful to all the people of Slovakia for everything you have done for our people, for your attitude towards Ukrainians. Thank you for supporting our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President highlighted Ukraine's readiness for a serious dialogue with Slovakia, particularly on energy security and finding practical solutions for energy supply options.

"We are ready to help the Slovak people in ensuring their energy stability and security. 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 EU and NATO. This is a key issue for us because of the war, because of the security guarantees that are very important for us," the Head of State noted.

In the war unleashed by Russia, Ukrainians are fighting for the future not only of their country, but also of all of Europe. And now it is important to continue putting pressure on the aggressor state by all possible means to force it to establish a just and lasting peace.

Special attention was paid to the support for Ukraine on its path to the EU and NATO and the issue of security guarantees.

Michal Simecka thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for their courage in defending their homeland and all of Europe.

"Many people in Slovakia greatly appreciate this. They are praying for Ukraine - safe, sovereign, living in peace and as part of the European Union," he said.

Michal Simecka also stressed the importance of Ukraine's EU membership and the strengthening of Ukrainian-Slovak relations.

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Ukrainian drone attack sparks fire in Russia's Kaluga region

By VOA News January 17, 2025

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.

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Drones Strike On Industrial Site In Russia's Kaluga Region Sparks Fire

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 18, 2025

A fire broke out late on January 17 at an industrial site in Russia's Kaluga region south of Moscow after it was hit by drones.

Unverified videos posted on social media showed firefighting vehicles speeding off in the direction of a large blaze at what they said was an oil storage depot in Lyudinovo.

Kaluga Governor Vladislav Shapsha said on Telegram that the fire had broken out at an industrial site after a drone strike.

Shapsha said seven drones had been downed and one landed in a "nonresidential area." The fire has been brought under control and no casualties were reported, he said.

Ukraine's military said on January 16 that at least three drones had hit an oil depot in Russia's southern Voronezh region, setting that facility ablaze.

Russian officials reported other drone attacks on January 17. The Defense Ministry and the governor of the border region of Bryansk reported that air defense units had destroyed nine Ukrainian drones over the region.

The governor of the Smolensk region, which borders Belarus, said air defenses had downed five Ukrainian drones. No casualties were reported in either strike.

The Ukrainian military said its air defenses had downed 33 of 50 drones launched by Russia on January 17. The worst attack was a missile strike on the central city of Kryviy Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown.

Four people were killed and 14 others were wounded in the strike, which partially destroyed an educational facility.

Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, said that of those injured on January 17, four were hospitalized and in a serious condition.

Witnesses said explosions from the attack could be heard throughout the city, while Lysak said two multistory buildings, one of which caught fire, were damaged.

Zelenskiy said in his evening address that the deaths and injuries would not have happened if Ukraine had received the air defense systems it has "long been discussing" with its partners.

The attack appears to have again targeted civilian infrastructure. Russia has denied intentionally hitting civilian sites despite numerous attacks on such installations.

The attack came a day after Moscow said Kyiv launched six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles at Russia's Belgorod region. Officials had pledged to retaliate for that attack and any others that involve longer-range Western-supplied missiles.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-war-drone- strike-fire-oil-depot-kaluga/33280043.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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WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) celebrates a momentous and long-overdue victory as President Biden has commuted the sentences of over 2,500 individuals incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses , including those serving disproportionate sentences for cannabis.

These grants of clemency mark a step toward justice and repairing the harm caused to these families by decades of inequitable drug policies and punitive cannabis enforcement. A key part of LPPs mission is to ensure that criminal legal reforms are applied retroactively when drug laws change. President Bidens actions today signify the importance of providing relief for those incarcerated for offenses the law and the public no longer believe are in the best interest of justice and public safety.

The total number of those incarcerated for cannabis who received commutations is not yet known, but nine LPP constituents will be free thanks to this transformative step. Collectively, this action saves our constituents from serving an additional 53 years and 2 life sentences in prison. At the same time, there are undoubtedly many who will remain incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes, while others continue to profit from the same actions.

The full list of recipients is available here , and we are grateful for all the LPP constituents listed below that will be returning to their families and communities:

Kerry Collier served almost 14 years of a 20-year sentence with 10 years of supervision.

Daniel Gallegos served almost 14 years of a 20-year sentence with 10 years of supervision.

Melvin Garland served 14 years of a 22-year sentence with 8 years of supervision.

Albert Madrid served almost 26 years of a life sentence with 5 years of supervision.

Claudio Martinez Jr. served over 10 years of a 22-year sentence with 8 years of supervision.

John Newton served almost 16 years of an over 24-year sentence with 8 years of supervision.

Jose Sepulveda served over 27 years of a life sentence with 5 years of supervision.

Robert Jason Thomas over 15 years of a 20-year sentence with 8 years of supervision.

Leonel Villasenor served almost 22 years of a 30-year sentence with 4 years of supervision.



We applaud President Bidens commutations for those who suffered excessive sentences for drug offenses. This clemency signifies a recognition that we should not continue to punish individuals for outdated laws we now recognize as unjust, said Sarah Gersten, Executive Director and General Counsel at Last Prisoner Project. President Bidens actions remind us that meaningful change is possible when people work together and listen to what is needed to provide true justice through second chances.

Throughout the Biden administration, the Last Prisoner Project has tirelessly fought to secure these clemency grants, leading a coalition of advocates, policymakers, and community leaders to demand clemency for those still imprisoned for cannabis-related offenses. This action reflects the culmination of efforts through LPPs early release programs that provide direct legal representation for these constituents, our federal policy efforts that have urged broader retroactive relief, and our advocacy campaigns such as Countdown4Clemency , Pen to Right History , and Pardon People Not Poultry . Throughout these efforts, we have ensured that the voices of those incarcerated are heard and amplified through direct representation, storytelling, and partnerships across the clemency process.

While we take a moment to celebrate todays historic action, Last Prisoner Project remains steadfast in advocating for comprehensive policy reform to ensure all individuals unjustly incarcerated for cannabis can find freedom. President Bidens use of clemency powers is a monumental move toward this goal, but many remain behind bars, and systemic injustices persist. We will not rest until every last cannabis prisoner is free.

Todays victory reaffirms the importance of our collective action, legal expertise, and grassroots organizing in moving the needle toward justice. While we celebrate, we renew our commitment to working with the incoming administration to achieve total justice for those incarcerated for cannabis nationwide.

For press inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Stephen Post, Strategic Communications Manager

Last Prisoner Project

Press@lastprisonerproject.org

513-827-2340

ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT

The Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change.

Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/676fafda-900b-4d31-8d54-dfcc357a3fe7
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

Rapid response teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) worked at locations affected by Russian missile attacks in Kyiv and Zaporizhia on Saturday.

This morning, Kyiv was once again subjected to massive shelling A team of the rapid response team of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society promptly arrived at the scene of the shelling. Volunteers went door-to-door to identify victims and, if necessary, provide first aid, the URCS reported on Facebook on Saturday.

The rapid response team of the URCS in Zaporizhia region worked at the scene of an emergency in the regional center. Volunteers provided first aid on the spot to two victims and handed them over to ambulance doctors. They also provided first psychological aid to the victims.

As reported, as a result of the enemy missile attack on Saturday morning in Kyiv - three dead, three wounded, several buildings, cars, a water supply pipeline and the entrance to the Lukyanivska metro station were damaged.

As a result of the Russian strike on Zaporizhia, six people were injured, they are in the hospital. In the city center, the administrative building of one of the industrial facilities was partially destroyed, residential buildings and private transport were damaged.
Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Criminal law academics, defense attorneys, and advocacy groups have filed five amici curiae briefs in support of the New Civil Liberties Alliances pending Lesh v. U.S. petition before the U.S. Supreme Court. NCLAs lawsuit challenges an unjust precedent that denies jury trials for people charged with petty offensesgenerally those punishable by six months imprisonment or less. This erroneous precedent led the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to rule that NCLA client David Lesh was not deprived of his constitutional jury-trial right when prosecuted and convicted of violating U.S. Forest Service regulations. NCLA thanks amici for urging the Justices to hear this case and end the ahistorical and atextual petty-offense exception.

Excerpts of the briefs filed by amici curiae in support of the Petitioner follow:

The jury trial is vital regardless of perceived practical difficulties it may pose  First, practical considerations should not justify maintaining a rule that leads to unconstitutional criminal convictions  This is especially so because part of the jury trials very rationale is to serve as a hurdle to conviction. It shields defendants from arbitrary enforcement of laws.  In particular, jury trials are more transparent and publicly accountable than plea bargaining.  The absence of jury trials can also result in an adversarial deficit  that allows police and prosecutorial practices to go unchecked.  Inefficiencies that jury trials pose to conviction are an intended feature, not a bug.

 Cato Institute

The petty offense exception creates anomalies where the Constitution explicitly guarantees defendants multiple rights in the text, yet of those rights, only the jury trial right is cut short. Neither the text or reasoning of the Constitution warrants this exception.

 Southern Policy Law Institute

This Courts petty-offense detour not only was ill advised, but also is doing serious damage to criminal defendants, defense lawyers, and society as whole. The number and variety of petty crimes punishable by up to six months in prison are staggering. So are the consequences facing defendants charged with petty offenses. Every day, countless defendants risk being labeled as criminals and stripped of their liberty without any of the vital protections and benefits that the jury-trial right offers.

 National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Perversely, the petty offense doctrine not only exceeds but also abdicates the judicial role, ceding to the legislative and executive branches the power to control the metes and bounds of the jury trial right with respect to certain crimes  This judicial abdication should not stand.

 Americans for Prosperity Foundation

The right to a jury trial was intended to ensure against prosecution that was unfair, an overreach, or beyond what (very wide) prosecutorial discretion would otherwise counsel. Extending this right, then, may actually decrease the number of such prosecutions. But, even assuming recognizing the jury trial right for petty offenses could hypothetically introduce additional costs in the very few cases that a jury trial is actually sought, such costs are vastly outweighed by the constitutional and societal benefits of ensuring fair and consistent application of criminal justice. The right to a jury trial serves as a critical check on government power via community participation in determining guilt or innocence  By reinforcing this safeguard, the justice system gains legitimacy and fairness, particularly for individuals accused of offenses that carry significant collateral consequences.

 Criminal Law Professors Andrea Roth and J.D. King

NCLA released the following statements:

We are grateful for the amicis support in this important case. Beyond establishing how far the Court has unfortunately wandered from the Constitutions text, they highlight the significant collateral consequences stemming from criminal convictions without juries. These consequences include long-term social and financial harms to the convicted, erosion of trust in our judicial system through reduced civic participation and judicial accountability, and impositions on our democratic heritage.

 Kara Rollins, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

The significant support Mr. Lesh has received from organizations that range across the ideological and political spectrum is evidence that the Supreme Courts petty-offense exception to the jury-trial right has no constitutional basis. To safeguard the rights of all Americans, the Supreme Court should take the opportunity to reconsider its flawed precedent and rectify the situation.

 Jenin Younes, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here or watch the case video here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

###
STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abbott Cooper PLLC is investigating whether the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) (TKO or the Company) may have breached their fiduciary duties to stockholders. This investigation is made on behalf of the Companys stockholders to determine whether such breaches of fiduciary duty occurred and whether any potential remedies are available to the Companys investors.

TKO stockholders are encouraged to contact Abbott Cooper PLLC by calling (475) 333-0674, emailing ac@abbottlawyer.com or visiting our website at www.abbottlawyer.com for additional information about this investigation as well as their legal rights and options.

Abbott Cooper PLLC is dedicated to shareholders rights and empowering shareholders through strategic counsel and legal advocacy. For additional information about Abbott Cooper PLLC, please visit www.abbottlawyer.com.

CONTACT:

Abbott Cooper PLLC

Abbott Cooper

(475) 333-0674

www.abbottlawyer.com

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bengaluru, India, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Turntide Technologies, a global leader in electrification solutions, announces the launch of its low and high-voltage power electronics series, along with its advanced axial flux motors, to support Indias growing demand for sustainable transportation.

Turntides Gen 4 series of inverters provide a compact, scalable solution for low-voltage applications (48 V to 80 V), making them ideal for two- and three-wheelers. Their high reliability and flexibility allow seamless integration across different vehicle platforms. The Gen 5 series of inverters, operating at a nominal voltage of 350 VDC and offering up to 400 A peak current, are designed for hybrid and electric vehicles, combining robust performance with advanced flux vector motor control.

Our latest innovation, the Gen 6 series of inverters, is designed for a voltage range of 48 V to 800 V and offers superior efficiency and reliability for both traction and auxiliary systems, meeting the rigorous demands of Indian roads and environmental conditions. The Turntide Gen 6 series is engineered to deliver compact, powerful, and easy-to-use electrification, seamlessly integrating with any existing motor or system. Designed to elevate OEM electrification systems, it features industry-leading power density, a streamlined design, and straightforward implementation. With advancements in software architecture and power electronics, the Gen 6 Series offers superior performance tailored for EV and hybrid applications.

Turntides axial flux motors complement these power electronics, offering high torque density and compact design that enables better vehicle performance while reducing energy consumption and the total cost of ownership. The compact design of the motor allows for it to be integrated and packaged easily in applications with space constraints, e.g., hybrid electric vehicles where the vehicle manufacturer must find space for the electric powertrain while maintaining the space claim for the internal combustion engine components. Engineered in the UK and optimized for local conditions, these motors empower OEMs to deliver efficient, high-performing hybrid and electric vehicles tailored to Indian consumers needs.

In line with the "Make in India" initiative, Turntide is committed to building a robust Indian supply chain and partnering with local manufacturers. Currently, Turntides power electronics are being manufactured at Kaynes Technology in Mysuru. Kaynes is a leading end-to-end and IoT solutions-enabled integrated electronics manufacturer in India, known for its advanced manufacturing infrastructure and over three decades of experience.

We are proud to be the first in the Indian market to introduce high-voltage-axial-flux-motors that will empower OEMs to rapidly innovate their hybrid and electric vehicle offerings. Our USP is bringing clients to production faster with our own axial flux motors, power electronics, software, and diagnostics suite, said Pradumna Walimbe, Managing Director of APAC at Turntide Technologies. India is a critical market for us, and our manufacturing collaboration with Kaynes Technology for local power electronics manufacturing reflects our commitment to sustainability and alignment with the Make in India initiative. With the Indian electric mobility ecosystem at a pivotal stage, these products deliver unmatched efficiency and performance, empowering manufacturers to meet evolving consumer demands.

Turntides advanced electrification solutions will debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 - The Components Show in New Delhi, from January 18-21. This event provides an opportunity for Indian OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to explore these cutting-edge technologies firsthand, tailored to support their journey toward electrification.

About Turntide Technologies

Turntide Technologies designs and manufactures best-in-class electric motors, power electronics, energy storage, and thermal equipment for all things that move. Our mission is to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy by providing innovative and efficient solutions for a cleaner future.

Turntide Technologies operates in North America, Canada, the UK, and India and serves customers in global markets and industries including off highway automotive, commercial vehicles, rail, marine, light vehicles, commercial buildings, and premium automotive. For more information, visit turntide.com.

Attachment
NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE: SUI) between February 28, 2019 and September 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important February 10, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Sun Communities securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Sun Communities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32347 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 10, 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 the 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, during the Class Period, defendants created the false impression that they were presenting a complete and accurate picture of SUIs financial reports and accounting pertaining to Sun Communities projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth. At no point did defendants state or even allude to the DH Bingham Farms LLC mortgage, signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gary Shiffman, or the multiple undisclosed loans CEO Gary Shiffman received, including one from Company Board Member Arthur Weiss. Defendants misled investors by providing the public with materially flawed statements of confidence and growth projections throughout the Class Period, which did not account for these variables. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Sun Communities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32347 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 or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Vancouver, January 17, 2025 - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company") an exploration Company focused on the discovery of battery metals in Brazil's prestigious Lithium Valley, is pleased to announce that after the first week back on-site of the Arapaima Lithium project in Brazil's Lithium Valley, the exploration team has identified another pegmatite corridor measuring ~1.2km in length. This brings the new total of the trend to a combined 28.4km in length.

Arapaima Lithium Project Highlights:

Spark Energy's 64,359-hectare land package runs parallel to Sigma Lithium, Brazil's largest lithium company with a market cap of ~C$2 billion and sits only 15km away at the closest point.

80% of the extensive tenement package remains to be explored, underscoring the potential as new pegmatite corridors continue to be uncovered. A 1.2km extension was identified 3km northeast of prospective area 1 increasing the combined trend to 28km.

Q1 2025 exploration program continues a focused follow-up of the priority target areas identified towards the end of last year.

Beau Nicholls of Sahara Mining Services completed a site visit for an independent NI 43-101 Exploration Report over the company's 64,359-hectare Arapaima Lithium Project.

Q4 2024 exploration program samples are with SGS Laboratory and assay results are anticipated any day now.

Spark Energy increases pegmatite trend to combined 28.4km:





Figure 1: Figure showing newly identified pegmatite trend of ~1.2km in length located ~3km northeast of priority target area 1 in the northern section of the Arapaima Lithium project tenements

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/237683_73538ba1f4cfd95b_002full.jpg

Arapaima's 64,359-hectare tenement area comprises a dissected plateau characterized by a thick covering of lateritic regolith. A well-developed network of drainage is carved into the plateau exposing sections through the regolith into oxidized, granitoid intrusive rocks of the basement complex in the valley sides and floors. The granitoids are cut by an anastomosing suite of late-stage pegmatites continually identified in the windows of weathered exposure between the cover.

Within these windows of exposure Spark Energy's prospecting team noted the prospective target area 1 is largely underlain by the two mica G2 granite rock suite which is host to multiple pegmatite bodies, some attaining thickness's over 5m. Back on the ground for 2025's field program they followed this geology to the northeast identifying pegmatite veins hosted in the same two-mica G2 granite suite. These newly recognized pegmatites are composed of quartz, feldspar, white mica, and variable concentrations of tourmaline in a trend that shows NE-SW and NW-SE over ~1.2km in length extending the total combined trend to 28.4km.





Figure 2: Photos of pegmatites recently identified and mapped in the pegmatite trend extension ~3km to the northeast of priority target area 1.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/237683_73538ba1f4cfd95b_003full.jpg

Spark Energy's priority area reconnaissance teams continue to build on the geological understanding of the 3 identified targets (Area 1, 5 and 6 as shown in Figure 3 below) from Q4 2024's field program. These areas host 8 pegmatite trends supported by 78 individual pegmatite occurrences mapped in the central and north sections of the Arapaima Lithium project tenements.





Figure 3: Figure showing location of Priority Target Areas 1, 5 and New Target 6 with geological data points, Arapaima Lithium project tenements

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/237683_73538ba1f4cfd95b_004full.jpg

Prospectivity of artisanal mines:

After 5 weeks in total on the property the exploration teams continue to uncover numerous artisanal mines throughout the tenements (as seen in Figure 4 below). Through these existing tunnels Spark's experienced geologists were able to confirm old artisanal workings, which further provides very encouraging signs of economic mineral potential associated with pegmatites. Many of these tunnels require roped access, which Spark's newly hired chartered geologist, Dan Hamer, will oversee as a qualified International Mountain Leader. Gaining access to these tunnels will provide additional insight into the geochemistry of the project.





Figure 4: Photos of artisanal underground tunnels located on the Arapaima Lithium Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/237683_73538ba1f4cfd95b_005full.jpg

Jon Hill, Director of Spark Energy Minerals, commented: "The swift execution of the exploration team's ability to identify yet another pegmatite corridor is a testament to the vast coverage of the Arapaima Lithium project tenements and prospective nature of the underlain geology. We are eagerly awaiting the analytical results which will inform our ongoing strategy, along with the initial feedback from the Dan Hamer (consulting) and Beau Nicolls (43-101) property reviews will continue to enhance our dynamic approach to exploring this large, prospective tenement package."

Qualified Person:

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this document has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill BSc Hons, FAUSIMM, a Qualified Person consistent with NI 43-101.

About Spark Energy Minerals Inc.

Spark Energy Minerals, Inc. is a Canadian company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of battery metals and mineral assets, with a particular emphasis on its substantial interests in Brazil. The Company's flagship project is the Arapaima Lithium project spanning 64,359 hectares in Brazil's renowned Lithium Valley, one of the most prolific mining regions in the world. This region is rapidly gaining global recognition for its vast deposits of lithium and rare earth minerals, positioning Brazil as a critical player in the global energy transition.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237683
TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2025 - 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 Ltd. ("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.





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.





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.





Copper, silver, and gold are the primary contributors to the Mineral Resource Estimate, with molybdenum and zinc 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.

SOURCE Minsud Resources Corp.







FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:



Agustin Dranovsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, info@minsud.com, www.minsud.com, +1 416-479-4466


Vancouver, January 17, 2025 - Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) ("FRG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the extension to the exclusivity period of the non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with Aion Mining Corp. ("Aion") to February 7, 2025.

As previously stated in the news release dated September 17, 2024 - In consideration of additional shares of Aion, the Company will pay $5,000,000, comprised of the following:

$4,000,000 in cash on closing; and

$1,000,000 in common shares of the Company at a price per share equal to the closing of the share price of the Company on the closing date of the Proposed Transaction, subject to CSE policies.

The Company will also be granted anti-dilution rights by Aion for a 12-month basis post-closing, and a subsequent right of first refusal on all equity financings by Aion for the ensuing 4-year period, so as to allow the Company to maintain a post-closing control position of 60% in Aion's voting securities on a fully-diluted basis.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and any other conditions agreed to by the parties in a definitive share purchase agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") including: receipt of all necessary approvals and consents on terms satisfactory to the parties, and completion of a due diligence investigation into Aion by the Company and its representatives.

Aion is a non-arm's length party to the Company by reason of sharing a common director, Cole McClay and a common officer, Camilo Cordovez. The terms of the LOI were reviewed and approved by a committee of the Company's independent directors.

There are no assurances or guarantees that the proposed transaction will be completed, whether on the terms and conditions described above or at all. The Company will provide further updates as they become available.

About Forge Resources Corp.

Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and advancing the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. The Company holds a 40% interest, with an LOI in place to acquire up to 60% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. The project contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. 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 information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237707
The Special Operations Forces units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully struck the Rosneft base in the city of Lyudinovo in Kaluga region of Russia on Saturday night, the Special Operations' Telegram channel reported.

"The oil depot is part of JSC Kaluganefteprodukt and is a logistics center that provides units of the Russian armed forces that are directly involved in the war against Ukraine. As a result of the attack, a fire broke out on the territory of the base... The defeat of such facilities creates serious logistical problems for the army of the Russian aggressor," the report says.
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The women tackling loneliness by speed mating

BBC Showbiz News Jan - 18 - 2025 , 15:27 3 minutes read

After finishing university and moving back to Birmingham, Khiefa Gabbidon struggled to make friends when she started work.

The 22-year-old had a job in the tech industry which she described as a male-dominated field and said she did not have any women around her.

"I looked around to see if I could find any female friends but I couldn't so I thought 'I'm going to have to create something'," she added.

Eager to find her clique, Ms Gabbidon created a community group for women in May called Space For Girls.

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It encourages like-minded women to meet up and take part in a range of activities such as running sessions, meals out and hiking.

The group has since attracted more than 8,000 followers on Instagram and a WhatsApp community of more than 1,500 women.

Before she started the group, Ms Gabbidon said she "had no-one" adding: "It was a really difficult time to go through."

But she said she had since realised many women of her age were going through the same thing.

"It's a common feeling, this emptiness and the loneliness - and to know we're here to support each other definitely helps," she added.

Khiefa Gabbidon set up the group after struggling with loneliness herself

The group hold "speed mating" events which use the same concept as speed dating but for people to make friends.

Suzanna Jones went to one of their recent events and said she had found it difficult to make friends as a young person, before joining the group.

"I would never strike up a conversation on the train or in the gym but when you know there are other people looking for friends and are open to get to know youit makes it easier," she added.

Suzanna Jones said she found it difficult to make friends before joining the group

Katherine Hale started going to Space For Girls events after coming across a video on TikTok.

She regularly attends the running club on Tuesday evenings which she said had helped her with her anxiety and made it easier to meet new people without having long, face-to-face conversations.

"It's just nice to have that support, even though you don't necessarily know everybody," she added.

"Just knowing that if you're having a bad day, you can pop a message in the group chat or individually and they can help you through it - it's made a huge difference."

'Meaningful connections'

A recent survey by mental health charity Mind revealed 54% of people across the West Midlands said they preferred to put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health.

More than half of those said that made them feel isolated and less able to socialise.

Rachel McNair, from Birmingham Mind, said community groups like Space For Girls were important in helping people to open up.

"There's a huge gap in services for people who are looking to make meaningful connections, especially for younger people across the city," she said.
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3 In court over alleged kidnapping, assault of businessman

GNA Jan - 18 - 2025 , 06:24 3 minutes read

Three of five individuals have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and assault of a businessman.

The accused are Albert Tetteh Botchway and David Burke, both 34 and businessmen, and Promise Lamptey, 29, a security guard.

Two other suspects, Awudu Balm and Katanga, remain at large.

The five are accused of kidnapping Kwadwo Agyapong Berry, a businessman, over a failed business investment.

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They face charges including conspiracy to commit a crime (kidnapping and assault).

When the case was called, the first accused, Botchway, was absent but submitted a medical report to the court.

The second accused, Burke, and the third accused, Lamptey, were present and both denied the charges against them.

The Presiding Judge, Susana Eduful, granted Burke and Lamptey bail in the sum of GH50,000 each with two sureties each.

One surety must earn at least GH5,000, while the other must be an immediate family member.

The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025.

Facts

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, informed the court that the complainant, Kwadwo Agyapong Berry, resides at Amrahia, near Adentan in Accra, while the accused, Botchway, Burke and Lamptey, live at Labadi.

The court was told that Lamptey, Balm and Katanga were employees of Botchway.

On December 14, 2024, Berry, along with Botchway and Burke, took one Benjamin Appiah Boateng to the Laboma Beach to interrogate him about the alleged misappropriation of over $1.6 million from their investment.

According to the prosecution, Boateng was detained at the Laboma Beach, with Botchway present, while the complainant visited on a daily basis to monitor Boateng's efforts to recover the money.

On December 18, 2024, Burke called the complainant, asking him to come to the Laboma Beach on December 19, 2024, around 7 a.m. for a meeting with him and Botchway.

The prosecution said on December 19, 2024, the complainant drove to the Laboma Beach for the meeting and he was ushered to the office of Botchway by Burke.

The prosecution stated that Botchway deliberately stepped out of the office and shortly after, Lamptey, Balm and Katanga entered the office and instructed Burke to leave.

At this stage, Lamptey, Balm and Katanga then locked the door to the office, handcuffed the complainant and subjected him to severe beatings, including the use of an electric wire to shock him, the prosecution said.

The prosecution explained that the complainant reported that Lamptey, Balm and Katanga told him that Boateng had confessed that the $600,000 investment belonging to Botchway and Burke was with him (complainant).

The complainant was reportedly held in Botchway's office from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on December 19, 2024, until the Police Intelligence Department received a tip-off about the incident and rescued him.

On January 2, 2025, Botchway and Lamptey were arrested for further investigations.

During questioning, Lamptey admitted to the offence but claimed that Boateng had implicated the complainant as his accomplice during their interrogation which led to their actions.

On January 10, 2025, Burke was also arrested for investigations and later granted police enquiry bail.

The prosecution stated that Botchway, Burke and Lamptey had been charged, while efforts continue for the arrest of Balm and Katanga.




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5 Illegal miners arrested, 4 excavators seized at Wenchi

Biiya Mukusah Ali Jan - 18 - 2025 , 07:20 3 minutes read

A task force set up by the Wenchi Traditional Council has arrested five suspected illegal miners, including a Chinese, at Wenchi Atuuna in the Bono Region.

The task force, which made the arrest last Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 4:40 p.m., also seized four excavators, two private Ford vehicles with registration numbers AS 2860-24 and GB 159-22, as well as two huge washing machines.

The Special Aide to the Omanhene of the Wenchi Traditional Area, Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, Nana Reindorf Oware, who confirmed the arrest to the Daily Graphic, said the task force was led by Osagyefo Tabrako to arrest the suspects.

He said the suspects, as well as the seized mining equipment and vehicles, had been handed over to the police at Wenchi for further investigation and prosecution.

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Degraded lands

Nana Oware said the council had directed the police to lead the suspects to cover the galamsey pits created by their operations in order to restore the degraded land.

He also urged the police to ensure that the suspects were prosecuted according to the law.

"We expect the police to lead them to restore the degraded lands they destroyed and ensure that they are prosecuted. The council is interested in the case and will follow up even to the Presidency for justice," he said.

Narrating how the arrests were made, Nana Oware explained that when the task force got to the scene, the Chinese who was driving one of the private vehicles quickly picked one suspect and drove away.

He explained that a member of the task force followed the vehicle with a motorbike to discover their hiding place and informed the police to arrest them.

Interrogation

Nana Oware said when the task force interrogated the suspects, they mentioned the name and location of the person behind their operations.

He explained that the council had since invited the person to the palace to respond to the allegations made against him.

Nana Oware said the suspects had no permit or documents permitting them to operate in the area.

He said it was the main priority of Osagyefo Tabrako to halt illegal mining on Wenchi stool lands since their activities were destroying farmlands, forests and rivers.

Recall

It could be recalled that a press statement dated Sunday, January 5, 2025, signed by Nana Oware, expressed concern about the ongoing illegal mining operation in the area.

It ordered all illegal mining companies, including illegal miners operating in the area, to vacate their sites.

"All operations must cease and you are required to remove any machinery and equipment from the site," it said.

The statement, titled: "Seizure of illegal mining operations in Wenchi Traditional Area", directed the companies to restore all the degraded lands to mitigate potential dangers and preserve the integrity of the area before leaving the various sites.

It said non-compliance with the instructions would lead to serious repercussions.

The release urged the public, particularly the people in Wenchi and its surrounding communities, to respect the land and abide by the laws governing the Wenchi Traditional Area.

Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh
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Akosombo Dam safe, nearby bushfire contained - Fire Service

Gertrude Ankah Jan - 18 - 2025 , 10:41 1 minute read

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that a bushfire near Akosombo has been successfully extinguished as of 1:00 am on Saturday, January 18, with no damage or casualties recorded.

In a post on Facebook, the GNFS said the Akosombo Dam and nearby properties remain entirely safe, thanks to swift and coordinated efforts by the fire service.

Swift containment and ongoing vigilance

Firefighters from the Akosombo and Kpong fire stations acted promptly to bring the blaze under control, ensuring that the flames did not threaten critical infrastructure.

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Fire crews remain on standby to monitor the area and prevent any possible re-ignition.

The GNFS clarified earlier misconceptions caused by a viral video on social media, which falsely suggested that the bushfire was directly affecting the Akosombo Dam.

Officials assured the public that the fire occurred on a hilly terrain far from the dam and posed no danger to its operations or the surrounding community.

Call for community action

Highlighting the need for greater fire safety awareness, the GNFS urged the public to engage in bushfire prevention efforts during the dry season.

In their statement, the GNFS expressed gratitude for public cooperation and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

The Akosombo Dam and adjoining areas are entirely safe. There is no cause for alarm, the service assured.

See the post below
Experts call for urgent reform in education system

Joshua Bediako Koomson Jan - 18 - 2025 , 08:27 3 minutes read

Experts at the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) have called for urgent reforms in the countrys education system.

They also urged similar reforms in governance structure and environmental protection policies to ensure sustainable development and resilience.

The participants urged the government to develop policies that supported technology training for teachers through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA).

A communique issued at the end of the three-day Annual New Year School and Conference also recommended embedding the training in Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions to equip the next generation with 21st-century skills.

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The communique asked for the provision of computers and digital resources for teachers, students and employees, backed by robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

The event was held on the theme; Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.

Organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education of the University of Ghana, the conference brought together about 500 participants, including virtual attendees, at the Great Hall and the ISSER Conference Facility. Discussions focused on technology, environmental protection, governance and financial technologies

Governance

On governance, the participants emphasised the need for electoral reforms to strengthen grassroots democracy.

They also recommended the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and proposed constitutional amendments to allow political parties and independent candidates to participate in local government elections.

Those measures, the participants noted, would enhance district development, foster multi-party democracy and promote citizen participation.

Gender equity

Addressing gender equity, the participants highlighted the importance of empowering women at all levels, starting from communities and basic schools to district assemblies.

A bottom-up approach was recommended to ensure womens active involvement in decision-making processes.

Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the discussions, with the participants calling for strict enforcement of laws protecting water bodies and forest resources, urging the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining operations and prosecute offenders.

To reduce the countrys reliance on fossil fuels, it was recommended that the government expedite the transition to renewable energy and mandate that at least 30 per cent of new buildings include renewable energy components such as solar power.

Other recommendations

Other key recommendations included expanding telecommunication network coverage to underserved areas, enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect citizens from financial scams and leveraging public-private partnerships to improve digital literacy and access for farmers and traders.

Participants also called for the decentralisation of regulatory bodies such as the Ghana Standards Authority and the inclusion of trade standards in educational curricula to boost regional competitiveness.

They further stressed the importance of using government-backed digital platforms to enhance citizen engagement and ensure transparency in policymaking.

Additionally, they recommended strengthening data protection protocols and insulating state institutions from political interference to ensure their effectiveness.
Featured

Mohammed Abdul-Salam defends his appointment as Acting NLA CEO amid criticism from fellow Muslims

Kweku Zurek Jan - 18 - 2025 , 10:22 3 minutes read

Newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has responded to criticism from members of the Muslim community who question his decision to accept the role, considering that lottery is deemed haram in Islamic faith.

In an interview with Citi FM, Mr. Abdul-Salam, who officially assumed office on Friday, described his appointment as very exciting news and addressed concerns about the compatibility of his new role with his faith.

I am a practising Muslim. Im not just a Muslim; I am a practising Muslim, but Im not a fanatic leader. Neither am I an extremist, he said, adding that his appointment reflects Ghanas secular governance structure.

"My predecessor (Sammi Awuku) is a Christian, I don't know which part of Christianity, allows for a Christian to assume that office.

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Explaining his stance, Mr. Abdul-Salam pointed out that religion and governance operate in separate spheres in Ghanas legal framework. Ghana is a secular state. Theres nowhere anybody will say that this person will occupy this position because hes a Christian, and this position will be occupied because the fellow is a Muslim. Institutions of state are supposed to be manned by people deemed to be competent to do so, he stated.

Mr. Abdul-Salam defended his appointment as a matter of competence and the prerogative of the President, asserting, The appointing authority deems it fit that Mohammed Abdul-Salam, at this particular point in time, given the opportunity, can man the National Lottery Authority, and that has been given to me. I have consented to it, and I have sent a formal letter accepting the appointment. There should be no controversy about that.

In response to allegations of religious inconsistency, Mr. Abdul-Salam emphasised that no one is without fault in their faith. Almighty Allah, we are told, is the forgiver of sins, and Hes one who enjoys forgiving His creations. So, I cannot find any Muslim under the sun who can stand anywhere and tell me that, Oh, piety is to the extent that I can void that I have never sinned against my God.

Mr. Abdul-Salams appointment follows the resignation of Mr. Sammi Awuku, who stepped down on January 13, 2025, after being elected Member of Parliament for Akuapem North.

The appointment, effective January 15, 2025, was made in line with Article 195 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 45(1) of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722). Mr. Abdul-Salams role remains interim, pending advice from the NLA Board in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

As the Northern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdul-Salam views the position as part of his professional growth. There is nowhere in government that I ruled out as an opportunity. If Im given to serve, I would avail myself, so far as the laws and rules of Ghana allow for that system to exist as part of our governance, he stated.

The new CEO is expected to lead the NLA through a pivotal period, focusing on operational efficiency and revenue generation to support national development initiatives.
Navigating the debate: Partisan vs. non-partisan elections for MMDCEs in Ghana

Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa Politics Jan - 18 - 2025 , 07:03 4 minutes read

The debate surrounding the election of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) in Ghana has gained significant traction among various stakeholders, igniting discussions about whether these elections should be conducted on partisan lines or remain non-partisan.

This essential question touches on the future of local governance and the democratic process in the country. Proponents and opponents of partisan elections present compelling arguments that reflect the complexities of governance and the desire for effective leadership at the local level.

Partisan

Advocates for partisan elections, including the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), argue that such a system would enhance transparency and accountability in local governance. Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, the Executive Director of IDEG, has emphasised that competitive elections are likely to bring in competent individuals and ensure that local leaders are accountable not only to the President but also to their political parties and constituents. This alignment could strengthen local policies and foster a sense of responsibility among MMDCEs, who would be answerable to a wider electorate.

Furthermore, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) posits that partisan elections would increase political participation and engagement at the local level. Political parties are adept at mobilising resources and supporters, which could result in stronger leadership that is responsive to community needs. The NPP believes that electing MMDCEs on partisan lines could also serve as a vital training ground for future politicians, preventing scenarios where MMDCEs might undermine parliamentary representatives to secure their positions.

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Additionally, proponents of partisan elections argue that political parties are already involved in local-level elections, therefore, formalising it by conducting local-level elections on party lines is the way forward. Furthermore, they query that since at the national level, elections are done on partisan lines what stops the same thing at the local government level?

Non-partisan

Conversely, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) strongly opposes the introduction of partisan elections. Its members argue that this approach could exacerbate electoral bitterness and tension, drawing parallels to the often fraught atmosphere surrounding national elections. They raise concerns over the high costs associated with conducting partisan elections, which they fear could strain the national budget. The NDC advocates a non-partisan system, one that prioritises community needs over party agendas, thus ensuring local governance remains focused on the issues that directly affect citizens. Echoing this sentiment, the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) conducted a survey revealing that 71 per cent of Ghanaians favour non-partisan elections, reflecting a strong public preference for governance that transcends party lines.

Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, a leader member of the NDC and a former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, raises additional points against the imposition of a partisan structure in local governance. He argues that it could disrupt the existing non-partisan framework, which is essential for addressing community needs without the interference of party politics. Prof. Ahwoi warns that partisan elections might lead to prioritising party interests at the expense of local accountability and democratic principles. The potential for corruption is another significant concern; political patronage and favouritism could overshadow genuine community service, eroding trust in local governance.

Advantages/ Disadvantages

There are, however, notable benefits associated with electing MMDCEs on partisan lines. Transparency and accountability could see marked improvements, as competitive elections naturally foster a push for capable candidates. Additionally, this system could encourage heightened citizen participation, as individuals become more engaged with local governance when political parties are involved.

Despite these advantages, several drawbacks accompany the notion of partisan elections. Increased polarisation could arise, potentially damaging community cohesion and exacerbating tensions between opposing political factions. The spectre of corruption looms large, fuelled by the influence of financiers with their own agendas, which can divert focus from community-centric governance. Moreover, the bitterness and high costs typically associated with national elections could unfortunately find their way into local contests, undermining the spirit of democracy at the grass-roots level.

Consensus

As Ghana stands at this critical crossroads, it is evident that there is a collective desire for the election of MMDCEs. The point of contention lies in whether this should occur along partisan or non-partisan lines. With entrenched stances held by both the NPP and NDC, the pathway forward necessitates extensive consultation among stakeholders. The lessons of the past, particularly the stalled reforms of 2019, should urge a cautious approach to avoid failure in the current climate. For the sake of national cohesion and effective governance, consensus is essential. The time has come for Ghana to embrace the election of MMDCEs, and it is the responsibility of civil society organisations and the government to facilitate dialogue among all parties involved. Ensuring a collaborative effort to determine the best way forward for local governance elections in the country is critical.

The writer is a political scientist
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ORAL Committees mandate rooted in law, critics misguided  Dafeamekpor

Gertrude Ankah Politics Jan - 18 - 2025 , 12:18 2 minutes read

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has defended the legality of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, dismissing criticism from opposition members and other skeptics.

Speaking on TV3s Key Points programme today, he argued that the committees mandate is firmly grounded in the constitution.

He pointed to Article 41(f) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that every citizen has a duty to protect public property and combat the misuse of state resources.

The activities of the ORAL committee are supported by law. This body is tasked with evidence gathering for further government actions, and critics misinterpret its operations, he said.

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Mr Dafeamekpors remarks were a response to the former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who has questioned the legality and modus operandi of the ORAL committee.

I think those making these complaints, including my colleagues, have erred in their legal reasoning, the South Dayi MP asserted.

He further criticised the NPP, for what he described as shameful attacks on the committees work.

Some of these criticisms are neither constructive nor based on fact. They are falling into ignominy, he added.

Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL):

The ORAL committee was established by President John Dramani Mahama as part of efforts to address allegations of corruption and the looting of state resources by former government officials.

The initiative forms a key part of the administrations anti-corruption drive, aiming to recover state assets and hold individuals accountable for misappropriation.

Operating under a mandate to gather evidence of corrupt practices, the committee works closely with legal and law enforcement agencies. Its activities are designed to complement existing anti-corruption mechanisms, ensuring transparency and accountability.

However, the committees formation has drawn criticism from some quarters, with detractors questioning its legal framework and operational transparency.

These criticisms have become a focal point of national debate, with proponents like Dafeamekpor arguing that the initiative aligns with constitutional provisions and serves the public interest.
Featured

Yayra Koku credits divine providence as he takes charge as acting NIA CEO

Gertrude Ankah Politics Jan - 18 - 2025 , 12:58 2 minutes read

Mr. Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku has credited divine providence for his appointment as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Identification Authority (NIA).

The Presidency officially confirmed him as the CEO of NIA on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Reflecting on his career journey, Mr. Deku expressed gratitude to former President John Dramani Mahama for recognizing his potential and entrusting him with the leadership role.

"This can only be God. Thank you, President John Dramani Mahama, for recognizing my potential and giving me the opportunity to serve," Mr. Deku shared in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

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Mr. Dekus appointment marks a full-circle moment in his career, having started at the NIA as a temporary Technical Officer in 2008.

"The journey ahead is exciting, and I can't wait to dive in and make a difference. A significant difference," he added, assuring Ghanaians of his dedication to making an impact in his new role.

He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming messages of support from colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, pledging to make them proud. "The job has just started. I will make you all PROUD with God on our side," he wrote.

Background

Mr. Dekus appointment follows the resignation of Professor Kenneth Attafuah, the former CEO of the NIA, who announced his decision to step down last year.

During his tenure, Prof. Attafuah played a critical role in advancing the digitization of Ghanas identification systems.

His departure created a vacuum that Mr. Deku is now poised to fill with new energy and vision.

The NIA, responsible for managing Ghana's national identity database, is a cornerstone in the nations digital transformation efforts. With Mr. Deku at the helm, stakeholders are optimistic about advancements in service delivery and operational efficiency under his leadership.
The former MP of Ukraine from the Party of Regions and the Opposition Bloc, who spread pro-Russian narratives through religious communities of the Russian Orthodox Church in various European countries, has been notified of suspicion of treason and violation of the equality of citizens, the Security Service of Ukraine reported on its website on Saturday without indicating the suspect's name.

As Interfax-Ukraine learned, the suspect is Vadim Novinsky, an MP of the Verkhovna Rada of the VII-IX convocations (2013-2022). He was notified of the suspicion in absentia.

"Based on the evidence obtained, the defendant has been notified in absentia of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 1 of Article 111 (high treason); Part 2 of Article 161 (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their race, nationality, regional affiliation and religious beliefs, committed by an organized group of persons). Comprehensive measures are ongoing to bring the suspect to justice for the crimes committed against our state," the SBU reported.

The special service reported documented new facts of subversive activity by the ex-MP, who is hiding abroad and publicly justifying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

"After the start of the full-scale war, the defendant left for the European Union on a charter flight, where he continued to work in the interests of Russia. According to the case materials, the former MP was in direct contact with Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill (Gundyaev) and used the religious communities subordinate to him in the EU countries to disperse Russian propaganda. In particular, as the investigation established, he attracted foreign parishioners to discredit Ukraine in the international arena," the report says.

As reported, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decided to impose personal sanctions against Vadim Novinsky on December 1, 2022, and they were later expanded. According to the SBU materials, Novinsky's property worth more than UAH 3.5 billion was seized in 2023.
The Realme GT 7 Pro arrived in Europe with a launch discount of 200, but after that was over, the price jumped. Now its down to almost that same level again with a 180 discount. This phone gives you early access to Snapdragon 8 Elite performance and packs premium features like a gently curved 6.78 LTPO OLED display (1264p+, 120Hz, 10-bit colors) and an IP68/IP69 rating.

This model doesnt skimp on the cameras either with a 50MP main (1/1.56 sensor, f/1.8 lens with OIS), a 50MP 73mm telephoto module (3x magnification, f/2.7 lens with OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide. The battery is huge at 6,500mAh and (as is the norm for the GT series) charging is screaming fast at 120W (13 minutes to 50%, 37 minutes to 100%).

Rolling back one generation, there is the Realme GT 6T. Just as it did last week, this one costs 380. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is no match for the Elite chip, but it gives older flagship chips like the 8 Gen 2 a run for their money.

And you still get a high quality 6.78 LTPO OLED display (1264p+, 120Hz, 10-bit). The battery supports 120W charging too, though its capacity is only 5,500mAh  thats still more than most phones out there. A few things are dialed back like the water resistance (IP64) and the cameras  there is a 50MP main (with a smaller 1/1.95 sensor and an f/1.9 lens with OIS), plus an 8MP ultra-wide (but no tele).

The Redmi Note 14 series arrived in Europe last week, but these arent the same models as the phones called Redmi Note 14 that are sold in India and China.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is the top dog with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and 120W fast charging, plus a glass back option (some colors have vegan leather backs instead). And you can get it in a 12/512GB configuration.

That said, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is nearly the same phone, except it uses the Dimensity 7300 Ultra, its battery does 45W charging and the options for the back are plastic or vegan leather. However, you get the same curved 6.67 1220p+ OLED display with 12-bit colors, the same 200MP main camera and 8MP ultra-wide, same IP68 dust and water resistance and same 5,110mAh battery capacity. And this one is 100 cheaper than the Pro+ (looking at the 12/512GB models).

A 4G variant of the Redmi Note 14 Pro is available, this one powered by the Helio G100 Ultra instead. You save 50, but lose performance. Also, the screen resolution is lower (1080p+), as is the water resistance rating (IP64). However, the cameras are basically the same, plus you get expandable storage (a microSD card can replace SIM2), a 3.5mm headphone jack and a larger 5,500mAh battery with the same 45W charging.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G and 5G appear closer in terms of price than they actually are since the 4G model currently doesnt have a discount. If that is your preferred model, wed suggest waiting for a bit.

The same goes for the Redmi Note 14 5G, which is also with no discount at the moment. This one is based on the Dimensity 7025 Ultra and a 5,110mAh battery with 45W charging.

The Redmi Note 14 4G does have a discount  its 50 off, which leaves a big gap between it and its 5G sibling. This one is powered by the Helio G99 Ultra and a larger 5,500mAh battery with slower 33W charging. Both phones have 108MP cameras, but only the 5G variant has OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide  the 4G phone has no OIS and a depth sensor replaces the UW module. Both phones have 6.67 1080p+ OLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate.

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Earlier today the US Supreme Court upheld the law that will ban TikTok in the US unless it sells by January 19. With the deadline fast approaching and no deal in sight, the app has promised to fully shut down on Sunday in the US even though the law doesn't actually compel it to (it only requires Google and Apple to remove TikTok from their app stores).

TikTok's competitors are obviously very happy about that app's possible demise in the US, and so today Instagram announced two new features for Reels, its TikTok clone.

You can now discover the reels your friends are liking or adding notes to at the top right corner of the Reels tab. And you'll also see a reply bar, to make it easy to "start conversations around content you're enjoying", Instagram says. This will give you "even more opportunities for your reels to be seen by people who don't follow you yet".

You can see how this works in the screenshots above. On any given reel, the top right part will show who amongst your friends interacted with that particular reel. And you can then reply to their activity - so if a friend likes a reel, you can reply to that like.

Not at all shockingly, these features are rolling out in the US first, and will make it to other places at some point in the future.

Via
After the US Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban unless it's sold to a US-based private investor, TikTok has decided to go dark after Sunday, January 19. In an official statement, the company pointed to the political uncertainty as the main reason for shutting down its service in the US.

The statement itself is pretty short and criticizes the Biden Administration for not providing a definitive statement on how the issue would be resolved and TikTok's future in the country. Essentially, there are no guarantees that the future Trump Administration wouldn't try to do the same, so it feels necessary to shut down.

One could argue that TikTok is trying to show its users what would happen if a ban took place. In a way, the company is trying to pressure a wide public response to the situation.

On the other hand, TikTok's concerns are not unfounded. President-elect Donald Trump hasn't been very vocal about what he would do with TikTok and is playing it low, so TikTok is indeed forced to operate in uncertainty.

Source
Sen. Christopher M. Duenas has reintroduced a bill seeking to develop accessory dwelling units, commonly referred to as in-law suites or granny flats to help solve affordable housing shortage on Guam.

The accessory dwelling unit, ADU, bill seeks to expand and streamline the development of accessory dwelling units, or secondary residential units, on properties across the island.

These ADUs are designed to offer flexible housing options for families, young professionals, and seniors, while maximizing the use of existing property.

Originally introduced in the 37th Guam Legislature, the measure has undergone substantial amendments to address the concerns raised during the previous term, with a renewed focus on alleviating Guams pressing housing shortage, Duenas office said.

This bill represents a meaningful step toward solving Guams housing crisis by increasing our housing supply in a practical, efficient, and community-focused way, Duenas said in a statement. The amendments reflect thoughtful collaboration and directly address concerns raised by stakeholders and the public last term. With these changes, we are confident this bill will garner broad support and become law.

The revised bill emphasizes measures to ensure proper permitting, zoning compatibility, and safeguards for infrastructure capacity, addressing prior critiques. By providing more housing options within existing neighborhoods, the ADU bill aims to offer immediate relief to families struggling to find affordable housing on Guam, Duenas office said

Duenas calls on his colleagues in the 38th Guam Legislature to recognize the urgency of the housing crisis and move swiftly to support the legislation.

Our community cannot wait any longer, he said. This bill is a practical solution to a complex problem, and it has the potential to transform our islands housing landscape for the better.

Duenas encourages residents to participate in the legislative process and share their support for this critical measure and thanks the following senators for their co-sponsorship and support: Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Vice Speaker Anthony Ada, Sens. Jesse A. Lujan, Tina Rose Muna Barnes, Vincent A. Borja, Shelly Vargas Calvo, Sabrina Salas Matanane, William A. Parkinson and Joe S. San Agustin.
A small crowd gathered inside the Regal Guam Megaplex Thursday evening at the Guam Premier Outlets in Tamuning to watch a special, free screening of Kevin Hines documentary film, Suicide: The Ripple Effect.

Hines, a mental health advocate and suicide survivor, is visiting Guam for the third time as part of Todu Guams Kindness Heals Week 2025: Powering Up for Mental Wellness.

Hines directed the documentary, which explores the devastating ripple effect of suicide on families, communities, and individuals. Every seat in the screening room was filled.

When the movie ended, residents went outside to meet with Hines. He smiled, laughed, spoke with, and even signed autographs for the attendees. One by one, they praised him for speaking up about suicide and shared their emotional personal stories connected to the issue.

Hines was invited by the Todu Guam Foundation, in collaboration with Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and the Guam Behavioral Foundation. His visit has provided an opportunity to connect with the local community, share his personal journey, and advocate for suicide prevention.

At 19, Hines jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and miraculously survived. Since that day, he has transformed into a motivational speaker on mental wellness and suicide prevention.

A passionate mental health advocate, best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker, and entrepreneur, Hines has traveled worldwide to share his powerful and inspiring story.

Hines is collaborating with the Todu Guam Foundation for its Kindness Heals Week 2025: Powering Up for Mental Wellness.

The foundation also brought Hines to the island in 2023. Throughout this week, he has been sharing his motivational story with the community, visiting schools, organizations, and first responders to lead customized workshops and sessions aimed at strengthening Guams suicide prevention efforts and promoting mental wellness across the island.

Hines first came to Guam several years ago through a military connection, and he returned two years ago after being invited by GBHWC.

I was so excited to be part of this movement. Over the last three days, my wife and I have met beautiful souls in a lot of pain, and hearing their stories has been vital for my healing, he said

Hines affirms his commitment to giving back to others, which he sees as a core mission in life.

Suicide on Guam

According to the PDN files, a column written by Dr. Vincent S. Duenas in September 2024 stated that, in recent years, Guam has experienced a concerning rise in suicide rates. In 2022, the island recorded 28 suicide deaths, resulting in a crude suicide rate of 16.6 per 100,000 people, according to information from the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

When adjusted for age using the U.S. 2000 standard population, Guams suicide rate was significantly higher than that of the U.S. mainland and was the 8th leading cause of death on the island.

Hines discussed the importance of normalizing conversations about suicide, as well as the critical role of familial and community support in addressing the issue.

Suicide is devastating. Its not easy, he told the Pacific Daily News. People, the majority, dont want to have the conversation, but we must. If we dont talk about it, we cant stop it. He pointed out that efforts to talk openly about suicide led to a significant reduction in suicide rates at the Golden Gate Bridge after safety nets were installed, a measure he strongly believes could be applied to Guam as well.

Hines also spoke about the unique challenges suicide prevention faces on the island, where strong cultural and familial bonds coexist with high suicide rates. Theres a great cultural silence in Guam, he said. Yes, were community-based, but people surrounded by loved ones still feel lonely. Theyre not telling their pain because they fear they wont be understood or that theyll be judged.

Hines suggested that the cultural silence around mental health needs to change. He urged the community to talk about mental health just as they would a physical illness.

When people have brain pain, people invalidate that pain, he said. Its all in your head, people say. No, we need empathy. We need to understand that its real. He called for an environment in which people could openly discuss their mental health struggles without fear of judgment or rejection.

Another factor in suicide rates is the impact of religion, particularly Catholicism, which is the dominant faith on the island. Hines, a Catholic himself, also addressed the religious aspects of mental health challenges, especially in the context of suicide. He noted that the Catholic Church has made strides in recent years in acknowledging that suicide is not a sin.

The Pope has recently come out and said suicide is not a sin. Lets listen to the leader of our faith, he said. He also said homosexuality is not a sin. We need to respect peoples autonomy and love them unconditionally, especially when they are struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Guam documentary

When asked if he planned to create a documentary focusing on Guam, Hines confirmed that he is working on one.

Were making a documentary called The Great Cultural Silence, he said. Weve filmed some already and will return in March to complete it. The film will focus on the history of suicide in Guam and the CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and explore what needs to be done to reduce suicides.

Despite the challenges, Hines noted the positive strides being made in Guam. He visited a recovery center and saw individuals who were overcoming addiction and mental health struggles.

Theyre being given the help they need, theyre healing, and theyre going out to help others, he said. One man, who attended our event earlier, is now leading a group for suicide prevention. Hes committed to being here every day, not just for a few days like I am.

Regarding gender dynamics, Hines pointed out that men often suppress their emotions in the islands culture.

Ashley Rodriguez (Todu Guam program coordinator) said one of the biggest issues in Guam is that women dont feel valued in some familial aspects, he said. They dont feel like they matter, and theyre taking their lives. Meanwhile, men feel they have to be tough, stoic, and pain-free, so they dont talk about their struggles.

He believes its crucial to bridge the gap between men and women and encourage open communication about mental health. We need to ensure that women feel important and valued, and men understand they have purpose beyond being fathers or husbands, he said.

Hines also acknowledged the growing issues of homelessness and addiction in Guam, including the rising prevalence of methamphetamine use and the potential for fentanyl to enter the island. He discussed how addiction is often linked to mental health struggles.

My parents died of drugs. They were medicating their brain pain with addiction, he said.

Hines further acknowledged that all of these issues contribute to the suicide crisis and need to be addressed as part of a larger, interconnected problem.

In addition to his work with Todu Guam Foundation, Hines has been a keynote presenter for the MindCare Program, a Todu Guam initiative providing critical services for individuals struggling with mental health issues. The program also hosts suicide prevention talks featuring individuals who have lived through mental health challenges.

Hines memoir, Cracked Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt, was released in 2013. He is currently leading workshops designed to increase awareness and improve suicide prevention efforts in Guam.

In closing, Hines expressed his gratitude to the people of Guam for welcoming him again.

Thank you, Guam, for inviting me into your home, your island again, he said. It meant the world. I love Guam and I love you all.

For those who missed Hines earlier events, they can join him at Ypao Beach Park in Tumon on Saturday for the Sunset 5K Fun Run/Walk, hosted by Todu Guam Foundation.

The event, which includes a sunset run, obstacle courses for kids, and a health fair for adults, will begin at 4 p.m., with the race starting at 5 p.m. To register, visit www.toduguam.com.
Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram/37153

The State Emergency Service received three light pyrotechnic vehicles KOZAK PM-L, purchased with money provided by the government of Slovenia as part of the UNITED24 initiative.

The public relations department of the Economy Ministry reported on Saturday certificates for receiving the vehicles were handed over to Chairman of the State Emergency Service Andriy Danyk by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon, who is currently in Ukraine on a working visit.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the pyrotechnic vehicles received by the service specialists were made in Ukraine.

The tender for the purchase of the vehicles was held in September 2024. The purchase price of three units of equipment was about UAH 38 million, which is UAH 3.6 million cheaper than the starting price. The State Emergency Service has been using vehicles of this class in its work for several years now.

This is the second transfer of equipment purchased with funds provided by Slovenia. In October 2024, the State Emergency Service received two tractors for transporting demining vehicles. The agreement on the allocation of EUR 1.5 million for humanitarian aid in the field of demining was signed by the governments of Ukraine and Slovenia in December 2023. It entered into force on July 3, 2024, after the completion of the necessary domestic procedures.

"We focus on expertise and innovation in the field of demining, which we are happy to share with you. We are glad that we have had the opportunity and financial resources to support Ukraine over the past two years. And we will continue to do so," said Tanja Fajon.

The Ministry of Economy is the administrator of the UNITED24 account for humanitarian demining needs. Since May 2023, more than UAH 190 million in hryvnia equivalent have been credited to the account. The commission for determining the amount of funds to meet the needs for the implementation of humanitarian demining activities under the Ministry of Economy is responsible for distributing the money.
University of Guam students, through professor Judith Guthertz PA420 Public Finance and Fiscal Policy class, spent the last four weeks doing site visits, research and analyses in hopes of helping to alleviate overcrowding at the Department of Corrections.

They presented their findings on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the UOG College of Business and Public Administration, and their ideas were well received.

Among those in the audience were DOC Director Fred Bordallo Jr. and Maj. Antone Aguon, Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio, the governors legal counsel Jeff Moots and communications director Krystal Paco-San Agustin, Alternate Public Defender Peter Santos and former congressional candidate Ginger Cruz.

The students said that while none of the ideas they would offer were new, they hoped that their third-party presentations might fill in some gaps, inspire new ideas and show possible positive outcomes.

Guams prison population has risen over the years since the Guam Penitentiary was built in 1968.

Since 2000, the population has grown significantly and records show that only one year  2004  did the population match the capacity of 443.

Currently, the population is well over 900, comprising both prisoners serving sentences and those awaiting court disposition.

Maj. Antone F. Aguon, DOC Administrative Services Division chief, said he liked the students idea that proposed moving the Department of Youth Affairs, and then transferring the 67 female prison population to DYA.

Then we can offer (females) individual programs away from the male population. We could probably use the extra space over there for classrooms and things which we currently lack at our current facility, said Aguon. Were just so jammed into that facility that, you know, classrooms and places for education is very limited. Were even trying to get a 40-foot container just to make classrooms. But even when we get that, where do we put it? On our compound, right? That particular idea kind of needs more research. But I think thats some something we could look into and see the feasibility of it.

DOC Director Fred Bordallo Jr. was impressed after the presentation.

My initial thoughts are first of all, I believe the University of Guam did a great job in their research, in gathering all the data and offering particular strategies, he said.

Guam Police Department Chief Stephen Camacho said he appreciated that the students offered realistic timelines.

They presented something that goes up at least seven years, realizing building facilities such as prison is not something thats going to happen in two or three years, he said.

Student and future graduate Julie Laxamana, who double majors in criminal justice and public administration, said the last four weeks were intense.

The fact that a lot of these solutions are ones that have been proposed and have been utilized throughout the history of Guam is actually important. I think that the real issue here is just the backlog, the backlog to screen the cases, the backlog to prosecute, the backlog to, you know, even like those public case defenders, she said. But of course, we have the major brain drain problem, that kind of exacerbates these kinds of issues.

Laxamana said Guam should focus on establishing a law school through UOG or Guam Community College to help address the brain drain.

You know, just like how a lot of people move for the graduate studies, for medicine and for law, for like other professionals, it would be beneficial to try to retain them and keep them here and do a public service, sort of similar, like the merit scholarship, she said.




Haiti - FLASH : 217 additional Kenyan soldiers fly to Haiti





On Saturday, January 18, 2025, as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), an additional 217 Kenyan troops departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) on a Kenya Airways commercial flight at 2:00 a.m. (Kenya time) for Haiti to reinforce the missions efforts to stabilize Haiti and assist local security forces in restoring order.



The reinforcements come amid growing concerns over escalating gang violence in Haiti, where armed groups that control more than 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince have forced more than a million people across the country to flee their homes https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44066-haiti-flash-more-than-a-million-people-in-haiti-have-been-displaced-by-violence-2024.html



These 217 military/police officers are among the 600 men and women who are to join the 400 Kenyans already deployed in Haiti, authorities said, specifying that another contingent of 200 Kenyans should arrive by the end of January and a final contingent of about 200 men in February https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43399-haiti-flash-kenyan-president-ruto-confirms-sending-600-police-officers-video.html (which will complete Kenya's commitment to send 1,000 men to fight armed gangs in Haiti alongside the Haitian National Police). https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44066-haiti-flash-more-than-a-million-people-in-haiti-have-been-displaced-by-violence-2024.html



This Kenyan contingent expected this Saturday will bring the total strength of the Mission to 807 military/police officers (617 Kenyans, 150 Guatemalans, 8 Salvadorans, 6 Bahamians, 24 Jamaicans and 2 Belizeans) on the 2,500 men in total from different countries, estimated for the mission.



See also:

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-44076-haiti-actualite-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44066-haiti-flash-more-than-a-million-people-in-haiti-have-been-displaced-by-violence-2024.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43399-haiti-flash-kenyan-president-ruto-confirms-sending-600-police-officers-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40994-haiti-flash-the-kenyan-parliament-approves-the-sending-of-1-000-police-officers-to-support-the-pnh-but.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Humanitarian : The situation of unaccompanied deported children is worrying





Pietro De Nicolai, Regional Humanitarian and Emergency Response Manager and Prospery Raymond, the new Country Director of Plan International Haiti, assessed the situation of unaccompanied deported children at the Haitian-Dominican border...



During this assessment, they discussed with key stakeholders, including the National Office of Migration, the Institute of Social Welfare and Research and representatives of the International Organization for Migration.



The two Plan International representatives witnessed the arrival of the deportees, observing a particularly worrying situation for unaccompanied children, especially girls.



Plan International, with the support of its partners, launched a small-scale but crucial intervention providing :



 Immediate food assistance;

 Safe play spaces;

 Psychosocial support sessions;

 Family reunification services.



The vulnerability of these forcibly deported children requires immediate attention. While Plans current efforts are making a difference, Plan International recognizes the need to scale up its response to better protect and support these children.



In collaboration with local partners and government departments, Plan International is exploring ways to strengthen its support system for unaccompanied minors deported to Haiti, stating Every child deserves protection, care and a chance at a stable future."



HL/ S/ iciHaiti


















Employees of the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine (SBI) have reported that the son of the incumbent MP of Ukraine from the European Solidarity party faction, Andriy Lopushansky, is suspected of embezzling budget funds from the Verkhne Syniovydne village council of Skole district of Lviv region in 2019, and also conducted searches at his and the MP's homes.

"From September to December 2019, the MP's son, together with officials of the village council and officials of commercial structures controlled by him, developed an illegal mechanism for seizing the community's budget funds. The deal was implemented during the purchase and delivery of equipment with components within the framework of the project "Reconstruction of street lighting using innovative energy-efficient measures of renewable energy sources." As a result of the illegal activity, the state suffered damages of almost UAH 1 million," the SBI website reported on Saturday without specifying the name of the suspect.

The department reported searches at the place of residence of the suspect and his father.

"The defendant was notified of suspicion of embezzlement, misappropriation of property or seizure of it by abuse of office (Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The pre-trial investigation is ongoing," the report says.

MP from European Solidarity Volodymyr Aryev reported that it was about the son of his fellow party member Lopushansky, and that the corresponding case was closed back in 2020 due to the lack of corpus delicti. The MP declared political repressions on the part of the authorities and that "the party will take retaliatory measures."

"This morning, the State Bureau of Investigation came to our colleague, MP Andriy Lopushansky, for a search - without a warrant, without documents. The case six years ago due to the supply of equipment for one village council by a private company. Moreover, not against Andriy, only his son was involved, and only indirectly, and the case itself was closed in 2020 due to the lack of corpus delicti. Nevertheless, investigators took 2 mobile phones from Lopushansky, who was not involved in the case, without a warrant and are now going to legalize the search in Pechersky Court," he wrote on Facebook.

MP from European Solidarity Sofia Fedina added that the closed case was reopened by SBI employee Serhiy Haiduk, who was previously "actively involved in the repressions" against head of the party Petro Poroshenko, which, in her opinion, indicates the political motivation of the case.

"The case talks about the alleged losses of UAH 200,000. However, the very departure of the security group costs UAH 200,000! ... The only investigative action that took place was the seizure of the phone of the incumbent MP," she wrote on Facebook.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Today, another group of former internally displaced persons, consisting of families temporarily settled in dormitories, sanatoriums, pioneer camps and administrative buildings in various territories of Azerbaijan, was sent to the city of Jabrayil from the Garadagh district of Baku, Trend reports.

At this stage, another 42 families (206 people) moved to the city of Jabrayil.

Jabrayil residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Currently, more that 30 thousand people live in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees involved in the implementation of restoration and construction projects, employees of local departments of various government agencies, as well as specialists employed in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions that have resumed their activities.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. The Early Day Motion No. 644, which has the status of a legislative document, has been presented in the UK Parliament, Trend reports.

According to information, the motion was put forward by MP Bob Blackman.

The motion refers to the 35th anniversary of the tragedy that occurred on January 20, 1990, when Soviet troops massacred Baku.

Furthermore, the motion notes that the military intervention in Baku was a response to the popular movement for Azerbaijani independence, resulting in the deaths of around 150 civilians. This legislative document calls on members of the UK Parliament to honor the memory of the victims of that tragedy and keep these historical events in memory.

MP Bob Blackman, in the text of the motion, underlined the importance of the events, noting that the memory of the struggle of peoples for freedom and independence should remain in the hearts of people.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. On January 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Trend reports.

Hakan Fidan conveyed greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Azerbaijani President.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and asked Hakan Fidan to extend his own greetings to Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During the meeting, both sides hailed the successful development of the friendship, brotherhood, and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in political, economic, and all other areas. They expressed confidence that the bilateral ties would continue to strengthen in the future.

During the conversation, they also exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced today that the country's embassy in Syria will resume operations in the near future.

According to Azernews, Minister Bayramov made this statement during a joint press conference in Baku with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

"Azerbaijan had no diplomatic representation operating in Syria. Following the recent events, appropriate steps were taken immediately," he said.

The Minister highlighted that an Azerbaijani delegation had visited Syria shortly thereafter: "We expressed our intention to restore our diplomatic mission there. The embassy will resume operations very soon. Currently, technical work is underway."

This development marks a significant step in re-establishing diplomatic ties and enhancing Azerbaijan's presence in the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. The U.S.-Azerbaijani partnership has produced remarkable prosperity and set the foundations for a cleaner, sustainable future, said U.S. Ambassador to Baku Mark Libby in his farewell message, Trend reports.

"We have advanced economic wellbeing. From the Contract of the Century 30 years ago, to COP29 last year, to ongoing U.S. support for small business, farmers, and women entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan, the U.S.-Azerbaijani partnership has produced remarkable prosperity and set the foundations for a cleaner, sustainable future," he said.

The ambassador pointed out that the U.S. has channeled vast amounts of resources to combat the landmine threat in Azerbaijan.

"Together we have made Azerbaijani people safer. The Embassy has devoted millions of dollars to remove landmines that threaten Azerbaijani lives daily. And my colleagues and I have showed U.S. respect for the principle of territorial integrity by paying official visits throughout Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory. Every day, naysayers try to sow doubt with false conspiracy narratives, but our deeds speak louder than their words," Libby noted.

"We have seen huge growth in people-to-people ties. Through the rapid expansion of Azerbaijani students studying in the United States, Embassy programs to teach English to Azerbaijani displace by conflict and other disadvantaged populations, together we have proven that the friendship between our peoples is durable and growing. This, more than anything else, gives me great hope for the future of our relationship

Thank you, Azerbaijan, for hosting my family and me. Thank you, Azerbaijan, for your hospitality and creative vitality. Danusia and I will miss this wonderful country and we sincerely wish the Azerbaijani people happiness and prosperity in the years to come," he concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. The Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov has discussed the situation in the Middle East during a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

"A one-on-one meeting of the ministers then kicked off, followed by an expanded meeting between Bayramov and Fidan.

During the meeting, issues of cooperation within the framework of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye alliance were discussed in areas such as security, economy, trade, transport and communication links, and humanitarian issues. Regional and international security matters were also addressed. Special attention was given to the current state of the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia after the conflict, the peace agenda, and the remaining issues in the peace negotiations process," the ministry added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Azerbaijan looks forward to the implementation of the agreement on ceasefire and hostages in Gaza, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan today, Trend reports.

We hope that the parties will adhere to this agreement. The Azerbaijani state stands for a solution to this conflict based on the two-state principle.

Issues of regional security were discussed. We assume that the agreement on a ceasefire and hostages in Gaza will prevent further expansion of the conflict. Azerbaijan will continue to continue diplomatic efforts towards the two-state principle," he added.

To note, the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip will take effect on January 19 and will last for 42 days. The release of hostages will be the first stage of implementing the agreement. It's expected that Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first stage.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza.

"Azerbaijan, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, supports the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state principle and will continue to work with the international community to achieve this goal," the ministry emphasized.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Turkiye and Azerbaijan seek to develop cooperation in different geographical regions, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov on 18 January, Trend reports.

The minister noted that the fraternity of Turkiye and Azerbaijan will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the region.

He emphasized that the two countries have always supported each other and will continue to do so in the future.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. The plans related to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) also include increasing the number of diplomats, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said today at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baku, Trend reports.

Every year our activities on the agenda of the OTS become more diverse. Today, the organization has turned into a completely new force. Among the plans is to increase the capacity of the Secretariat and the number of its diplomats.

Formation of the Institute of Permanent Representatives under the Secretariat will give additional dynamics to the work of the organization, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Turkiye will do its utmost on the issue of Gaza, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, Trend reports.

It is important for us to end the 15-month-long conflict between Hamas and Israel.

We hope that the ceasefire will continue and there will be no impediments to the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkiye will do its utmost in this direction.

Afterward, we will try to ensure the normalization process in the region. We will continue to provide humanitarian aid, Fidan added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Azerbaijan is currently offering assistance to Syria in various directions, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said today at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Trend reports.

Last year Azerbaijan sent humanitarian aid to Syria. Currently, we are assisting them in various directions. We will assist depending on their choice.

It is important for Syria to fully fit into the system of international relations. We are ready to assist in this direction as well, Bayramov noted.
Details added: first version posted on 14:12

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Azerbaijan looks forward to the implementation of the agreement on ceasefire and hostages in Gaza, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan today, Trend reports.

We hope that the parties will adhere to this agreement. The Azerbaijani state stands for a solution to this conflict based on the two-state principle.

Issues of regional security were discussed. We assume that the agreement on a ceasefire and hostages in Gaza will prevent further expansion of the conflict. Azerbaijan will continue to continue diplomatic efforts towards the two-state principle," he added.

To note, the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip will take effect on January 19 and will last for 42 days. The release of hostages will be the first stage of implementing the agreement. It's expected that Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first stage.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza.

"Azerbaijan, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, supports the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state principle and will continue to work with the international community to achieve this goal," the ministry emphasized.

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Details added: first version posted on 14:12

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Turkiye is proud of the high potential demonstrated by Azerbaijan at COP29, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov on January 18, Trend reports.

The potential, skills and abilities demonstrated by Azerbaijan in connection with COP29 are worthy of admiration. In this regard, I would like to once again express the sense of pride that I feel as a representative of the Turkic world in connection with the excellent work that Azerbaijan demonstrated at COP29. Indeed, the country did a perfect job," Fidan emphasized.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which ran until November 22, opened at the Baku Olympic Stadium on November 11. It was the largest event organized by Azerbaijan to date and the first time in the region that it was held in Azerbaijan.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties and is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries are parties to the Convention. Unless otherwise decided by the parties, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. On January 17, the government delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Yalcin Rafiyev visited the Republic of Rwanda, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with the Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda, Mutesi Rusagara, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Resources, Mark Jubahiro Bagabe, the Minister of Information Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, as well as with the heads of the Rwanda Development Board and the Mines, Oil and Gas Board. In addition, the delegation was introduced to the activities of the Rwanda Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre.

At the meetings, there was expressed gratitude for assistance in creating new opportunities for developing cooperation between the two countries. The results of bilateral meetings were discussed, including those held during the reception of Rwandan President Paul Kagame by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku. Particular attention was paid to educational and cultural projects implemented in Rwanda with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as the visit of the Foundation's Vice President Leyla Aliyeva in December 2024.

The parties noted the broad potential for cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and education. An agreement was reached to establish joint working groups in areas of mutual interest and organize business missions. The Rwandan side expressed particular interest in applying the Azerbaijani ASAN Service concept to establish citizen service centers, which was highly appreciated.

The visit also included the first meeting of political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Rwanda.

The political consultations discussed bilateral political and economic issues, as well as prospects for cooperation within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations. The parties emphasized the importance of such consultations for strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to hold meetings on a regular basis.

During the visit, Yalcin Rafiyev visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he laid a wreath in memory of the victims of the tragedy and left a note in the memorial book.

The government delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AZPROMO and the Azerbaijan Investment Holding.
In a significant diplomatic event, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, recently welcomed his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. This meeting underscored the enduring alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, highlighting their cooperation on multiple fronts.

According to Azernews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that after the initial welcome, Bayramov and Fidan engaged in a one-on-one discussion. This was followed by a broader meeting, further delving into key topics of mutual interest.

During these discussions, both ministers addressed a wide range of cooperation issues stemming from the Azerbaijan-Turkiye alliance. They explored areas such as security, economy, trade, transportation, communication, and humanitarian efforts.

Regional and international security issues, notably the situation in the Middle East, were a significant part of the dialogue. Additionally, they focused on the current state of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia post-conflict, the ongoing peace agenda, and the remaining challenges in the peace process.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Co-chairs of the working group on Azerbaijan in the US Congress, Democratic Party member Steve Cohen, representing the state of Tennessee in the House of Representatives, and Republican Party member Robert Aderholt, representing the state of Alabama, made statements on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of January 20 - the Day of National Mourning, Trend reports.

In his statement, Congressman Steve Cohen noted that on the night of January 20, one of the most tragic events in the history of Azerbaijan, when about 26,000 Soviet soldiers attacked the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, with tanks and armored vehicles. As a result of the overt fire on peaceful protesters, among them elderly people and women, 147 people were killed, 800 were wounded, 841 people were arrested and 5 were missing.

Cohen expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the January 20 tragedy.

He stressed that the US was among the first to recognize Azerbaijan's independence, establishing diplomatic relations on February 28, 1992.

As co-chair of the US Congressional Working Group on Azerbaijan, he urged colleagues to recognize those who gave their lives for Azerbaijan's independence.

Addressing the January 20 tragedy in his statement, Congressman Aderholt noted that Azerbaijan is marking the 35th anniversary of Black January.

The Congressman noted that this period was the beginning of the end of Soviet power in Azerbaijan, an era of cruelty and horror. However, despite all these misfortunes, the Azerbaijani people, unafraid of communist evil, strived for freedom. He emphasized that on January 19, 1990, in Baku, Soviet troops killed more than 100 Azerbaijani demonstrators and more than 700 people were wounded. Nevertheless, despite the violence, the people of Azerbaijan continued their peaceful protests, which eventually led to independence from the USSR on October 18, 1991.

In his statement, Aderholt urged his colleagues to honor those who gave their lives during the Black January events in Azerbaijan and the struggle for freedom. He also noted that the US will continue to support the people of Azerbaijan and their right to freedom and independence.
The leading mobile operator fosters secure online practices for children and parents across Azerbaijan

Azercell continues its commitment to enhancing online safety and digital literacy through its countrywide "Safe Internet" project. The company has already conducted training sessions in Guba, Khizi, Sumgait, and Mingachevir further advancing its mission to encourage secure online behavior.

The latest round of training reached 320 schoolchildren and 50 parents, equipping them with essential knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. Led by professional trainers, the sessions highlighted critical online risks and offered practical solutions. The training program covered the following topics:

Identifying and verifying online acquaintances.

Safeguarding personal data on social media.

Avoiding contests that require personal information.

Recognizing and responding to common scams and cybercriminal tactics.

Reporting incidents of trolling, cyberbullying, or inappropriate online behavior.

The training sessions are conducted by GID CSR Consulting under a program certified by the international safety school, ensuring it meets global standards of excellence.

Since 2016 Azercell has been implementing educational projects on internet safety, fostering safe online habits among children and their parents. To date, the project has reached more than 1,500 internet users across various age groups, underlining the companys dedication to digital well-being and security.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Well-known businessman and president of Azersun Holding Abdolbari Gozal has passed away, Azersun Holding told Trend.

A famous businessman died today from illness.

"It is with deep sorrow that we would like to inform you that Abdulbari Gozal, a philanthropist, businessman and founder of Azersun Holding, who was awarded the Shohrat Order, the Tereggi Medal and dozens of local and international awards for his activities by the head of state, has passed away. A person who made a significant contribution to the development of the economy of Azerbaijan has passed away," the company said in a post on Instagram.
Israel's cabinet voted to approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal on Saturday, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, ending days of uncertainty about whether the truce would go into effect this weekend.

The ceasefire, set to begin Sunday, would halt fighting and bombardment in Gaza's deadliest-ever war.

It would also enable the release of hostages held in the territory since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

"The government has approved the hostage return plan", Netanyahu's office said early Saturday morning after the cabinet held its vote.

Israel's justice ministry has said 737 prisoners and detainees will be freed as part of the first phase of the deal -- none before 4:00 pm local time (1400 GMT) on Sunday.

Israeli strikes have killed dozens since the ceasefire deal was announced, with the military saying Thursday it had hit about 50 targets across Gaza over the previous 24 hours.

The truce is to take effect on the eve of the inauguration of Donald Trump, who claimed credit for working with outgoing US President Joe Biden's team to seal the deal.

It was earlier approved by Israel's security cabinet, with Netanyahu's office saying it "supports achieving the objectives of the war".

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said the Palestinian Authority has completed preparations "to assume full responsibility in Gaza" after the war.

Even before the truce begins, displaced Gazans were preparing to return home.

"I will go to kiss my land," said Nasr al-Gharabli, who fled his home in Gaza City for a camp further south. "If I die on my land, it would be better than being here as a displaced person."

In Israel, there was joy but also anguish over the remaining hostages taken in the Hamas attack.

Kfir Bibas, whose second birthday falls on Saturday, is the youngest hostage.

Hamas said in November 2023 that Kfir, his four-year-old brother Ariel and their mother Shiri had died in an air strike, but with the Israeli military yet to confirm their deaths, many are clinging to hope.

"I think of them, these two little redheads, and I get shivers," said 70-year-old Osnat Nyska, whose grandchildren attended nursery with the Bibas brothers.

"I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday," he said.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israel pounded several areas of the territory, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds more since the deal was announced on Wednesday.

Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, warned that Israeli strikes were risking the lives of hostages and could turn their "freedom... into a tragedy".

The October 7, 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Of the 251 people taken hostage, 94 are still in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46,876 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable.

The ceasefire agreement followed intensified efforts by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of fruitless negotiations.

In the days of talks, Biden pointman Brett McGurk was joined in the region by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in an unusual pairing to get the deal over the line, US officials said.

"If we weren't involved... the deal would've never happened," Trump said in an interview Thursday.

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.

On Friday, he said: "We seek a full implementation of the first phase, and for the second phase to be the final.

"We are waiting for the Security Council to issue a binding resolution to implement the agreement."

The Israeli authorities assume the 33 are alive, but Hamas has yet to confirm that.

Also in the first phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza's densely populated areas and allow displaced Palestinians to return "to their residences", the Qatari prime minister said.

Two sources close to Hamas told AFP three Israeli women soldiers would be the first to be released on Sunday evening.

The women may, in fact, be civilians, as the militant group refers to all Israelis of military age who have undergone mandatory military service as soldiers.

An Israeli military official said reception points had been established at Kerem Shalom, Erez and Reim, where hostages would be joined by doctors and mental health specialists before being "transported via helicopter or vehicle" to hospitals in Israel.

Israel "is then expected to release the first group of Palestinian prisoners, including several with high sentences", a source said on condition of anonymity.

During talks on Friday, negotiators agreed to form a joint operations room in Cairo to "ensure effective coordination" and compliance with the truce terms, Egyptian state-linked media reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron said French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi were among hostages due to be freed in the first phase.

Biden said the second phase could bring a "permanent end to the war".

In aid-starved Gaza, where nearly all of its 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once, humanitarian workers worry about the monumental task ahead.

"Everything has been destroyed, children are on the streets, you can't pinpoint just one priority," Doctors Without Borders coordinator Amande Bazerolle told AFP.
NATO deployed Norwegian fighter jets stationed in Poland for the first time on Wednesday, according to the alliance's air command. The response followed reports of a "massive" number of Russian aircraft operating over Ukraine.

Polish authorities confirmed that the jets were scrambled after detecting "intense long-range aviation activity" from Russia early Wednesday morning.

Ukraine reported widespread drone and missile attacks across the country, including strikes near its western border with NATO territory. Russia later acknowledged conducting overnight attacks on Ukraine.

"This is the first time the Norwegian jets have scrambled in the active air defense of Polish Airspace, demonstrating Allied commitment to NATO's eastern flank," the statement read.

On Jan. 15, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine using cruise and ballistic missiles, targeting critical infrastructure across multiple oblasts. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 30 missiles and 47 drones during the assault.

Russian drones and missiles have previously violated Poland's airspace during attacks on Ukraine. However, Polish allies have advised caution in responding to such incursions, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

A survey published on Sept. 1 by the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita found that most Poles believe their military should shoot down Russian drones entering Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine.

In September, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized that Poland and Ukraine's neighboring countries are "responsible for protecting their own airspace," even as NATO has expressed opposition to direct military engagement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russia's latest assault as a "massive attack" on the nation's energy infrastructure.

Kyiv's air force reported that Moscow launched a "combined" overnight offensive involving 74 drones, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. The attack included Kh-22 and Kh-32 cruise missiles fired from Tu-22M3 bombers, Kh-101 and Kh-55 missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, and additional missiles from tactical aircraft.

The Kremlin's strikes targeted energy facilities, with a particular focus on gas infrastructure in the northeastern Kharkiv region and the western Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, according to the air force. Authorities confirmed there was "damage" to these critical sites.
Two prominent Iranian Supreme Court judges, known for presiding over high-profile cases, were fatally shot in Tehran by an assailant who later died by suicide.

According to state-affiliated media, the judiciary's media office stated that the attacker had no pending legal cases. While details remain unclear, the Iranian judiciary described the incident as a "planned assassination" carried out inside the court. The attacker reportedly attempted to escape but ended his own life.

A security guard was also injured during the attack, judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir told Mizan News Agency.

Judges Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini, both veteran justices of Iran's Supreme Court, were widely known for their decades of rulings against protesters, artists, and activists.

Moghiseh, sanctioned by the United States in 2019 and the European Union in 2011, oversaw numerous trials criticized for lacking evidence and fairness. The U.S. Treasury Department highlighted his sentencing of eight Iranian Facebook users to a total of 127 years in prison for anti-regime publicity and religious insults. He also presided over cases against filmmakers and poets for "propaganda against the state" and sentenced prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh to 33 years in prison and 148 lashes in 2019, Amnesty International reported.

Razini narrowly survived a 1999 assassination attempt when a bomb was attached to his vehicle, according to Iran's Fars news agency. He was also linked to the 1988 "Death Commission," a committee accused of orchestrating the execution of thousands of political prisoners, alongside former president Ebrahim Raisi.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is enhancing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Albania with a 5 million euro financing package, in collaboration with Union Bank, the EU, and other international donors, Trend reports.

This initiative includes two key credit lines. The first, a 3 million euro loan under the EU-supported EBRD Go Digital program, will help Albanian SMEs modernize through digitalization, automation, and green technology. This marks the first time the programme has been introduced in the Western Balkans, with at least 60% of funds targeting green projects.

The second loan of 2 million euros is under the EBRDs Youth in Business (YiB) program, designed to empower entrepreneurs under 35. This will improve financial inclusion and offer tailored financing and advisory services to young business owners.

The partnership is backed by the EUs European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), offering risk cover to facilitate financing. Sweden, Italy, and Luxembourg are also contributing.

Ekaterina Solovova, EBRD Head in Albania, highlighted the importance of fostering digital transformation and youth empowerment in the private sector. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato noted that the funding is vital for the competitiveness of SMEs, which employ over 80% of the workforce in Albania.

The EBRD has invested over 2.2 billion euros in Albania to date.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Azerbaijan and Pakistan discussed petroleum product trade issues, Trend reports via the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

The SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Pakistan's Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik.

The meeting highlighted the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

The discussion also included joint projects in the energy sector that have been implemented so far, their results, and opportunities for cooperation in various areas.

Additionally, the parties held an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.

SOCAR operates in diverse sectors, encompassing oil and gas field exploration, oil, gas, and gas condensate extraction, processing, and transportation, alongside the distribution of oil and petrochemical products in both domestic and international markets, supplying natural gas to both industrial enterprises and the general population of Azerbaijan, as well as extending its services to Europe.

Beyond Azerbaijan, SOCAR is actively involved in numerous international ventures, spanning countries such as Turkiye, Georgia, Romania, Switzerland, Germany, and Ukraine.

Additionally, the company engages in significant trading operations primarily based in Switzerland, Singapore, and Nigeria.

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Park Gstaad Hotel - Image Credit Four Seasons Hotels

Four Seasons has been appointed to manage the iconic Park Gstaad Hotel in Switzerland. The hotel is undergoing extensive renovations led by Squircle Capital under the design vision of Joseph Dirand. It is expected to reopen as The Park Gstaad, a Four Seasons Hotel, in the 2026-2027 winter season.

The Park Gstaad, established in 1910, was the first five-star hotel in Gstaad. It is owned by philanthropist Dona Bertarelli and is a major landmark within one of Europe's most popular mountain destinations.

Four Seasons President Bart Carnahan expressed excitement about entering this exclusive market with such a notable property. He also acknowledged the potential to combine the property's legacy with Four Seasons' service excellence to provide a unique luxury experience.

Dona Bertarelli echoed these sentiments, stating that she's eager to reveal the property's transformation into a Four Seasons experience. The Park Gstaad holds a special place in the region's heritage and she believes this collaboration will bring modern elegance to the hotel while still respecting its legacy.

The renovated Park Gstaad will continue its tradition of excellence while incorporating Four Seasons' globally recognized services and experiences. The hotel will feature 75 rooms and suites, including luxury Penthouse Residences, which will be available for purchase. The property will also offer unique restaurant and bar concepts, a destination spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and facilities for children, among other amenities.

Gstaad is a top ski destination and exclusive mountain resort region, offering a wide range of wellness, nature, and cultural activities throughout the year. The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel, will join the Four Seasons collection of heritage properties in Europe and its collection of alpine properties around the world.
Materials from Grindline Skateparks Inc. depict a skate park in Smithfield, Utah. The company responded to a request for proposals from the New England Mountain Bike Association and the Town of Williamstown to develop a parcel on Stetson Road.

Williamstown CPA Requests Come in Well Above Available Funds

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Community Preservation Committee faces nearly $300,000 in funding requests for fiscal year 2026.

Problem is, the town only anticipates having about $200,000 worth of funds available.

Seven non-profits have submitted eight applications totaling $293,797 for FY26. A spreadsheet detailing both FY26 revenue and known expenses already earmarked from Community Preservation Act revenues shows the town will have $202,535 in "unrestricted balance available" for the year that begins on July 1.

Ultimately, the annual town meeting in May will decide whether to allocate any of that $202,535.

Starting on Wednesday, the CPC will begin hearing from applicants to begin a process by which the committee drafts warrant articles recommending the May meeting approve any of the funding requests.

Part of that process will include how to address the $91,262 gap between funds available and funds requested. In the past, the committee has worked with applicants to either scale back or delay requests to another year. Ultimately, it will be the panel's job to send the meeting articles that reflect the fiscal reality.

The individual requests range from a high of $100,000 from the trustees of the town's Affordable Housing Trust to a low of $8,000 from the Williamstown Historical Museum.

The full list of applicants, in order they were received by the town, as listed on the agenda for Wednesday's public hearing includes:

 Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association, $30,000 toward a $63,715 project to replace windows at the South Williamstown landmark.

 Purple Valley Trails, $50,000 toward a $750,000 project to build a skate park on town-owned land on Stetson Road.

 Purple Valley Trails, $25,000 toward a $125,000 project to continue to develop mountain bike trails along and above Berlin Road.

 Images Cinema, $51,197 toward a $2.2 million project to add a second screen to the historic Spring Street movie house.

 Williamstown Historical Museum, $8,000 toward an $11,000 project to restore three carriages from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, $14,000 toward a $40,372 project to rehabilitate the Lehovec River Walk on the banks of the Green River.

 The Affordable Housing Trust, $100,000 in unrestricted funds to support the trust's work to promote affordability in town, including its first-time homeowner mortgage assistance grants and emergency mortgage and rental assistance programs.

 Sand Springs Recreational Center, $15,000 toward an $18,000 goal to create a Scholarship Fund to "support the fiscal needs of community members who desire to utilize the facility throughout the year."

The last two applications, from the housing trust and the pool and recreation center, are identified on Wednesday's agenda as "late filed," and the first item on the agenda is a "discussion of late-filed applications."

Both applicants frequently have participated in the CPA process in the past.

In fact, the CPA is by far the largest source of funds for the housing trust, which has used the money to support projects like the Highland Woods senior housing project, two completed (and four planned) Habitat for Humanity homes, income-restricted apartments in the Cable Mills complex on Water Street and 24 first-time homeowners under the Richard DeMayo Mortgage Assistance Program, to name a few initiatives.

The CPC never has failed to send a request from the Affordable Housing Trust to town meeting since the trust's creation in 2012, and town meeting members have never failed to grant those requests.

The late arrival of the trust's application for FY26 stems from confusion at the trustees' Dec. 18 meeting about the deadline for those submissions.

Longtime Trustee Thomas Sheldon asked during the meeting whether the panel had discussed the application at its November meeting, which he missed.

That initiated a series of questions from Chair Daniel Gura about the deadline for the applications; Jan. 3 was listed as the deadline on the form posted on the town's website.

First, the town manager, who attended the AHT meeting via Zoom, said the deadlines were due "in the mid-January time frame." Later, when Gura pressed for specifics, Robert Menicocci said that he thought the deadline might be Jan. 18.

"My guess is it's not the 18th, because that's a Saturday," Gura replied. "But maybe it is a Saturday."

Jane Patton, who recently took the Select Board seat on the trust board and who represented the Select Board for several years on the CPC, then said, "It looks like it's Jan. 22."

Jan. 22 is the date of Wednesday's public hearing, where the Community Preservation Committee will begin its review of applications.

With the apparent impression that the trustees had until Jan. 22 to submit the application, Gura said it appeared there was enough time for individual members to develop a draft (based on prior years' applications) and for the full board to approve that draft at its Jan. 15 meeting.

In the case of Sand Springs, the application was submitted just after the noon deadline on Jan. 3 because of unanticipated circumstances, the non-profit's executive director said on Thursday.

"Unfortunately, my plans to take a last minute look at it before submittal were waylayed by a needed doctor's appointment for my kids, who had pneumonia and the flu that week," Henry Smith said in an email responding to an inquiry from iBerkshires.com. "So I was forced to submit the proposal from my car at the doctor's office and for whatever reason (likely faulty service) my application did not leave my inbox until 3 p.m. despite being sent well in advance of the noon deadline."

The Community Preservation Act, adopted by Williamstown in 2002, is a state program that allows municipalities to fund projects related to community housing, historic preservation and open space and recreation.

In Williamstown, the program is funded by a surcharge of 2 percent on property tax bills (state law allows for up to 3 percent) with the first $100,000 of property valuation excluded.
MassDOT has moved barriers on Old Williamstown Road allowing for pedestrian access again

Old Williamstown Road Opened for Pedestrian Use

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. The state has removed hard barriers on Old Williamstown Road, allowing strictly pedestrian use.



"The limited use of that stretch with no motorized access is now allowed, according to the Department of Transportation," Town Administrator Gina Dario told the Select Board on Monday.



"With the strong stipulation that should there be any further movement by any community member of the blockades that are in place and motorized access on that stretch that they would resume the installation of the hard barriers that would prevent any public access whatsoever."



The road has been closed to vehicles for decades but used for pedestrians, horseback riders, bicyclists, etc. A couple of months ago, the state blocked it with jersey barriers.



Patty Barnaby, who lives on the road, started a Change.org petition in November that has garnered nearly 500 signatures. She and other residents went before the Select Board in December asking that it be restored for pedestrian use.



"This is a state-owned piece of property, I am aware of that just so that is known," she clarified at the December meeting.



"So the state had come in and fully barricaded off this road. It's a 0.5-mile section of road that you can get through on both ends and the barriers were placed on each side of the road and although I know that this was technically a closed, abandoned road, it was always accessible to many Lanesborough residents, along with many other people who would visit the area to be able to enjoy the road and now we are not able to do so and it's actually very disheartening that this has happened."



The Select Board has discussed the potential of Lanesborough taking ownership of the parcel, which Dario reported is still an option that would have to be voted on at the annual town meeting.



In the interim, she asked the MassDOT if they could open the road for pedestrian, non-motorized access, "And as I understand, they took it to their council and they have put up new signs showing that pedestrian access is now allowed."



"We can still consider what the town may choose to do should the Department of Transportation want to basically offload what is considered a non-active part of their portfolio," Dario said.


BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 18. A trade house for Kyrgyzstan is set to open in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between the Consul General of Kyrgyzstan in Almaty, Jenishbek Asankulov, and representatives of the Kyrgyz diaspora in the city.

The discussions also covered plans to establish a business club for Kyrgyz entrepreneurs working in the consular district.

Other topics included ensuring compliance with local laws, preventing the involvement of Kyrgyz citizens in extremism and terrorism, addressing drug-related crimes, and improving financial literacy among migrant workers.

During the meeting, a draft plan for the interaction of the General Consulate with the Kyrgyz diaspora and fellow citizens residing in the consular district for 2025 was discussed and approved.

According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.208 billion from January to November 2024, a decrease of 4.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023.
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Saturday 18 January 2025, 12:09 - Last updated: 16:04

Harry and Meghan were once again at the center of attention after the devastating fires in Los Angeles, during which they decided to open their Montecito residence to displaced friends. A gesture in line with the goals of Archewell, the couple's nonprofit foundation. However, the charitable activities seem to mask decidedly less noble attitudes from the couple, according to a shocking new article by Vanity Fair U.S.

Harry and Meghan open the doors of their Montecito home for victims of Los Angeles wildfires

Meghan's podcast and the 'bullying'

The reality of working alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seems to be very different from what one might expect. Over the years, the couple has launched many projects: from the controversial Netflix docuseries 'Harry & Meghan', to Harry's memoir 'Spare', to Meghan's podcast 'Archetypes'.

The scandal surrounds especially Meghan Markle's podcast. According to Vanity Fair, the duchess behaved like a real bully with collaborators and employees during the recordings.

The complaints were linked to various unpleasant attitudes carried out by the duchess at work. First of all, Meghan appeared to be very fickle: according to sources cited, she was used to changing her mind, first accepting some proposals only to immediately backtrack.

Also, initially Meghan presented herself to employees as warm and enthusiastic, but her demeanor would shift abruptly if something wasnt to her liking. Then she would suddenly become cold and distant.

According to the source, enduring these mood shifts was really terrible. Also she usd to talk behind your back, undermining your self-esteem, like a girl from the movie "Mean Girls.

Two other sources reported that a colleague involved in Archetypes requested a leave after working on only three episodes. Others reported taking long pauses from work to escape the pressures. For some, the stress led to long-term therapeutic journeys following their collaboration with Meghan. These accusations aren't shared by all employees, but the testimonies are numerous enough to be concerning.

Prince Harry wanted to interview Putin

Controversies surround not only Archetypes, but also Prince Harry goals and ideas. He had great ambitions in terms of new media projects. Apparently, the Duke intended to conduct a series in which he would interview powerful men with controversial stories, such as Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. This was initially reported by Bloomberg.

Harry's idea was not only to revisit the difficult pasts of these men, but also to explore how their experiences had shaped them into true 'sociopaths.'

Meghan Markle says goodbye to Guy, her beloved dog: He was my everything

But there was something personal in his aspirations as well. A source who collaborated directly with the couple on these projects recalls that once Harry said: I have very severe childhood trauma, obviously. My mother was essentially killed. Why didn't I become like one of these "villains"?.

A bizarre and provocative project, therefore, by Harry, which was not carried out. But the controversies do not stop there.

Complaints from neighbors

Not only colleagues at work, but also the neighbors of the Sussex couple would have complained about their behavior. Despite the couple's efforts to help displaced people in California, residents would not be very happy with the turists and journalists' presence in the neighborhood, caused by the couple's fame.

The inconveniences would be such as to define them 'the most arrogant and dishonest people on the planet.'

Many negative comments against Harry and Meghan reported by Vanity Fair come from wealthy residents of Montecito, where the couple's $29 million villa is located.
Saturday 18 January 2025, 11:01 - Last updated: 12:29

Pope Francis recently reiterated the key principles of good finance during his speech at the Catholic Foundation meeting (an expression of "Cattolica Assicurazioni", created to respond to territorial needs of communities). He spoke on making ethical investments, something he has been emphasizing tirelessly for years.

Pope Francis suffers injury at home

The speech

Money yields more when it is invested for the benefit of others said Pope Francis during the meeting held in the apostolic palace.

He took the opportunity to remind everyone that, unfortunately, today there is a very troubling situation regarding investments: in some countries, the most profitable ventures are in arms factories. Investing to killthis is madness. It does not benefit the people. When you invest in ways that go against or outside the interests of the people, money ages and weighs on the heart, making it hard and deaf to the voice of the poor.

Pope Francis recalled that when we put wealth at the service of human dignity, we can only gain from it, always: by promoting the common good, in fact, the bonds of society in which we all participate are improved he commented. What the Pope expects from the Catholic Foundation (and in general from all financial operators inspired by Christian values) is to sow the future, sow happiness, sow peace.

Today's audience was born from the ongoing Jubilee and the need to reflect broadly on how Christians can concretely take care of the environment, the common home, and local communities. Investment choices are also part of this journey.

The term 'economy' means precisely this: a wise 'management of the house,' managing one's home, the common home, the social home.

Pope Francis commitment to ethical finance

Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has significantly strengthened attention to ethical investment. He encouraged all Catholic financial operators, at every level, as well as the structures and productive realities inspired by these models, to be consistent and make consequent choices. This attention has also led to the publication of some documents and the launch of a movement that last November in London brought together the international Catholic finance ecosystem for a conference called Mensuram Bonam, a Latin name translatable to: Good Measure. It was considered, in that context, that the total value of the assets of all Christian institutions worldwide amounts to 1,750 billion dollars and that if they coordinated coherently by networking among themselves, they could contribute to changing many things by orienting choices to Christian values.

In 2022, the Vatican had already drawn up a guide (Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences) containing criteria, principles, and practical and methodological guidelines for those operating in the financial world. The London appointment was prepared by Jean-Baptiste de Franssu, a French economist and president of the Ior (Institute for Works of Religion) since 2014, together with five other internationally specialized asset managers with offices in Europe and the United States.

In general, faith-consistent investing (Fci) concerns sectors that provide social and environmental benefits. Currently, the criteria for faith-consistent investing (Fci) vary from country to country, hence the need to harmonize the parameters among them. The meeting was also attended by Ccla Investment Management, a reality specialized in investments in charity and churches, Anthos Fund and Asset Management based in the Netherlands, the American Cbis Catholic Responsible Investing, Catholic Investment Services, and Knights of Columbus Asset.
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Netflix viewers have been left feeling conflicted over a thriller series that has shot into the streaming platforms top 10 chart this month.

Departure, starring the late Christopher Plummer and The Good Wife star Archie Panjabi, was originally broadcast in 2020. However, the series has been rediscovered after being added to Netflix in January.

The conspiracy drama, which follows the mystery of a plane that goes missing while full of passengers, earned 3.6 million views in its first week and made the top 10 list in 40 countries.

However, despite the shows streaming success, many viewers have questioned the quality of the shows acting performances, script writing and production value.

Watching Departure on Netflix and genuinely dont think Ive seen worse acting even in a kids school play, one viewer wrote on X/Twitter.

However, they added this didnt mean they would stop watching. Its addictive, they continued. And such terrible takes in the storyline.

Meanwhile, another person added they thought the Departure was good but a bit dramatic with another fan revealing they had watched both seasons in less than a day.

open image in gallery Netflix viewers have been left conflicted over new thriller Departure' ( Peacock/Netflix )

Although other viewers claimed even Christopher Plummer cant save his colleagues awful acting in the series, many admitted they had rushed through the programme like no show ever before.

Watched the whole two seasons of Departure on Netflix in the last 24hrs, another fan wrote on social media. Have never been able to sit and binge watch like this before. Loved it!

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Elsewhere, other viewers called the show crazy, complained the plot is disjointed and questioned, why does the suspenseful music cut like that?!

Critics were similarly conflicted over the series upon its initial release five years ago.

The Guardians Dale Berning Sawa wrote of the series at the time: Despite some clunky dialogue (Youre the only one that can find this plane!), Departure proves a great whodunnit.

open image in gallery The conspiracy series has been ridiculed for questionable performances and plot lines ( Peacock/Netflix )

The conspiracy-theory-style plots take in Saudi and Chinese money, Russian meddling and Mossad impunity, with lots of gleaming metal and crisp power suits.

Meanwhile, Varietys Daniel DAddario added the series is not exactly Bodyguard but it shares that shows agreeably loose relationship with plausibility.

Of Panjabis lead performance, they continued: Shes a compelling series lead, serving show-anchoring strength and plausible anxiety in equal measure.

If other characters, like an MI5 officer played by Claire Forlani, tend towards the loosely sketched, Panjabi fills in the gaps, creating a protagonist worth following.

Seasons one and two of Departure are available on Netflix now.
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The Frasier reboot has been thrown into uncertainty after Paramount+ decided not to renew the Kelsey Grammer-led comedy for a third season.

The first two seasons of the sitcom revival aired on the streaming service in 2023 and 2024, respectively, receiving generally lackluster reviews from critics.

The reboot saw Grammer reprise his role as the titular therapist as he returns to Boston, where his son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott) has just started college. Frasier originally aired for 11 seasons between 1993 and 2004, winning 37 Primetime Emmys.

Producer CBS Studios plans to shop the third series to other outlets, trade publications reported on Friday (January 17).

Possible alternatives include Prime Video and Hulu, which both carry the library of Frasiers original run, Deadline reports. Seasons one and two of the reboot will remain on Paramount+.

The Independent has contacted CBS Studios for comment.

Kelsey Grammer in Paramount+s Frasier ( Paramount+ )

The series also stars Anders Keith as Frasiers nephew David, Jess Salgueiro as Freddies roommate Jess, Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, the head of Harvards psychology department, and Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan, an old friend of Frasiers who also teaches at the university.

David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasiers younger brother Niles in the series, did not return for the reboot, much to the disappointment of Frasier fans.

David basically decided he wasnt really interested in repeating the performance of Niles, Grammer said at the time.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Hyde Pierce explained: Its not like I said, Oh, I dont ever want to do that again. I loved every moment. It was that I wanted to do other things.

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Hyde Pierce said that other work commitments, including the US series Julia, confirmed his decision, stating: When we got into real talks about the reboot, I had just started on Julia and was working on a musical and going to do another musical. I just thought, I dont want to be committed to a show and not be able to do stuff like this.

He also said he thought they dont actually need me as Frasier has moved on to a new world.

They have new characters. And I think Im right. Its doing great. And the new people they have are great.

Writing for The Independent in 2023, Louis Chilton opined that despite its faults, the world needs more shows like the Frasier reboot.

The new Frasier seems almost cluelessly dated at points, like a somehow-even-less-hip progeny of The Big Bang Theory. And yet, despite its fusty atavism, theres something spiriting about seeing a series like this get made in 2023, he wrote.

... The more cutting-edge modern comedies have borrowed from anything and everything  from European arthouse cinema (eg Master of None) to internet meme culture (The Eric Andre Show). But the symbiotic link between the screen and the stage was the backbone of TV comedy for decades, and its nice to see Frasier attempt to preserve this, however fumblingly.
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An Indian police volunteer was convicted of raping and murdering a doctor at a hospital in the eastern Kolkata city, a crime which had sparked nationwide protests last year.

Sanjay Roys conviction came five months after the 31-year-old junior doctors body was found in the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August.

An autopsy confirmed rape and murder, sparking widespread protests that saw doctors and medical staff striking work for several weeks to demand justice for her.

On Saturday, a Kolkata court handed down the guilty verdict to Roy. The trial was held behind closed doors due to concerns about his safety.

Your guilt is proved. You are being convicted, the judge told Roy, adding: The way you throttled the victim, you can be given death or imprisonment.

Sentencing was set for Monday.

The trial began on 12 November and saw nearly 50 witnesses examined.

open image in gallery Activists shout slogans near the Kolkata court conducting the trial of Sajay Roy ( AFP via Getty )

As the ruling came, the victims father broke down and told the judge: "You have honoured the faith that I reposed in you."

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, claiming the crime could not have been committed by a single person.

Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man, he said. We will remain in pain and agony until all the culprits are punished.

Roy, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, said he was falsely implicated.

I have not done this, those who have done this why are they being let go, he said.

Roys lawyer had argued that there were glaring discrepancies in the investigation and forensic examination reports.

open image in gallery Protesters chant slogans to demand justice for victim ( AFP via Getty )

Indias federal police who investigated the case described the crime as rarest of rare and demanded the death penalty for Roy.

A crowd that had gathered outside the court in anticipation of the verdict shouted slogans demanding justice for the victim and capital punishment for Roy.

Dr Aniket Mahato, a spokesperson for the protesting junior doctors, said street protests would continue until justice is done.

The judge said the safety and security of the accused was important and sent him back to jail, where he would be kept under security.

The trainee doctor had settled down in the seminar hall for rest after working nearly 20 hours of a 36-hour shift when she was assaulted, according to staff at the RG Kar Medical College.

Her colleagues said she slept on a floor carpet as there were no dormitories or resting rooms for doctors.

The rape and murder sparked nationwide protests, reminiscent of the 2012 Delhi gangrape case. In that instance, a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist was raped and brutally assaulted with a metal bar on a bus in Delhi on 16 December 2012, before being dumped on a road. She died of internal injuries nearly two weeks later in a Singapore hospital.
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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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Emily Mariko, who rose to fame as a TikTok food and lifestyle influencer, posted a poignant farewell video the day before the January 19 deadline that will require the social media platform to either be sold to a U.S. company or banned.

In the video, Mariko is alongside her son, Theodore as she assembles her infamous salmon bowl  the dish that first exploded her large online presence to over 12 million followers. The recipe consists of leftover salmon and white rice  reheated using an ice cube  topped with soy sauce, kewpie mayo, and sriracha, in addition to toppings such as sliced avocado and nori sheets.

While Mariko made one version for herself, she also made another smaller version for Theodore as he sat in his high chair.

The video went on to receive over 14 million views with many people turning to the comments section to gush over how full-circle the video was, as long-time viewers of Marikos content have watched her get married, and announce both her pregnancy and the birth of Theodore on her TikTok page.

What a proper way to say goodbye, one comment read, while another commenter agreed, writing, Its a full circle season finale moment.

NOT THE FAREWELL SALMON BOWL, a third person in the comments section wrote.

Other commenters were shocked that Mariko had a child as they joked about not seeing her while scrolling through TikTok.

How many seasons did I miss cause theres a baby now, one person wrote in the comments. I havent seen u in forever and u show up WITH A BABY? another comment read.

Mariko first announced in a TikTok video that she had given birth to her first child in July 2024. At the time the influencer wrote the caption: One month of Theodore, alongside a teddy bear emoji and a brown heart. The video showed Mariko sitting with her newborn on her lap as she sweetly gave him a kiss.

In response to the update, fans took to the comments to express their congratulations on achieving the milestone.

The best thing youve cooked yet. Congrats mama! one comment on TikTok read, while another fan wrote: Congratulations!! Theodore is a lovely name!

The social media influencer first announced that she was expecting on Christmas Eve 2023. At the time, Mariko posted on TikTok a video of her walking into her living room with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk in her hands.

After placing the treats on the table, she went on to hang two stockings, both of which appeared to be for her and her husband, up above the fireplace. There was also a third hook along the fireplace, where she hung up a tiny, red stocking for her soon-to-be-born child.

Marikos video concluded with her sitting next to the stocking and smiling at the camera. She then placed her hands on her face and opened her mouth in shock, to express her excitement over the big news.

Despite the TikTok ban going into effect on Sunday, the White House said it would not enforce the law since Donald Trump takes office the following day, leaving it up to the incoming president.
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A Texas woman hit the jackpot with an antique purchase worth way more than the purchase price after she opened it up and found a massive surprise hidden inside.

Amanda DeWitt negotiated a great deal for the Louis XVI marble-top buffet cabinet of her dreams, paying $3,200 for the furniture piece after the original buyer spent $22,500 on it.

However, what she didnt know at the time was what was left behind one cabinet door  something completely unexpected.

In a video on TikTok, the lifestyle creator based in Dallas recounted her most insane Facebook Marketplace story after the furniture was delivered to her house on January 2.

So, when we first get it, Im unlocking all of the cabinets as one does, checking all the drawers making sure everything is okay, DeWitt, 25, explained. Please look what I found when I unlocked one of the cabinets.

A perplexed DeWitt proceeded to open the inner left-side cabinet door, unveiling a stack of orange Hermes boxes and a long blue Tiffany & Co. box.

Literally, no words, the stunned shopper said. So, this is a full set of Hermes China. Not to mention all of these plates are in perfect condition.

open image in gallery DeWitt finds a set of Hermes China in the antique buffet cabinet ( TikTok/@itsamandadewitt )

Full sets of Hermes China can cost upwards of $8,000 depending on the particular tableware style.

DeWitt carefully removed the tops of each box to show the intricate gold detailing on the salad, main course, and dessert plates.

I have no idea if this China was left by accident or on purpose, the TikTok star said before admitting she contacted the seller to check they didnt accidentally leave the expensive glassware in the cabinet.

open image in gallery The content creator carefully opens each Hermes box ( TikTok/@itsamandadewitt )

Speaking with People, DeWitt reiterated her complete disbelief in finding the luxury items from the iconic French fashion house.

She said: I mean, who finds a complete Hermes china collection inside their Facebook Marketplace purchase by accident? It was unreal! I called upstairs for my fiance, Max, to come look at what I had found. He was just as shocked as I was. I began to wonder: Were the plates left there by accident? Or on purpose?

Despite most of her online commenters confessing they wouldve never reached back out to the previous owner and just kept the goods for themselves, DeWitt felt obligated to. And thank god she did because the seller had no intention of giving away her lush dinner set.

I thought there was a good chance these plates were the sellers wedding china, she told People. And not only did they have high retail value, but they also likely held significant sentimental value. I would hate for anyone to lose something as special as their wedding china, so naturally, I messaged her.

Two days later, DeWitt took to TikTok once again to update her followers.

When you decide to be a good person and decide to return the Hermes China collection you discovered in the cabinet of your FB Marketplace purchase, she wrote in the January 4 video, which has now amassed over 2.5 million views.

It was fun while it lasted but they did in fact ask to come pick up everything after I messaged them about my discovery.
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Its 8pm and Im lying on the floor of a community centre in southeast London surrounded by half a dozen people who are gently convulsing. I wonder if theyre being dramatic or willing it into existence after seeing the trend on TikTok but then Lucie Ataya, the practitioner trained in kundalini activation, puts her fingers on my pressure points and I feel something coursing through my body. Its like a wave of pleasurable energy moving up towards my head.

Suddenly I realise my head has been spontaneously turning to the left, then right, for a few minutes or more. Why am I doing this? I have no idea. The kundalini made me do it. Over the next 40 minutes, I move through a kaleidoscope of subtle emotions: sad, blissful, free and then sad again. My forehead is hot, and then I feel so cold that its distracting. Someone else in the room is crying. At one moment  and I was delighted about this since it was the reason I was initially curious about this trend  my whole chest raised up and down like I was a puppet being pulled up by strings, then released.

Over the past few months, kundalini activation has become enormously popular on TikTok and Instagram reels. If your algorithm has you clocked for an astrology fan or a wannabe biohacker, you wont have missed it. In the videos, practitioners make swirling hand gestures over peoples resting bodies, which dramatically jerk around. Generally speaking, this is a continuation of a wellness microtrend in everything kundalini-related  kundalini yoga, kundalini breathwork, kundalini meditation  but has no commercial connection to those practices. And unlike breathwork or meditation, this is supercharged for viral visual impact.

Theres no getting around it. If youre anything like me, youll watch these videos and think, in this order: what the hell, this cant be real, and if it is, I need to try it. Additional appeal lies in the fact that you dont need to fight with your monkey mind to meditate or spend years contorting yourself on a mat to do it. For the slothful or busy person, its an attractive concept.

Since its so Instagrammable, trendy and cool, its spreading like wildfire, a bit like what happened with yoga many years ago, says Ataya, who notes that kundalini activation sessions are widely available all across London and in major cities like Manchester and Leeds. Mere months ago, this was not the case. Collectively, especially in a place like London, were a lot more open for something a bit more out there, a bit more spiritual. Were far more interested in states of consciousness than we were even two years ago.

open image in gallery Lucie Ataya in a kundalini activation session ( Charlie Tyler )

For context, kundalini is the feminine form of the Sanskrit word meaning circular or coiled, which refers to life-force energy that purportedly lies like a coiled serpent at the base of a persons spine. Through yoga exercises or breathwork, kundalini is said to travel up through the chakras  energy centres located at points such as the solar plexus, heart and throat  to the top of the head. In this new modality (the wellness term that basically just means method of treatment), the practitioner is attuned to the kundalini and awakens it in someone. Ataya uses the Hindu word shakipat to describe this: the word was historically used for the transmission of a spiritual force from one person to another.

When I spoke to people after my group session, it was evident that everyone had a unique experience. Some described spontaneous movement like me, while others had a mild jaw or throat ache, which had now mysteriously disappeared. Some couldnt stop smiling and laughing to themselves. One woman even said she felt an otherworldly connection to everyone else in the room.

It didnt surprise me that a few of them were repeat offenders  they felt that their first experience was a positive one and kept coming back for more. When I met with Ataya for a second one-to-one transmission, the experience was completely different again. I didnt move around much, which was disappointing because this time Id filmed the session to jump on the bandwagon and post my own theatrical video. I did have a good cry, though, which I couldnt connect to any event or thought in particular  again, it just happened.

Kundalini expert Colleen Grady tells me that the long-term effects for people who do kundalini activation can include more energy, better sexual experiences, being clearer in their choices and having a stronger connection to something bigger than themselves. Contrary to how it looks on TikTok, she says, its a gradual and slow process. Each time you [have a session] the energy is going deeper and youre integrating and processing. Once people adjust to every energetic shift in their body, she adds, they start making positive changes in their lives to match.

Kundalini activation is more like putting your fingers in an electric plug socket  it can feel like electric currents Lucie Ataya

Im much more familiar with reiki, the mainstream form of energy work that originates in Japan. Ataya, who also offers reiki healing to clients, thinks comparing the two helps explain what kundalini is. Reiki is an energetic cuddle; it works more with the physical layer of your body. Its more like cotton wool to wrap yourself up in, she says. Kundalini activation is more like putting your fingers in an electric plug socket  it can feel like electric currents.

If youre hoping to find a scientific explanation for how and why kundalini activation operates, you might be in for a challenge. The scientific community has long been sceptical of biofield energy work  especially since its tough to design experiments to study its effects. After all, the parameters are elusive, invisible, and difficult to measure. But in Why Woo-Woo Works: The Surprising Science Behind Meditation, Reiki, Crystals, and Other Alternative Practices, Dr David R Hamilton offers a more positive perspective. He argues that energetic practices from reiki to pranic healing can be a powerful tool for healing, despite its intangible nature.

Reiki, for instance, is now used in some NHS hospitals and is recognised by medical professionals as a legitimate complementary therapy. Top-tier academic hospitals in the US, including Duke and Yale, offer reiki and other holistic practices alongside conventional treatments. As Hamilton points out, Were so used to thinking of things in solid physical terms that the idea of some form of energy, even if its electric or magnetic, having an effect on the body sounds mystical. At the very least, scientists agree, the practice itself seems to do no harm.

However, kundalini activation transmission is not a wellness exercise like a massage or aromatherapy. Practitioners advise caution for individuals who might be emotionally or mentally fragile. They argue that while the transmission is theoretically suitable for everyone, the experience can be activating and intense in the short term, rather than calming. Since receiving kundalini directly in this way is a new method, its long-term emotional and psychological impacts havent been studied so those with unresolved trauma or serious mental health issues should naturally avoid it. Longtime practitioner Sigrid Brelid suggests that the key is personal readiness: The reason you should go for this is if you feel naturally drawn to it and curious about it. But if theres any fear, then just wait.

open image in gallery Were far more interested in states of consciousness than we were even two years ago, says Ataya ( Charlie Tyler )

Some participants report experiencing some sort of spiritual awakening as a result. Its a lofty phrase (often mistaken for enlightenment) for a shift in your identity, like becoming vegetarian all of a sudden because you want to reduce your negative impacts on the planet. Or the realisation that there is more to life than our material reality. An awakening can happen through many different avenues, from experimental use of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to a significant life event that impacts you deeply, like a bad breakup or period of illness.

Dr Steve Taylor, a psychology lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and author of multiple books, including The Leap: The Psychology of Spiritual Awakening, believes that its important to always be aware before you explore any new spiritual or wellness practice that it might change the way you view life and yourself. Having a spiritual awakening can be quite disruptive, he explains. Usually there needs to be a period of integration as theres an adjustment to a new way of being. He compares it to fame: those who become famous slowly can acclimatise to the attention whereas those who have overnight success often become confused and distressed. We also live in a culture in which any changes of states of consciousness are pathologised, so often when people go through this, their only way of understanding it is in negative terms, like thinking they might be having a breakdown, when in fact, theyre undergoing a positive shift.

With these kundalini activation transmissions, I couldnt deny that something  whatever it was  had certainly happened

His advice for those intrigued by kundalini activation is to go at a slow and steady pace thats comfortable for you. Meditation afterwards can also be really helpful because its grounding and helps you to observe and integrate the inner experiences you might have, he says.

At the end of both of my sessions with Ataya, she told me to drink lots of water and not plunge straight back into my busy life. Over the next few days, she said I might feel emotional as I was supposedly clearing feelings held in my body. Interestingly, after the first session, I wanted to reflect and be quiet. I felt a firm desire to go to bed early to read and journal (this is, sadly, highly unusual for me, a typical TV binger). The second time was so different: I came home and felt highly charged and energetic, wanting to stay up late and have fun.

I cant say, as the weeks have passed, that Im seeing the sort of results that Grady promised. My continued caffeine intake and alarm snoozing would suggest that Im not energised at all and Im not having different or better sex. Nor do I have an improved handle on what Im doing with myself on this earthly plane on a day-to-day basis. But I do keep thinking about booking another session soon.

When it comes to wellness and spirituality trends, there are so many overblown promises that products, teachers or modalities will change your life, I feel Ive heard it all before. My critical senses are engaged when I try out everything; Ill not just believe it when I see it, I believe it when it happens to me, personally. At least twice. With these kundalini activation transmissions, I couldnt deny that something  whatever it was  had certainly happened.
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Actor and model Poppy Delevingne has announced that she is expecting her first child with her partner, the billionaire businessman Archie Keswick.

The 38-year-old Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Riviera actor, who is the sister of Cara and Chloe Delevingne, said becoming a mother is all Ive ever wanted as she shared the news that shes expecting a baby girl in an interview with Elle magazine.

Delevingne revealed she first discovered she was pregnant during London Fashion Week when her clothes began feeling tighter at a second fitting for a Burberry show.

She really is all Ive ever wanted, Delevingne told the magazine.

She added: The people that are closest to me know how much I have wanted this my whole life.

Ive watched a lot of my friends do it, I have nine godchildren, I am an auntie, and I think theyve known that since I was a little girl, I dreamt of being a mumma.

There were points during the last few years where I thought that maybe this wouldnt happen for me. Id made my peace with that. So I think when we told people the news they were very emotional and happy.

Delevingne had been keeping very tight-lipped about the pregnancy, but felt there was no way of hiding her bump anymore since her due date is in May.

open image in gallery Poppy Delevingne pictured in November 2024 ( Getty Images for Elie Saab )

I always imagined that if this moment had ever happened to me I would have told people, she said.

I think I was really nervous, as well. It just feels like such an extraordinary privilege to be able to do this, to be able to have a baby at this age and at this time, and when it happened, I couldnt really believe it. It still feels really surreal.

The model revealed she has been in a constant state of worry about having a baby in her late thirties, but she is feeling more excited and less anxious as the weeks go by.

Ive got to the point where Im just so excited to meet her. If I shut my eyes, I feel like I know her, she added.

Shes already making me laugh, I think shes going to be a funny one.

Delevingne said that her famous sisters, Cara, 32, and Chloe, 39, were elated by the news, and the spent Christmas getting excited together.

We were all in New York, with each other and with the bump and there was a lot of talking to the bump, stroking the bump. Theyre just elated, she said.

Delevingne was previously married to businessman James Cook, who she met when she was 20 and split 15 years later.

She married the businessman at St Pauls Church in Kensington in 2014 in an elaborate ceremony where she had 17 bridesmaids and Geri Halliwell and Trinny Woodall were among guests.

Delevingne and Cook separated after eight years of marriage, but the model has since said that the stigma surrounding divorce stopped her from ending the marriage sooner.

Speaking on the Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast, she said of the stigma: Im quite sad, actually, that we should feel that theres such a thing about it, that, god shes divorced, damaged goods, no ones going to want you.

Especially women in their late thirties who havent had a baby ... Its not easy to make that kind of a decision. Its not by any stretch.

And I think within that, you have to have courage. Youve got to love yourself, put yourself first, and youve got to be happy. We have one shot at life. Oh my god, I chose happiness. I chose me.

With additional reporting from agencies.
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Sarah Ferguson has opened up about the dark places her mind went to when she was hit with the bombshell of different cancer diagnoses just months apart during a difficult year for the royal family.

In an interview with The Times, the Duchess of York, 65, also paid tribute to her family as she detailed her mental health struggles during a difficult time and admitted she worries about her children all the time.

The 65-year-olds candour comes after she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma last January  a shock diagnosis came just six months after she had treatment for breast cancer and underwent breast reconstruction surgery.

open image in gallery Sarah Ferguson was hit with the bomb of two cancer diagnoses months apart ( Getty )

Reflecting on the two back-to-back health scares, the duchess told The Times: It was hard. Im generally a positive person, but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life. One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two in the space of a year. I dont mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.

She added: My family have been an immense support to me through this period. Ive used meditation and mindfulness to help stay positive and balanced.

The duchess spoke specifically of her daughters Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34, and how even with all that she has personally endured in recent months, she still finds herself always worrying about them.

She said: You worry about them all the time. I still do now, when theyre adults. I think young people today have it harder than ever. Social media is a cesspit and its very frightening what young people are exposed to.

open image in gallery The Duke and Duchess of York are believed to be on good terms despite their divorce nearly 30 years ago ( PA )

Meanwhile, she appeared to refer to her relationship with Prince Andrew in a conversation about mens mental health last month, when she opened up about feeling as if she was her fathers carer after her sister Jane moved to Australia.

Describing Ronald Fergusons reluctance to seek help, she previously told The Sunday Times: I was left to look after a sad man, which is sort of what Im doing now.

The Duke of York, 64  with whom she is believed to be on good terms despite their divorce nearly 30 years ago  was forced to step back from public life five years ago after the furore over his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The duchesss interview follows what Prince William called a dreadful year for the royals, in which the family were put under considerable mental and physical strain.

open image in gallery The duchess said she never stopped worrying about her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie ( Getty )

The Prince of Wales recently described 2024 as the hardest year in my life after both his wife, the Princess of Wales, and his father, the King, were also diagnosed with cancer.

News of Charless cancer came in February. It was discovered as he was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate last January.

The monarch cancelled all face-to-face public duties, and William, who was caring for Kate after she had major abdominal surgery in January, returned to work, with the Queen and Princess Anne also holding the fort.
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The year is 2009 and Ive just had keyhole surgery on my knee. During my sixth-form free periods I head to hospital for post-op physiotherapy appointments. With one glance at the knock-off Ugg boots on my feet, the physio sighs. You need to stop wearing those, he says. While youre recovering, you need something with a bit more support. Do I take his advice? Absolutely not. I carry on hobbling around in my crutches and fake Uggs combo for weeks, convinced that I am the height of cosy chic  because in the late Noughties, Ugg boots were undisputedly the it shoe of the moment.

Yes, these sheepskin-lined slippers looked a bit like a childs sketch of a shoe come to life, and their rounded toes instantly made the daintiest of feet look cartoonish. But thanks to countless paparazzi shots showing celebrities such as Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez padding around toting massive handbags and Starbucks cups, these comfy boots became the epitome of off-duty style, fashionable without trying too hard. Their allure was, for me, somehow greater than any practical considerations.

Just a few years after we hit peak Ugg, though, they were seemingly consigned to fashion history along with other Noughties favourites like footless tights and (shiver) jeggings. So imagine my surprise  verging on horror  to see Uggs make a stealthy but inescapable comeback over the past year or so. Now, theyre ready to win over a new generation with their snuggly but deeply unaesthetic charms  and Im here, like the ghost of fashion crimes past, to warn you not to fall for them this time around.

So how did Uggs become the shoes that just wont die out? Australian sheep shearers started wearing these boots more than a century ago, after realising that they were resistant to lanolin, the wax-like substance that occurs naturally in sheeps wool, which caused leather to rot. No one is exactly sure when the term ugg boot emerged as a descriptor for this particular type of footwear. Some trace it back to the fug boots worn by aviators during the First World War; other origin stories claim it stuck simply because the boots were, well, a bit ugly.

In the Sixties and Seventies, they were adopted by surfers, who liked how the sheepskin lining would leave their feet soft and cosy soon after they returned to dry land (best not to think about all the sand inevitably getting caught up in there). By 1978, an Aussie expat named Brian Smith was living in the Californian surfing hotspot of Santa Monica and was trying to spot the next LA trend to market to Australians. Until, that is, he decided to do the exact opposite and bring Aussie style to Americas West Coast instead. He began importing the boots from his home country, eventually branding them with the name UGG Australia (since then, there have been countless disputes over whether ugg is a generic term or a protected trademark).

Pap shots of Pamela Anderson wearing the boots with her red Baywatch swimsuit in the Nineties brought Uggs (as in the capitalised brand and the general shoe style) to wider attention in the States. Soon, they became the de facto footwear for celebs being photographed hanging around between takes on a film set, or popping out to their local organic market. Kate Moss wore them tucked into impossibly skinny jeans; stars like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton teamed them with micro minis or Juicy Couture trackies. Sienna Miller even took them to Glastonbury, boldly braving the inevitable muddy tide marks.

open image in gallery Beyonce was among the celebrities who popularised Uggs in the Noughties ( Getty )

They occupied a strange, contradictory ground: sophisticated and aspirational, but also a little bit hideous. Slowly, though, the consensus on Uggs started to change  and this shift was undeniably rooted in a certain snobbery. The cachet of real-deal Uggs meant that high street shops and market stalls were inevitably flooded with cheaper, lower quality copy cats, swapping the sheepskin for synthetic materials. It was, apparently, fine for beautiful, skinny celebrities to sport aesthetically unappealing shoes, but the average woman wearing them for the school run or a jaunt to the supermarket was deemed as some kind of outrage. They became a way to berate women for looking lazy or unkempt. People first branded them chavvy, then, later, they were deemed basic. Uggs, real or fake, entered the fashion wilderness.

Its an inevitable quirk of fashions trend cycle that styles tend to come back to haunt us about a decade or so after they were first popular (it used to be longer, but this cycle seems to have sped up). So perhaps I shouldnt have been shocked when Bella Hadid was spotted prancing around in a pair of Uggs, with the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Kylie Jenner and Rihanna (an Ugg aficionado when they were in their original heyday) following in her fluffy footsteps.

open image in gallery Bella Hadid is among the Gen Z stars who have adopted the Ugg trend for a new era ( GC Images )

UGG started collaborating with in-demand brands like Telfar to up its fashion credentials, and the 2023 film Saltburn helped catapult Noughties style back into the cultural conversation. In Emerald Fennells movie, youll see extras dressed in Ugg-style shoes as theyre walking around Oxford, teaming them with bodycon dresses or Jack Wills jumpers.

They might look immaculate on Instagram, but that box-fresh appearance wont last long in real life

This year, the boots have cropped up in another much-talked-about movie, Babygirl, with Nicole Kidmans high-powered CEO character sporting them to arrive at her office, pairing them with a truly luxurious tan coat (side note: does Kidman have it written into her contract that she will wear an array of incredible coats on screen?) And over on Instagram, you will see influencers with slicked-back buns wearing the shorter, slipper-style UGGs with their matching gym sets in neutral tones, a la Molly-Mae Hague. Its striking how these once-maligned shoes have been quickly repositioned as a signifier of low-key luxury. I wonder whether once they start to take hold again, the old shamey criticisms will re-emerge.

open image in gallery Nicole Kidman was spotted wearing Uggs on the set of Babygirl ( GC Images )

Its obviously ridiculous to ascribe moralising adjectives like lazy or classless to inanimate bits of fabric. My objection to Uggs has never been about those kinds of snobby concerns. Instead, its rooted in the fact that, if youre living in the UK rather than enjoying some sort of charmed, sun-kissed existence as a Californian surfer, Ugg-style boots are just ridiculously impractical (if youre planning to wear them outside the house, that is).

open image in gallery Ankle-grazing slippers seem to be among the most popular Ugg styles right now ( Getty/iStock )

Once youve got them soggy, they can be tricky to clean, too. My fake Ugg era coincided with a few snowy winters: after I traipsed around in the sludge, the boots were forever scarred by tide marks, however many times I optimistically scrubbed. Plus, the cheap copycat versions are prone to collapsing around the ankles due to the loose fit and the lack of ankle support (hence why my physio was so concerned all those years ago). They might look immaculate on Instagram, but that box-fresh appearance wont last long in real life.

The biggest, most glaring issue, though? Theyre Ugg by name and ugly by nature. Im now too old and cynical to be duped into believing that these clodhoppers are remotely stylish: I can finally see that these are just shapeless mittens for the feet. And as for the ankle-grazing slippers, seemingly the Ugg style du jour? The stitching plus the rounded toes makes them all too reminiscent of hooves. If youre starting to believe the hype, look back at your Facebook photos from the last time Uggs were famous (or, if youre too young, ask a wise elder like me to show you the terrifying evidence). Dont say I didnt warn you
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 18. Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbekistan's oil and gas company) and Romanian XP Group discussed cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed at a meeting between the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz and the CEO of XP Group, David Martignon.

During the meeting the sides focused on bilateral cooperation within the framework of a project aimed at increasing natural gas production from a cluster of fields with hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves.

Both parties emphasized the importance of adopting efficient approaches to field development and integrating advanced technologies to enhance hydrocarbon resource extraction.

Additionally, mutual interest was confirmed in strengthening collaboration and sharing expertise in optimizing hydrocarbon production and processing. The parties expressed their readiness to further develop joint initiatives and reinforce their partnership in the energy sector.

Meanwhile, Uzbekneftegaz outlined priority tasks for 2025. The key directions include implementing joint projects with foreign companies, drilling new operational wells, and repairing existing ones using modern technologies.
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The young boy wore a suit and bow tie to his stepfathers funeral on Saturday, where he demanded a handkerchief and wiped tears off his mothers face as they buried Marckendy Natoux, one of two journalists killed by gangs in Haiti.

Natoux was fatally shot on Christmas Eve in one of the worst attacks on the press in the troubled Caribbean country, with gangs opening fire during what was supposed to be the reopening of Haitis largest public hospital.

The 42-year-old father of two spoke four languages and worked for several local and U.S. media outlets. He also taught English and Spanish and was known for his kindness.

Natoux was a protector of journalists, recalled Oriol Jacklin, a journalist with Radio Regard FM. He worked with everyone and respected everybody.

Natoux did marketing for Voice of Americas Creole service and worked for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Boston Caribbean Network, among others.

On Dec. 24, he traveled to downtown Port-au-Prince with other journalists to cover the anticipated reopening of Haitis General Hospital, which gangs had pillaged. Shortly after he arrived, gunmen opened fire.

He was killed for bringing news to the world, said Natouxs colleague, Rene Celias.

Johnson Izo Andre, considered Haitis most powerful gang leader and part of the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs, which have taken control of 85% of Port-au-Prince, posted a video on social media claiming responsibility. He said he had not authorized the hospitals reopening.

Natouxs colleague, Jacalin, also blamed the government for the attack, which led to the health minister being replaced.

You shouldnt invite someone to cover a media event in an area you know is dangerous, Jacalin said. The negligence of the government took the life of two journalists, one police officer and left five other journalists with bullet wounds and awaiting surgeries.

Also killed was Jimmy Jean, a 44-year-old father of six who worked for the online news outlet Moun Afe Bon. He was buried on Thursday.

Robest Dimanche, spokesman for the Online Media Collective, a group that defends the rights of online journalists in Haiti, said Natoux was full of talent and integrity as he condemned both killings.

This was a very dark day, he said. We are asking the authorities to not let this crime go unpunished.

But its unlikely those responsible will be brought to justice.

Last year, the Committee to Protect Journalists ranked Haiti as one of the top offenders worldwide in letting journalists murders go unpunished. At least seven murders remain unsolved since 2019.

Natoux and Jean were among the more than 5,600 people reported killed across Haiti last year despite the launch of a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to help quell gang violence.

On Saturday, an additional 217 Kenyan officers arrived to join 400 others who arrived last year as the U.S. and other countries seek a U.N. peacekeeping mission, warning that the current mission lacks funding and personnel.

As friends and family mourned Natoux on Saturday, his small stepson used a handkerchief to wipe tears off his mothers face and then wiped his own as a family friend cradled the boys head and whispered something in his ear.

When the funeral ended, loved ones lifted Natouxs coffin high into the air. One colleague placed his hand on the Haitian flag draped over it as wails filled the church.

___

Associated Press writer Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed.
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A South Carolina man pleaded guilty Friday to charges that he gunned down a New Mexico state police officer who had stopped to help him, marking a turning point in a case that had been set for trial later this year.

Jaremy Smith entered the new plea during a hearing Friday in U.S. district court in Albuquerque as part of an agreement reached with federal prosecutors. Smith will face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

Dozens of state police officers packed the courtroom during the hearing and later gathered on the steps outside. They were joined by top state and federal law enforcement officials and the parents of the fallen officer.

I just want to say that Im glad this sorry excuse of a human being owned up to what he did. Its been 10 long months to get to this point, said Jim Hare, the father of State Police Officer Justin Hare.

Smith had pleaded not guilty last year to several charges that included kidnapping resulting in a death; carjacking resulting in a death; using a firearm during the commission of violent crime; and possession of a stolen firearm. A charge related to driving a stolen vehicle across state lines was dropped as part of the agreement.

He also is charged in South Carolina in the killing of a paramedic there whose stolen car was involved in the officers killing in New Mexico.

New Mexico Public Safety Secretary Jason Bowie said after the court hearing that his department and state police officers will continue to stand with Hare's family throughout the sentencing process. He also lamented that New Mexico's current statutes fall short of federal punishments for violent crimes like killing a police officer and that state leaders need to do more to hold repeat offenders accountable.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has hosted some community meetings ahead of the legislative session. Bowie said those gatherings made clear that people don't feel safe.

I think every community is fed up with it, Bowie said, confirming that public safety will be among the top priorities during the legislative session that starts Tuesday.

The fatal shooting of Officer Justin Hare happened before dawn on March 15, 2024, along Interstate 40 near the community of Tucumcari. The killing set off a search for Smith, who was wounded and captured two days later in Albuquerque after authorities got a tip from a gas station clerk.

According to a criminal complaint, Hare had been dispatched to help a motorist in a white BMW. After parking behind the BMW, a man approached his patrol car on the passenger side. The two then began talking about a flat tire, and the officer offered Smith a ride to a nearby town because no repair shop was open at that hour.

Seconds later, Smith shot Hare and then went to the drivers side and waited until traffic passed to shoot the officer again, according to dash camera video that was released as part of the investigation.

Authorities said Smith then pushed the officer into the passenger seat and drove away. The duress signal on the officers radio was triggered and other officers responded.

Hare was found about an hour later, alive but fatally injured on the side of a frontage road. The 35-year-old father had been with the state police agency since 2018.

State Police later learned the BMW had been reported missing in South Carolina and belonged to a woman who was killed there  Phonesia Machado-Fore, 52, a Marion County paramedic. Her body was found outside Lake View in neighboring Dillon County.

While U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland opted not to pursue the death penalty against Smith, it could be on the table with the pending state case in South Carolina, said Alexander M.M. Uballez, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico.
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The highly anticipated resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez over the killing of their parents has been delayed again, this time for nearly two months, because of the devastating wildfires in southern California.

Authorities announced on Friday that the hearing planned for 30 and 31 January has been pushed to 20 and 21 March because the wildfires have interfered with preparations. The hearing had already been delayed from November.

The fires have now spread to more than 40,000 acres  larger than the land area of Washington DC  with the flames being fanned by a fierce windstorm known as the Santa Ana winds.

open image in gallery The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1989 of killing their parents, but were due to be resentenced after much media attention

As of Wednesday morning, at least 25 lives had been lost, more than 12,000 homes and structures destroyed and hundreds of thousands of residents placed under evacuation orders. All manner of public services have been shut down, with multiple community drives put in place to help those affected.

Prior to the announcement that the resentencing hearing would be postponed, Los Angeles County district attorney Nathan Hochman said he had met with the brothers family earlier this month.

The pair were convicted in 1989 of killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole and are now in their fifties.

open image in gallery The resentencing has been postponed in the wake of the devastating California wildfires ( AP )

They asked that the sentence be reconsidered after new evidence of their fathers sexual abuse emerged in their case. A recent Netflix drama series and documentary also brought renewed public interest.

In October 2024, then district attorney George Gascon recommended the brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole. Hochman, who was running against Gascon, called it a desperate political move.

Additional reporting by AP
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A$AP Rocky is at a crossroads. He could soar to new heights of celebrity in 2025, or be brought back to earth quickly by a trial starting Tuesday that could led to his imprisonment for years.

The hip-hop star, and longtime partner to Rihanna, with whom he has two toddler sons, is set to touch the highest levels of high fashion as one of the celebrity chairs of the Met Gala in May along with Pharrell Williams, LeBron James and others.

And his modest acting career will get a major boost from starring alongside Denzel Washington in director Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest," planned for a summer release.

But at the Los Angeles trial that's expected to last about three weeks, he is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He's accused of firing on a former friend on the streets near a Hollywood hotel in 2021. If convicted, he could get up to 24 years in prison.

The 36-year-old has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney says he committed no crime.

Were ready to go. Its been a long time, defense lawyer Joe Tacopina said after a hearing Wednesday. Its been something thats waiting over Rockys head and Rihanna and their familys heads for a while. Were anxious to get this thing underway and get this behind him.

A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli

The trial has its roots in high school in New York, when the Harlem-raised Rakim Mayers, now known as A$AP Rocky, met Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, who will be the trial's most important witness.

Ephron testified at a 2023 preliminary hearing that he brought Rocky into a crew of young creators who called themselves A$AP  for Always Strive and Prosper.

We had dreams, pretty much, Ephron said.

He testified that the members remained close even as Rocky became rich and famous, but the relationships would eventually erode.

The feud came to a head in Hollywood on the night of Nov. 6, 2021, when according to Ephron, Rocky fired at him three or four times, the shots grazing his knuckles.

Ephron went to the police two days later, and brought shell casings he had picked up himself  both points the defense will seize on.

You need nothing more than Mr. Ephrons testimony by itself, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec, the case's lead prosecutor, told a judge at the 2023 hearing,

Key players in the A$AP Rocky trial

The trial is full of large personalities, along with two huge names that will loom over the proceedings despite having no direct role: President-elect Donald Trump and Rihanna.

The trial begins the day after the second inauguration of Trump, whom Tacopina represented in the defamation and sexual abuse lawsuit of writer E. Jean Carroll. And Rocky himself became an unlikely cause celebre for then-President Trump during his first term when Trump publicly declared he was trying to get the rapper freed and returned to the U.S. when he was jailed after a brawl in Sweden in 2019.

But Trump has no power over these proceedings, and could not pardon Rocky if he's convicted.

Those anticipating the trial have long been asking whether Rihanna may attend.

The mother of his children is she going to be here? Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold asked the defense at an October hearing. Shes welcome to be here whenever she wants Id just like to know.

Tacopina has been unable to give a definitive answer, but has said that he does not expect it.

Hes very protective of Rihanna and doesnt want her anywhere near this proceeding," he said after Wednesday's hearing. "But thats a family decision theyll make.

Tacopina said he has no intention of bringing Rihanna's name up at trial, but Arnold suggested he may when screening jurors.

The judge, a former sheriffs deputy, has an affable but no-nonsense style and dispenses with many court formalities. He said he will keep the juror selection process simple, and a jury should be seated quickly.

In an uncommon move in LA County courts, he will allow cameras in court for nearly the entire trial.

I believe that the public deserves to see what goes on in the courtroom, he said.

Tacopina has also represented other hip-hop figures, including Meek Mill and YG. The lawyer who normally practices in New York is gregarious, quick with a joke and always happy to talk to the media, but can be ruthless in cross-examination.

When discussing Ephron's minor injuries at the 2023 hearing, he said, Its a miracle he survived that shooting and was admonished for his tone.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, best known for his successful murder prosecution of real estate scion Robert Durst, was a late addition to the prosecution team. He's also known for his aggressive cross-examination, including a relentless, weeks-long questioning of Durst.

The evidence against A$AP Rocky

The case against Rocky will largely depend on how credible the jurors find Ephron.

Police officers who searched the Hollywood sidewalk after a report of shots fired found no shell casings. Police recovered no fingerprints from the 9 mm casings Ephron brought them, and no 9 mm pistol was found when a search warrant was served on Rocky.

Surveillance video captured parts of the incident. Prosecutors at the 2023 hearing showed a video still with a man in a hooded sweatshirt whose face is not visible holding what appears to be a gun, along with another image showing the face of the man in the sweatshirt, with no gun visible. A detective testified that investigators established it was Rocky.

Tacopina said he has not decided whether Rocky will testify, which he is legally allowed to avoid.

He is eager to tell his story, he would love the opportunity to do so, the lawyer said Wednesday. He is very articulate and very intelligent, hes a good human being, that would come out if he testifies, but that decision has not been made yet. It depends on how the case goes.
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The father of murdered schoolboy Jimmy Mizen believes his killer has no remorse after he was hauled back to prison for shamelessly boasting about the crime in his rap music.

Barry Mizen has said he fears prisoners like Jake Fahri are coming out worse than they went in after he was named in reports as a masked drill rapper known as TEN, whose songs include lyrics appearing to reference Jimmys murder in 2008.

He also hit out at the BBC for playing the drill rappers music.

Fahri, then 19, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years for killing Jimmy in a southeast London bakery by throwing an oven dish that shattered and severed blood vessels in the 16-year-olds neck.

He was released in 2023 after serving 15 years, but recalled to prison this week for breaching his licence conditions, after the violent contents of songs performed under the name TEN were exposed in reports in The Sun.

It also emerged that the masked rappers music has twice been showcased on the BBCs 1Xtra platform, although not songs which featured lyrics about Jimmy.

Mr Mizen, 73, told The Independent that he and his wife Margaret, 72, had naively believed Fahri would have felt some remorse for their sons murder.

We just worked on that assumption for the past few years, but apparently we were completely wrong, he said.

I dont think theres any remorse there, I dont think theres any empathy there.

open image in gallery Jake Fahri was jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years for the murder of the schoolboy Jimmy Mizen ( Metropolitan Police )

The couple have dedicated their lives to preventing youth violence following Jimmys death, frequently work in prisons and delivering talks in schools through their charity, the Mizen Foundation.

He said they took it on face value that Fahri was fit for release when the Parole Board let him out in June 2023, although they did request lifetime exclusion zones to stop him from entering the parts of London where they and their family live.

The Probation Service said the Mizens deserve better than to see their sons murderer shamelessly boasting about his violent crime after he was recalled to prison on Friday.

Fahri is now expected to serve another year before he is put back in front of the parole board.

Mr Mizen believes the recent events have exposed huge issues with prison rehabilitation and believes Fahri left more aggressive than when he went in.

He served 15 years before he was let out, only to behave in this way and land himself back inside for at least a year. You have to ask yourself what has happened in those 15 years. Where is the change? he said.

I believe he came out more aggressive than when he went in. I believe this is a huge issue, it isnt isolated.

If prison is only punitive, if its only about locking people up, thats not going to help anyone. Wheres the rehabilitation? Wheres the monitoring?

If people are coming out worse than they went in, then whats going on?

open image in gallery Barry and Margaret Mizen at the 10th anniversary memorial service for Jimmy at St Georges Cathedral, Southwark ( PA Archive )

He also hit out at the taxpayer-funded BBC for promoting TENs music, which he fears glamourises violence, after two songs were played on 1Xtra.

Why should this influential output be funded by the national taxpayer, he said. I have no issue with rap music, it is the content and what its trying to drive. Its driving young people to want to imitate that lifestyle.

The campaigner said an average of 15 young people are killed in the capital each year, adding: That means fifteen young people are walking around the streets at the moment who wont be there at the end of the year.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) spokesman said they take lyrics which glorify violence and distress victims extremely seriously and they are investigating the contents of TENs songs as priority.

A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday the prime minister was deeply concerned at the situation and the significant additional stress that this will have caused to the family.

A BBC spokesperson said: 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.
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A vet has given his brutally honest advice about the five dog breeds that he would advise pet owners to think twice about owning.

In a divisive new video, which has three million views on TikTok, South African vet Amir Anwary shared his top five breeds that might seem like the perfect fit for pet owners lives, but can lead to expensive vet bills and stressful lifestyle changes. As a result, he would never own them, as a veterinarian.

Mr Anwary shared the video to educate potential dog owners and welcomed anyone who already owned one of the dog breeds mentioned to respond if they agreed or otherwise.

The vet mentioned that his first breed may cause controversy, as he said a lot of people might fight me on this, but he would never own a dachshund. He explained that the small dogs could be lovely, but they could also be stubborn and bark the whole night if they want to with a bout of separation anxiety on top.

open image in gallery The vet described dachshunds as stubborn" ( Getty Images )

As well as a number of behavioural issues, the South Africa native mentioned they were also prone to a condition called IBDD, short for Intervertebral Disc Disease, a form of back issues which could be compounded by the fact the breed can struggle with obesity.

If you own a dachshund, you need to be on top of it, he said.

Another, less surprising dog to appear on Mr Anwarys list was the French Bulldog, a popular breed whose health issues are already widely reported.

He said that this cute, adorable little abomination suffers from a number of medical issues, claiming that if it is not breathing issues, its skin problems. If its not skin problems, its back problems.

open image in gallery He described French Bulldogs as adorable little abominations" ( Getty Images )

The vet added that they were frequent visitors to his office and were so expensive to get in the first place, which put him off ever getting one himself.

He described a number of famously active dog breeds, such as a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie, as being high maintenance. He called Belgian Malinois dogs a machine as they require constant physical and mental stimulation. Worse, if they dont receive that attention, they become destructive.

Meanwhile, Border Collies may seem like the perfect four-legged friend, but Mr Anwary said that as a working dog they need a lot of attention.

Theyre always on, they always need physical and mental stimulation, and I could not possibly provide a Border Collie with [what] it needs to stay happy, he said. Like the Belgian Malinois, he advised that the dog could also become destructive when unhappy.

open image in gallery Mr Anwary said that Border Collies basically have ADHD ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Mr Anwarys final choice for a dog breed he might never own particularly surprised viewers, as the four-legged friend in question is widely considered to be one of the most popular choices for a family pet.

I know you guys are going to be like, are you crazy? Labradors are amazing, and yes they are, he said to caveat his opinion.

The vet continued that labradors as a dog breed are very prone to becoming overweight and they love to eat absolutely everything.

open image in gallery Labradors made a surprising addition to the list ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

What do you get when you cross a dog that loves to eat absolutely everything with a dog that gets fat when it eats anything? You get a dog that is perpetually overweight, he quipped, adding that as a weak owner who loves to give his pets treats, this wouldnt end well in his household.

Amir regularly posts pet advice to his audience of 732,000 followers on TikTok and 173,000 on Instagram, from debunking myths about animals to providing pet food reviews.

Top dog breeds not to own:

1. Dachshunds

2. French Bulldogs

3. Belgian Malinois

4. Border Collies

5. Labradors
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A British businessman unjustly imprisoned in Dubai has urged the Foreign Office to protect him against aggressive prison officials after they tried to force him to sign a document claiming his human rights were being upheld.

Father-of-three Ryan Cornelius, 70, has spent more than 16 years languishing in prison in the United Arab Emirates over an alleged 370 million fraud. His original sentence of 10 years has been extended until 2038.

The UAE says he illegally obtained a loan from the government-affiliated Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) by bribing staff members, but the United Nations says the charges of fraud are false.

Mr Cornelius and his supporters accuse the DIB of being his effective jailers, ensuring he remains in prison to retain property they allege was stolen from him by way of compensation. Despite the UAE constitution stating that all inmates should be freed when they turn 70, Mr Corneliuss clemency appeal, endorsed by the Foreign Office, was also rejected last year.

In a plea for help to the Foreign Office, seen by The Independent, Mr Cornelius says he now fears for his safety after he refused to sign a document produced this month by prison officials that states his human rights are not being violated.

Mr Cornelius is currently being held in the Al Awir Central Prison just outside of Dubai, the same complex where 18-year-old Briton Marcus Fakana is serving a one-year sentence for having sex with a then-17-year-old girl last year.

open image in gallery Cornelius says conditions in Al Awir Central Prison have deteriorated significantly over the past months ( AFP via Getty Images )

Over Christmas, Mr Cornelius says the prison became intolerably overcrowded. In his letter to the Foreign Office, he added that he has been denied access to fresh air and basic facilities. He is already suffering from the cumulative health effects of tuberculosis, Covid and high blood pressure, which have been partially brought on by poor prison conditions.

Mr Corneliuss brother-in-law, Chris Pagett, says that the businessman is being forced to go for days on end without access to fresh air. One of the prison guards in particular has been throwing his weight around recently, Mr Pagett says, conducting aggressive cell searches and closing down the food shop in the complex.

The document suggesting the prisoners human rights are not being violated was written in Arabic, a language Mr Cornelius does not fully understand. He described being coerced to sign the letter and says that when he refused, unlike his cellmates, the guard became angry.

It is the first time in nearly 17 years of imprisonment that Mr Cornelius has been instructed to sign a document regarding his human rights. Immediately after his arrest, in 2008, he was presented with a document in Arabic and told that if he signed it, he would be released from detention. After obeying those instructions, however, he was put in solitary confinement.

open image in gallery Teenager Marcus Fakana is another Briton currently detained in Dubai ( Detained in Dubai/PA )

The relationship between jailers and prisoners is inherently coercive, reads the letter sent by Mr Cornelius to the Foreign Office. The formers power to make life deeply unpleasant for anyone they choose to pick on is fundamental to their enforcement of prison rules. When someone with this kind of power over you tells you to sign a statement to the effect that you are being well treated, you have a healthy incentive to comply in order to avoid being treated even worse.

He describes the attempts to make him sign the document as showing a complete contempt for international norms.

The letter continues: And so I am writing to ask, on behalf of all the British prisoners in Dubai Central Jail, that the British government lodge a formal protest to the Dubai authorities, making it clear at the highest level that the behaviour of their prison administration constitutes a gross abuse of power.

Mr Cornelius and his family have not received a response to that letter, sent via email by the British businessmans wife, Heather, on 9 January.

When The Independent asked the Foreign Office if they planned to respond to the family, and if they would condemn the act of the prison officials, the ministry declined to answer.

Labour MP Tim Roca, who is vice chair of a recently convened parliamentary pressure group focused on Britons arbitrarily detained abroad, says the Foreign Office has consistently failed to bring about meaningful change for Mr Cornelius.

In a letter to the foreign secretary David Lammy, Mr Roca urged his fellow Labour MP to put pressure on the Dubai authorities, making it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and represents a gross abuse of power.

He also called for Mr Lammy to consider sanctioning officials at the DIB and the Al Awir prison. A document has been submitted by Mr Cornelius lawyers to the Foreign Office detailing a possible sanctions action.

Mr Corneliuss family and supporters have urged Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Lammy to do more to secure the British businessmans release. The prime minister and former human rights lawyer, however, did not mention Mr Cornelius during a trip to Dubai in December to discuss trade with the president, Mohammed bin Zayed.

Mr Lammy did raise Mr Cornelius case on 7 December during a meeting with his UAE counterpart, but the family say he has not done enough.
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The Conservatives have submitted an official complaint accusing Angela Rayner of allegedly asking civil servants to help her move into a grace-and-favour apartment once used by Winston Churchill.

The deputy prime minister reportedly instructed officials to assist with transporting furniture and cleaning the accommodation, according to the complaint from the Tory MP and shadow minister Paul Holmes.

Mr Holmes told The Telegraph, which first reported the complaint, that if correct then it would be a clear breach of the ministerial code.

open image in gallery The Conservatives have made a formal complaint about deputy prime minister Angela Rayner ( PA Wire )

The ministerial code states that ministers are appointed to serve the public and must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise, he said.

It also states that holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Mr Holmes also said that Ms Rayner should be sent a bill for the estimated costs of civil service time.

The complaint has been submitted to the director of propriety and ethics at the Cabinet Office as well as the permanent secretary in Ms Rayners department.

Last month it was revealed that Ms Rayner had been given the use of the Admiralty House flat in Whitehall.

Churchill lived in Admiralty House from 1911 to 1915, when he was an MP for Dundee, and returned during the start of the war as First Lord of the Admiralty.

open image in gallery Tory MP and shadow minister Paul Holmes has made the complaint ( Houses of Parliament )

John Prescott also lived there during his time as deputy prime minister under Tony Blair.

Ms Rayner is the third secretary of state in recent weeks to have been reported by the Conservative Party for possible breaches of the ministerial and civil service codes.

David Lammy, the foreign secretary, has been reported for the political nature of a speech he gave earlier this month which was streamed live through official Foreign Office channels despite containing multiple party-political references.

The Tories pointed out in a complaint to the Cabinet Office that the ministerial code states that ministers must not use government resources for party political resources.

The party has also reported Steve Reed, the environment secretary, for a potential breach of the civil service code.

After receiving the complaint, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that an incorrect version of a speech by Mr Reed had been uploaded in error onto the government website and has now been amended, The Telegraph reported.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: MHCLG provided logistical support to the deputy prime ministers move into an official residence, with the awareness of the permanent secretary. Removal and cleaning firms were employed to carry out this move and were paid for personally by the deputy prime minister.
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Donald Trump is considering rejecting Sir Keir Starmers nominee for UK ambassador to the US in what would be an extremely rare move.

Sources within the Trump team have told The Independent that it is still not certain Peter Mandelsons credentials will be accepted by Mr Trump after he becomes president.

While the threat of rejecting Lord Mandelson could be sabre rattling, strains between the Labour government and the incoming administration are being blamed. However, there also are concerns about Lord Mandelsons perceived links to China.

Labour has told the Trump transition team that it is a huge compliment that Sir Keir wants to send such a senior Labour figure, but a source noted: We are not buying that.

open image in gallery Lord Mandelson has proven to be a controversial choice for UK ambassador to the US ( PA )

It was noted that Lord Mandelson did not attend the pre-inauguration party on Friday hosted by Nigel Farage in Washington DC, even though he had been invited in an effort to help build bridges with key members of the Trump team.

The outgoing UK ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, who has impressed the transition team, was there.

For an ambassadorial nominee to formally take up their role, the head of state of the country they have been sent to has to accept the letters of credence.

In the UK this is done via the Court of St Jamess where letters are presented to the King and in the US letters have to be presented to the president.

One source said that strained relations with Mr Trump and the British government continue to be a problem which has been made worse by the nomination of Lord Mandelson.

open image in gallery Donald Trump to be sworn in as president again on Monday ( AFP )

However, it is connections with China which are most alarming to the incoming Trump administration.

It is quite possible that Mandelsons credentials could still be rejected, a source said. There are serious concerns about his links to China.

Lord Mandelson has been a strong advocate of close trading and other ties with China, even penning an article in 2018 warning that Mr Trumps antipathy to China was putting free trade at risk.

But there is a wider concern about the breakdown of relations with the Labour government.

The issues around Elon Musks attacks on Sir Keir over alleged policing of social media in the UK and grooming gangs have had an impact.

It [Starmers government] is perceived as anti-free speech by the incoming administration, the source added. That is a big red line.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has potential difficulties in store with Mr Trumps return to power ( Getty )

There is also a sense of betrayal felt by Mr Trump and his team after they hosted Sir Keir and foreign secretary David Lammy for dinner and this is also playing into the potential decision on Lord Mandelson.

Starmer, Lammy and Trump sat down for that dinner, the source explained. They make a lot about Lammy being given a second helping by Trump but all that does not matter because Labour then sent out activists to help Kamala Harris. Starmer had a terrible briefing saying Harris would win and his actions after undid any goodwill he may have had.

Another source added: Ideally, they would like Labour to pull the Mandelson appointment and keep Dame Karen Pierce in place, but they are worried that if Labour pulls Mandelson, Labour will appoint someone even worse like Kim Darroch, Sadiq Kahn, or some far worse person.

On Sunday the UK government hit back to insist Lord Mandelson would make a brilliant ambassador.

But Mr Farage suggested it might have been better to pick somebody whos a swashbuckling entrepreneur, who can walk into the Oval Office and talk to Trump face to face.

Asked if the appointment of Lord Mandelson was a mistake, he told the BBC when were dealing with the Trump administration, we need to think outside the box. All the evidence is that the prime ministers office and the Foreign Office are not doing that.

Earlier Treasury minister Darren Jones told the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: For the first time in, I think, maybe 50 years a British Prime Minister has picked a politician to be the ambassador in DC.

"We have brilliant diplomats and Karen Pierce has done a brilliant job, but the reason the Prime Minister picked Peter Mandelson was because we want to do things differently.

"We recognise the important relationship between our two countries. There are lots of opportunities there on trade and the way in which our countries collaborate, whether its on technology, or on finance or on defence and security issues.

"I think Peter Mandelson will be a brilliant ambassador for us and will form a very strong partnership with the new administration."

Asked whether he was "confident" that Trumps administration will accept the nomination, Mr Jones replied: "Yes.

Lord Mandelson has already dismissed concerns about his nomination and has even suggested working with Mr Farage to win Mr Trumps trust.

Downing Street pointed to an interview Sir Keir gave to The Financial Times this weekend and an article written by Lord Mandelson for the website of the right-wing US broadcaster Fox News. In the interview the PM said he believes his government can have a constructive relationship with the Trump administration.

What matters to me is my relationship with the US and my relationship with the president-elect, Sir Keir said. He added that he hopes to get a trade deal of some sort with the US during the Trump presidency.

It is understood that the choice of Lord Mandelson, a former business secretary and EU commissioner for trade, was partly made with getting a trade deal in mind.

In his conciliatory piece, Lord Mandelson wrote: 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.

Five decades as a politician and latterly as a businessman have taught me always to hear your electorate and listen to your customer. Alliances between foreign nations need to do the same. Foreign relationships must hear these messages and evolve rapidly to deliver for their citizens. 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. I see three areas of major potential for expanded partnership between Britain and todays America: economic growth, national security and foreign policy realism.
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Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said he wants a Breturn rather than Brexit after discussing cooperation 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 Polish 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.

open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference with Polish prime minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw ( AP )

Standing alongside Sir Keir at a joint press conference afterwards, Mr Tusk 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 go into detail about Brexit, but stressed the need for close cooperation 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.

open image in gallery Sir Keir and Mr Tusk shake hands following the press conference ( AP )

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.

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.

open image in gallery Sir Keir also met Polands president Andrzej Duda at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw ( PA )

Both leaders hope the treaty will help the UK and Poland work together more closely to protect Europe from Russian aggression and coordinate 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.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. The agreement between Iran and Russia regulating the oil sector is at the final stage, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, detailed discussions in the oil sector have been held between Iranian and Russian officials over the past few months. Final work on the agreement is currently underway between the two countries.

Paknejad noted that Russian companies are currently implementing projects worth $7.5 billion in Iran's several oil and gas fields as part of the contracts. These projects have made significant progress and created conditions for Iranian and Russian companies to cooperate in supplying oil equipment and products.

The yield from Iran's oil sector investments is at a remarkable level. However, the implementation of these opportunities depends on the participation of banks and financial markets. Russian companies can utilize these opportunities to play an active role in supplying Iranian oil projects and equipment, he noted.

To note, Iran and Russia recently signed a comprehensive 47-point strategic partnership agreement on January 17.
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The UK has lost a millionaire every 45 minutes since Labour came to power according to new data, as experts said the exodus was being driven by Rachel Reeves controversial Budget.

Britain lost a net 10,800 millionaires last year, a 157 per cent increase on 2023, including 78 centi-millionaires (worth at least 100 million) and 12 billionaires. They left for other countries mainly in Europe, such as Italy and Switzerland, as well as the United Arab Emirates.

The figures, compiled by the analytics firm New World Wealth, show the exodus sped up after the general election was called and that since then a dollar millionaire has left Britain every 45 minutes, according to The Times.

78 centi-millionaires (who are worth at least 100 million) have left ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Rachel de Souza, a tax partner at auditing company RSM UK, told the paper demand for relocation advice was being driven by those with non-dom status before Octobers Budget but by British entrepreneurs afterwards.

"In virtually all cases, these entrepreneurs are citing the budget announcements as the reason, she said.

Business leaders have hit out at Ms Reeves Budget, warning it will hurt economic growth.

The co-founder of Cobra Beer Lord Bilimoria has said the planned hike in national insurance paid by employers will damage business.

Last month, James Reed, chairman of the recruitment giant, Reed, urged the chancellor to change course warning her Budget had spooked business as he suggested a recession could be around the corner.

In November Ms Reeves squared up to her detractors, telling the CBI conference: I have heard a lot of feedback about my Budget but not any alternative suggestions in the wake of what Labour says was a 22bn black hole left by the last Labour government.

Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, who has moved to Spain, told the paper: "Britain is in trouble ... No one in the cabinet has had their own business. Theyve been working as civil servants or in charities or non-profit businesses. They just dont understand business."

The issue of non-doms hit the headlines in 2022 when The Independent revealed that Rishi Sunaks wife, Akshata Murty, held non-domicile tax status while he was chancellor.

In response, Ms Murty, whose family business is estimated to be worth around 60bn, announced that she would start paying British taxes on all her worldwide income.

Non-dom status, which is lawful, can save an individual from paying UK tax on dividends from foreign investments, rental payments on property overseas, or bank interest.

From April, Labour will crackdown on the loophole and replace it with a less generous residence-based scheme that will also subject current non-doms overseas assets to UK inheritance tax (IHT) for the first time.
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The UK sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine is highly risky, a former security adviser to Gordon Brown has warned, arguing the grotesquely underfunded armed forces do not have the resources to do so.

The prime minister confirmed the UK will discuss such a move with its allies on a visit to Kyiv this week, vowing Britain will play our part in guaranteeing Ukraines security following any ceasefire with Russia.

But a number of senior military figures have expressed concerns at the plan. Among them is Lord West of Spithead, a retired admiral of the Royal Navy, and Mr Browns former adviser.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky attend a presentation of military drones at an undisclosed location in Ukraine ( Getty Images )

He warned that maintaining troops in Ukraine is currently beyond us as a result of how grotesquely underfunded and hollowed out the armed forces are.

There is a lot of scope for getting very enmeshed in action that you dont want to get enmeshed in, Lord West told The Independent. And you can suddenly find yourself almost in a situation of saying, Yes, well have to send in more troops.

Once youre there on the ground, its almost as if youre looking after another member of Nato. What we need to do is make sure that war doesnt restart again with Putin trying to take over Ukraine.

So within the package of how thats done, Im sure there are other ways of ensuring that, other than us just having troops there.

Lord Wests comments echo those of former head of the army Richard Dannatt. He told The i Paper on Friday: I dont think the size of our army is large enough to do that, with everything else that its 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. Its a major issue that relates directly to the future size of the British army. You start to run out of troops quite quickly.

open image in gallery Mr Zelensky and Sir Keir sign a 100-year agreement that pledges strengthening defence ties between the two countries ( AFP via Getty Images )

Colonel Tim Collins  a former army officer known for his eve-of-battle speech on Iraq in 2003  said the UK risks becoming a national embarrassment as a result of the plans, arguing the army has been hollowed out to the point of destruction.

He said the silver lining of such a move would be exposing failures and the holes in the system and pressing the government to invest more in the UKs armed forces.

He added: I think we cant do it, but it will be a good exercise to attempt to do it and then we can see the failures and the holes in the system.

Maybe the government will wake up to the fact that theyve hollowed out the military to the point of destruction.

Well increasingly have to fall back on allies and theyll have to pick up the burden and it will be a national embarrassment. It will spark a national conversation.

open image in gallery Sir Keir examines a vehicle damaged in a recent drone attack in Kyiv ( Getty Images )

While ministers have pledged to boost UK defence spending from its current point  at just above 2 per cent  to 2.5 per cent, it is not yet clear when or how this target will be achieved.

On Thursday, the prime minister indicated he was speaking to international partners, including French president Emmanuel Macron and Mr Zelensky, about the prospect of Western soldiers monitoring a future deal.

Sir Keirs first visit to Kyiv since entering No 10 coincided with a drone attack by Russian president Vladimir Putins forces on the Ukrainian capital.

The prime minister heard sirens warning Kyivs citizens of the air raid as he met Mr Zelensky  a moment he said highlighted the incredible resolve of the Ukrainian people.

Lets 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, Sir Keir said.

Asked later on Thursday whether in principle he would agree to send troops to Ukraine to safeguard any peace deal, as Mr Macron has called for, Sir Keir told Sky News: We will be discussing this with a number of allies, including of course President Macron, including President Zelensky here today, and we will play our full part.

We have always been one of the leading countries in relation to the defence of Ukraine, and so if you can read into that we will be playing our full part. But I dont want to get ahead of ourselves, because this has to be enduring, lasting.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.
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An innocent person was killed after a murder suspect seeking to evade police during a high-speed car chase crashed into their vehicle.

The deadly incident occurred in Texas on Thursday at around 10.30 a.m. after the suspect, named by local outlets as Gabriel Cerna, collided with another vehicle on the interstate. Dallas Police had been in pursuit.

Moments before being shot, Cerna told officers he wanted to call his mother real quick, according to an police affidavit seen by WFAA.

Pictures shared on social media of the incident appeared to show a black SUV and a smaller vehicle, also black, both with heavy damage to the front.

Officers had located Cerna at a QT gas station in Dallas County and tried to pull him over in connection with a shooting of a 36-year-old man in Dallas on December 30, police sources told WFAA. He refused and drove south to Red Oak.

open image in gallery An innocent man was killed after a murder suspect being chased by police crashed into his vehicle in Texas. Moments before, the suspect had told police he wanted to call his mom ( WFAA )

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Cerna pushed a woman out of the drivers seat of a Jeep Wagoneer before taking off down the freeway. Police gave chase for about two and a half miles before the crash occurred involving an elderly man and a woman.

Cerna exited the car with a gun in his hand. In response to commands to drop it, the affidavit said Cerna stated that he just wants to call his mom real quick. He continued to wave the handgun around and reach inside the vehicle, affidavit said.

He was then shot by officers multiple times.

Dallas police provided Cerna with lifesaving treatment and he was taken to the hospital. His current condition is unknown.

Authorities confirmed one person in the other vehicle  an elderly man  was killed in the crash, and another occupant was severely injured.

No further information about the victims has been confirmed.

Dallas Police said the Texas Department of Public Safety would be investigating the incident.
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A woman who left her puppy in the care of a trusted pet sitter on the popular app Rover.com is devastated after the dog is now missing.

Jennifer Gallegoss four-month-old poodle-bichon mix, named Phoebe, reportedly vanished while staying with a highly-rated sitter on the app.

Gallegos, from Queens, New York, dropped Phoebe off at the sitters home on December 27 before traveling to Colombia to join her family on vacation.

But on January 2, she received a message from the sitter that there was an emergency.

She told me, I lost her. I started crying. I was like, no, no, no...theres no way, like, theres no way you did, what do you mean? You lost her? Gallegos told ABC News.

Gallegos told the network that the sitter claimed Phoebe disappeared from the pet stroller while they were in Kissena Park in Queens.

open image in gallery The sitter was highly-rated on Rover.com ( Rover )

The sitter had been playing fetch with her own dog while Phoebe was in the stroller, according to Gallegos, and when she turned back, the puppy was gone.

Gallegos immediately contacted Rover and reported her dog missing and now claims the sitter has stopped responding to messages.

Writing on Facebook on January 11, Gallegos said: I messaged the sitter to please at least return Phoebes stuff back and shes ignoring me. We are so devastated with everything that has been happening. It all feels like a nightmare.

Rover told ABC that the sitters profile has been removed and they have refunded Gallegos. The company said it was truly an unusual experience on our platform.

On its website, Rover says every sitter undergoes a criminal background check by a third party.

The Independent has contacted Rover and Gallegos for further information.

Gallegos said that the sitter, who has not been named, had positive reviews on the app. She has about 28 different reviews from family saying what an excellent pet sitter she is, Gallegos said.

I was just crying, Ive just been crying, Ive been worried, just thinking like, Where can she be? Is she OK? Where is she? Gallegos told Gothamist.

She has consulted with a private investigator and an attorney, according to the outlet.
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Rogers Lopez knows just how lucky his family is as they settle into their furnished two-bedroom apartment in suburban Connecticut, just before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Lopez, his wife Karina Canizarez and their 5-year-old son Jesus are refugees from Venezuela and Colombia who were embraced by a team of supportive volunteers when they arrived in December. Similar encounters happened nationwide as resettlement groups scrambled in the final days of President Joe Biden's administration to find homes for refugees before Trump sharply limits, if not closes, this path to safety and citizenship.

Always, the refugee process is very difficult, said Lopez, 29, who said "political problems" forced him from Venezuela. But it will be more difficult in the future.

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has brought in more than 3 million people since Congress created it in 1980 for refugees fearing persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinion.

Trump, who put tight limits on refugees in his first term, has vowed to suspend refugee resettlement as part of a broader effort to immediately end the migrant invasion of America.

Presidents set targets and Biden ramped them up, citing the generosity that has always been at the core of the American spirit, and the billions of dollars refugees have contributed to the U.S. economy.

Nearly 30,000 refugees arrived during the final three months of 2024, coming close to meeting Biden's annual cap of 125,000. Trump admitted about 11,000 during the final year of his first term, the fewest since the U.S. began resettlements.

People are desperate to do the work right now because we have a pretty good idea that all immigration is going to cease, at least for a while, when he takes office, said Michele Shackelford, president of the New Milford Refugee Resettlement group that's helping Lopez and his family.

Often conflated with asylum-seekers who come directly to the U.S.-Mexico border, these refugees face a much more rigorous process. If the U.N. refugee agency determines they qualify, they are interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and must pass criminal background checks and medical screening. It can take years.

Aware that Trump can close the doors almost immediately, Maria Mostajo, a former Manhattan prosecutor, and Carolyn Setlow, a retired business executive, have been working furiously to settle families in Connecticut through a project they founded in their small town of Washington.

If Trump comes in and either puts the kibosh on these entries or, as hes done in the past, reduces the number of people that can enter per year, then that basically means all these people that are in the pipeline, fewer and fewer of them are actually going to get in, Mostajo said.

During the fall of the U.S.-supported government in Afghanistan, Mostajo and Setlow held a community meeting, appealing for volunteers and funds to help settle one Afghan family of six. Through various fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign and a party donated by a local distillery, they raised $80,000, as well as donations of furniture, and clothing, free legal help, English tutoring and other assistance.

She and Setlow realized that their Washington Resettlement Project could leverage support for more refugees by providing grants of up to $10,000 to other volunteers. Since the election, they have awarded grants to the New Milford group and three others, with two more in the pipeline, Mostajo said.

After Trump's victory, global charities such as Church World Service urged volunteers across the U.S. to quickly create more private sponsorship groups as part of Welcome Corps, a U.S. State Department initiative launched in 2023 to encourage teams of citizens to take responsibility for incoming refugees. Groups need to raise a minimum of $2,425 per refugee to cover their initial 90 days of living expenses.

Larger resettlement organizations make the matches. For Connecticut, federal officials told Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services in New Haven to expect about 130 arrivals between late November and January. IRIS, which receives $2,375 per refugee from the State Department, reached out to around 50 community groups to resettle as many as possible before Inauguration Day, according to Mohammad Daad Serweri, who manages the sponsorships at IRIS.

In just two weeks, the New Milford volunteers managed to find an apartment and fill it with food, toys and thrift store furniture. They hope the Lopez-Canizarez family will be integrated into the community, find jobs and be ready to fully take over their living expenses within a year.

The couple didn't realize they'd receive such help, and never dreamed they could live in a place where they would feel so safe.

We had no idea," Canizarez said in Spanish. "This has been marvelous for us because these are excellent people ... they took us in like we are family.
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An old-fashioned photo booth on New York Citys Lower East Side has attracted throngs of earnest Zoomers, delighting locals and tourists alike and garnering millions of views across social media.

But the viral sensation has elicited a somewhat less enthusiastic response from its next-door neighbor.

open image in gallery Maggie Trakas, pictured center, with her father George Trakas, the sculptor, to the right at a 2023 art event in New York ( McGaw/BFA.com/Shutterstock )

Maggie Trakas  the daughter of renowned contemporary artist Susan Rothenberg and acclaimed sculptor George Trakas  is accused of waging war against the modish young couple behind the Old Friend Photobooth, a must-visit destination for the TikTok and Instagram set. The battle began in early December and has pitted Trakas, a native New Yorker, against Utah transplants Brandon Minton, 27, and Zoe Lazerson, a 25-year-old social media influencer, who now want $2 million from Trakas for the trouble they claim shes caused.

From spreading feces onto its fence and planters, to dumping a bucket of urine onto Minton and queueing customers, to supergluing the keyholes of Plaintiffs maintenance van, to physically and verbally assaulting Minton in front of customers, Trakas will seemingly stop at nothing to derail the operation of the Old Friend Photobooth, reads an application for a temporary restraining order filed Friday and obtained by The Independent.

Minton, a Salt Lake City native who moved to New York in 2023, and Lazerson, who is also from Salt Lake and runs the photobooth with him, attempted to engage with Trakas in a friendly and diplomatic manner, according to a complaint filed alongside the restraining order application.

open image in gallery A screengrab of security footage showing Old Friend Photobooth co-owner Brandon Minton, seen here at bottom, as a bucket of urine is dumped on his head ( New York State Supreme Court )

Trakas is herself a photographer and member of the arts community, the complaint states, naming her dad and late mom as proof. ... Plaintiffs attempted to appeal to Trakas by sharing their appreciation for art and photography.

Instead, court filings say Trakas declared war on the couple and the narcissistic retards who flock to their disgrace of a destination, and express concern that the 52-year-olds deranged conduct is not only creating an immediate health hazard but may soon cause someone to get physically hurt.

Reached by phone, Trakas told The Independent that she was served a copy of Minton and Lazersons complaint on Thursday evening and that it contains a litany of lies by a young, wealthy couple from Utah that has essentially destroyed the quality of peace on the corner of Allen and Rivington.

There are certainly two sides to every story, and this is utter fabrication, Trakas said. Theyre essentially using my parents and my position in the community to extort money from me. My attorneys are well aware of it and we will proceed, in the coming weeks, to present evidence of the harassment that Ive been under for the roughly month-and-a-half since they opened.

Trakas, who was born and raised in downtown Manhattan, argued on Friday that Minton, and to a lesser extent, Lazerson, were the ones harassing her.

She railed against the busloads of 20-year-old kids who descend on the block, populating the sidewalk outside and gathering by her front door while they wait for their photos to develop. When Trakas complained to Minton about his incredibly disrespectful customers, He told me I was a Karen, and said, Welcome to New York she recalled.

Ive been tracked, stalked, harassed, threatened, constantly being told that Im a scumbag, that Im miserable, Trakas went on, describing herself as the aggreived party in this dispute. I have resorted to some juvenile responses, because Ive been provoked. I live in a landmark building that my family and I renovated, and which I am very protective of.

open image in gallery The Old Friend Photobooths proprietors say they have tried to accommodate neighbor Maggie Trakas, but that she remains angry about their presence ( New York State Supreme Court )

Attorney Robert McFarlane, who is representing Minton and Lazerson, told The Independent that he would be appearing in court Friday afternoon to argue for the restraining order on his clients behalf and declined to comment further until after the proceedings were completed.

The Old Friend Photobooth concept became a reality in May 2024, when Minton and Lazerson bought a 1970s photobooth from a former photobooth technician in St. Louis, Missouri. The complaint and TRO application, filed in New York State Supreme Court, say the pair drove it back to Manhattan, refurbished it, and installed it on the outside of a luggage shop on Orchard Street. It immediately became a hit, drawing crowds all too happy to pay $8 for a strip of four vintage black-and-white snapshots.

The booth was so successful, Minton and Lazerson decided to give it a more permanent home, and in December 2024, moved Old Friend to a street-facing commercial space on Allen Street, according to the complaint.

Within an hour of opening their doors at the new location, Trakas confronted Minton and Lazerson while throwing a fit, calling the photobooth a disgrace and demanding its closure, the complaint says. It claims she reprised her harangue the next morning, kicking over a bucket of water Minton was using to clean the photobooth before vowing to ruin his and Lazersons lives, screaming, This is war! Minton called the police, according to the complaint, which says the cops told Trakas that having a line of customers in front of a business was not a crime.

open image in gallery Police have been called to the scene multiple times, but the bad blood between Brandon Minton, Zoe Lazerson, and Maggie Trakas, right, remains ( New York State Supreme Court )

In mid-December, the complaint says, Trakas began locking multiple bikes to the outside of her gate in such a way that intentionally blocked customers from retrieving their photos. Minton also found his truck vandalized, with Trakas allegedly having superglued shut the door locks. The only time Minton, Lazerson, and their photobooth saw a moments peace was during the week between Christmas and New Years, when Trakas went out of town, according to the complaint.

On January 2, the complaint says Minton discovered what appeared to be the frozen urine on the chair and sidewalk next to the photobooth. He reviewed security footage from the night before and spotted Trakas in fact dumping urine onto his property from her second-floor window, the complaint states.

A few days later, an allegedly drunk Trakas smacked Minton as he was setting up the photobooth and said, Its Sunday, go home and f**k your b**ch, according to the complaint. That afternoon, while Minton was installing new planter boxes outside the booth, the complaint says Trakas leaned out of her window and poured a bucket of urine directly onto Mintons head, causing the urine to splash onto queuing customers. (Trakas later said this was vinegar; Minton and Lazersons complaint says police and paramedics who responded to the scene confirmed it was urine.)

Last week, things, astonishingly, took a turn for the worse, the complaint goes on. That morning, when Minton arrived at the photobooth, he was overcome by a strong, putrid odor, according to the complaint. He followed the fumes to one of the newly-installed planters, where he then observed what appeared to be feces smeared and dumped all around the planter box, along with additional fecal matter caked onto a board that Trakas had put up between her building and the photobooth, it says.

The odor was so horrible that Minton could not stand near the planters without gagging, according to the complaint.

open image in gallery A planter by the Old Friend Photobooth, packed full of fecal matter ( New York State Supreme Court )

Minton scrolled through security video from the previous night, coming upon disturbing footage showing Trakas, clad in a black mask and hoodie, plac[ing] a paint can filled with brown liquid feces on the planter box and proceeding to paint the plywood fence with liquid feces, the complaint alleges. Trakas then proceeded to spray a yellow liquid onto the plywood wall using a restaurant-style ketchup bottle. She then finished the job by dumping the rest of the paint bucket of feces into the planters.

The Independent has viewed the videos in question, along with photographs of the damage from each alleged incident.

It took Minton and a helper, who donned KN-95 masks to endure the fecal stench, more than three hours to get the booth adequately clean again, according to the complaint. He and Lazerson are asking a judge to make Trakas fork over a little over $2 million, plus legal fees, and want an injunction to be issued that would formally bar Trakas from continuing to disrupt their business.

Police have been called to the scene multiple times, but while officers have taken reports, no arrests have been made.

Trakas now has 20 days to respond to the allegations.
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Bill Gates has revealed he had a lengthy dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where the pair discussed global health.

The Microsoft co-founder, 69, told The Independent he met with President-elect Trump at his Florida residence shortly after Christmas to discuss the work his Gates Foundation is doing to prevent the spread of HIV and polio, and to urge Trump to continue U.S. funding for research in those areas.

Given that Elon Musk has frequently been sighted at Mar-a-Lago since spending $250 million to back Trumps successful presidential campaign, Gates observed that he thought the Tesla and SpaceX CEO might also be in attendance.

When I went down to see Trump, I wondered if Elon would be there but it ended up being a meeting with just Trump and I and our two staff people, said Gates, whose forthcoming memoir Source Code will be published next month.

In a separate interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates said he was impressed with Trumps interest in global health issues during their long and actually quite intriguing dinner.

He said they discussed the possibility of developing a cure for HIV, with Gates adding: 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, and we both got, I think, pretty excited about that.

Bill Gates, Donald Trump and Elon Musk ( Getty )

Gates also said he urged Trump to continue efforts to combat polio around the world.

I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation, Gates told the Journal. I was frankly impressed with how well he showed a lot of interest in the issues I brought up.

Many influential business leaders have been attempting to catch Trumps ear before he returns to office. It was revealed earlier Friday that Musk is set to speak at Trumps pre-inauguration rally in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, alongside Hulk Hogan and Dana White.

He is also expected to attend Mondays inauguration, with fellow tech billionaires including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

All three have been trying to get into Trumps good graces. Musk donated hundreds of millions to Trumps re-election effort, while Zuckerberg made changes this month to his lobbying staff and content moderation policies to more closely align his company with the second Trump administration. Meta then donated $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has also rolled back its program on diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI. This comes after its decision to remove its third-party fact-checking program and roll back hate speech and abuse policies.

Meanwhile, Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post, put a stop to an expected endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris by the papers editorial board, deciding the paper wouldnt make an endorsement for the first time in 36 years. Similar to Meta, Amazon also donated $1 million to the inaugural fund.
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On January 20, Donald Trump and JD Vance will officially become the president and vice president of the United States.

During an inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Trump and Vance will be sworn into office, kicking off their new administration. Trump has already spoken about the event, claiming his political opponents are giddy because U.S. flags will be at half-mast for his inauguration to honor the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it, Trump said last month. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Heres everything you need to know about Inauguration Day, including how to get tickets to see the historic event for yourself:

open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trump pictured as hes swearing in for his first term as President on January 20, 2017 ( AFP via Getty Images )

What is Inauguration Day?

On Inauguration Day, the new US president and vice president are sworn in during a ceremony that marks the end of one presidency and the beginning of the next.

open image in gallery Donald Trump and Barack Obama stand next to each other on Inauguration Day 2017. The event marked the end of Obamas presidency and the beginning of Trumps first term ( Getty Images )

How do I buy Inauguration Day tickets?

Every four years, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies ensures a chunk of inauguration tickets are made available to the public.

These tickets are free of charge  but theyre limited, and youll have to contact your local congressperson to get one.

To find your representative and senators, use Congress.gov.

When is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day falls on Monday, January 20.

Trump will take the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The ceremony begins at 12 p.m. ET.

Inauguration Day occurs every four years on January 20, unless the date falls on a Sunday  then its moved to the 19th. The date and time are mandated by the Constitution.

open image in gallery Donald Trump arrives at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 for his inauguration ( Getty Images )

How do I watch the presidential inauguration from home?

The White House will livestream the event, meaning anyone with a device can watch free of charge.

Most major news networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, and PBS, will also carry inauguration coverage.

Who will attend the inauguration?

In addition to the president-elect and vice president-elect, President Joe Biden will also attend. In 2021, Trump did not attend Bidens inauguration.

Other notable attendees will include Trump and Vancess families, congressional lawmakers, Supreme Court justices and key members of the upcoming administration.

Country music star Carrie Underwood will also attend to perform America the Beautiful just before Trump takes the oath of office. Afterward, classical voclaist Christopher Macchio will sing the National Anthem.
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The days leading up to Donald Trumps inauguration, which featured multiple terrorist attacks and apocalyptic wildfires across Los Angeles, wont be remembered as an especially hopeful time.

However, theres still plenty of technological growth to look forward to in the coming years, according to Joe Jefferson, president of the Tesla Owners Club of NorCal-Reno.

Last month, we cruised through traffic in Los Gatos, California, in the custom white and carbon-fiber interior of his all-black Tesla Cybertruck, letting the EVs Full Self-Driving mode handle the controls.

To me its like experiencing the age of going from trains to automobiles, he said. That whole revolution, were in that now.

Just minutes earlier, hed punched our destination, a nearby Target, into the cars computer. Then off we went, no humans required. As we chatted, he virtually never touched the wheel, gesticulating with a full cup of coffee instead. At first it felt uncanny, but soon totally normal.

His source of optimism is the man who helped create this space-age vehicle: Elon Musk. The recent election marked the moment that Musk, already the richest man in the world, became the most powerful private citizen in America.

First, he was a key Trump campaign surrogate, crisscrossing the country as part of a personal $277 million commitment to elect Trump and his fellow GOP candidates. Now, with his much-hyped Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, Musk could have major influence on federal spending and regulatory priorities for years to come, even if the DOGE is technically a non-government advisory body.

open image in gallery Tesla owners like Joe Jefferson are excited for how Elon Musk might advance sustainable transit and space exploration under the new presidential administration ( Josh Marcus / The Independent )

For the Tesla owners clubs of California, its a good time to be a Musk fan, even if their heros new allies are somewhat unexpected.

How can a group of climate-conscious, high-tech, EV-loving, liberal-leaning Californians feel so good as their hero aligns with an anachronistic, 78-year-old climate-denying Republican who wants to increase fossil fuel production ? Actually, its pretty simple.

The Republicans campaign made great efforts to seem tech-friendly , choosing a former venture capitalist as vice-president, promising to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world, and courting support in Silicon Valley. Club members want the same things Musk doesself-driving electric cars, cutting-edge AI made in America, space explorationand believe Trump will leave Musk alone to achieve this.

open image in gallery Elon Musk is in a historically unique position as both a billionaire businessman and a key White House ally advising on the federal budget ( AP )

Kelvin Gee, vice-president of Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley, the largest Tesla club in North America, said it was initially disappointing as a Democrat to see Musk back Trump. Still, he sees the logic behind Musks strategy to try and influence a politician who basically doesnt stand for much, who flip flops like a fish out of water.

I think he is playing chess while everyone is playing checkers, Gee told The Independent. If you have trust in Elon, this is probably going to be a very positive outcome, both financially and in other ways.

Gee, like many in the drivers club, owns Tesla stock, which has surged since the election , helping make Musk the first human being in modern economic history worth over $400 billion. He said Musk is not always popular when he first says or does things, but history usually ends up validating him.

open image in gallery Some Tesla owners are unhappy Musk allied with Trump, given his plans to ramp up fossil fuel production ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Hes almost always right, Gee added.

Musk does have a habit of over-promising, at least on timelines . He suggested in 2014 we might have people on Mars in a decade, and said Tesla would for sure have over a million robotaxis on the road by 2020 .

He also has a record of helping create things people assumed would be impossible, like a booming American electric car company, or a successful private space start-up. In a particularly symbolic moment, a SpaceX mission has been tasked with rescuing NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams , who got stuck on the International Space Station in June after riding up in Boeings Starliner.

For club members, the billionaires appeal goes beyond his companies. Theres a feeling, similar to MAGA supporters feelings towards Trump, that Musk, despite his wealth, is actually an underdog.

John Stringer, founder of Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley, argued that Musk probably wouldnt have defected to Trump had California and national Democrats stopped snubbing him at every turn.

There is no other company that has done more for the climate than Tesla, Stringer told me.

open image in gallery Musk backers argue the Biden administration and California Democrats alike singled Musk out for unique insults, despite being aligned on climate priorities ( AP )

Its very clear, if you peel back the onion a little bit, why Elon has gone the other way, he added. Its completely the Democrats fault.

For instance, there was Joe Bidens decision to leave Tesla out of a 2021 White House EV summit while inviting and lavishing praise on legacy Detroit automakers, despite Tesla being (and remaining) the dominant U.S. EV-maker .

The snub seemed shocking on the surface, but there were always going to be some friction points. The Biden agenda featured a mix of pro-union labor goals and racial justice priorities. Tesla is the only major non-union U.S. automaker, and has faced persistent allegations , which it denies, of racism at its factories.

open image in gallery Tesla owners believe the Trump administration might be more supportive of Elon Musks plans to advance renewable vehicles and self-driving cars ( Josh Marcus / The Independent )

There were more recent insults this year, too, like California regulators limiting SpaceX launches in Santa Barbara and potential state EV subsidies excluding Tesla. One of the regulators involved in the launch decision recently accused Musk of spewing and tweeting political falsehoods. Musk has sued , alleging political bias.

Some Democratic politicians appear to be taking a different approach. Congressman Ro Khanna, a progressive whose Northern California district includes a Tesla factory, warned that the state shouldnt play politics with Tesla.

Tesla makes over 550,000 vehicles in Fremont in my district & employs over 20,000, Khanna wrote on X in November, adding, It would be foolish to exclude Tesla. Have we learned nothing from snubbing @elonmusk at the Biden EV summit?

Theres also a widespread feeling among Musk fans that mainstream journalists and politicians are out to get him no matter what.

open image in gallery Fans of Musk feel hes often treated unfairly in the press ( REUTERS )

They point to the way media outlets seem eager to report on Tesla crashes, in a way they feel is unique compared to other automakers.

Its not just the media thats interested though: In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation after four Teslas using full self-driving were involved in collisions.

And even outside of crashes, Teslas have made their way into the news. On New Years Day, an Army special forces member drove a Cybertruck outside of a Trump hotel in Vegas, setting off explosives in the trunk and dying by suicide because he said the country was terminally ill and headed towards collapse  although the man expressed support for Trump and Musk.

The Silicon Valley Tesla club, which bills itself as the most notorious Tesla club in the world, seeks to spread the good word on Musk and his ventures. They host in-person meet-ups and events, have over a million followers on X, and conduct interviews and podcasts on all things Tesla, including in-depth conversations with Musk himself .

Sometimes that means joining in on Musks many public battles these days, whether its branding California Gavin Newsom a clown over the EV subsidies, or bashing the media.

 is the most trusted app, reads one recent post from the Silicon Valley club. Legacy media lies and works for maximum clicks.

Democratic rep open to bipartisan cooperation with Elon Musk's DOGE

(Speaking as a member of said legacy media, the club members were all unfailingly kind and helpful during our interviews. They even gave me a latte on my ride-along.)

For all their support, the Tesla owners say they dont blindly follow everything Musk does.

Gee argues that aligning with Trump is against the clubs support for renewable energy, given the Republicans calls to drill, baby, drill for new oil.

Jefferson, meanwhile, doesnt go along with Musks aggressive stance towards transgender people.

You just never know what somebodys going through, Jefferson said.

open image in gallery Cybertruck drivers are more obsessed with their vehicles than most ( Josh Marcus / The Independent )

Its a far cry from Musk, who frequently misgenders his estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, who is transgender , and has described her as being essentially dead to him and killed by the woke mind virus.

Asked to describe the roots of their support, none of the members cited parts of Musks worldview like his embrace of Great Replacement-style thinking , which many view as a racist conspiracy theory, or the entrepreneurs growing pro- natalism .

open image in gallery Tesla owners clubs are a key node in the Musk media ecosystem ( Josh Marcus / The Independent )

After driving around Los Gatos for about half an hour, Jefferson steered the Cybertruck back into the parking lot where we met, tapping a digital map to make the truck park itself automatically, in reverse.

As we said our goodbyes, I noticed a white Tesla had pulled up, unplanned, and parked next to our party, which included Jeffersons rig and Springers customized Cybertruck, which has a camouflage paint job and a license plate with the tagline Mars Rover underneath.

Nobody in this Silicon Valley town would blink an eye to see a Tesla squadron like this. Even before the election, it was already Elons world in many ways, and we were just living in it.

Were not here to worship the guy, Stringer said, but is the guy doing a lot of damn good? Yes, sir.
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The fundraising for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump has beaten all records, gathering an unprecedented $170 million.

Tech executives and big donors have donated massive sums of money to curry favor with the incoming president. The donations are usually spent on events surrounding the inauguration, such as the oath of office ceremony, a parade, and several inaugural balls.

The fundraising sum was initially reported Wednesday by The New York Times.

Federal Election Commission records reveal that President Joe Biden brought in $62 million for his inauguration four years ago. When Trump was inaugurated in 2016, the donations also set a record then as he collected more than $106 million.

Following Trumps second election victory in November, Amazon and Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, revealed that they would each donate $1 million to the inauguration. Meanwhile, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, said he was planning on making a $1 million donation. Similarly, Google has also donated $1 million to the inaugural fund.

Altman has been critical of Trump in the past but recently told Bloomberg: Hes the president of the United States. I support any president.

Late last year, Trump indicated that he wouldnt rule out antitrust enforcement, a sensitive area for Google.

Google is pleased to support the 2025 inauguration with a livestream on YouTube and a direct link on our homepage. Were also donating to the inaugural committee, the global head of government affairs and public policy, Karan Bhatia, told CNBC in a statement.

A spokesperson noted that the company has donated to previous inaugurations and that the link on the homepage and the YouTube livestream are also similar measures to past inaugurations.

U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. His inaugural committee has raised more than $170 million for his next inauguration ( Getty Images )

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is also reported to have contributed to the inauguration.

After an election victory, candidates typically appoint an inaugural committee, which then organizes and finances events, such as opening ceremonies, balls, and the parade.

There are no limits on how much an individual, company, or group can donate to the committee. Last month, Ford joined the tech companies donating to the inauguration, pledging $1 million and a fleet of vehicles backing the proceedings.

Microsoft has also joined the other tech giants in donating $1 million to the inauguration, according to Forbes.

Similarly, AI search startup Perplexity will also donate $1 million to the inaugural fund, and its also handing the administration a free version of its premium software to be a good partner to the incoming administration, chief business officer Dmitry Shevelenko told Bloomberg.

The inaugural committee has to file a report with the Federal Election Commission outlining all of the donations by the 90th day following the inauguration.

The inaugural committee is no longer selling tickets to major donors to attend the swearing-in ceremony and private events in the nations capital, according to The New York Times.

Even some donors who have donated more than a million dollars have been put on waiting lists or have been told that they probably wont get VIP tickets as the events are already full, the paper reported.

Donors are usually looking for seats at the inauguration or tickets to one of the inaugural balls. Inaugural events are important for lobbyists as they leverage donations from corporate sponsors and wealthy donors in a bid to boost their influence or improve their relationship with an incoming administration.

Possible donors were told this week that no further seats were available for some events, and the donation link fundraisers were sharing with their networks no longer functioned by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Events connected to the inauguration begin on January 17 with those who have given $1 million or raised $2 million supposed to get six tickets to six events, including the swearing-in ceremony and a candlelight dinner on January 19 with Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump.

Those individuals also got two tickets to a dinner with Vice President-elect JD Vance and wife Usha Vance.

Packages put forward to corporate and individual donors were initially advertised as being available until Friday, but they ended earlier because of higher-than-expected demand.

The committee could ultimately raise more than $200 million.
In ten days, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan will meet in Turkiye to establish a new trilateral format, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, as he announced during a joint press conference in Baku with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

Minister Bayramov emphasized the extensive scope of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

"Various steps are being taken to further expand these relations. There are close contacts between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Despite frequent meetings, new topics continue to emerge," he stated.

Bayramov highlighted the increasing number of Turkish companies operating in Azerbaijan, particularly in the liberated territories.

"The growing activity of Turkish companies in these areas should be particularly emphasized," he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Two judges have been killed as a result of shooting in front of the Palace of Justice in Tehran, Trend reports via Iranian media.

The incident also resulted in the injury of one judge and a security guard.

The attacker was a court employee and committed suicide.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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A Florida man was arrested after aggressively tearing down a pro-Trump flag from his elderly neighbors fence that he claimed he was intimidated by, according to a criminal complaint.

Lee Jonathan Farber, 55, allegedly tore down the flag and another political sign that were screwed into the fence and threw them into a nearby lake, while his wife watched on.

The signs belonged to Leon Pierce, a registered Republican, and reportedly bore the slogans Eight days to go and f*** you Joe, and Trump 2024 F*** Your Feelings.

According to a criminal complaint, Farber did not like the pro Trump political signs, and later said he had felt intimidated by them.

Lee Jonathan Farber was arrested after forcibly removing the pro-Trump signs from his neighbors fence in Florida on Tuesday ( Pinsella County Sheriff )

Pierce told news outlet The Smoking Gun, that his signs had frustrated Farber for more than a year and that he responded with his own pro-Biden signs.

On Tuesday, the day Farber allegedly tore down his signs, Pierce said his neighbor was acting very radical.

According to the complaint, Farber allegedly broke Pierces fence as he forcefully removed them, causing $130 in damages. His actions were also witnessed by his wife.

Farber was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief, the document stated.

He was booked into jail Tuesday evening and released the following day on his own recognizance. A judge has ordered him to have no contact with Pierce.

Pierce filed a petition Wednesday seeking a protection order against Farber, but that request was denied, by a Circuit Court judge.
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On Friday, the Senate voted to advance the Laken Riley Act, legislation that would allow for the deportation of migrants who are arrested for theft, burglary, or shoplifting. The biggest surprise? Ten Democrats joined along.

That vote came after 48 Democrats joined Republicans in the House of Representatives to advance the bill, despite civil rights groups warning that the legislation could grease the skids for Donald Trumps proposed mass deportation push.

As if that werent enough, 61 Democrats joined House Republicans on Thursday to advance legislation by Nancy Mace that would make sex crimes like rape a deportable offense, even though sex crimes are already subject to the punishment.

All of this comes as Trump prepares to return to the White House. The Republican has promised to enact mass deportations of immigrants living in the United States illegally, and polling shows that a large slice of American voters support Trumps plans. A decade after his rhetoric was slammed as xenophobic, racist, and out of step with much of the American public, it seems a significant number of Americans are in line with where Trump is.

It signifies a shift in the politics of immigration since Trump announced his first candidacy for president. Back then, his calling Mexicans rapists, drug dealers and criminals lost him multiple brand endorsements from Macys and ESPN. NBC stopped broadcasting The Apprentice in response.

open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trumps made the US-Mexico border a centerpiece of his presidential campaigns and public opinion. ( REUTERS )

In 2013, Marco Rubio, an up-and-coming freshman Republican from Florida, co-authored an immigration bill with Republicans like John McCain and Lindsey Graham to offer a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

But even though it passed the Senate, Republican voters loathed the legislation and out of fear of his right flank, then-House Speaker John Boehner refused to put the bill up for a vote. Republicans faced a predicament: They needed to appeal to a broader swath of the country that was becoming browner, but their largely white GOP base did not want the party to take any steps to fix the problem.

open image in gallery Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida represented competing visions about immigration and the Republican Party. Now, Rubio will be Trumps Secretary of State. ( AP )

In response, Hillary Clintons campaign adopted slogans like stronger together, and love trumps hate. When Trump won in 2016, Democrats put signs in their front yard proclaiming no human is illegal. During the 2019 Democratic presidential primary debates, almost all of the candidates supported decriminalizing crossing the border. Joe Biden was one of two who didnt, insisting, If you cross the border illegally, you should be able to be sent back. It's a crime.

Biden would later become the 2020 nominee, and eventually president. But there were signs of cracks when Hispanics in Miami and the Rio Grande Valley shifted to the right in 2020. When he entered the White House, an influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border led to voter discontent.

As White House sources told The Independent last week, some in the administration believed that Democratic opposition to Trumps immigration policies in his first term made it nearly impossible for Biden to take a tougher approach when migrant numbers increased.

However, the increase in immigration led to public opinion shifting. The number of Americans in favor of less immigration spiked. Even Latino support for a wall along the border and mass deportations increased, as immigration emerged as a top issue for the group.

Much of the coarse rhetoric Trump used about invasion has now pervaded the rest of the Republican political discourse. Democrats, in desperation, hoped to tie border security provisions to aid Ukraine and Israel to stave off critiques they were soft on the border.

Not only that, Trump has been rewarded for all his tough talk. Far from alienating Latino voters, he flipped numerous majority-Hispanic areas in Texas and won over younger Hispanic men, which proved crucial to winning states like Arizona and Nevada.

In short, Republicans got the best of both worlds. They won over Hispanic voters while not having to alienate their core base of largely white voters without college degrees. Moreover, Trump won over his Republican critics like Graham and Rubio, who is set to be his secretary of state.

This means Trump will likely face less opposition to his agenda on immigration in the way he did in 2018, during the height of family separation at the border. Moreover, rather than being the loyal opposition, Democrats will feel compelled to show voters they side with Trump on border security and vote along with these provisions.

None of this is to say that Trumps policies will be the consensus permanently. It could be, just like in 2018, that many people see his policies as too draconian or too cruel. They could fail to pass Congress or people simply forget about immigration altogether.

But the fact remains that Trump moved the Overton window of what was politically palatable for a nation that sees itself as welcoming toward immigrants. They might still be welcome, but it will come with stipulations.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning to begin its promised campaign of unprecedented mass deportations with a series of raids in Chicago.

The raids will begin the day after the Republican is inaugurated, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The operation will include as many as 200 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and will target scores of migrants, including those with low-level criminal histories that wouldve been deemed low priority by the Biden administration.

Chicago was chosen because of its large immigration population and because of the incoming administrations public feud with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, sources told the paper.

The Independent has contacted the Trump transition team and ICE for comment.

An estimated 18 percent of Chicagos more than 2.6 million residents are foreign-born.

Trump administration reportedly singled out Chicago for raids because of its high immigrant popularity and past spat with Trump immigration czar ( Getty Images )

In December, incoming immigration czar Tom Homan told a group of local Republicans that the Trump administration deportation program was going to start right here in Chicago, and threatened to prosecute Johnson.

If your Chicago mayor doesnt want to help, he can step aside, he reportedly said. But if he impedes us  if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien  I will prosecute him.

Johnson, in response, noted that Chicago is a sanctuary city which limits the ability of local police to be enlisted to carry out federal immigration enforcement.

What the Trump administration has called for is for local police departments around the country to behave as ICE agents. In sanctuary cities, that is not permissible, Johnson told CNN.

If there is someone here in this country that commits a violent crime and they are undocumented, they are in the hands of the law, he added. That is clear.

Conservatives have long singled out Chicago as a target of criticism over what they see as emblematic issues in large liberal cities, and Texas has sent over 50,000 migrants on buses from the border to the city in protest of the Biden administrations immigration policies.

At the peak, around 15,000 migrants were living in city shelters, though numbers have since fallen considerably.

As The Independent has reported, civil rights and immigrant advocates are warning that the Trump administration plans to flood the zone with unprecedented immigration actions, including ending birthright citizenship, restarting family separation, and relying on spurious public health groups to drastically cut asylum.
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Two judges of Irans Supreme Court were shot dead and a third wounded in Tehran on Saturday, the judiciarys news website said.

The attacker reportedly killed himself after opening fire at the veteran judges at 10.45am local time on Saturday.

The slain judges were identified as Mohammad Moghiseh and Hojatoleslam Ali Razini who were reportedly dealing with offences related to national security, espionage and terrorism.

Three judges of the Supreme Court were targeted. Two of them were martyred and one was injured, Mizan Online reported.

Fars News, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the attacker was a staff member responsible for providing refreshments at the Iranian judiciarys headquarters.

He used a handgun to shoot judges and then himself, it said.

The Judiciary Media Centre, however, gave a differing account, referring to the shooter as an intruder. This morning, an armed infiltrator at the Supreme Court carried out a premeditated assassination targeting two brave and experienced judges renowned for their fight against crimes against national security, espionage, and terrorism, it said, according to Iran International.

The motive for the assassinations was unclear.

In the past, opposition websites said Moghiseh was involved in trials of people they described as political prisoners.

The assassinations came after the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Kurdish woman activist Pakhshan Azizi, inviting condemnation for serious violation of international human rights law.

Ms Azizi was arrested in Tehran on 4 August 2023, allegedly for supporting refugees in Iraq and Syria.

She was subjected to psychological and physical torture during solitary confinement, activists alleged.
 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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A fragile ceasefire deal struck between Israel and Hamas went ahead on Saturday after teetering on the brink of collapse this week.

Since the ceasefire and hostage deal came into force on 19 January, both sides have expressed frustration with how the other has handled their obligations within the truce.

Despite this, the deal has held so far. Exactly 24 hostages have been released in total, including 19 Israelis and five Thai nationals, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Many prisoners are incarcerated without charge or trial under an Israeli process called administrative detention.

But after Hamas alleged that Israel had breached the terms of the fragile ceasefire and subsequently suspended the handover of hostage this week, the deal came close to collapse.

open image in gallery Hostages were brought on stage by Hamas militants before being released ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Netanyahu said he had also ordered the military to gather forces in and around Gaza as Israel warned it would open the gates of hell on Gaza if hostages were not released by noon on Saturday.

On Thursday, Hamas announced would continue implementing the ceasefire as originally planned, before Russian-Israeli Sasha Troufanov, 29, Argentinian-Israeli Iair Horn, 46, and US citizen Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, who were all seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz, were all released on Saturday. In exchange, Israel freed 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The stand-off threatened to reignite a conflict which started when Hamas killed around 1,200 people in a terror attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and abducted another 250.

In response, Israel launched a devastating bombing and ground campaign in Gaza, killing more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry.

Why did Israel threaten to end its ceasefire with Hamas?

Under the ceasefire deal signed on 19 January, Hamas has so far freed 24 Israeli hostages. They are being exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in the first stage of the multi-phase ceasefire deal.

Mediators hope a second phase of the agreement will lead to the release of the remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, talks in Doha broke down on Monday when the Israeli team returned home just two days after arriving.

This week, Hamas announced it would suspend the handover of hostages due to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms.

In response, Mr Trump demanded all hostages be released on Saturday at noon, before Mr Netanyahu warned of a return to intense fighting if more hostages were freed on Saturday, without saying how many.

Israel later threatened to open the gates of hell, and to start a new Gaza war different in intensity, if all hostages were not released by Saturday noon. It deployed additional troops to its border area with Gaza and cancelled leave for combat soldiers.

Mr Netanyahu is under pressure in his country where thousands of protesters took to the streets this week to call on the government to continue with the ceasefire deal to bring the remaining hostages back.

open image in gallery Amir Abu Radha, a freed Palestinian prisoner, is embraced after being released from an Israeli jail ( Reuters )

Why did Hamas nearly pause the hostage exchange?

Earlier this week, Abu Obeida, spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas, announced the postponement of Saturdays planned release of three Israeli hostages.

The group has accused Israel of delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, carrying out strikes across the enclave and hindering the entry of humanitarian aid. On Wednesday, Israeli military said it had struck two people in the southern Gaza Strip who were flying a drone.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 92 Palestinians have been killed and more than 800 wounded by Israeli fire since the ceasefire deal.

Hamas has said the "door remains open" to the exchange going ahead on Saturday if Israel "complies" with its obligations, according to news agency AFP.

Three Israeli officials and two mediators told the New York Times on condition of anonymity that Hamas claims were accurate. But COGAT, the Israeli military unit overseeing aid deliveries, described the accusations as completely false.

But Hamas has now called off the pause in hostage exchanges after Israels threat to unleash a new war on Gaza. The militant group said mediators had pledged to "remove all hurdles" to ensure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.

What is in the first phase of the ceasefire?

A six-week initial ceasefire phase includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.

Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50. Hamas will release female hostages and under 19s first, followed by men over 50.

So far, 24 hostages have been released, including 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages.

In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been freed from Israeli prisoners. Thousands of Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israel without charge under a policy known as administrative detention, but it is unclear whether they have ben involved in the prisoner releases.

Israeli troops would also pull out of all populated areas of Gaza during the first stage while the Palestinians [could] also return to their neighbourhoods in all the areas of Gaza, said former US president Joe Biden at the time of the deal being signed.

The agreement also stipulates that aid deliveries to Gaza should rise to 600 trucks daily, surpassing the minimum requirement of 500 trucks that aid agencies deem necessary to address the territorys dire humanitarian crisis.

What is the second phase of the ceasefire?

Negotiations over a second phase of the agreement appear to have broken down after an Israeli team returned from talks in Doha after two days.

It is hoped it will include the release of all remaining hostages, including Israeli male soldiers, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers.

The second and most difficult phase will mark a permanent end to the war, president Biden said.

It will include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw completely from Gaza.

Hamas said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.

What is the third phase of the ceasefire?

The third and final stage would involve the reconstruction of Gaza  something which could take years  and the return of any remaining hostages bodies.

The deal requires 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the ceasefire, 50 of them carrying fuel, and 300 of the trucks allocated to the north of the strip.

Israel allows aid into the enclave but there have been disputes over the amount allowed in, as well as the amount that reaches people in need, with looting by criminal gangs an increasing problem.

What next for Gaza?

As uncertainty hangs over the current ceasefire, its still not clear what will happen and who will manage Gaza if the truce deal is completed.

Israel has said it will not end the war leaving Hamas in power. It has also rejected the administration of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, the Western-backed body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords.

The international community has said Gaza must be run by Palestinians, but efforts to find alternatives to the main factions among civil society or clan leaders have proved largely fruitless.

Last week, Mr Trump announced a plan for the US to take over Gaza, move out its more than 2 million Palestinian inhabitants and redevelop it into an international beach resort.

But the idea has faced opposition neighbouring countries who claim it could fuel regional instability.
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A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is expected to come into effect at 8.30am local time on Sunday, seeing the release dozens of hostages held in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The long-fought-for deal, divided into three phases of 42 days each, was approved by the Israeli cabinet with a majority of 24 ministers in favour and eight against in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Many hope it will bring an end to the devastating 15-month conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and more than 1,000 Israelis.

open image in gallery A woman in Tel Aviv pauses near posters of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

However, sources close to the negotiations, along with families of hostages whose loved ones are not on the initial release list, have expressed concern that while the first stage may succeed, the second and third phases are not guaranteed.

Far-right members of Benjamin Netanyahus coalition consider it only a temporary ceasefire and have threatened to bring down his government if he makes too many concessions.

What should we expect in the coming days?

Hostage releases

According to the plan, while the ceasefire will begin at 8.30am on Sunday, the actual exchange will start at 4pm the same day, with hostages being released and then Palestinian prisoners.

In the first phase, 33 hostages taken from Israel  the youngest, women including five Israeli soldiers, the elderly, and the sick  are expected to be released. 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.

However, the fate of some of these hostages remains uncertain, as Israeli media has reported that as many as eight of the 33 may be dead. Among the leaked lists of those due to be released is British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, 28, who was seized from kibbutz Kfar Aza. According to her mother she was shot and suffered shrapnel wounds when she was taken.

Also slated to be released is Kfir Bibas, who was just eight months old when abducted on 7 October and turned two on Saturday. Hamas had previously reported in November 2023 that Kfir, his five-year-old brother and mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but there is no independent verification of this.

The hostages are expected to be transported by the Red Cross through Egypt and then on to Israel. Authorities have prepared six hospitals to receive them, with two in the south of the country designated for the most critically injured.

Professor Hagai Levine, head of the health team representing the hostages families, said on Saturday that teams were prepared to deal with multi-dimensional and multi-systemic injuries.

These include cardiovascular issues, brain, kidney and liver damage, severe weight loss, post-traumatic stress, eyesight problems, and respiratory damage from the lack of oxygen and light in underground tunnels. As part of preparations to treat them, medical experts have interviewed previously released hostages, analysed videos released by Hamas, and worked with intelligence services.

We dont really know how they will arrive, Professor Levine said, adding that they have endured unbelievably hellish conditions.

open image in gallery The ceasefire has come after 15 months of war since October 7 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Palestinian prisoners freed

In phase one, around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, just over 1,100 of them residents of Gaza who were held by Israel but were not involved in the 7 October attacks. Israel has agreed to free all women and children under 19 from Gaza during this phase.

So far we only know the identities of 734 Palestinian prisoners slated for release, as published by the Israeli Ministry of Justice on Sunday morning. Among them, The Independent counted around 25 minors (the youngest being 16 years old) and 69 women, including Khalida Jarrar, a 62-year-old member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, representing the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

She was arrested in December 2023 and held in administrative detention  a practice criticised by the United Nations as potentially amounting to arbitrary detention. The PFLP is designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and also the European Union.

Other prominent names include Zakaria Zubeidi, the former commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, who escaped from a high-security Israeli detention facility in 2021, and Nael al-Barghouti, a Hamas member from the occupied West Bank and the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner, jailed for over 40 years  two-thirds of his life.

Hassan Qunaita, head of the Gaza Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, told The Independent they were concerned about the thousands more arrested from Gaza and held incommunicado in Israel who are not on the list. He estimated that 5,000 people, including many medics, had been detained from Gaza since 7 October and alleged ill-treatment including torture  something Israel denies.

open image in gallery Hundreds of prisoners will be released as part of the deal ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press All rights reserved )

Humanitarian aid and movement in Gaza

As part of the deal, Israel has committed to immediately increasing much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is in the grips of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and has experienced famine.

Israel has agreed to allow the entry of 600 food trucks a day  a significant increase. For context, Oxfam reported that during a two-and-a-half-month period in late 2023, only 12 aid trucks reached northern Gaza, the area most heavily bombarded.

According to leaked versions of the deal, rehabilitation and reconstruction of electricity, water, sewage, communications and roads will begin across Gaza during the first stage. Israel has also agreed to allow equipment necessary for civil defence and rubble removal.

Also in the agreement, some of the 1.9 million displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return home, provided they do not carry weapons with them. However, with 80 per cent of Gaza destroyed, according to the United Nations, many have no homes to return to.

Israel has committed to sending 60,000 temporary homes (caravans) and 200,000 tents in the deal. Mahmoud Basal, part of Gazas civil defence, told The Independent the caravans were extremely urgent, as families could no longer survive in tents, and Gaza lacked the proper equipment for clearing rubble.

open image in gallery Gaza has been in the grip of a humanitarian crisis for months, aid agencies say ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Withdrawal and security

During the first phase, Israeli troops will withdraw into a buffer zone about 1km wide inside Gaza, along its borders with Israel, and remove their forces from populated cities.

The BBC, citing a senior Palestinian official involved in the Doha negotiations, reported that Hamas police will operate in their official blue uniforms within designated areas of Gaza once the ceasefire takes effect.

Their role will include managing the movement of displaced individuals from southern to northern Gaza after Israeli forces withdraw.

Hamas police personnel will refrain from carrying weapons except when absolutely necessary, with Qatar and Egypt mediating to prevent potential conflicts.
Travel Smart travels along the fabled Silk Road, taking a look at the sights and wonders to be seen in Uzbekistan.

The most visited of the central Asian republics, Uzbekistan is easy to traverse yet you're unlikely to be hit by the throngs of other tourists also checking out the country. It's a country that blends recent seismic world history with its Islamic medieval background while keeping an ambitious eye on the future and ultra-modernity.

Annabel Grossman gives you a guide of Tashkent, while Ben Parker takes a look at Registan and Bukhara.

Watch Travel Smart on Independent TV.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. Iran and Russia will additionally cooperate on small and large nuclear power plants, the executive director of Russia's Rosatom Alexei Likhachev said, Trend reports.

According to him, the Iranian side intends to develop cooperation with Russia in the construction and commissioning of small and huge nuclear power plants.

Likhachev noted that negotiations on the construction of another huge nuclear power plant in Iran will start soon.

The official emphasized that there is a need to adjust agreements between the two states in the field of the construction of small nuclear power plants. The Russian side has sent a relevant protocol to the Iranian side.

He added that the first unit of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant is currently in operation. Despite sanctions and pressure, the construction of the second and third units of Bushehr NPP continues.

In 2011, the first unit of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant began operations. An Iranian company took over the unit's operation from Rosatom in 2013. Since 2013, this unit has generated the maximum amount of electricity, 1,000 megawatt hours of electricity. Over the past 10 years, electricity generation at Bushehr NPP has exceeded 65 billion kilowatt-hours.

To note, construction of Bushehr NPP Blocks 2 and 3 began in 2017 on an area of 50 ha. Once operational, each of these units can generate 1,057 megawatts of electricity. The commissioning of these two units will save 10 million barrels of crude oil or 1.6 bcm of gas per year and prevent the release of 7 million tons of polluting gases into the environment.

The construction work on Bushehr NPP Units 2 and 3 is presently 17 percent complete.
When outgoing president Joe Biden was asked if he or Donald Trump deserved credit for the Gaza ceasefire deal struck in Qatar he shot back: Is that a joke? It wasnt. Trumps claim of having secured the EPIC deal was comic, but his contribution was real.

Bidens team worked in tandem with Trumps incoming administration  and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff  to deliver the agreement which had taken many months to thrash out.

It was no accident that it was struck in the dying days of the Biden years, less than a week before Trump was due to move back into the White House. Israels prime minister knew that involving Trump would set him up to warm relations with the 47th president.

Hamas knows hell always be an enemy, but one who might actually make good on a threat to rain hell on the movement if no deal was made.

Trump is often dismissed as a toddler prone to tantrum in the world of foreign affairs. But his record as 45th president shows his brand of peace through strength, and America first, plus a reputation for unpredictability, was better than the mess that Biden is leaving behind.

Bidens term has been marked by a failure to give Ukraine enough military support to drive out Russian forces, but enough to keep on bleeding.

He failed, if he ever wanted, to rein in Israels massive bombardment of Gaza using American weapons  which has resulted in war crimes charges against Israel that may yet dog America, too. Under Biden, Iran was able to expand its destabilising operations throughout the Middle East, until Israel stopped it with attacks on its homeland and by shattering Hezbollah in Lebanon. The pathetic end to 20 years of war and loss of blood and treasure for the West in Afghanistan came under Biden, too.

Trump heads into the White House thoroughly puffed up by his role in securing the Gaza ceasefire. His allies, and enemies, will now be plotting how to exploit his narcissism and vanity further. Will he now have an eye on a Nobel Peace Prize?

From Russias perspective, this is an ambition to be richly encouraged. Trump has repeatedly boasted that he could end the war in Ukraine. He wants to preside over talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

If Russia can keep that thought alive, then perhaps Trump will cut military aid to Ukraine and force president Volodymyr Zelensky to give up on the eastern regions already captured by Russian invaders. A deal like that would not actually bring Trump Nobel prizes nor peace to Europe  but by then Putin would have won all he could realistically have hoped for.

Yet Trump has shown signs, recently, that he may not be willing to take a simplistic approach to Ukraine. Hes indicated that far from ending the war in 24 hours, it could take six months. And he wont want to be seen as the man who lost Kyiv in the same way that Biden is blamed for losing Kabul.

Hes often appeared to be anti-Nato and has threatened to leave the alliance that has guaranteed Western security since the Second World War. But hes softened his approach by demanding its members up their defence spending to 5 per cent of their GDP (most are below the 2 per cent minimum agreed Nato threshold). Poland is already close to 4.7 per cent and there are signs that many European nations are trying to catch up.

So, the Europeans will deal with Trump delicately  acceding largely to his demands to look after themselves  for fear that hell help Putin to partial victory. From an American perspective, this is good. Russia isnt much of a threat to the US. It is a danger to Europe, so Europe coughing up for its own protection is both sensible politics and sound economics.

France  and now the UK  are considering whether to send troops to guarantee Ukraines security (if, indeed, Kyiv agrees a ceasefire with Russia). Russia would not countenance such a move as it would bring Nato members to its doorstep.

Trumps instincts are mostly local. Hes obsessed with immigration issues and Central America. Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador are in turmoil; riddled by narcopolitics and mayhem  he may try to focus attention in Central and South America rather than continue recent American adventures into the Middle East and beyond.

His designs on Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal are loopy and threaten the very foundations of international law that the globe relies upon  but theyre also signs that hes focused on trouble closer to home.

His problem is that China is a real rival for global power. Its driving ahead with military expansion and unmatched levels of economic diplomacy. Its networks of economic and military ties extend across the developing world from Calcutta to Cape Town and Caracas. China has intelligence gathering bases in Cuba and has flooded America with opiates that have killed tens of thousands.

He has threatened China with a trade war over tariffs on Beijings imports to the US, while Taiwan remains under a real military threat from the mainland. When asked whether hed defend the island nation if China invaded, he said only: Id prefer they dont do it.

Trump is seen as transactional. So he is likely to try to get normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel back on track. He drove through the Abraham Accords that normalised relations between the Jewish state and the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain and Sudan.

But part of the reason that Hamas launched its murderous attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 was the very fact that the Palestinian cause had been ignored in the quest for normalisation and the Abraham Accords.

Optimists may now believe that Trump has a renewed taste for diplomatic triumphs after the Gaza ceasefire talks. He has influence on Netanyahu, good relations with Saudi Arabia, and a better understanding of the need for an equitable solution for the Palestinian people, plus security for Israel. The new US president may even be tempted to lead efforts to reopen a peace process.

That would indeed be epic, but also long and too dull and inevitably doomed. Trump doesnt ever want to be seen to fail. So the lesson from Gaza is that Trump likes success and the plaudits it brings. Looking like a loser is something hes unlikely to risk even when it comes to Putin  which may be good news for Ukraine.
The first Act of its kind to be introduced across the EU, DORA will try to improve cyber security for banks and other financial institutions

The new Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is now in full force for tech and financial companies. It aims to prevent major cyber risks at financial institutions like banks, investment and insurance companies.

The EU legislation aims at improving security in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by bring all the rules under one umbrella for the first time. For the 22,000 financial entities and ICT service providers covered it will mean clear cut rules around risk management, classification and reporting of cyber incidents.

European Supervisory Authorities (ESA) including the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) are now preparing to enable it across the continent.

The rules are designed to ensure that the financial sector in Europe is able to stay resilient in the event of a severe operational disruption such as a cyberattack, explains the EIOPA.

Europes financial sector is increasingly dependent on technology and on tech companies to deliver financial services. This makes financial entities vulnerable to cyber-attacks or incidents. When not managed properly, ICT risks can lead to disruptions of financial services offered across borders.

For the industries involved, it will mean preparing to introduce DORA and ensuring that they comply with their rules at the earliest. The first step towards this is a state assessment and gap analysis to understand the level of maturity of ICT and cyber risk management.

In the relevant sectors, it will also see a change in hiring and operations to respond to the requirements it will bring.

The technology sector saw a sharp rise in demand in the final quarter of 2024, driven by preparations for DORA. Expertise in automation, AI, and regulatory compliance was in high demand, said Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director of recruitment agency Morgan McKinley Ireland.

In financial services, the introduction of DORA heightened the focus on operational and third-party risk, spurring demand for risk, and compliance professionals.

The International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Dublin has pointed out that for financial entities that fail to report major ICT-related incidents or significant cyber threats, the introduction of DORA may also mean that they face fines.

Third-party ICT service providers designated as critical by ESAs may face fines of up to 5m  in the case of an individual, a maximum fine of 500,000 for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. The ESAs will have the authority to impose these fines, it said.

Within firms the new regime has sparked fears of a blame game, if non compliance is found.

Nearly 73pc of Irish employees believe they would be blamed by their employer for a cybersecurity incident and 29pc reported that at least one person had been fired for causing a breach, according to a survey by IT services provider IT.ie and cybersecurity firm SonicWall.

Irish law firm Mason Hayes and Curran urged companies to take necessary steps to ensure that they are in line with the technical standards that will be required.

They said: We recommend that in-scope financial entities who have not already engaged in remediation exercises with their relevant ICT providers do so now without further delay to ensure that their contracting arrangements comply with DORA.
The complaint, filed jointly with the US digital privacy rights organisation Epic, claims that real-time budding technology compromises the security of Americans by handing sensitive data to adversarial countries

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has jointly launched new legal action against Google, claiming that the tech giants use of real time bidding (RTB) ad technology compromises national security in the US by exposing sensitive details to Chinas security forces.

The ICCL complaint, launched jointly with the US digital privacy organisation Epic and filed with the US Federal Trade Commission, alleges that Google has known for at least a decade that RTB advertising technology broadcasts sensitive data without any security. The filing claims to cite internal Google discussions to support the complaint, taken under the USs recently-enacted Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act.

Google has denied the allegation.

Google sends enormous quantities of sensitive data about Americans to China and other foreign adversaries, the ICCL said in a statement.

Google's real-time bidding system dominates online advertising and operates on 33.7 million websites, 92pc of Android apps, and 77pc of iOS apps. Much of Google's $237.9 billion advertising revenue is RTB.

Its not the first time that the ICCL has launched an offensive against Google and other tech giants over RTB ad technology.

Over the last four years, it has published multiple reports and initiated several complaints alleging that the RTB system exposes sensitive security details in the EU, US and Australia to Russian and Chinese interests.

It is now seeking to use the Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 202, which prohibits commercial firms from profiting from the transfer of data of US individuals to foreign adversary countries or to entities controlled by North Korea, China, Russia or Iran.

"We can now be certain Google knew about the security flaw in its advertising system for at least a decade, said Dr Johnny Ryan, director of Enforce, a new unit within the ICCL set up to advocate and litigate issues.

Despite this, it continued to vent sensitive data, betraying America and her allies. The FTC must act to end Google's security crisis.

The complaint draws from the Enforce's 2023 report on RTB ad technology which claimed that data about active US military personnel, national security leaders and judges were available for purchase on the commercial data market. The report claimed that the data included information about people's health conditions, debt, gambling, sexuality, politics and gun ownership.

"Google has time and again proven that it cannot be trusted to protect our data, said Sara Geoghegan, senior counsel with Epic, which is jointly filing the complaint.

The FTC must act to rein in Google's data abuses, which expose Americans' data to foreign adversaries, undermine democracy and threaten our national security,"

In a response, Google said that the allegations were unfounded.

"A claim like this is wrong and based on a flawed understanding of how Google's digital advertising technology works, said a spokesperson.

"Google has not shared data with bidders in Russia nor conducted any real-time bidding there since 2022. Furthermore, since last year, we implemented significant restrictions for entities based in or connected to China. This means we never share data tied to a specific user in the US for bid requests to those known entities.

The spokesperson said that Google has the strictest restrictions in the industry on the types of data shared in real-time bidding, and that Google never sells" a user's data.

We do not share precise location or sensitive personal data with any RTB Buyers and our policies prohibit any effort to build profiles on individuals based on sensitive data inferences, the spokesperson said.
Simon Harris to miss out on Davos summit as absent Donald Trump looms large over event

World Economic Forum begins next week but will be overshadowed by US inauguration

Simon Harris is now unlikely to attend Davos. Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

John Burns Sat 18 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Mondays inauguration of Donald Trump as US president, and the election of a new taoiseach on Wednesday, means two heads of government will not be able to attend the World Economic Forum in person next week.
The celebrated writer of Coraline vehemently denies the accusations of sexual misconduct made in a podcast and recent New York magazine article

"Amorphous"  lacking a clearly defined form or meaning  was how Scarlett Pavlovich attempted to crystallise the events of that night when she was 22 years old and the celebrated author Neil Gaiman, she says, forced himself upon her at the home in New Zealand he shared with his wife, the musician and performance artist Amanda Palmer.
Court fight looms to end wife-killer James Kilroys grip on estate of his victim Valerie French

Jailed for life, murderer also retains guardianship rights over their three sons but campaign for new legislation gathers pace

David French with a photo of his sister Valerie who was murdered in 2019. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Ali Bracken Sat 18 Jan 2025 at 20:17







A legal action by the brother of murder victim Valerie French will be heard before the High Court next month over executorship of the mother-of-threes estate.
Caroline Darian, the daughter of Gisele Pelicot, who was drugged by her husband and raped by 51 men over years, said: Dont stay in silence.

The court in Avignon, France sentenced Dominique Pelicot (72) to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping her and allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious, in abuse that lasted nearly a decade.

Ms Darian said she was really close to her father when she was younger, who would take her to sport, and they lived in a very united and trusting family.

"Looking back, I know that I dont know him well. It is scary thinking I dont know the person who raised me.

"It is like my childhood doesnt exist anymore. It is a part of my life that died, she said, speaking to Brendan OConnor on RTE Radio 1 today.

She said learning in 20202 that her father had been drugging her mother and soliciting men online to rape her unconscious body, was like a  big tsunami.

"It was one of the worst moments of my life, discovering that he was one of the worst criminals of the past 20 years. It was really difficult to go through it. You have to live with this legacy, she said.

Ms Darian recalled how she had been worried for her mother for some time, even before discovering her fathers shocking crimes.

She noticed changes in how her mother both behaved and talked. Her mother had lost a lot of weight and her hair.

"She couldnt remember if we were talking on the phone, even a few hours before, Ms Darian recalled.

Mrs Pelicot was referred to health professionals following these symptoms, however doctors were unable to make a proper diagnosis and determine their cause.

On November 2, 2020, Mrs Pelicot phoned Ms Darian, telling her daughter that Dominique Pelicot, her husband, had been drugging her over the last 10 years and that strangers had been raping her.

"It was a nervous break in my life. It was a nightmare and completely out of the blue. I lived a disassociated phase after, she recalled.

Ms Darian said she felt abandoned by her father, realising that she did not know him, and that he had two faces.

Up to then they trusted each other completely. They lived together for 50 years. They had three children, she said.

Ms Darian also said that she knows her father drugged her, from photos shown to her by the police of her.

Pictures of her naked and unconscious body were found among the detailed records her father kept of his crimes.

When asked if she believes that her father also raped her, she said: Yes. There is no doubt. There is no way he took that picture for pleasure.

Mr Pelicot has denied that he ever touched or sexually assaulted his daughter.

"He was not telling the entire truth, even during the trial. We know that he is always lying. Even for Gisele, we dont know the entire truth of how many sexual abusers there were.

"I know that he died. He was split in two. To me, it is over, Ms Darian said.

She described the mourning and healing process as long and ongoing. She did not eat or sleep for days after the news and spent some time in hospital.

Gisele Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Darian, yesterday. Photo: AP

News in 90 Seconds - January 18 2025

Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in jail at the end of a historic three-and-a-half month trial in December.

When asked by OConnor, if her father was sick, Ms Darian said no and that he did everything he did, deliberately.

"Everything was well organised and done premeditatively. He is a really dangerous man and sexual abuser and criminal.

On her mothers decision to waive her anonymity during the case, Ms Darian said: It was the only way, so that sexual abusers should face up to their crimes in public.

She said it was important for all the other victims suffering from sexual abuse.

Dont stay in silence, she said.

Some 50 co-defendants were also found guilty following a three-month public trial in the southern French city of Avignon and were handed sentences varying between three and 15 years.

I am not really satisfied with the sentences. Dominique got 20 years, but what about the others?

"It was supposed to be the historical trial of chemical submission in France. Seriously? I am not satisfied with the final verdict, she said.

When asked why her father carried out the crimes he did, Ms Darian said it is because he is a sexual pervert.

She said there was no other reason why.

When you are a sexual pervert, you do not have any empathy for anyone else. It is only about you.

Ms Darian will narrate a TV documentary on the use of drugs to enable rape and sexual abuse. It will be broadcast on French television on Jan 21, and will include testimony from six other victims raped after being drugged unwittingly.
How a new facility at Merchants Quay Ireland is changing the lives of people for the better

On the day that Irelands first medically supervised injection centre opened in late December, a drug user walked in and cracked a joke: So, wheres the free samples?

The remark was met with laughter and set the tone for the atmosphere within the new facility at Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) in Dublin city centre, according to its CEO Eddie Mullins.

The atmosphere here is very positive, very relaxed, weve had no aggression since we opened, said Mr Mullins. On a basic level, we are acknowledging that people inject drugs. Were providing a medically safe environment for them to do so. Its about saving lives.

Paul (not his real name) spoke to the Sunday Independent at Merchants Quay Medically Supervised Injecting Facility (MSIF) last week.

Now in his early 40s, hes been using heroin since he was 15 years old. Paul has attended the injection facility almost every day since it opened on December 22. He has had periods of sobriety in recent years and intends to get off heroin entirely soon.

You can stay after and have a cup of tea and toast. Its nice to have somewhere to go

I only use drugs once a day. Its great to have somewhere to come now. Weve been a long time waiting on it, he said. Injecting on the streets, its not a good idea. Theres a school just around the corner here, its not good to be doing it near there. But when youre sick (in need of a fix), you dont think about that. Its great now to be able to come here. You can stay after and have a cup of tea and toast. Its nice to have somewhere to go. The staff are very helpful and kind, too.

Paul, like almost all the people who visit the facility to use drugs, is homeless. He spoke to this newspaper shortly after injecting heroin under supervision.

I dont take it to get stoned, its just to feel better, its so I dont feel sick. Ive an appointment with the doctor to get off heroin altogether. Until then Ill come here every day. I dont like injecting on the streets, its degrading. I dont feel great about myself after. But the privacy here, its great. Its made a big difference to my life these past couple of weeks, he said.

Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland. Photo: Mark Condren

The new service has been busy since it opened its doors just before Christmas. When drug users arrive they are met by a member of staff, who determines they are not heavily under the influence of drugs already or are medically unwell. They are then brought into the reception area where they provide their name, date of birth and, if its a clients first visit, they must also sign a consent form.

People are asked what drugs they intend to inject and must also produce their drugs for staff to inspect.

The main drugs presented are heroin, prescription drugs and snowballs, a mixture of heroin and crack cocaine, explained project worker Jeneba Kamara.

Once these formalities are completed, drug users are taken into the medical environment of the injection facility, where nurses are present. If they need it, people can use the vein finder machine, an X-ray type device that helps identify a vein to use. Addicts are also provided with a range of needle options and alcohol wipes.

We have seven injection booths. People tell us what they need in terms of needles and if they need to use the vein finder machine. They then have 15 minutes or so to self-administer in one of the booths, said clinical nurse manager Olubukola Idowu. One thing we never do is help people inject. Each booth has a privacy screen and we give people space. People injecting in their groin in particular often use the privacy screen. We also provide ear plugs because some people like to concentrate.

Medical staff keep a discreet eye on the clients injecting to ensure they dont overdose or suffer another type of medical emergency. Resuscitation equipment is close to hand.

Once their drugs are consumed and theyve cleaned up after themselves in the booth, people make their way to the adjacent aftercare room. A project worker greets the clients, who are encouraged to make themselves a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of toast if theyre hungry. The canteen-style room has a table and chairs, some leather reclining chairs and a three-seater leather reclining sofa is on order. All of the project workers have undergone drug addiction training.

This room is designed to be a safe and welcoming space

The objective is to encourage people to stay in the facility for at least 15 minutes to try and ensure they dont have an adverse reaction to the drugs theyve just consumed.

Most of the time, they just come in and have a chat and a cup of tea. People have been very good about washing up their cups and dishes after themselves, said project worker Caitriona Mullins.

This room is designed to be a safe and welcoming space. We want to make sure that people leave here alert, so that they are safe when they go back outside. Weve found that the clients are very future focused, they come in and sit down and can start talking about their goals, she added.

MQI provides a range of services throughout the building on Merchants Quay including doctors and dentists in its health centre, addiction and trauma therapists as well as crisis care workers, a needle exchange programme and even a hairdresser.

Conversations can take place between drug users and project workers in the aftercare room which can lead them to other services to help improve the quality of their lives.

If we can see someone has a medical problem, we can advise them to see a doctor. But its entirely up to them if they want to do so. If someone brings up wanting to move towards recovery, we talk to them about this too and what kind of help they can get, said Ms Mullins.

But its entirely up to people themselves. Its a friendly, non-judgmental environment and the conversation flows much more naturally because of that. Many of our clients since we opened are on a first-name basis with us now. Its about treating people with respect, meeting them where they are, and making sure they know they are worth something.

The premises is the first medically supervised injecting facility in the country. There have been no instances of violence or public disorder in its first few operational weeks.

The vibe here is welcoming and staff have not felt threatened by anyone. The people who come into us, they know theyll be looked after, Ms Mullins said.

The main objective of the 18-month pilot project is to save lives, according to Carol Casey, head of fundraising and communications.

In November and December last year, we had 17 people die on the streets taking drugs. This facility can help keep people alive. Also, after people inject drugs on the street, they can be very vulnerable. Theres been numerous instances of women being sexually assaulted and people being robbed, she said.

The new facility is solely for people injecting drugs, rather than smoking substances like heroin and crack cocaine. But there would be demand for an expansion to offer this service, the staff point out.

Ms Idowu said she has been surprised by how busy the facility has been, after some initial scepticism from drug users and wider society.

We have more numbers that I expected. One day, 34 people used the service. A lot of it is word of mouth, said Ms Idowu. One man came in, having been referred by a friend. Is this real? he asked us. I am really allowed to inject my drugs in here?

A lot of the drug users availing of the new facility were already engaging with MQI. Eddie Mullins said one thing he has noticed is self-respect growing in people who use the facility.

No one wants to be injecting publicly on the street. Its degrading as well as dangerous and unsafe. And no one wants to witness this happening either. Its of benefit to society to have people injecting here, it means that no drug paraphernalia is left on the street. This is a public health response and has been government policy for two years, he said.

Weve had no problems yet but were realistic, this work will throw up problems. But well be able to deal with what arises. The positive energy here is incredible. Im proud of the respectful nature shown by all and the sense of community here already. The first guy I met here, when he was leaving, he said thanks for caring.
Without a central register of GPs in Ireland, it is more difficult to measure migration rates. Photo: Stock image

One third of active GPs are working a 30-hour week or less, and this needs to be factored into any analysis behind the family doctor crisis impacting some areas of the country, according to a new study.

A full picture of all the drivers behind a shortage of GPs in Ireland is still not clear  despite patients finding it difficult to get a full-time doctor and early appointments.

The study looked at GP emigration to countries like the UK and Australia, and found it is not large and other factors need also to be examined.

It pointed to a Medical Council study showing 32pc of clinically active GPs in Ireland reported working 30 hours a week or less, suggesting full-time working should be factored in to workforce planning for general practice.

The study by the Research Board and the Irish College of GPs, which examined GP emigration from Ireland by looking at international data, was published in the BMC Health Services Research journal.

A snapshot survey by the Irish Independent recently found six in 10 GPs across the country are not taking on any new patients.

The study wanted to find out if emigration was contributing to Irelands workforce crisis, and found historical emigration may be more significant than current departures.

The data appears to suggest that the outward flow of GPs from Ireland is not large. However, the data also points to the presence of a significant stock of Irish trained and Irish citizen GPs in the UK and Australia, the study found.

This suggests historical GP emigration from Ireland and highlights the need for better data on the GP workforce and attrition  whether due to emigration, retirement, early retirement or less full-time working.

The study could not quantify doctors returning to Ireland from abroad, as Irish citizens would not need to notify authorities.

The authors said: Source countries, such as Ireland, must get better at monitoring and responding to emerging trends in GP emigration and factoring them into GP workforce planning models and policies.

The study indicated that without a central register of GPs in Ireland, it is difficult to accurately measure emigration rates. And with no measurement of Irish-trained GPs returning to the Irish workforce, it is also difficult to give an accurate picture of the emigration and migration trends.

It highlights the historical pattern of GP emigration, particularly to the UK, with a cohort who could be encouraged to return to practice in Ireland in the future.

The authors also wrote that policies to encourage return migration of Irish-trained GPs could form part of Irelands strategy for addressing the GP workforce crisis.
There is long standing precedent which allows Independent TDs who support the Government get opposition speaking time and sit on opposition benches, according to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.

There has been backlash against regional Independent TDs from opposition parties as they want to have opposition speaking time in the Dail, despite supporting the Government.

The regional technical group of TDs  involving the Independents who will not be ministers, such as Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole and Danny Healy Rae  have said they intend to support the Government from the opposition benches.

A row broke out at a meeting of the Dails business committee earlier this week as this proposal was met with pushback from some of the other opposition parties. Sinn Fein whip Padraig Mac Lochlainn said the Independents want to have their cake and eat it.

Verona Murphy (Maxwells/PA)

News in 90 Seconds - January 18 2025

In a letter to TDs on the Dails business committee, the newly elected Ceann Comhairle said technical groups are covered under standing orders.

She said Independents who are not Ministers, but have agreed to support the Government, are eligible to be part of a technical group under Dail rules.

I am advised that there is long standing precedent to support this position. One need only recall the many non-party members that openly supported previous governments and were part of technical groups without objection, she said in the letter.

Ms Murphy said Fianna Fail went into confidence and supply in 2016 to support Fine Gael and was still considered the main opposition party.

She said that if Independents were to be banned from being in technical groups, standing orders would have to be changed.

I am advised that the Ceann Comhairle is bound by the Standing Orders and I neither have autonomy nor jurisdiction to unilaterally amend them.

The Ceann Comhairle must interpret Standing Orders as they are currently written, she said.

Ms Murphy said TDs who disagree should send in their own suggestions on whatever alternative process you believe should be applied by the close of business Wednesday.

She said she will consider all suggestions and take further legal advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers.

I am very anxious to ensure that this matter is considered thoroughly and transparently, she said.
American writer Stephen King has called for the cancellation of the Oscars 2025 ceremony this year. He believes that the event is inappropriate against the backdrop of deadly wildfires in Los Angeles.

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The "King of Horror" published his post on the social network Bluesky, which he joined after recently giving up X. He said he intends to boycott the vote, The Hollywood Reporter reports.

"I'm not voting at the Oscars this year," King said, "They should cancel it. No glamor while Los Angeles is on fire."

In response, many representatives of the film industry disagreed with the writer. They argued that the ceremony was necessary because canceling the event "would hardly help anyone." Moreover, the Oscars are supposed to raise funds that can be used to rebuild Los Angeles and help the victims. King was not convinced by such arguments.

"I hear what you guys are saying about the Oscars, that it's a celebration of life and that the show must go on and all that. It all makes sense, but for me, it's like Nero playing the violin while Rome burns. Or, in this case, wearing fashionable clothes while Los Angeles burns."

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Incoming junior ministers will now receive travel and accommodation allowance

Members of the Regional Independent Group, from left, Kevin Boxer Moran, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan and Marian Harkin speaking to the media outside Leinster House this week. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

Former ministers of state have supported the move to grant junior ministers an accommodation allowance, despite a backlash against the decision.

It emerged this week that incoming junior ministers will now receive the travel and accommodation allowance (TAA), agreed as part of the government negotiations.

The TAA is payable to all backbenchers, but in the recent past TDs who accepted promotion to junior ministerial ranks were not entitled to it and instead received another payment.

The top-up means super-junior ministers  who sit at cabinet  will see their annual earnings approach the 200,000 mark.

On Thursday, a Regional Independent Group (RIG) source told the Irish Independent that the reason for negotiating the extra money was because TDs were reluctant to take jobs as ministers of state because they were penalised financially.

Members of the Regional Independent Group, from left, Kevin Boxer Moran, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan and Marian Harkin speaking to the media outside Leinster House this week. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

News in 90 Seconds - January 18 2025

Former Fine Gael super-junior minister Paul Kehoe welcomed the move and said some government ministers were sleeping in hostel dormitories because they were shortchanged by the State.

I dont want to put on the poor mouth, because I was receiving an additional super-junior allowance of 16,000 for sitting at cabinet, said the former Wexford TD, who left politics at the general election and is now developing a career in consultancy.

But there were fellows who were ministers of this country, and not a word of a lie, they were staying in hostels.

Mr Kehoe said it was a disgrace to any democracy that ministers were forced to stay in hostels in Dublin while the Dail was in session. They were in dormitories with other people. Literally hostels, because Dublin hotel prices had gone so bad, Mr Kehoe said.

The loss of the overnight [allowance] meant there were other fellows in far-away guesthouses who were in a room like a B&B, but they didnt have an en-suite. They were expected to share a bathroom with other guests.

He said backbench TDs were better-off financially than junior ministers. So I fully agree with them getting what they are due. In other countries they have on-campus hotels for their representatives. It is probably too late to do it here, but this is the right move, he said.

Former Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon also said he welcomed the decision to grant junior ministers the allowance.

In 2018, Mr Cannon was one of eight junior ministers who met with then finance minister Paschal Donohoe to ask for the allowance to be applied to ministers of state, but the request was denied.

Mr Cannon said it was not fair or equitable that the cost of accommodation while attending Leinster House was not part of an allowance, but other aspects of the job were.

For example, if as part of an event as minister of state they are required to stay overnight, the cost of the accommodation is paid for by the department the junior minister works in, he said.

If in my role as junior minister I am obliged, as we are, to attend Dail Eireann on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and sometimes Fridays, the cost of my accommodation is not covered by the State. That must come out of my own resources, Mr Cannon said.

I dont think that is fair or equitable. It never was and Im glad that that anomaly is being proposed to be addressed.

Asked about the salary increase that junior ministers receive as part of their promotion, Mr Cannon said the top-up was not there to cover additional costs, but to go towards the additional burden of work that comes with the promotion.

The reason the top-up is there is not to somehow seek to cover any additional costs associated with doing the job. Its because the job is a more challenging one, a more onerous one, Mr Cannon said.

Youre being promoted. So why then once you are promoted does your opportunity to cover your accommodation costs disappear out the window?

Mr Cannon added that the absence of the allowance was a disincentive to those taking up positions as ministers of state and that the salary top-up did not cover the accommodation expenses incurred.

The day I was appointed, I met a former junior minister from the west of Ireland who said to me, congrats, Ciaran, but you can now look forward to a reduction in your income, he said.

However, former Independent Waterford TD and minister of state John Halligan said he did not believe junior ministers should automatically get the accommodation allowance.

Instead, junior ministers should request the accommodation expense in certain circumstances, like when a Dail session runs late into the night.

Theres no way it should be given automatically. You should have to put in for it, Mr Halligan said.
Women who underwent cervical screening in Limericks female prison had to be accompanied by two to three guards up to last year, leading to a low take up, it emerged today.

Edel Muldowney, chief nurse officer in Limerick Female Prison, a closed, medium-security prison and the second largest female prison in Ireland, said: up to 2023 the medical wing was shared with the male population so it was more difficult to offer women gender-based healthcare.

She added: Our medical team didnt include a trained CervicalCheck sample taker, so if women wanted cervical screening they were escorted to a GP practice by two or three guards. Understandably, a lot of women declined.

A new building was designed to support trauma-informed healthcare and its opening coincided with the appointment of a female GP. We were also supported by a consultant gynaecologist, who offered expertise on what we needed to set up cervical screening inside the prison.

Our nurses were trained by the team from CervicalChecks Screening Training Unit. Initially, I ran a screening clinic twice a month. Now our GP runs a Well Woman clinic one day a week alongside the GP service, offering screening, contraception and menopause advice.

Before Christmas, we had three referrals for follow-up tests, a high number for such a small population but there are factors which might increase the risk for many of these women including homelessness, living with domestic violence, sex work, sexual trauma, theyre not used to really prioritising their health.

Were starting from scratch with some women, they have so much on their minds, and trauma can lead to resistance. Many are also managing addiction which is a challenge. Im very grateful to the CervicalCheck team here in Limerick, who continue to support us. I know were having a positive impact for the women in Limerick Prison.

She was speaking in advance of Cervical Cancer Prevention, the HSEs CervicalCheck programme highlighting how screening is now even more accessible to all eligible women.

The most effective action women aged 25 to 65 can take to prevent cervical cancer is to #ChooseScreening and come for follow-up appointments if advised. Women can go to any GP practice or clinic registered with CervicalCheck for their free screening test. Women do not need to be registered with a GP practice to request a screening test from them.

More than 4,000 healthcare professionals across the country provide CervicalCheck screening across a range of community and healthcare settings, including some of Irelands Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) and Limerick Female Prison.

Connie McGilloway, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Forensic Clinical Examiner at the Donegal Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in Letterkenny, developed a trauma-informed cervical screening follow-up clinic.

She noticed many women attending the unit had never been screened or werent up to date with their appointments.

Connie said: Since 2017, our SATU follow-up clinic has been providing cervical screening to women in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental environment where they feel safe. Our work is supported by CervicalCheck and Letterkenny University Hospital gynaecological service.

When we discuss screening, some women talk about feeling embarrassment, shame and guilt related to their experiences; or they are fearful they will have to talk about the abuse with their GP or practice nurse. But by far the most common reason for not having a screening test was related to the nature of the test itself. For a woman who has suffered some form of unwanted sexual contact, the trauma of that intimate examination can be overwhelming.

We consider everything from how we touch the woman to the words we use, and offer flexible appointment times after college or work. We give more time for the test, going at the womans pace, gaining her consent for every step to share control of what happens and when.

The need for the service is reflected in the fact that we have a higher-than-average number of women who have a subsequent referral for follow up in colposcopy. The reason for that could be lack of early detection, the fact they havent had a test before. Women tell us afterwards if they knew they would be looked after that way during the test they wouldve had one earlier.

Prof Noirin Russell, CervicalCheck Clinical Director, HSE National Screening Service, said: Cervical screening is the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer in women. Through screening we can find and treat pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. For women who have cancer diagnosed through screening it is usually at an earlier stage when treatment outcomes are more likely to be successful. These access initiatives demonstrate how the National Screening Service is working to increase equity by overcoming barriers that prevent women from getting screened.

Thanks to Edel and Connies expertise and commitment, more women are benefiting from trauma-informed healthcare. We want to support all women to have the benefits cervical screening offers by identifying and reducing the factors that stop them attending. We are particularly interested in initiatives that reach out to marginalised women as we know that nearly half of all cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who never attend for screening. Reaching these women and helping reduce barriers will help drive us towards Irelands goal of eliminating cancer in every community by 2040.

CervicalCheck offers HPV cervical screening every three years to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 29; and every five years to those aged 30 to 65 years. Cervical screening is for women who do not have any symptoms of cervical cancer. Never ignore symptoms of cervical cancer, speak to your GP, even if you have had a recent normal screening result.

For more information about cervical screening and to check youre on the cervical screening register, go to www.hse.ie/cervicalcheck or call Freephone 1800 55 45 45 or contact info@cervicalcheck.ie
Dennis Ross: Donald Trump has an opportunity to remake the Middle East, but will he take it?

President-elect will enter office with leverage over both Israel and its Arab neighbours

US president-elect Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters

Dennis Ross Washington Post Sat 18 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian general and military theorist, famously noted that war is an instrument, not an end in itself. Only in circumstances in which one is fighting a war of survival can military means be said to overshadow political considerations.
On a raw day in the final year of the last century, I first met Henry Rodgers at Kitty OSheas bar in the shadow of the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels. It was late February 1999, and the Longford-born university teacher based in Rome had a tale of injustice at work that I found infuriating, as it flouted EU equality law.

At the time, my wife and I were awaiting the birth of our first child, a daughter who landed on us little over a fortnight later. That daughter has since made her way through third-level education and is now busy working in London.
The launch took place during the first-ever All-Island Forum for Cancer Data at University of Limerick

A new cancer research center has been launched at the University of Limerick (UL) and aims to use data to save lives.

The launch took place during the first-ever All-Island Forum for Cancer Data, held on Tuesday at UL.

The event brought together over 200 people in the field, including top cancer researchers, data scientists, healthcare providers, and patient advocates.

At the forum, the All-Island eHealth-Hub for Cancer announced Irelands first Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) National Node.

This centre will allow researchers across Ireland and internationally to work together on large cancer studies.

The eHealth-Hub is funded by the North South Shared Island Programme and is led by Professor Aedin Culhane from UL and Professor Mark Lawler from Queens University Belfast.

Professor Aedin Culhane said: Building world-class infrastructure will take time. During this conference we have learnt best practices from world leaders. Through collaboration, we can harness the collective power of information to accelerate discoveries and improve outcomes for patients in the Mid-West and throughout the island of Ireland.

Professor Mark Lawler said: This is a watershed moment for cancer patients on the island of Ireland. Establishing this national node promotes us to the premier league, positioning us to benefit from the latest advances in data-informed cancer research.

This will empower us to share data across the island and deploy the insights that we uncover to achieve earlier diagnosis, deliver better and more tolerated treatments and ensure enhanced quality-of-life and re-integration back into society. Make no mistake  data can save lives.

The keynote address at the forum was delivered by Associate Professor Paul Nagy, Program Director of Informatics and Data Science, at Johns Hopkins University, USA, who focused on, How Connected Data Saves Lives.

Associate Professor Nagy's added: Medical imaging plays a crucial role throughout oncology from early detection, diagnosis, treatment planning, to assessing the effectiveness of treatment and monitoring.

Unfortunately, imaging has traditionally been treated as an isolated silo of data managed separately from clinical treatment information, Associate Professor Nagy explained.
Daniel Ryan and Pat Nolan in Wicklow director Dave Thomas' new short film, Seven Moments in Time.

Wicklow filmmaker Dave Thomas has unveiled the first look at his upcoming short film, Seven Moments in Time, which explores the generational divide and the profound connections that can blossom in unexpected places.

Shot on location in Arklow and Woodenbridge, Seven Moments in Time tells the story of an elderly man who finds solace in his weekly ritual on a park bench.

His routine is interrupted by a spirited teenager, who embodies the energy and innovation of the younger generation. Initially, their interactions are fraught with misunderstandings, highlighting the cultural and lifestyle barriers that separate them.

The young mans attempt to share his rap song  a modern creation filled with contemporary references  only serves to deepen the confusion, accentuating the gap between their worlds.

As the film unfolds over seven pivotal moments, the characters begin to bridge their differences through simple yet meaningful gestures. A shared sandwich, a sip of tea, and a light-hearted joke transform their relationship, showcasing the universal human experiences of connection, sharing, and laughter.

These moments reveal that, despite their generational differences, both characters share an intrinsic need for companionship and understanding.

Written, produced and directed by Dave, the film stars well-known actor from stage and screen Pat Nolan, along with rising star Daniel Ryan, with supporting performances from Roisin Bohan and Michael OMara.

Shot in Arklow town, Woodenbridge and at Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge, the film was made possible thanks to many generous people who donated through a GoFundMe campaign, along with a donation from Arklow Municipal District, TJ OMahony, Donut Express Ireland, Unique cafe, Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge to name a few.

Seven Moments in Time advocates for empathy and understanding, encouraging society to foster deeper connections between generations, Dave said.

I had a wonderful cast and crew, who worked extremely hard bringing their A-game to the entire production, and, thanks to the generosity of so many people, I was able to get this film made.

Ive put my own savings into the film too, because I wanted to make a quality film that would tell a very important story while showcasing Arklow and County Wicklow to a global audience.

Produced by Dave for his film production company Bella Vision Ltd., trading as Dave Thomas Films, based in Arklow, Seven Moments in Time has been submitted to several Oscar-qualifying national and international festivals, including the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh.

As the film gears up for its festival circuit, Dave hopes for official selections that will allow Seven Moments in Time to reach audiences worldwide, and foster discussions about empathy and the importance of bridging generational gaps.

The trailer is now available on the Dave Thomas Films YouTube Channel and Vimeo.
This is a remarkable story Take a stroll down by the harbour in Bray. Feed the swans, if you like. Now turn your gaze northwards. See the sign on the gable end of a building located beside the pier. On that sign is one word, or rather a five-letter acronym. PEMCO.

It is not a particularly large sign but PEMCO  those five letters stand for the Progress Electroplating and Manufacturing Company  has been quietly making a big impression on the Irish construction industry and on the local economy for half a century. The firm celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and looks forward to expanding operations in 2025, with new markets opening up for its products in Northern Ireland and in Britain. Theirs is a considerable achievement for an enterprise that is very much a family concern. Meet the Tynans.
Local young musician David Harris will be lighting up Blessington next month with an evening of ballads at The Ramblers Rest.

Known for his powerful renditions of ballads made famous by legends like Luke Kelly, Jim McCann, and Tommy Maken, David is celebrated for his passionate performances. With a voice that conveys both raw power and poignant emotion, David can shift from soulful ballads filled with heartache to joyful, upbeat tunes that lift the spirit.

His repertoire showcases Irelands rich musical heritage, promising an evening filled with heartfelt storytelling and toe-tapping melodies.

He will be performing in The Ramblers Rest on Saturday, February 1, and the night kicks off at 9.30pm. With a full house often expected at The Ramblers Rest, early arrival is recommended to secure a good spot in the lounge.
Beauty entrepreneur Aimee Connolly: Eight-year-olds dont need a skincare regime  I feel very strongly about that

In 2015, she was a freelance make-up artist with dreams of starting her own cosmetics line. Now Aimee Connolly has turned her self-funded brand into a multi-million euro business. She talks about the setbacks along the way, being raised by a single mum and her aversion to debt

Aimee Connolly. Photo: Mark Condren

Tanya Sweeney Sat 18 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Ask any freelance artist about their professional dream and theres a very good chance that they will tell you that theyd like to start their own cosmetics brand. The more ambitious and audacious among them might say something about running their own beauty empire. Very few of them will make the leap, but Aimee Connolly has done just that.
A supporter of Yoon Suk Yeol at a rally outside the detention centre where the impeached president is held in Uiwang. Photo: Reuters

South Korean investigators yesterday moved closer to formally arresting president Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been impeached and detained after a botched attempt to impose martial law last month, as they hold him on suspicion of insurrection.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) asked a court to issue a warrant for Mr Yoons arrest for leading an insurrection and abusing his power, according to a statement from the martial law joint investigation commission, comprising the CIO, the Ministry of National Defence and police.
Kateryna Repiakhova, the wife of People's Artist of Ukraine Viktor Pavlik, impressed her husband with changes in her appearance. The blogger used the services of a beautician and corrected the shape of her lips.

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She shared the relevant footage on her Instagram page. The 59-year-old artist was surprised by the transformation of his beloved because, after the manipulations, her lips became much larger.

"Why do you have lips like that? Have you had your lips plumped up, honey?" Viktor Pavlik reacted to the changes in his beloved's face.

In the published recording, you can see that the artist was amazed by his wife's transformation. For her part, Kateryna Repiakhova noted that the artist definitely liked the result of the cosmetic procedure, because it was "evident in his eyes."

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However, despite her lover's assumptions, the blogger explained that she did not enlarge her lips, but only corrected them. The expert injected Kateryna Repiakhova with 0.6 milliliters of filler, which helped to improve the shape. According to the celebrity, the manipulation caused her lips to swell slightly, which resulted in an enlargement effect.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Audit announced on Thursday by UK government

UK culture minister 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, home secretary Yvette Cooper 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.
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 as Christian B in connection with the murder of the British child, who disappeared from an apartment in Portugals Algarve while on holiday with her family in May 2007.
The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, convened his security cabinet to vote on a ceasefire deal after confirming an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza (Koby Gideon/Israeli Government Press Office via 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 am Jerusalem time Saturday, following an hourslong meeting of the full Cabinet that went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, in a reflection 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.
Get ready to smile as fans post their funniest memes, proving that in Bigg Boss, humor is the best fun.

Bigg Boss 18 finale fever: As the excitement builds for the Bigg Boss 18 finale, fans are sharing a wave of relatable memes and jokes across social media. The grand finale, set to air on January 19, 2025, will showcase the remaining six contestantsVivian Dsena, Karanveer Mehra, Avinash Mishra, Isha Singh, Chum Darang, and Rajat Dalalas they compete for the coveted title and a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. Hosted by the charismatic Salman Khan, this season has attracted audiences with its intense drama and challenges. With just hours to go before the winner is announced, fans are eagerly engaging in humorous discussions online.

supermeme.ai

Highlights of Bigg Boss 18 Finale Fever

Rajat Dalal's Dominance : Rajat has emerged as a surprising frontrunner, currently leading the voting polls with 42% of the votes, making him a fan favourite. His journey has resonated with viewers, showcasing a shift in preferences towards authenticity over celebrity status.

: Rajat has emerged as a surprising frontrunner, currently leading the voting polls with of the votes, making him a fan favourite. His journey has resonated with viewers, showcasing a shift in preferences towards authenticity over celebrity status. Eisha Singh's Controversy : Eisha has faced backlash for her behaviour in the house, earning her the nickname "Chugli Aunty." This label has sparked numerous memes, with fans humorously critiquing her actions and interactions.

: Eisha has faced backlash for her behaviour in the house, earning her the nickname "Chugli Aunty." This label has sparked numerous memes, with fans humorously critiquing her actions and interactions. Fan Engagement: Social media platforms are flooded with hashtags like #RajatForTheWin and #VivianForTheWin, reflecting intense fan engagement as supporters rally for their favourites. Memes have become a way for fans to express their opinions and humour regarding the contestants' antics.

supermeme.ai

Popular Memes from Bigg Boss 18

"Chugli Aunty" Meme : Fans have created memes comparing Eisha's behaviour to classic gossip moments, often using stills from the show alongside humorous captions about her "chugli" (gossiping) tendencies.

: Fans have created memes comparing Eisha's behaviour to classic gossip moments, often using stills from the show alongside humorous captions about her "chugli" (gossiping) tendencies. Rajat's Underdog Status : Memes celebrating Rajat's rise from an underdog to a frontrunner often feature motivational quotes overlaid on images of him, emphasising his unexpected journey.

: Memes celebrating Rajat's rise from an underdog to a frontrunner often feature motivational quotes overlaid on images of him, emphasising his unexpected journey. Vivians Comeback : Many memes highlight Vivian Dsena's return to reality TV after years away, often juxtaposing his past roles with his current gameplay, eliciting nostalgia among fans.

: Many memes highlight Vivian Dsena's return to reality TV after years away, often juxtaposing his past roles with his current gameplay, eliciting nostalgia among fans. Karan Veer Mehras Struggles : Memes depicting Karan as the "adopted child" trying to earn love from Bigg Boss humorously capture his efforts to stay relevant amidst fierce competition.

: Memes depicting Karan as the "adopted child" trying to earn love from Bigg Boss humorously capture his efforts to stay relevant amidst fierce competition. Dance Face-offs: Recent posts about dance face-offs between contestants like Chum Veer and Avinash have inspired a wave of funny edits and comparisons, showcasing their unique styles in exaggerated ways.

supermeme.ai

Digvijay Singh Rathee has decided to focus on a fan meet-up instead of attending the Bigg Boss 18 finale, showing how much he cares about his supporters. By sharing this update on Instagram, he proves how important his fans and their support have been in his journey. Fans admire his genuine nature and dedication, which has made him a favorite even outside the Bigg Boss house.

The finale of Bigg Boss 18 is approaching quickly, set to air on January 19, 2025. Six contestants are competing for the title: Rajat Dalal, Vivian Dsena, Karan Veer Mehra, Avinash Mishra, Chum Darang, and Eisha Singh. Rajat is currently leading in the voting trends with about 42% of the votes, while Vivian follows with around 29%. Eisha Singh is expected to be eliminated next, as she is considered the weakest contestant among the finalists. The winner will not only take home the trophy but also a cash prize of approximately Rs 50 lakh.

supermeme.ai

Note: For more informative articles on upcoming market fluctuations from around the world, please visit In Indiatimes Events.
How to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025?: One of the year's most anticipated tech events is Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025, where the company will reveal its newest inventions, including brand-new smartphones, tablets, and other fascinating devices. You won't want to miss this event if you're interested in Samsung's plans or are a tech enthusiast. The good news? It's easier than ever to watch! You can watch it from the comfort of your home, wherever you are, as Samsung usually streams the event live online. There are numerous ways to watch the action unfold, whether using a laptop, smartphone, or smart TV. We'll walk you through the process of live streaming the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 and keep you informed in this tutorial.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event: Live-streaming details

On January 22, 2025, Samsung will host the event in San Jose. The event will start at 11:30 PM IST in India and be live-streamed online at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT/6 PM GMT/7 PM CET worldwide. The Galaxy AI will also be the event's main attraction this year, the brand said in a recent invitation to Unpacked 2025. The live stream is available on Samsung's YouTube channel, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung.com.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event: What to expect?

Credit: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S25, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are the three primary announcements we anticipate at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025. A larger 6.9-inch screen and a new 50MP ultra-wide camera for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a potent new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for all three models, more RAM in the base and Ultra models, and improved AIincluding an upgrade for Bixby that is similar to ChatGPTare some of the significant rumored upgrades. However, these may be similar to their predecessors based on apparent leaks and rumors. However, that update will probably be available for some current Samsung Galaxy phones as well, and it is anticipated to be a major highlight of the event along with other new AI features. In addition, Samsung's One UI 7, the upcoming Android interface with which the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to debut, will undoubtedly be visible. It's unclear what else we might see, although it's likely that the anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim will be teased there. However, we don't expect a formal announcement until sometime in May. The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 may also be unveiled, and Project Moohan may show up. Although Samsung's mixed reality headset has already been revealed, significant issues remain, such as this competitor's price to Apple's Vision Pro.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, his right-hand man Elon Musk met with a host of Indian business leaders and expressed confidence that ties between India and the US are trending positive. Musk met the Indian business leaders at his SpaceX Starbase facility in Texas on Friday.

ELON MUSK HOSTS INDIA GLOBAL FORUM DELEGATION



As the worlds most powerful democracy transitions to a Trump presidency, meaningful dialogue is more important than ever in these challenging times.



Pleased to have led a conversation with @elonmusk whose groundbreaking work is pic.twitter.com/ER6MfOElBN  Manoj Ladwa (@manojladwa) January 17, 2025

Indian business delegation meets Elon Musk

The Indian business leaders who met Musk include Essar Capital's Director Prashant Ruia, Co-Head of Kotak811 Jay Kotak, OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of Flipkart Kalyan Krishnamurthy, and Aryaman Birla, the Director of Aditya Birla Management Corporation.

The delegation was part of the India Global Forum (IGF), the UK-headquartered policy and events platform, which is now expanding into the US.

'Things trending positive'

During the discussion, Musk emphasised the potential for deeper collaboration between the United States and India, particularly in the technology and space exploration sectors.

Things are trending positive. Im certainly in favour of lowering trade barriers to increase commerce between the US and India, Musk said.

He went on to describe India as "one of the ancient civilisations and a very great and very complex one".

Indian delegation meets Trump administration

The delegation had earlier held closed-door discussions on Thursday with members of the incoming Trump administration and key US stakeholders and policymakers, including Jacob Helberg - the Designated Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment in the new American administration.

With geopolitics, security, defence & economic cooperation on the table, India Global Forum's landmark debut in the U.S. sets the stage for deeper  collaboration, just ahead of the second inauguration of Donald Trump as President.



The discussions explored opportunities in pic.twitter.com/odEKRmIhaD  India Global Forum (@IGFupdates) January 16, 2025

Musk's business plans in India

The meetings, including with Musk, attain significance as the Tesla CEO, who is also the co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is expected to play a key role in the policies of the Trump administration, especially when it comes to trade and technology. Musk also has business ambitions in India, including bringing Tesla and Starlink to the country.

Trump's tariff threat

Throughout his election campaign and post his victory in November, Trump had criticised India over high tariffs on American goods and threatened to impose reciprocating measures.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has broken its silence over the suspicious death of its former employee-turned-whistleblower, Suchir Balaji. In a statement issued on Friday, January 17, nearly two months after the Indian-origin artificial intelligence researcher was found dead in his home in San Francisco, OpenAI said the company is still heartbroken by his passing.

CREDIT: AP

Suchir was a valued member: OpenAI

"Suchir was a valued member of our team, and we are still heartbroken by his passing. We continue to feel his loss deeply," OpenAI said in a statement issued on X.

Death of Suchir Balaji

Suchir had worked at OpenAI for nearly four years before resigning over ethical concerns in August 2024.

The 26-year-old was found dead under mysterious circumstances less than a month after raising concerns over the unethical use of online data by OpenAI.

Though the authorities have ruled that Balaji died of suicide, his family has raised suspicions and claimed that he was murdered.

OpenAI on investigation into Balaji's death

"We have reached out to the San Francisco Police Department and have offered our assistance if it's needed. Law enforcement are the right authorities in this situation, and we trust them to continue sharing updates as needed. Out of respect, we wouldn't be commenting further," the OpenAI statement said.

Many on social media responded to OpenAI's statement, calling it haphazard and wondering why it took the company 51 days to respond to such a serious matter.

Calling Suchir a valued team member hardly does justice to his impact. @johnschulman2 himself credited Suchir as a top contributor at OpenAI, whose groundbreaking work was essential to the advancements behind ChatGPT and more. https://t.co/sywWdpFOiS  Suchir | Justice Movement (@SuchirJustice) January 16, 2025

CREDIT: REUTERS

Allegations by Suchir Balaji's family

His mother, Poornima Rao, alleged that OpenAI killed her son to "hide something they want nobody to know." According to her, Balaji had documents against the ChatGPT maker and knew what they were up to.

How do I bring out cover up of crime scene investigation by the CAI he brought by our attorney? Will FBI look into this ? Will CSI lose his license?



When evidence is obvious how can he ignore and tell against our interests? This is another corruption in state where state govt  Poornima Rao (@RaoPoornima) January 16, 2025

Even OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk had expressed doubts about Balaji's death, saying, "This doesn't seem like a suicide."

In a blog posted on his website in October 2024, Balaji had claimed that OpenAI's use of data to train ChatGPT violated copyright laws.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
On Saturday, January 18, three civilians were killed in a Russian terrorist attack in Kyiv. Among them were a married couple.

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The mayor of the capital, Vitalii Klychko, announced this on his Telegram channel. Work continues on the site to eliminate the consequences of the shelling

"We have confirmed the information about three people killed as a result of the enemy's attack on the capital," Klychko said.

The KIAA added that civilians born in 1983, 1981, and 1999 were killed as a result of the Russian terrorist attack. Among them were a married couple. Information about the fourth victim was not confirmed. Three other victims of the shelling received medical assistance on the spot but refused to be hospitalized.

As a reminder, Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv on Saturday, January 18. As a result of the shelling in the Shevchenkivskyi district of the capital, civilians were killed and injured, buildings were damaged, and cars burned.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of January 17-18, Russia attacked Kyiv region with the help of kamikaze drones. Air defense forces successfully worked in the region, but, unfortunately, the debris damaged buildings and cars.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
In the latest developments surrounding the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, reports reveal that the Bandra Police recorded Kareena Kapoor's statement on Friday evening. According to India Today and other news outlets, Kapoor described the attacker as "highly aggressive" and mentioned that Saif had to step in to protect their younger son, Jeh.

What Kareena Kapoor Khan said in her statement to police

According to India Today, Kareena Kapoor Khan told the police that the attacker who injured her husband, Saif Ali Khan, at their Mumbai apartment was "highly aggressive," stabbing him multiple times without taking anything.

Kareena mentioned that during the incident, the women and children were moved to the 12th floor for safety.

As reported by ABP, Kareena also noted that although her jewellery was kept in a nearby room, the attacker didn't touch it.

Earlier in the evening before the attack, Kareena was having a girls' night with her sister Karisma and friends Sonam and Rhea Kapoor, while Saif stayed home with their sons, Taimur and Jeh.

Credit: Instagram

Kareena Kapoor Khan's Instagram post after attack on Saif Ali Khan

In the evening of the fateful day, after Saif's surgery, Kareena took to Instagram to shared that the family is still "trying to process" what happened and asked for privacy during this challenging time.

Credit: Instagram

She also mentioned that the ongoing attention is not only overwhelming but also puts their safety at risk, urging the paparazzi and the media to respect their boundaries.

Attacker fled after stabbing Saif 6 times

The incident took place around 2 a.m. on Thursday when an intruder entered Jeh's room.

Nurse Eliyama Philip, who was the first to spot the intruder, described seeing a thin figure holding a wooden stick and a blade similar to a hacksaw. When she tried to alert Saif and Kareena, the attacker threatened her to remain silent.

The noise drew Saif's attention, and he confronted the intruder but was overpowered in the struggle. After assaulting him, the attacker fled.

Saif suffered six stab wounds, including one where a 2.5-inch piece of blade got stuck in his spine.

Doctors at Lilavati Hospital have since removed it. In addition to the knife wounds, Saif also received two deep cuts while trying to defend himself.

Saif's doctors have stated that he is recovering well and is currently on bed rest.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Coldplay arrived in India on Thursday, just days before their concert scheduled for Saturday, and wasted no time seeking blessings ahead of the event. On Friday, the band's frontman Chris Martin, joined by his partner, actor Dakota Johnson, visited the Shri Babulnath Temple in Mumbai. Videos from their visit quickly went viral, particularly one showing Dakota whispering into Nandi's ear, sparking a flurry of reactions online!

Before Coldplay's highly anticipated concert in Mumbai on Saturday, Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson visited a Shiva temple.

A video of their visit has surfaced, showing the couple dressed in traditional Indian attire. Chris wore a light blue kurta set paired with a Rudraksha mala, while Dakota opted for a simple cotton salwar suit.

The moment that captured fans' hearts was Dakota's act of whispering into Nandi's ear, Lord Shiva's sacred bull, as part of a traditional ritual.

The UK band will perform three consecutive shows at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, with their grand finale set for January 25 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This final performance will be streamed online for fans to watch worldwide.

There are several other videos of their visit, check them out below:





Fans react hilariously to Dakota and Chris' temple visit

Fans, of course, couldn't stay calm! Who would have guessed Dakota and Chris would be whispering into Nandi's ears?

The reactions have been as hilarious as you would expect.

One fan jokingly asked, "Does God understand British English?

Another quipped, "We got Dakota Johnson praying in a temple before GTA 6!"

One fan praised them, saying, "The way he smiles and does namasteyyy . So glad they're embracing Sanatan culture."

And of course, many comments are filled with, you guessed it, people saying they have extra tickets for the concert!

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Bollywood royalty Saif Ali Khan proved he's not just a reel-life hero but a real-life one too when he faced an unimaginable attack at his Mumbai home. The actor was stabbed multiple times while protecting his children and staff during a burglary attempt on Thursday night. Despite the injuries, Saif's composure and courage became the talk of the town.

Auto driver recreates the Saif Ali Khan attack incident - Blood soaked, called for help

In a spine-chilling revelation, Bhajan Singh Rana, the autorickshaw driver who rushed Saif to Lilavati Hospital, recalled how the star's white kurta was drenched in blood. I was near Saif's building when I suddenly heard urgent calls for help, Rana shared. He added that he initially didn't recognize Saif. It was only when we reached the hospital, and he calmly asked the guard to bring a stretcher, that he said, 'I am Saif Ali Khan.'

VIDEO | Attack on Saif Ali Khan: Bhajan Singh, the autorickshaw driver who took the actor to Lilavati Hospital after the knife attack, said:



"There were three people in the auto  Saif Ali Khan, a kid, and a young man, possibly his son. He was able to speak. He seemed normal pic.twitter.com/0d69TzM6Rp  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 17, 2025

Taimur Ali Khan was not scared reveals auto driver

Saif, who had a young boy with him during the ordeal, reportedly maintained his composure. He wasn't scared. He walked into the auto and sat by himself, bleeding but calm. Even at the hospital, he walked in on his own, said Rana, who was so moved by Saif's bravery that he didn't charge him a fare.

According to hospital doctors, Saif walked into Lilavati like a lion. His injuries, though serious, didn't dampen his spirit. Police reports revealed that the attacker had broken into Saif's house intending to loot but ended up engaging in a scuffle with the actor, who fearlessly defended his family and staff.

Saif Ali Khan attacked

The audacious midnight attack and Saif's stoic reaction have left fans and onlookers in awe. Rana, who hails from Uttarakhand, described the ordeal as something he would never forget. Even with such injuries, he didn't lose his calm. It was remarkable, he said.

As Saif recovers from his injuries, his midnight heroics remind us why he's a true Nawab at heartnot just in titles but in actions.
Imagine the world's richest man, Elon Musk, making a visit to the sacred Maha Kumbh Mela, driven by devotion and seeking blessings. It might sound surprising, but it wouldn't be unprecedentedafter all, even Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, recently attended the mela. Interestingly, the credit for inviting Tesla CEO Musk goes to none other than Indian author Amish Tripathi.

Tripathi, who is known for his The Shiva Trilogy recently shared an exciting moment on social media, recounting an engaging interaction with none other than Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

Describing the meeting, Tripathi wrote, "An invigorating hour spent with none other than @elonmusk."

The conversation spanned an array of topics, reflecting Musks diverse interests and intellect. "We discussed a range of topics from spirituality, consciousness, interplanetary travel, monetary policy, engineering amongst others," Tripathi shared.

Amidst the rich exchange of ideas, Tripathi took the opportunity to extend a unique invitation to Muskan invitation to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. "And an invitation to the Maha Kumbh Mela! Hope he can make it!!" Tripathi added enthusiastically.

An invigorating hour spent with none other than @elonmusk, in an exclusive event organised by @manojladwa. We discussed a range of topics from spirituality, consciousness, interplanetary travel, monetary policy, engineering amongst others. And an invitation to the Maha Kumbh pic.twitter.com/5U9wXsej6r  Amish Tripathi (@authoramish) January 17, 2025

The photo shared by Amish Tripathi captures Elon Musk alongside members of the Indian delegation, including notable figures like Ritesh Agarwal, Aryaman Birla, Jay Kotak, and others.

Whether Musk visits or not is still uncertain, but the internet has already imagined his visit, along with that of other leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin! Check out the AI-generated video below:

Elon Musk, Putin, Donald Trump and Other Celebs at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 - AI Version  *Wait For End*  #MahaKumbh2025 #MahaKumbhMela2025 pic.twitter.com/Aeq2r9SFo9  Rosy (@rose_k01) January 15, 2025

Elon Musk's delayed India visit: No confirmed date yet

Last year, Elon Musk was supposed to visit India but had to delay his trip. The SpaceX CEO was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, but he postponed the visit due to "very heavy Tesla obligations."

He mentioned that he looks forward to visiting later in the year, but that did not happen.

Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 20, 2024

Currently, while Musk has shown interest in the Indian market, there is no confirmed date for his visit.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
BERLIN (ANA-MPA/F. Karaviti) --- It is important that Germany is placed in the camp of the European People's Party", stressed associates of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the sidelines of the meeting of the leaders of the European People's Party, which is taking place in Berlin,

underlining at the same time that "it is not it is good for Europe that Germany is in recession".

According to the associates of the prime minister, who yesterday had a bilateral meeting with the leader of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and candidate for chancellor in the upcoming elections, Friedrich Merz, in the CDU's election program " there are many reforms and policies that have been implemented or are being implemented in Greece in the last five years", ", such as the planned tax reduction, fiscal consistency, the stimulation of competitiveness and the digitization of the state. "This is a recipe that brought results in Greece and this was also discussed in yesterday's meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the head of the CDU".

   iefimerida.gr
Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for the Diaspora Giorgos Kotsiras referred to the promoted actions for the practical support of the Greek language worldwide, in an interview with the radio "Parapolitika" on Saturday.

Kotsiras referred to the horizontal support, "for the first

time after many years", of 43 schools and programs of Greek studies in 17 countries around the world , as well as the promotion of the interconnection of Greek universities with academic institutions abroad and the networking of Greek scientists of the Diaspora in collaboration with institutions such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Study in Greece.

The expansion of the Greek language learning platform staellinika.com and a series of cultural activities further contribute to the promotion of the Greek language, culture and history and are warmly welcomed by Greeks abroad. "We have proven over the years that our relationship with Greeks abroad is our main priority. We are moving forward with actions and not in theory", stressed Kotsiras.

Referring to the foreign policy, Kotsiras underlined that Greece practices a policy of principles and has accumulated significant diplomatic capital, the result of which is its election to the position of non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the leader of the Christian Democratic Union Party (CDU) and Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz on Friday afternoon, on the sidelines of the European People's Party leaders' meeting in Berlin.

According to sources, issues of mutual and

European interest were discussed. Mitsotakis and Merz focused on the economy and the competitiveness of the European Union, the upcoming elections in Germany , and the dynamic recovery of the Greek economy.

The CDU's program for the February 23 elections was also discussed, which was found to have common ground with the program implemented by the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to the same sources, the dynamic recovery of the Greek economy was discussed. Mitsotakis referred to the digitalisation of the state and highlighted the Greek success in this area.

Mitsotakis and Merz exchanged views on the issue of European defence. Mitsotakis reiterated the need for joint European funding of important defence programs of common interest to the European Union, such as European air defence.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece welcomes Trump's second term with a completely opposite image compared to the first term, which coincided with the very difficult years of the "proud negotiation", underlined government spokeperson Pavlos Marinakis, in an interview with Real FM on Saturday,

referring to Greece's cooperation prospects with the elected President of the USA

He said that now Greece is an exception of stability and progress, in a Europe of turmoil, uncertainty and in a world in which completely different facts have been formed.

"There is no doubt that we are living a new reality in the world and in Europe" said Marinakis and added: "We have succeeded in very difficult years with wars, unprecedented crises, with many problems of the citizens that we still have to solve, to be a country that has been strengthened defensively, diplomatically, to play a leading role at the international level and in the European Union.

The government spokesman said he was not concerned about Trump canceling defense deals with Cyprus, adding that there was continuity among the states. "It's something that won't change, it'll just get stronger," he said.

Marinakis stressed that Europe must generally "run" faster, as the Draghi report pointed out, and must realise that the times of previous years must not be repeated.

   iefimerida.gr


The Akwa Ibom State Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two oil thieves, Olufunsho Dayo Chevy and Uwem Udo Nya.

The duo, along with their vessel, MT New Angel, and company, Edi Eurolink Distribution, were found guilty of stealing and unlicensed dealing in petroleum products.

The convicts were sentenced by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Calabar, and fined N20 million, which translates to N5 million each.

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The fine is to be paid into the Federal Governments account.

According to the EFCCs disclosure on Friday by Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the convicts pleaded guilty to the charge, and the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, reviewed the facts of the case and advanced evidence to secure their conviction.

The defence counsel, Chris Okeadaka and Cyprian Afahanam, pleaded for mercy, citing that their clients were first-time offenders.

The EFCC also disclosed that nine other suspects are still at large in connection with the crime.

READ ALSO: EFCC Issues Invitation To Okoya Brothers Over Alleged Naira Abuse

That you, MT New Angel, Edi Eurolink Distribution, Olufunsho Dayo Chevy, Uwem Udoh Nya, Olusaneku Patrick Victor (at large), Ezie Kenneth Othuke (at large), Imo Tammy Wisdom (at large), Ege Isaiah (at large), Obanla Sunday John (at large), Asuquo Okon Iwait (at large), Yoosu Alex Aonodue (at large), Nwaigwe Kingdom (at large), Ezechukwu Stanley Nnamdi (at large), sometime in June 2024, at Calabar within the jurisdiction of this honourable court without an appropriate license issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, did deal in petroleum product (crude oil) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 13(2)(b)(i) of the Petroleum Act CAP Pi0, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and punishable under the same section, the charge read.

In a separate case, the EFCC secured the conviction of an internet fraudster, Shedrach Johnson, alias Johnny Depp.

He was sentenced to three months imprisonment and fined N100,000 for offences bordering on identity theft, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence.
Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven hoodlums, in connection with deadly communal clash which happened at Gbalegi village, Idanre Local Government Area of the state.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the unfortunate incident occurred on Friday amid land dispute between Idanre and Akure communities.

A source, who confirmed the clash to PUNCH, disclosed that the villagers had been at loggerheads over the ownership of the boundary.

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Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, the Ondo State Police Commands Spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, said that security agents had quickly swung into action as it sent its men to the scene to calm the situation.

She said: The police, on receipt of the information, moved to the scene and arrested seven (7) people who were in possession of charms and seven single-barrel guns with a cache of live ammunition and expended ones.

READ MORE: Properties Destroyed, Two Residents Killed In Ondo Communal Clash

The police further combed the nearby bush areas and found four (4) corpses with bullet wounds.

The CP calls for caution in handling cases related to boundary issues and urges communities involved in land disputes to approach the law court for proper redress rather than resorting to self-help or violence.
Another unexpected hit on the Netflix platform. In recent days, the series "American Primeval" has been gaining more and more popularity among viewers  the show remains at the top of views even though it is called one of the most violent in the streaming catalog.

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OBOZ.UA tells what the hit series is about. And why it is worth watching this weekend.

"American Primeval" is a historical western by genre. It describes in detail and without embellishment the period when European colonizers conquered the US Wild West. More specifically, the Utah War of 1857-1858. Back then, during a 10-month conflict in what is now the state of Utah, Mormons, the U.S. Army, and indigenous peoples clashed.

The screenwriter and producer Mark L. Smith created "American Primeval," and the director Peter Berg was responsible for the production. In their work, they decided not to cut corners, but to show the violence that accompanied these events in as much detail as possible. Throughout six episodes, the audience witnesses very realistic shootings, axe fights, and bloodshed.

In the story, a woman named Sara finds herself in a difficult life situation with her son. This forces her to join a group of Mormons traveling through the undeveloped territories of America. The path of the travelers leads them into terrible danger, where they will have to fight for survival with the local peoples. They are determined not to let strangers into their lands. The winner of the conflict will not only gain territory but will also be able to make their culture dominant. Such high stakes give rise to unprecedented violence.

Currently, the show's rating on the IMDb aggregator is 8.3 points. The series premiered on January 9. All episodes are already available on Netflix with Ukrainian dubbing.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Nigerias Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disclosed significant allocation of funds to the three tiers of government.

As revealed in a statement on Friday by the Finance Ministry, in December 2024, a total of N1.42 trillion was shared among the Federal, State, and Local Governments.

This allocation is a result of a gross total of N2.310 trillion, representing an increase of N300 billion compared to the N1.72 trillion distributed in November.

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The Federal Government received N451 billion, while States and Local Governments received N498 billion and N361 billion, respectively.

Additionally, oil-producing states received N113.477 billion as derivation, equivalent to 13% of mineral revenue.

READ ALSO: FG, States, LGAs Allocation Increased By N310bn In November  FAAC

The FAAC also reported a significant decline in gross statutory revenue, dropping by 32% to N1.22 billion in December.

This decrease is attributed to a decline in oil and gas royalty, CET levies, excise duty, import duty, petroleum profit tax (PPT), and companies income tax (CIT).

According to the FAAC, From that amount, the sum of N25.982 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N18.707 billion given for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds.

The committee also stated that The remaining sum of N649.561 billion was distributed to the three tiers of government, of which the Federal Government got N90.731 billion, the States received N302.436 billion and Local Government Councils got N211.705 billion.

The allocation also included N31.2 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and N402.7 billion from exchange difference.


Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, in Friday, pledged to work collaboratively with other government branches to achieve a greater State.

During her inaugural plenary, Meranda appointed new principal officers to lead the House, including Honourable Temitope Adedeji as Majority Leader and Richard Kasunmu as Deputy Majority Leader.

Meranda emphasized the importance of cooperation between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, stating, The synergy between us and other arms of government is crucial in the regard for good governance and democratic development.

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She also expressed her commitment to maintaining open communication with the executive branch, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Speaker outlined her vision for the 10th Assembly, promising to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Rewrite this news story to avoid plagiarism.

READ ALSO: Lagos PDP Demands Immediate Probe Of Former Speaker Obasa

We will promote transparency, accountability in governance, ensuring that our actions are guided by the principles of integrity, fairness and justice, she said.

Meranda also encouraged her colleagues to focus on delivering better services to the people of Lagos, rather than dwelling on past controversies.

We will prioritise leaving the past behind and forging ahead.

Our goal is to create a more inclusive, and participatory democracy where citizens are actively engaged in decision making processes that impact their lives, she added

The House also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Pa Sunny Ajose, a member of the Governors Advisory Committee and party leader in Badagry.

The Chief Whip, David Setonji, consoled with the people of Badagry, and the Speaker instructed the Acting Clerk to write a condolence letter to the family and people of Badagry. The House adjourned plenary until January 21, 2025.
Niger State Government has mourned the death of many residents that were killed in an explosion that occurred at Dikko junction around Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

It was gathered that the horrible incident happened on Saturday, when some individuals in the area went to scoop petrol from a tanker, after an accident.

Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt.

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Reacting to the incident on Saturday in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, Bologi Ibrahim, described the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.

He sympathised with the families of the victims of the explosion and prayed that Allah would repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.

READ MORE: Petrol Tanker Explosion Kills Four In Delta

The statement reads: Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expresses shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.

He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.

The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging security agents to ensure security in the area.

A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker, was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning, after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content.

Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt.
The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Friday paraded 36 scavengers arrested across Abuja.

They were allegedly involved in criminal activities, including vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.

Olusola Odumosu, the FCT Commandant, told journalists that the individuals were apprehended in various sections of the city centre and suburbs as part of an ongoing crackdown on scavengers, also known as Baban bola.

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The arrests were made in line with instructions from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to enforce a ban on scavenging in the territory and halt operations in Pantaker Markets for a two-week period.

READ MORE: Troops Nab Suspected Gunrunner In Taraba, Recover Submachine Gun

These individuals were arrested for engaging in criminal acts under the guise of scavenging. They vandalise manhole covers, streetlights, solar panels, and other public infrastructure to sell as scrap, causing significant damage to the citys infrastructure, he stated.

The commandant stated that the suspects were also connected to robbery, theft of household items, and various other criminal activities.

Items recovered from the suspects included four daggers, three jackknives, chisels, iron rods, narcotics, codeine syrup, and wraps of cannabis.

Odumosu further mentioned that investigations revealed some scavengers serve as informants for armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal groups.

The most vital is that many of them work as informants for armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins, terrorists, bandits, and all sorts of criminal gangs.

Many families have fallen victim to kidnapping, abduction for ransom, murder, assassination, and the like because they give information about your family, the number of children you have, the types of cars you drive, where you work, and by extension, keep tabs on your movements, he said.

He reaffirmed the FCT administrations zero-tolerance policy towards scavenging in the city and cautioned that violators would be prosecuted.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has assured Nigerians that hardship will soon be forgotten in the country.

He added that the ongoing economic reforms by President Bola Tinubus government are beginning to yield good results.

Speaking on Saturday at a conference organized by Covenant Nation in Lagos State, Mr. Oyedele noted that removing petrol subsidies is the best decision Nigeria could ever make.

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He said: Removing subsidies is the best decision we made as a country. And we can now say that for once, subsidy is gone.

We were living on window-dressed realities. If you look back to about two years ago, naira exchange rate was N450 depending on who you asked.

But was our exchange rate really N450? If you wanted to buy petrol, it was under N200 per litre, but was it really under N200 per litre?

READ MORE: No Regret Over Removal Of Subsidy  Tinubu Insists

There wasnt band A at the time. Electricity was what time at the time, but was that really the price? A country can afford to sell petrol at N200 per litre if you can afford it. But there is everything wrong if you can not afford it.

So, Nigeria was doing worse than it ought to, and then we had this sense of our economy was not doing great. We thought that our economy is the largest in Africa.

Our GDP was around N450 million dollars. We thought our per capital income is about $2, 000 per person but it was not up to that.

Nigeria used all its revenue to service debts. We were not paying debts back o. we were just servicing it. In order what, everything other thing we did, from paying salaries to fighting Boko Haram, we were just borrowing.

Speaking further, Oyedele urged Nigerians to have positive outlook on the country.

He said: There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. But maybe there is something wrong with the people ruling Nigeria.

In America, people get killed every day by gunmen. But have you ever heard Americans say May America never happen to you?

Lets stop saying May Nigeria never happen to you. Maybe we can turn it into May Nigeria work for me.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, is no longer receiving a salary from the Commission.

This development comes amid concerns over the stalled prosecution of Yunusa-Ari, who faces charges related to electoral misconduct.

Yunusa-Ari was suspended in April 2023 after he illegally declared the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Aishatu Binani, as the winner of the Adamawa State governorship election while collation was still ongoing.

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The declaration was made despite the incumbent, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, leading in the vote count.

READ ALSO: Suspended Adamawa REC, Yunusa-Ari Fled To Niger Republic  Lawyer Tells Court

Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, told Saturday Punch, Yunusa-Ari has not been on the payroll of the Commission since August 2023 when he was charged to court. No remuneration has been paid to him since then.

The former REC was arraigned at the State High Court in Yola following a directive from then-President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the matter.

However, as revealed, the prosecution efforts have been frustrated by the Nigeria Police Forces failure to present Yunusa-Ari in court despite court orders and a bench warrant for his arrest.

Rotimi Jacobs, the lawyer handling the case for INEC, expressed frustration over the polices lack of cooperation.

The police have refused to act on the judges orders to produce the suspect. All efforts to bring him to court have been ignored. This has left everyone  the judge, the court, INEC, and the prosecution  frustrated, Jacobs lamented.
Lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume has insisted that the Nigeria Governors Forums endorsement over tax reform bills is a welcome development, but not enough.

Senator Ndume noted that President Bola Tinubus led government still need to explain some parts of the bill to Nigerians for further clarification.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa service, on Saturday, the lawmaker said that there was a need to open doors for wider consultations and public inputs in order to have a unison stance on the legislation.

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He said: What the governors did is a welcome development, but it is not enough because we still do not have comprehensive understanding of the bills.

READ MORE: Stop Bastardizing Tax Reform Bill To Nigerians  Northern Youths Tell Politicians

There is a need for transparency. The process should not be rushed as this would lead to making mistakes.

The door for correcting the mistakes has been opened now, unlike before when it was closed and the bills left as they were. The work is now with the legislators and the general public.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the bills, currently before the National Assembly, have suffered heavy criticisms especially in northern part of the country, with many describing it of as anti-north agenda of the President Tinubu-led administration.
Some yet to be identified gunmen have abducted wife of a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, at their home in Arepo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It was gathered that Mrs. Odumosu was abducted in the early hours of Friday by the criminal elements.

The hoodlums were said to have shot sporadically upon gaining entry into the premises of the victims house to scare away people.

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Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, Ogun State Police Commands Spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed that security agents had been immediately deployed to ensure the safe.

She said: Information was received regarding the kidnapping of Mrs Odumosu, resident of Aminu Street, Arepo. return of Mrs Odumosu.

READ MORE: Ogun Police Arrest Security Guard For Attempted Defilement Of Minor

Reports indicate that she was about to enter her home when four masked men attacked her, dragged her from her jeep and took her through the swamp to an unknown location.

The divisional police officer has led a team of policemen to the scene where they are currently searching for the swampy bush area.

The CP, Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has been briefed, and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt.
Martins Vincent Otse often known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a Nigerian social media activist, has expressed support for Seyi Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 Lagos governorship race.

On Friday, the activist took to Instagram to assert that Seyi Tinubu represents a bridge to make Nigeria work.

VDM contended that if elected governor, Seyi could open the door for more young people to get involved in politics.

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READ MORE: Late Alaafins Daughter Accuses Queen Dami Of Paternity Fraud, Claims She Bought Her Child In Port Harcourt

For the past few months they have been playing around with the topic of Seyi Tinubu possibly becoming the governor of Lagos state in 2027, he said.

Although Seyi Tinubu has not acknowledged if he wants to campaign to be the next governor if Seyi Tinubu decides to run for governorship Im going to campaign for him 100 percent.

I dont do politics but Ill do politics because of Seyi Tinubu. Based on my calculation, Seyi Tinubu is a bridge to get something that I want, something that I believe will make Nigeria work.

I have been studying Seyi Tinubus pattern and he looks like someone who has his fathers type of political mentality.

This is my opinion, if Seyi Tinubu becomes the governor he will want to act like his father and strategically plant people that he can control and that is how young people will come into the picture.

He cannot put an old man in control, he will start looking for young people. My interest is that through this old men will be removed from power and power will enter the hands of the youths.

Seyi Tinubu has not yet revealed any intentions to run in the 2027 election.

Watch him speak below

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE7DdULMFva/?igsh=MTZjbGhvdTE2ZzRmdA==


Nigerias Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the recent vandalism of Abujas transmission lines, which has left several areas, including his own office, without electricity.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that vandals had attacked and damaged the electricity lines supplying power to various parts of Abuja, marking the second such incident in less than a month.

This act of sabotage follows a similar attack on TCNs 330 kilovolts (kV) Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.

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Adelabu expressed his frustration at the inauguration of a 100MVA power transformer at the 132/33 kV transmission substation in Isolo, Lagos, stating, It can be depressing when we have just completed a transformer installation and few weeks after, they are brought down by vandals.

He emphasized that such acts of vandalism are not only detrimental to the countrys energy sector but also demonstrate a lack of patriotism.

This shows that we dont love ourselves, this does not happen in many other parts of the world.

A lot of places are in darkness today because of these acts of vandalism, Adelabu said.

READ ALSO: TCN Needs N2.779tn For 149 Projects  Adelabu Laments Funding Gap

The minister pointed out that the consequences of these actions are far-reaching, citing the example of Bayelsa state, which was left without electricity for four months due to vandalism.

He also noted that his own office was affected, saying, This act has thrown the Central Area in Abuja, Maitama which includes my own office in Garki Area into darkness.

Why do we hate this our country so much for us to engage in this kind of negative activity which does nothing but draw the country backwards? Adelabu asked.

As we are struggling to stabilise energy power transmission in the country, some people are hiding somewhere to frustrate this effort and draw the country backward, he added.

The minister urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, to collaborate in ensuring the sustainability and security of Nigerias power infrastructure.
Netflix continues to surprise with new releases in the new season. For example, the series "Apple Cider Vinegar" has caused a great deal of excitement. This story, based on real events, blew up social media and made many people think about the influence of influencers on the modern world.

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The trailer of the six-episode Australian series has already appeared online. The premiere is scheduled for February 6, and there is every chance that the series will become one of the most successful on the platform.

What is the series "Apple Cider Vinegar" about

The story of Belle Gibson, a single mother, is based on real events. In the era of social media, Belle starts blogging about healthy eating and exercise. Her sincerity and positive attitude quickly win the hearts of her followers. Belle, along with her friend Milla, begins working to "help" people recover.

To enhance her image and attract even more followers, Belle invents a story about her fight with cancer. This lie becomes the basis of her brand. The influencer starts selling a variety of health products, including, of course, apple cider vinegar.

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Over time, Belle turns into a real star in the health industry. She publishes books, conducts seminars, and collaborates with well-known brands. Social media helped her create a real "empire" of healthy lifestyles.

However, as often happens, sooner or later the truth becomes impossible to hide. Journalists begin to investigate Belle's story, and her empire begins to crumble.

The screenplay was written by Samantha Strauss ("Nine Perfect Strangers," "Dance Academy," "The End") in collaboration with Anya Beyersdorf and Angela Betzien.

The story is based on the book "The Woman Who Fooled the World" by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. The film was directed by Jeffrey Walker.

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Mark Coles Smith, Aisha Dee, and others.

The series raises important questions about the impact of social media and the phenomenon of influencers.

Viewers and critics are placing high stakes. "Apple Cider Vinegar" will be a reason to think about how we perceive information, whom we believe, and what is important in life.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
People wait in line to attend a job fair, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. Theres a burgeoning underground market connecting job seekers to anonymous company insiders willing to help them get a foot in the door. Read more

Copy, paste, refer. Over 18 months, thats the simple process that helped one enterprising tech worker recommend more than a thousand job candidates to his employer. His efforts produced more than half a dozen successful hires for the company and roughly $30,000 in employee referral bonuses for him. No one seemed to mind, or even realize, that nearly every person he endorsed was a complete stranger.

While referrals are typically reserved for known quantities  former colleagues, or at least someone with a mutual acquaintance who can vouch for them  theres a burgeoning underground market connecting job seekers to anonymous company insiders willing to help them get a foot in the door.

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In a job market where searches for work are lengthening and it can seem like resumes are being thrown into a black hole, weary applicants are looking for any edge they can get. Having a referral is no guarantee of a job offer, but it can substantially improve the odds. According to hiring platform Greenhouse, while external applicants have a 1 in 200 chance of being hired, those with referrals have a 1 in 25 chance. (Internal applicants  the ultimate known quantity  have a 1 in 5 chance of getting hired, though they typically only make up some 0.1% of candidates, according to Greenhouse.)

Upping the odds

On Blind, a free app used by some 12 million tech workers to anonymously discuss their employers, earnest job seekers post dozens of times a day on a forum for jobs and referrals asking about specific roles or companies. The employees  who are identified only by the company they work for, verified at sign-up via a valid work email address  will comment on the posts if theyre interested in helping, and typically instruct the requester to directly message them to sew up the logistics.

The process looks much the same on employer review site Glassdoors referrals forum, except the job seekers there are looking for roles in finance and consulting in addition to tech.

The tech worker who spoke with Bloomberg, who requested anonymity so as not to draw the attention of his employer, said he sourced most of his referrals on Blind. He invites interested candidates to fill out a Google form with their name, email address, and a short bio explaining why theyre a good fit for the desired role. He then pastes the information into his companys referral system. Each submission takes no more than a few seconds to complete, he said. The bounty he stands to earn can be as high as several thousand dollars per hire, depending on the role.

Pay to play

Job seekers find that one advantage of a platform like Blind is that theres no fee. Theres also no need to pen a handcrafted solicitation note like on LinkedIn (although for $12 a month, Referral Finder will automate the process of sending cold LinkedIn messages for you).

One marketing professional turned to Blind for referral requests after she was laid off from a live-events ticketing platform. She told Bloomberg that shopping for referrals feels subversive, since the recommendations arent based on existing relationships. She recently received five referral offers through Blind, though none were for companies with roles she was particularly interested in.

On sites like Refer Me and Refermarket, job seekers can anonymously request referrals from a verified employee of their target employer. One request per week is free, and users can pay for more frequent access. Costs vary: Refer Me charges $12 a month for unlimited referral requests, while users of Refermarket pay per request, which varies from $50 apiece to as little as $3 each, if theyre on a $29.99-a-month premium plan.

On another site, ReferralHub, insiders name their price. Current listings there range from $10 for an employee referral at ServiceNow to $50 for one at ByteDance, while endorsements for roles at BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Spotify were available for $20 to $25 apiece. A referral for roles at Microsoft was recently indicated as the most popular purchase on the site, having been sold over 200 times at $25 each.

Some of the most active referrers on the Refermarket site come from some of the top companies in the United States. Meta, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Google, IBM, and Salesforce all had at least one employee  and in some cases two or three  offering referrals on the platform.

Refermarkets FAQ page says that yes, companies do indeed allow this: Weve reached out to companies and cleared things out with a legal team that this is completely fair practice. Companies refer to these kind[s] of referrals as courtesy referrals. Other similar platforms also suggest the practice is allowed.

That would be news at Goldman Sachs and Google. A spokesperson for the investment bank said that [p]anticipating in this type of unapproved referral activity is against our code of conduct.

A spokesperson for Google said that referrals must be based on personal knowledge of candidates from their immediate networks, and that those recommendations are vetted and put through the same review process as other applicants.

BlackRock, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Spotify declined to comment. Meta, Amazon, IBM, and Salesforce did not respond to a request for comment.

Creating a market

Gilang Pradana, who works part-time as Refermarkets head of operations from West Java, said in an interview that the platform has amassed 10,000 users since it was founded by a California-based tech worker who was laid off from his job in 2023. About a third, he said, are premium users, who usually pay for the service for about three months.

Around 60% of the sites users are Indian, many of whom are looking to land a job at one of the big U.S. tech companies, Pradana said. The rest of the platforms users are mainly based in the U.S., he said. Out of a dozen requests, a typical referrer will say yes to about seven or eight, Pradana said.

Dominick Tavitian, the founder of rival platform Refer Me, told Bloomberg via email that there are tons of folks out there weve learned who like to give back to those who are potentially qualified and help those who were once in their shoes of looking for a job when they got overlooked. He said Refer Mes goal is to democratize job opportunities for people, so everyone has an equal chance at a job they are qualified for.

The risk to employees

Employee referral programs were always meant to be a win-win-win: for applicants, who get special priority in the hiring process; for employees, who are compensated when their networks produce a successful hire; and for employers, who can shave time and uncertainty from the hiring process by going with a known quantity delivered straight to human resources.

But that value proposition may turn into a win-win-lose as candidates and employees reap the rewards of a commodified process and employers are left sifting through poorly vetted candidates.

If employers are flooded with referrals for strangers, it's not clear how much the recommendations will actually help candidates.

Jenny Dearborn, chief people strategy officer at consulting firm BTS, said that at a prior employer, the talent acquisition team discovered that one employee was making hundreds of referrals per quarter. They never admonished the employee, she said, they simply began ignoring the referrals that person submitted.

Nolan Church, chief executive officer of pay transparency platform FairComp and a longtime tech executive, said that it may make sense for candidates to ask anonymous employees for referrals, since theres not much to lose. It can be dangerous for employees, though. The most important asset in your life is your reputation. It takes forever to build it and two seconds to light it on fire, Church said.
A part-time Collingdale Borough police officer who was sworn in on Sunday to help with a staffing shortage was criminally charged four days later for an alleged 2023 road-rage incident and has resigned.

Kevon Darden, 28, of Ambler, was charged with several misdemeanors, including making terroristic threats, for allegedly pointing a gun at another motorist on April 5, 2023, on the Blue Route in Ridley Township, according to the criminal complaint filed Thursday by the Pennsylvania State Police.

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Trooper Paul Holdefer, a state police spokesperson, said in an email that the case was delayed for 21 months because the forensic evidence was sent to a lab and took quite a while to process and receive which held up the case.

Holdefer continued: In addition, input was needed from the Delaware County District Attorneys office. When the final charges were approved by the DA, the Trooper filed the appropriate criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause. While not common, there are times and circumstances that delay the filing of charges. This appears to be one of those instances.

The affidavit of probable cause included with the criminal complaint states that Darden voluntarily submitted to a gunshot residue test of himself and his car. The person who reported the incident, a dump truck driver, told the state trooper that he heard a loud bang that he believed was a gunshot.

Darden, who denied firing his gun, according to the affidavit, could not be reached for comment Friday evening.

At the time of the alleged road-rage incident, Darden was working as a police officer at Cheyney University. Prior to that, he worked as a police officer in Yeadon Borough and as a part-time officer in Darby Borough.

It was not immediately clear why he left those departments and if all were part-time jobs.

A spokesperson for Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer could not be reached for comment.

Collingdale Police Chief Shanee N. Mitchell said in an email that Darden passed two background checks conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police. This week, however, the state police told her that he was under investigation and the charges had been approved by the district attorney. In an email the state police sent to Mitchell this week, they said: The firearm that he used during the event was seized and is still at our lab pending analysis.

In an interview Friday night, Borough Manager C. Michael Robinson also said Darden passed two background checks conducted by the state police.

Robinson and Mitchell said Darden submitted his resignation on Thursday, the day the charges were filed.

There are currently five full-time police officers working in Collingdale, Robinson said, explaining that the borough has a capacity for 14 full- and part-time officers.

To deal with the understaffing, Mayor Donna Matteo-Spadea last fall reached an arrangement with the state police to help with overnight police coverage, which is still ongoing, Robinson said.

On Sunday, with an added unavailability of officers, Robinson, the borough manager, announced in a statement that Darden had been sworn in as a part-time officer to work immediately.

Matteo-Spadea said in a statement on Wednesday that despite the understaffing problems, she declined to personally swear in Darden.

When I received a request to swear in an Officer, Sunday afternoon, whom I have never met or had any qualifications to go over, I had to make a difficult decision. I had to think about the potential risks and consequences, and as a caring leader, I will always prioritize our communitys and Officers well-being. Working on the street alone, with no training for your first tour of duty, is unacceptable, Matteo-Spadea said.

Darden was sworn in using a notary public, Robinson said.

Last fall, Collingdale was roiled with controversy when the borough council attempted to hire a Chester police officer as the chief. The president of the Delaware County police union objected and said Rhaheem Blanden was under criminal investigation for alleged misconduct while with the Chester police.

The borough decided against Blanden and instead hired Mitchell.

Court records show no charges have been filed in Delaware County against Blanden since the Collingdale controversy erupted.

On Sunday, Chris Eiserman, the police union president and also deputy police chief in Folcroft, immediately criticized the hiring of Darden.

What is occurring in Collingdale Borough is a total disgrace. The Council President is incompetent and has no clue how to operate a municipality. Sources now tell me they are going to hire a part-time officer who is under active criminal investigation by the State Police, Eiserman posted on X.

Staff writer Vinny Vella contributed to this article.
The cast of "Delco: The Movie" poses for a photo during the film's red carpet premiere on Friday at the Media Theatre. Read more

The premiere of Delco: The Movie at the Media Theatre Friday night was as Delco as watching a Birds game at the Original Clam Tavern, as Delco as seeing a tractor trailer get stuck under the 420 bridge, and as Delco as an Easter flower sale outside of Lou Turks Gentlemans Club.

Guests walked the red carpet (OK, it was more like a large area rug) dressed in everything from tuxedos and sequined ballgowns to tuxedo T-shirts and Eagles jerseys. People donned shirts and hats that said Delco, Delco by marriage, and Delco vs. Everyone, and the long line to get into the theater was rivaled only by the long line at the bar inside of it.

And despite a crowd that sometimes spilled into the road, the 101 trolley kept running right down the middle of State Street through it all.

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After a successful crowdfunding campaign and nearly two years of production, Delco: The Movie, an independent film about three teens in 2004 who decide to live a day the Delco Way debuted to a packed house that was ready to devour it like a Wawa hoagie on top of a trash can (which is a scene in the movie, and, of course, in real life).

The theater was filled with the films cast and crew, their families, business sponsors, VIPs, and those who donated $500 or more to the movies crowdfunding campaign. Three public showings of the movie this weekend sold out, but two more were added at 7 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Monday, for which tickets are still available.

Everybodys story

Making their way down the red carpet like it was a paved trail at Ridley Creek State Park were writer, director, and editor Chris Pierdomenico, a Delco native and graduate of Sun Valley High in Aston, and producer Leah Cevoli, a fellow Sun Valley High grad.

Its overwhelming. Im just so happy people care about this, Pierdomenico said. These are my characters and I wrote the story but I hope this is everybodys story.

The films local trio of leading actors  Steve Harding, Jeff Pfeiffer, and Jenna Kuerzi  also worked the red carpet, as did notable names in the cast including Brian OHalloran, best known for his role as Dante Hicks in the Clerks franchise; Philly native Brian Anthony Wilson, who played Detective Vernon Holley on The Wire; and Brian Dunkleman, who cohosted the first season of American Idol.

Its pretty much almost sold out here, which is a huge testament to people who love independent film but also to people who love supporting local filmmakers, OHalloran said.

Other notable guests included retired Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux and U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon.

Hell or Delco?

For Pierdomenico, 39, getting to make and see his movie on the big screen is the fulfillment of a lifetime dream.

He was inspired to become a filmmaker in high school, when he watched Kevin Smiths 1994 independent comedy, Clerks, which was made for just $27,575.

For his senior project in 2004, Pierdomenico wrote a script about three Delco teens, persuaded his friends to be in it, and premiered it at his high school.

Now a TV and video production teacher at Oxford Area High School in Chester County, Pierdomenico has made a handful of films, like the 2020 short Jesus V. Satan: Rise of the Zombies, but he never forgot his first movie and has continually reworked the script over the last 20 years.

The current version leans much more into Delco as a character and asks the question: Whats the worse fate, hell or Delco?

It follows three straight-laced high school teens who decide to live a day the Delco way, which Pierdomenico defines as jump first, ask questions later. Pierdomenico cast some of his former teachers at Sun Valley to play themselves and he involved some of his former students as crew members.

The movie was filmed over 11 days in Delco at local notable spots like Wawa, Tom Jones Family Restaurant, and the Brookhaven Police Department.

One of the biggest scenes was shot at the Springfield Presbyterian Church. People who donated $37 to the films crowdfunding campaign got to appear as extras in the scene with OHalloran, Wilson, and Dunkleman.

The movie was made for around $90,000, with $59,000 coming from the crowdfunding campaign and the rest from Delco businesses who sponsored it to get their name or product in the film.

The single biggest sponsor of Delco: The Movie was Matt Wallach, a minority owner of the Philadelphia Union who received an executive producer credit.

Wallach arrived at the premiere in a massive white stretch SUV limousine with about a dozen other people.

Growing up in Delaware County it was just a place to live. We didnt think it was such a big deal, but over time Delco became a verb, an adjective, and a noun, Wallach said. [The movie is] just a super fun project with a really enthusiastic team and after meeting them I thought This thing could actually be good, and I want to be associated with things that are good and I want to be associated with things that are Delco.

Heart and humor

Like another local filmmaker is known to do, Pierdomenico gave himself a small cameo in his movie. And during the closing credits, he hints at what might happen next in his Delco cinematic universe.

From start to finish the film is full of heart, humor, and heaps of Delco references. It touches on themes both local and universal, making it a coming-of-age story even non-Delconians can relate to.

Pierdomenico hopes to release the movie for home viewing in the future, but doesnt have a date yet.

The goal is for it to be seen by as many people as possible either by streaming or physical, he said. If I have to print it on a bunch of VHS tapes I will, but hopefully it will be something a little more modern.

Just as Clerks showed Pierdomenico his dream of making his own movie was possible, his film will undoubtedly inspire others to jump first, ask questions later, and tell their own Delco story, too.
Jack Nance as Henry Spencer in David Lynch's "Eraserhead." Living in Philadelphia in the 1960s inspired Lynch to make the film. Read more

Weeks before Callowhills Love City Brewing opened in April 2018, the team was putting together its first beer list for the tap room. Most of the offerings were finalized, but there was still room for limited releases.

At the time, no one in Philly was making hazy IPAs. So we were like, Well, I guess we should make one of these, said Mo Stubbs, the brewerys sales director.

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They did. And when it came to finding a name for it, they only had to look around the neighborhood.

Filmmaker and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts alum David Lynch, who died Thursday at age 78, lived at 13th and Wood Streets during the 1960s  a quarter mile away from where Love City now stands. His 1977 breakout film Eraserhead, made right after he left Philly, was filmed in California. But Lynch said in a 2014 interview with Criterion, that the film came out of the air in Philadelphia.

The city then, as Lynch described in a 1987 BBC documentary, was one of the sickest, most corrupt, decadent, fear-ridden cities that exists. And therefore, a natural inspiration for Eraserhead, which is about a tormented man named Henry whose mutant, creature-like child drives him insane with its wails.

It was my Philadelphia Story. It just doesnt have Jimmy Stewart in it! Lynch said to Criterion.

Philly residents, in a bid to honor the debt itll forever owe to Lynch, came to colloquially call the filmmakers erstwhile neighborhood Eraserhood  also the name Stubbs team decided for the new beer.

While some nonbelievers continue to call the neighborhood by other names  Callowhill, Loft District, North Chinatown  the brewery folks thought the new beer name was a no-brainer.

This hazy IPA is a nod to his dream, the worlds that he created within his movies, Stubbs said. The neighboring PhilaMOCAs annual Eraserhood Forever art show  an artistic celebration of the work of David Lynch  made for a strong case for the name as well.

My husband and our tap room manager were in a band that played at that event before. So this has been the fabric of this community for a long time, way before we even opened Love City, Stubbs said.

What was planned to be a one-time brew for opening day became a crowd favorite and Love City never stopped making Eraserhood. Its become one of our most popular brews, said Stubbs.

It seems like a happy accident that our can design has a chevron [pattern] on it, which I like to link to the Black Lodge scenes in the Twin Peaks series, said Stubbs, a Lancaster native who has been a Lynch fan since she was a teenager. The can, she added, is black and grey, a nod to the black and white film.

He has been a massive inspiration, said Stubbs, who even wanted to add a little image of Henrys creepy reptile-baby on the can.

You know, just like an Easter egg, on the back. I got voted down on that.
Frank Wampol, vice president of safety and health at the BL Harbert International construction company, based in Birmingham, Ala., is working on providing mental health first-aid training for on-site supervisors and information on suicide prevention to the companys 10,000-plus employees. (Katja Ridderbusch for KFF Health News) Read more

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  Frank Wampol had a dark realization when he came across some alarming data a few years ago: Over 5,000 male construction workers die from suicide annually  five times the number who die from work-related injuries, according to several studies. Thats considerably more than the suicide rate for men in the general population.

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To say this is a crisis would be an understatement, said Wampol, vice president of safety and health at BL Harbert International, a construction company based in Birmingham with over 10,000 employees.

Since then, the company has added mental health first-aid training for on-site supervisors and distributed information about suicide prevention to laborers in the field. The efforts are part of a larger push led by the industry and supported by unions, research institutions, and federal agencies to address construction workers mental health.

But initiatives to combat this mental health crisis are tougher to implement than protocols for hard hats, safety vests, and protective goggles. And some of the potential solutions, such as paid sick leave, have drawn pushback from the industry as it eyes costs.

Safety experts have long been concerned about the physical hazards of construction work. The Fatal Four hazards are falls, electrocutions, being struck by an object like a brick or a crane boom, and getting caught between two objects, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Only in recent years have the psychosocial hazards of construction work moved onto the public radar. Studies paint a grim picture, said Douglas Trout, an occupational medicine physician and deputy director of the Office of Construction Safety and Health at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

In addition to high suicide rates, drug use is rampant, especially opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that construction ranks highest in overdose deaths by occupation.

Rates of suicides and overdose deaths are some of the worst outcomes related to mental health conditions, Trout said. And unfortunately, these are the more measurable ones.

Less measurable but also prevalent among construction workers are anxiety and depression, which often remain undiagnosed. Almost half of construction workers have experienced symptoms of both, a rate higher than that of the general U.S. population, according to a preliminary 2024 study by the Center for Construction Research and Training, an arm of North Americas Building Trades Unions. But fewer than 5% of construction workers reported seeing a mental health professional, compared with 22% of all U.S. adults, according federal statistics.

The combination of high-hazard environments and organizational factors puts construction workers at particular risk for mental health issues, Trout said. Construction is a high-stress occupation involving long hours, extended separation from family and friends, and low job security due to the industrys cyclical nature.

Even though health insurance and workers compensation are offered by some contractors, paid sick leave for laborers, craft workers, and mechanics is not standard. While 18 states and Washington, D.C., have approved laws requiring paid sick leave and federal contractors have to offer it, the mandates dont apply to many construction workers. And industry advocates are pushing back against such legal requirements, claiming they dont fit the transient and seasonal nature of construction work.

If workers get injured, they often try to tough it out and get back to the job as quickly as possible, said Nazia Shah, director of safety and health services at the Associated General Contractors of America, the countrys largest construction trade association.

To manage pain from injuries, workers often resort to prescription opioids. Some then develop a dependency and turn to street drugs. Its a vicious cycle, Shah said.

If a worker is fatigued, distracted by pain or personal issues, or impaired by some type of substance, the results can be catastrophic, said Wampol, a 20-year industry veteran who went into construction after retiring from a career as a firefighter and paramedic.

The biggest step, Shah said, is breaking the stigma and normalizing conversations around mental health.

The hurdles are particularly high in this male-dominated field, where harassment and bullying are common and speaking up about emotional hardships is often considered a sign of weakness, Shah said.

Several organizations, including the Associated Builders and Contractors, have created short toolbox talks to review the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, the risks of self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, and the resources available through health insurance and employee assistance programs.

Some, such as the AGCs Missouri Chapter, hand out hard-hat stickers, cards, and hope coins  small tokens that symbolize support. They all serve as conversation starters and include information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in English and Spanish.

Many contractors hold regular stand-downs, with supervisors halting work at a construction site to provide on-the-spot training related to a specific mental health issue. Others, such as BL Harbert, offer health education fairs and team with local health clinics for lunch-and-learn events.

But Stanley Wheat, an on-site safety manager at BL Harbert, said that even the best policies, procedures, and training materials wont stick without making an effort on the ground. A PowerPoint presentation alone wont cut it. Youve got to know your people, and youve got to engage them.

Wheat, a military veteran who has worked in construction for over two decades, said its important to make rounds several times a day at a job site  getting to know the workers and observing changes in their behaviors.

You start noticing the guy whos isolating himself, sitting alone at lunch, not talking with anybody, he said.

Wheat can relate. His uncle died by suicide, but his family would never talk about it. During his time in the military, Wheat said, he went to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. He dropped out of college to work in construction.

Ive been there, he said. I skinned my knuckles. I pulled my back. I worked injured.

Wheat tries to strike up conversations with workers who he thinks are having a rough time. He listens, sometimes shares his personal story, and suggests resources for help.

Peer-to-peer support is among the more promising concepts in the effort to curb the mental health crisis in construction. Workers often dont want to talk with management or outsiders, Trout said, but they usually trust each other.

One successful model is Mates, a program for mental health and suicide prevention that originated in Australia in 2008. The idea is to train on-site personnel  workers, foremen, superintendents  to spot and support coworkers in crisis, offer a confidential space to talk, and guide them to help if needed. The volunteers, called connectors, are typically identified by green hard hat stickers. Efforts are underway to bring a formalized Mates program to the U.S., Trout said.

Other, often small and local initiatives are being implemented, too. Some contractors have hired full-time wellness coordinators or bring mental health care providers to construction sites so employees can start appointments immediately. A few companies have put dedicated trailers on their job sites that serve as quiet rooms, with lounge chairs, board games, and video consoles, so workers can take a moment to decompress.

Many contractors also have added naloxone  an emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, often known by the brand Narcan  to on-site medical kits.

Going forward, as President-elect Donald Trump takes office, the industry faces major uncertainties, including possible ripple effects from tariffs, mass deportations, tax cuts, and deregulation.

No matter what comes, Wampol said, the construction industry needs to understand that the investment in mental wellness and suicide prevention programs creates a healthier, more productive workforce  and, ultimately, a better bottom line.
Riddle Hospital was cited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for failing to properly monitor a patients vital signs in April.

The incident was one of two times inspectors visited to investigate potential safety problems at the Media hospital, which is owned by Main Line Health.

Heres a look at the publicly available details:
Demonstrators take to the streets for the People's March in Philadelphia Saturday. Read more

On a gray Saturday morning, two days ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration, demonstrators gathered at City Hall to march against what the incoming administration might bring for reproductive rights, immigrants, and more.

When they write the history books about this moment, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier told the crowd, lets make sure that it isnt just about Trump, but also how Philadelphians did not blink when they tried to take away our rights and our freedoms.

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At an organizer-estimated 700 participants, the 2025 Peoples March kicked off at 10 a.m., with the Voices Rising Philly Choir welcoming demonstrators with songs inspired by protest music from the 1960s. A rebranded version of the Womens March, which drew 50,000 people into Philadelphias streets amid Trumps first inauguration in 2017, the Peoples March might have been smaller than the first go-around, but no less important to participants.

Carrying an umbrella branded with Bans off our bodies messaging, Eileen Faust left her home in Pottstown early Saturday to catch a train to Center City. Reproductive rights, she said, were top of mind. Trump previously took credit for the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended womens federal rights to terminate a pregnancy and returned regulating abortion access to state governments.

My rights should be equal to a mans, Faust said. Control of my body should be my decision, my choice  not the governments.

Trisha James, whose 5-year-old daughter, Silva, attended the march with her, concurred. On Saturday, the pair stood outside City Hall with a sign drawn by Silva that read, For my future.

That my daughter has less rights than I had at her age is really heartbreaking, James said. We are here for her future, so she knows its in her hands and her hands only.

Gauthier, meanwhile, said that while she may be nervous about what the next four years will bring, she was confident in the citys ability to navigate potential challenges posed by the Trump administration.

We are tough, we are gritty, and we have always come out on top, Gauthier said ahead of the march. Philadelphia, she added, is and always will be a sanctuary city, which drew cheers from the crowd.

Sanctuary cities resist federal pressure to help deport immigrants, which has been a key point for Trumps administration. Last month, a spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration told The Inquirer that a 2016 executive order codifying Philadelphias sanctuary status remains in place, but Parker has faced pressure from grassroots organizations for an emphatic embrace of that status.

Our City Council has invested in our priorities: safe, stable housing, a clean environment, grassroots anti-violence programs, and a fair shot for everyone regardless of your race, your gender, your sexuality, your economic background, or your immigration status, Gauthier said.

Cristina Nodal, a member of the immigrant community-focused nonprofit Make the Road Pennsylvania, said joining the march was a personal statement to say that undocumented immigrants are here and shouldnt live in fear. Among her top concerns were the Trump administrations proposal to rescind birthright citizenship, and whether Philadelphias sanctuary city status would be enough to protect vulnerable people.

Even when they say we are a sanctuary city right now, we have to look after each other; we have to be there for each other, Nodal said.

The Philadelphia Peoples March was one of many planned for Saturday in cities around the country  including in Washington, D.C., which was expected to draw about 50,000 people. The reorganized, rebranded march, national organizers told the Associated Press, was designed to focus on a broader set of issues than the 2017 Womens March, including LGBTQ rights, climate issues, and immigration.

The Peoples March banner, said Womens March managing director Tamika Middleton, represents an effort at reflecting the priorities of a larger coalition of organizations. Since 2017, the group has faced allegations including racism and antisemitism, as well as claims that it focused more on the voices of straight white women over women of color and the LGBTQ+ community, causing internal fractures and changes in leadership.

Were recognizing the necessity of having a really broad-based coalition that is bringing people in, Middleton said. Were asking ourselves how we build a big tent that allows for the kind of multiracial, multi-class, multi-gender mass movement that can make a difference politically in the coming years.

Rather than meet or exceed the number of participants in the 2017 Womens March, which was reportedly among the largest single day of demonstrations in the countrys history, Middleton said the goal in 2025 was to bring in new movement members and energize voters.

Still, for Philly Peoples March participant Julia Manning, who attended the Womens March events from 2017 to 2019, the decrease in attendees this year could be cause for concern. The incoming administration, she said, stands to bring a hard four years, and as a result, she said, we need people to be engaged.

Thats the most important thing with the resistance at this point, Manning said. Showing up looks different for everyone, but remember we find power in people.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Donald Trump listens as then-NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a 2019 working lunch in Watford, England, with NATO members that had met their financial commitments to the organization. Read more

Last week, Donald Trump called President Joe Bidens foreign policy terrible and the lowest point in our countrys history. The same day, the outgoing president praised his foreign policy teams achievements, saying they were leaving the next administration a very strong hand to play.

So, which is it?

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Looking back on Bidens foreign policy, the saddest thing I see is his failure to exert sufficient pressure to ensure his praiseworthy efforts led to success  see Ukraine, the expansion of NATO, and the Middle East.

But Trumps fact-free braggadocio about his own foreign policy plans exposes him to future disasters. Already he has abandoned his promise, repeated dozens of times, to produce a Ukraine deal in 24 hours  even before his inauguration. Starting Monday, he will need to start adapting his bluster to reality. Otherwise, Americas enemies may come to regard him as an emperor with no clothes.

It is useful, then, to look at what Bidens foreign policy did or didnt achieve, and what a deal-obsessed Trump would have to do to produce success. Here are six quick points:

 READ MORE: Gaza deal will only succeed if leaders on all sides sacrifice for peace | Trudy Rubin

1. Bidens Afghanistan pullout and Trumps tendencies. As Ive written, the exit from Kabul was a disaster. Never mind that Trump signed a surrender deal with the Taliban that boxed Biden in, his team failed to get Americans and Afghan allies out while we still controlled Bagram Air Base.

But Trumps initial deal betrayed an instinct to cut and run to get unpleasant issues off his agenda. Just before his first term ended, he ordered a pullout from Afghanistan within six weeks, before he was warned by the Pentagon that this was physically impossible.

Even worse, he ordered U.S. special forces to leave the Kurdish area of northern Syria in 24 hours, right after a request by Kurd-hating Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Apparently, Trump was unaware of the crucial U.S.-Kurdish partnership in fighting ISIS on Syrian soil and had to reverse course after much damage had been done.

What to watch for: Will Trump continue the same erratic pattern with pullouts, perhaps again in Syria, or in Europe, or in South Korea, without considering the impact on U.S. security and its alliances? If he can learn to resist those impulses, it will prevent future disasters much worse than Bidens in Afghanistan.

2. The Middle East. Trumps Ukraine team worked well with Bidens team in recent weeks to produce an apparent ceasefire for hostages deal in Gaza. Biden proposed the same deal in May but was unable to follow through, in large part due to Israeli domestic politics and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahus determination to wait until Trump was in the White House.

Trump must now decide whether he is satisfied with taking credit for the ceasefire, or whether he wants to aim for a grander Mideast deal that will include normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. This wont happen unless he recognizes that the Palestinian population cant be ignored, but must be offered a political future.

Without continued U.S. pressure and hard work by the White House, the ceasefire deal will soon collapse on Trumps watch.

3. Ending Russias war on Ukraine. Biden understood the importance of blocking Vladimir Putins aggression by rallying European and U.S. military aid for Kyiv. His mistake was letting Putin bluff him with nuclear red lines into withholding critical military systems and sending crucial arms too late.

Trump still wants to end the war quickly, in six months, but has been far more sympathetic to Kremlin proposals than Ukraines. His Ukraine team, special emissary and retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, and future national security adviser, Rep. Michael Waltz, are better informed than he is but still see the need to please Putin rather than the necessity of preventing future Russian aggression.

If Trump cuts off aid and betrays Ukraine, he will go down in history as the U.S. leader who handed the global edge to Moscow and Beijing.

4. Building and retaining alliances to stand up to the authoritarian axis of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This was Bidens strong point, bringing NATO allies together after Russias invasion of Ukraine, and building new alliances across Asia to deal with Chinese expansionism.

Trump deserves credit for prodding NATO allies to spend more of their GDP on their own military budgets. But he refuses to appreciate that our ties to other democracies are vital in pushing back against growing Russian and Chinese threats on the seas, in space, and cyber sabotage and disinformation. He prefers threats, tariffs, and bluster rather than using the alliances to project Western strength.

 READ MORE: Trumps threats to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland sound like Putin on Ukraine | Trudy Rubin

5. Disinformation. Biden recognized the growing danger of Russian and Chinese disinformation, which has overwhelmed social media, enhanced by artificial intelligence into a real security threat.

Driven by anger at (true) claims of Russian intervention in the 2016 election, Trump has promised to eliminate the U.S. State Department office dealing with this danger. His best friend Elon Musk has turned X (formerly Twitter) into a trolling machine for Russian bots and other foreign propaganda. Now Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, kowtowing to Trump, will no longer permit fact-checking on Facebook.

Unchallenged trolling aimed at weakening the United States is a stab in this countrys back.

6. Personnel. Biden had a fairly strong foreign policy team. They had the right ideas on most things (except for excess timidity on Ukraine). And they, along with their boss, failed badly in forcing more aid into Gaza for civilians.

Trump, however, is putting forward a team based on loyalty, not experience or foreign policy chops. In todays world, that can lead to disaster with a president as erratic and ill-informed as he. If his nominees for posts at the Pentagon, the FBI, and as director of national intelligence are confirmed, his foreign policy starts with two strikes against it. The third strike being Trumps belief that he alone knows everything, without the benefit of advisers.

While failing on many fronts, Biden did leave Trump a legacy of alliances as a basis for tough stands against aggression by our adversaries. However, unless the president-elect rethinks his preference for autocrats, and curbs his narcissism, we may soon be yearning to have an imperfect Biden back.
Progressive activists in Congress have put mounting pressure on President Joe Biden to direct the archivist of the United States to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment  which would become the first explicit mention of women in the U.S. Constitution.

When Biden announced Friday that he believed the sweeping amendment, which would add language to the U.S. Constitution explicitly prohibiting sex discrimination, should be considered ratified, U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, a progressive Pennsylvania Democrat, said it was long overdue.

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The amendment was initially proposed in the 1920s and approved by Congress in 1972 but not ratified by the required 38 states before the 1982 deadline for ratification set by Congress.

Declaring the ERA law of the land is just one piece of what must be a broader effort to close the gender pay gap, defend reproductive justice, combat gender-based violence, and ensure the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ people are protected and expanded, said Lee, a longtime advocate for the ERA, in a statement.

Bidens announcement comes in the final days of his presidency and is likely indicative of the presidents attempts to further amplify his legacy. But his statements, though exciting to many advocates, stopped short of holding any force of law.

Presidents have no role in ratifying constitutional amendments and the archivist of the United States, who is responsible for certifying and publishing new amendments once they meet the threshold for ratification, said last month the amendment cannot be certified without action from Congress or the courts.

Still, advocates wish Biden acted sooner or took more definitive action by issuing an executive order, which could have opened the door for legal battles. He told reporters Friday that he held off on voicing his executive opinion until he had all the facts.

Its pretty disappointing that Joe Biden decided to make an executive opinion today instead of an executive order, which he very easily could have done, said Molly Gonzales, advocacy manager at the Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice.

Members of Pennsylvanias U.S. congressional delegation, who would help determine the future of the ERA, have mixed opinions on whether the amendment can still be ratified.

I believe it is the duty of the archivist of the United States to publish the ERA as the 28th Amendment now that President Biden has reaffirmed that it has been properly ratified, U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Pa.) said.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R., Pa.) a staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump, said as a father of two daughters, he believes women deserve equal protection under the law and equal opportunity to succeed, but that the states did not act in accordance with the deadline.

In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment. Biden and other advocates argue that the ERA itself did not mandate a timeline for its ratification.

Pennsylvania codified its own state-level ERA in 1971 and the amendment has been used to strike down prohibitions on government funding for abortion. But a federal version of the amendment would extend the same protections to women in other states where there are fewer guardrails, said Gonzales, of the Alice Paul Center.

An opportunity for opponents of sex discrimination

For weeks, Biden has faced pressure from feminist groups and Democratic lawmakers to announce the amendment certified before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday.

David S. Cohen, a constitutional law professor at Drexel Law, said the recognition of the ERA could go a long way toward bolstering equal protection rights in the U.S., protecting transgender rights and protecting abortion rights nationwide. Abortion rights and transgender rights have been persistently curtailed under Republican state legislatures, and members of the U.S. Congress have unsuccessfully sought to do the same nationally. Trump campaign supporters spent tens of millions of dollars on anti-transgender rights ads that aired in Pennsylvania and other battleground states.

While Cohen said Bidens statement Friday means nothing legally, it could spur further activism and legal action around the ERA.

This is an opportunity for opponents of sex discrimination to go on the offensive, Cohen said. Whatever you think of the state of American politics, I think most people would probably agree that women deserve equal rights under the constitution and people should be beating the drum on this issue constantly.
The new cheap Renault Twingo E-Tech model has already attracted a lot of attention. After all, the manufacturer will revolutionize the European market thanks to modern technology and a very low price.

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According to the company's website, a new 4th generation Renault Twingo is being prepared for production and sales in 2026 at a price of 20,000 euros. This electric car will become very popular due to the unification of components with the more expensive Renault 5 model. Earlier it was reported that the cars will be 70% identical in technical terms.

Interestingly, Volkswagen and Renault were considering a partnership to jointly develop low-cost cars, including the 2026 Renault Twingo. However, Renault has already confirmed the termination of negotiations and called it a missed opportunity. However, they emphasized that they are open to cooperation with other automakers.

A Chinese manufacturer has been selected as a partner to create a special brand called Ampere. The design and concept will be finalized in France, and technical development will be carried out in China. Production will take place in Europe.

The Chinese partner has not yet been named. The production will be set up in Slovenia at a plant with a design capacity of 150,000 cars per year, which currently produces Renault Clio.
From lacquered sideboards to medieval books of hours and a Swedish rococo cabinet to a prized Cork Distilleries sign, antiques fairs are of enormous interest whether the audience is global or local. It doesn't make a whole lot of difference. The popularity of fairs at all levels of the collecting world is undiminished. This is where discoveries are made, inspiration flourishes and new deals are struck.

Upcoming fairs in New York, London and Limerick this month offer an array of breathtaking objects to stimulate the imagination of any collector.

The biggest is The Winter Show in New York. Long located at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan this annual US highlight with dealers from Europe and the United States has a global reach.

Christopher Hall Antiques will bring this 18th-century rococo cabinet from Sweden to London's Decorative Fair.

Taking place from January 24 to February 2 the 71st edition of the fair will feature rare and exceptional art and antiques from antiquity to today with over 70 exhibitors.

This red lacquered sideboard by Jules is a highlight on the stand of Milord Antiques at the New York Winter Show.

Among them are Milord Antiques from Montreal with 20th-century design, antique furniture and artworks.

They will feature a red lacquered sideboard by Jules with gold leaf, etched motif and brass legs. Jules Leleu (1883-1961) was the winner of the grand prize at the 1925 Exposition in Paris.

Among his many commissions were designs for the ocean liners Ile de France and Normandie, huge signifiers of 20th-century style, luxury and glamour.

Les Enluminures will bring this 15th-century 'Book of Hours' to The Winter Show in New York.

At another point of the collecting spectrum, Les Enluminures of Chicago, Paris and New York will highlight a c1480-90 Book of Hours from Rouen, an illuminated manuscript in Latin and French with 12 full-page miniatures by the Master of Raoul Du Fou.

In London, The Decorative Fair at Battersea Park kicks off this Tuesday (January 21) and continues until January 26.

Launched specifically for the interiors market in 1985 by a dealer in decorative antiques, The Decorative Fair was an instant hit with designers, decorators and the trade, and has become an internationally renowned thrice-yearly event.

Around 130 exhibitors will display decorative and formal antique furniture, 20th-century design, art and collectibles like furniture, lighting and mirrors, rugs, and folk and tribal art. Courtesy coaches to Battersea Park will operate from Cliveden Place, SW1 near Sloane Square Underground.

The National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend is a must, especially for those unprepared to make the winter journey to New York or London. This fully indoor event, open from 11am to 6pm on January 25 and 26, is brimful with antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers.

Paul Butler of Kilkenny will bring this Cork Distilleries sign to the National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend.

There is art from galleries like Treasures in Athlone, which will bring work by artists like James Brohan and Mark O'Neill, collectibles from La Belle Epoque, militaria and enamel signs from Paul Butler of Kilkenny along with a great collection of vintage fashion, hats and handbags, jewellery, antique furniture, oriental rugs, old Bakelite radios and even two vintage votive stands in solid brass from Annamoe Antiques. The time to join in the hunt is now.
Israels cabinet has approved a deal 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 1am Jerusalem time on Saturday, following an hours-long meeting of the full cabinet that went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, in a reflection 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.

A woman and a child walk outside their tent at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Mediators Qatar and the US 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.

The ceasefire  just the second achieved during the war  will go into 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.

Mr 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.

Hundreds of Palestinian detainees are to be released as well, and the largely devastated Gaza should see a surge in humanitarian aid.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in the deals first phase and said the release will not begin before 4pm local time on 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 such as incitement, vandalism, supporting terror, terror activities, attempted murder or throwing stones or Molotov cocktails.

A woman in Jerusalem walks past photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

Trucks carrying aid lined up on 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 on Friday in Cairo to discuss the reopening of the crossing.

An Israeli official confirmed a delegation was going to Cairo.

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 is left of their homes.

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.

Hamas triggered the war with its October 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.

A man washes a tray outside a tent at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

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 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.

Longer-term questions about post-war Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

The conflict has destabilised the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

It has also highlighted political tensions inside Israel, drawing fierce resistance from Mr 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 on Friday, writing on social media platform X: If the deal passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart.

Mr Ben-Gvirs resignation would not bring down the government or derail the ceasefire deal, but the move would destabilise the government at a delicate moment and could eventually lead to its collapse if Mr Ben-Gvir were joined by other key Netanyahu allies.
Thousands of Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol after he lost the 2020 presidential election.

Four years later, some of them are allowed to return to the nations capital so they can celebrate Mr Trumps return to the White House.

At least 20 defendants charged with or convicted of joining the January 6 2021, attack on the Capitol have asked federal judges for permission to attend President-elect Trumps second inauguration Monday in Washington, DC, according to a review of court records.

The majority can go while several others cannot.

In most cases, Justice Department prosecutors have argued that Capitol riot defendants should not be able to return to the scene of their crimes while they are under the courts supervision.

Whats past is prologue, and the defendants could easily find themselves in another situation where they engage in mob violence, a prosecutor wrote in opposing a New York couples travel request.

Supporters of then President Donald Trump rally at the US Capitol on January 6 2021, in Washington (Jose Luis Mangana/AP)

At least 11 defendants have received the courts permission to attend the inauguration, a day when Mr Trump may issue mass pardons to Capitol rioters.

Judges have denied requests made by at least seven others.

Many other convicted Capitol rioters may be free to attend if they have completed their sentences.

Typically, those who remain under the courts supervision after an arrest, a probation sentence or release from prison must get a judges approval to travel outside their home district.

Among those who can attend is Deborah Lynn Lee, a Pennsylvania woman accused of posting social media messages calling for the execution of her political opponents in the days leading up to the riot.

Lee was charged in August 2021, was convicted of four misdemeanours after a trial in October and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27.

Justice Department prosecutor Carlos Valdivia argued that Lees return to Washington would endanger Capitol police officers and create an absurd situation.

Lees presence in D.C. was restricted for years to keep the community safe, but in a few days, she would be allowed to return to attend a ceremony that demands heightened security, Mr Valdivia wrote.

Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui approved Lees request, noting that she is not accused of engaging in violence and has complied with her release conditions.

The magistrate said Ms Lee is coming to celebrate, not demonstrate this time.

While the Court is tasked with predicting the future, this is not Minority Report.

There has to be credible evidence of future danger to justify related release conditions, Mr Faruqui wrote.

District Judge John Bates agreed to let a New York couple, Carol Moore and Kevin Moore, attend the inauguration while awaiting a trial in April.

Prosecutors argued that police officers could be retraumatised by the Moores presence, but Mr Bates said it was unlikely that any officers at the inauguration would recognise them.

First, past is not prologue here, the judge wrote.

The nature of the inauguration is wholly different from the last event the Moores attended that involved the transition of power.

Put simply, the inauguration will involve a crowd largely supporting the peaceful transition of power, not opposing it.

The couples lawyer said the Moores plan to join others in displaying signs reading Day One, an appeal for Trump to make good on a campaign promise to pardon Capitol rioters on his first day back in office.

Mr Trump repeatedly has referred to January 6 defendants as hostages and patriots.

The list of January 6 riot defendants allowed to be in Washington on Monday also includes a New Jersey man who reported himself to the FBI, a New Hampshire woman who must serve a four-month prison sentence and a New Jersey man accused of using a bullhorn to encourage other rioters.

Members of the US military Joint Honour Guard parade as they rehearse ahead of the upcoming presidential inauguration (Ben Curtis/AP)

Prosecutors did not object to allowing Colorado bed-and-breakfast operator Rebecca Lavrenz, the self-described J6 praying grandma, to attend the inauguration while she is on probation.

Ms Lavrenz said her daughter is serving as the deputy director of Mondays swearing-in ceremony after working on Mr Trumps campaign last year.

Among those barred from attending the inauguration are Jared Miller, a Virginia man charged with assaulting police.

Millers lawyer, Stephen Brennwald, said Mondays inauguration presents a completely different scenario than the 2021 riot.

The lawyer also argued that his clients conduct that day is irrelevant to his travel request.

No longer will the participants and observers be in the District out of anger, ready to fight to try to wrest back the power they felt had been unjustly taken from them. Rather, they will be cheering the person they support, and law enforcement will not be in an antagonistic position to those attending the event, Mr Brennwald wrote.

District Judge Rudolph Contreras denied Millers request, pointing to his assault charges.

Russell Taylor, a California man who had a knife and a hatchet in his possession when he helped other rioters overrun a police line outside the Capitol, said he was invited to attend the inauguration by former US Representative Chris Stewart, a six-term Utah Republican who resigned in 2023.

District Judge Royce Lamberth, who sentenced Taylor to six months of home detention, said it would not be appropriate to allow somebody who tried to thwart the last presidential inauguration to attend such a hallowed event.

To attend the Presidential Inauguration, which celebrates and honours the peaceful transfer of power, is an immense privilege, Mr Lamberth wrote.

Judges also rejected the travel requests made by a North Carolina man who participated in the first act of violence against Capitol police on January 6, a Mississippi man charged with assaulting officers with a flagpole and a Maine man accused of attacking police with bear spray.
Russia attacked Ukraines capital with a barrage of drones and missiles Saturday, leaving at least three people dead, while industrial sites in Russia were set ablaze by Ukrainian strikes.

Russia launched 39 Shahed drones, other simulator drones and four ballistic missiles in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to Ukraines Air Force. Ukrainian air defence forces shot down two missiles and 24 drones.

A further 14 drone simulators were lost in location, the statement said.

The Kyiv City Military Administration said three people were killed and three more injured in the attack.

A fourth victim had been assumed dead but the administration said later the case has yet to be confirmed.

The known victims are two men aged 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman, officials said.

A destroyed car is seen as firefighters work on the site of a damaged building (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The office of Ukraines general prosecutor said in a statement that the casualties included a security guard at a food establishment and people who were in a minibus on the street.

Journalists at the scene saw a man lying dead amid the debris in a pool of blood. Water flooded the streets as firefighters put out the blaze from the attack.

Kyivs mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said windows were broken in the citys Shevchenkivskyi district, and there was smoke at the entrance of a residential building.

A water supply pipeline was also damaged, he added.

The Lukyanivska metro station was closed after the attacks damaged its glass entrance, but was later reopened.

Drones and missiles were also shot down across numerous regions in Ukraine, including Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Donetsk.

Ten people were injured when a Russian missile struck the regional centre of Zaporizhzhia, damaging residential buildings and private vehicles, local governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Eight people aged between 28 to 69 were taken to hospital, including a 48-year-old woman in a serious condition, he wrote in a statement.

Elsewhere, industrial sites in Russias Kaluga and Tula regions were set ablaze by Ukrainian drone attacks, local officials said.

Russias defence ministry said that 46 Ukrainian drones had been destroyed across the country overnight.

In the Kaluga region, a drone strike sparked a fire in the town of Lyudinovo, governor Vladislav Shapsha wrote on Telegram.

Residents said on social media that the attack had targeted a local oil depot.

A fire was also reported in Tula region, where Governor Dmitry Milyaev said a fuel storage tank had been set alight.

He warned residents to stay away from fallen drone debris.

No casualties were reported in either case.
Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade along Natos eastern flank, a mission Sweden is calling its most significant operation so far as a member of the Western defence alliance.

A ship carrying parts of a mechanised infantry battalion arrived early on Saturday in the port of Riga, the Latvian capital, escorted by the Swedish air force and units from the Swedish and Latvian navies, the Swedish armed forces said in a statement.

Latvia borders Russia to its east and Russia ally Belarus to its southeast.

Its a historic day, but at the same time, its our new normal

Tensions are high across Central Europe over Russias war against Ukraine.

Swedens armed forces said the mission of 550 troops will contribute to the alliances deterrence and defence efforts, and ensure stability in the region, and that it marks Swedens largest commitment yet since joining Nato last year.

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he felt great pride in contributing to the alliances collective defence.

Its a historic day, but at the same time, its our new normal, he said.

The Swedish troops join one of eight Nato brigades along the alliances eastern flank. The battalion is stationed outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.

Sweden formally joined Nato in March as the 32nd member of the trans-Atlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-Second World War neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe spiked following Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Finland also abandoned its longstanding military neutrality to join Nato in April 2023.
Bakhmut, a city with a rich history dating back to the 16th century, has evolved from a border guard to an important industrial and cultural center of Ukraine and later became a symbol of steadfastness in the war against Russian aggression.

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On August 1, 2022, the battle for Bakhmut began. The city was destroyed by the Russian army, which mercilessly hit buildings and structures with missiles, fired from tanks, and attacked with aircraft.

Local historian from Bakhmut Yevhen Yarkin showed old photographs of the city, showing how it was more than a century ago. OBOZ.UA offers to view historical photos of Bakhmut and learn more about the history of the city.

Who founded the city of Bakhmut

The history of Bakhmut dates back to 1571 when border guards were established on the border between the Moscow state and the Crimean Khanate. They were guarded by "Sevriuks"  Cossacks from Putyvl and Rylsk. Written sources mention the Bakhmut guard.

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In the seventeenth century, Cossack O. Biriukov discovered salt lakes near the Bakhmut River, which contributed to the development of the salt industry. Thousands of salt workers came here, mostly from Sloboda Ukraine, and the Don. In 1701, the residents of the Bakhmut Sloboda built a wooden fortress in the center of the modern city.

At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Bakhmut became one of the centers of the Kindrat Bulavin uprising. After the uprising was suppressed, the fortress was destroyed, but later restored and fortified. In 1783, Bakhmut became the center of the county and an important center of the salt industry in southeastern Ukraine. Salt even became an element of the city's coat of arms.

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After the abolition of serfdom in the nineteenth century, Bakhmut began to develop actively in industry, including salt mining, brick making, and flour milling. Railroads were built, which contributed to the city's economic growth. Local government was also formed during this period.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Bakhmut became not only an industrial but also a cultural center. Parks, theaters, cinemas, a music school, gymnasiums, and printing houses appeared in the city. Local newspapers and magazines were published, and works by famous Ukrainian writers were published.

In November 1917, the Ukrainian national flag was raised over Bakhmut for the first time in the Donetsk region. During the Ukrainian Revolution, the city was part of various state formations, and at the end of 1919, Soviet rule was finally established here.

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When Artemivsk became Bakhmut

In 1924, Bakhmut was renamed Artemivsk in honor of the Soviet figure Artem (F. A. Sergeev). In the 1930s, the town survived the Holodomor and Stalinist repressions. During the Second World War, Artemivsk was occupied by Nazi troops and suffered significant destruction.

In the postwar years, industrial production resumed in Artemivsk, and new enterprises were built, including a champagne factory. The social sphere was developing, with new schools, kindergartens, and cultural institutions appearing.

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During the 1991 referendum, the majority of Artemivsk residents supported Ukraine's independence. In 2014, the city was at the epicenter of the Russian-Ukrainian war. After being liberated from pro-Russian militants in 2015, the city was returned to its historical name of Bakhmut.

Before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Bakhmut was a developed industrial and cultural center. It was home to a variety of businesses, including a famous champagne factory. The city was also famous for its cultural traditions and institutions.

In 2022, Bakhmut became one of the hottest spots of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a symbol of the heroic resistance of Ukrainian defenders. The city was almost completely destroyed as a result of fierce fighting. The history of Bakhmut continues, and its future is closely linked to Ukraine's struggle for independence.

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Today

Windy with occasional rain in the morning...then a few showers late. High 64F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Windy this evening. Low around 50F. Winds WSW 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.
On Saturday, January 18, officers of the Security Service of Ukraine searched the home of former TV host Maks Nazarov, who worked for Medvedchuk and Muraiev's channels. After the outbreak of a full-scale war, he continued to justify Russian aggression in his YouTube videos.

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OBOZ.UA learned about this from its own sources. The offender faces up to eight years in prison.

"Today, on Saturday, January 18, in the morning, the Security Service of Ukraine searched Maks Nazarov (real name  Nazar Diorditsa). He is a well-known pro-Russian propagandist who used to work for Medvedchuk and Muraev's channels," our source said.

According to him, after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the terrorist country Russia, Nazarov continued to invite pro-Kremlin experts to his YouTube broadcasts and justify Russian aggression.

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Later, the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the information about the searches and provided details.

"The Security Service of Ukraine has gathered a large-scale evidence base and received independent expert opinions confirming the anti-Ukrainian activities of the former host of the sanctioned Nash and NewsOne TV channels owned by Viktor Medvedchuk and Yevhen Muraiev," the statement said.

According to the case, after the outbreak of a full-scale war, Nazarov created his own channel on the YuoTube video hosting service, where he continued to spread the Kremlin's narratives. To do this, the blogger regularly invited pro-Russian "political experts" to his broadcasts, many of whom are currently hiding in Russia.

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During the interview, both the author and the guests of the studio repeatedly tried to justify Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, as well as the war crimes of the racists, including missile strikes on the civilian infrastructure of our country.

"The defendant's frequent guest was another pro-Kremlin blogger who was already suspected by SBU investigators in February 2024. The court then imposed a house arrest as a preventive measure, but the blogger later continued his subversive activities in the interests of Moscow. Both defendants publicly tried to discredit Ukraine in the international arena and undermined the socio-political situation in our country," the press service emphasized.

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Both offenders were served with a notice of suspicion  the issue of choosing a measure of restraint in the form of detention is being decided. They face up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Security Service of Ukraine has served a notice of suspicion to the bodyguard of Russian propagandist and terrorist Zakhar (real name Yevhen) Prylepin. Along with him, five other Russian soldiers who fought against Ukraine but surrendered at the end of 2024 were also suspected.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
China's birth number in 2024 increased by 520,000 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),

Azernews

reports, citing Global Times.

In 2024, the number of births was 9.54 million representing a birth rate of 6.77 per thousand, while deaths totaled 10.93 million with a mortality rate of 7.76 per thousand, resulting in a negative natural population growth rate of 0.99 per thousand.

However, in comparison, there were 9.02 million births in 2023, with a birth rate of 6.39 per thousand. The data indicates an increase of 520,000 births in 2024 compared to 2023.

The rise in births last year can be attributed to factors such as an increase in marriages and supportive policies, Yuan Xin, a professor at the Institute of Population and Development, School of Economics, Nankai University, told the Global Times on Friday, citing official data.

In 2023, the number of first-time marriages in China reached 11.939 million, an increase of 1.4222 million compared to 2022, reflecting a 13.52 percent year-on-year increase and the first rise in first-time marriages since 2014, a previous data released by the NBS suggested.

Additionally, 2023 was the Year of the Dragon, a culturally significant zodiac sign in Chinese tradition, often associated with increased birth rates, Yuan said.

Significant changes have been made in recent years, including the revision of the law on population and family planning in 2021, which legalized the three-child policy. At the third plenum in 2024, further efforts were proposed to improve the population development support and service system, and enhance fertility support policies and incentives

Progress has been made in implementing supportive policies, with policy effects gradually becoming evident, Yuan said, referring to another reason for the increase in births.

Also at Friday's press conference, the NBS official said that the national population was 1,408.28 million by the end of 2024, representing a decrease of 1.39 million compared to the end of 2023, according to data released by the NBS on Friday. The national population includes the population of 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and servicemen, but excludes residents of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign nationals living in these areas, according to the NBS.

In terms of age structure, the population aged 16 to 59 was 857.98 million, making up 60.9 percent of the total population; the population aged 60 and over was 310.31 million, representing 22 percent of the total, per the NBS.
Greece is known for its picturesque islands and incredible beaches, but among this beauty, some places are still little known to the general public. One of these places is Sarakiniko Beach on the island of Milos, which has already been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world.

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This beach impresses not only with its natural beauty but also with an unusual, almost cosmic landscape. The Lonely Planet travel guide included it in the list of the five best beaches in the world.

The beach, located on the northern coast of Milos, is distinguished by its unique lunar landscape. White rocks shaped by wind and waves create a fantastic picture. Their texture and shade make Sarakiniko one of the most Instagrammed places in the Aegean Sea. Such landscapes are the result of volcanic eruptions that left their marks on this island millions of years ago.

The sun-bleached rocks of Sarakiniko contrast with the turquoise water, creating ideal conditions for photo shoots. Lonely Planet describes the beach as a place where alabaster cliffs seem to plunge into the deep blue sea, adding even more drama to the landscape.

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In addition to picturesque views, the beach offers opportunities for outdoor activities. Here you can explore caves, jump from rocks into the water, or explore a sunken ship, which adds to the mystery of the place. The beach is also suitable for scuba diving, as the clear water offers great views of the seabed.

It is worth noting that Sarakiniko does not have a traditional sandy coastline. Instead, visitors are greeted by smooth rocks that become natural sunbeds for sunbathing. This place is ideal for those who want to feel united with nature in a unique atmosphere.

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Experts advise planning a trip to Sarakiniko in September or October when there are fewer tourists. If you are traveling in the summer, the best time to visit is in the morning, when you can enjoy the quiet.

"It's like walking on another planet," one person wrote in a TripAdvisor review. Another tourist noted: "An extremely picturesque beach with views that are hard to forget. This place is a must-see in Milos."

Sarakiniko is not just a beach, but a real work of art created by nature. It gives an unforgettable experience and is a great choice for those who are looking for something more than a standard vacation.

If you are dreaming of a vacation on a unique beach that combines natural beauty, tranquility, and an atmosphere of adventure, Sarakiniko is waiting for you. Visit this magical corner of Greece and feel the magic of a place that remains timeless.

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Cruise travel is usually associated with relaxation and carefree travel, but even there an emergency can occur, such as the death of a passenger. Although it is a rare accident, the crew follows strict protocols in such situations.

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In particular, special terminology is used: Operation Bright Star means emergency medical care, and Operation Rising Star indicates the death of a passenger. Cruise ships are even equipped with morgues to store bodies until the ship reaches the port, according to The Independent.

How often do deaths occur on cruises?

According to a study by the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health, 623 deaths were recorded between 2000 and 2019. Most of them were due to heart attacks, accidents, or suicides. Passengers accounted for 89% of the deaths, while crew members accounted for 11%. Despite these figures, given the 30 million cruisers annually, fatalities remain rare.

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What does the crew do after a passenger dies on board?

Every cruise ship has medical staff and emergency equipment. In the event of a death, the doctor examines the body, the crew notifies the family, and the incident is recorded in the ship's logbook. In suspicious cases, investigations are conducted both on board and in the nearest port.

The vessel's location determines which authorities will be notified of the incident. For example, ships calling in the United States are required to report such cases to American law enforcement.

If the body cannot be transferred to the nearest port, it remains on the ship until the next appropriate point. Most often, cruise ship morgues are located on the lower decks and can hold 3-6 bodies. The body is usually "dropped off" early in the morning to avoid inconvenience to other passengers.

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Cruise lines are not responsible for the costs of transportation of the body and paperwork. These costs are borne by relatives or an insurance company. Therefore, it is important to have travel insurance that covers such cases.

The free ice cream myth



A myth is common among social media users stating that the ship's crew organizes "ice cream parties" if they need an extra freezer to store bodies. However, there is no evidence of this. Bloggers and experts refute this information, emphasizing that morgues on ships usually have sufficient capacity for such situations.

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The esteemed Irish HIV/AIDS advocate and former priest, Bernard Lynch, has been awarded the freedom of the City of London.

Originally from Ennis, Co Clare, Mr. Lynch gained recognition while serving as a Catholic priest in New York during the height of the AIDS crisis.

Following his tenure in New York, Bernard Lynch relocated to London, where he established a support group for gay priests.

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My work hasnt always been well-received, especially among individuals with HIV/AIDS, and, of course, one does not engage in good deeds to gain popularity. I represent not just myself but all those who have contributed in this area, he stated.

Mr. Lynch reflected on the notion of receiving such an honor while he was directly involved with AIDS patients in New York during the 1980s, describing it as the furthest thing from his thoughts at that time.

He was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London for his charitable efforts and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals and those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Vincent Dignam, a member of the City Livery Company that nominated Bernard Lynch, noted that the recognition also pertained to his contributions regarding St. Patricks Day celebrations in London, in addition to all the work he has done for people with HIV, the LGBT community, marginalized groups, and his charitable endeavors in New York.

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Bernard Lynch has been honored multiple times for his contributions, receiving the Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad from President Michael D Higgins in 2019.

He was also celebrated in his home County Clare with a civic reception, the highest accolade the county can offer.

Notable past recipients of the Freedom of the City of London include Nelson Mandela, Ed Sheeran, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohue.
The Israeli cabinet has greenlit an agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, a day before the agreement is set to take effect.

Following a meeting that lasted over six hours, the government endorsed the deal, which may help bring an end to the 15-month-long conflict in the Palestinian Enclave controlled by Hamas.

The Government has ratified the framework for the return of the hostages. This framework will be effective starting Sunday, stated Mr. Netanyahus office in a short announcement.

The ceasefire is scheduled to commence tomorrow morning at 6:30 am Irish time, as reported by a spokesperson from the Qatari foreign ministry.

Medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of five individuals in a tent located in the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave.

This incident raised the toll to 119 Palestinians killed due to Israeli airstrikes since the announcement of the agreement on Wednesday.

Following the Israeli cabinets approval, lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the preparations for the plan are progressing smoothly.

The White House anticipates that the ceasefire will begin tomorrow morning, with three female hostages scheduled to be released to Israel later in the day through the Red Cross.

Every detail in this agreement has been meticulously addressed. We are quite confident  it is set to be implemented on Sunday, Mr. McGurk stated during a CNN interview from the White House.

Palestinians gather to receive food at a donation center managed by volunteers in Khan Younis.

As part of the agreement, the ceasefire will unfold in three stages, beginning with an initial six-week phase in which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners detained by Israel.

In this phase, thirty-three out of the remaining 98 Israeli hostagesincluding women, children, and men aged over 50are to be released.

By the end of the first phase, Israel will free all Palestinian women and children under 19 currently held in Israeli prisons.

The names of 95 Palestinian prisoners slated for release tomorrow were revealed by the Israeli Justice Ministry earlier.

After the release of hostages tomorrow, Mr. McGurk mentioned that the agreement stipulates the release of four additional female hostages after seven days, with three more hostages released every subsequent seven days.

Opposition from Hardliners

The agreement faced significant backlash from some hardliners within the Israeli cabinet. Media reports indicated that 24 ministers in Mr. Netanyahus coalition voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it.

Those against the agreement argued that it amounted to a surrender to Hamas.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the proposal was accepted and urged fellow ministers to reject it.

However, he stated he would not seek to destabilize the government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another hardliner, also threatened to exit the government if military action against Hamas did not resume following the initial six-week ceasefire phase.

Far-right Israelis protest outside the Prime Ministers Office against the ceasefire agreement.

After a last-minute delay, which Israel attributed to Hamas, the Israeli security cabinet duly approved the ceasefire agreement, marking the first of two necessary approvals.

Israels military offensive in Gaza commenced after Hamas carried out attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and 250 hostages, according to Israeli estimates.

The ongoing war between Israeli forces and Hamas has devastated much of densely populated Gaza, leading to more than 46,000 deaths and the displacement of the majority of the enclaves 2.3 million pre-war residents, as reported by local authorities.

More Stories from the Middle East

If successful, the ceasefire could also help mitigate tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict in Gaza has drawn in Iran and its proxies, including Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis, and various armed groups in Iraq, as well as in the occupied West Bank.

Civilians in Gaza are suffering from a humanitarian disaster marked by hunger, cold, and disease. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for a significant increase in aid, and international organizations have lined up trucks at Gazas borders to deliver food, fuel, medicine, and essential supplies.

The Palestinian relief agency UNRWA announced that it is prepared to send 4,000 truckloads of aid into the coastal enclave, with half of that shipment consisting of food.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  President Joe Bidens interview with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell demonstrates that the project of right-wing Zionism, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to repeal post-World War II international law and take the world back to the jungle of the 1930s and 1940s, when the worlds great powers polished off 65 million people.

Scott D. Sagan, a Stanford political scientist, and researcher Katherine E. McKinney point out that the Truman administrations bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945 would violate international law as it is accepted today. That acceptance is not just verbal or aspirational. It is embodied in treaties adopted by national legislatures and therefore has a binding character. The US Senate, for instance, ratified the Charter of the United Nations together with the Statute of the International Court of Justice on October 24, 1945.

McKinney and Sagan write of Hiroshima, More than 70,000 men, women, and children were killed immediately; the munitions factories on the periphery of the city were left largely unscathed. Such a nuclear attack would be illegal today. It would violate three major requirements of the law of armed conflict codified in Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions: the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution

They explain later that these principles, codified in the first protocol to the Geneva Conventions (ratified by 174 countries), require combatants to not intentionally attack civilians (the principle of distinction or noncombatant immunity); to ensure that collateral damage against civilians is not disproportionate to the direct military advantage gained from the targets destruction (the principle of proportionality); and to take all feasible precautions to reduce collateral damage against civilians (the precautionary principle).

The Israeli military repeatedly and publicly violated all three of these principles in its total war on Gaza civilians, as has been documented by the International Criminal Court, South Africa, Ireland, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

The Likud Party and the parties to its right that dominate the current Israeli cabinet desperately wish to undo all these three principles, which were legislated by the international community after the end of WW II. That is because they are committed to genociding the Palestinian people, and international law is very inconvenient to this aspiration.

In 1945, President Truman alleged that Hiroshima was a legitimate military target. But McKinley and Sagan point out that, while Hiroshima housed certain military-related industrial sites, an army command center, and troop embarkation docks, the bustling metropolis of over 250,000 residents - men, women, and children - was far from being a military base In fact, they say, fewer than 10 percent of those who perished in the city on August 6, 1945 were members of the Japanese armed forces.

Alas, they say, U.S. planners of the attack made no effort to minimize, as much as possible, the killing of civilians. They say that the historical record of discussion by principals such as Robert J. Oppenheimer, Maj. Gen. Leslie Groves and Secretary of War Henry Stimson shows that the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was purposefully detonated above the citys residential and commercial hub, rather than above valid military targets, to amplify the psychological impact on the Japanese population and the leadership in Tokyo.

International humanitarian law has subsequently been erected and widely adopted by treaty in order to prevent the Trumans, Oppenheimers, Grovess and Stimsons of the future from ever behaving this way again with impunity.

1948 and after are a new era, where, fitfully and in a staccato fashion, the human community is trying to turn a page on the mind-boggling butchery of the mid-20th century, which included the horrors of the genocide of Europes Jews.

Netanyahu and his cronies want to pocket the good will toward Jews created by revulsion at the Holocaust, but to hold themselves harmless from the very legal strictures, such as the Geneva Conventions, that underpin the sentiment of never again.

Thus, Israel and the United States are signatories to the United Nations Charter and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Last summer, the ICJ ruled that the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the Palestinian West Bank has departed so starkly, in so many ways, and for so long from the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 on the treatment of occupied populations that it is now illegal.

I cant tell you how inconvenient for a Greater Israel aggressor like Netanyahu this ruling is. It is also inconvenient for the US government, Netanyahus patron and enabler, which is why Washington has ignored the ruling, despite its treaty obligations to abide by it.

Netanyahus response to this series of inconveniences? Tear it all down! He wants to abolish international humanitarian law.

The United States, on the other hand, still has uses for IHL, as in its campaign against Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.



Hiroshima on the Mediterranean, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2024

These are Bidens revelations to ODonnell about his discussions with Netanyahu regarding the Israeli use of disproportionate force in Gaza:

Biden: When I went to Israel immediately after the attack led by Hamas, eight days later or whatever it was, I told him that we were going to help. And I said, But Bibi, you cant be carpet bombing these communities. And he said to me, Well you did it. 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.

Biden: I said, But thats why we came up with the [United Nations]. New deals by whichhow what we do relative to civilians and military.

ODonnell: So he was comparing twenty-first-century war tactics, battle tactics, with World War II?

Biden: Well, what he was really doing was going after me for saying, You cant indiscriminately bomb civilian areas. Even if the bad guys are there. Even if the bad guys are there, you cant take out two, 10, 1,500 innocent people in order to get one bad guy.'

And he made the legitimate argument, his perspective - Look, these are the guys that killed my people. These are the guys that are all over in these tunnels. Nobody has any idea of the miles of tunnels that are down there. The only way to get to them is to take out the places under which they got to the tunnels.

Needless to say, Netanyahus argument that he was justified in razing all civilian objects in Gaza to the ground to get at some Hamas fighters was not in fact legitimate. Like the Hiroshima holocaust, these tactics violate current international legal norms, which is why there is an arrest warrant out for Netanyahu from the International Criminal Court.

That Biden thought Netanyahus argument was legitimate tells you everything you need to know about the hypocrisy, bankruptcy and sheer evil of current American foreign policy. As Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling said at The New Republic, its bad. Biden had some successes domestically. His eager and steadfast pursuit of a genocide against the Palestinians of Gaza will haunt his legacy, and will forever stain the escutcheon of the United States of America.
Middle East Studies Association Board Joint Statement with the Committee on Academic Freedom Concerning the Impact of the Israeli Military Campaign on Education in Lebanon

The Board of Directors of the Middle East Studies Association (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom register our profound concern regarding the interruption of education and the damage to Lebanese educational facilities as a result of the intensified Israeli military campaign which began in September 2024. Widespread aerial bombardments across Lebanon combined with a ground invasion in the south have killed more than 4,000 people, of whom at least 316 are children, and injured 16,500, of whom 1,456 are children.[1] The ceasefire announced on 27 November 2024 is a welcome development, but the damage to the education sector will have lasting effects. It remains far from clear whether the ceasefire will be sustainable or whether its terms will protect Lebanese educational facilities, scholars, researchers and students from ongoing Israeli attacks.

Lebanons Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) mandated that education facilities, including universities and schools, close on 24 September 2024. The beginning of the school year was then postponed from 14 October to 4 November 2024 for public schools; however, private schools were granted permission to start the academic year using either online or in-person formats, with each school bearing the risk associated with its chosen methods. Over 1,177 facilities, including schools, were transformed into shelters to house the more than 1.3 million people displaced from South Lebanon and South Beirut. Even in the cases of schools that were able to continue providing instruction, traveling to them was a safety risk for students and staff.

Similar to the situation in primary and secondary schools, instruction and related educational activities at universities were suspended between 28 September and 6 October 2024. In early October, the MEHE announced that over 80,000 university students had been displaced. Many universities resorted to online instruction to continue the academic year. Further, as the Israeli bombardments damaged over 50 hospitals and killed health workers, university hospitals had to expand their health care provision. Teachers and students in medical school were redirected to support this expansion. The American University of Beirut, the largest private sector employee in Lebanon, reported that half of its students had been displaced and a further 700 had become homeless. Universite Saint Joseph de Beirut reported that 20% of its staff and one third of its students had been displaced.

Educational facilities located in South Beirut were under consistent threat of aerial bombardment. According to the Beirut Urban Lab, 78% of the schools, universities and vocational institutes in that area were in the vicinity of announced Israeli air strikes. Particularly in Haret Hreik, Azad University was within the area of 27 strikes and Al-Afak Institute was in the area of another 24 strikes.

The Lebanese University, the only public university in Lebanon, was severely impacted by the Israeli military campaign. Its main campus in Hadath in South Beirut, which houses many core faculties, was damaged in an air strike on 9 November 2024. Approximately 30,000 students at the Lebanese University were displaced. In response, the university implemented an emergency plan to provide temporary housing for displaced staff and students, launched online registration and teaching, implemented programmes to pay students fees, and provided psychosocial support. Facilities across Lebanese University branches have further been used to house displaced members of the university.

University communities are also grieving the deaths of students, scholars and stafffrom Lebanese University, Lebanese American University, American University of Beirut, Universite Sainte Famille Batroun, Phoenicia University, and the University of Sciences and Arts Lebanon, who were killed as a result of Israeli attacks since September 2024.

As described above, the higher education sector faces extreme hardship as it contemplates continuing the academic year. Additionally, revenue shortfalls from tuition fees and the interruption of research activities will impact the future work and sustainability of these institutions. The National Erasmus+ Office in Lebanon, which supports capacity building in higher education, has further reported that foreign staff and students have begun to leave the country. Concurrently, there are fears that Lebanese students may look abroad for higher education opportunities as international scholarships become increasingly available. This will further adversely affect the sustainability of higher education in Lebanon.

The right to education is an internationally protected human right, and educational institutions are protected under international law including under Article 94 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention and Article 13 of the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Israeli military attacks in Lebanon, including on educational facilities and their environs, are direct infringements on these rights and protections, as well as on academic freedom. We express solidarity with our colleagues in Lebanon and urge international organizations to support Lebanese educational institutions as they resume their important activities and rebuild their sector.
A ceasefire in the Gaza war will begin on Sunday morning, mediator Qatar said, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to bring back "all the hostages" held in the Palestinian territory.

The truce is intended to end more than 15 months of fighting and devastating bombardment, but in a televised address Saturday evening, the hawkish premier stressed Israel had US support to return to war if necessary.

During an initial 42-day ceasefire, Palestinian militant groups will hand over 33 hostages, three of them on Sunday, and Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, some of whom will be deported.

"As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) on Sunday," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.

Israeli strikes on Gaza continued on the eve of the truce, with Gaza's civil defence agency saying at least five members of one family were killed when a strike hit their tent in Khan Yunis.

Explosions were heard over Jerusalem as Yemen's Huthi rebels launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in a show of support for Palestinians.

The Huthis said they targeted the defence ministry in Tel Aviv and also fired two missiles at the Red Sea port city of Eilat.

They also targeted an American aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Sunday and warned of "consequences" should there be any retaliation during the ceasefire period.

In more than 15 months of war between Hamas and Israel, there has been only one previous truce, for one week, in November 2023. That deal also saw the release of hostages held by the militants in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu said Israel had "changed the face of the Middle East" since the war began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

He called the 42-day first phase that starts Sunday a "temporary ceasefire".

"If we are forced to resume the war, we will do so with force," he said.

But Hamas said Israel had "failed to achieve its aggressive goals" and "only succeeded in committing war crimes that disgrace the dignity of humanity".

Israel's justice ministry said 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees would be freed as part of the deal's first phase -- none before 4:00 pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday.

- Trump -

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told Sky News the framework signed this week was the same as one agreed in December 2023, adding it amounted to 13 months of "waste".

The truce is to take effect on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration for a second term as US president.

On US network NBC on Saturday, Trump said he told Netanyahu that the war "has to end". "We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done," he said.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said the Palestinian Authority (PA), which has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, had completed preparations "to assume full responsibility in Gaza" after the war.

Israel has expressed no definitive stance on post-war governance beyond rejecting any role for either Hamas or the PA.

Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Gaza should be under PA control.

Ahead of the truce, displaced Gazans prepared to return home.

"I will go to kiss my land," said Nasr al-Gharabli, who fled Gaza City for a camp farther south. "If I die on my land, it would be better than being here as a displaced person."

Jerusalem residents said the deal had been a long time coming.

"Hopefully a maximum amount of hostages will be coming back", said Beeri Yemeni, a university student. "Maybe this is the beginning of (the) end of suffering for both sides, hopefully," he said, adding that "the war needed to end like a long, long time ago."

Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Of the 251 people taken hostage, 94 are still in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46,899 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

- Aid-starved -

Mediators had worked for months to reach a deal but the efforts were fruitless until Trump's inauguration neared.

Brett McGurk, the point man for outgoing President Joe Biden, was joined in the region by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in an unusual pairing to finalise the agreement, US officials said.

Netanyahu said most of the 33 captives to be released in the first phase are alive.

"With this agreement, we will bring back 33 of our brothers and sisters, the majority alive," he said.

Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza and allow displaced Palestinians to return "to their residences", the Qatari prime minister said.

Biden said a second phase of the agreement not yet finalised would bring a "permanent end to the war".

In aid-starved Gaza, humanitarian workers caution that a monumental task lies ahead.

Hundreds of trucks loaded with aid have lined up on the Egyptian side of the Gaza border.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said 600 trucks a day would enter Gaza after the ceasefire takes effect, including 50 carrying fuel.

burs-it/lb/cwl
Paratrooper rangers of the 71st separate ranger brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured six Russian occupants during an enemy assault in the Volchansk sector. The Russian military lost the armored vehicle in which they launched the attack, and the survivors began to storm the building where the defenders were holding the line. The battle lasted three hours.

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This was reported on January 18 by the Command of the Airborne Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photos of captured Russian soldiers were also published.

The DSHV said that the enemy tried to break through on armored vehicles, but one of the paratrooper rangers shot down the enemy MT-LB with a grenade launcher.

The surviving occupants hurried up and began to storm the building where the soldiers of the 71st Brigade were holding the line.

The rangers called for help and took up the fight. The clash lasted about three hours.

With the support of the assault group of a friendly unit, the paratroopers cleared the building and captured six occupants.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, soldiers of the 79th separate airborne assault brigade stormed an enemy position in the Kurakhiv sector and captured seven occupants. At first, the Ukrainian defenders staged a long drone attack, driving the Russians into a dugout, and then made their way into the invaders' "hole."

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!






Friday, January 17, 2025 - Police are hunting for a suspect who was caught on camera violently robbing an 83-year-old woman of her lottery winnings shortly after she claimed them from a convenience store, police said.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, Jan. 15, shortly after 8 a.m. outside a store on Curry Ford Road, near the intersection of S. Goldenrod Road in Orlando, Florida, according to a statement from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities posted surveillance footage of the violent robbery on social media where the unnamed 83-year-old woman is seen walking out of the store to her car with what looks to be the lottery winnings she had just collected.

It was then that the suspect, who authorities named as Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, can be seen walking directly toward the woman and attempting to forcibly take the winnings from her hand as she tried to defend herself.

Another man who was in the convenience store is then seen coming outside and appears to intervene between the victim and the suspect, causing Fleury to further attack the woman in an attempt to steal the money while the good Samaritan tried to pull him off of the victim.

Fleury, however, can be seen dragging the woman from her car further into the parking lot before ultimately stealing her winnings and running off.

The suspect is currently at large and wanted for robbery, sudden snatching and battery on a person 65 or older, authorities said, and anyone with information on Fleurys whereabouts is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriffs Office.

Watch the video below




Saturday, January 18, 2025 - Police in Kilifi County are investigating a series of unusual burglaries at the prestigious Vipingo Ridge residences, a gated community renowned for its tight security measures.

The estate, home to high-profile individuals in business and politics, has recently seen its reputation for safety called into question.

Initial whispers of a break-in at the residence of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho surfaced last week, but authorities swiftly denied it.

However, another burglary on Tuesday morning has drawn attention to security vulnerabilities within the estate.

The latest incident was reported by a caretaker while the homeowner was away in Belgium.

According to a police report, burglars entered the house through unlocked sliding doors and took off with items such as a smart TV, a heater, a blender, a duvet, and other household goods.

The value of the stolen items is still being assessed as investigations continue.

Despite the estate's advanced security measures, including a three-meter-high perimeter wall, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and a highly trained security team, these incidents have raised eyebrows among residents.

Some homeowners have suggested that internal disputes within the estate's management may have played a role.

A resident, speaking anonymously, hinted at possible sabotage due to ongoing disagreements among directors, which have reportedly led to management shake-ups and the resignation of a key security manager.

Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey acknowledged that three separate burglary cases have been reported recently.

He described the incidents as isolated and reassured residents that the estate remains safe.

"We have conducted a comprehensive security review and strengthened our protocols to address any potential risks," Horsey stated.

While one homeowner has already recovered a missing item, the investigation into the remaining cases is ongoing. Residents have called for swift action to prevent further incidents.

Vipingo Ridge is known for its exclusivity, offering panoramic ocean views, a private beach club, and an airstrip that ensures privacy for its wealthy residents. However, the recent events have cast a shadow over the estate's image as a secure haven for the elite.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 18, 2025  Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas allies have defended Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi for exposing President William Ruto and his government over the ongoing abductions.

This comes amid an impeachment threat with Rutos allies calling for the sacking of Muturi for painting the government in bad light.

In a statement yesterday, Embakasi North Member James Mwangi Gakuya sided with Muturi, saying he did the right thing with his explosive expose.

He maintained that Muturi was ready for the repercussions of coming out and detailing what transpired when his son went missing.

He argued that the former Attorney General could not have issued such an all-telling statement if he was not ready to face the political heat.

While backing the embattled CS, Gakuya commended his bravery insisting that more Kenyans needed to emulate him.

The vocal MP insisted that such exposes would help shed light on who was behind a series of abductions in the country and help find a lasting solution since the National Police Service (NPS) absolved themselves from the matter.

Muturi is ready for anything. But my position is that we need to encourage more Muturis to come out probably they have more information but they are afraid to come out, Gakuya stated.

We need broad men like this one because a country cannot be ailing with the current scenario and nobody seems to be knowing anything including having a foreigner, Kizza Besigye, who was abducted from Nairobi and taken through our border to Uganda. This tells you, something is wrong somewhere.

In my opinion should be left to work and if they think impeachment is the way forward, Muturi is ready for that, he added.

Following his explosive statement where he linked the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to his sons disappearance, Muturi received calls to quit or face impeachment.

However, he has maintained that he is not going anywhere.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Ukraine will pay compensation for free accommodation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Starting in January, the payment will be made by the Pension Fund, and each person will receive UAH 450.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the message of the Pension Fund. Thus, on December 31, 2024, the Government adopted Resolution No. 1544 "Some Issues of Providing State Support to Internally Displaced Persons," which amended the Procedure for Compensation of Expenses for Temporary Accommodation (Stay) of Internally Displaced Persons.

Starting from January 2025, compensation for temporary free accommodation will be paid by the Pension Fund of Ukraine according to the lists of recipients provided by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine. Starting from March 1, 2025, the Pension Fund of Ukraine will be responsible for reviewing applications and making decisions on compensation for expenses.

Ukrainians who have been eligible for reimbursement of expenses before and are included in the lists submitted to the Pension Fund of Ukraine will continue to receive compensation without additional application.

"Compensation for expenses is provided to individuals  citizens of Ukraine who own housing and temporarily provide housing to internally displaced persons free of charge. The amount of compensation is UAH 450 for each internally displaced person living in the dwelling," the statement said.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Ukraine has changed the mechanism of payment of the "winter thousand" (the so-called "Zelenskyy's thousand") for certain categories of the population. In particular, people over 60 years old. They will receive the money through Ukrposhta.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!




Saturday, January 18, 2025 - An alarm has been raised over the mental state of popular Kenyan Tiktoker Maribel.

A neighbor recorded a video of Maribel singing the national anthem in the wee hours of the morning and waking up other tenants.

She reportedly spent the whole night making noise outside her residential apartment.

She had been given a notice to vacate but she refused to move out.

It is alleged that she has been battling depression.

Watch the video.

Is popular Kenyan TikToker MARIBEL battling depression? - See what a neighbor recorded her doing in the wee hours of the morning. pic.twitter.com/PqSJ6GfnNP  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) January 18, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - Wendy Williams just broke her silence on the conservatorship she's been placed on.

The former talk show host and her niece, Alex, called into Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club, hosted by DJ Envy, Charlamagne tha God and Jess Hilarious, on Thursday, Jan. 16.

During the interview, she spoke about her court-mandated guardianship, comparing her life to a "prison" these days.

Williams was first placed under financial guardianship in 2022 when her financial advisor claimed she wasn't of "sound mind." Her bank froze her accounts out of fear that her reported cognitive issues would leave her susceptible to exploitation.

She was later diagnosed with dementia and aphasia, the latter of which affects a person's ability to communicate.

In November 2024, her guardian's attorney filed documents in court claiming Williams was "cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and incapacitated."

Do I seem that way, God damn it? Wendy Williams countered while calling into the radio show, declaring, I am not cognitively impaired."

"But I feel like Im in prison, she said, referencing the New York City care facility she's reportedly been living in since 2023. Im in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70sTheres something wrong with these people here on this floor, she said to emphasize that the people she's been placed with require medical attention which she feels she does not.

Her niece, Alex compared the facility to a "luxury prison," describing the small "apartment" with a singular window in which Williams lives.

While Williams can reportedly call her family, they cannot contact her directly, and the media personality claimed she is denied internet access. There is also a high-level security presence that makes it difficult for family members to visit and impossible for Williams to go anywhere.

Williams also countered claims in a lawsuit filed by her guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, in an attempt to put a stop to A&E and Lifetime's docuseries about her. While Morrissey claimed the project was exploitative, Williams says it was her idea in the first place.

"Look, this system is broken, this system that Im in. This system has falsified a lot, she emphasized. "Who I naturally am is who I naturally am."

Listen to Wendy speak below.




Saturday, January 18, 2025  In a surprising turn of events, former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame has urged cartoonists in the country to depict him in a casket like they are doing to President William Ruto.

In a statement, Kigame asserted that such illustrations would not cause his death as claimed by the terrified Ruto.

The musician further claimed that it was foolish for anyone to be abducted over sharing an image of an individual in a coffin.

"To prove to you how stupid it is to abduct our children because of a casket cartoon, I publicly encourage every cartoonist to draw me in a casket. It will not kill me. It is like calling me a dog and expecting that the sound of your voice will turn me into one," Kigame stated.

His remarks come after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua questioned why anyone would fear seeing their image depicted in a coffin.

Gachagua argued that such acts should not justify abducting those responsible for creating the images, noting that portraying someone in a coffin does not mean they have died.

Last week, Ruto alleged that some politicians were funding the youth creating images of him and other leaders in coffins.

However, he cautioned the youth against being used by politicians in pushing the images on social media, claiming that the coffin images would push them towards evil acts of killing others.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 18, 2025 - Just a few days ago, protests erupted along the Nyeri-Nyahururu Highway after the mysterious disappearance of Simon Mwangi Githinji, popularly known as Saimo within the community.

The incident saw dozens of agitated residents block the busy road for hours as they demanded answers.

Mwangis motorbike had been found abandoned near Solio Ranch, while his phone, strangely dry despite a heavy downpour, was recovered on the ranch grounds the following day, raising more questions than answers.

Now, Mwangi has come forward with a harrowing account of his disappearance, alleging that he was kidnapped, beaten, and left tied to a tree in the forest for two days.

Speaking to a local news outlet, Mwangi recounted how he was intercepted by five men in plain clothes who claimed to be security guards from Solio Ranch.

They accused me of trespassing and forced me to follow them to the ranch office, but instead, they dragged me into the forest, beat me, tied me to a tree, and left me there, Mwangi revealed.

He described how he spent two cold, terrifying nights, hearing the growls of wild animals nearby and fearing for his life.

The attackers, who Mwangi says were armed with batons, also stripped him of his possessions, taking Ksh 13,000 meant for his daughters school fees and leaving his family devastated.

His wife, Irene, said the family endured hours of uncertainty, only for Mwangi to be released after protests escalated, forcing his alleged captors to let him go.

Residents say this is not an isolated case.

According to Francis Wanjohi, a relative of Mwangi, For years, locals have faced intimidation and harassment near the ranch. Even using public roads has become risky.

How can we continue living in fear in our own home? Solio Ranch management, however, has denied any involvement.

In a statement, the ranchs Security Manager, identified only as Mr. Omar, dismissed the claims, saying their guards had assisted in the search for Mwangi.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which collaborates with the ranch on security matters, also stated that its officers were not involved.

The police, who locals accuse of being slow to act during the search, have launched forensic investigations into Mwangis phone records.

We are investigating the phones movements and are committed to uncovering the truth, Kieni West Sub-County Police Commander Samuel Ndegwa said.

Mwangi says he now lives in constant fear while his daughter remains out of school.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 18, 2025 - Nyandarua County Senator, John Methu, has called for the immediate resignation of President William Ruto, following Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturis explosive dossier.

In the dossier, Muturi exposed President William Ruto and National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji as the men behind the abductions and killings of young Kenyans.

In a statement on Friday, Methu said the Head of State should resign for continuously breaching the 2010 Constitution by allegedly encouraging abductions.

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 claimed.

Ruto has remained silent on Muturi's accusations, but his allies have threatened to impeach the Cabinet Secretary for disrespecting the President by linking him to the abductions and killings of young Kenyans.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - An American Queer TikTok star accused of killing a Baton Rouge gay therapist has been indicted.

Terryon Ishmael Thomas, 20, of Newellton also known as Mr. Prada on social media was arrested in Dallas on Oct. 1, 2024.

He has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, aggravated criminal damage to property, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to court records.

The body of Nicholas Abraham, 69, was discovered wrapped in a tarp along U.S. Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish on Sept. 29.

Thomas became a suspect after he was seen driving Abraham's car, authorities said. When police attempted to stop him, Thomas allegedly led them on a vehicle chase, crashed the car, and fled on foot.

Investigators said surveillance footage showed Abraham alive outside Thomas' apartment complex the day before his body was discovered. Inside Thomas apartment, police found blood spatter and Abrahams DNA, according to sheriff's office records.

Witnesses reported seeing Thomas struggling to drag a blue tarp down the stairs of his apartment building before loading it into Abrahams vehicle, authorities said.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office says the relationship and motive for the killing are still under investigation, and, at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that Thomas was a client of Abraham.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 28.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - American rapper Busta Rhymes has reportedly been charged with assault for allegedly beating up his assistant for being on his phone while working.

The 12-time Grammy Award nominee, whose real name is Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr., turned himself in over the incident on January 10, the day he dropped teasers for his upcoming album Dragon Season, the New York Post reports.

Rhymes, 52, was previously charged with assault in 2015 for allegedly throwing a protein drink at a staff member in a Manhattan gym.

It comes after Rhymes was recorded throwing a drink at a woman when she touched him in Las Vegas in February 2023.

The music artist was accompanied by a posse when the overzealous fan grabbed him from behind and touched his butt.

The woman, identified as Nikita Mathis, confirmed to The Shade Room that she was the person who touched Busta.

'I didn't mean to touch his behind, honestly. I was just happy to meet him and wanted a picture,' the fashion boutique owner admitted.

Mathis also noted that she had attended the conference, where Busta 'gave a very encouraging speech to entrepreneurs.'

She added, 'I have been a long-time fan. I admit I shouldn't have touched him at all, but he's Busta. I just felt like I could possibly get a pic.'

The drink thrown was reportedly an open plastic cup of water that Rhymes swiftly used in his defence.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - Drakes legal team has drawn attention for an apparent misstep in their defamation lawsuit over the diss track Not Like Us, which the rapper claims has caused him reputational harm and personal danger.

In an 81-page lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), Drake alleges the track, written by Kendrick Lamar, repeatedly suggests violence against him, including references to him being a pedophile and a threat made in the lyrics: I think that Oakland show gon be your last stop.

However, a glaring error in the lawsuit has caught the attention of hip-hop fans. The legal team incorrectly claims that Lamar, who penned the song, grew up in Oakland, California, when in fact, the Grammy-winning rapper was born and raised in Compton. The lyric about Oakland references Tupac Shakur, whose voice was mimicked using AI in Drakes Taylor Made diss track. Shakur, who spent much of his 20s in Oakland, is the intended subject of Lamars lyric, suggesting that the Bay Area would not forgive Drake for using AI to emulate the late rappers voice.

The apparent lack of basic hip-hop knowledge in Drakes legal filings has sparked reactions online, with fans noting the oversight as a significant blunder. While the lawsuit centers on the claim that UMG knowingly published and promoted defamatory content that labeled Drake a certified pedophile, fans and commentators have questioned whether pursuing legal action over a rap feud could damage Drakes street credibility even further.

TMZ first reported on the lawsuit, noting that Drake has since dropped the case against his own label but continues to criticize UMG for their involvement in the songs release. Critics of the lawsuit point out that legal action over diss tracksa staple of hip-hop culturemay weaken Drakes image in the eyes of fans.

As the controversy unfolds, fans are left debating whether the lawsuit or the lyrical feud itself has done more harm to Drakes reputation. For now, one thing is clear: any street cred Drake hoped to retain has taken another hit, thanks in part to his lawyers questionable grasp of hip-hop history.




Saturday, January 18, 2025 - President William Ruto has appointed former Gender Cabinet Secretary, Aisha Jumwa, to a powerful position in his government.

In a Gazette Notice released on Friday, the Head of State appointed Jumwa as the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board for three years.

Jumwa, who was fired as a CS in July last year, now takes over from Ahmed Kolosh Mohamed whose appointment has effectively been terminated.

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (1) (a) of the Kenya Roads Board Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Aisha Jumwa Katana to be the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th January 2025, read the notice.

The President also appointed George Wanga as the non-executive Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for the same period.

Mr. Wanga will replace Jackton Boma Ojwang whose tenure now stands revoked.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
US President-elect Donald Trump can force the dictator of the terrorist country of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to "crawl" to the talks on ending the war in Ukraine. There are many mechanisms for this, one of which is to increase military aid to Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister, head of the Center for Russian Studies Volodymyr Ohryzko, Ukrinform reports. He emphasized that for an additional demonstration of force, stricter sanctions against Russia should be imposed.

"Such a combination is quite capable of forcing Putin to give in, to crawl on his knees to negotiations where he will not be handed what he wants, but will be handed a surrender that he will have to accept," Ohryzko said.

However, according to him, the provision of military support under Trump's presidency remains complicated and ambiguous. The Republican's words make it clear that he wants to end the war quickly, and he even mentioned putting pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv.

This may be worrisome, as the pressure may be aimed at reducing military aid to Ukraine in order to force a compromise. However, the question remains whether such attempts will be realized.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the former Ukrainian Foreign Minister, this method should be viewed from a different perspective  through the prism of Trump's ambitions, who seeks to establish himself as the greatest president in history, a leader among leaders, aiming to make America the most powerful country in the world.

"It becomes obvious here that Trump's reputation as a winner is key. And if he wants to go down in history as a leader who not only made America great but also established its global role, he must demonstrate strength. And this is only possible through a victory over Putin," Ohryzko said.

On January 13, it became known that Trump plans to meet with Putin after his inauguration on January 20. The Kremlin leader, according to the American president, is also interested in this meeting because his war against Ukraine is not going well for him.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, according to Mike Volz, Trump is allegedly considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine's long-range strikes against Russia. This will be necessary to persuade the Kremlin dictator to negotiate.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!




Saturday, January 18, 2025  President William Ruto may have duped former President Uhuru Kenyatta after meeting him at his Ichaweri home last year.

This is after Uhuru incited Gen Zs to keep fighting Ruto to safeguard their rights and freedoms which his regime is stifling.

As a result, Uhuru urged Gen Z not to be intimidated into stopping their fight for their rights.

"Fight for your rights bwana. Don't just down and watch your properties being taken away and you worked hard to obtain them. Don't allow it. Fight for your rights," Uhuru said.

He further told the youth that they should not lament if they lose what they worked hard for without a fight.

The former president pledged his support to the youth, affirming his backing in their fight for better leadership.

Uhurus advice sparked online reaction with many alleging that he might have been duped while others questioned the motive behind his remarks.

This is Uhuru Kenyatta asking Gen Zs not to buy fear and fight for their rights. He's even asking his daughter Ngina Kenyatta to get out and join the struggle. Ngoja, kwani Uhunye hakupewa share yake? I am Chege wondered.

"After appointing 3 CSs," Sparkles also wondered.

"Uhuru isn't for sale, stated Hakeem Nassur.

"My guy, well spoken, noted 1964.

"Things are boiling nicely," Marine charged.

"He was waiting for appointees to be sworn in," Edwin Numbi quipped.

"Gen Z apana ogopa," Hon Joseph Lendrix stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 18, 2025  Tables have turned on Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi after his explosive expose revealing President William Rutos government abducted his son during the Gen Z protests in June last year.

This is after National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed challenged Muturi to explain to the country why his son was abducted and clarify the circumstances behind the incident.

In a statement, Junet expressed doubts about Muturis motives and 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 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.

He added that engaging in public disputes undermines the government and called on Muturi to prioritize professionalism over personal grievances.

"Don't bring commotion, don't bring unnecessary fights in government, man up and leave. It's only in African societies where somebody disagrees with a government's policies, and still want to stay there. To do what?" Junet asked.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - A TikTok influencer was arrested for allegedly poisoning and torturing her baby daughter to receive donations and boost online followers.

Footage shows the 34-year-old Australian mum crying as cops put handcuffs on her before bundling the social media personality into a police car.

The Queensland woman has been charged with child exploitation after "administering poison with intent to harm".

She is also accused of defrauding donors of 30,000 via GoFundMe.

The woman is said to have given her child unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines to make her sick, according to the cops.

She had reportedly been recording her child's battle with a terminal illness on social media

However, authorities allege that she was instead drugging her one-year-old baby and then filming her while she was in "immense distress and pain".

She was first reported by the medical staff during one of the childs hospital stays in October last year after experiencing "severe emotional and physical distress and harm".

Cops said in a statement: "The woman carefully concealed her continued efforts to administer the unauthorised medicines until the matter was detected and reported to police by medical staff from a hospital in Brisbanes south while the child was admitted.

While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child.

They allege the woman ignored medical advice and "went to lengths to obtain unauthorised medicines", which included old medications prescribed to another person in the home.

The woman then took photos and videos of her child to "entice monetary donations and online followers".

Tests for unauthorised medicines in the child's system returned a positive result later in January, the police said.





The mum is now under police custody and is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, Jan. 17.

Cops claim the child would have become "gravely ill" and "could have died" if she had stayed in the accused's care.

Queensland Police Inspector Paul Dalton said: "[There are] no words for how repulsive offences of this nature are.

We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harms way and hold any offender to account.

"There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival."

Watch the video below.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - The German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has been officially licensed for spaceflight by the UKs Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), paving the way for the first satellite launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.

This regulatory approval marks the final step needed for RFA to move forward with its historic mission, set to make it the first company to conduct a vertical satellite launch from European soil.

RFA plans to launch its 30-meter-tall, three-stage rocket, RFA One, capable of carrying a 1,300kg payload into a sun-synchronous orbit. The inaugural test flight is scheduled for 2025, following delays caused by a fire and explosion during a static test of the rockets first stage last year.

Jorn Spurmann, RFA's Chief Commercial Officer, described the licensing as a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europes space industry. He emphasized that this achievement represents not only a regulatory milestone but also a significant step towards independent and competitive space access for Europe. Spurmann added that RFAs efforts aim to position Europe as a leader in space exploration and commercialisation, enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from mainland Europe.

SaxaVord Spaceport, located on Unst, the northernmost of the Shetland Islands, has already received its spaceport and range control licences, solidifying its role as a key player in Europes burgeoning space sector. The planned launch in 2025 will mark a new era for European space exploration.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, highlighted the historical importance of this development, calling it a new era for aerospace and a critical milestone for the UK. He credited extensive work behind the scenes to ensure the appropriate safety and environmental measures were in place.

Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead celebrated the achievement as a major breakthrough for Scotlands space sector. He noted that Scotland, already a leader in satellite manufacturing, is now poised to take the next step in launching satellites and leveraging the data they provide. Lochhead commended the efforts of SaxaVord and RFA, as well as Scotlands space entrepreneurs, for positioning the country as one of Europes leading space nations. He reaffirmed the Scottish Governments commitment to supporting the sector and unlocking its economic potential.

The licensing of RFAs mission marks a significant step forward for the European space industry and sets the stage for a new era of innovation and competition in satellite launches.




Saturday, January 18, 2025 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has told off his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of trying to distract President William Rutos government from delivering its mandate to Kenyans.

However, he affirmed that the government will not be distracted in service delivery to the people.

Speaking on Friday during the Embu county development tracking forum at his Karen home, Kindiki noted that people who are trying to distract them from developing the country will also have an opportunity to explain what they did when they had the opportunity.

"Its very fair game, isn't it? Especially those who were given the opportunity for two years. Because the work is a lot. To visit every village and solve all these problems.

"We have to be all over and you know this is one county, and we want to replicate the same in 47 counties," the DP said.

"I'm not worried about how serious the development agenda is. I'm worried about how far we will push forward that development agenda, from where it is now to where we want it to be."

According to the DP, they will not be drawn into pettiness and scheming how to attack others.

"We will not be drawn to that kind of retrogressive, primitive, and dangerous politics. We will not go there, all of us as leaders from Embu County will not allow that to happen. But at the same time, we are open to people of diverse political opinions," he added.

"The time is coming when the exam, of all that we said we would do will be set and will be required to sit and answer the exam.

"They (critics) are even helping us to work harder."

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized American billionaire Elon Musk for supporting far-right political forces. According to the politician, this poses a threat to democracy in Europe.

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Therefore, Musk's "friendship" with the far-right is not only something to be criticized but also something to be condemned. Scholz made this statement during a press conference in Berlin, Politico reports.

According to the chancellor, Musk's support for far-right political forces in Europe is dangerous, as it "jeopardizes" democracy on the continent.

"He supports the far-right everywhere in Europe  in the UK, Germany, many, many other countries  and this is absolutely unacceptable. It jeopardizes the democratic development of Europe, it jeopardizes our community, and it must be criticized," Scholz emphasized.

The Federal Chancellor also added that he does not oppose freedom of speech and does not try to restrict Musk in expressing his position, but "his move to the far right, whether for business interests or for reasons related to his own political position, is unacceptable."

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For example, in Germany, Musk is now publicly supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany party: the last time he publicly supported this political force was on January 12, when he shared a live broadcast of the AfD party conference on his account on the X network, which has 212 million subscribers.

A few days earlier, Musk had spoken to AfD leader Alice Weidel live on X for more than an hour. He introduced the politician as the "most promising candidate" for German chancellor and falsely claimed that she was leading in the polls.

However, Musk's support for this far-right party had a positive impact on its position before the February 23 snap election. According to the latest polls, AfD's ratings are on the rise.

In late December last year, Elon Musk called Scholz an "incompetent fool."

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He commented on a tweet from a German far-right activist with a video in which the federal chancellor expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the terrorist attack in Magdeburg. Later, the billionaire also attacked German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier online.

However, the American businessman's interests are not limited to Germany. He also managed to publicly "trample" on representatives of the political elite of other Western countries. In particular, he attacked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, called on Washington to "free the British from their tyrannical government," and, as the media learned, held private discussions about removing Starmer from his post.

In addition, Musk publicly insulted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In response to the latter's statement about the impossibility of Canada joining the United States, as stated by the newly elected US President Donald Trump, the American businessman addressed Trudeau with the phrase: "Girl, it doesn't matter what you say."

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
December 19, 2024 marked 102 years since the execution of seven men detained in the Curragh Camp during the Civil War.

The seven executed were: Stephen White, Abbey St, Kildare; Joseph Johnson, Station Rd, Kildare; Patrick Mangan, Fair Green, Kildare; Patrick Nolan, Rathbride, Kildare; James OConnor, Bansha, Tipperary; Patrick Bagnall, Fair Green, Kildare; and, leader of the column, Brian Moore, Rathbride, Kildare.

Stephen White, Joseph Johnson and Patrick Bagnall were all under the age of 20 when they died.

On the morning of December 19, 1922 at 8.30 am these men were executed by firing squad in the Military Detention Barracks, Curragh Camp. It was the largest single execution carried out during those times.

During the Civil War, the Free State group, or pro-treaty group, made use of Irelands railway system for the transportation of supplies and communication. One tactic the anti-treaty side had in disrupting their efforts was to intercept mail and other supplies coming through the railway lines.

Some of the men executed in 1922. Stephen White, Joseph Johnston, Patrick Mangan, Patrick Nolan, and James O'Connor.

With many of the men executed being employed by the railway, these guerrilla tactics were used when some from the group took part in an attempt to disrupt communications by derailing engines on December 11, 1922.

On December 13, the men were surprised in a dug out at a farmhouse at Moores Bridge, on the edge of the Curragh plains, by Free State troops. In the dug-out were ten men, ten rifles, a quantity of ammunition, and other supplies. The men were arrested and conveyed to the Curragh. One of the men, Thomas Behan, was prematurely shot trying to escape from the Curragh camp.

Between December 13-18, seven of the men were tried before a military court and were found guilty of being in possession of arms without authority and therefore sentenced to death.

The day before their execution the seven men were visited by Father Donnelly, chaplain in the Curragh.

Personal letters were written by each of the men to their families on the eve of their deaths.

Eighteen-year-old Stephen White wrote to his father: I am sorry I cannot see any of you before I go, but, I hope by the time you get this to be with my poor Mother In Heaven, with Gods help. I hope you will all say a prayer for me.

I never saw Jimmie [his brother] since the night we were arrested, but, thank God it is me instead of him that was to go. He will be more use to you than I would, and tell him if ever he gets out, which, with the help of God, he will, to start work and give up this game as it is not worth it.

We have been treated all right since we came here and we were all with the Priest to-day, and will be with him all night. I am sorry I cannot see you all to bid you Good bye, but, I suppose we will all meet the other side.

The men are buried in Grey Abbey cemetery in Kildare town and a memorial in their remembrance is located on Market Square, Kildare town.

May they rest in peace.
Tom Tuite

An Albanian man was caught "red-handed" trying to board an Aer Lingus flight at Dublin Airport while using fake Greek identity documents, a court has heard.

The accused, who has given the name Adrini Kuqi, his age as 38, and no fixed address in Bilbao, Spain, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday charged with offences under the Immigration and Theft and Fraud Offences acts.

He is accused of failing to produce a valid passport or equivalent document on demand establishing his identity and nationality at Terminal 1 after he was stopped on Friday evening.

He was also charged with possessing and using false instruments, a fake Greek driving licence and passport in another person's name to induce another person to do an act or provide a service.

Detective Sergeant Keith Cleary told Judge David McHugh that the man was trying to leave the State when he was intercepted.

Opposing bail, he submitted that the man was a flight risk and would not turn up for his trial. The identity he gave was not confirmed, and enquiries are to be made with the visa section.

Defence solicitor Peter Keating said his client would sign on daily at a city centre garda station, provide his contact number when he gets his phone back from gardai, and find accommodation in a hostel.

The defence said the accused had been staying in a hostel before his arrest, which the arresting officer did not accept.

The detective sergeant alleged that the accused was caught red-handed with the two false documents, and the officer believed he "had access to other false documents".

The court heard he was getting on a plane to Barcelona when he was stopped and claimed he lived in Italy.

The accused gave evidence and insisted that he has given the correct date of birth and name to gardai. He agreed to remain in the State and turn up to court if allowed out on bail.

Cross-examined by Detective Sergeant Cleary, the man claimed that he had been staying at a hostel in the city centre, which he paid for with his bank card.

However, he could not name the hostel and said it was "in the middle of Dublin" and that he stayed there for three or four days. The accused, who has yet to enter a plea, conceded that he had no permanent address in the State.

Judge McHugh said he had "no hesitation in refusing bail", adding, "I regard him as a substantial flight risk".

Legal aid was granted, and the accused was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.

The judge also ordered disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence.
Bundestag member Sahra Wagenknecht suggested that Berlin should "immediately" stop military aid to Kyiv if Moscow ceases fire and starts peace talks. In her opinion, the request of German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius for 3 billion euros to support Ukraine is "irresponsible."

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The 55-year-old politician is the leader of the far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party. In an interview with the Funke Media Group, the MP said that the arms supplies allegedly did not improve Ukraine's position.

"We should offer Russia to immediately stop supplying weapons if Russia agrees to a ceasefire on the current front line and the start of peace talks," Wagenknecht said.

She also strongly opposes sending German troops to Ukrainian territory to ensure a peaceful settlement.

"Ukraine needs security guarantees, but they should be provided by neutral states," Wagenknecht said. She named Brazil, China, India, and Turkey as such countries.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

 Recently, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius handed over a new RCH 155 wheeled howitzer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strengthen the artillery. It was the first of 54 howitzers ordered for our country. It was symbolically received by Ambassador of Ukraine Oleksii Makeiev.

 On January 15, Germany announced the transfer of a new military aid package. Among other things, our Defense Forces received ammunition of various calibers, drones, and armored vehicles.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
There is no reason to lift sanctions against the Russian Federation, despite the statements of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. After all, the Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin has not changed his goal.

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This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on January 17, Barron's reports."We definitely need sanctions. This is our leverage, and it would be very strange to give it up," she told reporters.

The politician emphasized that nothing has changed, Putin still has the same goals. "Therefore, there are no grounds for lifting the sanctions," she said.

To recap: The European Union has imposed 15 rounds of sanctions against Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.

The next decision on the extension of economic restrictions must be made by January 31. To do so, all 27 EU member states must give their consent.

However, Orban, one of the closest allies of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and a European leader friendly to Russia, refused to vote in favor. He said that "a new era is beginning" and Brussels must adapt to the changed situation.

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"It is time to throw sanctions out the window and create a system of relations with Russia without sanctions. This is still a long way off, but we have to work on it... At the moment, the signals from Brussels are not encouraging," he said in an interview with state radio.

Kallas, for her part, warned that whatever the negotiations, "we will be in a much weaker position" if the restrictions are lifted prematurely.

"I also don't think it would be in the United States' favor to lift the sanctions now," she added.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

 The European Union, according to media reports, is developing a backup plan in case Orban tries to veto the extension of sanctions imposed on Russia. For this purpose, an 81-year-old law with the participation of King Philip of Belgium may be used.

 In early January, the United States announced the imposition of sanctions against a senior Hungarian government official, Antal Rogan, who served as Prime Minister Orban's chief of staff. These measures are part of the Global Magnitsky program due to Rogan's involvement in corruption schemes.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Putting forward any conditions and demands for Ukraine to make compromises and concessions in the war with Russia will only encourage the Kremlin's future aggression. Moreover, trade in territories will sooner or later lead to a global war.

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Washington understands this threat and realizes that demanding compromises from Ukraine could lead to serious consequences. This was stated by diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi in an interview with OBOZ.UA.

According to him, by deterring the Russian army, Ukraine is protecting not only its territory but also the entire civilized world. The US understands that the Ukrainian army is now a bulwark of global security, so it will not allow Russia to win.

"Ukraine is the key to the security of Ukraine, Europe, and the world, including the United States. This is very well understood in Washington. Now in terms of pressure on Ukraine. To destroy what is now protecting Europe and the world? No, this will not happen," Bezsmertnyi said.

The diplomat also emphasized that the mere phrase "end of the war" looks inadequate in this situation. Bezsmertnyi explained that Russia's aggressive position cannot be broken by sanctions.

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"You can bring them to the table, but you can't break them with sanctions. As soon as they sit down at the table, it will become clear. And the only cure in the current situation is the victory of the coalition of democracy and freedom over the axis of evil," explained Bezsmertnyi.

The diplomat noted that the Kremlin should not be encouraged by such concepts as trade in Ukrainian territories, as this will become an incentive for future Russian aggression.

"God forbid trade in territories in this situation, it will be an incentive that will result in a continental and then a global war. This is the law of the genre. When the aggressor is encouraged, or rather not punished for crimes, it stimulates his aggressiveness," the diplomat said.

To recap, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it is quite possible to end the war in 2025. However, this requires specific security guarantees for Ukraine, which will exclude the possibility of a second Russian invasion.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will demand that Ukraine maintain a neutral status, and limited military capabilities, and refuse to join NATO in any negotiations with new US President Donald Trump. And he will demand that all this be enshrined in the Constitution.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
COLUMBIA  After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on TikTok Friday, Missourians who use the app to make videos  and income  are bracing for the social media giant to go dark.

A bipartisan majority in Congress voted to approve the TikTok ban last year after lawmakers raised concerns that China has too much control over the app. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is based in China.

Even after the Supreme Court's decision, it's unclear what the future of TikTok looks like. The ban is set to go in effect on Sunday, one day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The Biden administration signaled it will not take any action to enforce the law on Sunday, NBC News reports.

Trump has indicated he may take action to keep the app available.

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 on Truth Social Friday.

In the meantime, Missourians who generate income by posting videos on TikTok are bracing for a ban. Dylana Fox and Taylor Austin are co-owners of Mid Mo Trends, a boutique clothing store based in Benton County.

Mid Mo Trends has a storefront in Cole Camp but started online in 2019. It sells women's clothing, including shoes and accessories. Fox and Austin said they use TikTok to promote their products with a personal touch.

"We've really capitalized on putting our face behind the camera and really building a community of followers from all over the country that we've gotten to know a little better just through TikTok," Austin said.

TikTok approved the company to sell clothing directly through its online store called TikTok Shop. Viewers can directly buy clothing from Mid Mo Trends after watching one of their videos. The app has become an essential part of the business. Between 60% and 70% of online sales have come from TikTok Shop this year, Fox said.

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The app also drives in-person foot traffic, including to a booth the business had at the state fair in Sedalia. Austin and Fox said said they have been talking about how to navigate the ban. Mid Mo Trends started on Facebook, so posting on other platforms isn't foreign.

"We're going to try to post more videos on Facebook and Instagram; unfortunately, they don't offer the same thing as TikTok shop," Fox said. "So that is going to be something that we've been talking about that we still have to figure out."

Dakota Moore  otherwise known as bullwinkle1992 on TikTok  has a similar story. Just like Mid Mo Trends, Moore started posting videos on other platforms when some friends suggested he try TikTok. At first, he put it off. But then he posted a video from a job site in West Texas. Within a day, Moore said it got 45,000 views.

"That was really something," Moore said. "You know, I didn't know how all of it worked. I was like, dang, this is taking off already."

Now Moore has almost 44,000 followers on TikTok, where he showcases his work as a pipeline welder. Moore also posts videos of custom truck beds he builds. Although TikTok is not his main source of income, Moore has turned the app into a sort of second job.

Based in Holden, Missouri, about an hour drive southeast of Kansas City, he partners with companies to promote gear for welders. Moore also started a hat line called 2R Cattle Company. Ultimately, Moore said his videos are about spreading positivity. One video that got more than 750,000 views on TikTok is Moore showing off his custom welding truck.

"Whether people like (the truck) or don't like it, they're still going to smile and either shake their head or be like, 'Yeah man, that's super cool!'" Moore said. "And I absolutely love that."

Moore said the ban is unfortunate because there are a lot of small businesses that rely on the app to make money. Like Mid Mo Trends, Moore said he's going to transition to posting more videos on other platforms like Facebook.

"We're just going to have to adapt and overcome," Moore said.
In mid-October, the American horror community  led by Stephen King  revealed its greatest fear to the world: the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

To help stop him, writers, filmmakers and other cultural agents organized an online event titled Scare Up The Vote, in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Partys candidate. Not by chance, some of the most prominent voices at this meeting were people of color: from Tananarive Due  a leading author of what is known as Black horror  to Stephen Graham Jones, an experimental writer and member of the Blackfeet Tribe.

Among the participants was also P. Djeli Clark, a New Yorker of Trinidadian origin. A few days after Trumps victory, he travelled to Barcelona for Festival 42, which is dedicated to fantasy literature. There, Clark endorsed one of the maxims of his colleague, Tananarive Due: She always says that Black history is a Black horror story. Inevitably, African-American authors have grown up under the influence of the Civil Rights Movement, along with a cultural heritage thats the product of social oppression, from slavery to the present day. Thats reflected in the stories we tell and how we tell them, he explains to EL PAIS.

In Ring Shout (2020)  his most successful novel  Clark turns the second coming of the Ku Klux Klan into a dark fantasy. It centers on Black female soldiers fighting against an army of hooded monsters, who are on the loose after watching The Birth of a Nation (1915). We cannot forget that it was the first film to be screened in the White House, Clark points out. Its popularity led to a wave of murderous racism throughout the United States.

The writer P. Djeli Clark, in a photo provided by the author.

In D. W. Griffiths film, the Ku Klux Klan saves a white woman, who is about to be raped by a freed slave (a white actor in blackface). The unfounded fear of the Black rapist led to a wave of lynchings across the country. In response, the Pan-Africanist historian W. E. B. Dubois would publish the post-apocalyptic story The Comet (1920), in which a white girl and a Black boy  the only survivors of a meteorite that destroys New York  unite across the racial barrier, until a white male savior appears to restore order.

The historical context is important, Clark emphasizes. As I was writing Ring Shout, I couldnt imagine that its publication would coincide with the police killing of George Floyd. I thought my little novel would serve as a reminder, but theres no need to remind us of anything, because all that real terror that we Black people experienced is still just as present in the U.S. today. Did you see the thing about Black American citizens receiving anonymous messages on their phones threatening to send them back to pick cotton after Trumps re-election? Lynching today continues to happen, with all the tools at its disposal. And thats infinitely more terrifying than any story a writer like me can publish about the Ku Klux Klan, Clark reflects.

D. W. Griffith's 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915) became the first blockbuster in history and laid the groundwork for cinema as we know it. It also promoted white supremacy and demonized Black people.

P. Djeli Clark is one of the 19 authors chosen by filmmaker Jordan Peele for an anthology of Black horror stories: Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror (2023). The book includes stories by other essential contemporary authors, including Tananarive Due, Cadwell Turnbull, Nnedi Okorafor, Tochi Onyebuchi and N. K. Jemisin. In the preface, Peele writes that horror is a way to work through your deepest pain and fear  but for Black people that isnt possible, and for many decades wasnt possible, without the stories being told in the first place.

The director won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Get Out (2017). He turned traditional horror narratives on their heads with Black characters. In the film, an elite group of privileged whites prolong their lives by kidnapping, auctioning off and transplanting their consciousnesses into the bodies of young Black people. Its release coincided with Trump replacing Barack Obama as president. Get Out is a documentary, its creator tweeted ironically.

Jordan Peele, collecting the Oscar for best original screenplay for 'Get Out.' MARK RALSTON

Robin R. Means Coleman  an academic who specializes in the representation of the Black community in horror films  has made Peeles filmography an object of study in her classes. With Get Out, he went a step further. He questioned what cultural critic Rich Benjamin calls white suburban utopias, those residential communities that have become bastions of security for white neoliberal people. Suddenly, those suburbs became dangerous, and the safe place was Black Brooklyn, she explains to EL PAIS in a video interview.

In 2019, Means Coleman produced the documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. She reminds the viewer that although theres now a renaissance of Black horror, there have been interesting creators for decades. We can go back to the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, with filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux or Spencer Williams. Or to people who marked an era, like William Crane with Blacula (1972), or Rusty Candieff, director of Tales from the Hood (1995). The latter  a kind of Creepshow produced by Spike Lee  used humor and horror to issues such as institutional racism, gender violence, gang conflicts and police brutality. One particular episode dealt with events that took place in real life: the acquittal of four police officers for beating up taxi driver Rodney King, which would cause the worst race riots in the history of Los Angeles.

The Black lead in 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968), Duane Jones, added an extra layer of tension by acting as the protector of a group of terrified white people.

With Night of the Living Dead (1968)  filmed in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement  a turning point came. George A. Romero chose Duane Jones as the lead actor in the film because he was the best actor who showed up on casting day. For the first time in cinema, the Black man was neither the victim nor the danger, but rather the protector against the monsters. As soon as filming was over  which took place in a town in Pennsylvania  Romero said that he put the film cans in his car to go to New York, and on the trip, he heard the news of Martin Luther Kings assassination on the radio. Id like to think that, at that moment, he was aware of what he had intuitively filmed. It became an instant classic because of its ability to reflect the social turbulence that was taking place in the U.S. at that time, Means Coleman reflects. That is, a new racial reality: peaceful marches had given way to riots to confront persecution and murder.

Now, even though Romeros film has a Black hero, the protagonist still ends up getting shot by the white authorities and burned in a pile of zombies. Its one of the great cliches of horror cinema: the Black man must die. Means Coleman is actually the co-author of a book entitled, precisely, The Black Guy Dies First (2023). In horror films, she analyzes, hes the sacrificial Black man, always willing to give up his life for the white protagonist. A glaring example: Kubrick killing the only Black character in The Shining (played by Scatman Crothers) simply to cause a shock in the final stretch of the film. But in Kings novel  which the movie is based on  the character survives.

Another common trope is the Magical Negro. The Black man who  thanks to his paranormal perception and spells  helps the white man achieve his ends. Something that Whoopi Goldberg took to the extreme of parody in Ghost (1990).

There are horror comedies that have played at dismantling these stereotypes, like Scary Movie (2000) or Meet the Blacks (2016), Means Coleman acknowledges. The [last girl to survive] is no longer always the white one, but theres still a long way to go. The sacrificial Black character persists, not only in horror. When you see films like Civil War (2024) and they introduce this older Black character who isnt going to be able to run away when danger presents itself, you already know that hes going to sacrifice himself for the white character, she notes.

The character played by Scatman Crothers in Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' (1980) is one of the most controversial examples of the cliche of the sacrificial Black man, who is eternally willing to give his life for the cause of the white protagonist.

Professor Kinitra Brooks  a specialist in Black cultural studies and author of a series of articles titled The Safe Negro Guide to Lovecraft Country (2020)  thinks that many of these cliches come from white people, who have dominated the visual arts industry, undertaking a reading of Blackness. But these ideas have become outdated. In recent years, theyre being flipped around. Firstly, because white people are better versed. Secondly, because there are more and more Black voices expressing our reality: if its a Black person who speaks about magic, instead of something evil, it can be a connection with our ancestors, an instrument of power. And thirdly, the conversation has moved to another place: audiences today demand more sophisticated discourses, Brooks comments via video conference.

Means Coleman emphasizes theres no cliche more harmful than systematically erasing the presence of Black people: its been the most effective way of silencing us historically. But the change is beginning to be palpable. In 2023  according to the website Blackhorrormovies.com and its creator, Mark H. Harris (co-author of The Black Guy Dies First)  the number of Black roles in horror films and series has tripled since the release of Get Out in 2017.

However, theres still an unresolved issue in the industry: despite the numerous novels and stories published by Black authors, their works are rarely chosen to be adapted for the screen. And, when it happens, many details are lost and few are privileged to reach large audiences. If they [alter] Stephen King, imagine [what they do to] works by racialized authors, Means Coleman continues.

Fans of Octavia E. Butler, for example, were disappointed to find a hollow and reductionist vision of Black trauma in the recent miniseries adaptation of Kindred (1979), a landmark novel in which a Black writer accidentally travels back in time to meet her enslaved ancestors.

Octavia E. Butler's novels  such as 'Kindred' (1979) and 'Parable of the Sower' (1993)  set an influential precedent for noir speculative fiction. Here, the author is pictured in the 1980s. PATTI PERRET

Black horror literature has always had a political role, as Kinitra Brooks reminds us. She refers precisely to other speculative fictional works by Octavia E. Butler: The Parable of the Sower (1993) and its sequel, The Parable of the Talents (1998). In this dystopia  published in the 1990s and set in the 1920s and 1930s  a Christian fundamentalist presidential candidate presents himself as the best solution for a United States ravaged by ecological disaster, structural racism and the collapse of capitalism. He brandishes a triumphalist slogan: Make America Great Again. Sound familiar?

In those super dark books about the end of the world, Butler not only grasped the times, but also the subject matter. She saw that everything was going down the drain and gave us a guide to cope with it. Whenever things go bad, Black people always have it worse. My father always reminded me: I was born in the 1950s and grew up in the 1960s: were going to be fine. We know what it means to be in the fight, even though theres still a long way to go, Brooks concludes.

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By Kim Hyun-bin

The Italian Embassy in Seoul is set to host Italian Space Day on Tuesday at the Ambassador Residence of Italy in Seoul.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the launch of San Marco, Italy's first satellite, which established the nation as the third country in the world to independently launch a satellite into space.

First celebrated in 2021, Italian Space Day underscores Italy's pivotal role and ongoing contributions to global space exploration.

The event will commence with a welcome address by Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto. Following the opening remarks, John Lee, vice administrator of the Korea Aerospace Administration, and Luca Vincenzo Maria Salamone, director general of the Italian Space Agency, will present their perspectives on Italy and Koreas collaborations in the space sector. The keynote address will be delivered by Italian astronaut and test pilot Maurizio Cheli, whose distinguished career has made him a leading figure in aerospace innovation.

The program will continue with presentations from academic and industrial leaders. Representatives from organizations such as Leonardo, Hanwha Aerospace, Telespazio, Korea Aerospace Industries, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Thales Alenia Space Italia, Boryung, Yonsei University and Sapienza University of Rome will discuss advancements and opportunities in the space sector.

The event will conclude with a networking reception, which will provide a platform for fostering new scientific and technological collaborations between Italy and Korea.

Cheli, a distinguished Italian astronaut and test pilot, will deliver the keynote address. Born in Modena, Italy, in 1959, Cheli boasts a remarkable career, having served as a reconnaissance pilot for the F-104G and graduating at the top of his class at the Empire Test Pilots School. He also participated as a Mission Specialist in a 1996 space mission.
South Korea opened its embassy in Cuba this week, the foreign ministry said Saturday, nearly a year after the two countries forged diplomatic relations that took the world by surprise, including Cuba's Cold War-era ally, North Korea.

An opening ceremony took place at the embassy in the Miramar District of Havana, Friday (local time), the ministry said. It was attended by Lee Joo-il, director-general for Central and South American affairs at South Korea's foreign ministry, and Carlos Pereira, director general for bilateral affairs at the Cuban foreign ministry, among other officials.

South Korea is expected to announce its ambassador to Cuba soon, according to a diplomatic source. A career diplomat currently stationed in a Central American country has reportedly been designated for the position after Havana gave consent for the appointment, a diplomatic procedure known as "agrement."

Cuba has appointed Claudio Monzon Baeza as its top envoy to South Korea. Monzon assumed his post last week.

South Korea and Cuba made the surprise announcement Feb. 14 last year on the establishment of diplomatic relations, in an apparent heavy blow to North Korea that has touted its "brotherly" ties with Havana since the Cold War era.

Since the announcement, Seoul and Havana have been working to launch diplomatic missions in each other's countries, with South Korea setting up a temporary office in Havana and dispatching diplomats as an interim step.

"We expect the embassy opening will enhance convenience for our nationals residing in or visiting Cuba by providing consular services and protection, and contribute to expanding bilateral exchanges and cooperation," the ministry said.

Around 30 South Korean nationals are living on the Caribbean island nation, according to ministry data.

Cuba is also expected to open its embassy in Seoul in the coming months. (Yonhap)
A court hearing on whether to issue an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law ended Saturday after five hours.

The hearing at the Seoul Western District Court ran from 2 p.m. until 6:50 p.m., with Yoon in attendance. He then returned to the detention center where he has been held since Wednesday to await the court's decision.

"The president faithfully explained and responded regarding the facts, evidence and legal issues," his lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, told reporters outside the court. "We will wait quietly until the court's decision comes out."

The court is expected to issue or reject the warrant for his formal arrest late Saturday or early Sunday.

Earlier, Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon's lawyers, said prosecutors from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) presented their case for his arrest and the lawyers followed with PowerPoint presentations on their counterarguments.

Yoon, dressed in a suit, also spoke for 40 minutes. In his final statement, he spoke for another 5 minutes before the hearing ended.

The impeached president has been in custody since his arrest Wednesday at his residence on charges of masterminding an insurrection and abuse of power, making him the first sitting Korean president to be apprehended.

Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, about 20 kilometers south of Seoul, in a blue van escorted by police and the Presidential Security Service.

The convoy bypassed the designated photo area for the media and entered the court building directly, while thousands of supporters gathered nearby, waving Korean and U.S. flags and chanting Yoon's name in a display of solidarity.

Yoon chose to attend the court hearing to explain the legitimacy of the martial law imposition and restore his tarnished reputation, his lawyer Yun said in a message sent to reporters.

Since his detention, Yoon has refused to appear for questioning over his martial law bid. The declaration, made on Dec. 3, shocked the nation and plunged Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. However, the martial law lasted only a few hours before lawmakers voted to lift the measure.

His lawyers have said the martial law bid was an act of governance and cannot be subject to a court judgment as it was implemented to overcome a national crisis caused by the opposition-led impeachments of Cabinet members, gridlock in legislation and unilateral budget reduction.

Yoon's presidential powers were suspended after the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him Dec. 14.

On Wednesday, Yoon's legal team requested the Seoul Central District Court to decide on the legality of the detention warrant for Yoon issued by the Western District Court.

But the central court dismissed the challenge the following day, keeping him in custody.

Despite the ruling, Yoon's legal team is expected to maintain its argument that the CIO has no legal authority to investigate insurrection charges and that the western court does not have proper jurisdiction over the martial law case.

If court officials issue the warrant, Yoon will become the first sitting president in Korea's constitutional history to be formally arrested.

Yoon's formal arrest will allow investigators to extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to prosecutors for an indictment.

If rejected, the embattled president will be released and return to his residence, helping bolster his claims that the ongoing investigations into his martial law decree and impeachment are unfounded.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to remove Yoon from office by upholding the parliament's impeachment decision or reinstate him. (Yonhap)
Yoon stands firm, refuses to be questioned

By Kim Se-jeong, Anna J. Park

President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested, Sunday, after the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for his botched imposition of martial law.

This marks the first time in Korea that a sitting president has been arrested. The arrest occurred 47 days after Yoon declared martial law and just four days after he had been temporarily detained to face questioning over accusations of insurrection and abuse of power.

The president, however, continues to refuse questioning by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), arguing that the office has no authority to investigate an insurrection charge and that the arrest itself was illegal.

At around 2:59 a.m. on Wednesday, the court issued the warrant, citing concerns over Yoon's potential destruction of evidence.

The CIO requested the warrant, citing several concerns: the presidents failure to reflect on his actions, the possibility that he might attempt to declare martial law again if the Constitutional Court rejects his impeachment and the possible destruction of evidence, particularly given that he changed his cell phone and withdrew from the cloud-based messaging app Telegram around the time of the martial law declaration.

It is widely believed in the legal community that the issuance of the arrest warrant signals that the court found substantial grounds to suspect the president of committing the alleged crimes in his capacity as the leader. This move is also likely to undermine Yoons argument that the CIO lacks the authority to investigate treason charges and may influence the ongoing Constitutional Court proceedings regarding his impeachment.

Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, angry supporters of Yoon, who had gathered outside the district court, stormed the building, breaking windows and walls and throwing objects. While police forcibly dispersed the crowd, 45 individuals were apprehended on the spot and several officers sustained serious injuries.

Following the issuance of the warrant, Yoon was transferred from a waiting room to a separate building at the Seoul Detention Center, where he was assigned an inmate number and a uniform.

The CIO requested Yoon to be questioned further on Sunday afternoon, but he continued to refuse. Yoon Kap-keun, one of Yoon's legal representatives, told reporters that the president, a former prosecutor, could not comprehend the CIOs assertion that his declaration of martial law and subsequent actions constituted insurrection.

During a previous questioning session while under detention last Wednesday, Yoon exercised his right to remain silent. He then declined to attend additional sessions on Thursday and Friday, with his lawyers citing health reasons for his absence.

If Yoon continues to refuse further questioning, authorities may be compelled to interrogate him at the detention center or, if necessary, forcibly transport him to the CIO office. However, CIO investigators have stated that no decision has been made yet regarding their next steps if Yoon persists in refusing to attend the sessions.

In response to the arrest, Yoon's legal team issued a statement claiming that the rule of law has collapsed.

"The president has been already suspended from duties, so he is not in a position to exercise any influence. Some 10 involved people were already arrested ... How would the president destroy evidence?" they said.

"The president and our legal team will never give up. We will do our utmost in all forthcoming judicial procedures to correct any wrongs and ensure that the freedom and justice of the Republic of Korea are protected," they added.

The lawyers are also considering requesting a court review of the legality and necessity of the arrest warrant. If the court determines that the arrest was inappropriate, Yoon will be released. However, the chances of this happening are said to be slim.

According to the legal team, the president said that in future legal proceedings, he would make efforts to prove that martial law was both legitimate and necessary.

However, the president expressed concern over the physical clashes between his supporters and police officers at the court on Sunday morning, urging them to express their opinions peacefully.

Following Yoon's arrest, a senior official at the presidential office said the court's decision was inconsistent with fairness, especially when compared to the treatment of other opposition political figures. This comment seemed to refer to Lee Jae-myung, the chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), who has been facing multiple charges but has not been arrested.

"The presidential office is concerned that it may undermine public trust in the judiciary's impartiality," the official said.

Rival parties also offered contrasting responses to the court's decision.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) said in a statement that it finds the court's judgment deeply regrettable.

"Above all, as the sitting president, there is absolutely no possibility of flight or evidence destruction. Given the ongoing debates over the CIO's authority to investigate treason and other various legal controversies, I question whether the potential fallout from arresting a sitting president was fully considered," the PPP said.

It emphasized that all future judicial procedures must be conducted fairly and cautiously, without any concerns over controversies or flaws.

In contrast, the DPK supported the court's decision, describing it as a crucial step in restoring what it described as the broken constitutional order.

"The court showed a reasonable ruling for the leader of the treasonous act, which was witnessed by the entire nation in real time. It can all be attributed to the righteous anger of the people, who gathered to hold the treasonous forces accountable and restore normalcy to the Republic of Korea," it said in a statement. "No matter how powerful one may be, if they commit a crime, they must be strictly punished according to the law and principles," the party added.

The president is expected to be indicted early next month.

According to the law, investigators at the CIO and prosecutors can detain Yoon for up to 20 days, including the period of temporary detention before indicting him. However, the time spent during the earlier court review of his detention does not count toward this period, meaning the indictment is expected to occur between Feb. 3 and 5.
Up to 44,000 people gathered outside a court Saturday to support impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as he underwent a hearing on his potential arrest over his short-lived imposition of martial law, police said.

Yoon was brought to the Seoul Western District Court shortly before the 2 p.m. hearing in a motorcade escorted from a detention center in Uiwang, just south of the capital, where he has been held since Wednesday night.

An estimated 44,000 people rallied outside the court throughout the day, according to police, chanting Yoon's name and waving the Korean and U.S. flags. Some broke down in tears, while others engaged in minor scuffles with police officers.

The rally became increasingly heated as protesters tried to push past police officers and enter the court grounds, shouting, "Open the court entrance," and "I have to see the president's face."

Police broadcast repeated warnings that their actions could lead to their arrest or trigger a crowd crush.

When Yoon left the court to return to the detention center after the hearing ended, his supporters roared and grabbed vehicles presumably belonging to investigators and called for the dissolution of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is leading the probe into the martial law case.

Some broke the cars' door handles and released air from the tires.

Outside the detention center in Uiwang, around 100 of Yoon's supporters cheered for him as his convoy returned, waving their flags and sighing or shedding tears.

Just meters away, members of a progressive civic group held a competing rally calling for his arrest. (Yonhap)
A Seoul court is set to decide as early as Saturday night whether to formally arrest with detention impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law decree.

The Seoul Western District Court is scheduled to hold a hearing at 2 p.m. to review a request by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for an arrest warrant to be issued against Yoon.

If issued, Yoon would become the first sitting president in Korea's constitutional history to be formally arrested with detention.

Should the request be denied, Yoon is expected to return to the presidential residence and bolster his claims that the ongoing investigations into his martial law decree and impeachment are unfounded.

Yoon's legal team said he will attend the court hearing.

The CIO is leading a joint investigation with the police and the military over whether Yoon's martial law declaration amounted to an attempted insurrection.

Yoon shocked the nation by briefly imposing martial law on Dec. 3, plunging Korea into its worst political turmoil in decades.

His lawyers have said the move was not a crime but an "exercise of presidential authority to overcome a national crisis" caused by the opposition-led impeachments of Cabinet members and its unilateral budget reduction.

His presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him Dec. 14.

The anti-corruption agency said Yoon allegedly issued an illegal martial law bid that bans the National Assembly's political activities and mobilized the martial law command and police to shut down parliament in order to thwart efforts to lift martial law.

Also among the charges brought against Yoon is allegedly attempting to arrest and detain key politicians and employees of the national election watchdog.

Factors, such as the risk of the suspect fleeing or destroying evidence and whether the suspect has explained his position, will be considered.

Investigators sought an arrest warrant for Yoon, Friday, two days after they apprehended him at his residence and took him to a detention center following questioning.

Since being detained, Yoon has refused to appear for questioning over his martial law bid.

He 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.

Yoon's legal team is expected to maintain its argument that the CIO lacks the authority to investigate a case of insurrection and that the Seoul Western District Court does not have proper jurisdiction over the martial law case.

If the court issues a warrant to formally arrest Yoon, the CIO can extend his detention to 20 days, during which the agency will transfer the case to prosecutors for an indictment. (Yonhap)




President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping discussed trade, fentanyl and TikTok in a phone call Friday, just days before Trump heads back to the White House with vows to impose tariffs and other measures on America's biggest rival.

Despite that, Xi congratulated Trump on his second term and pushed for improved ties, the Chinese foreign ministry said. The call came the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court backed a law banning TikTok unless its sold by its China-based parent company.

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, Xi said in the call.

Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that he had spoken with Xi, saying the call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. They talked about trade, fentanyl and TikTok and more, he said.

President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Trump wrote. His transition team pointed to the social media post when asked for more details on the call.

The past few days have shown a warmer side of the U.S.-China relationship, which is expected to be one of the main focuses of Trumps second term. In his campaign, Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese goods by as much as 60 percent and later pledged an additional 10 percent hike over allegations China has failed to stem the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.

Experts believe that Trump would expand controls on products sold to China, too. But they also have pointed to Trump vowing to save TikTok" even though he tried to ban the social media platform the last time he was in the White House.

Following the Supreme Courts ruling, Trump said on social media that his decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!

Hal Brands, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said Trump is siding with TikTok because he believes the social media platform helped him in the 2024 election.

So I think it is a sign that Trumps own convictions on China are fairly changeable, given what is politically advantageous to him, Brands said. He certainly isnt a cold warrior at heart. In my view, his goal is to reach some sort of deal or accommodation with Beijing over the long term, even though he may well use confrontational tactics to build the leverage that is needed for that in the short- and medium-term."

Hours before the Trump-Xi call, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that Vice President Han Zheng would attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony as Xi's special representative. Trump extended an unusual invitation to Xi in December, but no head of state has attended a U.S. president's inauguration.

Trump in the past has praised his relationship with Xi and suggested China could help mediate international crises such as the war in Ukraine.

Beijing and Washington, however, have been locked in a tense economic competition since Trumps first term, when relations shifted toward a more contentious rivalry. President Joe Biden also has imposed limits on the sale of advanced technology to China and slapped high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and solar cells.

Sen. Marco Rubio, Trumps nominee for secretary of state, said at his confirmation hearing this week that China was the most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted.

In the call Friday, Xi told Trump that differences are inevitable between the two powers, but the key lies with respecting each other's core interests and major concerns and finding a proper solution," according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Xi urged Trump to approach the Taiwan issue with prudence because it is about China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Confrontation and conflict should not be an option for the two countries, Xi said.

Beijing claims the self-governed island as Chinese territory and vows to annex it by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by a domestic law to provide the island with sufficient hardware and technology to fend off any mainland invasion.

Trump has criticized Taiwan for pulling some of the semiconductor industry from the U.S., but U.S.-Taiwan relations also significantly improved during his first term.

Taiwan is sending legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu and seven others to Trumps inauguration, tasked with conveying Taiwan's commitment to democracy and best wishes to Trump and his administration.

In their phone call, Xi told Trump that the essence of trade and the overall economic relationship between the two countries is mutually benefiting and win-win.

The two leaders exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war and agreed to establish a channel of strategic communication," according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Craig Singleton, senior director of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said such leader-to-leader calls are important and noted that Trump and Xi appear to be speaking more frequently.

Regular communication is critical for advancing U.S. interests while ensuring clarity in competition, Singleton said.

Trump said in a December interview on Meet the Press that he had been communicating with Xi since he won the November election. Trump in the interview said he has "a very good relationship with Chinas leader. He said they did not discuss Taiwan but other issues. (AP)
Israel's cabinet approved a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday, a day before the agreement's scheduled start.

In the early hours of Saturday, after meeting for more than six hours, the government ratified the agreement that could pave the way for an end to the 15-month-old war in the Palestinian enclave, which Hamas controls.

"The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday," Netanyahu's office said in a brief statement.

In Gaza, Israeli warplanes have kept up heavy attacks since the ceasefire deal was agreed.

Israeli tanks shelled eastern areas of the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City and Israeli planes fired on areas in central and southern Gaza on Saturday, residents said. Medics in Gaza said five people were killed in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis during an airstrike on the enclave's south.

Some 123 Palestinians have now been killed by Israeli bombardments since the accord was announced on Wednesday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said.

Sirens sounded in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Saturday. The military later said it has shot down a missile fired from Yemen and there was no mention of any casualties.

After the Israeli cabinet approval, lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk said the plan was moving forward on track.

The ceasefire will come into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman posted on X. The White House expects three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross.

"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident... it is ready to be implemented on Sunday," McGurk told CNN from the White House.

Under the deal, the three-stage ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase when hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners and detainees jailed in Israel.

Thirty-three of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives, are to be freed in this phase. In return, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinians from its jails.

They include 737 male, female and teen-aged prisoners, some of whom are members of Palestinian militant groups convicted of attacks that killed dozens of Israelis, as well as hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza in detention since the start of the war.

The Israeli Justice Ministry published their details early on Saturday, along with the ceasefire agreement, which said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was preparing to receive the hostages "in accordance with the set agreements" and that the military "is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail."

After Sunday's hostage release, McGurk said, the accord calls for four more female hostages to be released after seven days, followed by the release of three further hostages every seven days thereafter.

Hardliners oppose ceasefire

With the accord opposed by some Israeli cabinet hard-liners, media reports said 24 ministers in Netanyahu's coalition government voted in favour of the deal while eight opposed it.

The opponents said the ceasefire agreement represented a capitulation to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved and urged other ministers to vote against it. However, he said he would not bring down the government.

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.

After a last-minute delay on Thursday that Israel blamed on Hamas, the Israeli security cabinet voted on Friday in favour of the ceasefire accord, a requirement before the full cabinet vote.

Israel began its assault on Hamas in Gaza after the group's fighters burst into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

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 prewar population of 2.3 million several times, according to Gaza authorities.

If successful, the ceasefire could ease hostilities elsewhere in the Middle East, where fighting has spread to include Iran and its proxies - Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq - and the occupied West Bank.

Gaza civilians have faced a humanitarian crisis due to hunger, cold and sickness. The ceasefire agreement calls for a surge in assistance, and international organisations have aid trucks lined up on Gaza's borders.

Palestinian relief agency UNRWA said on Friday that it has 4,000 truckloads of aid, half of which are food, ready to enter. (Reuters)
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The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States, potentially denying the video-sharing app to 170 million users in two days, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

In a major defeat for TikTok, the court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government had demonstrated legitimate national security concerns about a Chinese company owning the app.

The Supreme Court last week heard arguments from the company, ByteDance, that the law should be stopped because it was a violation of free speech.

"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 said.

"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," they concluded.

With that decision, Sunday's ban effectively stands even if lawmakers and officials across the political spectrum were calling for some sort of delay.

Congress overwhelmingly passed a law last year forcing ByteDance to either sell the platform or close it in the United States by January 19. The law was an answer to widespread belief in Washington that the highly popular app could be used by China for spying or propaganda.

White House officials on Friday told US media that they would not enforce the ban and leave it up to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office a day later.

Trump said that he discussed TikTok in a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump's incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz said the administration would put in place measures "to keep TikTok from going dark."

"The legislation allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table," he said. "Essentially that buys president Trump time to keep TikTok going."

"It's been a great platform for him and his campaign to get his America first message out," he added.
When Daniel, a guy in his 40s in a town in southern Sweden, registered an account on the dating app Tinder, things went slowly at first. I do think I look pretty good, but my self-confidence is low and I dont really know how to write online, he says. But then Adele showed up. Stylish, Asian features, in her 30s. She was in Sweden to visit her aunt. Daniel quickly took a liking and the conversation continued on WhatsApp. Adele sent pictures of herself and talked about her interest in cosmetics and cooking. They planned to meet up, maybe going on a trip to southern Europe together.

Adele also told him that she had made a lot of money from cryptocurrency investments. She wanted Daniel to try his luck too. At first, he was skeptical, but after a few weeks, Adele invited him to a WhatsApp group. In the group, about 100 people discussed their successful investments and the financial analyst Manish Aurora gave advice. Adele persuaded Daniel to buy 100 of the cryptocurrency USDT and deposit it on the crypto platform digitalcurrencyocean.com. The money seemed to grow. But in order to get more informed advice from Manish Aurora, larger investments were required. Daniel decided to take a risk and invest everything he had, around 40,000 ($41,165).

The fake cryptocurrency site where Daniel was scammed. Foto cedida por la victima

But a few days later, he was warned by another woman on Tinder that he could be a victim of a scam. Daniel first tried to withdraw a small amount from the crypto platform. It went well. But when he wanted to take out the rest, his account was suspended. Adele claimed there were taxes that he had to pay to get his money. That was when he realized he had been cheated.

I used to live a life with quite a lot of money. Now I was almost broke. I felt like a giant loser, says Daniel.

What happened to Daniel is a textbook example of Sha Zhu Pan, the Chinese for pig butchering scam. Adele never existed in real life. Neither did the investors in the WhatsApp group. And Manish Aurora is an American hedge fund manager who, when we contact him, is in despair because his identity has been stolen and his reputation tarnished.

Daniel, a victim of a scam orchestrated in Southeast Asia, in a park in Sweden on April 11, 2024. Torbjorn Wester

The pig was fattened with romance. Then it was time for slaughter.

The pig butchering scam is a relatively new form of fraud, increasing explosively since the pandemic. Thanks to investigations carried out by journalists, NGOs and researchers, we now know quite a lot about the criminal networks behind them. The scams are carried out from office complexes, usually in Southeast Asia, but also in Dubai and other places. The offices are run by crime syndicates with roots in China and with links to power elites in several Asian countries. According to calculations made at the University of Texas, these scams had a turnover of $72 billion between 2020 and 2024.

Some of the workers in the scam compounds are there of their own free will. But, according to a number of sources, a large proportion are trafficking victims forced to carry out the scams. According to a report from the UN agency OHCHR, there may be 100,000 such victims in Cambodia alone. In Myanmar, there might be another 120,000. If the numbers are correct, this could be one of the largest coordinated human trafficking operations in history, carried out by transnational crime syndicates, according to another report by UN agency UNODC.

Raymond, a victim of human trafficking, is seen at one of the complexes controlled by Cambodian scam mafias in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 17, 2024. Torbjorn Wester

Many are lured into the scam compounds with false promises of lucrative jobs. Raymond, a Chinese-speaking Malaysian in his 40s, got into trouble when his construction business lost revenue during the pandemic. Sitting in a cafe in a suburb of Malaysias capital Kuala Lumpur, he talks about how he was desperately looking for other sources of income. One day he saw a Facebook ad about well-paid customer service jobs at a casino in Cambodia. They had a nice office in Kuala Lumpur and I was invited for an interview, says Raymond.

A couple of weeks later, he boarded a flight to Cambodia. After being picked up at the airport, he was driven to the coastal city of Sihanoukville. But once inside the office complex where he was going to work and sleep, he immediately understood that things werent quite as he had anticipated. Armed guards stood at the entrances and he was told that he was to work with online fraud. I wanted to leave immediately, but they refused.

He was given a laptop and four phones with some dating and social media apps installed. After a couple of days of training with scripts for various fictional characters, he was assigned to a few European countries, trying to match with victims on dating apps and initiate conversations.

I played characters with luxurious lifestyles who were traveling, I wrote things like Now Im in France, just got back from a shopping spree.

Once a romantic conversation was underway, it was time to introduce crypto investments. The characters he played were all successful investors and would first teach their victims how to trade in crypto. The victim would then be persuaded to buy the cryptocurrency USDT and transfer it to the scammers fake websites.

But Raymond didnt manage to scam anyone. He started to panic. The team leader in his department had clearly demonstrated what happened if you didnt meet your targets. Raymond saw how people were beaten severely. And how they were given electric shocks. They did it in front of everyone else. I saw it several times.

He began to deposit small sums of his own money to make it look like he had victims on the hook. I realized that I had to be smart and not challenge these people.

Months went by in captivity and Raymond desperately tried to figure out how to escape. For many, escaping from the scam compounds has meant throwing themselves out of a window and plunging to their deaths. Cambodian media reports about this phenomenon began to circulate in 2021 and have continued ever since. But Raymond didnt jump. Instead, he began to surreptitiously use his scam phones to seek help. He found the NGO Global Anti-Scam Organization (GASO), which helps trafficking victims to leave the compounds. Raymond secretly collected information about other Malaysians in the building as well and sent it to GASO, which then contacted the Malaysian embassy in the country. It is unclear what negotiations took place after that, but one day uniformed Cambodians came to the building with a list of names. They took Raymond and a group of other Malaysians with them, and they were flown home. Thats when my second life began.

Andrew, who was also duped by a fake job offer and ended up as a cyberslave in a Cambodian scam factory, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 17, 2024. Torbjorn Wester

Andrew, another Chinese Malaysian who has come to the cafe in Kuala Lumpur to tell his story, escaped from captivity faster. But it came at a cost. Two years ago, he also jumped on a fake job offer in Cambodia. He first ended up as a prisoner in one scam compound, but after a few days he was sold for 10,000 to another, and then on to yet another.

Andrew was given lists of American WhatsApp numbers. His job was to play attractive women and send messages that would look like they had been accidentally sent to the wrong number. If the recipient answered No, youve messaged the wrong person, the first step was achieved, Andrew recalls.

Scammers have Telegram groups for their employees, where they can download graphic material to use in their frauds. TORBJORN WESTER

From there, he would establish a contact  to ultimately lead the victim into a crypto scam.

Andrew also witnessed violence against workers who failed to meet the targets. When he begged to be released after three weeks, he was told to pay a ransom. My family paid 23,000. Then I could go straight to the airport.

The stories told by Raymond and Andrew are consistent with hundreds of other testimonies in recent years. Last autumn, Italian researcher Ivan Franceschini, a China expert specializing in labor law, published a research paper together with colleagues Ling Li and Mark Bo in which they compiled 32 testimonies from scam compound survivors. These are horrible stories. This is a real humanitarian crisis, says Franceschini.

He goes so far as to call the Asian scam industry a whole new type of predatory capitalism, something never seen before. He labels it compound capitalism. Thousands of cyberslaves, recruited from large global groups of desperate and unemployed people to work in closed compounds. Industrial-scale data collection and manipulation of victims worldwide. But despite its large global footprints, very few people in, for example, my home country of Italy knows what is happening, says Franceschini.

1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Kuala Lumpur lies the coastal Cambodian city of Sihanoukville, where Raymond was held. The city has morphed in recent years into a playground for Chinese tourists, as casinos and hotels have sprung up on a massive scale with the influx of Chinese capital.

The facade of the building where Raymond was held captive for four months in Sihanoukville, Cambodia on May 25, 2024. Torbjorn Wester

The casino industry has close ties with the scam compounds and the building where Raymond was a captive lies near a popular beach and several casinos, in the area of Chinatown. In December 2023, the United States, Great Britain and Canada imposed sanctions  frozen assets and travel bans  on several companies and businessmen linked to this and other scam compounds in Cambodia. As recently as September last year, the United States extended these sanctions further.

Cambodian authorities have shown a somewhat ambivalent attitude towards the scam industry. For the most part, they have been allowed to operate freely, but on a few occasions, police have raided certain compounds. A few days before our visit to Sihanoukville, new media reports emerged about people jumping from windows of compounds in Chinatown, signaling that the scam operations are ongoing. With a drone it is possible to see that some rooms in the building where Raymond was held are inhabited.

The buildings are walled off. Along the street outside Chinatown, small restaurants and exchange offices operate, offering exchange of USDT  the scammers favorite cryptocurrency. Around a table outside, a group of men are playing cards. In a couple of places between the houses there are gates with security guards. People who pass seem to show an access card. As we walk towards one gate, we are stopped by the guards: No, no, turn around.

Back at the cafe in Kuala Lumpur, Raymond wants to forget his experiences in Sihanoukville. In captivity, he was dead inside, he says, and it took months to rebuild his life and heal. But he remembers the initial happiness when he came back to Malaysia. The first few days, I just drove around with my car, everywhere in Kuala Lumpur, tasting freedom again.

The names of Daniel, Raymond and Andrew have been changed to protect their identities.

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In 10 of the 15 regions that make up Nicaragua, journalists, TV anchors, radio hosts and even local reporters  who detail the goings on in their communities on Facebook pages  have disappeared.

Across the country, the journalistic profession has been extinguished, due to persecution by the regime of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. This is according to a report published on Monday, January 13, by the Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Democracy (FLED), which has issued warnings following the events of 2024. The report is an x-ray of freedom of expression and the press in the Central American country, whose people are subjected to a totalitarian model, in which dissenting voices have been criminalized.

The report highlights that not only journalists, as such, have been criminalized: so have local bloggers, who report on events that may seem trivial for the Ortega administration  such as traffic accidents, or patron saint festivals  but which also make the regime uncomfortable. FLED affirms that, in 10 regions of the Central American country, journalistic practice no longer exists in any form. Theres an expansion of news deserts, the authors emphasize, alluding to the lack of available information.

In these areas, independent journalism isnt practiced due to government harassment. This year, five new [regions]  Granada, Madriz, Nueva Segovia, Leon, and Rio San Juan  joined [this group], raising the total number of regions without independent journalistic coverage in Nicaragua to 10. Currently, [state-controlled] media controls 59% of the information space in the country. If the repressive measures continue, this figure could increase significantly, the report published by FLED predicts.

In the other five regions of Nicaragua, where there are still a few journalists and bloggers operating in increasingly narrow spaces, the report denounces that professionals face constant harassment, threats and regular summons to police stations.

Many journalists work clandestinely, describing their work as catacomb journalism. [They hide] to avoid being identified, while continuing to document the multiple human rights violations experienced by Nicaraguans, the organization-in-exile points out.

Since the social protests of 2018, the repressive Ortega and Murillo regime has kept journalism in its crosshairs. Not only has the government imprisoned, tortured, and exiled dozens of reporters and media directors, while stripping many of their nationality: it has also targeted their relatives who remain in Nicaragua, in retaliation for any coverage that denounces the human rights violations being committed.

In 2024, FLED documented 81 cases of press freedom violations. This is a slightly lower figure than in 2023, but the decrease doesnt imply an improvement in conditions for the press, but rather an increase in self-censorship among victims. This means that many journalists and media [outlets] have chosen not to report the attacks [on human rights], in order to minimize the personal and professional risks involved in doing so, the report reads. The authors note that they didnt publish several complaints received, in order to guarantee the anonymity of the victims.

According to FLED, self-censorship has increased both internally and outside Nicaragua (that is, in exile). Many journalists frequently resort to caution in their publications, so as to avoid reprisals against their families, or to avoid being victims of judicial proceedings in absentia, something thats allowed under the recently-reformed Penal Code. Several also moderate their rhetoric to avoid being classified as traitors to the homeland, a political sentence that implies confiscation and loss of Nicaraguan nationality.

Missing and exiled journalists

Of the 81 cases documented by the press freedom NGO, there are 57 affected individuals and 24 affected legal entities. Among the most frequent patterns of aggression are: stigmatizing discourse, which is utilized by state officials and pro-government media to discredit journalists and independent media; physical and verbal aggression, as well as abuse of state power. In 49% of cases, the state has been the main aggressor, followed by parastatal elements, at 37%.

In greater detail, FLED points out that, in 2024, officers from the National Police  using excessive violence  raided several journalists homes. In these raids, they confiscated their electronic equipment [...] In the last months of 2024, the government intensified its repression through forced disappearances, banishments, and arbitrary arrests, directed against independent media and journalists.

The most notable case is that of Fabiola Tercero, who has been detained since July of 2024. Shes been disappeared: the authorities have said absolutely nothing about her whereabouts or her state of health. The FLED report also documents the arrest of Elsbeth DAnda, director of a TV program on Channel 23, who was detained on October 27, 2024, after reporting on the increase in the prices of basic goods.

The arrest of Leo Catalino Carcamo Herrera is also noted: he was violently captured by the National Police of Leon. Hes a well-known journalist in his community. He was already arrested back in January of 2019, when he was still working at a local radio station. However, his most recent arrest has raised concerns due to his fragile health.

In addition to the politically motivated arrest of journalists, the FLED report highlights another repressive pattern: the regime has attacked retired journalists, whom it has forced into exile. The most recent example is that of Henry Briceno, who, alongside his family, was violently detained and expelled from the country near the Penas Blancas border crossing with Costa Rica. His properties were confiscated by the government and his home now houses a Cruz Blanca headquarters, in a pattern that shows the state appropriation of private property, the report states. La Cruz Blanca  the White Cross  is a version of the Red Cross Society, created by President Ortega as a Nicaraguan alternative after the organization was expelled from the country.

In its count of exiled journalists, FLED warns that 46 journalists were forced into exile in 2024 to protect their lives and those of their families. Between 2018 and the end of [2024], the total number of exiled journalists amounts to 283 professionals. Likewise, FLED documented the banishment of five journalists: two in a violent manner and three who were denied re-entry into the country after work trips, the organization reports.

According to FLED, another factor that deeply impacted Nicaraguan journalism in 2024 was that a considerable number of professionals abandoned the practice to dedicate themselves to other economic activities, with the aim of guaranteeing the livelihood of their families. At least 52 journalists left the profession.

This phenomenon is due to multiple reasons, including growing unemployment in the [media] sector, the precariousness of salaries, the high level of danger associated with the profession, the closure of media and information spaces, as well as the rise of [self-employment in the private sector] as an alternative means of subsistence, the report concludes.

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Jeremy Allen White during the filming of Deliver Me from Nowhere in November. Bobby Bank (GC Images)

In an article on how more and more Gen Z men are opting for the kind of ringlets that reached the previous peak of their popularity in the 1980s among rockers and hair metal divas, The Sydney Morning Herald asks, Are perms for men the new mullet? Thanks to K-pop, celebrities like Paul Mescal and Jeremy Allen White and up-and-comers like David Corenswet, curls  and the salon techniques used to achieve them  are back.

Who is Corenswet? He starred as Superman and Clark Kent in the superheros new incarnation on the silver screen, which is directed by James Gunn. The first images from the movies set showed that Kents new look consists of voluminous curls on top, with short, discreet sides  a style that is now being referred to as the broccoli perm. The photos were a sign to Matthew Ellis, a Portland professor of media studies, that something is going on. This is the first time Ive ever seen Gen-Z fashion not in an explicitly Gen-Z character, but in an iconic pop culture figure. When I saw even Superman has the haircut, I was like, Alright, something has happened. Weve crossed a threshold, he told GQ.

The cut is also known as the Zoomer perm, having become a kind of calling card for Gen Z boys. Similar to the popular mullet and, in part, inspired by it, the hairstyle gained popularity in 2020 in the place where everything gains popularity these days: TikTok, when a young man named Dillon Latham sported the look in a viral video. Few can claim to be responsible for a feat as glorious as popularizing a global hairstyle: only a handful of individuals, say, Louise Brooks and Jennifer Aniston, can boast of such an accomplishment. But from TikTok to bros, and from bros to the streets, today, the broccoli perm is everywhere. Or at least, everywhere there are kids under the age of 20.

The videos accompanied by the hashtag #menperm have racked up millions of views and tutorials on how to achieve the look are multiplying. As Luciano Canete, co-founder and director of Spains Cortacabeza hair salons explains, permed hair is especially popular among younger generations of men. The trend calls for these cuts to be voluminous, but natural hair doesnt always achieve that effect, so a perm can be the best way to get there, he tells EL PAIS. This is how the perm made its jump from ladies salons to teen TikTok.

Not a hairstyle for the weak

A broccoli perm requires patience. According to Canete, hair has to be of a certain length to be able to hold a curl. Its not recommended if youre experiencing alopecia, or if your hair has been chemically treated with highlights or bleaching, he warns. The perm is a chemical process meant to leave hair in a desired shape using rollers or curlers. Its name is no joke; the effect is permanent and the only way to get rid of ringlets is by cutting the hair off. To maintain it, aside from classic products like hairspray and styling powder, its important to moisturize and nourish, applying hair treatments every time one washes their mane. This is why perming also works as the perfect excuse for many men to start taking care of their hair.

Curly hair is the new rock n roll: Jeremy Allen White (here, during the filming of Deliver Me from Nowhere in November) is one of the idols whose curls are most imitated in hair salons. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin (GC Images)

Maintaining a perm can be more complicated than some people think, warns Noelia Jimenez, stylist and owner of a Madrid salon by the same name. It requires specific products and regular care to avoid frizz and keep the shape of the curls. Its also important to visit stylists for regular restructuring treatments and to keep the hair as healthy as possible so that it stays looking shiny, she says.

John F. Kennedy in 1977. Ron Galella (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

TikToker and influencer Noah Beck, who has one of the most trend-setting hairstyles on social media. Edward Berthelot (Getty Images)

The long line for beautiful curls

If all this seems like a lot when it comes to ones locks, thats because capillary matters exist on a lofty plane: even in times of revolutionary treatments and the ongoing perfection of implants, the general feeling is that great hair cant be bought or sold. You can have money, wealth and power, but having good hair has always been linked to masculinity, virility and identity, Pascal Matthias, a fashion professor at the UKs University of Southampton, tells EL PAIS.

Stylist Moncho Moreno told EL PAIS that perming techniques have long been stagnant because of low demand during the last two decades. Few expected that young men would start to demand the treatment. The so-called Korean perm, for example, is very fashionable among younger generations. This type of perm is characterized by softer, more natural curls, often achieved with techniques and products that minimize damage to the hair. It focuses on creating subtle wave and a light finish, unlike traditional perms, which can result in more pronounced curls, says Jimenez.

Men are not only more concerned about their hair, but about their image in general. Weve stopped being ashamed of taking care of ourselves. It used to be hard for men to admit it, but as machismo has faded, theres growing pride when it comes to grooming and beauty. The industry has hit its stride in this niche market, and it has created a need for these kinds of care. We men have realized that we also like to look good, says Canete. Of course, great hair, like fame itself, comes at a cost.

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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.
One of Laois' best up and coming craft and design business will have the opportunity to meet with buyers from all over the world at the 2025 Showcase in the RDS from Sunday to Tuesday 19 to 21 January.

The Laois business will among over 100 other companies from across Ireland at the Local Enterprise event.

The event is an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices that is located in a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Irelands newest design talent.

The event is pinnacle in the global design and crafts calendar and 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.

Yvonne Bolger Jewellery from Emo is a one woman creative business who will be present at the event. She designs and creates stylish contemporary jewellery taking inspiration from the surrounding Laois countryside and rich history.

Other participants from Laois that have taken part in previous events included EdytaArt from Rosenallis.

Edyta OShea 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.

Local Enterprise Office Laois has been working with Angelina George Cosmetics Ltd from Portlaoise and My Comfort Ltd also from Portlaoise on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event.

Angelina George Cosmetics Ltd which is owned by George Pham and Angelina Thai 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 which is owned by Catherine Hearns 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.

Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Laois Evelyn Reddin believes that Showcase is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through.

She said: 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 and the winners will be announced on Monday 20 January.
BusinessWire India

New Delhi [India], January 18: Bosch Limited, a leading global supplier of technology and services showcases its innovative advancements towards the future of automotive sector at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo (BMGE) 2025, held from January 17-22. With a focus on state-of-the-art safety systems, advanced software solutions, and electrification breakthroughs, Bosch is presenting transformative solutions at two locations, aimed at shaping a safe, sustainable, and exciting tomorrow. "The future of mobility will be defined by a decisive push towards electrification, more climate-friendly fuels, and seamless integration of AI-driven solutions. Bosch is spearheading this transformation, by being ready for a sustainable and digitally empowered future. Bharat Mobility Global Expo provides us with a platform to showcase our portfolio, foster collaboration and demonstrate our efforts in enabling technologies that will redefine how we move for years to come," said Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited. Visitors to the Bosch pavilion at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan) can explore a range of cutting-edge solutions including:

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- Hydrogen Demonstrator Truck: Showcasing Bosch's advancements in hydrogen technology, this experiential vehicle represents the company's efforts to accelerate zero-emission and sustainability-oriented mobility. In India, hydrogen engines present a promising alternative to diesel for long- haul trucks. Bosch has invested approximately $2 billion in hydrogen technology globally, reinforcing its leadership in this domain.

- Vehicle Motion: Discover Bosch's advancements in automotive safety technologies through features like Intelligent Turn Assist and Auto Vehicle Hold. While the former enhances maneuverability and safety during sharp turns or off-road conditions ensuring smoother, controlled turns, Auto Vehicle Hold adds convenience and safety during stop-and-go traffic conditions.

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- Software & Services: Bosch is a pioneer in software-defined vehicle (SDV) innovation, driving the evolution of mobility. Experience its SDV expertise at the Expo via exciting live demonstrations of generative AI, advanced E/E architecture, cloud-native tools, and seamless on-device and cloud integration, integrating the user and the ecosystem as core elements of a personalized automotive experience.

- Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS): Get to know about Bosch's exciting, advanced rider assistance systems comprising of ACC (adaptive cruise control), forward collision warning and blind spot detection. Leveraging Bosch's radar sensor, brake system, engine management system and HMI (human machine interface), the system boosts rider awareness of their surroundings, contributing to increased comfort and rider reassurance.

At the Auto Components Show 2025 in Dwarka, Bosch is emphasizing on its hardware expertise by showcasing advanced EV components, diverse fuel injection equipment, sensors for various powertrains, braking systems, ADAS solutions and more coupled with an immersive experience around Bosch's manufacturing solutions This exemplifies Bosch's capability to seamlessly integrate hardware and software, delivering end-to-end capabilities to cater to an ever-evolving mobility landscape. "At Bharat Mobility Global Expo, we present a range of advanced solutions that reaffirm our commitment to shaping India's mobility future. From alternate powertrains to innovative safety solutions, software led capabilities, logistics and more, Bosch's offerings are leading the way in creating a safer, sustainable, and digitally connected mobility ecosystem. As the sector evolves, our dedication to providing customers with solutions tailored to their success remains unchanged," said Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited and President, Bosch Mobility India.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

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New Delhi, January 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian space startup Digantara for the success of its Mission SCOT, which marks a significant achievement in the country's growing space industry. In a post on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations, highlighting the mission's contribution to enhancing space situational awareness.

He added, "Kudos to Indian space startup @Digantarahq at the success of Mission SCOT. This is an important contribution of the growing Indian space industry towards enhancing space situational awareness." In its reply the startup said, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji for championing India's private space ecosystem with bold vision and resolute support. Mission SCOT strengthens our national security framework and positions India as a leader in space domain awareness. We are proud to play our part in shaping the future of space technology and contributing to the nation's strategic priorities." Indian Space-Tech Startups Pixxel and Digantara Launch First Three Satellites of Firefly Constellation Onboard Elon Musks SpaceX To Monitor Earth, Space Objects.

According to the information provided by the spacetech startup on X, the mission SCOT has successfully established communication with its ground station, with solar panel arrays deployed, positive power levels, and stable operation. The next phase of the mission will focus on commissioning the satellite, which is designed for precise object tracking and imaging in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Digantara's team is now preparing SCOT for its core mission, ensuring it is fine-tuned and mission-ready in the coming weeks, as per the startup. "Over the coming weeks, our team will meticulously fine-tune SCOT, ensuring it's mission-ready for this endeavor," the startup added in the social media post. Quoting the Prime Minister's post, the startup added that the mission SCOT strengthens our national security framework and positions India as a leader in space domain awareness. ISRO Chief Somanath Inaugurates Digantara's Headquarters in Bengaluru.

The Union government, last year approved setting up of a Rs 1000 crore Venture Capital Fund dedicated to the space sector, under the aegis of IN-SPACe. The average deployment amount could be Rs 150-250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements. The Centre, as part of its 2020 space sector reforms, established IN-SPACe to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities. IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs1000 crore Venture Capital Fund to support the growth of India's space, economy, currently valued at S8.4 billion, with a target to reach USD 44 billion by 2033.

The fund aims to address the critical need for risk capital, as traditional lenders are hesitant to fund startups in this high-tech sector. With nearly 250 space startups emerging across the value chain, timely financial support is crucial to ensure their growth and prevent talent loss overseas, the union government has stated in an official statement earlier. The proposed government-backed fund will boost investor confidence, attract private capital, and signal the government's commitment to advancing space reforms, as per the government. In addition, it will also serve as an Alternative Investment Fund under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale for further private equity investments.

(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 18 (ANI): The Rohini court has sentenced a 60-year-old man to 12 years imprisonment for raping and impregnating a minor in 2018.

The court on January 16 also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the convict, to be given to the victim as compensation.

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While sentencing the accused, Special Judge (POCSO) Sushil Bala Dagar said, "Children are falling victim to sexual offences done by their family member, relative, neighbour, teacher, acquaintance, etc. Being innocent of their age; both boys and girls are abused."

"In a patriarchal society as in our country, everyone is quick to blame the victim child involved in any such incident of penetrative sexual assault by the culprit for illicit intercourse. Rather, it is the convict on whom full blame ought to lie as he, despite being a neighbour is responsible for the heinous crime with the victim child," the court said in an order passed on January 16.

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"The sexual offence may be an isolated act for the convict, however, the said act deeply impacts the life of an innocent child," the special judge said in the order.

The court said that it is the responsibility of society as a whole to take care of its children and to protect them from their physiological and psychological exploitation at the hands of the sexual abusers. The children of the present day are the future of society. The interests of vulnerable children need to be protected in order to have a healthy, developed, and vibrant society.

The convict, in the present case has been held liable to be punished under section 6 POCSO Act and u/s 376 (2)(i) IPC, for having committed penetrative sexual assault upon the victim, the court said.

Additional Public Prosecutor Yogita Kaushik assisted by the Counsel for DCW has contended that the convict should be granted maximum punishment so that like-minded persons in the society are deterred from committing such heinous and despicable offences.

She submitted that the accused has been convicted for the offence u/s 6 POCSO Act and Section 376(2)(i) IPC (as in force prior to amendment dated 21.04.2018) committed against victim, a minor girl aged about 14 years and 07 months.

The victim child gave birth to a new born baby whom she had put in a polypack and left on the street, where the new born was found by a passer-by. She submits that even though the victim child was won over by the convict at the time of her deposition, however, the medical evidence, FSL result and the entire prosecution version show that the convict had influenced the victim child as he was already helping the family of the victim child financially, Kaushik submitted.

She further stated that there is no belying the fact that the victim suffered pain, faced hardships, disappointment and inconvenience including anxiety and depression and emotional harm for which she needs to be compensated. (ANI)

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Patna, Jan 18 (PTI) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Saturday authorised Tejashwi Yadav to take calls related to the party's strategy ahead of the Bihar assembly elections later this year.

According to a resolution passed during RJD's national executive committee meeting here, it was decided that Yadav can take decisions related to the party's internal matters, party tickets, among other issues.

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The meeting was attended by the party's senior leaders including MPs, MLAs, MLCs along with Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi and eldest daughter Misa Bharti.

Talking to reporters after the national executive meeting, Tejashwi Yadav said, "The trust that everyone has shown in me and the responsibilities that have been given to me are big. I will perform as per the expectations of the party leaders.

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"It is only when the party organisation is strong, accountable, lives up to the expectations of the people, we will be able to win elections and serve the people of the state. We will win the coming assembly polls in Bihar. We have to make a new Bihar... a developed state... we have to take everyone along. We will soon intensify our membership drive."

He said the party has a vision and a blueprint for progress and overall development of the state.

"All sections will be taken care of when we form the government. The work that we did in 17 months, could not be done in the last 18 years," Yadav said.

"Now, the top priority of the party will be our organisational elections. It will be held from panchayats, mandals, zilas to the top level of the party. An open convention of the party will be held on July 5 at Bapu Sabhagar here after completion of the organisational polls," he said.

Yadav slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for claiming that sartorial tastes of women in the state improved after he assumed power two decades ago. Kumar made the remark earlier in the day while he was in Begusarai district as part of the state-wide 'Pragati Yatra.'

Yadav said the CM needed to remember that "he is the chief minister and not a women's fashion designer. It is not that the daughters of Bihar earlier did not wear good clothes. They also covered themselves with self-respect (swabhiman) and self-reliance (swavalamban)."

Kumar's statement is a direct insult to women of the state, Yadav said, adding, "The CM is now tired... he is not competent to run the state."

Commenting on Yadav's elevation, senior RJD leader Shakti Singh said, "Tejashwi ji is the leader of the opposition in the state legislature and he has been authorised to take calls on the party's strategy, membership drive, organisational strengthening, and also ground-level movements. He has got equal powers that our national president has."

Talking to reporters after the national executive, RJD MP Manoj Jha said, "In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on how to make the organisation stronger. Our national president Lalu Prasad said now the bugle has been blown. RJD will win and form the government after the assembly polls in the state." PTI PKD

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Patna (Bihar) [India], January 18 (ANI): Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will address the "Sanvidhan Suraksha Sammelan" in Patna today and will also attend a meeting of Congress workers.

Gandhi will address the 'Sammelan' at 12:45 pm at Bapu Sabhaghar in Patna and will meet the party workers at the Congress office in Sadaqat Ashram, Patna at 2:45 pm.

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In preparation for the Lok Sabha LoP's visit, Bihar Congress held a meeting in the presence of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Bihar Mohan Prakash and the party's state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Friday.

"Congress supporters from all over Bihar will be gathering here (in Patna), there is also a workers' conference. One is a Samajik Sanstha conference, and there is a karyakarta conference. On 18 Jan everyone will be here," MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan told ANI.

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Speaking about the workers' meeting, he said that Gandhi would be interacting with various people there.

Bihar MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan mentioned that the Congress leader will be visiting the Sadaqat Ashram, founded by Mazhar-ul-Haq in 1920. The Ashram was built by students of Bihar School of Engineering when they were agitating against British rule.

Gandhi will be visiting the state as the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants' protests are in full swing.

The MLA also remarked on the comment of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the INDIA bloc has "disintegrated" as the parties in the alliance (AAP-Congress) are fighting the Delhi polls separately.

"What even should be said on his (Amit Shah's) comments? He is in a quagmire after commenting on Babasaheb Ambedkar. INDIA alliance was made on the principle to fight against the Godsewadi party by gathering people who believe in Gandhian ideals and fight against the stoppage of development in the country, which is still alive," Khan told reporters.

However, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey had a different take on his impending visit.

"He (Gandhi) keeps roaming like this and neither the public nor his party take notice. If he comes tomorrow, factionalism will be seen in his party itself," Pandey said. (ANI)

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Malda (WB), Jan 18 (PTI) Tension erupted on the India-Bangladesh border on Saturday morning near a BSF border outpost after an altercation between farmers from both countries escalated into a brief clash, the paramilitary force said.

However, prompt intervention by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) ensured that the situation was swiftly brought under control, a BSF statement said.

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According to the BSF, the incident occurred around 11:45 am when Indian farmers working near the international border accused Bangladeshi farmers of stealing crops.

The verbal argument quickly spiraled, with farmers from both sides gathering in large numbers, hurling abuses, and pelting stones at one another.

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In a statement, the BSF said, "The situation was immediately brought under control following timely intervention by BSF and BGB personnel. Farmers from both sides were dispersed and sent back to their respective territories. There have been no reports of injuries in the incident."

The BSF further emphasised the importance of avoiding such disputes and advised Indian farmers to report any farming-related issues along the border directly to BSF personnel.

"We have requested Indian farmers to maintain calm and refrain from getting involved in border disputes. Necessary measures will be taken in case of any grievances," the statement added.

The BGB also played a crucial role in managing the situation on their side of the border.

By late afternoon, some Bangladeshi nationals were seen within 50-75 metres of the international boundary, but they were reportedly dissuaded by BGB personnel, preventing further escalation.

The BSF and BGB unit commandants in the region are working to enhance coordination to avoid similar incidents in the future.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
A soldier stands guard next to a house set on fire by police during a joint security operation in search for drugs and weapons in a low-income neighborhood on the outskirts of Guayaquil, Ecuador, on January 15, 2025.

Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Last month representatives from across the Western Hemisphere convened in the Dominican Republic to mark the 30th anniversary of the Summit of the Americas, a milestone that invites reflection on the evolution of hemispheric cooperation over the past three decades.

The first summit took place at a time of collaboration, with countries working towards shared goals in an era of optimism and relative unity. Fast-forward to today, and the landscape is strikingly different. The hemisphere is increasingly divided, with countries struggling to find common ground amid rising polarization. As planning for the December 2025 Summit gets underway, leaders should develop an agenda based on themes that resonate across the Americas.

Addressing citizen insecurity  a pressing, transnational challenge that demands a coordinated, regional response  should be at the top of the agenda.

The statistics paint a grim picture. Latin America and the Caribbean have the highest regional homicide rates in the world, with over half of these deaths linked to organized crime. One in five citizens rank insecurity as their primary concern, with nearly a quarter reporting they were victims of a crime in the past year. The human cost is staggering, with young people, women, and marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the violence. Today, one in four women in the region has experienced gender-based violence, and there is a femicide every two hours. Crime is also a major concern in the United States, with a growing share of U.S. citizens  almost 60 percent  citing it as a top priority for the incoming Trump administration.

In addition to the devastating impact on quality of life, citizen insecurity has a corrosive effect on economic development, helps fuel the hemisphere-wide migration crisis, and contributes to the crisis of confidence in democracy.

Crime deters investment, disrupts tourism, and drains public resources. The Inter-American Development Bank reports that crime costs the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean 3.5 percent of their GDP. Along with natural disasters, crime victimization is a predictor of the desire to migrate from ones home country. In Central America, for instance, those who have experienced a crime themselves or the victimization of someone close are 1.5 times more likely to consider migrating, and the dramatic increase in violence in Ecuador has been a factor in the surge of migration from the country.

A soldier guards the area of an attack on a police station in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, May 2024. Edwin Rodriguez Pipicano (Getty Images)

Perhaps most concerning is how persistent insecurity undermines democratic governance. Only three in five believe democracy is the best form of government, and only two in five are satisfied with its performancein part because governments have failed to deliver basic security. When people feel unsafe, they become more receptive to heavy-handed, militarized responses that erode democratic principles. This creates a dangerous cycle: weakened democratic institutions struggle to address security challenges, further diminishing public confidence.

The next Summit of the Americas presents an opportunity to create a comprehensive framework that bridges two often separate conversations: addressing the root causes of crime and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement and justice institutions. Achieving this requires collaboration from all sectors  governments, civil society, the private sector, and multilateral organizations.

On the enforcement side, regional cooperation through greater information-sharing, joint security initiatives, and coordinated law enforcement efforts can provide the scaffolding for a hemispheric security architecture. By working together, countries can better disrupt criminal networks, improve intelligence gathering, and reduce the illicit arms and drug flows that fuel violence.

Yet, enforcement alone cannot solve this crisis. Sustainable progress demands policies that tackle the socioeconomic factors driving crime, including poverty, inequality, limited education, and social exclusion. A balanced approach that combines professional policing with social programs, economic opportunities, and community-based intervention can yield lasting results. The Summit process can facilitate the exchange of these evidence-based practices while building political support for comprehensive solutions.

By advancing this dual framework of institutional cooperation and social investment, the Summit can help lay the groundwork for safer, more inclusive societies throughout the Americas. As importantly, bringing countries together to address this shared challenge can begin to rebuild the spirit of hemispheric cooperation that inspired the Summit process three decades ago. The security of our citizens  and the stability of our democratic institutions  depends on our ability to act together.
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 18 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday took a dip at the Triveni Sangam on the sixth day of the Maha Kumbh being held in Prayagraj.

After taking a dip, Singh performed puja and offered prayers at the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati rivers.

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The Defence Minister was accompanied by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and others leaders of the party.

Earlier today, he took to X and announced his visit to Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

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"Today, 18th January, I shall be in Prayagraj to participate in Mahakumbh 2025. The Mahakumbh is a celebration of India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Looking forward to join this holy confluence," Rajnath Singh posted on X.

Over 1.98 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela on Saturday till 10 am, as per the official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government. According to the data, over 10 lakhs Kalpvasis and 9.84 lakhs, pilgrims took a dip at the Triveni Sangam on the sixth day of the Mahakumbh Mela.

As of Friday, January 17, more than 73 million pilgrims have visited the Mahakumbh Mela so far, as per data. The Maha Kumbh Mela has been witnessing a huge influx of devotees with some notable names participating in the event.

With the commencement of the Maha Kumbh on Monday, devotees from across India and around the world flocked to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to participate in the first Amrit Snan (sacred dip) on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.

Devotees, both Indian and foreign, immersed themselves in the sacred tradition, contributing to the world's largest spiritual gathering. The atmosphere around the Triveni Sangam was filled with devotion as foreign pilgrims joined in the spiritual energy of the Mela. Foreign devotees from various parts of the world gathered to sing bhajans, blending into the devotional ambience.

At the Sangam, crores of pilgrims from across the country, representing different castes, classes, and languages, are participating in the age-old tradition of Kalpavas. Rich or poor, traders or officials, men, women, or transgender individuals, everyone forgets their differences and unites in the spirit of devotion, taking a holy dip at the confluence.

The Maha Kumbh was started on January 13. 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)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India] January 18 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Raj Bhavan on Saturday to convey birthday greetings to Governor Acharya Devvrat, a release said.

Marking this special occasion, the Raj Bhavan family organised a blood donation camp on the premises, starting at 8:00 AM.

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The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation, showcasing people's admiration for the governor and their commitment to humanitarian service.

The Chief Minister and the Governor visited the camp, joined by Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, who also extended the birthday wishes to the Governor.

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Chief Secretary Raj Kumar later visited Raj Bhavan to offer his warm greetings.

Earlier in the day, Governor Acharya Devvrat, accompanied by 'Lady Governor' Darshanadevi and family, performed a havan at the Yagna Shala within the Raj Bhavan premises, as per the release.

Earlier on Friday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the fintech institute GIFT International FinTech Institute and International Hub at Gandhinagar.

CM Bhupendra Patel said, "Yesterday, we celebrated National Startup Day. This event today is a good step in order to encourage startups and FinTech startups. Through the fintech institute GIFT International FinTech Institute & International Hub, which has been launched today, a new chapter on FinTech startups will begin in GIFT City. I am confident that this initiative will establish Gujarat as a global destination in the FinTech innovation sector."

"In the last decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire country has experienced the fintech revolution. Fintech has become an integral part of the daily lives of people. This has increased the ease of living in the lives of common citizens of the country and many major social changes have been made possible. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, there are many examples of the fintech sector, including UPI digital currency, which has given India a new identity in the world. With the fintech revolution, financial activities in India are going to become completely digitised," he said.

CM Patel said that this one idea of the Prime Minister has shown the whole world that if India makes an intention, it can do anything. (ANI)

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Ahmedabad, Jan 18 (PTI) The police have arrested the chairman of a private hospital in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, who evaded arrest for more than two months in connection with the deaths of two PMJAY beneficiaries after botched angioplasty procedures, an official said on Saturday.

Kartik Patel, the chairman of Khyati Multispeciality Hospital, was arrested after he landed at the Ahmedabad airport from Dubai late on Friday night, inspector V B Aal of the Ahmedabad crime branch said.

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Seven persons underwent angioplasty, a procedure that widens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart, at Khyati Multispeciality Hospital on November 11, last year, following which two of them died, prompting Vastrapur police to register three FIRs the next day.

The probe showed the hospital organised free check-up camps in villages to convince Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) cardholders to undergo angioplasty despite no medical necessity. They were shown in the "emergency" category to expedite government approval, after which the hospital claimed payments under the Central scheme.

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With Kartik Patel's arrest, the police have apprehended all nine accused in the case, including the hospital's CEO and the marketing director.

The crime branch arrested Rajshree Kothari, one of the directors of the hospital, when she was on her way to Bhilwara from Kota in Rajasthan in December last year.

According to the police, the hospital prima facie earned Rs 11 crore under the PMJAY last year, with 70 per cent of its income coming from such claims.

Others arrested in the case include cardiologist Dr Prashant Vazirani, hospital CEO Rahul Jain, marketing director Chirag Rajput, marketing executive Milind Patel and his two assistants Pankil Patel and Pratik Bhatt, and directors Rajshree Kothari and Sanjay Patolia.

Police have registered three FIRs, charging the accused with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The FIRs accuse the hospital management and doctors of conspiring to obtain financial benefits under the PMJAY scheme.

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Bhadrak, Jan 18 (PTI) A woman from Gujarat, married to a man in Odisha, attempted suicide inside a police station in Bhadrak district on Saturday, alleging police inaction against her husband who fled with her money.

The woman, identified as Niral Modi of Ahmedabad, consumed phenyl at the Bonth police station and is at present admitted to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital.

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Niral, who owns an IT firm, got married to Manoj Nayak of Narsinghpur village after they fell in love when he worked at her company. The couple has a two-year-old son, police said.

After marriage, Manoj allegedly persuaded Niral to start a business in his native village. To fund the venture, Niral mortgaged her house and assets of her company, raising nearly Rs 5 crore through loans, they said.

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Manoj allegedly fled with the money, abandoning Niral and their young child, police said.

Niral filed a missing person's complaint with the police.

Speaking to reporters, her brother said, "My sister has been struggling for three months. Despite filing a complaint, the police have made no significant progress in the investigation. In her desperation, she consumed phenyl to draw attention to her plight. We demand justice and immediate action against Manoj, who defrauded her."

Inspector-in-charge of Bonth police station Sriballav Sahoo said Manoj was yet to be found.

"A police team, comprising an inspector and two sub-inspectors, is searching for Manoj. The team has already visited many places in the state, including Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur," he 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 18: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called on Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Friday and held a detailed discussion about energy requirements for Indian Railways. Union Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that Indian Railways would receive 170 MW of solar energy from Madhya Pradesh. After the meeting, the union minister stated in a post on X, "Indian Railways will get 170 MW solar energy from Madhya Pradesh. A detailed discussion on energy requirements was held with Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav." Responding to the post, CM Yadav expressed gratitude and said it would be a significant achievement for the state to meet the energy needs of Indian Railways.

"The Madhya Pradesh government is continuously working to promote solar energy. In this regard, your (Railway Minister) guidance and the utilisation of solar energy generated in Madhya Pradesh to meet the energy needs of Indian Railways will be a significant achievement for the state. Thank you!," CM Yadav stated. Madhya Pradesh is continuously moving forward to promote solar and green energy in the state. The state has witnessed a 14-fold increase in renewable energy capacity over the past 12 years. In 2012, the state had a renewable energy capacity of about 500 MW and the Current renewable energy capacity reached approximately 7,000 MW, accounting for 21% of the state's total energy output, according to an official release. Indian Railways to Do Away With Waiting List? PIB Fact Check Issues Clarification on Viral Social Media Message.

The state government plans to increase the production capacity of renewable energy to 20,000 MW by the year 2030. The world-class solar projects like Rewa and Omkareshwar present in the state are glorifying the determination and willpower of the state government. Rewa Solar Project is established in an area of 1590 hectares. It is one of the largest single-site solar plants in the world. The implementation of this project has been recognized as an ideal. 76 percent of the energy produced from the project is being used by the Power Management Company. For the first time, the remaining 24 percent of the electricity produced is also being provided to a commercial institution like Delhi Metro outside the state through open access, stated the release. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Syrma SGS's Laptop Assembly Line in Chennai.

It is preventing 15.7 lakh tons of carbon dioxide emission every year, which is equivalent to planting 2 crore 60 lakh trees. The project was included in the Government of India's "A Book of Innovation: New Beginnings" in the year 2017. Rewa Solar Project has been included as a case study in Harvard University and Singapore Management University. Not only this, this project has also been honored with the World Bank President Award, it added.

Additionally, the world's largest floating solar project of 600 MW is being developed in Omkareshwar, which is situated on the bank of Maa Narmada. Apart from making the state self-reliant in renewable energy, the state government is also trying to supply renewable energy to those states and commercial institutions of the country, where its availability is less or there is a need. The state is aiming to be a role model in the field of solar energy in the country as well as across the globe.

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Jammu, Jan 18 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released pictures of four active terrorists in Kishtwar district and announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh each to anyone providing credible information on them.

Pictures of Saifullah, Farman, Adil and another terrorist, believed to be Basha, were made public through a poster in both Urdu and English.

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"General public is requested to share any information regarding the individuals shown in the photographs, identified as four terrorists. A reward of Rs 5 lakh for each terrorist will be given to anyone providing credible information about them," according to the poster.

The identity of the informer will be kept confidential.

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Kishtwar and other districts were rocked by terror attacks last year as Pakistan-based terrorist handlers continued their efforts to spread militancy to peaceful areas of the Jammu region.

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Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 18 (ANI): The Pune city police have arrested a 34-year-old Bangladeshi national, Ehsan Hafiz Shaikh, who has been residing illegally in India for the last 20 years.

Shaikh, currently living in Pune's Maharshi Nagar area, was detained on Friday, following the lodging of an FIR at the Swargate police station.

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Shaikh was arrested after activists from Patit Pavan Sanghatna brought him to the Swargate police station, suspecting he was a Bangladeshi citizen.

Investigations revealed that Shaikh originally hails from the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. The police also found mobile numbers of his relatives in Bangladesh on his cell phone.

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According to the FIR, Shaikh entered India illegally by crossing the international border in 2004 without proper permission. He allegedly obtained a fake birth certificate from Kolkata with the help of agents, which he then used to acquire other documents, including an Indian passport.

As per FIR, the police during searches at his residence recovered seven Aadhaar cards, two voter ID cards, two driving licenses, seven PAN cards, four passports, nine debit cards, nine credit cards, one universal pass, eight birth certificates, and currency from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar from Shaikh's residence.

The police also seized his cell phone, SIM cards, business documents, and a house rent agreement. He came to Pune in 2009. He lived and worked at various locations before settling in Maharshi Nagar in 2012, where he opened a garment shop.

The police have booked Shaikh under Sections 318, 336, 338, and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Passport Act and Foreigners Act for further investigation. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) The Supreme Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government and the governor to resolve the issue of appointment of vice-chancellors in universities.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said it will intervene if the MK Stalin-led government and Governor RN Ravi fail to resolve the differences by the next date of hearing on January 22.

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"By the next date, if it is resolved well and good. Otherwise, we will resolve it," the bench said in an oral observation.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the governor's actions on clearance of bills passed by the state assembly, appointment of ministers in the cabinet, and approval for search committees to recommend vice-chancellors in state universities.

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Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Tamil Nadu governor, told the court that there is stalemate in appointments.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the state government, said the state be allowed to bring the new developments on record.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Suryapet, January 18: At least two people were killed and four others were injured in a road accident near Venkateshwara Engineering College in Suryapet, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred around 2 am when a private bus travelling from Guntur to Hyderabad collided with another bus from behind. The Suryapet police attributed the accident to overspeeding.

The inspector of the Suryapet police station said, "An accident occurred around 2 am this morning near Venkateshwara Engineering College in Suryapet, where a private travels bus travelling from Guntur to Hyderabad collided with another bus from behind due to overspeeding." Suryapet Road Accident: 2 Dead, 5 Others Injured After Private Bus Hits Another Vehicle While Overspeeding Near SV College in Telangana.

Bus Collides With Another Vehicle in Suryapet

Two persons died in #RoadAccident, after collision of two Pvt travels buses, traveling in the same direction on #Hyderabad - #vijayawada National Highway, near #Suryapet on early morning today. Suspected the low-visibility in #foggy weather led to #BusAccident . According to pic.twitter.com/xIohVnOTD7  Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) January 18, 2025

According to the police officials, "Two people died, one is in serious condition, and three others suffered injuries in the accident. We have registered a case and shifted the bodies to Post Mortem Examination (PME) centre."

(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 18: The Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Power and Housing Manohar Lal to discuss the "Implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)". Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik, was also present during the meeting that was held on Thursday, January 16.

The meeting was attended by the Members of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power) and other officers of the Ministry of Power, Chairperson CEA and CMDs of REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation Ltd. Union Minister emphasized the pivotal role the power sector plays in industrial growth and economic development in the country. SVAMITVA Scheme: Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Appreciates Scheme for Empowering Rural India.

He highlighted the necessity to add additional generation and transmission capacities for meeting the ever-growing demand in the country. The union minister also shared that every census village in the country is now electrified, and the aim is now to enhance the quality of services being offered to promote the ease of living for consumers. He pointed out that, over the past decade, power availability in the urban areas has improved from 22 hours to 23.4 hours, while in rural areas, it has increased significantly from 12.5 hours to 22.4 hours.

Discussing the implementation of smart meters installations, the Minister stated that smart meters benefit both consumer and distribution companies by reducing billing errors, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing greater convenience for users and help DISCOMs in reducing losses, optimisation of power purchase cost, integration of renewable energy among others. Manohar Lal Khattar's Ancestral House in Rohtak's Banyani to Be Turned into E-Library (Watch Video).

The union minister also informed that the Ministry of Power, in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has undertaken several measures to alleviate the difficulties consumers faced while installing RTS systems under PM Surya Ghar. These measures include waiving the requirement for Technical Feasibility Study for connections up to 10 kW, implementing deemed load enhancement for RTS installations up to 10 kW, etc. In view of these measures taken by the Union Government, he called upon the State Governments to take initiatives to promote Rooftop Solar Schemes for the benefit of consumers.

Naik highlighted the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in improving service quality and building consumer trust. He stated that the effective implementation of projects under RDSS would strengthen the financial sustainability of DISCOMs while ensuring the delivery of reliable and high-quality power to the consumers. He also underscored the importance of promptly executing the sanctioned projects under the scheme to achieve its objectives.

Members of the Consultative Committee for Ministry of Power offered several valuable suggestions regarding various initiatives and schemes. They praised the scheme and especially the role of smart meters in improving the services and reducing the losses. They also praised the role of scheme in providing quality power to consumers through execution of distribution infrastructure works. Further, the members lauded Union Minister Manohar Lal for organizing the Consultative Committee meeting.

The Union Minister instructed officials to take necessary steps to incorporate the suggestions provided by the Members of the Consultative Committee and emphasized the importance of ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply for consumers.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Almost a year ago, an unusual scene took place in Spains legislature. A small group of lawmakers sat down to watch the latest film by German filmmaker Werner Herzog, Theater of Thought (2022). The documentary warns that neurotechnology  devices capable of reading, or even modifying, the activity of the human brain  are about to transform the world forever. The directors hypnotic voice-over resonated inside the Congress of Deputies:

In the future, will you be able to read my mind and see my next film before I even shoot it? Herzog asks a researcher at one point in the film. The neuroscientist Rafael Yuste, who features in the documentary, was seated among the Spanish lawmakers, trying to raise awareness about the risks of penetrating the human mind. His answer to the filmmakers question is shocking: Probably.

Yuste  who was born in Madrid 61 years ago  heads the NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, in the heart of New York City. He tells EL PAIS that, a decade ago, his life changed because of an experiment. By studying the visual cortex of a mouse, we were able to not only decipher what it was seeing, but also manipulate its brain activity to make it believe that it was seeing things that it wasnt seeing. It was as if we had put a hallucination into its brain. And the mouse began to behave as if it were really seeing this false image. We manipulated it like a puppet. I didnt sleep that night, he recalls, via video conference from a suburb of Madrid. What we can do today in a mouse could be done tomorrow in a human. Weve opened the door to some very serious ethical and social problems, as happened to the physicist Robert Oppenheimer with the atomic bomb, he reflects.

The Spanish neuroscientist has been working in the shadows for five years to shape the forthcoming National Neurotechnology Center, which will be located in a building at the Autonomous University of Madrid. With a promised investment of over $200 million by 2037, its one of the largest initiatives in the history of Spanish science. Yuste  who defines himself as the instigator of the project  explains that hes currently negotiating to join the center as scientific director.

Question. In an interview you gave three years ago, you said that having a sensor on your head will be the rule in 10 years, just like everyone has a smartphone now. There are seven years left. Do you still think that this will be the case?

Answer. I dont know if it will be mandatory, but things are moving super fast. More than a year ago, a team from the University of Technology in Sydney (Australia) and a neurotechnology company developed an electroencephalography cap, coupled with a generative artificial intelligence system. They managed to decipher the mental language of volunteers with an accuracy rate that was low on average  around 40%  but with great accuracy in some cases. Theres a video in which you can see how they decipher the words that a person is generating in their brain: Good afternoon, I hope youre doing well. Ill have a cappuccino, please, with an extra shot of espresso. In reality, we dont know what a thought is, but we do know the language. [These systems can] decipher words that arent spoken. The potential is brutal.

A cap for reading mental language, developed by the University of Technology Sydney (Australia). UTS

Q. What are these researchers trying to achieve?

A. I suppose this Australian company wants to build a system so that you can, for example, type on a computer by just thinking, without using your fingers. I think were relatively close to that happening and, when it does, it will be a revolution. Imagine that youre wearing one of these helmets or a cap: you can generate language internally, have it decoded by the system, communicate with other people, give instructions, operate robotic equipment a whole world is going to open up. We have to anticipate the future thats coming our way, in which were going to use neurotechnology in everyday life, just as we use mobile phones right now. [This] neurotechnology will also increase our mental and cognitive abilities.

Q. How will it increase our abilities?

A. For example, two years ago, a team from Boston University used electromagnetic neurostimulators on [participants] heads, in order to stimulate a part of their brain and increase memory by 30%. It was a control experiment, so that [these devices] could later be tested on patients with Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia. Lets imagine they start to get sold: Do you want to have a better memory? Ill sell you an electromagnetic stimulator that costs $1,000 and will boost your memory. Were going to have a situation in the world where, with neurotechnology, we can start to touch up brain activity. Not just decipher it, but change it. Were talking about something very big, because brain activity is the sanctuary of the human mind. Thats where everything that we are comes from: our thoughts, our emotions, our beliefs, our personality, our memories. With neurotechnology, you can map mental activity and change it. It can have fantastic applications: understanding what happens inside [the brain], [developing] systems for typing based on thinking, all the medical uses... but there are also many risks, because were opening the lid of peoples minds with technology. We have to make sure that this is super-protected from the start.

Q. What will the National Center for Neurotechnology be like?

A. It will have more than 250 researchers and there will be three large departments dedicated to manufacturing neurotechnology: devices to measure human brain activity and modify it. One department will be made up of neurobiologists, with methods concerning genetics, molecular biology and cell biology. Another will be made up of neuroengineers, with electronic, magnetic and acoustic methods. The third department will be about artificial intelligence. And then, therell be three other small departments: one to coordinate clinical trials throughout Spain to apply neurotechnologies to patients, a small business incubator to generate economic value, and another focused on ethics and human rights. Honestly, theres nothing similar in the world.

Neuroscientist Rafael Yuste, photographed on December 30 in Madrid. Santi Burgos

Q. Spains Ministry of Science has pledged $123 million, including $40 million from EU funds. The regional government of Madrid will contribute $80 million, while the Autonomous University of Madrid will pitch in with just over $2 million. Is that enough money?

A. Its [a fantastic amount]. Ive seen [the commitment] first-hand and its been a beautiful thing that needs to be told. With the tragedy of Covid, which devastated Spain, European funds flowed in to rebuild the technological, industrial and scientific fabric. A historic opportunity arose for Spanish science, and the two most bitterly opposed administrations you could imagine have come to an agreement. Theyve put science above their differences. Ive met with both Isabel Diaz Ayuso [head of the Madrid regional government, of the conservative Popular Party] and Pedro Sanchez [prime minister of Spain, of the Socialist Party] several times and I have no complaints. Theyve put in everything they had to and more.

Q. A couple of months ago, you and two colleagues warned that companies like Meta  which owns WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook  and Apple have already patented, or are developing, wearable neurotechnologies that will soon reach the market with a global reach never seen before. These companies, then, are already invading that sanctuary of the human mind.

A. Yes, there are already small things happening, although theyre in the preliminary stages. Thats why its so urgent to protect mental privacy, because right now, there are lots of neurotechnology companies around the world that are already accumulating users brain data. They are selling devices that help you sleep better, meditate, [play] video games, pilot drones with your thoughts, move a cursor on a computer screen

Im concerned that these companies are hoarding all this data. It can already begin to be deciphered  as has been done in Australia  because artificial intelligence is improving spectacularly. Its only a matter of time.

Neuroscientist Rafael Yuste poses for a picture, after signing the agreement for the creation of the National Neurotechnology Center in Spain, on December 27, 2024. Standing next to him is Minister of Science Diana Morant and Emilio Viciana, head of science for the Madrid region. Ministerio de Ciencia

Q. Are you afraid that, for example, if you buy a video game with a headband that reads your mind to move a cursor, that the reading will reveal that you suffer from anxiety and that this information will end up in the hands of an insurance company?

A. Yes, this can already happen in principle. Medical devices in the United States are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration the problem is with those that are intended for mass consumption. [In April of 2024], our foundation published a study of consumer neurotechnology companies. Our legal team read the fine print of all the contracts that the user has to accept in order to turn on the device or download the software. Its a disaster. If you say I agree, the 30 companies take ownership of all your neural data. And practically all the companies authorize themselves to sell that data to third parties, which could be an insurance company, or the North Korean Army. Its the least secure situation you can imagine. Since there are no laws, the companies say: Well, for now, I get to keep everything and I authorize myself to sell it. This situation worries me greatly. This hole must be plugged immediately.

Q. You say that the five basic neuro-rights are: mental privacy, fair access to mental augmentation, preserving personal identity, protection from bias and maintaining free will.

A. Thats right. Of the five, the most urgent is mental privacy, because, as Ive said, today you can buy an electroencephalography headset on Amazon to play online and all that data is monopolized by the company that sold it to you. This must be stopped immediately. However, regardless of urgency, the neuro-right that I would put in first place in terms of importance is fair access to mental augmentation. Sooner or later, well have to deal with this problem. Well have the possibility of [cognitively] augmenting ourselves and this will create a gap in society. Therell be two types of human beings: some who are augmented and others who are not. We have to start thinking now about how to avoid a fracture in humanity.

Q. Technically, when could that happen?

A. I think it will happen little by little. Perhaps memory-enhancing devices could be the first taste. I dont know exactly when that will happen, but I see it happening in a matter of a few years.

Researcher Rafael Yuste, director of the Center for Neurotechnology at Columbia University. Santi Burgos

Q. Youre the chair of the Neurorights Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the ethical implications of neurotechnology.

A. Weve already managed to have brain activity protected by law in four places in the world. First, it was Chile: three years ago, it became the first country in the world to protect citizens brain activity. Then, in 2023, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul did the same. And, in 2024, we managed to get two states in the U.S., Colorado and California, to pass laws protecting brain data. There are also bills being discussed in Uruguay, Ecuador, Mexico and Brazil at the federal level.

Q. And in Spain?

A. Nothing has been done in Spain yet, but there have already been two meetings. The first was in February, in the Congress of Deputies. There was a very welcoming attitude from all political parties. And, a couple of weeks ago, the Senate invited me to speak to the Science Committee. If all goes well, well start working with legislators in 2025 to see if Spain also joins this movement and leads it at a European level. Spain would be the first country in Europe to have specific legislation to protect brain activity. The best solution would be to establish regulations at a global level, with a United Nations agreement and a specialized agency, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but thats a very complicated and long-term objective.

Q. Youre one of the 12 members of the Spanish Research Ethics Committee. This body has analyzed the case of the rector of the University of Salamanca, Juan Manuel Corchado. He and his colleagues have had 75 studies withdrawn for fraudulent practices, but he has said that hes not going to resign. The local newspaper La Gaceta de Salamanca has published an article claiming that its actually the ethics committee that has no ethics...

A. I can assure you that all the deliberations weve had have been scrupulous from the point of view of ethics and respect for the rights of the rector of the University of Salamanca.

Q. The ethics committee has been criticized by those close to the rector for being, supposedly, politicized in favor of the governing Socialist Party. However, you were appointed as a member of the committee by the regional government of Madrid, led by Isabel Diaz Ayuso, of the conservative Popular Party.

A. Thats right, Im representing the Community of Madrid on the Ethics Committee. We actually represent the citizens. we have no political affiliation. I can assure you that theres no lack of ethics in the committee, that really would be the last straw

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New Delhi [India], January 18 (ANI): Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), in Haryana's Sonipat, launched India's first-ever Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Law.

The announcement was made during a seminar on "Artificial Intelligence and Law," which brought together legal scholars, jurists, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the evolving intersection of AI and the legal profession.

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The event's Chief Guest, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, praised the initiative as a significant milestone. In his address, he emphasised that the 21st century demands embracing technology to tackle challenges while maintaining the human element at its core.

He highlighted how AI could enhance the legal field, particularly in areas such as resolving pending court cases and improving translation services, but also addressed the ethical concerns surrounding AI, urging attention to data privacy and protection.

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In his address, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, Prof C. Raj Kumar, outlined five major global implications of AI on the legal field, including advancements in legal analytics, the challenge of bias and discrimination in AI systems, AI's role in cross-border dispute resolution, the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI-driven law enforcement.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that AI does not exacerbate societal inequities, particularly by addressing the digital divide that could exclude marginalized groups.

Justice Dipankar Dutta, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, remarked that the multitude of opinions surrounding AI's impact on the legal profession makes it challenging to predict its eventual transformation of legal services.

He acknowledged that such uncertainty is typical when revolutionary technologies emerge, as they often bring profound changes. While there are varied opinions on the direction AI will take, Justice Dutta emphasized that there is no doubt AI will reshape academia, legal practice, and the delivery of justice.

Senior Advocate R Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, pointed out that the traditional relationship between law and technology must evolve to accommodate the fundamental shift that technology is undergoing.

This transformation will change how we engage with technology, moving from using it merely as a tool to actively interacting with it in increasingly complex ways.

Echoing these sentiments, Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, discussed how AI has become a global phenomenon, drawing significant legislative attention, with around 33 laws passed worldwide in 2022 alone.

While acknowledging AI's remarkable advancements, he emphasized that its limitations must be recognized, especially in legal adjudication, where human judgment is irreplaceable.

Legal decision-making is not a mechanical or purely algorithmic process, he argued; it involves nuanced understanding, empathy, and discretion, which algorithms cannot replicate. For example, judges may intervene in cases where technicalities suggest otherwise, guided by fairness and compassion--qualities that algorithms lack. This underscores the irreplaceable value of human insight in the legal system, even as AI continues to advance.

Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, addressed the future of legal professionals in an AI-driven world.

He emphasized that AI should never replace lawyers. While it can automate routine tasks, it cannot replicate the complex judgment or ethical considerations human lawyers and judges bring to the table.

AI must remain a servant, not a master, and should always be viewed as a tool that enhances human capabilities, allowing legal professionals to focus on more strategic and complex aspects of their work.

While AI presents challenges, Dr. Singhvi affirmed these are not insurmountable. By fostering transparency, addressing bias, and implementing robust regulations, AI can be integrated into the legal system as a complementary tool, ultimately advancing justice. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) Around 7,500 stakeholders from 11 countries such as the US, the UAE, Singapore and Norway will participate in the Maritime India Conference next week to discuss business opportunities in the domestic ports and shipping sector.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will address the event, organiser FICCI said in a statement. Participants from countries like the US, the UAE, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and Sweden will take part in the three-day summit, FICCI said.

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Besides, delegates from the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Denmark and Italy will also share views at the conference which begins on January 22 in Mumbai.

"The conference will address six strategic themes critical to India's maritime future. Central to the agenda is the transformation of ports through smart technologies and sustainable practices, complemented by initiatives to accelerate the maritime sector's decarbonisation," the statement said.

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Industry experts will examine shifts in maritime logistics while engaging in focused discussions on India's growing cruise industry and innovations in shipbuilding and repair capabilities. Innovation and emerging technologies in the maritime sector form a cross-cutting theme throughout the programme, it said.

The conference will also share platform for policymakers and industry stakeholders, for dialogue on regulatory priorities and sector reforms.

Investment discussions will span port modernisation, shipping infrastructure, and logistics capabilities, with a special focus on international collaboration and funding opportunities. These initiatives align with India's maritime infrastructure vision for 2047, the country's centenary year of independence.

"This flagship maritime initiative aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030, supporting over 300 initiatives for transforming India's maritime landscape," said Dhruv Kotak, Chairman of FICCI Committee on Transport Infrastructure and Managing Director of JM Baxi Group.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Balochistan [Pakistan], January 18 (ANI): Leading Baloch Human rights body, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) organised rallies and gatherings across various regions such as Lasbela, Chehtar and Charsar on Friday ahead of the January 25 which the BYC will mark as the 'Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day'.

In a post on X, BYC said that the Lasbela region organized its first awareness rally and information desk on Friday in Hub, Balochistan.

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During the meeting, BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch, urged the public to take an active role and participate wholeheartedly in the upcoming Baloch National Gathering on January 25 in Dalbandin on "Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day" emphasizing the importance of collective action in the struggle for justice and rights.

The post said, "During the event, the speakers exposed the state's notorious and increasingly desperate efforts to disrupt peaceful mobilization. A state operative was caught red-handed conducting surveillance while armed with a pistol and ammunition. Reports indicate that he had planned a targeted shooting but was apprehended before he could carry out his plot. This incident underscores the extreme measures the state employs to sabotage lawful gatherings and intimidate those advocating for Baloch rights".

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It shared, "Awareness campaigns for the National Gathering continue across multiple regions, reinforcing a shared commitment to national unity and collective security. As part of ongoing efforts, another awareness rally and information desk will be held tomorrow, January 18, 2025, at Mira Naka, Lyari."

https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1880326227334164798

In another post, BYC noted that its Chagai Zone organized a corner meeting on Friday in Chehtar and Charsar in preparation for the Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day on January 25.

Another Baloch leader, Sabiha Baloch, condemned the state's role in promoting drug addiction among Baloch youth in Chagai under its patronage.

"She also highlighted the severe health consequences of nuclear explosions in Chagai, which have led to a significant rise in cancer-related deaths in the region. Furthermore, she pointed out that for the past two decades, Pakistan has been extracting valuable resources--such as gold, silver, chromite, and marble--from the Saindak project. However, the local people of Saindak continue to suffer daily humiliation and exploitation at the hands of Pakistani security forces while struggling to make a living. Dr. Sabiha Baloch also emphasized the role of so-called tribal leaders in Chagai, who have been responsible for the illegal seizure of land from the poor and vulnerable", the post added.

In light of these ongoing injustices, Sabiha Baloch appealed to the people of Chasar and Chehtar to come out in large numbers to Dalbandin on January 25, as a united front against oppression and to demand justice for the Baloch people. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1880266399261593690 (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jakarta [Indonesia], January 18 (ANI): Indian Navy's mission deployed indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai, has arrived at Indonesia's Jakarta, to participate in multi-national exercise La Perouse. Navies from India, France, Indonesia, Australia, US, UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada will participate in this exercise.

The exercise aims to develop common maritime situational awareness by enhancing the cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction operations and air operations along with the conduct of progressive training and information sharing, according to Ministry of Defence press release. The exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer links in planning, coordination and information sharing for enhanced tactical interoperability.

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In a press release, Ministry of Defence stated, "The indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai is participating in the fourth edition of the Multinational Exercise LA PEROUSE. This edition will witness participation of personnel/ surface and sub-surface assets from various maritime partners including Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Canadian Navy."

The exercise will witness complex and advanced multi-domain exercises including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air-defence, cross deck landings and tactical manoeuvres, as also the constabulary missions such as VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations, according to Ministry of Defence press release.

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In a post on X, Indian Navy spokesperson stated, "IndianNavy's mission deployed indigenous guided missile destroyer #INSMumbai arrived at Jakarta, #Indonesia on #15Jan 25 to participate in multi-national exercise #LAPEROUSE25. Exercise #LAPEROUSE would witness navies from France, Indonesia, India, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada engaging in advanced level exercises in all three domains of maritime warfare. The exercise provides an opportunity for the participating navies to exchange best practices and further the long standing cooperation among the like-minded nations enhancing collaboration towards safer and secure maritime domain."

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1880519896393785523

Participation of Indian Navy in the exercise showcases the high levels of synergy, coordination and interoperability between the like-minded navies and their commitment to a rules-based international order in the maritime domain, according to the press release.

In a press release, Ministry of Defence noted, "This visit is in consonance with India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to enhance maritime cooperation and collaboration for safer and secure Indo-Pacific Region." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], January 18 (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.

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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.

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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)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Damascus, Jan 18 (AP) Syria's foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani has said his country wants to "restore its seat" in the Cairo-based Arab League and participate in the next Arab summit scheduled later this year in Iraq.

Al-Shibani held a joint press conference with Hossam Zaki, the league's deputy chief, who was on an official visit to Damascus.

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The Arab League re-admitted Syria in 2023 after shunning it for 12 years because of a brutal crackdown by then-President Bashar Assad against demonstrators.

Syria's new authority is currently led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group

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Al-Shibani called on Arab countries to help with the reconstruction process, especially in infrastructure sectors. He added that Damascus was open to investments to boost Syria's economy.

He also said Syria will work with the Arab countries to guarantee stability in the region. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington DC [US], January 18 (ANI): The US House of Representatives passed a bill on January 15 that aims to reduce tax payments, prevent double taxations and provide tax exemptions for Taiwanese businesses, residents and employees in the US, Central News Agency Taiwan reported.

As per Focus Taiwan, titled The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act, the act was passed in the House by 423-1 vote. It will now be sent to the US Senate for a vote, and if approved, will be sent to the American president to be signed into law.

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The main aim of the bill is to prevent double taxation between the US and Taiwan. It seeks to amend the current US tax laws to provide tax exemptions for eligible Taiwanese residents in the US and to lower the withholding tax rates on income from specific sources in the US, such as dividends and interest, according to a report by Focus Taiwan.

In a significant development, the Bill would seek to enact the United States-Taiwan Tax Agreement Authorization Act, which would authorize the U.S. president "to negotiate and enter into a tax agreement relative to Taiwan", Focus Taiwan said.

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Representative Judy Chu said that the current laws require Americans doing business in Taiwan to pay income tax in both places on the same earnings, and vice versa, which has "hurt businesses of all sizes."

She noted that among the US ' top 10 trading partners, "only Taiwan lacks a double tax agreement."

She also referred to a survey conducted by the American Institute in Taiwan, which showed that for 79 per cent of Taiwan companies, the double taxation of income requirement was "a considerable factor" that prevented them from "investing more in the US".

Referring to Representative Jason Smith, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee in the House, Focus Taiwan noted that he said before the vote that while Taiwan is America's eighth largest trading partner, it has remained "conspicuously absent" from the list of 66 countries with which that the US has income tax treaties.

The new bill "promotes economic efficiency and integration, strengthens our strategic partnership with Taiwan, and reinforces the long-term economic stability American businesses and our trusted allies need to invest for the future and combat the influence of bad actors," Smith said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, January 18: With the aim of encouraging a zero-casualty approach in disaster management, Home Minister Amit Shah will on Sunday interact with top officials of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. HM Shah will be the Chief Guest at the 20th Foundation Day Celebrations of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, a statement mentioned.

On this occasion, HM Shah shall inaugurate and lay the foundation for projects worth over Rs 200 crore. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is now adopting a zero-casualty approach for disaster management, rather than a relief-centered approach. This approach aims to achieve the goal of Zero Casualty during disasters, said a statement. Amit Shah Says Sharad Pawars Politics of Betrayal Ended by BJPs Massive Victory in Maharashtra Assembly Elections.

The Home Minister will also inaugurate the premises of three important centers on Sunday, which include the Southern Campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Campus of the 10th Battalion of the NDRF, and the premises of the Regional Response Centre (RRC) in Supaul (9th Battalion).

An official said that under PM Modi's Vision@2047, NIDM and NDRF are making significant contributions towards making India disaster-resilient and strengthening the disaster risk reduction system in the country. They are playing a crucial role in human resource development, capacity building, training, research, documentation, and policy formulation. Is Your Son Unique?: Video Shows Amit Shah Scolding Jay Shah During Aarti at Ahmedabads Jagannath Temple.

HM Shah will also lay the foundation stone for a new Integrated Indoor Shooting Range at the National Police Academy (NPA) in Hyderabad, where IPS probationary officers will be trained in firing skills. This Integrated Indoor Shooting Range will be 50 meters long and have 10 lanes, allowing 10 individuals to practice firing simultaneously. The shooting range will be operational in all weather conditions, fully automated, and technologically advanced. It is being constructed at a cost of Rs 27 crore.

The state-of-the-art technology of this range will be in line with international standards, and it will be a unique facility among all police organisations in the country. The 10th Battalion of the NDRF has set an extraordinary example of dedication, efficiency, and professionalism in the field of disaster management.

Since its formation, this battalion has participated in over 800 missions, saving the lives of more than 15,000 people and evacuating over one lakh citizens to safe locations. In the 2016, Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), PM Modi outlined a 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction, which continues to guide India's disaster management policy.

In line with the 10-point agenda given by PM Modi, the Indian Universities and Institutions Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (IUINDRR-NIDM) has been established under the auspices of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). The aim of this network is to highlight the role of education, research, and training in building disaster resilience, and to develop model curricula for integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) at various levels.

To meet the needs of the southern part of the country, the Central government established the Southern Campus of NIDM in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. This campus has been partially operational since May 2023, and in a short span of time, more than 44 training programmes have been organised, with over 2,130 stakeholders trained in various aspects of disaster management.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2025 07:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mangaluru, January 18: Bengaluru's Namma Metro Purple Line will face partial disruptions on Sunday morning, January 19, 2025. The suspension of service on Bengaluru's Namma Metro is due to scheduled track maintenance between MG Road and Cubbon Park metro stations. According to BMRCL, metro services will be temporarily halted between Indiranagar and Majestic stations from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

While services on this section will be curtailed, trains on other parts of the Purple Line, including between Majestic and Challaghatta and Whitefield and Indiranagar, will operate as usual, The Indian Express reported. Green Line services will also remain unaffected during this period. Weather Forecast Today, January 18: Check Weather Updates, Rain Predictions for Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Shimla and Kolkata.

Bengaluru Metros Purple Line To Face Partial Disruption on Sunday Morning

In addition to the disruption, BMRCL announced a planned fare hike of 40-45% in the coming days, impacting mainly long-distance commuters. While the base fare will stay largely unchanged, the maximum fare could rise to INR 85 from the current INR 60. This increase is expected to boost daily revenue by INR 80 lakh or more, with current earnings at INR 2 crore per day.

On Thursday, January 16, Minister of State for Railways V Somanna announced that a new terminal would be constructed at Devanahalli railway station to reduce the congestion at Bengalurus railway stations. Digital Arrest in Bengaluru: Elderly Man Held Captive for 11 Days, Duped of INR 89 Lakh in Cyber Scam.

The minister, who was inspecting the infrastructure works at Whitefield, Hoodi Halt, and Carmelaram railway stations, also said the development work worth INR 1,200 crore at the busy KSR Bengaluru station is progressing under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2025 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, January 18: India's automobile industry will be number one in the world in the next five years, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday, highlighting that the industry has created 4.5 crore jobs till now, the highest in the country. Addressing a Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) event, the road transport and highways minister further said demand of Indian automobile products is very high globally.

"The size of Indian automobile industry is now Rs 22 lakh crore. I am confident that within five years, the Indian automobile industry will be number one in the world," he said. Presently, size of the US automobile industry is Rs 78 lakh crore, followed by China (Rs 47 lakh crore) and India (Rs 22 lakh crore). Good Samaritan Scheme: Nitin Gadkari Announces Increase in Reward for Helping Accident Victims, Stating Those Who Take Them to Hospitals Will Receive INR 25,000.

Gadkari further said when he took charge of the transport ministry in 2014, the size of the automobile industry was Rs 7.5 lakh crore and today its size is Rs 22 lakh crore. According to the minister, the automobile industry has created 4.5 crore jobs till now -- the highest in the country. Nitin Gadkari Says Government Values Amazons Efforts To Leverage Its Logistics Expertise To Empower Urban, Rural Businesses in India.

"This is the automobile industry, which is giving maximum revenue as a part of GST to the state government and Bharat Sarkar," he added. The minister pointed out that out of all two-wheelers motorcycles manufactured in India, 50 per cent are exported.
New Delhi, January 18: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Prayagraj on Saturday to participate in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. The Union Minister will begin his visit by taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam and will then perform religious rituals at key sites, including Akshaya Vat, Patalpuri Temple, Saraswati Kund, and the Hanuman Temple. His visit is part of the grand religious event, which is attracting millions of devotees from across the country and the world.

This years Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26, drawing a massive influx of pilgrims. In addition to Rajnath Singhs visit, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also scheduled to visit the Maha Kumbh on January 18. The Chief Minister will review the ongoing work and inspect the arrangements for the massive fair, including the safety measures in place for the pilgrims. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: 7 Crore Pilgrims Bathed at Sangam from January 11 to 16 on Occasion of Mahakumbh.

Maha Kumbh marks its sixth day on Saturday, and a huge crowd of devotees is expected to gather along the banks of the Sangam for a sacred bath. The spiritual event is one of the largest in the world, with devotees visiting it for the auspicious 'Amrit Snan' or royal bathing festival. The first Amrit Snan took place on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, and the second will occur on January 29, for Mauni Amavasya, followed by the third on February 3, for Basant Panchami.

To ensure the safety of millions of devotees, a dedicated team of 220 expert divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed at the Sangam. The divers operate in shifts, supported by 700 boats, to maintain round-the-clock vigilance during the holy bathing rituals. Security personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, PAC, water police, and healthcare teams are also working in close coordination to ensure smooth operations throughout the event. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Over 2.5 Million Devotees Take Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam on Fourth Day of Mahakumbh.

In response to the growing number of visitors, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has upgraded its accommodation facilities. A deluxe 300-bed dormitory has been set up within the Maha Kumbh area, offering premium lodging options to both pilgrims and tourists. With these meticulous safety and accommodation measures, the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to be a spiritually significant and well-managed event.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2025 09:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mahakumbh Nagar, January 18: Mahakumbh is being organised on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj. A lot of enthusiasm among the devotees is being witnessed nowadays regarding the divine and grand Mahakumbh. Till now, at least 7.72 crore devotees have taken the holy dip. Devotees from across the country and the world have been visiting Mahakumbh Nagar to take the holy dip.

According to the data released, on Saturday, around 32 lakh devotees visited Mahakumbh Nagar till 8 p.m. The office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided information regarding this through a social media post. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Over 25 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Mahakumbh Mela on 6th Day in Prayagraj.

According to official information, till 8 p.m., on Saturday, more than 42 lakh people took "a dip of faith". At the same time, about 32 lakh pilgrims visited Mahakumbh Nagar. Besides, there are also more than 10 lakh 'Kalpavasis'. It has been learned that till now, more than 7.72 crore devotees have taken a bath in Mahakumbh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office wrote in a post on social media that more than 100,000 devotees have become partakers of the virtue by taking holy bath in the holy Sangam. A social media post by the office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath read: "Congratulations to all the respected saints and saints, more than 10 lakh 'Kalpavasis' and more than 32 lakh devotees who have achieved virtuous benefits today." Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Goes Global: 21-Member Team From 10 Countries All Set To Take Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam.

On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also arrived to participate in the Mahakumbh convention. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi was also present along with Rajnath Singh. After reaching Prayagraj, the Defence Minister first took a bath in the holy Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and proclaimed 'Sanatan ki Jai', 'Ganga Maiya ki Jai'.

The Union Minister also took stock of the arrangements for Mahakumbh after visiting Akshayavat, Patalpuri and Bade Hanuman ji from the banks of Sangam. "I consider it my good fortune that today I took a bath at Sangam in Prayagraj. This is a spiritual and cultural festival of Indianness. It should not be seen by associating it with any sect, community or religion. If you want to understand India and Indianness then come and see Mahakumbh," Rajnath Singh said.

The Prayagraj Mahakumbh, organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is not merely a spiritual gathering but also emerging as a significant driver of economic growth.

This grand festival, which attracts crores of pilgrims and tourists, is expected to generate temporary employment for 6 to 10 lakh people, providing livelihood opportunities across various sectors. While some of these jobs will be temporary, they will significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals involved.

With over 40 crore pilgrims and tourists expected to visit Prayagraj between Paush Purnima and Mahashivratri, the Mahakumbh promises to infuse vitality into the local and national economy. CM Yogi has emphasized that if each visitor spends an average of Rs 5,000 on basic needs, the total business generated during this month-and-a-half-long event could exceed Rs 2 lakh crore.

Experts suggest that this scale of economic activity in just six weeks is equivalent to the earnings of eight regular months for many businesses. A significant portion of this revenue will contribute to government taxes and bolster the countrys GDP.

The Mahakumbh has spurred demand across diverse fields, including logistics, transportation, digital security, hospitality, event management, and infrastructure development.

Staffing Recruitment Services and First Meridian Global predict the creation of 6 to 10 lakh jobs during this period. These roles include tent settlements, data analysis, branding, marketing, and social media influencers, in addition to conventional sectors like food stalls, religious services, and transportation.

The festival has also energised small-scale and local businesses. Vendors selling offerings such as prasad, flowers, sweets, and milk products; artisans providing bangles, bindis, and sindoor; and priests and barbers catering to pilgrims have all seen a surge in demand. For these local entrepreneurs, the Mahakumbh is an opportunity to earn many times more than during regular days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2025 12:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Patna, January 18: Even as Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha has a packed schedule during his visit to Patna on Saturday, political circles are abuzz with speculation whether Rahul Gandhi will meet the RJD supremo during this trip.

LoP Gandhi is scheduled to participate in two key events on Saturday, the Constitution Security Conference at the Bapu Auditorium and an address to party workers at the Congress headquarters, Sadakat Ashram. His visit comes after the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, making it notable for its timing and political implications. For political observers, the central question revolves around whether the two leaders will meet. Bihar: Rahul Gandhi to Address 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan' in Patna Today, Also Meet Congress Workers.

Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi have shared a close political alliance, especially in the context of the Opposition coalition formed to counter the BJP at the national level. LoP Rahul Gandhi's last visit to Patna on June 23, 2023, was instrumental in solidifying the Opposition's joint strategy, alongside Lalu Prasad and other prominent leaders. This makes any potential meeting between the two during this tour a matter of political curiosity and significance.

The Congress MPs visit to Patna is taking place at a politically dynamic moment, coinciding with the National Executive meeting of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) at Hotel Maurya, where key decisions, including contesting the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections under Tejashwi Yadav's leadership, may be announced. This convergence of major events highlights the delicate interplay of relationships within the Opposition's coalition politics. Fighting BJP, RSS and Indian State: Rahul Gandhis Remarks Triggers Political Row, BJP Says This Is Straight out of George Soros Playbook (Watch Videos).

The Congress-RJD relationship has traversed a bitter-sweet journey since 1998. While Lalu Prasad initially emerged as a staunch critic of the Congress, the two parties formed an enduring partnership after the 2000 Bihar Assembly elections, eventually strengthening their alliance in the UPA-1 government, where Lalu Yadav was one of the most influential ministers.

Over the years, despite occasional tensions, the bond between the Congress and RJD has been characterised by moments of mutual trust and collaboration. Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Prasad Yadav, in particular, have shared a cordial and often warm relationship. Notable examples include the first meeting of the INDIA bloc in Patna on June 23, 2023, where Lalu offered to "attend Rahul Gandhis wedding procession," humorously emphasising their camaraderie.

On September 2, 2023, the viral image of Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav cooking Champaran Mutton at Misa Bharti's residence in Delhi showcased their informal rapport. Despite the foundation of the INDIA bloc being laid in Patna as a united Opposition to the NDA, the 2024 Lok Sabha election results exposed cracks within the alliance. Rhetoric among member parties, including the RJD and Congress, has highlighted differences.

Tejashwi Yadavs statement that the INDIA bloc was only formed for the Lok Sabha elections raised doubts about its future in Bihar. The RJDs support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly elections further signaled fissures within the coalition. As a result, questions about the durability of the Opposition alliance in Bihar and at the national level are now at the forefront. Rahul Gandhi's official itinerary suggests that his visit is primarily focussed on addressing the Constitution Security Conference at Bapu Auditorium and meeting Congress workers at Sadakat Ashram. However, what will happen on the sidelines, remains to be seen.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2025 12:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Kolkata, January 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 victims father, with his wife sitting beside him, told media persons. RG Kar Rape and Murder Case: Victims Parents Meet Opposition Leaders in West Bengal Assembly, Seek Justice.

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. RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Special Court To Pronounce Verdict on January 18.

Seconding the victims 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 Congresss state General Secretary Kunal Ghosh said that the CBI started the investigation following an order from the Calcutta High Court since the victims parents wanted that. "Now they are getting misled by others," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2025 08:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Amid apprehensions and hope, a special court in Kolkata will be delivering the verdict within a few hours in the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August last year.
Mumbai, January 18: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday, January 17, alleged that there were attempts to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana after she was ousted from power following a student-led protest movement in August last year. In an emotional audio message shared by the Awami League's Facebook page, Hasina revealed that both she and Rehana narrowly escaped death during the attacks.

Hasina described surviving multiple assassination attempts, including the infamous 2004 Dhaka grenade attack, which claimed 24 lives, and the 2000 Kotalipara bomb conspiracy. She stated, I feel it is the will of Allah that I survived these attacks, otherwise I would not have been able to make it, referring to her survival during the bombings. Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus Asks UK to Investigate Graft Scandal of Sheikh Hasina's Niece Tulip Siddiq.

Sheikh Hasina Claims 'Assassination Plot' After Ouster as Bangladesh PM

The former PM, who fled to India following her resignation in August amid massive protests and a mob attack on her residence, expressed deep emotional pain, stating, "I am suffering, without my country, without my home... everything has been burned."

In addition to these revelations, Hasinas exile is under increasing scrutiny. Bangladeshs interim government has called on India to extradite her, citing two arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for alleged human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule. The ICT has also set a deadline of February 12 for the apprehension of Hasina and others accused of crimes during her tenure. Bangladesh Will Seek Extradition of Ex-Premier Sheikh Hasina From India, Says Muhammad Yunus While Addressing to Nation on His First 100 Days in Office.

Earlier this month, Bangladesh revoked Hasina's passport, accusing her of involvement in killings and disappearances linked to the student protests. The ICT is investigating allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity, with over 1,600 complaints of enforced disappearances under Hasinas leadership.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2025 01:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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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KYODO NEWS - Jan 18, 2025 - 21:59 | All, Japan

Thirty-three of Japan's 47 prefectural governments back revising a pact governing the U.S. forces in the country, a Kyodo News survey showed Saturday, underscoring widespread concerns associated with U.S. military bases and the agreement restricting Japanese investigation rights in accidents.

The survey was conducted in November and December after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a proponent of the first-ever revision to the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, took office in October.

The wariness over SOFA, which critics view as overly protective of American service members who have broken Japanese law, appears to be not limited to municipalities hosting facilities exclusively used by the U.S. military, with 21 prefectures without such installations also expressing their desire in the survey to see the accord amended.

Under the pact, which was signed along with the bilateral security treaty, Japan's aeronautics regulations are also not applied, raising safety fears and noise concerns about low-altitude flights by U.S. military aircraft.

The governments of Tokyo and Okinawa, which hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan, were among the 26 prefectural offices that called for an amendment. Seven others said a revision is needed "if they were to choose." No prefecture said a revision was unnecessary.

Among the remaining 14 prefectures, Aichi said it is "not on either side" and 13 said "national security is a matter dealt with exclusively by the state."

In a multiple-response question to the 33 prefectures asking the reason for seeking an amendment, 19 prefectures cited either "residents' concerns about U.S. bases and training" or the need to see "Japanese laws also applied to U.S. military personnel."

Sixteen prefectures said addressing issues through operational change is "insufficient," followed by 11 prefectures that thought SOFA "does not fit the reality because it has never been revised."

Tokyo chose "other" reasons and called for a "revision that responds to the changes in social circumstances."

Okinawa, Kanagawa, Shimane prefectures, meanwhile, said their residents' lives are "frequently" affected by the U.S. military.

Kanagawa hosts Atsugi air base, which straddles the densely populated cities of Yamato and Ayase and is shared by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military. Shimane residents, meanwhile, have been concerned by low-altitude flights by U.S. military planes based in Iwakuni in adjacent Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Nearly a dozen prefectures were concerned about low-flying planes, while the government of Toyama, which in 2021 spotted such activities without prior notice, cited the risk of "falling parts or planes crashing."

Some prefectures also noted issues such as noise around U.S. bases and a decrease in tax revenue as U.S. military service members are either exempt from or pay a lower rate of vehicle tax.

While campaigning for his party's leadership race in September and for the general election the following month, Ishiba expressed his desire to amend the pact.

Recalling a U.S. military helicopter crash on an Okinawa university campus in 2004 when he was defense chief, Ishiba said he wondered at the time whether Japan was "a sovereign state" as U.S. forces sealed off access to the site to retrieve the wreckage with local police unable to conduct their own investigation.

Since taking office, Ishiba, however, has toned down his ambition to amend the pact, which could potentially upset the decades-old bilateral alliance.

The residents of Okinawa, where anti-base sentiment runs deep due to repeated sexual assaults committed by U.S. military members, have called for the amendment of SOFA for years but Japan and the United States have only responded with operational changes or supplementary agreements.

Related coverage:

Top court nixes Okinawa Pref.'s last appeal over U.S. base landfill

U.S. Marine suspected of sexual assault in Okinawa in November
A shelved plan to build a super prison in Dublin is in the new draft programme for Government.

The construction of new prison at Thorton Hall in north Co Dublin is the first action committed to in 'Securing Ireland's Future' which has been agreed upon by in the draft programme Fianna Fail / Fine Gael and independent programme for Government.

More than 50 million has already been spent on the 165-acre Thornton Hall site, though plans to build a large prison had all but been abandoned with the bulk of the site offered to the State's house-building body in 2019.

The form minister for justice Michael McDowell oversaw the purchase of the 150-acre site for 30 million in 2005. This was said to be eight times higher than the market rate. Originally intended as a prison that could accommodate 2,200 inmates, the plan was later scaled back to 700 capacity.

A plan for the Central Mental Hospital to be located there was binned and the entire project was shelved. The site is currently being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

The outgoing Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said last April that her department is considering whether or not to build a new prison at Thornton Hall in north county Dublin to deal with chronic overcrowding in the country's jails. She said 50 million was earmarked for more prison places this year.

The new Government programme commits to the prison which continues to be championed by Michael McDowell who is seeking reelection to the senate to represent university graduates.

"Construct a new prison at Thornton Hall, expand existing prison capacity by 1,500 spaces and consider the need for a new Womens Open Prison," said the document.

There is no timescale for the building of the new prison in the draft programme.

Overall the draft programme says providing adequate prison capacity "is essential" for ensuring public safety, facilitating rehabilitation, and addressing the needs of individuals within the justice system.

The Government programme also commits to recruiting more prison officers for jails in Portlaoise and elsewhere.

The following is what the new coalition Government says it "will" do over the next five years:
Two men have been arrested on board a cargo vessel in the Shannon Estuary today in an operation targeting international organised criminal activity.

The men are the sixth and seventh arrested in relation to the investigation after five men appeared before a special district court sitting in Killarney on Friday night charged with conspiracy to import drugs.

In a joint operation conducted by gardai and Revenue today, Saturday, two men in their 30s and 40s were arrested after officers boarded a cargo vessel at anchor in the Shannon Estuary.

The two men are being detained at garda stations in County Clare.

In a statement, gardai said: "As result of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and Revenue Customs Service, two men were arrested on board a cargo vessel at anchor in the Shannon Estuary today, 18th January 2025.

"The men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offence contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, facilitating/enhancing a criminal organisation to commit a serious offence."

"The two men are currently detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda stations in Co. Clare.

Investigations are ongoing, the statement concluded.

READ MORE: Man (20s) arrested after huge 268k haul of cannabis uncovered arriving at Irish port
With St Brigid's Day almost upon us, Monasterevin Parish has announced the holding of its very popular Camino Walk in her honour.

The Parish says St Brigid is reputed to have been born in the townland of Umeras, just outside the Kildare community that has close links with Laois.

Monasterevin Parish organises a Camino Walk each year to commemorate its connection to the saint. This now coincides with the new public holiday named St Brigid's Day on Monday, February 3. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The 2025 edition of the Camino will start at St Brigids Shrine at Mountrice (W34 X529) at 11am with parking provided at Mountrice Cross.

The walk, which is approximately 6km will be led by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty, and will journey via

Umeras, then along the Canal Blueway, finishing in SS Peter & Paul Church in Monasterevin with a Service of Light at 12.30 pm.

A bus will leave the Parish Church at 10.30 am to Mountrice and return at 2pm. St Brigids Crosses and refreshments will be

provided on the day. For more information, contact Monasterevin Parish Office  045 525346.

In Ireland, February 1 marks the beginning of spring and the celebration of La Fheile Bride or St Brigids Day.

Some historians suggest that Brigid is a Christianisation of the Celtic goddess Brigid. The saint's feast day traditionally involves weaving Brigid's crosses and many other folk customs.

Since 2023, there has been a new annual public holiday in early February to mark St Brigids Day.
While the GAA took centre stage on Friday nights episode of the Late Late Show on RTE One, some viewers were left confused and disappointed by what they saw as a missed opportunity to hear more from one of the countrys most regarded sportsmen.

The Late Late Show and host Patrick Kielty celebrated the achievements of GAA teams, individuals and families from across Ireland on Friday nights GAA special episode, featuring notable figures such as Armaghs Aidan Forker, Clares Tony Kelly, Corks Molly Lynch and Kerrys Niamh Carmody.

The show also paid tribute to the late Micheal O Muircheartaigh and explored the spirit of the GAA with contributions from legendary pundit Pat Spillane, GAA president Jarlath Burns, Tipperary comedic duo the 2 Johnnies, Offaly legend Seamas Darby and RTE broadcaster Evanne Ni Chuilinn.

Darby was introduced as a surprise guest during a segment with Pat Spillane and The 2 Johnnies.

Darby, who scored that all-important goal in the 1982 final, was introduced as a surprise guest during a segment with Pat Spillane and the 2 Johnnies. Darby entered the studio After Spillane and the comedy duo correctly answered a trivia question about who scored the famous goal that denied Kerry their historic five-in-a-row in 1982.

READ MORE: OPINION: GAA President contradicted himself on Late Late over Kyle Hayes and Rory Gallagher

However, immediately after they showed a clip of the goal, the segment cut to an ad break and Darby was given little to no time to speak.

This left many viewers frustrated, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment.

Several viewers described the treatment of Offaly great as disrespectful and abysmal treatment, questioning why such a legendary figure was brought on without being given the chance to share his story.

Cormac OMalley posted: Seamus Darby probably would have been the most interesting person to talk to tonight on the #LateLateShow but no.

Could have been a whole segment on his own, he has such a story. But no.

Another wrote: Very disrespectful to bring out Seamus Darby and not even talk to him! Instead, the Two Johnnies got just a bit more airtime......as if they hadn't got enough!

A third viewer said: Why bother bring on Seamus Darby and not have a chat with him, a wasted opportunity.

A fourth social media user posted: Abysmal treatment of Seamus Darby tonight on Late Late Show.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to support the family of murder victim Annie Heyneman, who tragically lost her life in the attack at her home near Ballyconnell, County Cavan, last weekend.

The 55-year-old mother-of-five died following the incident, while her Dutch-born husband Henk survived serious injuries during the same incident.

A 31-year-old man was charged with the murder of Annie Heyneman and the attempted murder of Henk Heyneman at Monaghan District Court on Wednesday.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help the family through such unprecedented circumstances.

The fundraiser, launched by Natalie Grogan with the permission of the Heyneman family, aims to contribute towards Annies funeral costs and support Henks recovery from his injuries.

It is with a heavy heart that I set up this go fund me for Annies family who have been left heartbroken by her sudden passing, the fundraiser description reads.

Annie was a kind, caring and beautiful soul who dedicated her life to her family and community in which her passing has left a gaping hole.

In such unprecedented circumstances I have set up this go fund me to help the family through this difficult time.

As well as helping toward funeral costs, It will also help to support Henk once he returns home with any additional care he may need, the description explained.

READ MORE: ALERT: Major Irish supermarket pulls popular cheese from shelves amid serious health fears

The fundraiser has already received an overwhelming response, prompting the initial target amount to be raised from 10,000 to 20,000.

At the time of writing, over 500 people had donated in excess of 33,000 - again surpassing the target.

Organisers have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has donated, shared kind words, or offered prayers for the Heyneman family.

Thank you so much to everyone for your support, I know the family are eternally grateful for the love and support at this time. I have clearly underestimated us as a community and have raised the target to reflect this.

For more information or to donate to the GoFundMe, please click here.
Melmark Partners with Vantage Builders and Caveney Architectural Collaborative to Build the Future of Adult Services in Massachusetts





The pilot project will be located on a three-acre parcel in Tewksbury, MA.

ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Melmark, a national leader in the human services field, announced it will break ground in early 2025 on the development of an intentional adult planned community on a three acre site in Tewksbury. The project will address an ever-growing need in the state of Massachusetts for adult services that are evidence-based and instructional for individuals with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Melmark is creating an innovative new adult services model based on the premise of continuing care retirement communities popular in elder services.

The pilot project will cost an estimated $15 million to complete. Melmark collaborated with the Caveney Architectural Collaborative on the design, which will include four residences housing 20 adults, an instructional and vocational day program for 50+ individuals, a vocational coffee shop social enterprise, daily living activities, supports, community engagement, recreational opportunities, and affordable staff housing. Vantage Builders will manage the construction of the three-acre site over the projected two-year timeline to complete the project. Massachusetts-based law firm Dalton & Finegold is representing Melmark for all legal matters pertaining to this project.

"When we look at the individuals we serve who are turning 22, there's a significant cliff and drop-off in terms of financial resources as well as the number of providers who will serve individuals with profound or severe challenging behaviors and what we're seeing increasingly is that individuals who have these needs are not able to get access to those services once they turn 22," stated Melmark President and CEO Rita M. Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE. "Our goal is to develop an infrastructure and model that is campus-based and rooted in full community integration and resource-sharing, which will allow individuals to age in place through their whole lifespan with access to centralized medical services, retail, public transportation, banking opportunities, etc. with opportunities for continued best outcomes."

The model will offer staffing efficiencies in light of the national human services workforce crisis and will provide comprehensive public policy guidelines which can be replicated by other human service providers. To learn more about the pilot project, visit: www.melmark.org/planned-tewksbury-adult-community/

About Melmark

Melmark is a multi-state non-profit human service organization providing clinically sophisticated evidence-based special education, residential, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. All specialized special education services are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and are designed based on each student's individual needs.

Recognized as one of the leading providers in the country, Melmark has a combined staff of over 1,200 at its service divisions in Pennsylvania, New England, and the Carolinas and serves 700 individuals from across the country. www.melmark.org.

About Caveney Architectural Collaborative

Based in Lowell, MA, Caveney Architectural Collaborative (CAC) is an architectural design firm focused on creating spaces that address the unique needs of its clients. https://www.caveneyarch.com/

About Dalton & Finegold LLP

Dalton & Finegold LLP is a Massachusetts-based law firm specializing in real estate law, estate planning, and litigation. Dalton & Finegold is particularly renowned for its expertise in commercial and residential real estate transactions, assisting buyers, sellers, developers, and lenders with precision and care. www.DFLLP.com

About Vantage Builders, Inc.

Vantage Builders is a full-service commercial contractor specializing in pre-construction, construction management and design-build services. The firm serves corporations, small businesses, building owners, developers, property managers, entrepreneurs and institutions. www.vb-inc.com



SOURCE Melmark

17 january 2025 at 19:10

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A NEW crime prevention officer for Limerick city has taken up her post following the retirement of well-known sergeant, Ber Leetch.

Sergeant Michelle OHalloran of Henry St Garda Station has had a fruitful career in the force for 22 years thus far, spending most of her time in Limerick city.

She is assuming the role of former Sgt Ber Leetch who retired in October last year after 35 years in the force.

I wish to acknowledge the fantastic work of Sergeant Leetch, who was very well known throughout the city and county, Sgt OHalloran said.

I am looking forward to continue working with the local communities and business owners, throughout the Limerick Division.

READ ALSO: Unfinished business and a duty to help others: Limerick city garda sergeant retires

Sgt OHalloran has experience in various roles in An Garda Siochana, including in Community Policing and working as a Detective Garda in Mayorstone, before promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

I worked in the rural areas within Clare-Tipperary Division for some time before returning to Henry St Garda Station, where I was appointed Sergeant in Charge, she said.

Throughout my career, I worked with, assisted and supported dozens of victims of crime and their families through criminal justice system and now I look forward to operating at a preventative level assisting and advising the communities, businesses and retailers.
LIMERICK artists Joe Duggan and Orla Jackson are curating a new exhibition of Irish Art at the Embassy of Ireland in London.

It celebrates both established and emerging Irish visual artists who have made London their creative home. This dynamic exhibition showcases a diverse array of works in sculpture, painting, and printmaking, capturing the richness of Irish artistic talent and its distinctive presence within the UKs cultural scene.

Irish Ambassador to Great Britain Martin Fraser said: As Ambassador of Ireland in London, I am proud to host this landmark exhibition of established and emerging Irish artists here at the Embassy... I look forward to the dialogue that this exhibition sparks about Irish art. This exhibition will run from January 8 to January 28 and is open to the public during bookable day and evening timeslots.

READ MORE: Limerick-based 'cyborg' to present at education awards at University of Limerick

The exhibitions official launch, hosted by Ambassador Martin Fraser, took place on Monday, January 13.

The Embassy will host a panel discussion with distinguished guest speakers who will explore the exhibition theme of Irish art today on Tuesday, January 21.

This discussion aims to examine evolving narratives, address challenges, and provoke thought on the current and future role of Irish art within the UK cultural landscape. This event is by invitation only, but there will be a number of tickets released for the general public on the Embassys social media platforms this month.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 18, 2025 - 09:13 | World, All

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed hope for "a good start" to Sino-U.S. relations during the new U.S. presidency in their telephone talks Friday ahead of Trump's inauguration next week, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Trump said in a social media post that the teleconference was "a very good one" for the world's two largest economies. "President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!" he said.

Xi said both he and Trump, who will be sworn in for a nonconsecutive second term in the White House on Monday, "attach great importance" to their interactions and the two countries can become "partners and friends," given their extensive common interests and the broad space for cooperation, the ministry said.

The Chinese leader said the bilateral economic ties are essentially "mutually beneficial and win-win" and that "confrontation and conflict should not be an option for the two countries," according to the ministry.

On Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island which Beijing regards as its own, Xi said the issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged Washington to "approach it with prudence."

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he discussed many subjects with Xi, including balancing trade, fentanyl, which is the leading cause of U.S. overdose deaths, and TikTok, a short-form video-sharing platform owned by Chinese firm ByteDance Ltd. that could face a ban in the United States.

"It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately," Trump said.

Trump told Xi that he looked forward to meeting with him soon, and the two exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the Hamas-Israel conflict, as well as other major international and regional issues, the Chinese ministry said.

They also agreed to establish a channel of strategic communication for regular contact on issues of shared interest, it added.

The ministry said earlier in the day that Vice President Han Zheng will attend Trump's inauguration next week.

Xi sent a congratulatory message to Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election in November and said at the time that "stable, sound and sustainable China-U.S. relations serve the interests of both countries," according to the ministry.

Related coverage:

Trump's pick for top diplomat Rubio urges China not to destabilize Asia

Japan working toward Ishiba-Trump meeting in U.S. before mid-February

OPINION: Tune in to American populists
Who doesn't recall one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant ad campaigns in Indian marketing history, the Hamara Bajaj ad, which went on to become a cultural touchstone? It connected deeply across the nation, symbolizing aspiration, self-reliance, and pride in homegrown products. It was a compelling instance of how a brand and its founder can intertwine a diffuse concept like national identity with hard business success.

That man was Jamnalal Bajaj, the founder of the Bajaj group.

In the annals of Indian business and political history, few names resonate with the quiet strength of a businessmans dual roles of astute business sensibility and what we would term today, corporate social responsibility. Jamnalal Bajaj, born in 1889, went on to become a fine contradiction for theorists who proclaim that the business of business is business. His life is a glowing exemplar of how business must involve itself in politics for great ubiquitous benefit.

Often referred to as the Merchant Prince of India, Raj Bahadur Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj was born into a poor family of farmers in Kashi Ka Bas, a small village near Sikar in Rajasthan. Adopted by Seth Bachharaj, a rich relative in Wardha, he learnt his early lessons in his adopted familys business before going on to found the Bajaj group in 1926. With an eye firmly fixed on nation-building, he entered staple industries like sugar, textiles and steel even as he grappled with imperial and colonial greed and exploitation. Indeed, his support for the Swarajya movement was not just ideological but also pragmatic. He encouraged indigenous industry and led by example, boycotting foreign-made goods and wearing khadi.

Also Read: Cotton King Govindram Seksaria: The Marwari maven of pre-Independence trade

Mahatma's influence

The quiet titans approach to business was embedded in what has been called servant leadership. His empathetic nature put employee well-being atop everything else, fostering an empowering and inclusive work environment. While his instinct in anticipating market trends was unparalleled, he was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and soon joined the freedom struggle. Elected as the Receptions Committee Chairman in Nagpur Congress in 1920, he went on to fund the Salt Satyagraha in 1931 and later the Quit India movement. Gandhi would continue to play a hugely influential role in his life. When the Mahatma left the Sabarmati Ashram, Bajaj donated land for the Sevagram ashram in his hometown, Wardha. Such was the bond between the two that Gandhi called him his fifth son.

In 1921, Bajaj was awarded the Raj Bahadur title by the British for his donations in World War II. That didnt deter him from plunging into the non-cooperation movement. He became a Congress working committee member and part treasurer during the 1930s. But he wasnt a mere follower. In 1928 he created history by throwing open the familys Lakshmi Narayan temple to Dalits inviting hostility from the orthodox Hindus of the time. As one of the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia, he was at the forefront of Hindu-Muslim unity.

A philanthropist and social change maker, Jamnalal Bajaj educational endeavours gave fillip to Indians even as his social change schemes started at home

Jamnalals mantra was It is not the kingdom I desire, nor heaven, nor freedom from rebirth. What I desire is the destruction of the pain of creatures scorched by suffering." A philanthropist and social change maker, his educational endeavours gave fillip to Indians even as his social change schemes started at home. In a remarkably forward-thinking act, he disallowed the veil or customary ghoonhat even for his wife, though that earned him much tongue-clucking in that era.

From fair work wages to workplace safety, his policies reflected a deep respect for human dignity even as he pursued business with equal zeal. He famously said: Wealth should be created with an eye on service to society, not just self enrichment.

Also Read: Cowasjee Readymoneys pioneering path from profit to purpose

After his death in 1942, under his son Kamalnayans stewardship the company started the process of turning into the vast conglomerate it is today, foraying into businesses like finance as well as non-stick cookware like Nirlep. By 1960, Bajaj Auto became a public limited company, one that would amply reward its shareholders over the next many decades. His legacy was carried ably by Rahul Bajaj, his grandson, who took charge of the group in 1965.

Politics, however, was the bedrock of the family with his second son, Ramakrishna Bajaj, too actively jumping into the Quit India movement while founding the All India Student Congress as well as the National Union of Students.

Wealth should be created with an eye on service to society, not just self enrichment -Jamnalal Bajaj

Capitalism wedded to ethical values raises the question about the scalability of such business endeavours in a globalized world. Furthermore, Jamnalal Bajajs avowal of moral persuasion rather than structural reform limited the broader systemic impact of his initiatives. Despite that, his legacy is a testament to the transformative potential of ethical leadership though its relevance in the contemporary hypercompetitive globalised world warrants nuanced evaluation.

When he died at the age of 52 in 1942, the Bajaj group had a sales revenue of about 1 crore with just 200 employees, a few ginning and pressing mills and a fistful of debt. A quintessential Gandhian, he earned more by way of accolades.

Vinoba Bhave summed up Bajajs role in social uplifting, best saying he was not merely a wealthy man but a man of wealth who knew how to use it for the service of the country and its people.

Also Read: Parvinder Singh: The pharma visionary whose legacy lies in tatters
New Delhi: The government plans to amend the law to create a level-playing field for private and public insurers and achieve universal insurance coverage by 2047, two people aware of the matter told Mint .

The Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2024, if passed, will allow state-owned insurers to obtain composite licences to sell both life and non-life products, avoiding amendments to the Life Insurance Corporation Act of 1956 and the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972.

The public sector life and general insurers are currently governed by separate parliamentary acts.

"This provision, included in the final draft after stakeholder consultations, eliminates the need to amend the LIC Act and GIBNA, paving the way for broader industry expansion and improved accessibility and affordability of insurance for all citizens," the first person mentioned above said, requesting anonymity.

A composite licence will allow a single entity to offer both life and non-life products, unlike now, when these two activities have to be carried by separate corporate entities, the person added. Composite insurers are also allowed in jurisdictions such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK."

Also Read: Insurers may get to sell related non-insurance value added products and services but not MFs

Industry divided

The proposal for composite licences initially divided the industry, with some viewing it as a progressive step. State-run general insurers had opposed it over concerns about market fragmentation and the entry of non-serious or financially weaker players.

However, the revised changes have gained support, incorporating safeguards to address these concerns.

The four PSU general insurers are United India Insurance, National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and New India Assurance. Among these, only New India Assurance is profitable. The only listed PSU general insurer reported a net profit of 1,129 crore in FY24.

The consultative process is complete and the draft bill has been finalised for Cabinet approval. It is likely to be introduced during the Budget session for parliamentary approval and subsequent implementation, said the second person mentioned above.

The finance ministry has finalised the bill after an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process, during which over 1,000 pages of feedback were received.

State governments were also consulted, and some of their suggestions have been incorporated, the second person mentioned above said.

"The process has resulted in a strong, progressive, and forward-looking legislation that requires no further changes and can proceed directly to parliamentary approval by the incoming government after the elections," the person added.

A spokesperson for the ministry of finance and the secretary of the department of financial services didn't respond to emails.

Also Read: Fresh capital for PSU general insurers likely in budget

Raising FDI limit

The insurance sector reforms outlined in the bill include a landmark provision to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI), raising the cap from 74%.

This move is expected to attract significant capital inflows, foster growth, enable financially robust foreign insurers to operate independently in India, and strengthen competition and innovation in the industry.

However, this enhanced freedom for foreign players will require amendments to operationalise rules to attract investments.

Current regulations impose restrictions on dividend distribution and require a majority of directors, key management personnel, and at least one among the chairperson, managing director, or chief executive officer to be resident Indian citizens.

These clauses will require revision to align with the proposed reforms and ensure seamless implementation.

The proposed 100% FDI in insurance will attract foreign investments, foster innovation, and increase market competition, which can drive higher insurance penetration," said Shruti Ladwa, partner and Insurance Leader, EY India.

Composite licensing will enable insurers to offer comprehensive offerings, facilitate cross-sell opportunities, streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve consumer access and penetration," she added.

While 100% FDI and composite licensing tackle broader challenges, easing capital requirements for niche/single-product insurers can accelerate market entry and scalability, helping insurers reach underserved segments, Ladwa said.

"Targeted capital flexibility for specific product categories can empower insurers to offer tailored solutions to bottom-of-the-pyramid customers. However, it is vital to maintain robust solvency standards through a risk-based capital (RBC) framework to ensure long-term financial stability and sustainable growth," she added.

The amendment bill may introduce key changes, including allowing insurance agents to sell products from multiple companies.

While it is expected to be tabled in the second part of the Budget session, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman may announce it during her Budget speech.

Also read | What's stopping AMCs, insurers from entering remote markets like Kargil?

Expanding the sector

The bill also eases entry for overseas reinsurers by reducing the net owned funds requirement from 5,000 crore to 1,000 crore.

Additionally, it empowers the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to specify lower entry capital, starting from 50 crore, for micro and niche insurers targeting underserved segments.

"A more conducive regulatory environment will drive the expansion of the insurance sector and support the goal of 'Insurance for All' by 2047," said Adil Ladha, partner at Saraf and Partners.

He highlighted that the proposed reforms aim to enhance insurance accessibility and affordability, modernise the industry, and foster growth.

To achieve this vision, Ladha emphasised the need for increased financial literacy, simplified regulations, improved claims processes, expanded distribution networks, and broader coverage.

He added that the government's proposed amendments mark a significant step toward realising these objectives and strengthening the foundation for the industry's long-term development.

The capital requirements for insurance and reinsurance remain unchanged at 100 crore and 200 crore, respectively, but the composite license introduces a higher minimum capital threshold of 150 crore.

The bill also introduces the concept of captive insurers, enabling conglomerates to create insurers for their internal business risks. Other changes include a differential solvency margin, alignment of insurance companies with banks on share-transfer approvals, and the removal of commission payment limits.

Indias general insurance market comprises four PSU entities and 23 private players

Also Read: Struggling PSU insurers may get a helping hand from the finance minister
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a great place to discover home gadgets that aim to make your daily tasks easier, ranging from cleaning and cooking to making your home a more comforting place, such as with the right lighting and music. While home gadget demos are great to look at, a lot of them are expensive since they are limited prototypes or the manufacturers haven't achieved economies of scale. Nonetheless, some tech eventually makes it to the retail market in the form of affordable consumer gadgets. Here is the list of fascinating gadgets on the CES 2025 show floor.

Samsungs AI bet for TVs

TVs have a special place at CES as manufacturers show off their latest screens at the show. AI got as much attention as panels this year, especially from Samsung. The South Korean company introduced a click-to-search feature to search for apparel you see on screen worn by characters. Plus, the companys latest premium TVs will use AI to recognize what is on your screen and fetch its recipe for you. Samsung is also adding a Live Translate feature to show closed captions in over seven languages during a live broadcast in another language. If this wasnt enough Samsung  along with LG  is introducing Microsoft co-pilot to their TVs.

Withings Omnia mirror

View Full Image Mirror, mirror on the wall

Health tech company Withings wants to make full-body scans available every day with its new concept mirror. The device can measure weight, and heart and lung health. Plus, you can sync data from your other health measuring devices, such as a blood pressure monitor. The mirror also features a voice-powered AI assistant that will guide you to be healthier. The company is planning to integrate a telemedicine portal so you can get professional-grade medical advice.

Roborock Sarosmeticulous

View Full Image Rock your world

Robot vacuum cleaners are great for automatically cleaning up your floor. The problem is that at times, when there is a small object on the floor, like a sock or a paper cup, these cleaners just ignore the area or get stuck. Roborocks Roomba rival is solving this issue with an in-built robotic arm. The five-axis arm, which also has a camera, can pick up objects weighing up to 300 grams out of the way and clean that area.

Meticulous Espresso

View Full Image Espresso yourself

Meticulous is reimagining espresso making by generating heat and pressure through digital actuators and sensors by pairing software with them. You can monitor water temperature, pressure, and flow rate and make adjustments according to your taste. The machine also has a scale to weigh your grounded beans. The sleek-looking machine costs $1,350. Meticulous also launched a milk steamer that lets you steam milk with custom temperature and texture of milk, which would set you back $250. The company said that it has designed the machine for all kinds of coffee lovers who prefer different levels of customization for their brew.

Govee Table Lamp Pro 2

View Full Image Light and dark

An awfully long name for a table lamp, but the gist is that Govee made a new one with 210 LEDs that can be independently controlled. You can set lighting based on different moods, too. The good news is that this lamp doesnt have to be constantly plugged in because it has a rechargeable battery. This means you can take it to a house party or an outdoor adventure. Whats more, the lamp also acts like a smart speaker with sound powered by JBL.

Lockly Vision Prestige

View Full Image Lock and key

Plenty of smart lock makers showed off Ultrawide-band (UWB) powered locks at CES this year, meaning you can use your compatible smartphone or smartwatch to unlock the door as you approach it. While the Lockly Vision Prestige has UWB compatibility, it doubles up as a smart lock and a smart doorbell. The lock also can use face recognition to unlock the door. The lock has a camera with a 190-degree angle to show who is at your door on a four-inch screen of the smart doorbell.

A spoon and a cat

View Full Image The 'electric salt spoon' from Kirin

Small food gadgets are sometimes the most interesting devices at the CES, and two of them caught my eye. One of them is an electronic spoon by the Japanese company Kirin that gives you a sense of saltiness in your food, so you can have low-sodium food. Then, there is a small cat called the Nekojita FuFu that sits on top of your cup or a bowl and blows air randomly to cool off your beverage or meal.
When Christopher Columbus set sail from Europe and turned up on the American continent, he was in fact trying to reach India. Native Americans came to be called Indians, and the continent got populated by people from Europe. Triumphalist Americans, who would later characterise their land seizure as manifest destiny", were the original undocumented aliens", to use the term with which the United States describes people who enter the country without proper papers.

They saw nothing wrong in treating the land as theirs to take, and displaced and killed many native Americans. To meet their needs of agriculture, commerce and industry, they brought people forcibly to the US. The hierarchy was clear; the enslaved had no rights, the immigrant white population began to see itself as native. So where did Indians from India belong in all this historical shift?

In Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America, Meenakshi Ahamed, a US-based journalist and writer who has worked at the World Bank, offers a fascinating account of the early history of Indians who came to the US. The earliest to arrive in significant numbers were in the 19th century, when Punjabi farmers came to work on farms and build railroads. Some of them claimed citizenship as Aryans", but the US judiciary frustrated their attempts. Ahamed recalls the story of Bhagat Singh Thind, who came as a student in 1913 to California, fought for the US Army in World War I, was granted citizenship, but it was revoked within days, because he was not white.

Between 1908 and 1923, some 67 Indians had acquired US citizenship in different states, but many were rescinded since there were doubts if Indians were free white persons". It was only after a change in law in 1946 that racial qualification for citizenship was struck off. It would take another two decades before restrictions would be removed on who could migrate to the US, and once the gates were opened, many more Indians moved there. Ahamed was one of them. She came to study in 1970, with the ridiculously low $8 allowance India permitted students going overseas, essentially forcing them to fend for themselves, rely on scholarship, or the kindness of strangers.

Americans look up wistfully to the words in Emma Lazaruss poem in which the Statue of Liberty extends a welcome to the worlds tired, poor and huddled masses yearning to breathe free. But that sounds quaintly ironic now. Today the US is keen to erect insurmountable barriers to make it nearly impossible for the tired, poor and persecuted to enter legally. Donald Trumps campaign rhetoric promised mass deportations the day he takes office, and foreign students on vacation or projects abroad have been told to return to the US before his inauguration on 20 January, lest they be denied entry.

There is a raging debate that has racist overtones about skilled professionals as well, including those holding the coveted H1B visa, which allows a foreigner to work in specific jobs and industries. Right-wing influencers have created memes insulting Indian Americans: Alex Rosen prepared a fake petition to stop the spread of H1B virus and got unsuspecting Indians to sign it, while Laura Loomer, who had worked for the Trump campaign, has called Indians third world invaders". Republican-leaning Indians are appalled, some writing anguished posts on social media.

The H1B programme was created to ease temporary labour shortages in the US, but it has become the pathway to immigration for hundreds of thousands of professionals, including a large number of Indians. Many of these Indians work in the Silicon Valley, or elsewhere in Corporate America, and they reinforce the argument that Indians in the US are better educated and successful. Many get naturalised and are ranked among the highest earners.

It is that sub-set thats the focus of Ahameds account of Indians in Americaand, indeed, it is a sub-setand that limits the vision and scope of what the book could have been.

The book is an awestruck view of the elite, Indian 1%the IIT-educated, MIT- or Ivy League-trained skilled professionals who have run companies, set up businesses, helped cure diseases, or engaged with public policy. By focusing on these three broad areastechies, healers and influencers, as she describes themAhamed leaves out a vast number of professions from the scope of her inquiry.

By speaking of genius" and meteoric rise", her gaze falls on those Indians who are part of the so-called model minority" in America. Her list has few surprises: the early movers Kanwal Rekhi, Suhas Patil, and Vinod Khosla are there, so is Satya Nadella, who runs Microsoft, Shantanu Narayen, who heads Adobe, and Nikesh Arora of Palo Alto Networks. She is oddly dismissive of Sundar Pichai of Google and Parag Agrawal, who briefly ran Twitter (now X), doesnt get any mention.

Also read: Studies on the genetic lineage of Indians could serve dubious ends

While admiring their technical brilliance and wealth, she does not probe their politics: she sees them as Silicon Valley bros" who know how to develop technologies and run large companies, but she does not examine their views which are often a muddle of outward liberalism and fiscal conservatism. They have come to the US from fine, fiercely competitive Indian academic institutions, and come to believe that their success is largely due to merit, ignoring social capital. Deeply distrustful of reservations at home, the Silicon Valley elite prevailed upon Californias governor to veto an overwhelming vote in the Californian state legislature to grant caste" the status of a protected category, which would have enabled Dalit engineers to use civil rights laws to defend their rights in case of discrimination.

Among the healers, curiously, her focus is on physicians who have built successful parallel careers as writers (Abraham Verghese, Siddhartha Mukherjee, and Atul Gawande) or new-age gurus like Deepak Chopra. Well-known these names certainly are, and exceptionally competent physicians too, but the selection is odd because it focuses on skills that go beyond their technical brilliance as doctors and more as public figures. Among the influencers, two politicians make the cut (Nikki Haley and Ro Khanna), a legal academic (Neal Katyal) and writer-broadcaster Fareed Zakaria.

At the outset, Ahamed acknowledges Indian American success in other areas, including the creative arts, and the early part of the book is engrossing, though it turns predictable later. It takes the reader for granted by not explaining some of the business jargon and industry terms her interviewees use. Her conversations with the people she profiles are stiltedthey read like drafts and jump from a question-and-answer format to her own commentary, referring to the individuals in the third person, making it harder to stay engaged. As the interviews appear to have been published verbatim without much editorial intervention, there is a reluctance to probe some of the assertions.

Generalisations get perpetuated. One glaring omission is the hospitality industry. A 2021 study suggests that nearly half the motels in America are run by Indian Americans, and many of them are Patels from Gujarat. Granted, they arent part of the IIT-educated elite, but their ability to spot an opportunity is remarkable, and the way theyve extended help to their own kind is a saga in itself. It does sound triumphant, but as the academic Pawan Dhingra shows in his book, Life Behind the Lobby, this success has been earned the hard way, and there is an underbelly too.

Also missing are other visible professions such as standup comedy, journalism, and less visible ones, such as the non-profit sector (where Ahamed herself plays a prominent role), and academia. Elsewhere, Indians in America are visible but unseen, to borrow a Salman Rushdie phrase: from cops on subways to attendants at check-in counters; from junior civil servants to pharmacists; from building janitors to taxi drivers. In fact, the profusion of Indian Americans in such professions is dramatically altering the profile of the community, and Indian Americans are increasingly resembling other Americans, becoming part of an amorphous mass, and not crystal-clear icons of success. And Indians today form a large number of undocumented aliens, many desperately trying to enter the US illegally.

The incoming administration has some fine Indian Americans, like Sriram Krishnan, to advise White House on Artificial Intelligence, but also questionable choices such as Jay Bhattacharya, who went on a crusade against covid-19 lockdowns, and troubling choices such as Kash Patel, whose record in the first Trump administration on national security matters was far from meritorious.

Countering them are Indian Americans who have done their bit to make America a less unequal society: Bhairavi Desai, who has organised taxi workers; the women who founded Sakhi, which offers support to victims of domestic abuse among South Asian communities; progressive politicians like Zohran Mamdani, who is a contender for the New York mayoral election; and other unsung heroes .

These stories would have made Indian Genius richer rather than a feel-good book, offering a slice of reality.

Salil Tripathi is a writer and human rights advocate whose new book is The Gujaratis published by Aleph.
Santosh Kamath, Franklin Templeton MF's fixed-income chief investment officer, who was at the helm when the fund house wound up its six debt funds worth 25,000 crore in 2020, is now back with a private credit alternative investment fund (AIF).

Kamath stepped down as head of fixed income of the mutual fund segment in 2023 to head the newly set-up alternatives business.

According to a private presentation accessed by Mint, the AIF will only lend to financial services-related companies and is targeting an internal rate of return (IRR) of 11% to 14%.

Franklin Templeton said the fund will focus on developing the missing middle segment of the credit market. They are targeting pockets where they can get 10-15% returns. It said that sub-10% (2-3% over risk-free rates) AAA/AA-rated companies have access to funding through banks and capital markets. Those at the other end, above 15%, are accessed through high-yielding debt/distressed funds/venture funds.

The fund will make periodic payments through quarterly coupons/amortization. It will seek to minimize liquidity drag on investor returns through predictable and time-bound capital calls."

Subject to market conditions, the intent will be to deploy within 3 months of fundraise. Under current market structure investor returns get diluted by ~1.5-2.0%," it added. The fund has no restriction on minimum credit rating requirements and has to allocate a minimum of 51% in unlisted securities.

Kamath declined to comment on his new venture.

The Franklin Templeton debacle

Kamath joined Franklin Templeton MF in 2009 and started investing in bonds that most others were not touching due to their subpar ratings.

His credit risk strategy worked well until it didnt. During the covid-19 pandemic, when investors panicked and rushed to withdraw their funds, the ninth-largest fund house realized there wasnt enough liquidity to service all the investors. As a last resort, it tried to borrow to service the redemptions, but when that also fell short, it resorted to winding down the six debt funds in April 2020.

This meant investors could not take out their money and had to wait for the bonds to mature or become liquid. To be sure, investors got their dues on a staggered basis and by August 2023, after 40 months, they got back their money in full. It returned 109% of the AUM that was there on the date (April 2020) when the funds were winded.

Also Read: AIFs face risk of large investors moving away as Sebi tightens rules

View Full Image Mint

In the aftermath, Sebi imposed a penalty on Franklin Templeton trustee services ( 3 crore) and eight others, including Kamath ( 2 crore), on various counts of investment strategy mismanagement.

The credit risk strategy popularised by Kamath lost its sheen after the 2020 debacle. From managing 61,837 crore of assets under management (AUM) before the crisis, the credit risk MFs as a category now manage a mere 20,862 crore, a decline of 66%. Interestingly, the missing hold is increasingly being filled by CAT-2 AIFs willing to take on high-risk private debt.

Also Read: The star fund manager with a cult following, who finally lost his mojo

Private credit AIF

Kamath seemed to have learned from his past experience. This time, the AIF is structured to take on risky bets. For instance, a close-ended fund structure will ensure that it will not be impacted by other investors' reactions.

Since MFs largely look at only the high-rated (AAA/AA category), AIF funds have a large space to play around with the middle segment (BBB/A category), which comprises close to 3,500 companies. But due to the nature of high ticket size in AIFs, the average investor stays away from such strategies

Ravi Saraogi, a Chennai-based RIA and founder of Samasthiti Advisors said, Target IRR (of Kamath's AIF) is 11% to 14% which is before adding cost and tax. Now remove management fee and opex of 1.5% and tax of 33%, for many the tax might be 40% as well, and so if the fund generates, let's say 13% IRR, we are down after expenses to 11.5%, and after tax (33%) it will be around 7.5% post-tax return."

Launching a private credit AIF seems like a strategic move for Santosh Kamath, as it aligns with his core expertise in credit strategies, said Dhirendra Kumar, founder & CEO of Value Research. "An AIF structure is well-suited for such an approach, offering the flexibility and control needed for managing these investments effectively, especially after the challenges of 2020."

Given the 2020 debacle with credit strategies in open-ended funds, this shift to a private AIF is a prudent approach, he said. It caters to financially sophisticated investors who have a clear understanding of the risk-reward dynamics and the risk tolerance required for such investments, he added.

Who should consider investing in the new AIF

This fund is ideal for opportunistic fixed-income investors who are seeking above-average returns and are comfortable with the associated risks, Kumar said.

Investors willing to take higher credit risk in their debt portfolio for at least six years (four-year tenure, which is extendable by another two years) and with a minimum investable corpus of 1 crore can consider this AIF for investment," Abhishek Kumar, RIA and founder of Sahaj Money, said.

"As the focus of the fund is to invest in senior debt of companies in the financial space, which are rated between A and BBB, the fund manager is looking to skim the bottom of the debt pool to vie for a moonshot,' he added.

A similar strategy had disastrous consequences for small investors who had invested in debt MF managed by the same fund manager, Kumar said. So the fund manager has moved to AIF space to launch a similar fund but with a higher ticket size and is a close-ended fund, so providing immediate liquidity before the maturity of AIF would not be required."

Also Read: Earnings growth slowdown appears temporary, says Franklin Templeton's Hari Shyamsunder
There is cause for relief and hope as Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire that brings a pause to the most catastrophic 15-month conflict.

On the face of it, the ceasefire deal is cautiously scripting the roadmap ahead, marked by three clear phases, each lasting for six weeks- 42 days approximately. So why does the ceasefire deal, still eludes trust and confidence towards peace? And why does it not signal an end to war?

Going by history, it goes without saying that whenever Israel and Palestine have inched closer to a peace accord, signs of discord are discernible both through politics and violence.

So the key questions: first, what are the risks and challenges ahead in terms of implementation of the deal, and who are the potential spoilers? Second, at this point of the conflict cycle, Hamas stands significantly weakened, but despite the might of Israel, it is definitely not rooted out as a relevant actor.

In such a scenario, will the far right in Israel, and particularly the spoilers in the Netanyahu coalition concede to anything short of total elimination of Hamas from Gaza?

On the other side, will the Iran-backed axis of resistance"- that also includes the Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen- respect the Israel-Hamas deal? And relatedly, will Israel keep a security presence in Gaza, and if yes, will that be acceptable to Hamas?

Third, while the drums of humanitarian aid and reconstruction sound both a relief and dire necessity, it still remains silent on how this would be sketched out and translated in the third and the most crucial phase of the ceasefire agreement.

For instance, Israel, and even the US would want Hamas out of any aid or reconstruction effort in Gaza. But, the crucial questions remain: can that actually be achieved? And last but not least, can the precarious planks of ceasefire in any which way mitigate the hurt, fear and trauma that the ordinary Palestinian has witnessed each day, and who has been treated as a non-entity by the world at large?

The three-phased deal and the timeline risks

While the first phase will mark hostage-for prisoner exchange, and humanitarian aid, the second phase is to be negotiated from the 16th day of the first phase, and is most contentious as it calls for a total end to the war.

The third, and final phase calls for peace and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. While the deal does offer hope for temporary ceasefire, particularly in the first phase, the road ahead may not lead to the end of the war.

There are two outright sticky points in this template. First, will the far right coalition in Israel concede to total end to war, without extermination of Hamas. In such a scenario, while the US, Qatar and Egypt commit towards security guarantees, do they actually have the leverage to see through the second, and third stages of this deal.

Further, the third stage would involve the reconstruction of Gaza, which would involve aid and governance. Will Hamas agree to be out of this process? No aid would pour in if Hamas remains in control of the process.

Relatedly it is still not known whether Israel will pull out of the buffer zone by a certain date, or whether its presence there will be open-ended. Israel has made its position quite clear since late 2023, that it will retain overall security over the Gaza strip in the future- a point that might yet again become a deal breaker in the later stages of the ceasefire agreement.

More importantly, while the ceasefire is the welcome first step, and while the world celebrates the halt to violence, the critical questions on the long-standing Palestinian struggle for statehood and aspiration for freedom and sovereignty are yet again relegated to a freeze zone.

Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Gaza ceasefire: Now for Trumps art of the peace deal

The spoilers in this highly vulnerable ceasefire

The ceasefire remains susceptible to both politics and violence. History stands witness to this pattern. For instance, the Oslo Peace Agreement was shadowed by similar patterns. During the Oslo process, whenever talks would inch closer towards progress, spoilers-more broadly defined as opponents to peace talks, and with a vested interest in continuation of war, would sow discord either through politics or violence.

It is important to recognise that each actor in a situation of long-drawn conflict remains highly charged, and holds its positions tight, as that has strong ramifications on its reputational credibility, and its hold over its domestic constituency. A case that holds strong ground both for Israel, and Hamas, and all regional actors like Iran and Lebanon.

So, for instance, members of the far-right coalition in the Netanyahu cabinet have opposed the deal and argue that anything short of total extermination of Hamas is unacceptable.

Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has described the deal as a catastrophe" for Israels national security and his Religious Zionist Party has threatened to quit the government if it does not go back to war with Hamas after the first six-week phase of the ceasefire is completed.

However, what does offer limited hope is Netanyahu might get the deal through, with a refuge in the argument that Israel will see a switch in support with the incoming Trump administration- and at no cost, Israel can lose the support of its strongest ally.

On the other side, the critical question remains. Will the Iran backed axis of resistance"- that also includes the Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen- respect the ceasefire deal? It is here that one needs to recognize that war has significantly altered the military capabilities of key armed actors, and reshaped regional configurations. For instance, Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based group, stands significantly diminished, Syria has seen a regime change, and Iran stands weakened- though with a renewed spirit of resistance.

It is important to note that Hamas, while it stands significantly reduced in military capabilities and leadership, still has the potential to recruit more and continue to engage in both war and violence. More importantly, it is still able to maintain its existence,- and has not been erased from the map, as Israel, would have wanted.

Also Read: Why the Israel-Palestine conflict is unlikely to end in our lifetime

Long road ahead

While the ceasefire is a welcome first step, it also risks the freezing of this conflict, and has yet again relegated the issue of Palestinian statehood on the margins. It is important to recognize that Israel-Hamas are just one way of framing the conflict- and conflict doesnt surely begin on 7 October, 2023.

The point of emphasis is to pay attention to the history and politics of settler colonialism alongside concerns for violence. And sadly, the root cause of conflict still stands unaddressed, and the international community still stands complicit to the most bloody war in many ways in history.

Shweta Singh is associate professor, Department of International Relations, South Asian University

Also Read: Its time for the world to consign expansionism, like war, to history
No sooner had it unleashed the first of its drones at Israel on November 8th than the Iraqi militia published an image of missiles streaking through the sky. Israel said its aerial defences had thwarted the attack by al-Nujaba (the Nobles"). Big surprises in the coming hours," the group promisedin Hebrew as well as Arabic: God willing, many events".

Most of the Middle Easts rulers, including those of Irans allies, would prefer God has other plans. Iraq has been doing rather well of late. It is at last using its oil revenues to fund infrastructure, not sectarian wars or foreign slush funds. Violence is at its lowest level since Americas invasion. Its officials are desperate to sidestep Israels conflict with Iran.

But their efforts are hamstrung by a lack of control over their own turf. Israel says Iran is funnelling fresh stocks of long-range missiles and explosive drones to its militias there. Iran is furious that America let Israel use Iraqs airspace to bomb it. Iraq could be the next country to be pulled into Israels regional war.

For now, Iraq is relying on diplomacy to save it. On November 10th its national security adviser went to Iran for talks with the Quds Force, the foreign-operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (irgc), Irans praetorian guard. He urged its boss to leave Iraq out of any Iranian plans to attack Israel in retaliation for its air strikes on October 26th. That same day Iraqs prime minister, Muhammad al-Sudani, met the Saudi crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman, in Riyadh to discuss how to prevent the war from spreading. Meanwhile, the countrys top cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, told the Iraqi state to take control of the militias weapons.

But Iran fears that Israels attacks on its air-defences and its proxies, long seen as its first line of defence, have left it exposed. Until recently, it demonstrated what it called strategic patience" and absorbed Israels blows. But Israels strikes on Hizbullah, Irans proxy in Lebanon, and its invasion of Lebanon have taught Iran that restraint looks weak and only invites further aggression. Mindful that Israel struck back after it fired two rocket salvos from Iran, Iranian officials hope that using Iraq would spare their country from an Israeli counter-attack. And because Iraq is closer to Israel, Israels air-defences would have less time to intercept a strike.

Until recently, Israel looked to American forces on land and sea to deter Iran-backed militias in places such as Iraq and Yemen. But its routing of Hamas and Hizbullah, and its air strikes on Syria, have emboldened its leaders to target the rest of Irans axis of resistance". Israeli security men talk of a pre-emptive strike before Iraqi militias unleash their big surprises".

Iran has two bands of allies in Shia-dominated Iraq. The first are the Shia factions that it began to build up after America toppled Iraqs dictator, Saddam Hussein, in 2003. In elections since then, they have captured the Iraqi state. With Irans help in 2014 they formed the Popular Mobilisation Force (PMF), a group of Iraqi state-financed militias.

But as these blocs were increasingly driven by homegrown Iraqi interests, Iran sponsored new paramilitaries, like al-Nujaba, under its direct command. After Israel invaded Gaza, Iran helped create the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (iri), another umbrella of militias which Iran pays and supplies. It has since lobbed dozens of rockets and drones at Israel and attacked American bases. Israels killing of Hamas and Hizbullah commanders has left a vacuum in Arab leadership of the axis. Some Iraqi militiamen might be eager to fill it.

Iraqis have long sought to rid their country of foreign forces, both American and Iranian. They have failed to do either. So instead of separating from America or Iran, Iraqs factions prefer to stay out of the fight. The PMFs commanders have assured Mr Sudani that they will not use their weapons or fighters on the state payroll to attack Israel. Were Israel to limit its attacks to the iri and avoid hitting population centres, the fallout in Iraq could be limited, though it might be harder to contain if Israel struck near Iraqs Shia shrine cities where the iri has a presence, or if it hit the pmf. Privately, some Shias might even cheer a strike on the non-pmf militias. These groups are just criminals and thieves," says a graduate of one of Mr Sistanis seminaries. All Iraqis know they are just employees of Iran."

America also wants to peel Iraq away from Irans influence. On November 11th American forces struck pro-Iranian militias in Syria, near the Iraqi border. Donald Trump, once he is president, might go further. During his last term he ordered the killings of the PMFs then commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and Irans top general, Qassem Suleimani, in Baghdad. No less worrying for Iraq, Mr Trumps advisers may be considering sanctions against it. Since 2003, Iraq has deposited its oil revenues in an escrow account in New York. Mr Trump, says an Iraq-watcher recently in Washington, might have that in his sights.

All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
KYODO NEWS - Jan 18, 2025 - 22:41 | All, World, Japan

Japanese government-funded entities in Russia that offer language classes and are seen as a symbol of bilateral friendship could cease operations following an order to terminate the implementation of related bilateral agreements.

In an order dated Wednesday and posted on the Russian government's website, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin suspended the implementation of memorandums signed in 2000 and 2003 with Japan stipulating the activities and other issues regarding "Japan Centers," in another sign of soured bilateral ties following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The order says the Russian Foreign Ministry will convey the decision to the Japanese side.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, such centers were established by the Japanese government in six cities in Russia from 1994 to 2001, including Moscow.

The centers offer management and Japanese language courses to cultivate and train personnel who then go on to work in Japan-Russia economic relations, the ministry said.

Japan, in lockstep with its Group of Seven peers and Western countries, has imposed economic sanctions on Russia since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Ishiba tells Zelenskyy Japan will stand with Ukraine to achieve peace
Presbyterianism in Longford has a long and storied history that spans three and a half centuries.

The local religious community is celebrating 350 years of continuous worship in the county this year, and it will be marked by a new Minister.

The present building in Corboy may have been built following an exodus of Presbyterians to America from County Longford in 1729 to escape persecution in Ireland.



John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, preached at Corboy church sometime during the mid-eighteenth century, probably around 1748.

The latest chapter in the history of the Presbyterian flock expands as Reverend Wallace Moore was ordained, installed and inducted as Minister of Mullingar and Corboy Presbyterian Churches last Saturday, January 11 in a ceremony in Mullingar.

Before his formal ordination Rev Moore was visiting the oldest surviving Presbyterian meeting house in continual use outside of Ulster, one in use by the oldest Presbyterian congregation in the midland.



Rev Moore will host service in Corboy Presbyterian Church, which is linked with Mullingar, County Westmeath as part of the Dublin and Munster Presbytery.

It's going to be a wee bit different from what I'm used to, he told the Leader in advance of being confirmed to his new role.

This will be my first charge as a full minister. Where I've been before this, in Newtownards, we have seven Presbyterian churches in one town. Moving down here, with one Presbyterian church in the whole county of Westmeath, which is Mullingar, and one Presbyterian church in the county of Longford, which is Corboy, is a wee bit different.



Corboy has on average around 25 parishioners, while Mullingar can attract up to 50 to the services.

It's a small community here in the Midlands here, but our hope is that God blesses us and the church grows, and that's the excitement of the mission that we're here for as well, Rev Moore said.

The rich history of Corboy is something the new appointee appreciates: It's a fairly small congregation, that's one thing, but obviously it's an enduring congregation. It's a congregation that has been here for quite a while.



Corboy this year celebrates 350 years, which is fantastic that there's been that gospel witness here all that time. We want to celebrate that and encourage that, encourage the congregation to continue to be a Christian witness here in Longford and Edgeworthstown.

Rev Moore, along with his wife Jane, comes to the Midlands for his first ministry. Before this he had a secular life: I haven't come into the ministry as a young pup, I've had a life before this, which is good. I was born in Derry and brought up in Derry in the 70s.

When I was at the age of 16, I had that opportunity of going on further studies or to take an apprenticeship. I went and took an apprenticeship and moved to Belfast in Bombardier Aerospace, which is obviously one of the biggest employers in Northern Ireland.

It was a big move then from Derry to East Belfast. I stayed there for 31 years in Bombardier, working my way up through the company.



His work saw him rise to senior manager with Bombardier Aerospace, but the call of God was always there: I still felt the call to the ministry later on in my life. I was always involved in church work and as a Christian witness, but I started feeling called to the ministry. But I thought maybe I'm too old or I'd have to go back to school and come back to college in my late 40s.

It filled me with fear, but God's been good. We explored those doors and now I've ended up here.

As with any such decision, the choice is just the start of the journey: Five years ago, this process started, three years of college and then two years of serving on an assistantship in Newtownards. Now God has opened up these doors, Mullingar and Corboy. That's intriguing.



Growing up in the North, during a turbulent time for Ireland, has informed Rev Moore's life: Derry is not the place that it was when I was growing up.

It was very informative and I had a great time there and learned a lot. I noticed that coming down to the Midlands of Ireland, people are very, very welcoming to people from the north.

I find a real interest, a curiosity in one sense of what we're doing as a Christian faith and as a church.

I sense the Presbyterian Church actually is growing in the south of Ireland, maybe even more than what it is in the north, which is really, really encouraging. That's part of the mission, and that's what excites us about coming here, because we feel that people are open and starting to be open again to the gospel.



He acknowledges the challenges of his new posting: Our mission is to preach about the word of Christ, to preach Jesus. That's not just in church. I'm involved in community work.

When I was working in Shorts, or Bombardier, I voluntarily worked with the church in the community, being a Christian witness where we live, among our neighbours, among the community groups. That's what we see our mission is, to be a Christian, presenting the gospel, presenting Jesus in our everyday lives.



Reverend Moore says the gospel is part of everyday life: It's not only about preaching it from church, but letting people see it in how we live and how we engage with each other. That's why I'd like to get involved in the community, to be seen in the community. If people see me, say hello, and maybe I'll be in the coffee shops and just chat and be a Christian in everyday life.

I'd be offering hope in the gospel. The gospel is not just a dead-end message. The gospel is a life-changing message. I've experienced that within my life and many others. I'll be encouraging people to come and just be open to hear what God has to say to you.



That message is a message for everyone: Bring your burdens and lay them before Christ. And obviously, say Jesus is a life-changing experience and for eternity. That's what I want people to know, that there's a community that loves them.

There's a God that loves them. There's a God who is a gracious God and is a forgiving God. And that's open to everybody, regardless of what your background has been and where you're coming from.



Reverend Moore says his initial interactions have been very positive: I'd just like to thank the people of the communities around here as well. They've already made us welcome.

We've settled in really, really well. I'd like to encourage people to come and just see what we're about. The doors are open here in Corboy and in Mullingar each Sunday.

Read next: https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/local-news/1704480/longford-s-byt-brings-winter-wonder-to-the-stage.html
KYODO NEWS - Jan 18, 2025 - 09:43 | All, Japan

Okinawa Prefecture said Friday that Japan's Supreme Court has not accepted its appeal claiming the state's overturning of its rejection of a modified landfill plan for a controversial U.S. military base transfer was illegal.

The court decision, dated Thursday, is the last in a total of 14 lawsuits between the state and the prefecture over the matter and finalizes a ruling by the Fukuoka High Court's Naha branch in September that also dismissed the appeal, citing the local government's lack of standing as a plaintiff.

The central government and Okinawa have long been at odds over the transfer of the Futenma base from a crowded residential district in Ginowan to the Henoko coastal area in Nago. Okinawa has hosted the majority of U.S. military facilities in Japan since World War II ended in 1945.

Of the 14 lawsuits regarding the Henoko relocation, the prefectural government lost in all 10 cases that concluded at court.

"It is extremely disappointing that the judiciary dismissed the case without offering any concrete judgment. Our opposition to the Henoko new base plan remains unchanged, and we will continue to work tirelessly toward a resolution," Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki said.

The central government submitted a revised landfill plan to the Okinawa governor in April 2020 to address the issue of soft soil. After the prefectural government refused to approve it, the central government granted approval in its place on Dec. 28, 2023.

The prefectural government had argued in the suit that the state's decision to greenlight the modified plan despite its objections was illegal.

But the Naha branch ruled last September that the prefecture's claim of infringement on its autonomy was invalid, stating that approving the design change was part of its duties entrusted by the state.

Related coverage:

Work begins to reinforce soft soil in Okinawa U.S. base transfer

U.S. Marines in Okinawa start moving to Guam, over 10 yrs after accord

U.S. Ospreys resume flights in Japan after halt over safety concerns
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will be obsessed with delivery over the next five years when Irelands next government is formed.

Harris was speaking as members of his Fine Gael party met in Dublin to begin the process of ratifying the draft programme for government.

Mr Harris also said there needed to be clarification over whether members of the Regional Independents group which will form part of the prospective new government can also form a technical group on the opposition benches.

Following the results of Irelands general election in November, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and a group of independent TDs have agreed the plan which is expected to lead to the formation of the new government.

The 162-page programme for government, published this week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is expected to replace Mr Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday and the new coalition is formed.

He will hold the office for three years before it then reverts back to Mr Harris for another two years.

But first the parties must ratify the draft governmental plan.

Fianna Fail will hold a special Ard Fheis on Sunday.

Fine Gael is holding a series of regional meetings over the coming days.

Speaking before the first meeting got under way, Mr Harris said: This is a new process for my party, the first time that we are holding a series of regional meetings right across the country where every member who has been a member for two years or more has a vote in our electoral college system.

It is an opportunity for people to come out, to hear from the people who have negotiated on behalf of Fine Gael the programme for government and then to cast their vote.

He added: We have agreed a programme for government that is very true to the Fine Gael manifesto.

Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and some independents have worked together to put in place really exciting plans about the direction we want to take this country in over the next five years.

But really the key word here is delivery.

I think the challenge and opportunity for the new government, which I look forward to playing a leadership role in, is delivery, delivery, delivery.

That is what I heard from people right across the country.

Mr Harris said: That is going to be my absolute obsession and that of my colleagues in government over the next few years.

The Taoiseach also addressed a controversy after members of the Regional Independent group indicated they want to establish an opposition benches technical group despite also some of the group being in the potential new coalition, which would allow them to have more speaking time in the Dail.

Sinn Fein has said it will oppose the move.

Mr Harris said the new Ceann Comhairle (Dail speaker) Verona Murphy would make a decision on the issue.

He said: In relation to the issue of where people sit in Dail Eireann, I do think that needs a bit of clarification and thought.

I think if groups are in government, we need to look and see how the Dail rules can accommodate that and no doubt the Ceann Comhairle will make a decision on that.

He added: The Regional Independents are a group in the Dail, thats their right.

My understanding is there are members of that group who wont be in the government.

There will be some Regional Independents who will hold ministerial office, other Regional Independents who will not hold ministerial office.

This issue will be resolved and the person who is in a position to resolve it is the Ceann Comhairle.

Ceann Comhairle Ms Murphy said on Friday night that she has written to all members of the Dails Business Committee on the issue.

Ms Murphy invited members of the committee to make submissions to her.

She said: I will carefully consider the points raised and take any necessary further advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers.

Following the Dublin Fine Gael meeting, further party meetings will be held across Ireland in the coming days.

Party members will vote in a secret ballot on whether to ratify the programme for government with the results announced on Monday.

Several Dublin representatives attended the meeting on Friday night.

MEP Regina Doherty said she believed the overwhelming response of party members would be that the draft programme for government had the stamp of Fine Gael.

She added: An awful lot of the things we had in our manifesto have now been put into the programme for government.

What we want to do is get taoiseachs, tanaistes, ministers elected as soon as we can and get down to work.

Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who helped to negotiate the plan, said it was the first opportunity to bring it to the membership.

She added: We feel as the negotiating team we have put together a programme for government with Fianna Fail and with the independents that does reflect the values of Fine Gael, that does reflect what people have said to us on the doors during the election.
Shocking Playground Attack: Three Teens Arrested for Assault, Robbery, and Unlawful Imprisonment in Syosset

Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: January 18 2025

Three juveniles were arrested in Syosset for assaulting two teens, forcibly shaving their heads, and stealing their belongings at a playground.

The Second Squad reports the arrest of three male juveniles for an incident that occurred on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 5:30 pm in Syosset.

According to Detectives, two 17-year-old male juvenile victims were at the Crocus Drive Playground where they arranged to meet three other male juveniles. Upon arrival, the three male subjects forcibly grabbed the victims and threw them to the ground, while striking them numerous times with a closed fist.

The subjects then taped their mouths shut and began shaving their heads before removing various items from their pockets and fleeing scene. After a thorough investigation, officers located the three males and placed them under arrest without incident.
The Kerem Shalom crossing near Gaza in southern Israel. (Seth J. Frantzman, LWJ)

The Israeli governments Security Cabinet voted on January 17 to approve a hostage and ceasefire deal that will lead to the release of hostages by Hamas. The agreement is widely expected to move forward, even though several hurdles must be crossed because of Israeli government votes and approvals. After the cabinets approval, the government still has to meet in a wider session to ratify the deal. Religious Knesset members from the governing coalition left notes in Hebrew saying they supported the agreement before going home for Shabbat, which began at sunset.

The Israeli military is now preparing to implement the deal, which is expected to begin on Sunday, January 19. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) calls the operation Wings of Freedom. The IDF has established three sites near the border for hostages to arrive at, depending on where they are delivered from Gaza. The sites include the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, the Reim IDF base near central Gaza, and the Erez crossing in northern Gaza. The IDF is putting in place medical professionals to assist the hostages when they return. The freed captives will then be transported to special areas set aside in hospitals to provide care and a welcoming environment.

The first hostages will be released in groups over 42 days in the deals first phase. Two more phases of the deal may see the rest of the captives, some of them deceased, released. Israeli media outlets have published the names of the 33 hostages expected to be freed in the first phase. They primarily include women and children, the elderly, and those needing medical attention. The hostages held in Gaza include Israelis who are dual nationals of other countries, such as the US and the UK, and 10 non-Israelis.

The IDF is expected to withdraw from parts of Gaza during the first phase of the deal. The changes will include redeploying the 162nd IDF Division, which has fought for three months in northern Gaza. The division consists of infantry and armored brigades and has been fighting in Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya. In the last two weeks, the IDF has suffered casualties in Beit Hanoun from explosive devices, illustrating the continued terror threat in an area close to the Israeli border. The 162nd is expected to redeploy to defensive positions along the Israeli border with northern Gaza.

In another significant redeployment, The Times of Israel reported that the 99th IDF division is expected to leave the Netzarim Corridor that separates Gaza City from central Gaza. The IDF captured the corridor in the first days of the ground campaign that began on October 27, 2023. Over time, the IDF expanded the corridor, a road was laid down, and various strong points and other small facilities were established. At one point, a temporary US floating pier was also positioned on the coastline, connected to the corridor. The pier proved inadequate for its mission of delivering aid and was dismantled in July 2024. The IDF eventually settled into a routine in the corridor, rotating brigades in and out and holding the area with one division.

The withdrawal from the corridor, if things go according to plan, will rapidly change the ability of the 2 million people in Gaza to be able to move from southern and central Gaza to northern Gaza. It will likely enable some of the residents to return home, although large-scale destruction after months of fighting in places like Jabaliya will require humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. It is not clear how much of this will be able to take place in the first phase of the deal.

The IDFs Gaza Division, which is usually responsible for the security of the entire border with Gaza but whose duties have expanded and changed since October 7, will be primarily responsible for the southern sector of the Gaza border, Israeli media reports. The 162nd will cover the northern sector. For now, the Gaza Division will also maintain units in the Philadelphi Corridor. This deployment along the southern part of Gaza along the Egyptian border will also be affected by the deal, and the division is slated to withdraw in phases from this area, according to Israeli media reports.

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).
We Are China

China launches Pakistani satellite, two others

Xinhua) 09:32, January 18, 2025

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)

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Russia will not be represented by its ambassador at the inauguration ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak.

Speaking to reporters, Ushakov clarified that the usual practice of an ambassador attending such events will not be followed this time, Russian state-run media TASS reported.

No one will represent Russia at the inauguration. Usually, the ambassador represents," he said, explaining, "Well, it means that if an invitation has been sent to the charge d'affaires, he will be present."

The statement comes amid uncertainty surrounding Russia's diplomatic representation in the US, as Alexander Darchiev, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's North America department and a reported candidate for ambassador, has yet to receive approval from Washington.
Chinese experts deliver a health education session on preventing schistosomiasis at a local school in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Jan. 13, 2025. (Chinese schistosomiasis prevention project experts team/Handout via Xinhua)

DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- When the bell rang at Simai Secondary School on Tanzania's Zanzibar Pemba Island on Monday, the classroom buzzed with eager anticipation. Chinese experts from the Schistosomiasis prevention project team had arrived to deliver a unique health education session on preventing schistosomiasis, a debilitating parasitic disease.

Li Qianghua, consul general of the Chinese consulate general in Zanzibar, attended the class and hailed the long-standing traditional friendship between China and Tanzania, as well as their extensive and in-depth cooperation in the health sector.

Li said China has always been committed to working hand in hand with Tanzania and other developing countries in Africa to improve the health and economic level of the people jointly.

Through the efforts of the Chinese experts this time, he hoped that more practical and life-oriented health knowledge could be brought to the students of Pemba Island to protect themselves from schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, snail fever, or Katayama fever, caused by flatworms called schistosomes.

Dai Yang, leader of the expert group of the schistosomiasis control project in Zanzibar, introduced the life circle, transmission routes, and prevention methods of schistosomiasis to teachers and students present.

Taking a simple and easy-to-understand approach, Dai explained the harm of schistosomiasis and how to effectively prevent this disease through scientific methods.

Dai emphasized the importance of clean water sources in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis, calling on everyone to use clean water sources, avoid playing in ponds and streams, and bathe, and work together to create a campus environment where "everyone understands schistosomiasis control, and everyone knows how to protect oneself."

To give local students a more intuitive and profound understanding of schistosomiasis, the expert group also carefully prepared a popular science video on schistosomiasis that, through vivid animations and real cases, showed the importance of schistosomiasis control.

While watching the footage, the students displayed strong curiosity, listening attentively or deep in thought with their heads down. The students gained a basic understanding of the harm of schistosomiasis and also enhanced their awareness of self-protection.

To evaluate the actual effect of health education and stimulate students' enthusiasm for participation, the expert group organized a question-and-answer session where the local students actively participated in the question-and-answer session.

Li distributed health education supplies, such as colored pens and rulers, to each student who answered the questions, and when the students received the gifts, their faces were filled with joy and pride.

Through the efforts of the Chinese experts and the active participation of local teachers and students, it is believed that in the near future, Pemba Island will become a place that has eliminated schistosomiasis and become healthier and better.

Salum Hamad, principal of the school, said that this method of health education has fully stimulated students' enthusiasm for knowledge and brought such rich and practical disease prevention knowledge to students on the first day of school.

Hamad expressed gratitude to the Chinese experts and hoped for similar activities to be carried out in the school in the future. 
A Boston man was sentenced Friday for conspiring to illegally traffic and straw purchase firearms, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levys office.

Gustavo Rodriguez, 22, was sentenced by U.S. district court judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

In November 2023, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and one count of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL, according to the U.S. attorneys statement.

Rodriguez was charged in January 2023 along with Cory Diagle and Shakim Grant. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023, according to the statement.

The investigation revealed that between August and November 2022, Daigle and Rodriguez created fake entries in records required to be kept by Daigle to hide the illegal sale of multiple guns through Grant to Rodriguez, who could not legally buy or own guns. Specifically, both Daigle and Grant crafted and signed forms that concealed Rodriguezs identity as the buyer.

Daigle also attempted to conceal the illegal purchase by giving false information to law enforcement, according to the statement.

After the sale, one of the guns sold by Daigle was used in a shooting outside Rodriguez residence, and prosecutors say it was later taken from a person under the age of 18 by New Bedford police.

During a January 2023 search of Daigles home in Revere, officials seized multiple guns found in numerous safes as well as on furniture, in bedrooms, in drawers and in open areas throughout his home.

Both Grant and Rodriguez have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme, according to Levys office. On Jan. 10, Daigle was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On Oct. 18, 2024, Grant was sentenced to three years of probation.

12aa
Hundreds of people gathered on Boston Common for the Peoples March on Saturday afternoon ahead of Donald Trumps second presidential inauguration.

Nearly 1,000 people signed up for the 2025 Boston Peoples March, the rebranded name for the Womens March, which took place after Trumps inauguration in 2017, WCVB reported. The event, organized by the New England Independence Campaign, spanned roughly two hours and included various speakers, performers and booths from a variety of organizations, including Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and Reproductive Equity Now.

Speakers urged the crowd to champion reproductive rights, protect democracy and advocate for fact-checks on social media platforms, the Boston Globe reported.

We can whimper. We can whine. Or we can fight back, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said during the march according to WCVB.

I remember when coat hanger abortions were happening, Lisa Winter, 68, of Wendell said while holding a sign with a coat hanger and red paint that looked like blood, the Globe reported. We cant go back to that.

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A Connecticut man was arrested after he used a stolen fire department pickup truck to pull over drivers on Interstate 91 in Western Massachusetts early Saturday, according to the Massachusetts State Police.

The suspect, Kristian Avery, 46, of Windsor, Connecticut, was taken into custody at 5 a.m., according to a statement from Tim McGuirk of the State Police.

State Police in the Northampton barracks received reports that the driver of a Windsor (Connecticut) Fire Department pickup was conducting suspicious motor vehicle stops on I-91 north in Northampton and Whatley, the statement reads.

The driver activated emergency lights on the truck, pulled over drivers and spoke with them during each stop, according to the State Police.

A short time after a bulletin about the truck was issued to area law enforcement, a trooper saw the pickup on I-91 in Deerfield (mile marker 36) and pulled it over. The driver stopped briefly before attempting to flee with police in pursuit, according to the statement.

Troopers and Deerfield Police used stop sticks to halt the pickup near the Deerfield Weigh Station (mile marker 37).

Officials in Connecticut told State Police Avery broke into the Windsor firehouse, attempted to start a fire and stole the pickup truck early Saturday morning, according to the statement.

Avery will face charges in Massachusetts, including receiving stolen property, impersonating a police officer, failure to stop for police, negligent operation, and improper use of emergency lights.

The incident remains under investigation.
A Shrewsbury man has been released after he was charged in connection with enticing a child for sex, Sutton police said on Friday.

Rizwan Baig, 45, was charged with sexual conduct for a fee with a child, enticement of a child under 16 and attempt to commit a crime (attempted rape of a child), the Sutton Police Department said in a statement.

He was arrested following a joint operation conducted by the Sutton Police Department, Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit and the Blackstone Valley Drug Task Force, police said. This operation was designed to target individuals who seek to engage in commercial sexual relations with minors, the statement read.

Baig works as a dentist in Shrewsbury, Patch reported. He was arrested after meeting with an undercover Massachusetts State Police trooper at an undisclosed location.

Baig was processed, bailed and released pending his arraignment in Uxbridge District Court
TikTok, in its early days, promoted itself as the last sunny corner of the internet, a bubbly, irreverent video app that was wildly popular and, for a time, politics-free.

But after years of grappling with a congressional broadside and geopolitical tug-of-war, the Chinese-owned platform now finds itself staring into the abyss of a nationwide ban.

TikTok seems destined to make American history on Sunday by becoming the first online speech platform to be prohibited by U.S. law. The companys challenge before the Supreme Court of a law signed last year by President Joe Biden, which says TikToks Chinese owner ByteDance presents a national security threat and demands the company sell the app or have it banned, failed on Friday after justices rejected an argument that the measure violated its First Amendment rights.

Now it is eyeing a rescue from an unpredictable source: President-elect Donald Trump, who once vowed to destroy the app, now defends it because he says he is a big star there. Trump has ushered the app into a new era of uncertainty, vowing to save TikTok from a bipartisan act of Congress with an array of hazily defined options, including an executive order.

Trump said Friday he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok and posted after the Supreme Court ruling that people should stay tuned for his decision. It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, Trump told a reporter on Friday, offering nothing more.

His power to overturn the law remains unclear, and inside the company, some have expressed unease over living at the mercy of his rescue plan. A ban could threaten their jobs and sever the juggernaut of internet culture from its 170 million U.S. users. Basically our burning of the library of Alexandria, as one TikToker said.

Company executives have explored last-ditch options - including a complete nationwide blackout on Sunday, beyond what the law requires - to underscore the measures real-world impact, according to two people familiar with the companys thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal plans. TikTok announced late Friday that the app will be forced to go dark on Sunday barring further intervention. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement Saturday called the move a stunt and said the Biden administration saw no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days to implement the ban before Trump takes office on Monda y .

Executives have also pursued a more Trumpian style of diplomacy. TikToks Singapore-based chief Shou Zi Chew - who on a 2023 Capitol Hill visit had his meeting requests rejected by lawmakers arguing he was compromised by Chinese interests - will spend the inauguration in the president-elects shadow. He will dine with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Saturday, attend a victory rally Sunday and sit in a position of honor on the dais for Trumps swearing-in on Monday, one day after the ban is scheduled to begin.

In a TikTok video on Friday, Chew thanked and praised Trump for truly [understanding] our platform and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process.

TikToks story has long been riven with contradictions: a tech giant based in a country infamous for internet censorship, aligning itself with book publishers as a champion of free speech; an app known best for dance videos and eating challenges, held up as a secret weapon of espionage.

But its next chapter promises to further realign former enemies and upset once-solid alliances. China-hawk Republicans who spent years jabbing the app have adopted a friendlier tone, in line with the partys leader. And even Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (New York), whod supported the law and once labeled TikTok a counterintelligence threat we cannot ignore, declared Thursday that he would continue working to keep TikTok alive.

Milton Mueller, a co-founder of the Georgia Institute of Technologys Internet Governance Project, said proponents of the ban had adopted a sweeping and dangerous argument that mirrored Chinas oppressive style of online control, asserting that the U.S. government can decide theres a public or national interest in what data you reveal about yourself: Its not about your choice, its about the countrys choice.

But the alternative, he said - a company protected from congressional action due to a presidents self-interest - could also mark a strange shift for the countrys free-market ideals.

It would be a kind of political capitalism, not all that different from Asian or Middle Eastern dictatorships, he said. You want to do business, you cut in members of the royal family.

Destroy the United States

TikTok has for years been a pariah in Washington, where officials portray it as a generational threat, arguing China could meddle with its recommendations to amplify political viewpoints or tap into data on Americans that Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh said during the hearing could be used over time to develop spies.

The company has repeatedly dismissed such concerns as unfounded, saying the government had shown no evidence of Chinese interference and, during a years-long negotiation, had offered to give Biden administration officials a special TikTok kill switch for reassurance.

Trump had asked the Supreme Court to freeze the ban until after he took the White House, saying in a filing that he alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise  to negotiate a resolution.

But the justices, writing in an unsigned order with no dissents, said the dramatic measure was nevertheless necessary to address a societal risk. Speaking with and in favor of a foreign adversary is one thing, they wrote. Allowing a foreign adversary to spy on Americans is another.

In its early years, TikTok marked a proud milestone for the global internet: a viral sensation from a long-walled-off country competing with the giants of social media, all of which are American-made. At a time when Silicon Valley was building online networks for peoples friends and family, ByteDance pursued a different vision, using artificial intelligence to recommend news headlines or short videos to a user based on what theyd already seen and liked.

Unlike the text-heavy posts of Facebook and Twitter, TikToks focus on vertical videos inspired a sense of intimacy: a stream of portraits and selfies from friends and strangers, talking to the viewer as if face to face. The speed with which the app could make a video go viral ignited a thousand trends, drawing in celebrities and amateur creators who made it, within a few months, one of the worlds most popular apps.

TikToks approach has since been widely copied by American tech giants; today, most peoples Facebook feeds are packed with content from people they dont know. But the app faced almost immediate suspicion from U.S. officials due to Chinas domineering approach to online data, and the companys competitors fought to undermine its ascendance. By 2022, Facebook parent Meta had begun paying to send concerned parent op-eds and pump out dubious stories as part of a secret messaging campaign declaring TikTok the real threat.

Dozens of states passed laws banning TikToks use on government-owned computers and phones, forcing local tourism departments and community colleges to delete TikTok accounts theyd used to share photos of parks and public events. North Dakota Gov. Kristi L. Noem, Trumps pick to lead homeland security, told Fox News in 2023 that the app was being used to destroy the United States of America because China hates us.

The company has since spent heavily to charm Washington, with Chew, TikToks chief, telling The Washington Post that the company knew its trust deficit could not be overcome by one move, one silver bullet, one meeting. And the app won a brief reprieve in 2023 when a federal judge ruled that Montanas law banning TikTok for everyone statewide violates the Constitution in more ways than one.

But last spring, when Congress raced through a law calling out TikTok by name as an app that was foreign adversary controlled, stunned company executives activated a more aggressive approach, sending an in-app prompt to TikTok users asking them to call their lawmakers - an effort that, in the eyes of some recipients, made TikTok seem like the kind of shadowy mass mobilizer theyd long tried to avoid.

On the day Biden signed the law, in April, Chew said on TikTok, We arent going anywhere.

My best friend

TikTok now stands as a symbol of an increasingly restrictive web, where even the United States counts itself among the club of governments walling off or exerting control over parts of the internet as its leaders see fit.

And inside the company, people are anxious to learn what Trumps ideas for saving TikTok will amount to. During his first presidential term, Trump pushed unsuccessfully for the app to be off-loaded to a Trump-friendly U.S.-based business, like Oracle, and demanded the U.S. Treasury get a cut of the sale proceeds.

Trumps defense of TikTok has blown up the political resistance that once defined his Republican Party. Rep. Michael Waltz (Florida), who called TikTok Chinese Communist Party spyware last year, now - as Trumps pick for national security adviser - says its a great platform that many Americans use and was great for [Trumps] campaign.

Some Democrats have also softened their longtime antagonism to the app. Sen. Mark R. Warner (Virginia), one of the laws most prominent backers, said this week he supports a 90-day extension to the ban deadline in hopes of getting a deal done.

Not all China hawks have backed down, though, signaling the potential for tensions with Trumps West Wing. Mike Gallagher, a former Republican representative who works at the defense contractor Palantir, on Friday urged Trump to force TikToks sale by saying itd be the deal of a century. Trumps first vice president, Mike Pence, in a statement said the Trump administration should uphold the law and and put the privacy and security of America first.

But some executives inside TikTok have spoken dismissively of the few prospective buyers who have voiced interest, such as the Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary, who has said in the end, TikTok is Trumps deal.

A person familiar with TikTok executives thinking, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the process publicly, said OLeary and others were merely hucksters chasing a public-relations stunt. OLeary has said hes offered $20 billion for the app; analysts have predicted the app could fetch $50 billion or more.

China, too, could upend any potential deal by flexing its export controls, which prohibit the sale of TikToks central algorithm. Beijing - perhaps ironically, given its own heavy-handed approach to business - has spent years criticizing Washingtons hostility to TikTok arguing the United States had used robbers logic to  snatch from others all the good things that they have.

Some geopolitical observers expect TikTok could become a bargaining chip as the United States and China grapple with the Trump administration on issues like tariffs and trade. While ByteDance has opposed selling TikTok, the company may ultimately decide to change its mind given the alternatives, said Zhao Minghao, a professor of international relations at Fudan University in Shanghai.

The ban-or-sale of TikTok is no longer an issue of China-U.S. relations, Zhao said. It has become part of American domestic infighting.

Biden administration officials have said they would not begin levying fines in accordance with the law on Sunday, the first day of the ban, saying it will be up to the next administration to implement.

The law does, however, place some limits on any Trump rescue attempt, granting the president a 90-day extension of the ban deadline only if there is evidence of significant progress made toward a sale and binding legal agreements in place.

A Trump executive order might also not persuade Apple, Google and Oracle - who would face steep penalties under the law for helping distribute TikTok via its servers and app stores - to ignore the law just because the order said they should.

In the United States, where TikTok employs roughly 7,000 workers, some expect their troubled days may just be getting started. Rumors of Elon Musk taking over TikTok, which the company has dismissed as pure fiction, have left some feeling deeply anxious given how much he had changed the platform now known as X. Everyone is a little freaked out, one employee said.

On TikTok, too, the mood has shifted to funereal and furious. Fascist countries ban apps, said one TikTok influencer, using the name Soupytime, in a video viewed 12 million times. If TikTok goes dark, the government deliberately and knowingly took away your free speech.

In protest, many TikTokers have shifted to apps that are even more prominently Chinese: In the days since the Supreme Court hearing, Xiaohongshu, a heavily censored Chinese blend of Instagram and Pinterest whose name means Little Red Book, has climbed to the most popular free app in Apples U.S. store.

Estefani Aquino, a project coordinator in a small town in Colorado, told The Post she was genuinely so sad to be thinking about the possibility TikTok could change or come to a close. Theres not a lot going on in this corner of the world, but TikTok made you feel as if you could be connected, she said. This week, she posted a satirical goodbye video, addressed to her Chinese spy.

Thank you for five amazing years, she said, reading a translation of the words into Mandarin. You are my best friend.

Katrina Northrop, Vic Chiang and Lyric Li contributed to this report.
Worcester City Council Vice Chairman Khrystian King called out hate and threats toward City Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen, who said other council members misgendered them and called them it in the past.

King denounced full-fledged hate that is foundational in these targeted attacks upon our City Council members, he said in a short statement released Friday.

The targeted threats, vitriol and abominable hate the Coucilor Nguyen and others are being subjected to is despicable and unconscionable, King wrote. I thoroughly support Councilor Thu Nguyens regrouping process and the time dedication that it necessitates.

Kings condemnation comes the same day that City Manager Eric Batistas office confirmed to MassLive that an investigation was launched looking into Nguyens claims. The investigation is a civil rights investigation, The Boston Globe reported.

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.

That same day, Nguyen said they would take 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.

Once the mistake of misgendering Nguyen was brought to Pettys attention, he quickly corrected himself and apologized, the mayor said in a statement. He said he shared Nguyens concern about the need for a safe environment.

Mero-Carlson said Nguyen chose 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, she said in a statement shared by the Talk of the Commonwealth radio show on X

Toomey apologized on Wednesday in a short statement on X, where she said she made an honest error.

But Nguyen pushed back on the statements made by Petty and Mero-Carlson with a follow-up statement that said the two individuals deflect and gaslight through real accountability around the transphobia and discrimination I have experienced.
On Monday at 1:22 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated winter storm warning in effect until 7 a.m. for Northern Worcester and Southern Worcester as well as Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire and Hampden counties.

The weather service adds, "Heavy snow has ended. Light snow brings additional snow accumulations up to one inch."

"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute," explains the weather service. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

Winter weather wisdom: Driving tips from the weather service for challenging conditions

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it's safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the weather service:

Share your travel plans:

When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car's antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.

Be mindful of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the weather service are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is hosting an afternoon of workshops exploring the popular tradition of crafting St Brigid's Crosses, on Saturday, 25 January.

There are two workshop sessions available at 2pm and 3.30pm on the afternoon. The workshops take place ahead of La Fheile Bride or St Brigids Day - which is coming up on February 1 to mark the start of spring in the Irish folk calendar.

Members of the Museum's curatorial and education teams will be on-hand on the afternoon to help people make their own cross and participate in an enduring tradition handed down through generations.

Admission is free but booking is required. Email BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie or telephone the Bookings Office on (094) 90 31751.

With its origins in the older Celtic festival of Imbolc, St Brigid's Day was an important seasonal marker for our rural ancestors - signifying the start of spring, new life, fertility and growth. There are many traditions and customs associated with the feast-day.

READ NEXT: Farming group to celebrate their ten-year anniversary

Clodagh Doyle is the Keeper of the Irish Folklife Collection with a special interest in traditional calendar customs. She explained more about the ways in which people in Ireland marked La Fheile Bride.

"Irish festivals were always celebrated on the eve of the day itself because this was considered a very liminal time  a time when the otherworld was close to this one, so appeals for protection and blessing were extra effective.

"People believed St Brigid crossed through the land on the eve of her feast day and gave blessings and protection to homes and farms where crosses were hung in her honour.

There were many regional styles and variations throughout Ireland with different materials used. Families would recite prayers, bless the rushes or straw with holy water and then each make the crosses. They would hang them over the door and around the home to welcome St Brigid.

"Leftover material from making crosses might be sprinkled on the land or incorporated into spancels and bedding for animals. Last years dried crosses might also be crushed and sprinkled on the land. Crosses were hung in the byre as well as the home, so St Brigid would provide protection for animals as she passed.

"Some households would leave out a small piece of cloth or a ribbon on the windowsill, called a Brat Bride or Ribin Bride. As St Brigid crossed through the country on the eve of her feast, she would touch the Brat Bride, endowing it with special curative properties to ward off illness and pain in both humans and animals. It was kept safe throughout the year and used for healing or incorporated into clothing to offer protection to the wearer."

The Museum has an ongoing display that explores St Brigid's Day customs as well as a special temporary display of St Brigid's Crosses, to demonstrate the regional styles and variations throughout Ireland and the different materials used.

There will also be free guided tours of the Irish Folklife Collection at 2pm and 3pm on the day.

Visit www.museum.ie for further information. View an online gallery of St Brigid's Crosses from the Irish Folklife Collection available here - St Brigid's Crosses | National Museum of Ireland.
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.
Indonesian teachers learn to write the Chinese character "Fu," which means "good fortune," in various calligraphy styles in north China's Tianjin on Jan. 7, 2025. (Xinhua)

TIANJIN, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- As they prepared to return home for winter break, a group of Indonesian teachers, who began their two-year postgraduate studies at Tianjin University in September 2024, composed an AI-generated song in Chinese, expressing their heartfelt gratitude and bittersweet feelings about leaving.

They are in the inaugural cohort of the International Chinese Education Master's Program for Indonesian Trilingual School Teachers.

As part of a class assignment on exploring AI's role in education, the project highlights the program's innovative approach to teaching. "It allowed us to express our shared aspirations and dreams," said Suviana, a Chinese-Indonesian teacher and one of the song's creators.

The master's program, launched in December 2023, is a collaborative initiative by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Tianjin University and the Indonesian Trilingual School Association. It aims to train Indonesian Chinese-language teachers and equip them with advanced skills to enhance Chinese education in their home country.

In 2024, the first batch of 39 teachers from Indonesia began their two-year academic journey in north China's Tianjin. "We're not just teachers, but cultural ambassadors," said Saifus Somad, one of the Indonesian teachers.

For Suviana, the Chinese language has always been more than just a subject -- it's a key to understanding her heritage. "Learning a language is the first step to understanding a culture," she said.

After years of teaching Chinese in Jakarta, she has seen how the language can open doors for students from all backgrounds.

With the in-depth advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, Suviana has found that more and more Indonesian families are beginning to value Chinese language learning.

"It's not just Chinese-Indonesian families. Parents from other communities are learning Chinese with their kids. They see it as a skill that can change their futures," Suviana said.

"Studying Chinese in high school gave me a deeper appreciation of Chinese-Indonesian culture and helped break down barriers," said Saifus Somad, one of the few non-Chinese-Indonesian students in the program.

A Chinese teacher in East Java, Saifus Somad believes that the language is a bridge for fostering understanding and harmony. "Learning Chinese gives young Indonesians more opportunities and helps them connect with Chinese culture," he said.

During their time in Tianjin, they experienced firsthand the richness of Chinese culture. They have composed songs with AI tools, studied classical poetry, practiced calligraphy, and even performed an Indonesian-inspired version of A Dream of Red Mansions at a university event.

"These experiences have deepened my understanding of Chinese culture," Suviana said. "When we studied classical poetry, we were moved by the line, 'A letter from home is worth a thousand pieces of gold.' Many of us were in tears because we could relate so strongly to that feeling of longing."

Saifus Somad and his classmates plan to record this AI-composed song and take it to Chinese classes in Indonesia in the future, allowing more students to feel the joy of language learning and the charm of culture.

This program is part of Tianjin University's broader mission to promote international education and cultural exchange. By fostering collaboration with ASEAN countries and creating platforms for mutual learning, the university is helping to build stronger ties between China and its neighbors.

For Suviana and her classmates, the program has been life-changing. "This experience has strengthened my sense of purpose. I hope more Indonesian teachers can follow in our footsteps, come to China, study at Tianjin University, and become bridges between our two nations," Suviana said. 

Indonesian teachers pose for a group photo in Tianjin University in north China's Tianjin on Dec. 28, 2024. (Xinhua)
RABAT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Morocco government applauds the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the Morocco Foreign Ministry said on Friday, expressing hope that the deal can be fully respected.

"The Kingdom of Morocco welcomes the progress made towards halting the hostilities and attacks that have been unleashed on civilians since October 7, 2023," said the ministry in a statement.

The Morocco government called on all Palestinian and Israeli parties to give peace a chance and to demonstrate a sincere and constructive commitment, it said. 
World's first robotic-assisted implantation of the HeartMate 3 heart pump revolutionizes care.

  Trusted Source

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Performs the World's First Robotic-Assisted Artificial Heart Pump Implantation



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The future of #heartsurgery is here! KFSHRC successfully completes the world's first robotic-assisted artificial #heartpump implantation. #medicalinnovation

Minimally Invasive Surgery Revolutionizes Recovery

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King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has achieved a medical breakthrough by performing theThis innovative procedure represents a major advancement in healthcare technology and patient care ().The surgery was successfully conducted on a 35-year-old man suffering from advanced heart failure , which had severely affected his kidney and lung function during a 120-day hospitalization. Following the procedure, the patient is now recovering and looks forward to reuniting with his family.Led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of cardiac surgery and director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, the operation significantly reduced recovery time. The patient spent just four days in intensive care, compared to the 26-day average for traditional methods, and is expected to be discharged within 10 days, a sharp contrast to the usual 63 days.This milestone highlights our ability to combine bold innovation with stringent safety protocols, delivering cutting-edge medical solutions that redefine healthcare possibilities, said Dr. Bjorn Zoega, deputy CEO of KFSHRC. He also emphasized how this accomplishment reinforces Saudi Arabia's role as a global leader in medical innovation.Dr. Khaliel praised the precision and safety of robotic-assisted surgery, noting the absence of infections or bleeding. The patient expressed amazement at the minimal scarring, showcasing the capabilities of advanced robotic technology.Keith Boettiger, Vice President of Abbotts heart failure business, commended the collaboration with KFSHRC, stating that it underscores the transformative role of health technology in improving lives and aligns with Abbotts mission to empower people to live healthier, fuller lives.This achievement adds to KFSHRCs legacy of global innovations, including the first fully robotic heart transplant and robotic liver transplantation, solidifying its status as a pioneer in specialized healthcare.Source-Medindia
The Navy has relieved the commanding officer of a Norfolk, Virginia-based school for its information warfare sailors, a statement announced Thursday.

Cmdr. Sarah Quemada was relieved as commander of Naval Information Warfare Training Group Norfolk by Rear Adm. Brian Harding, commander of the Naval Information Warfighting Development Center.

Quemada is the second commander of a Naval Information Warfare Training command to be removed by the Navy in roughly two months. In November, the sea service also relieved the commander of the San Diego-based schoolhouse for information warfare.

Read Next: Will Troops Pardoned for Jan. 6 Have a Place in the Military? They Already Do.

Quemada's relief, which was officially over a "loss of confidence in her ability to command," is the first firing of a commanding officer this year for the Navy.

Loss of confidence is a boilerplate reason provided by the military services that can encompass anything from consistent poor performance by a command on key evaluations to personal actions like drunken driving.

A Navy official told Military.com on condition of anonymity that the reason for the firing was because there wasn't an overall good command climate at the school. They also stressed that Quemada's relief was not in any way related to the firing of the commander in San Diego.

It appears, based on public announcements, that the Navy fired 14 commanding officers in 2024. In 2023, the official relief total was 15. There are currently around 1,600 commanding officers in the active-duty Navy across all communities.

According to her Navy biography, Quemada enlisted in the service in 2005 as an information systems technician but quickly received a commission as an ensign in 2007.

After completing cryptologic officer training, she was assigned to Navy Information Operations Command in San Antonio, Texas. While there, she volunteered for a 390-day deployment to Afghanistan, where she performed "intelligence support to village stability operations."

She then served as the tactical information warfare officer aboard the destroyer USS McFaul, as well as completing tours supporting Carrier Strike Group Two and Amphibious Squadron Four.

One of her last assignments before taking command of the Virginia school in June 2023 was as the officer-in-charge for a Cryptologic Warfare Group Six detachment stationed in Digby, England.

Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Commendation Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, her biography states.

According to the Navy's statement, Quemada has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Information Forces, while Capt. Steve McIntire will serve as the school's commanding officer until a permanent replacement is designated.

Related: Another Navy Firing: Commander of Information Warfare School in San Diego Removed
CAIRO (AP)  The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect in less than 24 hours, said Qatars foreign ministry on Saturday.

In a post on X, Qatars foreign minister Majid al-Ansari, said the ceasefire will start at 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) Sunday. He advised people to exercise caution when the agreement goes into effect and wait for directions from officials.

Early Saturday morning, Israels Cabinet approved the deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages and pause the 15-month war with Hamas, bringing the sides a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever.

Despite the ceasefire news, sirens sounded across central Israel on Saturday, with the army saying it intercepted projectiles launched from Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis have stepped up their missile attacks, in recent weeks. The group says the attacks are part of their campaign aimed at pressuring Israel and the West over the war in Gaza.

There were also continued Israeli strikes into Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 23 people were killed in the previous day.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, 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.

According to the ceasefire plan, approved by the Cabinet and signed by Israels national security adviser, the exchange will begin Sunday at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT). During each exchange, prisoners will be released by Israel after the hostages have arrived safely.

The plan says that during phase one, some 1,900 Palestinian prisoners will be released, in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages, both alive and dead. Among the prisoners, 1,167 are residents in Gaza who were held by Israel but were not involved in Oct. 7. All women and children under 19 from Gaza held by Israel will be freed during this phase.

All Palestinian prisoners who were convicted of deadly attacks will be exiled, either to Gaza or abroad, and barred from returning to Israel or the West Bank. Some will be exiled for three years and others permanently, according to the plan.

Key questions remain about the ceasefire, however  the second achieved during the war  including the names of the 33 hostages who are to be released and who among them is still alive.

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.

Also during the first phase, Israeli troops are to pull back into a buffer zone about a kilometer (0.6 miles) wide inside Gaza, along its borders with Israel.

That will allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, including in Gaza City and northern Gaza. With most of Gazas population driven into massive, squalid tent camps, Palestinians are desperate to get back to their homes, even though many were destroyed or heavily damaged by Israels campaign.

The largely devastated territory should also see a surge in humanitarian aid. Trucks carrying aid lined up Friday on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing into Gaza. On Saturday, two Egyptian government ministers arrived in the northern Sinai Peninsula to oversee the preparations for the delivery of aid and to receive the evacuation of wounded patients, the health ministry said.

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.



Mednick reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporter Joe Federman in Jerusalem contributed.
Unveiling the Unpredictable: A Beginners Guide to Tungsten CarbideBulletproof Materials







(Is Tungsten Carbide Bulletproof?)

Tungsten carbide has long been known for its exceptional properties, including high strength, low density, and exceptional corrosion resistance. However, there is one material that stands out from the rest: Tungsten carbide bulletproof materials. In this post, we will explore the basics of these materials and provide insights into their potential uses.

What is Tungsten Carbide?

Tungsten carbide is a type of hard metal that contains carbon atoms bonded together in a hexagonal lattice structure. It has a high melting point of 1674C and a thermal conductivity of 382 W/mK, making it an ideal choice for use in high-performance applications where temperature control is critical.

Why is Tungsten Carbide Bulletproof?

The answer lies in its unique properties as a bulletproof material. While traditional metals like steel and aluminum are vulnerable to bullets due to their weakness, tungsten carbide has a much stronger and more durable composition. Its high strength-to-weight ratio, combined with its excellent shock absorption and heat dissipation capabilities, makes it an ideal candidate for use in bulletproof applications.

In fact, tungsten carbide is already being used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world to protect personnel during combat operations. Its durability and versatility make it a valuable tool in ensuring the safety of those involved.

How Do Tungsten Carbide Bullets Perform?

When fired, tungsten carbide bullets can penetrate armor and other materials with ease, making them effective at neutralizing threats without causing significant damage to the target. Their unique combination of strength, weight, and heat dissipation capabilities make them a popular choice among gun enthusiasts and professionals alike.

However, its important to note that while tungsten carbide bullets have the potential to perform well, they do not offer the same level of penetration as some other types of bullets. This means that they may not be suitable for use in situations where full penetration is required, such as hunting or target practice.

Conclusion







(Is Tungsten Carbide Bulletproof?)

Tungsten carbide bulletproof materials offer numerous benefits over traditional metal-based bulletproof materials. Their exceptional durability and versatility make them a valuable tool in protecting personnel during combat operations and hunting. While they may not offer the same level of penetration as some other types of bullets, their unique combination of properties makes them an attractive option for those seeking advanced protection solutions. As technology continues to advance, its likely that well see even more innovative uses of tungsten carbide bulletproof materials in the future.

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TAIPEI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Less than a fortnight before the Spring Festival, exciting news came for Taiwan's tourism sector from the other side of the Taiwan Strait: the Chinese mainland will soon resume group tour services to the island for residents of Fujian Province and Shanghai Municipality.

Following the news announced on Friday, Taiwan's tourism operators and workers have extended heartfelt praise and support for the mainland's latest move to restore normal interactions between people across the Strait and facilitate regular cross-Strait exchanges.

In 2020, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities banned mainland residents from visiting Taiwan under 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. In June 2024, the DPP authorities further issued a level-orange alert for Taiwan travelers to the mainland.

After almost five years, despite the DPP authorities' incessant disruptions, group tours to the island were finally given the long-awaited green light for the residents of Fujian and Shanghai, two places on the Chinese mainland boasting strong ties with Taiwan.

"This is very good news, which means that people working in Taiwan's tourism sector can enjoy a happy Chinese New Year!" said Ringo Lee, chairman of the Taipei-based High-Quality of Travel Association.

Taiwan's tourism sector has long anticipated that cross-Strait tourism will be restored to normalcy. However, Lee said, there are still hurdles to overcome, as the DPP authorities have yet to respond to the mainland's move.

Lee believed that one of the priorities is to lift the ban on group tours provided by Taiwan's travel agencies to the mainland as soon as possible, and hoped that more cooperation and goodwill could build up across the Strait.

Pao Lei, chairperson of the Far Dragon International Travel Agency, expressed her expectation that the new "exciting" move by the mainland would inject new vitality into Taiwan's tourism industry and effectively promote the recovery of Taiwan's tourism market.

Regarding the DPP's restrictions on cross-Strait travel, Pao said these restrictions have not only dealt a heavy blow to Taiwan's tourism industry but also affected workers in other industries, such as transportation, hospitality, catering, and insurance.

"Lifting the ban will create more jobs on the island and conduce to the improvement of cross-Strait relations," Pao added.

According to statistics, nearly 90 percent of Taiwan's approximately 4,000 tourism service operators are directly or indirectly engaged in business related to the mainland.

Hailing the mainland's friendly move, Janice Lai, chairperson of the Taiwan Tourism Interchange Association, called on the DPP authorities to lift the tourism ban and revoke the orange alert and other restrictions as soon as possible, which is also a wish shared by all Taiwan tourism operators.

Lai also expressed the hope that both sides of the Taiwan Strait will work together to offer more quality and safe tourism services to meet the higher and more diversified tourism needs of different groups. 
MUNISING, MI -- Shakespeare waxed poetic, the Bible gave a clear warning, farmers set crops and sailors set course based on the lore of a red sky.

Red skies have long perplexed those trying to make sense of the weather resulting in the old adage:

Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors warning.

Does this proverb have a meteorological basis? Thats unclear, but the epic sunrise seen over Munising Bay in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore sure stirred up the old wives' tale.

Park rangers posted a sunrise photo on Friday, Jan. 17 of pink, peach and purple skies over the Munising Front Range Light, which shines light out on Lake Superior.

The colorful foreboding comes as Michigan is bracing for dangerously cold wind chills as Arctic air is blasting in from our northern neighbors.

MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa explained it this way: If the air is really cold it will originate in Siberia, cross over the North Pole and then pour south into the Great Lakes and Northeast.

Even with the Great Lakes as a buffer, the Siberian Express is expected to plunge temperatures to five below zero to 15 below zero for most of Michigan.

RELATED: Dangerously cold wind chills for Michigan; Heres timeline

The wind wont be extremely strong but strong enough to send wind chills much lower than the actual temperature.

Wind chills and feels-like temperatures could drop to 25 below zero.

Its nothing to mess with, warns the National Weather Service (NWS).

Bitter cold temperatures and wind chills can result in hypothermia and frostbite within minutes, NWS meteorologists said. You can prepare now by making sure winter car survival kits are up to date and batteries are charged. When the cold arrives, limit time outdoors and check in on vulnerable neighbors."

RELATED: Whats an Extreme Cold Warning? Michigan could have them next week

As for the history of this old adage, the Library of Congress says theres some truth to the foreshadowing, within limits.

Red sky at night, sailors delight alludes to a setting sun sending its light through a high concentration of dust particles. This usually indicates high pressure and stable air coming in from the west.

Basically good weather will follow, concludes the Library of Congress.

Meanwhile, Red sky in morning, sailors warning can mean that a high pressure system (good weather) has already passed, indicating that a storm system (low pressure) may be moving to the east.

A morning sky that is a deep, fiery red can indicate that there is high water content in the atmosphere, according to the Library of Congress.

So, if youre outside snapping sunrise photos make sure youre safely bundled up because blustery weather is ahead.
MIDLAND, MI  Are you looking for a home away from home to dine at?

Theres an Indian restaurant in Midland offering comforting, flavorful meals paired with balanced craft cocktails served in a homey atmosphere.

Home is even in the restaurants name.

Veedu Indian Kitchen & Lounge is located at 337 E. Wackerly St. Co-owner Selvan Alphonse said veedu in the Tamil language translates to home.

In Indian culture, when welcoming guests, a family aims to make them feel at home, Alphonse said.

When somebody comes, my mom keeps feeding, she never stops, Alphonse said. Our culture gives an experience; we connect with the people a lot.

Alphonse said he and the business other co-owners wanted to bring that experience to Midland in the form of an Indian restaurant with a nice bar.

People want options. Once and a while, they want to try something different, he said. I like Midland; its a small town. I like to connect with other business and create a relationship.

While some Indian dishes are known to be spicy, Alphonse said they use a variety of spices besides chili pepper, such as ginger, garlic and cardamom.

There are about 50 food items on the menu from all over India, Alphonse said. Some of the dishes require hours to create, but that is what makes them authentic, he added.

Some of the most popular dishes include the chicken lollipops, grilled Alaskan salmon, tandoori pampano (pomfret) whole fish, chicken biryani, nargisi kofta, butter chicken and, of course, the garlic naan.

Along with offering delicious, authentic Indian cuisine, Alphonse said it was important to offer high-end cocktails to elevate the experience at Veedu.

Mitch Doty, bar manager and lead bartender, was brought on for that purpose. Doty said he not only enjoys Indian food, but also creating balanced Indian-inspired cocktails.

We want to be as inclusive as we can to as many different people as we can and be as accommodating as we can, Doty said. When you take some of those core cocktails that people are familiar with, thats a good way for them to try a different style of drink.

The perfect example of that is the Veedu old fashioned. Doty said he uses Amrut Indian whisky, Bulleit Bourbon, cardamom, sugar and aromatic bitters to add Indian flavors to the classics.

In the kitchen and the bar, the staff use as many fresh ingredients as possible, Alphonse said. All sauces, curries, naan bread and cocktail syrups are made in-house.

Veedu has live music every Saturday, $6 mules and mojitos on Mondays and a patio that is open in the warmer months.

The restaurant also offers catering from small orders to large orders and can host parties. To inquire or learn more, stop in to discuss your needs with the staff.

Veedu is open for lunch and dinner. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Veedu is closed on Tuesdays.

Follow their Facebook page here and their Instagram here to see and learn more.

Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.

Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com.
INWOOD TWP., MI  Michigan State Police reported that a 46-year-old Dodgeville, Wisconsin woman was killed Friday evening in a snowmobile crash in Schoolcraft County.

The crash occurred on the Haywire Grade Trail approximately three miles northwest of Thunder Lake Road in Inwood Township.

The driver was traveling southbound when she failed to properly navigate a curve in the trail, causing the snowmobile to strike several nearby trees, according to a preliminary investigation of the crash.

At approximately 7:20 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, troopers from the Michigan State Police Manistique Outpost responded to the scene of the crash after being contacted by a group that was traveling with her.

The group was behind the victim at the time of the crash and began lifesaving efforts, which included CPR, once they arrived at the scene.

Michigan State Police accessed the scene with assistance from other snowmobilers in the area.

Inwood Township EMS and Alger County EMS also responded to the scene.

Despite attempts by first-responders to save the victim, she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Investigators do not suspect alcohol or drug use contributed to the crash.

We offer our condolences to the family, friends, and all those who knew the victim, Michigan State Police Eighth District Public Information Officer Lt. Eckola said in a statement. We would like to thank our troopers, EMS personnel, and all first responders for their efforts, as well as the snowmobilers who assisted in transporting MSP to the crash location and those who provided lifesaving efforts before the arrival of troopers and EMS.
MUSKEGON, MI - Theres nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup on a chilly winter afternoon. As the winter brings biting cold weather to the West Michigan region, locals are eager for a delicious bowl of soup to warm up.

Whether you like a simple chicken noodle soup or a creamy corn chowder, Russ Restaurant at 3225 Henry St. in Muskegon offers various rotating soups for dine-in or dine-out. The small-town chain has two other locations along the lakeshore and nine Grand Rapids-area spots.

RELATED: 10 great places to get a hot bowl of soup in Grand Rapids this fall

Russ Restaurants initially opened as Russs Place in 1934 along Chicago Drive by the late J. Russel Bouws, a Zeeland area resident, to offer comfort foods like hamburgers and fries to locals and truckers stopping through.

Bouws built a new restaurant in 1949 after meeting his late wife, Julia, and less than five years later, the eatery grew to a full-service restaurant on Hollands east side before franchising to Grand Rapids over 20 years later. Now, their youngest son, Bryan Bouws, runs all 12 locations in West Michigan alongside his extended family.

When asked, Why are you so successful? Russ Bouws would answer, We love our work, we love our people, and God has blessed us throughout all these years, according to the restaurants website.

One of the main offerings that keep customers flocking to Russ is the rotating homemade soup selection. January soups include broccoli cheese, chicken rice, potato, pea, chicken corn chowder and chili. For next month, Reuben, vegetable beef, and stuffed green pepper will be swapped in.

A cup of soup costs $4, and a bowl costs $6. Additionally, customers can order a homemade muffin for $3.95.

For those looking for something a bit more filling, check out Russ hot sandwiches. The hot beef sandwich for $11 comes with grilled, thinly sliced sirloin, mashed potatoes and smothered homemade beef gravy.

Locals out with family can also take their pick of Russ shareables, including the appetizers sampler, for $11.50. The basket is loaded with onion rings, cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, and chicken tenders served with your choice of western smoked hickory sauce, southwest ranch, honey mustard and marinara.

Hours of operation for all Russ Restaurant locations are from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Order online or call 231-739-2214.

Would you like MLive to consider featuring your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Skyla Jewell-Hammie at sjewell-hammie@mlive.com.

Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter.
The cold weather warnings have changed this winter. Cold warnings are no longer based just on wind chill. As a result we have our first ever Extreme Cold Watch issued for a small part of southern Lower Michigan.

We obviously have a big drop in temperatures coming as an Arctic air mass oozes down into the northern Plains and then east into the Great Lakes' region.

Winter weather advisory in purple, and the new type of cold warning called an extreme cold watch in blueNOAA

In the past we only had wind chill advisories and wind chill warnings. These two weather warnings didnt address if it was extremely cold and not windy.

So the National Weather Service created an extreme cold watch and warning, which will cover any type of extreme cold whether its windy or calm.

The southern row of counties are under an extreme cold watch for dangerously cold wind chills expected late Sunday to Wednesday morning. During that time period wind chills are expected to be as cold as 25 degrees below zero. This is the first issuance in Michigan of the new extreme cold watch.

Just like other watches that are meant to turn to warnings if the weather expectation becomes more likely, this extreme cold watch should become an extreme cold warning.

Heres the wind chill forecast for the coldest time period in this coming Arctic outbreak- Sunday night to Wednesday morning.

Wind chill forecast from 1 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. WednesdayNOAA

For most of us Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning will feel like its 25 degrees below zero.

On snow- We dont have a widespread, statewide snowstorm on tap yet. Id be really surprised if we get through winter without a few statewide snowstorms. While we dont have an official definition of a snowstorm in Michigan, Id say most of us call a six inch to 10 inch snow a snowstorm. Nothing like that is showing up just yet as far out as we can look accurately, which is about 10 days now.

The Arctic air will bring Michigan an all-or-nothing snow pattern from Sunday to Wednesday. The all-or-nothing is heavy lake-effect snow or little if any snow.

The lake-effect snow will develop tonight and gradually increase in coverage Sunday into Monday, peaking in intensity and coverage Tuesday morning. Then the lake-effect coverage will diminish into Wednesday and come to an end Wednesday.

A winter weather advisory starts at 7 p.m. today due to the lake-effect snow. The counties in the purple winter weather advisory give you a great idea of where you will find hazardous winter driving conditions.

Winter weather advisory in purple, and the new type of cold warning called an extreme cold warning in blueNOAA

It will be a long-duration lake-effect event of moderate to heavy intensity. In the snowbelt areas it will be very snowy. Outside of the snowbelts just expect bouts of flurries.

Heres the total snowfall forecast through Tuesday morning. You can add three to six inches of additional snow onto the map for the Tuesday into Wednesday snow.

Total snowfall forecast through Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025NOAA

Id call it a fairly sold six inch to one foot of snow for the entire row of counties on the Lake Michigan shore of western Lower Michigan. A few inches of snow could travel inland to the Lansing and Jackson areas. The Grand Rapids county of Kent County will go from up to six inches in the southwest corner to only an inch in the northeast corner. The rest of Lower Michigan will only have an inch or so of snow during the Arctic outbreak.
SUVA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Vanuatu's Ministry of Health has declared a flu outbreak on Efate, the most populous island in the country, after a surge in cases at a hospital in the capital city of Port Vila.

According to the ministry, 360 confirmed flu cases were recorded in the latest surveillance, which made it an outbreak of flu on Efate Island, reported the Daily Post on Saturday.

The health ministry urged the public to practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wearing a mask if going to a public place.

People are urged to limit their movement in crowded places and take extra care of people with disabilities, children and elderly.

They are also reminded to be aware of symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. Those with such symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention at their nearest health facility. 
Join Xinhua correspondents on a special cross-border bus journey from Dongxing, China, to Mong Cai, Vietnam, and see how this service strengthens exchanges between border cities. #GLOBALink












KABUL, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's police have discovered and busted a drug lab during an operation in the country's capital Kabul, a statement of Kabul police headquarters said on Saturday.

Police discovered a lab, which produced Tablet-K and other objects used in manufacturing heroin during search operations in the Police District 9 of Kabul city, the statement added.

No one has been arrested in this case yet, the statement said, adding the investigation was underway to find those involved in the black business.

The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to fight against illegal drugs, drug production, and trafficking across the country. 
JERUSALEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen toward southeastern Israel.

Sirens were activated in the southernmost Red Sea city of Eilat and the Arava Valley following the missile launch. According to the IDF, the missile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, and no casualties were reported.

This marked the second missile fired by Yemen's Houthi group towards Israel on Saturday, following an earlier launch aimed at central Israel, which was also intercepted by Israel's air defense systems.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that fragments from the first missile interception were found by police in four locations across central Israel, with no casualties or damage resulting from the event.

On Thursday, Yemen's Houthi group's leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, said his group would continue launching attacks against Israel if strikes continue on Gaza. 
British American Tobacco p.l.c. (OTCMKTS:BTAFF  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 270,200 shares, a growth of 29.1% from the December 15th total of 209,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 5,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 47.4 days.

British American Tobacco Trading Up 4.3 %

Shares of BTAFF opened at $36.64 on Friday. British American Tobacco has a 52 week low of $28.00 and a 52 week high of $40.16. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $36.62 and a 200-day moving average of $35.77.

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British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It also offers vapour, heated, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands.

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TOKYO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A forest fire that broke out on Friday within Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Nagahama Shooting Range in Hiroshima Prefecture continued to burn over 20 hours later despite weakened flames, local media reported.

At around 9:40 a.m. local time on Friday, a report was received from a resident stating that "flames were rising" from a coastal forest in Etajima City. Local television footage showed thick white smoke billowing from the fire site.

The fire initially spread to forested areas above residential neighborhoods near the base of the mountain. Firefighters reported that the intensity of the fire had subsided, and a change in wind direction had significantly reduced the risk of the fire reaching nearby homes, national broadcaster NHK reported.

Residents, including those from a nearby special nursing home for the elderly, were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported so far, according to the report.

According to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's First Technical School, a training exercise simulating mine disposal was being conducted at the shooting range when the fire started. The exercise involved detonating a small amount of dynamite.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, including any potential link to the training. 
BEIRUT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday, during which he urged Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within the deadline set by the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire deal.

"Continued Israeli violations on land and in the air -- especially the destruction of homes and border villages -- blatantly contradict the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Such actions constitute a further violation of Lebanese sovereignty and disregard the international community's efforts to restore stability to southern Lebanon," Aoun was quoted as saying by a statement from the Lebanese Presidency.

He raised concerns over Israel's burning of cultivated lands in southern Lebanon, urging the UN to assist farmers in reclaiming and restoring these lands for agricultural use, the statement showed.

He said the Lebanese army is fully prepared to assume control of the region immediately after Israel's withdrawal.

Following the meeting in the mountain town of Baabda, Guterres wrote on social media platform X that he has congratulated Aoun on his recent election victory.

"I look forward to working together to consolidate the cessation of hostilities and preserve the country's security and stability," he wrote.

Guterres also met with Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate Nawaf Salam on Saturday, after which the UN chief wrote on X that "the road ahead for Lebanon is filled with promise but also great tests."

"As the Lebanese people travel this road together, the UN is proud to stand with them," he wrote.

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 Salam, president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as the new prime minister.

Guterres, who arrived in Beirut on Thursday on an official visit, called for a halt of Israeli military operations in Lebanon on Friday as he addressed peacekeepers at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

Also on Saturday, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem said Israel exceeded 100 violations in southern Lebanon, and called on the Lebanese state to take a firm stand against these violations.

A ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, went into effect on Nov. 27, 2024, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The agreement stipulates that Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army deploying along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, assuming security responsibilities and preventing any presence of weapons or militants in the area.

Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army still carries out strikes in Lebanon, some of which resulted in deaths and injuries. Israel also accuses Hezbollah of ceasefire violations. 
Arindam Roy

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday said US tech billionaire Elon Musk is threatening European democracy with his attacks on political leaders and support for the far right, Azernews reports, citing Arab News.

He supports the far right across Europe  in the UK, Germany and many other countries. This is something that is completely unacceptable, that endangers the democratic development of Europe, Scholz said.

Musk, the worlds richest man, has provoked fury across Europe with a string of attacks on the continents leaders, including Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Musk, who used his influence and vast wealth to help propel Donald Trump to victory in the White House race, has also been vocal in his support for Germanys far-right AfD before snap elections in Germany on February 23.

Musk earlier this month hosted Alice Weidel, the AfDs candidate to be the German chancellor, for a wide-ranging livestream on his X social media platform.

He also boosted the livestream of an AfD congress by sharing it on his own X account, helping it gain a worldwide audience.

Dozens of EU lawmakers this week expressed deep concern over Musks interference in European politics in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Scholz on Friday said he was not criticizing the fact that a billionaire from another country is speaking his mind in a global world.

But his partisanship for the extreme right, whether out of business interests or for reasons that have something to do with his own political stance, that is unacceptable, Scholz said.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, a group of international students traveled to Hongcun, a picturesque village in China's Huangshan, to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.
Everything you need to know about VinFast, the Vietnamese premium EV maker that has just entered India

Parth Charan is a Mumbai-based writer whos written extensively on cars for over seven years.

Parth Charan

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JEE Mains Admit Card 2025 Out for January 22, 23, and 24 Exams; Link to Download Here

Archisha Yadav

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After attack on Saif Ali Khan, Zeeshan Siddiqui says, 'Bandra is not safe anymore'

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Saif Ali Khan tried to trap intruder in the room, gathered family members in the corridor, says Police

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A supporter of the arrested South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol waves a South Korean flag near the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 18, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday attended the warrant hearing on whether to be detained for up to 20 days. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday attended the warrant hearing on whether to be detained for up to 20 days.

Vehicles with the arrested president aboard, which departed from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, arrived at the Seoul Western District Court, about 20 km north of the detention center, TV footage showed.

Yoon was arrested in the presidential residence Wednesday, becoming the country's first sitting president to be arrested.

The impeached president refused to testify at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, for questioning over his short-lived martial law imposition.

If the warrant is issued, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period.

After being questioned by the CIO for the initial 10 days, Yoon will be interrogated by the prosecution for the latter 10 days as the two sides agreed to jointly investigate Yoon's insurrection charge.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3. It was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. 

Police vehicles are pictured near the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 18, 2025.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday attended the warrant hearing on whether to be detained for up to 20 days. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

A blue vehicle (back) with the arrested South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol arrives at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 18, 2025.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday attended the warrant hearing on whether to be detained for up to 20 days. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

A vehicle with the arrested South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol arrives at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 18, 2025.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday attended the warrant hearing on whether to be detained for up to 20 days. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)
When Saif Ali Khan was asked to meet the Sultan of Brunei and was gifted with a diamond-studded Rolex, says, "now that watch is with my..."

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Ashwin Mohan is Editor (Deals) at Moneycontrol and leads the M&A, private equity and equity capital market transactions coverage. He anchors the video show 'Deal Central ' and tweets at @ashwinmohansays. He has previously worked with ET NOW, CNBC TV-18 and The Times of India.

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Have good inventory of H1-B visas, US workforce comprises 80% locals, says Wipro

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

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Musk to Bezos, top billionaires queue up at Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump

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BJP allies, democratic forces should oppose ONOE, it will push India into unitary governance: TN CM

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Cong's new HQ narrates tale of party's 139-year history; leaders who left party also find place

Sonalee Borgohain

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PHNOM PENH, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Traditional lion dance, a cultural exhibition, and arts performance were held here on Saturday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, attracting hundreds of revelers.

Organized by the Federation of Khmer Chinese in Cambodia, the colorful event was designed to give the participants an opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of the traditions of Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.

At the event, visitors also attended various activities such as writing Chinese characters symbolizing luck and happiness, as well as paper cutting.

Chea Seavhong, a 30-year-old employee at the Cambodia Post Bank, said these colorful activities were crucial to help promote cultural ties and people-to-people contact between Cambodia and China.

"Currently, the Chinese New Year is very popular among the Cambodian people, as it creates a joyful atmosphere," she told Xinhua while attending the event.

Heoun Thary, a 32-year-old housewife, said this event not only helped Cambodians to know more about Chinese New Year traditions, but also further deepened the bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries.

Thary said people believe that celebrating the Chinese New Year will bring them good luck, good fortune and happiness in the new year.

Diep Sophal, a history professor at the University of Cambodia, said the Chinese New Year is broadly celebrated in the Southeast Asian country, particularly among Cambodians living in urban areas.

"Days prior to the New Year, Cambodian people of Chinese descent always clean and decorate their houses with red color paper-cuts, flowers, red lanterns and Chinese couplets," he told Xinhua.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said many Cambodian families trace their origins to Chinese ancestors, with some lineages dating back centuries.

"The historical presence of Chinese people in Cambodia, facilitated by trade and migration, has acted as a cultural bridge between the two nations," he told Xinhua.

Mengdavid said as bilateral relations continue to grow stronger, Chinese New Year and Cambodian New Year have become shared celebrations, symbolizing cultural harmony and the deepening bond between the two peoples.

"The increasing recognition and participation in each other's festivities highlight the warmth of their relationship, fostering unity and friendship," he said.

"These shared traditions not only strengthen people-to-people connections and underscore common values, but also serve as valuable platforms for cultural exchange and mutual respect," he added. 
Deblina Halder

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Pak woman Seema Haider's first husband seeks Indian govt's help to reunite with children

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'Some proposals received from Centre, will discuss it,' say agitating farmers

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Is Elon Musk planning to attend Kumbh Mela 2025? Here's what Shiva Trilogy writer Amish Tripathi said

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Strolling down the streets of almost any city in China, one is sure to encounter a familiar sight: electric bike riders in bright yellow or blue uniforms, weaving through cars and pedestrians with bags of meals strapped to their vehicles.

They are delivery workers, the backbone of China's new urban life and the world's largest online food delivery market -- a multi-billion-dollar industry that has evolved from a niche service to transform how millions of people work and dine.

A glance at the statistics tells of staggering growth. China's online food delivery industry began in 2008 when a group of college students in Shanghai launched the service on campus. By 2023, 545 million Chinese had ordered food online, and that number continues to rise.

Today, 56,000 online food orders are delivered every minute in China. According to a survey from data analysis provider iiMedia Research last year, more than 30 percent of consumers have ordered food delivery 5 to 10 times a week.

From student dormitories to corporate offices, hundreds of millions of consumers simply tap a few buttons on smartphones and wait as meals are delivered to their doorsteps. China's food delivery services have covered over 2,000 counties across the country and are even making their way overseas.

"With food delivery continuing to penetrate more remote counties and townships, the market is likely to maintain steady growth," said Shi Xiaoming, president of the food delivery committee of the China Hospitality Association.

RESHAPING BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

The rise of food delivery in China goes far beyond satisfying appetites. Valued at around 1.2 trillion yuan (about 167 billion U.S. dollars), more than the total GDP of Kuwait in 2023, the market has touched many aspects of the economy, from e-commerce giants and restaurant owners to gig workers navigating traffic to ensure timely deliveries.

Guo Xiaofan, a seafood store owner in north China's Tianjin with over 30 years in the business, said that since the launch of the intra-city express delivery service, orders have been steadily increasing. "During peak seasons, our online sales could top 3 million yuan in a month," he told Xinhua.

Delivery service has expanded both the time and location for food consumption, according to Li Jiwei, deputy dean of a research institute under Meituan, a Chinese food delivery giant. The company stated in a 2021 report that over 80 percent of small catering businesses have seen higher incomes since launching online delivery services.

In 2023, online catering sales increased by 29.1 percent year on year, and its share in the total catering service consumption reached 22.2 percent, according to data from the commerce ministry.

"Food delivery has evolved into an ecosystem that covers restaurants, packaging companies, raw material suppliers, third-party operators, shared transportation and more," said Shi from the China Hospitality Association.

The booming industry has not only created millions of jobs but also contributed to a more flexible employment system. By 2023, over 10 million people in China had taken on the role of instant delivery riders.

For 27-year-old Wang Yuanyuan, a Meituan rider from Anhui Province, the biggest attraction of the delivery job is its flexibility. "For me, delivering food feels like taking a gap period," he said.

Currently, over 70 percent of food delivery riders work part-time. Due to the low entry barriers and fair pay, many people like Wang take on food delivery gigs to earn money while searching for other job opportunities.

"In a certain way, the food delivery platforms are like an employment buffer," said Sun Ping, an associate researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, who considers food delivery and similar jobs as "transitional labor."

Transitional jobs can also lead to lasting change. A 2019 Meituan report revealed that the company had employed 257,000 riders from China's then-impoverished population, with more than 98 percent of them rising out of poverty.

"Just think that it provides so many people with jobs and a way to earn money -- this alone makes a remarkable business," said Gu, a female rider who has been on the job for three years.

TECH-DRIVEN BOOM

While food delivery is gaining traction globally, why has China, rather than other countries, experienced such a dramatic market boom? At the heart of this trend lies a decade-long shift toward a consumer-driven economy, increasingly reliant on digital technologies, as well as the abundance of human resources in one of the world's most populous countries.

From 2013 to 2023, China's economy advanced at an average annual growth rate of 6.1 percent, and consumption overtook investment and trade to become a major growth engine. Along with this expansion, the country's per capita disposable income more than doubled.

"Stable growth and adjustment in development momentum are important support for the rapid growth of the food delivery industry," said Li from Meituan.

It was also a decade of rapid urbanization. China's urbanization rate increased from 53.1 percent in 2012 to 66.16 percent in 2023. The expanding urban population gave rise to workforces in the cities which in turn created a huge demand for quick and convenient meals.

"The growth of food delivery services has closely mirrored the progress of urbanization," said Shi, noting that food delivery has helped bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.

Technological advancements have been key to this transformation. The rapid development of mobile networks, payment systems and logistics has enabled seamless coordination between riders, restaurants and consumers.

In 2023, the scale of China's digital economy reached 53.9 trillion yuan, accounting for 42.8 percent of the GDP, a meteoric rise from 11.2 trillion yuan in 2012. The country's 5G mobile phone subscriptions exceeded one billion by the end of November 2024.

"While it may appear to be a byproduct of the restaurant sector, food delivery is actually a native of the internet and has always been at the forefront of digitalization since its very birth," Shi told media in November.

As new technologies continue to emerge, food delivery has kept evolving, giving rise to innovative business models such as unmanned delivery and smart scheduling. Last month, Meituan expanded its drone delivery service overseas, launching operations in Dubai.

REGULATORY EVOLUTION

With the economy continuing to become technology and consumption-driven, Chinese regulators are undergoing their own evolution to tackle the challenges that come along with the new forms of businesses and employment.

For the food delivery industry, given its growth pace and size, both regulators and platforms are tasked with navigating the balance between consumer convenience and the costs of convenience.

While consumers today expect their meals delivered as early as possible, delivery workers are racing against the clock to meet ever-tightening deadlines set by algorithms, or the "brains" of systems that map out the fastest routes and issue penalties for delays.

"Thirty minutes is barely enough to complete a single order," said Gu, the veteran rider, referring to the typical delivery time limit set by the platform she works for. She added that as more riders join the pool, earnings per order have been steadily declining.

A 2021 survey of 343 riders revealed that nearly 20 percent of them worked over 12 hours a day. More than 88 percent admitted they would violate traffic rules in order to deliver orders on time.

It was also in 2021 that Chinese authorities started rolling out rules to protect their labor rights, pushing platforms to guarantee gig workers minimum wage, insurance and workplace safety.

"The key to protecting the rights of delivery riders is addressing the incompatibility between platform-based employment and existing laws and regulations," said Huang Caihua, director of Beijing Jinwen Law Firm.

In November of last year, Chinese authorities urged online platforms to review their algorithms and rectify any practices that may exploit delivery workers.

In response to this regulatory push, Meituan announced in December that it would enhance algorithm transparency, phase out penalties for missed delivery deadlines, and replace them with positive incentives by the end of 2025.

Under a pilot program in seven provincial regions launched by China's human resources ministry in 2022, over 10 million people in new occupations including delivery workers have been brought under the coverage of occupational injury insurance.

Qi Jianzhong, a food delivery worker in Nanjing who broke his bones on the job over a year ago, said the insurance not only covered nearly 90 percent of his medical expenses but also provided him with 41,900 yuan in injury compensation.

"With the insurance, I feel much more at ease on the job now, otherwise I wouldn't know who I should ask for help once I got injured," said Qi, who returned to work after four months of recovery. 
Unemployed in China 'pretending to work' by renting office spaces, posing as professionals

Shubhi Mishra

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Israeli cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal, release of hostages to take effect on Sunday

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2024 was costly year for Big Tech: Heres how much Apple, Google, and Microsoft paid in fines

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Ban Ki Baat: Will India or Trump define the next chapter in the TikTok saga

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- With improved hospital maternity services, toddler care centers, "mom posts," and birth subsidies, China is building a more childbirth-friendly society.

These measures are part of China's efforts to boost birth rates, which are in response to the pressing demographic challenges posed by a declining and rapidly aging population.

The National Health Commission (NHC) and other government departments recently issued guidelines for building birth-friendly hospitals across the country. These hospitals will integrate perinatal depression screening into routine prenatal and postnatal care and offer 24-hour labor pain relief services.

"The services offered by birth-friendly hospitals, especially 24-hour labor pain relief, will surely reduce my fear of childbirth," said a 32-year-old woman surnamed Bu.

While some Chinese women, like Bu, are reluctant to have children due to concerns about the pain of childbirth, others worry about the time constraints of balancing childcare with career development.

Although kindergarten enrollment in China has become less challenging in recent years, there is a growing demand for modern, socialized childcare services for children under three. This trend is driven by shrinking family sizes due to the country's rapid socioeconomic development, which has weakened intergenerational caregiving capabilities.

China has been promoting the establishment of care centers for children under three. Nearly 100,000 centers offer 4.8 million slots, but they still fall short of meeting demand.

Childcare has emerged as one of the key issues for discussion at the annual local legislative and political consultative sessions that begin this month. During the sessions, local governments in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, which face high childcare demand, have pledged to expand their capacity for childcare services for children under three.

For young parents looking for flexible work to support their households, birth-friendly positions offer an ideal solution.

Earlier this month, a special section offering "birth-friendly posts" at a job fair in Shanghai drew considerable attention. These jobs, including video producers and social media managers, do not require a fixed workplace, offering the flexibility needed to care for their children.

Similarly, a food manufacturer in Sishui County in east China's Shandong Province has introduced "mom posts," where nearly 700 women of childbearing age are employed.

Apart from concerns about childcare and career, financial pressure is another significant barrier for couples wishing to have children. To address such concerns, local governments have provided subsidies to boost births.

Since September 2024, the city of Tianmen, central China's Hubei Province, has been offering birth subsidies and incentives to couples having children, with up to 225,100 yuan (about 30,700 U.S. dollars) provided to each couple having a third child.

This week, the city, with a population of one million, garnered widespread attention with a 17 percent year-on-year increase in newborns in 2024, a figure significantly higher than that of most other Chinese cities.

According to the NHC, over two-thirds of China's provincial-level regions are exploring birth subsidy system.

Buoyed by a slew of birth-friendly policies and a baby boom in the post-COVID Year of the Dragon, China reported rises in newborns and birth rate in 2024 after seven consecutive years of decline. Meanwhile, China's economy logged a steady growth of 5 percent.

However, experts emphasize that priority should be placed on long-term balanced development.

Wang Qinchi, a researcher at the China Population and Development Research Center, told Xinhua that by improving population services and adjusting industrial structures, China could further balance demographic and economic development and foster urban-rural and regional coordination.

Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University, called for a comprehensive package of measures to build a society more conducive to child-rearing and stressed the importance of their practical implementation to achieve the desired outcomes.

"Businesses must ensure that employees can enjoy maternity leaves," he said. "There should be no compromise on birth subsidies and free pregnancy tests." 
SANAA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Saturday that it launched a ballistic missile earlier in the day targeting the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.

"In support for the Palestinian people and their Mujahideen (Hamas), we carried out a qualitative military operation, targeting the Ministry of Defense of the Israeli enemy in Tel Aviv with a ballistic missile," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"The missile reached its target with high accuracy, and the (Israeli) interception systems failed to intercept it," he claimed.

The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday in a statement that it has intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards central Israel.

Israel's national emergency service Magen David Adom said there were no reports of casualties, except for panic attacks and people bruised on their way to shelter.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement was agreed on Wednesday following mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, ending 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire was set to come into force on Sunday.

On Thursday, Yemen's Houthi group's leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, said his group would continue launching attacks against Israel if strikes continue on Gaza.

Since November 2023, the Houthi rebels, who control much of northern Yemen, have been launching rocket and drone attacks against Israel and disrupting "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians amid their ongoing war with Israel in Gaza.

In response, Israel has launched retaliatory rounds of airstrikes on Houthi targets. In addition, the U.S.-led naval coalition stationed in the area has been conducting regular air raids and strikes on Houthi sites since January 2024 in a joint bid to deter the armed group, prompting the Houthis to expand attacks to include the U.S. warships. 
Octavio Hernandez -- CCSO photo View Photo

Valley Springs, CA  The Calaveras County Sheriffs Office has released new details regarding a standoff with an armed suspect in Valley Springs this week.

As we reported on Wednesday (1/15), the suspect, 32-year-old Octavio Hernandez, of Valley Springs, fired at deputies, forcing them to shoot back, relayed investigators. The incident began on Tuesday (1/14) morning with a public alert issued by the sheriffs office regarding deputies actively looking for a suspect believed to be armed with a firearm in the 400 Block of Buena Vista Court in the community of Jenny Lind. Hernandez was located in the Calaveras River Canyon, south of Buena Vista Court, setting off a more than 30-hour standoff.

The updated summary of the incident incorporates previously available information and new information collected from the ongoing investigation.

We are committed to providing clarity and transparency regarding the situation as the investigation continues, advised sheriffs officials.

Here is the complete summary that CCSO has released:

On January 14, 2025, between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM, Suspect Hernandez unlawfully entered the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery at the end of McIntire Road in Clements (San Joaquin County). During this time, he forced entry into an unoccupied Fish and Wildlife patrol truck, where he broke a gun lock to seize a rifle and forcibly accessed a locked container where he obtained items, including a duty belt equipped with a handgun and a bullet-resistant vest. Suspect Hernandez then forced entry into and stole a Fish and Wildlife utility truck, which he used to exit the fish hatchery while in possession of the weapons and bullet-resistant vest. This vehicle was driven through two locked gates while exiting the hatchery. The theft was discovered and reported at about 7:00 AM when employees arrived to start their shift.

At approximately 8:30 AM, officers from the Highway Patrol located the stolen vehicle traveling near Clements, at which time an unmarked law enforcement vehicle followed the suspect into Calaveras County. Once in Calaveras County, the suspect began to drive erratically, prompting the CHP officers to initiate a pursuit using marked vehicles that were staged in the area. CHP lost sight of the vehicle due to the suspects extremely dangerous driving.

At approximately 10:00 AM, the suspect arrived in the stolen truck at Buena Vista Court in Jenny Lind, where he encountered a homeowner. He pointed the rifle at a victim homeowner, demanding the keys to their vehicle. The victim refused and fled from the suspect while activating 911 to report the incident. The suspect then fled on foot into the canyon, armed with the rifle, handgun, and bullet-resistant vest. Calaveras Sheriffs Deputies, Calaveras Probation Officers, and CHP were dispatched, and upon arrival, they quickly established a perimeter to contain the suspect.

At the time that suspect Hernandez fled into the river canyon, he was arrestable for charges in two counties, which included auto theft, burglary, felony weapons charges, and evading and resisting arrest. Additionally, Suspect Hernandez was also arrestable for charges relating to the robbery of a San Andreas business that had occurred on January 12, 2025. He had also been identified as a suspect in at least one additional robbery that had occurred in San Joaquin County, also in January of this year.

Although the suspects precise location was not immediately known, information, witness accounts, and the law enforcement perimeter led us to believe he was contained within the canyon and not a threat to vulnerable areas such as schools. The decision was made not to elevate the schools to lockdown, evacuation, or shelter. We communicated with school officials, and out of an abundance of caution, a deputy was deployed to the school for added security. We also contacted an American Legion ambulance and the Calaveras Consolidated Fire Station, requesting they stage near the incident to reduce their response time. After evaluating all the information known at the time, messaging to residents was accomplished via social media and with assistance from Calaveras Office of Emergency Services staff.

A law enforcement command post was established near Buena Vista Court, while the Emergency Operation Center at the Main Sheriffs Office was activated to coordinate additional mutual aid resources and communicate with local cooperators to provide efficient management of the incident. As possible sightings of the suspect were reported, law enforcement officers were deployed to those areas to maintain containment. Due to consistent sightings from CHP air assets, law enforcement officers became certain that the suspect was contained in or near the Calaveras River Canyon.

As maintaining an active perimeter continued, it was necessary to utilize law enforcement resources from allied and local law enforcement agencies. In addition, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) teams were used to maintain a visual of the suspect to monitor his actions and confirm he was still armed with the rifle. The command post was also staffed with Crisis Negotiation Teams to help establish communication with the suspect.

During the night, deputies employed UAVs equipped with night vision technology to continue to attempt communication with him, monitor his position, and confirm that he was still in possession of the high-powered rifle, pistol, and bullet-resistant vest. Given the challenging terrain and limited visibility, coupled with the suspect being armed and in possession of body armor, it was decided to focus on ongoing efforts to communicate with the suspect and encourage him to surrender peacefully.

In the early morning hours of January 15th, 2025, additional SWAT teams arrived to relieve the teams who had been on the scene during the night. The three primary objectives of the incident remained valid: contain the suspect, communicate with the suspect, and arrest the suspect without incident. With increased light from the morning, the UAV teams were able to provide enhanced images of the suspect and his immediate area. Deputies delivered a cell phone to the suspect via a UAV to allow CNT to communicate with him for a peaceful surrender. It is noted that crisis negotiation phones are closed-loop and provide communication only between the phone and the negotiator. The Crisis Negotiation Teams efforts to resolve the situation remained challenging due to the suspect refusing to cooperate. CNT persisted in their efforts to get the suspect to move away from the rifle voluntarily, and he eventually did drop the bullet-resistant vest and move away from the rifle. However, he retained the pistol and later picked up and reacquired the bullet-resistant vest.

CNT deployed a UAV to deliver food to the suspect to gain cooperation. Although the suspect received the food, he remained uncooperative. An arrest team began moving toward the suspect as negotiations continued. As the arrest team was approaching the suspect, the UAV observed the suspect to have a handgun on his person. When asked by CNT to disarm, the suspect removed the firearm from his clothing and refused to comply. He proceeded deeper into the canyon, making remarks intended to escalate the situation to a violent encounter with law enforcement. In response, the approaching arrest team stopped their advance to prevent any unnecessary interaction while maintaining visual surveillance from a concealed location.

The UAV team observed the suspect tying his shoes, tightening his belt, and donning the body armor. Armed with the handgun, he moved through the thick brush, crawling at times until reaching the rivers edge. Once there, he partially concealed himself by lying on the ground near a large log.

At about 3:25 PM, the suspect chose to fire the handgun at law enforcement personnel located near his position. In response to this threat, Calaveras County SWAT team members in the immediate vicinity were compelled to use their firearms for self-defense. The suspect was struck more than one time. Deputies approached the suspect and rendered aid until pre-staged medical staff could be transported via an on-scene helicopter to render further aid. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As other SWAT members responded, one lost footing and fell into the steep terrain. The injured deputy was provided with medical care.

The Calaveras County Sheriffs Office contacted the Calaveras County District Attorneys Office and the California Department of Justice and requested their response to provide multiple layers of investigation. Due to the logistical challenges of processing a scene at the bottom of a canyon at night and the requirement for investigators to be flown into the area, the scene was scheduled to begin on the morning of January 16, 2025. However, during nighttime, detectives began processing other areas of the scene.

On January 16, 2025, investigators entered the canyon to begin processing the scene. After collecting evidence at the scene and gathering statements, it was confirmed that the suspect had discharged one or more rounds from the handgun while refusing to comply with the ongoing commands to surrender peacefully. A Calaveras County SWAT team was able to stop the suspects lethal actions by firing their weapons at him. The suspect was struck one or more times.

In accordance with department policy, four deputies involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave. We will continue our follow-up investigations, which will include an autopsy, additional witness statements, and inquiries into the initial theft of the vehicle and weapons.

We would like to thank our allied agency partners for their invaluable assistance during this incident. Their cooperation and collaboration significantly increased public safety:

Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office

Placer Sheriffs Office

Amador County Sheriffs Office

California Highway Patrol-Auto Theft Task Force

San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office

Calaveras County Probation

Stanislaus Sheriffs Office

Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services

Calaveras County District Attorneys Office

American Legion

Calaveras Consolidated Fire Department

Fish and Wildlife

San Joaquin Probation

Turlock Police Department

Stockton Police Department

Tracy Police Department

California Department of Justice

California Office of Emergency Services
Sonora, CA  The Tuolumne County District Attorneys Office praises the first quarter results of its new DUI Prosecution Unit while giving an update on its progress.

As reported in October of last year, the D.A.s office was awarded a $208,238 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to set up a specialized prosecution team focusing on alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases. Titled the DUI Prosecution Unit, currently there is just one experienced prosecutor from the District Attorneys Office in the unit. Today, the D.A.s office announced the filing and conviction statistics for the unit prosecutors first quarter below:

DUI Cases Reviewed: 83

DUI Cases Filed: 81

DUI Convictions: 67

Wet Reckless Convictions: 13

The unit prosecutor racked up those convictions by bringing just one DUI case to trial regarding a defendant accused of driving under the influence of methamphetamine. A jury returned a guilty verdict and the defendant is currently awaiting sentencing.

To increase knowledge and enforcement of DUI offenses, the unit hosted the first quarterly law enforcement roundtable meeting, with attendees from the California Highway Patrol, Sonora Police Department, Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office, and Tuolumne County Probation. The unit prosecutor also attended Standardized Field Sobriety Test training in San Francisco in October.

Funding for the unit runs through September 2025. The District Attorneys Office says it intends to apply to renew the grant for the following grant year. For more information about the Tuolumne County District Attorneys DUI Prosecution, please contact Deputy District Attorney Kate Christie at DA@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov.
"I'm bullish on China's economy in medium and long term," said World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende ahead of the WEF's annual meeting to be held in Davos, Switzerland.
Three million years ago, our ancestors were vegetarian ScienceDaily (Kevin W)

Iron Age DNA Reveals Women Dominated Pre-Roman Britain ScienceAlert (Chuck L)

Regency Sex Ed History News Network (Anthony L)

The Power of Prayer aeon. Micael T: Can you Luigi oligarchs through prayers? Will we see oligarchs with lifeguards protecting them from prayers?

Honey, I forgot to duck: Jackson Lears London Review of Books (Anthony L). On Max Boot on Reagan.

Them and us: How good are we at getting on with one another? Times Literary Supplement (Anthony L)

The Adults in the Room Michael Ignatieff (Anthony L)

Younger Women Are Now More At-Risk for Cancer Than Men Wall Street Journal (Micael T). Have not found a non-paywalled version. Another report on the same data: Cancer cases are increasing in women while declining in men, report finds NBC

#COVID-19/Pandemics

Climate/Environment

Trouble Transitioning Adam Tooze, London Review of Books (Anthony L)

China?

India

European Disunion

Old Blighty

Israel v. The Resistance

New Not-So-Cold War

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

WEF Director Backs UNs Pro-Censorship AI Watchdog Reclaim the Net (Tom D) Lawsuit alleges Vermont tracks pregnant women deemed unsuitable for parenthood Associated Press. Paul R: Lebensunwertes Leben. Apparently they tracked when pregnant women had mental health episodes, and flagged them to have the kids taken away once born.

Imperial Collapse Watch

Wars top global risk as Davos elite gathers in shadow of fragmented world Reuters

Trump 2.0

Biden

California Burning

Immigration

Our No Longer Free Press

Mr. Market is Moody

AI

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. Lennymemes via Paul R. Legend: I knew crows were smart but this one is actually dipping his nuggets.

And a bonus (Chuck L). So why hasnt this been made into a childrens story?

Cow thinks he's a showjumping horse pic.twitter.com/AVoNOJlXMR  Nature is Amazing  (@AMAZlNGNATURE) January 17, 2025

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. The Biden effort to wrap himself in the mantle of Eisenhower in warning about a tech-industrial complex is vile. The Biden Administration, as we know from the Twitter Files, statements by Mark Zuckerberg and ample other evidence, was all on board with the tech-industrial complex wielding great power when the Biden team wanted to use it as a propaganda and enforcement arm. This goes well beyond suppressing threatening ideas on big social media platforms and extends to deplatforming and de-monetizing dissidents, and even freezing/canceling bank accounts.

Biden was perfectly happy to take advantage of this influence when he could obtain cooperation, either via asking it of largely PMC-orthodoxy aligned who were willing to go along, or force it by threatening anti-trust suits and/or the restriction or termination of Section 230 protections.

Telling, Biden focused only on the supposed threat of the pet liberal bogeyman of misinformation, and not about a even greater danger, that of ever-rising surveillance, which again the likes of Biden were perfectly happy to exploit. Nick Corbishley has relentless documented the danger of the rising implementation of biometric ID, and the coercive potential of eliminating cash in day-to-day commercial transactions.

Bidens echo of Eisenhower is telling in another way. Some scholars claim that the military-industrial complex already was extremely powerful by the time Eisenhower left office, so his warning was a cover-up for his failure to try to check in when he could have done so.

By Richard Murphy, part-time Professor of Accounting Practice at Sheffield University Management School, director of the Corporate Accountability Network, member of Finance for the Future LLP, and director of Tax Research LLP. Originally published at Fund the Future

Joe Bidens swan-song speech to the people of the USA warned about the threat to the people of the USA from what he called the tech-industrial complex, otherwise known as Musk and his tech billionaire friends. Was he right to do so? But was he also too late?

This is the audio versiomn:

This is transcript:

President Joe Biden, in his farewell speech from the Oval Office in the White House, warned the USA about what he called the Tech-Industrial Complex.

He wasnt the first president to issue such a warning. Sixty four years ago, and I dont remember the speech in question, President Dwight D. Eisenhower left office as president of the USA and also issued a warning to the people of that country about the threats to it from commercial power.

Eisenhower, who was the general who led the invasion of Europe during the Second World War which ultimately led to the fall of the Nazis, said this. when he left office in January 1961.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists only and will persist.

Eisenhower was clearly right. The rise of misplaced power was a threat to the USA. In 1961, and as Joe Biden had to say in 2025, it is still a threat. All that Joe Biden did was rename the military-industrial complex and call it the tech-industrial complex.

His words were:

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.

And that power he called the tech-industrial complex. He did, of course, have some very specific people in mind. There is no doubt that these comments were aimed at the likes of Elon Musk and the other so-called tech bros in Silicon Valley who are supporting the rise of Donald Trump.

But what he was talking about was something that was remarkably similar to what Eisenhower described in 1961. What he was suggesting was that the power of the private corporation to shift the values within American society in its favor  to enrich a few at cost to the many, by spreading fear, by spreading misinformation, by spreading abuse  that threat remains as real now as it was 64 years ago. And I believe Biden is right.

I wish hed done it earlier in his career. I wish he had talked about this a long time before his farewell speech. I wish wed seen the Democratic Party in the USA do something about this. Because frankly, it seems to be as in hock to corporate power in the USA as the Republican Party does. Well, perhaps slightly less, but so little less as to make almost no difference. But at least hes used those words now.

Hes said that this tech-industrial power threatens us all. And it does.

It threatens the ordinary person whos abused online, and there will be nothing to stop that happening.

It threatens the person who is abused in a libellous way.

It threatens the young person whos bullied at school.

It threatens the small business who these large tech powers literally try to bring down through their own ability to force others out of the market.

All of this is an exercise in extracting profit, just as the military complex tried to do in the early 60s.

I remember the 1960s all too well. There was a US Air Force base not far from where I was brought up, so the reality of US military power was something that was quite familiar to me at the time. USAF Bentwaters it was, for those who are geeks about these things. And what happened then? There was this massive expansion of military spending, partly, of course, because of Vietnam, but partly because that was a proxy war in the whole Cold War between the USA and Russia.

A total pack of lies was said about the threat to us from Russia; that Russia was going to be marching troops across the plains of Germany and threatening the UK, when, frankly, there was not a hope that Russia could have done such a thing at the time. Any more, by the way, than it could now.

And, things were said about China which were so unrealistic at that point in time that it was absurd. And slightly more credible if they were said now. But again, really not credible.

And now we have the tech bros coupling with that military power to actually, in a sense, produce something that is very similar.

Remember that Trump is demanding that the countries of Europe increase their military spending to 5 per cent of their gross domestic product  their national income.

Its the same force on the march. You gotta spend on the military, or youre gonna die. No, youre not. Almost certainly, you wont. Spend money on diplomacy, solve the conflicts, understand the causes, resolve them, talk about how we can actually live peacefully together on this planet rather than threatening each other, stop spreading the lies and the misinformation, and then you might achieve an outcome. But thats not the style of the neo-fascist. And I do happen to think, and Im allowed to have this opinion, that Trump is one of them.

So, where are we? We are, as Joe Biden said, at threat, real threat, from the tech-industrial complex. And things have changed since 1961. The change is that these people have more power over the media, over the network of ideas, and the information that we get all the time, every day, day and night, if we want it. And that really does change the potential outcomes for the way in which the world sees itself and each other. Those tech companies literally influence our worldviews in ways that its very hard to understand. But they threaten us if they believe that aggression at a macro and a micro level is the way to leverage profit for themselves. And I fear they do. And I fear the consequences of that.
Blinken warns: Hamas has replenished its ranks despite Israels months-long military offensive in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Hamas has nearly replenished its ranks, despite Israel's months-long military offensive in Gaza, indicating the group's enduring strength.

Mediators are reportedly close to a ceasefire agreement, with a draft proposal being circulated. The deal would involve the release of hostages and prisoners, with Israel retaining the right to restart military operations if necessary.

Blinken included uncommon criticism of Israel's actions, specifically addressing the expansion of settlements and the violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in one of his final public speeches before the end of the Trump administration, .

Blinken outlined a vision for post-war Gaza, emphasizing the need for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern the enclave, supported by international forces, with conditions for forming an independent Palestinian state.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a stark assessment of Hamas' resilience on Tuesday, Jan. 14, revealing that the militant group has nearly replenished its ranks despite Israel's months-long military offensive in Gaza.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., Blinken also hinted that mediators are "on the brink" of a ceasefire agreement, even as his speech was interrupted by a protester who denounced him as "secretary of genocide." The remarks, which included rare insights into U.S. intelligence assessments, underscored the challenges facing Israel's goal of eradicating Hamas and raised questions about the future governance of Gaza amid a looming U.S. presidential transition.

Blinken's speech, one of his final public addresses before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, was unusually candid in its criticism of Israel. He warned that Israel's expansion of settlements and record levels of settler violence against Palestinians threaten its democracy and complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace. His comments come as the administration of outgoing President Joe Biden races to finalize a ceasefire deal and outline a plan for post-war Gaza, even as its influence wanes ahead of Trump's return to power.

Blinken's revelation that Hamas has recruited nearly as many fighters as Israel killed during its Gaza offensive highlights the group's enduring strength. Despite Israel's efforts to decimate Hamas' leadership in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, Blinken suggested the group remains a significant force. "Israelis must abandon the myth that they can carry out de facto annexation without cost and consequence to Israel's democracy," he said, criticizing Israel's accelerated settlement expansion and rising settler violence.

This assessment complicates Israel's stated objective of achieving "total victory and the eradication of Hamas." It also raises questions about the feasibility of Israel's long-term security goals in Gaza, particularly as Hamas continues to wield influence over the enclave. Blinken's remarks suggest that any post-war governance plan will need to account for Hamas' persistent presence, even if the group is excluded from formal power structures.

A protester's interruption and the ceasefire push

Blinken's speech was briefly derailed when a heckler interrupted, shouting: "Bloody Blinken, you will forever be known as 'secretary of genocide'; you have the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent people on your hands."

The protester's outburst, which lasted nearly a minute, reflected the deep divisions and emotional intensity surrounding the Gaza conflict. As she was removed from the hall, she vowed, "We will not forget, we will hold you accountable."

The incident occurred against the backdrop of intensifying ceasefire negotiations. A draft agreement circulating among mediators, which a senior Western official said could be finalized by Friday, appears similar to proposals floated in 2024. Israel has insisted on the right to restart military operations if necessary, while Hamas demands a permanent end to the fighting in exchange for releasing hostages. According to Israeli media, the first phase of the deal would see 33 Israeli hostages freed in exchange for the release of approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. (Related: CAIR calls for Blinken to step down for lying to Congress so that the government can keep funding Israel's genocide in Gaza.)

Blinken also outlined his vision for post-war Gaza, emphasizing the need for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern the enclave with international support.

"Israel must accept reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under the leadership of a reformed PA," he said, calling for a "time-bound, conditions-based path toward forming an independent Palestinian state." He proposed an interim security mission involving forces from partner nations and vetted Palestinian personnel.

However, Blinken acknowledged that the Biden administration's plans would likely be handed off to the Trump administration after Jan. 20. The Trump transition team has remained largely silent on its approach to Gaza and the West Bank, though Trump's nominee for ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has previously dismissed the concept of settlements as illegitimate. Israeli media reported that Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire proposal, even pulling him into a meeting on the Jewish Sabbath to secure his agreement.

Head over to IsraelCollapse.com for stories related to this.

Watch the video where Blinken's Middle East speech was interrupted by a protester.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Blinken buried reports indicating Israel blocked aid to Gaza so U.S. would keep sending them weapons.

Blinken blames social media for Israel losing PR war; Romney agrees, confirms TikTok ban is to help Israel.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Brighteon.com
Chinese officials eye Elon Musk as potential buyer of TikToks U.S. operations

Chinese officials are exploring a potential deal for Elon Musk to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations if the app faces a ban in the country.

The Chinese government prefers ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to retain ownership, but is considering alternatives as the U.S. Supreme Court may uphold the ban.

Musk's close ties to the Trump administration and his role in improving government efficiency under the new administration make him a desirable figure for Chinese officials in these negotiations.

The discussions are seen as a potential area for reconciliation between China and the U.S. but remain preliminary and no final decision has been made.

The proposed deal raises concerns over user data and surveillance, with U.S. lawmakers questioning TikTok's CEO about the Chinese government's potential access to American user information.

Chinese officials are reportedly considering a high-stakes deal that could see Elon Musk acquire the U.S. operations of TikTok, the wildly popular short-video app, if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban.

According to insiders familiar with the matter, Beijing officials are actively debating contingency plans, with Musk emerging as a potential key player. The Chinese government strongly prefers that TikTok remains under the ownership of its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., but the company is currently contesting the impending ban with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

However, justices signaled during recent arguments that they are likely to uphold the ban, prompting Chinese officials to explore alternative scenarios.

One of the discussed plans involves Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, taking control of TikTok's U.S. operations. This scenario holds particular appeal for the Chinese government, given Musk's close ties to the Trump administration. Musk, who spent more than $250 million supporting Trump's re-election, has been tapped for a prominent role in improving government efficiency under the new administration. (Related: TikTok files lawsuit against Biden administration over law forcing sale of app.)

The potential deal could be seen as a strategic move to navigate the complex relationship between China and the United States. While ByteDance's leaders remain committed to fighting the ban through legal means, Chinese officials recognize the need for negotiation with the Trump administration over tariffs, export controls and other issues. The TikTok negotiations are seen as a potential area for reconciliation.

However, the discussions remain preliminary and Chinese officials have yet to reach a firm consensus. It's unclear how much ByteDance is aware of these talks, and whether Musk, TikTok and ByteDance have engaged in any discussions about the terms of a potential deal.

Additionally, Musk opined in April that "TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform," before adding, "Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for."

U.S. lawmakers suspect that the Chinese government is gathering user data through TikTok

In March 2023, U.S. lawmakers questioned TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew over suspicions that the Chinese government was gathering user data through the app.

Bipartisan legislation was later passed requiring ByteDance to either sell its stake in TikTok or face an effective ban in the country, which comes into effect on Jan. 19. ByteDance is still trying to fight the ban through legal channels and the U.S. Supreme Court recently signaled it may uphold the law requiring ByteDance to sell or shut down U.S. operations.

However, President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Jan. 20, wants to delay the ban so that negotiations can be worked on.

The push to ban TikTok centered on two main concerns: fear that the Chinese government could access American user data and concerns about potential surveillance of Americans. ByteDance argued that the law violates the First Amendment rights of its 170 million U.S. users. The U.S. operations of TikTok could be valued at around 40 to 50 billion, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts.

Head over to Surveillance.news for more similar stories.

Watch the video below to learn more about TikTok's lawsuit against the U.S. government.

This video is from the CreeperStatus channel on Brighteon.com.

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TikTokGenocide.com website is tracking, backing up videos of genocide in Gaza so censors can't delete them.

TikTok CENSORS video of Dr. Phil promoting his interview with Trump.

Sources include:

CoinTelegraph.com

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Brighteon.com
Fungus spreading worldwide could cause the EXTINCTION of blueberries

A powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe vaccinii is threatening blueberry crops worldwide, endangering yields, farmer livelihoods and food security.

The fungus, originating in the eastern U.S., has spread to major blueberry-producing regions like China, Mexico, Morocco, Peru and Portugal through the global trade of plant material.

The disease reduces yields, increases fungicide use and causes annual losses of between $47 to $530 million, raising concerns about costs and environmental harm.

The crisis underscores the need for stricter biosecurity measures, sustainable practices and international cooperation to combat similar diseases affecting other crops and safeguard global food systems.

Scientists have issued a stark warning: Blueberries could face extinction due to a rapidly spreading fungal disease.

The culprit, a powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe vaccinii, has been wreaking havoc on blueberry crops worldwide, threatening both yields and the livelihoods of farmers. This mildew has been spreading worldwide for at least the past 12 years.

The disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on blueberry plants, sapping their nutrients and stunting their growth. This not only reduces crop yields but also forces farmers to rely heavily on fungicides, driving up costs and raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.

The fungus has already infiltrated major blueberry-producing regions, including China, the worlds largest producer, as well as Mexico, California, Morocco, Peru and Portugal. (Related: The mighty BLUEBERRY, a superfruit with anticancer properties.)

Researchers at North Carolina State University have traced the origins of this global outbreak to the eastern United States. The fungus has since spread through two distinct strains, each finding its way to different continents.

One strain has taken root in China, Mexico and California, while the other has emerged in Morocco, Peru and Portugal. This rapid dispersal is largely attributed to the global trade of plant material, which inadvertently carries the fungus across borders.

What makes this fungus particularly insidious is its ability to reproduce asexually in regions outside the U.S., meaning it can spread without the need for a sexual partner. In contrast, the fungus reproduces both sexually and asexually within the United States. This adaptability has allowed the disease to establish itself in diverse climates, from the humid fields of China to the arid regions of Morocco.

Global blueberry industry suffering from the outbreak

The economic toll of this outbreak is staggering. The global blueberry industry, which produces over four billion pounds of the fruit annually, faces estimated losses ranging from $47 million to $530 million each year. These costs stem from reduced yields, increased fungicide use and the logistical challenges of managing the disease. For farmers, the stakes are high: A single outbreak can devastate an entire seasons harvest.

The study also sounds the alarm for the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its ideal blueberry-growing conditions. With its rainy climate, the area is a potential breeding ground for the fungus, which thrives in moist environments. While the disease has yet to take hold there, researchers warn that proactive measures are essential to prevent a future outbreak.

The implications of this research extend far beyond blueberries. The Erysiphe vaccinii fungus is part of a broader family of powdery mildews that affect crops like wheat, grapes, strawberries and hops. The lessons learned from this study could pave the way for better management of similar diseases in other crops, safeguarding global food supplies and reducing reliance on chemical treatments.

Watch this video discussing how better to preserve blueberries.

This video is from the All About Herbs channel on Brighteon.com.

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BANGKOK, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has asked concerned departments to enhance coordination to tackle transnational crimes and protect tourists.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the government house Friday, Paetongtarn directed relevant agencies to intensify promotion for travelers to boost confidence.

Paetongtarn said she plans to personally use video messages to emphasize Thailand's safety and AI technology would translate the messages into Chinese for wider accessibility. 
Your credibility with me is about none: CNN trial goes from bad to worse

In following the defamation trial against CNN by veteran Zachary Young, we have previously ( here here , and here ) marveled at how bad things were going for the network. It appears that they are getting even worse. This has been a brutal week as CNN figures, including host Jake Tapper, took the stand. If this is CNN, the judge (and possibly the jury) are not liking what they are seeing.

(Article republished from JonathanTurley.org)

The report at the heart of the case aired on CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper on Nov. 11, 2021, and was shared on social media and (a different version on) CNNs website. In the segment, Tapper told his audience ominously how CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt discovered that 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 piled on in the segment, claiming that desperate Afghans are being exploited and need to pay exorbitant, often impossible amounts to flee the country. He then named Young and his company as an example of that startling claim.The evidence included messages from Marquardt that he wanted to nail this Zachary Young mf**ker and thought the story would be Youngs funeral. After promising to nail Young, CNN editor Matthew Philips responded: gonna hold you to that cowboy! Likewise, CNN senior editor Fuzz Hogan described Young as a shit.

As is often done by media, CNN allegedly gave Young only two hours to respond before the story ran. It is a typical ploy of the press to claim that they waited for a response while giving the target the smallest possible window.In this case, Young was able to respond in the short time and Marquardt messaged a colleague, f**king Young just texted.

In the last week, Tapper was seen on video by the jury and was mocked for claiming under oath that he doesnt pay attention to ratings, a claim that could make him unique as a network host. While Tapper can argue that he was referencing the following of daily numbers, critics hammered him by showing repeated clips where he discussed ratings.

However, the most damaging testimony may have come from top producers who told the jurors that they opposed the modest apology given to Young on air. Since Young seemed to do well before the jury, the testimony of senior editor Fuzz Hogan, CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt, CNN producer Michael Conte, CNNs executive vice president of editorial Virginia Moseley, and CNN supervising producer Michael Callahan undermined any effort to portray the network as seeking to amend a wrong or reduce damage to Young.

Arguably, the worst moment came with an argument by CNNs lead attorney, David Axelrod. Axelrod introduced a document that he claimed was a smoking gun and showed that Young was a liar. Pointing dramatically at Young and waiving the document in the air, Axelrod declared that he had the proof:

Plaintiffs entire case, sitting right there, is that after the publications, he couldnt get any workMr. Young knew, when he filed this lawsuit that he had entered into a new consulting agreement with a government contractor one month after CNNs publication. This entire lawsuit was a fraud on this court. It was a fraud on CNN. This man knew it. I dont know what they know. But when his came up in discovery, CNNs counsel asked Mr. Young about the Helios connection, and he completely lied in his deposition. Over and over again, he made up some incredible ruse that Helios just had his security clearance because it was a company that held security clearances. It makes no sense. He knew at that time that he had a consulting agreement with Helios Global and he didnt disclose it. It was an outright lie.

However, it turned out that the document merely was Youngs application to maintain his security clearance.

Youngs attorney, Vel Freedman, later laid waste to CNN. He told the court that Young had lost his security clearance back in 2022 and that he hadnt been aware of that until he double-checked after his testimony in the case. Freedman asked for the right to present a witness who would testify on the issue and Axelrod objected. Judge Henry had had enough and blew up at CNN. He read back Axelrods comments and said You called him a liar multiple times there. He told Axelrod that he owed an apology to the plaintiff. After telling CNN that this isnt Kindergarten,  he added Right now, your credibility with me, Mr. Axelrod, is about none.

That is never a good thing to hear from a judge.

Axelrod apologized but the damage is clearly considerable.

The most chilling aspect from a litigation perspective? Axelrod replaced the earlier lead counsel who also imploded in court over ill-considered arguments.

None of this bodes well for the network. Alienating the judge is obviously never good, but it also could have a material impact if there is an award that CNN wants reduced by a order of remittitur. In addition, having top producers expressing a lack of regret and even opposition to the on-air apology could push such damages higher for a jury. Both sides are arguing that this is CNN, but these moments are building a more negative view of what that is.

Read more at: JonathanTurley.org
THE COST OF TRUST: How financial ties undermined public health during the pandemic

The U.K.'s Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) accepted undisclosed payments from Pfizer while advocating for COVID-19 vaccines for children, raising questions about the integrity of their decision-making process.

The RCGP's failure to disclose financial ties to Pfizer is part of a broader pattern of conflicts of interest in public health institutions during the pandemic, eroding public trust in science and medicine.

The decision to vaccinate children against COVID-19 has been described as "one ofif not thesingle most ethically contentious decisions of the entire pandemic," with potential long-term consequences for those involved.

Major medical journals have received over $1 billion in payments from pharmaceutical companies between 2020 and 2022, casting doubt on the objectivity of published research and exacerbating concerns about financial conflicts of interest.

Rebuilding trust in public health institutions requires greater transparency and accountability in the relationship between medical organizations and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that profit does not take precedence over the well-being of the public.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of unprecedented uncertainty, fear and loss. Families around the world clung to the hope that science and public health institutions would guide them safely through the crisis. Yet, as revelations about financial conflicts of interest emerge, it becomes painfully clear that trust in these institutions may have been misplaced. The recent disclosure that the U.K.s Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) failed to declare payments from Pfizer while advocating for COVID-19 vaccines for children is a stark reminder of the human cost of these ethical lapses.

A breach of trust

The RCGP, representing over 53,000 general practitioners, accepted more than 100,000 from Pfizer in 2021more than double the amount received in 2020. These payments, categorized as donations and grants and benefits in kind, were not disclosed during critical meetings where the RCGP advocated for vaccinating children aged 12-15. This omission is particularly troubling given the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) had already determined that the benefits of vaccination for this age group were only marginally greater than the potential known harms.

Despite this, the RCGPs then-chair, Dr. Martin Marshall, argued in favor of vaccinating children, citing a strong consensus among doctors and concerns about exacerbating inequalities. Yet, he failed to disclose the financial ties between the RCGP and Pfizer, the sole vaccine manufacturer authorized for children at the time. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the integrity of the decision-making process and the motivations behind the push to vaccinate children.

For parents who trusted these institutions, the revelation is a bitter pill to swallow. Many families made difficult decisions based on the advice of medical professionals, believing it was in the best interest of their children. Now, they are left wondering whether those decisions were influenced by financial incentives rather than sound science.

The human toll

The ethical implications of this conflict of interest extend far beyond the boardrooms of public health organizations. They touch the lives of millions of families who followed the guidance of these institutions, often at great personal cost.

Children, who were at minimal risk from COVID-19, were subjected to a medical intervention with uncertain long-term effects. Parents who hesitated were labeled as anti-science or irresponsible, adding to the emotional burden of navigating the pandemic. For those who experienced adverse reactions to the vaccine, the knowledge that financial interests may have played a role in the decision to vaccinate is a devastating blow.

Molly Kingsley, founder of the childrens advocacy group UsForThem, aptly described the decision to vaccinate children as one ofif not thesingle most ethically contentious decisions of the entire pandemic. Her words underscore the gravity of the situation and the profound impact it has had on public trust.

A Pattern of Ethical Failures

The RCGPs failure to disclose its financial ties to Pfizer is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader pattern of conflicts of interest that have plagued public health institutions during the pandemic. In the U.S., professional organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have also accepted significant funding from pharmaceutical companies. These financial relationships raise concerns about the impartiality of the advice provided to the public.

Even the peer review process, a cornerstone of scientific integrity, has been compromised. Between 2020 and 2022, major medical journals received over $1 billion in payments from pharmaceutical companies, casting doubt on the objectivity of the research published in these journals.

Rebuilding Trust

The revelations about the RCGP and other public health institutions highlight the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the relationship between medical organizations and the pharmaceutical industry. Without these safeguards, public trust in science and medicine will continue to erode, with dire consequences for future public health crises.

For the families who placed their faith in these institutions, the damage has already been done. The cost of these ethical failures is measured not only in dollars but in the shattered trust of those who believed they were acting in the best interest of their children. As we move forward, it is imperative that we learn from these mistakes and ensure that the pursuit of profit never again takes precedence over the well-being of the public.

The pandemic has taught us many painful lessons, but perhaps the most important is this: trust, once broken, is not easily repaired. It is up to all of usjournalists, advocates and concerned citizensto hold these institutions accountable and demand the transparency and integrity that the public deserves. Only then can we begin to heal the wounds inflicted by this crisis and rebuild the trust that has been lost.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

TheTelegraph.co.uk

TheBMJ.com
Four arrested in separate incidents for attempting to ignite new fires in Los Angeles County

Four individuals were arrested in separate incidents across Los Angeles County for allegedly attempting to ignite new fires during the ongoing wildfire crisis.

The four accused individuals face charges of arson, with one of them potentially facing up to nine years in prison.

These arrests come as the Palisades and Eaton wildfires rage on after claiming 25 lives, destroying over 5,000 homes and businesses and displacing tens of thousands.

The arrests also come as authorities continue to investigate the origins of the ongoing wildfires.

As the death toll from the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles County climbed to 25, authorities announced the arrest of four individuals accused of attempting to ignite new fires during the ongoing crisis.

The four suspects, apprehended in Azusa, North Hollywood, Van Nuys and West LA, face arson charges that could carry significant prison sentences. (Related: L.A. wildfires cause $250 billion in damages, becoming one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history.)

Among them, Jose Gerardo Escobar stands accused of intentionally setting a fire in Azusa, just east of the Eaton Fire. If convicted, he could face up to nine years behind bars.

Another suspect allegedly used a barbecue lighter to spark flames in North Hollywood, while a third was caught lighting brush on fire in Van Nuys.

The fourth suspect was arrested for igniting a trash can in West LA. Surveillance footage from local businesses played a critical role in identifying the suspect, prompting police to urge residents to review their security cameras for any evidence of suspicious activity.

These arrests come as firefighters battle two of the most destructive wildfires in recent memory. The Palisades Fire, which began on Jan. 7, has already consumed over 5,000 homes and businesses, while the Eaton Fire has left a trail of devastation in its wake. The fires, fueled by Santa Ana winds and drought-stricken vegetation, have displaced thousands and left dozens missing.

Authorities still unsure how the wildfires started in the first place

But as authorities grapple with these arrests, the larger question of what caused the Palisades Fire still looms over the horizon, with speculation considering everything from arson to government negligence.

Investigators have zeroed in on the Temescal Ridge Trail near Skull Rock, a popular hiking destination in Pacific Palisades, as the potential ignition point. The area, which had previously burned in a smaller fire on New Years Day, is now the focus of a meticulous investigation. Charred utility poles, shattered glass and remnants of electrical equipment litter the site, offering clues but no definitive answers.

The New Year's fire, believed to have been sparked by fireworks, was declared contained after burning eight acres. However, the possibility that smoldering embers from that blaze reignited days later cannot be ruled out.

Researchers have long documented cases of wildfires rekindling from buried organic material, sometimes days or even weeks after the initial flames were extinguished. This phenomenon, known as a "rekindle," has been linked to some of the deadliest fires in history, including the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm and more recently during the Maui wildfire in 2023.

For now, the cause of the Palisades Fire remains a mystery. LA Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi emphasized that no possibilities have been ruled out, including arson.

"There has been no definitive determination that it is arson at this point, but we're looking at every angle," Choi said.

Watch this episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, speculates over whether the wildfires can serve as a wake-up call for the people of California.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Is LOS ANGELES getting PURPOSELY BURNED to the ground in order to start a SMART CITY in a few years? Take a look at the evidence piling up that supports this.

State Farm cancels thousands of home insurance policies in the Pacific Palisades region months before deadly fires.

Insurance exodus and wildfire fallout: California's crisis deepens.

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Israels deadly strikes continue despite ceasefire deal, raising doubts about lasting peace

Israel intensified Gaza bombardment hours after announcing a ceasefire deal, killing 77 Palestinians, including 21 children and 25 women, in the deadliest 24-hour period in over a week.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., aimed for a six-week pause, hostage-prisoner exchanges, and Israeli troop withdrawal, but violence has cast doubt on its durability.

Ceasefire celebrations in Gaza were overshadowed by Israeli airstrikes, which killed dozens, including a human rights worker and his family, sparking criticism and skepticism.

Political infighting in Israel, including Netanyahus delayed cabinet vote and far-right opposition, threatens the fragile ceasefire agreement.

The deal offers hope with increased humanitarian aid, but unresolved issues like Gazas governance and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain.

Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza just hours after announcing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, killing at least 77 Palestiniansincluding 21 children and 25 womenin the deadliest 24-hour period in over a week.

The agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, was meant to bring a six-week pause to the fighting and facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners. However, the continued violence has cast a shadow over the fragile truce, raising questions about whether the deal will lead to lasting peace or merely a temporary lull in the bloodshed.

The ceasefire, set to begin Sunday, outlines a phased approach: an initial six-week pause in fighting, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the deal as a critical first step toward ending the conflict, which has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives and displaced nearly 2 million people since October 2023. Yet, as Israeli airstrikes continued to devastate Gaza, many are left wondering if the agreement is more about optics than genuine reconciliation.

Ceasefire celebrations overshadowed by violence

The announcement of the ceasefire sparked jubilation in Gaza, where residents have endured 15 months of relentless bombardment, severe shortages of food and water, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. In Khan Younis, crowds took to the streets, waving Palestinian flags and chanting in celebration. I am happy. Yes, I am crying, but those are tears of joy, said Ghada, a displaced mother of five.

But the celebrations were short-lived. Hours after the deal was announced, Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza City, Rafah, and Nuseirat, killing dozens and destroying homes. Among the victims was Ihab Marwan Kamal Faisal, a 33-year-old human rights worker, along with his wife and two young daughters.

The timing of the strikes has drawn sharp criticism. Every time there is talk about a truce or ceasefire, we witness an escalation in the intensity of the bombardment, said Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for Gazas Civil Defense. The attacks have left many questioning Israels commitment to peace.

The ceasefire deal, while a significant diplomatic achievement, faces numerous hurdles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a cabinet vote on the agreement, citing last-minute demands from Hamas. Meanwhile, far-right members of his coalition, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to withdraw their support if Israel does not resume fighting after the initial six-week pause.

This political infighting underscores the fragility of the deal. Its stunning to me that the prime ministerthe magician, the master politicianseems to have miscalculated, said Aaron David Miller, a veteran American negotiator.

Even if the ceasefire holds, the broader conflict remains unresolved. The agreement does not address the future governance of Gaza or the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A glimmer of hope

Despite the violence, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for Gazas beleaguered population. The deal includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid, which is desperately needed to address the enclaves dire conditions. The United Nations and other aid agencies are preparing to ramp up their operations, but the scale of the devastation will require years of reconstruction.

For now, the people of Gaza remain caught between hope and despair. Although they've been waiting for a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations, they've suffered monumental losses.

As the world watches, the question remains: Will this ceasefire mark the beginning of a lasting peace, or will it be another fleeting pause in a cycle of violence that has claimed too many lives?

Sources for this article include:

Reuters.com

CNN.com

NBCNews.com
J6 Select Committee chairman seeks PARDON from Biden as Trump threatens retribution

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering issuing preemptive pardons to members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee.

Some committee members, such as Rep. Bennie Thompson, believe the threat of retaliation from Trump is significant and may accept a pardon if offered.

The White House has reportedly discussed the possibility of pardons with the committee, but some members have not initiated contact or expressed a need for pardons.

Committee member Rep. Pete Aguilar stated that he has not sought a pardon or engaged in discussions with the White House regarding one, emphasizing that the committee's work was not wrong and did not require pardons.

Sen. Adam Schiff, who served on the committee, expressed concern over the implications of pardons for committee members, suggesting that future presidents should not issue broad pardons as a matter of course.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in less than a week, members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee and the White House are in private discussions about the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons to lawmakers who served on the panel.

According to multiple sources, a private call between committee member and former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger (D-IL) in late November touched upon the potential for Trump's retribution and the need for legal protection. At that time, some committee members argued that they were already protected by the Speech or Debate Clause, a constitutional privilege that shields lawmakers from executive-branch action over legitimate legislative activities, but others still believed the threat of retaliation was too significant to ignore.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the chairman of the Jan. 6 committee, confirmed that he had spoken with the White House counsel's office about the prospect of pardons.

"I believe Donald Trump when he says he's going to inflict retribution on this," Thompson said on Monday, Jan. 13. "I believe when he says my name and Liz Cheney and the others. I believe him." Thompson, who was recently awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by outgoing President Joe Biden, said he would accept a pardon if offered. The committee's vice chair, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), is also a potential target of Trump's alleged retaliation. (Related: GOP report exposes Jan. 6 committee's failures, calls for criminal probe of Liz Cheney.)

"A lot of people have said if this guy [Trump] said he's going to do things, believe him. If the president offered a pardon based on the work of the committee, Bennie Thompson would accept it," Thompson said.

Other Jan. 6 committee members rebuff White House over pardon talks

Despite the confirmation of Thompson, other several key members of the Jan. 6 select committee have stated that they have not had any contact with the White House regarding potential pardons for their involvement in the investigation into the Capitol riot.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), a member of the committee, emphasized that it is up to the president to decide whether to take action. However, she has not initiated any communication with the White House on this matter. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and another committee member, expressed a similar sentiment. He stated that he has not sought a pardon or engaged in discussions with the White House regarding one.

"[I] have not sought a pardon. [I] have not talked to anyone in the White House related to a pardon. I stand by the work that we did. We didn't do anything wrong. I don't think a pardon is necessary," Aguilar, said during a press briefing in the Capitol. "We committed to do a process together  to shine light on exactly what happened on Jan. 6, and the lead up and the president's role in thwarting a peaceful transfer of power. That's exactly what we did and we stand by that work product. I'm not aware of any conversations with the White House related to that."

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who served on the committee, also voiced concerns about the implications of pardons for committee members. He stated that he does not want to see future presidents issuing broad pardons as a matter of course.

Head over to Trump.news for more stories like this.

Watch this Fox News clip from Sunday featuring Vice President-elect J.D. Vance discussing the incoming administration's plans for presidential pardons.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Pete Hegseth vows to reinstate members of the military discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth pledged to reinstate thousands of military personnel discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, restoring their ranks and providing back pay, aligning with President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises.

Over 8,400 troops were discharged under the Pentagons COVID-19 vaccine mandate, with the Marine Corps experiencing the highest number of dismissals at 3,717 troops discharged.

Hegseths plan could cost hundreds of millions in back pay, with uncertainty about how many discharged personnel would return to service after years in civilian life.

Critics warn the plan could undermine military discipline and set a precedent for future vaccine mandates, while supporters see it as correcting Pentagon overreach.

During his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth vowed to reinstate the thousands of military personnel discharged for refusing the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

Hegseth said he would reinstate these military personnel, restore their previous ranks and give them back pay for the months or years they lost  a proposal that aligns with President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises. (Related: The DEMOCRAT DIE-OFF is coming thanks to mass COVID-19 vaccination.)

Hegseth, a former National Guard officer and conservative commentator, made the commitment under questioning from Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN), who asked whether he would "recruit these folks back" with full compensation.

"I will commit to this because the Commander in Chief has committed to this," Hegseth responded. "Not only will they be reinstated, they will receive an apology, back pay and rank that they lost because they were forced out due to an experimental vaccine."

The Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, implemented in August 2021 under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, required all service members to receive the vaccine with limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

By the time the mandate was rescinded in January 2023, more than 8,400 troops had been discharged for refusing the order. The Marine Corps, the smallest branch of the military, bore the brunt of the separations, with 3,717 Marines dismissed. The Navy, Army and Air Force discharged 2,041, 1,841,and 834 personnel, respectively.

While the mandate was in effect, Pentagon officials defended it as a lawful order critical to maintaining military readiness and protecting the health of the armed forces.

At the time, vaccination rates among active-duty personnel exceeded 98 percent in most branches, with slightly lower rates in the National Guard and reserve units. Critics, however, argued that the policy was overly punitive and exacerbated recruitment challenges at a time when the military was already struggling to meet its enlistment goals.

Critics warn of implications of Hegseth's mass reinstatement plan

If confirmed, Hegseth's plan to reinstate discharged troops could have significant financial and logistical implications. Back pay alone could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and it remains unclear how many of the affected individuals would be willing or able to return to military service after years in civilian life.

Pentagon leaders previously established a process for discharged personnel to reapply for service after the mandate was lifted, but only a few dozen pursued the opportunity, according to Defense Department statistics.

The proposal also raises questions about military discipline and the precedent it sets for future vaccine mandates. Military personnel are required to receive more than a dozen vaccines as part of their standard onboarding process, but the COVID-19 mandate became uniquely contentious due to its timing and the politicization of the pandemic.

Hegseth's nomination, which is expected to be voted on by the Senate in the coming days, has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters view his pledge as a necessary corrective to what they see as an overreach by Pentagon leadership, while opponents argue it undermines the principle of following lawful orders.

As the military continues to grapple with recruitment shortfalls and evolving public health challenges, Hegseth's promise underscores the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. defense policy.

Whether his plan will bolster military readiness or deepen divisions within the ranks remains to be seen. For now, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between public health, politics and the demands of military service in an increasingly polarized nation.

Watch this episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses the results of Congress' investigation into COVID-19 pandemic policies.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The U.S. military, creator of the COVID VACCINE, already knew since 2016 that IVERMECTIN was the BEST product to use in the event of a pandemic.

Report finds U.S. military violated rules in handling COVID-19 vaccine mandate exemption requests.

Active-duty and retired military members call for accountability over harms caused by VACCINE MANDATES in open letter.

Over 200 service members demand accountability for how COVID-19 vaccine mandates violated their rights.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

MilitaryTimes.com

BusinessInsider.com

Brighteon.com
Researchers conduct human clinical trials for experimental malaria vaccine using genetically modified MOSQUITOES

Researchers in the Netherlands are conducting human clinical trials for a malaria vaccine delivered by genetically modified mosquitoes, sparking debate over its ethical implications and potential risks.

Early results claim that recipients of the experimental vaccine delivered strong immunity in 89 percent of trial participants after being bitten by mosquitoes carrying a genetically modified malaria parasite that can't cause illness.

Critics warn of risks such as mass "vaccination" without consent, unintended ecological consequences, and potential side effects from exposure to genetically modified mosquitoes.

Similar experiments using genetically modified mosquitoes for vaccine delivery have faced limited success and significant ethical and practical hurdles, highlighting the complexity of this approach.

Researchers in the Netherlands have launched human clinical trials for a malaria vaccine delivered by genetically modified mosquitoes.

While the approach has been hailed as innovative by some, it has also ignited a firestorm of debate over its ethical implications and potential risks. The trials, conducted at two university medical centers, represent a radical departure from traditional vaccination methods, raising questions about the boundaries of scientific experimentation and the potential consequences of tampering with nature.

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, claim some initial success in generating immunity to malaria, a disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually, primarily in Africa. (Related: Bill Gates, WHO announce plans to send Africa millions of malaria "vaccines" that actually cause an INCREASE in disease.)

However, the unconventional method of delivery  using live mosquitoes to transmit genetically modified parasites  has drawn sharp criticism from experts and ethicists who warn of unforeseen dangers.

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Researchers at Leiden University Medical Center and Radboud University have genetically altered this parasite, disabling a key gene that allows it to cause illness. The modified parasite can still infect humans but cannot complete its life cycle in the liver, preventing the onset of malaria symptoms.

In the trials, participants were bitten by mosquitoes carrying the modified parasite, effectively delivering the vaccine through the insects' saliva. The goal is to trigger a robust immune response in the liver, where the parasite typically multiplies, without causing disease.

Early results showed that 89 percent of participants who received the modified vaccine developed immunity, compared to just 13 percent in the control group.

Critics argue that the approach is fraught with risks, particularly if the genetically modified mosquitoes were to be released into the wild. The use of mosquitoes as vaccine delivery systems has sparked intense ethical debate.

For now, the trials in the Netherlands remain a contentious chapter in the fight against malaria

Dr. Peter McCullough, a prominent critic of the trials, has called for an immediate halt to such research, warning that it crosses dangerous ethical boundaries. He argues that releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the environment could lead to mass vaccination of populations without their consent, stripping individuals of their right to choose and exposing them to unknown risks.

Moreover, the trials have already reported side effects in participants, though the specifics remain undisclosed. Critics fear that uncontrolled exposure to genetically modified mosquitoes could amplify these risks, particularly in regions where malaria is endemic. The potential for unintended consequences  such as the spread of modified parasites to non-target populations or the disruption of ecosystems  adds another layer of concern.

Watch this video warning that former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Deborah Birx is preparing to mandate mosquito vaccines.

This video is from the World Alternative Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

A more serious and deadly malaria has been identified in the DR Congo: Are GMO mosquitoes creating new mutations?

Bill Gates' GMO mosquitoes unleash 400% increase in dengue fever in Brazil  now they're begging for his VACCINES to stop the outbreak.

DEPOP OP: Bill Gates once again pushing deadly malaria vaccines on world's poorest countries.

Dengue vaccine does NOT protect against the disease but actually puts you at HIGHER RISK of contracting it.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

AlJazeera.com

MedTour.help

Brighteon.com
Exposing U.S. biolabs in Ukraine: A Pandoras box of corruption and danger

U.S.-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine have sparked controversy, raising questions about government transparency, national security and potential catastrophic consequences.

Critics, including Tucker Carlson and Tulsi Gabbard, have raised concerns about the true purpose of the labs, potential misuse of pathogens and lack of transparency surrounding their operations.

The existence of these labs has become a focal point in the ongoing information war between the U.S. and Russia, with Russian officials accusing the U.S. of developing bioweapons in Ukraine.

The Biden administration has acknowledged potential risks and is working with Ukraine to secure the facilities, but critics argue that more transparency and accountability are needed.

The controversy highlights the broader issue of government secrecy and the dangers of unchecked power, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in government programs.

The revelation of U.S.-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine has sparked a firestorm of controversy, raising questions about government transparency, national security and the potential for catastrophic consequences. As the war in Ukraine rages on, the existence of these labs  and the lack of accountability surrounding them  has become a focal point for critics of U.S. foreign policy and government overreach.

The shadowy world of Ukrainian biolabs

For years, the Pentagon has invested over $200 million in Ukraine through its Biological Threat Reduction Program, an initiative ostensibly aimed at dismantling weapons of mass destruction and preventing the spread of dangerous pathogens. According to the U.S., these 46 laboratories are focused on public health and veterinary research, studying diseases like African Swine Fever and bird-carried viruses. However, critics argue that the true purpose of these facilities is far more sinister.

Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, in a recent interview with journalist Michael Shellenberger, raised alarming questions about the labs. Carlson highlighted the potential for these facilities to house dangerous pathogens, some of which were once part of the Soviet Unions bioweapons program. He pointed out that the Ukrainian military has been accused of selling U.S.-supplied weapons on the black market, raising concerns about what might be happening with the biological materials stored in these labs.

What are they doing with the pathogens in those bio labs? Carlson asked. Does the Biden administration have a manifest? Do they know exactly whats in those labs? And will they turn it over to the Trump administration? The answer is no.

The lack of transparency surrounding these labs has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories. While the U.S. government insists that the facilities are purely for peaceful research, critics argue that the potential for misuse  whether by Ukraine, Russia or even the U.S.  cannot be ignored.

A propaganda war with real-world consequences

The controversy over the Ukrainian biolabs has become a flashpoint in the ongoing information war between the U.S. and Russia. Russian officials have repeatedly accused the U.S. of developing bioweapons in Ukraine, using these claims to justify their invasion. While these allegations have been dismissed by the U.S. and its allies as disinformation, the existence of the labs has provided fertile ground for Russian propaganda.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has also weighed in on the issue, raising concerns about the safety of the labs in a war zone. Gabbard, who has faced criticism for her comments, emphasized that her concerns are not about bioweapons but about the potential for dangerous pathogens to escape if the labs are breached.

Im concerned about the existence of the 25+ biological labs in that war zone, Gabbard said. If those labs are breached, then we in the world are facing a potential future of pandemics.

Gabbards remarks have been seized upon by Russian state media, further complicating the narrative. While her concerns are valid, they have been weaponized by the Kremlin to advance its own agenda. This highlights the dangerous intersection of legitimate criticism and disinformation in the modern media landscape.

The broader implications of government secrecy

At the heart of this controversy is a broader issue: the lack of transparency and accountability in government programs. The U.S. has been open about its funding of the Ukrainian labs, but details about their operations and the specific pathogens they house remain shrouded in secrecy. This opacity has fueled distrust and speculation, undermining public confidence in government institutions.

The Biden administration has dismissed Russian claims about bioweapons as disinformation, but it has also acknowledged the potential risks posed by the labs. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland testified before Congress that the U.S. is working with Ukraine to prevent Russian forces from gaining control of the facilities.

We are working with the Ukrainians on how they can prevent any of those research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces should they approach, Nuland said.

While this statement underscores the seriousness of the situation, it also raises questions about why these labs were not secured before the Russian invasion. The failure to address these risks in a timely manner reflects a broader pattern of government incompetence and negligence.

A call for accountability

The controversy over the Ukrainian biolabs is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked government power. Whether these facilities are conducting peaceful research or something more nefarious, the lack of transparency surrounding them is deeply troubling. In a world where information is weaponized and trust in institutions is eroding, accountability is more important than ever.

As the war in Ukraine continues, the U.S. must take steps to address the legitimate concerns raised by critics like Tucker Carlson and Tulsi Gabbard. This includes providing a full accounting of the labs activities, securing dangerous pathogens and ensuring that these facilities are not used for purposes that could destabilize the region or endanger global health.

The stakes could not be higher. If the U.S. fails to act, the Ukrainian biolabs could become a Pandoras box of corruption, danger and unintended consequences. The time for transparency and accountability is now  before its too late.

Sources include:

SHTFplan.com

Fpri.org

DefenseThreatReductionAgency.mil
China's GDP grew 5 percent year on year in 2024. A former German official said that China's economic growth far exceeded expectations in a recent interview with Xinhua.
This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows a square near the pier of Puerto Colombia, Colombia.

Construction of Puerto Colombia began in 1888 and the city's pier was put to use in 1893. Puerto Colombia went through gradual decline with the development of the nearby Port of Barranquilla, and its pier was officially decommissioned in 1943.

In the past decade or so, the Colombian government has renovated parts of the city's eroded pier. The city thus found renewed vitality as its historical, cultural and tourism values were further explored. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping)

People enjoy their leisure time at the seaside in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, Jan. 3, 2025.

Construction of Puerto Colombia began in 1888 and the city's pier was put to use in 1893. Puerto Colombia went through gradual decline with the development of the nearby Port of Barranquilla, and its pier was officially decommissioned in 1943.

In the past decade or so, the Colombian government has renovated parts of the city's eroded pier. The city thus found renewed vitality as its historical, cultural and tourism values were further explored. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping)

A tourist walks past a photographer statue in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, Jan. 3, 2025.

Construction of Puerto Colombia began in 1888 and the city's pier was put to use in 1893. Puerto Colombia went through gradual decline with the development of the nearby Port of Barranquilla, and its pier was officially decommissioned in 1943.

In the past decade or so, the Colombian government has renovated parts of the city's eroded pier. The city thus found renewed vitality as its historical, cultural and tourism values were further explored. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping)

Tourists look at the statue of a Chinese woman in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, Jan. 3, 2025.

Construction of Puerto Colombia began in 1888 and the city's pier was put to use in 1893. Puerto Colombia went through gradual decline with the development of the nearby Port of Barranquilla, and its pier was officially decommissioned in 1943.

In the past decade or so, the Colombian government has renovated parts of the city's eroded pier. The city thus found renewed vitality as its historical, cultural and tourism values were further explored. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping)

Tourists sit next to a sailor statue in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, Jan. 3, 2025.

Construction of Puerto Colombia began in 1888 and the city's pier was put to use in 1893. Puerto Colombia went through gradual decline with the development of the nearby Port of Barranquilla, and its pier was officially decommissioned in 1943.

In the past decade or so, the Colombian government has renovated parts of the city's eroded pier. The city thus found renewed vitality as its historical, cultural and tourism values were further explored. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping)

This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows a view of the pier of Puerto Colombia, Colombia.

Construction of Puerto Colombia began in 1888 and the city's pier was put to use in 1893. Puerto Colombia went through gradual decline with the development of the nearby Port of Barranquilla, and its pier was officially decommissioned in 1943.

In the past decade or so, the Colombian government has renovated parts of the city's eroded pier. The city thus found renewed vitality as its historical, cultural and tourism values were further explored. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping)
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Delhi School Admissions 2025: First Merit List Released For Nursery, KG And Class 1

Published By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:43 IST

The Delhi Directorate of Education will open a query resolution window from January 18 to January 27.

The first merit list for nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions in Delhi's private schools is out, with most schools selecting over 150 students. (Representative Image)

The first merit list for nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions in private schools has been published, with most schools selecting more than 150 students. A total of 1,741 schools released their merit and waiting lists on Friday.

Delhi Public School, East of Kailash, has shortlisted 108 candidates, with 245 on the waiting list. Likewise, Vikas Bharati Public School, Vasant Kunj, has selected 140 students and placed 20 on the waiting list.

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Sudha Acharya, the principal of ILT Public School, Dwarka said 97 candidates have been selected in the first round and 53 are on the wait list, reported news agency PTI.

Namita Singhal, the principal of Venkateshwar Global School, Rohini told PTI that 108 students have been shortlisted, with nine on the waiting list.

The Delhi Directorate of Education will open a query resolution window from January 18 to January 27. If required, a second merit list will be released on February 3, with a query resolution facility available from February 5 to February 11.

Registrations for nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions in private unaided recognised schools closed on January 3, 2025.

As part of the process, 25 percent of seats are reserved for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Disadvantaged Groups (DG), and children with disabilities.

Students with an annual family income of less than Rs 5 lakh are eligible under the EWS category. The deadline to apply for these reserved seats is February 19, 2025, and the first draw of lots for shortlisted candidates will be released on March 3, 2025.

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The selection process uses a points-based system, with different criteria assigned specific scores. The highest priority is given to proximity to the school, emphasizing the importance of geographical location in admissions. Other factors include having siblings already enrolled, alumni connections, or specific considerations like being a firstborn, a girl child, or from a single-parent family.

However, parental qualifications, occupation, and financial status are intentionally excluded from the process. Schools have the flexibility to determine and assign points to each criterion as they choose. Some institutions also offer special provisions for certain groups, such as Sikh and Christian minorities or economically disadvantaged families.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 13:12 IST
HONG KONG, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has recently met with the consul-generals of Thailand and Myanmar, and adjusted the travel alert level for southeastern regions of Myanmar, in response to concerns that Hong Kong residents suspected of being trapped in Southeast Asian countries.

Since the second quarter of 2024, there have been signs of a resurgence in the situation where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work, according to the HKSAR government.

In view of recent developments, the HKSAR government on Friday raised the outbound travel alert level for the southeastern regions of Myanmar to red, signaling "significant threat".

The Security Bureau of the HKSAR government also updated the outbound travel alert webpage regarding supplementary information for Cambodia to remind residents to exercise caution and beware of overseas job scams.

Meanwhile, following the meeting with the consul-general of Thailand in Hong Kong, Chris Tang Ping-keung, secretary for security of the HKSAR government, met with the consul-general of Myanmar in Hong Kong, with a commitment to following up on the relevant request-for-assistance cases.

On Friday, Tang shared with the consul-general of Myanmar in Hong Kong the results of the dedicated task force of the Hong Kong side, comprising members from the Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department, which departed for Thailand earlier to follow up on relevant cases.

The two sides also exchanged views, shared information on the issue, and discussed strengthening future follow-up work. Tang received positive feedback, with all parties expressing hope to assist more assistance seekers in returning to Hong Kong safely as soon as possible.

Over the past few days, with the assistance of the Security Bureau and other agencies, three Hong Kong residents have safely returned from Myanmar.

The Security Bureau confirmed on Jan. 16 that a Hong Kong man, who was held captive in Southeast Asia, has safely returned to Hong Kong. The 25-year-old man was one of the 12 Hong Kong residents who had previously been trapped in Southeast Asia.

On Jan. 15, the Hong Kong Police Force told a press conference that they arrested a 32-year-old Hong Kong woman on charges of conspiracy to defraud. The woman was suspected of luring two other Hong Kong women to Southeast Asian countries to engage in fraudulent activities.

In August 2022, the Security Bureau of the HKSAR government established a dedicated task force to coordinate follow-up work on the cases by relevant law enforcement departments.

Since 2024 to date, law enforcement agencies have received a total of 28 requests for assistance in relation to Hong Kong residents alleging to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and have been unable to leave. Seventeen of them have already returned. The dedicated task force will continue to follow up on the remaining 11 cases.

"My team and I will continue to follow up on the cases, hoping that every Hong Kong resident can safely return home," Tang said on social media. 
Delhi Schools To Resume Physical Classes After CAQM Rolls Back GRAP-IV Restrictions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 15:55 IST

DoE has directed all the schools in Delhi to resume physical classes immediately after CAQM lifts GRAP-IV air quality restrictions.

Delhi schools will resume physical classes. (Representative/File Photo)

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has ordered all Delhi schools to resume physical classes with immediate effect." This decision follows the rollback of GRAP-IV by the Centres Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi-NCRs air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas issued an order on January 17, 2025, effectively lifting the air quality measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

As a result, all government, government-aided, unaided recognized private schools under the Directorate of Education (DoE), NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board will now resume in-person classes, with immediate effect.

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The decision comes after the government had previously issued a circular on January 16, 2025, outlining guidelines for alternate arrangements due to poor air quality.

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The Stage 4 curbs include a ban on all construction activities, entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and mandatory shifting of school classes, except for classes 10 and 12, to hybrid mode. However, with the air quality improving, those guidelines have now been revoked.

Delhi announced winter vacation for all the schools in the national capital until January 15, 2025. In the wake of a cold wave in the national capital, the administration extended the winter vacation in the citys private schools till the same date. The school in the national capital were slated to resume on January 16 however, the DoE directed the schools to conduct online classes for up to class 9 and class 11 due to the deteriorating air quality. However, with the improvement in the AQI of the city, the administration has instructed all school heads to promptly inform students, staff, and parents about the resumption of physical classes.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 15:16 IST
IIT-KGP Student Death: Authorities Urge Hostel Inmates To Use Counselling Mechanism During Exigency

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 11:20 IST

The students have been asked to report any unusual behaviour of their batchmates, or symptoms of mental stress.

IIT-Kharagpur officials urged students to utilize available counseling services and report any signs of mental distress in fellow students. (File Photo)

IIT-Kharagpur acting director Amit Patra has held two more meetings with student representatives to emphasise that the institute is always ready to offer support to boarders suffering any form of mental anxiety, days after an inmate was found dead in a hostel room, an official said.

Patra met students union representatives on Tuesday and Wednesday to drive home the message that the institute is by their side in every situation of mental stress, he said.

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The acting director met the students representatives to discuss matters related to their welfare. We have asked them to tell every student member of the IIT family that they should use the counselling mechanism during any exigency," the institute official said.

The institute also sent an advisory on Tuesday, urging students to stand together as a community" and come to the aid of anyone struggling with grief or any emotional anguish".

The advisory called upon anyone, faced with depression, "to share feelings and concerns" with the counsellors at hand to "navigate" through the situation.

A third-year student of Electrical Engineering, Shaon Malik, was found dead inside his hostel room at the institute on Sunday morning.

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The students have also been asked to report any unusual behaviour of their batchmates, symptoms of mental stress or if they were faced with any crisis situation, to higher authorities and take them to a counsellor if required, the official said.

Patra had met representatives of Technology Students Gymkhana on Monday. The institute has also formed a committee to probe Maliks death.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 11:20 IST
Rahul Gandhi Visits BPSC Protest Site In Patna, Assures Full Support To Students

Curated By :

PTI

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 21:57 IST

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi squatted in the midst of young men and women who have been carrying on their 'dharna under a makeshift tent.

Rahul Gandhi visits students protesting against alleged irregularities in BPSC exams. (Image: X/@RahulGandhi)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday threw his weight behind the protests against alleged irregularities in BPSC exams, by visiting the site of the nearly a month-old agitation here and spending several minutes with aggrieved students.

After Gandhi winded up his pre-decided engagements, during which he also made a veiled reference to the protests with the remark "Bihar has been converted into a centre of paper leaks", a delegation of students called on him at a hotel.

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The delegation urged him to visit Gardani Bagh where several aspirants have been on a round-the-clock protest seeking cancellation of Combined Competitive Exam held last month.

Suman Saurabh, a student from Sitamarhi, who was part of the delegation, told PTI video, "We urged Rahul Gandhi to visit Gardani Bagh which is our dharmabhoomi and karmabhoomi. He said he will take some time off. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he is known to the entire nation and his support means a lot to us."

Gandhi squatted in the midst of young men and women who have been carrying on their dharna under a makeshift tent.

He was seen patiently listening to the candidates who raised slogans "We want a re-exam" and also highlighted their anguish over the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar failing to give them a hearing."

City-based popular tutor Ramanshu sir, who has been lending his support to the protests, sat next to Gandhi and showed him on a mobile phone video clips of the lathi charge on students last month, when police had used water cannons besides charging with batons to disperse a crowd that had gathered at the historical Gandhi Maidan despite warnings to the contrary by the administration.

"The lathi charge reminded me of the British Raj, when those demanding freedom were tied to mortar shells and blown up. We apprised Rahul Gandhi of these happenings. He has assured us that he will raise the matter in Delhi, inside the Parliament, as well as on other platforms," the teacher said.

Another protester, who could not reach close to Gandhi, could be heard screaming from afar. When the former Congress president turned his gaze in that direction, the distraught youngster said, "We have been suffering untold hardships at the hands of the insensitive state government. On the date of exam, the Patna DM had slapped a student. The lathi charge has been spoken about. A few days ago, we suffered more humiliation at the hands of the state machinery."

"A group of students had decided to submit a memorandum to the chief minister, who has been unwilling to meet a delegation here despite repeated requests, while he was on a tour of Samastipur. Members of various students bodies like AISA and NSUI were part of the group which was shoved like cattle by the police personnel who made sure that we could not reach the site of the CM," alleged the student.

Gandhi later came out with a strongly worded statement, on his X handle, voicing support for the protesting students.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi claims Bihar is being propelled forward by a double engine. But it is, in fact, a failed engine running over the dreams of poor, hard-working students", Gandhi wrote in Hindi.

He also urged the Bihar Chief Minister to meet the protesting students and "give a serious thought to their demands" and warned, using the imagery of Mahabharata "todays Eklavya cannot be made to cut off his own thumb".

Notably, over four lakh candidates had appeared for the exams at more than 900 centres across the state on December 13 when hundreds boycotted the test alleging that question papers had been leaked.

The BPSC denied the allegations but ordered re-examination for more than 12,000 candidates who had been assigned Bapu Pariksha Parisar in the city, evoking resentment among other aspirants who have contended that they were being deprived of a "level playing field".

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Political players of various hues have lent their support to the demand for a re-examination. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has extended legal help to candidates who have moved the Patna High Court seeking cancellation of the exams. He also ended two week long fast two days ago as it became clear that the chief minister was unmoved by his plea for a dialogue with the students.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had visited Gardani Bagh last month and makes it a point to target the government over the BPSC issue in his interactions with the media.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 21:56 IST
Delhi Polls: Kejriwal Announces 'Gamechanger' Free Electricity, Water Scheme For Tenants

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:28 IST

Kejriwal assured that if AAP is voted to power, it will ensure free electricity and water for tenants, which he said will be extremely beneficial for "our Purvanchal brothers".

Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announcing a new scheme for tenants. (PTI Image)

With weeks left to go for the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a series of guarantees for tenants in the national capital, including free electricity and water.

Across Delhi, we have provided free electricity and water to residents. However, it is unfortunate that tenants do not get these benefits. Today, I want to announce that after the elections, if our government is formed, we will introduce a system ensuring tenants also receive free electricity and water," he said during a press conference today.

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Kejriwal did not elaborate on why tenants do not receive these benefits. He said that tenants have often praised Delhis schools, hospitals and free bus services, but they have expressed anguish over not receiving free electricity and water services that other residents get.

VIDEO | Delhi elections: Heres what AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) said announcing free electricity and water for tenants:Across Delhi, we have provided free electricity and water to residents. However, it is unfortunate that tenants do not get these pic.twitter.com/Cnzn0o7yp6  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 18, 2025

This guarantee came a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the first part of its election manifesto on Friday for the Delhi Assembly polls. The Sankalp Patra" by BJP president JP Nadda promised Rs 21,000 for pregnant women, implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme and increase of senior citizen pensions.

All the schemes which are running in Delhi will continue under BJP in Delhi. We will eliminate all scopes of corruption on which the AAPda party thrives. We made 500 promises in 2014, we delivered 499. In 2019, we made 235, we completed 225.," Nadda said.

Seeking a third consecutive term, the AAP has built its campaign around its welfare initiatives, presenting free utilities and improved public services as its core strengths.

Kejriwals Focus On Purvanchalis

Speaking further, he said, I want to congratulate all tenants. This will be a huge step. Most tenants in Delhi are from Purvanchal, who are very poor. They are greatly affected when they dont receive government subsidies." He also said the scheme would be greatly beneficial for our Purvanchali brothers".

Kejriwals latest outreach can be seen as an effort to gain Purvanchali votes, which became the latest flashpoint in the tussle between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the latter accused Kejriwal of insulting the community. The former Delhi CM had accused the party of getting Purvanchali and Dalit names deleted from electoral rolls.

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The term Purvanchali refers to people from East UP and Bihar, who contribute significantly to Delhis population and can influence the outcome of the upcoming elections. A large share of the community lives in unauthorised colonies across the national capital, leading a race between the two major parties to woo voters.

Earlier, Kejriwal and CM Atishi met the Election Commissioners on Thursday and alleged that there is some wrongdoing" in the voter lists. Kejriwal alleged that the people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are being brought in to create fake votes", prompting strong reactions from BJP leaders, some of whom who protested outside his residence citing insulyt to the Purvanchali community.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 12:44 IST
No Fish, Meat Or Any Non-Veg Food To Be Sold In Bengaluru's Yelahanka For A Month | Here's Why

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 15:55 IST

The BBMP had issued several directives ahead of the Aero India 2025, which will feature aviation displays and activities between February 10 to 14.

The Aero India 2025 will take place in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14. (PTI Image)

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Saturday issued a notice prohibiting the sale of meat, fish, and non-vegetarian items within a 13 km radius of Air Force Station Yelahanka from January 23 to February 17, 2025, due to the Aero India-2025 show.

It is intimated that Aero India-2025 show is scheduled to be held at Airforce station Yelahanka from 10.02.2025 to 14.02.2025. On account of this, it is to the notice of general public and proprietors of meat stalls, non-vegetarian hotels/restaurants for closure of all meat/chicken/fish shops and prohibition on serving/sale of non-vegetarian dishes within 13 km radius of Airforce station Yelahanka from 23rd January 2025 to 17th February 2025," the BBMP said in a statement.

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Karnataka | Aero India-2025 show will be held at Airforce station Yelahanka from Feb 10 to 14. Due to this, sale of non-veg food is prohibited within 13 km radius of the Airforce station from Jan 23 to Feb 17: BBMP pic.twitter.com/aiDFzkdVOl ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

This step has been taken as a safety precaution to avoid bird hits during the aeroplane practice sessions. Predator birds, particularly eagles, feed on leftover food and meat waste, which is why authorities aim to keep them off the skies to prevent any mishaps.

Any violation of this will attract punishment under BBMP Act 2020 and Indian Aircraft rules 1937 rule 91," reads the BBMP notification.

Bengaluru has been hosting Aero India, Asias biggest air show, since its inception in 1996. This year too, the Aero India-2025 will take place at the Yelahanka Air Force Station from February 10 to 14. Indian Air Force jets and helicopter aerobatics teams will participate in the event.

The five-day event comprises a curtain raiser event, inaugural event, Defence Ministers Conclave, CEOs Round-Table, iDEX start-up event, breath-taking air shows, a large exhibition area comprising India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies. The broad theme is The Runway to a Billion Opportunities, according to an official statement.

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The event will provide a platform for forging partnerships between foreign and Indian firms and the discovery of newer avenues in the global value chain to accelerate the indigenisation process. Various ministers, officials and business delegations will attend the event and seek newer areas of collaboration.

The BBMP had earlier directed that the height of cranes used in construction within a 10-kilometre radius of the Yelahanka Air Force Station should be reduced and all crane activities should be halted between February 1 and 14.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 15:44 IST
Five Months On, Will Abhaya Finally Get Justice? Verdict Today In RG Kar Rape & Murder Case

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 10:27 IST

Judge Anirban Das of the Sealdah Court is expected to pronounce his judgment in the horrific case that saw the arrest of the accused --- civic volunteer Sanjay Roy --- within 24 hours

Protesting junior doctors demand action in RG Kar rape and murder case. (File Image/PTI)

On August 9, 2024, a young trainee doctor, exhausted after a 36-hour shift, decided to rest in the seminar hall of her hospital  a decision that cost her her life. Abhaya, as she is now known in the nations collective consciousness, was brutally raped and murdered in Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital, triggering a massive uprising in not just the state but across the country as people took to the roads demanding justice.

Five months later, Judge Anirban Das of the Sealdah Court is expected to pronounce his judgment in the horrific case that saw the arrest of the accused  civic volunteer Sanjay Roy  within 24 hours. If found guilty, Roys quantum of punishment could be announced the next day.

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The case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which arrested RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and Tala Thana OC Abhijit Mondal, accusing them of being involved in a larger conspiracy. However, the two were released on bail in the absence of sufficient evidence.

ALSO READ | RG Kar Rape-Murder Verdict On January 18: What Do Doctors Who Went On Hunger Strike, Protesters Expect?

The RG Kar case brought Bengals ordinary citizens to the roads as they demanded justice for the young woman. On August 14, as the streets reverberated with protests, some miscreants attacked the hospital and ransacked the emergency wing.

This provoked the agitating students further who went on a hunger strike, seeking the strongest punishment for Ghosh and the removal of the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

ALSO READ | Abhayas Parents Ahead Of RG Kar Verdict: Want Death Penalty For Roy, Suspect More People Were Involved

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The parents of Abhaya, meanwhile, expressed lack of faith in the probe and approached the Calcutta High Court as well as the Supreme Court. On Saturday, students of RG Kar will gather outside the court with several questions that they claim are still unanswered in the case.

For now, all eyes will be on the Sealdah Court as the country waits for justice with bated breath.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 10:23 IST
'I Have Rudraksh...': How RG Rape-Murder Case Accused Defended Himself In Kolkata Court

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 15:34 IST

Kolkata RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: During the pronoucement of the judgement in Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital Rape-Murder Case, accused Sanjay Roy kept pleading that he is innocent

Kolkata doctor rape-murder accused Sanjay Roy has been found guilty by the court. | Image/File

Kolkata RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: In the horrific, Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital Rape-Murder Case, Kolkata court delivered its judgement on Saturday and pronounced accused Sanjay Roy guilty of rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor.

Before the judgement was pronounced, Roy pleaded innocence in the court and kept on saying They are framing me..They are framing me Sir..".

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He said that the real criminals are roaming free" out of the court while standing in the witness box.

He said that he had rudraksh mala with him at that time and it was not possible for him to commit such an act otherwise the necklace would have broken.

After the court delivered its judgement, Roy was seen crying when he was being taken out of court.

The sources told News18 that Sanjoy Roy was mum yesterday in his lock-up and only spoke when his lawyer came to meet him.

Court Holds Sanjay Roy Guilty Of Rape

The Kolkata Court held accused Sanjay Roy guilty of rape and murder in the RG Kar Hospital Rape-Murder Case.

The judge said You must be punished" and added that the quantum of punishment will be announced on Monday.

The court said that it relied on forensic reports which pointed towards the involvement of Sanjay Roy, placing his DNA at the scene and on the person of the deceased doctor.

The judge, while pronouncing the judgement, said, And the way you throttled the victim, you can be given death or imprisonment."

He said that BNS Section 64 has at least 10 years of imprisonment and Section 66 has 25 years or life imprisonment or a death sentence.

The quantum will be given on Monday. My observation by the evidence given by the CBI. You are sent to jail today," said the judge.

He added that all the evidence proves that Sanjay Roy is guilty of offences under Section 64 (Rape) and 103 (Murder).

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On August 9, 2024, a postgraduate medical trainees alleged rape and murder sent shockwaves across the country after her body was found in a hospital seminar room.

The police had arrested Sanjay Roy who was a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 15:06 IST
Ousted From Juna Akhada? IIT Baba Makes Abrupt Exit From Maha Kumbh

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 23:24 IST

IIT Baba At Mahakumbh: Amid Abhey Singh's disappearance, ashram sadhus expressed that he was grappling with increasing mental stress due to continuous media interactions and controversies over some of his remarks.

Abhey Singh spent four years studying aerospace engineering. (Photo Credit/ 'X')

The IITian Baba who gained immense fame at Maha Kumbh 2025, taking place in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj, has abruptly made an exit from the once-in-12-year event. This comes after the videos of engineer-turned-saint Abhey Singhs interaction with media went viral.

As his whereabouts remain unknown, the spiritual world is abuzz with his disappearance news.

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For the unversed, Abhey Singh is a former aerospace engineer from IIT Bombay who later embraced the spiritual life of a saint. He is also referred to as IITian Baba or IIT Baba by many.

It is learnt that the IIT Baba" left the Maha Kumbh and the Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara in Prayagraj on Thursday. His sudden exit from the spiritual event has left both the ashram sadhus and his family in a state of concern.

His parents, including his father Karan Singh  an advocate and former head of the Jhajjar Bar Association  arrived at the Ashram the same night looking for him, only to find out he had already left to an unknown location.

Notably, Abhey Singh has been maintaining a distance from his family for the past six months and all the efforts by his family requesting him to return home has remain unfruitful.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by News18.com (@cnnnews18)

Friction Within Akhada Over IIT Babas Popularity?

Amid Singhs disappearance, ashram sadhus expressed that he was grappling with increasing mental stress due to continuous media interactions and controversies over some of his remarks.

Some reports even quoted sadhus as saying that due to stress, he had started taking drugs and gave interviews in that condition.

They said he was unable to cope with the situation so he decided to leave the ashram. Further, Singh has also switched off his phone, cutting contact with his devotees and media personnel.

However, the exact reason of Singhs exit from the the Kumbh is unknown but many are speculating that the ashram sadhus were not content with his conduct.

The Juna Akhada, one of the largest and most influential sects of Hindu ascetics, sticks to strict traditions and rituals regarding public appearances and media interactions. As per media reports, the IIT Babas rising popularity on social media platforms led to a friction within the Akhada as senior saints, who alone are traditionally permitted to engage with the media, reportedly viewed his viral presence as a breach of protocol.

Who is IIT Baba Abhey Singh?

Originating from Haryana, Abhey Singhs distinctive journey stands out amidst the myriad of spiritual stories at the Maha Kumbh Mela. After exploring various academic paths, Singh found his true calling in spirituality.

Abhey Singh spent four years at IIT Bombay, earning his engineering degree, but after graduation, he chose to abandon his promising career in science. He transitioned into the arts by pursuing a Masters in Design. During this time, Singh developed a deep passion for photography, which became a major turning point in his career. He shared that this shift in focus led to a profound change in his philosophy about life. His social media posts reflect his love for the magic of art and the powerful messages conveyed through pictures and paintings.

Despite his hesitations, Abhey Singh worked in the corporate sector for a few years, only to find that his true calling lay somewhere else. He also tried his hands at teaching. However, the traditional career paths ultimately did not bring him the fulfilment he sought, following which his interest shifted towards spirituality.

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You will keep searching for the meaning of life. I used to find that in engineering but never found my answers," he said in an interview with News18. Stating that he also delved into philosophical concepts like post-modernism and the works of Socrates and Plato, Singh added, If you have to understand the mind or mental health, then you can do it through spirituality. This stage is the best stage for me."

This transition from a traditional life towards spirituality has piqued interest among many.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 14:50 IST
Kolkata RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: Verdict Shortly, Accused Brought To Sealdah Court

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:46 IST

RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: The rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital led to nationwide outrage and protests.

RG Kar Hospital rape murder case (PTI photo)

A local court is scheduled to give its verdict on the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital led to nationwide outrage and protests.

Sanjoy Roy, who was a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was charged with committing the crime on the doctor at the seminar hall of the state-run hospital on August 9 last year.

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The judgement will be announced shortly by Judge Anirban Das of Sealdah Court as the accused was brought to Sealdah Court.

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Here are the top things you need to know ahead of the big verdict today:

The semi-naked body of the trainee doctor was found on the third floor of the seminar hall of the state-run hospital in Kolkata following which Sanjoy Roy was taken into custody. This was when the first protest by doctors broke out across West Bengal.

The case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court which filed one chargesheet as per which Sanjay Roy was the sole prime accused" in the rape and murder case.

The CBI also arrested the former principal Sandip Ghosh and former officer of the local police station Abhijit Mondal on charges of tampering and altering evidence.

Both were later granted default bail" since the CBI did not file a supplementary chargesheet against them within 90 days from the date of their arrest.

The trial against Sanjay Roy started on November 11 and was conducted in-camera and within the closed courtroom.

During the trial, statements of a total of 50 witnesses were recorded, including the parents of the victim, investigating officials of both CBI and Kolkata Police, forensic experts and doctors and colleagues of the victim.

The Mamata Banerjee government faced a lot of criticism over the incident and protests by womens rights groups continued to rage across West Bengal.

The protests forced the government to transfer the Kolkata Police Commissioner and other senior officials of the West Bengal Health department.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 08:39 IST
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Mumbai Police Detain Suspect From Madhya Pradesh

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 20:18 IST

Police received a tip-off that the suspect was travelling aboard an express train

The attacker is seen purchasing headphones after stabbing Saif Ali Khan.

In the ongoing investigation into the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, a suspect was detained in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. However, the police have yet to confirm whether this individual is the same person who attacked Khan at his Bandra home on Thursday.

As per an NDTV report, the Mumbai Police received a tip-off that the suspect was travelling aboard an express train. The police, working alongside local authorities, acted quickly and had the suspect deboard the train.

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The publication further quoting sources noted that the detained individual resembled the person captured in CCTV footage.

The footage, which emerged on Thursday, shows the attacker inside the building where Khan resides with his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their children.

The intruder was seen twice, climbing the stairs to reach Khans apartment and later fleeing the scene. He was wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack.

Later in the day, the suspect was spotted at Bandra railway station, and it is believed he may have taken a train from there.

The investigation into the stabbing of the actor has entered its third day, with over 30 teams from the Mumbai Police and the Crime Branch working to trace the suspects movements.

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In the past three days, several images and four CCTV footage clips of the suspect have surfaced, confirming his presence at different locations following the brutal attack on Khan. The police are using these visual clues to piece together the suspects movements and get closer to identifying him.

ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case Suspect Arrested From Chhattisgarh, Mumbai Police On Way To Take Charge

Location : Madhya Pradesh, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 16:54 IST
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)

As Benjamin Netanyahu navigates these internal political pressures, his ability to balance the demands of both allies and critics will be crucial in determining the success of the ceasefire deal and its long-term consequences for Israel.

JERUSALEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli government on Saturday approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Israel's decision to move forward with the ceasefire deal with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, 469 days after the outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, highlights deep divisions within Israeli society and reflects an attempt to balance opposing factions.





COMPETING PRESSURES

On one side, a liberal camp, largely composed of center-left voters currently in the opposition, has staged massive demonstrations demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages taken to Gaza, which currently stands at 98.

On the other side, many supporters of the far-right conservative government have opposed the deal, arguing that Hamas, labeled a terrorist organization, should never be negotiated with.

They fear that yielding to Hamas's demands for massive Palestinian prisoner releases and a halt to hostilities could endanger Israel once more, potentially leading to "a second Oct. 7."

Caught in the middle of these competing pressures is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in November 2023 approved a deal that secured the release of 80 Israeli hostages. Since then, for over a year, he did not approve another deal, with the number of hostages decreasing only due to Israeli army rescue operations.

Relatives of hostages held in Gaza hold a rally in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 17, 2025. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Critics of Netanyahu claim that he has delayed a comprehensive deal for political reasons, primarily to safeguard his position as prime minister.

Far-right factions, such as the Jewish Power party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and the Religious Zionist Party, headed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, opposed the deal, with Ben-Gvir threatening to resign from the government should a deal be approved, further complicating the political situation and possibly triggering general elections.

Polls conducted in Israel since the onset of the conflict suggest that the opposition now has a clear lead, with only around 40 percent support for the ruling coalition.

Furthermore, according to most polls, if former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett were to return to politics and establish a new party, the opposition's lead could grow even larger.





WHY NOW?

Netanyahu's political survival is also tied to the ongoing corruption trials against him, with charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Critics suggested that Netanyahu fears the acceleration of his trial if he ends his term as prime minister, which has influenced his handling of the ceasefire deal.

However, Netanyahu no longer depends on these far-right factions to maintain his coalition. In September last year, he bolstered his government by adding the opposition New Hope party and appointing its leader, Gideon Sa'ar, as foreign minister.

Netanyahu's supporters argue that the timing of the ceasefire deal is appropriate, as the Israeli army has accomplished most of its objectives in Gaza, weakening Hamas, and has also made significant progress against Hezbollah in Lebanon. These military successes, coupled with a shifting regional landscape, have created favorable conditions for a ceasefire deal.

Nimrod Goren, president of Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, told Xinhua that Israel's significant military victories in Syria and against Hezbollah have bolstered its position, making it feel more secure.

At the same time, Goren pointed out that Hamas, under sustained pressure, likely acknowledged the need for a temporary respite to recalibrate its strategy, making both sides more willing to accept terms they previously rejected.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (back, 2nd R) holds a security cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on Jan. 17, 2025. (Kobi Gideon/Handout via Xinhua)

Netanyahu's critics, however, contend that he was forced to yield to pressure from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who demanded the deal be finalized before his inauguration on Jan. 20. They mentioned that a similar deal was proposed in May, only to be rejected by Netanyahu for political calculations.

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told Xinhua that Israel's motivation for the deal is twofold: to secure the release of the hostages, which is a priority for the public and the government, and to pave the way for a new chapter under the Trump administration.

As Netanyahu navigates these internal political pressures, his ability to balance the demands of both allies and critics will be crucial in determining the success of the ceasefire deal and its long-term consequences for Israel.
Why Did 'IIT Baba' Abruptly Leave Maha Kumbh? Abhay Singh Responds

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 17:49 IST

Abhay Singh, also known as 'IIT Baba' rose to prominence as he left his engineering career to embrace a spiritual life. His sudden disappearance from the Maha Kumbh triggered speculation.

'IIT Baba' reportedly left the Maha Kumbh without notice, fuelling speculation on his whereabouts. (News18)

Abhay Singh, more commonly known as the IITian Baba, rose to prominence recently as he went from an IIT Bombay graduate to embrace spirituality at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, UP. However, his sudden disappearance from Prayagraj left the spiritual world and his family concerned.

Abhay Singh was a former aerospace engineer who chose to leave a high-paying job in Canada to embrace the spiritual life of a saint. The IIT Baba was discovered at Maha Kumbh as part of the Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara.

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However, his abrupt disappearance triggered speculation on his whereabouts and rumours on social media. Some ashram sadhus reportedly said that Singh was experiencing increasing mental stress due to continuous media interactions and controversies over some of his remarks, and that he even started taking drugs.

As per media reports, the IIT Babas rising popularity on social media platforms led to friction within the Juna Akhadas strict traditions as senior saints, who alone are traditionally permitted to engage with the media, reportedly viewed his viral presence as a breach of protocol. However, Singh has now addressed the rumours surrounding his disappearance.

Why Did IIT Baba Disappear From Maha Kumbh?

Reacting to reports of his sudden disappearance from the religious event, Singh said they were wrong news" and claimed that he was asked to leave the Akharas ashram. He asserted that he was still at Maha Kumbh.

The operators of the Madi Ashram asked me to leave at night. They think Ive become famous and might expose something about them, so they claim Ive gone for secret meditation. Those people are talking nonsense," he told Aaj Tak.

He also refuted allegations of mental stress and drug addiction due to constant media interactions. The former IITian questioned the authority" of those doubting the stability of his mental health and even asked for a certificate. He also lashed out at seer Someshwar Puri of the Juna Akhara for claiming that Singh was his disciple.

Who Is IIT Baba Abhay Singh?

Hailing from Haryana, Abhay Singhs transformative journey became one of the most popular spiritual stories of the Maha Kumbh. Singh spent four years at the IIT Bombay, earned his degree in aerospace engineering, but chose to abandon his promising career in science.

Singh later transitioned into the arts by pursuing a Masters in Design and also developed a deep passion for photography. Despite working in Canada and earning a salary of about Rs 3 lakh per month, he struggled with depression and sought his true calling somewhere, paving the way for his life in spirituality.

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You will keep searching for the meaning of life. I used to find that in engineering but never found my answers," he said in an interview with News18. Stating that he also delved into philosophical concepts like post-modernism and the works of Socrates and Plato, Singh added, If you have to understand the mind or mental health, then you can do it through spirituality. This stage is the best stage for me."

Notably, Abhey Singh has been maintaining a distance from his family for the past six months. His parents, including his father Karan Singh  an advocate and former head of the Jhajjar Bar Association  arrived at the Ashram the same night looking for him, only to find out he had already left to an unknown location.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 16:36 IST
Wont Rest Until All Are Punished, Says Mother Of Deceased RG Kar Hospital Doctor

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 17:29 IST

She said she and her husband would continue their fight for justice till the last day of their lives.

Protest Demanding Justice for RG Kar Medicos In Kolkata. (File Image)

Welcoming the conviction of prime accused Sanjay Roy by a trial court here in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, the mother of the deceased woman doctor on Saturday said they were still waiting for the other criminals to be arrested and punished.

That Sanjay is guilty was proved through biological evidence. And that he stood silent during the trials in the court also proved his hand in torturing and killing my daughter. But he was not alone, there are others who havent been arrested yet. So, justice hasnt been delivered," the victims mother told PTI soon after the court convicted Roy.

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She said she and her husband would continue their fight for justice till the last day of their lives.

The case is not complete. It will only be completed after the others who were involved in killing our daughter are punished. We will wait for that day Till that day, we will not be able to sleep. That is the only thing we want now," she said.

The Sealdah court pronounced accused Roy guilty" of rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The court will declare his sentence on Monday, Anirban Das, the additional district and sessions judge, said.

The judgment was pronounced nearly two months after the in-camera trial commenced in November last year and 162 days after the heinous crime was committed on August 9, 2024.

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Roy was found guilty under Sections 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that governs rape, and Sections 66 and 103 (1) of the Act, which deals with punishments for death and murder.

Section 103 (1) of BNS entails a maximum punishment of death or life imprisonment.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 17:29 IST
Justin Baldoni Claims Blake Lively Sidelined Him And His Family At It Ends With Us Premiere

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:42 IST

Justin Baldoni previously claimed that he and his family were sent to the basement during It Ends With Us premiere and now, he has provided proof to support these claims.

Justin Baldoni and his family are seen sitting in a basement with overflowing popcorn. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

After months of silence, Justin Baldoni is finally speaking out about his ongoing controversy with Blake Lively during the filming of It Ends With Us. In a leaked audio, he previously claimed that he, along with his family and friends, was sent to the basement during the movies premiere. Now, in a countersuit filed against Lively, Baldoni has provided proof to support these claims and accused the actress of sidelining him at the New York premiere. This comes nearly a month after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on set.

According to Baldonis recent lawsuit, he claims that Lively used threats" to force him and others to be kept out of the spotlight. In pictures initially obtained by ENews, it shows Baldoni and his family sitting in a basement with boxes of overflowing popcorn. In another photo, he is seen standing with some of his relatives next to piles of unopened packs of water and soda bottles.

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Justin Baldoni dropping photos of himself sequestered in the basement of the It Ends with Us Premiere, per Blake Livelys request pic.twitter.com/oy7OuQsvAI Zack Peter (@justplainzack) January 17, 2025

In the audio footage, played on The Megyn Kelly Show a few weeks back, Justin Baldoni could be heard saying, On what could have been one of the most beautiful nights of my life, career wise, I literally was sent to the basement, with all my friends and family, for over an hour. I wasnt allowed to be seen, she didnt want me anywhere near her or the rest of the cast. So they ushered me off the carpet and sent us down to the basement. We were down together, my friends and family, the people that love me the most and we started laughing because of the ridiculousness of this whole thing."

I realised like on a night that was supposed to be so materialistically joyful, I was in the basement with the people that I love the most. We were all joyful and laughing because none of that matters, none of it, thats not why were in the business. Were in this business because we are artists and we believe in what we do and because we want to create art that touches peoples hearts and souls and can move people. Thats what we did, thats what you both did and I believe that will follow each of us and that truth will prevail and that light and love will win," Justin Baldoni concluded.

Blake Livelys legal team has responded to Justin Baldonis lawsuit, calling it without merit. A lawyer stated that Baldoni is attempting to change the story by falsely accusing Lively of taking control of the film, It Ends With Us, and isolating the cast from him. The lawyer added that the evidence will reveal that other cast members and people involved had their own negative experiences with Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 13:42 IST
Kareena Kapoor Says 'Aggressive' Attacker Stabbed Saif Ali Khan 'Repeatedly': 'I Was Terrified...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:46 IST

Kareena Kapoor Khan recounted the incident at their Bandra residence, where her husband, Saif Ali Khan, was attacked.

Saif Ali Khan was attacked during a burglary attempt at his Mumbai home, sustaining six injuries. Kareena Kapoor Khan requests privacy and respect for the family during this challenging time.

Kareena Kapoor Khan recounted the incident at their Bandra residence, where her husband, Saif Ali Khan, was attacked during the early hours of Thursday. While recording her statement with the Bandra Police, she stated that she witnessed the intruder repeatedly stabbing Saif.

The attacker was aggressive. I saw him attack Saif repeatedlyOur priority was to take Saif to the hospital," she told the police, as quoted in NDTV. She also added, After the attack, I was terrified, so Karisma took me to her house."

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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. 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 on Friday.

He added that Khan is out of danger and is recovering well. He has been shifted out of the ICU (intensive care unit), doctors who treated him after he was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence have said.

According to reports, Khan suffered a long cut on the right side of his neck, another cut on his right shoulder and a deep stab wound on the left side of his back. Additionally, he had a minor scrape on his left elbow.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khans insurance details that are now going viral on social media, show that his cashless treatment request was approved on January 16, 2025. He is admitted to a suite room for a surgical procedure to treat an unspecified injury. His hospital stay is expected to last 5 days, from January 16 to January 21, 2025. The total treatment cost is Rs 3,598,700, out of which Rs 2,500,000 has been approved by the insurance.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 13:46 IST
Cops Have Many Clues, Will Catch Culprit Soon: Fadnavis On Saif Ali Khan Attack

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 07:44 IST

In the Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case, the Mumbai Police have found two CCTV footages in which the suspect can be clearly seen and have been trying to trace his movement constantly

Devendra Fadnavis says that Mumbai Police is likely to zero in on the Saif Ali Khan attacker very soon. (PTI)

Reacting to the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that several clues related to the attacker had been collected by the Mumbai Police and they will arrest the culprit very soon, PTI reported.

The chief minister made the remarks at a time when the police found two clear images of the attacker in two different CCTV footage.

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While addressing reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said, Police investigation is going on.they have got many clues and I feel the police will very soon zero in (on the culprit)."

Fadnavis, who has a home portfolio in the state, had earlier said that Mumbai is one of the countrys safest cities and that it is wrong to judge safety on the basis of some incidents.

Among all the megacities in the country, Mumbai is the safest. It is true that some incidents take place sometimes and they should be treated with seriousness but to say, based on one incident, that Mumbai is unsafe would not be correct. This tarnishes Mumbais image. But the government is working to make Mumbai even safer," said Fadnavis, while speaking to the media.

How Was Saif Ali Khan Attacked?

The attacker had broken into the house of actor Saif Ali Khan in post Bandra West neighbourhood on Thursday early morning and entered the room of his son Jehangir where he had a scuffle with the actor in which the latter got stabbed six times.

The actor was rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent surgeries and the doctor removed a 2.5-inch part of the knife from his back.

In one of the CCTV cameras, the attacker was seen using the stairs to flee from the building. Meanwhile, in another image that surfaced on Friday, he is seen in a new set of clothes.

It was reported that the intruder had demanded Rs 1 crore after breaking into the flat of Khan. Mumbai Police have not made any arrests so far and are trying to trace the location of the accused.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 07:42 IST
Round Round Star Busta Rhymes Arrested For Alleged Third-Degree Assault In Brooklyn: Report

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 16:31 IST

The 52-year-old, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr, allegedly punched a man multiple times during a heated argument in Brooklyns Dumbo neighbourhood. Police responded to the scene and found the aftermath of a physical altercation.

The news came a day after the release of EP, Dragon Season...The Awakening. (Photo Credits: X)

Busta Rhymes, known for his rapid-fire delivery and many hits, has been in hot water since January 14, leading to an arrest on charges of third-degree assault. The 52-year-old, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr., allegedly punched a man multiple times during a heated argument in Brooklyns Dumbo neighbourhood. Police responded to the scene where they found the aftermath of a physical altercation inside a building located at the corner of Jay Street and Front Street. Reports reveal that Rhymes and the 50-year-old victim engaged in a heated face-off.

The victim suffered swelling on the left side of his face and was transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhull, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

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Rather than being taken into custody, the rapper received a desk appearance ticket. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Rhymes was reportedly accompanied by his assistant, Dashiel Gables, who has not spoken out about the situation. Gables has reportedly been advised by his lawyers to remain silent, according to The New York Post.

This is far from Rhymes first brush with the law. Back in 2015, the Break Ya Neck artist faced arrest after an alleged altercation at a Chelsea gym, where he was accused of striking an employee with a protein drink. Additionally, in 2007, Rhymes was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after police observed erratic driving in Manhattan, reports The Independent

Interestingly, this news of his arrest came just after the release of his latest EP, Dragon SeasonThe Awakening, which dropped on January 17. Despite these legal troubles over the years, Rhymes continues to entertain his fans with his songs.

Born and raised in East Flatbush, New York, Rhymes career took off in the late 90s when he dropped his breakout single, Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check, which set the stage for his debut album, The Coming (1996). His early success earned him a Grammy nomination and over the years, hes racked up an impressive 12 Grammy nominations, making him one of the most influential figures in hip hop at present.

Rhymes representatives have yet to provide a statement regarding the latest developments, leaving fans eagerly waiting for further updates.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 16:10 IST
'Not For Common Man': Doctor Flags Struggles Of Middle Class As Saif Claims Rs 36 Lakh From Mediclaim

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 23:46 IST

After sensitive details from Saif Ali Khan's health insurance claim were leaked on social media, a doctor claimed that such an amount would never be sanctioned for a common man by any health insurer

An intruder stabbed Saif Ali Khan several times at his Mumbai residence on Thursday | Image/File

After sensitive details from Saif Ali Khans health insurance claim were leaked on social media, showing that the Bollywood actor applied for a claim of Rs 35.95 lakh, a doctor disclosed that such a substantial amount would never be sanctioned for a common man by any health insurer.

Saif Ali Khan fell victim to a violent incident when an intruder broke into his residence in Mumbais Bandra West and stabbed him multiple times. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment by his seven-year-old son, Taimur.

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A cardiac surgeon from Mumbai, Dr Prashant Mishra, highlighted the struggles of middle-class policy holders and said that Niva Bhupa, a health insurer, would never sanction more than Rs 5 lakh to the common man for such treatments.

In a post on X (formally Twitter), he wrote: For small hospitals and common man, Niva Bupa will not sanction more than Rs 5 lakh for such treatment. All 5-star hospitals are charging exorbitant fees and mediclaim companies are paying also. result  premiums are rising and the middle class is suffering."

For small hospitals and common man, Niva Bupa will not sanction more than Rs 5 lakh for such treatment. All 5 star hospitals are charging exorbitant fees and mediclaim companies are paying also .result  premiums are rising and middle class is suffering. https://t.co/jKK1RDKNBc Dr Prashant Mishra (@drprashantmish6) January 18, 2025

The mediclaim document submitted for the treatment of the Bollywood actor shows a claim of Rs 35.95 lakh for his medical treatment, of which Rs 25 lakh has already been sanctioned by the insurance provider.

CNN-News18 was not able to independently verify the authenticity of the mediclaim being circulated on social media.

However, Niva Bupa Health Insurance company confirmed the claims and said: A cashless pre-authorisation request was sent to us upon his hospitalization and we have given approval of an initial amount to start the treatment."

In December 2024, the 55th GST Council meeting postponed its decision on reducing premiums for health and life insurance to the next session, citing the need for further clarification. The Council has directed the Group of Ministers (GoM) to provide additional details to make their report more thorough.

The Council said that the matter requires further analysis and detailed examination before any decisions are made on revising the GST rates or reducing premiums related to health and life insurance.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 22:06 IST
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case Suspect Arrested From Chhattisgarh, Mumbai Police To Question Him

Reported By :

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Edited By: Ronit Singh



Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 23:34 IST

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: A team of Mumbai Police reached Raipur to take custody of the suspect from Durg Railway Police for further probe.

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: The probe into the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan advanced further as authorities on Saturday arrested a suspect from Durg, Chhattisgarh, said officials.

It came after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Durg railway station received information about the suspect, Aakash Kanojia, travelling by Jnaneswari Express train from the Assistant Police Inspector of Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police.

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Acting on the tip-off, two teams were formed at Durg station and on the arrival of the train, the suspect was traced and arrested. The photo of the suspect was sent to Mumbai Police who confirmed the identity of the suspect, they said.

Speaking to CNN-News18, DG RPF Manoj Yadav said, Mumbai police were monitoring his location and they forwarded it to us. Our team in civil clothes identified him and arrested him. We shared his photo with Mumbai Police and they confirmed to us that he is the same person who stabbed Saif Ali Khan."

#WATCH | Durg, Chhattisgarh: On one suspect detained in actor Saif Ali Khan attack case, Sanjeev Sinha, RPF Durg in-charge says, We got information from Mumbai Police that a suspect is travelling by Jnaneswari Express train. They shared his photo and tower location. On that pic.twitter.com/FHF0f92K35 ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

Mumbai Police On Way To Take Charge

Following the detention, the suspect was brought to the RPF Post Durg and Mumbai Police officials were made aware of the development through a video call.

A team of Mumbai Police has left by air to reach Raipur and take charge of the suspect at the earliest. The suspect is presently kept under proper guard at RPF Post Durg.

Confirming the development, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked some days ago and the suspect has been caught from Durg by RPF. Mumbai Police is coming and the suspect will be handed over to them."

#WATCH | Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai says, Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked some days ago and the suspect has been caught from Durg by RPF. Mumbai Police is coming and the suspect will be handed over to them." https://t.co/AG0B92zqmq pic.twitter.com/sr6ypAg6Lo ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

Saif Ali Khan Stabbed

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 doctors said that Khan is out of danger and is recovering well. He has been shifted out of the ICU (intensive care unit), doctors who treated him after he was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence have said.

According to reports, Khan suffered a long cut on the right side of his neck, another cut on his right shoulder and a deep stab wound on the left side of his back. Additionally, he had a minor scrape on his left elbow.

The Mumbai Police formed 10 teams to arrest the accused, who was captured on CCTV cameras in the building while fleeing after stabbing the Bollywood actor.

Location : Chhattisgarh, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 18:08 IST
'Two Teams Formed, Photo Circulated': How Railway Police Nabbed Saif Ali Khan's Suspected Attacker

Curated By :

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Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 19:22 IST

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: The actor was stabbed by an intruder at his Bandra West Apartment in the early hours of Thursday, shocking the film fraternity. He is reportedly out of danger after multiple surgeries.

Saif Ali Khan's suspected attacker was arrested at Durg by Railway Police Force.

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: In a major breakthrough regarding the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, authorities on Saturday arrested the suspected attacker from Durg, Chhattisgarh, according to the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Aakash Kailash Kanojia, who is suspected of stabbing Khan, was travelling by Jnaneswari Express train when the Railway force received information about his whereabouts, after which he was arrested.

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Speaking to CNN-News18, DG RPF Manoj Yadav said Mumbai police had been monitoring his location for a while. We received information that the suspect was aboard the train, so our team in civil clothes went and arrested him," he said.

The suspected attackers photograph was shared with the Mumbai Police, who confirmed that it was the same person who attacked Saif Ali Khan, DG Yadav added. Mumbai Police has also confirmed the arrest and are on their way to take charge of the accused. Police warned that the person was still a suspect and appropriate action would be taken after due verification.

ALSO READ: In New CCTV Clip, Saif Ali Khans Attacker Buys Headphones in Mumbais Dadar Hours After Stabbing Him

How Did RPF Arrest Saif Ali Khans Suspected Attacker?

The attacker was travelling via the Jnaneswari Express from Durg and the train was between Gondia and Rajnandgaon station when the RPF was alerted of the suspects presence.

Acting on the tip-off by the RPF, two teams were formed at Durg station and on the arrival of the train, the suspect was traced and arrested. The photo of the suspect was sent to Mumbai Police who confirmed the identity of the suspect, they said.

Following the detention, the suspect was brought to the RPF Post Durg and Mumbai Police officials were made aware of the development through a video call.

A team of Mumbai Police has left by air to reach Raipur and take charge of the suspect at the earliest. The suspect is presently kept under proper guard at RPF Post Durg.

Confirming the development, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked some days ago and the suspect has been caught from Durg by RPF. Mumbai Police is coming and the suspect will be handed over to them."

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.

Khan is currently out of danger and is recovering well after multiple surgeries. He has been shifted out of the ICU (intensive care unit), doctors who treated him after he was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence have said.

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.

According to reports, Khan suffered a long cut on the right side of his neck, another cut on his right shoulder and a deep stab wound on the left side of his back. Additionally, he had a minor scrape on his left elbow.

A fresh image surfaced of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khans suspected attacker on Friday, 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.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 18:37 IST
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing: Treatment Costs Touch A Whopping Rs 35 Lakh, THIS Is When Actor Might Be Discharged

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 09:30 IST

Saif Ali Khan is recovering at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being attacked with a knife at his Bandra West home on Thursday.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times.

Saif Ali Khan is recovering at Mumbais Lilavati Hospital after being attacked with a knife at his Bandra West home on Thursday. The incident happened when an intruder confronted Saifs maid, leading to a struggle where Saif was stabbed. After surgery, doctors confirmed he is out of danger" but is still being observed. However, his health insurance details were leaked on Twitter, causing outrage over the privacy breach.

Saif Ali Khans insurance details that are now going viral on social media, show that his cashless treatment request was approved on January 16, 2025. He is admitted to a suite room for a surgical procedure to treat an unspecified injury. His hospital stay is expected to last 5 days, from January 16 to January 21, 2025. The total treatment cost is Rs 3,598,700, out of which Rs 2,500,000 has been approved by the insurance.

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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. 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 on Friday.

He added that Khan is out of danger and is recovering well. He has been shifted out of the ICU (intensive care unit), doctors who treated him after he was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence have said.

According to reports, Khan suffered a long cut on the right side of his neck, another cut on his right shoulder and a deep stab wound on the left side of his back. Additionally, he had a minor scrape on his left elbow.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 09:30 IST
An Egyptian security source told Xinhua on Saturday that the Rafah crossing, the only channel linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt, will be reopened on Sunday. #Gaza
Watch: Akshay Kumar Suits Up For Sky Force Promotion In Mumbai

Published By :

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 16:32 IST

Akshay Kumar looked dapper as he wore a blue-striped suit over a plain white shirt. He accessorised his outfit with brown formal shoes and dark shades.

Sky Force will be released on January 24. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Akshay Kumar is busy promoting his upcoming patriotic action thriller film, Sky Force. Helmed by Sandeep Kelwani and Abhishek Kapur, the film is based on a true story about the 1965 India-Pakistan Air war. On Saturday, Khiladi Kumar was snapped in the city for a promotional event of his forthcoming film. Several pictures and videos of the actor have surfaced on social media.

In one such video, Akshay is seen posing in front of the paps stationed outside a building. As the clip moves forward, we see the Khiladi 786 actor entering a building. He looked dapper in a blue-striped suit over a plain white shirt. He accessorised his outfit with brown formal shoes and dark shades.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by shutterbugs images (@shutterbugsimages)

Talking about Sky Force, Akshays character in the film is inspired by the life of Wing Commander OP Taneja. It also features Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur and marks the debut of Veer Pahariya. The 30-year-old actor will be seen in the role of the late Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devaiah in the film, while Sara plays his wife.

On Friday, following the positive response to the tracks Maayee and Kya Meri Yaad Aayegi, the makers unveiled a new track from Sky Force. The dance number titled Rang features Akshay, Veer, Sara and Nimrat, showcasing their energetic dance moves. The track is composed by the talented Tanishk Bagchi. The vocals are by Satinder Sartaaj, Zahrah S Khana and the lyrics are penned by Shloke Lal. Backed by Jio Studios and Maddock Films, Sky Force is all set to hit the theatres on January 24.

Akshay was recently snapped at the Mumbai airport as he returned from Jaipur after completing the shooting schedule for his upcoming horror comedy film Bhooth Bangla. The actor greeted the paps with a warm smile and a quick wave.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay with director Priyadarshan after a long hiatus. The duo has previously collaborated on projects like Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha among others. Apart from this, Akshay also has Housefull 5, Jolly LLB 3, WelcomeTo The Jungle and an untitled project with R Madhavan in his kitty.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 16:04 IST
MLC Satish Chavan Rejoins Ajit Pawar-Led NCP After Brief Stint With Rival Faction

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 17:50 IST

Chavan went over to the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar in October 2024 after the Ajit Pawar group expelled him for six years for anti-party activities

Chavan was among five NCP MLCs who had sided with Ajit when he rebelled against his uncle and split the NCP in 2023.

Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Satish Chavan on Saturday returned to the Nationalist Congress Party led by Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar after a brief stint with the rival NCP (SP).

Chavan went over to the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar in October 2024 after the Ajit Pawar group expelled him for six years for "anti-party activities." He rejoined the NCP in the presence of Ajit Pawar and other leaders here as the party revoked his expulsion, NCP sources said.

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Chavan was among five NCP MLCs who had sided with Ajit when he rebelled against his uncle and split the NCP in 2023.

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After switching his loyalties to the Sharad Pawar faction last year, he contested on its ticket from Vaijapur in the state assembly elections, but lost.

Chavan is a three-time MLC from the Aurangabad graduates constituency

Location : Maharashtra, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 17:49 IST
There Should Be No Alliance With AAP In Delhi, Says Congress Leader Ajay Maken

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 20:19 IST

Maken, who hails from Delhi, said he stands by his earlier remark that Kejriwal is "anti-national" and the AAP's strengthening in the capital will only help the BJP

Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken. (PTI file photo)

Congress leader Ajay Maken said on Saturday that his party should have no alliance with the AAP in Delhi, but left the option open, saying this is his personal view.

Asked whether the Congress will lend support to the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, if need be, after the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls, Maken said, It is my personal view that there should be no alliance with AAP. I also feel that there should not have been any support (from the Congress) to the AAP in 2013 and neither any alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. But this is my personal view," the All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer said, without speaking any further.

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The 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on February 5.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is set to campaign in the New Delhi constituency for party candidate Sandeep Dikshit on Monday evening. Dikshit is pitted against former Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor Kejriwal. Gandhi has already addressed a public meeting in Seelampur, his first for the Delhi polls.

This is a marked shift of the Congresss earlier stand of not campaigning against Kejriwal. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been a member of the INDIA opposition bloc, which contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls together, but failed to oust the BJP.

The Congress is seeking to strengthen itself in Delhi, where it had drawn a blank in the last Assembly polls. The party had won eight seats in Delhi in the 2013 polls.

Addressing the first press conference at the new Congress headquarters at Kotla Road, Maken, who hails from Delhi and has done his politics here, said he stands by his earlier remark that Kejriwal is anti-national" and the AAPs strengthening in the capital will only help the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Asked about his anti-national" remark against Kejriwal, Maken said, I had given my personal view and I still stand by it." He said the people of Delhi suffered due to the Congresss support to the AAP in 2013 and its alignment with the Kejriwal-led outfit in 2024.

When the people of Delhi suffered, the BJP benefitted. But this is my personal view," Maken said.

On whether the Congress would still go with the AAP, he said, I feel that Kejriwal getting prominence in Delhi helps the BJP. To fight the BJP, it is important to have a strong Congress at the national level," he said.

Congress, one cannot fight the BJP," he added.

Noting that Delhi is not an insignificant state politically, Maken said it is known that whichever party wins the Lok Sabha seats in the capital, goes on to form its government at the Centre.

The AAP has failed to fight against the BJP in Delhi," he claimed.

Maken said both in Haryana and Delhi, the Congress wanted to have an alliance with the AAP, but soon after his release from jail, Kejriwal announced that his party will contest all 90 Assembly seats in Haryana, whereas we were in an advanced stage of discussion for an alliance".

As far as Delhi is concerned, Kejriwal himself announced soon after the Lok Sabha polls that they will fight the Delhi election on their own," he added.

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Maken said when the Congress had its government in Delhi, led by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, it won all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the capital and stopped the BJP here. in Delhi, we stopped them from assuming power at the Centre as whosoever wins Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, goes on to form the national-level government," he noted.

But ever since the AAP has come to power in Delhi, the opposite is happening and the BJP has been forming the government at the Centre as it has won all the seven Lok Sabha seats. Then who is with the BJP?" the Congress leader asked.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 20:17 IST
'Hope He Makes It': Amish Tripathi Invites Elon Musk To Attend Maha Kumbh 2025

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 20:00 IST

Elon Musk hosted a high-profile delegation of Indian business leaders to SpaceXs Starbase facility in Texas, where he spoke on the growing relations between India and the United States.

Several high-profile Indian entrepreneurs were invited at the SpaceX event hosted by Elon Musk. (Photo: X)

Elon Musk, one of the worlds richest men who will have a significant role in the incoming US government, has been invited to Maha Kumbh. Thats right, bestselling author Amish Tripathi revealed on social media that he recently invited the Tesla boss to the mega religious gathering.

Tripathi is a former diplomat and author best known for his Shiva trilogy and the Ram Chandra series. He was recently invited to attend an exclusive event organised by the Indian Global Forum (IGF) led by founder Manoj Ladwa and hosted by Elon Musk at SpaceXs Starbase facility in Texas.

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The event featured prominent Indian entrepreneurs like OYO chief Ritesh Agarwal, Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy and more. It focused on fostering bilateral business relationships between India and the US under Trump 2.0.

During the event, Musk also expressed optimism about the upward trajectory of India-US relations and pushed for stronger trade ties between the two countries. The Indian business leaders toured SpaceXs space exploration facilities and also witnessed the launch of Starship Flight 7.

Will Elon Musk Attend Maha Kumbh?

Sharing a photo with Musk and other Indian entrepreneurs on X, Tripathi wrote, An invigorating hour spent with none other than @elonmusk, in an exclusive event organised by @manojladwa."

The event saw discussions on a range of topics from spirituality, consciousness, interplanetary travel, monetary policy, engineering amongst others, the author said, along with an invitation for Musk to the Maha Kumbh. Hope he can make it!!" he added.

An invigorating hour spent with none other than @elonmusk, in an exclusive event organised by @manojladwa. We discussed a range of topics from spirituality, consciousness, interplanetary travel, monetary policy, engineering amongst others. And an invitation to the Maha Kumbh pic.twitter.com/5U9wXsej6r Amish Tripathi (@authoramish) January 17, 2025

While it remained uncertain whether the Tesla and X owner would attend the grand spiritual event in Pryagraj, the post created a buzz online, as users were thrilled at the prospects of Musk attending the Maha Kumbh.

Amish ji is making the dream & request come true..! And to take someone like Elon ji to enlighten on Sanatana Dharma. Good wishes," said a user. Another wrote, Hope Elon can take out time to visit Maha Kumbh."

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During the event, Musk also shared his admiration for India, calling it one of the ancient civilizations and a very great and very complex one," and discussed the growing role of India in global innovation.

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, ahead of US President Trumps second inauguration, underscoring the growing alignment between the worlds two largest democracies. Musk, who played a significant role in Trumps victory, would assume a greater role in the administration as co-head of the newly-formed Department of Goverment Efficiency (DOGE).

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 18, 2025, 17:57 IST
'Theres Nothing Donald Trump Fears More': Memes Take Over As Inauguration Ceremony Moves Indoors

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:38 IST

The change hasnt gone unnoticed. Social media platform X is buzzing with reactions, ranging from heartfelt congratulations to cheeky jabs and biting commentary.

Donald Trumps inauguration has everyone talking. (Photo Credits: X)

As the United States braces for an icy blast, Donald Trump prepares to grab the attention once again. On Monday, he will be sworn in as the 47th president of the US, cementing a historic political comeback that has impressed supporters and critics alike. Originally slated to take place on the steps of the US Capitol, the swearing-in ceremony has reportedly been moved indoors due to the extreme weather. The ceremony, steeped in American tradition, will feature the peaceful transfer of power.

As custom dictates, the outgoing president will leave the White House to make way for the new administration. At noon EST (22:30 IST), Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office, officially ushering in Trumps second term, reports NBC.

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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 reportedly announced on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The change hasnt gone unnoticed. Social media platform X is buzzing with reactions, ranging from heartfelt congratulations to cheeky jabs and biting commentary. One thing is certain: Trumps inauguration has everyone talking.

Check out some reactions below:

BREAKING: Fearing cold temps and high winds on Inauguration Day, Trump has announced that outdoor activities have been CANCELLED for the day.There is NOTHING Trump fears more than a windy day, because, pic.twitter.com/sa1kqgCldt  Roshan Rinaldi (@Roshan_Rinaldi) January 18, 2025

Donald Trump walking to the White House the first day pic.twitter.com/uKciG2no37 Not Jerome Powell (@alifarhat79) January 16, 2025

Good Morning!3 days to Inauguration!I am so impressed with Trumps cabinet picks! Looking forward to seeing Kash, RFK Jr. & Tulsi! Dems will continue to show their a$es, but there is no denying the qualifications of these cabinet members! pic.twitter.com/zZLTiOIO5P MAGA ME (@MyHandleNo) January 17, 2025

How are yall getting ready for Inauguration Day? pic.twitter.com/ZUTtiqBAR2 Kelly (@kellytx2) January 16, 2025

Outgoing President Joe Biden, in a show of bipartisan respect, has confirmed he will attend the ceremony. This marks a stark contrast to 2017 when Trump notably skipped Bidens inauguration. Adding star power to the occasion, country music sensation Carrie Underwood is set to perform, as revealed in the official programme obtained by Reuters.

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In a notable break from precedent, Trump has extended invitations to several foreign leadersan unusual move given the security concerns such attendance typically raises. Argentinas President Javier Milei, a staunch Trump ally, has confirmed his presence. On the other hand, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, another supporter, has opted not to attend. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to be there, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will send an envoy in his place.

Also turning heads are the high-profile business leaders expected to attend. The guest list includes Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos, and Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the historic day.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 13:16 IST
This AI Robot Can Aim And Fire At Balloons In Lightning Speed

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 12:40 IST

In a video circulating online, the robot quickly rotates and fires at colourful balloons, following commands with perfect accuracy.

The creator claims that the nail machine is intended for the construction industry. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

An engineer has developed a robot that uses ChatGPT to control a nail gun, allowing it to aim and fire with incredible speed and precision. In a video circulating online, the robot quickly rotates and fires at balloons, following commands with perfect accuracy. The creator hasnt explained how exactly ChatGPT is connected to the gun or if it bypassed OpenAIs safety restrictions. While the creator claims the machine is intended for the construction industry, it has raised concerns among social media users. Some worry about the future of AI powered weapons, which could be used for harm without human control.

Sharing the video on Instagram, the user explained, Its a new product in development, its fully automated AI enabled pneumatic nailing tool and I think this is going to be super transformational for the construction industry in 2025. So keep an eye out for more updates."

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by STS Innovations LLC (@sts_3d_)

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Look forward to seeing this mounted atop a robotic K9."

Another asked, Whats the worst that can happen."

Wow, this machine will take my job as a construction worker that shoots nails at bystanders. My union will be hearing about this," a comment read.

Another jokingly asked, Take that thing to a fair and win all the large stuffed animals."

An individual shared, Interesting, just curious would this work with live bullets and if so can it recognize skin colours."

One more added, Average American police educational video."

In an earlier video, the engineer showed another AI powered robot weapon that can shoot at impressive speeds. In the clip, the inventor casually says, ChatGPT, were under attack from the front left and front right," while standing next to a large machine connected to the rifle. Almost instantly, the robot begins shooting at targets. Afterwards, the robot responds by asking for further help if needed. The engineer even humorously tries riding the rifle, like a mechanical bull.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by STS Innovations LLC (@sts_3d_)

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However, STS 3Ds invention also got noticed by OpenAI, who quickly blocked his access because it went against their rules. As per Futurism, the company in a statement said, We proactively identified this violation of our policies and notified the developer to cease this activity ahead of receiving your inquiry. OpenAIs Usage Policies prohibit the use of our services to develop or use weapons, or to automate certain systems that can affect personal safety."

Even though his access was shut down, the engineer keeps working on his projects.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 12:40 IST
Barack Obama's Birthday Post For 'Love Of His Life' Wife Michelle Amid Divorce Rumours

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 09:49 IST

Barack Obama's post comes amid rumours about the couples divorce following reports of Michelle Obama skipping the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

Michelle Obama Birthday: Barack Obama shared a picture with Michelle in which the two of them are seen holding hands while sitting across a table.

Former US President Barack Obama wished his wife Michelle on her 61st birthday in a post on social media X (formerly Twitter). Barack Obama shared a picture with Michelle in which the two of them are seen holding hands while sitting across a table.

The former US president captioned it, Happy birthday to the love of my life, Michelle Obama. 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!"

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Responding to the post, Michelle Obama wrote, Love you, honey!"

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! pic.twitter.com/WTrvxlNVa4 Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 17, 2025

Michelle Obama to skip Donald Trumps inauguration

The post comes amid rumours about the couples divorce on social media platforms following reports of Michelle Obama skipping the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Her office said, Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration."

Barack Obama-Michelle Obama headed for divorce?

Judi James, a body language expert, analyzed the couples recent public outing in Los Angeles and noted that Barack Obama appeared distant as he walked behind Michelle instead of by her side.

Judi James told DailyMail, There was no active sign of togetherness. While Michelle smiled at the cameras, Barack trailed behind, appearing sober and serious. Baracks serious expression and Michelles fading smile suggest a possible strain."

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The expert added, There was no chatting or coupling up, which was striking for a couple usually seen exuding warmth and connection in public."

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have not addressed the rumors or provided any statements regarding their relationship so far.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 18, 2025, 09:49 IST
'Escaped Death By 20-25 Mins': Sheikh Hasina Alleges Assassination Plot After Ouster

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 12:05 IST

Sheikh Hasina said there were numerous assassination plots hatched against her and said it "was the will of Allah" that she survived so far. Hasina was ousted last year after massive protests.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. (Image: Reuters)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday alleged that there were attempts to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana after she was ousted from power by a student-led protest movement in August last year.

Rehana and I managed to survive. We barely escaped the clutches of death within a span of 20-25 minutes," Hasina was heard saying in an audio message shared by Awami Leagues Facebook page.

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Hasina fled to India after resigning as the Prime Minister in August in the face of massive anti-government protests, minutes before an enraged mob ransacked her residence.

I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived the killings on August 21, the bombing in Kotalipara or surviving on August 5. Otherwise, I would not have been able to survive," she said in Bengali. Hasina was referring to the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack, which killed 24 people. Hasina, a leader of the opposition who was addressing a rally at the time, also sustained some injuries.

She also referred to the Kotalipara bomb conspiracy, when bombs were recovered from a college in 2000 that Hasina was supposed to visit.

You later saw how they planned to kill me. However, it seems to be a mercy of Allah that I am still alive because Allah wants me to do something more," she said in the audio message.

The former Bangladesh PM also broke down while saying, I am suffering, I am without my country, without my home, everything has been burned."

Hasinas Exile Under Scanner

Bangladeshs interim government has called on the Indian government to extradite Sheikh Hasina and sent a diplomatic note to the Ministry of External Affairs, although the latter did not respond to it. The International Crimes Tribunal for Bangladesh has issued two arrest warrants for her for alleged enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule.

Earlier this month, Bangladesh revoked Hasinas passport citing her alleged involvement in killings and forced disappearances linked to the last years students protests, along with the passports of 96 other individuals.

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The tribunal has issued a deadline of February 12 for the apprehension and presentation of all accused parties, including Hasina. Her 15-year tenure saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.

The ICT has lodged several cases against Hasina, including allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity. A commission set up by the interim government reported 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances during her tenure, with 27% of victims still unaccounted for.

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: January 18, 2025, 11:40 IST
Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 00:08 IST

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Updates: Israels cabinet approved the ceasefire deal with Hamas along with the hostage release deal, as per to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office. The deal, which will take effect from Sunday, would see a pause in fighting in Gaza and lead a phased release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners.

The deal brings an end to the deadly war in which at least 46,876 people have been killed and another 110,642 people have been injured in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as per data from Gazas health ministry.

Amid the announcement of the Israel-Hamas deal, international aid agencies have vowed to scale up their work in Gaza. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees called for rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access to the strip to relieve the suffering caused by war.

Stay tuned with news18.com for the latest updates.
'Won't Proceed Until...': Netanyahu On Gaza Ceasefire, Demands List Of Hostages To Be Freed By Hamas

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 23:33 IST

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said that Israel won't proceed with the Gaza ceasefire until it receives a list of hostages to be released by Hamas.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu | File Image

Israel will not proceed with the Gaza ceasefire deal until it receives a list of the 33 hostages to be released by Hamas in the first phase, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday.

It comes hours before the ceasefire deal was slated to go into effect. It states that Hamas will provide the names of the hostages at least 24 hours ahead of their release, which has not yet taken place.

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We will not move forward with the agreement until we receive the list of hostages who will be released, as agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible."  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 18, 2025

Israels security cabinet had 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.

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.

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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.

Location : Israel

First Published: January 18, 2025, 22:36 IST
BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that he is ready to work with Vietnamese leaders to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and push for new achievements in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when exchanging congratulations with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong over the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 
Pakistan Woman Seema Haider's First Husband Seeks Indian Govt's Help To Reunite With Children

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 21:00 IST

Seema's first husband Ghulam Haider in a recent video message appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for "justice"

Pakistan's Seema Haider and Indian national husband Sachin Meena. (PTI file photo)

The first husband of Seema Haider, a Pakistani woman who illegally crossed over to India with her four children in 2023 to be with her lover whom she had met online, has appealed to the Indian government to help him meet his kids and gain custody.

Seema, 32, who is from Jacobabad in Sindh province, in May 2023 took her children and left her home in Karachi to travel to India via Nepal. She captured the headlines in July when Indian authorities found her living with Indian national Sachin Meena, 27, whom she now claims to have married, in the Greater Noida area in Uttar Pradesh. The duo got in touch in 2019 while playing online game PUBG.

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Seema and Sachin were arrested in July 2023 but later released on bail. While Seema was charged with illegally entering India, Sachin was booked for sheltering the illegal immigrant.

Seemas first husband Ghulam Haider in a recent video message appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for justice".

Haider claimed he has been trying to gain custody of his children since late 2023, with the help of prominent Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist Ansar Burney. In February last year, Burney confirmed Haider had approached him for help and hired an Indian lawyer to initiate legal proceedings in Indian courts.

After due process, we have hired an Indian lawyer, Ali Momin, and have sent the power of attorney to start legal proceedings in Indian courts," he had said.

However, its unclear if the case has been initiated.

Haider in the video message claimed, It has been a year since the case is pending in court and I have not seen my children since 2023." I appeal to the Indian minister, S Jaishankar, to give me justice," he said. Haider alleged that his children are stuck in India because of their mother.

She is trying to change their names and religion forcibly," he claimed.

Haider was working in Saudi Arabia when Seema ran away to India via the UAE and Nepal. All her four children were below the age of 7 years in May 2023.

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In an earlier interview with BBC, Seema had said that she had adopted Hinduism and refused to return to Pakistan. Seema claims her children have also converted to Hinduism.

In a recent Instagram post, Seema said she is expecting a child with Sachin.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: January 18, 2025, 20:48 IST
'Sintex Ka Design': Pakistan's EO-1 Satellite Trolled As 'Water Tank' On Social Media Amid PM Sharifs Praise

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 21:34 IST

However, the satellites launch quickly sparked a wave of memes and jokes online, with many users drawing comparisons between the rockets shape and a water tanker

The resemblance became the subject of widespread trolling, with some posting images of water tanks alongside the satellite's photo. (Image via X)

Pakistans launch of its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from Chinas Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on Friday quickly became the subject of social media trolling, despite being hailed as a significant achievement by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Sharif took to X to celebrate the success of the mission, calling it a proud moment for the nation. He praised the work of Pakistans space agency, SUPARCO, and the contributions of the countrys scientists and engineers.

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Soaring higher and higher! Proud moment for the nation as  proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China," Sharif wrote.

From predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, #EO1 is a leap forward in our journey towards progress. Spearheaded by SUPARCO , this demonstrates our nations growing capabilities in space science and technology. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers for their dedication and a great team effort," Pakistan PM added.

Soaring higher and higher !Proud moment for the nation as  proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China.From predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, #EO1 is a leap forward in our journey pic.twitter.com/EJX3MY8Kgh  Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 17, 2025

However, the satellites launch quickly sparked a wave of memes and jokes online, with many users drawing comparisons between the rockets shape and a water tanker. The resemblance became the subject of widespread trolling, with some posting images of water tanks alongside the satellites photo.

Hello @CMShehbaz bhai motor band krdo ab bhar gaya paani pura pados tak aa raha hai pic.twitter.com/ywDAMawJNC Hindutva Vigilant (@VigilntHindutva) January 17, 2025

One user commented, Abe kiski paani ki tanki chura liyo ho be," while another asked, sintex ka design chori karke china ko bechta hai?" referring to a well-known brand of water tanks.

Other memes featured photoshopped images of the rocket in the shape of a water tank, with some users joking about it being full of water.

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Despite the online mockery, there was also support for the milestone, with many applauding Pakistans progress in space technology. Some users praised the achievement, calling it a proud moment" for the nation, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also took to X to describe the launch as a significant achievement."

Suparco, Pakistans space agency, highlighted the practical benefits the EO-1 satellite would bring, such as improved disaster management, agricultural monitoring, and urban planning. They also emphasised that the satellite would serve peaceful purposes, contributing to sustainable development.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: January 18, 2025, 21:32 IST
Here's What US President-Elect Donald Trump Wants To Do Right After Inauguration

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 14:53 IST

Trump campaigned on the promise of carrying out the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. His arrival in the White House will be dogged by abortion rights and immigration.

US President-elect Donald Trump (Image: Reuters)

The US is gearing up for the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday (January 20). Trump, who has a long list of priorities from the moment he enters the White House, will begin with a large immigration raid in Chicago on the following day.

Trump had run for the White House on a bold promise of carrying out the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. A day after he is inaugurated, Trumps administration is planning a large-scale immigration raid in Chicago, four people familiar with the planning told the Wall Street Journal.

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The Trump team intends to target immigrants in the country illegally with criminal backgrounds, many of whose offences like driving violations made them too minor for the Biden administration. Illegal immigratin was one of the biggest hot-button issues in the run-up to the presidential elections, due to a surge in illegal border crossings.

Why Chicago?

A source said the crackdown on illegal immigration would not be limited to only Chicago, but would extend to other cities. The transition team had been contemplating cities to target day-one operation as a way of making an example of so-called sanctuary sites"  which adopt policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration officials.

However, the team settled on Chicago because of the large number of immigrants who could be possible targets but also because Trumps feud with the Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson. It is not clear how many people would participate in the raid.

Tom Homan, the Trump administrations incoming border raids, had seemingly previewed the operation during a visit to Chicago last month. Were going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois. And if the Chicago mayor doesnt want to help, he can step aside," Homan said, while threatening to prosecute Johnson if he impedes the process.

Which Cities Would Be Targeted?

Large immigrant centres, such as Los Angeles, Denver, New York and Miami are also within the sights of the incoming administration. Trumps team is weighing a broad mix of changes to help carry out these raids  including giving more power to sheriffs and financial penalties for those who hold out.

Economists and business leaders say deportations on the scale Trump has suggested would critically impact the economy, hitting critical industries with labour shortages. Interestingly, US deported the highest number of immigrants last year under Joe Biden, surpassing Trumps record, according to BBC.

More than 271,000 immigrants were deported from the US over the last fiscal year, according to a report released by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The number of migrant encounters along the US-Mexico border reached a record high in December 2023, but have dropped significantly to their lowest levels since 2020.

Donald Trump will return to Washington on Saturday to kickoff events to herald his second inauguration as president, four years after he departed the city under the shadow of an attack by his supporters on the US Capitol.

After Trump takes the oath of office and delivers his inaugural address, there will be a ceremonial farewell to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. As the new Republican government takes power, Trump will head to a signing ceremony at the Capitol to approve some of his first official acts, followed by a congressional luncheon and review of US troops.

The incoming administration plans to intensify immigration enforcement nationwide soon after he takes office on Monday, a person with knowledge of the plans told Reuters. We are going to be doing operations all across the country You are going to see arrests in New York. You are going to see arrests in Miami," the source said.

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Trump is expected to mobilise agencies across the US government to help him deport record numbers of immigrants, building on efforts in his first term to tap all available resources and pressure so-called sanctuary" jurisdictions to cooperate.

(with inputs from agencies)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 18, 2025, 14:53 IST
MANILA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A 36-year-old man was killed and two others were injured in a motorcycle crash early Saturday in Camarines Sur province, southeast of Manila, police said.

Police officer Geronimo Moreno said in a telephone interview that the accident happened on a dimly lit road in the early morning in Caramoan Town.

Moreno said the three victims were believed to be under the influence of alcohol and were not wearing helmets when the accident happened.

Moreno said the 20-year-old male driver and a 14-year-old male passenger sustained injuries in the face but survived.

The crash remains under investigation. 
Australian police tracking the "After Dark Bandit" couldn't puzzle out how he managed to rob banks and betting parlors around the same time in different locations. As the Atavist explains, it was only when they arrested Peter Morgan and searched his home that they discovered the answer in a photograph: Peter had an identical twin, Doug. Both men ended up serving more than a decade in prison for their unusual crime spree in the late 1970s. But the story by Andrew Dubbins does more than revisit their crimeswhich includes the near-fatal shooting of a police officerit catches up with the brothers today. Both sound remorseful while at the same time preoccupied with their fame and reputation. They're also competitive with each other, the continuation of a lifelong trait.
UPDATE

Jan 20, 2025 4:56 PM CST

The Department of Government Efficiency has already cut one position. Co-chief Vivek Ramaswamy has left President Trump's startup, intended to reduce federal spending, to kick off a campaign next week for governor of Ohio, NBC News reports. A spokesperson for the initiative thanked him for his contribution in its first two months. "Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE," Anna Kelly said in a statement Monday. "He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE." That leaves Elon Musk alone at the top. Just Monday morning, Ramaswamy had posted a photo of himself and Musk on X with the message, "A new dawn."

Jan 18, 2025 3:55 PM CST

The co-boss of President-elect Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency has his next move planned: a bid to become governor of Ohio. A political operative in the state told the Washington Post that Vivek Ramaswamy's goals are "to get accomplishments at DOGE and then announce a run for governor shortly." There will be no incumbent on the November 2026 ballot; Republican Gov. Mike DeWine is barred from running again by term limits. Ramaswamy's path to governor was partially cleared Friday when DeWine picked Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to complete Vice President-elect JD Vance's Senate term, but other Republicans have their eye on the office.
South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was formally arrested early Sunday after a court found he was a threat to destroy evidence. The Seoul Western District Court deliberated for hours before granting law enforcement's request for an arrest warrant, the AP reports. Yoon, who appeared before the court on Saturday to argue for his release, faces possible imprisonment over his declaration of martial law last month. He could be detained for months.

The hearing triggered chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of Yoon's supporters rallied for hours calling for his release. They clashed with police, who detained around 40 protesters, including about 20 who climbed over a fence in an attempt to approach the court, the AP reports. Yoon has been in detention since he was taken into custody on Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residence. Yoon's lawyers could file a petition to challenge the court's arrest warrant, per the AP.

Yoon's lawyers said he spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour closed-door hearing on Saturday. A lawyer said the president was to argue that his decree was a legitimate exercise of his powers and that accusations of rebellion would not hold up before a criminal court or the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him. Yoon faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which set off the country's most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading an investigation with police and the military, had sought the arrest warrant.

(More South Korea stories.)
JERUSALEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli government on Saturday approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Israel's decision to move forward with the ceasefire deal with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, 469 days after the outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, highlights deep divisions within Israeli society and reflects an attempt to balance opposing factions.

COMPETING PRESSURES

On one side, a liberal camp, largely composed of center-left voters currently in the opposition, has staged massive demonstrations demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages taken to Gaza, which currently stands at 98.

On the other side, many supporters of the far-right conservative government have opposed the deal, arguing that Hamas, labeled a terrorist organization, should never be negotiated with.

They fear that yielding to Hamas's demands for massive Palestinian prisoner releases and a halt to hostilities could endanger Israel once more, potentially leading to "a second Oct. 7."

Caught in the middle of these competing pressures is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in November 2023 approved a deal that secured the release of 80 Israeli hostages. Since then, for over a year, he did not approve another deal, with the number of hostages decreasing only due to Israeli army rescue operations.

Critics of Netanyahu claim that he has delayed a comprehensive deal for political reasons, primarily to safeguard his position as prime minister.

Far-right factions, such as the Jewish Power party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and the Religious Zionist Party, headed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, opposed the deal, with Ben-Gvir threatening to resign from the government should a deal be approved, further complicating the political situation and possibly triggering general elections.

Polls conducted in Israel since the onset of the conflict suggest that the opposition now has a clear lead, with only around 40 percent support for the ruling coalition.

Furthermore, according to most polls, if former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett were to return to politics and establish a new party, the opposition's lead could grow even larger.

WHY NOW?

Netanyahu's political survival is also tied to the ongoing corruption trials against him, with charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Critics suggested that Netanyahu fears the acceleration of his trial if he ends his term as prime minister, which has influenced his handling of the ceasefire deal.

However, Netanyahu no longer depends on these far-right factions to maintain his coalition. In September last year, he bolstered his government by adding the opposition New Hope party and appointing its leader, Gideon Sa'ar, as foreign minister.

Netanyahu's supporters argue that the timing of the ceasefire deal is appropriate, as the Israeli army has accomplished most of its objectives in Gaza, weakening Hamas, and has also made significant progress against Hezbollah in Lebanon. These military successes, coupled with a shifting regional landscape, have created favorable conditions for a ceasefire deal.

Nimrod Goren, president of Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, told Xinhua that Israel's significant military victories in Syria and against Hezbollah have bolstered its position, making it feel more secure.

At the same time, Goren pointed out that Hamas, under sustained pressure, likely acknowledged the need for a temporary respite to recalibrate its strategy, making both sides more willing to accept terms they previously rejected.

Netanyahu's critics, however, contend that he was forced to yield to pressure from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who demanded the deal be finalized before his inauguration on Jan. 20. They mentioned that a similar deal was proposed in May, only to be rejected by Netanyahu for political calculations.

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told Xinhua that Israel's motivation for the deal is twofold: to secure the release of the hostages, which is a priority for the public and the government, and to pave the way for a new chapter under the Trump administration.

As Netanyahu navigates these internal political pressures, his ability to balance the demands of both allies and critics will be crucial in determining the success of the ceasefire deal and its long-term consequences for Israel. 
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that he is ready to work with Vietnamese leaders to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and push for new achievements in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when exchanging congratulations with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong over the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Xi said that China and Vietnam, two friendly socialist neighbors, represents a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, the two sides have fought side by side and supported each other in their struggle for national independence and liberation, Xi said, adding that "So profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers" has become the most vivid portrayal of the relations between the two parties and countries.

In advancing socialism, the two sides have learned from each other and forged ahead hand in hand, thereby deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation, he said, adding that China and Vietnam share the same ideals and pursue a shared future, which is the most striking feature of the relations between the two parties and countries.

Recalling his successful visit to Vietnam in 2023, Xi said that the two sides pledged to work for a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, raising up the relations between the two parties and countries to a new stage.

As changes of the world, of the times and of history are unfolding in unprecedented ways, Xi said, China and Vietnam continuing to follow in good faith the path of socialism has a bearing on the future of the two parties and countries as well as the future of the global socialist cause, and is of great significance to the peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world at large.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the growth of bilateral relations and is willing to work with Vietnamese leaders to take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, keep in mind the original mission and forge ahead on the new journey toward socialist modernization, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples and make important contributions to revitalizing the world socialist cause as well as pushing for human development and progress. 
MOSCOW, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday signed a new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement following bilateral talks in Moscow.

According to the document, published on the Kremlin website, the two countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, defense, security, space, energy and counterterrorism, among other areas.

The agreement also states that both countries will reject third-party sanctions against each other and will prevent the use of unilateral coercive measures.

"This truly breakthrough document aims to establish conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia and Iran, as well as our entire common Eurasian region," the Kremlin reported, citing Putin at a press-conference following talks with the Iranian leader.

Putin said the new treaty outlines ambitious goals and creates a framework for deepening long-term cooperation in fields like politics, security, trade, investment and humanitarian affairs.

He stressed that Russia and Iran have maintained extensive and mutually beneficial relations, and said the agreements will strengthen Russian-Iranian relations across all fields.

The Iranian leader said the new agreement will mark the start of a new chapter in relations between Russia and Iran, and would boost bilateral economic and trade ties.

"This meeting ... and the agreements reached between our countries serve as another impetus for building a multipolar world. And, of course, this primarily concerns the development of Iran and Russia," Pezeshkian said.

During the talks, the two leaders also discussed various foreign policy issues, and the positions of Moscow and Tehran largely aligned. 
Authorities in Camden County said they are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Woodlynne.

Camden County Police responded to the 2200 block of Mount Ephraim Avenue in Woodlynne at 7:04 p.m. Friday night for a report of an incident involving a pedestrian, authorities said Saturday.

They located the victim and rushed the person to Cooper University Medical Center for treatment. The victim was pronounced deceased at 7:14 p.m. Friday, officials said.

The crash happened on Mount Ephraim Avenue between Woodlynne Avenue and Fairview Street on the southbound side of the street. When police arrived, the vehicle involved had already left the area, according to officials.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, but authorities said Saturday that the investigation has taken some very positive turns and is progressing.

The identity of the person killed was not released by authorities Saturday morning pending a notification of next of kin.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NEW JERSEY WINGS IN THE POLL BELOW!

Last week, we asked you to tell us where to find New Jerseys best wings, just in time for Super Bowl LIX.

And you delivered! After sorting through a hefty pile of nominations from all corners of the state, we have created a poll with all the nominations, where you may vote for your favorite New Jersey wing restaurant or bar.

Youll have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26 to cast your ballot. Youll need a free NJ.com account to vote.

Sign in or create an account to view the poll.

Well tally the results and announce the top 10 vote-getters on Jan. 27. Then NJ.coms own New Jersey wing expert will visit all 10 finalists, and select the winner of the 2025 Jersey Wing-Off based his evaluation of the flavor and quality of cooking, creativity, price and atmosphere.

The winner will receive a Jersey Wing-Off plaque and be featured on NJ.com.

Click here for guidelines on nominating and voting.

Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook.
A member of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips admitted his role in the Essex County gang this week, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

Jason Franklin, a/k/a Freak, pleaded guilty Friday to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, conspiracy and now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, federal prosecutors said.

Franklin, 41, was a member of the gang from at least 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, the office said.

Members and associates of the Rollin 60s engaged in, or controlled, drug trafficking and other criminal activities in various neighborhoods and public-housing complexes in and around Newark and Irvington, officials said.

He was one of the leaders of the group and ordered others to kill, often for retaliation, investigators said.

In one case, on March 20, 2019, in Irvington, Franklin ordered other gang members to murder another person, in retaliation for the murder of a member of the Rollin 60s, authorities said.

In early April 2021, Franklin ordered other Crips to retaliate against rival gang members, which resulted in the April 5, 2021 attempted murder of another person who survived the shooting, the office said.

He was indicted in 2021 along with two other members of the Neighborhood Crips but was not caught until later, authorities said.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
RAMALLAH, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Presidency on Friday welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and expressed readiness to take over the administration of the strip.

In a statement issued by the Palestinian News Agency WAFA, the presidency expressed its deep appreciation for Qatar and Egypt's efforts in securing the Gaza ceasefire. It also recognized the recent contributions of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United States.

The statement highlighted that the Palestinian government has finalized its preparations to fully take charge in Gaza. Administrative and security teams are prepared to ease the suffering of residents, help displaced individuals return to their homes, restore vital services like water and electricity, manage border crossings and begin reconstruction efforts.

The presidency stressed the necessity for the State of Palestine to fully assume its responsibilities in Gaza following the Israeli war, emphasizing that Gaza is an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territory.

The statement called on the international community, neighboring countries, and donor states to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to enable the Palestinian government to fulfill its responsibilities toward the Palestinian people.

The statement also stressed the pressing need for a political solution grounded in international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. It called for achieving security and stability in the region by ending the occupation and establishing the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders and in line with UN resolutions.

Israel and Hamas have agreed on a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal after intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The agreement is set to come into effect on Sunday.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas and Israel have been engaged in a fierce conflict that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and caused unprecedented destruction. The conflict began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing Israelis and taking hostages. 
A New Jersey Transit employee has filed a federal lawsuit after against the state agency after he was struck by a car while conducting a bridge inspection in January 2023.

John P. Sweeney, of Keansburg, was severely injured when a vehicle driven by a Maryland resident struck him as he stood in the middle of Main Street in Woodbridge, according to the lawsuit.

Sweeney was inspecting the bridge as part of his official duties for NJ Transit and wearing safety gear at the time, according to the lawsuit filed Dec. 30.
A United Airlines flight bound for Puerto Rico made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport Saturday after a report of a mechanical issue, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said.

United Airlines Flight 2143 returned safely to Newark airport at about 11:40 a.m. Saturday after the crew reported a possible mechanical issue, the FAA said.

The flight was headed from Newark to San Juan International Airport in Puerto Rico.

A United Airlines spokesperson said the plane landed safely and that all 230 passengers and nine crew members onboard deplaned normally at the gate.

United Airlines arranged for a new aircraft to fly customers to their destination later Saturday, the spokesperson said.

The FAA is investigating the incident and no further details on what caused the mechanical isse and the investigation were released Saturday.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
The Federal Aviation Administrations temporary bans on drone flights over parts of New Jersey are expiring.

Drone bans ended in 22 towns across the state on Friday. Bans lift in another 28 towns on Saturday or Sunday. (See the list of towns below.)

The no-fly zones were announced last month as reports flooded in about mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and half a dozen other states, including New York and Pennsylvania.

An FAA alert cited unspecified special security reasons for the bans, which applied only to drones and did not affect manned aircraft. It is unclear how the restrictions were enforced, as some drones, particularly those flown by hobbyists, can be difficult to track and intercept.

The FAAs exact criteria for which towns were selected for drone bans is also unclear. Many are near area airports, rail lines or power stations, according to an agency map. Several of the restricted drone-flying areas were near larger urban centers, including Camden and Jersey City.

The FAA said it imposed temporary drone flight restrictions over critical New Jersey infrastructure at the request of federal security partners.

Gov. Phil Murphy said in the wake of the restrictions that no specific threat had been identified and the bans were a precautionary measure.

He and other state officials have echoed federal authorities in saying that the reported sightings pose no national security risk or threat to the public.

The FAA, FBI, Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security have said that the vast majority of the bright lights seen hovering over the Northeast in November and December were a combination of airplanes, helicopters, stars and drones being flown legally.

That hasnt satisfied disturbed residents and some officials, who continue to demand the government be more transparent with the public.

President-elect Donald Trump vowed last week to release a report on drones about one day after taking office. However, it is unclear if such a report exists or which agency might prepare it.

The FBI, which is leading the investigation, told NJ Advance Media earlier this week the agency didnt have any information to provide regarding a future report.

Here are the towns where drone restrictions expire this weekend:

Friday:

Bayonne



Bedminster



Branchburg



Burlington



Camden



Cedar Grove



Clifton



Edison



Elizabeth



Evesham



Gloucester City



Hamilton



Hancocks Bridge



Harrison



Jersey City



Kearny



Metuchen



North Brunswick Township



Sewaren



South Brunswick



Westampton



Winslow



Saturday:

Atlantic Highlands



Belford



Fort Hancock



Highlands



Linden



Paulsboro



Port Reading



South Kearny



Westville



Sunday:

Absecon



Avenel



Bayville



Brick



Bridgewater



Colts Neck



Columbus



Delran



Howell



Lebanon



Neptune



Perth Amboy



Pleasantville



Short Hills



Somerset



Wall Township



West Brick



West Creek



West Deptford



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Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Here, they discuss the weeks events with editorial page editor Tom Moran.

Q. While it is not yet a sure thing yet, negotiators finally struck a cease-fire deal in Gaza. I want to ask how this war affected the generation gap in America regarding Israel. According to a Pew poll, those under 30 now say they have more sympathy for Palestinians than Israelis, and by 2-1 margin find Israels conduct in this war to be unacceptable. Its the exact opposite among those over 65. What does that mean for this alliance over the long run?

Mike: It reminds me of Winston Churchills great line, If youre not a liberal at 20, you have no heart. If youre not a conservative at 40, you have no head. This maxim holds true in this foreign policy morass. Many young people perceive Israel as the establishment, so therefore take the side of the seemingly oppressed underdog. Older folks have a greater institutional memory of why Israel exists. If you are in your 40s or older, you knew Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans in your life. If youre in your 30s or older, you remember the terrorist attacks of September 11th and could never sympathize with murdering and raping terrorists like Hamas.

Israel Hamas ceasefire: 77 dead in strikes overnight on Gaza



Warning: this report contains distressing images. pic.twitter.com/C4oAJOnrz7  Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) January 16, 2025

Julie: As a general matter, none of this would be happening if Hamas had not unconscionably raped and murdered over a thousand people on October 7th, and yet somehow that has all been forgotten by a large segment of our population. Part of that is Israels reluctance or inability to do the necessary PR around the world to remind people of that basic fact. Often, I watch their spokespeople on TV and find myself shaking my head at their pride in going it alone and in giving anyone who dares to disagree the middle finger. But the bottom line is that Israel cannot go it alone. It needs the United States in its corner and there is no doubt that if things continue on this trajectory, eventually American politicians wont find it expedient to support Israel. I am deeply worried about the long-term effect that this Israeli reluctance to play for hearts and minds will have on American support for a Jewish state.

This was Biden's deal, but as much as I hate to say it, he couldn't have done it without Trump -- not so much Trump's performative threats to Hamas, but his willingness to tell Bibi bluntly that the war had to end by Jan. 20.



And that's damning. 1/ https://t.co/ZIItKNaOT9  Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) January 15, 2025

Q. President Biden, in his farewell address, warned of a dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a small group of super wealthy individuals. 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. Is he right?

Mike: Biden might be right Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg are falling all over themselves to curry favor with the incoming president, in hopes to protect their influence and wealth, but Democrats whining over it misses the political point that Trump ran as a populist. His supporters dont think hes beholden to the rich. Trump gained support of the little guy while working class voters fled the Democratic party. Democrats trotted out celebrity after celebrity for Harris, making them look like the party of the rich, famous, and out of touch. And Democrats keep using words like oligarchy or fascist as if those words actually connect with the average person. As Julie has often said, Democrats have a communications problem, and Biden mumbling about oligarchs is a prime example.

Can all Americans, left and right, agree on these common-sense reforms proposed by Biden this even during his farewell address?



- A ban on stock trading in Congress.



- An 18-year term limit for Supreme Court Justices, paired with ethics reform.



- An end to dark money in pic.twitter.com/938mCFL5ea  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 16, 2025

Julie: Mike is right about Democrats trotting out Beyonce, George Clooney, Lady Gaga and other people whom the average American voter considers way out of touch. If I were Harris, I would have gone to Texas to do Joe Rogan and not a Beyonce concert. But you know who is even more out of touch? The billionaires who are now effectively running our government and our media. If you think Elon Musk (who will now have an office in the White House complex) gives a damn about the price of eggs, you are in for a very rude awakening.

Joe Biden ended his presidency with:



2.9% inflation.



4.1% unemployment.



43k Dow Jones.



Manufacturing boom.



Gaza ceasefire.



Medicare D $2k prescription drug cap.



Infrastructure boom.



Fastest economic recovery.



Covid handled.



But go ahead, tell me hes a bad president.  Aes (@AesPolitics1) January 15, 2025

Q. In confirmation hearings this week, Republican senators lined up behind Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, despite the drinking problem, the alleged sexual assault, the financial mismanagement of non-profits, and the lack of management experience. Did you hear a good argument in favor of his confirmation?

Mike: I saw the pettiness of American politics, from both sides, in the Hegseth drama. Hegseth needed to prove hes qualified, and Democrats needed to prove hes not. But all Democrats proved is that Hegseth isnt a very good guy, while Republicans argued that hes qualified. Democrats proved he has a checkered personal history and some financial mismanagement along the way. But guess what? Americans just voted for someone exactly like that for president.

Remember that the witnesses to and victims of Hegseths misconduct were not anonymous, but offered to meet in person with Republican senators (anything but anonymous) who offered zero meetings, and now call these real people anonymous.https://t.co/k00rXeruJF  Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) January 15, 2025

Mike: Democrats posed precious few questions on the challenges we face with Chinas increased military and technological capabilities, a territorially aggressive Russia, a strengthened North Korea, and a weakened but hate-filled and nuclear aggressive Iran. Is the military prepared for a changing geopolitical landscape? Should we return to a military policy that resembles the Cold War more than the terrorist fighting post-9/11 era? Are we prepared for warfare that hacks our communications systems or shuts down our energy supply? What do our intelligence capabilities look like? We didnt get those answers because we have weak posers as leaders of the Democratic Party who care more about their anti-Trump base than their responsibility as the loyal opposition that challenges the party in power.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran who was wounded in combat, says that Pete Hegseth has "not earned" his place as secretary of Defense.



"You, sir, are a no-go at this station." https://t.co/xRgYQxM3OV pic.twitter.com/ZlqvyOaWN1  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 14, 2025

Julie: Oh boy. Where to begin? Pete Hegseths background is deeply relevant in a military plagued by sexual assault. I have interviewed servicewomen who have told me that it is a question of when and not if they will get raped on deployment. Hegseth published a column that claimed assaulting an unconscious woman is not rape, because she is unable to deny consent. How should women in our military feel about that?

To think that women shouldn't be serving in combat fundamentally misunderstands how our military operates and why we're the best fighting force in the world.



This isn't 1940  this is modern warfare. Pete Hegseth is not qualified to be our next Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/rAexj25WEu  Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) November 22, 2024

Julie: He could not identify the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or which countries are in it (hint: neither Korea nor China, the countries he mentioned, are in Southeast Asia). He has mismanaged every organization he has ever run and his own colleagues at Fox think he is an alcoholic. Is that someone you want getting that 3 AM phone call when Russia drops a dirty bomb on Kiev?

Mike: This illustrates my point. Julie can connect these dots in a way US Senators -- or their communications directors -- cant seem to.

You have to watch this @Timodc rant on the Hegseth hearing pic.twitter.com/qqYIY5Am6d  Colin Jones (@colinjones) January 14, 2025

Q. In his State of the State address, Gov. Phil Murphy proposed a ban on cell phones in all K-12 schools. Eight states now ban or restrict the devices in schools. Good idea? Will Murphy get it through the Legislature?

Mike: All parents struggle with the distractions that social media and the access our kids have to supercomputers in their pockets pose. Doing away with these distractions during the school day would be ideal, but of course parents also want to text their kids about pick up times or after school activities, especially as they are older and more responsible.

Mike: Gov. Murphys goal is good, so I applaud him pushing the conversation, but I am wary of a Trenton-based fiat that treats 1st graders the same as 11th graders. Lets push the goal, and let individual schools define how they help our kids live productively with their phones, rather than simply taking them away. Smart phones are a way of life, so students should learn their appropriate and beneficial uses, understand their dangers, and also know when and how to put them down to concentrate on the task at hand.

Julie: Bravo, Governor Murphy. If you need to get in touch with your kids, call the school. Otherwise, they can call you once school is over. Phones are a major distraction and are completely unnecessary in the classroom.

Q. Meanwhile, leading congressional Republicans in Washington, including Speaker Mike Johnson, say they want to place conditions on aid for Californias wildfire victims. Johnson mentioned fire management policies, but others insisted on unrelated policy changes as well. We want to be able to help our colleagues in New York, California and New Jersey, but those governors need to change their tune now, said Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), citing these blue states who have run away with a broken tax policy. Thoughts?

Mike: I love the Iowa guy, who certainly has his hand out every year for the Farm Bill, lecturing New York and New Jersey -- what a tool. Lets be clear that federal aid almost always comes with conditions, but we should not hold it up in times of crisis. Thats wrong.

Julie: I would not go down this road if I were the Speaker. One day  and I pray that day is soon  Democrats will have leaders who know how to play hardball. When Louisiana, Mike Johnsons home state, has another hurricane, he will need Democrats to help pass a relief package. If he conditions aid to Democratic states, Democrats better remember that the next time Moocher States, as Rep. Gottheimer calls them, come begging hat in hand. If they want to break norms, go ahead and break norms. Two can play that game.

Q. Finally, the Washington Post seems to be in a free fall. Its online audience was over 22 million when Biden took office and has plummeted to 2.5 million in the latest count. Its losing $100 million a year and it laid off 100 more employees this week. And several of its top journalists have quit in protest over the decision by owner Jeff Bezos to kill an endorsement of Kamala Harris a few weeks before the election. Weve seen a million papers go under, including the Star-Ledger as of Feb. 2. But what happens to our democracy if the big papers like the Post start to fail?

Mike: There were no TV news crews, radio shows, podcasts or online news outlets when the Bill of Rights was passed. Freedom of the Press is a concept, not a physical newspaper. Journalism must take a new shape to stay relevant. The government must guarantee the right of this freedom, but it doesnt guarantee a newspapers commercial success. The business model must continue to evolve to stay relevant.

Julie: Legacy media did it to itself. I remember when a governor of New Jersey couldnt sneeze without five Ledger journalists being all over him or her. Now, this paper has become the governors stenographer  not because there are not wonderful journalists covering him, but because the appetite to invest in investigative reporting is largely gone. When the Star-Ledger stopped emphasizing real journalism, readers tuned out. I feel for the reporters in New Jersey who are doing the best they can with the scant resources they are given. Its a disservice to them and to the people of this state, who pay taxes without anyone telling them how that money is really spent.

In Will Lewis's first year at 'Washington Post,' readers and staffers flee



My story for NPR:https://t.co/wUud3Yj0AJ  David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) January 15, 2025

Julie: You see this on a national level, too. When the Washington Post became a mouthpiece for MAGA, readers tuned out. When some cable news networks decided to both-sides the circumference of the earth, viewers tuned out. News consumers arent stupid. They want real news, real analysis and real facts. Thats why independent outlets are doing so well  because journalists and analysts whom consumers have trusted at legacy media are flocking there once the existing model fails them.

Julie: I can tell you, from personal experience, that my Substack Salty Politics has been going gangbusters since I launched it right before the election, and thats in part because readers of this column are unhappy that it is going away and want to continue the discussion and analysis elsewhere. Ultimately, people who care about news and analysis would rather pay a few bucks to a content creator who gives them what they want, rather than to a legacy media outlet that runs listicles of the best bagels in Essex County.

What a bunch of whiny snowflakes MAGA is https://t.co/gihHJCTYKe  Julie Roginsky (@julieroginsky) January 16, 2025

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Rep. mike Turner says "it's absolutely true" that Russian propaganda has "infected" the GOP:



"To the extent that this propaganda takes hold, it makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian vs democracy battle,which is what it is

pic.twitter.com/bCd8CTMkmB  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 16, 2025

A note to readers: Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global, has worked for Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and George W. Bush. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group and author of the Salty Politics column in Substack, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy.
By Tom Deignan

An army of cops descended upon Trentons Hamilton Avenue - in broad daylight - last month, in response to a 911 call about an active shooter.

On these streets that once produced Princeton grad and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, Trenton police were again unspooling yellow emergency tape. Further proof that Jerseys cities  and Americas  are caught in a spiral of violence and decline.

Except that the December 12 call turned out to be bogus, the latest example of a dangerous trend known as swatting.

This false alarm, however, actually does reveal a lot about the state of our nation  especially in this corner of Jersey.

Because once Donald Trump is inaugurated, the political spotlight turns to Trentons most famous judge.

(M)any. . .have wondered whether Justices (Samuel) Alito and (Clarence) Thomas will step down, the New York Times noted recently, with the L.A. Times adding that this would allow Trump to appoint one or two far younger conservatives.

This is a dream scenario for MAGA Republicans, and a nightmare for Democrats.

Some partisan activists have thoughtful things to say about Alitos voting record  on abortion, presidential power, even democracy itself. But too many others - on the left and right - just send out ideological false alarms of their own, with righteous sound and fury that often hurts the very causes they claim to be supporting.

Lets start with Republicans, who now control all three branches of government.

Relentless right-wing fearmongering about cities and the immigrants who (supposedly) destroy them ignores the fact that progenitors of Alito  like those of another Trenton conservative icon, Antonin Scalia  was also once seen as a grave social threat.

Thats why 10,000 men, women and children from over a dozen states flocked to Trentons Springdale Park in September 1924 for a Ku Klux Klan parade. It was designed to keep all foreigners, Jews, Catholics, and Negroes in their place, as Nobel Prize winner Sinclair Lewis put it in Elmer Gantry, his 1920s best-seller about social change.

This was the atmosphere Sam Alito Sr. and his future wife Rose  whose families lived around Pearl and Hudson Streets  grew up in, before baptizing Sam Jr. into Sacred Heart parish.

St. Joachim Catholic Church, over on Butler Street, celebrated mass in Italian until just a few years ago -- just as Nuevo Pacto Pentecostal Church, across the street, serves 21st century newcomers in Spanish.

And if new arrivals from Ecuador or Honduras want a change from Hispanic fare, they can still get focaccia or zeppole at the Italian Peoples Bakery.

Too many conservatives would have you believe that most American cities are a Hunger-Games-hellscape rife with what Donald Trump called American Carnage.

The reality is more boring: What you mainly see in the Alitos old neighborhood these days are barber shops, bodegas and brick walls of attached three-story dwellings, broken up by the occasional empty lot or storefront church.

Make no mistake: If you go to Trenton determined to find Carnage, you can find it. To ignore the disorder plaguing urban America is  above all else  a disservice to the people simply trying to work and raise families there.

Which brings us to progressives and the issues they mistakenly prioritized.

White supremacy with a law degree, reads a Salon magazine headline from last summer, echoing countless critiques of the Supreme Courts conservative majority, which invariably  and absurdly  connect Alito to some kind of Handmaids Tale systemic elite.

My father did grow up in poverty, Alito once said, of his family that left Calabria in 1920. There were a number of occasions when they were evicted from their home. My father would come home from school and find the furniture out on the sidewalk. And because he was the oldest child and spoke English, he was responsible for going around the neighborhood to find a new place.

Youre free to say people like Alito have forgotten their roots. It wouldnt change the fact that progressives ignored an obvious lesson from Ellis Island offspring like the Alitos: Immigrant families are not genetically anti-Republican.

Whatever you think about Samuel Alitos life, retirement, or his native city, it is a big mistake to simplify them to score short-term partisan points.

Sooner or later, false alarms have grave consequences.

Tom Deignan, a Woodbridge resident, has contributed to numerous books about history and immigration, and his work often appears in the Star-Ledger and NJ Monthly. He is currently writing a book about the 1920s.

To comment on this op-ed, send a letter to eletters@starledger.com.

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The popular app TikTok thats used by millions of Americans and has been a cultural phenomenon could go dark in the U.S. on Sunday.

Whats prompting it to shut down?

Last year, lawmakers passed bipartisan legislation that required the platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or shut down its U.S. operation.

Opponents of TikTok have argued its ownership ByteDance gives Beijing a dangerous amount of influence over what narratives Americans see as well as potential access to U.S. user data. Chinese national-security laws allow the ruling Communist Party wide latitude over private business, though the U.S. has not made public evidence that the Chinese government has manipulated the app or forced ByteDance to do its bidding.

The law forces the company to sell TikTok to a person or company that doesnt present any national security risks to the U.S.

ByteDance has challenged the law in court, though the court ruled in favor of the federal law Friday and held that the risk to national security posed by TikToks ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech.

TikTok lawyers want the justices to step in before the law takes effect on Jan. 19, saying even a monthlong shutdown would cause the app to lose about one-third of its daily American users and significant advertising revenue.

A sale does not appear imminent and, although experts have said the app will not disappear from existing users phones once the law takes effect, new users wont be able to download it and updates wont be available. That will eventually render the app unworkable, the Justice Department has said in court filings.

President-elect Donald Trump, meanwhile, asked the Supreme Court to put the law on hold so that he could negotiate a deal for the sale of TikTok after he takes office.

Trump originally tried to ban the app during his first term, citing the reasons lawmakers and President Joe Biden supported the law. Trump issued an executive order in 2020, but it was later blocked in the courts.

Since then, Trump has said he has a warm spot for TikTok and has vowed to save it.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who is expected to attend Trumps inauguration, used the app to thank the incoming president for his commitment to work with us to keep TikTok available.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
UPDATE: Winter storm warnings issued for 8 counties expecting heavy snow Sunday

The latest forecast for a winter storm expected to hit New Jersey on Sunday calls for 4 to 8 inches of snow across the northern half of the state with up to 10 inches possible in some spots.

The highest snowfall totals of 6 to 10 inches are expected in the eight counties already under winter storm watches. Those watches will likely be upgraded to warnings as the storm approaches.

Snowfall rates of more than 1 inch per hour are possible during the peak of the storm on Sunday afternoon.

AccuWeather.coms snow forecast map is calling for lower snow totals of 3 to 6 inches in northern New Jersey.

AccuWeather's snow forecast map is calling for 3 to 6 inches in the northern half of New Jersey and 1 to 3 inches in South Jersey during Sunday's winter storm.AccuWeather.com

This will likely end up being the first general snowstorm for the Interstate 95 corridor for the mid-Atlantic and New England, as storms this winter have not hit all of the areas with significant snow all at once, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines said.

There is some data that suggests the storm could strengthen fast enough to be dubbed a bomb cyclone, Kines said.

A bomb cyclone, or bombogenesis, is a popular term used by meteorologists to refer to when a storm rapidly intensifies, dropping at least 24 millibars over 24 hours. A millibar measures atmospheric pressure.

While southern New Jersey and areas along the Jersey Shore are likely to escape this storm with low snow totals, there could still be a wintry mix changing from rain to snow as temperatures hover around freezing, the weather service said.

Through the central part of the state, particularly along the I-95 corridor, there is less confidence in the forecast. Snow total projections currently call for 2 to 6 inches.

This is where the forecast will be the trickiest, the weather service said in its Saturday morning update.

The National Weather Service has highlighted the area along the I-95 corridor with lower confidence in forecast totals as there could be a shift from rain to snow to freezing rain, and then back to snow during the storm Sunday.National Weather Service

That area could see rain to start changing to snow, then flipping back to rain or sleet, before finishing as snow Sunday evening.

There are still some notable differences in computer model guidance regarding the strength and track of the low and this will impact both the precipitation types and amounts, the weather service said.

The storm is expected to start in southern New Jersey Sunday morning and spread north. The heaviest snowfall is expected in the afternoon and early evening.

The good news is that this will be a fast moving system, the weather service said. The storm should clear out by Sunday night.

Winter storm watches

Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties through 1 a.m. Monday - Heavy snow possible with accumulations between 6 and 10 inches from Sunday morning through late Sunday night. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

Bergen, Passaic, western Essex and western Union counties through 4 a.m. Monday: Heavy snow possible with total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches possible from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.

Dangerous cold temperatures

The storm will usher in dangerous cold temperatures that will continue through the week. Wind chills below zero are expected in parts of the state through Wednesday.

The coldest day could be Tuesday with highs in the teens and overnight lows in the single digits.

After Sunday's snowstorm, dangerous cold temperatures will continue into next week. The coldest day could be Tuesday with highs in the teens and overnight lows in the single digits.National Weather Service

Another shot of snow is possible on Tuesday night, though the forecast remains murky at this point, the weather service said.

It does potentially get interesting again Tuesday night as a new low will be passing by to our south, the weather service said. This could brush the area with a period of some snow but it looks like the heaviest precipitation should stay to our south.

Forecasters are also tracking another system that could move up the coast by Thursday night. By that part of the week, high temperatures should climb back into the 20s and 30s.

Current weather radar:

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JUBA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has appealed for the immediate restoration of calm following an eruption of violence that has resulted in the deaths of three people.

The violence that erupted Thursday night has resulted in an unverified number of casualties and looting of businesses in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, and other states.

"We urge all South Sudanese to continue to embrace this generous spirit of hospitality and work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all communities," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom in a statement issued Friday evening in Juba.

The violence has occurred in the aftermath of the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals during the conflict in Wad Madani, El Jazirah State of Sudan, earlier this week.

The police said Friday that three persons were shot dead, and seven others wounded during the Thursday night riots which broke out in several suburbs of Juba.

John Kassara Koang Nhial, spokesperson of the South Sudan National Police Service, said the motive behind the demonstration in the two towns of Juba and Awiel was related to the killings of innocent South Sudanese citizens in Wad Madani, by the Sudan Armed Forces.

Kassara said the police managed to rescue 45 Sudanese traders in Juba who are now secure in the police premises.

The killings, captured on camera after the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) took control of Wad Medani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Jan. 11, sparked violent protests in neighborhoods in Juba and other locations.

Haysom said South Sudan has provided much-needed protection and support to hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees who have fled the conflict in Sudan since it began in April 2023.

"UNMISS urges social media users to refrain from spreading misinformation, disinformation and hate speech which is stoking tensions and inciting violence," he added. 
China's leading comedy brand, Mahua Fun Age, signed a letter of intent with France's renowned theme park operator Puy du Fou on Jan. 15 in Beijing, aimed at exploring cross-cultural exchanges, executives revealed to China.org.cn.

Executives from Mahua Fun Age and Puy du Fou, along with representatives from China's performing arts industry and the French Embassy in China, pose for a group photo at the signing ceremony for their strategic cooperation in Beijing, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]



Zhang Chen, founder and president of Mahua Fun Age, said the two companies plan to promote and adapt Chinese and French theatrical productions while working together on new innovative projects. The initiative also aims to create a shared cultural brand and improve talent development in the industry. "These goals are very ambitious and, in my view, need to be implemented one at a time," he said.

Han Mei, CEO of Mahua Fun Age, explained that they chose Puy du Fou for its expertise in residency shows, which are among the most complex and rewarding forms of theatrical production in the performing arts. "We truly admire their serious dedication to theater, and we hope to explore cross-cultural collaboration with them," she said.

Founded in 2003, Mahua Fun Age is a popular comedy production organization known for its engaging stage performances. Last year, the company produced more than 12,000 shows across China, all of which garnered positive acclaim from audiences.

Since making its foray into film with the unexpected hit "Goodbye Mr. Loser" in 2015, Mahua Fun Age's film division, Fun Age Pictures, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. Many of its subsequent films have achieved blockbuster status, including the recent release "Successor," which grossed 3.33 billion yuan ($454 million) in 2024. Notably, actors and directors associated with Mahua Fun Age, such as Shen Teng and Ma Li, have attained remarkable fame and adoration.

Anne Zhao, co-chair of Puy du Fou Asia, praised Mahua Fun Age as a symbol of modern Chinese comedy and a vivid reflection of China's cultural confidence. She noted that while Puy du Fou does not exclusively focus on comedy, it is committed to innovative, emotionally resonant theatrical arts that globally showcase French culture.

Zhao added that the company's grasp of French audiences' appreciation for nuanced humor and emotional depth closely aligns with the innovative and humanistic qualities evident in Mahua Fun Age's works.

"This collaboration is not only a partnership between the two sides but also a deep dialogue between Chinese and French cultures and arts," Zhao said. She expressed a desire to introduce Chinese-style humor to France and other European countries while anticipating more opportunities in the Chinese market.

"By leveraging each other's strengths, we are committed to elevating the theatrical cultures of both countries onto a broader international stage. We look forward to this cooperation opening a new chapter in cultural and artistic exchanges between China and France."

The year 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. Pan Yan, secretary-general of the China Association of Performing Arts, underscored the robust cultural exchanges between the two nations, noting that mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation are essential to these interactions.

"The strategic cooperation between Mahua Fun Age and Puy du Fou not only underscores the deep cultural exchange and integration between China and France, but it also aligns with the global trend of international cultural collaboration," she stated.

Founded by Philippe de Villiers in 1978, Puy du Fou has become a leading theme park company known for recreating historical scenes and celebrating traditional cultures around the world. Its parks are known for their natural environments and feature spectacular shows, themed hotels, and restaurants, earning recognition as unique artistic destinations.

Puy du Fou debuted its first production in China, SAGA City of Light in Shanghai last September. Covering 46,000 square meters, it offers an immersive theater boasting the worlds largest performance area. After four years of construction and a cost of 670 million yuan ($91.43 million), it is expected to attract up to 1.2 million visitors each year.

Actors Shen Teng and Ma Li express their thoughts and congratulations on the Mahua Fun Age-Puy du Fou partnership during the signing ceremony in Beijing, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]



Mahua Fun Age megastars Shen Teng and Ma Li attended the ceremony to witness and celebrate the deal. However, Shen raised concerns about cultural nuances that could be lost in translation. He recommended hiring skilled professionals who deeply understand Chinese culture to handle translations for future stage shows in France.

Mahua Fun Age CEO Han Mei echoed this concern, stating, "Comic punchlines are strongly connected to cultural backgrounds." She elaborated: "This task is akin to starting an entirely new venture, and the challenge is as significant as starting from scratch. Both parties are excited and nervous. We hope that as we continue on this path, our shared commitment to refining our creations and honing our craftsmanship will align our ideas."

Han mentioned that discussions are currently ongoing to select the first show for collaborative adaptation in France, adding that the aim is to export comedies that embody a contemporary feel and highlight the distinctive Mahua Fun Age style. She anticipates completing the preparation and development of the show within 10 to 12 months and looks forward to Shen and Ma actively participating.

"We have always been exploring cross-cultural and cross-language exchanges and innovation in comedies," the executive said, adding that the collaboration with Puy du Fou could serve as a model for future partnerships with cultural enterprises from other countries. "We are very open and continue to challenge ourselves to develop new, original, and innovative content. Anything is possible; we would love to open our hearts to communicate and co-create."

Mahua Fun Age is also involved in several international projects designed to promote Chinese culture, including the Macao International Comedy Festival (MICF). Following its inaugural edition last year, the festival is scheduled to return in April. This event is a key component of Mahua Fun Age's efforts to facilitate international cultural exchanges. By bringing together comedy artists and notable works from around the globe, the MICF will provide a joyful celebration for attendees and a broader platform for comedic cultural exchange, enabling international audiences to appreciate the appeal of Chinese comedy.
Passengers dine aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 13, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Train chef Wang Limao works aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 17, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

A passenger dines aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 13, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Train chefs discuss work aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 17, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

A train chef (1st L) with the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. discusses culinary skills with members of the chef team of the Wanghu Hotel in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 29, 2024. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Passengers try new dishes aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 13, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

A train attendant sells boxed meals aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 17, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)
Adults and children pose for photos during a children's temple fair at the Youth and Children's Center in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 18, 2025. The three-day children's event kicked off on Saturday in Tianjin to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year by showcasing intangible cultural heritage folklore, performances and traditional food. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Children write Spring Festival couplets during a children's temple fair at the Youth and Children's Center in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 18, 2025. The three-day children's event kicked off on Saturday in Tianjin to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year by showcasing intangible cultural heritage folklore, performances and traditional food. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Adults and children attend a children's temple fair at the Youth and Children's Center in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 18, 2025. The three-day children's event kicked off on Saturday in Tianjin to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year by showcasing intangible cultural heritage folklore, performances and traditional food. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Children experience paper-cutting during a children's temple fair at the Youth and Children's Center in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 18, 2025. The three-day children's event kicked off on Saturday in Tianjin to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year by showcasing intangible cultural heritage folklore, performances and traditional food. (Xinhua/Li Ran)
Boats sail on the Nile River at sunset in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- "It has always been my dream to travel to Egypt. Its rich civilization, full of mysteries and stories, captivates me," said Ji Siqi, a Chinese tourist who kick-starts her seven-day trip to Egypt with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo.

At the museum, a Chinese family, who identified themselves only by their surname Rui, said they were impressed by the abundance of Egypt's cultural relics and historic sites.

"Children should learn about ancient civilizations to broaden their horizons, so we come here," the mother of the family told Xinhua, as they neared the end of their 13-day family trip that covers destinations including the cities of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada.

Both Ji and the Rui family are among the tens of thousands of Chinese visitors traveling to Egypt, an increasingly popular destination located about 7,000 km from China.

Tourists visit the Saladin Citadel in Cairo, Egypt, on Dec. 21, 2024. The Saladin Citadel, built by Saladin (1138-1193) in the 12th century, is one of Cairo's most famous landmarks. (Photo by Tao Yubin/Xinhua)

In 2024, about 300,000 Chinese tourists visited the North African country, home to the world-renowned pyramids and temples, the Chinese embassy in Egypt revealed in mid-December. Egyptian authorities said the figure represented a remarkable 63 percent increase compared to 2023.

Chinese tourists are part of the 15.7 million visitors who arrived in Egypt in 2024. This figure surpasses the previous record of 14.9 million set in 2023 and marks the second consecutive year Egypt has exceeded its 2010 tourism peak of 14.7 million visitors, according to Egyptian authorities.

In a statement released by the Egyptian cabinet on Jan. 1, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the country aims to attract 18 million visitors in 2025.

Analysts say that with the strong relations between the two countries, the Chinese market will undoubtedly play a key role in driving the expansion of Egypt's tourism sector this year.

Tourists visit Wadi Al-Hitan, or the Whale Valley, in Fayoum, Egypt, on Dec. 26, 2024. Wadi Al-Hitan, or the Whale Valley, located in the desert of Fayoum, features invaluable fossil remains of the earliest, and now extinct, suborder of whales, Archaeoceti. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

As part of its ambitious strategy to expand its share of the Chinese tourism market, Egypt aims to attract 3 million Chinese tourists annually by 2028, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa announced in November 2023.

At the 2024 China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market, a trade fair held in Beijing in October 2024, Egyptian tourism authorities revealed that a series of measures have been taken to attract more Chinese tourists, including adding Chinese-language signage at tourist sites, encouraging hotels to serve Chinese cuisine, and hiring more Chinese-speaking tour guides.

Amr El-Kady, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, highlighted Egypt's willingness to collaborate with Chinese travel agencies on joint marketing campaigns to provide Chinese tourists with an updated and enriched travel experience.

Tourists visit the Philae temple complex in Aswan, Egypt, Nov. 22, 2024. Aswan, a southern Egyptian city on upper Nile River, is one of the country's famous tourist destinations. It boasts rich cultural and natural tourism resources, attracting visitors from around the world every year. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

El-Kady also noted that Egypt's official tourism website is now available in Chinese, offering comprehensive information on tourist attractions, activities, and upcoming events in the country.

Mohamed Othman, chairman of the Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee in Upper Egypt, noted that Chinese tourists now prefer destinations with historical sites, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making Egypt a popular choice.

He urged Egyptian travel agencies to strengthen cooperation with Chinese companies and increase flight connections between the two countries.

On RedNote, China's Instagram-like social media platform, thousands of users have shared their travel experiences in Egypt, offering reviews and insights that highlight their unique cultural explorations.

"I would definitely consider coming back for a second trip, because there are still many sights in Cairo I haven't explored, and I didn't get the chance to dive deep into the local culture," said Fang Zixuan, a visitor from Shanghai, on her last day in Egypt. 
LILONGWE, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Malawi has launched a 5-year cholera control plan, aiming to reduce the disease's annual incidence rate by 90 percent and achieve a case fatality rate of less than 1 percent by 2030.

Dubbed the Malawi Multi-sectoral Cholera Control Plan (MMCCP), the initiative, launched on Thursday, will enhance the coordination and implementation of multi-sectoral interventions for cholera prevention and control in the country.

Malawian Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the MMCCP is very necessary as records show that "the country has faced repeated outbreaks since the first cholera cases were reported in 1973."

From March 2022 to January 2025, Malawi recorded 61,639 cases of cholera and 1,786 cholera-related deaths. The recurrent outbreaks in this southern African country have been attributed to limited access to safe water, inadequate sanitation, and generally poor hygiene practices at the household level.

According to the minister, a series of natural disasters, including tropical storms and cyclones Ana, Gombe, Hidaya, Freddy, and Chido, also "exacerbated already existing risk factors and caused untold havoc to the already overstretched health systems in the country."

Joseph Seriki, focal person and regional coordinator for the Global Task Force on Cholera Control, described the MMCCP as a landmark document that represents a unified commitment to eradicating cholera in Malawi.

He described the recent cholera outbreaks in Malawi as a reminder for urgent and sustained action to address the root causes of the disease and strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Malawi has launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign in five districts, where the disease is prevalent, with a death toll of 14 and 263 recorded cases since September 2024. 
Every winter season, a stream of nostalgic gawkers gather outside the "Home Alone" house in suburban Chicago to see where Kevin McCallister waged war against the Wet Bandits while eating junk, watching rubbish and hiding out from the South Bend Shovel Slayer.

The home in north suburban Winnetka that was featured in the holiday classic, the second highest-grossing film in 1990, went on the market last year and sold for $5.5 million, according to the listing by Coldwell Realty's Dawn McKenna Group. The massive house at 671 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka fetched $250,000 more than the asking price of $5.25 million, more than triple what it last sold for about a decade ago.

"Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin reportedly weighed a bid for the house, which had been briefly listed on Airbnb a few years ago.

The six-bedroom, six-bathroom stone home, which was built in 1921, had sold for $1.59 million in 2012. The 9,126-square-foot mansion attracts sightseers year-round, but especially around Christmas. It featured prominently in the classic holiday film "Home Alone," which was directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes, the popular maker of 1980s teen movies who often set his films in the Chicago suburbs near where he grew up.

In "Home Alone," the 9,126-square-foot property was defended by McCallister with irons, bb guns, tarantulas, swinging paint cans and other makeshift traps from robbers played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. In recent years, many people have speculated online what the McCallisters did for a living to afford such an opulent house and a holiday vacation to Paris for such a large family, speculating that Kevin's dad was in the mafia. Columbus has said Kevin's mom was supposed to have been a prominent fashion designer.
The first time Jean Jennings confronted the Mexican federal police, they had just arrested one of her friends for public urination.

It was 1983, and she was part of an eight-vehicle road test along the length of Baja California, which she had joined as a writer for Car and Driver magazine. Thinking fast, she called her friend a cerdo  pig  and talked the police down to a fine.

A few days later, the cops caught them speeding outside La Paz, near the bottom of the peninsula; she wriggled out of a ticket by showing officers her Datsuns fancy electronic voice system. Still later, she was arrested when she hit a cow. This time she wheedled an officer into letting her drive his police car, gave his girlfriend a manicure and got away with a $50 fine.

Mrs. Jennings, who died on Dec. 16 at 70, was not just one of the best writers in automotive journalism; she was also, by all accounts, the most interesting. She won a demolition derby, rode a motorcycle across China and traversed New Zealand in a 1916 Benz, all during her 30-year career first at Car and Driver and then at Automobile, where she was editor in chief.
When Mayor Eric Adams descended into Palm Beach Thursday night to meet with President-elect Donald J. Trump, he said he just wanted to advance New York Citys interests.

But the context was impossible to ignore: Mr. Adams, facing a federal corruption trial in April and the possibility of prison time, was going to visit the one person in the United States who was capable of pardoning him and who had indicated a potential interest in doing so.

The taxpayer-funded journey to Florida came with substantial political intrigue. For Mr. Trump, a Republican, the meeting could give him leverage in New York City, a place that is typically hostile to him and his party. For the mayor, a Democrat, the visit carried more peril.

Mr. Adamss poll numbers are in the tank. He is facing several credible primary challengers. And his overtures to Mr. Trump risk damaging whatever hopes the mayor still has of winning a second term in City Hall this year.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan told a judge on Friday that they would drop a bribery case against Brian A. Benjamin, New Yorks former lieutenant governor, following the death of a key witness.

The decision lifts a cloud that has followed Mr. Benjamin, a Democrat, since April 2022 when the government first accused him of funneling state money to a real estate developer in exchange for campaign contributions. The charges, announced in a splashy news conference, forced Mr. Benjamin to resign and all but ended his political career.

The Supreme Court declined to dismiss the case in December, and it had appeared as if Mr. Benjamin might finally face trial.

But on Friday, prosecutors wrote to the judge overseeing the case, J. Paul Oetken, that they no longer saw a path to proving their allegations after the death of the developer, Gerald Migdol. Mr. Migdol had pleaded guilty to related charges and was cooperating with the government before he died in February.
The success of this agreement will depend on Mr. Trumps policies as president. He now owns the process: the return of all the hostages, the release of more Palestinian prisoners and turning a six-week cease-fire into an end to the war. All of that will be challenging, and its failure or success will determine whether the agreement was simply a respite between rounds or an actual pathway to peace.

Sixteen days into the first phase, negotiations are supposed to begin on returning the remaining hostages and Israel is to withdraw from Gaza. Its here that the endgames of Israel and Hamas may be mutually exclusive: Hamas will not give up the remaining hostages  its only card  without an Israeli commitment to end the war and leave Gaza. And Mr. Netanyahu, fearful of Hamass claiming victory and worried about his own political future, wont agree to that unless some way can be found to create an international or regional security force with a proven capability of preventing Hamas from rearming. Even then any full Israeli withdrawal would need to be gradual and tied to the security forces performance.

It is possible that after six weeks of calm and unfettered aid pouring into Gaza, both Israel and Hamas will find it too difficult or costly to return to the fight. But its hard to believe that Mr. Netanyahu will stop the war as long as Hamas remains an armed insurgency and a political force. As for Mr. Trump, he could well decide to walk away from the matter and blame Israel and Hamas for the failure. But if he is interested in an Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement and a Nobel Peace Prize  or even just a day after reset in Gaza  that will mean dealing with a messy set of issues, including an unreformed Palestinian Authority; security, governance and reconstruction in Gaza; and a two-state solution that would invariably bring him into conflict with Mr. Netanyahu and his right-wing government. Indeed, Saudi Arabias terms for normalization have hardened considerably, potentially requiring an Israeli commitment to Palestinian statehood and concrete, tangible steps in that direction.

Is this new deal then leading to a negotiators cul-de-sac, or can it provide a pathway forward for Israelis and Palestinians? Is there any hope of something better emerging from this war? The answer is no if the imagination of Mr. Trump and regional leaders is satisfied with conflict management.

Any possibility of a pathway that leads to lasting peace will depend on Israeli and Palestinian leaders who decide to be masters of their politics rather than prisoners of their ideologies, and who are willing and able to define a better future based on a vision of two states for two peoples. It will also depend on a determined, persistent, creative American president  working hand in hand with key Arab states and an international community  to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve that goal.
INTERNATIONAL

Because of an editing error, an article on Jan. 8 about Elon Musk posting on his social media platform about a decade-old child sex abuse scandal in Britain described incorrectly one element of the government data on ethnicity and sexual abuse. The data referred to suspects in child sexual abuse cases in 2023, not to those convicted of a crime.

ARTS

A film review on Friday about the award-winning Brazilian film Im Still Here described incorrectly some of the actions taken toward Brazilians by the military dictatorship. An estimated 20,000 people were tortured, but only hundreds disappeared.

METROPOLITAN

An article on Page 6 this weekend about 40 ideas to make New York City more affordable misspelled the name of the director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. She is Renae Reynolds, not Ranae Reynolds.

SPECIAL SECTION: 52 PLACES TO GO IN 2025

An article on Page 4 this weekend about the history of the Places to Go lists since 2005 refers imprecisely to statistics about the countries that have appeared on the list. The figures are through the 2024 list; they do not include the destinations on the 2025 list.
An interracial couple from Arizona has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines alleging they were detained by law enforcement after the husband was falsely suspected of trafficking his wife by two airline employees and another passenger on their flight.

The incident took place in September 2022, on an American flight from Phoenix to Miami. Anthony Williams, a Black retired police officer, and his wife, Katsiaryna Shasholka, who is white and a Russian national, were headed to their honeymoon, according to the federal lawsuit filed last week in the Southern District of Florida.

In the lawsuit, the couple alleges that another passenger suspected Mr. Williams of trafficking his wife and alerted airline staff. Employees didnt question the couple during the flight, but upon landing, the pair were escorted off the plane and detained by the local authorities. In the complaint, they say they were falsely imprisoned.

Jasmine Rand, a lawyer representing Mr. Williams and Ms. Shasholka, said in a statement that American Airlines pattern of racial discrimination of its passengers is intolerable, and that the couples experience was another example of racial profiling by the carrier.
When President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office on Monday, the U.S. Border Patrol is poised to play a central role in his promised immigration crackdown. On Thursday, Californians got a preview of the tensions likely to play out as undocumented migrants get rounded up in places that rely on their labor.

On one side, a Border Patrol chief posted a video on social media showcasing sweeps last week in Californias Central Valley. Named Operation Return to Sender, the effort involved dozens of arrests. They think Im hiding in the shadows, but I am the shadows, a voice whispered during the video, echoing a popular Batman movie.

On the other side, United Farm Workers officials held a news briefing, describing the fears the operation had caused in immigrant communities. They suggested the arrests signaled that rogue law enforcement agents, inspired by Mr. Trumps plans, could take matters into their own hands.

This is part of a new political climate of people in some of these agencies feeling emboldened, said Antonio De Loera-Brust, a spokesman for the organization, a labor union.
For two decades, privacy and civil liberties advocates have worried about the potential for abuse by a small, little-known intelligence agency with broad surveillance powers and a nebulous mandate.

The summer of 2020 did little to allay those fears: Inexperienced intelligence officers from the agency were deployed to Portland, Ore., to compile dossiers on people protesting against police violence. The intelligence officers also produced reports that included names of journalists.

The episode cast a spotlight on the room for overreach in relatively obscure parts of the government, in this instance an agency in the Department of Homeland Security called the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

On Friday, officials took a parting attempt to outline the agencys limits on domestic spying, in a bid to curtail potential abuses. It is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration in recent years to strengthen oversight and set clear guidelines for handling intelligence.
ABUJA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Scores of people were believed to have died and many others sustained injuries early Saturday after a tanker laden with gasoline exploded when it overturned, spilling its content on a busy road in Nigeria's north-central state of Niger, a senior official said.

Many residents in the Dikko area of the state were caught in a heavy fire while trying to scoop fuel from the gasoline tanker, said Mohammed Bago, the Niger governor, in a statement.

"Scores were said to have been burned to death," Bago said, noting those who were not so close to the tanker escaped with injuries. He described the incident as "worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate."

At least 30 people died in the incident, according to a report by The Nation, a local newspaper, which cited local sources.

The state government of Niger has called on local humanitarian agencies to rise to the challenge and restore normalcy in the area.

Gasoline tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, often causing heavy casualties and nationwide grief. In September, at least 48 people were killed after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded on a busy highway in Niger.

While many Nigerians continue to attribute the incessant incidents to the current economic hardship, which has driven people to desperate actions, including scooping gasoline from fallen tankers, others are calling for stricter traffic regulations to prevent similar disasters.

In October, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the government's commitment to swiftly reviewing and enhancing fuel transportation safety protocols and directed police to strengthen measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms, to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring. 
The Supreme Court announced on Friday that it would enter a new battlefield in the culture wars, agreeing to decide whether the Constitution guarantees parents of students in public schools the right to have their children excused from classroom discussion of storybooks featuring L.G.B.T.Q. characters and themes.

Montgomery County Public Schools, Marylands largest school system, adopted the new curriculum in 2022. It included, its lawyers told the justices, a handful of storybooks featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer characters for use in the language-arts curriculum, alongside the many books already in the curriculum that feature heterosexual characters in traditional gender roles.

Among the storybooks were Pride Puppy, an alphabet primer about a family whose puppy gets lost at a Pride parade; My Rainbow, about a mother who creates a colorful wig for her transgender daughter; and Love, Violet, a story about a girl who develops a crush on her female classmate. (Some of the books have since been dropped from the curriculum.)

In a run of recent cases, the Supreme Court has expanded the role of religion in public life, sometimes at the expense of other values, like gay rights and access to contraception.
Russia attacked Ukraines capital with drones and ballistic missiles before dawn on Saturday, officials said, killing at least three people in central Kyiv as part of a broader assault that targeted towns and cities across the country.

Air-raid alarms sounded as emergency crews raced to search for the dead and wounded  a grimly familiar routine in a nation that has been battered by relentless Russian bombardments for nearly three years. Moscow called the attack retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, which in recent weeks appear to have intensified.

The Ukrainian Air Force said that four ballistic missiles and 39 attack drones had been launched in the assault and that two of the ballistic missiles had been shot down in the Kyiv region. Although the city comes under drone attack almost nightly, ballistic missile launches targeting the capital are less frequent.

The pre-dawn attack ruptured a water main near the city center, sending water cascading through the streets around the battered facade of the Lukianivska subway station. Nearby, smoke was rising from a charred van with at least two burned bodies inside.
The initial attack killed about 1,200 people, setting off a wave of bombardments by Israel that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health officials, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The vote on Saturday was the second and final one required to approve the cease-fire and hostage release agreement. Hours earlier on Friday, the security cabinet voted to approve it, overcoming a key hurdle to enacting a deal that U.S. and other diplomats see as the best chance to end the war. Hamas had said that there were no longer any barriers to the agreement.

President Isaac Herzog of Israel, who holds a largely ceremonial role, had hailed the security cabinets vote, although he acknowledged the difficulties ahead in enacting the agreement. I harbor no illusions  the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonizing moments, he said in a statement.

Under the agreement, both sides would begin a six-week truce, during which Israeli forces would withdraw eastward, away from populated areas. Hamas would free 33 of the hostages still in captivity, mostly women and older people.

Mr. Lifshitzs grandfather is among the hostages set to be released in the deals initial phase, but the family has no information about his well-being or whether he is still alive. Preparing for a festivity and a funeral simultaneously is impossible, he said.
The most famous beastly sculpture in the college town of Athens, Ga., is  improbably  not a bulldog. It is an 11-foot-tall welded steel horse, an abstract labyrinth of undulations and crescents, created at the University of Georgia by a visiting Chicago sculptor, Abbott Pattison, in 1954.

When a crane first heaved Pattisons mammoth steed from the basement of the universitys Fine Arts Building that spring, it was unlike anything the campus had seen before, with a cage-like midsection of pointed ribs, flat, Cubist planes, and a wavy, squared-off mane and tail. It was recognizably a horse, but it was no classical equestrian sculpture. And the artwork had many on campus seething.

Last spring, when the sculpture  briefly titled Steel Horse and then Pegasus by the artist, but popularly known as Iron Horse  was extricated from a concrete pad in a cornfield outside Athens for conservation, it was missing 32 pieces and bore decades-deep scars of etching and graffiti, and a bullet wound in its neck. Its hooves had rusted the color of Georgia clay.
Despite the overlap with Inauguration Day, Davos is expecting a familiar crew. DealBook hears David Solomon of Goldman is arriving on Wednesday, after attending inauguration events in D.C. over the weekend. Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone will leave for Davos on Monday after an inauguration event on Sunday. The Coca-Cola C.E.O. James Quincy will be at Davos, too, fresh off gifting Trump a personalized Diet Coke at Mar-a-Lago.

But while the crowd is the same, the conversation has changed. Heres how.

E.S.G.: Davos has become a choice venue for splashy climate announcements. In 2020, Marc Benioff of Salesforce rolled out a goal to plant one trillion trees. The same year, Larry Fink of BlackRock headed to Davos shortly after announcing a series of climate-focused initiatives. Fink has since expressed regret over becoming the face of E.S.G.  and a target of the backlash that followed.

While some executives may continue to focus on sustainability, expect very few  if any  to mention E.S.G. by name. The same goes for D.E.I., which executives have all but scrubbed from their digital and physical presence.

There are some exceptions: Pinterest is hosting a panel on using artificial intelligence for inclusion and belonging, and the consulting firm Oliver Wyman is presenting its research on the importance of the representation of women in business and government.

Tariffs: While Davos has long broadcast the benefits of a globalized world, executives will be focused on the impact of an increasingly fractured one. What will Trumps America First agenda mean for global trade agreements, including NATO? Will Trump make his tariffs targeted? And could his administration grant some companies exceptions?
If your home was damaged or destroyed by the fires in Los Angeles, the most daunting challenge may still be ahead: Getting your insurance company, or the federal government, to give you the money youre entitled to receive.

That process can be infuriating and baffling, and it comes during what is already an incredibly stressful moment in your life. Worse still, the stakes are enormous. You cant afford to get it wrong.

The New York Times asked experts what to do, and what to avoid. Their advice boils down to two points: You dont need to settle for whatever your insurance company or FEMA first offers you. And you dont have to fight them alone.

Document everything

Photograph the damage to your home as soon as you can. Every time you speak to anybody from your insurance company or from a government agency, make notes about the conversation, including whom you spoke with, when it happened, and what the person said.
Three years ago, when Bob and Sandy Curtis moved into an upscale continuing care retirement community in Port Washington, N.Y., he thought they had found the best possible elder care solution.

In exchange for a steep entrance fee  about $840,000, funded by the sale of the Long Island house they had owned for nearly 50 years  they would have care for the rest of their lives at the Harborside. They selected a contract from several options that set stable monthly fees at about $6,000 for both of them and would refund half the entrance fee to their estate after their deaths.

This was the final chapter, Mr. Curtis, 88, said. That was the deal I made.

C.C.R.C.s, or life plan communities, provide levels of increasing care on a single campus, from independent and assisted living to nursing homes and memory care. Unlike most senior living facilities, theyre predominantly nonprofit.

More than 1,900 C.C.R.C.s house about 900,000 Americans, according to LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit senior housing providers. Some communities offer lower and higher refunds, many avoid buy-in fees altogether and operate as rentals, and others are hybrids.
For years, Curtis Yarvin had been writing online about political theory in relative obscurity. His ideas were pretty extreme, that institutions at the heart of American intellectual life, like the mainstream media and academia, need to be dissolved. He also believes that government bureaucracy should be radically gutted and that American democracy should be replaced by what he calls a monarchy run by a C.E.O. Monarch is good. Its a neutral term. But while Yarvin himself may still be obscure, his ideas are not. Vice President-elect JD Vance has alluded to his notions of forcibly ridding American institutions of so-called wokeism. And Yarvin has also found fans in the most powerful and increasingly political ranks of Silicon Valley, like Marc Andreessen, the venture capitalist turned informal advisor to President-elect Trump. We are living under F.D.R.s personal monarchy. Peter Thiel, a Republican mega-donor, has called him a powerful historian. On top of it all, Yarvin has become a fixture of the right-wing podcast universe. Hes been a guest on the shows of Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk, among others. Thank you for that lovely intro, Tucker. Ive been aware of Yarvin for years, but always thought of his work as pretty fringe. A lot of what Yarvin has to say is disturbing. And the historical evidence he justifies it with is riddled with exaggeration, distortion and sometimes just plain inaccuracy. But given that his ideas are now finding an audience with some of the most powerful people in the country, Yarvin cant be so easily dismissed anymore. When you say to a New York Times reader, Democracy is bad, theyre a little bit shocked. But when you say to them politics is bad or even populism is bad, theyre like, of course, these are horrible things. Im David Marchese, and heres my conversation with writer Curtis Yarvin. [MUSIC PLAYING] To my understanding, one of your central arguments is that America needs to  I think the way you put it in the past is  get over our dictator phobia, that American democracy is a sham, beyond fixing, and having a monarch-style leader, or call it a C.E.O., or call it a dictator, thats the way to go. So why is democracy so bad? And why would having a dictator solve the problem? Let me answer that in, I think, a way that will be relatively accessible to readers of The New York Times. Youve probably heard of a man named Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Yes. I do a speech sometimes where Ill just read the last 10 paragraphs of F.D.R.s first inaugural address, in which F.D.R. essentially says to the American people, Hey, Congress, give me absolute power, or Ill take it anyway. So did F.D.R. actually take that level of power? Yeah, he did. And so theres a great piece that Ive sent to some of the people that I know that are involved in the transition  Who? I mean, theres all sorts of people milling around in there. Name one. Name one. Wow. Name one. Well, I definitely know Marc Andreessen. And so I sent this piece to Marc Andreessen. And its an excerpt from the diary of Harold Ickes, who was F.D.R.s secretary of the interior. And its a little diary entry describing a cabinet meeting in 1933. And what happens in this cabinet meeting is that Frances Perkins, whos the secretary of labor, comes in to this meeting and is, like, here, I have a list of the projects that were going to do. FDR personally takes this list, looks at the projects in New York. Hes like, this is crap, this is crap. I dont know what youre doing. Like, humiliates Frances Perkins in the Oval Office, or wherever theyre having their cabinet meeting. And then at the end of the thing, its like everybody agrees that the bill will be fixed and then passed through Congress. This is just a picture of FDR acting like a CEO. And so the question of, Was FDR a dictator? What does it mean to be a dictator? What does this pejorative word mean? I dont know. What I know is that Americans of all stripes, Democrats, Republicans and everyone except for a few right-wing Republicans, basically revere F.D.R. And F.D.R. ran the New Deal like a start-up. So as I understand it, the point youre trying to make is that we have had something like a dictator in the past in American history. And therefore, its not something to be afraid of now. Is that  Yeah.  right? What we see in the course of  to look at the objective reality of power in the U.S. since the revolution  youll talk to people about the Articles of Confederation. And youre just like, name one thing that happened in America under the Articles of Confederation. And they cant unless theyre a professional historian. Next, you have the first constitutional period under George Washington. If you look at the administration of Washington, what youll see is that basically what is established looks a lot like a start-up. It looks so much like a start-up that this guy, Alexander Hamilton, who was recognizably a start-up bro, is running the whole government. Hes basically the Larry Page of this republic. Hes nominally the secretary. I have to say, I feel like Im asking you, What did you have for breakfast? And youre saying, well, the dawn of man, when cereals  Im doing   were first   a Putin.  cultivated  Im doing a Putin. Ill speed this up. And then answer the question, whats so bad about democracy? All right. To make a long story short, whether you want to call Washington, Lincoln and F.D.R. dictators, this opprobrious word, what they were was basically national C.E.O.s. And they were running the government like a company from the top down. So why is democracy so bad? So its not even that democracy is bad. Its just that its very weak. And the fact that its very weak is basically easily seen by the fact that very unpopular policies like mass immigration persist despite strong majorities being against them. So the question of basically, is democracy good or bad, is, I think, a secondary question to, Is it what we actually have? When you say to a New York Times reader, Democracy is bad, theyre a little bit shocked. But when you say to them politics is bad or even populism is bad, theyre like, of course, these are horrible things. And so the thing is, when you basically want to be say democracy is not a good system of government, just bridge that immediately to saying populism is not a good system of government. And then youll be like, yes, of course. Actually, policy and law should be set by wise experts and people in the courts and lawyers and professors and so forth. Then youll realize that what youre actually endorsing is aristocracy rather than democracy. Your ideas are ones that have been pointed to by people in real positions of power in the Republican Party. I think its probably overstated the extent to which you and JD Vance are friends. Its definitely overstated. He has mentioned you by name publicly and referred to de-wokeification ideas that are very similar to yours. Youve been on Michael Antons podcast. And Michael Anton has been tapped by Trump to be high up in the State Department, talking with him about how to install an American caesar. Peter Thiel, a major Republican donor, has said youre an interesting thinker. And so lets say people in actual positions of power said to you, Curtis, were going to do the Curtis Yarvin thing. What are the steps that they would take to change American democracy into something like a monarchy? My honest answer would have to be, Its not exactly time for that yet, because what I see happening in D.C. right now, nobody should be watching this panicking thinking Im about to be installed as Americas secret dictator. And I dont think Im even going to the inauguration. Were you invited? No, no, no. Like, Im an outsider, man. Im an intellectual. And the actual ways in which my ideas get into circulation is actually mostly through the staffers and the kind of younger people who basically kind of swim in this very online kind of soup. And I think thats fine. I think that whats happening now in D.C., to distinguish my much more radical ideas from whats happening now  I would say thats whats happening now is theres definitely an attempt to revive the White House as an executive organization, which governs the executive branch. And the difficulty with that is if you go to Washington and say to anyone whos professionally involved in the business of Washington that Washington would work just fine or even better if there was no White House at all, and theyll basically be like, Yeah, of course. The executive branch works for Congress. So you have these poor voters out there who elected, as they think, a revolution. They elected Donald Trump and maybe the worlds most capable C.E.O. is in there. And your point is, he cant  the way the system is set up, he cant actually get that much  He cant actually do that much to it. He can block things. He can disrupt it. He can create chaos and turbulence, or whatever. But he cant really change what it is. Do you think youre maybe overstating the inefficacy of a president? You could point to the repeal of Roe as something thats directly attributable to Donald Trump being president. Yes. One could argue that the Covid response was attributable to Donald Trump, I think. I think the Covid response is a slightly better example. Certainly many things about Covid were different because Donald Trump was president. Ill tell you a funny story  Sure.  at the risk of bringing my children into the media. In 2016, my son  Whos how old? Hes now 14. He was 6 then. And my children were going to a chichi, progressive Mandarin-immersion school in San Francisco. And so  Oh, you send your kids to a  sorry Im laughing. You send your kids to a chichi progressive school. At that time  Mandarin immersion. The rubber hits the road, if thats what happens. Yeah. Indeed. And you cant isolate children from the world, right? And so, at the time, my late wife and I did not. We just adopted the simple expedient of not talking about politics in front of the children  Smart move.  which I recommend to everyone. But of course, everyones talking about it at school. And my son comes home, and he has this very concrete question. Hes like, Pop, when Donald Trump builds a wall around the country, how are we going to be able to go to the beach? And Im like, wow, you really took him literally. Like, everybody else is taking him literally, but you really took him literally. And I was like, If you see anything in the real world around you, over the next four years, that changes as a result of this election, Ill be surprised. In one of your recent blog posts  I guess its a newsletter, not a blog, at this point  you referred to JD Vance as, I think, a normie. - [LAUGHS] What do you mean? I would say that the thing that I admire about Vance, and the thing thats really remarkable about him as a leader, is that I think that he contains within him all kinds of Americans. His ability to connect with flyover Americans in the world that he came from is, of course, very, very great. But the other thing thats neat about him is that he went to Yale  Yale Law School, in fact. And so he can connect at a  hes a fluent speaker of the language of The New York Times, which you cannot say about Donald Trump. And one of the things that I believe really strongly, that I havent touched on when I talk about monarchy, is I think that its utterly essential for anything like an American monarchy, you have to be the president of all Americans. And I think this is something that, basically, the new administration could do a much better job of reaching out to progressive Americans and not demonizing them and basically saying: Hey, you want to make this country a better place. I feel like youve been misinformed in some ways. Youre not a bad person. This is, like, 10 to 20 percent of Americans. This is a lot of people are, like, the N.P.R. class. But they are not bad people, evil people who want to do  Yeah. But the thing is, theyre human beings. Were all human beings. And, human beings can support bad regimes. The question was, why did you call JD Vance a normie? Because he contains within him normie-ness. All right. There you go. But he is also an intellectual, and he contains within him intellectualness. And so what you just said about the administration could do a better job of reaching out to progressives, and were all human beings, as you well know, thats a pretty different stance than the stance you often take in your writing, where you  - [LAUGHS] Right. Youre laughing because you know its true  where you talk about things like de-wokeification how people who work  Those things are   at places like The New York Times should all lose our jobs. You have an idea for a program called RAGE, Retire All Government Employees. You have ideas, which I hope are satirical, about how to handle nonproductive members of society, that involve basically locking them in a room forever. So why is your tone  has your thinking shifted? No, no, no. Is your rhetorical tone different in a setting like this? Youre looking for different  my thinking has definitely not shifted. And youre finding different emphases. Its like when I talk about RAGE, for example, both my parents worked for the federal government. They were career federal employees. Its a little on the nose, from a Freudian perspective. It is. But yeah, go on. It is. But the thing is, basically, when you look at the way  when you look at the way to treat those institutions, Im just like, treat it like a company that goes out of business. But sort of more so because these people, having had power, have to actually be treated even more delicately and with even more respect. And winning means these are your people now. And so the thing is, when you understand the perspective of the new regime with respect to the American aristocracy, their perspective cant be the sort of anti-aristocratic thing of, like, were going to bayonet all the professors and throw them in ditches or whatever. Their perspective has to be that you were a normal person serving a regime that did this really weird and crazy stuff. How invested do you think JD Vance is in democracy? It depends what you mean by democracy. I mean, I think that the problem is, basically, when people equate democracy with good government. When you use that word, youre using a very tricky word. I would say that what someone like  Im on very safe ground, despite not knowing him well at all  that someone like JD Vance believes essentially in the common good and the idea that government should serve the common good. And I think that people like JD and people in the broader intellectual scene around him, which is a very varied intellectual scene, would all agree on that principle. Now, if that principle  I dont know what you mean by democracy, in this context. What I do know is that if democracy is against the common good, its bad. And if its for the common good, its good. I think what you just described might be something that Peter Thiel would agree with. And there was  I think a progressive could agree with it. And there was a reporting that I saw. I think it was 2017, reporting done by BuzzFeed, where they published some emails, I think, between you and the right-wing provocateur, Milo Yiannopoulos, where you talked about watching the 2016 election with Peter Thiel and referred to him as fully enlightened. What would fully enlightened have meant in that context? Fully enlightened, for me, generally means fully disenchanted. When I look at, basically, what the kinds of people that I know, not really that well, in Silicon Valley think, Im basically like, Have people like this been exposed to my ideas? Yes. Do they agree that America should be a monarchy? I doubt it, but I have no idea. But what they agree on is not a belief but a disbelief. So I think that when a person who lives their life within the progressive bubble, liberal bubble, use whatever term you like, of the current year, looks at the right, or even the new right, or whatever you want to call it, I think whats hardest to see is that whats really shared is not a positive belief but an absence of belief. Basically, we dont worship these same gods. We do not see The New York Times and Harvard as divinely inspired in any sense. Or we do not see their procedures as ones that always lead to truth and wisdom. We do not think that the way the U.S. government works, really works well or seems to be perfect in any respect. And this absence of belief is what you call enlightened. Yes. OK. Yes. Its a disenchantment from believing in these old systems. And the right thing that should replace that disenchantment is not, Oh, we need to go do things Curtiss way, and is basically just a greater openness of mind, and a greater ability to look around and say, you know, like, we just assume that our political science is superior to Aristotles political science because our physics is superior to Aristotles physics. What if that isnt so? Youre basically saying theres a historical and political recency bias that people are susceptible to. Yes, exactly. But I think the thing that you have not quite isolated yet is why having a strong-man figure would be better for peoples lives. Can you answer that question? Yes. Number one, I think that having an effective government and an efficient government is better for peoples lives. And I think that the best answer, when I ask people to answer that question, I ask them to look around the room and basically point out everything in the room that was made by a monarchy. Because these things that we call companies are actually little monarchies. And then youre looking around yourself and you see, for example, a laptop. And that laptop was made by Apple, which is a monarchy. And it has a little thing on it that says designed in California and made in China. It is made  This is an example you use a lot, where you say, and if Apple ran California, wouldnt that be much better? Whereas if your MacBook Pro was made by the California Department of Computing, you can only imagine it. Im sorry. Im here in this building, and I keep forgetting to make my best argument for monarchy, which is that people trust The New York Times more than any other source in the world. And how is The New York Times managed? It is a fifth-generation, hereditary, absolute monarchy. And so weve basically taken, in some ways  and this was very much the vision of the early progressives, by the way. The early progressives, even, like, the pre-World War I progressives, you go back to a book like Drift and Mastery are very  I have to say, I find the depth of background information to be obfuscating rather than illuminating. But  How can I change that? How can I make that  By answering the questions more directly and succinctly, I think would be the simple reply. Fine. Ill try. But the thing Id like to say, just to tie this back a little bit to something we spoke about a minute ago, is there is this idea that the incoming Trump administration is interested in the idea of a more powerful executive office. Are there things that you would like to see or, if you saw them, would be hints to you that the Trump administration is taking the right steps, as you might see it, towards actually enacting that reality and becoming a stronger executive, a more monarchical executive office. I would say that the incoming Trump administration, with all due respect  and theres a lot of great people there and people who are working extremely hard. Unfortunately, I would say that theyre essentially finding themselves in a position where theyre trying to untangle the Gordian knot. Meaning what? Meaning that theyre basically trying to  lets take just NASA, in specific. So for example, if you compare NASA to SpaceX, thats a fine example of, actually, all of the principles that Ive been describing because NASA was once as efficient as SpaceX. So if you basically say, OK, at a very abstract level, forget the rest of the government. Elon, go and fix NASA. The goal of NASA is to give us cool space [BLEEP]. We feel like were not getting enough cool space [BLEEP]. You have $25 billion a year. Go and do cool space [BLEEP]. I think you would get a lot more cool space [BLEEP]. under that principle. But one of the basic principles of kind of the California startup way of thinking is just to realize its way easier to create a new NASA than it is to fix the old NASA. And that principle extends around the government. Your ideas, and I guess its been called a neo-reactionary cast of mind, are seemingly increasingly popular in the Silicon Valley world. Dont you think theres some level on which that world is responding to your ideas because youre just telling them what they want to hear? If more people like me were in charge, things would be better. Its an ideologically useful set of arguments for them to latch onto. The funny thing is, I think thats almost the opposite of the truth. Its like, let me give you a very simple illustration of this. Someone I have actually never met, believe it or not, is Elon Musk. Now, Elon tweeted the other day. He was like, the proper structure of government on Mars should be not just a democracy but a direct democracy. Let me examine the thinking behind Musk saying this, because I find it extremely odd, in a sense. Because one of the things about monarchy thats been known for quite some time  and again, even in very, very anti-monarchical regimes and periods, an exception is made for this  is that a ship always has a captain. An airplane always has a captain. Basically, in any very safety-critical environment  You should have someone in charge. You should have someone in charge. But the thing is, you look at, basically, a Mars colony, and youre just like, really? Are the citizens of the Mars colony going to vote on how to replenish the oxygen supply or whatever? No, of course not. The Mars colony that Elon establishes will be a subsidiary of SpaceX, and it will have someone in charge. And it will have a command hierarchy, just like SpaceX does. And so Im like, Elon, when you say that this should be a democracy, what are the people voting on. And so theres this world of actually real governance that someone like Elon Musk lives in every day. And actually applying that world, applying that thinking to being like, Oh, this thinking is directly contradictory, in a sense, to the ideals that I was taught in this society  thats a really difficult cognitive-dissonance problem, even if youre Elon Musk. When I hear you talk about the need for a monarch  and well just use that term, encompassing C.E.O.s or dictators. Ill just say monarch for now. Monarch is good. Its a neutral term. It would be an understatement to say that humanitys record with monarchs is mixed at best. Roman Empire under Marcus Aurelius seems like it went pretty well. Under Nero, not so much. Spains Charles III is a monarch you point to a lot. Hes sort of your favorite monarch. Louis XIV, hes starting wars like theyre going out of business. And then in  those are all before the age of democracy. And then if you look in more  The monarchs in the age of democracy are just terrible. Terrible. I cant believe Im saying a phrase like this. If you put Hitler aside and only look at Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot, Pinochet, Idi Amin, were looking at people responsible for the deaths of something like 75 to a hundred million people. So given that historical precedent, do we really want to try dictatorship? Your question is the most important question of all. Because, basically, understanding why Hitler was so bad, why Stalin was so bad, is really essential to the riddle of the 20th century. But I think its important to note that we dont see, for the rest of European and world history  human history as a whole is a mixed bag. The history of the age of democracy in the last 250 years is also a mixed bag. And  But we dont see in human history what? You didnt finish the thought. A holocaust. You can pull the camera way back and basically say, wow, in Europe since basically the establishment of European civilization from 1000 A.D. to 1750 A.D., we didnt have this kind of chaos and violence. And then you cant separate Hitler and Stalin from the global democratic revolution that theyre a part of. But one thing I noticed when I was going through your stuff is that you make these historical claims like the one you just made about no genocide in Europe between 1000 A.D. and the Holocaust, essentially. And then I poke around with it. Huh, is that true? And then you think, well  You have the sack of   there was Tamerlane. He killed  Tamerlane was not  I meant Europe, though. Well, OK, on the edges of Europe. And then, thats sort of like a goalpost shift there. But then you think, well, there were theres the French wars of religion. They killed millions of people, including the massacre of the Huguenots. Wait, wait, wait, wait. So I often find, when you just scratch a little at some of the historical  Wait. There was no massacre of Huguenots. I think youre confusing it with a sack of Beziers and the massacre of the Albigensians. So they got massacred, not the Huguenots. Yeah. But the thing is, when people look at the Holocaust, they saw it like a new species of deviltry that had not really existed in the world in that way before. When you see a city sacked in the Middle Ages, you see just, like, wild, undisciplined troops raging around. You dont see lines of people marched to their deaths. My skepticism comes from what I feel like is a pretty strong cherry-picking of historical incidents to support your arguments. And then I look, and the incidents that youre pointing to are either not necessarily factually settled or theres a different way of looking at them. But I actually want to  just because some of the historical references are now actually making my head hurt, I just want to ask a couple very concrete questions about some of the stuff that youve written about race, for example, which seems pretty provocative, to say the least. Ill read you some examples. This is the trouble with white nationalism. It is strategically barren. It offers no effective political program. To me, the trouble with white nationalism is that its racist, not that its strategically unsophisticated. No  Theres two more. Theres two more. It is very difficult to argue that the Civil War made anyones life more pleasant, including that of freed slaves. Come on. Lets go  The third one. The third one. If you ask me to condemn Anders Breivik, the Norwegian mass murderer, but adore Nelson Mandela, perhaps you have a mother youd like to [BLEEP]. - [LAUGHS] So  That was so, so, so, oh, lets go, lets go  lets go through each  And this is a guy whos saying  Lets go   well live through  Lets go, lets go   well achieve harmony. Lets go, lets go through each of those examples. And so when you look, for example, at Mandela, the reason I said that  most people dont know this  there was a little contretemps when Mandela was released because he actually had to be taken off the terrorist list. Maybe the more relevant point is that Nelson Mandela was in jail for opposing a viciously racist apartheid regime, but  The viciously racist apartheid regime, basically, they had him on the terrorist list. So if you look at  Lets get the  Lets get to the other two. But again, your quote was, If you ask me to condemn Anders Breivik but adore Nelson Mandela Id prefer to condemn them both. And the thing is, basically, when you look at the impact, you see  What does this have to do with equating Anders Breivik, who shot people on some bizarre, deluded mission to rid Norway of Islam, with Nelson Mandela? Because theyre both terrorists. And because they basically both violated the rules of war in the same way. And they both basically killed innocent people. We valorize terrorism all the time. This valorization of  So Gandhi, then, is your model. Martin Luther King, nonviolent  Its more complicated than that. But  Is it?  I could say things about either. But lets move on to one of your other examples. I think the best way to basically grapple with that period directly  Which period are we talking about now? 1860s. OK, yeah. So now were talking about the Civil War. African Americans in the 1860s. The thing that you can do, that any Times reader can do, just go to your Google bar and google slave narratives. Just go and read random slave narratives and get their experience of the time. So the thing is that, basically, the treatment of the freed slaves after the war is extremely  there was a recent historian who published a thing. And I think this is  I would dispute this. This number is too high. But his estimate was that something like a quarter of all the freedmen basically die in between 1865 and 1870. Yeah. Well, again, I cant speak to the veracity of that. Thats too high. Anyway, anyway, the thing is, basically, like, you know  But youre saying there are historical examples in slave narratives where the freed slaves themselves expressed regret at having been freed. But this, to me, is another prime example of how you selectively read history. Because if you read other slave narratives where they talk about the horrible brutality of it. Absolutely. So, so what that there are some slave narratives  And I say this, and I say this  How does that justify  And I say this in the conversation. made anyones life, more pleasant. Difficult to argue that the Civil War made anyones life more pleasant, including freed slaves. Their children were no longer sold out from under them. When I said anyone OK, first of all, when I said anyone, I was talking about a population group rather than individuals. But are you seriously arguing that the era of slavery was somehow better than the era  The era of 1865 to 1875 was absolutely  and the war itself wasnt good either  but if you look at the living conditions for an African American in the South, they are absolutely at their nadir between 1865 and 1875. They are very, very bad because, basically, this economic system has been disrupted  But abolition was a necessary step to get through that period to make people free. I cant believe Im arguing this. Brazil abolished slavery in the 1880s without a civil war. And so the thing is, when you look at, basically, the cost of the war or the meaning of the war, youre basically just, like, it just visited this huge amount of destruction on all sorts of people, Black and white, just massive. Im just, like, all of these evils and all of these goods existed in people at this time. And what Im fighting against in both of those quotes, also in the way that people respond to Breivik, Im like, basically, youre responding in this kind of cartoonish way to something that terrorism, which is  what is the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter? Thats a really important question in 20th-century history. To say that Im going to have a strong opinion about this stuff without having an answer to that question, I think is really difficult and wrong. Now maybe you think I havent been red-pilled or whatever, or Im not thinking through these issues enough. But I feel like, to me, you can call it cartoonish. I call it very morally clear. I can say something like, I think slavery was bad. Im glad there are no longer enslaved people. And then to hear you then say, well, you have to look at it from this other perspective. This is a one-dimensional view of history. I think, well, no, I think its pretty cut and dry. It just is very fascinating to me that your ideas, which strike me as pretty extreme  there were fringe ideas, to me, that apparently are no longer on the fringe. And I dont know. What do you think that says about conservatism today? Your ideas. I think that American conservatism is in the long and very, very difficult grieving process of realizing that it has always been a fraud. And I think one of the especially dangers in American conservatism is that theres so much grift in it, and so much of it consumes so much energy and so much attention, and produces so little. You are still a factor of a hundred from being able to give the people who are voting for you and donating to you anything like what they imagine theyre going to get from you. And when you say its a fraud, I take that to mean, insofar as its conservatism is just  The Washington Generals are never going to win the game. It just doesnt have the power to give anything that it promises. [ELECTRONIC MUSIC] After the break, I call Curtis back to ask more about the incoming administration. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me again. I appreciate it. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It was fun. Lets have some more fun. You do so often draw on the history of the pre-democratic era, which is a historical period exactly coterminous with, for example, women being treated as second-class citizens. And the status of women in that time period, which you valorize, is not something Ive really seen come up in your writings. Do you feel like your arguments take enough into account the way that monarchies and dictatorships historically tend not to be great for big swaths of demographics? OK, so lets look at enfranchisement in specific. So when I look at the status of women in, say, a Jane Austen novel, which is well before enfranchisement, it actually seems kind of OK. The women in Jane Austens book seems to be fine. Who are desperate to land a husband because they have no access to income without them. Well, have you ever seen anything like that in the 21st century? I mean, the whole class in Jane Austens world is the class of, like, UBI-earning aristocrats. But are you not willing to say that there were aspects of political life in the era of kings that were inferior or provided less liberty for people than political life does today? Its very hard. So first of all, when we say when we say liberty, for example  so you did a thing that people often do where they confuse freedom with power. Free speech is a freedom. The right to vote is a form of power. And so the assumption that youre making is that through getting the vote in the early 20th century in England and America, woman made life better for themselves. Do you think its better that women got the vote? First of all, I dont believe in actually voting at all. Do you vote? No. I believe that voting is providing this almost kind of pornographic stimulus. It becomes more like supporting your football team or something. It basically enables you to feel like you have a certain status. But the thing is, What does this power mean to you? is really the most important question. And I think that what it means to most people today is that it provides a source of meaning for them and makes them feel relevant. It makes them feel like they matter, in a sense. And I think that theres something deeply illusory about that sense of mattering that goes up against the very, very important question of we need a government that is actually good and that actually works. And we dont have one. So the solution that you propose it has to do with, like weve said multiple times now, installing you can call it a monarch, you can call it a C.E.O. figure. And the result of investing an individual with the power of a C.E.O. would be hopefully a more efficient, more responsive, more effective government. Why do you seem to have such faith in the ability of C.E.O.s? I mean, most start-ups fail. And we can all point to C.E.O.s who are effective, C.E.O.s who have been ineffective. And putting that aside, that a C.E.O. or dictator is more likely to think of a states citizens as pure economic units rather than living, breathing human beings who want to flourish in their lives, who deserve the dignity of a secure retirement or meaningful leisure time. So why are you so confident that a C.E.O. would be the kind of leader who could bring about better lives for people? It just seems like such a simplistic way of thinking. Its not a simplistic way of thinking. And having worked inside the kind of salt mines where C.E.O.s do their C.E.O.-ing business, and having been a C.E.O. myself, I think I have a better sense of it, maybe, unfortunately, than most people. Last time we spoke, I used the example of, imagine if your MacBook had to be made by the California Department of Computing, or if your car, or your electric car, had to be made by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The thing is, the things that make companies succeed or fail  I will say, Apple and Tesla, by the way, though, have both benefited greatly from government help in various forms. Well, they live in a governed society. And so the thing is, basically, when libertarians talk about Apple and Tesla, theyre saying, OK, here are the benefits of freedom, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Thats sort of true, in a sense. But the benefit of freedom is that these organizations have used freedom to establish monarchies, which are completely top-down command units. Weve gotten away from the central question a little bit, which is  Let me  thats the question  Why are you so confident that C.E.O.s  Thats the question  Yeah. Thats the question of efficiency. And so when I basically look at systems run by C.E.O.s, Im just, like, basically, I think that if you took any of the Fortune 500 C.E.O.s, some of them are good, some of them are bad. But the overall quality, just pick one at random, and put him or her in charge of Washington, and I think youd get something much, much better than whats there. It doesnt have to be Elon Musk. The median performance is so much better. But you asked something that I think is a more important and more interesting question, which is, youre like, OK, America needs a C.E.O. who will be economically efficient. The C.E.O. who will be economically efficient will think of human beings as pure economic units and will do things like, wow  Well, no, just the idea that a company has goals that are not necessarily the same goals as what a government might have, insofar as providing for its citizens. Perfect, perfect question. The thing is, normally we think of the goal of a company as making a profit or just selling more stuff. But thats not, actually, really the goal of a company. The real goal of a company is to maximize the worth of its assets and to make the stock price go up. Its basically, like, one of the ways to unify the worldview of, say, Charles I and Elon Musk is to realize that when Charles I is thinking about his people, he is both thinking of them as economic assets and as human assets. He basically wants to see his country thrive. And in order to see his country thrive, he wants people to be  of course, he wants them to be producing as much wool, or whatever England exports, as possible  but the sense of him being kind of the pater patriae, kind of the father of the country, and feeling about the people in his society  not exactly the way a parent should feel about his children, but sort of like way a parent should feel about his children  that sense of having a reciprocal obligation. So my goal as a C.E.O. is not to rake in the bucks but to make my operation flourish. Earlier you had said that you believe that, regardless of what his goals are or what he says, Trump isnt likely to actually get anything transformative accomplished just because of the entrenched government bureaucracy that exists. But putting that aside, what is your opinion of Trump generally? I think that Trump  the funny thing is, I talked about F.D.R. earlier in our conversation, and I think, actually, a lot of people might, in different directions, not appreciate this comparison  but I think that, in a lot of ways, Trump is very reminiscent of F.D.R. Because what F.D.R. had was this tremendous charisma and self-confidence combined with a tremendous ability to be the center of the room, be the leader, cut through the BS, and make things happen. I think one of the main differences between Trump and F.D.R. that has really held Trump back is, of course, that F.D.R. is from one of Americas first families. Hes a hereditary aristocrat. And Trump is not really from Americas social upper class. And I think the fact that Trump is not really from Americas social upper class has hurt him a lot, in terms of his confidence. I think its hurt him in his ability to delegate to and trust people who are not part of his family. I think that thats limited him as a leader, in various ways. And one of the encouraging things that I do see is I do see him executing with somewhat more confidence this time around. Its almost like he actually feels like he knows what hes doing. Thats, I think, something thats very helpful because insecurity and fragility is just  its his Achilles heel, I think. Whats your Achilles heel? Whats my Achilles heel? I think I also have self-confidence issues. I rarely  I wont bet fully on my own convictions. Are there ways in which you think your insecurity manifests itself in your political thinking? Thats a good question. I think that, if you look at especially my older work, I think I had this kind of joint consciousness that, OK, I feel like Im onto something here. But I also  the idea that people would be, in 2025, taking this stuff as seriously as they are now, when I was writing in 2007, 2008  I mean, I was completely serious. I am completely serious. But it led to, I think, a certain level of  its like when you hit me with the most outrageous quotes that you could find from my writing in 2008 or whatever. Im basically like, yeah, the sentiments behind that I can explain and articulate. And they were serious sentiments, and theyre serious now. Would I have expressed it that way? Would I have trolled? Im always trying to get less trollish. Over time, youll see that Ive definitely gotten less trolly. On the other hand, if you read my recent blog posts, I cant really resist trolling Elon Musk, which might be part of the reason why Ive never met Elon Musk. Do you think your trolling instinct has maybe gotten out of hand? No, it definitely hasnt gotten  it hasnt gone far  I mean [LAUGHS] no. I mean, the trolling  what I realize when I look back is that actually  Do you think your trolling has now become a political program? The instinct to revise things from the bottom up is very much not a trollish instinct. Its a very serious and important thing that I think the world needs. I got to say, there were a lot of things to do with your ideas that we just didnt get to. But the thing that I still find myself deeply unconvinced about is why blowing up democracy, rather than trying to make it better, would somehow lead to better lives for the people who are struggling the most. Well, I cant  I can lead a horse to water, of course. I think that, as the walls fall away and you start to explore ideas that are outside the very narrow bubble of the present that we live in, because I think its impossible to deny that the variety of ideas in the space which intelligent, thoughtful people like you consider has grown sharply narrower in the 20th century. And if theres really one thing that I kind of want to do the most, say with this conversation, is to make people feel like they can basically step outside of the kind of very small box that they grew up in. And they can say: Not everything outside that box is perfect. Many things outside that box are absolutely horrible. Im not asking anyone to become a Nazi or an anti-Semite or even a misogynist, whatever that means. There are cases in which our judgment of the past is completely right. And yet there are also ways in which the whole past would very unanimously point to things that were doing and saying, and say: Thats crazy  I cant believe youre doing that. [ELECTRONIC MUSIC]
Around the beginning of each year, I customarily write a column about how weve just had the best year ever in the long history of humanity.

This annual eruption of exuberance outrages some readers who see it as disrespectful of all the tragedies around us. Others welcome it as a reminder that even in our messed-up world, many trends are still going right.

So this year I heard from readers asking: Wheres your best year ever column?

To be honest, I didnt have the heart to write it. I was dispirited by the suffering of children in Gaza, by the atrocities and famine in Sudan, by the wildfires in Los Angeles and what they portend and by a December trip to Madagascar, where I saw toddlers starving because of a drought probably exacerbated by climate change. And then a felon I consider unstable and a threat to democracy is about to move into the White House.

Yet, just as some readers wanted reassurance, so did I. Precisely because I felt blue, I wanted to read a column putting grim news in perspective. It has become apparent that the only way I am going to read such a column is if I write it first  so here goes.
Koji Kudo, ID badge #4441-G. His head is shaved, likely by one of my aunts, with the old manual hair clippers that he used to complain cut into his scalp. Hes barely 5-foot-3, according to the height chart behind him. The badge is sealed in orange plastic and was fastened by a metal bolt attached to a safety pin for display during his incarceration. Koji, the boy who 37 years later would become my father, is 10 years old just then, an American-born citizen. He has already been imprisoned by his government for more than a year.

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, a day of infamy that brought war to America. People of Japanese ancestry soon found their loyalty questioned, although many of them had lived in the United States for their entire lives. A few months later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 beginning the incarceration of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast  more than two-thirds of whom were native-born citizens  as well as roughly 15,000 people of Italian and German descent. Within about four years, my father and his siblings had lost their birthright citizenship and been deported to Japan.

America is now poised to allow a new version of the same profound injustice that nearly destroyed my family to happen again. Donald Trump has vowed that upon returning to the presidency on Monday, he will move immediately to begin rounding up as many as 20 million immigrants  including U.S. citizens born here and granted birthright citizenship  and deport them. If he achieves his goal, approximately one in 16 people living in America could be imprisoned and deported over the next four years. The time between President Roosevelts executive order and the first arrival to the Manzanar War Relocation Center was 30 days. If Mr. Trump issues his own order on Day 1, as hes vowed, the first people could enter detention camps by February.
CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian security source told Xinhua on Saturday that the Rafah crossing, the only channel linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt, will be reopened on Sunday.

The source added that about 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza via the crossing on Sunday, as per the ceasefire-for-hostage release deal.

The long-awaited ceasefire between Hamas and Israel reached Wednesday is set to take effect Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT). 
And yet it is all still a sign of the times  of a broad move toward something ugly and profane. How easily men may be corrupted, Machiavelli observed, and how they may transform themselves and give themselves a completely different nature, no matter how good and well educated they may be.

This may not be exactly true of Zuckerberg and the others  Im not sure that they have merely begun to be, to borrow from Machiavelli again, friends of tyranny for the little bit of profit it provided them  but it is undoubtedly true of those who have and will contort themselves for Trump in search of some advantage for themselves.

What I Wrote

I wrote about all the ways Trumps second-term agenda seems to be a recapitulation of many of the worst parts of America in the 19th century.

Imposing tariffs, expanding territory, a new Mexican war and a traditional vision of the American people  these are what the nation needs, Trump says, to be great again. In which case, MAGA cannot possibly refer to anything in the 20th century, when the United States essentially built the modern international order, as much as it must refer to some time in the 19th century, when the United States was a more closed and insular society: a second-rate nation whose economy was far smaller and less prosperous than our own.

Now Reading

Lila Shapiro on Neil Gaiman for New York magazines Vulture:

Sexual abuse is one of the most confusing forms of violence that a person can experience. The majority of people who have endured it do not immediately recognize it as such; some never do. Youre not thinking in a linear or logical fashion, Pavlovich says, but the mind is trying to process it in the ways that it can. Whatever had happened in the bath, shed been through worse and survived, she thought.

Rebecca Shaw on the tech moguls for The Guardian:

I knew that one day we might have to watch as capitalism and greed and bigotry led to a world where powerful men, deserving or not, would burn it all down. What I didnt expect, and dont think I could have foreseen, is how incredibly cringe it would all be. I have been prepared for evil, for greed, for cruelty, for injustice  but I did not anticipate that the people in power would also be such huge losers.

Andrea Pitzer on resisting the new administration for her Beehiiv newsletter:

But in the meantime, dont just stand there waiting to get hit. We need to get ourselves and as many people as possible off the tracks, whether its immigrants, protesters or civil servants. A lot of people have been working to get free already and just need a little backup. Others are still in deep danger or have fewer options. In each case, we need to act now.

Brett Murphy on how President Bidens State Department allowed Israel to get away with atrocities in Gaza, for ProPublica:

Time and again, Israel crossed the Biden administrations red lines without changing course in a meaningful way, according to interviews with government officials and outside experts. Each time, the U.S. yielded and continued to send Israels military deadly weapons of war, approving more than $17.9 billion in military assistance since late 2023, by some estimates. The State Department recently told Congress about another $8 billion proposed deal to sell Israel munitions and artillery shells.

Samantha Hancox-Li on failed blue state governance for Liberal Currents:
Condo associations must make available to unit owners a record of all receipts and expenses. New Jersey law requires that these records are kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (or GAAP), and that they be open for inspection by unit owners. Check your associations governing documents for more information. Typically, you should be able to see the signed contract for the work, if not daily work reports.

Of course, maintaining safe balcony railings, especially in high-rise buildings, is extremely important. In 2024, New Jersey enacted a structural integrity and reserve law, which requires condominiums with certain types of structures, such as balconies, to be inspected by a structural engineer.

The railings constitute a critical safety component, and if the board reasonably believed their replacement was required, it would be difficult to challenge, said J. David Ramsey, chair of the New Jersey community association practice group at Becker & Poliakoff, in Morristown, N.J.

Construction delays can create inconveniences for building residents, but they are common, unfortunately. Whatever happens, dont withhold any maintenance fees. New Jersey case law makes it abundantly clear that maintenance fees cannot be withheld for any reason, said Christopher Lugara, a lawyer who practices condominium law with Hill Wallack in Princeton, N.J.
Scholars were only recently able to establish that this coat was, in fact, the one Mr. Washington wore at his inauguration, said Adam T. Erby, Mount Vernons curator of fine and decorative arts.

The coat, in many ways, shows its age. Light has damaged the fabric, which is one of the reasons it is rarely shown. Moths have taken a visible toll. The buttons were ripped out long ago. Pieces of cloth were cut off and given away as mementos. It was last shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute as part of an exhibition in 2022, and according to Mr. Erby, it will go back into storage until around the time of the next presidential inauguration once the current exhibition concludes on Feb. 3.

The rest of the items Mr. Washington wore that day  breeches, a waistcoat, a linen shirt, a type of decorative neckwear known as a jabot  are missing. Mount Vernons collections do hold a double-breasted brown suit Mr. Washington would have worn when he was riding during the presidency, Mr. Erby said.

We have both the breeches and the jacket, which is pretty cool, he added.

Yet the less adorned inaugural coat leaves more of an impression. Like other fashion classics  Diane von Furstenbergs wrap dress, the Burberry trench coat  it captures a time, yet feels timeless.

I think whats important to know about the suit is the way that it sets the tone for every president afterwards in that it does not align the president with a sense of being above the people, but with the people, the same class as the people  even though that is a complete illusion, said Philip De Paola, a graduate student at F.I.T. who is recreating a more elaborate suit that Washington wore for post-inauguration festivities.

While the fashion choices of first ladies are closely parsed, the president-elect today is expected to wear an unfussy overcoat  a must for a January day in Washington  and, beneath it, as bland a business uniform as imaginable. Golf outings and beach vacations allow for more casual clothes, and state dinners require formal wear, yet Americans will mostly see their president in some variation of that same sober suit.

But before todays bulky overcoats, the navy suits and monochrome ties, there were Mr. Washingtons inaugural vestments, as welcome and surprising as democracy itself.
Last June, at Ralph Laurens seasonal presentation in Milan, the crowd was younger, more looksmaxxed, more TikToky than usual.

Then the house that Ralph built, at over 55 years in business, appeared to be leaning into an unforeseen popularity on TikTok, Gen Zs app of choice. In recent years, users have held Ralph Lauren up as part of the old money trend  a simplistic distillation of affluent aesthetics that interprets dressing rich as dressing like Chevy Chases character in Caddyshack.

Whatever spurred young people to drift toward tucked polos and pleated khakis again, Ralph Lauren reaped the benefits. In the days leading up to mens fashion week in Milan, I received a news release from the resale platform StockX disclosing that sales of Polo Ralph Lauren on the site were up 600 percent in 2024. It credited the rise to the emergence of Ralphcore on TikTok, where a new generation of consumers has embraced and even redefined what the label stands for.

On Saturday, though, the crowd at the latest unveiling of Mr. Laurens suity Purple Label line was more all-business, more establishment. Leather-jacketed editors and turtlenecked department-store buyers filled the palazzos cream-carpeted rooms, not mustachioed 20- and 30-something TikTokers capturing content.
So this may be the way TikTok ends: not with a bang, but with a whimper.

Over the past few weeks, as the Jan. 19 deadline loomed for the forced sale of TikTok by ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, Ive been struck by how few Americans seem concerned about the prospect that one of the nations most popular social media apps will simply disappear.

Sure, there are the people calling themselves TikTok refugees and joining Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media app, as a half-joking protest of the U.S. governments decision to ban TikTok on national security grounds. (The joke part is: OK, Congress, you want to stop us from using a sketchy Chinese social media app? Well download an even sketchier Chinese social media app and use that instead.)

There are the TikTok creators who fear losing their audiences and have been frantically trying to persuade their fans to follow them on Instagram and YouTube, and the e-commerce brands and drop-shippers that are going to have to find other places to sell their stuff.

And there is TikTok itself, which has been fighting to save itself in court, along with a handful of lawmakers, free-speech activists and industry groups that have argued that banning the app would do more harm than good. (On Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law banning TikTok if it retained Chinese ownership.)
A similar drama punctured Mr. Blinkens farewell news conference at the State Department two days later, as a journalist, shouting that Mr. Blinken belonged in The Hague, was carried from the room by security officers.

The contrasting scenes reveal the duality of Mr. Blinkens tenure as secretary of state. Over four years and more than one million flight miles logged, Mr. Blinken was the face of Americas deep involvement in two wars, one in Ukraine and the other in Israel and Gaza. The first, the defense of Ukraine against Russia, was a popular cause marked by Ukrainian flags flying from American porches, and Mr. Blinken basked in accolades as he invoked the highest principles of international law and human rights.

But the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza ignited by Palestinian terrorist attacks became a political and moral nightmare for the Biden administration as Israeli strikes with American-supplied weapons killed an estimated 46,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children.

While President Biden set the policy, Mr. Blinken, his decades-long aide and surrogate son, presented it to the public. The diplomat was accused of gutting the very principles he had championed in Ukraine, and became the target of vitriol rarely directed at a U.S. secretary of state.
Soon he was, by his own account, on the phone every day with David Barnea, the head of Israels foreign spy agency, and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar, the link to Hamas, searching for an opening, for some leverage to bring about a truce and maybe a new Middle East.

The distinction between a diplomatic negotiator and an intelligence operative is vague in the region, and Mr. Burnss arrivals and departures could be stealthy. It makes it easier to come and go, he said in his office on the 7th floor of the C.I.A., with its memorabilia of the agencys operations and successes, and a framed map of the Russian plan to move in on Ukraine.

Mr. Burns is a singular figure in Washington. He has worked for Republicans and Democrats; in the early 2000s, he was George W. Bushs ambassador in Moscow, where he got to know Vladimir V. Putin, making him the only member of the Biden inner circle who knows the Russian leader well.

Current and former officials said that had Kamala Harris been elected president last November, Mr. Burns was her selection for secretary of state, something he declined, with some diplomatic aversion, to confirm or deny. It would have been a return to the institution that defined his career  and where he met his wife, Lisa Carty, who is now at the U.S. mission to the United Nations. (They sat next to each other in the Foreign Service training institute. Students were seated alphabetically.)

When he arrived at the C.I.A., several veterans there concede that they were suspicious: Why was a career diplomat leading a spy agency?
Representative Steve Cohen, Democrat of Tennessee, the only other polio survivor in Congress, called pointedly for the Senate to reject the nomination. I believe I have a duty to speak out for all who have had polio  from those lightly affected to those who lived in iron lungs and died, Mr. Cohen said in a recent statement.

Mr. Trump has also weighed in, telling reporters last month that he has friends who are still in not such good shape as a result of their polio infections. Many people died, and the moment they took that vaccine, it ended, he said. Dr. Jonas Salk did a great job.

Mr. Kennedy insisted he was all for the polio vaccine while touring Capitol Hill last month for the customary courtesy meetings with senators. But some of his recent statements suggest otherwise. He has said, for example, that the idea that the vaccine resulted in a drastic decline in polio cases is a mythology that is just not true. He has also asserted that the polio vaccine caused an explosion in soft-tissue cancers that killed more people than polio.

One of Mr. Kennedys closest advisers, the lawyer Aaron Siri, has petitioned the government on behalf of another client to revoke its approval of the stand-alone polio vaccine, and to pause distribution of 13 other vaccines, including some combination products that include the polio vaccine. A spokeswoman for Mr. Kennedy, Katie Miller, has said that Mr. Kennedy believes the polio vaccine should be available to the public and thoroughly and properly studied.
President-elect Donald J. Trump has promised at times to use the vast powers of his office to seek revenge against politicians and officials who he contends have wronged him. Over the past several years, he has publicly named a range of those people and specified what he believes should happen to them.

I am your warrior, I am your justice, Mr. Trump told supporters in 2023. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.

Here are some of the officials who have been frequent targets of his ire.

Prosecutors and Judges
Xavier Becerra, the man President Biden chose to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, does not want to talk about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the man President-elect Donald J. Trump has chosen to go wild in reshaping it. Nor does he have any regrets over the pandemic policies that helped seed the rise of his potential successor.

In a wide-ranging interview last week, Mr. Becerra said Mr. Bidens coronavirus vaccine mandates, for federal employees, health care workers and large employers, were absolutely warranted. Should we require people to wear seatbelts? he asked.

That argument  that government has a right to intrude on personal liberty when the health of its citizens is at stake  lost out in last years elections. As a presidential candidate, Mr. Kennedy campaigned aggressively against vaccine mandates; the Supreme Court blocked the large employers mandate. Mr. Kennedy also sued Mr. Becerras department over its efforts to tamp down misinformation on social media. Voters responded enthusiastically when he merged his campaign with Mr. Trumps.

On Friday, Mr. Becerra made what amounted to his farewell to Washington, announcing that Medicare, the government insurance program, will negotiate lower prices for the blockbuster weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, and more than 20 other prescription medications. On a conference call with reporters, Mr. Becerra called the negotiations a big deal.
KABUL, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported saffron worth over 29 million U.S. dollars over the past nine months, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said Saturday.

"During the nine months of the 1403 solar year (in the Persian calendar the year 1403 started from March 20) about 42,200 kg of saffron, worth 29,588,000 million dollars were exported," the private media outlet Tolonews quoted Jawad as saying.

The valuable spice, locally known as "red gold" in Afghanistan, has been mostly exported to India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Spain, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom, Jawad said.

Saffron has usually been cultivated in the western Herat province.

Afghanistan's main export items include coal, saffron, fresh and dry fruits, hand-woven carpets, precious and semi-precious stones. 
Some climbed into buses in the wee hours of the morning. Others boarded planes from across the country or drove bleary-eyed through the night. No matter how they got to Washington on Saturday, they shared a common goal: to protest against President-elect Donald J. Trump.

Just two days before Mr. Trumps inauguration, thousands of people attended the Peoples March across Washington. Despite the damp and chilly weather on Saturday, demonstrators came out to rally against Mr. Trumps hard-right plans for the country and show support for causes like civil rights, racial justice, immigration and gun violence prevention.

I am angry and frustrated, said Jillian Wheat, who came to the march from Columbus, Ohio, with her 14-year-old daughter, Emma. Im worried that he is going to dismantle our democracy.
Solsiree Petit, 44, a Venezuelan teacher in Ciudad Juarez, said she had tumors in her breasts that require surgery. She said her sons, 10 and 17, had turned themselves in to the U.S. authorities seeking asylum about a week ago. She said she had an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso to submit her own asylum application on Jan. 29.

She said she hoped that her appointment would still be honored under the Trump administration. I prefer not to think otherwise about that, she said, because it depresses you more.

CBP One, the phone app that Ms. Petit used to schedule her appointment, allowed U.S. immigration authorities to process nearly 44,000 migrants in December at ports of entry.

While the Biden administration created the app to incentivize migrants to avoid crossing into the country illegally, Ms. Noem, the Homeland Security nominee, said she would wind down use of the app, reflecting concerns among Republicans that it was used to allow migrants into the country who should be barred from entry.

Similar to the tense calm seen in Ciudad Juarez, the Pumarejo shelter in Matamoros, which can accommodate 1,500 people, currently has only 260, according to shelter officials. In Tijuana, three notable shelters indicated that they were only 50 percent full.
Over the past year, a pair of legal bombshells have put Indias growing relationship with the United States to one of its biggest tests yet.

Just as the two sides were announcing unprecedented expansions in defense and technology ties, U.S. prosecutors accused Indian government agents of plotting to assassinate an American citizen on U.S. soil.

Months later, the Justice Department filed fraud and bribery charges against Indias most prominent business mogul, whose enterprises have soared to dizzying heights on the back of Prime Minister Narendra Modis power.

Still, the relationship has held. After decades of mutual suspicion between the two countries, said Eric Garcetti, the departing U.S. ambassador to India, the fact that now nothing seems to derail their ties is proof of their strength.
As president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol lived in a luxurious hilltop mansion, threw parties and had a small army of personal guards. These days, he is alone in a 107-square-foot jail cell, eating simple food like noodles and kimchi soup, and sleeping on the floor.

This will be his new reality for a while yet, after he was formally arrested on insurrection charges early Sunday as part of an investigation into his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.

Mr. Yoon, 64, has been in the Seoul Detention Center, a government-run jail south of Seoul, since Wednesday, when he became the first sitting president in South Korean history to be detained in a criminal investigation. When a district court in Seoul issued the warrant to arrest him, he went from being a temporary detainee to a criminal suspect facing an indictment and trial.

That change in status means Mr. Yoon is unlikely to leave jail any time soon. Within the next 18 days, criminal investigators and prosecutors are expected to indict him on charges of leading an insurrection during his short-lived martial law last month. If he is convicted, he will face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The BBC, Britains national broadcaster, has come under criticism after a radio show that showcases new British artists included TENs music last year. The office of Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC that the broadcaster needed to answer some questions pretty urgently.

A spokeswoman for the BBC said in a statement that it had played two of TENs tracks, which did not contain the graphic lyrics highlighted in the tabloid reports. There were no further plans to play TENs music, she said, adding, We were not aware of his background and we in no way condone his actions.

Efforts to reach Mr. Fahri on Saturday were unsuccessful, and accounts on Instagram and X that were linked to the TEN Spotify page were made private. A statement posted Friday on the Instagram account, appearing to be from Mr. Fahri, apologized to the Mizen family if my words have caused any harm or distress.

I want to make it clear that none of my lyrics are aimed at the victim or his family, it said, adding that the lyrics were an artistic expression of his life in prison. I do not glorify those experiences but they are a part of my past that shaped me, he said.

Since his release, he said that he had focused on rebuilding his life, and added that he had served his full sentence. He said he had never intended for anyone to die.
And yet, its remaining leaders may claim that its survival is a victory.

Israel insists Hamas cannot rule the enclave after the war, but has resisted calls to lay out a plan for postwar Gaza. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia now say they wont normalize relations with Israel unless it commits to a path to establish a Palestinian state.

Lebanon

A shattered Hezbollah, once the crown jewel of Irans so-called axis of resistance, has loosened its grip on Lebanon. But Israels invasion and bombardment have left Lebanon facing billions of dollars in reconstruction costs amid an economic crisis that predated the war.

Hezbollah, formerly Lebanons dominant political and military force, has suffered a stark reversal of fortunes since the 2023 attacks. Israel has killed most of its top leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. Its patron Iran has been weakened. And its supply lines through Syria are in jeopardy. More broadly, the groups core promise to Lebanon  that it alone can protect the country from Israel  has been gutted.

Years of political gridlock, largely blamed on the militant group, eased up enough this month to enable the Lebanese Parliament to elect a new president and appoint a prime minister who is backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
On Dec. 19, as she was preparing an episode of an Italian podcast that she hosts every day, two agents from the intelligence wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps came to her hotel room in Tehran. When she tried to grab her phone, she said, one of them threw it to the other side of the room.

They blindfolded her, Ms. Sala said, and took her to the notorious Evin prison, where most of Irans political prisoners are held and some are tortured.

At one point, when she asked what she was accused of, she was told, she said, that she had committed many illegal actions in many places.

Iran has used the detention of foreign and dual citizens as a cornerstone of its foreign policy for nearly five decades, since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The detainees  journalists, businesspeople, aid workers, diplomats, tourists  are effectively hostages whom Tehran leverages with other countries to swap prisoners and free frozen funds.

Ms. Sala feared from the start that she had been taken hostage for a swap.

She said she had read that Italy had arrested an Iranian engineer three days earlier at the request of the United States. The engineer, Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, was wanted for his alleged role in providing drone technology for Iran that was used in an attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan.
An unidentified gunman killed two high-profile judges outside Irans Supreme Court on Saturday in what the authorities are calling a terrorist attack, according to state-run media.

The attacker opened fire on a square near the Supreme Court headquarters in the capital, Tehran, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

The judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moqiseh, had long careers and had presided over cases involving national security, espionage and terrorism, according to a statement by the judiciary and published by state media.

Both were heads of branches of the Supreme Court. A third judge was wounded in the attack.

The Iranian judiciary described the episode as a terrorist attack and the shootings as targeted assassinations, according to Mizan, another state news outlet
Israel is due to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners over the course of the 42-day initial cease-fire, according to the terms of the agreement, beginning with at least 90 on Sunday in exchange for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israelis say that many of the prisoners are terrorists and murderers. Many Palestinians see the imprisoned militants as freedom fighters against Israeli rule, and they argue that others were jailed by an unfair Israeli military justice system.

Here are several of the most prominent Palestinian prisoners set to be released under the cease-fire, according to the Israeli Justice Ministry.

Zakaria Zubeidi

Over the past two decades, Zakaria Zubeidi, 49, has been a militant, a theater director, and an escaped prisoner whose flight stunned Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Mr. Zubeidi rose to prominence as a militant leader during the Second Intifada, or uprising, in the early 2000s, during which Palestinian militants committed deadly attacks against Israelis, including suicide bombings targeting civilian thoroughfares.

Israel responded by reoccupying major Palestinian cities amid street battles. Some of the toughest fighting took place in the Palestinian city of Jenin, Mr. Zubeidis hometown. He later emerged as a top commander in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed militia loosely linked with the secular Fatah party, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank.

After the uprising, Mr. Zubeidi worked at a theater inside the hardscrabble Jenin refugee camp. In 2019, Israel arrested him again on charges that he had returned to militancy.

Two years later, Mr. Zubeidi and five other Palestinian prisoners conducted a jailbreak by crawling nearly 32 yards through an underground tunnel outside one of Israels maximum-security prisons. Although they were later recaptured, the security breach shook Israelis and thrilled Palestinians.

An Israeli drone strike killed Mr. Zubeidis son, Mohammad, in September. The Israeli military called the son a significant terrorist and said he had been involved in shooting at Israeli troops.

Wissam Abbasi, Mohammad Odeh and Wael Qassim

Wissam Abbasi, 48, Mohammad Odeh, 52, and Wael Qassim, 54, were jailed in 2002 on accusations of carrying out Hamas attacks against Israelis during the Second Intifada. According to Israels justice ministry, the three men were given life sentences for murder and a string of other crimes.

According to contemporary Israeli media reports, the men were among several convicted of being involved in a Hamas cell in Jerusalem that was responsible for a string of bombings that killed over 30 Israelis in crowded civilian areas.

The attacks included a Hamas bombing at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem that killed nine people, including five U.S. citizens, according to the Israeli authorities.

Mr. Odeh, who was working as a painter at the university, planted the bomb in a cafeteria and covered it with a newspaper, The New York Times reported at the time, citing Israeli officials. When he left, he remotely detonated the explosive with a cellphone, the officials said.

Under the terms of the cease-fire deal, the men will not be allowed to return to their homes in Jerusalem, according to the Israeli justice ministry. They will be required to live in exile, although it is unclear where they will be allowed to go.
Estimated 14 million people in 2024

Who Are the Millions of Immigrants Trump Wants to Deport?

Latest: Trump officials have moved quickly to expel migrants in two major Biden-era programs that allowed more than a million people to enter the country temporarily. Read more 

President Trump has promised to deport millions of people who are living in the United States without permission. This population is commonly referred to as undocumented, unauthorized or illegal. But these terms are not entirely accurate. A significant number are in the country with temporary permissions  though many are set to expire during Mr. Trumps term.

For the last decade, the best estimates put this population at around 11 million. But the number of people crossing U.S. borders reached a record level in 2022 before falling last year. More recent estimates put the number of people without legal status or with temporary protection from deportation at almost 14 million in 2024.

Many of them have permission to be here, at least for now.

No legal status 60% Temporary permission 40% Temporary permission 40% No legal status 60% Source: FWD.us.

Its true that immigration is high, but its hard to sort out who is an undocumented immigrant, said Robert Warren, a demographer and the former statistics director at what was then the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Most of the public looks at everyone as undocumented  asylum-seekers, T.P.S., DACA  but its important to really figure out who is included.

The New York Times compared estimates from several research organizations and the federal government, as well as more recent administrative data, to better understand who these immigrants are, how they got here, and which of them may be most vulnerable to deportation under Mr. Trump.

Those with permission fall under the protection of many different programs.

DACA 540,000 T.P.S. 1.1 million Waiting on asylum claim 2.6 million Other deferred action 280,000 Ukrainians Afghans 240,000 77,000 Groups that received humanitarian parole under Biden. 530,000 940,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans CBP One applicants DACA 540,000 T.P.S. 1.1 million Waiting on asylum claim 2.6 million Other deferred action 280,000 Ukrainians Afghans 240,000 77,000 Groups that received humanitarian parole under Biden. 530,000 940,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans CBP One applicants Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Migration Policy Institute.

What is perhaps most surprising  or misleading  about terms like undocumented and unauthorized is that as many as 40 percent of the people in this group do have some current authorization to live or work legally in the United States, according to one estimate by FWD.us, an immigration advocacy group that hired a demographer to study the population.

In an effort to deter illegal crossings, former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. created a way for migrants to make an appointment to cross the southern border through a smartphone app called CBP One. The administration also created special pathways for people fleeing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Ukraine and Venezuela and extended temporary protection from deportation for people from certain countries through a program known as Temporary Protected Status.

Upon taking office, Mr. Trump issued executive orders stating his desire to end those programs, and existing appointments made through the CBP One app were canceled.

Immigrants who enter the country through these programs were following the current rules, but Mr. Trump and other Republicans have attacked them and said the programs are illegal.

Millions more people have applied for asylum and are allowed to remain in the country while their cases wend through immigration court  though very few asylum claims are ultimately granted. An Obama-era program known as DACA protects from deportation about 540,000 undocumented people brought to the country as children.

The Biden administration also deferred deportation for other groups of people, like those who have applied for protection because they were victims of or witnesses to a crime.

Trump has limited power to immediately remove these groups.

Ukrainians Afghans 240,000 Trump can end new applications, but may not be able to revoke current statuses. 530,000 940,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans CBP One applicants Biden extended protections. Trump could let them expire. T.P.S. 1.1 million Trump appears open to allowing them to stay. DACA 540,000 These cases must go through immigration court. Waiting on asylum claim 2.6 million Ukrainians Afghans 240,000 Trump can end new applications, but may not be able to revoke current statuses. 530,000 940,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans CBP One applicants Biden extended protections. Trump could let them expire. T.P.S. 1.1 million Trump appears open to allowing them to stay. DACA 540,000 These cases must go through immigration court. Waiting on asylum claim 2.6 million Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Migration Policy Institute.

Many of the permissions offering humanitarian relief are set to expire during the Trump administration, including some that Mr. Biden recently extended. If the incoming administration were to try to end these protections sooner, it would likely face lawsuits.

Mr. Trump on Monday issued executive orders ending humanitarian parole programs for people from specific countries, but it was unclear how those would affect the status of those who are already here.

Nor can Mr. Trump easily deport the more than 2.6 million people who are awaiting a hearing or a decision on an asylum claim. He could try to hire more immigration judges to decide these cases, but even with a significant infusion of new funds, it would take years to work through the backlog.

DACA is no longer accepting new applications, and the future of the program is uncertain because of a lawsuit filed by several Republican state attorneys general.

People can have more than one status, and many of these groups overlap.

Humanitarian parole for specific countries 850,000 T.P.S. 1.1 million Waiting on asylum claim 2.6 million CBP One applicants 940,000 Humanitarian parole for specific countries 850,000 T.P.S. 1.1 million Waiting on asylum claim 2.6 million CBP One applicants 940,000 Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Migration Policy Institute.

Many people in the country with temporary permission fall under overlapping programs.

For example, the bulk of the people who arrived through one of the Biden-era humanitarian pathways were granted parole for two years. Many of them now also have Temporary Protected Status. Along with those who used the CBP One app to cross the southern border, they can also apply for asylum within the first year they are in the United States.

These immigrants come from all over the world.

Afghanistan Venezuela Haiti Many arrived in the last two years. Ukraine Philippines These populations have been shrinking. 130,000 Mexico 4 million Korea 110,000 Brazil Honduras 230,000 Guatemala 525,000 Dominican Republic El Salvador 675,000 India 750,000 230,000 China 725,000 Ecuador 375,000 Colombia Canada 140,000 190,000 160,000 Afghanistan Venezuela Haiti Many arrived in the last two years. Ukraine Philippines These populations have been shrinking. 130,000 Mexico 4 million Korea 110,000 Brazil Honduras 230,000 Guatemala 525,000 Dominican Republic El Salvador 675,000 India 750,000 230,000 China 725,000 Ecuador 375,000 Colombia Canada 140,000 190,000 160,000 Note: Not all countries are shown. Data as of 2022. The growth shown for select countries is based on administrative data. Source: Pew Research Center.

More than half of those who are in the United States without authorization have been here for 10 years or more.

Mexicans remain by far the largest group of people living in the country without authorization, but their share has declined significantly since the 1990s, according to data from the Pew Research Center.

An influx of people fleeing humanitarian and economic crises came from Central America during Mr. Trumps first term, and many of them are still in the country.

Mexican officials and other leaders in the region say they have not been able to meet with the incoming administration about its deportation plans.

Few immigrants can be swiftly removed. Even fewer are in custody.

Criminal charges or convictions Final deportation orders These groups are most vulnerable to deportation. 655,000 1.4 million 15,000 In ICE custody 24,000 Others in ICE custody Removal cases pending or paused 6.3 million Others without authorization Criminal charges or convictions Final deportation orders These groups are most vulnerable to deportation. 655,000 1.4 million 15,000 In ICE custody 24,000 Others in ICE custody Removal cases pending or paused 6.3 million Others without authorization Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Note: Final deportation orders and criminal charges or convictions include all noncitizens. Figures have been rounded.

Out of all those who are unauthorized, Mr. Trump has said the top priority for deportation will be criminals. There are around 655,000 noncitizens living in the U.S. with criminal convictions or pending charges, according to data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, though many of these charges are for minor offenses such as traffic violations.

There were about 39,000 immigrants in ICE custody at the end of December, near capacity for holding facilities.

The Trump administration may also focus its enforcement efforts on the nearly 1.4 million people whom an immigration judge has already ordered to be removed from the country.

Many of the rest have been living in the country for years and have developed ties to their communities, including having children born in the United States. It would require a significant amount of time and resources to locate and remove them.
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's side said Saturday that Yoon is expected to attend the detention necessity hearing at 2 p.m. at the court.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) filed a detention warrant request with the Seoul Western District Court for Yoon, citing allegations of "insurrection" and "abuse of authority."

According to regulations, the court must review the detention warrant request within 24 hours.

Local media said that the ruling could be announced as early as Saturday evening or in the early hours of Sunday.

If approved, Yoon's detention could be extended for up to 20 days, making him the first sitting president in South Korea to face detention during an investigation. 
A guest takes photos during the 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at Berlin's Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, on Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)

An acrobat performs during the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at the Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)

Artists perform opera and dance during the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at the Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)

A puppetry artist performs during the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at the Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)

A Sichuan Opera artist performs face changing stunt during the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at the Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)

Florian Hauer, State Secretary of the Berlin Municipal Government, addresses the 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at Berlin's Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, on Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)

An artist plays bamboo flute during the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception at the Red City Hall in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 17, 2025. The 2025 Year of the Snake "Happy Spring Festival" New Year Celebration Gala and Spring Festival Reception was held here on Friday with the presence of more than 350 guests from both China and Germany. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong)
NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Friday sued PepsiCo in a last-minute blitz of lawsuits before the end of the Joe Biden administration, alleging that the beverage giant forced many consumers to pay higher prices by giving Walmart unfair pricing advantages.

The FTC, whose legal filing was sealed, said PepsiCo provided promotional pricing deals to a single "big-box" customer. Walmart was the recipient of those incentives, reported The Wall Street Journal about the development.

The agency said PepsiCo didn't give the same pricing incentives to smaller retail outlets, which "led to inflated prices for American families."

PepsiCo disputed the allegations. Walmart declined to comment. Walmart is PepsiCo's largest retail customer. Including Walmart affiliates like Sam's Club, sales to Walmart represented 14 percent of PepsiCo's 2023 revenue.

"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," PepsiCo said.

The FTC's lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, is premised on a decades-old law that forbids suppliers from selling goods at different prices to retailers. The statute, which dates from the 1930s, sought to preserve a level playing field between small retailers and bigger sellers such as grocery chains. 
China's centrally administered State-owned enterprises will actively foster emerging industries and accelerate the modernization of traditional ones to drive economic growth in 2025, the country's top State-owned assets regulator said on Friday.



Addressing a news conference in Beijing, Yuan Ye, vice-chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, or SASAC, said the government will encourage central SOEs to achieve breakthroughs in core as well as emerging technologies and actively take on major science and technology projects.

Strategic emerging industries in China include sectors such as energy-saving and environmental protection, next-generation information technology, biotechnology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy, advanced materials and electric vehicles, the SASAC said.

Yuan said that central SOEs will be urged to focus on fundamental research with clear goals and work toward mastering and developing more innovative technologies.

In 2024, the total assets of central SOEs exceeded 90 trillion yuan ($12.28 trillion), a year-on-year increase of 5.9 percent, while their total profits reached 2.6 trillion yuan, data from the SASAC showed.

Meanwhile, central SOEs invested 2.7 trillion yuan in strategic emerging industries, up 21.8 percent on a yearly basis.

Lin Qingmiao, head of the SASAC's bureau of enterprise reform, said the government's key focus will be on the restructuring and integration of central SOEs, in order to further promote the optimization of the State-owned economy's structural adjustment going forward.

"We will speed up the allocation of State capital to critical industries related to national security and the lifeline of national economy, public services, emergency response capabilities, public welfare and strategic emerging industries," said Lin.

Faced with growing external challenges and uncertainties, it is crucial that SOEs bolster market-oriented applied basic research, improve technological foresight, diversify strategies and gain mastery over more "core technologies," said Zhou Lisha, a researcher at the Institute for State-owned Enterprises, which is part of Tsinghua University in Beijing.

"Once breakthroughs are achieved in basic research and original innovation, companies are able to reshape industries and market competition, leading to a fundamental transformation in productivity," said Zhou.

Strengthening innovation capabilities is key for SOEs to effectively compete with established competitors globally, Zhou added.

Eager to seize more market share in both domestic and global markets, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd (COMAC), a Shanghai-based central SOE, plans to invest 10 billion yuan annually in research and development in Shanghai over the next three years, along with another 10 billion yuan annually in fixed-asset investments within the city.

Qian Zhongyan, board chairman and president of COMAC Era (Shanghai) Aviation Co Ltd, a COMAC subsidiary, said that COMAC expects annual sales revenue from new aircraft to exceed 10 billion yuan over the next three years.

Highlighting the successful market entry of the C919, domestically developed large passenger aircraft, with a total of 1,061 new orders, Qian said that the C929 jet, with more than 250 seats and a flying range of up to 12,000 kilometers, is preparing for its global launch.
NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Danny Werfel, the commissioner of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), will resign on Monday, The Washington Post on Friday quoted him as telling employees, as President-elect Donald Trump eyes a successor to undo much of President Joe Biden's agenda at the tax agency.

Though the commissioner's term wasn't due to expire until 2027, Trump had previously announced plans to fire Werfel, who took office in 2023, and nominate Billy Long, a former Missouri congressman without any tax policy experience, to replace him.

Long's Senate confirmation is not in doubt, given the Republican majority in the chamber.

"After significant introspection and consultation with others, I've determined the best way to support a successful transition is to depart the IRS on January 20, 2025," Werfel wrote to staff.

"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 added. 
Top news updates of the day

1. The Sealda court in Kolkata on Saturday pronounced Sanjay Roy, a civic police volunteer, guilty of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital.

2. US President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday his inauguration will be held indoors because of severe cold, marking the first time in 40 years that a President's inauguration will not be held on the Capitol steps.

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3. Israel's cabinet approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

4. ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart of its Vikas liquid engine, marking a key step toward reusability in future launch vehicles.

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5. BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and ODI series against England, with Rohit Sharma as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
This column was originally posted in 2022.

Dear Annie: I have a very dear friend who is like family. I am 20 years older than she is, and at times I feel more like a surrogate mother than a big sister.

I know she has mental health problems, including anger management, trust issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder and, at times, I think, narcissistic tendencies. But she truly is a good person at heart. I encouraged her to get into therapy, and she has blossomed and grown over this past year. I support her 100% in any way that I can.

She is a single mother who works two jobs. She has three boys, and they are her world. My husband and I take the boys after school while she works her second job because they are like grandchildren to us.

The other day, I was getting ready to make Christmas cookies and thought I was losing my mind. Two of the prepackaged cookie dough packages were missing. The boys saw my bewilderment and informed me that their mom took them to make them cookies the previous week.

Tonight, when I went to make the cookies for our house and church, I discovered that Im missing a cookie sheet. So, Ive been thinking back, and a lot of things have gone missing, and I simply thought that I must not have bought what I thought, or used all of something and not remembered. I have asked her before about things missing or if she accidentally picked something up, and she would be honest and return it the next day. Nothing of major value by any means. Simple silly things like a candle or a pair of scissors or hand lotion.

Well, after the incident with the cookie dough, which really upset me, I bought a few bottles of wine to give as gifts, left them in the bag and taped a note on them: Do Not Touch. When she came by after work to eat and get the boys, she saw this and got upset and was personally offended. My husband says to let it be because we love those boys so much and shes doing so well. We can afford to replace the little things.

I feel that she and I should have a conversation, and I feel her therapist should know.

To be honest, Im afraid this will end up like our son, who robbed us blind and cut ties with us because we finally had to say enough was enough and file charges. Im afraid the little things will become larger and the boys will think this behavior is acceptable if we dont stop it now. Please help. -- Stuck in Maryland



Dear Stuck in Maryland: You are correct to be concerned for your friend -- not because of what she is stealing but for the fact that she is stealing from you at all. It shows a lack of trust. The fact that she took a little note and blew it way out of proportion tells me she is feeling guilty about something. As Shakespeare said, The lady doth protest too much.

If anything, sitting down with your friend and trying to get her professional help is the kindest thing. Make sure when you approach her that it is not with a got ya mentality but rather one of concern for her mental health.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.



COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM


Gus McDaniel was almost certain he was going to die.

Adrift in the waves off Cannon Beach on the night of Jan. 13, he was clinging to a boogie board, exhausted, the 19-year-old told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Though it was dark, he could see the looming outline of Haystack Rock. It was not a reassuring beacon telling him he was close to making it back to shore. He knew the waves  some of them reaching 10 feet in height  threatened to crush him against the rocks if he got too close.

He was scared and had been in the water so long that he was freezing, even under his wetsuit. But still, he tried to focus on holding onto his board and preserving his strength in case rescuers were able to find him.

Then he saw a small blinking red light off in the distance. It was growing bigger, bit by bit.

He realized it might be another person. He kept calling out, over and over, as hed been doing since his ordeal began.

Soon the source of the light took form out of the darkness: It was a man  Cannon Beach Rural Fire District Lt. Koa Lyu, it turned out. Lyu was paddling towards McDaniel on a rescue surfboard.

McDaniel realized he might not die this day, after all.

A few days earlier, McDaniel had made the roughly 10-hour drive to the Oregon coast from his home in Reno, Nevada, with his girlfriend and a couple of friends. They wanted to have a few fun days in and around the ocean before returning to the land-locked Silver State, he said.

The group rented a place in Oceanside, and after a day in Tillamook to tour the iconic cheese factory, they made their way to Cannon Beach, where they rented wetsuits and boogie boards and set out to catch some waves in the late afternoon.

At first, they enjoyed messing around in the surf close to shore, McDaniel said, adding that hed surfed before but had never been on a boogie board.

When the waves started getting bigger, McDaniel said he was unconcerned.

I was, like, Now were going to get some good waves, he remembered. Im going to get the perfect one  the last one.

With the days light fading, he paddled past where he could touch the bottom, and soon he was trying and failing to catch the waves. They were hitting him while strong currents simultaneously pulled him away from shore. When he started to paddle back toward the beach, where his friends and girlfriend were safely waiting for him, he found that the waves and current were holding him back.

I didnt want to go towards Haystack Rock, he said, recognizing that the waves would likely bash him against the 200-foot formation if he got too close. Maneuvering at that point was kind of hard.

Darkness fell, and he began trying to conserve his strength and stay warm. After a while he noticed lights coming from the shore, poking out into the dark. His friends had notified authorities that he was lost out in the ocean.

Soon, the blinking red light  and Lyu  appeared. The firefighter and lifeguard had stood waist-high in the water to judge the currents and figure out where McDaniel might be, and then set off from the beach. He pulled McDaniels onto his surfboard.

The guy was lucky he was alive and still floating, Lyu told The Oregonian/OregonLive. It was a cold night.

Now on the rescue board, McDaniel asked Lyu if his girlfriend and friends were okay.

He told me my friends were fine, McDaniel said. He said, Your girlfriends definitely very worried.

When the two got to shore, McDaniel turned and gave Lyu a hug.

He gave me a fist bump and was, like, Glad youre okay, man, McDaniel remembered. I dont even know how to express my gratitude and my familys gratitude.

After hed been evaluated by a doctor and had a chance to warm up, McDaniel had a Coke from McDonalds and reflected on his close call.

I definitely enjoy everything a lot more now, he said. I was, like, Oh my god, that was the best Coke I had in my entire life.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Gov. Tina Kotek said on Friday her administration will continue adhering to Oregons sanctuary law despite receiving a letter from a nonprofit allied with President-elect Donald Trump warning of federal prosecution and civil lawsuits for doing so.

I remain focused on delivering results for the issues Oregonians care about most, Kotek said in a statement. I stand by Oregonians state-guaranteed protections and civil liberties.

Days before Christmas, the Washington, D.C.-based America First Legal Foundation sent a letter to Kotek stating the group had identified your jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction that is violating federal law, and obstructing immigration law carries serious consequences.

Such lawlessness subjects you and your subordinates to significant risk of criminal and civil liability, an attorney for the group, James Rogers, wrote in a Dec. 23 letter to Kotek posted online. Accordingly, we are sending this letter to put you on notice of this risk and insist that you comply with our nations laws.

Oregons sanctuary law was enacted in the 1980s and prohibits police from cooperating with federal officials on immigration enforcement.

Kotek has not responded to the letter, spokesperson Elisabeth Shepard said on Friday.

America First Legal Foundation was founded in 2021 by Stephen Miller, Trumps incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, as a conservative answer to the American Civil Liberties Union. Trump, who takes office Monday, has pledged the largest deportation operation in American history. The group says it sent similar letters to about 250 officials at state and local governments it identified as sanctuary jurisdictions, including in Republican-controlled states such as Nebraska.

As purported evidence of the negative impact of Oregons sanctuary law, Rogers cited a March 2024 case in which Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials in Trumps home state blamed Oregon for not acting quickly enough to extradite a man who was reportedly wanted in Washington County on rape and sex abuse charges.

At the time, Washington County prosecutors said that Florida officials hadnt asked Oregon to seek Juan Jose-Sebastians transfer to the western state.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told a Florida TV station that Jose-Sebastian entered the country as an unaccompanied minor in 2015 and was ordered to be deported to Guatemala in 2019.

Kotek ultimately approved a request from prosecutors to extradite Jose-Sebastian, which the Washington County District Attorneys Office filed one day after DeSantis held a press conference on the case

The Washington County District Attorneys Office cited the states policy of generally only extraditing people facing high-level felony charges, not the states sanctuary law, for its handling of the case. But separately, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton has cited problems with getting suspects extradited to Oregon that he attributes to the states sanctuary law.

America First Legal Foundation has had some wins in court. In 2022, it succeeded in getting a federal judge to halt the Biden administration and Congress debt relief program for farmers of color. The program had been an attempt to address the U.S. Department of Agricultures documented history of discriminatory practices around loans for Black farmers and other groups.

The New York Times reported that experts believe it will be difficult for America First Legal Foundation to sue state and local officials over sanctuary laws but that the group is launching a public pressure campaign.

 Hillary Borrud is an investigative reporter. Reach her at 503-294 4034 or hborrud@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Steven Milner acknowledged that he planted tracking devices on the cars of his former lover and her husband, trailed the husband to work, put plastic in his gas tank so his car would break down and bought what prosecutors described as burner cars to stalk the husband despite a court order to stay away from him.

Milner, 57, a retired Oregon City veterinarian, took the stand Friday in his own defense, calmly describing his escalating obsession with the couple that prosecutors allege led him to kill Kenneth Fandrich in an Intel parking garage on Jan. 27, 2023.
SACRAMENTO, United States, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Driven by fears of a potential TikTok ban starting Jan. 19, U.S. TikTok users found a new digital home on RedNote, a popular Chinese social media platform.

Their migration to the app, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has opened up unexpected avenues for cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users.

TikTok faces a possible ban on Sunday as the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that could either ban the popular app or force ByteDance to sell TikTok to an American company.

As worried U.S. TikTok creators and fans seek alternative platforms, RedNote has skyrocketed to the top of the Apple and Google App Stores on Monday.

The influx of American users onto a predominantly Chinese-language platform sparked a lively interchange of ideas, customs and linguistic curiosities.

Language hurdles have aroused curiosity, inspiring users to exchange details of their daily lives and traditions. Participants from both nations are using the platform to learn about each other's culture and build bridges that transcend politics and geography.

Live audio chatrooms now host discussions on social differences and help clear up misconceptions, with one popular room drawing over 200,000 users at once.

Chinese users on RedNote welcomed their American counterparts, expressing enthusiasm about this rare opportunity to direct contact. One Chinese user, named Abe, captured the mood in a post that garnered widespread attention: "We haven't been able to really talk like this for so long, and now we finally can. It feels so special!"

American users, for their part, have devised ways to navigate the language gap, such as adding translated subtitles to their videos or sharing slang translations with Chinese users.

Though the language barrier remained a challenge, many users saw it as a catalyst for learning rather than a deterrent.

RedNote's abrupt popularity among Americans has drummed up a surging interest in learning Chinese. According to language-learning app Duolingo, the number of U.S.-based Chinese learners rose by an impressive 216 percent from the previous year, reflecting a genuine desire for deeper cross-cultural engagement.

The migration of TikTok users has also highlighted shared interests among young people worldwide. Language and cultural differences notwithstanding, users discover common ground in their passion for creativity, humor and the online community.

As the digital migration persists, it offers a hopeful glimpse into social media's capacity to integrate diverse cultures, and showcases how technology can pave the way for learning, sharing and fostering meaningful relationships beyond linguistic and national boundaries. 
NEW YORK (AP)  American Express has agreed to pay more than $138 million to resolve a wire fraud investigation related to its sales and marketing practices, federal authorities announced Thursday.

The New York-based financial giant provided inaccurate tax advice to customers and potential customers on wire products primarily marketed at small and mid-size businesses, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York's office said. Customers were told, for example, that the company's fees were tax-deductible as a business expense.

Harry Chavis, a special agent in charge at the Internal Revenue Services office in New York, said the company misled their customers by touting tax breaks that simply didnt exist."

Authorities said an internal investigation led to the termination of approximately 200 employees in 2021, and the company discontinued the products entirely later that year.

Financial institutions like American Express have no business pitching inaccurate tax avoidance schemes to sell products and turn a quick profit, Judy Philips, Acting Attorney for the U.S. for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. This resolution ensures that American Express will be held financially accountable for the unacceptable conduct of its sales employees in misrepresenting the tax benefits of these products.

American Express said the disputed sales practices ended in 2021 or earlier and that it will pay roughly $230 million in total to resolve the matter.

We cooperated extensively with these agencies and our regulators and took decisive voluntary action to address these issues, including discontinuing certain products several years ago, conducting a comprehensive internal review, taking appropriate disciplinary measures, making organizational changes, and enhancing policies, compliance, and training programs, the company said in a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, American Express will pay a $77.7 million criminal fine and forfeit $60.7 million, which represents the net revenue attributed to sales of the wire products, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.

The company has also separately entered a multimillion dollar civil settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

__

This story has been corrected to show that Philips is the office's Acting Attorney, not Acting U.S. Attorney.
After using immigrant documents to move to America, Laye Sekou Camara used his green card to apply for a Pennsylvania ID card and later a license to become a home health care aide in New Jersey.

But he left something out when he applied for that green card, he admitted in court this week.

On the eve of his criminal trial, 46-year-old Camara, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, said he lied on his green card application about his involvement as a high-ranking general in an African paramilitary organization that committed wartime atrocities in the early 2000  which would disqualify him from entering the U.S.

Camara pleaded guilty to three counts of using and one count of possessing a fraudulently obtained green card. He could face up to 40 years in prison at his sentencing hearing May 19, 2025.

According to the Department of Justice, Camara entered the United States using an immigrant visa and later obtained a Lawful Permanent Resident status and a green card.

Camara falsely stated on immigration forms twice in 2011 that he never participated in extrajudicial killings or other acts of violence; had never been involved with a paramilitary unit, rebel group or guerilla group; and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers.

He entered the U.S. through New York City in 2012 and received his green card then. Camara later obtained a PennDOT drivers license that expired in July of 2023 using his green card, and used it to apply for a home health care aide license with the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Camara had been a high-ranking member of Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, or LURD. The loose coalition of fighters carried out extrajudicial killings and forcibly conscripted child soldiers during the brutal second Liberian Civil which lasted from 1999-2003, according to federal investigators.

Camara went by General Dragon Master or K-1 in those days, and was LURDs point-contact for the American embassy at the time.

The Department of Justices witness lineup reveals more of Camaras involvement in LURD. Witnesses identified by numbers, not names, would have testified to Camaras reputation in various areas for randomly accusing locals of being thieves or government sympathizers before shooting them.

The witnesses corroborate that Camara did not distinguish between men, women and children; and frequently executed his own LURD forces.

Laye Sekou Camara stand behind United States Ambassador to Liberia John Blaney in public video footage taken by the Associated Press on August 12, 2003. Camara is depicted with the camouflage head wrapping to Blaney's right. Camara is accused of lying on his green card application to get into the United States about his involvement in LURD, a brutal paramilitary organization that fought on one side of the Second Liberian Civil War.Image courtesy of the Justice Department

K-1 is coming! the witnesses were prepared to testify civilians would scream as K-1 rolled through town in his white Jeep, usually surrounded by child soldiers as young as six carrying rifles. One story would have revealed Camara once rounded up 15 civilians into the back of a pick-up truck, dumped them into a ditch and shot at them.

Another witness would have testified Camara confronted another LURD fighter named Langassa about stealing headphones before executing him.

Langassa pleaded for his life and asked the small crowd to tell his family in Guinea that his own people had killed him, the DOJ wrote, before Camara executed him.

Another witness would have testified that when executing civilians near a port, Camara would hide their bodies in shipping containers so media cameras could not see them.

Trial would have also pulled Jonathan Stack, documentarian filmmaker, two Los Angeles Times journalists, and other federal government officials.

Camara, as a general, coordinated with late Colonel Sue Ann Sandusky, who said they met around 10 times, to facilitate safe transportation of embassy personnel across a bridge separating Taylors forces and LURDs forces in Monrovia, Liberia.

Federal investigators identified Camara in the background of a photo of former American Ambassador John Blaney taken in 2003. He was also pictured in the documentary Liberia: An Uncivil War, standing behind American Ambassador John Blaney in 2003, the FBI said

Blaney and Sandusky both identified Camara as General Master Dragon from that photo as well as his Pennsylvania ID.

In 2022, Blaney recalled dealing with General Dragon Master, whom he described as a high-ranking and active combatant, and another LURD commander named General Cobra. He said LURD was a large and formidable Liberian rebel group engaged in atrocities, and that Sandusky had more direct contact with him.

LURDs stated goal was to remove the also brutal authoritarian warlord-president of Liberia, Charles Taylor, from power. Taylor later became the first former head of state convicted of war crimes since the Nuremberg trials of Nazi leaders after World War II. He was found guilty of aiding and abetting a rebel force who murdered, raped, forced sexual slavery and built a child army.

Despite ostensibly discouraging human rights violations, LURD was also responsible for serious human rights abuses such as rape and summary executions, according to Human Rights Watch , an international non-government organization headquartered in New York.

Human Rights Watch documented 30-man abductions, forced conscriptions of soldiers, executions of suspected Taylor-government collaborators, and LURD soldiers who shot ammunition porters in the knees who were not carrying supplies fast enough.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, which was aided by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office and the State Departments Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia.
UPDATE: Suspect in fatal central Pa. hotel shooting says victim touched his girlfriend: police

A man was arrested in Virginia after police said he shot and killed a person near a Chambersburg hotel Friday evening.

Officers were sent to the Candlewood Suites along the 200 block of Walker Road around 5:08 p.m., where they found a male with a single gunshot wound, the police report said.

The victim quickly succumbed to his injuries, according to the police report. The victims age or address were not included in the release.

Investigators believe Kelsey G. Myles, 36, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, shot the victim and then left the area. He was arrested by Virginia State Police on Saturday.

Myles is charged with one count of criminal homicide and one count of recklessly endangering another person. His preliminary hearing has not been scheduled as of Saturday.
Beej Chaney was called a punk rock hero, by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and he clearly lived a full life.

It was a life, however, that has come to an end.

Chaney, 68, who played with the band The Suburbs, was reportedly found on Jan. 5, after he went for a swim in the Pacific Ocean.

The Star Tribune reported that Chaney had a daily routine of swimming in the ocean, and that he went out around sunset. Friends and bandmates reportedly found his body on Hermosa Beach later that night.

The newspaper said that the Hermosa Beach Police Department said crews responded to a call at around 7 p.m. after Chaneys body washed up. His death was ruled accidental. The Suburbs drummer Hugo Klaers told the newspaper that Chaney survived a near-death experience during a swim last year. On that occasion, he said, the musician collapsed on the beach.

His body temperature had dropped to like 75 degrees, Klaer told the newspaper. They put him in an induced coma for three days and he actually came back, and the doctor called him her little miracle because she said most people when their body temperature gets this low dont survive. They told him he couldnt swim for a month and any future swimming he had to wear a wet suit because he was only wearing swim trunks when he was swimming in the ocean.

Chaney helped found The Suburbs in 1977 and played with the band through 2014.
While suppliers may be able to stockpile some materials and components before new tariffs take effect, its too risky in many instances, said Dan Hearsch, Americas leader of automotive & industrial at consulting firm AlixPartners.

Suppliers must analyze their supply chains and develop company-specific plans to deal with a wide range of potential tariffs because they will affect every business differently, experts say.

Trumps transition team is also considering surgical tariffs aimed at electric vehicle battery supply chains, according to documents reviewed by Reuters in December.

In addition to a proposed 25% tariff generally on all imports from Canada and Mexico, President-elect Trump has suggested that he will invoke the six-year renegotiation provision of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to make changes to that agreement, specifically targeting the automotive provisions for review, Katie Hilferty and Casey Weaver, two trade attorneys at law firm Morgan Lewis, said in an email to Automotive Dive. Depending on how these proposals are realized, supply chains in Canada and Mexico could become significantly more expensive under increased tariffs and thus less desirable for U.S. automakers and U.S. based assembly plants.

Trumps tariff proposals could upend automotive supply chains because parts and materials imported from foreign producers are often used in vehicles assembled in the U.S., Canada or Mexico, with many components crossing international borders multiple times. Mexico produced an estimated 16.1% of vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024, while Canada produced approximately 7.3%, according to Wards Intelligence and GlobalData data. Mexico also accounted for nearly 42% of U.S. auto parts imports from January to September 2024, while Canada accounted for about 10%, according to U.S. International Trade Administration data.

Nothing would have more impact than tariffs on Canada and Mexico, said Elaine Buckberg, senior fellow at Harvard Universitys Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, former chief economist at General Motors and a former senior U.S. Treasury official.

Automotive suppliers must plan for multiple scenarios as President-elect Donald Trump takes office with plans to implement tariffs against Canada and Mexico that will affect their supply chains, experts say.

This story was originally published on Automotive Dive . To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter .

Story Continues

Fortunately, vehicle manufacturers have strong incentives to help their suppliers navigate tariff changes due to the auto industry's closely integrated nature. In addition, many supplier contracts include provisions that protect them if something beyond their control, such as a new tax, occurs after the agreement takes effect, Hearsch said.

By and large, the suppliers that are affected will be able to pass those costs on to the OEM, Hearsch said. OEMs will be incentivized to figure out how to mitigate those costs, either by helping suppliers move production, or, frankly, lobbying, to delay the actual implementation of the tariffs or get an exemption.

Still, there are some measures suppliers can take independently to safeguard their businesses from new tariffs against Canada and Mexico.

Suppliers should confirm their products have the correct country of origin and classification on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States because those are the two primary considerations for determining whether a specific tariff applies, Hilferty and Weaver said.

Tariff engineering can also help suppliers lower the duties paid on their goods.

Importers can explore reclassifying goods if the articles composition or functionality align with different HTSUS codes, or assess whether changing the products materials or functions may accordingly change the classification to one with a lower tariff rate, Hilferty and Weaver said.

Shifting production to countries with a free trade agreement or favorable trade relations with the U.S. can also reduce the risk of high tariffs, Hilferty and Weaver said. However, thats easier said than done.

The immediate effect would be simply to raise prices because you can't move stuff quickly, Buckberg said, noting that one supplier said privately it would take at least 18 months for a new U.S. plant to start producing.

Its easier and less expensive to shift production for new models and parts, which could allow suppliers to lower their tariff burden over time following the initial disruption, Hearsch said.

Tariff exclusions can also help reduce the burden on suppliers.

Automotive suppliers that import goods into the U.S. for use in manufacturing operations and then subsequently export those finished vehicles may also want to consider use of a foreign trade zone (FTZ) to potentially avoid the imposition of duties on vehicles that are later exported, Hilferty and Weaver said. Once tariffs are imposed, suppliers should assess the opportunity to take advantage of general exclusions or apply for specific exclusions.

Engaging on policy

Suppliers should also engage in the public policy process because its upstream of the potential disruptions caused by tariff changes, said Everett Eissenstat, a trade attorney at the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs, former SVP of global public policy at GM, and a senior economic official during the first Trump administration.

There's a lot of wishful thinking that this is not going to happen, Eissenstat said. If you don't have relationships with policymakers, it's probably time to start developing those  you need to have people who are knowledgeable about your company, what it does and the impacts on the U.S. economy.

Despite their unpopularity, the Biden administration did not unwind Trumps 2018 tariffs, which suggests the next round of tariffs could stick around for a while, Hearsch said.

Don't expect that it's going to be a blip and that these things will go away, Hearsch said.

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A local coffee shop is a great place to get cozy and caffeinated (and maybe even have a pastry or two).

And this one in Pennsylvania happens to be one of the top independent coffee shops in the country.

A study conducted and published by OnDeck reports how Prestogeorge Coffee & Tea in Pittsburgh was found to be the second highest-rated independent java spot in the United States. The location was also deemed the best such establishment in Pennsylvania as a whole, according to TripAdvisor ratings.

On top of that, the OnDeck report found that the Steel City is among those with the most independent coffee shops per capita in the nation (13.19 per million people).

Alas, it was The Espresso Bar in Taos, N.M., that took the number one spot for best independent coffee shops. New Orleans, La., was found to have the most independent coffee shops per capita with 52.18 per million people.

Something strange is happening to coffee shops: the chains are getting smaller while the independents are getting bigger and bolder, the report reads. Big chain cafes are saving money by opening smaller premises to minimize costs and concentrate on walk-through trade.

Meanwhile, independent cafes are capitalizing on their already cozy premises by delivering personality, quality and good company to customers looking to sit down with a brew and a pastry  and maybe even return to the counter for more. The specialty coffee market is tipped to grow by $3.17 billion from 2022 to 2027, driven by the indie sector.
Authorities in Hudson County, New Jersey, 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 crashing 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 hospitals for treatment, police said in the post. The two drivers were among the injured.

The crash 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.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.

More: Wrong-way Route 15 crash involved 5-6 vehicles, injured multiple: Video
By SAMY MAGDY and SAM MEDNICK, The Associated Press

CAIRO (AP)  The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), mediator Qatar announced Saturday, as families of hostages held in Gaza braced for news of loved ones, Palestinians prepared to receive freed detainees, and humanitarian groups rushed to set up a surge of aid.

The overnight approval of the deal by Israels Cabinet, in a rare meeting during the Jewish Sabbath, set off a flurry of activity and a fresh wave of emotions as relatives wondered whether hostages would be returned alive or dead. The names of the first hostages to be freed were expected to be released later Saturday.

The pause in 15 months of war is a step toward ending the deadliest, most destructive fighting ever between Israel and the Hamas militant group  and comes more than a year after the only other ceasefire achieved.

The first phase of the ceasefire will last 42 days, and negotiations on the far more difficult second phase are meant to begin just over two weeks in. After those six weeks, Israels security Cabinet will decide how to proceed.

Israeli airstrikes continued Saturday, and Gazas Health Ministry said 23 bodies had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours.

What is this truce that kills us hours before it begins? asked Abdallah Al-Aqad, the brother of a woman killed by an airstrike in the southern city of Khan Younis. Health officials said a couple and their two children, aged 2 and 7, were dead.

Israeli soldiers are seen as they return from the Gaza Strip at the Israeli-Gaza border, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)AP

And sirens sounded across central and southern Israel, with the military saying it intercepted projectiles launched from Yemen. Iran-backed Houthi rebels there have stepped up attacks in recent weeks, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In a post on X, Qatars foreign minister advised Palestinians and others to exercise caution when the ceasefire goes into effect and wait for directions from officials.

The first thing I will do is go and check my house, said Mohamed Mahdi, a father of two who was displaced from Gaza Citys Zaytoun neighborhood. He also looks forward to seeing family in southern Gaza, but is still concerned that one of us could be martyred before we are able to meet.

In the ceasefires first phase, 33 hostages in Gaza are set to be released over six weeks in exchange for 737 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israels justice ministry has published a list of the prisoners, all younger or female.

According to the ceasefire plan approved by Israels Cabinet, the exchange will begin at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) Sunday. The plan says three living female hostages will be returned on Day 1, four on Day 7 and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks. During each exchange, Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel after hostages have arrived safely.

Also to be released are 1,167 Gaza residents who were not involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that sparked the war. All women and children under 19 from Gaza held by Israel will be freed during this phase.

All Palestinian prisoners who were convicted of deadly attacks will be exiled to Gaza or abroad  some for three years and others permanently  and barred from returning to Israel or the West Bank.

The remaining hostages in Gaza, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second phase to be negotiated during the first. Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.

Also during the ceasefires first phase, Israeli troops are to pull back into a buffer zone about a kilometer (0.6 miles) wide inside Gaza, along its borders with Israel.

That will allow many displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, including in Gaza City and largely isolated and devastated northern Gaza. With most of Gazas population sheltering in massive, squalid tent camps, Palestinians are desperate to get back to their homes, even though many were destroyed or heavily damaged.

Gaza should also see a surge in food, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid. Trucks were lined up Friday on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing into Gaza.
By DAVID BAUDER, AP Media Writer

After a Florida jury found that CNN defamed a U.S. Navy veteran who helped rescue endangered Afghans, the network reached a settlement on Friday to avoid a punishing order that it pay punitive damages.

The unusual ruling against a media outlet following a jury defamation trial was a blow to both struggling CNN and news outlets in general on the eve of a new term as president by Donald Trump, who has whipped up anger against journalists among his supporters.

The jury in Panama City, Florida, ruled in favor of Zachary Young following more than eight hours of deliberation and a trial of less than two weeks. Young blamed CNN for destroying his business through a 2021 story on Jake Tappers broadcast about a black market of extracting desperate Afghans following the Taliban takeover.

I know Zach feels heard in a way that he hasnt felt for over three years, said Kyle Roche, one of his lawyers, after the verdict.

The jury awarded Young $5 million in compensatory damages. A second phase of the trial, to award punitive damages, was underway Friday afternoon before Circuit Court Judge William S. Henry interrupted proceedings to announce a settlement. Terms were not disclosed.

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, CNN said in a statement.

Youngs business helped smuggle people out of Afghanistan, but he said he worked exclusively with deep-pocketed outside sponsors like Bloomberg and Audible. CNN showed his face in a story that primarily raised questions about contractors who were charging Afghans themselves fees as much as $10,000 to get out.

He testified that the term black market implied he was involved in something illegal. Its devastating if youre labeled a criminal all over the world, he testified during the trial.

CNN contended its reporting was fair and accurate, although the network did issue a statement a few months after the story aired apologizing for using the phrase black market.

At a trial located in a conservative part of the country, Youngs lawyers urged jurors to send a message to the media. Questions submitted by jurors during the trial telegraphed some hostility, with one wondering whether CNN had treated the plaintiff as guilty until proven innocent.

Private messages also became part of the trial, with plaintiffs showing internal messages where CNNs reporter, Alex Marquardt, said some profane and unflattering things about Young. Marquardt testified in the trial that his story, which aired on Nov. 11, 2021, and was followed up with print pieces on CNNs website, was not a hit piece.

Defamation trials are actually rare in the United States, in part because strong constitutional protections for the press make proving libel difficult. News outlets with qualms about their cases often seek settlements before taking the risk of bringing it before a judge or jury.

The jurors didnt appear upset about the idea of missing the extra step. As he announced the settlement, Henry read an earlier note from jurors that said, Did you forget about us? Its 5 oclock somewhere, drawing laughter.

Rather than defend statements that George Stephanopoulos made about Trump last spring, ABC News last month agreed to make the former presidents libel lawsuit go away by paying him $15 million toward his presidential library. In the end, ABC parent Walt Disney Co. concluded an ongoing fight against Trump wasnt worth it, win or lose.

In another case, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million on the day the trial was due to start in 2023 to settle the companys claims of inaccurate reporting in the wake of the 2020 presidential election.

Associated Press correspondent Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, contributed to this report.
By Brian Gordon, The Charlotte Observer (TNS)

Jimmy Donaldson has compiled quite the resume since he began making videos as a teenager in his Greenville, North Carolina, bedroom. The worlds most popular YouTube channel. A successful snack line. A new Amazon reality competition that (despite mixed critical reviews) has been watched more than 50 million times in the past month.

A content empire built on his nickname and brand, MrBeast.

Could owning TikTok be next?

On Monday, the 26-year-old Donaldson wrote on X, OK fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned. It received 37 million views.

The following day, he added, Unironically Ive had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, lets see if we can pull this off.

On Wednesday, MrBeast upped his effort to purchase the imperiled short-form video platform. We just got out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires, he began. TikTok, we mean business. This is my lawyer right here. We have an offer ready for you. We want to buy the platform. America deserves TikTok. Give me a seat at the table. Let me save this platform.

The platform is in need of saving in the United States, where approximately 170 million people have TikTok accounts. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law that will ban the platform on Jan. 19 unless TikToks China-based owner ByteDance divests its U.S. operations.

TikTok says the app will go dark on Sunday if nothing changes.

Passed with bipartisan support, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act aims to prevent the Chinese government from accessing U.S. user data or manipulating what Americans see through TikTok.

How much to buy TikTok?

The app is a relative newcomer compared to other social media giants like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. But its popularity in recent years, especially among young users and entrepreneurs, has many hoping for a last-minute buyer.

Purchasing TikTok outright would likely cost between $100 billion and $200 billion, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives told The Associated Press. But excluding TikToks algorithm, the price tag would be closer to $45 billion, Ives said. (TikTok has claimed its not feasible to disentangle the app commercially and technologically.)

As the ban approaches, several prominent names have emerged as potential U.S. buyers. Billionaire investor Frank McCourt has made a bid, partnering with Canadian investor and regular Shark Tank judge Kevin OLeary. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick indicated interest in purchasing TikTok to a ByteDance cofounder.

Online estimates peg Donaldsons net worth to be between $500 million and $1 billion. But few others have the social media cachet of MrBeast. In June, his YouTube account became the most followed channel on the site, and it now has 344 million subscribers.

Related:

A TikTok ban could be days away. Heres what to use instead

TikTok could be banned this weekend. Heres what users can do to prepare
Cumberland Countys President Judge did not abuse his discretion in deciding not to recuse himself from presiding over criminal cases in Cumberland County, the Superior Court said in a ruling passed down Friday.

But in a footnote attached to its ruling, the Pennsylvania Superior Court delivered an admonition to President Judge Ed Guido for providing a textbook example of how not to handle a recusal issue involving allegations against his longtime law clerk, Crystle Craig.

The DAs office said her repeated unprofessional and unwarranted behavior created the appearance of bias against the office.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  When Democrat John Fetterman got elected to Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate seat, many backers hoped hed 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.

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 Fettermans 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.

Fettermans 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 Bidens term, became political independents and didnt run for reelection.

Still, Fetterman  who often mocked Manchin during his 2022 Senate run  isnt 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.

Sen. John Fetterman was discharged from a D.C. hospital where was being treated for major depression on March 31, 2023. (Photo provided by the U.S. Senate, file)

Now Pennsylvanias 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.

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 Trumps 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.

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 Trumps second victory there in three tries and the GOPs down-ballot trouncing of Democrats in Novembers statewide races. That included the defeat of Fettermans mentor in the Senate, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

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.

Hes 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.

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 Fettermans in the Senate, said he is giving Pennsylvania a seat at the table by engaging with Trump and his nominees, and has demonstrated that hes 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.

John Fetterman and wife Gisele arrive to vote in Braddock, Pa, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)AP

As a small-town mayor in Braddock, Fetterman became a minor celebrity for his looks  hes 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 shes 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 hed fall in line with Senate Democratic leadership, they were crazy.

Fettermans 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 hasnt 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.

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.
Update: Latest forecast for central Pa. calls for more snow, dangerous wind chills

Forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) are calling for between 6 to 8 inches of snow in parts of central Pennsylvania this Sunday after unusually warm temperatures cover the region Saturday.

High temperatures in Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, Chambersburg and the surrounding areas are expected to be in the low to mid-40s Saturday, before dropping below freezing in the evening, bringing a possibility of rain and snow to the region.

Srly winds will provide a break from the cold and snow of recent nights. High temp on Saturday will rise above freezing! The break will be short lived, however, as a cold front pushes through central PA late Saturday and be accompanied by snow and rain. Yes, rain, for some! pic.twitter.com/CoBABWWV5K  NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) January 18, 2025

Several counties  including Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Perry, Lebanon, Adams, York and Lancaster  are under a winter storm watch from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, the NWS said.

Harrisburgs snow should start after 10 a.m. Sunday, with accumulations up to 8 inches possible. Winds will also be gusting up to 20 miles per hour Sunday.

A quick-hitting and potentially significant snowstorm is expected on Sunday, but there remains considerable uncertainty in where the heaviest snowfall will occur. A multi-day period of dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills will follow Sun night thru Wed. pic.twitter.com/QlhhGd1m72  NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) January 18, 2025

The NWS said Harrisburg, York and Lancaster will receive between 6 and 8 inches of snow Sunday, while municipalities further west and north  including Chambersburg, Mifflintown and Selinsgrove  should see between 4 and 6 inches.

Forecasters also predicted this weekends snowstorm to be quick-hitting and potentially significant with dangerously cold temperatures and sub-zero wind chills in the following days.

We expect cold weather this time of year in Pennsylvania, but the extreme cold and windchills that were going to see next week mean we all need to make sure that our families and homes are ready for it, said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield. PEMA will be working with county partners to make sure they have the resources they need to keep people safe throughout this cold snap.

According to the National Weather Service, January 2018 is the last time Pennsylvania experienced an extended period of frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

Parts of north-central Pennsylvania are not expected to be hit quite as hard, with cities like Warren, Bradford, Coudersport, Emporium and Wellsboro forecast to receive between 1 and 2 inches of snow by 7 p.m. Sunday.

By Monday, forecasters are calling for frigid temperatures and severe wind chills throughout central Pennsylvania. Harrisburgs high temperatures for Monday and Tuesday are 19 and 17 respectively, while conditions plummet to around 1 degree both nights.

Governor Josh Shapiros office released a statement Friday urging Pennsylvanians to prepare for the winter weather and frequently check forecasts ahead of the storm. The statement also included tips for recognizing cold-related health concerns:

Hypothermia causes shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness in adults and bright red, cold skin and very low energy in babies.

Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas, and symptoms include a white or grayish-yellow area of skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy.

Staying indoors is the easiest way to avoid cold-related health issues, but if you must go outside consider the following:

Make outdoor trips brief and dress warm in layers

Cover your ears, head, mouth and face

Never ignore shivering  its your bodys way of saying youre losing heat and its time to warm back up

Older adults often make less body heat than younger people due to slower metabolisms and less physical activity. Anyone over 65 is recommended to regularly check the temperature in their homes during this weekend and next week.

PennDOT wants to remind Pennsylvanians that driving during winter weather can be dangerous. If you do hit the road, it is important to prepare beforehand.

Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, safe tires, a full reservoir of windshield wiper fluid and working windshield wipers. PennDOT also recommends having food, water, warm clothing/blankets and any other necessary items  such as medications or baby/pet supplies  in your vehicle if you choose to travel.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and UGI Utilities issued statements with tips and tricks ahead of the winter storm, which is expected to drive up demand for electricity and natural gas.

The PUC included the following advice:

Adjust your thermostat  Lowering the thermostat a few degrees, especially during times you are away or asleep, can significantly reduce energy consumption

Seal leaks and drafts  Use weather stripping, caulk, or door sweeps to block cold drafts and keep warm air indoors

Use natural sunlight  Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in warmth and close them at night to retain heat

Bundle up indoors  Dress in layers and use extra blankets to stay warm without turning up the heat excessively

Maintain heating systems  Change furnace filters regularly and schedule maintenance if possible, ensuring systems run efficiently

Unplug and power down  Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use to conserve electricity

Additional tips from UGI include never using a gas-powered range or oven to heat a home, clearing snow and ice from meters and vents by hand or with a broom, allowing faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing and opening cabinet doors to warm exposed pipes.

Anyone using portable heaters should follow the manufacturers safety instructions, including plugging the heater directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter.

BD has increased its manufacturing capacity for critical medical supplies, including syringes, needles and IV catheters to help meet the needs of the U.S. health system.

The move is part of BDs investment of more than $10 million last year to increase manufacturing capacity, the company said in a statement Wednesday. BD has hired more than 215 full-time employees to support production growth.

BD installed new needle and syringe production lines at facilities in Connecticut and Nebraska. One line is currently operational, the company said, and additional lines are expected to begin in the coming months.

Once the new lines are fully operational, BDs domestic manufacturing capacity of injection devices will increase by more than 40%, and production of conventional syringes will increase by more than 50%. The company said new production capacity will add hundreds of millions of units annually for hospital procedures, vaccinations, medication preparation and drug delivery.

The company also plans to invest more than $30 million in 2025 to expand its production capacity for IV lines at a Utah plant to support continued growth in catheter solutions. BD invested more than $2 million last year for IV line improvements, increasing catheter production by more than 40 million units annually.

BDs creation of more than 200 jobs follows a recent history of layoffs. According to MedTech Dives analysis of state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification databases, BD filed layoff plans for nearly 775 employees across five states in 2023. The WARN notices include a filing to lay off 107 employees in Nebraska, where BD is now expanding capacity and adding jobs.

A spokesperson said the company added more than 70 jobs at a site in Columbus, Nebraska. BDs layoffs in 2023 at a facility in Holdrege, Nebraska, which primarily makes insulin injection devices, were related to the spinoff of its diabetes care business, according to the emailed statement.

In July, BD said it planned to shut down a facility in Ireland over 2 1/2 years, potentially resulting in the loss of about 170 employees. The plant produced oncology, interventional radiology and critical care products.

At the time, BDs spokesperson said the decision to close the Drogheda facility followed a review and an attempt to ensure that resources are allocated in the most effective manner possible.
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California Bans Insurance Policy Cancellations In Boost To Property Owners. The Insurance Industry Prepares For Record-Breaking Losses

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

The yearlong ban that Californias insurance authority rushed to impose on cancellations in parts of Los Angeles hardest hit by wildfires was likely the last thing insurance companies wanted in the face of anticipated record-breaking claims.

Losing your insurance should be the last thing on someones mind after surviving a devastating fire, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said in a statement. This law gives millions of Californians breathing room and hits the pause button on insurance non-renewals while people recover.

Don't Miss:

Insurers Must Write New Policies If They Want To Do Business In California

The insurance commissioner is literally holding insurance companies feet to the fire. As Realtor.com reported, the moratorium on cancellations follows the commissioners unveiling of a new rule requiring private insurance firms to start writing new policies in high-risk areas if they wanted to keep doing business in California, but with the concession that they would be allowed to pass the costs on to their customers.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Los Angeles area wildfires had killed at least 25 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and charred more than 60 square miles. The largest by far  the Palisades and Eaton wildfires  continue to burn out of control. The fire has come at the worst possible time for homeowners  just months after private insurers canceled 1,600 policies in Pacific Palisades over high fire risks. At the same time, major private insurers like State Farm, Nationwide, Farmers Insurance, Allstate, USAA and The Hartford stopped writing new policies in high-risk areas or limited their coverage.

See Also: CEO of Integris gathered a team of senior investment managers who have $34.22 billion in combined owned and managed assets in the West Coast  heres how to invest in their private credit fund that targets 12% annual interest rate.

Faced with the prospect of having their homes uninsured, almost half a million Californians were forced to enroll in the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, the state-sponsored insurer of last resort. According to Reuters, more than 1,400 homes were covered by the FAIR Plan last year in the Palisades neighborhood alone, up 85% from the previous year.
Georgios Skarparis Rides Into Sunset With Merit Western Warm Up Win

Kai Cocklin Live Reporter Copy link

After a swift and commanding performance, Georgios Skarparis has secured the $2,200 Warm Up title at the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series. In a day that spanned just five levels inside the iconic Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, Skarparis took the reins early and never let go, eliminating four of the final table opponents on his way to victory.

The Cypriot cowboy rode off with the $180,200 top prize after striking a three-way deal with Konstantin Kvashin and Danielle Noja, who both locked up significant payouts.

With this win, Skarparis gallops past the $1,000,000 milestone in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob.

"I feel great, and it's a fantastic start to the year," he said with a grin. Skarparis acknowledged the significance of surpassing seven figures, noting, "I know, I know  it was a goal. But now the goal is $2 million!"

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Georgios Skarparis Cyprus $180,200 2 Konstantin Kvashin Russia $121,100 3 Danielle Noja Australia $86,040 4 Zhen Chen China $60,070 5 Philipp Wood Germany $45,050 6 Ali Zebarjad Australia $36,140 7 Grigorii Rodin Russia $30,035 8 Mario Fata France $24,025 9 Aliaksandr Hirs Belarus $18,020

The victory also propelled him from sixth to fifth on Cyprus' all-time money list, an achievement Skarparis was equally aware of. "Yes, I knew this too. We're a small community, obviously  only seven or eight pros  and we always chase each other in good competitive spirit," he remarked.

Reflecting on his dominating final table performance, Skarparis explained, "Today was perfect. I started putting pressure on the others early when we were nine-handed because I knew they were thinking about ICM, and I had the chip lead.

"Then, when we were down to seven, I let Zhen Chen take control for a while since he also had a good stack and was the main guy I was worried about. I found a great spot with pocket tens to three-bet him and eliminate Grigorii Rodin. From there, as soon as I regained the chip lead, it was smooth sailing.

"I think I knocked everybody out from seven left."

Looking ahead, Skarparis revealed his plans for the coming months. "Next up is Cambodia, then probably Taiwan, and then back home to Cyprus  I will always protect home," he said. "After that, maybe Ireland. That's my plan for the next three months."

With his latest triumph and a wave of confidence behind him, Skarparis is poised for an exciting year on the felt, ready to write the next chapter in his poker journey.

Final Table Action

Zhen Chen

The action was fast-paced from the get-go as Mario Fata had his ace-three all in and at risk against the queen-jack of Philipp Wood. Wood turned a flush, but Fata managed to survive with a miraculous backdoor full house to keep his hopes alive.

As blinds climbed quickly, it wasnt long before the first elimination was recorded, with Aliaksandr Hirs becoming the first casualty. Hirs three-bet shoved with king-ten and was put at risk by Ali Zebarjad's ace-six. A clean runout later, and Hirs was headed to the payout desk.

Fata quickly followed when his nine-eight couldn't improve against Chen's ace-queen, then Rodin lost a crucial flip with ace-queen against Skarparis' pocket tens to finish seventh.

Philipp Wood.

By the time the first break hit, Chen and Skarparis were well clear of the field with each of them having over double the stack of Wood, who was in third.

Wood and Kvashin's stacks then started to get eaten away by the blinds and it seemed they were waiting for one another to bust to earn a pay jump. However, they both made a ladder after Zebarjad shoved with ace-deuce from the button and ran into Skarparis' pocket aces.

Skarparis then scored another knockout when his nine-eight spiked a nine on the river to crush the ace-six of Wood, which brought about four-handed play.

Danielle Noja.

The final tables defining hand came as Chen and Skarparis clashed in a massive pot. Chen, holding queen-nine suited, defended his big blind against Skarparis cutoff raise and flopped a flush draw.

After betting and calling on the flop, Chen check-shoved after pairing his nine, only to see Skarparis snap-call with trip kings. The river bricked for Chen, sending him to the rail just shy of the podium as Skarparis amassed over 80% of the chips in play.

Konstantin Kvashin.

At this stage, the final three paused the clock to negotiate a deal.

After a lengthy discussion, an agreement was reached, with the details kept private. Skarparis claimed the trophy and the lions share of the prize pool, securing his place in Merit Poker history.

Georgios Skarparis.

That concludes our PokerNews coverage of the Warm Up.

Check out our live reporting section to stay informed as the action heats up with in-depth coverage of the High Roller and the eagerly anticipated Main Event still to come!

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The dust has settled, the field has been narrowed, and the final nine players are ready to battle it out for glory in the $2,200 Warm Up at the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series. By the end of today, a champion will emerge from the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, carving their name into poker history and claiming the $180,200 top prize.

Georgios Skarparis leads the charge into the final day with 8,425,000 chips, having dominated the field over the past two days. Hell have to fend off strong competition from Philipp Wood (8,000,000) and Zhen Chen (7,625,000), who sit close behind in the counts. All three have shown theyre capable of controlling the action, but the road to victory is far from guaranteed.

Final Table Seat Draw

Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Georgios Skarparis Cyprus 8,425,000 42 2 Danielle Noja Australia 5,975,000 30 3 Grigorii Rodin Russia 3,475,000 17 4 Konstantin Kvashin Russia 6,275,000 31 5 Philipp Wood Germany 8,000,000 40 6 Ali Zebarjad Australia 3,625,000 18 7 Mario Fata France 3,025,000 15 8 Aliaksandr Hirs Belarus 3,675,000 18 9 Zhen Chen China 7,625,000 38

Chen, who captured the High Roller title at the Gatsby Gala just a couple of months ago, is riding a wave of momentum and will be eager to add another major Merit trophy to his collection. Known for his cool, calm, and collected demeanor at the table, Chen is a methodical decision-maker who rarely puts a chip out of place. With his precise approach and recent success, hes poised to make a serious run at the title.

Konstantin Kvashin, with nearly $400,000 in live tournament earnings, has built his poker resume entirely in Sochi. Now, with this being his first recorded live cash outside of Russia, Kvashin proves that Merit events are a fantastic stage for poker players to shine.

Danielle Noja

Danielle Noja, on the other hand, boasts an impressive seven final tables at Merit Poker events but is still chasing that elusive first victory. With this being his eighth appearance, the Australian may be hoping the stars align to finally claim the top prize.

Aliaksandr Hirs, sitting on 3,675,000 chips, enters the final table with a fighting chance to make a deep run. Known for his fearless approach, the Belarusian will need to pick his spots wisely as he navigates the stacked competition. Mario Fata, the short stack with 3,025,000, faces an uphill battle but has already proven his resilience throughout the tournament, making him a dangerous wildcard.

Mario Fata

Meanwhile, Ali Zebarjad (3,625,000) and Grigorii Rodin (3,475,000) round out the table as they look to leverage their experience and stay patient, ready to pounce on any misstep by their opponents.

With blinds resuming at 100,000/200,000 and a 200,000 big blind ante, the average stack of 5,600,000 (28 big blinds) leaves litte room for error as every chip counts. Each hand could be a turning point as the finalists navigate their way toward the $180,200 winners purse.

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

The stage is set for an unforgettable finale. Will Skarparis hold his lead and claim the crown, or will one of the hungry challengers steal the show?

Stay tuned to PokerNews for every hand, bluff, and showdown as the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series Warm Up crowns its champion!
After a swift and commanding performance, Georgios Skarparis has secured the $2,200 Warm Up title at the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series. In a day that spanned just five levels inside the iconic Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, Skarparis took the reins early and never let go, eliminating four of the final table opponents on his way to victory.

The Cypriot cowboy rode off with the $180,200 top prize after striking a three-way deal with Konstantin Kvashin and Danielle Noja, who both locked up significant payouts.

With this win, Skarparis gallops past the $1,000,000 milestone in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob. "I feel great, and it's a fantastic start to the year," he said with a grin. Skarparis acknowledged the significance of surpassing seven figures, noting, "I know, I knowit was a goal. But now the goal is $2 million!"

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Georgios Skarparis Cyprus $180,200 2 Konstantin Kvashin Russia $121,100 3 Danielle Noja Australia $86,040 4 Zhen Chen China $60,070 5 Philipp Wood Germany $45,050 6 Ali Zebarjad Australia $36,140 7 Grigorii Rodin Russia $30,035 8 Mario Fata France $24,025 9 Aliaksandr Hirs Belarus $18,020

The victory also propelled him from sixth to fifth on Cyprus' all-time money list, an achievement Skarparis was equally aware of. "Yes, I knew this too. We're a small community, obviouslyonly seven or eight prosand we always chase each other in good competitive spirit," he remarked.

Reflecting on his dominating final table performance, Skarparis explained, "Today was perfect. I started putting pressure on the others early when we were nine-handed because I knew they were thinking about ICM, and I had the chip lead. Then, when we were down to seven, I let Zhen Chen take control for a while since he also had a good stack and was the main guy I was worried about. I found a great spot with pocket tens to three-bet him and eliminate Grigorii Rodin. From there, as soon as I regained the chip lead, it was smooth sailing. I think I knocked everybody out from seven left."

Looking ahead, Skarparis revealed his plans for the coming months. "Next up is Cambodia, then probably Taiwan, and then back home to CyprusI will always protect home," he said. "After that, maybe Ireland. That's my plan for the next three months."

With his latest triumph and a wave of confidence behind him, Skarparis is poised for an exciting year on the felt, ready to write the next chapter in his poker journey.

Final Table Action

The action was fast-paced from the get-go as Mario Fata had his ace-three all in and at risk against the queen-jack of Philipp Wood. Wood turned a flush, but Fata managed to survive with a a miraculous backdoor full house to keep his hopes alive.

As blinds climbed quickly, it wasnt long before the first elimination was recorded, with Aliaksandr Hirs becoming the first casualty. Hirs three-bet shoved with king-ten and was put at risk by Ali Zebarjad's ace-six. A clean runout later, and Hirs was headed to the payout desk.

Zhen Chen

Fata quickly followed when his nine-eight couldn't improve against Chen's ace-queen, then Rodin lost a crucial flip with ace-queen against Skarparis' pocket tens to finish seventh.

By the time the first break hit, Chen and Skarparis were well clear of the field with each of them having over double the stack of Wood, who was in third. Wood and Kvashin's stacks then started to get eaten away by the blinds and it seemed they were waiting for one another to bust to earn a pay jump. However, they both made a ladder after Zebarjad shoved with ace-deuce from the button and ran into Skarparis' pocket aces.

Skarparis then scored another knockout when his nine-eight spiked a nine on the river to crush the ace-six of Wood, which brought around four-handed play.

Philipp Wood

The final tables defining hand came as Chen and Skarparis clashed in a massive pot. Chen, holding queen-nine suited, defended his big blind against Skarparis cutoff raise and flopped a flush draw. After betting and calling on the flop, Chen check-shoved after pairing his nine, only to see Skarparis snap-call with trip kings. The river bricked for Chen, sending him to the rail just shy of the podium as Skarparis amassed over 80% of the chips in play.

Danielle Noja

At this stage, the final three paused the clock to negotiate a deal. After a lengthy discussion, an agreement was reached, with the details kept private. Skarparis claimed the trophy and the lions share of the prize pool, securing his place in Merit Poker history.

Konstantin Kvashin

Georgios Skarparis

That concludes our PokerNews coverage of the Warm Up. Stay tuned right here as the action heats up with in-depth coverage of the High Roller and the eagerly anticipated Main Event still to come!
China's efforts to consolidate its small banks have led to a sharp reduction in their numbers as regulators work to reduce the potential for systemic risk from these institutions, which are often vulnerable to poor operations or exposure to risky lending.

A total of 162 small banks were merged, dissolved, or deregistered in 2024 - more than four times the number in 2023 and seven times greater than the tally in 2022, according to data from Qiye Yujingtong, a platform that tracks corporate risks. The country has about 4,000 such banks.

"Small regional banks typically have weaker funding profiles and higher risk appetite," said Elaine Xu, director of Asia-Pacific financial institutions at Fitch Ratings. "This has translated into their higher exposure to risky sectors including property development."

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The consolidation also aims to reduce risk from exposure to government financing platforms, analysts said. However, the effort is encountering multiple challenges, from a slowing economy to weakening government finances, they added.

The banking sector is under pressure in terms of revenue and profitability amid the slowing economy, according to Zhao Xijun, a professor of finance at Renmin University in Beijing. "This pressure is especially pronounced for small and medium-sized banks," Zhao said.

Analysts expect the issues to persist.

"We expect small regional banks to face a larger extent of asset quality deterioration in the coming years, on top of their earnings and profitability pressure," Xu said.

China classifies banks other than policy banks, major state-owned banks and major joint-stock banks into the small and medium-sized category. By the end of 2023, China had 3,912 such banks and rural credit co-operatives, according to the latest financial stability report from the People's Bank of China (PBOC). Although greater in number, they are smaller in scale, accounting for around a quarter of the total assets of the country's banking institutions.

Demonstrators protest the freezing of deposits by rural banks in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on July 10, 2022, in this image taken from a video obtained by Reuters. Photo: Reuters alt=Demonstrators protest the freezing of deposits by rural banks in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on July 10, 2022, in this image taken from a video obtained by Reuters. Photo: Reuters>
Business and Tourism Reporter

Megan Fernandes is a Business and Tourism Reporter for the Post and Courier. She is an award-winning reporter, who has worked in the newspaper industry from coast-to-coast.
By Pesha Magid

RIYADH (Reuters) - Chile's Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, is in talks with Saudi Arabia over potential joint investments in the metal, the company's chairman told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

On Codelco's output, Chairman Maximo Pacheco said the company's own production for 2025 was expected to rise by about 70,000 metric tons to around 1.4 million tons.

Pacheco said the state-owned company had been in discussions with Saudi Arabia as there was a clear need on both sides to add value.

"We would be very open to considering joint investment opportunities," said Pacheco in an interview following a gathering of miners for the kingdom's annual Future Minerals Forum.

Saudi Arabia has been pursuing critical minerals including copper and lithium, bidding to become a hub for battery and electric vehicle manufacturing as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to wean the economy off oil.

Pacheco said he had met with the Saudi mining minister and representatives from Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Mining Company and the kingdom's $925 billion Public Investment Fund.

He said that he hoped that an announcement from the discussions could emerge in the coming months.

"The markets move very fast. So obviously we need to move fast as well," said Pacheco.

He said he had discussed technology transfers with Saudi Arabia, noting the kingdom's experience with desalination. The two sides also talked about introducing new technologies, such artificial intelligence, into mining.

Saudi Arabia's mining minister Bandar al-Khorayaf previously told Reuters that Saudi Arabia was interested in Chile's lithium assets.

Codelco has been seeking a partner on a major lithium project in the Maricunga salt flat. Pacheco said the company had short-listed potential investors and Saudi companies were not on that list.

He suggested the board would vote on the project in March.

Faced with declining ore grades, accidents and mistakes at major construction projects, Codelco has been struggling to lift production from 25-year lows and revved up output at the end of the year to hit its 2024 target of reaching 1.328 million metric tons.

(Reporting by Pesha Magid; Editing by Veronica Brown and Tomasz Janowski)
Tiffany Tan is a senior reporter at The Post and Courier in Columbia. She covers statewide issues, particularly in the criminal justice system. She previously reported on the courts, the opioid epidemic and regional news in Vermont for VTDigger. She has also worked for newspapers and television outlets in Manila, Beijing, Singapore and South Dakota.
Reporter

Kenna Coe covers the city of North Charleston for The Post and Courier. She graduated from the University of South Carolina. She previously worked for The Moultrie News as the editor and general assignment reporter.
Since I was privileged to cover and report on two breakthroughs while boring the 37.9-kilometre English Channel Tunnel between Folkestone, England, and Calais, France, for the BBC Hausa Section, I have become fascinated by railway projects.

I track such projects in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world.

Because of my interest in railway projects, I was delighted when President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administrations willingness to complete the rehabilitation of the Eastern Rail Line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and all ongoing railway projects financed by the Federal government.

President Tinubus reassurance came on the heels of commissioning the rehabilitated section of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri line.

Engineer Ayo Dada, who supervised the USD3.2 billion 63-kilometre project for the Federal Ministry of Transportation, said passenger movements by trains between Rivers and Abia states are now regular, with all the advantages therein.

Mr Dada recalled that the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Aba section was part of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Guage restoration project initiated by the APC-led administration of past President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is worth remembering that the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has implemented aspects of the Railway Modernisation and Expansion Plan, thus putting the Plan on an upswing for the benefit of Nigerians.

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Completing the 186-kilometre Abuja-Kaduna rail line, a legacy of President Goodluck Jonathans administration, was the first to come to fruition. It allowed countless Nigerians to have their first-ever train trip.

Another railway project that the Buhari administration completed was inherited from the government of military President Ibrahim Babangida. It is the 346-Kilometre Ajaoukuta-Warri line. A railway village with many facilities was equally completed at Agbor, Delta state.

The first APC-led federal government completed the Abuja Light Rail project in 2018. Trains started running between the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Metro station in the Abuja Central Area. I had a ride on it twice before it was put in abeyance.

The Balewa administration in the First Republic started and quickly completed the railway extension to Maiduguri. The Buhari administration started and completed the 157-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge line within four years. The second phase of the 1,315-kilometre Nigeria Railway Expansion and Modernisation Plan envisages linking Lagos to Abuja and then Kano through Minna and Kaduna.

Other notable railway projects

Construction began on the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Rail Line in July 2021, making history in implementing the plan. So far, track-laying along the Makarfi-Kano segment has been completed, and attention has shifted to the Makarfi-Kaduna portion. With the recent approval of USD 254.7 million by the China Development Bank, the project could be completed in 2027.

Another portion of the plan is the ongoing USD 1.8 billion Kano-Maradi line, which will have a branch to Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state.

An entry on the Internet by TEAM, the project engineering consultants, says, The Kano-Dambatta-Kazaure-Daura-Mashi-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway line has an approximate length of 283.750 km; it crosses and/or passes by all the most important cities and villages, which are served by 15 stations distributed along the route.

The Kaduna-Kano, Kano-Maradi, and the branch to Dutse in Jigawa state projects are expected to be completed by 2027.

Given the importance of railway transportation and the need for its sustainability, a domestic industry for manufacturing railway maintenance equipment is desirable. While the Federal University of Transportation in Daura produces railway workforceways, the industry will supply the technical equipment to keep the railway network serviceable.

States in the country intent on joining the governments of Lagos and Rivers states in initiating intra-city railway projects for their capitals should do so independently. The Federal Government should not fund such projects and concentrate on the nationwide Railway Expansion and Modernisation Plan.

Salisu Nainna wrote from Dambatta, Kano State

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Hellen Mutimu, the alleged Kenyan baby mama of Nigerian socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has openly challenged him to undergo a DNA test. This challenge comes in response to Cubanas denial of any affiliation with her or her child.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Cubana Chief Priest firmly refuted claims of abandoning or fathering her child, stressing that children are blessings from God and he would never neglect his own, especially given his substantial financial resources.

The 43-year-old nightlife entrepreneur revealed that after Hellen alleged he fathered her child, he invited her to Nigeria to clarify the situation. He alleged that she declined the invitation, insisting on receiving money first for her babys welfare and hospital expenses.

Hours after Cubana dismissed Hellens claims as baseless, the 31-year-old hairdresser responded publicly via her Instagram story on Saturday, escalating the drama of the dispute.

Unfazed by DNA

The alleged baby mama declared that she would no longer remain silent and insisted on conducting a DNA test to confirm her childs paternity.

She wrote, I have been so quiet for a long. Pascal this year is going to be me and you. I will never keep quiet; enough is enough. Like I said, lets do the DNA. I am not scared of fighting for my son till death do me part. Even my son, when hes grown, will know how much I tried for him when I was alive. I will keep on reminding you that you should do the needful. Pascal, DNA is a must.

This newspaper check shows Hellen further emphasised her stance by posting an alleged chat receipt between herself and Cubana Chief Priest on Instagram.

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He purportedly denied being the father in these messages and exchanged words with Hellen.

Accompanying the screenshots, the 31-year-old Kenyan reiterated, I am coming with my full chest. Lets do the DNA to prove otherwise. Pascal, you are saying you have never seen me, right? Tell the world the truth  dont be scared. I am ready for DNA  we can do it in Kenya or Nigeria.

Background

This controversy between Cubana Chief Priest dates back to 2023. Hellen made similar claims against the nightlife socialite, which he dismissed as an act of blackmail. He then suggested a DNA test to resolve the matter, asserting that his wealth would enable him to care for any child he fathered outside his marriage.

Cubana Chief Priest, married to Angel Okechukwu and a father of two sons, labelled Hellens accusations as a cheap attempt at blackmail.

He even challenged bloggers to sponsor a DNA test, promising reimbursement if the child turned out to be his. The 43-year-old businessman accused bloggers of being agents of destruction targeting successful individuals but reassured that his marriage remained solid.

Hellens allegations resurfaced on 5 January during Cubana Chief Priests online feud with Burna Boy. The hairdresser accused Cubana of abandoning her and their child, leaving her homeless since 2023 after he allegedly blocked her on social media.

She also shared supposed evidence of her relationship with Cubana and financial exchanges, including screenshots of their alleged conversations, to back her accusations. This prompted Burna Boy to support her with aid, housing, and job opportunities in Nigeria.

In a 6 January interview with Lucky Udu, Hellen said she met Cubana at a friends wedding in Lagos in April 2022. Their relationship allegedly resulted in her pregnancy.

She claimed Cubana initially promised support but later blocked her and advised her to return to Kenya. Financial struggles forced her to close her salon business. Hellen said Cubana only sent her a total of N300,000 in small amounts and denied responsibility for the child. She stressed her goal was not to damage his reputation but to secure her childs future.

More Controversy

The controversy deepened on Friday when Hellens lawyer friend, Black Cinderella, accused Burna Boys associates, Abu Salami and Udu, of soliciting intimate and financial favours from Hellen before providing the support promised by Burna Boy. Hellen corroborated these claims, stating that the aides pressured her to thank Burna Boy for financial help falsely, demanded a share of the aid and that Udu pursued personal and sexual favours from her.

In an emotional Instagram video, Hellen disclosed that Burna Boy had allegedly given 30 million to Udu and Salami for her childs education, but she never received the funds.

She alleged that Udu suggested she stay at his house in Nigeria because he liked her and requested money, alleging that the Cubana Chief Priests brother had given him 2 million. Hellen pleaded with Nigerians for assistance, revealing that she had only received $350.

In response, Cubana Chief Priest accused Burna Boy of attempting to provoke him by involving his family financially and facilitating Hellens connection with Udu during their public dispute.

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Movie Title: Lisabi: A Legend is Born

Language: Yoruba

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Cast: Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe Oyebade, Ibrahim Yekini, Olarotimi Fakunle, Odunlade Adekola, Jide Awobona, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta, Seun Akindele, Kelvin Ikeduba, Olumide Oworu, Kola Ajeyemi.

Running time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Release date: 2024

Streaming platform: Netflix

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Some legends are born out of necessity, and others are crafted through sheer resilience.

Lisabi 2: A Legend is Born brings the story of Lisabi, a hero of the Egba people, to life, blending history with myth.

Its a tale that resonates beyond the 18th century, echoing the struggles we still face todayfighting for justice, unity, and freedom.

The movies powerful message, underscored by spiritual themes and the courage of a leader, reminds us that heroes rise not just from battle but from the spirit of the people who stand beside them.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and starring Lateef Adedimeji in a standout role, Lisabi 2 isnt just a historical dramaits about the timeless fight for freedom that continues to echo through our lives, proving that some legends never fadethey only grow stronger in the face of oppression.

Plot

The movie Lisabi 2: A Legend is Born opens with a flashback that shows Lisabi (Lateef Adedimeji) conversing with his father (Adebayo Salami). The conversation recounts the betrayal of the Egba people by the Oyo Empire, an empire they had once been allied with.

Picking right where the first movie part left off, Lisabi returns home victorious after slaying Sangodeyi (Ibrahim Chatta), the ruthless head of Oyos tax collectors. His people celebrate the victory, but the war is far from over.

Lisabis warriors, trained by him and empowered by spiritual abilities from four powerful gods, continue their battle against the Oyo forces. They strike fear into their oppressors, ambushing tax collectors and delivering Sangodeyis severed head to the Oyo palace as a chilling message.

The Alaafin of Oyo (Odunlade Adekola) is enraged upon learning of the mysterious delivery of his mens remains, ordered by mystical birds. He sends his top general, Aronimoja (Deyemi Okanlawon), to avenge the loss, ordering the massacre of 6,000 Egba people in retaliation for the deaths of his 600 men.

As the Egba warriors prepare for the ensuing war, they seek blessings and protection from Ogun, the god of iron and war. The elderly priest performs sacred rituals, and the warriors vow to defend their land with their lives.

Meanwhile, Lisabis cousin, Ikeola (Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji), begins questioning Lisabis true identity and motivations. A flashback reveals Lisabis origin: his mother (Bimbo Akintola) was once pursued by unknown assailants.

Though she bravely fought off the attackers, she succumbed to the wound, sacrificing her life to protect the infant Lisabi. Her prayers and blood anointment called upon the protection of four spiritsAkilapa, Eye, Olo Olori Ilari, and Jogboshaping Lisabis destiny. Ikeola, now understanding the divine purpose of Lisabis journey, pledges to stand by him.

The epic battle between the Egba and Oyo forces unfolds with intensity. Though the Oyo warriors initially have the upper hand, shielded by their spiritual protection, the Egba warriors gain momentum, empowered by their gods.

Tragedy strikes when Aronimoja kills Salako (Ibrahim Yekini Icon), Lisabis close friend. Devastated, Lisabi unleashes his fury and fights back. Ikeola calls upon Oguns witches, whose powers cause chaos within the Oyo ranks, leading to self-inflicted deaths.

In a climactic moment, Lisabi confronts Aronimoja, weakening the general with the witches magic before delivering the fatal blow, securing victory for the Egba people.

However, as celebrations erupt, cracks begin to show in Lisabis leadership. Jealousy brews among his friends, particularly Bejide (Olumide Oworu) and Odunbamitefa (Gabriel Afolayan), who accuse Lisabi of taking all the glory.

Tensions boil over when Bejide is injured in a heated argument, and the atmosphere becomes even more charged when Ikeola is later murdered by the traitorous friends (Ibrahim Yekini, Gabriel Afolayan, Kevin Ikeduba, and Seun Akindele).

Grief-stricken by Ikeolas death, Lisabi calls upon his gods for guidance, confronting the painful betrayal. Ikeolas ghost appears to him, accusing him of driving her to this tragic fate with his strange leadership style and personality.

In the final act, Lisabi faces a difficult choice. Offered the title of warlord by the very people who betrayed him, he rejects the honour. Instead, he chooses to leave the physical world behind, entering the spiritual realm with his gods and vanishes mysteriously; his fate is left to interpretation. This final act seals his legacy as a hero and symbolises the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Movie Review

If you thought Lisabi 1: The Uprising was a Nollywood triumph, then Lisabi 2: A Legend is Born takes it up a notch. Lateef, once again, proves why hes one of the standout stars in Nollywood, breathing life into this epic tale of heroism, culture, and history. The film carries forward the story of Lisabi, a legendary figure in Yoruba history, and immerses viewers into the 18th-century struggle of the Egba people against the Oyo Empire.

From the get-go, the film showcases a blend of myth and reality, with its cultural richness sparking a deep sense of pride in viewers.

The film excels in transporting you to the heart of Yoruba history. The cast shines, with Lateef capturing the essence of Lisabis courage and complexity. The supporting cast is solid, but its clear that the film belongs to Adedimeji.

The visuals are striking, with the costumes and set design bringing the Oyo Empire to life in vivid detail. The battle scenes are intense, and the spiritual dimension  featuring gods and divine intervention  adds a unique touch that elevates the narrative to something beyond just a historical drama.

The spiritual elements of Lisabi 2 are a highlight, including Yoruba gods guiding and empowering Lisabis warriors. This mystical layer adds grandeur to the story, with traditional chants and sound design immersing the audience further. The film moves quickly, and Lisabis emotional growth as a leader adds depth to his character.

Setbacks

However, the film isnt without its flaws. While the lead performance shines, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, with their motivations and relationships not fully explored.

The pacing can sometimes feel rushed, especially in transitions, which weakens key moments buildup and emotional impact, leaving some dramatic tension underwhelming.

Characters like Ikeola (Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji) and Lisabis mother (Bimbo Akintola) roles feel underdeveloped and sidelined, missing an opportunity to add further complexity to the story. Despite their importance, the female characters dont get enough screen time to leave a lasting impact.

The film also suffers from historical inaccuracies, such as a scene where Lisabis mother is seen carrying him in modern-day pampers, which disrupts the immersive experience of the 18th-century setting.

Additionally, Bimbo Akintolas character, with acrylic nails, feels out of place for the time. Despite these flaws, the movie concludes with the mysterious disappearance of Lisabi, leaving his fate open to interpretation. Lisabi 2: A Legend is Born remains a powerful tribute to the heroism and enduring legacy of Lisabi and the Egba peoples fight for freedom.

Despite its flaws, Lisabi 2 is a must-watch for anyone passionate about Yoruba history and culture. It offers an engrossing narrative filled with stunning visuals, intense battles, and a hero whose journey transcends time.

The film may not be perfect, but its one of Nollywoods powerful, emotional tributes to a legend whose story deserves to be retold.

If you appreciate history, culture, and the power of unity in the face of oppression, Lisabi 1 and 2 are solid choices for a double watch.

Lisabi: A Legend is Born is rated 7/10.

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Former Miss Nigeria, Edna Ibru, has died in London after a brief illness. Mrs Ibru, who died on Wednesday, was the wife of the late Felix Ibru, the First Executive Governor of Delta.

She won the Miss Nigeria pageant in 1964 at age 19, which allowed her to represent Nigeria at Miss World, held in the United States in the same year.

Her son, Paul Aidido Ibru, released a statement on Saturday announcing her demise. In the statement, he shared fond memories of his mother and highlighted her many achievements and the impact she had on those around her.

The statement reads, Our fantastic mother passed into glory on 15 January 2025 after a brief illness. Until her death, she was full of life, and we never expected her to leave us so soon, but we cannot question the will of God in her precious life.

She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down to earth, full of stories all of the time, and we will miss her very dearly.

An accomplished businesswoman, the deceased trained as a fashion designer and hairdresser and owned a hair salon in England called Sherina Hair Care, which she ran for eight years before she closed it down and went into fashion design.

In a 2017 Thisday Interview, when asked, If you die today, where do you think you will go? she famously said, I am not quite sure but I know I am going somewhere, and I know I will come back (on the day of resurrection). But when I die, what I want is good music.

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Condolence

Meanwhile, in a related development, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has also expressed sadness about Mrs Ibrus death, describing it as painful and commiserated with the Ibru family of Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state on the death of their wife and mother.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, the Governor said Edna Ibru was a loving wife and mother who supported her husband and family in all his noble endeavours.

He said, On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a great woman of substance, a caring mother and loving wife, Mrs Edna Ibru. The news of her death came to me as a shock, especially now that the family members needed her motherly and wise counsel.

READ ALSO: Police arrest eight suspects over killing of officers in Delta State

She was a woman of faith who devoted her time to supporting her husbands political career, culminating in his election as the first Executive Governor of Delta State.

The governor prayed to God to accept the soul of the deceased and grant fortitude to the family and friends she left, to bear the loss.

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The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has announced plans to review the 2003 Child Rights Act (CRA) to strengthen response towards child protection and development.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Najaatu Alwan-Hassan, after a visit to an orphanage in Gwagwalada area council, FCT on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CRA 2003 is a Nigerian law that guarantees the protection of the rights of children.

It is based on international treaties and conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

According to the statement, the process is gaining momentum, as the visit was a directive by the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to give first-hand knowledge in the review protocols.

I can assure you that we are 100 per cent committed to ensuring that we do the necessary review for the legal instrument, so that we are well protected, she said.

The minister added that the maiden visit is a nationwide commitment from Mr President, which the FCT happens to be the Pilot state for everything that will be done.

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We are reviewing even adoption protocols, orphanages certification, because there is need for absolute protection and zero tolerance of any abuse on its citizenry, she said.

The minister commended stakeholders in the social development sector for their roles, adding that the overall benefit is to strengthen response to social protection.

She further acknowledged the media as partners in progress, particularly in the area of sensitisation and advocacy in order to achieve the level of protection needed for the citizens of Nigeria.

Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said the directive from the first lady is a call for action.

We are simply here in line with our call to action, to present the FCT as a project pilot location for the enactment.

READ ALSO: FCTA to begin mass deworming campaign for children in February

There are 91 orphanages and we are doing a full review with the traditional rulership and the whole architecture, she said.

She added that the ministry of women affairs is the first platform of reference for the intervention of every child, leaving no child behind and leaving no institution representation of child welfare behind in putting together the intervention.

(NAN)

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Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North senatorial district is set to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He was elected to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.

Mr Nwoko exclusively confirmed his decision to Premium Times through a response to an enquiry by our reporter to him about the matter.

If he defects, the APC will have all three senators in the state in its fold as the senators representing Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts won their seats on the platform of APC in the 2023 elections.

Mr Nwokos relationship with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the governors godfather/predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa has not been cordial of late.

This has to do with alleged marginalisation of Mr Nwoko and his constituency by the governor who prefers, instead to focus attention on the interests of his godfather, Mr Okowa.

Both former Governor Okowa and Mr Nwoko hail from Delta North.

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Mr Okowa, a defeated PDP vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election is said to be eyeing the Delta North senatorial seat, currently occupied by Mr Nwoko in the coming 2027 election.

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has justified the federal governments decision to borrow money from international financial institutions to fund road projects in Nigeria.

Despite growing concerns over Nigerias rising debt profile, Mr Umahi insisted that borrowing remains necessary due to inadequate budgetary allocations for infrastructure development.

He stated this on Friday in Abuja, during a budget defence session with the Senate Committee on Works.

Nigerias debt profile

Nigerias debt profile is made up of domestic and external debts, owed by the federal and state governments. The debts are used to finance the budget deficit and other government expenditures.

In June 2024, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said Nigerias public debt was 121.67 trillion, equivalent to $91.46 billion, which is a burden of over N600,000 per Nigerian citizen.

Successive governments in Nigeria borrowed to finance projects, even while struggling to settle the existing debts.

There was a large-scale borrowing to fund the 2024 budget deficit. The debt has grown rapidly, putting pressure on the economy and raising concerns about poverty, healthcare, and education.

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President Bola Tinubu in a media chat last December said his government took decision to take loans from international financial institutions, not to inflict pain on Nigerians, but because of his commitment to infrastructural development.

The president said borrowing is not crime and that there are many decayed infrastructure that needed funding.

Tinubu inherited 2,064 uncompleted projects

During the budget defence, Mr Umahi a former governor of Ebonyi State, echoed Mr Tinubus position on the need to borrow to finance infrasturctural projects, especially roads.

He said Mr Tinubus administration inherited about 2,064 uncompleted projects worth N13 trillion and that the funds to complete these projects could not be sourced elsewhere other than borrowing.

Remember the president inherited 2,064 projects, totaling N13 trillion, and if you review that project in line with the market realities now, it should be close to N18 trillion now.

And so, when the president, who is an economist, who has gone through all the segments of what we are passing through by reason of his experience, is making efforts to borrow money to do these projects, then the public will be doubting our knowledge, he said.

Roads conditions increase economic activities

The minister maintained that Nigerias economy will be developed and hunger will be reduced when roads are in good condition because it will drive increase in economic activities.

The roads, when fixed, are catalysts to economic growth and they also eliminate hunger because road infrastructure activities create a lot of economic activities, he added.

Mr Umahi, thereafter, urged Nigerians to support President Tinubus plan for borrowings because the yearly budgetary allocations cannot resolve the countrys infrastructure decay.

So we need to give attention and encourage Mr. President to borrow money. He cannot manufacture money. He has to be encouraged.

When a man is trying to put money in your pocket, you say he is trying to steal your money. That is very discouraging. So road infrastructure cannot be fixed by mere yearly budgetary provisions. It has to be given plenty of attention. Thank you very much, he said.

N827 billion not enough

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Barinada Mpigi, agreed with Mr Umahi on the need for more borrowings.

Mr Mpigi, who represents the Rivers South East Senatorial District, commended the minister for making use of the N827 billion appropriated for the Works ministry in the 2024 budgetary allocations.

He however expressed optimism that the National Assembly will consider increasing allocations of the ministry in the 2025 budget.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the discussion also commended the minister.

All the lawmakers agreed that the federal government needs additional borrowings to complete ongoing projects.

National Assembly approving loans

In November, the two chambers of the National Assembly granted President Tinubu permission to obtain a $2.209 billion external loan, equivalent to N1.767 trillion.

The loan was part of the funds used to finance the 2024 budget.

The year was about to end when the loan was approved though the federal lawmakers later extended capital component of the 2024 budget till 30 June, 2025.

Since the approval, many Nigerians have criticised the Tinubu administration for taking more loans while struggling to pay the existing ones.

The loan was among many others that the administration has obtained with the approval of the legislature since the president assumed office in 2023.

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By Tom Wilson

(Reuters) - Advocates and holders of crypto will soon influence U.S. policy on the emerging technology after a slew of nominations and advisory appointments by President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday.

The crypto industry has spent years fighting lawsuits and enforcement actions by the U.S. government. It hopes the incoming Trump administration will mark a shift in policy.

Political appointees will be vetted for potential conflicts. Some have committed to selling their interests.

The industry is hosting a sold-out black tie ball in Washington on Friday, with tickets ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. David Sacks, Trump's artificial intelligence and crypto czar, is scheduled to attend.

Below are some facts on the crypto positions of key members of the incoming administration and Trump's inner circle.

SCOTT BESSENT

A billionaire hedge fund manager, Trump's pick to be Treasury Secretary has spoken favorably about crypto.

"Crypto is about freedom and the crypto economy is here to stay," he told Fox News in July. "I think everything is on the table with bitcoin."

According to a financial disclosure filed last month, Bessent holds shares in a BlackRock bitcoin exchange-traded fund worth between $250,001 and $500,000. Bessent will divest his interests in the fund and other investments within 90 days of his confirmation, he wrote last week to the U.S. Treasury.

Bessent did not respond to a request for comment.

HOWARD LUTNICK

Trump's choice for Secretary of Commerce is a vocal supporter of bitcoin.

Lutnick is CEO of New York brokerage firm Cantor Fitzgerald, which earns fees to manage billions of dollars' worth of U.S. Treasuries for Tether, the company that issues the eponymous stablecoin.

"Do I own bitcoin? Of course I do," Lutnick said at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in July. "Does Cantor Fitzgerald own bitcoin? A shedload of bitcoin."

Lutnick did not respond to a request for comment.

ELON MUSK

The Tesla chief and world's richest man, chosen by Trump to oversee a government cost-cutting effort, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, has long championed crypto including bitcoin and dogecoin.

His public comments and actions of his companies have in recent years influenced the price of bitcoin and dogecoin, a smaller token conceived as a joke during an earlier crypto bubble.

The acronym for Musk's cost-cutting agency, DOGE, is a nod to dogecoin, which is now the world's seventh-biggest crypto token based on its circulation of $4.5 billion, according to data provider CoinGecko.
Suspected Internet fraudsters have shot dead an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the incident occurred on Friday in Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

How it happened

Witnesses told this newspaper that the internet fraudsters, otherwise known as Yahoo boys, suddenly opened fire on the EFCC operatives during an operation in the area.

Apart from the slain anti-graft operative, one other officer and a few residents present during the attack sustained gunshot injuries.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the operatives had travelled from the EFCCs Zonal Headquarters in Enugu for the arrest of the suspected Internet fraudsters in Anambra State.

The Yahoo boys ambushed them (EFCC operatives) as soon as they noticed their presence in the area.

In the process, they killed one EFCC officer and injured many others, Chuks Odikpo, one of the witnesses, said.

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The yet-to-be-identified slain operative was said to be an assistant superintendent who recently completed a promotional examination.

Police speak

When contacted on Friday night, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the police authorities in the state had begun investigation into the incident.

Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody while the arm has been recovered, he said.

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Bandits on Tuesday evening raided the Kankara General Hospital in Katsina State, abducting five persons and leaving a medical doctor with a gunshot injury.

The attack came a day after the security agencies received intelligence report that a large number of bandits were seen riding motorcycles in the western part of Kankara.

Despite security forces being placed on high alert since Monday following the report, the bandits still struck at the healthcare facility.

A security officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the bandits were attempting to pass through an exit which they usually follow from Kankara to go to Malumfashi or Danja or Kafur to commit their usual atrocities.

The military went after them to repel them, but some unexpectedly veered off and entered the Kankara General Hospital where they found Dr Murtala Sale Dandashire coming out of a mosque and they started shooting sporadically, the source narrated.

He said some vigilantes, who were at the hospital to collect the corpse of the father of one of them, attempted to repel the bandits.

Unfortunately, Dr Murtala was caught in the crossfire and he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

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The exchange alerted the military and some operatives were dispatched to the scene to assist the vigilantes and ensure the safety of the patients. However, before their arrival, the bandits had already abducted five individuals.

Those abducted were a pharmacy officer, Nura Mairuwa, a security guard, a tea vendor named Babangida Mai Shayi, a man identified as Muazu Guraita and an unnamed individual, the source said.

Governor condemns attack

Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda has condemned the attack and vowed to bring the full force of the law against the bandits and their collaborators.

This assault on healthcare workers and patients shows how low and cruel these bandits are. There will be no safe haven for those who threaten our healthcare system, Mr Radda vowed.

The governor said despite the setback, the state has made progress in combating banditry. However, he said the incident was a reminder that more still needs to be done.

He assured that security would be enhanced at healthcare facilities across the state, including the deployment of security personnel.

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Outspoken Catholic priest, Emmanuel Obimma, has again slammed Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State over growing insecurity in the state.

Mr Obimma, who is the spiritual director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, spoke during a prayer march on Thursday, Punch newspaper reported.

The Catholic priest, in December, criticised Mr Soludo for failing to address worsening attacks and killings in the state.

No positive results

Mr Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, during the prayer march on Thursday, said calls on the governor to fight insecurity in the state have yielded no positive results.

If you are in Anambra State presently, you dont need to be told that you need to be alert in the spirit.

There is no security in Anambra State, and your governor doesnt want to know. He is not interested. He is only interested in preparation for his second tenure. Most often, I do ask myself whether some of our politicians have a conscience at all, he said.

You are a governor of a state; people are dying everyday, and you are celebrating their marriage anniversary. People are kidnapped everyday, and the governor insists that there is adequate security in the state. There is security and he is moving with a fleet of security vehicles and dozens of security personnel, the cleric said.

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Have you seen the convoy of the Anambra State governor  with dozens of policemen, soldiers, SSS, armoured vehicles, and other things? He is well protected, but what of the poor masses, who do not have anything to protect themselves?

Mr Obimma further claimed that kidnappers from other states were currently camping in Anambra because they see the state as a haven for the operation.

To my greatest chagrin, Anambra has very small landmass  not even that the landmass is big. Anambra forests are so small that security guards can cover them in one day, yet they are not doing anything to combat kidnapping and other criminalities.

The people should ask Governor Soludo what he does with his monthly security votes running into billions of naira, he said.

Continuing, the cleric said: Let the governor act fast to save the lives of people in the state because he is not doing anything.

Patching roads is not good governance. Anambrarians should rise to recover their state. People are being killed everyday.

Members of the state assembly are not telling him anything! Has it not affected them? One of them has been with the kidnappers since 24th December 2024. What decisive action are they taking?

Conspiracy of silence

Meanwhile, Mr Soludo, on Wednesday, said a conspiracy of silence among residents of the state was responsible for rising insecurity such as kidnapping for ransom and ritual killings in Anambra State.

Speaking in Awka on the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the governor lamented that residents were withholding information about gunmen terrorising the state.

The criminals terrorising Anambra live among residents as husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends; yet, people refuse to give information about their activities, he said.

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The Federal High Court in Lagos, South-west Nigeria, has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from impounding vehicles with faded number plates or imposing penalties on their owners.

According to TheCable newspaper, the judge, Akintayo Aluko, handed down the decision in a suit filed against the FRSC by Chinwike Ezebube, a lawyer.

The lawyer, in the suit filed on 13 February 2024, as the sole designer and producer of number plates in Nigeria, bears full responsibility for their durability. Consequently, the agency cannot justifiably impose penalties on vehicle owners for issues arising from the substandard quality of the number plates.

The judge agreed with the plaintiff in his judgement delivered on Friday (17 January).

He held that while the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates, the plaintiff has a duty to approach the defendant for a replacement of his faded vehicle number plate upon payment of the requisite fees for that purpose.

He added, By way of conclusion, I hold the view that the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plate and has no power to impose a fine on the plaintiff for using faded vehicle number plate or impound the plaintiffs vehicle on such grounds without the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

He also restrained the FRSC from declaring it an offence to drive with a faded vehicle number plate.

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An order of the honourable court restricting the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), from imposing any fine or punishment on the plaintiff for driving with a faded vehicle number plate is granted.

Plaintiffs case

Mr Ezebube had asked the court to determine whether the defendant, pursuant to Section 5 (g) and Section 10 (3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act 2007 being the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is not absolutely responsible for the quality and durability of the vehicle number plates as are produced by it?

He also urged the court to determine if the defendant (FRSC) can make it an offence and impose a penalty against him or other Nigerians for driving a vehicle with faded vehicle number plates due to poor quality production as designed and produced by the defendant?

He prayed the court to order the FRSC to replace faded number plates at no cost due to their poor quality manufacturing.

FRSCs lawyer, B.O Nnamani, opposed the suit in a counter-affidavit, urging the court to dismiss

The court upheld the plaintiffs case in its Fridays judgement.

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The Niger State Government has banned heavy duty trucks from driving over a bridge where a petrol tanker fell and exploded on Saturday, killing many people.

Governor Mohammed Bago gave the directive when he visited the scene of the explosion at the Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of the state.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that many people scooping petrol from the tanker died in the accident.

Decrying the recklessness of some drivers, the governor said vehicles coming from Maje should no longer be allowed to climb the bridge, but should drive under it and take a U-turn.

He urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce his directive, while calling on the transport unions to cooperate with the agency.

The governor described Saturdays explosion as pathetic but was happy that the fire did not extend to adjoining communities.

He called on the federal government to expedite action on the Minna-Suleja road project, saying the delay in the project contributes to continuous loss of lives.

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READ ALSO: Many killed in Niger petrol tanker explosion

The governor thanked the agencies that participated in the evacuation of victims from the fiery accident scene.

He said doctors from Minna hospitals will be redeployed to assist in treating the victims receiving treatment at the Suleja General Hospital.

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Navigating the complex terrain of governance necessitates more than benevolent intent; it requires strategic foresight, relentless perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

In the inaugural segment of this discourse, we lauded several significant accomplishments by Governor Peter Mba since his ascendancy to the Lions Building in Enugu. We also highlighted potential blind spots that require his attention. In this second part, we will continue to examine both his notable strides and the challenges that lie ahead as he seeks to redefine the Coal Citys future.

A major albatross hanging around the Governors neck is his campaign promise to resolve Enugus perennial water crisis within 180 days of taking office. Regrettably, this thorny issue endures. During my visit home over Christmas, I paid 40,000  more than a months salary for some workers  to fill a 2,000-litre tank, which lasted my family of four just over a week. This highlights the severe economic strain that the exorbitant cost of potable water places on the average resident of Coal City.

During his December 14th town hall meeting, Mba announced a significant increase in water production, from a modest two million liters to an impressive 120 million litres per day. He assured citizens that a $100 million Foreign Direct Investment from Watson Nestor Company is directed towards enhancing the downstream water management system (reticulation), allowing his administration to focus exclusively on water production.

The Governor projected that this strategic partnership would start yielding results as early as January this year, offering a long-term solution to a problem that has plagued successive administrations. The water issue in Enugu transcends politics, and history will be kind to any leader who successfully resolves what the people perceive as an existential challenge.

President Tinubus recent visit to Enugu for the commissioning of several Mba-led initiatives was a spectacle of grandeur. Among the notable achievements was the unveiling of a sophisticated Command and Control Center at the Government House, which places the city under round-the-clock security surveillance. This initiative, supplemented by 150 Distress Response Squad (DRS) vehicles equipped with surveillance technology, represents a commendable stride towards addressing the citys security challenges.

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Another highlight of the presidential visit was the commissioning of a Smart Green School, with claims by the state government of completing 30 out of 261 proposed schools. However, on-ground realities cast serious doubt on these figures. Even assuming their accuracy, completing 30 schools, constituting only 11% of the target, raises questions about the rationale behind commissioning at such an early stage. Similarly, while the International Conference Center is nearing completion, it remains unfinished. One couldnt understand the rush to commission incomplete projects.

As part of his urban renewal agenda, Mba is developing two major bus termini: one in Enugu (Holy Ghost) and another in Nsukka. These initiatives aim to alleviate the congestion caused by roadside passenger loading, a common nuisance leading to traffic bottlenecks. While the vision is laudable, its execution is wanting.

In Nsukka, for instance, the construction of the new terminus necessitated the demolition of numerous stalls, causing significant economic hardship for the affected traders. Alternative locations could have been utilized to expand the available space without disrupting livelihoods. These demolitions have fueled conspiracy theories suggesting a political vendetta against constituents who did not support Mba in the last electiona notion I find baseless (considering similar demolitions occurred outside Nsukka) but illustrative of how well-intentioned initiatives can be undermined by flawed execution.

There is often a contention that those impacted bear culpability, as they knowingly encroached upon public land from the outset. While it is true that some individuals deliberately occupy government-owned properties, there exists a subset of people who, despite securing ostensibly legitimate documents and permits, complete with official government seals, find themselves victims of fraudulent dealings by unscrupulous officials. In Nigeria, the line between authenticity and forgery is often blurred. A prime example is the upscale Zoo Estate, formerly a public space designated as a zoo, which the Nnamani government dismantled, reallocating the land to benefit friends and loyal party affiliates.

Mistakes are an inevitable part of governance, and Mbas administration is no exception. However, the ability to acknowledge and address these errors is critical. It is not a sign of weakness but a testament to robust leadership. Any government project impacting livelihoods must incorporate palliative measures, such as financial compensation, to mitigate adverse effects on the populace.

The dualisation of the Emene-Abakaliki expressway, an initiative led by the Mba administration, stands as a pivotal infrastructure endeavour, with the federal government augmenting this effort by expediting the construction of a bypass at the Eke Obinagu market segment.

This strategic highway serves as a critical conduit between the sister states of Enugu and Ebonyi, unlocking substantial economic potential by facilitating commerce as well as acting as a vital gateway to other cities such as Ikom and Ogoja in the South-South region.

For those who have endured the chronic traffic congestion and the tragic loss of life due to vehicular accidents along the congested single-lane route, the transformative impact of this project is indisputable. However, a significant concern arises regarding the numerous factories lining this corridor, many of which are earmarked for demolition. As a stakeholder who owns a factory valued at over a billion Naira facing potential demolition, my anxiety surrounding this prospect is palpable.

Considering Emenes status as a government-sanctioned industrial hub, replete with clusters of industries contributing vastly to the regional economy, a prudent alternative might be to extend the bypass beyond Eke Obinagu, thereby preserving these industrial establishments. The aggregate economic value of these industries likely surpasses a trillion Naira. The pressing question is whether the Mba administration possesses the financial capacity or the willingness to disburse the substantial compensation required following such demolitions.

While the government operates under the protection of eminent domain and Land Use Act 1978, a visionary administration committed to economic enhancement must deliberate meticulously before dismantling such vital economic infrastructure. The repercussions extend beyond the fiscal losses of property owners to the livelihoods of countless employees who depend on these enterprises for sustenance.

At the commissioning of the 16-ton Asphalt Production Facility in Emene, Mba articulated a vision for a government-enabled, private sector-driven economya sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse. With the right environment, Enugu can become a hub for small and medium enterprises, fueling sustained economic growth. Ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives beyond the current administration is crucial.

The management structures to be established for these projects are of paramount importance. Will the state government entrust these enterprises to private entities for efficient management, or will they remain under the stewardship of career civil servants? Are these ventures part of a Public-Private Partnership?

While private-sector management often delivers superior results in comparison to government run enterprises, this is not universally true. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, is Africas largest airline and entirely government-owned. Its success is credited to minimal government interference and a stable board of directors. Conversely, the unbundling and subsequent privatisation of NEPA by the federal government of Nigeria, led to the creation of several private entities like the Enugu Electric Distribution Company (EEDC), which has become a symbol of inefficiency, demonstrating that even the best models can be mishandled.

Governor Mba must ensure these projects are entrusted to capable professionals. Without this, his efforts and the taxpayers investment will be squandered. His administration must prioritise securing the best talent to manage these enterprises effectively with consistent government oversight.

From a 100 billion agreement with Pragmatic Palm Product Limited for palm cultivation to establishing agro-processing zones in each senatorial district, Mba is a man with a grand vision, eager to execute. However, ensuring this vision translates into lasting economic dividends requires a focus on sustainability and continuity. This is the only path to cementing his legacy.

Its been just a little over a year since he mounted the saddle and so its too premature to draw conclusions. But aside from occasional missteps and exaggerated claims, Governor Mbas performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Even his detractors cannot deny his achievements. If he maintains his current trajectory, avoiding distractions from petty politics, he is poised to become the transformative leader that Enugu so desperately needs.

Osmund Agbo is a US-based medical doctor and author. His works include Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released.

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Obazees dictionary, therefore, is a documentation and preservation of Edo language, literature and culture; a work on Edo history; a practical tool for Edo and English users; and a major research material for cultural and humanistic studies. It is a clarion call that Edo language should be taken seriously. As a people with a rich language, history, culture and tradition, and, who call themselves, their language, and land Edo, it is painful that the language itself is under serious threats of extinction.

Sir Gabriel Osamagioghomwenwi Obazee, a self-taught man, entered a classroom for the first time at 20, yet produced the authoritative, A New Edo-English Dictionary.

As a child, he was apprenticed as a bicycle mechanic. But the bug of Western education bit him. So at the age of 20, he enrolled himself in a night primary school in Benin City, from where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). Thereafter, he was employed as a pupil teacher and taught in many schools all over the Benin Division, during which he saved for his higher education.

Obazee gained admission into Teachers College, Auchi, and later St. Boscos Roman Catholic Teachers Training College, Ubiaja, where he was trained as a teacher. He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he earned a Diploma in Edo Language and later, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, where he obtained Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Linguistics (with specialisation in Edo Language).

Following the massive desertion of Southern Nigerian teachers from Northern Nigeria during the Civil War, and the appeal by Northern Nigeria State governments for teachers, he and his wife, Monica, volunteered and were posted to Sokoto State in 1969. There they served at Ilela  a Nigerian border town with Niger Republic. They returned to Benin City three years later and continued teaching. He was a pioneer Edo language teacher in the College of Education, Ekiadolor and was, for many years, examiner in Edo Language for the Federal Ministry of Education.

Obazee was the chief editor of Asikoko Ekhara Oghe Edo (Collection of Edo Poems), which the National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja, published in 1998. He contributed many articles and chapters on Edo language and culture to academic books and journals. He was the Secretary of the Edo Studies Association under the Patronage of His Royal Majesty, Omo nOba Edo, Erediauwa, Uku-Akpolokpolo (CFR).

His seminal book, A New Edo-English Dictionary, published by the Institute of Benin Studies, Benin City in 2024, a year after he passed on, is a great and radical departure from previous Edo-English dictionaries. Rebecca N. Agheyisis An Edo-English Dictionary published by Ethiope Publishing Corporation, Benin City, in 1986, has only 169 pages and less than 4,000 entries.

the dictionary, in a sense, is a historical study. It contains entries of the names and periods of the 31 Ogiso kings, starting from Ogiso Obagodo, who reined from 16 AD to 66 AD, to the last Ogiso in 1059 AD. It equally contains the names and periods of the present Oba dynasty, from Oba Oromiyan  about 1100 AD to the reigning Oba Ewuare II.

Northcote W. Thomas Anthropological Report on the Edo Speaking People of Southern Nigeria, Part Two, published by Harrisons and Sons, London, in 1910; HLM Butcher, An Elementary Dictionary of the Bini Language: 1. Bini-English 2. English-Bini, published by CMS, Benin City, 1932; Hans Melzians A Concise Dictionary of the Bini Language of Southern Nigeria, published by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner and Co. Ltd, London, 1937; and David Munros English-Edo Wordlist: An Index to Melzians Bini-English Dictionary, Occasional Paper No.7, published by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 1967, all have not only far limited word stock entries, but are also out of stock. Obazees dictionary, on the other hand, has 610 pages (plus i-xiii), with over 28,000 word entries.

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The Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam OU Igbe, in his Foreword, wrote that the dictionary is not only, largely informative, educative and inspiring but is also a significant contribution in, reserving, preserving, and increasing the Benin stock word for the growth and development of Edo language. This, he added, will, augur well for the development and growth of the Benin Language.

Professor Osama Ighile concurred, stressing that the dictionary, is not only, significant because it is unarguably the most comprehensive dictionary of Edo language to date but also highlights, direct tone marks on watch words, the grammatical category of each word, parts of speech, tenses, and idiomatic and euphemistic expressions, which are written in the orthography. Her added that it will, surely enhance the understanding and enjoyment (of) Edo language and literature, thereby promoting cultural development and preservation.

Also, the dictionary, in a sense, is a historical study. It contains entries of the names and periods of the 31 Ogiso kings, starting from Ogiso Obagodo, who reined from 16 AD to 66 AD, to the last Ogiso in 1059 AD. It equally contains the names and periods of the present Oba dynasty, from Oba Oromiyan  about 1100 AD to the reigning Oba Ewuare II.

Obazees dictionary, therefore, is a documentation and preservation of Edo language, literature and culture; a work on Edo history; a practical tool for Edo and English users; and a major research material for cultural and humanistic studies. It is a clarion call that Edo language should be taken seriously. As a people with a rich language, history, culture and tradition, and, who call themselves, their language, and land Edo, it is painful that the language itself is under serious threats of extinction.

The hospitality of the Edo people and their desire to accommodate others, has resulted in the widespread use and promotion of pidgin English at the expense of Edo language. Also, the mass migration of Edo people to other parts of Nigeria and abroad is not helping matters.

 the Edo people should apply immense pressure on the State Government to establish and fund an Edo Language Commission. The body should be charged with the task of promoting Edo language wherever Edo people are present. Nursery and basic primary education should be taught in Edo language and good incentives given to secondary school students and youths generally to take Edo language seriously.

In fact, the population of Edo people outside Edo land, within and outside Nigeria, is seriously competing with their population in Edo land. The Edo people are increasingly witnessing a situation where those of them in the diaspora speak other languages better than their own language. Worst still, a lot of Edo children and youths outside the area, cannot speak Edo fluently.

The underdevelopment of Edo State, the lackadaisical attitude of the Edo State Government to the language since 1976, and the destructive years of military misrule which subverted development, abolished democracy, and demolished federalism, amongst others, are primarily responsible for the increasing threats of the extinction of Edo language.

Edo people, therefore, should tirelessly struggle for the development of their state; the transformation of the current civilian rule into a democracy; and the restoration of federalism with all it entails. They must insist that the State Government takes Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution seriously and implements it earnestly.

Also, the Edo people should apply immense pressure on the State Government to establish and fund an Edo Language Commission. The body should be charged with the task of promoting Edo language wherever Edo people are present. Nursery and basic primary education should be taught in Edo language and good incentives given to secondary school students and youths generally to take Edo language seriously.

As for Obaze, on 12 January, 2023, he departed this world from Canada to join his ancestors. Born on 2 April, 1934, in Ovia Northwest Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, Obazee was survived by two daughters, Ugiomotiti Mary-Theresa Usuanlele and Iguehiduwa Obazee-Oke; two son-in-laws, Uyilawa Usuanlele and Tunji Oke; and five grand children, Osarhiuyimen, Osamuede, Osayuware, Atineiman, and Izirouwa. Obaze, fondly called Baba Lee with his works, wrote his name in the sands of time.

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: aaramatuyusuf@yahoo.com

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At moments like this, you realise the vanity of life. My kids take a few clothes, dump their tablets and computers in their bags. No games, no designer clothes or sneakers. My wife packs her computer, tablets and a few clothes. No jewelry. I pack up our passports, cards, a few hard drives and a few clothes Four lifetimes in four bags!

I woke up on Tuesday, 7th January feeling like I was near the top of the world.

After a week of solitude on the Pacific ocean, it was my first day back to work and reality. I love the sea. Its my escape. I can truly disappear. I love the fact that the phones dont ring. I love the fresh, unpolluted air. I climbed off the boat feeling Id banked a few months of inner calm that would withstand whatever storm 2025 had in store.

By nightfall, the calm was all gone.

A raging fire was tearing through the city of Angels. Los Angeles was not just fighting a fire. We were fighting a monstrous wind. They call it the Santa Ana winds but Ive always thought of it as the devils wind. And that was in good times. The wind speaks and the fire howls. The fire burns and the wind carries the embers for a few miles, ravaging properties that were safe only a blink of an eye before. The evil wind kept fire-fighting planes away so the fire could wreak maximum damaged.

Nothing compares to this. Not even COVID. COVID was terminal. That was a battle between life and death. This is what my high school English teacher would have called present continuous. This was a battle between life and ruination. Even the sun seemed scared, peeking at Los Angeles through the hazy clouds in an orange glow.

Calls and texts trickle in. Friends. Colleagues. Family. Some near, some a world away. People checking up on you. Neighbours fleeing and letting you know. Friends looking for temporary accommodations because theirs are under immediate threat. Friends letting you know their homes are open should you need a place to stay. Text showing you escape routes from the fire.

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The centre of the battle is the Pacific Palisades, a neighbourhood almost twenty miles to my west. I am safe. Valiant fire fighters stood between me and the fire. But my friends in that part of the town are not. I speak with some as they fled the fire. I watch what they were fleeing on the television.

It doesnt break your heart. It kills it. Ive spent parts of my life in these neighbourhoods, creating beautiful memories and now it was going before my eyes, mansions turned into rubbles, schools where the joyful voices of children once rang down the halls now a sizzling rubble, a beach club I love now perilously close to the furious flames.

We wake up to our phones buzzing. An alert from the city. YOURE UNDER EVACUATION WARNING, the text screamed. It tells you to get ready to leave, to leave your home because the coming fire is racing towards you like its on steroids.

Then another fire starts a mere seven miles away from me. Then another less than ten miles away. I am trapped within a triangle of fast-moving fire. I am not safe anymore.

Flee or stay? I diagrammed the fires on an app, calculated the distance of the fires to me by driving distances  twenty-four minutes, eleven minutes and seven minutes.

I make a quick call and arrange temporary accommodation about seventy miles away from the city. The phone rings. Its one of my producers. Shed tracked all my projects and moved the hard drives into secure storage. We wish each other good luck and hang up.

I gather my family and consider our options. My wife takes a quick stock of her pantry, decides quickly that we have enough food to last a while. I decide we will stay for the night and monitor the fire. Traffic was looking dicey. If the fire got closer, we would flee in the middle of the night. We gather around the television set, watching the news until we all fell under the spell of sleep.

We wake up to our phones buzzing. An alert from the city. YOURE UNDER EVACUATION WARNING, the text screamed. It tells you to get ready to leave, to leave your home because the coming fire is racing towards you like its on steroids.

At moments like this, you expect your heart to race with fear. But mine didnt. It was eerily calm. I walk around the house, looking at my home not sure if Im ever going to see it again. I look out through my backyard window, see the smoke and fire beyond the trees and hills.

I step outside to the thick smell of smoke. A policewoman drives up and down the street, ready to blare her siren and pound on doors, if necessary, when the time comes to flee. Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances race up the freeway and the streets. I pause for a moment to say a prayer for these fire fighters, police officers and first responders racing towards a danger just to save our lives. Now I know the meaning of a hero.

Power is out. WIFI is off. I need to be in touch with the world. I jump in the car and chase WIFI signal. Half a mile down the road, I pick up a signal. Texts and voicemail flooded into my phone. I park on the side of the road to get up to date.

This didnt look like Los Angeles, the city of angels. The city of dreams. The richest city in the richest state in the richest country in the world. It feels like I went to sleep and woke up in a macabre movie. Once bustling neighbourhoods stand like a zombie apocalypse.

In the few hours that I slept, the fires had come closer, my neighbours a mile down the road have been asked to evacuate, the bustling neighbourhood I drove through only 24 hours ago was now a ghost town.

I drive back home under a drizzle of ashes. People were dousing their houses with water from the pool and hydrants to keep them wet. Old folks who had lived here for decades stood on their porches in a daze. A trickle of cars pull away from homes, not knowing if they will return to it or its ruins.

This didnt look like Los Angeles, the city of angels. The city of dreams. The richest city in the richest state in the richest country in the world. It feels like I went to sleep and woke up in a macabre movie. Once bustling neighbourhoods stand like a zombie apocalypse.

You return home to hear the voice of your wife yelling like a field Marshall at war.

Everyone get a carry-on bag and put what you need in it!

But what do you pack? How do you fit a life into a 20-inch bag.

At moments like this, you realise the vanity of life. My kids take a few clothes, dump their tablets and computers in their bags. No games, no designer clothes or sneakers. My wife packs her computer, tablets and a few clothes. No jewelry. I pack up our passports, cards, a few hard drives and a few clothes.

Four lifetimes in four bags!

Ose Oyamendan is a filmmaker based in Hollywood.

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Many people scooping petrol from a fallen tanker were reported burnt to death Saturday morning after the vehicle exploded into flames.

The tragedy happened off the Abuja/Kaduna Highway at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Witnesses said over 30 people must have lost their lives in the incident.

A man who was in a vehicle travelling to Minna said a pregnant woman and another carrying a week-old baby were among the victims.

I saw the bodies of the victims, but I cannot confirm the exact number of fatalities. Among the deceased were a pregnant woman and some children, the man who did not provide his name said.

It was learnt that officials of the state fire service responded swiftly to fight the fire.

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the area also joined the rescue efforts.

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The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the incident but said the number of fatalities was yet to be ascertained.

Governor worried

Meanwhile, the state governor, Mohammed Bago, has expressed worry over the recurring incidents of tanker explosion in the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago expresses shock over the latest explosion.

He described the incident as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.

Mr Bago sympathised with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and health for the injured.

The governor, however, cautioned people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

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About 60 bodies have been recovered from the scene of a petrol tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, authorities said on Saturday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that many people scooping petrol from the fallen tanker were burnt to death in the incident.

The tragedy occurred when the fuel-laden tanker, belonging to HMY Oil and Gas, exploded.

Kumar Tsukwam, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), gave the update on the accident.

Speaking to our correspondent, Mr Tsukwam said the tanker, with registration number KBG-103-XAX, had loaded 60,000 litres of petrol from Lagos and was en route to Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory when the body of the vehicle detached from its head, causing it to fall.

The victims were mostly scavengers who gathered to scoop fuel despite attempts to stop them, Mr Tsukwam said. He added that the fire from the explosion spread to another tanker, compounding the devastation.

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

However, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullah Arah, attributed the explosion to the use of a generator during the transfer of fuel from the fallen tanker to another.

READ ALSO: Niger bans trucks from bridge after deadly petrol tanker explosion

The officials said emergency responders were deployed to the scene, and investigations into the cause of the explosion were ongoing.

This latest incident underscores the dangers of fuel-related accidents in Nigeria, where illegal scooping of petroleum products often results in fatalities.

Scores of people have been killed in similar incidents in recent years.

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You are here: China

This photo taken on Jan. 8, 2025 shows the Tianlu-1 satellite developed by China's private satellite manufacturer GalaxySpace at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. [Photo/GalaxySpace handout via Xinhua]

An atmospheric sounding satellite, developed by China's private satellite manufacturer GalaxySpace, entered its preset orbit on Friday after the launch that also sent another two satellites into space.

The satellite, named Tianlu-1, features high vertical resolution, multi-parameter detection and all-weather observation capabilities. It is designed for limb-sounding detection of the middle and upper atmosphere.

According to GalaxySpace, the satellite offers advanced tools and technologies for exploring the middle and upper atmosphere, enabling the systematic collection of spatial datasets that feature vertical profiles of the region.

The middle and upper atmosphere, located between the maximum altitude of traditional aircraft and the minimum orbital height of satellites, remains largely unexplored and underutilized.

Obtaining critical data from this region, including atmospheric density, temperature, composition, and wind fields, can significantly enhance extreme weather forecasting, space weather research, and climate change studies. It will also play a vital role in supporting aerospace services, according to the company.

"Limb-sounding remote sensing represents an innovative approach in space-based atmospheric observation. This technique involves positioning a satellite at a specific orbital altitude, where it conducts layered detection of the middle and upper atmosphere along the tangent direction," explained Xi Bin, chief executive engineer at GalaxySpace.

Xi added that by analyzing spectral data from atmospheric emissions, scattering and absorption, the satellite can derive critical physical parameters of the atmospheric layers.

According to GalaxySpace, the satellite is equipped with three payloads capable of simultaneously capturing high-resolution vertical profiles of temperature, atmospheric composition, density, and wind field vectors.

Xi said that in the future, a series of detection missions will provide valuable data to strengthen China's independent satellite communications and navigation reliability, and support the deployment and application of high-altitude platforms.

The resulting data products will support the development of precise atmospheric models, research into environmental change mechanisms, and ionospheric modeling studies, Xi added.

Friday's launch by a Long March-2D carrier rocket, the 556th flight mission involving the Long March carrier rocket series, sent Tianlu-1, Lantan-1, and a Pakistani satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
Jacob Corlett faces growing questions over his botched takeover of Yodel - Penny Cross/Plymouth Live/BPM Media

The entrepreneur behind a botched rescue deal for parcel courier Yodel has been criticised for leaving behind a trail of debts worth millions of pounds.

Jacob Corlett has been accused by workers and suppliers of leaving them to bear the brunt of the collapse of one of his other delivery businesses, Shift Trading.

Company filings reveal Shift Trading, which lists Mr Corlett as a director, collapsed in July last year with more than 8m owed to more than 100 creditors, including 2.2m to HMRC.

Others include smaller logistics companies across the UK, some of which are owed more than 130,000.

One supplier, who claims to be owed tens of thousands of pounds from Shift, said the missing payments have had a devastating impact on their business.

It is understood creditors are particularly outraged after Shift held video calls with suppliers last year, promising to make payments in full.

At the time, Shift bosses claimed the Yodel takeover would free up cash and create more work, although this never materialised.

The Telegraph understands that a large group of creditors have now banded together to explore ways of retrieving their cash.

The revelations increase pressure on Mr Corlett amid growing questions over his botched takeover of Yodel, which fell apart in June 2024 after just five months.

The collapse of Shift Trading also raises questions about the Barclay familys initial decision to sell Yodel to Mr Corlett for 1. The deal was completed just months before his Shift Trading business collapsed.

Mr Corlett was a relative unknown at the time of the transaction, yet he was hailed as a white knight for saving thousands of jobs at the Liverpool-based business.

He stepped in after Yodel was pushed to the brink of insolvency under the Barclays, who sold the business in a cut-price deal after coming under pressure from their lenders at HSBC.

However, the deal quickly fell apart. Mr Corlett resigned from Yodels board in June 2024 and sold his stake to chief executive Mike Hancox.

Botched takeover

The botched takeover has since sparked a bitter legal battle between Mr Corlett and Yodel, with the entrepreneur accused of extracting millions of pounds from the business under the cover of spurious invoices.

Yodel, which is now owned by Mr Hancox, has also claimed the entrepreneur tried to evade tax by funnelling money into an offshore company that listed Mr Corlett and his mother as directors.

Mr Corlett has rejected the claims and instead accused Mr Hancox of forcing him into selling his stake. He has launched a counter-claim alleging Mr Hancox rowed back on an agreement to hand over lucrative shares.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Saturday visited the scene of the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, describing the incident as devastating and sad.

Mr AbdulRazaq is the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

In a statement by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, he expressed shock at the heavy casualties and the gravity of the burns suffered by survivors.

The Forum is saddened by the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, in which dozens of people have been killed or injured, according to a statement.

The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Governor Umar Bago, the families who have lost loved ones, and our other compatriots who got injured in the explosion.

READ ALSO: 60 confirmed dead in Niger petrol tanker explosion

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in the incident, and we wish those injured quick healing.

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

Again, we call on our compatriots to act with extreme caution and absolute respect for life at all times, and especially in time of grave danger such as during petrol spill.

The Forum prays for the repose of the souls of the dead victims.

End.

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HOHHOT, China, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the Yili Elite Summit took place in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. A total of 400 participants, including 200 employees and their families, gathered at Yili's headquarters to celebrate this annual event.

During the event, Mr. Pan Gang, Chairman and President of Yili Group, highlighted the crucial role employees play in the company's success, affirming that the benefits of Yili's growth should be shared by everyone.

In his address at the opening dinner, Mr. Pan stated, "Family members are the strongest support system for our employees. We appreciate the unwavering support that allows our employees to fully focus on their work and face challenges with resilience. At Yili, we are dedicated to delivering our best at work; we are building a mission centered on health. Our development reflects the career aspirations of our 60,000 employees, the dreams of over 100,000 family members for a better life, the mutual success envisioned by millions of partners within our win-win collaborative ecosystem, and the pursuit of healthy lifestyles by billions of consumers worldwide." Considering the low temperatures and chilly weather in Hohhot, Mr. Pan also prepared cashmere scarves and gloves for all attendees.

Yili invited employees and their families to tour the Yili Modern Intelligent Health Valley, the corporate headquarters, and the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy, providing them with a firsthand look at Yili's technological advancements and corporate culture. Complementing the tour, Yili organized a series of engaging activities, including health management lectures, a perfume workshop, and DIY cloisonne enamel crafting experience, ensuring a memorable and enriching day for all participants. Guests were also invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting and Networking Party, celebrating joyful moments with all Yili members.

The 2025 Yili Elite Summit embodies Yili's dedication to its people-oriented philosophy and its commitment to creating value for employees. Over the years, Yili has adhered to a talent strategy focused on respect, unity, and bringing success to its employees, fostering mutual progress between the company and all Yili members. The company has upgraded its "Spring Rain Program," a comprehensive talent well-being initiative, to support employees in housing, healthcare, education and other areas.

Globally, Yili has built an expansive network across Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania. With 15 R&D and innovation centers and 81 production bases, its products are sold in over 60 countries and regions.

Looking forward, Yili remains committed to empowering its employees through innovation, digital intelligence, and employee care programs. By fostering creativity and vitality, Yili aims to drive high-quality, sustainable growth, deliver superior products and services, and realize its vision of "World Integrally Sharing Health".

SOURCE Yili Group
Company continues monitoring the evolving weather situation over the MLK Jr Holiday weekend and is activating nearly 1,200 additional mutual aid workers to help execute potential restoration work

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for January 20-23 due to extreme cold weather across its region, meaning higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves

CenterPoint urges customers to have a plan and make winter weather preparations to stay safe and warm

In the event of ice or freezing precipitation early next week causing outages, the expanded workforce will be utilized to restore service safely and as quickly as possible

HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With weather models and forecasts staring to align and show a strong chance of severe cold weather and icy precipitation and even snow impacting the Greater Houston area over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend and into next week, CenterPoint Energy is preparing for potential impacts by readying work sites, staging crews and equipment, and securing an additional 430 vegetation management workers and 750 line workers to support potential restoration efforts.

Forecasts continue to show a range of potential scenarios early next week across the Greater Houston area, with ERCOT issuing a Weather Watch for Jan. 20 though Jan. 23 due to extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, according to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to be normal.

CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and are actively preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during potential extreme cold and icy conditions. Teams are utilizing in-house weather modeling and historical data from previous weather events to consider and plan for all potential impacts to CenterPoint's system.

"If forecasted icy conditions materialize, we will likely see outages related to the extreme weather across the Greater Houston area. That's why we've made the call to proactively bring on approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid personnel, to help us meet the potential restoration need and handle any service issues as quickly and safely as possible. Mutual aid is a hallmark of our industry, and we want to thank these additional crews for their help to support our local communities," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business.

"We want our customers to have confidence in the cold preparations we've already executed and know that we are actively monitoring the weather and our systems. We also want to urge them to take this storm seriously, prepare for it and have an emergency plan in place," Carroll added.

Cold weather preparations

The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its infrastructure across Texas, including inspecting and testing cold-weather critical equipment. In addition to requesting an additional 1,200 mutual aid resources to assist with restoration efforts, CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and making plans to mobilize emergency response resources.

2025 Winter Energy Guide

CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Safety reminders

CenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:

Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.





Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized. Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.





Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs. Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.





Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly. Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.





Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating. Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.





Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers. Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.





Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food. Natural gas safety: Natural gas is odorized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourselfleave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.





Natural gas is odorized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourselfleave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak. Know the signs of CO poisoning: Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.





Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911. Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom  not a shovel  to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.





Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom  not a shovel  to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own. Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service and follow CenterPoint Texas X account

CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email. Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

For more information, contact

communication

[email protected]

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global automotive engine oil market size is estimated to grow by USD 12.5 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. Growing number of vehicles in use is driving market growth, with a trend towards advances in engine oil technology. However, fluctuating crude oil prices poses a challenge. Key market players include AMSOIL Inc., BP Plc, Chevron Corp., China Petrochemical Corp., Eni SpA, Exxon Mobil Corp., FUCHS SE, GS Corp., Hinduja Group Ltd., Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., MOTUL SA, Nandan Group, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, PJSC LUKOIL, Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA, Repsol SA, Shell plc, TotalEnergies SE, and Valvoline Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Engine Oil Market 2025-2029

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Forecast period 2025-2029 Base Year 2024 Historic Data 2019 - 2023 Segment Covered Application (Passenger vehicles and Commercial vehicles), Type (Diesel, Petrol, and Alternative fuels), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled AMSOIL Inc., BP Plc, Chevron Corp., China Petrochemical Corp., Eni SpA, Exxon Mobil Corp., FUCHS SE, GS Global Corp., Hinduja Group Ltd., Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., MOTUL SA, Nandan Group, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, PJSC LUKOIL, Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA, Repsol SA, Shell plc, TotalEnergies SE, and Valvoline Inc.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The global automotive engine oil market is experiencing significant growth due to the adoption of advanced technologies. Vendors are investing in research and development to create superior engine oils using advanced antioxidants, surfactants, high-pressure agents, and superior corrosion inhibitors. The market is witnessing the increasing use of bonded technology, where high-pressure lubricants are formulated through the chemical treatment of hydrocarbons. These advanced lubricants offer improved resistance to high temperatures and pressure, as well as enhanced anti-corrosion properties. Vendors are also minimizing the usage of particles like graphite, molybdenum disulfide, and polytetrafluoroethylene resins to improve engine performance and emissions. These advancements in engine oil technology are anticipated to fuel the growth of the global automotive engine oil market during the forecast period.

The automotive engine oil market is witnessing significant trends in motor oil products for various types of vehicle engines. Temperature control is crucial in engine assembly, with transmission chambers requiring high-quality oil to prevent rusting and oxidation. Petroleum-based base oils and additives are key raw materials for conventional and synthetic lubes. Vehicle production is driving demand for motor oil, with electric vehicles also requiring specific types. Transmission and spark plugs benefit from high-performance engine oils. Logistics activities are essential for timely delivery of these products. Temperature management remains a challenge, especially in turbocharged engines. Synthetic engine oils, semi-synthetic, and mineral grade types cater to diverse needs. Fuel types like gasoline, ammonia, CNG, and LNG influence oil selection. Friction reduction and engine protection are primary concerns. Oil grades and additives, such as detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents, are essential for optimal engine performance. Crude oil prices impact the cost of base oils, making price fluctuations a significant factor. The market is expected to grow, driven by increasing vehicle production and the shift towards cleaner fuels.

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Market Challenges

 The automotive engine oil market relies on petroleum hydrocarbons derived from crude oil for production. Crude oil price volatility directly impacts engine oil pricing. In 2022, the global crude oil market experienced erratic quarterly averages, with prices ranging from USD83 to USD112.4 per barrel. These fluctuations create uncertainty for the demand of petroleum hydrocarbons in engine oil manufacturing. As a result, the automotive engine oil market growth may face challenges due to the unpredictable crude oil price trends during the forecast period.

 The automotive engine oil market faces several challenges in the raw materials sector, particularly in the sourcing of base oils and additives. Crude oil prices and availability impact base oil production, while the demand for additives like ammonia, detergents, and dispersants increases due to emissions reduction requirements. Turbochargers in engines generate more heat, necessitating high-performance engine oils that function as insulators for moving parts. Urbanization drives demand for motor oils in passenger vehicles, LCVs, and HCVs, as well as off-highway construction vehicles. OEMs prefer BSIV compliant, light-weight engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines. Alternative fuels like CNG, LNG, and e-commerce platforms influence oil change intervals and automation in oil change services. Market leaders like Castrol innovate with semi-synthetic and mineral grade types to cater to diverse engine types and fuel types. The Marcellus shale and Permian basin contribute to the base oil supply, while OEMs collaborate to develop engine-specific oils. Friction between engine parts and the need for longer oil drain intervals necessitate advanced additives and formulations. The market is witnessing the adoption of robotics and automation in oil production and distribution.

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Segment Overview

This automotive engine oil market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Application

1.1 Passenger vehicles

1.2 Commercial vehicles

Type

2.1 Diesel

2.2 Petrol

2.3 Alternative fuels

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

Country

China , US, Germany , Japan , France , India , UK, Brazil , UAE, and Canada

1.1 Passenger vehicles- The global automotive engine oil market is experiencing significant growth due to the high consumption of engine oil in passenger vehicles. Passenger cars, which use passenger car motor oil (PCMO), account for a large portion of vehicles in operation. The consumption of engine oil depends on various factors, including engine type, cylinder displacement, and service intervals. Mineral-based engine oil is commonly used in gasoline, flex-fuel, and utility vehicles, while full synthetic oil is preferred for high-performance engines. Major engine oil manufacturers are investing in advanced technologies to meet evolving Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. These standards apply to gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are continuously improving engine performance and energy efficiency, leading to increased demand for passenger vehicles with advanced fuel injection systems, variable cylinder displacement, and hybrid powertrains. Key players in the passenger vehicle engine oil market include BP Plc, Exxon Mobil Corp, Chevron Corp., Shell Plc, and Valvoline Inc. They provide a range of engine oil grades and specifications to cater to diverse customer needs. Both conventional (mineral oil-based) and synthetic engine oil (semi and fully synthetic) are available in various viscosity grades. These vendors ensure their products comply with regulatory requirements, such as the new ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B regulations, which address increased friction levels and enhanced engine protection. These regulations are expected to boost engine oil adoption and fuel the growth of the passenger vehicle segment in the global automotive engine oil market.

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Research Analysis

The automotive engine oil market is driven by the need for efficient and cleaner lubrication solutions for various engine types, including gasoline and diesel. The market's growth is influenced by several factors, such as the use of advanced base oils derived from crude oil and the addition of additives like dispersants, detergents, and ammonia for emissions reduction. The shift towards light-weight engines and alternative fuels like CNG, LNG, and Marcellus shale is also impacting the market's growth. Turbochargers are increasingly being used to improve engine performance, leading to the demand for high-performance engine oils. The market offers various grade insights, including mineral grade type and semi-synthetic, with the latter gaining popularity due to their extended oil drain intervals. E-commerce platforms are also transforming the way engine oils are sold and distributed.

Market Research Overview

The automotive engine oil market is driven by the demand for efficient and high-performance lubricants to protect engine parts from friction, heat, rusting, and oxidation. The market utilizes various raw materials, primarily crude oil as the base, and adds various additives such as ammonia, detergents, and dispersant additives to enhance performance. The market caters to different engine types, including gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels like CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles. Urbanization and the increasing use of off-highway construction vehicles have led to a rise in demand for engine oils that meet emissions reduction standards like BSIV compliant. The market also caters to light-weight engines, which require motor oils with shorter oil drain intervals. Advancements in technology, such as automation, robotics, e-commerce, and longer oil change intervals, have transformed the market. The market is segmented into different engine types, including passenger vehicles, LCV, HCV, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. The production of vehicle engines requires various motor oil products, including synthetic lubes and conventional oil, during engine assembly and transmission chamber processes. The market is influenced by various factors, including temperature, soot, and the type of fuel used, such as petroleum, LNG fuels from Marcellus shale and the Permian basin, and OEM specifications. The market also caters to different vehicle types, including diesel and petrol engines, and electric vehicles.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Application

Passenger Vehicles



Commercial Vehicles

Type

Diesel



Petrol



Alternative Fuels

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



South America



Middle East And Africa



7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (cdmo) market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.32 billion from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period.

For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Biologics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) Market 2025-2029

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2024 Forecast period 2025-2029 Historic Data for 2019 - 2023 Segments Covered Type (Mammalian and Microbial), Product Type (Biologics and Biosimilars), Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)), and Service () Key Companies Covered 3P Biopharmaceuticals, AbbVie Inc., AGC Biologics, Binex Co. Ltd., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bora Pharmaceuticals, Catalent Inc., Evonik Industries AG, FUJIFILM Corp., Grifols SA, J RETTENMAIER and SOHNE GmbH and Co KG, JSR Corp., Kemwell Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Lonza Group Ltd., Novartis AG, Rentschler Biopharma SE, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Toyobo Co. Ltd., and WuXi Biologics Cayman Inc. Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)

Region Outlook

North America Europe Asia Rest of World

1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 58%. To the growth of the global market. The Biologics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027.

The US market holds a significant share in the North American Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industry. Key factors contributing to this include the active involvement of the US government in reimbursing biologics, growing patient awareness regarding the benefits of biologic therapies, and an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Major players, such as AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, and Amgen, headquartered in the US, offer a range of contract development and manufacturing solutions and advanced technology services. These vendors cater to both small and medium-sized pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the region, enabling their success through differentiated products and services.

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Segmentation Overview

Type

1.1 Mammalian

1.2 Microbial

Product Type

2.1 Biologics

2.2 Biosimilars

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

Service

Country

US, Germany , Canada , France , China , UK, Japan , Italy , India , and South Korea

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The mammalian segment holds a significant share in the global biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market due to the increasing use of mammalian cells in producing therapeutic proteins. Mammalian cells, derived from mammalian tissue, are primarily used for growing animal cells in vitro. These cells include fibroblasts, epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Lymphocytes are found in the blood, while the rest are found in tissue. The rising application of mammalian cells in treating various diseases, particularly in producing human proteins with high therapeutic potential, such as tissue plasminogen activators, clotting factors, and erythropoietin, is a major factor driving market growth. Recombinant proteins from mammalian cells are used in therapeutics for conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer, transforming the healthcare landscape. Moreover, mammalian cell culture technology is widely used for producing vaccines in bulk, making it a significant revenue generator in the market. For instance, Catalent Inc.'s agreement with Spicona to develop a COVID-19 vaccine using its proprietary GPEx cell line development technology is a testament to this trend. Catalent offers comprehensive services, including mammalian cell line development, process development, process validation, formulation development, and drug substance manufacturing, from preclinical to commercial stages. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the mammalian segment in the global biologics CDMO market during the forecast period.

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Research Analysis

The Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market encompasses the production and development of large molecules, including biologics, biosimilars, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer therapies, for pharmaceutical clients. This market caters to various therapeutic areas such as chronic infectious diseases, diabetes, and oncology. Biologics CDMOs specialize in supply chain management, quality testing, and clinical services for small-molecule drugs and biopharmaceuticals. They employ advanced technologies like automation, software development, process engineering, and biology to ensure optimal production and development of these complex therapeutics. Tissue processing is also a critical aspect of biologics CDMOs, ensuring the highest quality standards are met for the final product.

Market Overview

The Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market encompasses the production of biologics, including small molecules, large molecules, biosimilars, monoclonal antibodies, cancer therapies, and vaccines, using advanced technology and specialized expertise. The market caters to various disease landscapes, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and ageing-related diseases like myelosuppression, cardiotoxicity, and renal insufficiency. Biologics CDMOs offer clinical services, process engineering, automation, and software development to biopharmaceutical companies. The market includes niche CDMOs focusing on biologics segment, monoclonal segment, immunotherapy, plant-based expression systems, and novel therapies. The supply chain involves third-party logistic providers ensuring evidence-based practice and quality testing. The market also covers non-mammalian (microbial) production of recombinant proteins and vaccines, somatic cells, tissues, and biological molecules like nucleic acids, cell receptors, and metabolic illnesses. The biology behind these complex molecules requires a deep understanding of homeostatic processes and metabolism, including hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. The geriatric population and mental state are significant considerations, as well as potential side effects such as polypharmacy, allergies, and gene therapy.

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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

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
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring Cross and Vector BioMed, Inc. are pleased to announce that Boro Dropulic, Executive Director of Caring Cross and CEO of Vector BioMed, will be speaking at Advanced Therapies Week (ATW) on January 21 and 22 in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Dropulic will participate in three key sessions where he will share his expertise and insights into the future of cell and gene therapies, strategies for improving access, and the commercialization of innovative therapeutics.

Session Details

Plenary Panel: "Innovating for the Future of Cell and Gene Therapies"

Date: January 21, 2025

Time: 9:00 - 10:30 CST

Highlights: Dr. Dropulic will join an esteemed panel to explore challenges and solutions for advancing the next generation of cell and gene therapies.



Panel Discussion: "The CAR-T Story and the Future of Cell Therapies"

Date: January 21, 2025

Session Timing: 13:15 - 14:15 CST

Overview: Delve into the CAR-T journey, including technological advancements and innovations shaping the landscape of cellular therapies.



Workshop: "Transforming Good Science into Sustainable Business: Actionable Strategies for Commercializing Cell and Gene Therapies"

Date: January 22, 2025

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 CST

Format: A hands-on session where Dr. Dropulic will outline pathways for converting scientific innovation into scalable and accessible commercial solutions.

Thought Leadership from Dr. Boro Dropulic

Dr. Dropulic will address pressing issues such as the high cost of CAR-T and other cellular therapies, the importance of point-of-care manufacturing, and the global push to localize development and production:

Reducing Manufacturing Costs: Lowering the cost of materials, particularly lentiviral vectors, is critical to making therapies accessible. Vector BioMed is leading the way, offering GMP-grade lentiviral vectors at approximately half the price of leading alternatives through innovative and efficient manufacturing processes.

Lowering the cost of materials, particularly lentiviral vectors, is critical to making therapies accessible. Vector BioMed is leading the way, offering GMP-grade lentiviral vectors at approximately half the price of leading alternatives through innovative and efficient manufacturing processes. Point-of-Care Manufacturing: Centralized manufacturing models are costly and inefficient. Distributing manufacturing directly to care facilities can reduce costs and ensure that transformative therapies reach more patients in need.





Centralized manufacturing models are costly and inefficient. Distributing manufacturing directly to care facilities can reduce costs and ensure that transformative therapies reach more patients in need. Global Access: Empowering low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to develop and manufacture advanced therapeutics will address disparities in healthcare access and drive meaningful change. Caring Cross's initiatives and international networks aim to localize production capabilities and enable affordable treatments for underserved regions.

Caring Cross: Building a Global Network for Advanced Therapeutics

Through its International Affordable Advanced Therapeutics Manufacturing Network, Caring Cross partners with organizations worldwide to enhance point-of-care, low-cost manufacturing of cellular therapeutics. This network promotes equity, inclusiveness, and sustainability by:

Strengthening manufacturing capacity and clinical trial infrastructure.

Expanding collaboration and visibility for member organizations.

Enabling transparent and responsive manufacturing practices.

By addressing these needs, the network empowers organizations to serve diverse populations and contribute to the equitable development and distribution of lifesaving therapies.

Vector BioMed: Transforming Lentiviral Vector Development and Rapid Production

Vector BioMed continues to expand its development resources and optimize lentiviral vector manufacturing. The company is focused on:

Disrupting traditional workflows to offer cost-effective solutions.

Refining vector design during early development for enhanced efficiency.

Continuing innovation: Later in 2025, Vector BioMed plans to launch several new products as part of a notable expansion of its premier lentiviral vector platform technology.

With these advancements, Vector BioMed is committed to driving innovation while maintaining an unwavering focus on cost reduction for its clients.

Connect with Caring Cross and Vector BioMed at ATW

Learn more about Vector BioMed's lentiviral vector services at Vector BioMed .

Discover how Caring Cross is advancing global access to therapies at Caring Cross .

Request a meeting with team members at ATW using the ATW Event App ( link ), our contact form , or via email at [email protected].

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bryce Goodman

Director, Marketing and Communications

Vector Biomed

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 440-315-1796

Daniel Laender

Director of Communications

Caring Cross

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 240-447-3692

SOURCE Caring Cross
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global commercial aircraft leasing market size is estimated to grow by USD 20.93 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.45% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below-

Segmentation Overview

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global commercial aircraft leasing market 2024-2028

Product

1.1 Narrow-body aircrafts

1.2 Wide-body aircrafts

1.3 Regional aircrafts

Type

2.1 Wet lease

2.2 Dry lease

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

Security

Country

China , US, Germany , Japan , and France

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The narrow-body aircraft segment is experiencing significant growth in the commercial aircraft leasing market. With a substantial market share, this segment is characterized by its operational efficiency and versatility, making it popular for short- to medium-haul flights. Narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, are ideal for low-cost carriers and point-to-point travel due to their single aisle design and capacity to accommodate between 100 to 230 passengers. Factors driving this segment's growth include the increasing demand for air travel, particularly in emerging markets where low-cost carriers are expanding rapidly. Leasing narrow-body aircraft offers airlines operational flexibility, enabling them to adjust their fleets to meet seasonal demand without the financial burden of purchasing aircraft. Additionally, these aircraft are more fuel-efficient and have lower operating costs compared to wide-body models, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious airlines. In summary, the narrow-body aircraft segment is poised for continued growth within the global commercial aircraft leasing market due to rising air travel demand, operational flexibility, and cost efficiency.

Analyst Review

The aircraft leasing market refers to the business of leasing commercial jet aircraft to airlines and other operators. Lessors, the aircraft owners, acquire new or used aircraft and lease them to lessees, typically airlines, for a specified period. Leasing allows airlines to obtain aircraft without the upfront capital cost of purchasing, enabling them to focus on their core business of operations. Aircraft types include narrow body, wide body, and regional jets, leased by full-service airlines, low-cost carriers, and regional operators. Lease types include wet lease, damp lease, and dry lease, which vary in the level of crew and maintenance provision. Aircraft storage and maintenance costs are significant considerations for lessors, particularly during airline failures or prolonged grounding. Aercap, a leading global aircraft leasing company, plays a significant role in the market, providing flexible financing solutions to airlines worldwide.

Market Overview

The aircraft leasing market is a significant segment of the aviation industry, where lessors own and lease aircraft to airlines and other lessees. Leasing allows airlines to acquire jet planes without the upfront cost of purchasing an aircraft outright. The market caters to various aircraft types, including narrow body, wide body, and regional jets, used for scheduled commercial traffic, low-cost carriers, and new airlines. Economic growth and passenger air traffic drive the demand for fleet expansion and modernization. Lessors offer lease types such as wet, damp, and dry lease, with varying levels of maintenance and operational responsibilities. The market faces challenges like airline failures, low-cost airlines' pressure on lease rates, and the impact of fuel prices. Sustainable initiatives like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and green initiatives are gaining traction. Maintenance and operation costs are major concerns for lessors and lessees. Companies like Aercap dominate the commercial aircraft leasing sector, with short-term and long-term leasing options. The market is influenced by key factors such as aircraft deliveries, airport infrastructure, and aircraft storage. The leasing market also includes major stakeholders like Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and GE Aviation. The market is also influenced by critical challenges such as carbon emissions, passenger safety, and the impact of lockdowns on air travel. The rise of urban air mobility and unmanned aerial mobility presents new investment pockets and opportunities. In conclusion, the aircraft leasing market plays a crucial role in the aviation industry, offering flexible solutions for aircraft ownership and enabling the growth of airlines and the aviation sector as a whole.

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

AerCap

Air Lease Corporation

Aircastle Ltd.

ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company K.S.C.P

Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services

Avolon

BBAM

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd.

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Ltd.

CIT Commercial Air

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
Eccles is also home to the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, an interdisciplinary entrepreneurship and innovation hub serving the whole University of Utah. The Lassonde Studios combines residential space with a massive innovation lab where students can live, create, and collaborate on entrepreneurial projects. The Princeton Review ranked the university the Wests third best graduate program for entrepreneurship for 2025 while U.S. News & World Report ranked it in the top five for 2024.

The Eccles School of Business has the entrepreneurial chops to back a degree that not just allows students to work on a venture through the program, but requires it. Its Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy is known for its emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with real-world experiences through startup competitions, workshops, and partnerships with the business community.

The coursework is entirely tailored to each founders venture, which means every assignment directly impacts MedicalMatch. Instead of generic case studies, Im working on actionable steps to grow our platform, refine our messaging, and scale our operations.

Traditional MBA programs didnt align with my goals; I needed something more actionable and directly applicable to my venture. The MBC program stood out because its designed specifically for founders, she says.

So, this fall Phillips enrolled in the Master of Business Creation program at University of Utahs David Eccles School of Business. Its a masters with a value proposition unlike any other in business education: Students not only finish with a degree, they leave with a startup.

Just one problem: Phillips knew little about setting a business strategy, much less setting up operations or scaling a company. Its one thing to come up with an idea to solve a market problem, another thing entirely to build it into something useful.

Our vision extends beyond solving short-term staffing needs; we aim to foster trust, improve patient outcomes, and retain experienced clinicians in the workforce for longer. By focusing on the needs of both clinicians and healthcare facilities, MedicalMatch is helping to build a healthier workforce ecosystem, Phillips tells Poets&Quants.

In 2022, she founded MedicalMatch , a tech-enabled platform designed to help healthcare organizations tackle daily staffing gaps. Unlike traditional staffing agencies, MedicalMatch is a marketplace that allows hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers to find experienced, vetted clinicians to fill temporary care positions, all matched by specialty, skill set, and education.

As a registered nurse for nearly 20 years, Ali Phillips has cared for patients in hospice, emergency, and palliative care settings. All shared a common problem: Staffing.

Class of 2024 graduates of University of Utahs David Eccles School of Business Master of Business Creation program. Graduates leave the program with both a degree and a viable venture. Courtesy photo

Story Continues

Six years ago, the entrepreneurship faculty at Eccles started talking about a new kind of degree to help bridge the gap between startup accelerators and incubators and more traditional business education.

Paul Brown, MBC director

While accelerators offer intense mentorship, they tend to be short term and focused on raising outside capital and preparing for Pitch Day. This isnt always the right fit for bootstrapped businesses or nonprofits, says Paul Brown, the James Lee Sorenson Presidential Chair and a Professor (lecturer) of Entrepreneurship.

Traditional education  MBAs, masters in management, etc.  on the other hand, are typically more generalized and dont provide the hands-on training needed to grow a business.

We saw a gap and built MBC to fill it, says Brown, director of the Master of Business Education (MBC).

Its highly practical. It is also highly rigorous, and you have to have a company to be admitted. You bring the company in with you. We have this very differentiated, integrated practical curriculum thats not like anything youve ever seen in higher ed.

The MBC is a one-year masters program enrolling between 20 and 30 students per year for its in-person track. A separate online cohort  offering the same content and resources, taught by the same professors  enrolls about 75 students per year, but offers flexibility many founders require when building their ventures.

Every founder/student is paired with an experienced entrepreneur preceptor to work one-on-one throughout the program. Course assignments and projects are tailored for the students particular venture.

Theres nothing else like it. In fact, we trademarked the name. Master of Business Creation and MBC are trademarks owned by the University of Utah, Brown says.

We really think that what weve got here can become the de facto standard for practical entrepreneurship programs for startup entrepreneurs.

Board Budder offers a plant-based ski and snowboard wax that is slick and sustainable. It was founded by MBC candidate Erik Smith. Courtesy photo

LEAVE WITH A DEGREE AND A BUSINESS

Since its launch in 2019, the MBC has helped hundreds of founders grow companies big, medium, and small. The companies span industries and regions, from RedHead Trailer & Boat  a collapsible trailer, tent, and boat contraption  to Ecovon  eco-friendly building materials made from agricultural waste.

Justin Rae is a serial entrepreneur who joined the MBCs first cohort in 2019 with Cinch, a marketing tech startup that helps businesses generate revenue from existing customers. The company was generating about $12,000 in revenue when he started the MBC. To date, the company has raised more than $10 million from venture investors and hit $7 million in revenue in 2024.

Theres also Alyssa Bertelsen, a former professional ballerina who knew she couldnt dance professionally forever. She had virtually no business experience when she started her nonprofit dance company, Rise Up School of Dance. Through the MBC, Bertelsen learned to build a financial model, form a legal entity, expand her studio, and triple her enrollment. Today, Rise Up is a thriving nonprofit that provides dance instruction to underserved children in Salt Lake City.

She is someone who had a vision, wanted to be an entrepreneur, had the professional background, but just didnt know how to be a business person, Brown says. Shes raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and created jobs for people who were volunteering. Its a wonderful story.

Of course, not all startups make it. Most dont in fact. That doesnt mean students wont earn the degree if their venture closes. While program faculty work to select students with validated ideas and businesses, they recognize that startups can pivot or fail.

We have had some founders in our program join forces. Weve had some founders in our program pivot to slightly different business models, and weve had some pivot to radically different business models. Weve had some just completely fail, Brown says.

We can work with all those models and help people get through the program and earn the degree, because we really feel like were giving them a toolkit of how to do a startup.

Shop Taby, founded by MBC candidate Taby Davila, provides vibrant, original designs that inspire confidence by offering an inclusive sizing range. Courtesy photo

A MASTERS DEGREE FOR $17,000

Affordability is another important value proposition of the MBC. The program costs just $17,000, with significant underwriting by the Lassonde family and the business school itself. Scholarships are offered to most candidates.

Its not like an Executive MBA Program where your employer is paying for it. Its not like a traditional MBA program where youre going to get a big, high paying job on Wall Street or in management consulting, Brown says.

Our founders are literally asking, Do I put this money in my business, or do I put this money toward the degree?

Beyond financial support, the program offers resources that would be cost-prohibitive for many founders. Students receive access to Amazon Web Services hosting as well as free marketing and PR services.

MBC recently added a microgrant program where founders can apply for $500 to attend conferences, test prototypes, or run marketing experiments. It also launched the MBC Marketing Agency, which is staffed by graduate and undergraduate students with digital marketing experience and managed by a professional marketer. Through Crimson Partners, founders can seek help from computer science and data science graduate students to solve technical challenges.

Its a win-win, because the graduate students want real experience with real companies, and our MBC companies need help, but they dont have much cash, Brown says.

This fall, the program launched its first international online cohort with about 20 African entrepreneurs who work with local preceptors and facilitators on the continent. Eccles has long partnered with startup accelerator Generation Africa. During COVID, while the school was running hybrid classrooms, it admitted several African founders from Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria to its MBC.

The success of those students led to the creation of the African cohort.

Whats fascinating about Africa is there are much fewer resources. Theres much less capital. And so the founders have to be really scrappy, Brown says. And because theyre really scrappy, theyre just good at figuring stuff out.

The school has also expanded its North American online cohort to include Canada, and is looking to expand further with MBC cohorts in India and Europe.

Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building at the University of Utah. Courtesy photo

A COMMUNITY OF FOUNDERS

Throughout her time in MBC, Phillips says she has found a supportive community of entrepreneurs that includes her incredible cohort, experienced faculty, and on-the-ground mentors.

Being a founder can be a lonely journey, especially a female founder, but the MBC program creates a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who support and encourage each other. The collaboration and camaraderie within the cohort are unmatched, she tells P&Q.

The faculty are another standout feature. Many of them are serial entrepreneurs who have successfully built, scaled, and exited several companies. They bring real-world insights that go beyond theory. Their mentorship has been instrumental in guiding MedicalMatch through critical growth stages.

Her company has made significant strides since she joined the program. Theyve refined their messaging and value proposition to clearly differentiate themselves from traditional staffing agencies, signed two new accounts, and closed a Seed Raise funding round. Its already begun work on a Series A.

The program also helped MedicalMatch streamline operations and focus on the metrics that matter most for scaling, such as time-to-fill shifts, clinician satisfaction, and client outcomes.

With a clearer roadmap and the insights gained from the MBC, were well-positioned to hit our ambitious growth goals, Phillips says.

The MBC is not just an academic experience  its a growth accelerator. Every course, project, and discussion is designed to drive measurable outcomes for MedicalMatch. Its been surprising and refreshing to see how immediately impactful the program has been.

DONT MISS: THE BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS IN THE U.S. FOR 2025 AND THE MOST DISRUPTIVE UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL STARTUPS OF 2024

The post Grads Of This Unique Program Leave With A Masters  And A Startup appeared first on Poets&Quants.
The pilot project will be located on a three-acre parcel in Tewksbury, MA.

ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Melmark, a national leader in the human services field, announced it will break ground in early 2025 on the development of an intentional adult planned community on a three acre site in Tewksbury. The project will address an ever-growing need in the state of Massachusetts for adult services that are evidence-based and instructional for individuals with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Melmark is creating an innovative new adult services model based on the premise of continuing care retirement communities popular in elder services.

Rendering of Melmark's intentional adult planned community.

The pilot project will cost an estimated $15 million to complete. Melmark collaborated with the Caveney Architectural Collaborative on the design, which will include four residences housing 20 adults, an instructional and vocational day program for 50+ individuals, a vocational coffee shop social enterprise, daily living activities, supports, community engagement, recreational opportunities, and affordable staff housing. Vantage Builders will manage the construction of the three-acre site over the projected two-year timeline to complete the project. Massachusetts-based law firm Dalton & Finegold is representing Melmark for all legal matters pertaining to this project.

"When we look at the individuals we serve who are turning 22, there's a significant cliff and drop-off in terms of financial resources as well as the number of providers who will serve individuals with profound or severe challenging behaviors and what we're seeing increasingly is that individuals who have these needs are not able to get access to those services once they turn 22," stated Melmark President and CEO Rita M. Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE. "Our goal is to develop an infrastructure and model that is campus-based and rooted in full community integration and resource-sharing, which will allow individuals to age in place through their whole lifespan with access to centralized medical services, retail, public transportation, banking opportunities, etc. with opportunities for continued best outcomes."

The model will offer staffing efficiencies in light of the national human services workforce crisis and will provide comprehensive public policy guidelines which can be replicated by other human service providers. To learn more about the pilot project, visit: www.melmark.org/planned-tewksbury-adult-community/

About Melmark

Melmark is a multi-state non-profit human service organization providing clinically sophisticated evidence-based special education, residential, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. All specialized special education services are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and are designed based on each student's individual needs.

Recognized as one of the leading providers in the country, Melmark has a combined staff of over 1,200 at its service divisions in Pennsylvania, New England, and the Carolinas and serves 700 individuals from across the country. www.melmark.org.

About Caveney Architectural Collaborative

Based in Lowell, MA, Caveney Architectural Collaborative (CAC) is an architectural design firm focused on creating spaces that address the unique needs of its clients. https://www.caveneyarch.com/

About Dalton & Finegold LLP

Dalton & Finegold LLP is a Massachusetts-based law firm specializing in real estate law, estate planning, and litigation. Dalton & Finegold is particularly renowned for its expertise in commercial and residential real estate transactions, assisting buyers, sellers, developers, and lenders with precision and care. www.DFLLP.com

About Vantage Builders, Inc.

Vantage Builders is a full-service commercial contractor specializing in pre-construction, construction management and design-build services. The firm serves corporations, small businesses, building owners, developers, property managers, entrepreneurs and institutions. www.vb-inc.com



SOURCE Melmark
TAIPEI, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading brand in PC case innovation, MONTECH introduces the Heritage, a luxurious blend of leather and metal. Featuring a suitcase-style handle, this compact yet spacious PC case redefines portability with elegance and practicality.

Where Luxury Meets Practicality

Heritage: A New Era of Leather Craft & High-End PC

The Heritage redefines sophistication with its timeless blend of premium leather and durable metal. Signature triangular accents showcase the brand's identity, while the suitcase-style leather handle combines elegance with portability. Designed for those who value style and functionality, the Heritage offers both striking aesthetics and convenience.

Compact Design, Powerful Performance

Heritage proves that great things come in small packages. Designed to maximize internal capacity and deliver exceptional performance, it supports a wide range of cooling solutions, making it ideal for high-performance build in a compact form factor.

Top Radiator: 280mm/360mm

Air Cooler: 170 mm

mm Fans Support: Up to 9 fans.

With its space-saving design and advanced cooling potential, the Heritage is engineered for users who demand efficiency and power in one elegant package.

Stability Meets Modern Elegance

Breaking away from traditional four-corner designs, the Heritage features sleek, elongated feet that enhance stability and elevate its modern aesthetic, blending functional support with refined style.

Elegance with Practical Utility

The Heritage PRO includes 4 premium GF 120 fans pre-installed and a replaceable handle connection point, enabling users to attach an accessory bracket for hanging headphones or other essentials. This thoughtful feature enhances functionality without compromising the case's sleek and sophisticated design.

Click here for more information

Release Date & Pricing

The Heritage will be available for purchase on January 18, 2025, 9AM ET.

Heritage Black & White : US$89.9

& : Heritage PRO Black & White : US$109 .9

About MONTECH

Established by Telon Co. Ltd. in 2016, MONTECH is a powerhouse in the PC gaming industry, committed to delivering excellence in every product. With a focus on simplicity in design, unparalleled quality and safety, and user-friendly experiences, MONTECH has earned the trust of PC builders worldwide. Known for providing top-performance products at competitive prices, MONTECH has rapidly ascended to become a market leader in the USA and Asia.

Driven by innovation and a relentless pursuit of perfection, MONTECH is on an aggressive expansion path, bringing its cutting-edge solutions to a global audience. Join the revolution in PC gaming and experience the MONTECH difference.

For more information, visit www.montechpc.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

SOURCE MONTECH
BEIJING, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- President Xi Jinping again congratulated Donald Trump on Friday on his reelection as president of the United States. In a telephone call with the president-elect, Xi said that both leaders attached importance to interacting with each other. He expressed his hopes that China-US ties will have a new beginning, relations will achieve greater progress over the next four years, and the two countries will become partners and friends.

Chinese and US flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing. [Photo/Agencies]

Xi stressed that as two great nations, China and the US are both chasing their respective dream, and both are dedicated to having their peoples lead a better life. The two countries have broad common interests and lots of cooperation space, and they can contribute to each other's success, benefiting the two nations and the world.

Afterwards, Trump posted on his Truth Social account that he had just spoken with President Xi and 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".

The telephone call, in addition to the congratulatory message that President Xi sent to Trump on Nov 7, following his reelection as president of the US, underscored Beijing's willingness to foster a constructive relationship with the new administration.

A China-US relationship with stable, healthy and sustainable development serves the common interests of the two countries and meets the expectations of the international community. History shows that both countries gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.

It is hoped that the two sides will enhance dialogue and communication on the basis of mutual respect, properly manage their differences and expand their mutually beneficial cooperation. Finding the right way for China and the US to get along with each other and peacefully coexist will meet the expectations of both peoples and the world.

Over the past four years, China-US relations have gone through ups and downs, but the two sides have continued to engage in dialogue and cooperation by means of more than 20 communication mechanisms that have been restarted or established. With guidance from the top leadership, these mechanisms have played a vital role in maintaining overall stability in the relationship.

As President Xi has stressed on multiple occasions, the US should treat China as an equal partner and refrain from attempts to reshape China's development according to its own preferences or undermine its legitimate rights.

Contradictions and differences between two major countries such as China and the US are unavoidable. But that is no reason why one side should try to undermine the core interests of the other, let alone challenge the paramount principles that are the foundation for their relations. The one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques are the political bedrock of China-US relations, and must be respected by any US administration.

As President Xi has previously underscored, the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's right to development are China's four red lines. These are the most important guardrails for relations with China. The US should have a correct perception of China and its development. It should recognize that the common interests of China and the US are expanding rather than contracting. Engaging in more dialogue and cooperation with China is not only beneficial but also essential for addressing global challenges.

Facing the increasingly grave global challenges ranging from climate change to burning regional issues, China and the US have no reason not to always keep in mind the bigger picture of humanity's future and their responsibilities for world peace. They should provide public goods for the world, act in a way conducive to global unity and not coerce other countries into taking sides.

The trajectory of China-US relations over the past 45 years has proved the resilience and vitality of their relationship. It is clear that when the two countries treat each other as partners and seek common ground while shelving differences, their relationship makes considerable progress. China is willing to facilitate people-to-people and cultural exchanges to help the US people gain a better understanding of the country's modernization efforts and its goals.

China's US policy remains unchanged. Its desire for a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the US remains unchanged. At this critical moment, the two countries have a clear responsibility to history, to the two peoples and to the world.

Beijing has made it clear that it is willing to work with the US under the second Trump administration to stabilize, improve and take China-US relations forward. It is to be hoped that the new US administration will, as Trump said, reciprocate this commitment.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology Network's acclaimed Signature Performances is set to premiere STANLEY CLARKE: FOREVER on Sunday, January 19, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

This extraordinary documentary offers a glimpse into the creative genius of Grammy Award-winning bassist Stanley Clarke. Post this Scientology Networks acclaimed Signature Performances is set to premiere STANLEY CLARKE: FOREVER on Sunday, January 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The extraordinary documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the creative genius of four-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, producer and film composer Stanley Clarke. Celebrating his remarkable legacy and unveiling the making of his highly anticipated new album, Last Train to Sanity, the documentary showcases Clarke's unparalleled artistry and enduring impact on the music world. He is joined by 4EVER, his new band of virtuoso young musicians.

Since bursting onto the world stage five decades ago with a groundbreaking style that revolutionized the role of the bass, Clarke's influence continues to loom large over today's musicfrom jazz, R&B and funk to pop, hip-hop and rock. A pioneer of the jazz fusion genre, Clarke has worked alongside other revered artists including Chick Corea, Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck and George Duke. Clarke has been honored extensively throughout his storied career. Among his many accolades, he's been named Rolling Stone magazine's very first Jazzman of the Year and was a 2022 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship.

Clarke's massive impact is acknowledged throughout the film by renowned artist and record producer Marcus Miller and the exceptional young musicians handpicked for the project by the maestro himself. The one-hour documentary includes stories and recollections from Clarke on his long-time relationship with Chick Corea and their trailblazing collaborations. Also featured are other major milestones that helped lead Clarke on the path of such a distinguished career.

Last Train to Sanity features brand-new material and fresh takes of beloved jazz fusion classics. The 4EVER band includes drummer Jeremiah Collier, Colin Cook on guitar, Emilio Modeste on tenor sax and clarinet and Jahari Stampley on piano and keyboard. Special guest appearances throughout include a thrilling bass duet with Cameroonian bassist Armand Sabal-Lecco, a beautiful reimagining of Clarke's piece "Tradition" with Ruslan Sirota on piano and a duet between Stanley and Salar Nader, one of the most sought-after young tabla players.

With a fundamental belief that every artist has something unique and special to offer, the project is a manifestation of Clarke's commitment to encourage and guide the next generation of artists.

For more information, visit Scientology.TV/StanleyClarke.

Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

SOURCE Church of Scientology International
ALTADENA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Summerkids Camp, a family-run business in the hills of Altadena, announced that its camp property that hosted generations of children over five decades was destroyed by the Eaton Fire.

A burned bear statue at Summerkids Camp in Altadena, CA, after the Eaton Fire.

While the camp is closed, the camp community is rallying around each other, said Summerkids Camp Director Cara DiMassa, a member of the family that has run the camp since its founding. "We are grieving all that we have lost in Altadena, including many of our camp families' homes," DiMassa said. "But I am heartened by the way members of the Summerkids community are supporting one another."

DiMassa has spent the last week compiling a database of Summerkids Camp families who lost their home to the Eaton Fire, including the camp's caretaker, who lived on site. At last count, DiMassa said, more than 50 Summerkids Camp families had lost homes in the Eaton Fire, including several families in which both parents and children attended the camp.

"In some cases, families who lost their own homes have been donating to other Summerkids Camp families in similar situations," DiMassa said. "It shows how much we value each other as a camp community and come together in crises like this."

Summerkids, which began in 1978 and was located at the Altadena site since 1980, is owned and operated by the DiMassa family. Tens of thousands of campers from Altadena and surrounding communities have attended the camp, which served campers in grades K-9.

The summer camp operated on a 55-acre site originally built for the Camp Fire Girls in the late 1940s. The site included a historic and architecturally significant lodge designed by famed local architect Boyd Georgi. In addition, all structures  including four cabins, a caretaker's house, playgrounds, an amphitheater, archery ranges and more  were lost in the fire.

SOURCE Summerkids Camp
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Arish, Jan 18 : Egyptian authorities have been intensifying aid delivery efforts in the North Sinai province bordering Gaza in preparation for the reopening of the Rafah crossing, the only channel linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt.

In the Egyptian city of Arish near the Rafah crossing, hundreds of aid truck drivers are awaiting the green light to deliver aid to the besieged enclave that has suffered more than 15 months, Xinhua news agency reported.

The long-awaited truce agreement between Hamas and Israel that was reached in Doha on Wednesday is expected to be enforced on Sunday.

Xinhua correspondents in Arish city witnessed trucks loaded with food, clothes, medical equipment, tents, mobile toilets, and other relief materials lining up in several cities in North Sinai, mainly Arish, Sheikh Zuweid, and Rafah, some of which have been waiting for several months.

Ahmad Adel, one of the truck drivers, hopes he can drive to the Palestinian side of the crossing to help Gazan people, adding, "It was a moment of joy to all drivers when we heard about the news of reaching the deal."

A security source said that at least 500 aid trucks will enter Gaza from the Rafah crossing and through the Israeli Karm Abu Salem border crossing, adding that Egyptian authorities have established several logistic centers.

A blood donor campaign was launched in anticipation of receiving injured Palestinians, while the medical sector is at utmost alert in all Sinai hospitals, according to a medical source.

Hospitals in Arish, Sheik Zuweid, and Rafah are well-equipped, and medical teams in 100 ambulances have been sent to the Rafah crossing to receive the injured Palestinians, the source added.

Meanwhile, a security source told Xinhua that the Egyptian side prepared heavy machines to help pave all the roads and passages on the Palestinian side to promote access to urgent humanitarian aid.

A source from the Egyptian Red Crescent said over 1,000 relief aid trucks are currently prepared to pass through the Rafah crossing.

Egyptian Red Crescent teams in North Sinai are divided into action groups to offer psychological support, facilitate the transfer of the wounded from the crossing to hospitals, and prepare food and medical aid.

Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar held a meeting on Friday to ensure the capacity of hospitals. He instructed an increase in the number of medical teams in the intensive care departments of hospitals in North Sinai, according to statements from the ministry.

Earlier in the day, delegations from Egypt, Qatar, the US, and Israel met in Cairo to establish mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire deal, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel reported.

The mechanisms will cover the reopening of the Rafah crossing for dispatching the wounded Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid, the report said.

The World Health Organization has said that as the ceasefire takes hold, more countries must step forward to receive additional patients for specialised 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.
San Francisco, Jan 18 : A fire at an energy storage facility of the Moss Landing Power Plant near Monterey Bay, the US state of California, forced evacuations.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for areas of Moss Landing after a fire broke out at the site earlier Thursday afternoon. County officials opened a temporary evacuation point at the Castroville Recreation Center, Xinhua news agency reported.

Authorities also cautioned residents to close their windows and doors and shut off air systems "out of an abundance of caution," the sheriff's office said. Public health officials issued a similar warning in neighbouring Santa Cruz County.

State Route 1 was shut down at Salinas Road and Merrit Street due to the blaze with no estimated reopening time, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A fire was detected in the 300-megawatt energy storage facility on the site Thursday afternoon and all site personnel were evacuated, a spokesperson for Vistra Energy said in a statement.

Vistra Energy, the owner of the facility and the largest competitive power generator in the US, said that the cause of the fire "has not yet been determined." The company added that an investigation will be launched once the situation is under control.

"Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders," Vistra Energy said in a statement.

The Moss Landing Power Plant is a natural gas power plant that has operated near the Moss Landing Harbor since 2022, according to the California Energy Commission. It was not immediately clear what sparked the blaze.

An investigation into what sparked it would begin after the blaze was extinguished, the spokesperson said.

Vistra, a Texas-based energy company, began operating its $400 million energy storage facility on the power plant site in 2021. The company also operates a 1,020-megawatt natural gas-fueled power plant alongside the batteries, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP), Rahul Gandhi will visit Patna, Bihar on Saturday to participate in the 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan' and attend a Congress workers' meeting.

This marks his first visit to Bihar after assuming the LoP role in the Lok Sabha.

The Congress party has made extensive preparations for the visit, with the Sadaqat Ashram, the party's state headquarters, being beautifully decorated to welcome the Congress leader.

Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh expressed that party workers are excited about the former party chief's arrival, and the atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm.

A meeting on Thursday, attended by prominent party leaders, including AICC in-charge Mohan Prakash and state President Akhilesh Prasad Singh, finalised the plans for the visit.

Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan confirmed that party workers from across Bihar would converge in Patna for the event, including the workers' conference and the 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan'.

The event, to be held at Bapu Sabhagar, is part of a series of nationwide conclaves Rahul Gandhi has been leading, aimed at emphasising the need to protect the Constitution and targeting the ruling BJP.

During his visit, the Congress MP will also interact with party workers and leaders, as well as engage with social organisations, a continuation of his focus on connecting with grassroots movements, seen during his 'Jodo Nyay Yatra'.

Additionally, he is expected to meet with representatives of BPSC candidates who have been protesting against the recent question paper leak and demanding the cancellation of the examination.

Rahul Gandhi's visit will also include the inauguration of the newly constructed staff quarters and a refurbished auditorium at the Congress state headquarters in Sadaqat Ashram.

BJP leader and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey responded to Rahul Gandhias visit with a sarcastic remark, claiming that the public and even his own party take little notice of his travels, hinting at internal factionalism within the Congress.
Durban, Jan 18 : The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have returned to winning ways with a 58-run bonus victory over Durban's Super Giants at Kingsmead. The defending champions were desperate to kickstart their SA 20 Season 3 campaign after three defeats.

Durban, Jan 18 (IANS) The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have returned to winning ways with a 58-run bonus victory over Durbanas Super Giants at Kingsmead. The defending champions were desperate to kickstart their SA 20 Season 3 campaign after three defeats.

Aiden Markramas team responded to the rallying call from their skipper with a much-improved performance with the bat after he won the toss and opted to take the first strike.

England international Zak Crawley provided the early momentum with a 29-ball 34 before fellow Englishman Tom Abell crafted a 39-ball 57 (5x4) to maintain the momentum through the middle order.

Marco Jansen, who was fresh off a half-century in the last match, again provided the late flourish with 36 not out off 26 balls. The lanky allrounder shared an unbroken partnership of 24 off 13 balls with Tristan Stubbs (15 not out off eight balls) to lift the Sunrisers to 165/5.

Mystery spinner Noor Ahmad was the Super Giantsa most successful bowler with figures of 4-24.

The Super Giants' reply started in a positive fashion with opener Bryce Parsons and Matthew Breetzke putting on 40 for the first wicket. However, the pair were involved in a horrible mix up which led to Parsons being run out for 23 off 21 balls.

The Super Giants never quite recovered from thereon with left-arm spinner Liam Dawson utilising the spin-friendly conditions at Kingsmead to his advantage. The Englishman showed his experience by having Kane Williamson (3) caught and bowled before trapping Breetzke (21) plumb in front to finish with 2-18 from his four overs.

Dawson received solid support from fellow spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed the big wicket of Season MVP Heinrich Klaasen for just one.

Despite a couple of dropped catches that delayed the inevitable, the Sunrisers seamers completed a brilliant all-round bowling performance with Richard Gleeson and Ottneil Baartman chipping in with two wickets each to dismiss the Super Giants for just 107.

The two sides will go head-to-head again in a rematch at St Georgeas Park on Sunday.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, Jan 18 : Sneha Ullal, who previously shared that she is under the weather, has urged to not neglect a prolonged cough.

Sneha took to Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of the Spacer with MDI she is using to treat her cough. The instrument is a plastic tube that attaches to a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to help deliver medicine to the lungs.

She captioned the post: "Don't ever neglect a prolonged cough"

Sneha had earlier posted a picture of herself with zero make-up and captioned: "Excuse the D-Glam look Still recovering from a flu"

It was on January 13, Sneha shared that she is watching crime drama thriller "Black Warrant" while she has a fever.

Sneha, who was last seen on screen in the film "Love You Loktantra" in 2022, took to her Instagram stories, made her movie debut in the 2005 Hindi movie Lucky: No Time for Love opposite Salman Khan. "Lucky: No Time For Love", depicts the story of two lovers in war-torn Russia. She then appeared with Sohail Khan in Aryan.

Sneha made her debut in Telugu movies with Ullasamga Utsahamga, which turned out to be a huge hit. She was then seen in the Telugu movie Her Nenu Meeku Telusa?. It was followed by an appearance in the song Nuvvu ready in the Telugu movie King opposite Nagarjuna.

Her 2010 release Simha opposite Balakrishna turned out to be a blockbuster.

Sneha was brought up in the Middle East in Muscat, Oman. Later, she moved to Mumbai with her mother and attended Durelo Convent High School and studied at Vartak College. Arpita, sister of Salman spotted her and she got to act at 17 in 2003 when she just completed her 12th standard in the Hindi film Lucky: No Time for Love.
Seoul, Jan 18 : South Korean National Assembly has passed a revised bill proposed by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) on launching a special counsel probe into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid.

The revised bill was approved in a 188-86 vote during a parliamentary plenary session Friday, with ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers voting against it en masse. The opposition bloc currently dominates the 300-member parliament with 192 seats, Yonhap news agency reported.

The opposition-proposed bill excludes allegations that Yoon committed "treason" by attempting to deliberately provoke war with North Korea from the original proposed by the DP and five other parties.

The PPP has argued that the scope of the bill is excessive and decided to introduce its own bill that excludes such allegations.

The move came after DP floor leader Park Chan-dae and his PPP counterpart, Kweon Seong-dong, failed to reach a compromise in talks presided over by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.

Park said the DP has decided to unilaterally table the revised bill, stressing the party has made "major compromises" on the scope of the special counsel probe bill.

After the bill's passage, PPP floor leader Kweon called on acting President Choi Sang-mok to immediately demand the parliament reconsider it.

Earlier, South Korean ruling PPP and the main opposition DP on Friday discussed their respective bills on launching a special counsel probe into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid, but little progress was made in reaching a compromise.

PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong and his DP counterpart, Park Chan-dae, attended the meeting, presided over by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.

All eyes were on whether the two rival parties can narrow their differences and agree on a single bill before the parliamentary plenary session concludes.

"As of now, negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties fell through," Park told reporters at 8:30 p.m., adding both sides have no plans to meet again on Friday.

Park said the party plans to vote for the bill despite little progress in negotiations, hinting that the DP would unilaterally put up an opposition-proposed bill for a vote.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : In a bid to further boost trade and investment ties with the European Union (EU), Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is slated to visit Brussels, Belgium for a high-level dialogue.

The dialogue with Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner of the European Commission for Trade and Economic Security, will have wide-ranging discussions on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the Trade and Technology Council framework and bilateral trade matters, according to Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

This three-day visit from January 18-20 underlines the importance that India attaches to its trade and investment ties with the EU, one of its largest trading partners with bilateral trade estimated at over $180 billion in 2023-2024.

The EU is also a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with total FDI estimated at $117.34 billion.

According to the ministry, the leaders are expected to discuss the global economic situation amid trade disruptions, give political directions to expedite the FTA negotiations and explore a commercially significant, balanced, equitable, ambitious and mutually-beneficial FTA.

On the sidelines, the Union Minister is also expected to meet Dr Ngozi Okonzo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Bernard Quintin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belgium apart from holding interactions with representatives of Belgian industry and Indian community.

In December last year, Goyal highlighted that India is aiming for a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA with the EU.

At a meeting in New Delhi with Ambassadors of the European Commission delegation, the minister discussed the growing proximity and rising trade between India and the EU.

The FTA negotiations, after nine rounds of intense engagement, need political directions to arrive at a commercially meaningful deal while understanding the sensitivities of each other, he said.

The trade agreement with the EU would help India further expand and diversify its exports of goods and services while securing the value chains.

a"IANS

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By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit accusing Lyft of defrauding shareholders by waiting too long to correct a mistake in an earnings release that caused the ride-sharing company's stock price to gyrate wildly.

U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson in San Francisco said shareholders in the proposed class action did not show why it was unreasonable for Lyft to need 42 minutes to fix its Feb. 13, 2024 release, instead of doing it immediately.

The release at 4:05 p.m. EST (2105 GMT) said Lyft expected one of its profit margins to expand by 500 basis points, or 5 percentage points, in 2024 when it actually expected 50 basis points.

Lyft's share price quickly rose 67%, but gave back most of those gains after the company's chief financial officer gave the correct margin at 4:47 p.m. on an investor conference call. A formal correction followed seven minutes later.

Shareholders said Lyft's mistake went beyond negligence and amounted to reckless and deliberate indifference to the truth.

But the judge found no proof that the San Francisco-based company and its top executives intended to defraud anyone by reporting an incorrect profit margin.

She also said the federal appeals court in San Francisco, in a 2015 case involving Internet services provider Yahoo, said waiting six weeks to correct statements would not violate any duty to correct.

Robert Finkel, a lawyer for the shareholders, declined to comment. Lyft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Thompson said the shareholders can try to amend their complaint.

The lawsuit sought damages for investors who bought Lyft shares at allegedly inflated prices between 4:05 p.m. and 4:51 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2024.

During that period, Lyft's market value rose as much as $3.2 billion, and then shed about $2.9 billion of that increase.

Approximately 13% of Lyft's stock had been shorted as of Jan. 31, compared with 3% at rival Uber.

The case is Chen v Lyft Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 24-01330.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Diane Craft)
Chennai, Jan 18 : Tamil superstar and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay will lead a protest march on January 20 at Eganapuram village against the proposed greenfield airport, which is set to become Chennai's second airport.

Vijay has sought permission to visit Eganapuram village in the Kanchipuram district, where the airport is planned.

The protest aims to highlight the ongoing agitation by residents of about 20 villages who have opposed the project since 2022.

Vijay sought permission to hold the meeting on January 19 or 20, and Kanchipuram Police allowed him to do so on January 20.

TVK office-bearers have already begun preparations for the event by engaging with the protest committee's leaders. On the Pongal day, two TVK state office-bearers, Jagannathan and another member, visited Eganapuram and identified five acres of land for the gathering.

On Friday, TVK General Secretary N. Anand oversaw the levelling of a vacant ground near the Ambedkar statue in Eganapuram village, where Vijay is expected to address the people.

Since the Union government announced Parandur as the site for the greenfield airport in August 2022, residents have staged vehement protests, citing concerns over ecological damage and the loss of agricultural land. The project requires the acquisition of 5,746 acres across 20 villages, with plans to complete the airport by 2028.

Residents, particularly from Eganapuram - one of the largest affected villages - argue that the project will destroy fertile agricultural land and eco-sensitive water bodies, threatening their livelihoods and local ecosystems.

Demonstrations, including nighttime protests, recently marked their 900th day on January 10. Villagers have also boycotted grama sabha meetings, elections, and passed resolutions demanding that the project be scrapped.

The police have often restricted access to the protesting villages, erecting barricades and checking vehicles to prevent outsiders from entering. Permission for protest marches by groups such as the BJP, PMK, Puthiya Thamizhagam, and the anti-corruption group Arappor Iyakkam has either been denied or revoked.

The Tamil Nadu Revenue Department has stated that land acquisition will only proceed after consultations with the affected communities and discussions at the gram sabha level. However, the villagers remain resolute in their opposition.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Patna, Jan 18 : Even as Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha has a packed schedule during his visit to Patna on Saturday, political circles are abuzz with speculation whether Rahul Gandhi will meet the RJD supremo during this trip.

LoP Gandhi is scheduled to participate in two key events on Saturday, the Constitution Security Conference at the Bapu Auditorium and an address to party workers at the Congress headquarters, Sadakat Ashram.

His visit comes after the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, making it notable for its timing and political implications. For political observers, the central question revolves around whether the two leaders will meet.

Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi have shared a close political alliance, especially in the context of the Opposition coalition formed to counter the BJP at the national level.

LoP Rahul Gandhi's last visit to Patna on June 23, 2023, was instrumental in solidifying the Opposition's joint strategy, alongside Lalu Prasad and other prominent leaders.

This makes any potential meeting between the two during this tour a matter of political curiosity and significance.

The Congress MPas visit to Patna is taking place at a politically dynamic moment, coinciding with the National Executive meeting of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) at Hotel Maurya, where key decisions, including contesting the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections under Tejashwi Yadav's leadership, may be announced.

This convergence of major events highlights the delicate interplay of relationships within the Opposition's coalition politics.

The Congress-RJD relationship has traversed a bitter-sweet journey since 1998.

While Lalu Prasad initially emerged as a staunch critic of the Congress, the two parties formed an enduring partnership after the 2000 Bihar Assembly elections, eventually strengthening their alliance in the UPA-1 government, where Lalu Yadav was one of the most influential ministers.

Over the years, despite occasional tensions, the bond between the Congress and RJD has been characterised by moments of mutual trust and collaboration.

Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Prasad Yadav, in particular, have shared a cordial and often warm relationship.

Notable examples include the first meeting of the INDIA bloc in Patna on June 23, 2023, where Lalu offered to "attend Rahul Gandhias wedding procession," humorously emphasising their camaraderie.

On September 2, 2023, the viral image of Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav cooking Champaran Mutton at Misa Bharti's residence in Delhi showcased their informal rapport.

Despite the foundation of the INDIA bloc being laid in Patna as a united Opposition to the NDA, the 2024 Lok Sabha election results exposed cracks within the alliance.

Rhetoric among member parties, including the RJD and Congress, has highlighted differences.

Tejashwi Yadavas statement that the INDIA bloc was only formed for the Lok Sabha elections raised doubts about its future in Bihar.

The RJDas support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly elections further signaled fissures within the coalition.

As a result, questions about the durability of the Opposition alliance in Bihar and at the national level are now at the forefront.

Rahul Gandhi's official itinerary suggests that his visit is primarily focussed on addressing the Constitution Security Conference at Bapu Auditorium and meeting Congress workers at Sadakat Ashram. However, what will happen on the sidelines, remains to be seen.
Hyderabad, Jan 18 : Tollywood actors N. Balakrishna, Jr NTR and Kalyan Ram on Saturday paid tributes to former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. T. Rama Rao on his 28th death anniversary.

They paid floral tributes early in the morning at NTR Ghat on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake in Hyderabad and recalled N. T. Rama Rao's contributions as an actor, leader and Chief Minister.

Jr NTR accompanied by his brother Kalyan Ram were the first to lay wreaths at the samadhi of their grandfather.

A large number of fans of Jr NTR gathered on the occasion.

Balakrishna, who is also a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA in Andhra Pradesh, also paid tributes to his father. He was accompanied by his brother N. Ramakrishna and other family members.

Balakrishna said NTR was not only the greatest actor but he dedicated himself to serving people, especially the poor and downtrodden.

He said NTR would always live in the hearts of people. The actor-politician said it was NTR who fought for the self-respect of Telugu people by floating TDP and bringing recognition to them globally.

Balakrishna said NTR's contributions to films and politics would always be remembered.

He recalled that as the chief minister, the late leader launched many schemes for the welfare of the poor. He described NTR as a university and a role model for all.

Balakrishna said NTR simplified administration by creating new talukas and mandals and launched revolutionary schemes like Rs.2-a-kg rice.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also paid tributes to NTR on his samadhi.

He was accompanied by his mother Bhuvaneswari, daughter of NTR.

Lokesh recalled that NTR brought recognition to the Telugu people and brought many reforms in administration.

He hoped that NTR would soon be conferred with India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.

Legendary actor NTR launched TDP in 1982 on the slogan of Telugu self-respect and created a record of sorts by coming to power within nine months, ending the single-party rule of Congress in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.

He died on January 18, 1996, a few months after his son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu led a revolt and became the chief minister.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has successfully facilitated the repatriation of six Indian nationals and one additional individual, who were released from the Myawaddy job scam centre last month.

The group was handed over by Myanmar authorities to Thailand Immigration in Mae Sot on Friday, after completing the local legal process for exit permits. The individuals are now set to be repatriated to India via Bangkok.

In a post on its official X handle, the Embassy on Saturday provided an update on the matter, stating, "Upon completion of local legal process for exit permit, these six Indian nationals and one more, released from Myawaddy scam centre last month, were handed over by Myanmar authorities to Thailand Immigration in Maesot y'day for further repatriation to India via Bangkok."

This marks the continuation of the Embassy's efforts in securing the release of Indian nationals who fall victim to illegal job scams in Myanmar.

Earlier in December 2024, the Embassy had shared that six more Indian nationals from the same scam compound were brought to the local police station for deportation to India. The post mentioned, "101 Indians repatriated to India since July 2024," while reiterating the advisory against accepting job offers in the region without consulting the Indian Mission.

The Embassy strongly reiterated its advice to Indians against taking job offers in Myanmar or the region without first consulting the Indian Mission, to avoid falling victim to fraudulent employment schemes.

Additionally, on January 12, the Embassy reported the repatriation of an Indian national from Kerala, who was released from the Myawaddy scam centre and repatriated via Yangon Airport. This brought the total number of repatriated nationals to 111 since July 2024. The Embassy continues to stress the importance of verifying job offers through official channels to prevent exploitation.

Through these efforts, the Indian Embassy remains committed to supporting its citizens in Myanmar, ensuring their safe return and emphasising caution against fraudulent employment schemes in the region.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the role of rural land digitisation in empowering rural communities, emphasising how technology and good governance are reshaping the agricultural landscape in India.

In a series of posts shared on his official X handle, the Prime Minister acknowledged the transformative power of digital land records in enhancing transparency, accessibility, and ownership for rural citizens.

Taking to the social media platform, PM Modi shared an informative post from MyGovIndia, the official citizen engagement platform of the Government of India.

The post highlighted the positive changes brought about by rural land digitisation and its impact on agricultural practices in India. Reposting the message, PM Modi wrote, "Furthering rural empowerment by leveraging the power of technology and good governancea"

In the original MyGovIndia post, the citizen engagement platform underscored how rural land digitisation is revolutionising the agricultural sector, making land ownership and management more transparent and accessible. "This transformative step brings transparency, accessibility, and empowerment to rural communities by helping to reduce land disputes and improve land management, making it easier for rural citizens to claim ownership and rights. See how this transformation is shaping the future of farming!" the post read.

PM Modi also took the opportunity to highlight the impact of the governmentas flagship SVAMITVA scheme, which has been pivotal in digitising land records across rural India. In another post, the Prime Minister shared an informative thread explaining how the SVAMITVA initiative has brought about significant changes in rural life.

He shared another post from MyGovIndia, which described the scheme as a "game-changer" for rural India.

The MyGovIndia post stated, "SVAMITVA initiative: A Game-Changer for Rural India! The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) initiative is transforming rural India. By providing accurate property ownership data, itas bringing about positive change in everyday life. Villagers are now empowered with clear ownership, reducing disputes and enabling better opportunities."

The SVAMITVA scheme, launched in 2020, aims to provide rural households with legal rights to their property by mapping land parcels using drone and GIS technology. This initiative has empowered millions of rural citizens with formal property titles, contributing to financial inclusion and reducing land disputes, which have long been a challenge in rural India.

PM Modi will distribute over 65 lakh property cards on Saturday under the SVAMITVA Scheme, marking a major milestone in Indiaas rural empowerment efforts.

The distribution will take place through a video conferencing event at 12:30 PM, during which the Prime Minister will interact with beneficiaries and deliver a nationwide address.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Following the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation proving the illegal allotments by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the Karnataka BJP has claimed that it is a major victory in its fight against the scam.

BJP state President, B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Saturday that the ED's investigation has exposed significant corruption involving CM Siddaramaiah who allegedly used his political influence to illegally allocate sites in the name of his wife and demanded his resignation.

"If CM Siddaramaiah values the integrity of his office, he must step down immediately and allow an impartial probe to proceed. The people of Karnataka deserve transparency, accountability, and justice," he urged.

Vijayendra further pointed out, "The allocation of sites to benamis and dummies of influential persons further highlights the systemic corruption at play. When the Governor granted sanction for prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah, the Congress party spared no effort in insulting and undermining the constitutional authority of the Governor."

The Karnataka High Court had also upheld the Governor's decision, emphasising that the allegations against the Chief Minister's family warranted deeper investigation, he noted.

The ED has thwarted any malicious attempt by CM Siddaramaiah to subvert the investigation by misusing the government machinery, Vijayendra claimed.

"The BJP and JD(S) have been relentless in our protests, both within and outside the Assembly, against this blatant misuse of power by the CM and his cronies. Our 'Mysuru Chalo' march was a monumental success, which put the spotlight on the irregularities of Chief Minister in the MUDA scam," Vijayendra emphasised.

The ED's findings not only validate our persistent fight against corruption but also prove that there is more to this than what meets the eyes, he stated.

This is also a big slap on those who were quick to deride our campaign against corruption, he slammed.

This revelation is merely the tip of the iceberg. It is alleged that thousands of crores in public money have been misappropriated in this scam. A comprehensive CBI investigation is required to uncover the full extent of this scam, Vijayendra opined.

In a setback to CM 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 MUDA case.

CM 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.

The ED further 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.

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.
Kolkata, Jan 18 : An accused, who shot at a police van while being taken back to jail from the court in the Goalpokhar area in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district recently, was killed in an encounter with police on Saturday.

Sources in the Police Department said that accused Sajjak Alam was apprehended at Chopra in North Dinajpur district on Saturday morning while he was making preparations to escape to neighbouring Bangladesh.

As the investigating cops apprehended him, Alam made a desperate attempt to escape following which the cops had to fire at him.

Alam, who sustained three bullet wounds, fell to the ground. The cops immediately shifted him to a local hospital.

The treatment also started but he succumbed to the bullet wounds around 8 a.m. It is learnt that Alam was already an accused in a murder case.

On January 15, while he was being brought back from a district court at Islampur in North Dinajpur district to a correctional home at Raiganj in the same district, Alam suddenly opened fire at the escorting cops.

Taking advantage of the severe injuries received by two escorting cops namely Nilkanata Sarkar and Deben Baishya, Alam escaped from the scene and remained absconding since then.

However, at that time, questions were being raised as to how Alam, as an under-trial criminal, got access to the firearm. State police insiders said that one associate of Alam, Abdul Sheikh is still absconding and the cops have started a massive manhunt to track him.

Incidentally, on Friday evening, Director General of West Bengal Police Rajeev Kumar said: "We will give a fitting reply. We in the police forces provide safety to common people. But if anyone shoots at the forces, we will shoot back four times."
United Nations, Jan 18 : UN humanitarians said that they and partners are mobilising supplies for a widening pipeline of aid and commercial goods into Gaza with the implementation of a long-sought, impending ceasefire.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that humanitarians are also exploring ways to expand the delivery of cash to those in need so that they do not have to depend entirely on aid and can take advantage of commercial goods when available. Relief organisations aim to reach hundreds of thousands of people with basic shelters, provided they can access the supplies needed, Xinhua news agency reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a mission reached the fuel-strapped Al-Awda Hospital in North Gaza governorate on Wednesday. The team delivered 5,000 liters of fuel, food parcels, bottled water, winter clothes and vaccines. Two patients in critical condition and their companions were prepared to move to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

WHO said 33 patients and about 30 of their companions remain in Al-Awda Hospital, with a dozen doctors, two dozen nurses and 16 administrative staff. Access to the hospital remains extremely challenging and risky for patients.

The health agency said that during the mission, "a bullet struck an ambulance belonging to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, the incident underscores the importance of the ceasefire in ensuring the ability to safely access civilians."

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA), briefed the Security Council in a closed session, but later met reporters. He called for full implementation of the cessation of hostilities scheduled for Sunday.

UNRWA is facing significant challenges with the deaths of more than 200 of its workers in the 15 months of the Gaza conflict and Israel's threat to close it down at month's end with the allegation that the agency is infiltrated with members of Hamas.

"We need rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access to respond to the tremendous suffering in Gaza," he said. "We are ready to support the recovery of Gaza by resuming education and continuing to provide primary healthcare."

Lazzarini said full implementation of the Israeli legislation to throttle UNRWA "will be catastrophic," massively weakening the humanitarian response and worsening living conditions.

He disputes the Israeli government's claim that UNRWA's services can be transferred to other entities.

"UNRWA's ability to directly provide education and primary healthcare far exceeds that of any other entity," the director said. "These services can only be transferred to a functioning state. UNRWA's personnel and services are also tightly woven into the social fabric of Gaza. The disintegration of the agency will intensify the breakdown of social order."

He also said that dismantling the 30,000 member UNRWA outside a political process will undermine the ceasefire agreement and sabotage Gaza's recovery and political transition.

"A chaotic dismantling of UNRWA will irreversibly harm the lives and future of Palestinians," Lazzarini said. "It will obliterate their trust in the international community and any solution it attempts to facilitate."

He said a ceasefire in Gaza must be followed by a political transition that includes an orderly conclusion of UNRWA's General Assembly mandate and the handover of its public-like services to empowered Palestinian institutions.
Seoul, Jan 18 : South Korean legal representatives of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Saturday that Yoon has decided to attend a court hearing for an arrest warrant against him to explain the legitimacy of his short-lived martial law decree.

Yun Gap-keun, one of Yoon's lawyers, made the notification in a text message sent to reporters.

The lawyer said Yoon made the decision to explain the legitimacy of the martial law declaration and restore his tarnished reputation as well after the botched martial law declaration on December 3.

In the hearing due 2 p.m., Yoon is expected to deny the insurrection charges against him, which is imposed by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

The vehicle carrying Yoon departed a detention centre for the hearing at around 1:30 p.m. The convoy vehicle is expected to pass by the designated photo area for the press and directly enter the court building.

The anti-corruption agency sought a warrant to formally arrest Yoon with the Seoul Western District Court on Friday, two days after CIO investigators apprehended him at his residence and took him into custody following questioning.

The CIO is currently leading a joint investigation with the police and the military over whether Yoon's martial law declaration amounted to an attempted insurrection.

But Yoon's lawyers have said the CIO does not have the authority to investigate insurrection allegations.

If court officials issue the warrant, Yoon will become the first sitting President in South Korea's constitutional history to be formally arrested.

If rejected, the embattled President will return to the presidential residence and bolster his claims that the ongoing investigations into his martial law decree and impeachment are unfounded.

Yoon shocked the nation by imposing martial law on December 3, plunging South Korea into its worst political turmoil in decades. But the martial law lasted only several hours before lawmakers voted to lift the measure.

His lawyers have said the martial law decree was an act of governance and cannot be subject to a court judgment as it was implemented to overcome a national crisis caused by the Opposition-led impeachments of Cabinet members, gridlock in legislation and unilateral budget reduction.

His presidential powers were suspended after the Opposition-dominated Assembly voted to impeach him on December 14.

Investigators sought an arrest warrant for Yoon on Friday, two days after they apprehended him at his residence and took him to a detention center following questioning.

Since being detained, Yoon has refused to appear for questioning over his martial law bid.

On Wednesday, Yoon's legal team requested the Seoul Central District Court to decide on the legality of the detention warrant for Yoon issued by the Western District Court.

But the central court dismissed the challenge the following day, keeping him in custody.

Despite the ruling, Yoon's legal team is expected to maintain its argument that the CIO has no legal authority to investigate insurrection charges and that the western court does not have proper jurisdiction over the martial law case, Yonhap news agency reported.

As for the evidence tampering and flight risk concerns, the team is expected to argue that investigators have already secured much of the evidence required for their investigations and there is no flight risk for Yoon as he is the sitting President.
Kozhikode, Jan 18 : The Vigilance wing of the Kerala Police conducted raids on Saturday at multiple locations across Kozhikode, Malappuram, Amritsar, and Haryana in connection with a 2023 gold smuggling and hawala case.

The gold smuggling case allegedly involves central government officials from the CISF and customs departments.

In a rare move, the Kerala Vigilance wing, rather than the CBI, is spearheading the investigation, which typically falls under the latter's jurisdiction when it concerns central government officials.

The raids targeted properties associated with CISF Assistant Commandant Naveen Kumar, Customs Inspector Sandeep, and their associates, including friends and relatives in the four cities across Kerala, Punjab and Haryana.

The case was first registered in 2023 after reports emerged of widespread gold smuggling at the international airport near Kozhikode.

Investigators uncovered evidence of collusion between CISF and customs officials with gold smuggling networks operating out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

One significant revelation was that the duty roster of CISF and customs personnel at Kozhikode airport had been shared with smuggling syndicates in the UAE. This information allowed the smugglers to time their gold shipments strategically.

For every consignment successfully smuggled, CISF and customs officials allegedly received commissions, which were paid through hawala transactions in various cities.

The Kozhikode airport has increasingly become a hotspot for gold smuggling, with numerous gangs relying on carriers -- individuals traveling from the Middle East on leave -- to transport gold.

These carriers, often paid a nominal fee that includes airfare and a small remuneration, smuggle gold in various concealed forms, including instances where the gold is hidden inside their bodies.

The ongoing raids underline the Vigilance department's commitment to tackling this growing issue, which has long plagued the state.
A merger would give Rio Tinto a stake in the Collahuasi copper mine in Chile, where Glencore has a 44pc share

Two of the worlds largest miners are plotting a 130bn mega-merger to ride the net zero commodity boom.

Rio Tinto and Glencore have been discussing combining their businesses in what could become the largest deal in the mining industrys history, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

Talks between the two London-listed businesses are said to be at an early stage. A deal would create the biggest mining company in the world, overtaking the long-standing industry leader BHP, which is valued at around $126bn (103bn).

Rio Tinto is the second largest mining company in the world, valued at around $103bn, while Glencore is worth $55bn. A combined group would therefore be expected to be worth an estimated $158bn.

A Glencore spokesman said the company did not comment on market rumour or speculation. Rio Tinto declined to comment.

Any deal is likely to hinge on the support of Ivan Glasenberg, the swashbuckling trader who made billions from Glencores listing in 2011.

Mr Glasenberg stepped down as Glencores chief executive in 2021 but still retains a 10pc share in the company. While chief executive, he spearheaded an unsuccessful attempted merger with Rio Tinto in 2014.

The support of Qatar and China will also be crucial. Qatar is one the largest shareholders in Glencore, with an 8.5pc stake, while Chinas state-owned aluminium company Chinalco is the largest investor in Rio Tinto.

The mining industry has been scrambling to make deals in recent years in response to the global drive towards net zero carbon emissions.

The wholesale rewiring of the planets energy system and industries is expected to lead to a boom in demand for certain commodities, such as copper for electrical conduction and lithium for batteries.

However, constructing new mines to access these materials is hugely expensive and requires the scale to borrow and invest large sums. Rio Tinto has been positioning itself to capitalise on the expected copper boom.

In 2023, it began underground copper production at its Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, which it forecasts will produce 500,000 tonnes of copper per year between 2028 and 2036.

A combination with Glencore would give Rio Tinto access to its rivals 44pc share in the Collahuasi mine in Chile, which has one of the worlds biggest copper reserves.

A merger would also help Rio Tinto to diversify its business and ride out a downturn in China. The Australian-based business is still heavily dependent on iron ore and highly exposed to China.

A construction boom there has come to a sticky end amid its prolonged property crisis, while Donald Trumps election in the US is likely to cause more problems for Chinas slowing economy.
Bhopal, Jan 18 : Congress leader Digvijaya Singh wrote a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday urging him to make the film 'Jungle Satyagraha' tax-free in the state.

Singh, the former Chief Minister, also urged the state government to help the film get clearance from the Censor Board.

He said that the state government should promote the movie, which is based on a true story and portrays the struggle of tribals during the British era.

He also suggested that the story of 'Jungle Satyagraha' should be included in the schools' syllabus.

The Congress leader said that the makers of 'Jungle Satyagraha' should be encouraged to make a film based on the life of tribal icon Tantya Mama.

"The film is based on a true story in Madhya Pradesh's Betul, therefore, the Cultural Department should promote it. The government should encourage the makers of the film by providing them money invested for filmmaking," Digvijaya's letter read.

Digvijaya wrote the letter, days after the film's premiere was organised at the auditorium of Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

Several Congress leaders, including state unit chief Jitu Patwari and LoP in the state Assembly Umang Singhar, joined Singh to watch the film at the Mansarovar Hall in the State Assembly on January 13.

Digvijaya had also personally invited CM Yadav, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, state BJP chief V. D. Sharma and all MLAs from the ruling BJPs.

However, none of them joined the premiere at Vidhan Sabha.

Notably, 'Jungle Satyagraha' basically tells the story of the 1930 tribal movement in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It shows how tribal leaders like Sardar Ganjan Singh Korku, Sardar Vishnu Singh Gond, Thakur Mohkam Singh, Ramji Korku, and Jugru Gond fought against the British for their rights to water, forests, and land.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : An ageing brain in people with sickle cell disease may be responsible for cognitive problems, finds a study.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterised by the presence of abnormal haemoglobin (Hb).

People with the illness are also likely to face trouble in remembering, focusing, learning, and problem-solving.

The patients face these conditions even without brain stroke. To understand, researchers and physicians from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examined more than 200 young adults with and without sickle cell disease.

They participated in brain MRI scans and cognitive tests. Each person's brain age was calculated 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 results, published in JAMA Network Open, showed 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.

Further, the study showed that people experiencing economic deprivation, who struggle to meet basic needs, even in the absence of sickle cell disease, also had more-aged-appearing brains, the team said.

On average, a seven-year gap was found between the brain age and the participants' actual age in healthy individuals experiencing poverty.

"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," explained Andria Ford, Professor of neurology at Washington University Medicine.

The study calls for understanding the influence that sickle cell disease and economic deprivation have on brain structure. This may lead to treatments and preventive measures that potentially could preserve cognitive function.

The team also noted that a single MRI scan can be a powerful tool for helping patients with neurological conditions.
Jerusalem, Jan 18 : The Israeli government on Saturday approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said.

"The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

At the meeting, 24 ministers voted in favor and eight against. The agreement is expected to take effect on Sunday, it said in a statement.

Three Israeli women held in Gaza and 95 Palestinian prisoners are set to be released on Sunday as part of the deal's first phase, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the meeting that he was assured by US President-elect Donald Trump that Israel would receive a halted arms supply once he takes office, reported Channel 12 News.

"This is important because if we do not reach the second phase of the deal, we will have additional tools to return to fighting," Netanyahu said. "Trump is giving Israel full backing to return to war in case of a violation of the agreement."

The full cabinet meeting was held after Israel's restricted security cabinet voted in favor of the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage agreement on Friday.

Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two far-right ministers, opposed the agreement and 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.

Disputes have been resolved, Hamas said on Friday, a day after the group affirmed its commitment to the full terms of the accord in a statement.

The ceasefire agreement also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA has 4,000 truckloads of humanitarian aid ready to enter the coastal strip, with displaced Palestinians eagerly awaiting the arrival of food, fuel, and medicine.
Shirdi, Jan 18 : Even as a verification campaign to stop ineligible women from availing the benefits of the Ladki Bahin Yojana is yet to be completed, nearly 4,000 women from across Maharashtra have relinquished the scheme.

The women have also started returning the benefit to the respective district administration, Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare said on Saturday on the sidelines of NCP's two-day 'Sankalp Shibir' at Shirdi.

"Some women, who have already got the monthly benefit for June to December under Ladki Bahin Yojana, have started returning the benefits. Some applications were received last month. The administration is getting more applications this month as well. Realising that they are not eligible for this scheme, some women are rejecting the benefits of the scheme by filling the applications. Therefore, this proves that our beloved sisters are also honest," said Aditi Tatkare.

Her announcement comes two days after she said that the government approved the disbursement of Rs 3,690 crore to provide the monthly aid of Rs 1,500 to 2.46 crore beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Republic Day.

"So far, 4,000 women beneficiaries have returned the financial aid they received under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. However, this figure is an estimate. About 100-150 applications were received in December. More were being received in January. The money returned by these women will be deposited back into the government treasury. For this, a separate refund head will be created and that fund will be used for public welfare," said the minister.

The Department sources said that the women have been coming forward seeking to discontinue the benefit, fearing the money will be recovered along with a penalty if found ineligible during the ongoing verification exercise.

The minister explained, "Except for women beneficiaries holding yellow and orange ration cards, the applications of other women will be scrutinised. Help from the Transport and Income Tax departments is being taken. Therefore, this will be a continuous process. As a result, the number of women withdrawing their applications may change continuously."

The Mahayuti government launched the MukhyaMantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in July last year. Nearly 2.63 lakh women across the state applied of which about 2.46 crore became eligible for the monthly aid of Rs 1,500.

During the implementation, the government realised that some ineligible women also received the benefit. In the wake of complaints received in various districts, the government subsequently launched the verification of the applications.

The minister has recently said that the state government is not launching any drive to scrutinise the beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

"We have not changed any government policies. We are only addressing the complaints filed with local government offices," added Aditi Tatkare.

The minister further stated, "No application will be scrutinised in general. We will not scrutinise any application without a complaint. If there has been an increase in income or if the income has gone above Rs 2.5 lakh, then those women will not be eligible for the scheme; women with four-wheelers, who have done inter-state marriages are not eligible for this scheme; if the name on the Aadhaar card is different from the name in the bank and if it is brought to our attention, then the concerned woman will be ineligible," she said.

According to Aditi Tatkare, the Women and Child Welfare Department has received five types of complaints regarding the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

"We will be verifying these complaints. Some complaints have been received from the local administration, while some beneficiary women have written letters informing them that they are no longer eligible for the scheme. The applications for which complaints have been received will be verified. However, there will be no change in the original government resolution," she remarked.
Lilongwe, Jan 18 : Malawi has launched a five-year cholera control plan, aiming to reduce the disease's annual incidence rate by 90 per cent and achieve a case fatality rate of less than 1 per cent by 2030.

Dubbed the Malawi Multi-sectoral Cholera Control Plan (MMCCP), the initiative, launched on Thursday, will enhance the coordination and implementation of multi-sectoral interventions for cholera prevention and control in the country.

Malawian Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the MMCCP is very necessary as records show that "the country has faced repeated outbreaks since the first cholera cases were reported in 1973".

From March 2022 to January 2025, Malawi recorded 61,639 cases of cholera and 1,786 cholera-related deaths. The recurrent outbreaks in this southern African country have been attributed to limited access to safe water, inadequate sanitation, and generally poor hygiene practices at the household level.

According to the minister, a series of natural disasters, including tropical storms and cyclones Ana, Gombe, Hidaya, Freddy, and Chido, also "exacerbated already existing risk factors and caused untold havoc to the already overstretched health systems in the country."

Joseph Seriki, focal person and regional coordinator for the Global Task Force on Cholera Control, described the MMCCP as a landmark document that represents a unified commitment to eradicating cholera in Malawi, Xinhua news agency reported.

He described the recent cholera outbreaks in Malawi as a reminder for urgent and sustained action to address the root causes of the disease and strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Malawi has launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign in five districts, where the disease is prevalent, with a death toll of 14 and 263 recorded cases since September 2024.

According to the World Health Organization, Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and is an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. Researchers have estimated that every year, there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide due to the infection.

Cholera is an extremely serious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms after consuming contaminated food or water. Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : India's seafood exports have crossed the Rs 60,000 crore mark in FY24-25 to date, according to latest government data.

According to the Finance Ministry, frozen shrimp accounted for more than two-thirds of the total exports.

The total export of seafood in FY24 was 1.78 million metric tonnes and its value was Rs 60,523.89 crore.

To further strengthen India's seafood exports, the government has proposed to reduce the basic customs duty (BCD) on key inputs for shrimp and fish feed production to 5 per cent.

This move includes reductions in broodstock, polychaete worms and various feed components. Additional exemptions will apply to inputs used in the manufacture of shrimp and fish feed.

The government said that the reduction in customs duty will increase the competitiveness of the sector.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has implemented several tax reforms to support aquaculture. This includes tax cuts on krill meal, fish lipid oil, crude fish oil, algal prime (flour) and algal oil and reduction of BCD to 5 per cent for essential feed ingredients.

The US was the largest importer of seafood from India in FY24. Its share in the country's total seafood exports was 34.53 per cent or $2.55 billion. Frozen shrimp accounted for 91.9 per cent of seafood exports to the US during this period.

China was second in India's seafood exports. 4,51,000 metric tonnes of seafood worth $1.38 billion has been exported to China. Japan was followed by Vietnam, Thailand, Canada, Spain, Belgium, the UAE and Italy.

Last month, the Department of Fisheries has approved the proposals of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration under the Prime Minister Narendra Modias scheme at a total cost of Rs.58.91 crore with a Central share of Rs. 31.48 crore for the development of fisheries including strengthening of infrastructure for the export of tuna fish from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Rabat, Jan 18 : The Morocco government applauds the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the Morocco Foreign Ministry said on Friday, expressing hope that the deal can be fully respected.

"The Kingdom of Morocco welcomes the progress made towards halting the hostilities and attacks that have been unleashed on civilians since October 7, 2023," said the ministry in a statement.

The Morocco government called on all Palestinian and Israeli parties to give peace a chance and to demonstrate a sincere and constructive commitment, Xinhua news agency reported.

Over a year after the Gaza war broke out and went on to cause chaos and devastation while rattling the Middle East, a landmark agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas, with both sides reportedly agreeing to cease hostilities and exchange Israeli hostages for prisoners from Palestine.

US President Joe Biden confirmed the crucial development earlier on Wednesday at a briefing, saying "it is a very good afternoon now". He said: "Soon, the hostages will return home to their families."

The peace deal involves a full and complete ceasefire along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of all the hostages held by Hamas, the BBC reported.

Earlier in the day, The Israeli government on Saturday approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said.

"The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

At the meeting, 24 ministers voted in favor and eight against. The agreement is expected to take effect on Sunday, it said in a statement.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) on Saturday announced the launch of its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, which aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet governance among Indian citizens.

A fixed stipend of Rs 20,000 per month will be provided to interns along with support to conduct mandatory outreach programmes, according to the IT Ministry.

S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, and Chairman, NIXI, said that we need people from different fields who can dedicate time to internet governance and represent the real concerns of our society.

"Our goal is to inspire young minds to learn, grow, and use their knowledge to make a positive impact in their organisations and communities, helping the internet grow in a fair and inclusive way," said Krishnan.

The scheme is set to shape the next generation of tech policy leaders and Internet Governance experts.

"Today's generation values experience over traditional stable jobs. NIXI's Internet Governance Internship is a great opportunity for youth passionate about digital policy, providing global exposure," he mentioned.

The programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge to effectively engage in global internet governance processes with organisations like Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Internet Society or Information Security Operations Center (ISOC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and collaborate closely with leading experts in the field.

It will nurture a pool of domestic talent who can deeply engage with emerging internet governance issues and contribute to their resolution, according to MeitY.

The programme offers a bi-annual internship with two parallel tracks: a six-month programme and a three-month programme.

According to Dr Devesh Tyagi, CEO, NIXI, this programme is a crucial step towards empowering Indian citizens to contribute meaningfully to the global internet governance ecosystem.

"By building next generation of internet governance experts, NIXI is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible digital world," he noted.
Washington, Jan 18 : An Indian global outreach group was hosted by Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a close advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, at the SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas on Friday.

Washington, Jan 18 (IANS) An Indian global outreach group was hosted by Elon Musk, the worldas richest man and a close advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, at the SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas on Friday.

The delegation of Indian entrepreneurs, authors, and business leaders had an "invigorating" and "meaningful dialogue" with Musk, who owns X, Tesla and SpaceX and has emerged as the most powerful backer and advisor to the US president-elect Donald Trump.

"As the world's most powerful democracy transitions to a Trump presidency, meaningful dialogue is more important than ever in these challenging times. Pleased to have led a conversation with Elon Musk whose groundbreaking work is shaping our collective future," Manoj Ladwa, the founder of the group, wrote in a post on X.

Musk is widely expected to wield immense influence in the incoming administration, and on an entire range of issues -- from space and automobiles, his core strengths, to foreign policy and whatever else catches his imagination.

"An invigorating hour spent with none other than Elon Musk... We discussed a range of topics from spirituality, consciousness, interplanetary travel, monetary policy, engineering amongst others. And an invitation to the Maha Kumbh Mela! Hope he can make it!!" wrote noted author Amish Tripathi.

The post was accompanied by a group photograph of Musk with members of the group.

On Thursday, Ladwa hosted a conversation in DC on what Trump's return meant for the world.

"Had an amazing set of conversations in DC with key members of the Trump transition team and experts, alongside our dynamic India Global Forum delegation. We dived deep into big issuesa"economic security, energy, trade, defence, tech, immigration, and morea"at a critical moment for the US and the world," he said.

The insights, said the forum head, were sharp and the timing couldn't be "more significant" as the next-gen leaders in the delegation are already shaping the future.

"Frank, open dialogue is how real understanding beginsa"and thatas what democracy is all about!", he said.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has said that he has been continuously fighting this government over various issues and expressed confidence that he will continue as the party's state president.

Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, Vijayendra addressed speculation about senior BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal being fielded as a rival candidate for the position.

"Based on my year of hard work, I am confident that the party's superiors will continue me as state president," he stated.

He emphasized the party's internal democratic process, saying, "Even if senior leaders and superiors decide otherwise, I have been steadfastly fighting against the government. Under my leadership, the party's organisational work has been carried out effectively, and the workers are satisfied. While some senior leaders have made statements here and there, I remain focused. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been tasked with consulting senior leaders to make a well-considered decision regarding the upcoming elections," Vijayendra added.

Expressing faith in his own leadership, he reiterated, "I have complete confidence in myself and my work over the past year."

Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, has been instrumental in rallying the influential Lingayat community, contributing to the BJP's rise to power in Karnataka. However, he now faces internal challenges from party seniors and rivals of Yediyurappa, who are determined to dethrone him.

Vijayendra accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of using the caste census to divert attention from corruption scandals. He alleged, "Scandals have surfaced in Valmiki Corporation, MUDA, and government-owned KEONICS, where contractors are driven to despair. The government must answer whether the caste census is motivated by goodwill or malice."

Taking aim at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he questioned, "If Siddaramaiah is truly committed, why didn't he implement the caste census report submitted in 2016? This delay reveals a political conspiracy aimed at sowing division among castes, which is an inexcusable act."

Reacting to Minister Priyank Kharge's statement that BJP leaders should return grants of Rs 10 crore if they object, Vijayendra retorted, "Providing grants is not a favour, it's a duty. Despite being in power for two years, the Congress government has failed to release these grants, frustrating MLAs across constituencies."

Vijayendra criticized the government over the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. He praised social activist Snehamayi Krishna for exposing irregularities and slammed the Congress government for targeting him.

"The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 300 crore, implicating CM Siddaramaiah's family in the illegal acquisition of 14 sites. This scam has caused thousands of crores in losses to MUDA and the government. Sites meant for the poor have been handed over to real estate agents and commission agents in collusion with the government," Vijayendra alleged.

He further accused Siddaramaiah of ignoring legal accountability. "The Governor had granted permission to prosecute Siddaramaiah, and the Karnataka High Court upheld this decision, citing illegal allotments to his family. The ED has now reiterated these findings," he claimed.

Vijayendra demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation and urged him to hand over the case to the CBI. "I have no personal enmity with Siddaramaiah. However, when faced with such serious accusations, he should have resigned and facilitated a fair investigation. Instead, he has prolonged the matter unnecessarily. For the sake of justice, he must resign and allow an impartial probe," he insisted.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Eaton Fire in central Los Angeles County poses a potential credit risk to power provider Southern California Edison, which operates electrical lines in the area where the destructive blaze first started, Moody's Ratings said in a report on Thursday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Fire investigators have not released a cause for the deadly Eaton Blaze, which has burned more than 14,000 acres since starting on Jan. 7. Despite the uncertainty over what caused the disaster, several lawsuits filed against SCE this week accuse equipment owned by the largest Southern California electric utility of sparking the initial flames.

SCE, which is the main subsidiary of Edison International, has said it has not found evidence that its equipment is to blame for the fire.

WHAT'S NEXT

Moody's said it believes a state wildfire fund and California utilities' ability to recover fire-related costs will be supportive of SCE's credit. That could change if there is enough evidence to prove SCE's infrastructure caused the fire, which would make the company more vulnerable to lawsuits, Moody's said. Other factors that could harm SCE financially include a depleted wildfire fund, which provides reimbursements for some wild-fire related damage claims, or if the regulatory and political support for California utilities area begins to wane, Moody's said.

KEY QUOTES

"We could also change our view based on an expectation of more frequent and more severe catastrophic wildfires that create greater risks to the company's credit profile," Moody's said.

(Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Hyderabad, Jan 18 : Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday requested Singapore to partner with his state in various sectors to realise the goals of 'TelanganaRising'.

The Chief Minister, who is leading a delegation on a visit to Singapore, on Saturday met Sustainability and Environment Minister, and in-charge Trade Minister, Grace Fu Hai Yien.

The two sides held wide-ranging discussions for partnership in several areas, according to Chief Minister's Office.

The delegation, including IT & Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, and officials, showcased the unmatched investment opportunities in Telangana in several areas, including urban planning and infrastructure, water management, skills development, sports, semi-conductors, manufacturing, environment and sustainability sciences and technology.

Minister Yien, assured Chief Minister Revanth Reddy that Singapore would consider his invitation to partner with Telangana in making the goals of TelanganaRising a reality and success.

She was particularly keen on Net Zero Future City, the River Musi rejuvenation project, water management, and the sustainability plans of Telangana.

Both sides agreed to work together closely, including identifying special teams to explore joint projects, systemic sharing of learnings from Singapore for Indiaas youngest state, and making rapid progress and impact on the ground in joint projects.

Meanwhile, Sridhar Babu had an interaction with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA).

"Several high-profile semiconductor industry leaders participated in the interaction on opportunities for Telangana in the sector. Brian Tan, Chairman, SSIA, and Regional President, Applied Materials, Inc., Tan Yew Kong, Vice Chairman, SSIA, and Senior VP, GlobalFoundries Singapore, and C. S. Chua, Secretary, SSIA, and President and MD, Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte and other participated. The SSIA shared learnings, best practices, and lessons from Singaporeas meteoric rise and global consolidation in the Semiconductor sector. Minister Sridhar Babu, while expounding on the salient features of TelanganaRising, showcased the opportunities for global investors, and invited the Singapore industry to invest heavily in the state. SSIA responded very keenly and positively to the Telangana invite. A big team is set to visit Hyderabad later this year to explore opportunities on the ground," the CMO said.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : Saif Ali Khan is currently admitted at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after the horrific stabbing incident at his Bandra home. In order to check up on him, his daughter Sara Ali Khan paid a visit to the hospital.

Additionally, the actor's sister Soha Ali Khan was also spotted at the hospital along with her husband Kunal Khemu, and daughter Inaaya. Adding to the list of visitors filmmaker Jay Shewakramani and Maddock Films head Dinesh Vijan were also papped outside the Lilavati Hospital. Recently, Saif Ali Khan's better half Kareena Kapoor also visited him.

Going by the recent reports, the attacker went to Dadar after the incident. According to the reports, the accused purchased a pair of headphones from a mobile shop in the Kaptan Khana area. Members of the crime branch and police recently visited the shop. They also checked the CCTV footage for any evidence and questioned the shopkeeper. Although, the shopkeeper revealed that he was not aware of the attack.

In another development, the police also found the auto-rickshaw driver, Bhajan Singh Rana, who took Saif Ali Khan to Lilavati Hospital after the attack. His statement was also recorded at the Bandra police station.

In the meantime, Kareena Kapoor recorded her statement with the police, revealing her and her family's reaction during the frightening incident. She stated that as soon as the attack took place, she sent her children Taimur, Jeh, along with their domestic help to the 12th floor for safety.

Kareena Kapoor further mentioned that the attacker did not steal anything from their house. The actress said that he was extremely aggressive and repeatedly tried to harm Saif Ali Khan while he bravely attempted to defend himself. After the attack took place, Kareena Kapoor was taken to her sister Karisma Kapoor's house to ensure her safety.

Meanwhile, despite all the efforts by the police, the attacker remains at large. It is also not clear what was the motive behind the attack.
Belagavi : , Jan 18 (IANS) Commenting on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation proving illegal allotments to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's family by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Saturday that it is a political conspiracy against Siddaramaiah and his family.

Addressing the media in Belagavi, when asked about the revelations of the ED investigation into alleged irregularities in the MUDA case, Shivakumar said, "A case is a long process of investigation. It is the court's responsibility to decide whether any irregularities occurred, not ours. I have observed the ED investigation, but I will not comment further on this matter."

"A political conspiracy is being carried out against the Chief Minister and his family. Neither the Chief Minister nor his wife has been involved in any irregularities. Let's leave this matter and focus on the issues of the state," Shivakumar said.

Commenting on the development, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), IT and BT Priyank Kharge stated on Saturday in Bengaluru, "The action is happening as per the law. Let the investigation happen, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar are saying the same thing. Neither are we trying to scuttle or interfere in the investigation."

"It's about entire MUDA proceedings and it's not about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's 14 sites. Let everything, that happened over a decade ago, be investigated," Minister Kharge stated.

Dy CM Shivakumar talking about the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Belagavi to commemorate the centenary of the 'Father of the Nation' taking over as the Chairman of the AICC, stated, "All-party legislators, along with freedom fighters, will be invited to the Gandhi statue inauguration event at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The responsibility for this has been entrusted to the District Commissioners."

He inspected the venue near the Gandhi statue and said, "This is a government event that will be held under the leadership of the Chief Minister. In the august presence of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, the statue will be unveiled by AICC President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge."

"The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Chairperson of the Legislative Council will also participate in the programme. All-party legislators have been invited to the event. After the event, a group photo of all legislators will be taken. Later, the Chief Minister will host a luncheon for the guests and invitees. Apart from legislators, invitations have also been extended to prominent families, including the family of Gangadhar Deshpande," he added.
Kolkata, Jan 18 : A special court in Kolkata on Saturday convicted civic volunteer Sanjay Roy of the rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital within the hospital premises in August last year.

However, special court judge Anirban Das set Monday for pronouncing the sentence.

Roy, the "sole prime accused" as identified by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its single charge sheet in the matter, has been convicted under Section 64 (punishment for rape), Section 66 (punishment for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state of a victim) and Section 103(I) (punishment for murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

As soon as the special court judge convicted Roy, the latter loudly claimed his innocence. "I have not done anything. Why were those who were really responsible allowed to go freely? I am not guilty. The conspiracy was framed by many," Roy shouted.

The judge then assured him that he would be allowed to speak on Monday before the sentence will be pronounced.

The trial process in the matter started on November 11 last year, 59 days after the body of the victim was discovered in a seminar hall with the R.G. Kar premises in the morning of August 9 last year.

The conviction process was completed after 162 days from the date of the crime.

While the conviction in the crime of rape and murder crime is over, the angle in the tampering of evidence in the matter is still alive.

The CBI, sources said, had already informed the special court that the scope for filing a supplementary charge sheet on the tampering of evidence angle is still open, which keeps the case in this particular angle pending.

Last year, the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal were granted "default bail" by the same special court, as the CBI failed to file the supplementary charge sheet against the duo within 90 days of their arrest.

Both Ghosh and Mondal were accused of misleading the investigation and tampering with the evidence while the initial investigation in the matter was being carried out by Kolkata Police before the CBI took charge of the investigation following an order of the Calcutta High Court.

Roy, an erstwhile civic volunteer attached to Kolkata Police, was arrested by the city police on August 10 last year, a day after the body of the victim doctor was recovered.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : The AAP on Saturday screened a trailer of its controversial documentary film 'Unbreakable' at its office and vowed to take the 'banned' film to every Delhiite to expose the alleged conspiracy of the BJP and the Delhi Police to stop its private screening.

Within hours of Delhi Police preventing the screening of the film in the afternoon in Central Delhi, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj screened the trailer during a media briefing and said, "Now, we will ensure that the film reaches the masses."

"Surely, there is something explosive in the film that attempts are being made to stop its screening," said Bharadwaj, claiming that it was a private screening to which media and some AAP leaders, including him, were invited.

The 90 second trailer screened by Bharadwaj captures comments of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak, apart from footage of election rallies addressed by the former Delhi chief minister.

The trailer highlights Kejriwal's interview in which he talks about fighting loneliness in prison where he was sent after being arrested in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-withdrawn Delhi excise policy.

At one point in the trailer, Kejriwal says that he was not provided insulin in jail for 15 days, threatening his life. In one of the scenes, Pathak is shown questioning if there was a plan to kill Kejriwal while keeping him behind bars.

The trailer also shows Kejriwal denying any wrongdoing and saying that had he done anything wrong he would have joined the BJP to save his skin.

The film's trailer also highlights how a small party like the AAP took on the might of the BJP, the world's largest party, by challenging the latter in its den in Gujarat by contesting elections against it.

Earlier, Kejriwal hit out at the Delhi Police and the BJP for foiling the film-maker's plans to screen the documentary for media persons.

"The film was not political and there were no party flags at the venue, yet the police did not allow its private screening on the ground that no permission had been taken for it," he said.

The Delhi Police said in a statement that they followed the rules and stopped the screening of the film 'Unbreakable' at an auditorium at ITO in Central Delhi as no permission had been taken for the screening from the election office despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force.

Asked about the next step, Kejriwal said the AAP is exploring its options and, in any case, no one can stop a film from coming into public domain, a veiled hint at its circulation on social media.

The ruling party claimed the makers of the film had made arrangements for its screening at Pyarelal Bhawan at noon but a large contingent of police came to the venue and disallowed the event.
Kolkata, Jan 18 : Three suspected illegal Rohingya infiltrators from Myanmar were arrested at the busy Sealdah railway station in central Kolkata on Saturday, police said.

The arrested infiltrators include two women and a man. They have been identified as Nur Fatema, Sabu Panekar, and Abdul Rahman. Both the women are below 18 years of age.

City police sources said that personnel of the Sealdah Police Station became suspicious of the trio's movements within the station premises and asked for their identity documents.

Thereafter, the real identities of the three were revealed. All of them are related and are residents of Rakhine province in Myanmar.

All entered India illegally without a visa and other related documents. Before illegally entering India, they were sheltered at a refugee camp in Bangladesh.

On interrogation, Abdul Rahman admitted that they illegally entered India by paying Rs 20,000 for each of them. He had also admitted that their destination was Jammu & Kashmir where they had some prior acquaintances. He admitted that they illegally entered India through one of the porous borders in West Bengal and reached Sealdah station by train on Saturday morning, where they were nabbed.

Although he has claimed to the police that they were going to Jammu & Kashmir in search of livelihood, the investigating officials are not ruling out the possibilities of other motives behind their coming to Kolkata, including a terror angle or woman trafficking.

The three will be presented before a local court and the public prosecutor will seek their police custody.

Meanwhile, the investigating officials are interrogating them to track their local contacts with the help of whom they managed to cross the border into the state illegally.
Chennai, Jan 18 : The city of Chennai and its surrounding areas are bracing for heavy traffic congestion as nearly 12 lakh people are expected to return after the Pongal festival.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Department has urged commuters to start their return journeys in a staggered manner spread across three-four days. Despite these efforts, transport officials have reported a high number of return bookings for government buses on Sunday, which is likely to create significant traffic issues on key routes.

According to Tamil Nadu transport department, between January 10 and 13, 8.73 lakh passengers traveled from Chennai in government buses while 3.75 lakh passengers used private omni buses.

The return rush is expected to peak on Sunday, leading to severe congestion on major routes, particularly on Monday morning.

Key affected stretches include Chengalpattu-Tambaram stretch of GST Road, Uthandi-Thiruvanmiyur section of ECR, Thiruporur-Thiruvanmiyur stretch of OMR, Poonamallee-Maduravoyal section of Bengaluru NH, Thirunindravur-Padi section of Chennai-Tirupati Highway, and Nallur-Madhavaram stretch of Kolkata NH.

To handle the post-Pongal rush, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will open toll gates at Paranur and Athur (on the Tambaram-Tindivanam NH) for unrestricted vehicular movement. Depending on the severity, 7-8 lanes out of 10 may be reversed to accommodate incoming traffic.

R. Mohan, Managing Director of the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), reported that a total of 15,866 buses, including 7,498 special services, were operated from Chennai to various parts of Tamil Nadu during the Pongal exodus. For the return rush, 6,926 buses, including special services, are being operated from January 15 to 19.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will operate additional services to facilitate passenger movement within Chennai on January 19 and 20. On Sunday (January 19), 150 extra buses will run, on Monday (January 20) ,500 extra buses will be added to the fleet. In total, 982 buses, including 482 daily services, will operate on Monday. MTC staff will be stationed at major hubs such as Tambaram, Koyambedu CMBT (KCBT), Poonamallee, CMBT, MMBT, Redhills, and Egmore to regulate traffic and assist commuters.

The railways will also run a special train from Mandapam to Chennai Egmore on Sunday. The train will depart Mandapam at 10 p.m. and arrive in Chennai Egmore at 11.30 a.m. on Monday.

To mitigate congestion, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police has imposed a ban on heavy vehicles entering Chennai from 2 p.m. on Saturday to 2 p.m. on Monday. Heavy vehicles will be diverted at Chengalpattu and Singaperumal Koil junctions.

Traffic restrictions have also been implemented on major roads, including, GST Road, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), and East Coast Road (ECR).

Omni buses will be rerouted via the Outer Ring Road to reach Poonamallee and Maduravoyal.

Additionally, special trains will operate every 15 minutes from Chengalpattu to Chennai to meet the commuter rush. Authorities have appealed to commuters to plan their journeys wisely and use public transport wherever possible to minimise delays and inconvenience.
Nagpur, Jan 18 : The beneficiaries of the SVAMITVA scheme expressed their gratitude to Modi government on Saturday, terming the initiative as a gamechanger for lakhs and crores of villagers across the country. They said the scheme has enabled them with accurate property ownership data, thus making it easier to maintain land records. They also shared their experience of interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

With the distribution of 6.5 million property cards across more than 50,000 villages in 12 states and Union territories, PM Modi's SVAMITVA scheme is already making a significant impact in rural India. The beneficiaries shared that not only has it reduced land disputes, but it has also helped secure their property rights, opening new avenues for economic growth and development.

Many beneficiaries in Maharashtra's Nagpur district spoke to IANS and shared their heartfelt experiences, particularly emphasizing the positive impact of receiving the property card and also their virtual interaction with PM Modi.

Raushan Patil, a farmer from Mangalpur village explained how the scheme transformed his life:

"I've been farming in my village for years. When I got the SVAMITVA card on October 1, 2023, everything changed. With the card in hand, I was able to secure a loan to build my house and improve my farming with better irrigation. My income has increased, and my farming has become more productive. The most significant benefit, though, is that this card serves as solid proof of ownership. Earlier, disputes would arise between brothers over land rights, but now, thanks to the drone survey and clear ownership records, everyone has separate rights to their land. This has completely resolved the conflicts and brought peace to our family."

Raushan also noted that the SVAMITVA scheme has brought clarity to land ownership and drastically reduced the number of disputes.

"Earlier, there were constant fights over land because the ownership was not clear. Now, with the clear documentation, we have a sense of security and all the disputes have been resolved. This card is a lifesaver, and it's a huge relief for all of us," he said.

Chetram Uikey, another beneficiary, highlighted how the scheme helped him secure financial opportunities.

"I had been waiting for something like this for a long time. The SVAMITVA card is a permanent document that proves ownership. Now, I can approach the bank for loans without any issues. Before this, even though we owned land, it was difficult to prove ownership or use the land for financial purposes. But with this card, I can confidently say that my property is mine, and I can use it to improve my life," he said.

Chetram also shared his satisfaction with the government's support and how the card makes it easier for villagers to access loans and financial schemes: "Now that we have the card, I can apply for loans with ease. The property is now a legal asset, and I believe this will make our village's financial future much brighter. Plus, the Prime Minister's support for the scheduled caste community is very encouraging, as it will help many who have struggled due to lack of resources in farming."

He also mentioned his excitement about the opportunity to interact with PM Modi virtually, saying, "It was wonderful to hear directly from the Prime Minister. It would have been even better to connect with him personally, but hearing from him was very inspiring. I believe this scheme will bring lasting change to our village and others like ours."

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the beneficiaries during the distribution of property cards.

"SVAMITVA is not just about land ownership; it's about securing your rights, your future, and your financial freedom. The scheme would contribute to the economic growth of rural areas, thereby improving the quality of life for millions of citizens," PM Modi said.

Today, more than 6.5 million property cards were distributed to the property owners in more than 50,000 villages across 230 districts. The program helps rural families claim their rightful land, resolve conflicts, and increase their access to financial support, marking a milestone in India's rural development journey. The SVAMITVA scheme uses advanced drone and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map and document land ownership.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : In a decisive move to protect Maharashtra's cultural and archaeological heritage, Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar on Saturday announced the formation of district-level committees to tackle encroachments on the state's historic forts.

These committees will focus on removing existing encroachments and preventing future ones, ensuring the preservation of these iconic sites.

Chaired by the district collector, the committees will include key officials such as the Commissioner of Police, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer, District Superintendent of Police, Municipal Commissioner, and other relevant authorities, including representatives from the Archaeology Department, Forest Department, and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

By January 31, the committees must prepare a detailed fort-wise list of encroachments and submit it to the government. From February 1 to May 31, the removal of encroachments will be carried out in a time-bound manner, with regular progress reports submitted to the government.

After clearing encroachments, the committees will implement measures to prevent future encroachments and ensure the forts' long-term protection.

To maintain accountability and transparency, the committees are mandated to hold monthly review meetings and report progress to the state government.

Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally protected forts, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 62 state-protected forts, overseen by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. These forts are a vital part of the state's cultural legacy and require concerted efforts to safeguard their historical significance, structural integrity, and public safety.

Minister Shelar expressed serious concern over reports of encroachments on both protected and unprotected forts, highlighting the threats to their preservation.

"There are significant challenges related to structural integrity, historical value, and law and order at these sites. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, district-level committees will work to address these issues and protect these historic treasures," Shelar said.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : Saif Ali Khan and his family recently went through a lot after they were attacked at their Bandra house. However, as the investigation in the case is underway, Kareena Kapoor and her children Taimur and Jeh's whereabouts after the incident have been revealed.

Narrating her ordeal to the police, Kareena Kapoor revealed that she and her sons Taimur and Jeh have been staying at her sister Karisma Kapoor's house ever since the attack. She was quoted saying, aAfter the attack, I was terrified, so Karisma took me to her house." The two sisters are believed to stay close to each other in Mumbai.

Kareena Kapoor further revealed in her statement that as soon as the attack took place, she sent her children and their domestic help to the 12th floor for safety. The actress also stated that the attacker did not steal anything from their home. She added that the attacker was extremely aggressive though, and repeatedly tried to harm Saif Ali Khan as he attempted to defend himself.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan is admitted to the Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed multiple times. Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, filmmaker Jay Shewakramani, and Maddock Films head Dinesh Vijan were recently captured outside the Lilavati Hospital as they visited the actor.

A recent report claims that the attacker went to Dadar after the incident. He reportedly purchased a pair of headphones from a mobile shop in the Kaptan Khana area. Members of the crime branch and police force paid a visit to the shop, checking the CCTV footage, and questioning the shopkeeper. However, the shopkeeper said that he was not aware of the attack at the actor's house.

Meanwhile, the police also found the auto-rickshaw driver, Bhajan Singh Rana, who drove Saif Ali Khan to the Lilavati Hospital after the attack. His statement was also recorded at the Bandra police station.
Noble Corporation plc NE, an offshore drilling contractor, has secured a contract from Petronas Suriname E&P for its semi-submersible rig Noble Developer. The contract involves drilling three wells offshore Suriname for Petronas. The duration of the contract is estimated to be 200 days.

The contract's value is approximately $84 million. This includes mobilization and demobilization fees for the rig and additional services provided by NE. The contract is expected to start around June 2025. The companies have also agreed to add an option of drilling an additional well to the contract.

The Noble Developer drillship is currently stationed offshore Trinidad and Tobago. The necessary preparations are scheduled to start immediately for the rigs upcoming assignment with Petronas. The rig was built in 2008 and can operate in water depths of approximately 10,000 feet. It has a maximum drilling depth of 40,000 feet.

Noble Developer previously worked for Petronas in Suriname. The company is looking forward to resuming operations in the region in mid-2025.

NEs Zacks Rank and Key Picks

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Peshawar, Jan 18 : The death toll in the deadly attack on the Kurram aid convoy to Parachinar has risen to eight after four more bodies of the missing drivers were recovered on Saturday.

The Kurram District of Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has been cut off from the rest of the country for months after violent clashes between the rival sectarian tribes of Shia and Sunni Muslims that has claimed over 150 lives till now.

As casualties continued to rise, including dozens of women and children dying due to lack of food supplies and non-availability of medicines, a 14-point peace agreement that was supposed to pave the way for a ceasefire in the devastated region, was signed recently between the fighting groups.

However, according to the local administration, the convoy carrying relief aid came under a major attack on Thursday, resulting in several more deaths.

"The attack lasted for at least five hours. Five drivers went missing of which four bodies have been recovered. Till now, the overall death toll stands at eight, including four drivers and two security personnel," said Kurram Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC).

On the other hand, police sources maintain that at least 10 people have been killed till now, including two security personnel, four drivers and four civilians. They insist that six drivers are still missing and were kidnapped by the attackers who used rockets and automatic weapons.

The security forces stated that six attackers were also killed in retaliatory firing.

The 35-vehicle convoy, which is the second batch of aid supplies moved to Parachinar, included medicines, vegetables, fruits and other edible items. It was being escorted by security forces, including the police and the Frontier Constabulary (FC).

The latest attack has jolted the peace deal yet again, striking fear and uncertainty in the district, which has been suffering due to the unrest for over three months.

"The process of dismantling bunkers has been halted for the time being. The supply of essential items has also been suspended due to security concerns", said a police official.

The authorities continue to block all access routes to the region, leaving thousands of people without food, medicine and essential items.

Earlier this month, the Deputy Commissioner of the Kurram district was critically injured as his vehicle came under attack in Mandoori, Kojalai Baba village near Bagan.

"Shia and Sunni conflict has been going on for decades here. People have been slaughtered by rival tribes in ambushed attacks many times and every time they end up signing the so-called peace agreements. This time also, a peace agreement has been signed. But no progress is seen on ground as far as opening of routes and supplies is concerned. Our families are dying here every day because of starvation and medical issues," a local told IANS.

The sectarian conflict in Parachinar started in the last week of November when a bus was attacked, resulting in the death of over 47 Shia Muslims. In retaliation, Shia militant groups carried out attacks on Sunni villages, brutally killing over 150 people. Since then, the tribal region has been blocked from the rest of the country.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Reacting to the recent incidents of bank robberies, shootouts, and other serious crimes in the state, Karnataka BJP said on Saturday that the state has become a haven for robbers and also criticised the deteriorating law and order situation, claiming that there is no one to ensure the safety of citizens.

"Karnataka has turned into a robbery hub leaving citizens in constant fear. There is no one to protect the people," said Karnataka Leader of the Opposition while addressing a press conference in Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

He pointed out recent incidents, including the robbery and murder of an ATM vehicle staffer in Bidar and the Hollywood-style looting of Rs 15 crore from a bank in Mangaluru.

"No one fears the police in Karnataka. These incidents show how little control Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has over the police force and how badly the law-and-order situation in the state has deteriorated," he said.

He also alleged that robbers from other states are entering Karnataka, committing crimes, and fleeing via buses and trains.

"People are left to protect themselves. While the police lack pistols, the robbers are armed with modern weapons," he underlined.

Ashoka also criticised the government for not taking strict action against incidents like love jihad, communal violence, and illegal cattle slaughter.

"The Police Department is involved in a transfer racket, and officers are losing their morale. Despite all this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not even convened a meeting with the Home Department. The government is too preoccupied with internal political conflicts between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, leaving no interest in governance," he claimed.

He also claimed that Karnataka is turning into another West Bengal, where everyone lives in constant fear. "Thereby discouraging investors," he said.

Ashoka demanded a white paper on the government's finances. "Let them release a white paper showing the allocation of funds during former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai led BJP government's tenure and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's tenure. Also, let the Congress government disclose the loans taken during BJP's tenure compared to Congress' 60 years of rule," he said.

When asked about the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Ashoka alleged that there is a deliberate attempt to avoid investigation.

"The Lokayukta Police seem uninterested in probing and are preparing to give a clean chit. While the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized middlemen's money, the Lokayukta Police have done nothing. We have therefore demanded a CBI investigation," he said.

Ashoka also criticised the state of Bengaluru's roads and government hospitals.

"Roads are filled with potholes, and there is no guarantee of safety for new mothers in government hospitals. Despite this, the government continues to increase prices. Instead of frequent hikes, they should raise the prices all at once," he concluded.
Chikkamagaluru, Jan 18 : A Sub-Inspector (SI) has been booked on the charges of torturing his wife for dowry and exploiting fair-sex complainants who visited the police station seeking justice in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district.

Acting on the complaint of SI's wife, the Kalasa Police have launched an investigation.

She accused her husband of torturing her to bring Rs 50 lakh dowry.

The complainant alleged that she was assaulted and abused by the accused's sister too.

The complainant said that her husband targeted women who came to lodge complaints and visited him in connection with passport verification. The accused used to befriend and lure them or force them to entertain him in return for getting their work done.

She also mentioned in the complaint that when her husband was stationed at Kapu police station, he had an affair with a woman belonging to the minority community.

When the family of the minority community woman came to know about the affair, they came to assault the accused and he had to pay Rs 4 lakh to her, police said quoting the complainant.

The Kalasa Police stated that they are verifying the facts of the case and will initiate legal action against the accused if the charges are proven.

Considering the allegations of harassment of the women and their exploitation, the police were gathering information.

Earlier, Karnataka Police arrested the police constable who allegedly raped a minor girl, a rape victim, promising her marriage in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka in 2021. The accused cop was arrested and terminated from the service.

The Kadaba Police had slapped cases for taking advantage of his official position, raping a woman, criminal intimidation, and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 against the accused cop.
Chennai, Jan 18 : Writer and actor Vishnu Manchu has now disclosed the reason for choosing New Zealand over places in India to shoot his upcoming historical magnum opus 'Kannappa', which is based on an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.

Chennai, Jan 18 (IANS) Writer and actor Vishnu Manchu has now disclosed the reason for choosing New Zealand over places in India to shoot his upcoming historical magnum opus 'Kannappa', which is based on an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.

At a press briefing on Saturday, the actor, who plays the lead in the magnum opus, which is being made on a lavish budget, was asked why the film, which tells the story of the ardent devotee Kannappa, was being shot in New Zealand instead of being made in India.

Responding to the question, Vishnu Manchu said, "I have been asked this question by everyone including actor and director Prabhu Deva, who has choreographed three songs in this film.

"I have read a lot about this character (Kannappa). This is a story that takes place between the second and the third centuries. How was India then? As human beings, we are very destructive. Although we pray to God, we don't respect God's creations. We never respect nature. We have polluted waters, cut forests and polluted the environment.

"When I wanted to make Kannappa, I wanted to take audiences back to that time period. So, when we began hunting for locations, we visited a number of places. In India, we scouted the north east. Then, in the US, we looked at the Redwood forests in California and in Minnesota. We visited London's outskirts, Scotland and the place at which they shot 'Vikings' in Ireland. I went to Malaysia where they shot 'Marco Polo' and then went to Australia.

"Finally, a friend suggested New Zealand. So, I went to New Zealand in 2019. If there is a last painting of God, that is New Zealand. The water, the forests, the sky -- it is phenomenal. That is when I decided that this is where 'Kannappa' needs to be shot. So, when you watch the film, you will know that India too would have been like this in the second century. Whatever you see in the film, except for Kailasa, which is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, everything else is natural."

The film, which is being directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, features some of the top stars of the Indian film industry including Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Preity Mukundhan, Akshay Kumar, Sarathkumar and Kajal Aggarwal. Cinematography is by US cinematographer Sheldon Chau and Siddharth.

-IANS

mkr/
Kolkata, Jan 18 : Just hours after a special court in Kolkata convicted civic volunteer Sanjay Roy for the rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on Saturday, a political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal.

Soon after the verdict, Trinamool Congress' state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said that Roy's conviction proves that the initial investigation by Kolkata Police in the case was in the right direction.

"Some people resorted to unnecessarily mud-slinging in the matter. Today it is proved that they were spreading lies. The investigation by the Kolkata Police was in the right direction. But some leftists, leftist extremist forces, some hardcore anti-Trinamool Congress sections and a section of the medical practitioners tried to mislead people," he said.

The CBI was handed over the investigation midway. But their investigation too proved that Kolkata Police was carrying out the probe on the right lines," Ghosh said.

However, BJP West Bengal chief and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar said it is not yet clear as to what kind of "tampering" of evidence took place during the first five days after the crime when Kolkata Police was handling the initial investigation.

"Doubts still prevail on this issue. For the time being Sanjay Roy is convicted. If he is guilty he deserves the highest punishment. But had the right evidence been there the fallout could have been different," Majumdar claimed.

CPI(M) leader Sayandip Mitra while the conviction of Roy in the crime of rape and murder is justified, it is yet to be clear who are actual "masterminds in the larger conspiracy" who steered Roy to conduct the barbaric act.

"All we want now is the faces of these masterminds surface," Mitra said.

Earlier, as soon as Roy was convicted, he shouted within the court claiming innocence.

"I have not done anything. Why those who were responsible were allowed to go freely? I am not guilty. The conspiracy was framed by many," Roy shouted.

The judge then assured him that he would be allowed to speak on Monday before pronouncing the sentence.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has come under sharp criticism from State Congress President and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran, who accused him of prioritising personal gain over the state's welfare.

"Vijayan seems determined to ensure he is the last CPI-M Chief Minister of Kerala by focusing solely on amassing wealth for his children and relatives," said Sudhakaran on Saturday.

The Congress leader leveled these allegations while addressing the controversial approval granted to Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd for setting up an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, liquor bottling plant, brewery, malt spirit unit, and brandy/winery plant at Kanjikode in Palakkad. The company's owner was previously jailed in connection with the Delhi excise liquor policy case.

Sudhakaran also reiterated the Congress-led United Democratic Front's (UDF) commitment to opposing this project. "Just as we successfully stopped the K-Rail project, we will ensure this liquor company does not operate in Kerala, regardless of the Vijayan government's approval," he added.

The sanction for Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd was reportedly granted during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, allowing the company to proceed on a 26-acre plot purchased two years ago in Palakkad. The decision has sparked widespread backlash, with top Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and veteran legislator Ramesh Chennithala, accusing the government of flouting regulations to benefit the company.

Revathy Babu, president of the Kanjikode panchayat, expressed strong opposition to the project. "We haven't granted any permissions. This area already suffers from acute water scarcity, and such a plant will deplete the water table further. We cannot allow this firm to operate here," she said.

The issue is expected to dominate House proceedings when the Assembly session resumes on Monday, adding to the mounting criticism of the Vijayan government.

Incidentally, both Sudhakaran and Vijayan hail from Kannur and have been political rivals since their college days, marking over five decades of clashes.
Chandigarh, Jan 18 : A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Saturday convicted Himachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police Z.H. Zaidi and seven others for the infamous custodial death of an accused in gangrape-murder of a minor in 2017.

The other accused who were convicted include the then Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoj Joshi, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Deep Chand Sharma, Mohan Lal, Surat Singh, Rafee Mohammad and Ranit Sateta.

However, the court acquitted former Superintendent of Police D.W. Negi. The court will pronounce the quantum of the sentence on January 27.

The Supreme Court in 2019 transferred the case from Shimla to Chandigarh on a plea filed by the CBI for expeditious disposal of the case. The girl had gone missing in Kotkhai and her body was found in a forest near Kotkhai town in Shimla district on July 6, 2017, two days after her disappearance.

The crime had led to arson by a mob demanding justice for the girl. After the crime, police had claimed that the schoolgirl was offered a lift in a vehicle by one of the accused while she was returning home from school in Kotkhai town, 56 km from Shimla.

On the way, the accused and his accomplices gang-raped and murdered her in a nearby forest.

Her naked body with injury marks was found.

Later, the Himachal Pradesh government agreed to recommend a CBI probe.

After the CBI took over, nine police personnel, including Inspector General of Police Zaidi and former Shimla Superintendent of Police D.W. Negi, were arrested on the charge of custodial death of accused Suraj.

Zaidi was head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to probe the case before the CBI took over.

The SIT had arrested six persons, one of whom (Suraj) died at the Kotkhai police station on the night of July 18, 2017. Zaidi and eight others were arrested in connection with the custodial death.

The CBI, which arrested Nilu, said he was the lone accused while those arrested by the Himachal Police were not involved. Charges against them were dropped.

Inspector General Zaidi was reinstated in November 2019 after he was released on bail on April 5, 2019, by the Supreme Court.

The government again suspended him on January 15, 2020, after Superintendent of Police Soumya Sambasivan alleged that he was pressurising her to change her statement.
Wayanad, Jan 18 : Sulthan Bathery Congress MLA I.C. Balakrishnan and Wayanad district Congress president N.D. Appachan and local party leader K.K. Gopinathan on Saturday got anticipatory bail in a suicide abetment case of the treasurer of the party N.M. Vijayan and his son who committed suicide.

The Crime Branch and the Vigilance wing of the Kerala Police have both probed this case and hence the Congress leadership was anxious to hear the verdict from the court.

The court which had heard their plea on January 17th had directed the police not to arrest till the court disposes the plea. The court after granting bail told the three leaders to see that they should present themselves before the probe officials whenever asked and should not influence the case in any manner.

Balakrishnan said he will abide by the court directive and since he has done no wrong he does not have any fears.

Reacting to the verdict Appachan said he is very clear and confident that he has done no wrong at all.

"Since we were not confident about how the police would act as was seen in recent times so decided to stay away and now I will return to Wayanad on Sunday. I really don't know how my name was included as we were very good friends and party colleagues for the past five decades," said Appachan.

N.M. Vijayan and his son were found dead at their home, with a suicide note alleging that funds collected from various candidates for appointments in cooperative banks had been misappropriated.

The note named Congress leaders, including Balakrishnan, Appachan, and Gopinathan, as recipients of these funds and mentioned loans taken to repay the misused amounts.

The suicide note, addressed to Congress leaders, instructed N.M. Vijayan's son, Vijesh, delivered it to the Wayanad district police chief after ten days. The surfacing of the letter prompted demands from CPI-M leaders for the immediate arrest of the Congress leaders.

The entire Congress top brass was moving cautiously in this case as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is also the Home Minister, directed swift police action, leading to the registration of an FIR against the Congress leaders.

It is believed to be a retaliatory move after the Congress had earlier demanded accountability from CPI-M leader and Kannur District Panchayat president P.P. Divya for the suicide of Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu in October.

Under pressure, Divya had resigned, was denied anticipatory bail, and spent some time in jail before being released on bail. The CPI-M and Chief Minister Vijayan argue that the same "abetment of suicide" charge applies to Balakrishnan and Appachan.

Wayanad Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi's visit to the constituency was also kept on hold and now with the court granting relief, she is expected to visit her constituency soon.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : Mahakumbh 2025 began on 13th January, and ever since then millions of pilgrims have visited Prayagraj seeking spiritual purification. Recently, Amitabh Bachchan took to his official IG account and dropped a special post, commemorating one of the biggest religious events of the century.

Big Big shared a montage of people taking a dip in the holy river, along with the words, "Jai Ganga Maiya Ji Ki", and "Jai Maa Yamunotri".

Amitabh Bachchan captioned the post with an Om emoji.

Prior to this, Amitabh Bachchan took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and penned a cryptic tweet saying, "Mahakumbh Snan Bhava"

The post suggested that the legendary superstar might soon be visiting the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj to take the holy dip in Sangam. However, nothing has been announced officially till now. For the unversed, Prayagraj is also the hometown of Big B.

Concerned about the actor's wellbeing, one of the netizens wrote in the comment section, "Respected Bachchan sahab, hope you are well. Despite your age and health issues, you should not let go of this special occasion and take the holy dip in Mahakumbh 2025."

Talking about Amitabh Bachchan's work, Big B last graced the screens with the Tamil action entertainer "Vettaiyan". Made under the direction of TJ Gnanavel, the actor was seen sharing the screen with Rajinikanth, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, along with Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rohini, Rao Ramesh, Abhirami and Ramesh Thilak in secondary roles.

"Vettaiyan" revolves around the life of Athiyan (Rajinikanth), a seasoned police officer who ends up killing an innocent person during an encounter. Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, the music for the drama has been composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The cinematography for the film has been handled by S. R. Kathir, while Philomin Raj has performed the editing.

Mahakumbh is a result of a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years, making it extremely special.
Seoul, Jan 18 : South Korean Court hearing on whether to issue an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law ended on Saturday after five hours.

The hearing at the Seoul Western District Court ran from 2 p.m. until 6:50 p.m., with Yoon in attendance. He then returned to the detention centre where he has been held since Wednesday to await the court's decision.

"The president faithfully explained and responded regarding the facts, evidence and legal issues," his lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, told reporters outside the court. "We will wait quietly until the court's decision comes out."

The court is expected to issue or reject the warrant for his formal arrest late Saturday or early Sunday.

Earlier, Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon's lawyers, said prosecutors from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) presented their case for his arrest and the lawyers followed with PowerPoint presentations on their counterarguments.

Yoon, dressed in a suit, also spoke for 40 minutes. In his final statement, he spoke for another 5 minutes before the hearing ended.

The impeached president has been in custody since his arrest Wednesday at his residence on charges of masterminding an insurrection and abuse of power, making him the first sitting South Korean president to be apprehended.

Yoon was transported to the court from a detention centre in Uiwang, about 20 kilometers south of Seoul, in a blue van escorted by police and the Presidential Security Service, Yonhap news agency reported.

The convoy bypassed the designated photo area for the media and entered the court building directly, while thousands of supporters gathered nearby, waving South Korean and US flags and chanting Yoon's name in a display of solidarity.

Yoon chose to attend the court hearing to explain the legitimacy of the martial law imposition and restore his tarnished reputation, his lawyer Yun said in a message sent to reporters.

Since his detention, Yoon has refused to appear for questioning over his martial law bid. The declaration, made on December 3, shocked the nation and plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. However, the martial law lasted only a few hours before lawmakers voted to lift the measure.

His lawyers have said the martial law bid was an act of governance and cannot be subject to a court judgment as it was implemented to overcome a national crisis caused by the opposition-led impeachments of Cabinet members, gridlock in legislation and unilateral budget reduction.

Yoon's presidential powers were suspended after the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him December 14.

On Wednesday, Yoon's legal team requested the Seoul Central District Court to decide on the legality of the detention warrant for Yoon issued by the Western District Court.

But the central court dismissed the challenge the following day, keeping him in custody.

Despite the ruling, Yoon's legal team is expected to maintain its argument that the CIO has no legal authority to investigate insurrection charges and that the western court does not have proper jurisdiction over the martial law case.

If court officials issue the warrant, Yoon will become the first sitting president in South Korea's constitutional history to be formally arrested.

Yoon's formal arrest will allow investigators to extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to prosecutors for an indictment.

If rejected, the embattled president will be released and return to his residence, helping bolster his claims that the ongoing investigations into his martial law decree and impeachment are unfounded.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to remove Yoon from office by upholding the parliament's impeachment decision or reinstate him.
WuXi Biologics' CEO Chris Chen has denied that the companys sale of its less than four-year-old Ireland site is due to the threat of the US Biosecure Act, and said that the number of new contracts is at an all-time high, while speaking at the JP Morgan (JPM) Annual Healthcare Conference 2025 on 15 January.

A subsidiary of the Chinese contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), WuXi Vaccines, will sell its vaccine manufacturing facility in Dundalk, Ireland to Merck & Co. for approximately $500m, the company announced earlier in January.

People are saying, Is this because of Biosecure? No, not at all, Chen said to the audience at JPM. Instead, he explained, I have an asset sitting in Ireland worth $500m. Our stock is so cheap. Our rationale is, I sell that asset, get $500m and buy back 6% of the company.

He added, That was part of the original option anywaywe build that facility for Merck and they can take it if they want to. Merck & Co is the sole client of the Irish site, which was constructed in 2019 for $240m and partially opened in 2021 before full good manufacturing practice (GMP) approval in 2022.

Because that facility is low margin, our overall margin profile [after the sale will have] improved by 100 bps [basis points, equivalent to 1%]. Why wouldnt we do it? It has nothing to do with geopolitics, Chen explained.

The Dundalk facility produces active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in large batches for commercial manufacturing and late-stage clinical production, focusing on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and recombinant proteins.

Biosecure threatens Chinese partners

The pharmaceutical and biotech industries have been consumed by discussions of the Biosecure Act, which did not pass in the US as expected in 2024, but may be voted on again in 2025. If passed, the bill would prohibit US federal funding for any company that outsources services to biotechnology companies in China. Drafts of the bill explicitly name WuXi Biologics and WuXi AppTec. These two service providers operate independently but are related, as WuXi AppTec manufactures small molecule drugs.

In October 2024, the Financial Times reported that WuXi Biologics was in talks to sell some of its European production facilities, including two facilities in Germany, as foreign clients balked at the prospect of the Biosecure Act. In the same month, WuXi AppTec stated that its WuXi Advanced Therapies (ATU) cell and gene subsidiary had already been impacted by the proposed legislation as there were insufficient new business wins due to the proposed US legislation. WuXi AppTec disclosed that it was unsure whether it would dispose of the China-based subsidiary.
Visakhapatnam, Jan 18 : The YSR Congress Party on Saturday termed as insufficient the financial package announced by the Centre for the revival of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

YSRCP leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Gudivada Amarnath asserted that the steel plant, which has been operating under severe financial stress, requires sustainable solutions, and the package announced by the Central government is insufficient to address its core issues.

He criticised the Centreas handling of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) issue, emphasising that YSRCP has consistently opposed its privatization under the leadership of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Amarnath stated that it was due to YSRCPas steadfast opposition that the privatisation process was halted, a fact acknowledged by Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy.

He also highlighted that the Andhra Pradesh Assembly had passed a resolution opposing privatisation and sent it to the Central government, showcasing the stateas unwavering commitment to protecting the steel plant and its workforce.

Amarnath raised concerns over the financial package announced by the central government, stating that it falls short of expectations and clarity. He pointed out that from the announced Rs 11,400 crore, Rs 1,500 crore has already been deducted, leaving only Rs. 9,800 crore, which is inadequate for reviving the plant.

Questioning the absence of a formal announcement of the package during the Prime Minister's public address in Vizag last week, he demanded transparency regarding the governmentas intentions.

He accused the Central government of failing to withdraw its privatisation decision despite claiming to support the plant, leaving the employees and the public in confusion.

The former minister expressed alarm over the plantas current state, stating that it is burdened by unmanageable debts and a dwindling workforce.

Once run with 25,000 employees, the plant now operates with just 10,000, and the introduction of Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS) has further jeopardised its operations.

He questioned how the plant would sustain itself if more employees were removed.

Stressing the steel plant's historical and emotional significance, Amarnath noted that over Rs 55,000 crore has already been paid to the government in taxes, yet the plant is being pushed toward privatisation instead of being supported.

He also criticised past mismanagement, including the failure to pay employee salaries on time, the removal of allowances, and the misuse of Provident Fund (PF) contributions. Amarnath demanded that the Central government take decisive steps to ensure the steel plantas survival and long-term viability.

He called for a tax holiday for the plant, its merger with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), allocation of captive mines for raw material self-sufficiency, and the transfer of plant lands, currently under the President's name, to the steel plant.

He accused the Central government of taking a shortsighted approach and failing to provide genuine solutions.

He also questioned the celebrations by certain coalition leaders, calling it inappropriate given the dire state of the steel plant and the plight of its employees.

The YSR Congress leader urged the Central government to abandon its privatisation plans and adopt a sustainable strategy to revive the steel plant, which is a lifeline for the region and a symbol of pride for the people.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : To enhance cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, the indigenously built guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai is participating in the fourth edition of the multinational exercise La Perouse, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday.

This edition of the exercise will witness the participation of personnel/surface and sub-surface assets from various maritime partners including the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, the United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Canadian Navy, said a statement.

The Ministry said the exercise aims to develop common Maritime Situational Awareness by enhancing the cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction operations and air operations along with the conduct of progressive training and information sharing.

The exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer links in planning, coordination and information sharing for enhanced tactical interoperability.

Advanced multi-domain exercises, including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air defence, cross-deck landings and tactical manoeuvres, as also the constabulary missions such as VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations, are part of the event.

The naval exercise, being held in the straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean: Malacca, Sunda and Lombok, began on January 16 and will conclude on January 24.

Indian Navy's participation in the exercise showcases the high level of synergy, coordination and interoperability between the like-minded navies and their commitment to a rules-based international order in the maritime domain.

This visit is in consonance with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) to enhance maritime cooperation and collaboration for a safer and secure Indo-Pacific Region.

Last month, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi went to Indonesia on an official visit from December 15 to 18 to consolidate bilateral defence relations.

The visit underscored the strong maritime relations between the two countries conforming to the shared vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, the CNS engaged in bilateral discussions with top-level Indonesian Government and defence officials.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts to further consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Indonesia, in line with the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on enhancing Naval Cooperation.
Ujjain, Jan 18 : Madhya Pradesh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Saturday conducted a raid at the premises of a former bank employee Anil Suhane in Ujjain.

According to information, searches were carried out by EOW following a complaint of disproportionate assets against Suhane, who retired from the post of assistant manager of a state-owned bank. A 30-member EOW team along with the police personnel reached Suhane's bungalow located in Basant Vihar colony in Ujjain on Saturday afternoon.

State police conducted searches amid tight security outside Suhane's bungalow and recovered a cash amount of Rs 8 lakh and documents pertaining to other immovable properties during the search. Besides Rs 8 lakh in cash, EOW during the search also unearthed immovable and movable properties including a four-story building, two plots, two shops, and three vehicles. According to official sources, EOW has learned that Suhane, who retired from the bank on December 31, 2024, owned properties worth more than Rs 5 crore, which (according to his monthly income) should not be more than 70-75 lakh.

Sources said the EOW team has to dig into three bank lockers. The team has also recovered documents related to investment in commercial establishments, including real estate. EOW SP Dilip Soni told media persons that searches were carried out on the basis of a complaint of disproportionate assets against the former assistant manager of a cooperative bank, Anil Suhane.

"The department (EOW) has received a complaint against Anil Suhane regarding irregularities in bank loans during his service period. Later, a complaint was also received regarding disproportionate assets, following which, searches were carried out. The process of evaluation of properties is underway," he added.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that efforts are underway to put in place an integrated ticketing system for urban transport in Mumbai.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a dream of bringing the public transport system to a single mobility platform, and efforts are underway to develop infrastructure in Mumbai towards this end. With this initiative, commuters will be able to avail public transport facilities by walking just 300 to 500 meters. This is an ambitious project to provide fast and convenient transport services from one end to the other," he said.

The integrated ticketing system in Mumbai was discussed in the presence of Chief Minister and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav at the meeting held on Saturday.

Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) CEO Pravin Singh Pardeshi, Secretary to the Chief Minister's Office Shrikar Pardeshi and officials of Central, Western Railway and Maha Mumbai Metro were present at the meeting.

The Maharashtra government is taking a major step towards implementing an integrated ticketing system for urban transport.

The initiative, led by the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), aims to streamline and simplify the ticketing process for various public transport services. The technical support of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform will be used for this.

Fadnavis said that local railway is the lifeline for Mumbai. The integrated service system will make connectivity faster and easier for passengers, and will increase revenue and increase the use of public services.

He also mentioned that efforts are underway to integrate this system with taxis and other services by increasing the use of technology.

"With this project, passengers will easily get all the transport facilities on a single platform. This will simplify transportation and save time for passengers, as well as remove bottlenecks in the transport system," he remarked.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that currently 3,500 local services are operating in Mumbai. Railways will invest Rs 17,107 crore to start 300 more local services in the coming period.

He said that Rs 1.70 lakh crore has been invested in railway projects in Maharashtra saying that the Central and state governments are committed to the overall development of Mumbai.
Cairo, Jan 18 : An Egyptian security source told Xinhua on Saturday that the Rafah crossing, the only channel linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt, will be reopened on Sunday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that about 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza via the crossing on Sunday, as per the ceasefire-for-hostage release deal.

The long-awaited ceasefire between Hamas and Israel reached Wednesday is set to take effect Sunday at 8:30 am local time (0630 GMT).

Machines have been working near the crossing area to rehabilitate the internal roads leading to Gaza, said the source.

Another source from the Egyptian Red Crescent teams in North Sinai confirmed to Xinhua news agency that some 600 aid trucks carrying medical assistance, tents, and field hospital modules, along with another 50 trucks loaded with fuel, are expected to enter Gaza after inspection by the Israeli side.

Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar is currently visiting the crossing to oversee preparations for receiving wounded Palestinians from the Strip, the source from the Egyptian Red Crescent added.

Ahmad Samir, a provincial health official of North Sinai said that hospitals in Arish, Sheik Zuweid, and Rafah are fully prepared to receive the wounded.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli government approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following a lengthy cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said.

At the meeting, 24 ministers voted in favour and eight against.

Three Israeli women held in Gaza and 95 Palestinian prisoners are set to be released on Sunday as part of the deal's first phase.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the meeting that he was assured by US President-elect Donald Trump that Israel would receive a halted arms supply once he takes office, reported Channel 12 News.

"This is important because if we do not reach the second phase of the deal, we will have additional tools to return to fighting," Netanyahu said. "Trump is giving Israel full backing to return to war in case of a violation of the agreement."

The full cabinet meeting was held after Israel's restricted security cabinet voted in favour of the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage agreement on Friday.

Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two far-right ministers, opposed the agreement and 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.

Disputes have been resolved, Hamas said on Friday, a day after the group affirmed its commitment to the full terms of the accord in a statement.
Kolkata, Jan 18 : As a special court in Kolkata on Saturday convicted civic volunteer Sanjay Roy for the rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital within the hospital premises in August last year, the victim's parents said that the second phase to achieve further justice has just begun.

Kolkata, Jan 18 (IANS) As a special court in Kolkata on Saturday convicted civic volunteer Sanjay Roy for the rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital within the hospital premises in August last year, the victimas parents said that the second phase to achieve further justice has just begun.

"I do not have enough words to thank the judge of the special court. Sanjay Roy has been convicted. The first step towards justice is completed. After the judge of the court will pronounce the statement on Monday, the next step towards justice will start," the victimas father told media persons soon after the conviction was pronounced.

He also explained why he thinks that the next step towards justice has begun.

"We still do not believe that Sanjay Roy is the only culprit in this entire crime and larger conspiracy. That is why we have pleaded for the continuation of the investigation process in the matter. I want Sanjay Roy to be hanged," the father said.

In fact, legal experts too feel that there are some merits in his statement that the second innings to achieve larger justice is still on considering that while the conviction in the crime of rape and murder crime is over, the angle in the tampering of evidence in the matter is still alive.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, sources said, had already informed the special court that the scope for filing a supplementary charge sheet on the tampering of evidence angle is still open, which keeps the case in this particular angle pending.

Last year, the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal were granted default bail by the same special court, as the CBI failed to file the supplementary charge sheet against the duo within 90 days of their arrest. Both Ghosh and Mondal were accused of misleading the investigation and tampering with the evidence while the initial investigation in the matter was being carried out by Kolkata Police before the CBI took charge of the investigation following an order of the Calcutta High Court.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Prime accused in the Karnataka obscene video scandal -- former MP Prajwal Revanna who is the grandson of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was allowed by a special court on Saturday to view alleged videos of sexual assaults involving the victim in a closed court session.

The Special Court for MLAs/MPs granted permission for Prajwal, his counsel, a technical team, and the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) to review the confidential videos retrieved from the personal cellphone of Prajwal's driver, who had worked closely with him.

Prajwal was brought to the court from the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara following the order of the High Court in this regard.

Arun, Prajwal's counsel, submitted a request to the court to restrict the media from publishing news about the case. However, the court declined, stating it could not issue such an order.

The counsel further requested an adjournment for the confidential viewing of the data, citing the absence of technical experts. The court expressed displeasure, noting that such requests appeared to be delay tactics.

"I have no objection if the counsel files an application requesting a female judge," the court added.

Subsequently, Prajwal and the others viewed the confidential private data, which included the alleged sex videos retrieved from the driver's personal cellphone, in the closed court hall. The driver had worked for Prajwal.

Prajwal earlier had filed a petition with the High Court seeking the production of documents and electronic evidence collected by investigators from his driver's personal mobile phone.

"Everything here is obscene, and there is a limit to obscenity. The court cannot provide data about other women. You are trying to turn back the clock," stated the High Court bench.

The Karnataka High Court looking into the sex video scandal said on Thursday that the law cannot be bent just because the matter pertains to Prajwal Revanna.

The bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna made the statement while hearing the petition by Prajwal seeking to quash the legal proceedings against him. Prajwal specifically requested access to all data from the mobile phone. However, the court clarified that only data relevant to the specific case could be inspected, and access to data involving other women would not be permitted.

"No breach of privacy of other women should be done. Forget about others. The victims' images are here, they are obscene to the core. Just because it is Prajwal Revanna, the law cannot be changed," the bench had remarked orally.

The counsel for Prajwal Revanna submitted that the phone was thoroughly examined by the investigators.

"Every investigating officer has examined the material. The electronic evidence and records should be treated as evidence. The prosecution objected to the demand for the entire data."

However, the bench stated that if the petitioner wants data concerning other women, it can't be provided.

"In cases pertaining to the privacy of the victim, the court can only arrange for inspection. Any means of inspection could be provided, but it can't be provided to you in the form of pen drive," the court said.

The court further observed that barring the case in which petition has been filed, Prajwal cannot ask for data of other women.

The petitioner's counsel maintained that it will cause serious prejudice to him and he should be allowed to inspect the device.

The court further stated orally that copies will be provided protecting the identity of the women and disposed Prajwal's petition in this regard.

The prosecution has charged Prajwal Revanna under Sections 354 (A) (sexual harassment), 354 (B) (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with an intent to disrobe her), 354 (C) (act of watching or capturing a woman's image while she is engaging in a private act), 376 (2) (N) (aggravated form of rape committed by police officers and other public servants in charge, repeatedly raping same woman), 376 (2) (K) (being in position of control or dominance over a woman, committing rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the IPC and Section 66 (E) of the IT Act.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the sexual assault video case involving Prajwal Revanna submitted the 1,691-page charge sheet to the Special Court for MLAs/MPs.

The charge sheet had mentioned that the victim was raped at gunpoint. The video was made of the rape incident and the victim was repeatedly sexually assaulted, threatening her with making her videos public.

It is also mentioned that the victim had not dared to lodge a complaint out of fear.
Kolkata, Jan 18 : After a special court on Saturday convicted civic volunteer Sanjay Roy for the crime of rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF), has raised 20-point doubt on the course of investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The first point is about the recently surfaced Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report which raised doubts on whether the seminar room from where the body of the victim doctor was recovered in the morning of August 9 last year, was the real scene of crime since as per the CSFL report there is no evidence of scuffle at the seminar room.

The second point is why the victim's parents were initially informed by an assistant medical superintendent of the hospital that their daughter had committed suicide. WBJDF has questioned why that statement of the said assistant medical superintendent was not recorded in the single-chargesheet filed by CBI in the matter.

The third point is why CCTV footage confirming the presence of too many outsiders at the reported scene of the crime was not mentioned in the charge sheet.

The fourth point is why the victim's parents had to register an FIR in the matter instead of R.G. Kar authorities doing so and why the cremation of the victim's body was done in haste leaving no chance for the second post-mortem of the body.

The fifth point they have asked is since the DNA samples of the wounds on the body of the victim were not available on the nails of Sanjay Roy, how could the investigators conclude that Roy was the sole culprit in the crime of rape and murder.

The sixth point is why the swab was not collected from the sucking marks on the victim's jaws and the investigators only relied on nipple swabs in the process of investigation.

The seventh point is why the others apart from Sanjay Roy who was present at the Chest Medicine Department of the hospital between 2.30 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. on the date of the crime were not identified during the course of the investigation.

The eighth point is considering that no fingerprint of the convict was available at the scene of the crime, the question is whether the convict conducted the crime wearing hand gloves or the investigating officials did not try to trace any fingerprint at the scene of the crime.

The ninth point is about the doubts about the orderly nature of the other items at the scene of crime including the personal belongings of the victim's woman doctor at the scene of the crime.

The 10th point is about the delay of five days between the date of collection of autopsy samples on August 9 and the day of sending the same to CFSL on August 14.

The 11th point is about the absence of details of the whereabouts of Sanjay Roy between 3.36 a.m. and 4.03 a.m. on August 9 in the investigation report.

The 12th point is that although the Bluetooth earphone used by the "sole accused" and civic volunteer Sanjay Roy was one of the important points in establishing the charge of rape and crime murder against him, there had been no mention in the CBI chargesheet on whether he was still carrying the same Bluetooth earphone while he was spotted in the CCTV camera of frequenting between ward and corridor at 4.31 a.m. on August 9.

The 13th point is why CBI ignored CFSL's point in the report of the availability of someone else's DNA samples at the vagina and anus of the victim.

The 14th point is a bigger social question: if a doctor is not secured at her workplace, which is a state-run hospital, then who would provide a guarantee for the safety of the patients and their family members going there?

The 15th point is why the West Bengal government is reluctant to give the clearance for a charge sheet against the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh in the parallel probe against him on charges of massive financial irregularities at the said hospital.

The 16th point is again specific to rape and murder crime, where the WBJDF has questioned why the mention of a wound on the ring finger: of the right hand of the victim mentioned at the inquest report was not mentioned in the subsequent post-mortem report.

The 17th point has questioned the justification of the demolition of a room adjacent to the scene of the crime on the pretext of renovation just days after the date of the crime.

The 18th point is on who organised around 1,000 miscreants who conducted vandalism at the emergency department of the hospital on midnight of August 14 last year.

The 19th point on why the CBI is failing to file a supplementary charge sheet against Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police station Abhijit Mondal, both being accused of charges of misleading the investigation and tampering of evidence while the initial investigation in the matter was being conducted by Kolkata Police.

The last and 20th point is a larger social question of why after 77 years of independence proper justice will be denied in this case despite there being a spontaneous movement by common people throughout the country.
Kolkata, Jan 18 : Trouble erupted once again along the India-Bangladesh border at Sukhdevpur in West Bengal's Malda district on Saturday after Bangladeshi villagers allegedly entered Indian territory, destroyed crops and chopped down trees in a mango orchard.

Indian villagers gathered at the spot and a clash ensued between the two sides. Finally, the Border Security Force (BSF) had to fire tear gas cannisters to bring the situation under control.

Sukhdevpur, in the Baishnabnagar police station area of Malda, was in the news recently after Bangladesh protested India's attempt to erect a Single Line Fence (SLF) along the stretch of the unfenced border there.

Indian villagers have been regularly complaining about attacks by armed criminals from across the border.

Bangladesh, however, refused permission to India to erect the SLF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) even threatened to open fire on workers if construction work started.

The issue led to a major diplomatic row with both countries summoning each other's envoys to register complaints. Things had quietened down over the last five days though.

According to the BSF, trouble erupted around 11.45 a.m. on Saturday after Indian villagers complained that their crops had been stolen or destroyed by Bangladeshis.

An argument started with Bangladeshi farmers and this turned into a clash with both sides pelting stones at each other, the BSF spokesperson said.

"Both the BSF and BGB arrived on either side of the international border and brought the situation under control. We have moved back Indian villagers to a safe distance from the border. In the afternoon, a few Bangladeshi villagers were spotted 50-75 metres from the IBB with BGB personnel making efforts to push them back further.

"This should not be construed as a clash between the two border guarding forces. Rather, the unit commandants of the BSF and BGB are working towards better coordination to prevent such incidents," the BSF official added.

The BSF has ordered Indian farmers not to get engaged in such activities in the future and seek their help to sort out issues, if required.
Jammu, Jan 18 : To address the fear and consternation among the inhabitants following 16 'mysterious deaths' in over one month, health department experts addressed a press conference in Budhal village of J&K's Rajouri district on Saturday and said that the deaths in the village had been caused by neurotoxins.

The press conference was chaired jointly by the principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, Dr A.S. Bhatia and Budhal MLA Javed Iqbal Chowdhary. Dr Manohar Lal Rana, chief medical officer Rajouri; Dr Shamim Ahmed, Medical Superintendent, and Dr Zaeem Khan, Head of Chest and TB at GMC Rajouri were also present during the press conference.

Dr Bhatia informed the public that all the deceased individuals shared a common medical condition, brain swelling, or edema. He elaborated on the treatments being provided to affected individuals and assured that the health department was actively monitoring the situation.

The authorities emphasised that investigations were ongoing and promised continued support to the community while seeking to determine the cause of the deaths. Dr Bhatia said the neurotoxins found in samples analysed by premier laboratories of the country resulted in brain damage.

"We try to mitigate the problem of patients reporting with brain damage, but once the patient reports with serious brain damage, we cannot reverse the condition," Dr Bhatia said.

It must be mentioned that samples collected from the village have been analysed at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology, Pune and other laboratories. Test results did not show any virus or bacteria thereby ruling out any communicable disease. Tests, however, proved that toxins were found in the samples analysed.

The fact that all the victims of the 'mysterious' disease belong to three families created doubts about foul play.

The government has ordered an investigation by Rajouri Police to unravel the mystery behind 16 deaths caused in Budhal village between December 7 and January 17. Rajouri Police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the case.
Insurance isnt sexy. If you ask Zurichs chief customer officer, Conny Kalcher, shell tell you otherwise. But it didnt start that way for her.

Kalcher joined the company after a 33-year career at the toy giant Lego. The industries are like chalk and cheeseand their customers, too.

Yet Kalcher saw an opportunity for Zurich to educate Gen Z about all things financial. It was the companys chance to turn insurances cold and distant approach into something more accessible.

I did think it would be men in suits, being very formal and doing things in a particular way. But that's not at all the case, Kalcher told Fortune in an interview.

The Swiss company has been around for 150 years, starting as a humble marine insurer in 1872. It has weathered several wars, natural disasters, pandemics, and more, making it the insurance behemoth it is today. But under Kalcher, who joined Zurich five years ago, the insurer has been transforming for the modern worldone that is threatened by climate change, cyberattacks, and an aging population.

Lessons from Lego

Legos reputation as a top toymaker precedes it. But Kalcher was at the company when things looked different.

Lego is a very rich brand. If you dig into Legos history, it's filled with strong narrative traditions, brand understanding, [and] customer understanding. It wasn't always like that, she said.

Through Kalchers three-decade career leading marketing and consumer experience efforts at Lego, there were low points for the company when it was verging on bankruptcy, something that feels unthinkable today, given the Danish company is outperforming the global toy industry.

Part of the reason Lego was able to turn its business around, Kalcher said, was because it prioritized shoppers and tried to go after what they wanted. In that sense, she doesnt see insurance as very different.

Of course, the two industries are super different, Kalcher said. However, customers are customers, and customers often want the same [thing].

a picture of Conny Kalcher

People want to feel catered to in a way that fits their needs and lifestyles. But often, that gets lost in insurers' sea of technical jargon.

In Zurichs case, although the company had seen remarkable global growth through its 100-plus-year history, it was still struggling to redefine itself. Roughly 70% of the company's retail business comes from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Its a competitive landscape where loyalty is hard to come by as pricing lures customers more.

When I joined, the purpose was, We're here to protect you. Guess what? Every insurance company in the whole world is there to protect you. That doesn't make you stand out, Kalcher said. And thats where she saw her role become key: making the company more relatable and undoing the bad narrative insurance had earned over time.
Patna, Jan 18 : Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday during his visit to Patna met the protesting BPSC exam candidates -- a development that is set to gain a significant political attention.

The students, who have been agitating against alleged irregularities in the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Preliminary Test (PT) held on December 13, 2024, demanded the cancellation of the examination, citing issues of "rigging" and "unfair practices".

Taking to X, Congress uploaded pictures of Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the agitating students and wrote: "Leader of Opposition Shri @RahulGandhi met BPSC aspirants in Patna and heard their demands. The demands of the youth are justified. The Bihar government should accept them."

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha chose not to make any public statements or announcements during the visit.

Instead, he quietly interacted with the students, listened to their grievances, and tried to understand their struggles, leaving without addressing the media or issuing any commitment or statement.

According to sources, the students appreciated the visit by Rahul Gandhi, as it marked the first time a national-level leader directly engaged with them at the protest site.

Political observers, however, submitted that Rahul Gandhi's silence on the issue might spark speculation about his intentions, with some viewing it as a strategic effort to avoid politicising the protest while showing solidarity with the candidates.

Recently, the controversy surrounding the BPSC examination reached the state's highest Constitutional office with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan assuring justice to a delegation of candidates who called on him on January 13.

Khan assured justice to the protesting candidates within the framework of the Constitution. The development followed a meeting between a 12-member delegation of candidates and Jan Suraaj Party President Manoj Bharti with the Governor.

Subhash Kumar, one of the delegation members, submitted the demands of the candidates, highlighting irregularities in the BPSC examination process and the subsequent actions by the authorities.

The Governor listened to the delegation attentively for 45 minutes, taking note of their concerns about fairness, transparency, and the alleged mishandling of the examination process.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Team led by the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit the affected village to ascertain the causes of deaths in three incidents in the past six weeks in Jammu's Rajouri district.

The team will consist of experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Ministry of Water Resources. It will also be assisted by experts from animal husbandry, food safety and forensic science labs.

The team would proceed on January 19 and in collaboration with the local administration would also work on providing immediate relief as well as taking precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in future.

Experts from some of the most reputed institutions of the country have been arranged to manage the situation and understand the causative factors of deaths.

Meanwhile, during a press conference following 16 'mysterious deaths' in over one month in Budhal village of J&K's Rajouri district, doctors said that the deaths had been caused by neurotoxins.

The principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, Dr A.S. Bhatia informed the public that all the deceased individuals shared a common medical condition, brain swelling, or edema. He elaborated on the treatments being provided to affected individuals and assured that the health department was actively monitoring the situation.

The authorities emphasised that investigations were ongoing and promised continued support to the community while seeking to determine the cause of the deaths. Dr Bhatia said the neurotoxins found in samples analysed by premier laboratories of the country resulted in brain damage.

"We try to mitigate the problem of patients reporting with brain damage, but once the patient reports with serious brain damage, we cannot reverse the condition," Dr Bhatia said.

It must be mentioned that samples collected from the village have been analysed at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology, Pune and other laboratories. Test results did not show any virus or bacteria thereby ruling out any communicable disease. Tests, however, proved that toxins were found in the samples analysed.

The fact that all the victims of the 'mysterious' disease belong to three families created doubts about foul play.

The government has ordered an investigation by Rajouri Police to unravel the mystery behind 16 deaths caused in Budhal village between December 7 and January 17. Rajouri Police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the case.
Peshawar, Jan 18 : The local administration in the Kurram District of Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Saturday announced relocation over 1000 families to makeshift camps following fresh violence and a possible counter-terrorism operation being planned by the security forces in the region.

Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud ordered setting up of camps for Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDP) in the lower Kurram area amid fear of more violence and unrest in the area which has been cut off from the rest of the country for months after violent clashes between the rival sectarian tribes of Shia and Sunni Muslims that has claimed over 150 lives till now.

The decision was made as the death toll in the deadly attack on the Kurram aid convoy to Parachinar rose to eight after four more bodies of the missing drivers were recovered on Saturday.

The 35-vehicle convoy, which was the second batch of aid supplies moved to Parachinar, included medicines, vegetables, fruits, edible items and was being escorted by security forces, including the police and the Frontier Constabulary (FC), when it came under a major attack on Thursday, resulting in several deaths.

At the same time, casualties continued to rise due to lack of food supplies and non-availability of medicines despite a 14-point peace agreement signed recently between the fighting groups which was supposed to pave the way for a ceasefire in the devastated region.

In his letter to the Relief Secretary of KP's Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, Javedullah had asked for establishment of relocation camps to four sites in the province's Thall area "to ensure safety and support of the affected population during the expected operation".

Details reveal that at least 5245 households and 466 families from Madori, Uchat and Charkhel; 9685 households and 866 families from Baggan; and, 2494 households along with 547 families from Chapri Paraw would be relocated to the makeshift camps.

It is expected that the relocation sites for TDPs from Kurram would include government schools along with tented villages.

"Government Boys Degree College in Thall has a capacity of 25 rooms and two big halls. Government Technical College has 15 rooms and a hall. Rescue 1122 compound has two halls and 10 rooms. Another under-construction judicial building has 15 rooms and two halls. These are some sites that are under consideration along with others for relocation of TDPs from Kurram," said an official of the provincial government.

The latest attack has jolted the peace deal yet again, striking fear and uncertainty in the district, which has been suffering due to the unrest for over three months.

Earlier this month, the Deputy Commissioner of the Kurram district was critically injured as his vehicle came under attack in Mandoori, Kojalai Baba village near Bagan.

"Shia and Sunni conflict has been going on for decades here. People have been slaughtered by rival tribes in ambushed attacks many times and every time they end up signing the so-called peace agreements. This time also, a peace agreement has been signed. But no progress is seen on ground as far as opening of routes and supplies is concerned. Our families are dying here every day because of starvation and medical issues," a local told IANS.

The sectarian conflict in Parachinar started in the last week of November when a bus was attacked, resulting in the death of over 47 Shia Muslims. In retaliation, Shia militant groups carried out attacks on Sunni villages, brutally killing over 150 people. Since then, the tribal region has been blocked from the rest of the country.
Beirut, Jan 18 : Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday, during which he urged Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within the deadline set by the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire deal.

"Continued Israeli violations on land and in the air -- especially the destruction of homes and border villages -- blatantly contradict the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Such actions constitute a further violation of Lebanese sovereignty and disregard the international community's efforts to restore stability to southern Lebanon," Aoun was quoted as saying by a statement from the Lebanese Presidency.

He raised concerns over Israel's burning of cultivated lands in southern Lebanon, urging the UN to assist farmers in reclaiming and restoring these lands for agricultural use, the statement showed.

He said the Lebanese army is fully prepared to assume control of the region immediately after Israel's withdrawal.

Following the meeting in the mountain town of Baabda, Guterres wrote on social media platform X that he has congratulated Aoun on his recent election victory.

"I look forward to working together to consolidate the cessation of hostilities and preserve the country's security and stability," he wrote.

Guterres also met with Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate Nawaf Salam on Saturday, after which the UN chief wrote on X that "the road ahead for Lebanon is filled with promise but also great tests."

"As the Lebanese people travel this road together, the UN is proud to stand with them," he wrote, Xinhua news agency reported.

Last week, Aoun was elected the new president of Lebanon, ending a two-year presidential vacuum that had paralysed the country's political system. He then named Salam, president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as the new Prime Minister.

Guterres, who arrived in Beirut on Thursday on an official visit, called for a halt of Israeli military operations in Lebanon on Friday as he addressed peacekeepers at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

Also on Saturday, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem said Israel exceeded 100 violations in southern Lebanon, and called on the Lebanese state to take a firm stand against these violations.

A ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, went into effect on November 27, 2024, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The agreement stipulates that Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army deploying along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, assuming security responsibilities and preventing any presence of weapons or militants in the area.

Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army still carries out strikes in Lebanon, some of which resulted in deaths and injuries. Israel also accuses Hezbollah of ceasefire violations.
Colombo, Jan 18 : The Sri Lankan government has accepted a recommendation by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to reduce electricity tariffs by an average of 20 per cent, effective at midnight on Friday, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody told local media on Saturday.

He said that a significant reduction in electricity bills is a great relief to the people, especially for those in the hotel sector and industrialists.

On Friday, PUCSL announced that the revision will apply for the first six months of the year.

PUCSL Director of Communications Jayanath Herath said the decision was made following a thorough review of proposals and cost data submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), counter-proposals drafted by the PUCSL, and feedback from the public.

For domestic consumers, the tariff reductions will vary based on usage, he said. Consumers using less than 30 units will see a 29-per cent decrease, while those consuming between 31 and 60 units will benefit from a 28-per cent reduction, Herath said.

Households using 61 to 90 units will receive a 19-per cent reduction, while those consuming 91 to 180 units will see an 18-per cent reduction. For domestic usage exceeding 180 units, tariffs will be reduced by 19 per cent, he said.

The changes also apply to other sectors. The public sector will benefit from an 11-per cent reduction, while the hotel sector will enjoy a 31-per cent decrease. Industrial consumers will see a 30-per cent reduction, and religious institutions will benefit from a 21-per cent cut in tariffs. Street lighting tariffs will also be reduced by 11 per cent, Xinhua news agency.

Herath noted that these reductions are expected to provide significant relief to consumers across all sectors during the first half of the year.

In response, the CEB said they will implement PUCSL recommendations subject to government approval.
Shirdi, Jan 18 : NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Saturday asked the party cadres to stay humble and work relentlessly, especially after the party's win in the recently concluded Assembly elections.

He added that in the future, the organisation would need to chart a new course and give the party a new direction in terms of its thinking and approach. He reiterated the need to create a strong party presence by 2047 and urged everyone to unite under Ajit Pawar's leadership.

Tatkare was speaking at the partyas two-day Navsankalp Shibir at Shirdi. Tatkare also asked the cadres to gear up for the upcoming local and civic body elections in a bid to continue the partyas victory march.

The party meeting was inaugurated with the initiation of a membership drive by NCP National President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, National Working President and MP Praful Patel and Tatkare. The drive included the registration of ten primary and one active member.

On the first day of the aNavsankalpa camp, sessions were held on topics such as aThe Current Political Scenario of the State and Insights into its Future,a where senior journalist Sandeep Chavan, former minister Subodh Mohite, and veteran actor Sayaji Shinde shared their insights.

Another session on aRising Urbanisation and Challenges in Party-Buildinga witnessed discussions led by Najeeb Mulla and Rajlaxmi Bhosale. Womenas state president Rupali Chakankar, youth state president Suraj Chavan, and district leaders also presented their views.

In addition, the women and child welfare minister Aditi Tatkare addressed the Shibir on NCPas Contribution to Womenas Empowerment while former minister Nawab Malik spoke on upcoming Local Body Elections and Party Building.

The Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate explained agriculture policy while tribal leader and party minister Narahari Zirwal spoke on the Importance and Contribution of Tribal Communities in the Stateas Development.

Meanwhile, sulking party leader and former minister Chhagan Bhujbal attended the Shibir for some time and later left for Mumbai. Bhujbal, who is upset over his non-induction in the cabinet, said that he has come at the request of working president Praful Patel and Tatkare.

However, the NCP minister Dhananjay Munde was conspicuous by his absence especially when the chorus is increasing for his resignation due to his close associate Walmik Karadas links with the brutal killing of the Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district.
Bhopal, Jan 18 : Sharad Jaiswal, one of the key associates of ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, is willing to appear before the agencies investigating the disproportionate assets case, his advocate Suryakant told the media persons here in Bhopal on Saturday.

Advocate Suryakant said that Jaiswal would appear before the agencies to record his statement however he is afraid for his life. He claimed Jaiswal has been made a scapegoat, while key players of the nexus in RTO are roaming free.

When asked why Jaiswal didn't appear before the agencies to record his statement, his advocate said, "He (Jaiswal) is afraid for his life. If the government or court ensures his safety, he will cooperate with the investigation."

When asked why Jaiswal is afraid, the advocate said, "They are politically connected people and the money recovered from Saurabh Sharma and Jaiswal belongs to them (politically connected people). Money or other valuables recovered during raids do not belong to Sharma and Jaiswal."

However, the advocate refused to reveal the whereabouts of Jaiswal, who has been evading arrest from the very first day Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta police raided his premises a few weeks ago.

"Even his family members are unaware of Jaiswal's location. My conversations are going on with his family, and not with him. And the family is worried about his life. If the government ensures his safety, he will appear before the investigating agencies," he added.

Notably, Jaiswal's house was raided along with Sharma's by the Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment (SPE) and assets worth Rs 18 crore were unearthed during the raid.

Last month, an application for anticipatory bail was moved on his behalf in the special court in Bhopal, which was rejected. The investigation into the matter is still underway and raids are being conducted at different locations.

On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the premises of K. K. Arora, a resident of Gwalior, who is said to be associated with Saurabh Sharma. The matter got limelight after the Income tax department and Lokayukta impounded an abandoned vehicle with 52 kg of gold and more than Rs 10 crore cash. The abandoned SUV belongs to Sharma's aide Vinay Haswani.
Jerusalem, Jan 18 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen toward southeastern Israel.

Sirens were activated in the southernmost Red Sea city of Eilat and the Arava Valley following the missile launch.

According to the IDF, the missile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, and no casualties were reported.

This marked the second missile fired by Yemen's Houthi group towards Israel on Saturday, following an earlier launch aimed at central Israel, which was also intercepted by Israel's air defence systems.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that fragments from the first missile interception were found by police in four locations across central Israel, with no casualties or damage resulting from the event, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Thursday, Yemen's Houthi group's leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, said his group would continue launching attacks against Israel if strikes continue on Gaza.

Earlier in the day, the Houthi group said in a statement that it had launched a ballistic missile targetting the Israeli Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv.

"In support for the Palestinian people and their Mujahideen (Hamas), we carried out a qualitative military operation, targeting the Ministry of Defence of the Israeli enemy in Tel Aviv with a ballistic missile," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV on Saturday.

"The missile reached its target with high accuracy, and the (Israeli) interception systems failed to intercept it," he claimed.

Israel's national emergency service Magen David Adom said there were no reports of casualties, except for panic attacks and people bruised on their way to shelter.
Bengaluru/Jaipur, Jan 18 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday said that every person's role is important for the upliftment of the country and society.

"Along with promoting peace, justice and goodwill in society, it is our responsibility to keep moving towards progress in every field. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inspired us to preserve heritage along with development. We should follow the path shown by him and strengthen the cultural heritage given by our ancestors," he said while addressing Suvarna Sambrahma and the 11th State Level Brahmin Conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working with determination for the upliftment of the deprived sections of every society of the country so that the resolution of a developed India can be fulfilled in the true sense.

"We all have to work together to fulfil his resolution," he said.

He said that Akhil Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha is fulfilling its motto 'Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu' through public service works.

"It is working to preserve and promote cultural heritage through recitation of Vedas and scriptures, following daily rituals and social events. This is an important effort to keep our ancient knowledge alive," he claimed.

The Chief Minister said that the Brahmin community has been an important pillar in giving direction to our social and cultural stream.

"This is the society which works to give direction to the entire nation," he said.

The Chief Minister said that just as Rajasthan is known in the country and the world for its cultural heritage, Karnataka is also famous for its cultural heritage.

He said that according to the scriptures, Lord Parashuram created the Konkan coast of Karnataka, hence it is called Parashuram Srishti.

"This creation is rich in lush green Western Ghats, beautiful beaches and captivating views, cultural and historical places. This city is also competing with the major centres of the world in terms of IT and startups as Silicon Valley. I invite all of you to visit Rajasthan to further strengthen the cultural exchange between Rajasthan and Karnataka," he said.

Sharma said that the government in Rajasthan is continuously working for the protection of religious faith and culture.

"To give grandeur to Khatushyamji temple, works worth Rs 100 crores are being carried out and development work is also being done in 20 major temples and faith shrines," he claimed.

He said that every corner of Rajasthan shows its rich heritage, nature, culture and diversity. Inviting entrepreneurs to invest, he said that the state government has created an environment for investors where they will get every possible facility.

He said that Rajasthan is a big market for products and services, where there is a skilled labour force as well as a direct connection with the major markets of North and West India.
Chennai, Jan 18 : Director Sundar C, who is now delighted that his film Madha Gaja Raja has emerged a superhit, has said that all he can offer in return to the audience who have made this film a success despite it releasing after a delay of 12 years are tears of joy and gratitude.

Chennai, Jan 18 (IANS) Director Sundar C, who is now delighted that his film Madha Gaja Raja has emerged a superhit, has said that all he can offer in return to the audience who have made this film a success despite it releasing after a delay of 12 years are tears of joy and gratitude.

"I have never kept a success meet for any of my films. I usually move on to my next film after a film succeeds. But this film is special. Before we released this film, several people expressed apprehension and asked what this film could do after 12 years," Sundar C said and thanked audiences, who he said were his God.

"I knew this film would win but not this big. I can only return my gratitude and tears in return for the success they have given me, " he added.

The director, while thanking all his cast and crew members, disclosed that actress Varalaxmi had come into the film at the last minute to help the team.

"Only at the last minute, Varu came in. Originally another heroine was to play her character. We had left for Karaikudi to shoot the film and another heroine, who was to play Varalaxmi's part, was to arrive the next day. But then at the last minute, that person couldn't come as there was a date problem and the actress could come only a week later. However, we had combination scenes and couldn't cancel the shoot. That was when we approached Varu and she sportingly accepted. Thanks to Varalaxmi," Sundar C said.

The director also spoke highly of actor Vishal, who plays the lead in the film.

Addressing Vishal as his younger brother, Sundar C said, "Without the outside world knowing, he has suffered a lot for this film. One day, his driver called me saying, "Vishal has fainted." I rushed to his car and he was lying there unconscious. He really worked very hard. There were many difficulties that we faced while doing this movie. I am most happy for the fact that for all the hard work and sincerity that Vishal put in this film, God and the audiences have rewarded us with this success. This film is a testimony to the fact that if you work truthfully and are sincere, then God and people will not disappoint you."

IANS

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Ajmer, Jan 18 : Special prayers were offered at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti in Ajmer for the health and well-being of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.

Devotees and fans of the actor gathered to pray for his long life and also offered prayers at the sacred Jannati gate, seeking blessings for his speedy recovery.

Khadim Qutubuddin Sakhi, associated with Bollywood, led the prayers and expressed heartfelt wishes for Saif Ali Khan's swift return to good health.

Speaking to the media persons, he said that prayers were offered for the well-being of Saif Ali Khan who sustained grave injuries after being attacked by the miscreant who barged into his residence with the intention to loot.

"Prayers were offered for the well-being of Saif who is presently in hospital in Mumbai and undergoing treatment after he sustained injuries. We all have prayed here to ensure that he should get well soon," he said.

He added that fans of Saif along with devotees prayed for his quick recovery.

"Everybody prayed for Saif. Holy threads were also offered here for his long life," he said.

On Thursday, a miscreant in his early 30s barged into Saif Ali Khan's 11th-floor apartment, allegedly demanded Rs 1 crore, injured the family's nanny, and later attacked Khan with a blade six times before escaping.

Khan, who bled profusely, was rushed to the Lilavati hospital by his family in an autorickshaw, where he underwent surgery and is said to be stable.

Meanwhile, police are also analysing their database on history sheeter robbers matching the description of the suspect caught on CCTV camera of the Satguru Sharan building on St Terra Road, Bandra West, where Khan's family resides.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday held a review meeting in Bengaluru with Karnataka's Agriculture, Rural Development, and Revenue Ministers.

The Union Agriculture Minister is currently on a two-day visit to Karnataka.

The meeting focused on Karnataka's agricultural initiatives, rural development efforts, revenue-related activities, and the implementation of central government schemes.

During the discussions, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying, "While some indulge in the politics of blame, we believe in the politics of development and public welfare. India is a federal democracy, and our primary objective is to extend full support to the state government under central schemes, ensuring Karnataka's development is never hindered."

The Union Minister urged the Karnataka government to swiftly utilise previously allocated funds and outlined the central government's ongoing support. He announced the release of an additional Rs 97 crore under the Watershed Scheme, following a request from the state's Revenue Minister. Acknowledging the Agriculture Minister's demand for additional funding under the Mechanization Scheme, Chouhan assured that this request had been approved.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare will also address staffing requirements under the ATMA Scheme. During the review, ministers submitted several proposals regarding development projects and schemes, which Chouhan pledged to carefully evaluate.

Highlighting the larger vision, the Union Minister said, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, we are committed to building a developed India by 2047. A developed Karnataka is a vital part of this vision. The central government will leave no stone unturned in driving Karnataka's progress. I urge the state government to utilise funds promptly and submit utilisation certificates to ensure continued support from the Centre."

Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to providing every poor family with a permanent home. He shared that after assuming office for the third term, the central government approved the construction of 2,26,175 houses for Karnataka in September, with funds already disbursed. He further announced an increase in this target, with an additional 4,76,556 houses sanctioned, bringing the total target for this financial year to 7,02,731 houses for the state.

"Under the Prime Minister Modi's leadership, serving the poor is nothing less than a sacred duty. Ensuring every poor family has a permanent home is not just a goal but a mission for us. I have urged the Karnataka government to expedite the construction process so that no family is left without a roof over their heads," Chouhan stated.

The Union Minister concluded by reaffirming the central government's unwavering commitment to Karnataka's growth and development, ensuring that no effort is spared in achieving this shared vision of progress.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the first Mann Ki Baat programme of 2025 on Sunday, which is set to be the 118th episode of the radio broadcast.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Tune in tomorrow at 11 a.m. for the first #MannKiBaat of 2025! Looking forward to highlighting exemplary collective efforts from across India which showcase societal strength."

The Mann Ki Baat is the Prime Minister's monthly radio programme wherein he interacts with the citizens of the country about issues and themes related to the nation.

It is a hugely popular programme among the masses, with people from across the country tuning in to listen to PM Modi, as he shares his thoughts and ideas while also making special mention of notable developments happening in society as well as individual achievements impacting the community in a positive and productive manner.

The Prime Minister's radio programme in fact motivated Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director at UK-based QS World University Rankings, to write and launch a book titled "MODIALOGUE".

The book, launched last year, celebrates the far-reaching impact of PM Modi's acclaimed programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Fernandes had told IANS that he was motivated by PM Modi's inspirational and dynamic personality after meeting him, and eventually began listening to the Mann Ki Baat radio programme, which provided him with crucial insights about the Prime Minister's endeavour to bring the entire country together through the radio programme.

The academician, who hails from Goa, further stressed the power of communication in his book.

"We can look at the world leaders around in the past and we can see how in the US, J.F. Kennedy or in Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, use these kinds of heart-to-heart communication.

"So it's all about connecting with people in a language that is simple and heartfelt. I think that's what PM Modi has done through his Mann Ki Baat and MODIALOGUE captures this over the last 100 episodes and puts it in a book so that we can take further the words and vision of the Prime Minister," he had told IANS.
Ahmedabad, Jan 18 : The Gujarat High Court has turned down Congress Rajya Sabha MP and poet Imran Pratapgarhi's request to quash an FIR filed against him for allegedly disturbing social harmony. The court emphasised that Pratapgarhi, as a Member of Parliament, should respect the legal process.

The case dates back to January 3, 2025, when a complaint was filed at Jamnagar police station by an advocateas clerk. The complaint alleged that a video posted by Pratapgarhi on Instagram, which featured a poem, was inciting unrest and harming social peace.

Pratapgarhi challenged the FIR in the Gujarat High Court, requesting the dismissal of the complaint without any negative action until the matter was resolved.

In its order, the High Court stated that as a lawmaker, Pratapgarhi must act responsibly and respect the legal process. The court further directed him to submit an affidavit clarifying the origin of the poem used in the video.

Pratapgarhi was asked to specify whether the poem was written by him or sourced from elsewhere, and if so, provide the details of its author.

During the proceedings, Pratapgarhi claimed that the poem in question was either written by renowned poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz or Habib Jalib.

He stated that he had found the poem through online sources, including internet forums and chat rooms, but could not provide a definitive source. Pratapgarhi presented screenshots from an AI tool (GPT chat) to support his claims. He argued that the poem, which promotes love and non-violence, was harmless and did not constitute a criminal act.

However, the prosecution disagreed, asserting that as a Parliamentarian, Pratapgarhi had a responsibility to act with caution and not to incite public unrest through social media.

The police had issued a notice to Pratapgarhi on January 4, asking him to appear on January 11, but he failed to cooperate with the investigation. The case is still in its early stages, and the investigation is ongoing.

The court highlighted that Pratapgarhi's action could not be defended simply based on his status as a public figure. His failure to appear before the authorities and his lack of clarity about the origin of the poem were key factors in the court's decision.

The High Court ultimately dismissed Pratapgarhi's plea, reinforcing that lawmakers must uphold the law and act responsibly.

This case continues to unfold as investigations progress, with the court's decision underscoring the importance of accountability for elected representatives.
Jammu, Jan 18 : J&K Police on Saturday released the pictures of four active terrorists in the Kishtwar district and announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information that would lead to their arrest.

Police also announced that the identity of those giving information that leads to the arrest of these terrorists would be kept confidential and appealed to the general public to come forward with any details about these individuals.

The move is part of intensified efforts to curb terrorism in the region and ensure public safety. The police have appealed for cooperation in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Army, security forces and police have been aggressively carrying out anti-terrorist operations against terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers in order to dismantle the ecosystem of terrorism in J&K.

The hot pursuit of terrorists by the security forces started after dastardly attacks carried out by the terrorists in the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley. These attacks were carried out by the terrorists after peaceful, people-participative Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections. These elections were also witnessed by diplomats of many countries.

Intelligence agencies believe that after the peaceful conduct of elections in J&K, handlers of terrorism sitting across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have got frustrated and they have directed the terrorists to give the dying terrorism its last push in J&K.

Intelligence agencies believe that the handlers of terrorism have directed terrorists to attack the army, security forces, police and civilians to show their presence in order to terrorise the common man, whose participation in J&K elections has come as a big embarrassment to those involved in the false propaganda that the people of Kashmir do not believe in the democratic system of India.

On October 20, 2024, two terrorists, a foreign mercenary and a local terrorist fired indiscriminately inside the workers camp in the Gagangir area of the Ganderbal district. Seven civilians including six non-local workers of the infrastructure company building the tunnel and a local doctor were killed in the attack. These workers were engaged in building the Sonamarg tunnel that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. The tunnel had made Sonamarg an all-season tourist destination.

On October 24 last year, terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg ski resort. Three army soldiers and two civilian porters were killed in Botapathri terrorist attack.

On November 2, 2024, terrorists hurled a grenade at the busy Sunday Market near the tourist reception centre (TRC) in Srinagar city. A 42-year-old woman from Bandipora District, the mother of three children, was killed in that attack and 11 other civilians were injured.
Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 18 : Mahakumbh is being organised on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj. A lot of enthusiasm among the devotees is being witnessed nowadays regarding the divine and grand Mahakumbh. Till now, at least 7.72 crore devotees have taken the holy dip.

Devotees from across the country and the world have been visiting Mahakumbh Nagar to take the holy dip.

According to the data released, on Saturday, around 32 lakh devotees visited Mahakumbh Nagar till 8 p.m.

The office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided information regarding this through a social media post.

According to official information, till 8 p.m., on Saturday, more than 42 lakh people took "a dip of faith". At the same time, about 32 lakh pilgrims visited Mahakumbh Nagar. Besides, there are also more than 10 lakh 'Kalpavasis'.

It has been learned that till now, more than 7.72 crore devotees have taken a bath in Mahakumbh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office wrote in a post on social media that more than 100,000 devotees have become partakers of the virtue by taking holy bath in the holy Sangam.

A social media post by the office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath read: "Congratulations to all the respected saints and saints, more than 10 lakh 'Kalpavasis' and more than 32 lakh devotees who have achieved virtuous benefits today."

On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also arrived to participate in the Mahakumbh convention. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi was also present along with Rajnath Singh.

After reaching Prayagraj, the Defence Minister first took a bath in the holy Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and proclaimed 'Sanatan ki Jai', 'Ganga Maiya ki Jai'.

The Union Minister also took stock of the arrangements for Mahakumbh after visiting Akshayavat, Patalpuri and Bade Hanuman ji from the banks of Sangam.

"I consider it my good fortune that today I took a bath at Sangam in Prayagraj. This is a spiritual and cultural festival of Indianness. It should not be seen by associating it with any sect, community or religion. If you want to understand India and Indianness then come and see Mahakumbh," Rajnath Singh said.

The Prayagraj Mahakumbh, organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is not merely a spiritual gathering but also emerging as a significant driver of economic growth.

This grand festival, which attracts crores of pilgrims and tourists, is expected to generate temporary employment for 6 to 10 lakh people, providing livelihood opportunities across various sectors. While some of these jobs will be temporary, they will significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals involved.

With over 40 crore pilgrims and tourists expected to visit Prayagraj between Paush Purnima and Mahashivratri, the Mahakumbh promises to infuse vitality into the local and national economy. CM Yogi has emphasized that if each visitor spends an average of Rs 5,000 on basic needs, the total business generated during this month-and-a-half-long event could exceed Rs 2 lakh crore.

Experts suggest that this scale of economic activity in just six weeks is equivalent to the earnings of eight regular months for many businesses. A significant portion of this revenue will contribute to government taxes and bolster the countryas GDP.

The Mahakumbh has spurred demand across diverse fields, including logistics, transportation, digital security, hospitality, event management, and infrastructure development.

Staffing Recruitment Services and First Meridian Global predict the creation of 6 to 10 lakh jobs during this period. These roles include tent settlements, data analysis, branding, marketing, and social media influencers, in addition to conventional sectors like food stalls, religious services, and transportation.

The festival has also energised small-scale and local businesses. Vendors selling offerings such as prasad, flowers, sweets, and milk products; artisans providing bangles, bindis, and sindoor; and priests and barbers catering to pilgrims have all seen a surge in demand. For these local entrepreneurs, the Mahakumbh is an opportunity to earn many times more than during regular days.
Amaravati, Jan 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held talks with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan about state-related issues.

The Home Minister who arrived in Vijayawada to attend the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) raising day ceremony on Sunday, drove to Chief Minister Naidu's residence at Undavalli in Amaravati and held talks with him and his deputy Pawan Kalyan.

The Chief Minister hosted a dinner for the Union Home Minister. Naidu posted on 'X' that he along with Pawan Kalyan extended a warm welcome to Amit Shah at his residence in Undavalli.

"During our conversation, we deliberated on various matters pertaining to the development of Andhra Pradesh," posted Naidu.

The meeting among three leaders lasted for about an hour. BJP state president and MP D. Purandeswari and some other leaders of the coalition were also present.

Earlier, Amit Shah was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival at Gannavaram Airport. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources Nara Lokesh and Home Minister V. Anitha, Purandeswari and others received Amit Shah.

After the dinner meeting at Chandrababu Naidu's residence, the Union Home Minister reached a star hotel in Vijayawada, where he would have a night halt.

On Sunday, Amit Shah and Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the new campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) southern campus and the NDRF 10th Battalion headquarters at Kondapavuluru village in Krishna district.

The 10th battalion of the NDRF will celebrate the 20th Raising Day on its premises at Kondapavuluru.

The NDRF came into existence on January 19, 2006, after the enactment of the Disaster Management Act of 2005. It started with eight battalions and the number increased to 16.

Constructed on 50 acres at a cost of Rs.110 crore, the NDRF 10th Battalion headquarters has a training centre, an administrative block, quarters for staff and barracks, stores, a kennel and other facilities.

--IANS

ms/dan
Dubai, Jan 18 : The Gulf Giants notched their first victory of their campaign at the ILT20 Season 3, with a six-wicket triumph against the Dubai Capitals on Saturday evening.

Chasing 166, Gerhard Erasmus and Shimron Hetmyer put on a match winning partnership of 80 runs in only 44 deliveries. Erasmus finished with an unbeaten 34-ball fifty, while Hetmyer also remained not out with 41 runs in just 20 balls, comprising four sixes.

Batting first, the Dubai Capitals lost wickets at regular intervals, restricting them to 165/7 in 20 overs. Aayan Afzal Khan and Mark Adair led the Giants bowling attack with two-wicket hauls each.

Adam Lyth wasted no time setting the tone for the Giants' run chase, striking four boundaries and a six during an aggressive 32-run innings off just 17 deliveries. His knock ended in the eighth over, with Farhan Khan claiming his wicket.

Earlier, James Vince fell for 10 runs in the 4th over, handing Obed McCoy the first breakthrough. The Capitals tightened their grip shortly after when Scott Kuggeleijn dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, putting the Giants under pressure with two early blows.

Jordan Cox and Gerhard Erasmus consolidated the innings with a 35-run stand. Cox was careful in his 27-run knock but perished attempting a big shot, caught by Olly Stone off Sikandar Raza's bowling. The match was evenly poised with the Giants at 88/5 in 11.5 overs.

With Shimron Hetmyer joining Erasmus in the middle, the Giants needed 48 runs in 30 balls. Erasmus reduced the pressure with a 12-run over against Obed McCoy in the 16th over. Hetmyer followed it up with an 18-run over, including two sixes off Olly stone, to further the Giants' cause. The pair then added 14 runs in the 18th over before Hetmyer smashed a six over mid-wicket to complete the run chase in 18.1 overs.

Earlier in the evening, the Dubai Capitals had a mixed start to their innings, losing both openers in the powerplay despite aggressive intent. Shai Hope fell for 11 runs to Blessing Muzarabani, while Ben Dunk looked dangerous during his 28-run knock, which included three fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Uzair Khan.

Aayan Afzal Khan was lethal as he struck in the 8th over, claiming Brandon McMullen's wicket for 11 runs, leaving the Capitals in further trouble. Sikandar Raza and Rovman Powell then steadied the innings with a valuable 45-run stand off 32 balls.

Raza took down Tymal Mills for four consecutive boundaries in the 11th over. However, neither batter could capitalize on their startsRaza departed for 28, courtesy of Wahidullah Zadran, while Powell's knock of 25 was cut short by Aayan Afzal Khan as well, to leave the Capitals at 121/5 in 15.1 overs.

Gulbadin Naib added 15 runs in the death overs before falling to Mark Adair, who struck twice in quick succession by also dismissing Scott Kuggeleijn. Dasun Shanaka's late blitz proved essential, as his 20-ball cameo of 33, featuring three sixes, lifted the Capitals to a respectable 165/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

"We were raring to get our first win, having lost the first few. When you know you have quality around you, you know you have a bit more time. I think teams can often get tense when you're not getting your first win, but we came together and created positive energy and that went a long way in helping us express ourselves out there. I have special memories in this ground with the Namibian team as well," said Player of the Match, Gerhard Erasmus
Tehran, Jan 19 : Two senior judges were killed in a shooting attack at the Supreme Court of Iran in central Tehran, media reported.

The "assassination" was carried out by an armed person, who killed himself after opening fire early on Saturday, according to a statement by the media centre of the judiciary.

The Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary report said on Saturday that the two judges were Ali Razini, head of Branch 39, and Mohammad Moghiseh, head of Branch 53, of the Supreme Court, and that the assailant committed suicide soon after the attack, Xinhua news agency reported.

The victims were identified as Muslim scholars Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, both holding the rank of hujjat al-Islam and each presiding over a different branch of the court.

"(They) were actively involved in combating crimes against national security, espionage, and terrorism," the statement added, describing the slain judges as "courageous and experienced".

Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir told Iranian state television that "a person armed with a handgun entered the room" of the two judges and shot them.

The identity of the attacker and his motive were not immediately clear.

Calling the attack a "premeditated act of terror" carried out by an "armed infiltrator," Mizan said investigations were underway to identify and arrest those behind the "terrorist" action.

Meanwhile, the semi-official Fars news agency, citing an informed source at Tehran's police, reported that the attacker was among the service personnel of the Supreme Court.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that the perpetrator had no prior cases in the Supreme Court nor was he one of its visitors," the statement by the media centre of the judiciary said.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to the state-owned Tehran Times, a bodyguard of one of the judges was also injured in the attack on Saturday, the first working day of the week in the Iranian calendar.

State-affiliated media reported that several people working at the court building, where the attack took place, were detained. The media centre of the judiciary warned against speculation. The judiciary has not confirmed any arrests.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said the "terrorist and cowardly" act must be followed up quickly by security forces and law enforcement.

Razini, 71, was also the subject of an attempted assassination attack in 1998 while he was serving as head of Tehran's judiciary. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was President at the time, visited him in hospital.

Moghiseh, 68, was sanctioned in 2019 by the US for having "overseen countless unfair trials, during which charges went unsubstantiated and evidence was disregarded", according to the US Department of the Treasury.

Iranian judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei said in a statement that the judges were killed due to their "decisive" sentences against "terrorists whose hands were soaked with the pure blood of the Iranian people".

"They were always the subject of hatred and malice from the enemies," he added.

Though attacks against judges are rare, Iran has seen several shootings of high-profile figures over the past years.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : With nearly two weeks left ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confident that the people of the city will ensure a "landslide victory" for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is scheduled to interact with party workers under the programme, "Mera Booth Sabse Majboot" on January 22 (Wednesday).

The election will be held in Delhi on February 5, while the results will be announced on February 8.

Sharing a message on social media platform X on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that the people of Delhi are looking to give a landslide victory for the BJP.

During the meeting with party workers, views would be shared with some of them, who must also share their views during the interaction, PM Modi added.

"Delhi is determined to give a landslide victory to BJP in the Assembly elections. On January 22 at 1 p.m., there will be a great opportunity to interact with dedicated workers in the program 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot'. For this, you must share your views. I will talk to some of you," the PM wrote on X.

Earlier on Friday, the party released its manifesto ('Sankalp Patra') for the Delhi polls.

In its manifesto, the party announced a series of welfare schemes for women.

It announced the provision of six nutritional kits as well as Rs 21,000 in financial assistance for women under the Matritva Suraksha Yojana. Under the programme, the BJP promises to look after the well-being of pregnant women if the party is voted to power in Delhi.

Apart from these, the BJP also promised to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor families.

It also promised one free cylinder each on the occasions of Holi and Deepawali festivals.

The BJP's manifesto also promised the implementation of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi and also provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.

"When BJP comes to power in Delhi, no public welfare scheme will be withdrawn. Additionally, the corrupt middlemen and beneficiaries will be uprooted," said PM Modi in a public rally on January 5, likening the AAP government and its rule to a disaster - 'AAPada'.

In the build-up to a high-voltage BJP-AAP fight in Assembly elections, PM Modi listed the reasons why Delhi needs a BJP Chief Minister and assured voters of higher income, bigger savings, better schemes for women to help them run households with ease, and better education and security for girls.

"I am confident Delhi residents will show the door to 'AAPada' people and allow the BJP to build a modern National Capital in the 21st Century," said PM Modi.
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. [Photo/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.
Rio Tinto and Glencore, two of the world's largest mining companies, recently engaged in brief merger discussions.

However, these talks have since ended without any agreement, according to a report by Reuters, citing sources.

The discussions between Rio Tinto and Glencore did not progress beyond the initial stages, the report said.

The potential merger, previously reported by Bloomberg, could have been the largest in the mining industry with a combined market value of approximately $158bn.

Both companies declined to comment on the matter.

Ben Cleary, portfolio manager at Tribeca Investment Partners, commented on the potential merger, stating that Rio Tinto would need to offer a significant premium to Glencore.

"Anything under five pounds wouldn't make sense for Glencore given... material capital returns this year," he said.

Cleary also mentioned a "definite culture clash" between the more conservative Rio Tinto and the more aggressive Glencore.

According to the report, Rio Tinto's US-listed shares fell by 0.5% in extended trading following the merger news, while Glencore's American Depository Receipts rose by 2.4%, having surged nearly 9% earlier.

This is not the first time the two companies have considered merging. In 2014, Rio Tinto rejected a merger offer from Glencore, citing shareholder interests.

RBC analyst Kaan Peker noted that a deal for Glencore could provide a clean exit for large investors including its largest shareholder and former CEO Ivan Glasenberg, who holds a 9.93% stake.

Peker also highlighted potential savings of $1bn from combining their marketing and sales operations.

While Rio Tinto may be interested in Glencore's tier-one copper assets in Chile and Peru, it might be less keen on assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo or the coal business, which Rio exited last decade, Peker added.

The merger talks highlight the ongoing interest among global miners to strengthen their position in metals like copper, which are expected to be in high demand as industries transition to cleaner energy sources.

Rio Tinto has been active in acquisitions, agreeing to buy US-listed lithium producer Arcadium for $6.7bn (5.5bn) last year. Meanwhile, Glencore acquired Teck Resources' steelmaking coal unit for $6.9bn (SFr6.29bn).

"Rio Tinto and Glencore merger talks end without agreement" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




New Delhi, Jan 19 : Highlighting the deep cultural, linguistic, historical and civilisational bonds between the people of India and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the naming of the iconic Cultural Center in Jaffna built with Indian assistance, as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center' in honour of Tamil philosopher, poet and thinker Thiruvalluvar.

Responding to a post by the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka account on Saturday on X, PM Modi wrote: "Welcome the naming of the iconic Cultural Center in Jaffna built with Indian assistance, as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center'. In addition to paying homage to the great Thiruvalluvar, it is also a testament to the deep cultural, linguistic, historical, and civilisational bonds between the people of India and Sri Lanka."

Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka posted that the Cultural Center in Jaffna was on Saturday renamed as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center' in the honour of Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar.

"In honor of great Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Cultural Center in Jaffna was today renamed as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center' in a ceremony attended by HC @santjha, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi & Governor Northern Province," Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka posted on X.

On January 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered iconic Tamil philosopher, poet, and thinker Thiruvalluvar on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, saying his verses reflect the essence of Tamil culture and the nation's philosophical heritage.

"On Thiruvalluvar Day, we remember one of our land's greatest philosophers, poets, and thinkers, the great Thiruvalluvar. His verses reflect the essence of Tamil culture and our philosophical heritage. His teachings emphasise righteousness, compassion, and justice. His timeless work, the Tirukkural, stands as a beacon of inspiration, offering profound insights on a wide range of issues. We will continue to work hard to fulfill his vision for our society," PM Modi posted on social media platform X.

Thiruvalluvar was an Indian poet and philosopher. He is best known as the author of the TirukkuaYaa, a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economic matters, and love. The text is considered an exceptional and widely cherished work of Tamil literature.

Thiruvalluvar has influenced a wide range of scholars down the ages since his time across the ethical, social, political, economical, religious, philosophical, and spiritual spheres. He has long been venerated as a great sage, and his literary works are a classic of Tamil culture.
London, Jan 19 : A British Member of Parliament (MP) has tabled a parliamentary motion to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the "genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Hindus from Jammu and Kashmir in India".

Conservative MP Bob Blackman reposted on his social media platform X: "January 19 marks the tragic day of the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus, when thousands of us were forced to flee our homeland. One must never forget the pain and loss of our community. The achievements of Kashmiri Pandits across all walks of life despite the immense adversities is a demonstration of our tremendous resilience."

Blackman, in the House of Commons, on Thursday tabled the Early Day Motion (EDM) on the issue, which dates back to January 1990.

An EDM is a method used by British MPs to draw Parliament's attention to a particular issue.

"That this House commemorates with deep sadness and disappointment the 35th anniversary of the coordinated attacks in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic terrorists and their supporters on the minority Hindu population of Kashmir valley," said the EDM.

The motion goes on to express its condolences to its British Hindu citizens, whose "friends and family were killed, raped, injured and who were displaced by force in this planned massacre; condemns the desecration of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir; vows to protect the rights of Hindus in the UK, including the right to demand justice".

"(The House) is concerned that Kashmiri Hindu minority that fled persecution have still not seen justice or recognition of the atrocities committed against them in 35 years; deplores those sponsoring such cross-border terrorist attacks," the motion added.

It says the House is "concerned that organisations supporting terror are thriving in the UK; notes the international principle of responsibility to protect obliges individual States and the international community to take effective measures to prevent the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity as suffered by Kashmiri Hindus; urges the Government of India to fulfill its long-standing international commitment to recognise and acknowledge the genocide of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir".

It further notes that "properties belonging to the minority Hindu community in Kashmir continue to be occupied; calls on the Government of India to enact the proposed Panun Kashmir Genocide Crime Punishment and Atrocities Prevention Bill in the Indian Parliament, and further urges the UK government to commemorate January 19 as Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Day".

The EDM has no supporting signatures, with the first six MPs supporting the motion becoming its sponsors.
New Delhi, Jan 19 : American podcaster Lex Fridman said on Sunday that he will host a podcast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the end of February which will promise a deep dive into the Prime Minister's vision for India's technological and cultural evolution.

He said that he is excited to visit India for the first time, experience its culture, and meet its people.

"I will be doing a podcast with Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), Prime Minister of India, at the end of February. I've never been to India, so I'm excited to finally visit and experience many facets of its vibrant, historic culture and its amazing people as fully as I can," Fridman wrote in a post on X.

Fridman, known for his in-depth conversations with global thought leaders, scientists, and innovators, is expected to explore a range of topics with PM Modi. The discussion is likely to cover India's burgeoning role in technology, artificial intelligence, digital governance, and its growing influence on the global stage.

PM Modi's initiatives, such as Digital India, Make in India, and the country's advancements in AI, could serve as focal points for the conversation.

Fridmanas visit to India is not just about the podcast; it's a cultural and intellectual exploration.

His tweet highlights his eagerness to immerse himself in India's historic and vibrant culture. With his background in AI and robotics, the visit could also open opportunities for collaborations with India's rapidly growing tech and academic sectors.

An American computer scientist and podcaster, Lex Fridman has been hosting the Lex Fridman Podcast since 2018, interviewing prominent figures from science, technology, sports, and politics.

In 2019, Fridman gained attention when Elon Musk praised his MIT study, which claimed drivers stayed focused using Tesla's semi-autonomous system. However, the study was criticised by AI experts and lacked peer review.

Lex Fridman has hosted several prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, US President-elect Donald Trump, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, among others.

Lex Fridman has more than 4.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first podcast appearance on People by WTF, hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. During the two-hour discussion, he shared insights into his early life, leadership philosophies, India's technological advancements, and personal stories.

Among the various anecdotes, PM Modi recalled an interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first term in 2014. Xi had shown interest in visiting Modi's hometown, Vadnagar, citing a special historical connection.
When Donald J. Trump first took his seat in the Oval Office in 2017, book publishing had something of an idea of what to expect. The famously litigious real estate magnate and reality TV stars exploits had been regular tabloid fodder in publishings hometown of New York City long before he plunged into politics. Now that Trump is returning to the White House, however, publishers have more than a hunch as to whats comingthey have the whole road map.

While threats to funding for arts and humanities organizations are one big worry, the primary ethical concern for most in the book business is free expression. The president-elect has a history of using libel suits and other litigation to intimidate authors and publishers from publishing criticism and information he disagrees with, the Authors Guild wrote in a statement provided to PW, adding that he has already shown that he intends to continue using the tactic to make life miserable for writers who challenge him.

The first Trump administration regularly threatened or brought baseless lawsuits aimed at shutting down the planned publication of multiple books critical of Trump prior to their publication, including books by former administration staffers Omarosa Manigault-Newman and John Bolton and journalist Michael Wolff. Trump also tried to force Hachette Book Group to disclose the identity of the anonymous former senior White House official who wrote the cautionary tell-all A Warning. Then there were the private suits, over his niece Mary Trumps book and, post-presidency, Bob Woodwards The Trump Tapes.

Trump lost or settled all those cases. Still, he threatened to sue Penguin Random House and the New York Times for $10 billion on the eve of the 2024 presidential election, just two months after the former published Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Fathers Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success by two of the latters reporters, Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig. Meanwhile, the past few years has seen an ongoing and unprecedented surge in book bans and censorship efforts at public and school libraries that has been pushed by right-wing groups in communities across the nation, increasingly forcing publishers, librarians, educators, booksellers, book business organizations, and authors to take legal actions.

Interim PEN America co-CEO Summer Lopez broke down the free expression threats posed by the forthcoming administration into two categories: formal and direct threats and the broader chilling effect of the kind of rhetoric that were seeing coming out of Washington and out of political leaders opposed to any whose speech doesnt reflect their own worldviews. Publishers should expect both these threats to continue, with the Republican Party emboldened by a so-called red wave in last years election that put it in control of all branches of the federal government. But theres no good reason for the book business to preempt lawsuits through self-censorship, meaning that the best thing for them to do is the thing they do best.

Lets not forget that the best thing that we can do as book publishers is to publish books, said Jonathan Karp, CEO and president of Simon & Schuster, which was a regular target during Trumps first White House run. And as citizens, weve got to fight and respond at the local level, where our communities are affected and where our voices can most clearly be heard. This is so much bigger than just publishing.

Katy ODonnell, senior editor at Haymarket Books, agreed, adding that the most important thing the Chicago-based leftist independent press could do at this moment is support our authors, because theyre the ones doing the work on the front lines, and thinking about ways to be part of a larger ecosystem of organizations that are fighting back. While Haymarket, unlike S&S and other Big Five publishers, doesnt have the margins that would allow it to sign onto major lawsuits, we are working with librarians and civil liberty orgs and folks fighting prison censorship, ODonnell said. And, of course, whenever theres a kind of crisis moment and people need to understand something, we give away lots of free books.

A Potentially Punishing Protectionism

On the purely business side of things, what Trump will actually do about tariffs remains the top concern executives expect to deal with in the early days of the new administration. In the months leading up to his inauguration, Trump threatened to raise tariffs by an additional 10% on all imports from China, and levy 25% tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico, once he reassumed the presidency.

During his first administration, Trump instituted tariffs on a wide range of products, including books, coming from China. Efforts led by various publishing players were successful in exempting Bibles and other religion books and reducing the tariffs on childrens books from 15% to 7.5%; eventually, even that lower rate was suspended. Other books printed in China remained subject to the tariffs, which stayed in place throughout the Biden administration. Trade experts fear that since Biden did not remove the tariffs, it will make it easier for the Trump administration to levy new, higher ones.

Industry executives have been left hoping for clarity on many of Trumps proposals. Which tariffs will actually be issued, when, and how? Trump has suggested that he may use an executive order to levy them, and on January 14 even proposed the creation of an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and other forms of revenue that come from foreign sources in a timely manner. (When Trump levied tariffss against China in his first administration, he relied heavily on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a process that involves a monthslong investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative that would delay any implementation of new tariffs.)

In remarks made in December at a media conference, HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray said that the publisher is closely monitoring the situation. Since the first Trump administration and the pandemic, HC has made changes in its global printing and supply chain operation to minimize the effects of the tariffs, but Murray acknowledged that some risks remain. HC is the countrys largest Bible publisher, and the company still relies heavily on Chinese printers for most of its Bibles.

In a conference call with analysts about second-quarter results, Scholastic chairman Peter Warwick also said that changes the company made to its global supply chain will provide a buffer against any new tariffs. Were closely monitoring U.S. trade policy, including towards China, Mexico, and Canada, Warwick said. We remain confident that our supply chain team can mitigate exposure to potential tariffs just as they navigated the disruptions of the pandemic. Warwick also touched on a subject that other industry insiders mentionedthat publishers will likely be shielded from any immediate impact from new tariffs since inventory for the first half of 2025 is already in the States.

Association of Canadian Publishers executive director Jack Illingworth noted that in Canada, where many publishers rely on the U.S. market for more than 50% of their sales, we are watching the situation closely and have been in contact with government partners about the risks and potential remedies. Tariffs would have a negative impact on the entire publishing supply chain in both Canada and the U.S., he said, adding that many of the multinational publishers that are active in Canada print a large number of books here but distribute to Canada from the U.S., meaning that they would potentially be impacted twice if retaliatory tariffs were also imposed by Canada.

One Trump administrative objective in raising tariffs is to make American manufacturers more competitive. In recent years many U.S. publishers have been onshoring production previously done overseas, but they remain worried that printing more books domestically will increase costs. That argument is disputed by U.S. printers, who maintain that they want to work with publishers to help sustain a healthy domestic printing business.

Thoughtful and strategically focused trade policies can help level the playing field, ensuring that North American producers are not disadvantaged by unfair cost structures in international markets, the Book Manufacturers Institute wrote in a statement to PW. We are committed to supporting publishers with cost-effective, domestically sourced solutions that insulate the book industry from global conflicts and disruptions, reinforcing a stable and self-reliant supply chain for the future.
As travel publishing continues to rebound from its 2020 low, a question that predates the pandemic lingers: how can a printed book compete with a websites up-to-the-minute details or a telegenic content creators aspirational allure?

The answer, according to execs at several major guidebook publishers, is that readers view legacy travel brands as trusted authorities that provide cultural insight, tailored itineraries, and expertly honed recommendations. They discussed their latest offerings with PW, explaining how they distinguish themselves from online influencers and from one another.

Package deal

The guidebook landscape has evolved considerably since Eugene Fodor published the 1,200-page 1936 on the Continent: An Entertaining Travel Annual, aimed at British travelers, followed by a version for Americans, 1937 in Europe. Comprehensive guides remain popularthe flagship Fodors New York City 2025, for instance, weighs in at 512 pagesbut that size doesnt work for everyone, says Fodors Travel editorial director Doug Stallings.

To that end, the publisher has revived its Pocket series, last updated in the early 2000s. We wanted to offer different products at different prices, like a car manufacturer that has a compact car and a luxury model, Stallings says. We want to have a full-service guide to New York City, but we also want to have a version for somebody who doesnt want to invest quite as much.

The first revamped Pocket releases are out now and cover Paris and London, with New York City and Rome following in February. Each book runs about 200 pages, includes numerous maps plus one pull-out, and details a few self-guided walking toursprobably the best way to discover a city, per Stallings. Suggestions from locals lead visitors to restaurants and attractions that may not crack the TikTok algorithm but are nonetheless worthwhile.

I dont want to spend two hours of my life standing in line for the best frites, Stallings says. I want to find a place that we can recommend, where you dont have to stand in line; I think thats something a little more valuable. Its not quite as trendy, but it can make a more meaningful trip.

When it comes to planning a vacation, the infinite scroll isnt necessarily advantageous, says Piers Pickard, general manager of print and publisher at Lonely Planet, which has been guiding travelers since 1973s Across Asia on the Cheap. Its the difference between searching and browsingif you dont know what youre searching for, youll never find it. But a good guidebook, he says, is a complete package. Everything you need for your trip is within its pages.

Lonely Planets guides are for people who make travel plans with 52 tabs open on their computer, Pickard says. The publishers summer travel campaign will focus on Europe, with more than 60 guidebooks pubbing in the first half of the yearupdated guides to major destinations such as Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, plus new titles, including 100 Weekends in Europe (Jan.) and the coffee-table-style Epic Van Trips of Europe (Mar.).

After the pandemic, Pickard says, travelers from the U.S. were clamoring for the continent. When the world reopened, Americans all went to Europe, he says. Its like comfort food. Also comforting: having information at hand in parts of the world where internet access is limited. Thats the kind of security that a book gives you, Pickard says. And when the trip is over, You keep that guide and it goes on your bookshelf. The book becomes a totem for the trip and the memories and the experience, and that time of your life. Thats another thing that only the physical object can do.

Just ask Sarah Clark, head of publishing at Rough Guides. I have my travel guides from when I was backpacking 20 years ago, she says. Rough Guides got its start even earlier: in 1982, with company cofounder Mark Ellinghams The Rough Guide to Greece. The 17th edition is out in May, and Greece remains a core destination for the global publisher, which has also produced guides to islands including Corfu and Crete.

July sees the release of The Rough Guide to the Peloponnese, the brands first full-length guide to the Greek peninsula; author Rebecca Hall, a British expat, has lived in Greece since 2008. Its our first foray into doing a regional Greece guide that isnt concentrated on an island, Clark says. Also on the way are new, full-length guides to popular Portuguese regions: The Rough Guide to Lisbon (June) by veteran travel writers Matthew Hancock and Amanda Tomlin, and The Rough Guide to Madeira and the Azores (July) by Emma Gregg, a journalist and photographer specializing in responsible tourism.

When we do new books on these places, what were able to bring to the party is that sense of authority, Clark says. She agrees with Pickard: Places like Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greecetraditional old favoritescame back very, very strongly [post-pandemic]. The main guides are our real bread and butter. They remain very practicalyoull have them with you and youll have lots of good maps.

Paper trail

In the pre-GPS days, Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler was inspired to put together Across Asia on the Cheap after seeing a stapled-together copy of A Travelers Notes: Indonesia, based on the early 1970s travels of Bill Dalton, who went on to found Moon Guides. (Nascent travel publishing mogul Rick Steves crashed on Daltons couch while seeking his first distribution deal.)

Today, Moon continues to focus on outdoor adventures and recreation, says Grace Fujimoto, editor-in-chief at Moon Travel Guides, while showing readers how to slow down and experience a destination. You dont have to rush around seeing the sights, she says. You can have this amazing experience just sipping a glass of rose while overlooking a beautiful scene. For example, the forthcoming Moon Washington State (Apr.) encourages visitors to spend time in cozy coffee shops and sample regional seafood as well as check out the states three national parks. The guides author, Marissa Pedersen, is a travel writer whose home base is Seattle.

We want to make sure our books encourage responsible travel, which means highlighting local businesses and including sustainability tips, Fujimoto says. Our authors are choosing these places based on what theyd recommend to a friend. Theyre not paid by hotels and resorts.

Pauline Frommer, co-president of FrommerMedia and editorial director at Frommers Guidebooks, says legacy travel brands are among the best sources of independent recommendations. Her father Arthur Frommer, who died in November, launched his namesake brand with 1957s Europe on 5 Dollars a Day. If you want journalistically based information, you need a guidebook, she says, contrasting publishers like Frommers with the abundance of information funneled through social media channels.

But she also recognizes the utility of a strong internet presence. Frommers was an early adopterWe existed before Expedia, she notesand a website overhaul is scheduled for later this month. Frommer says the site will lose the intrusive ads that were added for revenue during the pandemic, and gain larger photos and a cleaner font. Traditional guidebook facts and figures will sit alongside information on current events affecting a given destination and links to relevant Frommers titles.

Were going to reorganize the coverage so that if you want to read about Paris, itll all be therethe articles on the recent reopening of Notre Dame and the article about how to use the subway, Frommer says. Its going to be much easier to find what youre looking for.

Despite research indicating that a guidebooks history section is typically the least read, Frommer maintains that context is important to the modern travel experience. We suggest experiences where youre going to meet locals. And I think were pretty successful at inserting history and culture into the listings for restaurants and hotels, Frommer says.My father always saidand we try to push this with our writerstravel shouldnt just be about the dead sites. It should be about better understanding the current world we live in.

Elaine Aradillas is a journalist and author based in San Antonio, Tex.

Read more from our Travel Books feature.

How Travel Publishing Evolved

The Blessing of Culture Shock: PW Talks with Rick Steves

5 New Books for Travelers to Paris
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The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced that 45596 Bahamas will be visiting them in April 2025.

The Jubilee loco, which will come to the NYMR off the back of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, will haul trains between the 5th and 13th April 2025.

These will be standard services, allowing the public to have a ride behind the BR green locomotive.

This is the third visitor confirmed for the 2025 season, following on from the NER Autocars visit in February and 60007 Sir Nigel Gresleys visit in March.
Chinese smartphone giant Honor's long-standing chief executive, George Zhao Ming, has resigned owing to personal reasons, according to the company, as veteran Huawei Technologies executive Li Jian takes the helm of the firm amid its preparations to go public.

In an announcement on Friday, Honor's board of directors acknowledged Zhao's "outstanding contributions to the company during his tenure" and expected his successor Li to "continue to deliver innovative products and experiences to consumers around the world".

Zhao, who had led Honor since it was spun off from Huawei in 2020, described stepping down from the company as the most difficult decision he has ever made, according to his farewell statement posted on the firm's internal online forum, which was seen by the South China Morning Post.

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"Over the past decade, Honor has been everything in my life," wrote Zhao, who became head of Honor in 2015, when it was still the budget smartphone arm of Huawei. "From the V40 model onwards, new Honor [post spin-off] went through lows ... and also surged ahead in both the Chinese and overseas markets."

Still, he pointed out that the long hours and intense work had taken a toll on his health. He added that he is keen to recover, read and spend more time with his family.

Zhao expressed his gratitude to the Honor team, noting that more than 10,000 people joined the Shenzhen-based firm in the past four years. He said he looked forward to the company's continued success in 2025.

Veteran Huawei Technologies executive Li Jian takes over as chief executive at Chinese smartphone giant Honor. Photo: Handout alt=Veteran Huawei Technologies executive Li Jian takes over as chief executive at Chinese smartphone giant Honor. Photo: Handout>

Honor ranked as the fifth-biggest smartphone vendor in China last year, with a 15 per cent market share, according to a report by research firm Canalys. It was ranked behind Vivo, Huawei, Apple and Oppo.

The Chinese smartphone maker also surpassed Samsung Electronics to become the No 1 foldable-handset maker in western Europe in the second quarter last year, according to data from Counterpoint Research.

But Honor's leadership shuffle could add some degree of uncertainty to the company's preparations for an initial public offering (IPO), a move that the firm's board first announced in November 2023.
Pennsylvania is on its way to becoming a red state.

In 2024, for the first time in modern history, more Republicans voted than Democrats in a Pennsylvania presidential election. Republicans delivered a dramatic margin of victory for President Donald Trump, which spared the nation the agony of a protracted recount.

Even more auspicious results for the GOP happened down ballot. In what was unimaginable to most pundits, for example, GOP challenger Dave McCormick beat the odds to defeat three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey by a close, but decisive margin. Meantime, the red wave catapulted a Republican rising star, Dave Sunday, to the attorney generals office, which Democrats have controlled since 2008. Incumbent GOP state treasurer Stacy Garrity won re-election by netting the largest number of votes in Pennsylvania history.

Then there are the striking examples of GOP success across the state. In Philadelphia, which hasnt been represented in the state Senate by a Republican for a generation, voters elected 29-year-old Joe Picozzi. In the Lehigh Valley, a political swing region surging in growth with New York and New Jersey tax refugees, locals ousted incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild. And northeastern Pennsylvanians retired six-term Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright from President Bidens birthplace of Scranton. In another stunner, President Trump won both of these regions' congressional seats outright.

Heading into Election Day, the trends were clear. Of the 59 public polls released in 2016 tracking the Pennsylvania presidential race, Trump led in only two. In 2020, Trump led in only five of the 84 Pennsylvania polls released. This past election, Trump won half of the 82 Pennsylvania polls released.

Republicans net-gained registered voters in every single Pennsylvania county, including in Philadelphia, ahead of the 2024 Pennsylvania primary. Its a GOP feat unmatched in recent memory.

Driving much of the GOPs registration gains was a process change at Pennsylvanias Drivers License Centers. Implemented by Pennsylvanias Departments of Transportation and State, the underreported change required Pennsylvanians renewing or registering for a drivers license to opt out of registering to vote instead of the previous protocol to opt in.

Thousands of Pennsylvanians, many of whom live in rural and exurban areas, where driving is a necessity, chose for years to remain unregistered to vote. For decades, Republican efforts to identify and register these Pennsylvanians bore little fruit because it required a costly process to persuade people to do something they did not want to do.

The procedural change was implemented toward the end of 2023. With drivers licenses requiring renewal every four years, Pennsylvania is only half-way through the process of registering these presumably populist Pennsylvanians to vote. These gains have cut the statewide Republican registration deficit by more than half.

In fact, the drivers license process alone may yield a statewide Republican voter registration majority by the 2026 midterm elections. Changing a single button at Drivers License Centers yielded the single biggest GOP registration surge since the Reagan administration. When accounting for voters deemed to be active by the Pennsylvania Department of State, the actual registered Republican deficit is down to 114,413 voters. That is a far cry from the 1.1 million registered voter deficit drowning Republicans at the start of Obamas first term in 2008.

Deemed to be a decisive competitive advantage for Democratic operatives, Republicans turned the table on early voting. While Democratic early voters still bested Republicans by a 2:1 margin in 2024, its a remarkable improvement compared to the 1.1 million early vote shellacking by the Democrats in 2020, which made Republican victories simply unattainable in the four years since early voting was created. Pennsylvania Republicans are now adopting early voting at a rate that will blunt its impact as a tool exclusively benefitting the Democratic Party.

The post-election data also reveals that Pennsylvanias electorate saw a five-point swing to the GOP on Election Day. Compared to the last presidential election, 66 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties saw higher Republican turnout. The outlier was the City of Philadelphia, which saw increased Democratic turnout but failed to reach the margin necessary to deliver statewide victory.

Overall statewide, turnout for the 2024 eneral Election increased by over 100,000 voters. These voters came from outside of southeastern Pennsylvania, home to Philadelphia and its suburban collar counties, that have followed the national trend of the college educated voting Democratic.

While 54 of 67 counties improved their margins for Trump, the increased turnout came exclusively from outside of the highly-educated Acela Corridor running through Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Nonetheless, Philadelphia and its suburbs shifted toward Trump by an average of nearly four points, with the largest shift coming from the City of Philadelphia itself.

Pennsylvanias 2024 General Election was not a fluke. It was a result of underreported environmental and bureaucratic trends that will position the GOP for future success in Pennsylvania. The state is now on a path to become the next Florida or Ohio, pending the ability of these newly elected Republicans to deliver on the agenda of the fledgling Republican majority.
Kelsey Anderson / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/17/2025



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alum Kelsey Anderson believes her late mother sent her another sign while she was modeling wedding dresses.Kelsey, who is engaged and ready to plan a wedding with 's Season 28 star Joey Graziadei , recently participated in a photo shoot for David's Bridal.Kelsey tried on numerous wedding gowns and posed for cameras, and once she received the photos back, there was a big surprise.Kelsey shared in a TikTok video, "I have to show you all this picture from the David's Bridal shoot and tell me what you see in the picture."Kelsey then shared a behind-the-scenes photo that showed her posing in a beautiful strapless dress with a big ray of light shining above her through an archway.Pointing to the light, Kelsey asked her followers, "Okay, what do you see? Here's another one. There's a bunch of them like this, but what do you see right here? Because it looks like a butterfly to me."Kelsey had shared on 's 28th season how she believes butterflies represent her late mother and are a symbol of her mother being present.Kelsey's late mother, Denise Anderson, passed away in 2018 after a battle with breast cancer.Kelsey then got a little choked up and shared how she felt like her mother was watching her during that exciting wedding-inspired photo shoot."This is while I was shooting David's Bridal, and umm, yeah. I don't know, I think that it's crazy," Kelsey said."And I know that I posted a video like this before and everyone was like, 'It's a sun glare' or ' a sun flare' or whatever you call it. I don't care what it's called. I think that it's my mom. I feel like she was watching over me, and it literally looks like a butterfly!"Kelsey also acknowledged how the light appears to take the shape of an angel."[But] my initial instinct was like, 'That's a butterfly. Oh, my gosh,' and it was really special," Kelsey gushed."My sister came with me because I knew that this was going to be kind of a heavier thing for me to do, like try on a bridal dress for the first time or a wedding dress. But I don't know, this made me so happy. And it's so cute."Kelsey previously revealed in July 2024 that she thought Denise was also with her during her engagement photo shoot with Joey in New Orleans, LA.At the time, a green orb noticeably buzzed around and stayed close to Kelsey as she modeled with Joey."6 years ago my beautiful mom passed away. She wasn't able to meet my future husband," Kelsey wrote in Summer 2024."But during my engagement shoot this orb was all over me in the videos my photographer sent me."Kelsey's father Mark Anderson had taken care of Denise until she passed away in 2018, which was a tragic event for Kelsey's whole family.After Joey and Kelsey's engagement aired on 's Season 28 finale in March, Joey decided to move to New Orleans to be with Kelsey, and he ultimately moved into the place Kelsey was already sharing with two female roommates.Joey and Kelsey then moved to Los Angeles so Joey could compete on Dancing with the Stars' 33rd season, which he ended up winning with pro partner Jenna Johnson Mark, for his part, competed on Joan Vassos ' season of The Golden Bachelorette.Following Mark's elimination from the show, he began hanging out with One Tree Hill star Barbara Alyn Woods, and the couple still appears to be dating.Kelsey and Joey are now living in a new apartment together in Los Angeles.Joey gushed on "The Squeeze" podcast earlier this month how he and his fiancee are "building a home" together and he's "so excited" for the future."We want to start figuring out some things, planning for the wedding, getting all that kind of cleaned up and getting excited about what's going to be there for us," Joey said on the podcast.But Joey noted that he's excited "about the dumbest little things, too," such as cooking with Kelsey in their new kitchen and inviting guests over for parties.Joey said going through the highs and lows of Dancing with the Stars made his relationship with Kelsey even "stronger" and they're thriving as a couple since getting engaged on finale, which aired in March 2024 on ABC.Joey said he has "no doubt" that his relationship with Kelsey is going to work and last long-term."We always continue to choose each other, because we know this is what we want," Joey explained."And we're trial-by-fire learning quickly about each other, too, and I'm so grateful for that. I feel like I know her so well."While Joey and Kelsey are currently living in California, Kelsey previously revealed that it's her dream to live in New York City Kelsey was apparently willing to make a sacrifice by agreeing to stay in California for the time being.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Indias most valued company, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), reported a robust performance in the third quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25), surpassing analyst expectations.

This coupled with positive commentary by brokerages led to the stock of the oil-to-telecom conglomerate surging as much as 4.44 per cent to hit an intraday high of Rs 1,325.1.

It settled at Rs 1,301.3 apiece, up 2.57 per cent.

By comparison, the BSE Sensex ended 0.55 per cent lower at 76,619.33 levels.

Given the strong Q3FY25 results and recent correction in the stock, most brokerages remain optimistic about RILs future prospects and the potential in the stock.

Emkay has upgraded RIL to a buy rating from add, citing attractive valuations.

RILs consolidated Q3FY25 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) stood at Rs 43,800 crore, a 4 per cent beat compared to estimates, driven by retail and oil-to-chemical or O2C segments, which exceeded expectations by 10 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively.

Upstream and Jio performance aligned largely with forecasts.

Retails top line growth of 9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), against expectations of a marginal decline, resulted in improved profits with stable margins.

The consolidated net profit exceeded estimates by 3 per cent, aided by a higher share of minority interest and lower other income.

The management remains optimistic about sustained growth in retail, supported by festival demand and operational streamlining.

They also outlined ongoing downstream expansion projects in O2C and anticipated margins normalising to mid-cycle levels. While FY25-27 earnings projections remain largely unchanged, the September 2025 target price has been trimmed by 6 per cent to Rs 1,570, reflecting a 10 per cent cut in the retail segments valuation multiple.

Key catalysts include developments in the new energy and vertical monetisation.

Meanwhile, Motilal Oswal maintained its buy rating but increased the target price to Rs 1,600 from 1,550.

We raise our FY25 Ebitda and net profit estimates by 2-4 per cent.

"However, our FY26-27 estimates are broadly unchanged.

"We model 10 per cent Ebitda/net profit growth over FY24-27, driven by more frequent tariff hikes in RJio and growth recovery in retail, Motilal Oswal Research said in a note.

Kotak Institutional Equities pointed out that RILs Q3FY25 consolidated Ebitda grew 7.7 per cent Y-o-Y and 12 per cent Q-o-Q, surpassing estimates by 3 per cent.

Retail performance was a highlight, with Ebitda rising 9.1 per cent Y-o-Y and 16.7 per cent Q-o-Q, 8 per cent above expectations.

O2C and exploration and production segments also exceeded estimates by 5-7 per cent.

However, telecom lagged due to the slow impact of the July 2024 tariff hike, with reported Ebitda up 17 per cent Y-o-Y but 4.4 per cent below projections.

Analysts have maintained their add rating, with a revised fair value of Rs 1,435.

According to reports, CLSA maintained an outperform rating with a target price of Rs 1,650.

The brokerage noted that Q3 Ebitda and profit exceeded expectations, driven by stronger-than-expected performances in upstream and retail segments.

While Jio numbers fell short due to a miss on Arpu despite better-than-expected subscriber additions, Retail Ebitda was 8 per cent above estimates, with Ebitda per square foot reaching a 10-quarter high.

Jefferies retained a buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,660.

It highlighted that Q3 Ebitda was 5 per cent ahead of estimates, boosted by strong performance in retail and O2C segments.

Retail growth signals suggest the worst may be over, while Jios Ebitda missed expectations due to lower Arpu and elevated costs.

O2C profitability was driven by refining, with an improved outlook for FY26, it added.

Morgan Stanley maintained its overweight rating with a target price of Rs 1,662.

The brokerage highlighted RILs strong Q3 earnings, which exceeded expectations.

The company appears to be back on a growth trajectory after six months of challenges, supported by higher energy Ebitda, a turnaround in retail, and outperformance in chemicals margins.

Citi, too, maintained 'buy' with a target price of Rs 1,530.

On the flipside, Nuvama retained its buy rating but reduced its target price to Rs 1,673.

RILs highest-ever Ebitda of Rs 43,800 crore exceeded Q3FY25 estimates, driven by strong performance across all segments.

Long-term growth visibility remains intact, with RIL expected to rank among the top 10 global producers post-petchem expansion.

The new energy segment is projected to equal O2C profits within 57 years, contributing over 50 per cent to consolidated PAT and delivering higher value given its clean energy focus.

Nuvama added that developments at Deen Dayal Port and Khavda for renewable energy and green hydrogen remain critical drivers.

However, a 5 per cent cut in FY26 Ebitda due to lower petchem margins and an increased holding company discount for consumer businesses, as RIL prepares for listing Jio and Retail, has led to an 8 per cent reduction in the target price to Rs 1,673.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
However, the company has not provided a timeline for the launch of the small electric car.

IMAGE: the Maruti eVitara. Photograph: Kind courtesy nexaexperience.com

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) plans to launch a small electric car in India after fully mastering the manufacturing techniques for such vehicles and assessing customer response to its first electric car, the eVitara, which was unveiled on Thursday at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, said Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) President Toshihiro Suzuki on Wednesday. SMC is the majority shareholder in MSIL.

The eVitara is a premium sport utility vehicle (SUV). During a press conference, Toshihiro said that the company is currently focused on strengthening its position in the SUV segment as part of its goal to achieve a 50 per cent market share in the Indian automobile market. Currently, MSIL holds about 41 per cent of the domestic passenger vehicle market.

"Globally, the electric vehicle (EV) market is sluggish, but in India, we believe there is potential for growth. Therefore, we studied manufacturers who launched their EVs before us to learn what customers want. We are now unveiling the eVitara based on our findings. We are using an exclusive platform to develop the EV," he said.

He added that the company has focused on providing a good range for the electric car and is also working on expanding the charging infrastructure across India. "We would now like to focus on the sales and marketing of this product," he observed.

When asked whether the company plans to launch an electric car in the hatchback or sedan segment, he responded: "First, one must learn the proper manufacturing techniques for EVs. Once we fully grasp EV manufacturing, it will make sense to move towards small cars. We do have plans to launch EVs in the small car segment as well." However, he did not provide a timeline for the launch of the small electric car.

"First, we are going to launch only the eVitara, and we would like to analyse and capture customer needs and demands. We want to follow a multi-pathway strategy and see in which segment and area the products will be required," he said.

According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, about 99,165 electric cars were sold in India in 2024, showing 20 per cent year-on-year growth. Tata Motors leads the electric car market with about 62 per cent of the market share.

The eVitara has been built on a completely new platform. When asked if MSIL would like to launch electric versions of its existing petrol-run models, Toshihiro replied: "I don't think it's correct to convert all existing internal combustion engine models into EV models. We need mobility solutions that are appropriate for specific regions. To achieve this, we need to think about the right product and the right place."

He will unveil the company's first electric car, the eVitara, and electric scooter, the eAccess, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The eAccess is part of the fleet of Suzuki Motorcycle India, also a subsidiary of SMC.

"For these two products, India will be the production hub. First, the eVitara will be exported to Europe and Japan, and later to other parts of the world. The eAccess will also be exported from India," he said.

Sales of sedans and hatchbacks in India have been declining over the past few years. "Sales of small cars are declining. However, I don't think small cars will cease to exist. People want to shift from two-wheelers to cars, and there are 1 billion of them in India. They want a good, affordable car in the entry-level segment," he said.

Regarding SMC's successful partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation, he described Toyota as a "good business partner" and "a good competitor".

When asked if an Indian could become the chief executive officer (CEO) of MSIL, he said that it is very much possible, as "nationality is not a factor" in becoming the CEO of a company like MSIL or SMC. Currently, Hisashi Takeuchi is the managing director and CEO of MSIL.
Tata Motors is the leader in the electric car market with about 62 per cent share.

IMAGE: Maruti Suzuki India MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi, right, and Suzuki Motor CEO Toshihiro Suzuki during the launch of 'eVITARA' at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, in New Delhi, January 17, 2025. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), which unveiled its first electric car eVitara at Bharat Mobility Global Expo on January 17, 2025, is targeting to become the largest electric car producer in India within a year, said its managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) Hisashi Takeuchi.

"Our plan already has three lines, with each having an annual capacity of 250,000 units. The fourth line is to just manufacture EVs," he told reporters during a media roundtable in New Delhi.

However, he did not specify the capacity of the fourth line.

While refusing to comment on the expected sales numbers of eVitara, he stated: "We are targeting to become number one EV manufacturer within one year."

He stated that eVitara will first be exported to a few key markets before being put on sale in India.

"eVitara's production is for the world. A lot of countries are waiting for this product. We need to give priority to them before launching this car in India," Takeuchi noted.

About 99,165 electric cars were sold in India in 2024, recording 20 per cent year-on-year growth, according to Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada).

Tata Motors is the leader in the electric car market with about 62 per cent share.

He refused to confirm or deny if the company will be producing the cross-badged eVitara for Toyota. "You should ask Toyota about that," he said.

MSIL is India's largest carmaker with about 41 per cent share in the domestic passenger vehicle market. Takeuchi said that the company has already invested more than Rs 2,100 crore for manufacturing eVitara in India.

This also includes the expense behind the dedicated EV production line.

"Every manufacturer is thinking on how to bring up (boost) the EV market in India. We think customer's anxiety and pain points should be removed. In India, the customer has range anxiety and is worried about the lack of charging infrastructure. The third worry is about the residual value of the car," he stated.

Addressing these concerns, Maruti's eVitara will be available with a range of more than 500 km, which is "good enough" for the customer.

He said that the company will install fast chargers at its dealerships in top 100 cities across the country in the first phase, and then expand further.

"The idea is that, within these cities, every 5-10 km a customer finds a charging point by MSIL," he noted.

"To further ensure peace of mind for our customers, we are preparing over 1,500 EV-enabled service workshops in over 1,000 cities. These workshops will have specially-trained manpower and special equipment to provide all EV related support, including charging," he added.

MSIL has a total 4,500 service workshops across India.

He added that to boost the EV market in India, the aforementioned pain points have to be removed and the choices have to increase.

"Right now, the first set of EV customers will prefer this product eVitara, which is a premium electric SUV.

However, there are many other segments, whether smaller like hatchbacks or bigger like multipurpose vehicles (MPVs), which need electric products. To further increase the sales of EVs in India, the customers need to be provided choices," he stated.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
To begin with, the consulate in Bengaluru will not offer visa services.

IMAGE: On Friday, January 17, 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti inaugurated the new US consulate in Bengaluru.

Dr Jaishankar exchanges greetings with Ambassador Garcetti as Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar looks on. Photographs: ANI Photo

External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on January 17, 2025 that he had urged the United States to establish a US consulate in Bengaluru and promised to open an Indian diplomatic mission in Los Angeles.

Jaishankar was in Bengaluru to attend the 'site dedication ceremony' for the fifth US consulate in India, which will start operating in Bengaluru soon.

"It has been something long in waiting, one which I believe Bengaluru legitimately deserved and expected," said Dr Jaishankar.

According to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2023 had brought up the issue of opening a consulate in Bengaluru when he visited the US.

To begin with, the consulate in Bengaluru will not offer visa services, said Eric Garcetti, the outgoing US ambassador for India.

Jaishankar urged him to offer visa services too as soon as possible. "I was checking figures, and was very glad to see that last year, the RPO (Regional Passport Office) Bengaluru issued 883,000 passports. That's just for one year. Do the math, and you will see how important it is to ensure that travel is smooth," said Jaishankar.

India has about 350,000 students in the US and a Diaspora of 5 million people, the minister stated, building a powerful case for the US to get around to issuing visas from Bengaluru as early as possible.

He also added that there are three flights every week from here to San Francisco. "Hopefully, if Boeing and Airbus deliver, there'd be more. I think that's a legitimate expectation," said Jaishankar.

"I think Bengaluru has such an important place that it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats here," said Jaishankar.

He also said every time he had visited the city in the last five years, there was always somebody who would ask him, 'So, when is that consulate coming?'.

"It was from, really, I would say, the cross section of society. It was from businessmen; it was from the tech world; it was from academics. It was even from people you would meet in a restaurant," added Jaishankar.

With the opening of the consulate, Jaaishankar said collaborations in defence and education would reach new heights.

"I think the formal opening of this consulate is one more sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history. It is now within our grasp, within the realm of possibility, that we realise more fully the potential of India-US relations. And I think it is important that Bengaluru too realises its potential in the relationship," said Jaishankar.

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar addresses the inauguration ceremony.

In his address, US Ambassador Garcetti, who would be relinquishing his responsibility in India soon, said he was glad that getting a consulate up and running in Bengaluru would be his last task in India.

"You know, our relationship in India is not new. Our second consulate in the world was here in India. 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," said Garcetti.

India, said Garcetti, is now the second largest mission of America anywhere in the world.

"It produces the second 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," added Garcetti.

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar at the event.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who was also present during the site dedication ceremony, said the opening of the consulate in Bengaluru is a testament to the growing importance of Karnataka in the global stage.

"Nowadays, the world is looking at India through Bengaluru. We know there are a lot of hiccups there, as Bengaluru is not a well-planned city. But still the city has proved itself to be the safest city in the entire country for the global firms to have their headquarters," said Shivakumar.

Other dignitaries present for the ceremony include Karnataka's Minister for Industries M B Patil, state IT Minister Priyank Kharge and Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya.

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
By Inti Landauro and Andres Gonzalez

MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish telecom giant Telefonica's board agreed on Saturday to appoint defence company Indra's chairman Marc Murtra as its new CEO, replacing Chief Executive Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete following a request from state-owned fund SEPI.

Telefonica's board held an extraordinary meeting on Saturday to decide to terminate Alvarez-Pallete's contract and offer his job to Murtra, who accepted it, the company said in a filing to the stock market regulator.

The decision still needs to be ratified by shareholders, the company said.

State-owned investment fund SEPI had proposed to replace Alvarez-Pallete, who has led the company since 2016, with Murtra, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters earlier on Saturday.

The current term of Alvarez-Pallete was due for renewal this year at the annual general shareholders meeting usually held in April or May.

Under Murtra, Indra, which is 28% owned by the Spanish government, has focused on its defence and aerospace business to benefit from European countries' increased military budgets following heightening world tensions.

The Spanish government bought a 10% stakeworth about 2.3 billion euros ($2.36 billion) in Telefonica through SEPI in May 2024 to counterbalance the acquisition of a similar stake by Saudi Arabia's STC in late 2023.

The acquisition gave the government a seat on Telefonica's board.

Given Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company, the government only approved the transaction in November 2024 after securing a stake in the telecom company similar to STC.

Over the past years, Telefonica, like rivals in Europe, has faced a squeeze on profitability from fierce competition and the need for hefty investment in infrastructure for the 5G next-generation mobile technology.

It has been selling stakes in more mature businesses such as submarine cables or mobile masts and smaller operations in Latin America to fund 5G and optic fibre.

($1 = 0.9736 euros)

(This story has been refiled to update the headline)

(Reporting by Inti Landauro, Andres Gonzalez and Ana Cantero; editing by David Evans and Tomasz Janowski)
A British member of Parliament (MP) has tabled a parliamentary motion to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 'genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Hindus from Jammu and Kashmir in India'.

IMAGE: Kashmiri Pandits hold placards during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Conservative MP Bob Blackman, in the House of Commons, on Thursday tabled the Early Day Motion (EDM) on the issue, which dates back to January 1990.

An EDM is a method used by British MPs to draw Parliament's attention to a particular issue.

That this House commemorates with deep sadness and disappointment the 35th anniversary of the coordinated attacks in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic terrorists and their supporters on the minority Hindu population of Kashmir valley, reads the EDM.

The motion goes on to express its condolences to its British Hindu citizens, whose friends and family were killed, raped, injured and who were displaced by force in this planned massacre; condemns the desecration of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir; vows to protect the rights of Hindus in the UK, including the right to demand justice .

"[The House] is concerned that Kashmiri Hindu minority that fled persecution have still not seen justice or recognition of the atrocities committed against them in 35 years; deplores those sponsoring such cross-border terrorist attacks," the motion adds.

It says the House is 'concerned that organisations supporting terror are thriving in the UK; notes the international principle of responsibility to protect obliges individual States and the international community to take effective measures to prevent the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity as suffered by Kashmiri Hindus; urges the Government of India to fulfil its long-standing international commitment to recognise and acknowledge the genocide of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir.

It further notes that 'properties belonging to the minority Hindu community in Kashmir continue to be occupied; calls on the Government of India to enact the proposed Panun Kashmir Genocide Crime Punishment and Atrocities Prevention Bill in the Indian Parliament, and further urges the UK government to commemorate January 19 as Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Day'.

The EDM has no supporting signatures, with the first six MPs supporting the motion becoming its sponsors.

-- By Aditi Khanna in London
Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged the Delhi Police prevented the screening of a documentary exposing the 'secrets' and 'conspiracies' behind the arrest of his party leaders.

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference, at party headquarters in New Delhi. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

A senior Delhi police office said no permission was sought for the screening event despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force in Delhi in view of the assembly polls on February 5.

But Kejriwal questioned why was permission needed for a private screening event.

He told a press conference in New Delhi the documentary -- Unbreakable -- was to be shown to the media at the private event, and it was not any political programme.

"No votes were going to be sought at the event neither anything was to be said against any party," Kejriwal said.

The AAP convener shared a picture of the venue of the screening at the Pyarelal Bhawan at ITO, showing a heavy police presence.

He charged the police did not allow the screening at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The BJP is completely scared of the documentary because it uncovers the secrets and conspiracies behind the arrest of AAP leaders in the past two years. It exposes the illegal and unconstitutional activities of the BJP," he alleged.

At a separate press conference later in the day, senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj screened the trailer of the documentary to the media.

He said the Aam Aadmi Party will not deter from showing the documentary and will ensure it reached the public.

"The AAP is now determined to ensure this film reaches the public. Whether I invite you to my home and show it to you in a room on a mobile phone or send it to you via WhatsApp, I will make sure you watch this film. One way or another, this film will reach everyone," he said.

Prominent AAP leaders including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Satyendar Jain were arrested by central agencies in corruption cases during 2023-24.

A senior police officer said political parties have to apply for prior permission through a single window system at the office of the District Election Officer (DEO) for holding any event during the MCC period.

"This is a standard process during the elections. For the screening event, no such permission was taken and hence it would have been a violation of MCC guidelines," he added.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk told a delegation of leading Indian business figures at his SpaceX Starbase facility in Texas on Friday that he believes India-US ties are trending positive and that he favours an enhanced trade partnership between the two nations.

IMAGE: US billionaire Elon Musk hosted a delegation of Indian business leaders at SpaceX's Starbase facility.. Photograph: Courtesy @riteshagar/X

The Indian entrepreneurs, led by India Global Forum (IGF) to mark the UK-headquartered policy and events platform's expansion into the US this week, toured the company's cutting-edge space exploration facilities and witnessed the successful launch of SpaceX's Starship Flight 7.

During a moderated discussion, Musk emphasised the potential for deeper collaboration between the United States and India, particularly in the technology and space exploration sectors.

"Things are trending positive. I'm certainly in favour of lowering trade barriers to increase commerce between the US and India, Musk was quoted as saying during the session.

He went on to describe India as one of the ancient civilisations and a very great and very complex one.

The entrepreneur behind automotive major Tesla and social media platform X interacted with Indian business chiefs from across diverse sectors on the role of technology and India's growing role in the global innovation landscape.

The meeting comes just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President for a second term on Monday and Musk's proposed role in his top team as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

"This event underscores the growing importance of collaboration between India and global pioneers in shaping a sustainable and technology-driven future," said IGF Founder Manoj Ladwa.

"As the world's most powerful democracy transitions to a Trump presidency, meaningful dialogue is more important than ever in these challenging times," he said.

"At India Global Forum, our mission is to bring together global leaders and innovators to tackle the defining challenges of our time I believe India's rise presents limitless opportunities, and this meeting signifies the potential for powerful partnerships," he added.

SpaceX Chief Musk was "fascinated about Kumbh Mela", said Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO of OYO, in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

Musk even received an invitation to Maha Kumbh, the world's largest gathering of humanity, revealed author Amish Tripathi.

"We discussed a range of topics from spirituality, consciousness, interplanetary travel, monetary policy, engineering amongst others. And an invitation to the Maha Kumbh Mela! Hope he can make it!!" wrote Tripathi.

The IGF delegation to Musk's Starbase in Texas included Prashant Ruia, Director  Essar Capital; Jay Kotak, Co-Head  Kotak811; Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO  OYO; Kalyan Raman, CEO  Flipkart; Aryaman Birla, Director  Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Limited; Nilesh Ved, Chairman  Apparel Group; and bestselling author Amish Tripathi, among others.

It followed a set of closed-door discussions on Thursday with members of the incoming Trump administration and key US stakeholders and policymakers, including Jacob Helberg  the Designated Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment in the new American administration.

The dialogue, organised for IGF's US launch, also addressed the American economic landscape, exploring opportunities in digital infrastructure, tech, innovation and foreign investment, while highlighting ways to strengthen bilateral collaboration.
The Maharashtra government has announced that it will keep its commitment to transfer money women under the Majhi Laadki Baahin Yojana.

Kindly note that this image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

This was stated by Maharashtra's Minister for Women Aditi S Tatkare on her 'X' handle.

The announcement has come as good news for the women of Maharashtra who did not get any money under the Majhi Laadki Baahin Yojana from December 2024.

'All eligible women in the scheme will benefit by January 26, 2025. The state cabinet has also approved a fund of Rs 3,690 crore for this scheme,' Tatkare tweeted.

The minister did not clarify how much money will be deposited in each eligible woman's bank account.

Majhi Laadki Baahin Yojana was launched by then state chief minister Eknath Shinde in July 2024.

Before the model code of conduct for the assembly elections kicked in, the state government deposited Rs 1,500 into the bank account of every woman who had applied for the scheme.

In August 2024, 24.32 million women benefited from the scheme.

Many poll pundits believed the Laadki Baahin Yojana was a game changer for the ruling Mahayuti alliance which swept the assembly elections. The Mahayuti comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar).

After the assembly elections it was doubted if the state government would be able to continue with the scheme as the Mahayuti had promised to hike the deposit to Rs 2,100 in its election manifesto if re-elected.

Ajit Pawar, then and now Maharashtra's finance minister, had told this correspondent before the elections that the Mahayuti government would not discontinue the scheme.

The state government has not declared how much money it will deposit in the bank account of every eligible woman, but going by the Mahayuti election manifesto it looks like it will be Rs 2,100 per month.
A Kolkata court on Saturday convicted prime accused Sanjay Roy of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, 162 days after the crime that sparked nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests.

IMAGE: Police produce RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case accused Sanjay Roy at Sealdah Court, in Kolkata. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Sealdah court, where Roy's trial was held, will announce the quantum of punishment on Monday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das said.

Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata police was arrested on August 10, 2024, a day after the 31-year-old medic's body was found in the seminar room of the hospital.

He was charged under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Section 103(1) carries a possible punishment of death or life imprisonment.

The judge said Roy was found guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and strangling her to death and that the Central Bureau of Investigation had proven all the charges against him.

Judge Das observed that Roy had entered the hospital around 4 am and attacked the on-duty doctor while she was asleep in the seminar room of the hospital.

"You sexually assaulted the doctor. You throttled her and covered her face and she ultimately died owing to the attack," he said.

"...On the basis of the statements of the witnesses and the documents produced in this matter, your guilt has been proved and you are being pronounced guilty," the judge said.

The judge said the more than 160-page judgment, which will be completed after the pronouncement of the sentence on Monday, will also categorically answer some questions raised by the complainant, the father of the victim.

"I have criticised some activities of police authority as well as the hospital authority which came out in the evidence," the judge said.

He noted that the case of the prosecution stood on circumstantial evidence.

Das said Roy's statement will be heard at 12:30 pm on Monday, and the sentence will be pronounced thereafter.

At the time of the verdict delivery, Roy claimed in court that he had been framed.

In his defense, Roy said, "I wear a rudrakash necklace, and if I had committed the crime, it would have snapped."

Following the verdict, Roy was escorted under strict police security to the Presidency Correctional Home, preventing waiting media persons from speaking to him.

The parents of the deceased doctor expressed gratitude to the court for delivering justice, with her father stating: "The trust we had placed in you, you have honoured it completely."

The mother of the victim, while hailing the verdict, voiced concerns that justice had not been fully served.

"That Sanjay is guilty was proven by medical evidence. He stood silent during the trials, proving his role in torturing and killing my daughter. But, he was not alone. Others who are yet to be arrested should also be brought to book," she told PTI.

She said: "We will continue our fight for justice till our last breath."

Investigators alleged that he acted alone, but the victim's family and junior doctors' groups suspected a wider conspiracy.

Reacting to the verdict, Roy's elder sister told reporters from her home in Bhawanipore that the family would not challenge the court's decision.

"If he has committed any crime, he should get proper punishment. We don't plan to challenge the order," she said, adding that family members did not attend the trial.

The junior doctors, who were at the forefront of the protests following the crime, have called for further investigation into the larger conspiracy allegations raised by the victim's parents.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions. Allegations that the crime scene was tampered with and that influential people were involved must be fully investigated. This is just partial justice. The fight isn't over," said a junior medic.

The crime sent shockwaves across the nation, triggering protests over workplace safety for medical professionals.

The verdict also evoked mixed political reactions.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the judgement but called for further investigation into the conspiracy allegations by the victim's family.

"We would have been happier if former RG Kar hospital principal Sandip Ghosh and former Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal were also punished today. We must investigate whether anyone else was involved in the crime," he said.

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sougata Roy also welcomed the ruling, and demanded the 'harshest punishment' for Roy to set a strong precedent.

The ghastly incident sparked nationwide protests, particularly from junior doctors in Kolkata, who demanded justice for the victim and stronger security measures in state-run hospitals.

Initially investigated by the Kolkata police, the Calcutta high court later transferred the case to the CBI, which had sought the death penalty for Roy.

The in-camera trial, which began on November 12, saw 50 witnesses testify. The trial concluded on January 9.

Civil society groups in Kolkata and other cities held demonstrations and midnight rallies under the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign, calling for justice for the victim, who was affectionately christened 'Abhaya' and 'Tilottama' by some people.

Ahead of the pronouncement of the verdict, security at the Sealdah court complex was tightened significantly, with the Kolkata police erecting multiple barricades to control access and ensure the safety of all attendees.

The crime also became a political flashpoint, with opposition parties, including the BJP and the Communist Party of India-Marxist, criticising the Mamata Banerjee-led government over the state's law and order situation.
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By Nivedita Balu

TORONTO (Reuters) -Four of Canada's biggest lenders said on Friday they were withdrawing from a global banking sector climate coalition, joining six major U.S. banks.

The departures from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance began with Goldman Sachs' announcement on Dec. 6 and come ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House next week. Trump has been critical of efforts by governments to prescribe climate-change policies.

The four Canadian banks are TD Bank, Bank of Montreal, National Bank of Canada and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

The other big U.S. banks that have withdrawn are Wells Fargo, Citi, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan.

The Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a UN-sponsored initiative set up by former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, was launched in 2021 to encourage financial institutions to limit the effects of climate change and push toward achieving net-zero emissions.

The Canadian banks said in separate statements that they were equipped to work outside the alliance and develop their climate strategies.

"The NZBA was formed at a time when the global industry was scaling up efforts to take action on climate, and served a valuable role in galvanizing these efforts and establishing momentum," CIBC said in a statement.

"As this space has evolved and matured, and having made significant progress alongside our clients in these areas, we are now well-positioned to further this work outside of the formal structure of the NZBA," it said.

Canadian banks have faced mounting pressure to address climate-related risks arising from their funding activities in the past few years. The country's banking regulator has also introduced guidelines for financial institutions to manage their climate-related risks.

Separately, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it had withdrawn from a global body of central banks and regulators devoted to exploring ways to police climate risk in the financial system.

(Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto, Additional reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Rod Nickel and Edwina Gibbs)
Arena International, Just Drinks sister events business, is holding its newest conference tomorrow (22 January), with a forum focusing on sustainability in the beverage industry.

Executives from Pernod Ricard, Heineken, Suntory and Tropicana are among those set to speak at Eco Drinks 2025 at The Minster Building in Londons financial district.

The conference will bring together delegates to discuss issues ranging from the push to net zero and improving recyclability to waste reduction and water conservation.

Sandrine Ricard, the director for sustainability and responsibility communications at Pernod Ricard and the spirits giant's whisky arm Chivas Brothers, is set to give a keynote address during the morning session. She will outline how Chivas Brothers is using heat-recovery technologies to reduce emissions in the distillation process.

Later at the event, Tropicana Brands Groups Jonas Van Eykeren is to take part in a panel covering topics including recyclability, waste and water.

In the afternoon, Charlie Kingsley, corporate sustainability manager at Suntory Beverage and Foods business in Great Britain and Ireland, will resilience in the company's supply chains.

Two panel sessions are also scheduled for the afternoon  one weighing up collaboration across the supply chain and the other discussing issues including regulation and working with industry bodies.

And a pair of Diageo executives are set to close the conference with a session on how the drinks giants Breakthrough innovation team is working in the area of sustainability.

Booking: Limited spaces remain  please find more information on the Arena website.

Date: 22 January

Contact: If you have questions about tickets, group discounts, sponsorship or marketing, contact Ben Gemmell: ben.gemmell@arena-international.com

"Tomorrow: sustainability executives convene for Eco Drinks 2025 in London" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




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."
The image went viral and was seen around the world, a symbol of the brutality of security forces in Belarus but also the resilience and bravery of protesters taking on an authoritarian regime.

It was August 2020 and the image showed a young woman sitting on the ground, her face and head covered with blood, being given medical attention.

The woman's name was Maria Zaytsava, and she was then just 19 years old. She was among tens of thousands of people, many of them young, who had taken to the streets to protest the reelection of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, in a vote widely decried internationally as neither free nor fair.

The security forces responded with a brutal crackdown, arresting over 30,000 people, many of whom reported torture and ill-treatment while in custody.

On January 17, a day after her 24th birthday, Zaytsava died fighting for Ukraine.

Minsk Protests

Despite the objections of her family, in 2020, Zaytsava traveled from her hometown of Homel, in southeastern Belarus, to join the protests in Minsk.

On the evening of August 9, 2020, she was among the protesters gathered in downtown Minsk facing off against security forces.

"At some point, grenades flew at us, and they started shooting people with rubber bullets," one eyewitness told RFE/RL's Belarus Service. "There was shock, no one could understand what was happening, why they were doing it. There were explosions everywhere, and I saw lots of bloodied people."

Zaytsava was at the front of the crowd when security forces attacked with water cannons, rubber bullets, and stun grenades.

"We stood peacefully, shouting," Zaytsava later recalled of that night. "I remember they were [using water cannons] on us, and then there was an explosion and I was lying on the ground. After that I don't remember anything.... I was blinded."

The protesters were disoriented and badly injured and still facing the onslaught of the security forces. It was then that an RFE/RL photographer took a picture of Zaytsava, sitting quietly on the asphalt, visibly in shock and covered in blood.

The explosion left Zaytsava permanently deaf in one ear. She also suffered a brain hematoma and severe injuries to her eyes and face. "It's clear that it changed me a lot," she later said. "I'm still a little bit consumed by post-traumatic stress disorder."

After several operations in Belarus, Zaytsava went to the Czech Republic for specialized treatment. There, she attempted to rebuild her life with the help of MEDEVAC, a program run by the Czech government that provides free medical care and assistance to people affected by humanitarian crises, conflicts, or natural disasters.

As she began to recover, she also began courses at the Czech Technical University.

Fighting In Ukraine

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Zaytsava found a new calling.

She initially volunteered to help Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic, but by spring 2023, she had decided to join the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, a Ukrainian military unit composed of foreign volunteers.

"She was so small, she didn't have a weapon, so where should she go?" recalled Ales Petrouski, a senior medic in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion and Zaytsava's commander.

That was how the Belarusian ended up in the medical unit. But that didn't mean she was getting an easy ride, Petrouski emphasized. Whether you're a medic or not, you're still under fire in the trenches, he told RFE/RL's Belarus Service.

Petrouski said that Zaytsava also took on responsibilities as a translator in the Foreign Legion because she spoke English, which was useful in a unit where not everyone spoke Ukrainian or Russian.

Connected Struggles

For Zaytsava, the struggle for freedom in Belarus and Ukraine's fight against Russia were connected. She joined the volunteers in Ukraine partly, Petrouski said, because she wanted Belarus to be free.

"She was resentful that she was basically kicked out of the country, and she wanted to go back. It really knocked her off her feet -- the fact that she had to leave Belarus," Petrouski said.

Belarus is perhaps Russia's staunchest ally, and Minsk has provided military and diplomatic support for Moscow. Lukashenka's government has allowed Russia to use its military infrastructure and equipment, and permitted its territory to be used as a staging ground for attacks on Ukraine.

After spending time on the Ukrainian front, she returned to the Czech Republic after receiving an injury to her hand. But after looking for work, she decided to return to the Ukrainian front line for a second time in January 2024.

One year later, she was killed in action near the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which had been captured by Russian forces in May 2023 and had since seen fierce fighting.

Writing to a close friend after her return to the front line, Zaytsava stated her wishes should she die: "In the military questionnaire, I indicated that I am an atheist. I don't know if this will affect my possible burial, but I wouldn't want to be buried under a cross."

Members of Zaytsava's unit told RFE/RL's Belarus Service that, under Russian artillery fire, her fellow soldiers managed to evacuate her body from the battlefield.

"Gravely injured during the 2020 Belarus protests, she gave her life for freedom," said Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya about Zaytsava's death. She was, she said, "an icon of our revolution."
The 15-month conflict in the Middle East has caused a dramatic shift in the regional balance of power.

Iran and Russia have been severely weakened as Israel has pounded Tehrans proxies in the region, leading also to the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. Israel has emerged strengthened, but countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar have also gained influence.

Irans decline is perhaps the most striking. Its much-vaunted axis of resistance was based primarily on Hamas and Hezbollah, both listed as terrorist organizations by Israel, the United States, and other countries.

Dramatic Changes

The war began after Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In a dramatic escalation of decades of conflict, Hamas raids into Israel killed over 1,200 people, and the militant group seized over 200 hostages.

The Israeli bombing and ground campaign that followed has killed the top figures in the Hamas leadership and an estimated 18,000 Hamas fighters.

But it also reduced Gaza to rubble, killing some 46,000 people in total, according to Gaza health authorities.

"Weakening Hamass core leadership and destroying Gaza is going to fuel other types of militancy, said Fatima Ayub, a Washington-based political analyst and researcher on the Middle East and South Asia.

On January 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington estimates that Hamas has recruited as many fighters as it lost during the war.

That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war, he told an audience in Washington.

Iran's Debacle

The war was a disaster for Iran. During the past four decades, Tehran has spent billions on building a network of militant proxies across the region in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and Yemen.

Today, that lies in tatters.

Since September 2024, Israel has dealt severe blows to Hezbollah in Lebanon by killing its long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and his key associates.

The Israeli onslaught strongly diminished Hezbollah, which was previously the most powerful political force in Lebanon. Beirut now has a new president and prime minister. Both are seen as moderate and reformist figures free from Tehrans influence.

In Syria there was an even more profound impact. Hezbollah was no longer able to help President Bashar al-Assad maintain his grip on power. Nor were Russian forces, distracted and diluted by their much bigger war in Ukraine.

Israel set in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to the collapse of the Assad regime, said Hugh Lovatt, a Middle East expert at Londons European Council on Foreign Relations think tank.

Tehran was forced to withdraw from Syria in the wake of Assads collapse.

In Iran, even among hard-liners and the proponents of the axis of resistance, they accept that they have been defeated, said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

He said that it is too early to tell whether this will be a turning point for Tehrans regional ambitions as it weighs giving up on Islamist militant groups in the Arab states.

The costs are exceeding the benefits, Vatanka said. And if they make that decision, we will face a different reality of the Iranian regional agenda going forward.

He said Irans influence over the Huthi rebels in Yemen is more tenuous.

The United States, Israel, and Britain have attacked power and port infrastructure controlled by the group in northern Yemen after it fired missiles and drones at Israel and attacked maritime traffic in the Red Sea.

The Huthis have far more independence and an agenda of their own in terms of the Palestinians, he said. [They are] not so dependent on what Iran decides to do.

Moscow's Exit

Assads flight to exile in Moscow means that Russia has lost its military foothold in the Middle East.

Russian forces were filmed evacuating, reportedly to eastern Libya. The Kremlin has lost an ally that dates back to the Cold War.

It has suffered a huge strategic blow, Lovatt said. I don't see any imminent openings for Russia to reassert itself in the Middle East.

However, other nations in the Middle East have gained influence at the expense of Tehran, Moscow, and their allies.

Turkey will now have plenty of opportunities to shape Syria's future.

Ankara-backed Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now leads the interim government in Damascus after toppling Assad's government in a lightning offensive.

Israel now finds itself in a much stronger military position, having dealt powerful blows to many enemies.

Egypt and Qatar have scored diplomatic gains by brokering the elusive truce between Hamas and Israel.

However, Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich Sunni monarchy, has not gained much from the war.

They put all their money on the Abraham Accords and were close to normalizing with Israel formally before October 7, said Ayub, the analyst in Washington. But they had no meaningful sway on regional developments since then.

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, key allies of Riyadh, recognized Israel under the Abraham Accords in September 2020.

The prewar hopes for Saudi Arabia to follow suit may be a casualty of the conflict, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza.

This factor has also turned much public opinion in the region against the United States, which has called on Israel to show restraint while also providing the weapons it needed to wage war.

Both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations have claimed credit for the peace deal, but it will be for President-elect Donald Trump to deal with the aftermath.

Its expected he will adopt a policy of maximum pressure toward Iran. His rhetoric has been firmly pro-Israel. The coming days will show if the peace deal holds -- and how Trumps arrival reshuffles the cards once again.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, went offline in the United States shortly before a federal ban took effect on January 19 only for it to return around 12 hours later.

The app proclaimed that "TikTok is back in the U.S.! through a notification to its users. It attributed its return to incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on January 19 that that he would issue an executive order following his inauguration on January 20 to delay enforcement of the law that required ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban.



The decision marks the latest installment in a whirlwind of developments involving TikToks fate that could also have major repercussions for the global technology competition between China and the United States and set the tone for Trump's dealings with Beijing.

The popular video platform is Chinas first global app and has outperformed U.S.-owned rivals such as Instagram, Facebook, and X.

The issue of Chinese ownership is what put TikTok in the crosshairs of the U.S. Congress, which passed a law in April 2024 over national security concerns, including the spread of misinformation and espionage.

TikTok is the international version of ByteDances Douyin, which serves markets in Hong Kong and China and adheres to Beijings strict censorship apparatus.

While also a successful business, its popularity and influence has been a global boost for Beijing. ByteDances unwillingness to divest ownership also shows both the value placed on its proprietary algorithm and on TikTok remaining a Chinese company.

An Overture At Home And Abroad



While Trumps move to give TikTok a reprieve to find a solution is also influenced by U.S. domestic politics, the incoming presidents decision could also affect his relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

After first supporting a ban before coming out against it, Trump also revealed on January 17 that he had spoken to Xi and discussed TikTok, among other issues.

The issues that prompted the ban on TikTok still remain.

Cybersecurity firms have suggested that the app can collect user data beyond what content they view on TikTok, and China enacted a law in 2017 that compels Chinese nationals living abroad to cooperate with its intelligence apparatus.

Public examples of this are few, but in 2023, a British journalist had her data and location tracked by TikTok employees in China and the United States. U.S. court filings from a former ByteDance employee also outlined how the Chinese Communist Party accessed company data to spy on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in 2018.

Now Trump's decision offers an early bellwether for how he will handle relations with China.

Trump's last presidential term from 2017 to 2021 was characterized by his tough line on China and the targeting of Chinese companies at home and abroad against the backdrop of a deepening technology race between Beijing and Washington.

That competition hasnt gone away, but Trump -- at least in the early days of his incoming presidency -- appears to be looking to strike a different tone.

The Wall Street Journal reported on January 18 that Trump wants to visit Xi in China in his first 100 days after taking office and has expressed an openness to negotiations with the Chinese leader on a range of issues.
Flanked by U.S. flags, President-elect Donald Trump reeled off a list of tech bosses who had flocked to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to meet him following his election victory.

Everybody wants to be my friend, he told reporters in December.

Ahead of his inauguration on January 20, Trump has also met the leaders of European allies hoping to position themselves for his second presidency.

It is normal for foreign leaders to seek an American presidents ear. But Trump has shredded Washingtons old foreign policy playbook and there is a sense that the stakes are higher this time.

New players could emerge as Trumps closest European allies. But even they may find that, sometimes, Washington has diverging interests.

Viktor Orban

Viktor Orban was the first European leader to visit Trump in Florida after the November 5 election.

The Hungarian prime minister has long cultivated close ties with Trump and was also the first European leader to endorse his 2016 presidential campaign. It is a relationship based on ideological proximity and personal chemistry.

Whether that will translate into practical favors is another matter. Trump has threatened to slap steep tariffs on goods from the European Union.

Tariffs on car imports could hurt Hungary, where carmakers account for some 12 percent of all manufacturing jobs. These include Chinese companies, a political bugbear for Trump.

But for Orban, from a country of 10 million people, special ties with the leader of the worlds most powerful nation are clearly a matter of prestige as he faces political headwinds at home.

Officials in Budapest have told RFE/RLs Hungarian Service that Trump has also sought Orbans views on ending Russias nearly three-year war in Ukraine in a series of phone calls since winning the U.S. election.

Orban is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and has tried to present himself as a statesman who can facilitate a peace deal.

Of course, this does not mean that Hungary will be seriously dealt a card in peace talks on Ukraine, said political analyst Botond Feledy. But I can imagine that Viktor Orban will receive some kind of symbolic gesture. Let's say there will be a round of negotiations in Budapest as well.

Giorgia Meloni

In January, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also visited Trump in Florida.

If there was a race to visit Trump, she may have come second -- but will perhaps be a more influential partner than Orban. While the Hungarian is largely isolated in the EU, Meloni is networked.

Indeed, many in the 27-member bloc hope she can be the Trump whisperer, tilting the president in a different direction on key issues. Ukraine is a big one, as Meloni has been a staunch backer of Kyiv. Tariffs is another.

Like Orban, she is also close to Trump ideologically, sharing his hard-line anti-immigration stance. Trump called her a fantastic woman who had taken Europe by storm.

But, unlike Hungary, Italy falls short of NATOs defense-spending target of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), managing just 1.49 percent in 2024, according to estimates. If Meloni presses Trump to keep supporting Ukraine, he may ask her to put her money where her mouth is.

Italy has been one of the countries that have taken a lot of benefits out of, let's say, the American umbrella over Europe, said Olivier Costa of Sciences Po in Paris.

Costa also points to potential U.S. tariffs as an issue where interests could diverge.

Who is going to drink all the French and Italian wine? Who's going to buy all those handbags? The impact on the economy would be huge.

Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron also made sure of an early meeting with Trump, hosting him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in December.

It was an early effort to influence Trumps approach to Ukraine, and there is no evidence yet that it had any impact. Trump has threatened to cut aid to Ukraine and promised to quickly end the war, although he has not said how.

Macron is weakened domestically, facing a rolling political crisis after losing his parliamentary majority in elections. His fierce critic and possible successor, Marine Le Pen, is a politician more in the Trumpian mold.

Trump is very angry with all the people who were happy that he was defeated by Biden. And I think he really wants to make all those people pay, von der Leyen and Scholz and Macron and all the others. He's back, a bit like in a movie, Trump 2, said Costa.

But Macron carries heft as the leader of a nuclear-armed nation with the most powerful military in the EU and a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Like Trump, he has also sought to keep communication channels open with Putin. If Ukraine peace talks begin, he is expected to do his best to get involved.

Keir Starmer

When Trump first took office in 2016, British Prime Minister Keir Starmers predecessor Theresa May dashed across the Atlantic to be the first visitor to the White House. It is a distinction that British prime ministers traditionally bag, although it is unclear if that will happen this time around.

Starmer is Trumps political opposite, an understated social democrat, and Trumps billionaire backer Elon Musk has been trolling him for weeks.

Britains international weight is also perhaps diminished by Brexit, but it still holds some of the same military and diplomatic cards that France has.

Starmers foreign secretary, Daniel Lammy, has spent months working to forge a personal relationship with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and said the two have found common ground in their working-class backgrounds and Christian faith.

Starmer will also hope that Trumps British roots -- his mother was from Scotland -- may play a role. Where France has the grandeur of Bastille Day parades, Britain has tea with the royal family.

Starmer and the Labour Party have been trying to build links to Trump world and now to the Trump administration in waiting, said Ian Bond of the Center for European Reform.

I think you can see the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the next ambassador in that light. Somebody who is the ultimate sort of smooth political operator. Will it work? They're not natural soulmates on a lot of issues. But equally, Trump does seem to have a sort of soft spot for the U.K.

Olaf Scholz

Facing elections in February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is unlikely to be in office for long.

His predecessor, Angela Merkel, had a torrid time with Trump, grimacing at his side as he appeared to ignore her on one occasion.

His likely successor, Friedrich Merz, may also find it tough. His election manifesto speaks of defense spending of at least 2 percent of GDP -- a figure unlikely to cause excitement in Washington because Germany already spends this much.

Perhaps more importantly, Germany runs a 60-billion-dollar trade surplus with the United States that Trump has repeatedly criticized. Tariffs loom large again.

Musk has also weighed in on the German political scene, backing the far-right Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) party, which Merz has refused to work with.

Still, Trump has not endorsed these comments, and Germany remains an important partner.

Merz has put on a brave face, saying the EU should make a new push for a free-trade agreement with Washington. The last such effort was abandoned during Trumps first term in office.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) held its first earnings call since the shooting of its insurance executive last month. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed outside of an investor day meeting in New York City on Dec. 4. Luigi Mangione, 26, of Towson, Md., was arrested for the murder days after the attack.

United missed on revenue, sending the stock down nearly 3% Thursday. The company reported $100.8 billion, missing Wall Street consensus of $101.6 billion.

The company also reported $400 billion in full-year revenues for 2024, up 8% year over year. And despite the hit to profits last year from the Change Healthcare cyberattack, the company logged $14 billion in profits for the year.

The company also reported higher medical costs than Wall Street expected, with a medical loss ratio of 87.6% compared to a consensus estimate of 86.1%.

The medical loss ratio is calculated by comparing claims paid to the amount of premiums collected. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) required that companies spend between 80% and 85% of premiums on medical care, and insurers like to stay on the lower end of that range.

Morgan Stanley analysts said the focus should shift to the 2025 outlook.

"While we had expected a slight MLR [medical loss ratio] miss in 4Q, this was a larger miss than expected, +110 bps higher than plan, off of the latest consensus metrics that had already crept higher throughout the week. That said, we think investor focus should increasingly turn to 2025, where we'd argue it has set reasonably prudent targets," analysts wrote in a note to clients Thursday.

Shooting aftermath

Luigi Nicholas Mangione leaves the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, Pool)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

CEO Andrew Witty addressed the public outrage targeting the company and industry in the aftermath of the shooting, in particular the frustration over rejected claims.

"When you look across claims, less than 1% are rejected for medical reasons," Witty said.

"We are experiencing and engaged with a much-heightened energy across the organization to solve this across the whole sector for everybody," he added.

Witty believes 85% or more of claims that are rejected for process-related reasons could be reduced with better real-time tools, including the use of artificial intelligence.

UnitedHealth is currently facing a class-action lawsuit over the use of its AI algorithm by its NaviHealth subsidiary. The company denied allegations that it used its AI tool to automatically determine claims.

"There is no reason in the world why engaging with the healthcare system should feel any different or any less easy than any other engagement you have in your life," Witty said.
Gardai seized a quantity of suspected cocaine during a search, under warrant, of a property in Castlerea, yesterday, Friday, January 18th.

The search was conducted as part of Operation Tara by gardai from Roscommon Crime Unit and the Divisional Drugs Unit.

A man (20s) who was arrested at the scene, and detained at a garda station in County Roscommon under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, has since been released without charge.

A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The seized drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
When Will Diljit Dosanjh's 'Punjab 95' Release in India? Here's What We Know

For now, Indian fans will need to wait as Punjab 95 makes its mark globally.

When Will Diljit Dosanjh's 'Punjab 95' Release in India? The much-anticipated film Punjab 95, starring Diljit Dosanjh, is creating waves globally but leaves Indian audiences wondering when it will hit theaters in the country. Scheduled for an international release on February 7, 2024, Punjab 95 highlights the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and his fight against systemic injustices during Punjabs turbulent militancy era. (Diljit Dosanjh's 'Punjab 95' Release in India Latest News Today)

While fans in India eagerly await the movie, it has yet to receive clearance for domestic release due to issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). These regulatory hurdles have delayed its availability in Indian cinemas, leaving its release date in the country uncertain. Notably, the CBFC had suggested 120 cuts for the film to release in India.

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The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala's RSVP Movies, was initially set to premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). However, it was unexpectedly withdrawn from the lineup, further fueling speculation about its challenges with censorship and political sensitivities.

Despite these roadblocks, the films international release without cuts has sparked hope among Indian audiences. Industry insiders suggest that ongoing discussions with the CBFC and stakeholders could pave the way for its eventual release in India, but no official announcement has been made yet.

For now, Indian fans will need to wait as Punjab 95 makes its mark globally. Its poignant narrative, rooted in truth and justice, continues to draw attention worldwide, keeping the hope alive for a domestic release in the future.

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(For more news apart from Diljit Dosanjh's 'Punjab 95' Release in India Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Arvind Kejriwal Pledges Free Power and Water for Delhi Tenants if AAP Retains Power

Delhi is set to vote for all 70 assembly seats on February 5, with counting scheduled for February 8.

Delhi Elections 2025 Latest News: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has vowed to extend the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) flagship schemes of free electricity and water to tenants if the party secures a third consecutive term in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Speaking on Saturday, Kejriwal assured that his government would ensure equitable benefits for all residents, including those renting homes in the capital.

Delhi is set to vote for all 70 assembly seats on February 5, with counting scheduled for February 8. The elections feature a triangular contest between AAP, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress, with the BJP and Congress striving to end AAP's dominance in the capital.

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In the run-up to the polls, AAP has announced a slew of incentives, including a Rs 2,100 monthly honorarium for women, free healthcare for senior citizens, and a Rs 10 lakh insurance policy for auto drivers. Additionally, Kejriwal promised financial support for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to hire private security guards for enhanced safety.

These new promises complement AAPs existing schemes, such as improved government schools, mohalla clinics, and free power for households consuming up to 200 units of electricity.

Delhi Elections 2025 Details

The last date for filing nominations was January 17, with scrutiny completed on January 18 and withdrawals allowed until January 20. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced that voting would take place midweek on February 5 to encourage higher turnout.

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Kumar dismissed allegations of voter list discrepancies, stating, No deletion occurs without proper documentation, field verification, and providing the concerned individual an opportunity to respond.

As Delhi prepares for the elections, AAP remains confident of its track record, while the BJP and Congress are working to rally support to challenge its stronghold.
By Chris Prentice and Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Vanguard Group will pay $106.4 million to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charges alleging it failed to disclose important tax information about its popular target-date funds, resulting in hundreds of thousands of ordinary investors getting stuck with inflated tax bills.

The settlement stemmed from Vanguard's December 2020 decision to reduce the minimum investment in lower-cost fund classes meant for institutional clients to $5 million from $100 million.

This led many investors who qualified for those funds to shift from higher-cost retail fund classes.

The SEC said the retail funds were then forced to sell assets to meet redemptions, and pass large tax burdens from capital gains to the remaining investors.

While Vanguard did warn target-date fund investors their tax burdens could change from year to year, it did not warn of that risk for when investors shifted to institutional funds from retail funds, the SEC said.

Vanguard's target-date funds contain mixes of stocks, bonds and cash that are designed to become less risky as investors age. They are also designed to be tax-efficient.

The payout includes $92.9 million of restitution, plus a $13.5 million civil fine. Vanguard did not admit or deny wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.

"Materially accurate information about capital gains and tax implications is critical to investors saving for their retirements," Corey Schuster, chief of the SEC enforcement division's asset management unit, said in a statement.

In a statement, Vanguard said it was pleased to settle, and "committed to supporting the more than 50 million everyday investors and retirement savers who entrust us with their savings."

The settlement also resolved claims by a coalition of regulators in 43 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was led by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey and the Connecticut Department of Banking.

In November, Vanguard agreed to pay $40 million to settle similar claims in a lawsuit by fund investors. It also agreed to pay $6.25 million in July 2022 to resolve similar claims by Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin.

The Valley Forge, Pennsylvania-based company, had $10.4 trillion of assets under management as of Nov. 30, 2024.

(Reporting by Chris Prentice and Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Dream. Life / Imaginary Youth, a documentary by Ruxandra Gubernat

Directed by Ruxandra Gubernat, Dream. Life / Imaginary Youth, is the first Romanian observational documentary that aims to present the realities, aspirations and challenges of young people from Generation Z.

A documentary by Ruxandra Gubernat

Corina Sabau, 18.01.2025, 14:00

Directed by Ruxandra Gubernat, Dream. Life / Imaginary Youth, is the first Romanian observational documentary that aims to present the realities, aspirations and challenges of young people from Generation Z.

Having worked on impactful social and cinema projects, director Ruxandra Gubernat manages to capture, with empathy, the way young people relate to the world around them and face challenges, as well as how they build their identity in an ever-changing society. Shooting the production took four years and captured the lives of the main characters, who went through a difficult period of transition, including the two years of the pandemic in which classes were held online and people were forced to isolate themselves.

Ruxandra Gubernat told us how her interest in Generation Z was born and how she documented the subject: My journey unfolded between Romania and France, where I lived for 7 years. Between 2008 and 2015 I went to study in France, but after that I returned. And then I realized that I was left with a lot of questions related to this option of leaving Romania. Obviously, I knew that there are a lot of people who leave Romania for various reasons. The reasons could be economic, as it happened with people who chose to leave at the end of the 90s, the beginning of the 2000s. Others chose to leave after joining the EU, because it had become much easier to emigrate and study in another country, as was my case. Finally, for many there was also the need for knowledge, one of the reasons that I discovered in generation Z. Thats how I started asking myself more about this generation and its options, to wonder if most of them would choose to leave or stay in Romania. I read many studies at the time, which showed that a lot of young people, approximately 80%, were considering leaving, and over 25% were actually leaving Romania. Thats how I started my research, talking to young people. I went to Timisoara, Cluj, Bacau, Brasov, Ploiesti, Bucharest, Targu Jiu and I got in touch with very different teenagers and a lot of them said they wanted to leave the country. In this context, I started filming.

While making plans to leave Romania after finishing high school, Una  an actress, Habet  a trapper and Stefania  an environmental activist, find themselves caught between dramas and dilemmas related to the future. Ruxandra Gubernats documentary follows them in their relationship with their family, school, and society.

The director tells us more about how she chose the three teenagers after doing extensive documentation: As I was saying, I went to many places in the country to find out as much as possible about what it means to be a teenager. Some of those initially selected gave up because they didnt feel they could carry out a long-term process. I had to give up on others. But with Habet, Una and Stefania, a special relationship was built and we managed to carry out a process that meant a lot to them, I met them when they were 16 and we finished filming after they turned 20, meaning we went through their entire adolescence together. And I felt that the three of them are good on camera, both individually and together. I mean, they are a very suitable combination to illustrate what it means to respond to social pressure, interest in the environment and what is happening around, in general. Because they are all three very active and very different people at the same time. Stefania, for example, was leading the Fridays for Future protests in Romania when the movement had become global and that seemed to me to be a very important area. Habet was doing social theater in Ferentari, and Una, together with her theater-loving colleagues, was staging a play about leaving Romania. Through their concerns, they touched on both local and general themes and challenges. They talked about immigration, about class, about all the problems we go through as a society, but also about their problems. More than that, the relationship I managed to establish with each of them was very important and the fact that we managed to be honest with each other was very important. Thats how we got closer and accepted each other. Because in the end, this film was a 4-year process and you have to be honest with your expectations and those of others. Without that, it is not possible and would not have been an authentic story.

Dream. Life / Imaginary Youth, was included in the official selection of the One World Romania International Documentary Film and Human Rights Festival, the Astra Film International Documentary Film Festival and the Moldox International Documentary Film Festival for Social Change. Ruxandra Gubernat also co-directed Portavoce/Megaphone (2018), a medium-length documentary that traces the evolution of a culture of protest in Romania, developing in recent years, through the voices and opinions of key actors involved.
Correcting typos

China's exports registered a faster-than-expected growth in December taking the trade surplus for 2024 to a record high as businesses frontloaded orders amid looming trade tariff threats.

Data from the General Administration of Customs on Monday showed that exports advanced 10.7 percent on a yearly basis in December, faster than the 6.7 percent increase in November and also economists' forecast of 7.3 percent.

At the same time, imports increased moderately by 1.0 percent on year but confounded expectations for a decline of 1.5 percent. This follows a 3.9 percent fall in November.

Consequently, the trade surplus increased to $104.8 billion from $97.4 billion in November. The surplus was well above the expected level of $100 billion.



Capital Economics economist Zichun Huang said shipments are expected to remain strong in the coming months, as US importers continue to stockpile Chinese goods ahead of tariff hikes.

However, exports are likely to weaken later this year as President Trump puts his tariff threats into action.

Imports will probably recover further in the short run as faster fiscal spending drives demand for industrial commodities, said Huang.

The customs office reportedly said that exports were up 5.9 percent and imports climbed 1.1 percent in the whole year of 2024, which led to a record trade surplus of $992.1 billion.

Elsewhere on Monday, Chinese regulators vowed to stabilize the weakening yuan. The People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange said the yuan exchange rate will be kept stable at reasonable levels and efforts will be undertaken to prevent excessive volatility.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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By Pete Schroeder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Emboldened by a friendlier incoming Trump administration and their success last year in weakening draft capital hikes, big U.S. banks plan to push to overhaul other U.S. capital rules, according to industry executives.

Among the industry's goals are to lock in a much weaker version of the "Basel Endgame" capital rule, reduce a capital surcharge levied on global banks, re-work a key leverage constraint, and overhaul the Federal Reserve's annual "stress tests" which assess whether a bank could withstand an economic shock, said three executives with knowledge of the ambitious lobbying plan.

Under President-elect Donald Trump's first term, global U.S. banks scored some de-regulatory wins, including loosening trading rules and simplifying the stress tests, but they did not win a hoped-for comprehensive review of big bank capital rules implemented following the 2007-2009 global financial crisis.

Those rules aim to prevent another crisis by requiring the biggest U.S. banks such as JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC) and Goldman Sachs (GS) to sock away nearly $1 trillion combined to absorb potential losses on loans and trading. Banks say the requirements are excessive and poorly calibrated, and some of that cash could better serve the economy by being lent out.

The industry tasted partial victory last year after intense lobbying succeeded in halving the additional capital banks would have to hold under the Basel proposal, and prompted the Fed to review its stress test process.

Buoyed by those wins, and with Trump due to appoint new industry-friendly officials - including a new Federal Reserve regulatory chief nearly 18 months earlier than expected - banks see a unique opportunity to reshape capital rules, the people said. All three requested anonymity to discuss ongoing regulatory matters.

Speaking during earnings on Wednesday, David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs - which lobbied hard to water down Basel - said he expected the change in administration would lead to a new approach to capital rules.

"It feels like we're in an environment where there could be a constructive discussion about improving the transparency, clarity and consistency around this," he said.

After years of criticism for the financial crisis, large banks feel they are done apologizing, executives say. They point to how big banks weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and their role in stabilizing regional banks during turmoil in 2023 as proof they are rock solid and do not have to tolerate more onerous rules.
A truck bearing the Weld County insignia sits outside the administrative office entrance at JBS USA in Greeley in 2020.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, center, speaks with Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas, left, at a news conference at 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street on Monday following four stabbings that killed two people and injured another two over the weekend.
A former executive of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems may proceed with his defamation lawsuit against the owner of a conservative talk radio station and one of its hosts, Colorado's second-highest court ruled on Thursday.
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>>Staten Island Chucks prediction is in! Will it be an early spring, or six more weeks of winter?<<

>>Punxsutawney Phils pick is in! Did he agree with Staten Island Chuck?<<

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Its nearly time for one of Staten Islands biggest celebrities to shine.

Staten Island Chuck  the Staten Island Zoos resident prognosticator  is prepping for his annual Groundhog Day ceremony.

The free event, which will be open to the public, takes place at the Zoo in West Brighton on Sunday, Feb. 2. Gates open to the public at 7:30 a.m., and the ceremony will kick off at 8 a.m. Chuck  aka Charles G. Hogg  is expected to make his prediction at 8:30.

Groundhog Day 2025: Will Staten Island Chuck see his shadow? Posted by Staten Island Advance on Sunday, February 2, 2025

Joining Chuck will be Ken Mitchell, Zoo executive director; Danny Lee, a representative from this years event sponsor Citizens; elected officials and dignitaries; and local school children including students from Susan E. Wagner High School. This year, the ceremony will be emceed by Cara S. Liander and James McKeon.

In addition to the in-person ceremony, the Zoo will offer a live stream of the event on its Facebook page. The Advance/SILive.com will also be there to cover all the action, and will offer its own live-stream coverage.

While Chucks main competitor, Pennsylvanias Punxsutawney Phil, has been making predictions for decades longer, Chuck boasts a more incredible accuracy rate. In fact, according to the Zoo, Chucks accuracy rate lands at an impressive 85%.

Punxsutawney Phil, left, and Staten Island Chuck are gearing up for their big day. (AP photo, Staten Island Advance photo)Cassondra Sommer

Though in past years the pair have been at odds, both Chuck and Phil predicted an early spring in 2024. According to local students, Chuck  and yeah, Phil too we guess  was correct in his prediction. Students from Susan E. Wagner High School backed Chucks 2024 prediction by analyzing data from their schools weather station. They tracked temperature readings every day since Chucks February prognostication and logged it in a chart. Their findings revealed that the vast majority of days since Chucks prediction that year exceeded 40 degrees or significantly higher, thereby validating Chucks prediction of an early Spring.

Students from the school will again track local weather from Feb. 2 to March 20, to see if Chucks prediction holds up.

Groundhog Days history

The Groundhog Day tradition can be traced to Candlemas, an early Christian holiday where candles were blessed and distributed. Those who celebrated Candlemas decided that clear skies on the holiday meant a longer winter.

The Germans eventually began to believe that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, a hedgehog would cast a shadow  predicting six more weeks of harsh winter weather. And it was the Germans who brought this belief to the United States.

When German immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania, they found a large number of groundhogs. And they tasked the groundhog, which resembles the European hedgehog, with the job of predicting the weather.

The holiday started with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, founded in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in 1887. The editor of the Punxsutawney newspaper was a member of the club, and he claimed that Punxsutawney Phil was the only true weather-predicting groundhog.

Chuck has been making his prediction for more than three decades; some years have been more eventful than others.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) joined advocates at the Staten Island Center for Independent Living on Friday to spotlight what she calls systemic failures of the MTAs Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP).

The plan is designed to exempt qualifying vehicles transporting people with disabilities, including those operated by caregivers, from the new congestion pricing tolls, which took effect on Sunday, Jan. 5.

But according to many, the application process itself is becoming a barrier, while others have said they are getting denied.

Michael Ring, vice president of the Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York, said that, even with his masters degree, he had trouble figuring out how to get through an IDEP application form.

I hit a wall,' he said. We had AI analyze the paperwork ... its written at a 16th grade reading level. It should be written at a fourth grade reading level.

Fati Vuillemey, part of the women's group at the Staten Island Center for Independent Living, expressed her frustration with having to repeatedly face barriers as a wheelchair user. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

Hanks further criticized the IDEP system, highlighting that the toll-free assistance number frequently fails, lacks a voicemail option, and leaves residents with disabilities without support on weekends.

When calls do go through, they are often met with uninformed staff, she said. She also criticized the application process as overly invasive and redundant, requiring certifications or Access-A-Ride approval alongside unnecessary paperwork.

Worst of all, applicants are required to travel to Staten Islands southern tip for redundant assessments, duplicating evaluations already completed through Access-A-Ride, she said, adding that it is a fundamental disregard for the well-being of people with disabilities. What was meant to provide critical relief has instead devolved into a bureaucratic nightmare, leaving some of our most vulnerable residents stranded and struggling to access essential services.

Michael Arvanites, special advisor to Hanks, shared his experience attempting to enroll his mother, Susan Arvanites, of Castleton Corners, in the IDEP. Susan Arvanites, who worked with 9/11 responders as a mental health nurse at Ground Zero, needs to go to the World Trade Center Clinic in Manhattan. She frequently travels through the congestion zone and, as someone battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cancer, she qualifies for the disability exemption plan.

I had extreme difficulty trying to help her sign up for this program, Michael Arvanites shared. It seems like the obstacles are set up so that you cant succeed. It was an attack on America that gave my mother these disabilities and now were not coming through for her.

According to Arvanites, his mothers application is still awaiting notarization.

Jerry Hutton, a disability advocate who lost his eyesight four years ago after surgery, shared that transportation remains a challenge for him, and he is skeptical of getting on buses and trains by himself.

Jerry Hutton, a disability advocate who lost his eyesight four years ago following surgery, shared that transportation continues to be a challenge for him. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

As an independent living center, we really want to have a strong coalition to really change and, at the very least, make more accessible, the application process, so that all New Yorkers with disabilities can really benefit from this program, said Reginald Rosarion, the new executive director of Staten Island Center for Independent Living.

Albana Telic, executive director of the Community Agency for Senior Citizens (CASC), addressed one of Staten Islands fastest-growing populations in the state: those aged 65 and older.

They should not have to overcome additional obstacles when traveling to the city for essential medical needs, Telic said.

Claudette Duff, the founder and director of Integrity Senior Services Inc., which has served Staten Island for over 20 years and now operates statewide, became legally blind three years ago.

I come to realize that services for the blind on Staten Island are so scarce, she said. I dont know why they treat human beings like this. And now, with the congestion pricing, disabled people, who are, for the most part, the elderly or people who are very poor, cant get to where they need to go and get their essential needs met. It adds insult to injury.

Hanks called on the MTA to take immediate action by making the toll-free number fully functional and accessible, simplifying the IDEP application process to include existing handicap certifications, and removing the need for unnecessary travel for redundant assessments.
The Federal Aviation Administrations temporary ban on drone flights over parts of New York is expiring.

The drone bans are ending at 9 p.m. Saturday in 30 places across New York, including on Staten Island.

The Federal Aviation Administration initially issued the ban on drone flights over a number of communities amid public concern over reports of mystery drone sightings in New York and half a dozen other states, including New Jersey. The restriction was announced for Special Security Reasons, the FAA said.

The FAA said the airspace over areas of the West Shore of Staten Island and other parts of New York City, Long Island and upstate covered by the bans was national defense airspace.

The agency in a statement said that the United States government may use deadly force against airborne aircraft if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat.

Forbes reported Gov. Kathy Hochul saying that the temporary flight restrictions were purely precautionary and were designed to protect critical infrastructure sites.

The FAA said that drone pilots who do not adhere to the flight ban may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel. The FAA said it could also impose civil penalties on rogue drone pilots, including suspension or revocation of airmen certificates, or criminal charges of violating national defense airspace.

Those found guilty of violating national defense airspace are subject to a fine, a year in prison or both.

It is unclear how the restrictions were enforced or the FAAs criteria for which places were selected for the bans.

The mystery drones began appearing over New Jersey on Nov. 19 and reports of drones over New York, including Staten Island, soon followed.

Drones have been spotted over military bases in the United States and in Europe.

President Joe Biden said that there was nothing nefarious about the drones, but did not give a definitive explanation for the drone phenomenon.

Government officials have said that some observers have mistaken planes, helicopters and even the planet Venus for drones.

President-elect Donald Trump said that Biden and military leaders are hiding the truth about the drones from the American public and has promised to issue a report on the mystery drones about one day after taking office.

Here are the places in New York where drone restrictions expire at 9 p.m. Saturday, according to CBS News:
One of the biggest tasks before Congress this year will be to ensure President Trumps historic 2017 tax cuts dont expire, something that would hurt our families, our economy and result in a $4 trillion tax increase on American families and businesses.

In the years following the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), our country saw millions of jobs added to the economy, record-low unemployment rates for women and minorities, large wage gains and lower federal taxes for more than 140 million families.

As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means  the oldest and chief tax-writing committee in Congress  I recently met with President Trump to discuss strategies to help our economic recovery from the lingering effects of COVID (and the Biden Administrations bad economic decisions). We agree that we must help provide relief to senior citizens, tipped workers and middle-class families struggling to get by, particularly in high tax states like New York.

As someone with aging parents, one of my top priorities is preserving Social Security and reducing how much our senior citizens pay in taxes on their benefits. By making more of their Social Security income tax exempt, we will be helping struggling seniors keep more of their hard-earned money, a roof over their head and food on the table.

And while we work to take care of our seniors, its also important that we support young families with the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC). President Trump doubled the CTC from $1,000 to $2,000 as part of the TCJA. This pro-family provision alone has benefited millions of families with the exorbitant cost of childcare and other expenses.

Additionally, we must help New Yorkers with additional tax relief through the State and Local Tax deduction (otherwise known as SALT), while the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax and doubling of the Standard Deduction benefitted middle-class taxpayers across the country. The 2017 TCJA placed a $10,000 cap on how much New Yorkers could claim through SALT, however, President Trump has agreed to work with us to increase the deduction so more families from Staten Island and Brooklyn can benefit.

As a New Yorker, President Trump understands that we are being taxed to death by Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams and those who control our State Legislature and City Council but refuse to cap the property tax levy and cut personal income tax rates like President Trump and Congress did at the federal level.

Of course, none of this matters if we are not a healthy and secure nation. Right now, the lions share of our countrys active pharmaceutical ingredients are produced overseas  predominantly in Communist China  putting our national security and public health at risk. Thats why Ive introduced legislation to bring our pharmaceutical supply chains home, incentivizing manufacturers to onshore their facilities, to not only reduce our reliance on foreign nations, but protect Americans from life-threatening drug shortages and promote American jobs.

President Trumps TCJA laid the foundation for historic tax relief and economic growth, and with our new Republican trifecta in Washington, we can - and will  build upon its success to create jobs, boost wages, restore fiscal sanity, and once again make America prosperous, affordable and secure.

(Rep. Nicole Malliotakis represents New Yorks 11th congressional district, covering Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for New York City, effective from 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, until 4 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.

The advisory warns of hazardous conditions, with three to five inches of snow expected, which could create significant travel challenges. Residents are urged to use mass transit if possible.

Use caution when driving, walking or biking, and allow for additional travel time, the National Weather Service advisory said. Check on neighbors, friends and relatives, especially the elderly and those with disabilities, access and functional needs.

If you lose power and have a disability or access need, or rely on life-sustaining equipment, and need immedate assistance, call 911.

As of Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said there is a 10% chance that parts of the city, including Staten Island, could see up to 7 inches of accumulation.

At its peak, the storm could prompt snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour in the city.

Should the low pressure system track closer to the coast, snow amounts may be reduced in New York City, but elevated inland. However, if the storm shifts further offshore, then snowfall totals near the coast may be elevated.

On the heels of the winter storm, another round of Arctic air will make for frigid conditions in the city. Sunday night will kick off the streak of freezing temperatures with a low in the teens; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are all forecast to remain below freezing, according to Bryan Ramsey, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
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It sounds like a Sydney real estate investors dream come true: a sprawling waterfront property next to a World Heritage area on the market for just $50,000  a fraction of the price it fetched five years ago.

Of course, there was a catch.

An aerial view of the Wheeny Creek site in northern Sydney, now partially grassed over. Credit: Nick Moir

The property in question contains a massive and allegedly illegal contaminated waste dump that includes asbestos and other pollutants which have been leaking into a nearby wetland.

The NSW Environment Protection Agency says around 100,000 tonnes of waste was buried on the 26-hectare block at Wheeny Creek in the Hawkesbury region between 2020 and 2023 without a permit, making it the largest illegal dumping case in the states history.
That statistic struck Dr Sarah White, who is chief executive of not-for-profit organisation Jean Hailes for Womens Health, and a member of the governments womens health advisory council. Loading I think we need to get much better at communication, White said. Sometimes a health professional can sit there and in their head theyre running through the diagnosis checklist, from really terrible through to not bad, and sometimes theyre just failing to communicate what else theyve considered and then rejected. Women were most likely to report gender bias when seeking care for sexual and reproductive health issues, though on the matter of permanent contraception, doctors say the issue is complicated.

While some believe doctors could improve their approach to conversations with women about treatment options, they say sterilisation in women is an invasive procedure that may not be reversible. This suggests factors other than gender bias are also at play. A 34-year-old survey respondent said she was repeatedly refused a hysterectomy, despite having a genetic condition that made pregnancy dangerous and never waver[ing] about not wanting children. But still, I have been refused  because I have not done my apparent social duty of having children  The medical profession apparently trusts me to choose that I do want children, but not choose that I dont. Another woman, aged in her late 20s or early 30s, said she faced so many barriers to getting a tubal ligation that her partner ended up getting a vasectomy instead.

Not once did the doctor ask him about whether his partner knows, he didnt require a referral, he didnt need to go through someone asking him over and over again whether he was sure, the woman said. I was having so many issues getting even just information on getting my tubes tied. Dr Nisha Khot says doctors may be reluctant to perform sterilisation because it is an invasive procedure that carries a risk of complications. Credit: Justin McManus Dr Nisha Khot, vice president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said there were many reasons why sterilisation in women typically requires more consideration than vasectomies in men. [Its] a more invasive procedure than it is in men. Doing an invasive procedure, which involves a laparoscopy, will always be something that most doctors would caution against in the sense that it can be associated with complications, she said.

Thats not the same [as saying] that we shouldnt do it, but we should be talking about it  For women who are in a long-term relationship, it might be easier to recommend that the male partner gets sterilised because its an easier procedure, [with a] quicker recovery, etc. Loading Khot said it was easier to reverse sterilisation procedures in men, and that there had been a push towards removing womens fallopian tubes altogether rather than ligation (clipping or cutting) because doing so reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. When the fallopian tubes are removed, the only way a woman can subsequently fall pregnant is via IVF. Research also shows the younger you are at the age of sterilisation, the more likely you are to regret your decision later in life. Khot also said that long-acting reversible contraception was considered more effective than sterilisation in women, though sterilisation did suit some patients. The obstetrician said she most commonly performed sterilisations during cesarean sections for women who had decided they did not want to have any more children.

It adds a few minutes to the surgery and it can be done at the same time. Recovery is no different, she explained. Khot noted that Catholic hospitals often refused to allow sterilisation, even those receiving public funding. Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney at the National Womens Health Summit last year. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Meanwhile, a group of Australian women who reported severe side effects from a permanent sterilisation device, which is no longer available in Australia, recently lost a class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer. Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney said the survey results painted a shocking picture.

Many [women] felt dismissed, disbelieved, and stereotyped as hysterical or dramatic. Too often, their pain was minimised or misattributed to factors like menstruation, lifestyle choices, or even outright fabrication, she said. Loading One middle-aged woman said when she was suddenly struck by extreme shoulder pain and some difficulty breathing, multiple GPs misdiagnosed her with panic attacks and anxiety. [Eventually] an older lady GP was the first doctor to listen to my chest and I was immediately told to get a chest X-ray ASAP, the woman wrote. It turned out she had haemothorax, a serious condition in which bloods collect between a persons lungs and rib cage.

Reports of gender bias in healthcare were higher for those with a disability and those who identified as LGBTQI+, according to the End Gender Bias survey. One woman reported that a surgeon said to her in a sarcastic tone before he was to remove a melanoma from her face: Why would it matter anyway, you arent trying to get a guy? He believed that since I am a lesbian my face can be mutilated with no consequence, said the woman, aged in her late 50s or early 60s. In contrast, some people spoke positively about finding a doctor, in several instances a young or female GP, who was willing to listen to them and answer their questions.

Those medical professionals were not rewarded by the health system, the survey report noted, pointing to a comment from one practitioner who believed her community saw her as a lady doctor. Loading This means a lifetime of complex, chronic and mental health work, and day after day of mental trauma, but also the expectation that I will be kind, compassionate and cheap, the doctor wrote. Her patients told her they see a male doctor when their condition is something simple, but I dont want to bother him with my mental health, [so] I come to you. White said the Medicare system still incentivised fast appointments.
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 The appointment of the Australian Catholic Universitys vice chancellor was the final act of a dying man. It was 2020, and the universitys chancellor, John Fahey, had advanced leukaemia. Fahey had lived a life of public service  hed been a NSW premier and a federal finance minister  and was determined to appoint a new vice chancellor as his final act. He chose Slovenian-born Zlatko Skrbis, a sociologist whod come to ACU from a career in secular universities. Fahey died soon after. Some wish hed bequeathed the decision. Skrbis stepped into a tough job. Politics is complex at all universities, but the ACU has a particularly strange set of overlords; it is funded by the federal government and most of its students are not Catholic, but it is overseen in Australia by a coalition of bishops, nuns and brothers, and from the Holy See by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, which sits alongside dicasteries for the Causes for Saints and the Discipline of Sacraments in the shadowy Roman curia, and monitors schools and universities to make sure they are Catholic enough. In biblical parlance, Skrbis must appease both Caesar and God. The latter is harder to manage. Catholic politics is as intense as the secular kind  particularly now, when clerics worldwide are at odds over how to respond to plummeting mass attendance in the developed world. Progressives argue the sanctimonious wielding of doctrine as a weapon is driving people away, and the church should get off its high horse and back to its mission of reaching out to the poor and marginalised; conservatives say appeasing the secular world by weakening positions on issues such as gay marriage and abortion would fatally wound the church. The divisions are no less intense in Australia, where the three most powerful bishops in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane hold different views. A series of scandals at ACU, including two in which university bosses have been accused of sanctioning pro-abortion views  has turned its pretty campuses into the epicentres of that battle over the future of the church. Bishops in hardline Sydney and centrist Melbourne want Skrbis gone, and have asked the Vatican to investigate. Progressive Brisbane, his chief supporter, is doubling down. Theres totally different ideas about whom the university should serve and work with, says one person with knowledge of its operations, on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak. Theres a group of people who want it to be more public at the expense of being Catholic, and another that thinks its trying to be too public. As leaks, letters and accusations fly, and as rumours of dissatisfaction in Rome grow, some predict Vatican intervention is only a matter of time. There have been battles between bishops and university bosses over the Catholicity of ACU before, but this one threatens to dwarf them all. The Australian Catholic Universitys Melbourne campus is in Fitzroy, not far from St Patricks Cathedral. There are modern glass buildings, an avant-garde chapel and a renovated boot factory, all on land supplied by the Melbourne Archdiocese. The factory is now a performance space, but the most compelling show of last year happened off campus.

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It was late October, and health sciences students were graduating from various degrees at the citys convention centre. On top of their degree, each ACU student studies a core curriculum, which includes units on Catholic social thought or philosophy based on principles such as the dignity of the human person, the common good, and the just society. The chair of the academic board, composer and organist Tim McKenry, who is not Catholic himself, presided. He reminded students of the universitys mission: Knowledge founded in truth, and communicated with grace and compassion. The ceremony closed with a speech from controversial former union leader Joe de Bruyn, a staunch Catholic who had been nominated for an honorary doctorate by Sydneys conservative archbishop, Anthony Fisher. Joe de Bruyns speech at the Australian Catholic University became a nightmare for administrators. The university knew what de Bruyn was going to say. It didnt censor him, but shifted him to the end of the program. Neither the chancellor nor vice chancellor attended. McKenry told this masthead that was not unusual; he presided at half the graduations in 2024. De Bruyn spoke about the moral wrongs of IVF and the sanctity of heterosexual marriage. He described abortion as the single biggest killer of human beings in the world and a tragedy that must be ended. There was fury from the audience. Estimates suggest 90 per cent of attendees and 70 per cent of those on stage walked out. Yet some remained and gave de Bruyn a standing ovation.

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The speech was a multifaceted nightmare for the university: a moment when secularism collided with different Catholic world views and exploded all over the bishops, the administration, and the students, of whom only about 30 per cent are Catholic, about 36 per cent are atheist or agnostic, and  thanks to the universitys strength in teaching and health  about 70 per cent are women. Reverberations reached Rome. The dicastery puts a high value on ACU, not only because its one of the largest Catholic universities in the English-speaking world, but also because  in an international anomaly  it gets generous funding from the Australian government with few strings attached. The university scrambled. It expressed regret for distress caused, refunded the students graduation fees, and offered counselling. It defended de Bruyns right to express his personal beliefs but said the content of the speech did not meet its standards for student safety and inclusivity. It was an attempt to appease everybody that ended up pleasing nobody. The academics union and student groups issued a joint statement condemning the discrimination and hate in the speech. Fisher, a hardline conservative who was a protege of the late, controversial Cardinal George Pell (he was once dubbed Boy George), was furious for the opposite reason; the walkout and the apology. The sanctity of life from conception is a core Catholic belief. He wrote to the university, saying the incident exposed real issues regarding the universitys commitment to its Catholic name. One abortion scandal is bad enough for a Catholic university, but this wasnt the first. Last January, the university hired Queensland academic Kate Galloway as its law dean. But it then found out that back in 2018, shed described abortion as a womens health issue in a government submission. The university paid her out $1 million and moved her to a strategy job, at the same time as it was infuriating academics by repealing a previous investment in research by cutting jobs (ACU says the tertiary funding landscape had changed, and the money was needed for other priorities). Rumblings about ACU management intensified. But the de Bruyn incident was incendiary. A group of right-wing Catholic lawyers  including two former Coalition ministers  warned ACU risked losing its Catholic designation. Then, in early December, American Catholic news website The Pillar reported Fisher had written to the dicastery in Rome, saying he and his centrist Melbourne counterpart, Peter Comensoli, would welcome a Vatican investigation into the affairs at ACU, citing the shaken confidence in the leadership of the university amongst many of its stakeholders. (Fisher declined an interview with this masthead, but a spokeswoman confirmed the letter. Comensolis office said he was away and uncontactable.)

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Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, a progressive, backed Skrbis. The battle lines were drawn; traditional rivals Sydney and Melbourne had united against Brisbane. Brisbane has the most clout in the fight, given its archbishop is chair of the corporation that oversees the university and is close to the chancellor, former Queensland Supreme Court judge Martin Daubney (Skrbis is from Queensland, too; opponents describe them as the Brisbane cabal). But it also has a vulnerability; at 76, Coleridge is overdue for retirement. The Vatican could appoint a new archbishop in Brisbane at any time, and that man  theyre all men  is most likely to come from NSW or Victoria. Amid all this, the university senate endorsed Skrbis for another five-year term, even though his contract was not up until January 2026. Comensoli is on the senate and abstained from the vote. Defenders say reappointment a year before a contract ends is routine; the board must allow time for a search if it wants change. Critics accuse Coleridge and Daubney of rushing through the renewal while they still had the numbers. At ACU, the joke was always that if you have three bishops against you, the world would end, said one ACU veteran, on the condition of anonymity. No one knows who the next archbishop [of Brisbane] will be. Approached for comment, Coleridges office did not respond. ACUs North Sydney campus occupies a leafy pocket of land not far from the harbour, which was once home to the order of nuns founded by Australias first saint, Mary MacKillop. Its a fitting seat for the universitys beleaguered vice chancellor; MacKillop had her own problems with church hierarchy. She was excommunicated for exposing an abusive priest. ACU began life as a collection of old convents or monasteries or parish meeting halls 30-odd years ago. It was considered a glorified teaching and nursing college until Skrbis predecessor, Greg Craven, turbocharged student numbers and built its research reputation in areas that crossed over with Catholic tradition, such as history and philosophy. Before Craven, it was always a bit of a joke, said one university veteran. Greg Craven, former ACU vice chancellor, had the measure of Catholic politics. Credit: AFR

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As the founding law dean at Australias other Catholic university, Notre Dame, Craven was also blooded in Catholic politics. He could keep the bishops onside and even push back against them. Skrbis, who is a Catholic but has spent his career at secular institutions, did not have the same experience. Some believe Cravens departure created ideal conditions for a clerical power struggle. Skrbis is not the first ACU vice chancellor to butt heads with the bishops. The clerics are deeply invested in what happens there, partly because of their financial investment (they supply land for key campuses), partly because the Vatican will rap on their door if something goes wrong, and partly because its the only national Catholic institution they can influence (the hospitals are run by orders of nuns and brothers, and bishops only control schools in their local patch). There was a bitter battle between conservative Pell and progressive vice chancellor Peter Sheehan 20 years ago over the universitys Catholic identity, in which Pell threatened to increase the rent on ACUs Sydney North Sydney and Strathfield campuses by millions of dollars. Skrbis critics  who, if leaks of highly confidential internal documents to newspapers such as The Australian are any guide, reach the high echelons of university management  say the ACU crisis is less about the bishops than university management; that the cuts to research have hurt the ACUs reputation, and that the Galloway and de Bruyn incidents were embarrassing own goals that undermined faith in ACUs leadership. They point out that soon before Christmas, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Authority, which keeps an eye on governance issues, sent ACU a please-explain letter about the issues aired in the press. One person with links to the Vatican said (on the condition of anonymity because of the intense secrecy demanded by Rome) discussion of ACU was taking up significant time at the dicastery. It has the power to order a canonical inquiry into ACU, but is more likely to tell the bishops to sort things out themselves. The bishops have a range of levers to pull, such as an inquiry of their own, removing the Catholic designation, or threats to property arrangements. As he tries to navigate the culture war, Skrbis is also trying to get on with running a university thats competing with rivals for domestic students, navigating cuts to international student quotas, and managing a $35.7 million deficit. ACU National Student Association president Stefan Orfanos speaks at a protest outside St Mary of the Cross Square in Fitzroy after hundreds of Australian Catholic University students and staff walked out during the Joe de Bruyn speech. Credit: Joe Armao

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Do you know a baby called Noah? If you dont, you probably will soon.

With 496 baby Noahs registered with the states Births, Deaths and Marriages office last year, the four-letter name was the top choice for boys born in NSW in 2024, bringing an end to Olivers decade-long reign.

Meanwhile, 383 little Charlottes entered the world last year, making it the most popular name for girls.

It is the first time Noah has been the top name for baby boys in NSW. Charlotte has held the spot six times in the past decade.
Communities lashed by severe thunderstorms and rain will receive government support to repair homes, replace lost items and find emergency accommodation as people across NSW assess the damage from three days of extreme weather.

The weather system wreaking havoc on Sydney this week will move north on Saturday, bringing an end to the torrential rains and wild winds up to 120km/h that uprooted trees, tore down power lines and ripped iron from rooftops across the city.

But the Bureau of Meteorology is still forecasting localised showers and heavy cloud cover until Sunday.

Obviously, the rain will continue, and therell still be some showers around, but its not going to be like what weve seen in the last 24 hours, said Bureau meteorologist Edward Medlock.
Police are treating a fire at a Beenleigh tobacconist in the early hours of Saturday morning as suspicious, following a string of arson attacks across Brisbane and fears of a growing tobacco turf war.

Emergency crews were called to Uncle Billys Tobacconist on City Road in Beenleigh, near Logan, around 4.30am.

They arrived to find the business fully engulfed.

Less than a month after a Fortitude Valley tobacconist was firebombed in a suspected turf war attack, a tobacconist in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane, has been engulfed by fire. Credit: William Davis

Several fire crews attended the scene and worked to contain the blaze.
He slapped both his quads repeatedly in celebration during the seventh game of the fourth set, when he put his wheels to great use to place another nail in the Argentines coffin. It was tough last year with the injury, even coming back on court and competing and not feeling like myself, de Minaur said. Its been a long six months, but, gee, it feels good now I have my legs back. Michelsen upset Russian 19th seed and 2023 Australian Open semi-finalist Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 after eliminating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round.

De Minaur has never advanced beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park, but another win over Michelsen  they split their two meetings to date  would complete his set of grand slam quarter-finals. He went agonisingly close to doing it 12 months ago, only for Russian top-10 star Andrey Rublev to storm back from two-sets-to-one down to beat the Aussie in five sets. [Michelsen] has been playing really well. Hes a dangerous opponent with a lot of confidence now, de Minaur said. Hes taken some big scalps this week, so Im ready for a battle. Hes going to go out there with no fear. Im going to do my best to make it difficult for him.

There is also a career-best ranking up for grabs for de Minaur, who soared to No.6 after his Wimbledon quarter-final run last year. With world No.4 Taylor Fritz on Saturday joining Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, Rublev, Grigor Dimitrov and Tsitsipas on the tournament scrapheap, de Minaur suddenly has a shot at breaking into the top five. The 25-year-old would first have to reach the semi-finals to overtake Medvedev and climb to sixth. Cerundolo flashed some superb shot making at times, but began cramping during the third set as the punishment of sharing the court with de Minaur took its toll. He did not even bother chasing the last ball in the third set, and grabbed at the back of his leg after dumping a volley into the net a game before that when he conceded a crucial break of serve.

Loading Cerundolo was physically compromised from that point forward, continuing to receive treatment from the trainer in the fourth set. De Minaur did not necessarily have his best stuff, particularly on serve, including nine double faults, and looked in serious peril at various stages. Trailing Cerundolo 6-5 in the second set and having already dropped the first point on serve, de Minaurs incredible reflex volley off the net cord proved the impetus for a vicious swing of momentum. He has never recovered from a two-set deficit.

It was even more important a point later, when the Argentine smoked what was already his 12th forehand winner at the time to reduce de Minaur to 15-30. But he won the next three points to force a tie-break, which he never trailed in as he went into lockdown mode and refused to make errors. Even then, de Minaur still had not found top gear  and he started the third set with consecutive double faults. He has placed great emphasis in the past few years on becoming stronger to be better-equipped to hang tough with the tours titans, and he is collecting more cheap points on serve than he used to. That was rarely the case against Cerundolo.
MARIGOT: --- EDF St. Martin and Guadeloupe announced on Friday that the island may be experiencing load-shedding as of tonight and will continue into mid-next week.

EDF said in its announcement that one of its engines at the Galisbay power plant had been damaged; therefore, it is likely that the power supply will be disrupted.

EDF Archipel Guadeloupe said on Friday. The power system operator may have to carry out load shedding but did not specify whether any particular sector of the territory would be particularly affected.

A still fragile electricity system

EDF is urging the population to limit their electricity consumption as the territory enters the New Year. Its electricity system is still in crisis due to aging installations at the Galisbay power plant, which provide too little power to meet growing consumption.

The construction of a new power plant is overdue, while additional generators will be commissioned at the beginning of February, with a production capacity of 10 MW. As EDF announced in November, these are temporary power plants that will provide additional production for 2 years.
~ Coalition voted against holding Ennia management and Central Bank accountable for the lack of oversight in the Ennia saga.~



PHILIPSBURG: --- Fourteen Members of Parliament who attended the final day of the 2025 budget debate voted in favor of the budget on Friday evening.

The Members of Parliament, in their motivation speech, made clear that they will be keeping an eye on the Council of Ministers even though they all supported the budget of 2025.

The amendments to the 2025 budget were all approved.

Besides the passing of the countrys budget, six were also approved of the nine motions presented in parliament, while three were rejected.

Members of Parliament voted against the motion to begin working on a referendum by December 2027; this motion was presented by Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion; they rejected the motions submitted by MP Egbert Jurendy Doran, which are the motion that would have gthe overnment enforce the law on compulsory education and having all four year old attend school despite their date of birth, and the motion to hold the management of Ennia and the Central bank for the lack over proper oversight.
PHILIPSBURG:--- United People's Party Members of Parliament (MPs) Omar Ottley (Party Leader), Francisco Lacroes (Deputy Leader), and Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Faction Leader Lyndon Lewis successfully brought an amendment to the 2025 budget to enhance Parliament's legislative capacity. The proposal focused on improving the country's lawmaking processes by enabling factions to hire skilled professionals such as legislative lawyers.

Parliament has struggled with legislative backlogs and delays in proposing new laws for years due to limited legislative staffing available in parliament. This amendment addressed the issue by reallocating funds to support the factions yearly legislation. This will empower factions to hire qualified personnel to co-draft laws, conduct legal reviews, and provide policy advice.

The funds will come from the surplus presented by the minister of finance. The amendment will tackle inefficiencies, strengthen our lawmakers, and equip MPs to address pressing challenges with St. Maarten's legislation.

MP Omar Ottley expressed pride in co-authoring the amendment, calling it a "game-changer." He said, "For too long, we've heard complaints about Parliament's inability to function effectively due to a lack of resources. This amendment changes that. It's about delivering on promises and raising Parliament's performance. With this amendment, we can hire the expertise needed to move St. Maarten forward."

MP Lyndon Lewis emphasized, Working towards a better and fruitful St. Maarten, we must continue raising the bar in Parliament as legislators. This amendment will give us the necessary manpower to amend, update, and propose new laws that will be beneficial to the people of St. Maarten.

MP Francisco Lacroes, who co-authored and read the proposal in Parliament late Thursday night, praised its potential while urging all factions to contribute to the legislative process actively. He said, "This amendment equips Parliament with the tools to succeed. But I expect all factions, not just a few, to step up and deliver the laws our country needs." The amendment also proposes a fairer funding structure for faction budgets based on faction size. This structure ensures all factions can be equipped with the skilled staff needed to improve legislative efficiency, regardless of size.

The leader of the United Peoples Party, MP Ottley, underscored the amendment's importance, stating that it demonstrates Parliament's commitment to better governance. With the additional resources, MPs will be better equipped to draft laws, review policies, and address national challenges.

The amendment marks a milestone in the growth and effectiveness of St. Maarten's Parliament.

With this amendment to legislative progress, MPs Ottley, Lacroes, and Lewis ensured that Parliament could function at its best. This amendment addressed the longstanding inefficiencies and provides a foundation for improved oversight and legislation. It sends a message of hope and commitment to solutions that directly benefit the people of St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce the continuation of road works under the Asphalt Resurfacing Project 2023-2024. This phase of the project focuses on the Bishop Hill intersection and Hulda Richardson Road in the Upper Princess Quarter district.

Currently, milling activities are underway and will proceed with a one-lane road closure on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, accompanied by road improvements such as resurfacing, drainage upgrades, road markings, and the installation of traffic islands. To minimize disruption, the road works will take place nightly, starting at 8:00 p.m., and are expected to last approximately two (2) weeks.

To ensure the safety of both workers and commuters, a one-lane closure will be implemented at the Bishop Hill intersection during the works.

Traffic Measures:

 Travelers heading from town to Belvedere must use the Dutch Quarter route.

 Oyster Pond residents will be permitted to use a single lane until asphalt pouring is complete. After the road is fully closed, access to Oyster Pond will be available via the Marriott Hotel and French Oyster Pond.

Following the completion of this phase, the project will proceed to the next locations, including the Cole Bay and Well Road-Cay Bay intersection.

Emergency vehicles will have the right of way throughout the duration of the road works.

Partial Road Closure Details:

 Date and Time: Sunday, January 19th, 2025, for approximately 2 weeks, starting at 8:00 p.m.

 Location: Bishop Hill Intersection, Hulda Richardson Road, Upper Princess Quarter

 Reason for One Lane Closure: To facilitate road works as part of the Asphalt Resurfacing Project 2023-2024

The Ministry of VROMI thanks the public for their patience and understanding as we work to enhance the road infrastructure for the benefit of all. We are committed to completing these improvements efficiently and with minimal inconvenience.

For further updates, please follow the Ministrys official communication channels.
Light snow began to fall through the bitter-cold air on the 16th Street Mall as the family of Nicholas Trip Burkett placed flowers where he was killed.

The 34-year-old man was one of four people stabbed allegedly by 24-year-old Elijah Caudill on the 16th Street Mall during the weekend of Jan. 11 to 12. Burkett was one of two victims who died.

The family  including his parents, Wayne Burkett and Carol Cortez, and his younger sister, Maxine Burkett  gathered at the lamp post at the intersection of 16th and Wazee streets Friday afternoon near where he was attacked to hold a daytime candlelight vigil.

Im mainly here to feel where he was, Maxine said. His last energy was here.

Burketts father called it both surreal and tough.

I dont think this has happened to many people, he said. Its terrifying to think about what had happened to him and what he went through in his last moments.

The exact location of the attack is unclear. The Denver Police Department and Denver Office of the Medical Examiner placed Burketts death at 16th and Wynkoop streets, about a block away.

The Denver Gazette previously reported that nearby workers claimed Burkett had been in a wheelchair at the time of the attack, but the family noted that he was not in a wheelchair. According to Wayne Burkett one of the other victims was in a wheelchair.

The details of the stabbings remained murky, but, to his friends and family, one fact was clear: Burkett was loved and will be missed.

He liked the spotlight. He didnt really care what other people thought, Cortez said. He loved his music. He loved his art.

She added, He meant a lot to us. He was important. He wasnt just a throw-away person.

He was really obnoxious, Maxine joked. He was extremely outspoken. He would say anything that came to his mind and he would get all of his friends in on it.

Burkett had been struggling with mental health and addiction issues in recent years and was homeless at the time of the stabbing. He had been living around the 16th Street Mall.

There are a lot of vulnerable people and they come down here because they feel safe because there are other people around, Wayne Burkett said. Ive been homeless and I would come down here because I felt like it was OK to be down here.

The suspect, Caudill, was also reported to have been homeless in 2021, according to an Aug. 30, 2021, application for a restraining order filed against him in the Adams County Court by the Village at Park Centre shopping center at 121th Avenue and Huron Street. His family also claimed that he had drug and mental health problems.

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The Burkett family theorized that the suspect may have been targeting weak and frail victims, with Burkett looking gaunt from substance abuse.

The first victim was a 49-year-old man who was slashed across the face at 16th and Tremont streets on Jan. 11 around 5:12 p.m., according to arrest records.

Celinda Levno, 71, was the first victim who lost her life. The American Airline flight attendant  who was in Denver for a layover  was stabbed in the throat outside of the Jamba Juice at 16th and California streets around 5:17 p.m.

The third victim was a 62-year-old man who was stabbed in his arm and torso. He was attacked at 16th and Lawrence streets around 5:54 p.m. and went to Denver Health for treatment.

Burkett was the fourth victim. He was stabbed a day after  on Sunday evening. Caudill was arrested Sunday, shortly before they found Burketts body.

The arrest affidavit said that at 8:06 p.m. on Sunday, Denver police officers were in the area of 16th and Wynkoop when they saw a man in his 20s with a large knife in his hands. The officers pursued the suspect, who dropped the knife and was taken into custody.

The officers noted the knife appeared to be covered in blood. Police found Burkett shortly after on the ground at 16th and Wynkoop. He had been stabbed in the back. He was taken to Denver Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m.

While Burketts family is relieved that a suspect was arrested, they said theres a dark cloud lingering over the incident.

For a man like that, at 24 years old, to become mentally ill and drug addicted himself and then become a murderer. Thats it for his life? Wayne Burkett said of the suspect. Thats not justice. Its just paying the price for what youve done.

Burketts family noted advancements in the city but said a ghetto still remains under its surface, with not enough resources for homeless people with mental health or drug issues.

Were all in this together and we really have to fight for our city to be safe, Maxine said. I want to bring my kids down here and I want other families to be able to bring their kids down here without feeling like somethings going to happen.

Were just not addressing it, Wayne Burkett said of homelessness and mental illness. Were trying to hide it.

The number of homeless families in metro Denver spiked last year by more than 134%, according to an annual report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The number of homeless individuals grew by roughly 2,200  an increase of more than 40%.

Just getting help for those kind of people. Apparently, my son and the killer were pretty much the same type of people. They were both drug addicts, homeless, mental illnesses, Cortez said. They both needed help.
US to tighten trade rules to hit low-cost China shipments



Washington, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



The United States unveiled a new rule Friday to tighten an exemption allowing low-value imports to enter the country duty-free, taking aim at Chinese shipments that might be benefiting from it.

The proposal disqualifies certain products from the low-value, or "de minimis," exemption, which allows goods valued at $800 or below to come into the United States without paying duties or certain taxes.

"Both the volume and combined worth of low-value, or de minimis, shipments to the United States have risen significantly over the past ten years," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in a statement.

He added that the exemption has "undermined American businesses and workers" while allowing foreign products to flood US ports of entry, making it harder to screen the goods for security risks.

"The actions announced today to tighten this exemption will strengthen America's economic and national security," he said.

The number of shipments claiming the exemption rose from about 139 million in fiscal year 2015 to more than a billion in 2023.

US officials have pointed to the growth of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu -- known for selling items at low prices -- as a key factor behind this increase.

National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard accused Chinese-founded e-commerce platforms of trying to "gain an unfair trade advantage" by using the rules.

With the new proposed rule, products subject to tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act, for example, would not qualify for duty-free treatment under the de minimis exemption.

The section has been a key tool used to justify levies against China in recent years.

Section 301 tariffs hit about 70 percent of Chinese textile and apparel imports, meaning the move would reduce the number of shipments entering through this exemption.

Packages containing products subject to Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum goods, as well as Section 201 safeguards impacting solar manufacturing, are also targeted.

In a notice on Friday, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said low-value e-commerce shipments pose the same risks as higher-value ones.

The large volume of imports and smaller amount of data received about low-value shipments make it increasingly tough to "target and block illicit synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and synthetic drug raw materials and related manufacturing equipment from entering the country," said the CBP.

In 2024, more than 120 US lawmakers raised "grave concerns" over the de minimis "trade loophole" in a letter and urged President Joe Biden to close it.

Further action on the matter will fall to incoming President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next week.
'More sad than shocked': TikTok users brace for ban



San Francisco, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



"I almost, like, don't know how to define myself without TikTok," content creator Ayman Chaudhary sighed, reflecting the consternation of millions over US authorities' scheduled banning Sunday of the hugely popular app.

After months of legal tussles, the US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that would ban the video-sharing platform -- used by 170 million Americans -- in the name of national security, unless its Chinese owners reach an 11th-hour deal to sell it to American buyers.

"I'm more sad than shocked," the 24-year-old Chaudhary told AFP. "But still, it's sad and disappointing that the US government has come together to ban an app instead of banding together to adopt a law that matters about health or education."

It remains uncertain whether TikTok will turn out the lights Sunday -- for a single day or forever. Potential buyers exist, though TikTok's owner, Chinese tech company ByteDance, has systematically refused to part with its crown jewel.

President-elect Donald Trump, just days from his second inauguration, said Friday that he "must have time" to decide whether to enforce the high court's ruling. He promised a decision "in the not too distant future."

Until then, Ayman and countless other content creators have been left gloomily contemplating a future without TikTok.



- Mandarin 'out of spite'? -



"I started five years ago in 2020 during (the Covid-19) quarantine, and I've been employed, like, through TikTok, and now it just feels like suddenly I'm unemployed," said Ayman, an avid reader who offers book recommendations on the platform, earning enough from ads and sponsors to pay her bills.

Like thousands of other worried TikTok users, she has protectively created a profile on Xiaohongshu ("Little Red Book"), a Chinese social media network similar to Instagram.

Nicknamed "Red Note" by its American users, it was the most-downloaded app on the American Apple Store this week.

People are turning to Red Note, Ayman said, as "kind of a protest, because it is a Chinese-owned app, and TikTok is being banned because it's, like, Chinese-owned."

The language-teaching app Duolingo made a clear pitch to people looking for life after TikTok.

"Learning Mandarin out of spite? You're not alone," Duolingo posted on X. "We've seen a 216% growth in new Chinese (Mandarin) learners in the US compared to this time last year."

On TikTok, many American creators have published videos combining their favorite moments on the app with farewell messages urging fans to follow them to other platforms, including Xiaohongshu -- while openly mocking the concerns of American lawmakers.



- 'Micro-influencers' -



"Most students don't buy the narrative that there's Chinese spies that are controlling the algorithm" on TikTok, said Chris Dier, a history teacher who shares educational videos on TikTok and uses them as well in his classes.

He said students "think that the United States government is not a fan of TikTok because... the government can't easily control it."

Xiaohongshu, which is entirely in Mandarin, would not appear to provide a realistic long-term alternative for frustrated American users.

Popular even before the pandemic, TikTok exploded among young people living in quarantine, and became a must-have resource for many small companies and start-ups.

"It's a scary time for a lot of smaller creators, because I think TikTok is one of the very few platforms on the internet where micro-influencers can really thrive," said Nathan Espinoza, who has more than 550,000 subscribers on the app.

Indeed, the social network has built its success not so much via personal recommendations as through its ultra-powerful algorithm, which lets it rapidly identify users' interests and funnel content of particular interest to them.

"I'm a more YouTube-centric creator now," Espinoza said.

"But I wouldn't be where I am today without TikTok, because that first viral video showed me that it's possible, and there's an audience for the type of videos that I make."

juj-tu/bbk/mlm

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Russian attack kills four in Kyiv



Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan 18 (AFP) Jan 18, 2025



A Russian strike killed four people in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, city officials said on Saturday, in what the country's foreign minister called a "heinous" attack with ballistic missiles.

At least three more were wounded, while a separate overnight strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia wounded 10, the regional governor said.

Kyiv is frequently targeted by Russian drones and missiles but deaths are rare in the capital, which is heavily protected by air defence systems and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country

"We already have four dead in Shevchenkivsky district," Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said in a Telegram post, referring to a central area of the capital.

"Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said in a post on social media.

"He must be forced to accept a just peace through strength -- maximum economic and military pressure," he added.

The air force said it had downed two Iskander ballistic missiles as well as 24 Russian attack drones overnight.

But it said the downed missiles "fell" on Kyiv's central Shevchenkivsky district, damaging an industrial building, a subway to the metro and residential buildings, and temporarily knocking out local water supplies.

An AFP reporter in Kyiv saw flooding on the street at the site of the attack and the charred remains of a bombed-out McDonald's outlet.

Air defences had been in operation in the capital throughout the night, the city's mayor said in updates posted to social media.

The attack came at a time when Kyiv has upped its aerial attacks on Russian energy and military facilities in recent months.

Kyiv's army has conducted strikes on several Russian oil depots recently, including two major attacks on a facility near a military airfield in Russia's Saratov region that triggered days-long blazes.

In Ukraine, Russian forces also targeted Zaporizhzhia overnight, the latest in a wave of strikes against the southern city.

Regional governor Ivan Fedorov said Russia had "cynically" targeted the centre of the city "while everyone was sleeping".

Ten people were wounded of whom one was in a serious condition, he said.

bur-jc/gil
Germany could send troops to future Ukraine buffer zone: minister



Berlin, Jan 18 (AFP) Jan 18, 2025



Germany's defence minister said he was open to sending German soldiers to Ukraine to help secure a demilitarised zone there if a ceasefire were agreed with Russia, in remarks published Saturday.

In an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Boris Pistorius also said Germany should aim to spend around three percent of GDP on defence.

US President-elect Donald Trump wants members of the NATO military alliance to devote five percent of their national output on defence, a demand that has already been rejected as too high by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Asked about a possible deployment of German troops to help secure a buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine if one were agreed, Pistorius said: "We're the largest NATO partner in Europe. We'll obviously have a role to play."

He said the issue would "be discussed in due time".

Trump, who takes office on Monday, said during his election campaign he could end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in fewer than 24 hours. His camp has since indicated that he needs more time.

Discussions could nevertheless start soon, notably with a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But Ukraine is not currently in a position of sufficient strength to start any peace negotiations with Russia, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said on Monday.

Pistorius said Russia was currently occupying "18 or 19 percent of Ukrainian territory". But despite nearly three years of war, it had "not gained more" than that and had suffered "extensive losses in its own army" in the attempt.

The United States claimed recently that Moscow had lost nearly 1,500 men a day in November.

Asked about the contribution Germany should make towards NATO defence spending, Pistorius said: "We should be talking more about three percent than two."

Germany currently devotes around two percent of its GDP to defence.

On January 9, Chancellor Olaf Scholz rebuffed Trump's demand for NATO members to raise defence spending to five percent of GDP.

For Germany, that would mean finding an additional 150 billion euros every year, he said.
US pledges $117 mn in aid to Lebanon military



Washington, Jan 18 (AFP) Jan 18, 2025



The United States announced Saturday it would donate more than $117 million in security assistance for Lebanon's armed forces, as the crisis-hit country seeks to implement a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The State Department said in a statement that it had convened a "virtual donors meeting" on Thursday "with partners and allies to discuss critical security assistance needed for Lebanon to fully implement the cessation of hostilities."

It said the new assistance to Beirut would support both the country's armed forces and internal security forces "as they work to assert Lebanese sovereignty across the country."

Lebanon has struggled for years to finance its public institutions including the army following a 2019 economic crisis.

It now also faces the challenge of rebuilding the country after more than two months of war between Hezbollah and Israel ended in November. The militant group had initiated fighting over the Gaza conflict.

New Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Saturday that Israel must withdraw from his country's south by the January 26 deadline set to fully implement the ceasefire deal, which calls for Lebanese forces to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers there.

At the same time, Hezbollah is required to dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the south and pull its forces back north of the Litani River, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border.

During a visit to Beirut on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Paris would soon host an aid conference to help rebuild Lebanon after the Israel-Hezbollah war.

Earlier this week, Spain announced a 10-million-euro ($10.3-million) aid package for Lebanon's army.
At about 5pm a group of young people arrived and congregated in the area outside the church, having been denied entry as some were drinking and smoking, the Old Bailey heard on Wednesday.
Mr Corbyn, who now sits as an independent MP for Islington North, went on: Our demands  are of course in solidarity with the Palestinian people, but theyre also demands on the Government of this country  The International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice have met and decided in terms that Netanyahu is a war criminal and should be arrested and that acts of a genocidal nature have been committed by the IDF in Gaza.
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
Speaking before the first meeting got under way, Mr Harris said: This is a new process for my party, the first time that we are holding a series of regional meetings right across the country where every member who has been a member for two years or more has a vote in our electoral college system.
The Ministry of Energy will allocate another 150 million euros for electricity storage batteries, as it appears from a call for projects launched in public consultation.

According to a press release of the institution, sent to AGERPRES on Saturday, the general objective pursued by this call is to support investments in the development of electrical energy storage capacities (batteries) produced from renewable energy sources (solar, wind and hydroelectric energy), capable of operating independent.

The call is carried out in the form of a competitive bidding procedure, with only one criteria for ranking the offers, the amount of state aid requested in euros/MWh, and the period for submitting project proposals for the construction of electricity storage facilities will be announced on the official website of the Ministry of Energy.

"We have the same motto as in the first mandate: investments, investments, investments. I will repeat ad infinitum: each investment project, each additional MW in the national energy system means Romania's chance to have lower bills for Romanians and Romanian companies. More , all of this will bring us closer to the zero objective: the energy independence of the country, the elimination of imports and the transformation of Romania into a large producer at the European level. It is about the security and well-being of the Romanians, but also about the contribution that Romania must make in the European effort to get rid of the energy blackmail from Moscow and the dependence on the Russian energy resources with all the decades of compromises in this direction.I said that storage is the zero priority of the Romanian energy system I did the right thing: I signed contracts for storage capacities with financing from PNRR - 80 million euros, I launched the call from the Modernization Fund for "behind the meter" batteries, for existing solar and wind farms - 150 million euros and now we are preparing to launch another call, for another 150 million euros, also from the Modernization Fund, also non-refundable money, for standalone batteries, i.e. for balancing the national system," declared, in the quoted press release, the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja.

He added that Romania's goal is to have, in the next two years, at least 1,000 MW of storage in batteries, "exactly as much as we could have, today, at Tarnita - Lapustesti, a project that we also removed from drawer and where I restarted the whole process, after decades of forgetting".

The potential beneficiaries of the new Scheme can be: economic operators - micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, but also large enterprises (including newly established enterprises) and autonomous Kingdoms, legally constituted in accordance with national legislation or in accordance with the specific legislation of the member state of whose nationality they hold, and registered at ONRC in Romania until the date of the first payment from the state aid granted under this scheme, of whose projects for the construction, on the territory of Romania, of new energy storage capacities from renewable energy sources were selected as winners based on a competitive bidding procedure.

The total budget of the state aid scheme represents the equivalent in lei of 150 million euros and represents non-refundable amounts from the Modernization Fund.

Moreover, the Ministry of Energy emphasizes that it is considering the promotion of battery projects for the year 2025, financed from this Fund, the investment will require the confirmation of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The deadline for submitting comments on this Scheme is February 17, 2025.
 Flash

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.




ST. LOUIS  Anthony Byrd, the city employee who checked out a city car and drove his boss to Jefferson City in July, said he was worried about their safety after an encounter in the capital city with her husband.

Byrds video deposition was played during testimony Thursday during an unprecedented Civil Service Commission disciplinary hearing targeting Personnel Director Sonya Jenkins-Gray.

The hearing could lead to the first-ever mayoral firing of a St. Louis personnel director, one of the most powerful  and protected  jobs in city government.

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones hired Jenkins-Gray in 2022 but now wants her fired, an action that under the citys charter requires a public hearing in order to protect the citys civil service system from political interference.

Byrds deposition was the strongest evidence yet for the administrations case against Jenkins-Gray: that the director put a city employee in the middle of a potentially volatile domestic situation when she had Byrd use a city car to drive her to Jefferson City to try and catch her husband, the Rev. Darryl Gray, allegedly cheating.

Byrd said in his deposition he thought they were traveling to Jefferson City for work purposes and did not realize what was going on until later in the day.

His account appeared to contradict Jenkins-Grays testimony on Wednesday that she was only trying to retrieve papers from her car that her husband had taken to Jefferson City, and not to confront him. Byrd said Jenkins-Gray had him drive her to a local hotel, and then she called the hotel, saying she needed to speak with a woman there. Byrd said she later told him the woman was Grays ex-wife.

Jenkins-Gray went inside the hotel while Byrd waited in the car, a marked St. Louis vehicle. Later, a man walked by the car, backed up and opened the door. It was Gray.

When he opened the passenger door, my heart fell out of my chest, Byrd said. And he said, shes here, isnt she?

Byrd said Gray jogged back toward the Capitol. Later, Jenkins-Gray came out of the hotel and was very upset, and told Byrd to drive back to St. Louis. They passed Gray on the sidewalk but didnt stop.

Byrd testified they drove to her home but she said she didnt have a key so they then drove to Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights, where the car Gray had in Jefferson City was parked in the VIP section. Jenkins-Gray retrieved items from the car including a phone, from which she played a recording of Gray and his ex-wife.

Byrd drove the director back to her house where she collected a few personal items.

I understood the urgency of my director being safe and me being safe, Byrd said in his deposition. She acknowledged to me that sometimes her husband would get frustrated, and, you know, she just didnt want to be around him at the moment. And so I understood that, and were in a haste to get away from there.

Byrd later drove the director to her daughters house and after that dropped her off late that night to stay at a friends house.

Gray, who has attended the hearing, told the newspaper Wednesday he was in Jefferson City for personal and legal reasons and that the mayor is trying to tarnish his influence over politics. Gray, a prominent activist, has been a frequent critic of the administration and also broke with former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, a Jones ally, by endorsing challenger Wesley Bell in the Democratic primary in August. Bell won the congressional seat.

Jenkins-Gray has admitted to using the car for a personal trip to Jefferson City and reimbursed the city $170 for mileage after realizing she had violated the citys vehicle policy. Her lawyers have said no city employee has ever been fired for violating the vehicle use policy, the reason for the travel is irrelevant and the mayors office is using the episode to try and embarrass her and her husband.

The mayors relationship with Jenkins-Gray turned icy after Jenkins-Gray opposed a measure that would give the mayor more power over hiring and firing the personnel director, the director testified. Before that, when Jenkins-Gray was still on the mayors good side, another complaint against the director from an employee within the department never triggered a public hearing, her team has argued.

Another employee, deputy director John Unnerstall, testified earlier Thursday that Jenkins-Gray has made improvements in the office, moving away from a largely paper-based system and implementing modern digital systems despite facing resistance from many longtime employees.

Byrd, for his part, said he didnt report the encounter and continued working in the department for weeks. He later told another employee he was friends with, Biannca Lambert. Lambert reported it to the mayors office, according to Unnerstalls testimony.

Byrd testified he was called to an Aug. 19 meeting at City Hall (the Personnel Department is across the street in the Carnahan Courthouse) with Deputy Chief of Staff Sara Baker. As he went to the office, the mayors chief of staff, Jared Boyd, then walked into the room and shut the door.

And Im like, oh crap, he remembered.

Baker and Boyd confronted him about the Jefferson City trip. Afterward, he walked back to the courthouse and went straight to Jenkins-Grays office.

She was sitting in her office talking to her secretary, and I was like, What the hell is going on? Byrd remembers.

By the end of the week, Boyd had delivered a pre-termination notice to Jenkins-Gray. But the director went out on medical leave just as Boyd delivered the notice to trigger the hearings, delaying them until this month.

A decision wont come until at least February. The next hearings are scheduled for Jan. 28 and 29, and final briefings are due to the Civil Service Commission two weeks after that. The commission then recommends to the mayor whether Jenkins-Gray should be fired, and the mayor can accept or reject the recommendation, according to the charter.

A distraction

The commissions hearings have drawn an attentive audience, including many personnel department employees. Sylvia Donaldson, who has served as acting director of the department twice, was in the audience Thursday. Another deputy, Bryan Boeckelmann, was also there. Several other rank-and-file employees have also watched.

Jenkins-Gray said the department is still getting its work done and that she has told employees they can only watch during their lunch break or using vacation or comp time. She said she is working 24-7, like Ive always done.

But Jenkins-Gray acknowledged the hearings are not making her job any easier.

It is a distraction for me and the entire department, she said.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to clarify that Darryl Gray jogged toward the Capitol after seeing Anthony Byrd.
ST. LOUIS  A woman died Wednesday morning when a tractor-trailer plowed into the back of her car on eastbound Interstate 44, pushing it into a snowbank and onto Vandeventer Avenue below, police said.

Police said the crash was reported just after 6 a.m.

The 35-year-old woman died at a hospital. Police spokesman Mitch McCoy did not immediately release her name.

McCoy said the truck driver told police he had looked down to pick up a drink and when he looked back up, he saw the woman's Toyota Prius.

Police had yet to determine whether the car was moving or if it had stopped due to a vehicle issue, McCoy said.

The St. Louis Police Department's accident-reconstruction team is investigating the crash.

The driver of the truck told firefighters he didn't want medics to take him to a hospital. Police said the truck driver cooperated with police. He was detained by police, and his blood was drawn at a hospital as part of the investigation.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said some eastbound lanes of the interstate were closed for the investigation.
ST. LOUIS  The mayors office on Friday announced it had hired outside contractors to help clear lingering sheets of ice from city streets before they freeze again next week, hoping to halt growing frustration among slip-sliding residents and their aldermen.

At the same time, a spokesperson for Mayor Tishaura O. Jones conceded to reporters that the city initially failed to grasp the implications of the record-breaking storm that hit last week, and took too long to abandon the citys longtime policy of letting side streets melt on their own.

This was an atypical storm, said spokesman Conner Kerrigan, and we know it took us too long to move away from the typical response.

The heaps of snow that fell two weeks ago combined with a long stretch of sub-freezing temperatures to turn city neighborhoods into ice rinks, making travel treacherous, trash pickup unavailable and elderly residents afraid to leave their homes.

Kerrigan said trucks that began salting side streets this week would continue to do so throughout the weekend.

The announcement and Kerrigans remarks capped a remarkable past few days that saw the citys response to the snowstorm, once fairly confident, devolve into a slushy, political mess. It started with aldermen and residents complaining on social media and to the Streets Department that crews werent properly plowing key routes or salting the steep hills that dot the South Side.

Then an aldermanic hearing pushed the Streets Department director to examine the roads for herself. On Thursday, the mayors office relayed a remarkable statement saying the directors staff had misled her about road conditions.

By Friday morning, several aldermen were expressing disgust, and the mayors opponents in the upcoming primary election were pouncing.

Andrew Jones, a recently retired utility executive making his third run for mayor, said its been incredible watching the mayor and her team respond to the storm. She needs to get beyond first-level thinking, he said.

Alderwoman Cara Spencer, of Marine Villa, said the citys response to the storm had gotten embarrassing. Its abysmal, she said. Completely unacceptable. From the first snowflake, the citys response was tone-deaf and useless.

She said it was nice to hear the city had called in contractors. But she said they shouldve been out there two weeks ago.

And Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler, also a candidate for mayor, said the citys response casts further doubt on its ability to provide basic services. Once the snow is gone, for example, there will be potholes to fill. Do we really feel like our city government is prepared for that? he asked.

When the snow first fell on Jan. 5 and 6, the city appeared to be roughly as prepared as anyone else. As the region began digging out on the 7th, a city spokesperson reported that nearly all of the citys snow routes had been cleared.

But as the days wore on, stubborn cold began turning snow into ice.

And in areas where plows had yet to venture  the residential streets the city has long left alone  residents began complaining to their aldermen and social media of trouble getting mail and medication, their kids to school and themselves to work. Residents in Botanical Heights even started raising money to hire their own snow plows last weekend.

By Monday afternoon, Alderman Bret Narayan, of Dogtown, was calling for a hearing, saying many of the hill routes in his ward remained unplowed. The city is supposed to address those streets after taking care of the main thoroughfares and the secondary routes, but he said he hadnt seen a single truck since the snow fell.

By Wednesday, when aldermen convened a hearing, it was clear many shared his frustration.

Residents across the South Side vented their frustrations with the conditions and said the city was letting them down.

Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, who chairs the boards public infrastructure committee, told a reporter the situation was dire.

Saying, The city doesnt plow side streets, isnt good enough at this point, she said.

The next day, longtime Comptroller Darlene Green, who is running for re-election, piled on. She wrote a letter to the mayor urging her to issue emergency contracts for private plows. Then she walked over to the mayors office with a television crew in tow and asked for an audience with the chief executive, who by then had left town for a conference and campaign fundraiser in Washington, D.C.

An hour later, the mayors office released the statement from Streets Director Betherny Williams saying that after hearing complaints about the roads Wednesday, she had taken a drive and found that staff had been misleading her about conditions.

It was clear that I had been given incorrect information from within the department, the statement said.

When aldermen met for their regular board meeting Friday morning, several said they were baffled.

Alderman Joe Vollmer, whos retiring this year after 22 years at the board, called Williams statement a disgrace.

So she stayed home and waited for reports, and now shes blaming employees, he said. She probably shouldnt have that job.

Alderman Michael Browning, of Forest Park Southeast, said it wasnt all on Williams.

When you have department heads clearly not in control of their departments, he said, the buck stops with Room 200.
The Chicago Reader, the citys storied alternative weekly newspaper, may be on the brink of extinction again.

Driven by an urgent need to reduce costs and the imminent risk of closure amid financial challenges, the Reader announced the immediate layoffs of six non-union employees, organizational restructuring and the resignation of CEO Solomon Lieberman in a news release this week.

The half-century old publication, which converted with great optimism to a nonprofit nearly three years ago, has continued to struggle under the new business model, falling short of its ambitious fundraising goals and sinking deeper into the red.

Operating on an upwardly revised but razor-thin $4.75 million budget, the Reader lost close to a half-million dollars last year, according to Ellen Kaulig, the newspapers recently installed chief of staff.

We are out of reserves, and so what we have done are the drastic cuts necessary for survival, Kaulig said Thursday.

The Reader, which resumed weekly print publication last summer after scaling back to biweekly for several years, still delivers 60,000 free, advertising-supported newspapers across the city every Thursday, leaning into coverage of the local arts scene as its core mission.

It also offers a 24/7 digital product heavy with concert and theater reviews, with a smattering of long-form journalism that was once its bread and butter.

After Tuesdays announced layoffs, the Reader has 34 employees, including 20 union journalists. It also has one less name on the masthead.

Lieberman, who joined the Reader two years ago as CEO and publisher, submitted his resignation to the newspapers board Monday. He previously relinquished his role as publisher in November, with the Reader elevating Amber Nettles to the position as of Jan. 1.

We are not planning to replace the CEO, said Nettles, who joined the Reader as sales director in 2020.

The elimination of the CEO role will be part of the cost-savings strategy for 2025. Lieberman earned $126,923 in 2023, according to the organizations most recent Form 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

Lieberman did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The Reader, which depends equally on philanthropy and advertising to meet its budget, was operating at roughly breakeven as recently as 2022, according to its tax filings, losing about $48,000 on $2.7 million in revenue.

In 2023, the Reader lost about $400,000 on nearly $3.4 million in revenue, and last year set the budget significantly higher at $4.5 million  a number that was adjusted upward mid-year by another $250,000. But a perfect storm of revenue shortfalls and loans coming due at the end of 2024 led to sharp reductions at the start of the new year, Kaulig said.

The Reader had projected $2.5 million in contributions for 2024 and came up $920,000 short, Kaulig said. The still-evolving 2025 budget is being reduced to about $4 million, she said, with the layoffs of six business-side employees and the resignation of Lieberman accounting for a chunk of the cost savings.

The budget has been constantly evolving, because philanthropy has been contracting nationwide, and thats touched us as well and caused us to change our budget, Kaulig said.

The strategy for getting the Reader into the black includes increased donor outreach and fundraising efforts, requiring advertising payments upfront and focusing on revenue goals with integrity and urgency, according to the news release.

Getting the operation right-sized may also involve more layoffs, but the Reader is in negotiations with the Chicago News Guild, the union representing full-time editorial employees, in an effort to avoid that, according to Eileen Rhodes, chair of the nonprofit Reader Institute for Community Journalism board, which oversees the publication.

Were doing everything we can to not have to do any layoffs on the journalism side, Rhodes said Thursday. Were working very closely with the union to see  how we can preserve as many jobs as possible.

Launched in 1971 by a group of Carleton College graduates as a free weekly, the Reader became known for its ambitious long-form journalism, arts news and offbeat classified ads. Like many print publications, the Reader struggled in the digital age, leading to a series of ownership changes, financial challenges and some near-death experiences.

The original ownership group sold the Reader in 2007 to Creative Loafing, a small chain of alternative weeklies based in Atlanta. Atalaya Capital Management, a New York-based hedge fund, acquired the Reader out of bankruptcy in 2009. Wrapports, a Chicago investor group that acquired the Sun-Times in late 2011, added the Reader to its portfolio in May 2012 for about $2.5 million.

In 2018, Chicago attorney Len Goodman and real estate developer Elzie Higginbottom bought the Reader from the Chicago Sun-Times for $1 and the assumption of debt, rescuing it from dissolution and pumping more than $1 million each into the alternative newspaper to keep it afloat.

The Reader went nonprofit in May 2022 under then-publisher Tracy Baim in a tumultuous and protracted process that pitted Goodman against Higginbottom before picketing employees helped push it over the finish line.

Baim stepped down and the board installed Lieberman as her successor in February 2023, adding the since-eliminated CEO role to the job.

As part of its new revenue-focused strategy, the Reader plans to rely on more crowdfunding campaigns. It already has one in the books that generated significant revenue in 2024.

Last year, the nonprofit enticed fans of alternative journalism to buy into Free Chicago: 50 Years of the Reader, a planned coffee table book highlighting the first five decades of the Chicago Reader.

Funded through a Kickstarter campaign, it raised $188,217 from 1,611 backers, according to the crowdfunding website, with a promise to deliver the book by December 2024.

The project is delayed, Nettles said, with a draft of the book due next week and a down payment already made to the printer.

We want people to have that book, and everyone who has ordered that book is getting that book, Nettles said.
(Tribune News Service)  Just hours after his release from prison on Thursday, Cuban opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer called on the incoming Trump administration to make no concessions to the Havana regime but at the same time help alleviate the humanitarian crisis on the island.

After four-and-a-half years, Ferrer was released thanks to a deal brokered between the Biden administration, the Vatican and the Cuban government to release political prisoners.

Ferrer, the leader of the dissident organization Union Patriotica de Cuba, was one of the most prominent political prisoners the Cuban government had been holding as bargaining chips.

Just hours after his release from the Mal Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city on the island, Ferrer spoke with the Miami Herald about the deal, the abuses he suffered in prison and the future of the country.

To the extent that we must condemn the dictatorship... we must look for mechanisms that can help alleviate hunger, he said about what he expected from the new U.S. government due to take office on Monday.

He also called on Cuban exiles not to stop supporting the fight for democracy in Cuba.

The conversation was lightly edited for clarity.

Q: How do you feel and what do you think about your release?

I feel pretty good despite having spent years in truly terrible conditions, in an extreme situation, having been beaten, with illnesses and isolation for three years and four months. Total isolation.

I am fired up with the spirit to continue fighting, to continue giving my humble but firm and determined contribution to the cause for freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the end of hunger, misery, and extreme poverty into which tyranny has plunged our country.

They wanted to impose conditions on me. They say that I am on parole, which I do not accept. They did not give me any documents because I did not sign the conditions that they were imposing on me, such as that I have to be supervised by a court and that I have to abide by the socialist order. In good Spanish, that means that the wolves took over Cuba more than 60 years ago, and they want the rest of the Cubans to be submissive sheep. And since I refuse to be a submissive sheep and I rebel against the wolves, they threatened me that I could go back to prison.

I told them verbatim, Well, dont release me. Leave me locked up because I am not going to let any kind of measure or conditions be imposed on me, and I am going to continue fighting for freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.

They threw me out of there. They said they did not want to discuss ideological issues with me. They told me, Your wife and son are outside. Go with them. Go home.

Q:What do you think about the agreement between the Vatican and the Biden administration?

I am very ashamed of the attitude of the Biden administration and the Vatican. Once again, they allow themselves to be used by the tyranny.

Anyone who has read the two statements from the Foreign Ministry of the tyranny, the one that talks about the three measures that Biden suspended and the one that talks about the 553 prisoners who were to be released, comes to the conclusion that they are two things that, although they came out on the same day, are independent of each other. They are spreading through all their media outlets.... that the United States had to give in to the overwhelming solidarity with the Cuban regime of many inside and outside the United States, in Latin America and the world. That the United States had to remove these measures, and it will also be obligated to remove other embargo measures because they are unjust, cruel, inhuman, etc.

On the other hand, they present the prisoners releases  under conditions and threats as in my case a few hours ago  as quote-unquote gestures of goodwill, a humanitarian gesture towards Pope Francis. We all know that giving oxygen to the tyranny which is not only rapidly destroying the Cuban nation and criminally oppressing the Cuban people but is also complicit in what is happening in Venezuela, in Nicaragua, publicly supports Putins invasion of Ukraine, openly sympathizes with Hezbollah, with Hamas, with the Iranian regime, with North Korea  should not have happened.

And the Pope and the Vatican must remember that this is not happening for the first time. Prisoners have been released, in 2010, 2014, and then they imprison thousands again because the intention of the tyranny is to keep the people not only oppressed, but terrorized all the time. Therefore, allowing them to play with this triumphalist and lying language is letting them do whatever they want.

The Vatican and Biden are facing a Pablo Escobar-style bully, as if they were scared schoolchildren who let him tell his story, his false, fraudulent speech, without it having the slightest consequence. This is sad because they now want not only applause because they are going to release 553, which does not even come close, I believe, to half of the total number of political prisoners who suffer in extreme conditions and who are about to die at any moment. They dont just want applause, they want the United States to continue to lift measures.

Q: Did they tell you that you had to leave the country?

No, they didnt mention it. On Nov. 18 they beat me brutally and took me to a hospital in the Boniato prison, a place that they euphemistically call a hospital, which is a center where men die from tuberculosis, other infections and malnutrition. That day, after they beat me, they told me again that my only option was to leave the country because otherwise it would not known when I would be released. And they told me that on several occasions. They told me that during the first months of my imprisonment, under the worst conditions I have ever suffered in my entire history in the regimes prisons. They repeated that to me more than eight or ten times during all this time.

Q: Why did they beat you?

Because I refused to be taken to the hospital. A week before the 18th, they told me they would send me to the Boniato Hospital for a medical check-up. And I told them that I was not going to the hospital because I have information that there is scabies there, that there are prisoners who are dying of malnutrition, tuberculosis and other infections. And I am not going to a place where you want to infect me with God knows how many diseases.

Seven days later they showed up in the morning and told me that I had to go with them to the Boniato prison, to the hospital. I refused and stayed sitting on the floor. And immediately six members of an Interior Ministry brigade called the Driving Brigade  because they drive the prisoners from one place to another  started beating me, punching me on an arm that it was previously injured. They caused a wound on that arm with something sharp that bled for two days. I still have the scar there from the jabs. They hit me on the head, on the back, they twisted my arms behind my back and handcuffed me. They tightened the handcuffs and put pressure on my injured arm and on my healthy arm with my hands at the height of my head in a method they mockingly call the bicycle to force you to run, because if you dont run, the pressure you feel is like they are breaking your arms. Thats how they took me out by hitting me, pushing me, with that kind of torture. And they did it in Valverde and they repeated it in Boniato, when I refused to get out of the jail wagon. There they started again, violently, to get me to go inside the hospital.

When I entered I confirmed what I already knew: The number of prisoners who had died in the last 10 months was around 20, and there were several prisoners with scabies, malnourished, who looked like inmates in a concentration camp. And the abuse, the terrible food. I was there without eating or drinking water most of the time to avoid any contagion.

From there they moved me back to Mal Verde. When I arrived at Mal Verde they took me out of the isolation where I had been for three years and four months and put me in a cell with other common prisoners and with a plague of flies and bedbugs. Terrible. At night you couldnt sleep because of the bedbugs or during the day because of the flies.

Q: When you were isolated, were you alone in a walled cell?

When I entered the cell, it was entirely walled up. But because of my protest, they made a window, I think, after 70 or 80 days, if my memory serves me right. Then, I had a view of the prison yard, and in the distance, I saw trees.

My isolation for three years and four months was so total that no prisoner could get close to me. The person who cleaned the corridor leading to the door of my cell could not speak to me because the door was walled up. The person who brought me water had to put it down near the cell, leave, and then they would open the door to bring in the water so that I could not be seen. No one could talk to me. The guards were forbidden to speak to me. I was the one who gradually imposed that they at least listen to my political jokes.

I spent six months without a television and 14 months without a pencil and paper because they said I couldnt write. I spent almost two years without a telephone. I had no visitors for six months the first time and then for a year and nine months in the last round of that type of punishment.

Q: The economic situation in Cuba is critical and an administration with a Cuban-American at the head of the State Department is coming. What prospects do you see for the country?

There is no better read than the one I made of the faces of the highest-ranking officials who sometimes passed by the cell where I was. I assure you that when they heard that Donald Trump had overwhelmingly won the election they did not know whether to cry or scream; they were very worried. When people started talking about Marco Rubio being the next secretary of state, their concern was noticeable. I am very happy that Marco Rubio will be the next secretary of state. I appreciate him very much and am grateful for his solidarity and support and his tireless defense of freedom and democracy in Cuba.

I do not want my people to continue to suffer hunger and misery, but above all, I do not want my people to continue to be oppressed, exploited or trampled. I do not want my people to continue to be without rights, without basic freedoms such as freedom of expression, association, assembly and demonstration. And for that to be possible, we need a firm[U.S. administration that condemns every abuse, every crime, every demand of the tyranny.

Now, to the extent that we must condemn the dictatorship, that we must sanction the dictatorship, we must think about the means.

I hope that the new administration is firm against the regime, a regime that is not only an enemy of its own people, it is an enemy of freedom and democracy in the world. It is an ally of Putin, Xi Jinping, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the North Koreans, Maduro and his mafia in Venezuela. This regime, so harmful to the Cuban people, to Latin America and to the planet, cannot be rewarded, nor can concessions be made to it.

But we must look for humanitarian mechanisms that can help alleviate hunger and misery, which is mainly the fault of the Castro-communist regime. We must look for solutions, because I would like to see the precarious, critical situation in terms of food and medicine that our people are suffering alleviated.

Many Cubans in exile sometimes forget what they suffered in Cuba and leave. Cuba no longer exists for them or the fight for the democratization of Cuba is relegated to another level. I remind them that we are the main ones responsible for whether Cuba changes. It is in our hands to make the difference with courage, firmness, valor, dedication and love for our land and homeland.

We must unite our efforts, those of us inside and those in exile, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere. We have to work side by side so that our democratizing project is effective, so that the world and Cubans know, so that it is clear to the tyranny that there is no other solution here than freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. So that the world knows that we are not sitting idly, that we are fighting for our rights, and that we deserve support and solidarity.

We know many who say, But who will we support if the majority wants to leave?  No, that has to change. There is still a lot to fight for.

2025 Miami Herald.

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General Service Unit and Border police from Kenya stand in formation as they wait for the arrival of the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, near the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 22, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/Pool/AFP/Getty Images via TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  A new contingent of 217 additional police officers from Kenya arrived in Port-au-Prince on Saturday aboard a chartered airplane escorted by the U.S. military, after months of uncertainty about whether President William Ruto would continue to field cops for the struggling mission in Haiti, where gang violence last year reached record levels.

After disembarking, the Kenyans, as customary, danced and chanted on the runway while carrying their rifles. Others carried a Haitian flag.

Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering and we will continue to mobilize all the necessary international support for it to succeed, Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenyas newly appointed interior Cabinet secretary, said on the social media site X, confirming that 217 officers were deployed.

The new group is among 600 trained and U.S.-vetted cops from various units of Kenyas National Police Service whom Ruto had promised in September to deploy to Haiti before the end of the year. But the effort was stalled after Democrats lost the U.S. presidential election in November and Haitis ruling council days later replaced the prime minister after less than six months.

Both moves created uncertainty for Ruto, who had also expressed worries about the missions lack of resources, including funding and equipment, as it struggled to help Haitian police take down armed gangs.

Rutos uncertainties about the missions fate seems to have been put to rest, at last for now, following this weeks comments from President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of state. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio lauded Kenya for its leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, and signaled continued U.S. support.

Rubios comments were immediately noticed by members of Rutos Cabinet and on Saturday at 2 a.m. Kenya time, officials from both the interior and foreign affairs ministries waved the new contingent off as they boarded a Kenya Airways aircraft from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The plane landed in Port-au-Prince shortly after 11 a.m., escorted by U.S. military. In November, three U.S. jetliners flying over Port-au-Princes airspace were hit by gunfire, fueling concerns about the safety of the capitals skies.

The 217 Kenyan cops will join 380 of their compatriots already in Port-au-Prince, and are expected to be joined by additional Kenyan police in Haiti in the coming days. Their presence boosts the total number of foreign security personnel to just under 800. There are currently police and military officers from Jamaica, along with soldiers from the Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador. The Biden administration, which had been pushing Kenya to deploy its remaining officers, had hoped to bring the missions strength up to 1,000 officers before it leaves office on Monday.

But even 1,000 security personnel or the missions targeted goal of 2,500 is insufficient, security experts say. Last year, Haiti saw a record number of neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas fall to armed gangs, despite the presence of foreign forces and a new U.S.-backed transition government. As the gangs took over neighborhoods and carried out some of the worst massacres in recent memory, they also deepened the countrys humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands more Haitians were forced to flee their homes. The United Nations said more than 5,600 people were killed by gang violence last year, an increase over the previous two years, and over 1 million Haitians are now displaced.

In light of the widening crisis, security experts say there needs to be a shift both in both the national and international response.

Kenya promised 1,000 police officers as part of its offer to lead the mission. After repeated delays, including a court battle in Nairobi and congressional Republican opposition in Washington, cops began deploying in June of last year. But the under-resourced and underfunded effort has struggled to make inroads against armed groups.

As part of a shift in strategy, gangs have consolidated under an alliance known as Viv Ansanm, Living Together, overwhelming both the Kenyan-led force and Haitian police.

Obviously any increase in the [Kenya-led] deployment is very useful. The numbers have been woefully insufficient. But numbers alone are not sufficient, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a security expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington. We need to obviously have meaningful action by the... forces in combination with meaningful actions by the Haitian police. Both of these have really been elusive and the glaring lack of holding forces is especially critical and has been a factor allowing the reprisals, counter attacks, revenge attacks that we are seeing from the gangs and also from the militia forces.

Still, she is surprised that Kenya has decided to send another group of forces to Haiti at this moment given the ongoing funding issues.

There are still significant challenges with funding that were already there with the Biden administration, with only a small fraction of the mission funded, said Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy and Technology in the foreign policy program at Brookings. And those uncertainties have grown enormously as the Trump administration is coming over, and have previously not been enthusiastically about funding the mission and many Republicans members of congress very skeptical outright of funding the mission.

The Biden administration has provided more than $629 million for the mission, while a U.N.-controlled Trust Fund has raised just over $110 million. To address the money issue, the outgoing Biden administration has asked the U.N. Security Council, which has a meeting scheduled on Wednesday on the situation in Haiti, to transform the mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation. The move would guarantee funding through members assessed contributions and allow the force to expand and get the needed equipment. Whether this is something the Trump administration will support remains unclear. During Trumps first term in office, a U.N. peacekeeping force was on its way out of Haiti, and despite concerns the country wasnt ready to take control of its own security, the administration did not stop the move.

In its latest analysis of the situation in Haiti, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime said that a peacekeeping operation alone will not solve Haitis gang problem and the structures that support the criminal groups.

This is a far greater challenge, requiring the deployment of all available domestic and international instruments, including a mix of public security, justice, development aid and humanitarian cooperation, the report said.

Last week, Haitis ruling transition made the countrys former police chief, Mario Andresol, secretary of state for national security. A former infantry officer in the Haitian Armed Forces, Andresol was tapped in 2005 to lead the Haiti National Police as it became infiltrated by drug-trafficking cops and as gangs foothold endangered a government transition.

He went on to head the Haitian police for seven years. As he was being installed last week, Andresol said he harbors no illusions about the magnitude of the task before him.

I firmly believe that my experience in strategic and operational fields, combined with the expertise of carefully selected collaborators, can make a significant contribution to this vast project of security governance in the country, he said during his installation ceremony.

On Saturday, he was among the Haitian officials including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, Police Chief Rameau Normil and Presidential Council member Fritz Jean who welcomed the new contingent to Haiti.

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Tensions will come to a head Tuesday, when Taiwans parliament is due to vote on this years budget. The two parties that hold the majority are calling for substantial cuts, including to defense spending, that could complicate President Lai Ching-tes plans to buy American arms both to fend off China and placate Trump. (Vincent De Groot/Air National Guard)

Taiwan is entering a period of political upheaval that could hinder its combat readiness amid intensifying military intimidation from China - just as Donald Trump, who has previously questioned why the United States should defend the island, is inaugurated.

Tensions will come to a head Tuesday, when Taiwans parliament is due to vote on this years budget. The two parties that hold the majority are calling for substantial cuts, including to defense spending, that could complicate President Lai Ching-tes plans to buy American arms both to fend off China and placate Trump.

Cutting the defense budget would send the wrong signal to the United States, said Wellington Koo, Taiwans defense minister.

Frankly speaking, after the Trump administration takes office, we need to demonstrate our determination to uphold our self-defense capabilities, Koo said at a news conference Thursday.

The gridlock in Taiwan comes as South Korea, another of the United States closest security partners in Asia, is mired in a political crisis that is undermining Washingtons efforts to build alliances and constrain Chinas influence in the region.

The political turmoil in Taiwan came to a head in late December when federal prosecutors sought a 28-year jail sentence on corruption charges for Ko Wen-je, then the leader of the Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP), the smaller opposition party that is aligned with the much larger Kuomintang (KMT) in the parliament.

Ko, 65, the former mayor of Taipei, ran a surprisingly successful campaign in last years presidential election, with his partys strong performance key to why Lais ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost its legislative majority.

But prosecutors allege Ko took $520,300 in bribes and embezzled political donations both as mayor and while running for president. Ko denies the charges.

Those charges have further stoked political divisions that began as soon as Lai took office, when the KMT and Kos TPP proposed giving the legislature sweeping powers to investigate political opponents.

The struggle for control spread to the Constitutional Court when the opposition forced through an amendment that effectively blocks Taiwans highest judicial body from declaring any laws unconstitutional, paralyzing the court.

Now, with Kos indictment, the KMT and TPP are accusing Lai of abusing his powers to politically influence the judiciary. Opposition supporters have been holding large-scale demonstrations in recent weeks. Its political persecution, said Sharon Yu, a 45-year-old technology worker who joined protests to support Ko and call for an end to DPP tyranny on Saturday.

The KMT and TPP parties, both of which favor closer ties with Beijing, have joined forces to stymie Lais agenda. This week, they proposed cutting or freezing $6 billion in defense spending, amounting to a whopping 44 percent of the total defense budget.

They also want to reduce the funding for military equipment purchases by $155 million. Although this amounts to only 3 percent of that budget, any cuts are likely too big for Trump, who has called for Taiwan to pay more for American defense help.

Taiwanese defense officials have said that projects, such as submarine manufacturing and the construction of a drone industrial park, cannot move forward until the bill is approved.

A delay in approving the defense budget would be another setback for Lais ambitious military reforms, which experts consider critical to deterring an attack from the much larger and better-equipped Chinese military.

Lai took office in May, pledging to stand up to Chinas aggression while also standing up for the island democracys freedoms. Beijing views him as a separatist for his views on Taiwans sovereignty.

The Chinese Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan but claims the self-governing island of 23 million as part of its territory and regularly threatens to take control by force if Taipei ever formally rules out unification.

In the eight months since Lai took office, Beijing has escalated its military activity in the waters and air near Taiwan to the point where it is now routine. In three rounds of large-scale drills last year, the Peoples Liberation Army probed Taiwans defenses and sent a warning to Lai about strengthening diplomatic ties with the United States.

Disagreements about how to deal with China are at the core of the deepening political rift in Taipei.

Debates over defense - whether to increase the military budget or pay a protection fee to Trump - are being turned into battlegrounds for partisan conflict, said Chang Chun-hao, a politics professor at Tunghai University in Taichung.

The opposition camps effort to make Lai unable to maneuver politically has already forced him to take a more cautious approach on China and foreign policy, Chang said.

That could limit Lais options should Trump demand Taipei pay more for American weapons and support, as he has in the past.

For Trump to take Taiwan seriously, its got to spend more on its defense, said Richard McGregor, senior fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based think tank.

Washington retains close unofficial relations with Taipei. U.S. arms contractors supply the Taiwanese military with weapons and training to withstand Chinese military coercion and, if necessary, repel an invasion from across the Taiwan Strait.

While President Joe Biden repeatedly stated that he would come to Taiwans aid in the event of a Chinese attack, Trump has declined to give a similar promise, instead calling for Taipei to pay for U.S. protection.

In multiple interviews last year, Trump accused Taiwan of unfairly replacing the United States as the worlds leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors - a shift that happened in 2007. Such comments have raised concern in Taipei that Trump will take a more transactional and volatile approach to Taiwan.

Lai took office promising to accelerate his predecessors military reforms but got off to a slow start, delaying Taiwanese efforts to become more agile and deadly in the event of a Chinese invasion.

The Biden administration said Taiwan should deter Chinese leader Xi Jinping by building up a large stockpile of hard-to-destroy weaponry that can inflict severe damage on attacking troops.

Trump has given little indication of whether he will push Taiwans military to continue this approach. Shepherd reported from Singapore and Chiang from Taipei, Taiwan.
NAPLES, Italy  A U.S. Navy submarine spotted earlier this week near Gibraltar made a port visit to the city on Saturday, the service said.

The fast-attack submarine USS Indiana arrived in Gibraltar as part of a regularly scheduled visit, Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, a spokesman for U.S. 6th Fleet, said in a statement on Saturday. The statement did not indicate how long the submarine would remain in Gibraltar.

On Monday, area ship watchers spotted Indiana completing a personnel transfer and later photographed its arrival on Saturday at a U.K. navy base in the British territory near the Strait of Gibraltar. Indiana, which carries Tomahawk missiles, also was seen last month in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

One of the last visits by a U.S. submarine to Gibraltar was in November 2022 when the ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island made a brief stop. Previously, the last ballistic missile submarine to make a port call there was USS Alaska in June 2021, according to the service.

The Navy typically does not announce the location of its submarines. But in August, the service announced that guided-cruise missile submarine USS Georgia had completed training exercises in the eastern Mediterranean.

That announcement came as the Pentagon bolstered its forces in the Middle East amid deepening worries of an Israel-Iran conflict.

It wasnt clear on Saturday how long USS Indiana had been in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility, which spans from the Arctic Ocean to the coast of Antarctica, including the Adriatic, Baltic, Mediterranean and North seas, among others.

Indiana previously was deployed to 6th Fleet in 2022, traveling nearly 40,000 nautical miles during a more than 6-month deployment. It was only the second deployment for the submarine, homeported at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut, since its commissioning in 2018, according to the Navy.
A group photo of Youngs Scouts in the Philippines in 1899. Twenty-one members of the elite unit were approved by President Theodore Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor for their actions during the conflict known as the Philippine Insurrection. (Photo courtesy of Michael Eberhardt.)

Two soldiers will posthumously receive Medals of Honor for their combat heroics in the Philippines in 1899 that they never got because of a mix up with their mailing addresses, the Army said Thursday.

It is a great honor to be able to correct a longstanding administrative error that prevented Pvt. McIntyre and Pvt. Harris from receiving the Medals of Honor that they both earned, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said in a statement. The Army takes seriously its commitment to honoring its heroes, past and present, and this presentation is one more way in which we can fulfill that commitment.

Mary Constance Schrepferman, granddaughter of Pvt. William Simon Harris, and Inez Larson, granddaughter of Pvt. James McIntyre, received the news Wednesday night from Wormuth, who was delegated the medal presentation by President Joe Biden.

Larson said she only knew of her grandfathers service in the military through letters McIntyre wrote to her grandmother before they were married.

Our family did not know much about him due to losing him while his children were so young, she said. Finding out about the Medal of Honor and the battles has made him a real person in all our lives, including my own grandchildren. Were flabbergasted at the strength and fortitude these men must have had.

Schrepferman said she was grateful for Wormuths dedication to see this effort through to the end and for the call Wednesday. However, it was a bittersweet moment because her grandfather and so many who loved him will never know the recognition he earned. Her nephew Joe Harris, who worked to gather paperwork for the award, died and will never know his effort paid off.

The Harris family is very happy and relieved that our grandfathers Medal of Honor will finally be with his family, where it belongs, Schrepferman said.

The families began requesting the Army release the medals nearly two years ago after a historian uncovered the circumstances of the medals being approved but never presented. During that time, Army Human Resources Command had to verify the paperwork and then the Army had to seek authorization from the White House to present the medals, since neither family wanted a formal ceremony in Washington.

Harris and McIntyre were approved for the Medal of Honor  the nations highest military award for combat heroics  in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt along with 21 other members of small outfit known as Youngs Scouts, a group sent out on dangerous assignments in the Philippines in 1899 during the Philippine Insurrection, said Michael Eberhardt, a Medal of Honor researcher and author. The insurrection followed the U.S. taking control of the Philippines from Spain during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Pvt. William Simon Harris during his Army service in the Philippines in 1899. ( Photo courtesy of Michael Eberhardt)

For me as the researcher who discovered the relevant documents and their significance over two years ago, the Medal of Honor awards validate the belief that a persistent use of facts can ultimately persuade the federal government to correct a terrible injustice  no matter how old, Eberhardt said.

There is no other known instance of a service member being approved by the president for the Medal of Honor, yet not receiving it, said Gayle Alvarez, president of the Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States.

The elite group of scouts earned recognition for two battles in May 1899  one in San Miguel and the other in San Isidro, according to Eberhardts book, The Medal of Honor: Its Dark Sides.

In each battle, the group of up to 25 scouts was outnumbered by hundreds but managed to complete their missions successfully. In San Isidro, the men recaptured control of a bridge.

Thirteen of the 21 men who were still alive in 1906 received their medals, Eberhardt said. It was policy at the time for the Army not to issue the Medal of Honor to a deceased soldier, so six men did not get the award. However, Harris and McIntyre were still living when Roosevelt approved the awards but never got the medals, he said.

Somehow, the letters mailed to the soldiers informing them of the awards were returned to the Army and no further effort was made to locate them, despite both received a veterans pension and did short stays in U.S. soldiers homes, Eberhardt said.

After discovering the oversight while researching his book, Eberhardt reached out to the Harris and McIntyre families to see whether they were interested in trying to claim the medals from the Army. Larson and Schrepferman agreed.

Wormuths office is working with Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and newly elected Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, formerly a Republican senator from the state, to present the medals to the families in their home states. During the past year, Barrasso, representing the McIntyre family, and Braun on behalf of the Harris family sent letters to the Pentagon and advocated for the Army to award the medals.

Military is pretty important in our family, said Ericka Cooper, Larsons daughter. Her father served in the military, as did her sons father.

Im just trying to imagine, with the weapons they had back then and the methods of fighting, which is so different from what we have today. It is truly awesome to know that Im related to someone like that, she said.
In this photo from March 4, 2023, US YouTube personality Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, arrives for the 36th Annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. (Michael Tran/TNS) ()

Jimmy Donaldson has compiled quite the resume since he began making videos as a teenager in his Greenville, North Carolina, bedroom. The worlds most popular YouTube channel. A successful snack line . A new Amazon reality competition that (despite mixed critical reviews ) has been watched more than 50 million times in the past month.

A content empire built on his nickname and brand, MrBeast.

Could owning TikTok be next?

On Monday, the 26-year-old Donaldson wrote on X, OK fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned. It received 37 million views. The following day, he added Unironically Ive had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, lets see if we can pull this off.

Then on Wednesday, MrBeast upped his effort to purchase the imperiled short-form video platform. We just got out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires, he began. TikTok, we mean business. This is my lawyer right here. We have an offer ready for you. We want to buy the platform. America deserves TikTok. Give me a seat at the table. Let me save this platform.

The platform is in need of saving in the United States, where approximately 170 million people have TikTok accounts. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law that will ban the platform on Jan. 19 unless TikToks China-based owner ByteDance divests its U.S. operations.

TikToks lawyers had told the justices the app would go dark on Sunday if the law was upheld.

Passed with bipartisan support, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act aims to prevent the Chinese government from accessing U.S. user data or manipulating what Americans see through TikTok.

How much to buy TikTok?

The app is a relative newcomer compared to other social media giants like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. But its popularity in recent years, especially among young users and entrepreneurs, has many hoping for a last-minute buyer.

Purchasing TikTok outright would likely cost between $100 billion and $200 billion, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives told The Associated Press . But excluding TikToks algorithm, the price tag would be closer to $45 billion, Ives said. (TikTok has claimed its not feasible to disentangle the app commercially and technologically.)

As the ban approaches, several prominent names have emerged as potential U.S. buyers. Billionaire investor Frank McCourt has made a bid, partnering with Canadian investor and regular Shark Tank judge Kevin OLeary. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick indicated interest in purchasing TikTok to a ByteDance cofounder.

Online estimates peg Donaldsons net worth to be between $500 million and $1 billion. But few others have the social media cachet of MrBeast. In June, his YouTube account became the most followed channel on the site, and it now has 344 million subscribers.

Donaldson moved to the Eastern North Carolina city of Greenville as a child, attending private school and playing sports. But the way he tells it, making YouTube videos was his daily obsession. Under the name MrBeast, Donaldson first went viral in 2017 when he sat at his bedroom computer and methodically counted to 100,000 over the course of 40 hours.

His early videos featured unique feats of discomfort and lucrative on-the-street giveaways . As his budgets grew, Donaldson became more ambitious. MrBeast now operates out of a $14 million studio north of downtown Greenville, where he and his crew film larger competitions.

The biggest contest to date, however, was held in Las Vegas. This winter, Amazon Prime Video has been releasing Beast Games, a 10-episode reality series with 1,000 contestants vying for a $5 million grand prize. It reportedly cost $100 million to produce.

The Guardian called the early episodes one of the most undignified spectacles ever shown on TV, while The Telegraph similarly called the show a deafening, joyless cash-dash.

But audiences appear to be enjoying the spectacle. With 50 million views, it is Amazons most streamed unscripted show ever.

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Ross Maher (28) was seen on CCTV footage strolling up and down Brown Thomas, hiding hundreds of euro worth of goods in the pram.

A father of two who used his childs buggy to steal toiletries for his partner for Valentines Day had turned to theft in a moment of weakness, a court has heard.

Ross Maher (28) was seen on CCTV footage strolling up and down Brown Thomas, hiding hundreds of euro worth of goods in the pram.

Judge John Hughes gave him a six-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court, on condition he stays away from all Brown Thomas stores.

Maher, of Dunne Street Flats, Dublin 1, was charged with theft.

Read more Neo-nazi woman beater dodges jail despite conviction for threats to kill

Dublin District Court heard he went to Brown Thomas, Grafton Street, on February 9, placed toiletries worth 262 into a childs buggy and left without paying.

On February 16, he returned and placed items valued at 236 into a buggy. These were recovered when he was stopped.

Maher had been under a one-year suspended sentence for threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a man. He was living with his partner, who was the mother to his two children while he was also stepfather to her other child.

At the time of the offences, Maher was not working and felt at a low ebb, his lawyer said. He wanted to provide for his partner and took a totally wrong turn.

In a lapse of judgment and a moment of weakness, he turned to criminality, the lawyer added.

The judge said: If everybody went into shops and helped themselves in a moment of weakness for Valentines Day or whatever it is, the city centre would be hollowed out.
The three men have pleaded not guilty to a total of seven counts of rape, oral rape and sexual assault

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 men cannot be named for legal reasons. They deny any wrongdoing and say any sexual contact with the woman was consensual.

On Friday, the woman's housemate told Karl Finnegan, SC, prosecuting, that they went for drinks and had been socialising on the evening of August 30 before going to a nightclub.

She recalled that the nightclub was busy, and they danced in the vicinity of others but not with them.

The witness said she told the complainant she was going to leave, and her friend said she would stay. She then went home.

She said the complainant called her the next morning and told her, I think I've been raped. She said she was shocked and asked her friend to send her a pin-drop of her location, which she did.

The witness said her friend got a taxi to their house and was wearing a jacket that wasn't hers when she arrived.

She said the complainant was initially hesitant but then told her what had happened, saying there were three or four men. The complainant told her she was in a car and a man was having sex with her.

Her friend told her she wanted to fight back but couldn't feel her body move. The car stopped, and someone different got in.

The witness said the woman told her they had sex with her in the car, and she was later taken to a house where they raped her again.

She said her friend told her that she tried to kick one away while in the bedroom, and they said, You f***ing bitch and another said, Oh, shes coming to.

She said the complainant agreed to her suggestion to ring the rape crisis centre, and she later accompanied her to the garda station and to the sexual assault treatment unit (SATU).

The witness agreed with Padraig Dwyer SC for the first man that she told gardai there were men nearby in the nightclub, but she has no specific memory of speaking to them.

She accepted Mr Dwyer's suggestion that she had no concerns for her friend's safety when she left the nightclub.

She agreed with Garret Baker SC for the second man that her friend told her the comment you fucking bitch related to alleged events at the house.

The witness told Mr Clarke that she couldn't recall how long she stayed in the nightclub and that there was no discussion about the complaint having other plans for the rest of the night.

Earlier today, the complainant was cross-examined by Seamus Clarke, SC, representing the third man, and said she has no real memory of meeting the three accused men at the nightclub or going to a vehicle afterwards with them.

This 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 complainant accepted Mr Clarke's suggestion that CCTV from the club appears to show her talking to others and that a different man may possibly have handed her a drink.

She said she was the only person who held this drink, but she wasn't keeping an eye on it.

She said she has no memory of any conversation in the vehicle from the early stages of the journey.

Mr Clarke outlined his client's position is that he suggested going to his home, but when he went inside, his mother was asleep downstairs.

The woman said she has no memory of the car stopping at this location or of remaining in the vehicle with the other two accused.

She said she had no memory of this man returning to the vehicle.

Mr Clarke put his client's account of the night to her. This man says the woman and the first man kissed. The first man then performed oral sex on her.

Counsel submitted that the only sexual contact she had with his client in the vehicle was kissing and asked if she recalled this. The woman said she didn't.

Mr Clarke said his client states he moved towards the wheel arch while the other two men and the woman were engaged in sexual activity.

The woman agreed with counsel that she couldn't say where his client was in the vehicle.

When asked if she remembered the third man suggesting the car should be moved from outside his home, the woman said she recalled the car stopping somewhere and then moving but couldn't say where.

Mr Clarke submitted to the woman that she remained in the car with his client when it arrived at the house of the first man, where they took some cocaine. She said she told gardai she remembered white powder in the club, not afterwards and couldn't recall if she consumed any.

Counsel said his client's account of the sexual activity in the house is that he witnessed the woman and the second man have sex. His client said the woman performed oral sex on the first man, then on him. The woman said she had no memory of this.

She said she had no recollection of the second and third men leaving the house.

Mr Clarke put to her that his client's position is that he kissed her in the car, and then she performed oral sex on him in the house. Counsel said his client believed this engagement to be consensual and wasn't aware the woman's level of intoxication meant she was incapable of giving consent.

The woman said she couldn't differentiate between the men and is unable to say who is who.

The first man, aged 39 with an address in Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the woman in his home address and not guilty to one count of oral rape and one count of sexually assaulting her in a car.

The second man, aged 42 with an address in Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the woman in the car and one count of raping her in the house.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and the jury.
Complainant had bag of hair in court to show extent of alleged damage

Noramai Brady had extensions in for 16 weeks, when recommendations were for 10 weeks. Photo: Steve Humphreys

A nurse who claimed she was manhandled by a hairdresser while having extensions removed has had her personal injury case dismissed after a judge found there was no negligence involved.

Noramai Brady alleged the hair extensions were wrenched out with a pliers and she had tears rolling down her face during the treatment.

She claimed she suffered significant hair loss as a result and brought a bag of hair  which she alleged fell out the day after the extensions were removed nine years ago  to the Naas Circuit Court hearing as evidence.

Ms Brady sued the hairdresser, Clara OHanlon, and the salon owner, Lillie Stewart, for damages following the alleged incident at Lillies hair salon in Naas, Co Kildare, on December 2, 2015.

Barrister Kevin Callan BL, for the defendants, pointed out how Ms Brady had the microbead extensions inserted by a different salon and argued that she had left them in for 16 weeks  which was six weeks longer than recommended for people with fine hair. He said his client was extremely qualified and had been working in hairdressing since 2002.

The defendants, who were insured by Aviva, denied liability and disputed the plaintiffs version of events.

Mr Callan said Ms OHanlon, Ms Stewart and a witness who was in the salon on the day would all give evidence that Ms Brady showed no signs of discomfort and was not crying. He said she made another appointment for Christmas Eve before she left that day.

The court heard how the extensions were put in at an Easilocks salon in Dublin during the summer of 2015. No allegations were made against Easilocks and it was not involved in the dispute.

Ms Brady gave evidence that Ms OHanlon gave her weekly blow-dries and had been offering her advice about how to maintain the extensions as she was a novice. She said she had built up a relationship with her and she was someone who she trusted.

She made an appointment with Easilocks for December 2 to have her extensions removed.

I started crying, tears were coming down my face

However, she cancelled that appointment because weather conditions and traffic were bad on the day and she did not want to travel from Kildare to Dublin. She instead phoned Ms OHanlon that morning to ask if she could come into Lillies salon to have the extensions taken out.

I sat down and she had a pliers and started taking them out one by one, but it was like they were being wrenched out, Ms Brady said.

I started crying, tears were coming down my face and I asked was this normal?. I completely trusted the girl.

Ms Brady claimed that the incorrect pliers and method were used during the treatment, describing it as barbaric. She said she lost a lot of hair the following day, did not attend work for the rest of the week and did not socialise over Christmas.

On December 14, she attended an appointment with Dr Maurice Collins. He diagnosed her as having female pattern hair loss and traction alopecia, which can be caused by a chronic pulling force being applied to the hair. The court heard that this can be a common side effect from wearing extensions. Mr Callan said the medical report did not mention anything about scalp trauma.

An aftercare brochure from Easilocks was submitted into evidence. It said that microbead extensions should only be left in for between eight and 10 weeks in people with fine hair.

Ms OHanlon told the court that Ms Brady said the extensions were inserted at the end of July, which meant they would have been in for around 16 weeks before they were removed.

In January, Ms Brady phoned the hairdressers to complain and told them she was speaking to a solicitor. When they asked her to come into the salon so they could look at her hair, she declined. Proceedings were issued in November 2017, nearly two years later.

In her evidence, Ms OHanlon said she underwent significant training in hair extensions and was qualified to remove four different types, including microbeads.

I dont find anything about Ms OHanlons treatment negligent

She said Ms Brady showed no signs of distress or discomfort during the 30-minute procedure.

If she had, I would have stopped, Ms OHanlon said.

When asked by Judge Terence OSullivan if leaving in hair extensions for longer than recommended would cause issues, she said it would cause a lot of damage to the hair and the risk of hair loss is significantly increased.

Judge OSullivan said Ms Brady was a truthful witness but he did not think there was any negligence on the part of Ms OHanlon or the salon.

I think the fact they were left in for so long is the cause of alopecia. The level of hair given in evidence as having fallen out was a considerable surprise to Ms OHanlon, he said.

I do accept that maybe they were in for such a lengthy period that it might have been more painful, but I dont find anything about Ms OHanlons treatment negligent.

He dismissed the claim.
Creep avoids jail after admitting charge of voyeurism against unsuspecting former partner

A creep who took intimate pictures of his partner while she slept has been placed on the sex offenders register.

Martin Moreland (45), from Co Down, pleaded guilty to a single count of voyeurism at Newtownards Magistrates Court and was sentenced last Wednesday.

As well as being placed on the register, he was ordered to complete an 18-month probation order, told he must notify authorities of any future relationships, and had restrictions placed on owning electronic devices.

The court heard police received a report from the injured party on November 20, 2022, in relation to domestic abuse by the defendant who had been her partner.

A prosecutor said: Police conducted an investigation into a number of more serious matters which were not proceeded with.

The defendant admitted taking pictures of the victim while she slept in the bed beside him and while she was in a state of undress.

The images are sexual in nature as part of her breast is exposed across three to four images.

The injured party found the images on the phone and complained to police.

The court heard probation services had made recommendations for conditions to be imposed on Moreland including a ban on intimate relationships without notifying authorities and restrictions on his access to devices capable of capturing images.

His defence counsel told the court: There is no suggestion of any onward publication and one would assume he has no desire to retain the images if he gets his phone back.

There was a very complicated background to this case in relation to a number of much more serious allegations and the complainants credibility was fatally undermined in that regard.

This matter has been accepted by the defendant from the moment it was revealed.

Unusually in this kind of case, there is a child of the relationship and there has been no need or recourse in terms of court orders for contact which is organised between the parties.

Morelands barrister added: There is no acrimony overflowing from the event. Social services have been involved and he has been given a clean bill of health, so to speak.

This is very much an isolated incident which has been accepted from the outset.

He knows he shouldnt have taken the photos while she was sleeping and apologises to both her and the court.

Handing him an 18-month probation order, District Judge Mark Hamill said: Here is the reality. If I sentenced him to the maximum of four months he would be out in eight weeks, and the public is much better served by a longer term of probation which he should grab with both hands.

This is something he has brought on himself and the reputational damage is completely secondary to the punishment.

Mr Hamill ordered Moreland, of De Wind Drive, Comber, to sign the sex offenders register for five years as well as adopting the probation recommendations around future relationships and access to devices.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because he is a minor, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

A schoolboy accused of supplying cocaine along the Royal Canal Greenway in Dublin has been barred from using bicycles, e-scooters or "anything on wheels", which "he uses when he is allegedly drug dealing".

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because he is a minor, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

He had been charged with possessing cocaine and having it for sale or supply at the greenway on Friday when he was arrested and held pending his bail hearing.

The value of the seizure was not stated.

Garda James O'Shaughnessy said the boy was charged in the presence of a peace commissioner at a Dublin station.

The garda explained that he had intended to object to bail but had been unable to gain access to the teen's other cases pending before the Children's Court.

As a result, he was agreeable to bail subject to conditions the judge agreed to impose.

The officer asked the court to order the boy to "not be on peddle cycles or e-scooters, or basically anything on wheels".

"He seems to be allegedly using them when he is allegedly drug dealing," he added.

The judge also ordered the teen to obey a 10 pm  6 am curfew and to remain away from the greenway and ten nearby streets and residential areas in the north inner city.

Legal aid was granted to the accused, who did not address the court.

He had a solicitor for the bail hearing and was accompanied by a family member to the proceedings.

The boy took up bail but was told he must appear at the Children's Court in February. Gardai must obtain directions from the DPP and analyse the seizure.
Aidan Mann was stabbed 14 times outside a car dealership in Church Street, Downpatrick on January 3, 2022.

The prison term imposed on a man who chased and stabbed his neighbour to death on a Co Down street was manifestly excessive, the Court of Appeal heard today.

Counsel for Barry Donnelly, 39, claimed his minimum nine-year tariff for killing tattoo artist Aidan Mann while in the grip of a psychotic episode should be reduced by up to three years.

But prosecutors insisted it was an horrific attack carried out by someone described as a tragedy waiting to happen.

Mr Mann was stabbed 14 times outside a car dealership in Church Street, Downpatrick on January 3, 2022.

Graphic CCTV footage showed the victim being pursued after Donnelly first approached him outside their block of flats while armed with two large kitchen knives.

Aidan Mann

Mr Mann, also known as tattoo artist Zen Black, was unable to escape and fell to the ground where the defendant straddled and stabbed him repeatedly in the chest, leg and torso in front of others in the area.

Donnelly subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

In July 2023 a judge at Belfast Crown Court sentenced him to an indeterminate custodial term, with a minimum tariff set at nine years.

He is currently detained at a secure psychiatric unit but is expected to be transferred into a prison when his condition is stabilised.

Donnelly will only be released after serving the minimum period if Parole Commissioners decide that he no longer poses a risk to the public.

Appealing against the sentence, Gavan Duffy KC argued that the defendant was never properly diagnosed with a mental illness, despite clear links between his use of cannabis and paranoid psychosis.

Donnelly suffered from a more severe disability than those sentenced for comparable offences, it was contended.

The appropriate tariff in this case is six or seven years, Mr Duffy submitted.

Nine years, when one considers some of the features in other cases, is clearly manifestly out of step with the current authorities.

Ciaran Murphy KC, for the prosecution, countered that it had been a shocking and repulsive fatal attack on an innocent victim going about their business.

The deceased ran from the defendant and tried to escape but couldnt run any further, he submitted.

He was brought to the ground and in a public place two kitchen knives were thrust into him in front of members of the public.

The barrister also highlighted how Donnelly had not registered with a GP or sought medical treatment for his drug-related issues.

It was a horrific offence he was, in many ways, something tragic waiting to happen, Mr Murphy added.

His culpability wasnt low, and we dont agree with the submission that the trial judge made an error by selecting (the nine year tariff).

Reserving judgment in the appeal against sentence, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan pledged to give a ruling within the next month.
His academic endeavours now lie in tatters as he faces a prison sentence for his part in a bizarre gunrunning incident in June 2022.

UVF gunrunner Winston Winkie Irvine had been due to graduate with a degree in peacebuilding the day he was in court to face weapons charges.

When he should have been receiving his scroll at Maynooth University, he was standing in the dock in a Belfast courtroom after cops found a cache of weapons and ammo in the boot of his car.

The Sunday World can also reveal that the Irish taxpayer forked out upwards of 15,000 (nearly 18,000) for the one-time loyalist mouthpiece to complete his one-year Masters degree at the County Kildare seat of learning.

The Irish government picked up the tab for his peacebuilding studies.

His academic endeavours now lie in tatters as he faces a prison sentence for his part in a bizarre gunrunning incident in June 2022.

The former Commander of UVF B Company commuted to Maynooth to carry out his studies on their peacebuilding course.

All the while he was studying peace he remained a senior figure within the UVF. It was his unit that carried out a hoax bomb attack which forced then Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to abandon a peace conference in north Belfast.

The one-year course on International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice is based at the Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention.

The bilingual Irish-English graduation ceremony booklet shows Irvine graduating with 14 other Masters students.

The course syballus says: This Masters programme offers a rewarding learning experience for those who wish to work in development and peacebuilding in conflict and post-conflict contexts.

Integrating negotiation and peacebuilding skills with an analysis of wider conflict and development contexts, it provides critical insight into international conflict interventions.

Irvine has long benefited from the public purse while leading a double life. By day he was the peacebuilder and wannabe spokesman for the loyalist community, while at the same time operating as a UVF terror chief.

He has a long list of publicly funded jobs on his CV and even hosted a peace conference while on bail for the gun charges.

It has now emerged he had to skip his own graduation ceremony because of his appointment at the Laganside Courts complex.

Meanwhile, an internal UVF investigation personally ordered by chief of staff John Bunter Graham is ongoing, with a specific remit to examine Irvines conduct while he was commander of B Company on the Shankill.

Bunter has drafted in a team of veteran and trusted members to carry out the investigation.

According to our sources, nothing can now save Winkies reputation despite his continued insistence that he is innocent  despite pleading guilty.

The older ones here on the Shankill have so many questions they need answered, theres a list of people Irvine briefed against and got rid of down the years, said our source.

People like his predecessor as head of B Company  Winkie told a lot of lies about him.

He said Bunter had brought in men from a number of areas, but news of the investigation was known only to a small circle.

A Shankill Road veteran told us the inquiry has now been under way for three weeks and is expected to report to Graham in the near future.

After initially pleading not guilty to the June 2022 offence, the Sunday World learned that loyalist sources are claiming Irvine was part of a British security service operation that was inadvertently intercepted by the PSNI.

It is claimed Irvine was part of a British state operation giving security agencies access to weapons potentially used in UVF operations.

The alleged plan was to place the guns in the hands of security and intelligence services for forensic examination.

Security and UVF sources have suggested to the Sunday World that state agencies turned their back on Irvine.

We understand that fears Irvine knows too much fuelled his and co-accused Robin Workmans admission of guilt.

During a court appearance in December 2022  the day he was due to graduate  Irvines barrister Joe Brolly told the court there would be a significant disclosure that would explain his clients involvement.

Barrister Brolly referenced then Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton as a contact of his client.

Singleton has recently been appointed Deputy Chief Constable, but his alleged connection with Irvine has resulted in the deposed UVF chief being given a new nickname  Winkie Singleton.

Weapons and ammunition were found in the boot of Irvines car when police searched it on June 2022.

Both Irvine and Workman entered guilty pleas that they possessed firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate.

Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate.

All of the offences were committed on June 8, 2022, when the arms were found in Irvines car when searched by police in the Glencairn area of the city.

Irvine and Workman are due to be sentenced on January 23.
Master herbalist and holistic health enthusiast Sarah Grant's new Treehouse Cafe opened in March in northern Colorado Springs. She serves herb-infused specialty beverages, healthy food options, local art, an apothecary of herbal tea blends, a large shopping space featuring local artists, and a diverse array of events in the community meeting room.
Stephanie Blaney (55) kicked off on the night because she had been drinking and was not used to it.

A woman who tried to hit and kick gardai when she was arrested for being intoxicated in public was not a habitual drinker, a court has heard.

Stephanie Blaney (55) kicked off on the night because she had been drinking and was not used to it.

Judge David McHugh said he would strike the case out, leaving her without a criminal record, if she paid 300 to charity.

Blaney, of Rosewood Grove, Lucan, pleaded guilty to public intoxication, threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and garda obstruction.

Blanchardstown District Court heard gardai on patrol at Castle Road, Lucan, saw the accused attempting to walk and when they approached her she tried to run and almost fell onto the road.

When they stopped her, they found she was a danger to herself and arrested her for her own safety.

When Blaney was put into a patrol van, she attempted to hit and kick out at gardai.

The accused was not a habitual drinker, what happened was out of character for her and she apologised profusely for it, defence solicitor William Cadogan said.

Judge McHugh asked: Why did she kick off on the night in question?

Mr Cadogan said: She is not used to drinking.
Clodagh Byrne (31) will appear in Enniskillen court on Monday accused of possessing and intending to supply psilocybin and psilocin

A woman who branded herself the Taylor Swift of loyalism after flashing her boob at an Orange parade has been charged with drug dealing.

Clodagh Byrne (31) will appear in Enniskillen court on Monday accused of possessing and intending to supply psilocybin and psilocin, substances classed as Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on July 25, 2024, during which the 31-year-old is alleged to have unlawfully possessed the controlled drugs with an intention to supply them to another person.

Byrne hit the headlines last summer when a video of her gate-crashing a July 12th parade in Belfast went viral.

Dressed in a sash, bowler hat, and carrying a bodhran drum, she was filmed marching alongside the parade on Lisburn Road and flashing her breast.

She later claimed some of those taking part jokingly referred to her as the Taylor Swift of loyalism.

However, her actions did not impress the Orange Order which told Sunday Life: Marshals repeatedly removed her from the parade. However, she continued to walk alongside and indecently exposed herself to participants and spectators.

It is understood that the individual has previously acted in this manner at other unrelated events. Police are aware of the incident and are investigating.

Byrne, who is originally from Castlederg but now has an address at Aghyaran, Co Tyrone, claims to have a background as a social worker.
The Belfast mans sister made the announcement on Saturday

The funeral of a Belfast man found dead in Spain last week has been postponed until further notice, his family has confirmed.

John Georges body was found last Tuesday in Rojales, around 40 minutes south of Alicante, under trees on a farm nearly three weeks after he was reported missing.

His disappearance on December 14 prompted a huge search, with supporters flying out to aid the family as they searched for their loved ones remains.

Johns funeral had been due to take place on Friday January 24, but his sister Courtney has now confirmed it has been postponed.

"All funeral arrangements cancelled until further notice due to circumstances beyond our control, she posted on social media.

Updated arrangements will follow in due course.

The father-of-twos 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.

A funeral notice described the 37-year-old 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 said.

"Arrangements will be published online as soon as they are confirmed.

John George's family arrive home from Spain, pictured at Belfast International Airport. Pic: Press Eye

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.

Interpol is also assisting the Spanish authorities with the murder probe.
The unnamed 36-year-old won the compensation after suing doctors, while his wife received 4,000 as well

A man who endured an erect penis for 30 hours has been awarded 41,000 after a lengthy battle with a Spanish hospital.

The unnamed 36-year-old won the compensation after suing doctors, while his wife received 4,000 as well.

He had attended 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 and means blood can't drain from the penis.

He then went to nearby Ontinyent Hospital after the diagnosis he but claims there was a delay in treatment.

He made second visit to the hospital with his wife 20 hours after his problems started but had been allegedly told he would have to wait to see a urologist.

He was referred to another hospital where he was admitted with a fever which can accompany priapism along with other signs of infection in some cases.

There, the medics drained the blood from his penis.

He was sent home and returned a few days later for an operation to have a penile prosthesis was fitted.

But he then required a second operation as it had been poorly fitted

The regional government covering the Valencia area was ordered to pay compensation after experts ruled he had not been properly treated.

IT was found that he had been 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.

Jorge Sanchez, a urologist who was not involved in the case, explained to local media how 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, Sanchez said.

If they are ruptured, the patient will no longer be able to have an erection and will require a prosthesis.
A collaboration between the Western Bay Wildlife Trust and the Mauao Trust spells hope for the future of one of the Mount Maunganui korora, little penguin, colonies.

Korora everywhere are declining rapidly unless heavily managed and protected, said WBWT spokesperson and trustee Julia Graham.

Thirteen years ago, the community united to help the korora of Mount Maunganui through the Rena oil spill  but the issues they face from rising sea levels, climate change, warmer oceans, less food, habitat destruction and threats from pests are day-to-day problems in their lives.

The sheer number of constant back-to-back threats can be devastating to seabird colonies.

Graham said stress also plays a big factor.

Stress burns calories. If a bird is already hungry and struggling to find food then comes onto land at night and has to run and hide from humans and pests or climb higher to find a suitable burrow after theirs washes away. That burns calories and could mean life or death to an already struggling penguin.

By taking the stress out of their nesting areas and providing safe environments for them on land is something Graham said humans can do easily and it can be a huge benefit to the birds in times of hardship.

They need our help more than ever, she said.

WBWT recently joined more than 30 organisations around the country in a pledge to Turn Back the Red on their chosen species. This means the trust is more committed than ever to seeing the Mauao population of korora stabilised and increasing.

With support from the World Wild Fund for Nature NZ and the Tindall Foundation, the collaboration aims to provide alternative nesting opportunities, habitat improvement and regular monitoring by WBWT and Mauao Katikati, alongside educating the public around korora.

WWF Conservation Impact advisor Carolyn Aguilar said the WWF is thrilled to support the WBWT in their fantastic work for korora.

Facing so many big threats, these little penguins need our help and it is great seeing community groups and youth come together to give them new homes.

Graham said none of what they do would be possible without support of the community and the organisations involved with caring for the maunga, including iwi and TCC Mauao ranger Josh Clarke.

WBWT is also working with Mount Maunganui College innovation and technology students to assist with designing alternative nesting options.

These kids are our next scientists and conservationists, said Graham.

Fostering a passion and commitment to protecting our environment in todays youths is important if we are to see the sustainability and continuation of work being put in now.
The Friendship Force of Tauranga is hosting a picnic to honour the late Jimmy Carter.

On Sunday, January 19, the Friendship Force of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are hosting a picnic at Kulim Park to remember the late US President and co-founder of Friendship Force International, Jimmy Carter.

Starting at 12pm, the BYO picnic will involve sharing memories and stories about President Carter and his achievements throughout his life.

Jimmy Carter was the 39th US President, from 1977 to 1981, who died aged 100 in his Georgia home on December 29, 2024. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to peace and justice.



Former US President Jimmy Carter, 2014. Photo / www.cartercenter.org/

Friendship Force is an international group that organises exchange opportunities.

Friendships are made as people stay with others in different countries, cultures and beliefs and then host them in their own homes, said a New Zealand regional club convener and board member, John Hannah.

If you actually know the people of a different race, creed, political beliefs, you realise were all people and we all have values. Thats the fundamental purpose of the Friendship Force.

If you understand people from a different country, youll feel differently about that country.

There are now 10 Friendship Force clubs around New Zealand.
Were undertaking pre-seal road repairs on Tara Road in Papamoa as part of our annual resurfacing programme, to ensure smoother and safer journeys for people travelling around Tauranga.

Between Sunday 19 January and Saturday 25 January, maintenance works will take place between the Domain Road and Doncaster Drive roundabouts during the daytime.

This work includes digouts, which involves excavating and replacing sections, stabilising to improve the base layers, and patch sealing. This work is highly weather dependent.

Papamoa road works. Photo / supplied

One half of Tara Road will be closed, reducing traffic to a single lane in each direction from Doncaster Drive to Domain Road while this work is underway.

Twin Oak Avenue can be accessed via Doncaster Drive instead of Tara Road.

Access for residents who live on Obsidian Way and Royal Ascot Drive will also be made available.

This is the first phase of work on Tara Road in 2025. Crews will be returning in March to resurface the road.

Dates for this work will be advised closer to the time to allow people to plan their journeys.

For more information, head to our website.
Yes, the education system is strong

It could use some improvement

No, there are significant issues
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Utica man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for attempting to sell cocaine he received in the mail, prosecutors said.

Willie Alvarado Jr., 34, was sentenced last week for attempted possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine and money laundering, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release on Friday.

Alvarado admitted in his plea that as early as October 2022 he received drug parcels from Puerto Rico via the U.S. Postal Service, prosecutors said. In May 2023, law enforcement obtained a package intended for Alvarado with almost five pounds of cocaine, which Alvarado admitted he intended to distribute, prosectors said

Alvarado also admitted that in September 2023 he used another individual to launder at least $9,940 of his drug proceeds, they said.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The Syracuse Academy of Science officials say the school plans to reopen on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after high carbon monoxide levels sent five people to a hospital.

The academy announced Friday that its inspection and certification processes to reopen had been successfully completed. The charter school was ordered closed by the city of Syracuse last week until carbon monoxide detectors were installed.

On Jan. 7, firefighters responded to the school at 1001 Park Ave. after a man was reported in cardiac arrest. A carbon monoxide detector on firefighters equipment indicated high levels of the deadly gas.

Twelve adults were evaluated, and five were transported to hospitals with symptoms consistent with mild to moderate exposure to carbon monoxide.

The man reported in cardiac arrest was a school janitor, Brian Deforge, 46, who was dead.

The high levels of the gas were caused by a food warmer in the kitchen, according to Bekir Duz, the charter schools assistant superintendent. Most of the people taken to the hospital worked in the kitchen area.

School officials said Deforges death appeared unrelated to the carbon monoxide because they said the food warmer was turned on after DeForges death.

School officials initially said there was a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen but later said it was only a smoke detector. A city inspection had missed that the detector was only a smoke detector, school officials said.

The school was cited as an unfit structure for human occupancy and an unsafe structure last week, according to violations issued by the city.

The school also was issued violations related to carbon monoxide alarms and detectors as well as removal or tampering with equipment, according to city records. Under state fire code, it is unlawful to remove, tamper with or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant, fire detection and alarm system, fire suppression system or other fire appliance.

City officials have refused to comment on the code violations.

The school was required to stay closed until additional carbon monoxide alarms were installed and approved, fire department officials said. The school also had to obtain a kitchen equipment safety certification from a licensed professional, they said.

The school has finalized the reinspection of the kitchen equipment, its ventilation system, and the fire alarm system, school officials said in an announcement to parents and guardians on Friday. The school has also installed a new hardwired and monitored carbon monoxide detection system to further enhance safety measures, they said.

Some students, employees and the family of Deforge believe the school failed to detect carbon monoxide levels for some time, possibly causing the death of Deforge and for others to report they felt sick.

Syracuse police are investigating Deforges death, and no official cause of death has been made public.

The school is inviting parents to visit the school on Tuesday between 12 and 3 p.m. to see the updated work and review the certifications provided by contractors and inspectors. The school will return to its regular in-person schedule on Wednesday, according to its announcement.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Two men were found guilty Friday of acting as violent members of the Uptown gang based on Syracuses East Side after a two-week-long trial.

Carl Newton, 38, and Synike White, 33, were found guilty of aggravated enterprise corruption, a state charge rarely used thats similar to federal racketeering charges.

The jury agreed with the prosecutions theory that Newton was a leader in the Uptown gang, centered around Parkside Commons, and White was a lower-ranking member of the gang. Over the two weeks, prosecutors presented evidence that showed Uptown had a decades-long history of narcotics trafficking and violence.

District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said that this case is just the beginning of a collaboration between his office and the Syracuse Police Department to dismantle the gangs of Syracuse.

I want this to be a watershed moment for Syracuse, he said. You are going to see multiple enterprise corruption indictments throughout the rest of the year.

He said that the majority of law-abiding residents of Parkside Commons should not have to live in fear because of the Uptown gang.

The two men were also found guilty of the attempted murder of Donta Albert during a shooting on the 200 block of Allen Street on July 28, 2021, and the murder of Jarrette Johnson on the 700 block of North Alvord Street on Aug. 15, 2021.

The conviction in the aggravated enterprise corruption hinged on the jury finding the men responsible for the two shootings. The men had to be found guilty of at least three pattern acts they were accused of in the indictment.

The aggravated enterprise corruption charge requires two of the three acts to be at least B-level violent felonies. The murder and attempted murder are the only B-level or higher felonies in the indictment.

Newton was also found guilty of intimidating a witness after an interaction with Joshua Stanley in December 2023 in the parking lot of Parkside Commons. Newton confronted Stanley because he had cooperated with federal investigators in a prior drug case involving Uptown members.

One of Newtons defense attorneys, Nicholas Demartino, challenged Stanleys testimony by pointing out that he did not have to testify as a witness in any case when the confrontation occurred. Ultimately the jury sided with the prosecution that the timing was relevant because Stanleys cooperation agreement was recently posted on Facebook by Newtons sister and made public knowledge.

White was found guilty of criminal possession of a weapon after a gun was found near him when a warrant squad arrested him in December 2021 at Parkside Commons.

White was also found guilty of making a false statement to law enforcement in an attempt to cover for Ken Kinsey Jr., who had been out on bail while facing a murder charge when he was caught in a high-speed chase with State Police. White claimed to have been driving the car in the hope that Kinsey would not have his bail revoked.

The allegation of attempted juror tampering was the only pattern act in the indictment where the jury issued a not-guilty verdict.

The alleged juror tampering was what caused Newton and Whites first trial to end in a mistrial. A friend of Newtons, Kawan Woodley, approached Newton;s and Whites attorneys to express his frustration about the jury selection process.

Woodley expressed concerns about Black potential jurors being dismissed, Newtons former attorney testified at trial. Woodley told Susan Carey, Whites former attorney, they should stop getting rid of Black people and said we know how to talk to them, she testified.

In closing arguments, one of Newtons attorneys, Graeme Spicer, said that there was no evidence to show that Carl knew about Woodleys actions, let alone encouraged them. The jury ultimately agreed.

After the verdict was read, spectators who had been present to support Newton and White began crying. The two men remained silent as the judge confirmed the jurys verdict.

Aggravated enterprise corruption carries a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 25 years to life.

With all of the convictions, both men could face a maximum of 105 years to life in prison if all the sentences run consecutively.

The two men are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 25.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, N.Y.  About 500 people marched in the cold and wet almost a mile through downtown Syracuse for the annual Womens March on Saturday.

The annual march was first held in January 2017 after President Donald Trumps first inauguration. Men, women, children and even four-legged friends started their march at the James M. Hanley Federal Building at 100 S. Clinton Street.

Also on Saturday, the annual March for Life took place with people walking from the MOST to the Onondaga County Courthouse. This annual anti-abortion event started after the Supreme Courts Roe decision legalized abortion in 1973, according to organizers.

At the Womens March, many people carried signs about reproductive freedom and others had signs for other causes such as gun control and support for Palestine.

W.W.M.J.G.D? What would Matilda Joslyn Gage Do? read one sign carried by a woman in a pink wig and pink sequin pants, a nod to a Central New York woman who helped found the National Womens Suffrage Association in 1869.

The group chanted as they marched a mile to University United Methodist Church at 324 University Ave.

The marchers enjoyed hot beverages inside the church. Every seat was taken, with many standing along the walls.

The church seats 400 to 500 people, said Pastor Alicia Wood. Wood estimated about 500 people were gathered in the church to hear the speakers.

Donna Moore, co-founder of New Feminists for Justice was the master of ceremony for the event.

Jackie Pilon was the first speaker and stressed that pro-women choices benefit society and that action is needed.

When women thrive, societies thrive, Pilon said. Lets not wait for change to happen, lets be the change.

Ruthnie Angrand, who identifies as Haitian-American, read a poem about Black women and their extra struggles in America such as a higher maternal mortality rate, lower pay, and having to wait 100 years after Juneteenth in 1865 to vote, despite white women winning their vote earlier in 1920. (African American women faced barriers to vote for many years until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.)

Thank God for wicked women, nasty women, who bridge divides, Angrand said, to thunderous applause. What are we doing to do to make it right?

The final and keynote speaker was May Sabe Phyu, an activist from Myanmar who focuses on gender issues. Phyu was awarded the International Women of Courage Award in 2015 by the U.S. State Department.

Phyu spoke about being a political exile and having to hide after partaking in a non-violent womens rights campaign around March 8, International Womens Day. With help from the Cornell Law School she fled to the states, she said. She also mentioned a 19-year-old woman who was killed during a womens rights march.

The marchers gathered in the church that day were fighting not only for their rights but influencing other countries, she said.

You are making change, not only for your country, because America is a leading country, Phyu said. We be (sic) hoping and looking forward so much on your democracy and the advancement of human rights.

Together, there is more power, she said.

Your presence here is an act of courage and commitment, she said. The question we must ask ourselves is What comes next?

Marchers make their way towards University United Methodist Church in Syracuse on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.Rylee Kirk

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.
xsrahul BHPian

Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 68 Thanked: 118 Times

Re: Bombay High Court: Explore phasing out Petrol & Diesel cars After a long time I see a thread on Mumbai which is great as I do see proactive intent from the authorities which of course our petrol heads are support of.



That said, I can also sense there is a rift in terms of the the benefits that members feel can be achieved from banning automobiles in Mumbai which is understandable as no one knows if this will surely make an impact on our AQI.



I think all of us agree that banning some cars/all cars will stop pollution but then so will turning off all factories and turning off all polluting sources. Is that a solution?

Many of us go on perfectly avoidable drives inside and out of the city which are technically not a necessity - of course fully knowing this is adding to the pollution yet we dont flinch while doing it.



Some of the members of this forum may have the luxury of 1 or multiple cars or maybe well off to not get commercially impacted by such bans as they can buy a new car but surely this size doesnt fit all.



Coming to the point on banning x type of fuel cars after y years, who gets to decide which car is polluting and which is not polluting. Instead of banning cars by age/fuel type, maybe room to consider to ban cars which pollute above a certain level which is tested at a PUC center. Isnt that the reason we have PUC which is to be done as frequently as 6months currently, if required make this 3 months for older cars but ad hoc deciding to ban cars without logic is a step in the wrong direction to the best of my knowledge.



Second angle - pollution is due to traffic which is mostly due to construction and bad roads. More fuel is burnt when cars have to stop and start due to this, than at smooth cruising, lets see how the authorities cater to that and not put in a difficult to do basket which has been perennially done. Ive lived and worked (much like many of other member) in countries which are too hot, too rainy, too humid yet their roads are much better than mumbai - which is proudly the highest tax paying city in the country.



I would imply that it a regressive move to take adhoc decisions on banning an and b although it maybe populist and political but only time will tell whether this is a long term solution.



My humble take knowing mumbai is this city has a beautiful heart and has proven it time and again. Request people to use their vehicles (especially polluting ones) judiciously. Dont renew / impound cars which pollute (regulations) and apply strict fines so that we are driving behaviour rather than taking a short term easy quick fix.



One thing I know for sure is in mumbai, some will crib and most will complain but the city never stops. Cheers to that undying spirit of my favourite city



Safe driving! Last edited by xsrahul : 17th January 2025 at 23:12 . Reason: Grammar
czar6502 BHPian

Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 45 Thanked: 65 Times

Leaving the Hunter 350: Is the KTM 250 Duke the Right Upgrade? Hello everyone, I recently had a revelation: It occurred to me that just because I made a purchase and later felt that it was not the right fit does not mean I have to settle. With that in mind, I have decided to explore my options once again.



With that said, I currently own a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 that my father and I bought together. It is my first motorcycle and has been a part of my life for 12,800 km. At first, I was thrilled- perhaps it was the excitement of finally owning a new motorcycle, which masked its flaws. But over time, the stiff suspension became hard to ignore. This was even more noticeable on long rides, where I often reached my destinations with a sore bum. Carrying a pillion usually resulted in them complaining about how unsuitable my motorcycle was for pillions. On highways, it struggles to go faster than 105 kmph, and if it does cross that, it will make me aware that the it is not very comfortable doing it. And the mirrors become useless past 80 kmph due to vibrations.



I still love the motorcycle for sentimental reasons, I have realised I do not want to stick with it just because of emotional attachment. At 23, I would like to have a bike that aligns with my needs and riding style. Adding to my decision are the subpar experiences I have had with the authorised service centers.



So, I have decided to replace it with something quicker, lighter, more comfortable and better equipped. This time, I can afford something a bit more premium as I will not be needing support from my father. After looking at various options, the KTM 250 Duke caught my eye. It is everything the Hunter is not. I have also tested other bikes like Xpulse, Apache, Pulsar, Dominar, MT15 and Honda commuters, but none resonated with me.



Tomorrow, I intend to visit a KTM Dealership nearby and test ride the 250 Duke to see if it is the right choice. From what I have read and watched, it seems like the right fit. I also heard that KTM spares are reasonably priced, but I would like to know more about upkeep costs and mileage.



I would love to hear your thoughts: Is the KTM 250 Duke a good option for someone like me who wants a nice motorcycle that can handle traffic commutes in low gears, with good initial torque while travelling around a city like Bangalore, as my motorcycle would be the primary mode of transport for me and a bit of highway rides too?

How good is the pillion seat ? My regular pillions would include my parents and girlfriend.



P.S. I want something fun to ride but not too heavy on the pocket and within a budget of 3 lakh.
Recap: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang addressed concerns about the company's demand for advanced packaging from TSMC earlier this week, clarifying that while their technological needs are evolving, overall demand remains robust. Specifically, Nvidia is transitioning from CoWoS-S to CoWoS-L, representing a significant advancement in its chip architecture as well as a major shift for TSMC.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event hosted by chip supplier Siliconware Precision Industries in Taichung, Taiwan, Huang explained the transition in Nvidia's chip packaging requirements. "As we move into Blackwell, we will use largely CoWoS-L. Of course, we're still manufacturing Hopper, and Hopper will use CoWoS-S. We will also transition the CoWoS-S capacity to CoWoS-L," he stated.

Huang emphasized that this shift does not indicate a reduction in capacity but rather an increase in capacity for CoWoS-L technology. "So it's not about reducing capacity. It's actually increasing capacity into CoWoS-L," he said.

CoWoS-L (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate with Local Silicon Interconnect) represents a significant advancement over CoWoS-S in terms of performance and efficiency for high-end computing applications like AI and HPC.

The main difference between the two lies in the incorporation of Local Silicon Interconnect (LSI) chips for die-to-die connections. This seemingly small change enables a dramatic increase in interconnect density, directly translating into improved bandwidth capabilities. The technology can also potentially support up to 12 HBM3 modules, surpassing the capabilities of CoWoS-S.

Huang's comments were in response to recent speculation about Nvidia potentially reducing orders from TSMC. Tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had reported at one point that Nvidia was shifting its focus to the newer CoWoS-L technology, which could have implications for suppliers. Additionally, some Taiwanese media outlets suggested that Nvidia was cutting CoWoS-S orders from TSMC, potentially impacting the chip foundry's revenue.

These concerns may have some merit. While Nvidia's overall demand from TSMC remains robust, the shift to CoWoS-L is prompting TSMC to adapt its production capabilities.

TSMC is expected to double its CoWoS production capacity by 2025, with Nvidia projected to occupy more than half of this capacity. However, Nomura Securities projects that Nvidia's reduction in CoWoS-S orders could lead to a 1% to 2% decrease in TSMC's revenue, and some analysts predict that Nvidia might cut CoWoS-S orders at TSMC by as much as 80%.

Meanwhile, other players in Nvidia's supply chain may also feel the effects as demand for CoWoS-S packaging decreases.

In the broader context, Nvidia's shift to CoWoS-L is likely to accelerate the adoption of advanced packaging technologies across the semiconductor industry, setting new benchmarks for high-performance AI chips.
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There are no plans for a TikTok ban in the UK, officials have said as a block in the US is set to come into force on Sunday.

The social media giant lost a last-ditch legal bid this week to have a ban declared as unconstitutional on free speech grounds, although US President-elect Donald Trump has told NBC News he will most likely give TikTok 90 more days to work out a deal after he is sworn into office on Monday.

Last April, US President Joe Biden signed a law which gave TikTok a deadline of January 19 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.

This week, the US Supreme Court rejected TikToks appeal and unanimously upheld the law banning the app.

A UK Government spokesperson said: This is a matter for the US government. There are no plans to introduce a TikTok ban in the UK.

We engage with all major social media companies to understand their plans for ensuring the security of UK data and to ensure they meet the high data protection and cyber security standards we expect.

While President Bidens administration has signalled that it would not enforce the law, TikTok has said it will have to go dark unless there are assurances that the US government will not enforce a shut down.

TikTok released a statement late on Friday saying 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, the statement said.

Despite there being no plans for a ban, TikTokers in the UK have expressed concerns about what the move in the US could mean for their viewership and income.

Tom Pratt, 23, a TikToker from London who interacts with users online  mainly Americans  by asking them geography trivia, fears the app will struggle to continue if users from the US are banned from using the platform.

The US as a country is so powerful and big and I dont think TikTok can keep going if theres no American users on the app, said Mr Pratt, who has more than 220,000 followers on TikTok.

I think it will sadly change over to another app, which I hate, because I absolutely love TikTok.
 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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British content creators have called the potential ban on TikTok in the United States deeply unfair and said it could impact peoples incomes.

The future of the short form video app remains uncertain as a ban on the app looms, but the incoming Donald Trump administration has hinted at keeping it online.

Last April, US President Joe Biden signed a law which gave TikTok a deadline of Sunday January 19 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.

While 15% of my followers are American, around 40% of initial video views are from the US Aidan Halling, TikToker

The social media giant 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.

TikTokers in the UK, who create content on social media for a living, have expressed their concerns about how the proposed ban might impact their viewership and incomes.

Aidan Halling, also known by his handle @etherealgames on TikTok, creates comedy skits on gaming for his 30,000 followers, and is worried his income may take a hit as the ban could force him to ditch the app.

A lot of creators rely on this app for a living, and its about to be pulled away from under them, he told the PA news agency.

This ban could potentially force me to pivot to different content or stop posting all together.

While 15% of my followers are American, around 40% of initial video views are from the US.

He fears a ban could also happen in the UK and is concerned about the uncertainty of a consistent social media platform.

Tom Pratt, 23, a TikToker from London who interacts with users online  mainly Americans  by asking them geography trivia, fears the app will struggle to continue if users from the US are banned from using the platform.

The US as a country is so powerful and big and I dont think TikTok can keep going if theres no American users on the app, said Mr Pratt, who has more than 220,000 followers on TikTok.

I think it will sadly change over to another app, which I hate, because I absolutely love TikTok.

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.

(The app) is all in Mandarin, I believe, and theres a lot of terms which I dont know what Im agreeing to, he explained.

Whether theyre collecting my data, I dont know what they get control of. I havent downloaded it yet because I dont know what Im signing up to.

It just sounds like everyone is downloading it because theyre panicking about TikTok potentially going down and RedNote becoming the new TikTok, which could happen.

Meanwhile, TikToker Helena Moody, who produces comedy content taking inspiration from her travels and relationships, has used her platform to express her concerns about the proposed ban and said it feels unjust.

The thought of this disappearing feels deeply unfair Helena Moody, comedian and TikToker from the UK

Influencers are often actors, musicians, comedians and people in the arts, the London-based creator told PA.

I work many hours creating comedy content, and because of this I have been able to launch my career as a comedian, securing gigs, press and an income.

The thought of this disappearing feels deeply unfair.

Ms Moody, who has more than 91,000 followers on TikTok, described peoples shift towards RedNote as a direct protest, adding: Itll be interesting to see what happens with it.

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.
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.
Israels cabinet approved a deal early on Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages that will pause the 15-month war with Hamas for six weeks.

The Qatari foreign ministry, which has been heavily involved in negotiations, said the ceasefire would come into effect on Sunday at 5.30pm (AEDT).

The deal brings Israel and Hamas a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever.

Given the devastation in Gaza, as well as Hamas operatives siphoning essential items for themselves, it will not be easy to direct aid to the people most in need. Credit: AP

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.
SUBARU OF AMERICA PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR FIRE RELIEF EFFORTS







Automaker and its retailers partner with national nonprofits to aid communities affected by recent California wildfires

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced additional support for the communities impacted by the California wildfires, working with existing national partners to aid in recovery programs. As part of the automakers ongoing commitment to being More Than a Car Company, Subaru, along with its retailers, is offering nonprofit donations and employee matching contributions to Meals on Wheels America, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen, as well as customer financial relief to help communities impacted by the fires.

As a long-standing partner of Meals on Wheels America, Subaru is donating $50,000 to the national leadership organization. This will ultimately help support local Meals on Wheels providers in the Los Angeles area, which are acting as an ongoing lifeline through the wildfire response and recovery. These community-based organizations are working tirelessly to ensure the older adults they serve are prepared and heeding precautionary orders, as well as navigating service delivery disruptions to continue providing home-delivered meals to those in need. Subaru is the largest automotive donor to Meals on Wheels America, having contributed more than $32 million over the past 16 years.

Subaru is also contributing $50,000 to the ASPCA and their California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund, supporting animal welfare organizations responding to animal needs due to the wildfires. Funding will support costs related to field operations, emergency sheltering or medical care for impacted animals, animal evacuation and relocation, or animal supply and food distribution. ASPCAs Wildfire Fund will also help organizations prepare for and build capacity to defend against future fires and other disasters. As the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA, since 2008 Subaru has donated over $38 million to the organization, helping more than 134,000 animals across the country.

The automakers Los Angeles zone is collaborating with Subaru retailers to support ongoing relief efforts and volunteer initiatives, including coordinating the collection of essential supplies for delivery to designated shelters and support organizations. Additional details will be shared as accessibility improves and needs assessments are finalized.

Jeff Walters, President and COO, Subaru of America, Inc.: "The widespread devastation caused by the relentless wildfires in Southern California is truly overwhelming, but we remain committed to supporting the affected communities. In collaboration with our national partners and retailers, we are working to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most, helping them rebuild their lives and move forward.

To assist customers affected by the wildfires, Subaru is providing $500 to $1,000 toward the lease or purchase of a new Subaru vehicle, depending on the model, for those whose cars were damaged or lost due to the destruction. This program is available to residents in designated disaster areas, and customers will need to verify that their vehicle loss occurred in one of the California counties* that were affected by the wildfires that began on January 7, 2025.

Additionally, Subaru has launched a 2:1 employee matching donation program to benefit the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen. For every $1 donated by employees, the Subaru of America Foundation will contribute $2, up to a total of $20,000 which will be split equally between each charity. Subaru has been a long-standing partner of the Red Cross, donating multiple vehicles and over $600,000 to the Ready 365 Giving Program, which enables the Red Cross to activate immediately and provide lifesaving aid year-round.

For more information about Subaru and its commitment to giving back, visit Subaru.com/LovePromise.

*Qualifying areas in California are being defined as FEMA-designated Individual Assistance major disaster and emergency areas in the following California counties as of January 7, 2025: Los Angeles County. Updates to FEMA-designated Individual Assistance areas can be found at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4856. (FEMA-4856-DR)

About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the companys vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the latter's request.

Xi congratulated Trump on his re-election as U.S. president. He pointed out that both he and Trump attach great importance to interaction with each other, hope that China-U.S. ties will have a good start in the new U.S. presidential term, and stand ready to push China-U.S. relations to make greater progress from a new starting point.

Xi stressed that both China and the United States, two great countries, are pursuing their own dreams and are committed to making the lives of their people better.

China and the United States share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation, and the two countries can become partners and friends, contribute to each other's success, and enjoy common prosperity, which will benefit both countries and the whole world, Xi said.

Xi said that it is inevitable that China and the United States, two major countries with different national conditions, have some differences, and the key is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and find appropriate ways to solve issues.

He said that the Taiwan question concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it is hoped that the U.S. side handles it with caution.

The nature of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win, and confrontation and conflict should not be the choice of the two countries, Xi said.

He also called on both sides to step up cooperation and do more great, practical and good things that are conducive to the two countries and the world at large based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, so as to keep the two giant ships of China and the United States moving forward on the course of stable, healthy and sustainable development.

Trump thanked Xi for his congratulations, saying that he cherishes his great relationship with Xi, hopes to continue to maintain dialogue and communication, and looks forward to meeting Xi at an early date.

The United States and China are the most important countries in the world today, and they should maintain long-lasting friendship and work together to safeguard global peace, Trump said.

Xi and Trump exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern, such as the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

They agreed to establish strategic communication channels and maintain regular contact on major issues of common concern.
Campus placement for Law students from this year





Justice Nitin Sambre lighting the lamp, alongside Justice Vrushali Joshi (left), RTMNU V-C Dr Prashant Bokare (right), and Principal Ravishankar Mor (extreme right), to inaugurate Justa Causa, at RTMNUs Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Law College, on Friday.

Staff Reporter :

Three-day Justa Causa National Law Festival gets underway

In a first, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Universitys (RTMNU) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law will undertake the selection process for campus placement this year onwards, announced Justice Nitin Sambre, Senior Administrative Judge of Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court and Executive Committee Chairman of National Law University, at the inauguration ceremony of the Justa Causa National Law Fest 2025, on Friday. The three-day National Law Festival organised by the Law College will feature a range of student events. Justice Nitin Sambre was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony while Justice Vrushali Joshi, Judge, Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) was the guest of honour. Dr Prashant Bokare, Vice-Chancellor, RTMNU chaired the event which was also graced by Ravishankar Mor, Principal of the college.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Sambre announced, In view of the requests received from the Vice-Chancellor of MNLU regarding placements of the students, the selection process for campus placement will take place in the Law College also from this year. Justice Sambre, an alumnus of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law, reminisced about his time in the college. He expressed, I have attended these very hall as a student when our classes were conducted, in fact, in this hall. It used to be a very rustic place...now, perhaps, many developments have happened here. He urged the college authorities to enhance the facilities of the college to give the students of the Law College an edge. We have to be sensitive to the fact that this college, this institution, and the students therein are required to compete with the students of National Law Schools and have to, at least, be at par.

The students, in my opinion, expect from the government that some of the required facilities are provided to them, he added. Mrunmayee Kukde and Supriya Ranade conducted the proceedings while Praveena Khobragade proposed a vote of thanks. The second day of the event will feature a Youth Conclave and a model National Youth Parliament. The conclave will take place at the college auditorium from 10 am onwards. The panel for the conclave will consist of Adv Shashank Manohar, former ICC Chairman, former BCCI President alongside Padma Shree Dr Vikas Mahatme, former MP; Atul Vaidya, Vice-Chancellor, LITU; Dr Raj Gajbhiye, Dean, Government Medical College; and renowned artist Chandrakant Channe, Founder, Basoli Group. The model National Youth Parliament will take place at Vidhan Bhavan in Civil Lines from 10 am onwards. Adv Rahul Narvekar, Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will be the chief guest while Dr Samay Bansod, Governor Nominee, Management Council, RTMNU will the guest of honour; and Dr Purushottam Borkar, Principal, Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work and Adv Parijat Pande, former Chairman, Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa will preside over in the model parliament.
New library in Anjaniya village to facilitate those preparing for competitive exams





Our Correspondent

MANDLA,

State Public Health Engineering Minister, Sampatiya Uike said that with the opening of the library in Anjaniya Gram Panchayat, Tehsil Bichhia of Mandla district, those preparing for competitive exams will get better library facilities. Competitors will be able to prepare for various exams including IAS, IPS, MPPSC easily by studying in the library. Competitors of Anjaniya area have got a golden opportunity to prepare for competitive exams through the library. PHE Minister, Sampatiya Uike was addressing the programme organised on the occasion of inauguration of Community Building Library in Anjaniya.

On this occasion, MLA, Narayan Singh Patta, Collector, Somesh Mishra, SDM Bichhia, Sonali Dev along with departmental officers and public representatives and villagers were present. Minister, Sampatiya Uike inaugurated the programme by lighting a lamp on the statue of Maa Saraswati. Minister, Sampatiya Uike also released the book General Intelligence and Reasoning Power Test in the programme. Minister, Sampatiya Uike said that with the opening of the community library building in Anjaniya, the competitors of Anjaniya area will not have to go out to prepare for various examinations.

All the competitors will be able to come to this library and prepare for all types of examinations. She said that competitive exam books, subject based books and religious books will be kept in the library. Any citizen can come to the said library and study. Minister, Sampatiya Uike said that on the basis of the demand of Gram Panchayat and Rural Committees, Gram Panchayat Anjaniya can be made a Nagar Panchayat. She gave instructions to send a formal proposal to the District Administration for making it a Nagar Panchayat. She said that a college has been started in Anjaniya on the demand of the citizens and students of this area, so that the students of this area can also get higher education in Anjaniya itself. She said that in a similar way, CM Rise School has been started for the students in Anjaniya, so that the students of this area can get quality education.
12 Indians serving with Russian military killed, 16 missing: MEA





NEW DELHI :

INDIA on Friday said 12 Indian nationals have been killed while serving with the Russian military and another 16 listed by Russia as missing. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a total of 126 Indians were serving with the Russian military and 96 of them have so far been discharged. Twelve Indian nationals have died in the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict, who were serving in the Russian Army, Jaiswal said, responding to a question at his weekly media briefing. Out of the 126 known cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Armed Forces, 96 individuals have already returned. They have been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces, he said. Of the remaining 18 Indian nationals in the Russian Armed Forces, the whereabouts of 16 individuals are currently not known, he added. The Russian side has categorised them as missing, Jaiswal said. The MEA is in touch with the families of all the 16 Indians categorised as missing by Russian authorities.

We remain engaged with the Russian authorities to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Indian nationals and for an early release and repatriation of those who remain, he said. This week, the MEA confirmed the death of an Indian from Kerala. The death of Binil TB, who hailed from Thrissur, was first made public on Monday by one of his relatives. Jaiswal described Binils death as unfortunate. The Indian embassy in Moscow is in touch with Russian authorities for bringing his body back, he said, adding that another resident of Kerala, who was injured, is currently being treated in a Moscow hospital. The embassy is in touch with him and Russian authorities for his well-being, and we are hopeful that he will return after his treatment, Jaiswal said. Officials had confirmed the deaths of nine Indians till last year and Binil is believed to be the 10th casualty.

Following Binils death, India pressed Russia to release all the Indians recruited by its military. 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. The Russian embassy said Moscow and New Delhi are working in close coordination for an early identification and discharge of the Indian nationals who voluntarily joined contractual work in the military service. and now want to return home. Since April last year, the ministry of defence of the Russian Federation has stopped recruiting citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, into the military service, it had said.
Attack on Saif Ali Khan Attacker remains at large





MUMBAI :

THE intruder who stabbed Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his home in Mumbai still remains at large despite more than 30 teams on the lookout for him on Friday, while a Maharashtra Minister ruled out underworld link to the brutal attack. The attacker was not working for any criminal gang and probably was not even aware whose house he had entered in, said police, citing their investigation carried out so far. Police picked up a carpenter in connection with the attack on Khan (54) at his apartment in the wee hours of Thursday as he resembled the intruder, and brought him to the Bandra police station for questioning on Friday morning, but released him later. A senior police official clarified the man was not related to the attack on Khan and no one has been arrested so far.

Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam said robbery was the motive behind the incident and clarified no underworld gang was involved in the knife attack. The filmstar is recovering well at Lilavati Hospital, where he was taken after the brutal attack by an intruder in the early hours of Thursday that left him with multiple wounds, and is expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors treating him said.

Police have got several clues: CM Fadnavis: MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the police have got several clues in the Saif Ali Khan attack case, and will arrest the culprit soon. Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, was talking to the media here. 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.
Bridge collapse on Berasia-Narsinghgarh road disrupts traffic





Staff Reporter :

In a major incident occurred late Thursday night, the Parvati River bridge on the Berasia-Narsinghgarh road in Bhopal collapsed, leading to the suspension of traffic, particularly for heavy vehicles. Authorities have quickly responded to the situation, with a team from the Public Works Department (PWD) and local administration on-site to assess the damage and co-ordinate repairs. The bridge, which connects Berasia in Bhopal to Narsinghgarh in Rajgarh, partially sank after developing deep cracks, creating significant safety concerns for commuters. Following the collapse, the Berasia SDM, Ashutosh Sharma, along with officials from the Narsinghgarh PWD, inspected the scene. They noted that the damage was severe enough to warrant an immediate investigation and further action. A special committee has been formed to examine the situation and prepare a report on the cause and extent of the collapse. The local administration has acted swiftly, barricading both sides of the bridge to prevent any vehicular movement, especially for heavy vehicles, to avoid further damage or potential accidents.

Currently, only two-wheelers are permitted to use the bridge, although a temporary alternative route is being planned for all vehicles. The authorities have assured that the diversion routes will be operational within the next couple of days. The Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) team arrived at the site on Friday to conduct a thorough inspection. After reviewing the damage, they began working on the next steps, which include assessing the severity of the collapse and planning for repairs. SDM Ashutosh Sharma confirmed that vehicles travelling between Berasia and Narsinghgarh will need to use other routes until further notice. The disruption of this key route has caused considerable inconvenience, as it has severed the direct road link between Bhopal and Rajgarh. According to information, the Parvati River bridge, built in 1976, is almost 49 years old, and experts believe that its age and lack of proper maintenance could have contributed to its collapse.

While the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, early reports suggest that the structural integrity of the bridge had significantly weakened over time, leading to the failure. The authorities have assured the public that the situation is being handled with urgency, and steps are being taken to restore the damaged bridge. However, until the repairs are completed, the movement of heavy vehicles will remain restricted, and commuters are urged to use the alternative routes that will be made available soon. Local police have been deployed at both ends of the bridge to ensure safety and guide vehicles accordingly.
Bring a stretcher, I am Saif Ali Khan: Auto driver recalls actors words





MUMBAI :

AUTO rickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana said he was not aware that the passenger with blood-soaked kurta he ferried to Lilavati Hospital in the wee hours of Thursday was Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. It was only when we reached the hospital gate that he called the guard to fetch a stretcher, saying he was Saif Ali Khan, the auto driver told reporters in Mumbai on Friday.

He said when he was passing by the Satguru Darshan building where the actor stayed, a woman and a few others asked him to stop the rickshaw. Then the person whose white kurta was soaked in blood got in the auto. I noticed he had neck and back injuries, but did not notice the hand injury, he said. He (Saif) walked into the auto. There was a seven-eight year old boy who also boarded the rickshaw, he said, when asked if the actors son Taimur accompanied him to the hospital.

The earlier plan was to go to the Holy Family hospital in Bandra but then Saif asked to be taken to Lilavati Hospital, also in Bandra, the driver said. When we reached the hospital, he called out to the guard at the gate and told him: Please bring a stretcher. I am Saif Ali Khan, he said, adding the auto reached the hospital around 3 am.

The driver said he did not take fare amount from the actor after he dropped him at the hospital within seven to eight minutes. The actor was speaking with the boy in the auto, Rana said, adding there was also another young man in the auto, in an apparent reference to Ibrahim Ali Khan, the 23-year-old son of Saif and his first wife, Amrita Singh.
Deo re-appointed BJP State President





Staff Reporter

Raipur,

Kiran Singh Deo has been re-elected as the Chhattisgarh BJP State President. The announcement was made by BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde during the State President election programme held at the partys state headquarters, Kushabhau Thackeray Complex. With this declaration, the BJPs state organisational elections have been concluded. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, the newly- appointed State President thanked the National President and senior leaders of the party.

I am honoured to have been given another opportunity to serve with the vision and determination I handled this position until now, he said. Singh Deo also highlighted the achievements of his concluded tenure such as completing the membership campaign target of 60 lakh members and uniting the party to secure victories in Lok Sabha and by-elections. The formal announcement of Kiran Singh Deos appointment was made in the presence of senior party leaders, including Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, State In-charge Nitin Nabin, and other BJP officeb bearers and leaders. Speaking, Vinod Tawde revealed that three nominations were received for the post, but all were filed in support of Kiran Singh Deo.

Tawde praised Singh Deos long-standing contributions to the party, which began during his student politics days. Singh Deos political journey started in 1985 when he became the President of the Student Union. Over the years, he has held several key positions in the BJP, including District President (20022005), State General Secretary (20052009), and member of the State Working Committee (till 2014). He also served as the Mayor of Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation from 2009 to 2014. Born on September 17, 1962, Singh Deo, a lawyer by profession, contested the Jagdalpur Assembly seat in the 2023 elections, where he defeated Congress candidate Jatin Jaiswal to become an MLA for the first time. His reappointment as State President marks a new chapter in his political journey and also reflects the partys confidence in his leadership. Addressing the gathering, Singh Deo vowed to work with renewed energy and commitment, emphasizing the need for collective effort to strengthen the party further in the state.
Lawyers protest attack on colleague, demand Advocate Protection Act





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Hundreds of enraged advocates protested and manhandled an accused individual who allegedly assaulted advocate Dirgesh Sharma. Sharma was reportedly attacked due to his involvement in a case against the accused. The incident occurred in the presence of police personnel, who managed to intervene and rescue the accused from the crowd. Following the incident, thousands of advocates held a demonstration and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to ADM Devendra Verma. The advocates of Chhattisgarh strongly condemned the attack on Dirgesh Sharma, which took place in the Khamtarai police station area of Raipur on January 16, 2025, while he was performing religious rituals. They also noted that neighbors who intervened were also attacked, highlighting the increasing boldness of criminals and perceived administrative negligence.

The advocates expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on lawyers in the past six months and the lack of effective administrative action. They stated that this situation raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary and the safety of legal professionals.

The advocates demands include the immediate implementation of an Advocate Protection Act with the following provisions: A provision for 7 years imprisonment for anyone who harms a lawyer, their family, or their property, mandatory consent from the concerned State Bar Council before registering a crime against an advocate, requirement for crime registration to be authorized by an SP or higher-ranking officer and a judicial officer of Magistrate level, term insurance of Rs 10,00,000 and health insurance of Rs 5,00,000 for serious health conditions to be provided to the families of deceased advocates and a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000 for junior advocates. They also demanded that the attacker of Dirgesh Sharma be tried in a fast-track court and given severe punishment. The advocates issued a censure motion strongly condemning the incident as a threat to the safety of lawyers and the independence of the judiciary. They called for strict action against the perpetrators and warned of large-scale protests if their demands are not met promptly. Khamtarai Police had booked Ajay Singh under Section 109 of the BNS.
Maharashtra is now countrys leading State in startup count, value: Fadnavis





Business Reporter :

The second day of 31st COMP-EX 2025, Central Indias largest technology expo underway at St. Ursula School Ground, near VCA Stadium in Civil Lines, Nagpur. It is receiving an overwhelming response from the citizens. The event had become even more exciting with the esteemed visit of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis on Friday. CM Fadnavis received a thundering applause when he said, Now Maharashtra is No. 1 State in India in terms of startup count, but now we have overtaken Karnataka in terms of startup value also which was leading till now. The visit of Chief Minister Fadnavis on Day 2 of COMP-EX emphasises Maharashtras vision of embracing the next frontier in tech innovation. As he toured the event, the Chief Minister interacted with industry leaders, exhibitors, and young innovators, expressing support for initiatives that promote technology-driven growth in the region. He praised COMP-EX for providing a platform for young talent to explore cutting-edge technologies, develop skills, and build future-ready careers in IT and beyond.

Additionally, the Chief Minister took time to enjoy the gaming zone, engaging with participants and showcasing his enthusiasm for the latest advancements in gaming technology. Chief Minister Fadnavis has been a regular attendee of COMP-EX. Day 2 of the event continues to showcase the limitless potential of technology and how it is reshaping industries. At COMP-EX 2025, attendees have the unique opportunity to explore a wide array of cutting-edge technologies and innovations. Visitors can discover the latest gaming laptops designed for peak performance, alongside affordable, eco-friendly refurbished PCs that offer both sustainability and functionality. The event also highlights how e-learning equipment is transforming education with state-of-the-art tools that enhance learning experiences.

For those interested in the future of technology, the AI Experience Arena offers immersive, AI-driven experiences showcasing the next wave of artificial intelligence applications. Besides this, 31 st COMP-EX 2025 also features advanced CCTV and graphic solutions that are enhancing security and visual experiences across industries. Additionally, attendees can explore a range of tech accessories, from SSDs to external HDDs and chargers, to complement their tech setups. Those looking to dive deeper into tech can join the exclusive workshop on assembling gaming PCs at 3 pm on january 18, hosted by METTA MONK. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on building a high-performance gaming PC from scratch. By the end of the workshop, one can gain the confidence and knowledge to create ones own custom-built gaming rig, tailored to ones requirements. Job seekers wont want to miss the job placement assistance and start-up showcasing available at the event, connecting them with top tech companies and career opportunities in the thriving tech sector. COMP-EX 2025 is underway from January 16 to 19. Timings are from 12 noon to 9 pm.
New high !





INDIAN Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a new high in the countrys space programme by facilitating docking of two satellites as part of the SpaDex experiment. The two docked satellites are now operating as a single object subject to joint control. This needs to be recorded as a historic moment in Indias ambitious space programme that has achieved successful lunar landing as well in the past. The world watched in awe as the ISRO scientists successfully conducted the docking experiment, thus taking one more major step towards manned missions into space. The entire community of scientists at the ISRO and elsewhere needs to be complimented and congratulated on this achievement -- which takes India into the elite league of just four nations to have acquired the technology. India -- ISRO -- harbours high ambitions as part of the space programme that started on a small note several decades ago. But the verve and nerve the scientists showed then is the same today as in those early times.

The biggest fight was against lack of appropriate resources that were needed to conduct research in space science. Undaunted, the countrys scientific community continued its work doggedly -- not just in space science but also in many other disciplines including nuclear domain -- to record high achievement in almost every endeavour. In the process, countless numbers of Indian scientists attained international acclaim for their professionalism and their spirit. The successful SpaDex experiment is the latest and the highest point in that trajectory so far. Though various achievements of ISRO may make many to feel that success is habitual for the Indian space agency. But those who know the intricacies of rocket science and the high degree of risks involved, would realise how ISRO has been scaling up its performance levels painstakingly. Very unambiguosly conscience of resource crunch, the ISRO scientists have often spent every rupee at their disposal with utmost care and caution.

In the process, they have earned global acclaim by making even trips to the moon much less expensive than those undertaken by other countries with advanced technologies available at their command. Indias successful SpaDex experiment looks all the brighter against the reality of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams having been stuck at the International Space Station (ISS) for a long time, thanks to the snag in the space vehicle that was expected to bring her back to Earth. Of course, even in those conditions, Sunita Williams is conducting her work as mission commander, all right. But the coincidence of her getting stuck up there at the ISS and the successful Indian SpaDex deployment is striking. The ISRO is diligently working on the manned missions into space, as is known to one and all. Such endeavours are full of serious risks -- of which the ISRO leading lights are aware fully.

Yet, they are confident that in due time, the Indian space agency will complete all those missions and will keep registering greater achievements in space. Thanks to all the achievements, the world now looks at ISRO as an agency manned by some of the best brains in space science in the world. Indias speciality is that it can boast of a great talent pool in sciences -- which has ensured that there is a steady supply of scientists at all levels to take the country forward in different domains, space being one. This has invited a comprehensive appreciation from all quarters including politics. In the past few years, ISRO has become a new signature of Indias scientific achievements. This success is also attracting bright children to studying sciences in greater depths. Thus, ISRO is proving to be an inspirer for newer generations of Indians in the field of science and technology -- deserving a wholesome appreciation.
The 2023 Foot Traffic Ahead Report was co-authored by Michael Rodriguez, AICP and Christopher B. Leinberger from The George Washington University School of Business.

1. Washington, D.C.

" " Washington D.C. Philip Yabut / Getty Images

The most walkable city was Washington D.C., our nation's capital. The city's downtown area and landmarks, including the National Mall, are all easily accessible on foot. It also boasts a robust public transit system, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), that is affordable and can take you to Virginia and Maryland suburbs.

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2. New York City, NY

" " New York City. Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

According to the 2023 U.S. Census, 57 precent of New York City workers walked or took public transportation to work, only about 25 percent drove and the rest worked from home.

From Central Park to West Village, Chelsea, the Upper East Side, Washington Square Park and Times Square, New York City is made for walking. Manhattan's straightforward grid system  where streets all run east to west, and avenues go north to south  makes it simple for walkers to navigate.

3. Boston, MA

" " Boston. John Coletti / Getty Images

Boston boasts many walkable neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill, Back Bay and the North End. The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4-km) route marked by a red brick line, guides pedestrians through 16 historic landmarks, including Paul Reveres house and the Old North Church.

The city also has a seasonal event called Open Newbury Street, where they close Newbury Street to cars for a whole Sunday in order to encourage walking. It started in 2016, and in 2023, Open Newbury Street was expanded to 16 consecutive Sundays.

4. San Francisco, CA

" " San Francisco. Steve Proehl / Getty Images

San Francisco's compact size (47 square miles or 122 square km) and its extensive transit system  with BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), Muni buses and streetcars  makes the city extremely easy to navigate on foot.

The only challenge to walking are its many hilly streets, but as you get your glutes working, you can enjoy scenic views of the bay and bridges.

5. Chicago, IL

" " Chicago. ANDREY DENISYUK / Getty Images

The Windy City is known for pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crosswalks and car-free zones. Walkers can enjoy the scenery on the Chicago Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile, or they can explore shops and eateries by foot at the Loop, River North, East Ukrainian Village and Old Town. The Chicago Transit Authority system of buses and trains also make getting around without a car easy.

6. Seattle, WA

" " Seattle. Thomas Kurmeier / Getty Images

Seattle, the Emerald City, has embraced walkability with neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Ballard and Fremont. Landmarks in Downtown Seattle like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum and the waterfront area are also very pedestrian-friendly. The city's steep hills challenge walkers but offer stunning views.

7. Portland, OR

" " Portland. Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

Portland boasts an extensive network of walking paths and bike lanes, connecting parks and busy urban areas. The MAX Light Rail, streetcars and buses make it easy to get around without a car. And the city offers many nature parks, including Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Forest Park.

8. Atlanta, GA

" " Atlanta. ANDREY DENISYUK / Getty Images

Atlanta is walkable in its core neighborhoods like Midtown and Downtown, thanks to the BeltLine, a multiuse trail that connects parks, restaurants and shops. There is also easy access to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

9. Pittsburg, PA

" " Pittsburg. ANDREY DENISYUK / Getty Images

Pittsburgh's bridges create natural walkable corridors over its many rivers, and the city's compact design make it walkable in key areas like the Strip District and Shadyside. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail also offers scenic walking routes along the citys waterways.

10. Cleveland, OH

" " Cleveland. Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Getty Images

Cleveland's downtown has seen revitalization efforts that encourage walking, including bike lanes, public parks and proximity to cultural hubs like Playhouse Square. Neighborhoods like Ohio City and Tremont are also known for their walkable, lively streets filled with restaurants, breweries and local shops.

11. Baltimore, MD

" " Baltimore. Greg Pease / Getty Images

Baltimore's Inner Harbor and historic neighborhoods like Fell's Point are ideal for walking, with cobblestone streets and waterfront views. The Charm City Circulator, a free bus system, enhances walkability by connecting pedestrians to major attractions and transit hubs.

12. Minneapolis, MN

" " Minneapolis. J.Castro / Getty Images

Minneapolis has an extensive 9.5-mile enclosed Skyway System that makes the city walkable even when the temperature drops under 0 degrees or it gets too hot to handle.

13. Philadelphia, PA

" " Philadelphia. joe daniel price / Getty Images

Known for its colonial history, Philadelphia offers a blend of walkable areas and green spaces. Tourists can easily walk from attractions like the Liberty Bell and Center City to Reading Terminal Market when they visit Philadelphia.

14. Denver, CO

" " Denver. John Coletti / Getty Images

Denver's city center and surrounding neighborhoods have become increasingly pedestrian-friendly because the city has invested in sidewalk expansions and mixed-use developments.

15. Houston, TX

" " Houston. Yuanshuai Si / Getty Images

Areas like Downtown, Midtown, and the Museum District offer walkable environments with mixed-use developments and wide sidewalks.

16. Columbus, OH

" " Columbus. David Shvartsman / Getty Images

Columbus' Short North Arts District and German Village are some of its most walkable areas. The Scioto Mile along the riverfront is also pedestrian-friendly with parks and recreational spaces.

17. Kansas City, MO

" " Kansas City. Allan Baxter / Getty Images

Kansas City's Downtown and Crossroads Arts District offer walkable areas, and the free KC Streetcar system adds to the citys pedestrian appeal.

18. Los Angeles, CA

" " Los Angeles. Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

While known for its car culture that takes drivers slowly from one side of town to another, L.A. is pretty walkable as long as you're staying in certain neighborhoods. Areas like Downtown L.A., Koreatown, Hollywood and Santa Monica have higher walkability scores.
UN issues stamp sheet for 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year

Xinhua) 09:59, January 18, 2025

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on Friday issued a special-event stamp sheet to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.

The stamp sheet consists of 10 stamps of a denomination of 1.65 U.S. dollars each, featuring four red snakes coiling around each other.

In Chinese culture, the circular connection of head to tail signifies endless continuity, and the red color symbolizes the energy of life. Each snake, with its unique pattern, intertwines to represent the vibrant diversity of the nations across the world, united in harmony.

The tab to the left of the stamp shows the United Nations logo on a gold background, which can be replaced with photos for personalization.

The stamp sheet was designed by Chinese artist Tiger Pan, who also illustrated the UN Lunar Calendar series for the 2018 Year of the Dog, 2022 Year of the Tiger, 2023 Year of the Rabbit, and 2024 Year of the Dragon.

UNPA will also offer a Year of the Snake postcard and a First Day Cover with the same design as the stamps.

UNPA completed the entire Chinese zodiac cycle of 12 animals in 2021. The new snake stamp is the fourth of a new zodiac cycle issued for UNPA's Lunar New Year stamp series.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's side said Saturday that Yoon is expected to attend the detention necessity hearing at 2 p.m. at the court.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) filed a detention warrant request with the Seoul Western District Court for Yoon, citing allegations of "insurrection" and "abuse of authority."

According to regulations, the court must review the detention warrant request within 24 hours.

Local media said that the ruling could be announced as early as Saturday evening or in the early hours of Sunday.

If approved, Yoon's detention could be extended for up to 20 days, making him the first sitting president in South Korea to face detention during an investigation.
The POCSO court at Chinsurah, Hooghly ordered capital punishment today for an accused in the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl at Gurap in Hooghly, following a 55-day trial.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today hailed the police role in her X-handle.

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Miss Banerjee wrote: Today, the court has pronounced death sentence for the convict who had raped and murdered the small girl of Gurap and I thank the judiciary for that.

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I thank Hooghly Rural District Police for their swift action and thorough probe that ensured speedy trial and conviction in 54 days.

My heart goes to the family, and I share their pain and longing.

A rapist has no place in our world. All of us together will make it a safer place for our children through stringent law, social reforms, effective and unforgiving administration. No such crime will go unpunished.

The trial saw examination of 27 witnesses, who recorded their statements before a magistrate in the court before being pronounced guilty by the court.

The Gurap rural police, who conducted a probe into the heinous crime had filed a charge sheet in the case within 13 days of the crime committed.

The verdict pertained to a case of an alleged rape and murder, which happened on 24 November, last year. The accused, Ashok Singh was a neighbour of the victim and committed the crime allegedly by enticing the little girl with chocolates.

Father of the minor, who was not at home, found his daughter missing following his return. And after a frantic search, the unconscious body of the minor was recovered from the room of the accused, next door. She was declared brought dead after being taken to a rural hospital.

The Gurap rural police swung into action first detained the accused and slapped various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanghita against him and was arrested later.

A special investigation team was formed, headed by deputy superintendent of police of Hooghly rural district police and investigation lunched. A team of forensic experts visited the spot and collected samples.

Diamond Harbour MP and TMC national general secretary too wrote about the verdict in his X-handle. He wrote: In Bengal, JUSTICE is delivered SWIFTLY, DECISIVELY and UNCOMPROMISINGLY.

Today, the Hooghly POCSO Court pronounced the death sentence for the perpetrator responsible for the heinous rape and murder of a minor girl from Gurap. I congratulate the Hooghly Rural District Police team led by Shri Kamanasish Sen  IPS, for their meticulous investigation, presenting an airtight case in court and ensuring TRIAL and CONVICTION within a RECORD 54 DAYS.

This serves as a powerful reminder that while others may offer mere lip service to NARI SURAKSHA, Bengal stands firm with a ZERO TOLERANCE APPROACH to crimes against women.
Industry experts and leaders were of the opinion that India has all the qualities of becoming the leading manufacturing hub in the world and that we just need to respect natural resources and act with responsibility. The MSMEs and SMEs are going to play a big role in it. This emerged at the 3rd edition of Manufacturing and MSME Conclave Industry 5.0  The Future of Manufacturing & MSMEs, organised by Assocham on Friday.

Talking at the conclave, Sudipta Mukherjee, MD, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd said that Kolkata is No. 1 scientific city in the country, which it achieved in December 2024. This has been achieved as there is maximum scientific research from Kolkata. India ranks 84 in the Geneva-based Nature Index. He said, Bengal has the resources and the manpower. We just need leadership skills in the industries and political will. There is increased emphasis on infrastructure already, said Mr Mukherjee. He added that Texmaco is in the process of adding their global capability centre in New Delhi, where they plan to do R&D and be the aggregator of railway components.

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Industry 5.0, which is focused on integration of advanced technologies such as AI, AR, big data analytics into processes, will help make the manufacturing industry more human-centric, sustainable and resilient. This era promises to be an exciting future of growth, innovation and global competitiveness for MSMEs, said Sanjeev Rastogi, director, production, Braithwaite & Co.

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Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) mayor Firhad Hakim refuted the claims of regularising an illegally constructed floor of a building owned by the councillor of ward 109 in Santoshpur.

The mayors reaction came following allegations made by the Bharatiya Janata Party councillor Sajal Ghosh yesterday. The opposition councillor of ward 50 had alleged of regularising the fifth floor a five-story building by the civic body at ward 109 in Santoshpur. As claimed by the councillor, the structure was spared despite orders for demolition of the fifth floor and was regularised despite being an illegal construction. The allegations were raised once again by the councillor at the monthly meeting at KMC House today.

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Refuting the allegation, mayor Firhad Hakim informed that the sanction plan of the building was first taken in 1996. The fifth floor of the building that was built illegally was demolished by the KMC following an order by the concerned authorities. The part which was regularised included the staircase and the lift portion for which the councillor had paid a penalty of Rs 32 lakh. However, as elaborated by Mr Hakim, the staircase and lift were regularised as they were very much under the FAR.

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Later, talking to the Press, councillor Ananya Banerjee explained the reason for obtaining the permission for staircase and lift at a later stage. According to Miss Banerjee, the stairs had suddenly collapsed during the addition of the upper floors. As claimed, since the collapse occurred after the construction of the upper floors, the councillor paid Rs 32 lakh for regularising the stairs and lift.

In counter allegation, Miss Banerjee claimed that the house of the BJP councillor in Sealdah did not have the minimum spaces ought to be left around a building. She also alleged that two floors of the BJP councillors house were regularised which also meant that there was a demolition order against it.

The ruling party councillor termed the allegations as a politically motivated, saying that she would take the legal path if the BJP councillor continued to malign her name.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi R Alice Vaz has appealed to the people of the national capital for their active participation in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Inaugurating Aagaz-e-Voting, a vibrant and energetic musical event at Central Park, Connaught Place, Vaz emphasised the importance of active citizen participation in the democratic process.

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She appealed to the citizens of Delhi to celebrate the festival of democracy by exercising their right to vote.

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Your vote is your voice. Let us come together and make our vote count, the CEO said.

The event aimed to engage citizens through music, fostering a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for the elections. Central Park, bustling with energy and excitement, became a hub for civic engagement as people of all ages joined the initiative to reaffirm their commitment to democracy.

Aagaz-e-Voting is an initiative under the SVEEP programme aimed at maximising voter turnout and promoting informed voting. As the Assembly elections draw near, the event serves as a vital reminder of the crucial role each voter plays in shaping the states future.

It may be mentioned that earlier this week, the CEO flagged off a fleet of specially designed autos aiming to promote voter awareness ahead of the elections.

Elections for the 70-member Assembly will be held on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.
Sanket Gupta, authorized representative of BJP candidate from New Delhi constituency Parvesh Verma has objected to the nomination of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal and demanded the Election Commission reject his nomination papers.

In his letter to the Returning Officer of the New Delhi assembly constituency, Sanket Gupta alleged that the affidavit submitted by Kejriwal is materially defective and he had knowingly given wrong information in his affidavit to mislead the voters.

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He has shown his total income in the year 2019-20 as Rs1,57,823/- which comes to around Rs 13,152 per month. In the year 2021-22 as Rs 1,62,976 which comes to Rs 13,581 per month. In the year 2022-23 as Rs 1,67,066 which comes at Rs 13,922 per month, Gupta said.

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The income shown in the affidavit is total income which is declared wrong by Arvind Kejriwal as the basic salary given to every Minister in NCT of Delhi was Rs 20,000 per month from November 4, 2011, to February 14, 2023, which comes to around Rs 2,40,000 per year, Daily allowance Rs 1000 per day which comes around Rs 3,65,000 per year along with other allowances also, he added.

The representative of the BJP candidate also claimed that the vote of Arvind Kejriwal is also there at Ghaziabads Kaushambi, ward no. 72, having voter no. 991.

Sanket Gupta also claimed that Kejriwal has not given details of the criminal cases filed against him at the North Avenue Police Station.

It is, most humbly requested from you to kindly consider the objection and the evidence in support of our objections and reject the nomination of Arvind Kejriwal, candidate of Aam Aadmi Party as the above-mentioned defects are substantial defects, he said in his letter.

The New Delhi Assembly seat will see a triangular contest between Kejriwal, BJPs Parvesh Verma and Congress Sandeep Dikshit.

Arvind Kejriwal hit out at the 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, he said on X.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday reacting to AAPs claim of attack on their national convener Arvind Kejriwal, said that his party has repeatedly been saying since September last that as the polls draw closer, Kejriwal will allegedly create stories of such attempts on himself, while the BJP leader alleged that today AAP supremo has proven this by purportedly staging a drama.

He said that it was unfortunate that AAP chief and partys candidate from New Delhi seat, on Saturday allegedly spread lies about being attacked with stones, just to avoid questions from the locals.

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The BJP leader further claimed that in a bid to escape the place when people came up with questions, he sped away in his vehicle, allegedly injuring one or two local citizens who are BJP supporters.

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He said it is ironic that the AAP chief is so arrogant in defending his actions that he neither wants to answer questions from the public during gatherings, nor from the BJP during press conferences.

The Delhi BJP chief added that even the Delhi Police has clarified that no attack occurred on Kejriwal, while there was only slogan-shouting from both sides during his meeting.

There have been several occasions in the past when the BJP has criticized the AAP chief over such incidents, raising questions as to why such alleged incidents happen with him, and then his party starts blaming the saffron party.
The Delhi Police has said that no permission was taken for the screening of the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) documentary Unbreakable and hence its screening would have been a violation of guidelines.

This follows the AAP announcement of the screening of the documentary Unbreakable, based on the time when the AAP leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and others went to jail.

The police emphasised that the political parties have to apply for permission for such events through a single window system at the District Election Officers (DEO) office, adding that the police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time.

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They urged the political parties to follow the election rules and regulations at the time of the election.

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Delhi Police said, For the said event, no such permission was taken and hence it would have been a violation of guidelines. We urge all parties to follow the election rules and regulations at this time. As elections have been declared, political parties have to apply for permission through a single window system at DEO office. This is a standard process during elections.

Further, it is clarified that Delhi Police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time as all permissions for political activity are granted through single window system in concerned DEO office, it added.

Following this statement, the ruling AAP alleged that the Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the behest of its primary opponent, BJP.

The AAP sources said that theatre owners across Delhi have been threatened not to screen the documentary

Screening of AAPs documentary Unbreakable | Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the behest of the BJP. This documentary is made on AAP leaders going to jail and was to be screened today at 11:30 AM. Theatre owners across Delhi have been threatened not to screen the documentary, said AAP sources.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal took to X and claimed that the BJP is scared of this film, saying that this film exposes the secrets behind the scenes when AAP leaders were wrongly arrested.

https://x.com/arvindkejriwal/status/1880498769533300885?s=48

A film has been made on Aam Aadmi Party. Today, where this film was to be shown to journalists, look there, BJP prevented the screening of this film by deploying a huge police force. BJP is very scared of this film. Why? Why does BJP want to stop this film? What is there in this film that BJP is scared of? This film exposes all the secrets behind the scenes when AAP leaders were wrongly arrested. It exposes the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the BJP government, Kejriwal posted on X.

Delhi will go for polls on February 5 while the counting of votes will take place on February 8.
Serial killer Chandrakant Jha also known as Butcher of Delhi who fled after getting parole in 2023 was apprehended by the Crime Branch, the police said on Saturday adding that he was serving a life imprisonment in three murder cases.

A resident of Alipur, Outer North Delhi, he shook the national capital in 2006-07 by killing people in same pattern by decapitating their heads and thereafter chopped their various body parts and threw the decapitated bodies of these young men outside the Central Tihar Jail and scattered their body parts at various places around Delhi.

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Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Kumar Sain said, In view of the absconding of the serial killer which is a threat to the society due to his previous crime pattern, a dedicated team was formed to nab him.

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The team relentlessly worked for six months to trace Jha, and that includes questioning all his old kiths and kins, visiting at his previous crime spots to find out any possible clues. The efforts led to zeroing down of a mobile number whose activity was highly suspicious and on Friday, he was nabbed from Old Delhi Railway Station from where he was trying to flee to Bihar with a motive of never coming back to Delhi, he added.

The series of murders which shocked Delhi to its roots in 2006 and 2007, creating a sense of terror in the minds of the residents, Jha was involved in seven of them but was found guilty in three. He initially received two death sentences and life imprisonment until death in February 2013 but later his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without remission in January 2016, the official mentioned.

The Additional Commissioner elaborated the modus operandi of the accused involved extending help to young men, often migrants from UP and Bihar, by assisting them in finding work, offering meals, and treating them like his own children.

During the course of their stay with him, he took offence to their small indulgences like drinking, eating meat, womanizing, lying and dalliances and his demeanour would take a drastic and savage turn at the slightest provocation, leading to brutal murders.

He would then dismember the victims bodies and scatter the remains across various locations in Delhi. Before murdering them, he used to tie their hands on the pretext that they would be punished and the victims suspected him least, thinking that they may be let off with a minor punishment.

However, the accused used to first strangulate his victims with the help of locally made Non-Chaku and then Chop-off the head, legs and hands. Thereafter, he used to pack the dead body in a plastic bag and carry that in his cycle-rickshaw fitted with an engine and later dumping it at pre-marked locations.

The entire act of cutting and packing the body was carried out in great detail as the accused himself boasts of performing a very elegant operation which led to minimum trickling and splattering of blood. Jha used to challenge the law enforcement agencies by keeping letters with dead bodies which were signed as tumhara baap + jijaji, CC,.
The attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan late on Wednesday night has left netizens shocked. As the actor recovers, more details about the intrusion attack and the actors injuries come to light. As per the developments, doctors have shifted Saif Ali Khan from the intensive care unit (ICU) of Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. Now, Kareena Kapoor Khan has given her statement to the police detailing the scuffle. She highlighted that the intruder got violent but didnt touch any jewellery kept in the open.

Saif Ali Khan suffered six injuries during his scuffle with an intruder in his Mumbai abode late on Wednesday Night. During the confrontation, the perpetrator stabbed the actor. A doctor from the hospital revealed that the actor suffered six injuries with one being very close to his spine. As per the FIR by Saifs house staff, the thief was first seen in Jehs room. Upon confrontation, he demanded Rs 1 crore.

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For complete details, read: Saif Ali Khan attack: the intrusion, the attack, and the actors health

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As reported by PTI, on Saturday, the police revealed the details of Kareenas statement. In her statement, the actress said that the attacker got very aggressive during the struggle with Saif, stabbing him multiple times. However, she noted that he did not touch any jewellery that was kept in the open in her apartment. Reportedly, after the incident, Kareenas sister, Karisma Kapoor, took her to her home in Khar.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)



As of now, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has formed 20 teams to search for the accused. Moreover, as per reports, the police have also started questioning people roaming around unnecessarily during night hours. This is to ensure the quick arrest of the accused.

Coming to Saif Ali Khan, a medical professional from the hospital shared the updates on his health. On Friday, Dr Nitin Narayan Dange stated, Saif Ali Khan is doing excellent. We made him walk and he can walk well. There is no problem and not much pain. He also iterated that there is no risk of paralysis. 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.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) in Patna on 20th January (Monday), the Lok Sabha Secretariat said here on Saturday.

During the conference, Birla will release the 8th edition of Practice and Procedure of Parliament. He will also inaugurate Neva Seva Kendra in Bihar Legislature premises on 21st January.

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Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Assembly Speaker , Nand Kishore Yadav and Leader of Opposition in Assembly ,Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, among other dignitaries will be present on the occasion, the statement said.

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The valedictory Session will be addressed by Birla and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on 21st January (Tuesday), it said.

The theme of the two-day conference ,which is being organised in Bihar for the third time, is 75th Anniversary of Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State legislative bodies in strengthening constitutional values.

The 85th AIPOC will be preceded by the 61st Conference of Secretaries of Legislative Bodies in India on 19th January in Patna.

During the conference, the delegates will deliberate on Adoption of modern technologies in our legislative bodies for greater efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.

Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary-General of Lok Sabha,will inaugurate and address the conference.
The District Sessions Court in Kalpetta, Wayanad, granted anticipatory bail on Saturday to IC Balakrishnan, Congress MLA from Sulthan Bathery; ND Appachan, Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC) president; and KK Gopinathan, former DCC treasurer.

The trio faces charges of abetment of suicide in the deaths of former Wayanad DCC treasurer NM Vijayan and his son Jijesh.

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Principal Sessions Judge S. Jayakumar John approved the anticipatory bail under specific conditions.

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The accused must not leave the district, influence witnesses, interfere with the investigation, or tamper with evidence.

The case stems from an FIR registered by the police on January 9 against IC Balakrishnan, ND Appachan, KK Gopinathan, and the late PV Balachandran, a former DCC treasurer.

A special investigation team, led by Sulthan Bathery DySP KK Abdul Shareef, is handling the case.

NM Vijayan and his son Jijesh were found in critical condition at their home on December 24. They were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode, where they later succumbed.

Vijayan left letters and suicide notes, which were handed over to the police by his family. These notes reportedly name IC Balakrishnan, ND Appachan, and other Congress leaders, accusing them of corruption and financial malpractice.

Vijayan alleged that the MLA took bribes for jobs at a Congress-controlled cooperative bank in Sulthan Bathery. He also mentioned being in heavy debt due to financial dealings with Congress leaders.

One suicide note addressed to Vijayans elder son, Vijesh, instructed him to deliver the note to Congress leaders and, if no action was taken within ten days, to share it with the Wayanad district police chief.

The letters and notes have placed the Congress leadership in Kerala under intense scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and financial misconduct casting a shadow over the party.
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.

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The role of ex-MUDA commissioner D.B. Natesh has emerged as instrumental in illegal allotment of compensation sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife B.M. Parvathi, said ED in a statement.

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Searches conducted during the investigation further revealed that a large number of sites, other than 14 sites allotted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs 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 Courts 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.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Prayagraj on Saturday to attend Mahakumbh.

The Defence Minister took the sacred dip at Triveni Sangam, chanting slogans such as Sanatan Ki Jai and Ganga Maiyya Ki Jai.

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Following the ritual, he visited Akshayvat, Patalpuri, and Bade Hanuman Ji temples and reviewed the preparations for the Mahakumbh.

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Later in the evening, the Defence Minister is scheduled to meet with Army officials to discuss security arrangements for the Mahakumbh.

On the auspicious occasion of Mahakumbh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

Amid the chanting of mantras, he performed aachman of Maa Ganga, offered Arghya to Lord Surya, and prayed for the nations prosperity and well-being.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh remarked, I consider it my great fortune to have taken a holy dip in the Sangam at Prayagraj today. The Mahakumbh is a grand spiritual and cultural festival that embodies the essence of Indianness. It transcends associations with any particular sect, community, or religion. If anyone wishes to truly understand India and its cultural spirit, they should visit the Mahakumbh.

As per his pre-scheduled program, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at DPS Ground, Naini, by helicopter from Bamrauli Airport. From Arail Ghat in Naini, he traveled to the Sangam via jetty, where he performed a sacred bath.

After completing the ritual, the Defence Minister landed at the VIP Ghat and proceeded to visit the Akshayvat Corridor of Prayagraj. He also paid visits to the Patalpuri Temple and Saraswati Koop.

Following these visits, he proceeded to the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, where he performed special prayers. During his visit, he inquired about the well-being of the temple priest and reviewed the arrangements made for the upcoming Maha Kumbh.

After visiting the temple, Defence Minister toured the fairgrounds before departing for the Circuit House. During his visit, he interacted with saints and sages and assessed the preparations for the Mahakumbh.

The Defence Minister is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Army officials to discuss the security arrangements for the event.

Meanwhile, he reviewed the measures in place, particularly in light of concerns about a potential terrorist threat and rumors of a bomb being found at the Mahakumbh.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the relationship between India and China is currently trying to disentangle itself from the complications arising from the post-2020 border situation in the wake of the prolonged military stand-off between the two countries in eastern Ladakh.

More thought needs to be given to the long-term evolution of our ties. India has to prepare for expressions of Chinas growing capabilities, particularly those that impinge directly on our interests, he said addressing an event in Mumbai.

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The minister was of the view that a more rapid development of Indias comprehensive national power is necessary. This is not just about correcting the earlier neglect of the border infrastructure and the oceanic periphery, but also mitigating dependence on sensitive domains.

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He said Indias approach vis a vis China can be summed up in three mutuals: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. Mr Jaishankar said the emergence of a multipolar Asia is an essential prerequisite for a multipolar world.

On Indias ties with Russia, the minister said Moscow has long held importance for Indias foreign policy. Despite all the ups and downs that the world has seen since 1945, this is one relationship that has largely held steady.

For decades, Russia has had a salience in Indias national security calculus. As Russia is redirecting its attention towards Asia, there is a further logic that is emerging. Deeper economic cooperation between India and Russia has a stabilising consequence for the global economy. The connectivity potential of the collaboration also holds great promise, he said.

The minister said Indias expanding footprint will inevitably meet Russias influence in many regions. Like the rest of the world, India is not impervious to the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. New Delhi has been a persistent advocate of dialogue and diplomacy and is convinced that a solution cannot emerge from the battlefield, he added.

Regarding Indias neighbourhood, he said Indias challenge has been to rebuild a neighbourhood in the aftermath of the partition. It is doing so through a generous and non-reciprocal approach, funding and supporting energy, rail and road connectivity.

Expanding trade and investment and intensifying exchanges and contacts. In times of crisis, India has served as an insurance for its smaller neighbours. Sri Lanka discovered that in 2023 when India put together a package of more than $ 4 billion, he added.

Mr Jaishankar said political developments may throw up complex situations as is being witnessed in Bangladesh. It is the mutuality of interest that should be counted upon to prevail. Pakistan remains the exception in our neighbourhood in view of its support for cross-border terrorism. And that cancer is now consuming its own body politic. The entire subcontinent has a shared interest in Pakistan abjuring that approach, he added.
Days before Mr Donald Trumps inauguration as Americas 47th President, India and the US signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in cybercrime investigations.

It was signed in Washington on Friday by Indian Ambassador of India to the US, Vinay Kwatra, and Ms. Kristie Canegallo, Acting US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the outgoing Joe Biden administration.

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From India, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for execution of the MoU.

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From the US side, it is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and its constituent agencies the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center (C3).

The MoU allows the respective agencies of the two countries to step up the level of cooperation and training with respect to the use of cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations.

Cybercrime has intricate linkages with the common security challenges faced by India and the US, such as terrorism and violent extremism, terror financing, drug trafficking, organised crime, human trafficking, illegal migration, money laundering and transportation security.

The MoU on Cybercrime Investigations will enable further strengthening of India-US security cooperation, as part of our comprehensive and global strategic partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The MoU is considered significant, given the commitment of the two countries to fight cybercrimes.
In a bid to increase footfall of tourists at the international border post at Suchetgarh and Gharana wetland in Jammu, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Saturday convened a meeting to review the activities being undertaken to develop these places as tourist destinations.

Present in the meeting were Principal Secretary, Culture, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Chief Wildlife Warden, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, DG, Budget and representatives of BSF and Army besides other concerned officers.

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In order to increase visitors footfall to the border tourism destination of Suchetghar along the international border with Pakistan, the Chief Secretary directed for further augmenting the amenities available there for the tourists.

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He asked for formulation of a DPR regarding construction of well established, all-weather pavilion with adequate capacity to host the tourists coming there.

He suggested the BSF personnel, guarding this border, to establish a war museum where people could get to know about the heroic stories of the jawans during the 1965 and 1971 wars besides other local stories of popular valour.

He asked them to study and replicate the museums created by Army at the places of Gulmarg and Akhnoor. He also advised them to put on display different pieces of art, craft and digital photos depicting history of this place.

Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, informed about the tourism promotion campaigns being organised by the department in the past.

It was revealed that around Rs 151 lakh have been spent on development of Suchetgarh corridor, commencement of retreat parade at the heritage BOP Octroi Post by way of constructing saluting base, pathways, additional gender based toilets, security post and furniture.

It was added that construction of entry gate, parking, beautification and allied works are going on at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh and currently 55% completion has been achieved under the new project.

Regarding development of Gharana as an eco-tourism stop, the Chief Secretary was briefed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Sarvesh Rai, that number of facilities had been raised by the Department to attract the tourists and bird lovers.

It was given out that the tourist footfall to the place has greatly improved with more than 27,000 visitors thronging the spot last year. Besides, the water surface area and number of birds has also increased after the wetland was curated on scientific lines by the department.

It was added that a two storey eco-stop and a watch tower is being constructed here to provide different amenities to the tourists under one roof. Besides, waste treatment system for solid, liquid and sewage has also been created to keep the environment of the water body clean and free from any pollution.
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Saturday, intensified his criticism of the LDF government for granting permission to the Oasis Group of Companies to establish a distillery unit in Kanjikode, Palakkad.

Speaking to media personnel in Kochi, Satheesan alleged that the state government had approved the Oasis Group, a company embroiled in the Delhi liquor policy scam, to start a brewery in Palakkad district.

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He pointed out that several individuals associated with the company had been arrested in connection with the scam. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing protests in Punjab against the company over allegations of groundwater depletion.

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The owner of this company has been arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor case. A case has also been registered against the company in Punjab for groundwater pollution and improper waste disposal. Despite this, the state excise minister is praising the company, Satheesan remarked.

Satheesan further accused the company of contaminating groundwater within a 4-kilometer radius and disposing of industrial waste into boreholes, thereby polluting underground water sources. He questioned how such a company was granted permission to operate in Kerala.

He also called on State Excise Minister MB Rajesh to respond to corruption allegations surrounding the approval of the distillery. Satheesan criticized the minister for allegedly diverting attention by claiming an imaginary rift between him and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala.

Minister Rajesh is attempting to create the impression of a feud between me and Ramesh Chennithala. However, there is no such difference, Satheesan clarified.

Satheesan also accused Rajesh of endangering the drinking water needs of Palakkad district by supporting the Oasis Group.

He questioned why the government conducted secretive discussions with the company and excluded other stakeholders from the process.

Responding to the allegations, M.B. Rajesh dismissed them as politically motivated. On Friday, he accused both VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala of competing with each other to level charges for political gain and internal party advantage.

Meanwhile, BJP state president K Surendran also criticized the decision, accusing the government of violating its 2016 manifesto promises on liquor policy.

The agreement with a company involved in the Delhi liquor policy corruption scandal erodes the governments credibility. Granting approval for the brewery without adhering to tender criteria amounts to corruption, Surendran stated.

Surendran accused the LDF government of surrendering to the liquor lobby and abandoning its promises to reduce alcohol availability, promote prohibition, and raise public awareness about the adverse effects of liquor.

On Wednesday, the Kerala Cabinet decided to grant permission to Oasis Commercial Private Limited to establish an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, brewery, malt spirit plant, and brandy/winery plant in Kanjikode, Palakkad district.
The Prayagraj Mahakumbh is not merely a spiritual gathering but also emerging as a significant driver of economic growth.

This grand festival, which attracts crores of pilgrims and tourists, is expected to generate temporary employment for 6 to 10 lakh people, providing livelihood opportunities across various sectors. While some of these jobs will be temporary, they will significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals involved.

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that this 45 days Sanatan Dharma congregation will generate over Rs 2 lakh crore in the economy. With over 40 crore pilgrims and tourists expected to visit Prayagraj between Paush Purnima and Mahashivratri, it promises to infuse vitality into the local and national economy.

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Yogi has emphasized that if each visitor spends an average of Rs 5,000 on basic needs, the total business generated during this month-and-a-half-long event could exceed Rs 2 lakh crore. Experts also suggest that this scale of economic activity in just six weeks is equivalent to the earnings of eight regular months for many businesses. A significant portion of this revenue will contribute to government taxes and bolster the countrys GDP.

The Mahakumbh has spurred demand across diverse fields, including logistics, transportation, digital security, hospitality, event management, and infrastructure development. Staffing Recruitment Services and First Meridian Global predict the creation of 6 to 10 lakh jobs during this period. These roles include tent settlements, data analysis, branding, marketing, and social media influencers, in addition to conventional sectors like food stalls, religious services, and transportation.

The festival has also energized small-scale and local businesses. Vendors selling offerings such as prasad, flowers, sweets, and milk products; artisans providing bangles, bindis, and sindoor; and priests and barbers catering to pilgrims have all seen a surge in demand. For these local entrepreneurs, the Mahakumbh is an opportunity to earn many times more than during the regular days.

Permanent shop owners in Prayagraj are also reaping the benefits, as the influx of visitors drives retail growth. From basic necessities to souvenirs, the demand surge is undeniable, further strengthening the citys economy.The Prayagraj Mahakumbh exemplifies how faith and economy can coexist and thrive together. This monumental event, steeped in spiritual tradition, is also a beacon of economic progress, demonstrating the transformative power of a well-organized cultural celebration.

However, the synergy of business and employment opportunities isnt confined to Prayagrajs grand Mahakumbh. Religious tourism has become a cornerstone of Uttar Pradeshs economy, transforming places like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Vindhyachal into bustling hubs of faith and commerce.

Since the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in 2021, Varanasi has witnessed a massive surge in tourism. By 2023, about 10 lakh visitors had thronged the city, contributing significantly to the local and state economy. The influx of pilgrims has not only boosted the spiritual vibrancy of the city but also revitalized businesses ranging from hospitality to local crafts.

Ayodhya, following the consecration of the Ram Temple, has seen a dramatic rise in footfall. From an annual average of 2.83 lakh visitors before 2016, the city now welcomes nearly 1 to 1.5 lakh pilgrims daily. By September 2024, Ayodhya had already hosted 13.5 crore visitors, with projections for the year-end reaching around 16 crore.

Local business owners in Ayodhya testify to this transformation, reporting income growth from thousands to lakhs monthly. Hotels remain fully booked during special events, leading to the opening of new accommodations and the renovation of existing ones. Major hospitality brands like Taj are setting up properties, with more projects in the pipeline.

Prayagrajs Mahakumbh stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of these spiritual hubs. Pilgrims traveling to the Triveni Sangam often extend their journey to other revered sites like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Vindhyachal. This ripple effect amplifies the economic impact, benefiting multiple regions. The influx of visitors during the Mahakumbh has already boosted tourism at these destinations, with a noticeable increase in footfall.

The state administration has prioritized the safety and convenience of pilgrims across all these locations. From improved infrastructure to enhanced security measures, the government ensures that every visitors journey is both spiritual and seamless.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday said the MedTech sector is rapidly growing and it is expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2030.

Speaking at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) Healthcare Summit 2025, Nadda underlined the significance of technology integration into healthcare delivery and efforts being made by the government in this direction.

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The MedTech sector is rapidly growing. It is expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2030. With the expansion of digital health infrastructure, like Ayushman Bharat Health Account IDs, telemedicine, and AI integration, we are enhancing healthcare access, fostering a compassionate and quality workforce, and making strides towards self-reliance and affordability in medical solutions for all, he said.

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The Minister said: As we aim for Viksit Bharat 2047, let us foster innovation and collaboration across sectors, be it management, medicine, engineering, or social sciences, ensuring a people-centric approach in delivering quality healthcare to every citizen.

He exhorted the industry and academia to contribute to policy interventions with their research.

Research work of the industry and academia is meant to be implemented in policy and we as policymakers are ready to do it. You suggest to us the roadmap for policy interventions, innovations, joint collaborations, and we will support you in every way to build that road, Nadda said.

He said tIndias remarkable healthcare evolution over the past decade is marked by significant achievements such as expanding medical infrastructure, including significant growth in the number of AIIMS and medical colleges

Later, he also interacted with the students of IIMA and motivated them to think big and work towards building futuristic healthcare for billions.
Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania demanded immediate resignation of Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Saturday in Beed district, claiming that Munde holds a position of financial gain. Mahagenco is a company wholly owned by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB).

Anjali Damania tweeted on X on Saturday, This is an office of profit. The beneficiary Dhananjay Munde must resign immediately. Dhananjay Munde and his wife Rajshree Dhananjay Munde are majority shareholders of a company named Venkateswara Industrial Services.

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Earlier Valmik Karad (an accused in the Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh case) was the companys director and Karad is still a shareholder. Does this company sell fly ash? Mahagenco is a wholly- owned subsidiary of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). How can a minister get financial benefits from that company?

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Incidentally, Anjali Damania has also opposed giving the job of the government prosecutor in the Santosh Deshmukh case to 9/11 attack fame lawyer Ujwal Nikam who sent terrorist Ajmal Kasab to the gallows.

Dhananjay Mundes lawyer for Jagamitra Spinning Mills bail in the DCC Bank scam was Advocate Aniket Nikam, who is the son of Ujwal Nikam. We know that the Chief Minister of Maharashtra has met Ujjwal Nikam and he intends to make Ujwal Nikam the government prosecutor in the Santosh Deshmukh case.

However, it would not be right to give this case to Ujwal Nikam. There is no disrespect to Ujwal Nikam, but in all fairness and in the interest of justice, the Chief Minister should refer this case to another expert lawyer, Anjali Damania said.

Damania also said, How can Mundes wife hold a position of financial gain while Munde himself serves as a minister? Mundes wife Rajshree Munde is a director of a company called Venkateshwara Industrial Services.

There is a government rule that a person holding ministerial post and her family members should not be in a position of profit. Rajshree Munde has broken that rule.

Incidentally, Venkateswara Industrial Services is a company which supplies fly ash which is generated by the coal-burning thermal power plant owned by Mahagenco, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MSEB. Anjali Damania has alleged that the profits from this company go directly to the ministers pocket.

Damania has alleged the majority shareholders of Venkateshwara Industrial Services are none other than Maharashtra Food & Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde and his wife Rajshri Dhananjay Munde. Earlier, Valmik Karad was a director of this company, and he is still a shareholder of the company, Damania alleged.

Under such circumstances, how can a serving minister in the state government get financial benefits from that company? So Dhananjay Munde must be made to resign and he must be investigated.

Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has also requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through a formal representation that the murder case of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed should be tried in a fast-track court.
Sharpening Tamil Nadus opposition to the One Nation One Poll (ONOP) push of the Union Government, Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Saturday charged that it was designed to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the countrys dictator, which is not good even for the BJP.

It (ONOP) will lead to a single party government, with concentration of powers in the hands of one person. It is solely intended to make current Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the dictator. It is not good even for the BJP, he said addressing the third state conference of the partys Lawyers Wing. The ruling DMK has been opposing the simultaneous elections to Parliament and State Assemblies right from the beginning, when the idea was mooted and the panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was constituted to study it. Following stiff opposition from the INDIA Bloc in Parliament, the Bill had been sent to the Standing Committee.

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In a fervent appeal to the allies of the BJP not to support the legislation and fall prey to the deceit of the saffron party, he said For political reasons, you may be aligning with the BJP, but you should not fall into the trap laid by the BJP and those organisations operating as its brains. Supporting the BJP is your preference. But every political party which reposes its faith in democracy should oppose this move, which is antagonistic to federal principles. We should fight against any move undermining federalism which is enshrined in the Constitution.

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Coming down heavily on the duplicitous modus operandi of the BJP, Stalin said, The BJPs project and action plan are intended for a long term and not confined to a short term. Now they are saying simultaneous elections for the whole country. It might not be far off when they come up saying that one election is enough for the entire country. They will create such a situation.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the BJP-led Union Government of dismantling the pillars of the Constitutional edifice. In a message to the conference, he said The DMK together with the INDIA Bloc will defeat the designs of the BJP and protect the Constitution.
The past decade has seen power availability in the urban areas improving from 22 hours to 23.4 hours while in rural areas, it has increased significantly from 12.5 hours to 22.4 hours.

Stating this while chairing the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the MPs for the Ministry of Power here on Thursday, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, said the implementation of smart meters installations, the Minister stated that smart meters benefit both consumer and distribution companies by reducing billing errors, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing greater convenience for users and help DISCOMs in reducing losses, optimisation of power purchase cost, integration of renewable energy, etc.

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In the meeting, which discussed Implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the minister also informed that the Ministry of Power, in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has undertaken several measures to alleviate the difficulties consumers faced while installing RTS systems under PM Surya Ghar. These measures include waiving the requirement for Technical Feasibility Study for connections up to 10 kW, implementing deemed load enhancement for RTS installations up to 10 kW, etc. In view of these measures taken by the Union Government, he called upon the State Governments to take initiatives to promote Rooftop Solar Schemes for the benefit of consumers.

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The Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, was also present during the meeting which was attended by the Members of the Consultative Committee for Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power) and other officers of the Ministry of Power, Chairperson CEA and CMDs of REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation Ltd.

The Union Minister emphasized on the pivotal role the power sector plays in industrial growth and economic development in the country. He highlighted the necessity to add additional generation and transmission capacities for meeting the ever-growing demand in the country. The union minister also shared that every census village in the country is now electrified, and the aim is now to enhance the quality of services being offered to promote the ease of living for consumers.

Naik highlighted the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in improving service quality and building consumer trust. He stated that the effective implementation of projects under RDSS would strengthen the financial sustainability of DISCOMs while ensuring the delivery of reliable and high-quality power to the consumers. He also underscored the importance of promptly executing the sanctioned projects under the scheme to achieve its objectives.

The Members of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Power offered several valuable suggestions regarding various initiatives and schemes. They praised the scheme and especially the role of smart meters in improving the services and reducing the losses. They also praised the role of the scheme in providing quality power to consumers through execution of distribution infrastructure works. Further, the members lauded Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal for organizing the Consultative Committee meeting. The Union Minister instructed officials to take necessary steps to incorporate the suggestions provided by the Members of the Consultative Committee and emphasized the importance of ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply for consumer

Government of India launched Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with an outlay of Rs. 3,03,758 Cr. with an estimated Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of Rs. 97,631 Cr. from the Central Government. The Scheme has been formulated with the objective of improving the quality and reliability of supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient distribution sector.

The scheme aims to reduce the AT&C losses and ACS-ARR gap at pan-India level. The scheme has a duration of 5 years, i.e., from (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26). The release of funds under the Scheme have been linked to Results and Reforms. The Scheme allows States to adopt customised reform measures and plan infrastructure works so as to meet the specific needs of the States. All Distribution Utilities i.e., all Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and State /UT Power Departments, excluding private sector DISCOMs are eligible for financial assistance under this Scheme.

Till date Forty-five (45) meetings of the Monitoring Committee (MC) have been convened. Smart metering works covering 19.7 cr Smart Consumer meters, System metering works covering 52.53 lakh Distribution Transformer (DT) meters and 2.1 lakh Feeder meters have been approved. Further, Loss Reduction works worth Rs. 1.48 lakh crore have been sanctioned for 32 States/ UTs.

So far, works worth Rs 1.12 lakh cr have been awarded which are under different stages of implementation. Further, the Smart meter works have also picked up pace. Till date about 11.5 Cr Smart Consumer meters, 45 lakh DT meters and 1.70 lakh Feeder meters have been awarded and are under installation.

The presentation also highlighted the positive impact and turnaround created by Smart meters for the utilities of Assam and Bihar. As per analysis, about 44 per cent of the consumers in Assam saved around 50 units per month post installation of smart meters through tracking of consumption and accurate billing. It has also helped the Distribution companies of Assam and Bihar to reduce losses, the benefits of which would ultimately pass to the consumers.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP), Rahul Gandhi will visit Patna, Bihar on Saturday to participate in the Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan and attend a Congress workers meeting.

This marks his first visit to Bihar after assuming the LoP role in the Lok Sabha.

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The Congress party has made extensive preparations for the visit, with the Sadaqat Ashram, the partys state headquarters, being beautifully decorated to welcome the Congress leader.

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Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh expressed that party workers are excited about the former party chiefs arrival, and the atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm.

A meeting on Thursday, attended by prominent party leaders, including AICC in-charge Mohan Prakash and state President Akhilesh Prasad Singh, finalised the plans for the visit.

Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan confirmed that party workers from across Bihar would converge in Patna for the event, including the workers conference and the Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan.

The event, to be held at Bapu Sabhagar, is part of a series of nationwide conclaves Rahul Gandhi has been leading, aimed at emphasising the need to protect the Constitution and targeting the ruling BJP.

During his visit, the Congress MP will also interact with party workers and leaders, as well as engage with social organisations, a continuation of his focus on connecting with grassroots movements, seen during his Jodo Nyay Yatra.

Additionally, he is expected to meet with representatives of BPSC candidates who have been protesting against the recent question paper leak and demanding the cancellation of the examination.

Rahul Gandhis visit will also include the inauguration of the newly constructed staff quarters and a refurbished auditorium at the Congress state headquarters in Sadaqat Ashram.

BJP leader and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey responded to Rahul Gandhis visit with a sarcastic remark, claiming that the public and even his own party take little notice of his travels, hinting at internal factionalism within the Congress.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will hold its national convention in Patna on July 5, which will also mark the partys Foundation Day, Tejashwi Yadav told the media after the partys National Executive Meeting in Patna on Saturday.

The Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly also expressed confidence that the Mahagathbandhan will form the next government after the assembly elections, expected to be held in October-November.

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He said that the party is led by youth and armed with a new vision to build a new Bihar and has a blue-print to transform it into a developed state.

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Earlier, party leaders attending the National Executive Meeting expressed full confidence in Tejashwi Yadavs leadership and nominated him as the Mahagathbandhans CM face.

National President Lalu Prasad praised Tejashwi Yadavs efforts for the party, who is on a state-wide tour to establish contact with party workers on the ground level, and taking forward the principles of socialism, secularism and social justice on which RJD was formed.

Addressing the meet, Tejashwi Yadav asked party office-bearers to run an intensive membership campaign. He asked the party leaders to ensure that booth committees are formed at every booth to at least two active members are made at every booth.

Apart from all the members of the National Executive including the presidents of twenty-five state units, senior party leaders were present in the meeting as special invitees.

The meeting was addressed by the party presidents of other states including Kerala, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The leaders discussed the current political, economic and social situation of the country. A resolution was passed to oppose the communal and anti-social justice forces and to keep the partys legacy intact.

The leaders were urged to highlight the partys achievements made during Tejashwi Yadavs seventeen months tenure as Deputy Chief Minister.

They were also told to popularise the RJDs resolutions of Mahila Maan Yojana, increase in social security pension, giving 200 units of free electricity to the people after coming to power.

Since assembly elections are expected to be held in October-November, the party decided to hold its organisational elections for the session 2025-2028 in April.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Durg has apprehended the suspect accused of attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan late Wednesday night. The alleged assailant, identified as Akash Kannojya (30), was arrested aboard the Shalimar Gyaneshwari Express, which runs from Mumbai to Kolkata. The Durg RPF acted swiftly, identifying and detaining the suspect in the trains general compartment. Mumbai Police have been informed, and their team is expected to reach Durg by evening to take the accused into custody.

The arrest came after Mumbai Police employed advanced investigative techniques, including data dump analysis, to identify the attacker. Investigators collected data from mobile towers near Saif Ali Khans residence, focusing on devices active at the time of the incident. This meticulous analysis helped trace the suspects location and movements.

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Sources revealed that the suspects mobile number was registered under the name Rajendra Kodepe, a resident of Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district. A photograph shared by Mumbai Police played a crucial role in identifying Kannojya, who was subsequently arrested by the Durg RPF team.

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According to reports, the incident unfolded at Saif Ali Khans Mumbai residence on Wednesday night. The intruder had reportedly entered the house several hours earlier. When Saifs housemaid spotted the intruder and raised an alarm, the actor intervened to handle the situation. However, the attacker retaliated violently, stabbing the actor six times with a knife.

Medical reports indicate that a 2.5-inch blade fragment was surgically removed from Saifs spine. Despite the seriousness of the injuries, his condition is now stable, and he is recovering under medical care.

The state Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the RPF team in Durg for their prompt action, stating, The Durg RPF has successfully apprehended a suspect. The Mumbai Police have been informed, and the accused will soon be handed over to them.

The suspects arrest has been hailed as a significant breakthrough, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Mumbai Police and the Durg RPF. The use of cutting-edge technology played a pivotal role in ensuring rapid progress in the investigation.

Mumbai Police are expected to interrogate the suspect further after taking him into custody later tonight. This case has raised critical questions about the safety of high-profile individuals and the need for enhanced security measures.

Saif Ali Khans fans across the country have expressed concern over the incident, offering prayers for his speedy recovery. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have been lauded for their swift and efficient action in apprehending the attacker. Further details about the suspects motives and background are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Ruling Mahayuti alliance ally Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique said on Saturday that presently, there is no law and order in the state of Maharashtra.

Currently, there is no law and order in the state. That is why such incidents (like the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan) are happening. The government should take it seriously. Bandra has now become an unsafe place. We have been living in Bandra since childhood, but we never felt unsafe like this. However, looking at current events, we feel unsafe here. The home minister should take note of this, Zeeshan Siddique who is an Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader from the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance said.

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My family has gone through an unfortunate incident (Baba Siddiques assassination). I also gave a statement to the police regarding this incident. I have given the names of some builders in my statement to the police. They need to be investigated, but nothing seems to be happening. I will also meet Devendra Fadnavis who heads the home ministry in this regard. I expect Fadnavis to give me time. I also met Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar two days ago, Zeeshan Siddique said.

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A couple of days ago Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out that Baba Siddiques murder, firing at Salman Khans Galaxy Apartments home and now the robbery bid at Saifs home, have all taken place in Bandra.

Reacting to Zeeshan Siddiques statement on Saturday, a Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader said, Saif Ali Khans attacker is yet to be traced. In the Beed district, Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case, one of the key accused Krishna Andhale is still absconding though the murder was committed on December 9, 2024.

We have been informed that after the police inspected the CCTV footage of Tiranga Dhaba hotel where the conspiracy to murder Santosh Deshmukh was hatched, it was found that the hotel had a CCTV footage backup of only 20 days. Therefore, the CCTV footage of December 8 was not available to the investigating officers. There is no politics here and it is a fact that Krishna Andhale who is an accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case is still absconding after so many days.

It is also well known that the earlier police investigation team had officers who were close to the accused Valmik Karad and only after a new special investigation team (SIT) was set up that Valmik Karad was booked under MCOCA. Earlier, only an extortion case had been filed against him and only after an agitation by villagers was a case of murder filed against Valmik Karad. All this happened when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was heading the home ministry, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader said.

However, on Friday at 9:40 pm, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in Nagpur that the police have gathered several clues in the Saif Ali Khan case and that the culprit will be arrested soon.

Fadnavis, who heads the home ministry in the state of Maharashtra, said Police investigation is going on. They have got many clues and I feel the police will zero in on the culprit very soon.
Former President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav how regular practice can create a harmonious balance between the body and mind.

Speaking at the Yoga Festival held at Mangal Bazaar, Dr. Yadav highlighted the significance of yoga as an integral part of Eastern civilization and its profound impact on human health.

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The event, organized by the Lalitpur Municipal Corporation, Ward No. 16, and the Patanjali Yoga Committee Bagmati Province, brought together yoga enthusiasts from various walks of life.

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In his address, Dr. Yadav stressed the importance of making yoga a part of everyday life for the betterment of society. Yoga is not merely a physical activity, but rather a way of life that contributes to maintaining body and mind at its best levels. For establishing a healthy society, we should first build healthiness in individual people, he said.

Dr. Ram Baran Yadav also passionately shared his thoughts regarding the potential yoga has to foster inner peace and resilience in adverse times. In todays fast-paced world, we tend to forget taking care of our mental health. Yoga is the sanctuary, teaching us to be stress-free while finding peace in the midst of chaos, he added. The benefits of yoga are not limited to the physical aspect; it nourishes our mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being.

He further expanded on the role of yoga in general well-being. Yoga connects us to our roots and teaches us the importance of balance in life. Its a practice that has been passed down through generations, and it holds the key to a healthier future.

He urged the people of Nepal to embrace yoga as a tool for self-improvement and community health. When practicing yoga, he said, It not only has a positive effect on ones life but is also a support to the community at large.

The Patanjali Yoga Committee was also appreciated for its efforts to spread the practice of yoga throughout the country as it played a key role in organizing the festival.

Dr. Yadav appreciated the organizations commitment and said, Patanjali Yoga has made yoga accessible to people from all walks of life. Their commitment to health and wellness through yoga is praiseworthy, and they are playing a very crucial role in transforming lives.

Nirmal Ratna Shakya, the President of Ward No. 16, also spoke at the event, highlighting the collaboration with the Patanjali Yoga Committee. He expressed gratitude for the growing interest in yoga and its potential to transform lives.

We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative, which not only promotes physical health but also mental clarity and emotional stability. Yoga is a tool for personal growth and community well-being, Shakya remarked.
India prepares to unveil its Budget 2025, there is a growing need to ensure that interests of small and marginal farmers are at the forefront of agricultural policymaking. Agriculture remains the backbone of Indias economy, contributing approximately 18 per cent to GDP and providing employment to more than half the population. Beyond economic output, the sector is integral to the nations food and nutrition security, rural development, and socio-economic stability. India is among the worlds leading producers of food grains, horticultural crops, dairy products, and spices.

Despite these achievements, the vast majority of Indian farmers continue to face challenges that hinder their growth and prosperity. The agricultural landscape in India is dominated by small and marginal farmers, who constitute around 85 per cent of the farming community. These farmers, owning less than two hectares of land, are responsible for a significant portion of the countrys agricultural output. However, their limited resources, lack of access to modern technology, and inadequate knowledge about government policies often leave them struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

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The upcoming budget must address their concerns and ensure that they benefit from various government agricultural policies. Small and marginal farmers encounter numerous obstacles that prevent them from fully benefiting from government schemes and policies. While the government has introduced various programmes to support the farming community, the benefits often disproportionately favour larger farmers who have better access to information and resources. Some key challenges faced by small farmers include:

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 Limited Access to Information: Many small farmers are unaware of government schemes and modern agricultural practices due to their limited education and lack of connectivity to extension services.

 Inadequate Financial Support: Although various financial schemes exist big farmers are mostly the ones taking all the benefits and small farmers often struggle to access credit from formal institutions.

 Dependence on Traditional Methods: Without adequate training, small farmers rely on traditional farming methods, leading to lower productivity and profitability.

 High Input Costs: The cost of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs remains a burden for small farmers, reducing their net income. Despite these challenges, there are certain government schemes, such as the fertilizer subsidy and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), that have proven to be effective in reaching even the smallest farmers. The upcoming budget should aim to enhance the reach and impact of these policies. One of the most critical areas for consideration in the budget is the allocation of substantial funds for farmers education.

Educating small and marginal farmers about government schemes, modern agricultural practices, and technology is essential for their empowerment. However, reaching out to 14 crore farmer families spread across 6.5 lakh villages is a colossal task that cannot be accomplished by public sector extension services alone that have limited resources. Public Private Partnership will be the most viable option for reaching such large numbers of farmers. The budget should include provisions to incentivize the private sector to participate in farmer education and awareness programmes.

One effective way to achieve this is by offering 200 per cent tax deductions to DST-recognized companies willing to contribute to farmer education. These companies can be allocated districts to ensure that private sector efforts are evenly distributed across the country. This district-wise allocation would enable private players to transfer the latest agricultural technologies and practices to farmers in their designated areas. Support can be extended to agricultural input companies, such as those involved in seed, fertilizers, drip irrigation, and crop protection products, which are already contributing to farmers productivity. However, due to limited resources, these companies are unable to reach a large number of farmers. Government assistance could significantly expand their outreach, thereby helping to double farmers incomes.

Currently, Indias per-hectare yield and agricultural GDP are far below that of developed countries and China. By empowering the farming community, which is highly dedicated and hardworking, we can unlock immense potential to boost both productivity and agricultural GDP. Such a public-private partnership would ensure that small farmers receive timely information and training on new technologies, crop protection methods, and government schemes. This, in turn, would help them increase productivity, reduce input costs, and improve their overall livelihoods. We appreciate the governments initiative to provide 15,000 drones for agricultural use. However, it is concerning that only 500 drones were distributed last year. To ensure the swift adoption of this beneficial technology, it is imperative that the government expedites the distribution process.

Additionally, drones should not be categorized as luxury items and should not attract 18 per cent GST. These drones are proving to be a valuable tool for precision spraying of fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring the safety of farmers while significantly reducing water usage to just 10 liters per application. As a modern solution with proven benefits for farmers, the use of drones must be promoted at a much faster pace to bring about transformative changes in Indian agriculture. High input costs remain a significant challenge for small farmers. While fertilizers are heavily subsidized, other essential agricultural inputs, such as pesticides, agrochemicals, and modern equipment like drones, continue to be costly due to high taxes and import duties. To reduce the financial burden on farmers, the budget should consider the following measures:

 Lowering Taxes on Agrochemicals (which attract 18% GST): Pesticides and other agro-chemicals should be taxed at either nil or a maximum of 5 per cent, similar to the tax structure for fertilizers. Lowering these taxes would make crop protection products more affordable for farmers, enabling them to safeguard their crops against pests and diseases. Additionally, it would reduce the profit margins of duplicate and spurious products in the parallel market, thereby minimizing their prevalence. This, in turn, would help improve both the quality of inputs available to farmers and their overall crop yields.

 Reducing Customs Duty on Agrochemical Imports: The current customs duty on agrochemical imports is set at 10 per cent. Reducing this by half would make innovative crop protection solutions more accessible and affordable for Indian farmers. Certain groups are advocating for an increase in customs duty on agrochemical imports. Such proposals would directly raise input costs for farmers, particularly impacting small and marginal farmers. Any move that goes against the interests of these farmers should be firmly rejected, as it would only add to their financial burden and hinder their access to quality agricultural inputs.

 Encouraging the Use of Modern Equipment: The government should encourage the adoption of modern agricultural equipment like drones and micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinklers) by lowering the current tax rates. At present, drones are taxed at 18 per cent and micro-irrigation equipment at 12 per cent, which makes these technologies expensive for small and marginal farmers. Reducing these rates to 5 per cent would make these essential tools more affordable, promoting their wider use. While subsidies on micro-irrigation are commendable, their benefits often fail to reach small and marginal farmers. Drones, in particular, can revolutionize farm management by helping farmers monitor crop health, apply fertilizers and pesticides with precision, and improve overall efficiency. Making such modern equipment affordable is key to enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainability.

The Prime Minister has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward the quality of products, including agriinputs. In a statement on 26 November 26, 2024, Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated that strict action would be taken against those involved in the manufacture and distribution of sub-standard agrochemicals, fertilizers, and seeds. This commitment to quality is essential, as ensuring that farmers receive high-quality inputs is crucial for their success. However, there is considerable distress among farmers, as reflected in their demands during the ongoing agitations, where the supply of quality agri-inputs is a key concern. The current state of agricultural inputs has caused significant hardship, and farmers concerns about the lack of reliable, effective products are more pressing than ever.

Despite the governments strong stance, the implementation of this policy has not yet materialized effectively. Several acts, such as the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), Insecticides Act (IA), and the Seed Act, exist to regulate the quality of agricultural inputs. However, the critical issue lies in the uneven enforcement of these regulations, particularly in the practice of sampling. Sampling is not being conducted uniformly across the industry, with data from various states revealing that it is being targeted at only a selective group of large companies. This uneven sampling undermines the very purpose of ensuring that quality agri-inputs are accessible to all farmers, further exacerbating the issues they face.

In the pharmaceutical sector, various steps have been taken to control and monitor the supply of counterfeit and sub-standard drugs. Similar measures should be adopted in the agricultural sector to ensure that farmers receive genuine agri-inputs of superior quality. Several measures can be taken to ensure quality inputs and include:

 Strengthening Regulatory Mechanisms: The government should not only strengthen regulatory mechanisms but also monitor the production and distribution of agricultural inputs by concerned authorities.

 Introduce Unique Identification Codes: Similar to the pharmaceutical sector, agricultural inputs can be assigned unique identification codes to track their authenticity and ensure traceability. The Government of India has already introduced a portal called SAATHI to monitor seeds. Additionally, the Ministry has decided to make it mandatory for pesticides as well; however, its implementation is not being effectively monitored.  Public Awareness Campaigns: Farmers should be educated on the importance of using quality inputs and how to identify genuine products. They should also be encouraged to purchase all agricultural inputs with proper bills. Additionally, leading companies have started printing QR codes on their products, and farmers should be made aware of the need to scan these codes to verify the authenticity of the products at the time of purchase.

Indias agricultural sector holds immense potential to contribute to the countrys economic growth and food security. However, to achieve this potential, it is crucial that Budget 2025 prioritizes the interests and benefits of the 85 per cent small and marginal farmers who form the backbone of Indian agriculture. While several government schemes have positively impacted big farmers, there is still a need to enhance the reach and effectiveness of these policies. Educating farmers, reducing input costs, and ensuring the availability of quality agricultural inputs will be key to achieving the ambitious goals set by our nation. By incorporating private-sector involvement and streamlining the processes, Budget 2025 can unlock greater opportunities for small farmers, helping them to overcome existing barriers, increase productivity, and contribute significantly to Indias agricultural growth.

(The writer is former Director of the Indian Institute of Maize Research and an expert in maize breeding and research.)
Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed on Friday Frances 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.

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Macron highlighted Frances support for Lebanons sovereignty and its leaderships efforts to ensure the countrys full control over its territory.

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He expressed Frances 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 worlds 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.


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The Indian Army used a smartphone specifically designed to ensure secure communication during the talks with China in October.

According to Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Sambhav (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) smartphones were used in the communication to ensure "end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem."

News agency ANI reported that the handsets, now distributed in large numbers to officers in the force, have applications like M-Sigma which is similar to Whatsapp for messaging, sharing of documents, photos and videos.

The Army hopes that these Sambhav smartphones will stop the leakage of important documents.

ALSO READ: Integrated Battle Groups to be up by 2025 or never: Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Defence sources told the news agency that nearly 30,000 Sambhav smartphones have been given out to officers to ensure secure communications. These have their own apps which could be used for the sharing of critical information.

The fully encrypted Sambhav phones function on 5g technology and can be used on Airtel and Jio mobile networks.

Sources said these phones have the numbers of all important functionaries and the officers do not need to save numbers.

Army officials have been using WhatsApp and other such apps for sharing information and documents and there were instances of such documents being leaked.
Actress Kareena Kapoor revealed to police about how her husband Saif Ali Khan saved her son Jeh aka Jehangir from the intruder who entered their house in Bandra, Mumbai.

The actress said the attacker was first seen in the younger son, Jeh's room by the house help. Talking to police, Kareena said the woman raised alarm and Saif jumped in to stop the intruder from attacking the women and prevent him from getting hold of Jeh.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Bhajan Singh, the auto-rickshaw driver who took Actor Saif Ali Khan to Lilavati Hospital, says "I was called there (Bandra Police Station) for questioning...I did not think about money that night...I have not been contacted by Kareena Kapoor or anyone else so pic.twitter.com/pXHPsSkOp2  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

Kareena revealed that the attacker got aggressive when confronted but did not take the jewellery that was kept in the open. This was revealed in a statement she gave the police.

Following this, Kareena, their children and the house help were moved to the 12th floor. The family stays on the 11th and 12th floors of the duplex apartment in Satguru Sharan building.

#WATCH | Saif Ali Khan's daughter, actor Sara Ali Khan arrives at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. #SaifAliKhan is admitted here following the attack on him. As per the hospital administration, he is doing well and has been shifted from ICU to a normal room. pic.twitter.com/oCYIwKM04h  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Saif was stabbed multiple times by the attacker, including his neck and spine. He was admitted to Lilavati Hospital, following which a surgery was done.

Police were yet to record Saif's statement.

It was Saif's son Taimur and the house help who took an autorickshaw to take the injured actor to the hospital. Later, Kareena's sister Karishma Kapoor took the actress to her home in Khar.

Doctors said Saif, who has been recovering following the surgery, has been shifted out of the ICU. He has been advised bed rest and will be discharged in two or three days.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar said the police are trying to locate the suspect. Around 30 teams are hunting for the attacker.
The attacker who stabbed Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his home in Mumbai is yet to be caught, even as more than 30 police teams are on the lookout for him.

The attacker was seen on CCTV camera, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, entering the premises through the stairs around 1.30am, and then hurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the 'Satguru Sharan' building, where Khan lives, at around 2.30am. Another CCTV footage showed him in a blue shirt and backpack in the Bandra station area.

"I was 1st one to meet Saif Ali Khan when he came to hospital. He was drenched in blood but he walked in like a lion with only his small kid, Taimur. Saif Ali Khan is a real hero."



Meantime, this  became  reportedly from this single  detained by Mumbai Police. pic.twitter.com/BDcEuRzWf8  BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) January 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan, who suffered multiple stab injuries, including in his neck and underwent emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital, is recovering well and has been shifted out of the ICU.

Is there any underworld link to Saif Ali Khan's stabbing?

With recent death threats against Bollywood actors such as Salman Khan, the stabbing case had led to speculations that the Mumbai underworld may have a hand in it.

ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan was soaked in blood...wasnt scared: Auto driver recalls rushing actor to hospital

However, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam ruled any underworld links and asserted that robbery was the only motive behind the attack.

A senior police officer told PTI that the attacker was not working for any criminal gang and probably was not even aware whose house he had entered.

Police release the person detained in connection with Saif's stabbing

Police released a carpenter who was picked up for questioning in the case. He resembled the intruder captured in the CCTV footage, and hence, was brought to the Bandra police station for questioning on Friday. However, he was released later after the police verified his alibi.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch slammed the Bandra police for not reacting to the situation quickly enough, thus allowing the culprit to escape. A Hindustan Times report quoted a Crime Branch officer as saying that had the Bandra police alerted nearby police stations and the Crime Branch soon after the incident, the chances of catching the attacker would have been high.
Thirty-two-year-old Besaniya works as a domestic worker in Noida, and lives in a slum called Chaura Basti near the Delhi-Noida border with her two kids. Her husband Ram Deen, who worked as a daily-wage labourer, has been sick with respiratory issues for the past few years. People in her neighbourhood jhuggis also complain of suffocation and breathing difficulties.



My husband cant pick anything heavy and walk for long, she says. These winter months become very difficult for him because there is so much pollution, she adds.

Just as the winter smog hit Delhi NCR, she sent her sick husband back to their village in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh.

However, outdoor pollution is not the only issue they face. As the temperature plummets in Delhi NCR and hazardous smog blankets the region, slum and street dwellers relying on wood for cooking and warmth face heightened health risks from pollution.

Besaniya and most other people in Chaura Basti use firewood to cook during winter months, as it also helps them keep warm. The slum is built on a small patch of land, left idle in the middle of tall buildings all around. This ensures that the smoke emitted from chulhas gets trapped above the settlement. Every day, after 7pm, as the men in the family come back from work, women light the chulhas for cooking and warming.

This helps us get rid of the expensive LPG and also keeps us warm in this biting cold, said Raj Narayan, a resident of the Basti. By 8pm, the entire slum gets engulfed in smoke, visibility decreases, and tears well up in the eyes. The women who cook blow air into the stove through a pipe, coughing continuously as they do so.

Deepali and her mother-in-law cook for the family in Chaura Basti, Noida | Sneha Richhariya/First Check

We inhale dust and fumes all day; we also fall sick two to three times a month during these winter months, said Deepali, Raj Narayans daughter-in-law, who also lights a chulha every day. Deepali also has a four-year-old daughter, who sits with her mother as she cooks on the mud stove and struggles with the fumes.

Indoor air pollution arises from various sources, including smoke from fuels used for cooking and heating, tobacco smoke, building materials like paints, varnishes, and wood flooring, adhesives in furniture and electronics, broken CFLs and tube lights, high moisture levels, and overall outdoor air pollution.

Among these sources, the burning of solid fuels for cooking is the primary contributor to indoor air pollution in India. In most Indian households, PM2.5 concentrations range between 86 and 882 g/m3. Higher PM2.5 levels in enclosed spaces are ten times more dangerous than similar concentrations outdoors, as confined environments allow pollutants to accumulate more than open areas.

The dangers of indoor air pollution

Outdoor air pollution in Delhi is primarily caused by vehicle emissions, power plants, small industries like brick kilns, dust from traffic and construction, open waste burning, and diesel generators. Household air pollution is primarily caused by burning coal, which is particularly dangerous due to its close proximity.

In poorly ventilated homes, indoor smoke can have fine particle levels up to 100 times higher than what is considered safe. Inefficient cooking fuels like wood and kerosene release tiny soot particles that can deeply penetrate the lungs, worsening the health risks.

Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Department Of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, highlighted that indoor air pollution, particularly from burning wood and coal for cooking or heating, can be significantly more harmful than outdoor pollution, often being 4 to 5 times more dangerous.

Indoor pollution involves fine soot particles and gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which can cause severe health issues, he emphasised.

A 2015 study published in the Lancet journal found that air pollution was responsible for 5.2 lakh premature deaths in India. The leading cause of these deaths was household air pollution, primarily from solid cooking fuels, which contributed to 1.2 lakh premature fatalities.

Household air pollution accounts for 44% of all pneumonia deaths worldwide in children under five, with nearly half of all lower respiratory infection deaths in this age group attributed to soot inhalation. The WHO also notes links between household air pollution and risks of low birth weight, tuberculosis, cataracts, and cancers of the nasopharynx and larynx.

Pregnant women, children: the silent victims of indoor air pollution?

Dr Yasmeena, who works as a medical officer in-charge at a Rural Health Training Centre, affiliated with Jamia Hamdard University, witnesses the impacts of dirty fuels almost on a daily basis.

I deal with respiratory issues in pregnant women on a daily basis, especially during winter months; they are particularly affected by pollution, primarily due to their lowered immunity during pregnancy This makes them more susceptible to respiratory issues and other health complications during high-pollution periods, she said.

Chaura Basti is crowded with small children playing and running all around | Sneha Ricchariya/First Check

A 2012 study revealed that women using biomass, kerosene, and coal for cooking faced a significantly higher risk of having low birth weight babies compared to those using the much cleaner liquefied petroleum gas. Similarly, a 2013 study found that the use of firewood, biomass (such as crop residue, dried vegetation, or even waste), and kerosene was linked to an increased chance of stillbirths.

But despite the risks, not all women can avoid the harmful fumes. Gudiya, a resident of Chaura Basti, gave birth to three children in the locality, the youngest of whom was just a year ago. The doctors told me to avoid firewood, but if I dont use it, who will cook for the family? she asked.

Not just pregnant women but also children bear the brunt of indoor pollution. A 2018 study explored the link between indoor air pollution and asthma in children in Delhi. It examined 3,104 children across industrial, residential, and village areas. The findings reveal that 7.9% of children had asthma, with the highest prevalence in industrial areas (11.8%). The study finds that biomass fuel use, tobacco smoke, and elevated indoor suspended particulate matter (SPM), particularly in industrial zones, were the key contributors. The health effects were more severe in people from lower class areas than in upper and middle class, as per the study.

Chaura Basti is crowded with small children playing and running all around. As mothers cook and fathers wait for food, children sit near the mud stoves with their mothers to warm themselves.

Confined spaces make indoor pollution worse

Delhis air quality during the winter months often falls into the severe or dangerous categories, with AQI levels soaring well beyond acceptable limits. In slums like Chaura Basti, the situation is exacerbated by indoor pollution, where fumes can contain particulate matter up to 100 times finer than outdoor pollutants.

On the day this story was reported, a monitoring station in Vasundhara Enclave, located near Chaura Basti, recorded an AQI of 486, placing it in the hazardous category. However, the reality of areas such as Chaura Basti, where harmful fumes are trapped because of the way the area is planned, could be worse.

AQI is typically monitored at specific locations that are often open, well-maintained, and surrounded by trees or good infrastructure. This leaves us unaware of how much worse the air quality might be in poorly ventilated areas, Dr. Dileep Mavalankar, former director of the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, explained.

Apart from the neighbouring government hospital, the residents visit a 'Bengali Dawakhana' located next to the slum | Sneha Richhariya/First Check

A study conducted in 92 households, involving 174 women, provides evidence of the harmful effects of indoor air pollution from biomass combustion on health. The results revealed significantly higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in households where a separate cooking room was not used for biomass fuel.

To address the issue of biomass burning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna in May 2016. The scheme aimed to provide free LPG connections to families living below the poverty line.

In the first year, the scheme covered 2.2 crore households, exceeding its target of 1.5 crore connections. The scheme was then rolled out to 5 crore more families. However, beneficiaries started dropping out after exhausting the free gas cylinder, as refilling remains a major issue to date.

Due to difficulty in obtaining LPG refills, increasing costs and lack of proper documentation among migrant families, women have been forced to rely on firewood stoves and heating devices. During winter months, almost all residents of Chaura Basti move to mud stoves.

The residents of Chaura Basti remain largely unaware of the harmful effects of the fumes they breathe in daily. Many chalk up their symptoms to temporary, seasonal ailments.

Apart from the neighbouring government hospital, the residents visit a Bengali Dawakhana located next to the slum.



My main job is this, Dr N.K. Mollick said, pointing to the board at the gate of his clinic, which says he specialises in treating diseases like piles and fistula. Sometimes, patients come with breathing issues, so I also nebulise them, he added.

"Aap log toh apne ghar mein heater laga sakte hain, hum kya kare itni thand mein? Isliye chulha jalate hain [You can afford to use heaters in your homes, but what can we do in this cold? That's why we keep the stove burning]," explained Raj Narayan, waiting patiently for his meal. Just a few meters away, his wife and daughter-in-law prepare chapatis on a mud stove while children play nearby.

Its now 8.30pm, and as the stoves are lit, the air in the narrow lane becomes thick, making it difficult to breathe, with a haze settling over everything.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
Political heat intensified in the national capital ahead of the assembly elections, with both the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP engaging in a war of words over an alleged attack on former chief minister Arvind Kejriwals car on Saturday.

The AAP alleged that Kejriwals car was attacked with stones by the supporters of BJPs Parvesh Vermahis opponent at the New Delhi constituency.

"Fearing defeat, BJP panicked, got its goons to attack Arvind Kejriwal," the AAP posted on X.

"The goons of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma targeted Arvind Kejriwal with stones so that he could not campaign. Listen BJP, Arvind Kejriwal is not going to back down because of your cowardly attack on him. The people of Delhi will give you a befitting reply," the party further said.

     BJP,         



BJP               -               



 ,    pic.twitter.com/QcanvqX8fB  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 18, 2025

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia condemned the incident, terming it as the low level of politics and said the public would give a befitting reply to the saffron party.

The BJP, however, countered the allegations, claiming that Kejriwals car had hit a BJP worker.

"The car of Arvind Kejriwal has gone ahead by crushing the worker of the BJP. The leg of the worker (BJP) has broken and I am going to the Lady Hardinge Medical College to inquire about his health. This is very shameful, Verma told ANI.
Aam Admi Party leader and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said benefits of schemes like free power and water would be extended to tenants in the national capital as well if the party returns to power.



Announcing the party will take decisive steps to extend the benefits of free electricity and water to tenants., Kejriwal said, Wherever I go, I meet people living on rent who say they benefit from good schools and hospitals but are deprived of free electricity and water schemes.

#WATCH | Screening of AAP's documentary 'Unbreakable' | AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says "A film has been made on AAP, today we had a special screening of this film to the journalists. This morning, police reached there and stopped its screening. Under no law is it pic.twitter.com/Vqdr7d6CCI  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

Kejriwal added, We will ensure that after the elections, tenants, many of whom belong to the Purvanchal region, will also enjoy the benefits of free electricity and water, PTI reported.

The AAP, aiming for a third consecutive term in the national capital, has announced a slew of welfare schemes this election. Earlier, the party announced monthly assistance for women and assistance of Rs 18,000 for priests in temples and gurudwaras. The Delhi assembly elections is slated for February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8.

Meanwhile, the Delhi police on Saturday stopped the screening of the documentary on AAP citing lack of permission for the event. The ruling party hosted a screening of the documentary Unbreakable in the national capital on Saturday. However, the screening was stopped by Delhi police saying violation of model code of conduct.

Delhi police said, "For the said event, no such permission was taken and hence it would have been a violation of guidelines. We urge all parties to follow the election rules and regulations at this time, ANI reported.

However, Kejriwal slammed the police for stopping the screening and said the screening was stopped since the BJP was scared. The former chief minister said the film exposes the illegal actions of the BJP government and wrongful arrest of AAP leaders.
The Supreme Court has taken a stern stand on the Tamil Nadu governor vs government row and observed it would intervene if the issue regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors is not resolved before the next hearing. The apex court will next hear the case on Wednesday.



Hearing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam governments pleas against Governor R.N. Ravi, the Supreme Court orally directed the state government and governor to resolve the deadlock. A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan observed, We will resolve this. By the next date, if it is resolved well and good. Otherwise, we will resolve it, Live Law reported. The bench will next hear the pleas on January 22.

The DMK government has moved the Supreme Court against the governor, over delaying sanction to bills passed by the government and appointment of vice-chancellors to state universities. The state government accused the governor of deliberately delaying the sanction of bills passed by the state legislature. The state government has also challenged notifications unilaterally issued by the governor for constituting search-and-selection committees for the appointment of vice-chancellors to three universities.

The apex courts ultimatum comes at a time when the relationship between Governor Ravi and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has soured further owing to the national anthem row. For the third year in a row, Governor Ravi walked out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly without delivering his customary address at the beginning of the assembly session.

While the chief minister termed governors act childish, Ravi accused the DMK government of brazenly disrespecting the Constitution and national anthem. Ravi walked out of the assembly session upset over the state government and the speakers decision to not play the national anthem at the beginning of his address. As per the custom of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Tamil Thai Vazhthu is played at the beginning of the governors address and the national anthem is played in the end.
Even as a Kolkata court is set to pronounce the judgment in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case today, the allegations by the victim's parents that the probe was not complete and that other culprits are still free, has cast a shadow on the whole affair.

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the city police, was charged with the brutal rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in north Kolkata on August 9 last year. Kolkata Police arrested Roy on August 10, a day after her body was recovered from the seminar room of the hospital. The case was transferred to the CBI later by the Calcutta High Court. The central agency has sought death penalty for Roy.

#WATCH | On Sealdah Court to announce the verdict of RG Kar rape-murder case today, Victim's father says, "Our lawyer and CBI have told us not to go to the court. I have no idea about the recent court proceedings...CBI never called me anywhere, they came to our residence once or pic.twitter.com/FKZ1988dut  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

The crime led to nationwide outrage and protests by junior doctors in Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim and stronger security arrangements in state-run hospitals.

ALSO READ: A leading figure of RG Kar rape-murder protests, Dr Asfakulla Naiya faces probe for practising with fake degree

Fifty-seven days after the trial started, the Sealdah court will deliver the judgment today.

Parents of the RG Kar victim seek further probe

However, the parents of the victim insist that more people are involved in the crime, and have expressed hope that they too will be arrested soon and tried before the court. They have also moved court seeking further probe into the case.

"Sanjay (Roy) is guilty, and the 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," the victim's mother told PTI. She added that though biological evidence proved Roy guilty, the administration has been protecting several others involved in the crime.

ALSO READ: March in Kolkata to demand justice for RG Kar victim, safety of women at workplace

"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?" she said, referring to speculations that the junior doctor was 'silenced' because she knew about some wrongdoings in the hospital.
The Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court in Kolkata on Saturday found Sanjay Roy guilty in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court will pronounce his sentence on January 20.



The verdict was based on forensic evidence, including the discovery of Roys DNA on the victims body. Despite his claims of innocence during the court proceedings on Saturday, Roys defence was unsuccessful. The victims parents were present in court during the proceedings.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Additional District Judge Sealdah Court finds accused Sanjay Roy guilty in the RG Kar rape-murder case.



(Visuals from outside Sealdah Court) pic.twitter.com/lA6C6gOpTF  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

A second-year postgraduate trainee doctor from the chest medicine department was discovered dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar on August 9. Initially, the Kolkata police led the investigation, arresting Roy within 24 hours.

However, the victims parents and junior doctors at RG Kar raised concerns about the polices handling of the case. A video appeared to show construction work near the crime scene, while another depicted the alleged presence of several people, including outsiders, at the site after the discovery of the body.

These developments led to allegations that the police were protecting the main culprits. The victims parents accused Sandip Ghosh, then principal of RG Kar MCH, and local police officials of involvement. They also claimed the police pressured them into performing their daughters last rites hastily, under heavy security, while nationwide protests erupted demanding justice.

On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Shortly after, during the Reclaim the Night protests, a group of miscreants allegedly vandalized the crime scene at RG Kar MCH and attacked protesting doctors. Protesters accused the police of deliberately failing to secure the area, allowing evidence tampering. Junior doctors across the state went on a complete strike.

The CBI launched a dual investigation: one into the alleged rape and murder and another into financial irregularities involving Sandip Ghosh and others. From August 20, a Supreme Court bench, then led by former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, began hearing matters related to the RG Kar incident. The Court also formed a National Task Force to formulate an action plan for the protection of medical professionals at hospitals.

On September 2, the CBI arrested Ghosh in connection with financial irregularities. Meanwhile, junior doctors staged indefinite protests outside Swasthya Bhavan, the West Bengal Health Department headquarters, from September 10, demanding the resignation of senior officials, including the Kolkata police commissioner and the health secretary.

On September 14, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the protest site and invited the doctors for talks, but no consensus was reached. Two days later, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal was suspended. Following assurances from the state government after a meeting with the chief minister, junior doctors ended their protests on September 20, and the statewide strike was called off.

However, tensions reignited on September 27 after an alleged attack on nurses and doctors at the College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital. Protests escalated, and on October 5, junior doctors began an indefinite hunger strike just before Durga Puja.

On October 7, the CBI filed a chargesheet in the Sealdah court, naming Sanjoy Ray as the sole accused in the rape and murder case. Later, on October 19, CM Banerjee and Chief Secretary Manoj Pant visited the hunger strikers, requesting an end to their protest. Following another round of discussion with the chief minister, the hunger strike ended two days later. The trial against Roy began at the Sealdah court on November 11.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, which has been at the forefront of the RG Kar protests, along with Abhaya Mancha, a civil society group formed during the demonstrations, and several others, held a protest on Saturday outside the Sealdah Civil & Criminal Court.

The protest took place outside the court while inside Sanjay Roy, a former Kolkata Police civic volunteer, was declared guilty of raping and murdering a trainee doctor at RG Kar on August 9.

The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, demanding that all individuals involved in the crime be arrested and convicted. They alleged that Roy alone was not responsible for the crime and that the influential figures linked to the West Bengal government and the ruling party were protected.

During the demonstration, the protesters raised 20 pointed questions. They referred to video evidence showing the presence of outsiders at the crime scene, which they claim suggests evidence tampering.

Additionally, they highlighted rapid construction work near the site of the crime and the vandalism and attacks on protesters at RG Kar on the night of August 14 as further indications of attempts to cover up the case.

The protesters also accused investigators of shielding key suspects. They pointed out that the CBIs supplementary chargesheet initially implicated Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar, and local police official Abhijit Mondal in evidence tampering. However, neither was named in the final chargesheet.

One of the questions read, Sanjay Roy is undoubtedly guilty. But given the sheer brutality of the crime, how is it possible for one person to commit it?

The demonstrators claimed that Roy was easily convicted because he was financially weak and lacked political connections. We will continue our protests until all those powerful people involved in it get the punishment and justice is served, the protesters vowed.

Meanwhile, the victims parents, who were also unhappy with the ongoing CBI probe and approached the Calcutta High Court again for further investigation, thanked the judge at the Sealdah court for the verdict.
In a major breakthrough in the stabbing case of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) on Saturday detained a suspect from a train at Durg railway station.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai confirmed the development and said the accused would be handed over to Mumbai Police.

"The suspect who had stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan with a knife had been caught from Durg by the RPF. The Mumbai Police is coming and the suspect will be handed over to them, Sai told ANI.

According to RPF officials, the man, identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia (31), was traveling by Jnaneshwari Express which runs between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Kolkata Shalimar.

Actor Saif Ali Khan attack case: Picture of the suspect Akash Kanojia detained from Durg, Chhattisgarh in connection with actor Saif Ali Khan attack case



Information about this suspect was received from Assistant Police Inspector Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police that a suspect https://t.co/AG0B92zqmq pic.twitter.com/AA9HEU4Iaj  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

According to report, the RPF Post Durg received a tip off from Mumbai Police at 12.30 pm about Kannojia travelling in by Jnaneswari Express. The Mumbai Police also shared his photo and mobile phone location.

The RPF had kept two teams ready at Durg station and the suspect, who was travelling in the front general compartment, was apprehended as soon as the train arrived at the staton.

Police said a team of Mumbai Police is expected to arrive at Raipur on Saturday evening to take the suspect into custody.

Khan was attacked with a knife by an intruder at his 12th floor residence in Bandra in the wee hours of Thursday during an alleged robbery attempt. The actor, who underwent surgery at the Lilavati Hospital, is recuperating and likely to be discharged in two-three days.

The police released the CCTV images of the culprit and formed multiple teams for the investigation. More than 30 people have already been questioned in connection with the probe.
India should not see the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a counter to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, instead it should be a win-win for all countries in the region, said Dr Ebtesam Al Ketbi, Founder and President, Emirates Policy Center in the UAE. She added that India should not wait for an invitation to play a bigger role in the region.

Speaking at the Kochi Dialogue 2025 event organised by Kochi-based think tank Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) on Friday, Al Ketbi said India should look at the economic interests rather than the political interests.

The Americans want IMEC to counter the BRI. But we should not look at it from that angle but rather look at our own interests, pointed out the chief of the Abu Dhabi-based independent think-tank, which gives policy suggestions to the UAE decision makers.

ALSO READ: How Israel-Hamas conflict could shatter India's Middle East corridor dreams

An MoU on the IMEC project was inked by India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, the European Union, Italy, France and Germany during the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi. The corridor proposes to connect Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan and Israel via a rail network. This was seen as a counter to the Sino-centric BRI.

Elaborating on the hurdles faced by the IMEC project, Al Ketbi said the main challenges were the geopolitical issues that have always plagued the Middle East. When the Gaza war erupted, IMEC stopped. We haven't done anything since then. This was exacerbated by the Houthi attacks, she added.

When we start a project, we have to bear in mind the potential spoilers. Iran felt it was excluded from the project, so it turned a spoiler," she said, referring to Iran's use of proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis to create tensions in the region. "So we have to look at ways to make it a win-win situation for all players in the region, Al Ketbi said, adding that piracy in the Horn of Africa is another concern.

Pointing out that more countries should be included in the project, she suggested that multiple corridors could be explored. One of these corridors, she said, could pass via the UAE, Iraq and Turkey.

This is seen as a move to pacify Ankara, which views IMEC in its current form as a threat to its historical role in connecting Asia and Europe. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier threatened to part ways with the EU, saying there can be no corridor without Turkey. Ankara had suggested the alternative project should connect the UAE and Qatar with Turkey via Iraqs Grand Faw Port in Basra.

Al Ketbi said the Egyptians, too, were upset that the Suez Canal was excluded from the IMEC. It should be noted that high freight charges, heavy traffic and piracy has forced ships to choose the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope.

So we should look at way to make Egypt a part of the project via Alexandria (to complement Suez Canal). If Syria becomes stable, that could be another route. The more corridors we create for IMEC, the more we can proceed with the project, she said. Whether it is via Egypt, Israel, Syria or Turkey, IMEC can a win-win situation for all the member countries, she added.

Al Ketbi pointed out that the success of IMEC mainly depends on India and the GCC countries, which are the two main pillars of the project.

A third challenge faced by IMEC is the lack of facilities in some ports in the corridor to handle the volume of trade, so there is a need to enhance their capabilities, she said. Al Ketbi pointed out that India can play a role in this through "Track 1.5 diplomacy", wherein government and non-governmental experts engage in dialogue for a resolution.

India should not wait for an invitation. The Russians, the Chinese and the Americans want to be involved in this region. But they are far away unlike India, which can play a bigger role in the region due to its proximity to the Middle East, she suggested.
Two judges were shot dead and one injured on Saturday in a shooting attack outside the Supreme Court building in Tehran, reported Iranian state media.

Though the authorities tried to detain the attacker, he killed himself before they could restrain him. He reportedly acted alone in the attack.

JUDGES KILLED OUTSIDE IRANS SUPREME COURT



2 senior judges of Irans Supreme Court were assassinated this morning in an attack outside the Palace of Justice in Tehran.



The judges, Hojjatoleslam Walmuslemin Razini and Hojjatoleslam Walmuslemin Moghiseh, were known for their pic.twitter.com/Q7mjiJje6l  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 18, 2025

Three judges of the Supreme Court were targeted. Two of them were martyred and one was injured, according to the the judiciarys Mizan Online website.

Who are the 2 Iranian Supreme Court judges killed in Tehran?

The deceased judges were identified as ayatollahs Mohammad Moghiseh and Hojatoleslam Ali Razini.

Mohammed Moghiseh who had presided trials of political prisoners was the head of Branch 53. Ali Razini who was leading Branch 39 was targeted in a foiled assassination attempt in January 1999.

The identity of the third judge is yet to be revealed. He has been hospitalised and is undergoing treatment.

The authorities are trying to find a motive for the fatal shooting. The gunman was a staff member who was responsible for refreshments at the judiciary head office, reported Fars News, which is affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

However, the Judiciary Media Centre said the attacker was an armed infiltrator who carried out a premeditated assassination.

Investigations revealed that the attacker did not have any direct link to the Supreme Court, its branches or its cases.

Three days ago, the Iranian Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Kurdish woman activist Pakhshan Azizi, drawing criticism from several corners, including the United Nations. The Human Rights Council said the charges against Azizi could not be counted among the "most serious crimes" as she was arrested for supporting refugees in Iraq and Syria.
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 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.

At the time, Navalny was serving a 19-year prison term on several criminal convictions, including extremism. He died in a Russian prison camp in February 2023.

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 Navalnys thoughts to other people.

The independent Russian news outlet Mediazona reported three journalists attending the sentencing were detained and taken to a police station.

Navalnys 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.

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 in February 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.

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, Ivan Tishchenko, was jailed for four years for donating around $34 to Navalnys organization.

(AP)
The Israeli government approved the hostage release/ceasefire deal in the early hours of Shabbos morning after over seven hours of deliberation, with 24 voting in favor versus eight opposed.

The meeting was significantly delayed as the meeting of the security cabinet took longer than expected, delaying the Cabinet meeting until after the onset of Shabbos.

In a surprise, Likud members Amichai Chikli and David Amsalem voted against the deal, along with Religious Zionist chairman Betzalel Smotrich and two members of his party, Orit Strock and Ofir Sofer; and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir and two members of his party, Amichai Eliyahu and Yitzchak Wasserlauf.

Another Likud minister, Shlomo Karhi, was not present during the vote.

The implementation of the deal is expected to begin on Sunday, with Hamas slated to release three female hostages in exchange for 95 terrorists.

The Chareidi ministers, dressed in their Shabbos clothing, arrived at the Prime Ministers Office shortly before Shabbos, left an in favor voting slip, and returned home before Shabbos.

Deputy Minister Uri Maklev requested from the Prime Ministers Office officials before he left for home: It is advisable to ensure that there is no unnecessary Chillul Shabbos such as a press conference.

Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf wrote in a note he left: Whoever saves one soul of Israel  it is as if he has saved an entire world. I support the hostage release deal that that the government of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is finalizing today. And there is no greater mitzvah than pidyon shevuim.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu released a special video message to the nation on Motzei Shabbos, making his first comments to the public on the hostage deal that was approved in the pre-dawn hours of Shabbos morning.

Netanyahu committed in his remarks to achieve all the goals of the war, including ensuring that Hamas will not be able to control Gaza in the future. He also addressed the rumors that the IDF is withdrawing from the Philadelphi Route and stated that not only is Israel not giving up control of the route but is also increasing forces in the area.

In his remarks, Netanyahu said that the first stage of the deal is only a temporary ceasefire and revealed that both outgoing President Biden and President-elect Trump provided assurances that Israel could resume the war if negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal prove futile.

Netanyahu continued by saying that he insisted on three crucial principles during the negotiations.

Hamas wanted a permanent ceasefire as a precondition, Netanyahu said. I refused to agree to this, and my position was accepted. If we need to return to fighting we will do it in new ways and with increased power.

The second key principle was the number of living hostages slated for release in the first stage. I insisted on increasing the number of living hostages released in the first stage and succeeded, the Prime Minister said.

The third key principle was the Philadelphi Corridor. Netanyahu denied the reports that Israel is withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor, emphasizing: Well increase, not decrease, the number of forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, adding that control over the Egyptian-Gaza border is necessary to achieve the goals of the war. We wont allow weapons to be smuggled into Gaza or the hostages to be smuggled out, he stressed.

Netanyahu also said that terrorists who murdered Israelis will be deported out of Israel. Terrorists who are serving long prison sentences for terror acts but were not convicted of murder will be released to their homes in east Jerusalem and the Shomron.

Netanyahu also thanked Trump for his decision to remove all remaining restrictions on the supply of essential weapons to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Saturday, 18 January 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:

Dear citizens of Israel.

On October 7, our enemies perpetrated the worst massacre against the Jewish People since the Holocaust. But amidst this terrible disaster was shown the great strength of the spirit of the people and the supreme heroism of our fighters.

It is this strength that has led us with determination to achieve all of the objectives of the war that we set: Returning all of our hostages, eliminating Hamas military and governing capabilities and ensuring that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to our country.

In the War of Redemption, we have made it clear to our enemies and to the entire world, that when the people of Israel stand together, there is no force that can break us.

I am proud to be Prime Minister of our wonderful people. I am proud to lead our country at such times.

The Security Cabinet and the Government have approved the framework for the return of our hostages. This is the objective of the war from which we will not relent until it will be completed.

The sacred mission to release hostages has accompanied me throughout my life, from my IDF service and throughout my years as Prime Minister.

Together with you, citizens of Israel, and together with many people around the world, my wife Sara and I have hoped, prayed and worked for the return of all of our hostages. I think about them all the time.

My wife Sara has put her entire heart and soul into caring for the families and for those who have returned, and she has been working for them both at home and abroad.

I know that this concern is shared by all families in Israel. I promise you  we will insist on all the objectives of the war. We will bring all of them back home.

As of today, we have returned home 157 of our hostages, 117 of whom alive. Under the agreement that has now been approved, we will return home another 33 of our brothers and sisters, most of them alive.

This agreement is, first of all, the result of the heroism of our fighters in combat, and it is also the result of our steadfast insistence on Israels vital interests, in the face of heavy pressure at home and abroad.

This agreement is also the result of cooperation between the outgoing administration of President Biden and the incoming administration of President Trump.

From the moment he was elected, President Trump has been involved in the mission for the release of our hostages. He spoke with me Wednesday evening. He welcomed the agreement and rightly emphasized that the first stage of the agreement is a temporary ceasefire. That is what he said, a temporary ceasefire.

Ahead of the next stages of the agreement, we retain significant assets in order to return all of our hostages, and in order to meet the objectives of the war.

Both President Trump and President Biden have given full backing to Israels right to return to the fighting, if Israel reaches the conclusion that the second stage negotiations are ineffectual. I greatly appreciate this.

I also greatly appreciate President Trumps decision to lift the remaining restrictions on providing vital weapons and munitions to the State of Israel.

If we need to go back to the fighting, we will do so in new ways and with great force.

During the negotiations, I determined several basic principles:

The first principle  Safeguarding the ability to return and fight as per need. For many months, Hamas demanded that we promise in advance to end the war as a condition for its entering a framework for the release of the hostages, and it set all kinds of additional dictated terms. I strongly opposed these dictated terms  and my position was accepted. We retain the right to return to the war, if necessary, with the backing of the US.

And not for nothing, all senior American administration officials have unanimously attested that it was Hamas that hindered the negotiations.

The second principle that I insisted on, the most important principle: I significantly increased the number of living hostages that will return in the first stage. I am pleased to tell you that this insistence has borne fruit. Contrary to Hamass position in May, we have almost doubled the number of living hostages that are due to be released in the first stage.

And the third principle  keeping the Philadelphi Corridor and the security buffer zone. When I say keeping the Philadelphi Corridor, not only will we not reduce our forces there, we will even increase them slightly, and this is contrary to all of the reports that I hear.

We promised in the agreement that Israel would keep full control in the Philadelphi Corridor and the security buffer around the entire Gaza Strip. We will not allow war materiel to be smuggled in, nor will we allow our hostages to be smuggled out.

We determined that terrorists who committed murder will not be released to Judea and Samaria  they will be expelled to the Gaza Strip or abroad, and we decided in the Security Cabinet on a very significant increase in our forces in Judea and Samaria in order to protect our citizens.

Now, what has caused Hamas to change its position? First of all, the painful blows that our heroic fighters have landed on Hamas, and the rest of our enemies, on the battlefield. Second, our policy of striking our enemies on seven fronts with force that they have never seen.

We eliminated Sinwar, Deif and Haniye. We eliminated Nasrallah and the entire Hezbollah leadership. We destroyed most of the weaponry of the Syrian military. We struck the Houthis in Yemen. We acted against Iran. Indeed, we struck all of these very hard, that is to say that we struck the entire Iranian axis very hard  and we are still active.

Just as I promised you, we have changed the face of the Middle East.

And as result of all this, Hamas has been left battered and isolated in the campaign. This is exactly how the conditions were created for the turning point in its position and for the release of our hostages. Today Hamas has agreed to what it did not agree to previously.

Citizens of Israel, the War of Redemption has demanded of us tough decisions but it is in these decisions that leadership is tested. These were decisions that took into account our comprehensive national and security considerations. I regret that I cannot detail all of them to you here.

On October 7, we took a severe blow. We experienced terrible pain. With joint forces, we repelled our enemies and achieved considerable results. The entire world, friends and enemies alike, has been impressed by these historic achievements.

My dear citizens of Israel, I see the emotion. I see with uplifted spirit your inner strength. I want to thank you for the confidence and backing that you have given me and my colleagues to lead the State of Israel in these fateful times.

I see our people at their best; the men and women of the IDF regular forces and reserves, the men and women of the Israel Police, the men and women in the ISA, the Mossad and the Prison Service, the emergency and rescue forces, the volunteers and our entire people in its full glory.

In the storm of battle and horror of war, we take to our heart with shared sorrow, love and appreciation, those who have paid the heaviest price of all  our brothers and sisters in the bereaved families, the dear bereaved families.

We embrace our wounded in body and soul, the families of our hostages, the residents who have been displaced from their homes in the north and the south, whom we are committed to returning home.

I take all of you into my heart and I tell you  the campaign is still not over. A long and challenging journey still lies before us. This is not the time to disband and disperse, this is the time to unite and come together. This is what the heritage of Israel commands us. This is what the generation of victory demands of us.

We are winning because the spirit within us is winning. This is the spirit of an ancient people, a people that has refused to surrender to those who have risen up to destroy us.

Together, with G-ds help, we will defeat our enemies; we will ensure our future.

Because there is redemption and there is hope for your future, says the LORD; and your children shall return to their own border [Jeremiah 31:16].

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
An Israeli man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on Shabbos afternoon.

A Palestinian terrorist, armed with a knife, approached a group of people at an outdoor table at a restaurant on Levontin Street and stabbed a 28-year-old man, seriously wounding him.

A nearby armed civilian immediately pulled out his gun and shot the terrorist, killing him.

MDA paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to the victim, who had stab wounds on his upper body, and evacuated him to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. He is now in serious but stable condition.

The terrorist was later identified as a 19-year-old resident of Tulkarm who had entered Israel illegally.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Sirens sounded in central Israel and in the Jerusalem area at about 10:30 a.m. on Shabbos morning.

The IDF later said that it intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen.

Shrapnel from the missile fell in the Jerusalem area, including in an open area next to Moshav Bar Giora, next to a gas station at the entrance to Mevo Beitar, and in a field near Beitar Illit.

BChasdei Hashem, there were no reports of injuries or damage.

Sirens sounded again on Shabbos afternoon in the Eilat area. The IDF later stated that it intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis and no injuries or damage were reported.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
The IDFs Manpower Directorate and Medical Corps completed preparations for receiving the hostages to be released by Hamas in the ceasefire/hostage release deal approved on Friday night.

The IDF spokesperson stated that the army established three reception facilities near the Gaza border where the hostages will be met by IDF representatives and receive initial treatment by physicians and psychologists. Afterward, they will be brought by the IDF to hospitals in Israel where they will meet their families.

Army Radio reported that after the hostages are transferred to the Red Cross, IDF special forces from one of the elite units will join the Red Cross in Gaza, where the initial contact between Israeli forces and the hostages will take place. At this stage, an official announcement from Israel regarding the identification of the hostages will be published.

After crossing the border and the hostages arrive in Israel, the IDF spokesperson will issue another statement. Meanwhile, the hostages will receive initial treatment at one of the reception centers established by the IDF at the Gaza border.

After leaving the reception center, the hostages will be transported by vehicle or airlifted by helicopter to one of six hospitals receiving released hostages, where they will be reunited with their family members. Another statement from the IDF spokesperson will be released after the hostages are transferred to the hospital.

The IDF spokesperson stated: We ask the public to show patience and sensitivity and to respect the privacy of those who returned to Israel and their families. One should adhere only to messages and updates from official sources and avoid spreading unverified information.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Israel is preparing for the return of the hostages from Gaza with the expectation that many are likely to have severe, life-threatening complications after more than a year in captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Hagai Levine, who heads the health team at the Hostages Families Forum, said he expects the hostages to return with cardiovascular and respiratory issues due to lack of ventilation in the tunnels. Among multiple other afflictions Levine expects are vitamin deficiencies, starvation, dramatic weight loss, vision problems due to a lack of sunlight, broken bones, cognitive impairment and mental health trauma.

Complex medical challenges

Doctors are keenly aware of the challenges they face in treating the surviving hostages. One of them is refeeding syndrome, when exposure to certain foods or too much food can lead to profound health complications and even death in those with prolonged vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, said Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the Ministry of Healths medical directorate.

The Red Cross team that will transfer the hostages from Gaza to Egypt and the small Israeli military medical team that will meet the hostages at the border as they cross into Israel have strict guidelines for what the hostages can eat in their first few hours, Mizrahi said.

Six hospitals are preparing to receive hostages, including two in the south, closer to Gaza, that will treat those with acute medical issues, health ministry officials said.

Yehene said the public should not expect joyful reunions like those seen following the last ceasefire, when released hostages ran through hospital halls into the ecstatic embraces of their loved ones.

Given the physical and emotional conditions, we expect emotional withdrawal symptoms, such as maybe exhaustion, fatigue  and some will probably need assistance with their mobility, she said.

Medical officials are also prepared for the possibility that returning hostages will need speech therapy, especially if they have been kept in isolation, Yehene noted. She said some might be so traumatized or in shock from the transfer to Israel that they will be unable to speak at all.

To minimize the hostages trauma and allow them to acclimate to their new reality, officials will try to limit the number of people who interact with them and have made accommodations to lessen their sensory stimulation, such as stripping down the hospital rooms and changing the lighting.

Israels Ministry of Social Welfare has also planned temporary housing solutions if hostages feel unable to return directly from the hospital to their homes.

Israel has confirmed the deaths of at least a third of the approximately 90 remaining captives. But Hamas has not confirmed the status of the 33 who are expected to be freed in the first stage of the ceasefire. Some might no longer be alive.

Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah announced on Motzei Shabbos that it has completed preparations to welcome hostages returned to Israel.

Each patient will be treated by his or her own team, which will consist of a doctor, a nurse, a social worker, and a mental health specialist from the Geha Mental Health Center. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and dentists will also be available for treatment sessions.

The hostages will be welcomed in a new facility with 21 spacious rooms equipped with mini-bars, plants, and teddy bears. Each room will also have a private dining area for family meals.

The hospital will also offer beauty treatments, manicures, pedicures, and alternative medicine sessions.

Each patient will also be provided with a room for their family members.

(AP & YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The ceasefire/hostage deal approved by the Israeli government on Friday night goes into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT). According to the plan, three living female hostages are to be released after 4 p.m. (1400 GMT). Soon afterward, Israel will release around 95 Palestinian prisoners, who are mostly minors or female.

Hamas was supposed to provide Israel with the names of the three hostages on Saturday afternoon, but as of late Saturday night, Israel still had not received the names. The names are to be made public only after the hostages are returned and officially identified.

In southern Israel, schools will begin only at 10 a.m. in anticipation that Hamas could launch rockets toward Israel just before the ceasefire begins.

Israeli troops inside Gaza will be deployed mostly among the territorys borders with Israel and Egypt, and maintain a presence on a road that divides northern and southern Gaza, according to a map released by the Israeli military.

Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian supplies are expected to pour into Gaza.

What will happen in the first week?

If the ceasefire holds, the next exchange is set for the seventh day of the ceasefire, or Jan. 25. Hamas is supposed to release four living female hostages. In exchange, Israel will release between 30-50 Palestinian terrorists for each hostage.

Also on the seventh day, Israels ground troops begin withdrawing from the central road that bisects the territory, known as the Netzarim corridor. This will enable Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza to begin to return to what is left of their homes.

Security arrangements, including the inspections of Palestinians heading north, are still being hammered out, according to an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity under military guidelines.

In each exchange, terrorists will be released only after the hostages have arrived safely in Israel. All Palestinian terrorists who were convicted in deadly attacks will be exiled, either to Gaza or abroad. Some will be exiled for three years, others permanently.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is expected to start operating soon, according to Egyptian officials, as they prepare for a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The crossing, Gazas main gateway to the outside world, has been closed since the Israeli army took over the area last May.

What is the first phase?

The first phase will last six weeks, or 42 days. In total, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian terrorists held by Israel. There is no information about how many hostages in the first group of 33 are alive. The hostages most likely to be on the list include women, children, elderly and sick hostages.

As the ceasefire progresses, three hostages will be freed each week in exchange for terrorists.

By the end of the sixth week, all the remaining hostages on the initial list of 33 hostages will be released.

What happens after?

During the third week of the ceasefire, the sides are to open negotiations on Phase 2 that aims to end the war altogether.

But there are scant details on what happens after the first six weeks. To help convince both sides to sign on to the ceasefire, foreign mediators left the 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.

Israel says it wont agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamas military and political capabilities are eliminated, ensuring it can no longer rule. Hamas refuses to hand over the last Israeli hostages until Israel ends the war and removes all its troops.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered the public no guarantees that Israel will make it to Phase 2.

We must protect our ability to return to fighting if we need, Netanyahu said late Saturday.

(AP)
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.
Investment fund Federated Hermes US SMID Equity goes under the radar of most investors wanting exposure to the US stock market.

Like many other US smaller companies' funds, it often gets the cold shoulder because it doesn't invest in the Magnificent Seven tech stocks that have been responsible for so much of the stellar returns from US equities over the past couple of years.

Yet fund manager Mark Sherlock is not fazed by his fund being somewhat in the shadows.

'Does the future look like the past?' he asks. 'No,' is his answer.

Are the valuations of the companies that he sets his sights on more compelling? 'Yes,' according to the financial numbers. Cheap as chips when compared to the current valuations of the Magnificent Seven  Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla.

'The market we trawl for investment ideas is ignored by many investors,' says Sherlock. 'But it's exciting and, with Donald Trump about to unleash a set of proposals to turbocharge the US economy, the domestic stocks we favour could do well.'

Federated Hermes US SMID Equity is a 1.1billion fund that invests outside the Standard & Poor's Index, which comprises the 500 largest listed companies in the United States. Its trawling ground is the Russell 2500 Index, the small to mid-cap universe of the US stock market.

Of the 2,500 stocks, Sherlock and his team exclude companies that are loss-making or early-stage tech. It's left with about 800 businesses, a quarter of which end up on a 'watch list'. Around 50 then make it into the portfolio.

'We like companies that have durable competitive advantage over their rivals,' explains Sherlock. This could be a result of a company either having a patent on a product  making it difficult for competitors to challenge them  or controlling a big slice of a particular sector.

For example, the fund is a long-term investor in aggregates supplier Martin Marietta Materials (MMM), which owns one of the largest rock quarries  Beckmann  in the state of Texas. Like a number of fund holdings, MMM is now part of the S&P Index.

Sherlock says: 'We don't automatically sell companies that make it into the S&P, but we do exit them over time so that we do not betray the 'SMID' [small to mid-cap] focus of the fund.'

Many of the stocks targeted by the fund are not well covered by analysts in the United States. This makes it easier for Sherlock and his team to find investment opportunities overlooked by others.

Although based in London, one of the six-strong team is in the United States every three weeks, visiting companies the fund is invested in  or interested in.

Companies also visit them with Sherlock saying: 'We run one of the largest US small to mid-cap franchises in London.'

The fund's performance numbers are solid both on an absolute and relative basis. Over the past one and five years, it has generated total returns of 21.1 and 64 per cent, respectively. Over the same time periods, the average US smaller companies fund has delivered 21.8 and 54.3 per cent, respectively.

Sherlock says he sees the fund as 'more of a tortoise than a hare', quietly building long-term returns for investors. 'It's a sleep-at-night portfolio, a diversifier,' he adds.

'It's the result of a decade and a half spent crawling all over the small to mid-cap space in the quest for long-term winners.'

Annual charges total 1.59 per cent. Other US smaller companies' funds worth considering include those run by Artemis, Columbia Threadneedle and T Rowe Price.
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.
Rachel Reeves has been urged to rule out another tax raid on retirement pots after the appointment of a pensions minister who has called for sweeping reform.

Following the promotion of Torsten Bell to the job, industry experts want guarantees from the Chancellor that pension savings will not be targeted as she looks to plug a hole in the nation's finances.

Bell, the former head of the Left-wing Resolution Foundation, has in the past made the case for 'completely reforming' pensions tax relief in a move that would hit millions of Middle-Class workers.

He has also advocated a sharp cut in the amount people can take out of their retirement pots tax-free from 268,275 to just 40,000.

Bell is a former adviser to Ed Miliband and best-known for masterminding the disastrous 'Ed Stone' stunt, which saw the then Labour leader commission a slab of limestone with his pledges carved into it.

His appointment as pensions minister has sparked speculation that Reeves could hit pensions once again in a 'mini-Budget' in March having dragged them into inheritance tax for the first time in the Budget in October.

Concern: Torsten Bell's appointment as pensions minister has sparked speculation that Rachel Reeves could hit pensions once again in a 'mini-Budget' in March

It is feared that talk of cutting the tax-free lump sum would be particularly damaging as savers rush to withdraw cash from their pension pots  as they did before the last Budget. Experts have warned that this will leave many worse off in retirement.

Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'We've seen the damage that speculation can do with people rushing to take their tax-free cash ahead of the recent Budget only to find no changes were made. It's not a situation anyone wants to see repeated.

'People need the certainty to plan for the future without worrying about their efforts being undone by changes further down the line.'

Pensions and savings investment platform AJ Bell called for the Chancellor to agree a 'Pensions Tax Lock' to take any changes 'off the table for the remainder of this Parliament'.

Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, said: 'The Chancellor should nip the spectre of damaging rumour and speculation in the bud.'

The Treasury, however, has refused to rule out another tax raid on pensions.

Former pensions minister Baroness Altmann this week told the Mail that 'private and state pensions are under attack'.
Typically . . .

Local student protests are conducted in the name of social justice or against perceived racial slights.

However the premise of this protest seems more noteworthy . . .

Students at Lincoln Prep advocate against alleged harassment mostly confronting female students.



For quite some time we've noted KCPS has a worsening problem with student violence.

But now . . .

Very brave female students are speaking up and going on record in an effort to stop the harassment directed their way.

Here's the word . . .



Lincoln College Preparatory Academy students ended their school day early to send a strong message about accountability for any perpetrators of sexual harassment.



In the last half hour of their classes, students filled the front lawn of the school with signs advocating for victims of sexual harassment.



They chanted "no means no" and "we will not be silenced" as their sophomore classmate, Lorraine, prepared to read demands to school administrators.



Lorraine read in front of the students, "We need a policy in KCPS that better backs up our victims. There are so many victims in this school. They need to be heard. We all need to be heard."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Of course this is for a good cause . . . But it sets a BAD PRECEDENT inasmuch as Mayor Q's administration is eager to start selling off local assets.

Here's the word . . .

"The 3.42 acres at 25th and Gillham that could be sold to the charity will be on the April 8, 2025, Kansas City, Missouri, ballot.



"As part of the charitys current agreement with the City of Kansas City, Ronald McDonald House pays the Kansas City Department of Parks & Recreation $1 per year to lease Longfellow Park, where the 41-bedroom Ronald McDonald House has been for the past 20 years."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
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Gaza Ceasefire Deal: 95 Palestinians to be freed for 3 Israeli captives Sunday

As many as 95 Palestinians will be freed for three Israeli captives in the first lot as part of the prisoners exchange agreed upon by Israel and Hamas under the Gaza Ceasefire Deal that comes into force Sunday January 19, 2025

Saturday January 18, 2025 9:15 PM , ummid.com News Network

Gaza: As many as 95 Palestinians will be freed for three Israeli captives in the first lot as part of the prisoners exchange agreed upon by Israel and Hamas under the Gaza Ceasefire Deal that comes into force Sunday January 19, 2025.



The Gaza Ceasefire Deal was announced by Chief Negotiator Qatar and later confirmed by the United States on Wednesday January 15, 2025.

Hamas and Israel also confirmed the deal following which the Israeli cabinet approved it on Friday January 17, 2025.

The ceasefire in Gaza is to begin Sunday January 19, 2025 at around 08:30 AM local time (06:30 AM GMT).

But the first lot Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will be released by 04:00 PM local time (02:00 PM GMT) Sunday January 19, 2025.

The Gaza Ceasefire Deal will take place in three phases, and in phase 1 lasting 42 days as many as 33 Israeli hostages will be released in different lots in exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the deal is unknown as the full text of the deal is yet to be made public.

However, sources in the knowhow said Israel has agreed to release 30 Palestinian children and women for every Israeli female detainee released, based on lists provided by Hamas according to the longest-held detention.

It means, more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be exchanged for 33 Israeli captives during the first stage of the three-phase agreement between Hamas and Israel.

95 Palestinians to be swapped in first lot

The Israeli Justice Ministry Friday 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 list includes 69 women, 16 men and 10 minors. The youngest inmate on the list is 16, according to the Israeli Justice Ministry.

On the other hand, the first group of hostages to be released consists of three Israeli women soldiers, according to two sources close to Hamas told AFP.

There are currently 10,400 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, not including those detained from Gaza during the last 15 months of conflict, according to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian official has said the Israeli list of Palestinian prisoners for release in the prisoner swap deal with Hamas includes names of some individuals who had already been set free.

"We do not trust the data published by the Israeli occupation authorities and their prison administration," he said, noting that the Israeli ministry also included birth dates for 10 Palestinian prisoners to be released without providing additional details about them.

He called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to address these "violations and prevent the occupation authorities from exploiting any loopholes to create confusion among the Palestinian public and the families of the prisoners."

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 18th Jan, 2025) Dubai Municipality has launched the second edition of the Hatta Farming Festival as part of the Dubai Farms programme, an initiative spearheaded by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs.

The festival kicked off today at Leem Lake and will continue until 22nd January. Featuring 25 Emirati farmers, homesteaders, and local agricultural companies, the event is designed to showcase agricultural products and services, foster collaboration, and support the UAE's growing agricultural market.

The Hatta Farming Festival is being held under the umbrella of the Hatta Winter initiative launched under the directives and patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

Organised under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, and implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Hatta Winter invites residents and visitors to explore the unique experiences offered by the mountainous region during the cooler months of the year.

The Hatta Farming Festival highlights the regions potential as a premier agri-tourism destination, leveraging its unique environmental, social, and heritage diversity. The initiative aligns with Dubais vision to support national farmers, promote sustainable practices, and enhance Hatta's role as a leading agricultural and tourism hub.

The festival also supports the objectives of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan and the initiatives of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, which seek to boost economic and tourism opportunities, encourage local enterprises, and celebrate the regions rich agricultural heritage.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the event is aligned with the UAEs efforts to advance sustainable national food security, which is among the countrys top priorities for the UAE and plays a key role in driving comprehensive development in all sectors. She highlighted the significant role of agriculture and the importance of increasing local production of strategic crops and reducing reliance on food imports.

"As part of our efforts to bolster agriculture and foster local food production, we launched the Plant the Emirates National Programme. The initiative aims to expand agricultural practices across the country and engage all segments of the society in promoting sustainable farming. The Hatta Farming Festival plays a crucial role in establishing agriculture as an important activity, embedding it as an integral cultural value in the community. The Festival aligns with the agenda of the Dubai Farms programme launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, she added.

She highlighted the special significance of Hatta as a key component of Dubai and the UAEs agricultural heritage. She emphasised that its ongoing agricultural development contributes significantly to the UAEs broader efforts to advance sustainable agricultural to shape a brighter future for upcoming generations.

She added, "In addition to the Hatta Farming Festival, this year will see a number of pioneering projects and initiatives under the umbrella of the Plant the Emirates National Programme and the National Agriculture Centre.

These efforts aim to provide world-class services and support to Emirati farmers and local farms, driving a true transformation in the sector."

Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the Hatta Farming Festival is being held in one of Dubais oldest and most prominent agricultural regions. He highlighted the festivals central role within the Dubai Farms programme, an initiative dedicated to supporting Emirati farmers and advancing sustainable local agriculture. This effort complements the national Grow UAE programme, which seeks to drive agricultural development and establish the UAE as a leader in the agricultural sector.

We aim to transform the Hatta Farming Festival into a comprehensive platform that empowers local farmers, bolsters the agricultural ecosystem of the emirate, and fosters sustainable development. Our goal is to assist Emirati farmers in achieving self-sufficiency, contribute to Dubais food security strategy, and enhance quality of life within the emirate, he added.

Dubai Municipality provides extensive support to Hatta farmers, including agricultural guidance, fertiliser and seed distribution, pest control programmes, and modern agricultural techniques, fostering sustainable farming and increased productivity.

This years festival features a diverse programme, including exhibitions of agricultural and livestock products from Hatta farms, educational workshops, and dialogue sessions with agricultural experts. Visitors can explore modern farming techniques and hear success stories from local farmers and entrepreneurs, inspiring younger generations to enter the agricultural sector.

Competitions such as public livestock auctions and awards for outstanding farmers will highlight the best agricultural practices, while marketing companies will share insights into sustainable farming and market trends focused on helping improve the value and quality of local agricultural products.

Interactive sessions will feature success stories from Hattas agricultural history, inspiring dialogues with young farm owners, and discussions on entrepreneurship in modern agriculture to motivate the next generation of farmers.

Dubai Municipality will also provide an agricultural extension platform, offering farmers free guidance and information. Visitors can benefit from services provided by the Dubai Smart Mobile Laboratory, which offers testing for vegetables, fruits, groundwater, and irrigation. A mobile public health service will also provide veterinary consultations and Brucella antibody detection for participating farm owners.

Dubai Municipality has played a key role in supporting Hatta farmers throughout the 2024 agricultural season by providing vital resources and training. Farmers received 24,550 bags of organic and chemical fertilisers, 2,440 bags of seeds, and 1,350 light and pheromone traps as part of pest control initiatives.

The municipality conducted over 1,250 field visits, held 12 training courses, and organised four agricultural forums to improve farming practices. The Municipality also established the regions first tourist farm, the Strawberry Model Farm, which serves as a showcase for sustainable farming practices.

These initiatives have empowered Hattas farmers to adopt modern practices, improve productivity, and support Dubais Food Security Strategy. By enhancing local agricultural systems and promoting Hattas unique agricultural identity, the festival underscores Dubai Municipalitys commitment to sustainability and community development.
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CAIRO, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 18th Jan, 2025) Egypt and Qatar have emphasised the critical need to unify regional and international efforts to re-establish stability throughout Syria.This includes ensuring Syrian-led political processes that are inclusive of all societal segments, alongside a concerted effort to combat terrorism.

This came during a telephone call received today by Dr.

Badr Abdel-Atti, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, from Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

The call discussed the developments of the situation in Gaza and the latest developments in Syria.

The two ministers stressed the importance of the parties to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza implementing the agreement without delay.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Friday that he was suspending peace negotiations with National Liberation Army 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 National Liberation Army, or ELN  the biggest of the armed groups still active in Colombia  against dissidents from the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or 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," and said on a 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.

Colombian 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.
A former CIA analyst pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Virginia to charges that he leaked classified information about Israeli plans to strike Iran.

Asif William Rahman, 34, of Vienna, Virginia, was arrested last year in Cambodia and later taken to Guam. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the two charges: retention and transmission of classified information related to the national defense.

Rahman had worked for the intelligence agency since 2016 and had a top-secret security clearance.

Prosecutors said Rahman illegally downloaded and printed classified documents at work and then took the documents home, where he altered the items to cover up the source of the information before distributing it.

The secret information was eventually published on the Telegram social media platform.

A Justice Department statement said that beginning in the spring of 2024 and lasting until November, Rahman shared the top-secret information he learned at his job with multiple individuals he knew were not entitled to receive it.

Government employees who are granted security clearances and given access to our nation's classified information must promise to protect it, Robert Wells, executive assistant director of the FBIs National Security Branch, said Friday in a statement.

Rahman blatantly violated that pledge and took multiple steps to hide his actions. The FBI will use all our resources to investigate and hold accountable those who illegally transmit classified information and endanger the national security interests of our country, Wells said.

The Justice Department said Rahman destroyed journal entries and written work products on his personal electronic devices to conceal his personal opinions on U.S. policy and drafted entries to construct a false narrative regarding his activity. He also destroyed several other electronic devices, including an internet router that the Justice Department said Rahman used to transmit classified information and photographs of classified documents, and discarded the destroyed devices in public trash receptacles in an effort to thwart potential investigations into him and his unlawful conduct.

The Associated Press reported that Rahman was born in California but grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Yale University after only three years.

Rahman is scheduled to be sentenced May 15.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Days after losing her home in the same fire that destroyed her Los Angeles elementary school, third-grader Gabriela Chevez-Munoz resumed classes this week at another campus temporarily hosting children from her school. She arrived wearing a T-shirt that read "Pali"  the nickname for her Pacific Palisades neighborhood  as signs and balloons of dolphins, her school's mascot, welcomed hundreds of displaced students.

"It feels kind of like the first day of school," Gabriela said. She said she had been scared by the fires but that she was excited to reunite with her best friend and give her hamburger-themed friendship bracelets.

Gabriela is among thousands of students whose schooling was turned upside down by wildfires that ravaged the city, destroying several schools and leaving many others in off-limits evacuation zones.

Educators across the city are scrambling to find new locations for their students, develop ways to keep up learning, and return a sense of normalcy as the city grieves at least 27 deaths and thousands of destroyed homes from blazes that scorched 63 square miles (163 square kilometers) of land.

Gabriela and 400 other students from her school, Palisades Charter Elementary School, started classes temporarily Wednesday at Brentwood Science Magnet, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. Her school and another decimated Palisades elementary campus may take more than two years to rebuild, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.

'There's a lot of grief'

Students from seven other LAUSD campuses in evacuation zones are also temporarily relocating to other schools.

As Layla Glassman dropped her daughter off at Brentwood, she said her priority after her family's home burned down was making sure her three children feel safe and secure.

"We have a roof over our heads. We have them back in school. So, you know, I am happy," she said, her voice cracking. "But of course, there's a lot of grief."

Many schools have held off on resuming instruction, saying their focus for now has been healing and trying to restore a sense of community. Some are organizing get-togethers and field trips to keep kids engaged in activities and with each other as they look for new space.

The Pasadena Unified School District kept all schools closed this week for its 14,000 students. It offered self-directed online activities but said the work was optional.

Between 1,200 and 2,000 students in Pasadena Unified School District are known to be displaced but the number could be as high as as 10,000 based on heat maps of where families lived, district Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said Thursday. The district aims to reopen some schools by the end of next week and have all students back in classrooms by the end of the month.

Schools that did not burn down were damaged by falling trees, debris, ash and smoke that requires extensive cleaning and environmental testing, she said. Hundreds of school staff members citywide lost their homes or had to relocate, compounding the challenges.

Some schools are passing on online learning altogether.

"We all did COVID. We did online instruction. We saw the negative impacts," said Bonnie Brimecombe, principal of Odyssey Charter School-South, which burned to the ground. Families have been dropping their children off at the local Boys and Girls Club so students can be with each other, she said.

A total of 850 students attend her school and a sister school in Altadena, Odyssey Charter School-North, which emerged undamaged but is still expected to remain closed for months. At least 40% of the students lost their homes in the fire, she said, making it especially urgent for their well-being to find new space and resume school as soon as possible. "At this point we are trying to reopen in-person the very first day that we can," she said.

Possible long-term effects

Over the long term, disruptions can have profound effects on students' learning and emotional stability.

Children who experience natural disasters are more prone to acute illness and symptoms of depression and anxiety, research shows.

Keeping students together as the two LAUSD elementary schools are doing is the best approach, said Douglas Harris, a Tulane Univeristy professor who studied the effects of Hurricane Katrina on schools and academic outcomes. But given how many people are relocating because of the fires, he said it's unlikely all classes will look the same.

"I wonder how many kids are showing up to the new school buildings based on how dispersed they might be," Harris said. "It's going to be difficult and it's going to take a long time."

'I feel so out of it'

Among the schools seeking space for temporary classrooms is Palisades Charter High School, which has 3,000 students. Nestled between Sunset Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway, "Pali High" is the kind of California school that Hollywood puts on the big screen and has been featured in productions including the 1976 horror movie "Carrie" and the TV series "Teen Wolf."

Most of the buildings are still standing, but about 40% of the campus was damaged, officials said. The school is looking into other campuses, nearby universities and commercial real estate spaces that would allow all its students to stay together until it's safe to return, said principal and executive director Pamela Magee. The school delayed the start of the second semester until Tuesday and will temporarily revert to online learning.

Axel Forrest, 18, a junior on the lacrosse team, is planning to gather with friends for online school. His family home is gone and for now they are at a hotel near the Los Angeles airport.

"I feel so out of it, every day. Do I cry? Do I mourn the loss of my home and school? I am trying not to think about it," he said. The longer school is out, the more idle time his mind has to wander.

"As time is passing I'm realizing this is going to be my reality for the next year or two. I am not going to have anywhere to live permanently for a while," he said. "And what am I going to do for school now? It's going to be online but for how long? Where will the temporary campus be? How far away is it?"

At Oak Knoll Montessori, educators have been holding meetups for its 150 students at locations including museums, parks, and a library in an effort for students to find some joy. The fire destroyed the school and several dozen students lost their homes.

The only thing that survived the fire was the school's chicken coop, and its five chickens.

"The chickens have been a nice beacon of hope," said Allwyn Fitzpatrick, the head of school. "All the buildings blew up. We have nothing. Not one chair."

Fitzpatrick has found a potential new location for the school and hopes to reopen before the end of the month.

"We have been trying to focus all our attention on the children and how we can temporarily help them normalize all this. Which is an insurmountable task," Fitzpatrick said.
A ceasefire in Gaza began Sunday after Israels Cabinet approved a deal, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight ministers rejecting the agreement. The deal was scheduled to be implemented beginning Sunday. But on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would not start unless Hamas provided a list of the three hostages set for release Sunday.

Hamas ultimately provided the names and Israel said the ceasefire would begin at 11:15 a.m.

The deal to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas was achieved after more than a year of negotiations, with mediation from the United States, Qatar and Egypt. U.S. President Joe Biden first endorsed the deal in May. The warring parties agreed to it on Wednesday, and it was subsequently approved by the Israeli Cabinet early Saturday in Israel.

Starting midday on Monday when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, it will be up to his administration to see that the deal is enforced.

The agreement has three phases, each of which will last six weeks. The terms of phases two and three are still being negotiated, but under phase one the cessation of hostilities is expected to continue if six weeks pass before the next phase is finalized.

Phase one includes withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas and more aid for Gaza, as well as the release of some Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons and some hostages held by Hamas, including Americans. The U.S. and other Western countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist group.

The release of American hostages is a "fundamental component" of Trump's interest in ending the war swiftly, according to Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, resident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs.

Whether Trump will sustain pressure for the deal to proceed to phase two, when all of the hostages are set to be released, and to phase three, when reconstruction of Gaza will begin, remains to be seen, Alkhatib told VOA.

Alkhatib expressed concern that after the first phase Trump will be "so disinterested" in Gaza that the agreement will amount to "little more than a freezing of the conflict." This would be disastrous for Palestinians in Gaza and the goal of Palestinian statehood, he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Friday that he had received "unequivocal guarantees" from Biden and Trump that if negotiations on phase two fail, Israel "will return to intense fighting with the backing of the United States."

Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages in their Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the current war. Israel says Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including 35 the military says are dead.

Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count.

Two-state solution

The Biden administrations goal has been Palestinian statehood under the two-state solution. This could pave the way to bringing Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords  the 2020 deal brokered under the first Trump administration that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Biden had sought to expand the accords to include Saudi Arabia, which maintains it will not consider normalizing relations until Israel commits to a "credible path" to a Palestinian state. Washington and Riyadh had been exploring the expansion through a package that would include, among other offers, American security guarantees for the Saudis. Those efforts stalled after the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught.

Now Trump appears to be aiming to use the momentum of the Gaza ceasefire to add Saudi Arabia into the accords.

"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," Trump posted on social media Wednesday following the announcement that a ceasefire deal has been reached.

Saudi Arabia has never formally recognized Israel since its creation in 1948. As a de facto leader of the Arab and Islamic world, Riyadhs recognition would represent a breakthrough for the Jewish state.

Trumps main objective now is to ensure that whatever happens in Gaza does not prevent him from securing that deal, while Israels goal is to ensure whatever happens in Gaza doesn't prevent cooperation with the U.S. over Iran, said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the department of political studies at Bar Ilan University.

"So, I'm not sure that it makes sense to think beyond the first phase at this point," Rynhold told VOA.

Trump and Israel will "work out their positions on Gaza precisely against the shadow of those two things," he added.

Trumps role in securing the deal

In the same social media post Wednesday, Trump took credit for his role in securing the ceasefire.

"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," Trump wrote.

For months the Biden administration has progressively included Trumps team in peace talks, beginning with an Oval Office meeting a week after Trump won the election. At that Nov. 13 meeting, Biden proposed that they work together to push the deal through.

"Weve sent a signal to the incoming team that were prepared to work with them on this issue," national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that day.

Shortly after, Sullivan and Bidens top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, began coordinating with their successors on the Trump team, Mike Waltz and Steve Witkoff, said a senior administration official who spoke with reporters on background Wednesday.

The Biden official said that in the final days leading up to the ceasefire, Witkoff worked in tandem with McGurk in an "almost unprecedented," cross-administration partnership that was "highly constructive, very fruitful." But he declined to elaborate on Witkoffs and Trumps role in securing the deal, other than saying that the presidential transition provided a "natural" deadline for a diplomatic breakthrough.

Pressure on Israel

Critics have accused Biden of failing to use U.S. military support as leverage over Netanyahu to reach a deal or moderate Israels campaign, which has taken tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.

Publicly, Biden officials have largely echoed Israel in faulting Hamas for the failure of the talks. But some Israeli security officials and many observers also blame Netanyahu for blocking progress, including by repeatedly introducing fresh demands in negotiations.

With Trumps victory, Netanyahus calculations may have changed, said Laura Blumenfeld, senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

"Trump injected a kind of fear factor into this process that was missing before," she told VOA. "He can't triangulate anymore the way he would play Biden off of the Republican Congress. There's nowhere for Netanyahu to run, nowhere to hide, and so he took this deal he couldn't refuse."

Trumps pressure may have also created space for Netanyahu to resist ultimatums from far-right allies who had threatened to leave his governing coalition if a ceasefire deal is made, which would mean an end to the prime ministers term.

Eight Israeli far-right politicians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, rejected the deal, but it is still unclear whether they will leave the coalition.

"Netanyahu finally called their bluff," Blumenfeld said. "Or maybe actually, Trump called Netanyahus bluff, because he was using these right-wing Cabinet members all along as an excuse not to make the concessions that he didn't want to make."

VOA's Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press.
A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is set to begin Sunday at 8:30 a.m., mediator Qatar said Saturday after Israels Cabinet voted to approve the truce and hostage release agreement.

Following a meeting that lasted more than six hours into the early morning on Saturday, the Israeli government ratified the agreement, which could lead to a permanent end to the 15-month war with Hamas in the besieged Gaza Strip enclave.

The government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages release will come into effect on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in a statement.

Netanyahus office said the deal supports achieving the objectives of the war.

But later on Saturday, Netanyahu said Israel will not proceed with the ceasefire until it gets the list of the 33 hostages who will be released by Hamas in the first phase of the deal, according to media reports.

Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas, Netanyahu said in a statement on social media platform X.

Also on Saturday, Israels ultra-nationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir quit Netanyahus cabinet in protest over the ceasefire deal, according to media reports. He previously said the deal was reckless and that it would erase the achievements of the war.

In a statement Saturday, Hamas  designated as a terror group by the United States, Britain and other Western countries  contended that Israel had failed to achieve its aggressive goals and only succeeded in committing war crimes that disgrace the dignity of humanity.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages. Just under 100 hostages are thought to remain in Hamas custody, but about one-third of those are believed to be dead.

Gaza authorities say nearly 47,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in subsequent Israeli military operations. Without providing evidence, Israel says the death toll includes thousands of militants it has killed.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt, which have been mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas for months, announced the ceasefire on Wednesday.

The ceasefire will begin with a three-week pause in fighting and the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Thirty-three of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives, are expected to be released in this phase. In return, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinians from its jails.

The White House said it expects three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross. Israels Justice Ministry published their details early on Saturday, plus the ceasefire agreement, which said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday.

After Sunday, lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk said, the agreement calls for four more female hostages to be released after seven days, followed by the release of three further hostages every seven days.

In this first phase of the three-stage deal, Israeli troops will pull back to the edges of Gaza, and many Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes as increased aid flows into the enclave, which has been decimated in the war.

Egypts foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said Saturday the deal provides for the entry of 600 trucks per day into Gaza, including 50 trucks of fuel.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have continued since the ceasefire was announced, including on Saturday.

Israeli tanks shelled the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, while airstrikes hit central and southern Gaza, according to residents. Medics in Gaza said five people were killed in an airstrike that hit a tent in the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

The Israeli army said in a statement Saturday that it conducted strikes on 50 terror targets across the territory on Friday alone.

At least 123 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was announced a few days ago, according to the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service.

Some information in this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Russia's Justice Ministry on Friday added more journalists to its list of so-called foreign agents, including reporters for Voice of America, Current Time and the BBC.

Six journalists were named to the registry, including Ksenia Turkova, who works for VOA's Russian language service in Washington, and Iryna Romaliiska, who works for Current Time, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty program in partnership with VOA.

Others designated by Russia include Anastasia Lotareva and Andrey Kozenko, who work for BBC Russian; Alexandra Prokopenko, a journalist and research fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin; and Anton Rubin, a journalist at exiled media outlet Ekho Moskvy, who is also the director of a nongovernmental organization that helps orphans.

Authorities use law to target critics

Russia's foreign agent law came into effect in 2012. Since then, say watchdogs, it has been used by authorities to target groups and individuals who are critical of the Kremlin. Hundreds of media outlets, journalists and civil society groups have been listed by the Justice Ministry.

Those named as foreign agents have to mark any online content, even personal social media posts, as having come from a foreign agent, and to share financial details. Failure to comply can lead to fines or even imprisonment.

Both VOA and its sister network RFE/RL have been designated as so-called foreign agents. Turkova is the first VOA journalist to be named individually.

In a statement, VOA director Mike Abramowitz said that VOA and its journalists, by law, provide "a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news around the world."

"We stand with our journalists who often face repercussions for providing this vital public service and we remain committed to ensuring that audiences can access the vital content that VOA provides," he said.

Turkova told VOA that she considers the designation by Russia a "meaningless label."

"For the authorities, it's a synonym for 'traitor,' 'enemy of the people,' " she said. "For those whom the Russian authorities are targeting, it's, in general, an empty sound, a word that means absolutely nothing."

Previously, Turkova worked in Ukraine, where she reported on Russia's occupation of Crimea, the war in Donbas and repressive actions by Moscow.

Since moving to Washington, Turkova said, "I continued to write and speak about the topics that I consider very important. First of all, it's the war in Ukraine. It's repression in Russia and it's the role of propaganda."

Current Time's Romaliiska said she did not care about the designation.

"This only means that the Current Time channel is working great, that our team is doing a good job, which is what we will continue to do, regardless of any lists and statuses," she told Current Time.

30 journalists behind bars

Russia has a dire media freedom record, ranking 162nd out of 180, where 1 shows the best environment on the World Press Freedom Index.

It is also a leading jailer of journalists, with 30 behind bars, according to data released Thursday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ.

The report noted that as well as the high number of journalists in custody, Russia in 2024 "took its transnational repression to new levels."

Foreign correspondents and Russian reporters in exile faced in absentia arrest warrants or sentences. The CPJ report described the action as "an intimidatory tactic," adding that it "serves as a chilling illustration of Moscow's determination to control the narrative of its war in Ukraine."
An Azerbaijani court on Friday denied petitions by two jailed journalists to be released from house arrest, their lawyers said.

The journalists, Aynur Elgunesh and Natig Javadli, work for Meydan TV, an independent outlet based in Germany. They were among six journalists arrested in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, in early December.

Azerbaijan is among the worst jailers of journalists in the world, with more than a dozen behind bars, according to a report released this week by the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ.

Azerbaijan is currently detaining at least 18 journalists for their work, according to CPJ.

The groups latest prison census, which acts as a snapshot of media workers in custody as of Dec. 1, listed 13 journalists in Azerbaijani prison. One of those was released after the census was taken, but authorities then jailed six more journalists, including Elgunesh and Javadli.

The arrests are a concern for local activists and reporters.

"Independent and critical media in Azerbaijan is going through its most difficult period," Azerbaijani activist Samir Kazimli told VOA. "If this policy of repression does not stop, if it continues, independent media in Azerbaijan may completely collapse."

The annual CPJ report found 361 journalists behind bars around the world. Azerbaijan ranked eighth worst in the census, behind countries such as China, Israel, Myanmar, Belarus and Russia.

"Azerbaijan has been cracking down on independent media for well over a decade," CPJs CEO, Jodie Ginsberg, told VOA. "It doesnt often get the attention that it deserves."

Local journalists like Shamshad Agha are worried that Azerbaijani authorities are trying to stamp out independent media.

Agha is editor of Argument.az, a news website covering democracy, corruption and human rights.

"The lives of all independent journalists are in danger," he told VOA. Agha said he has been banned from leaving the country since July 2024.

Jamila Mammadova, a public affairs officer at Azerbaijans Embassy in Washington, did not respond to questions on specific cases, but in a statement provided after publication, she dismissed criticism of its actions.

"Such unfounded claims against Azerbaijan do not reflect the actual facts or the reality on the ground," Mammadova said, adding, "Journalism has no connection to engaging in illegal activities."

"Azerbaijan has a strong and vibrant tradition of journalism, she said.

Many of the journalists jailed in Azerbaijan are accused of foreign currency smuggling, which media watchdogs have rejected as a sham charge.

Many of those currently detained work for the independent outlets Abzas Media and Meydan TV.

Farid Mehralizada, an economist and journalist with the Azerbaijani Service of VOAs sister outlet, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, is among those currently imprisoned.

Jailed since May, Mehralizada is facing charges of conspiring to smuggle foreign currency, as well as "illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, tax evasion and document forgery." He denies the charges, which carry a combined sentence of up to 12 years behind bars.

On Thursday, Ulviyya Guliyeva, a journalist who has been a contributor to VOAs Azerbaijani Service since 2019, was summoned to a police station in Baku for questioning.

The journalist said she was questioned about Meydan TV, even though she is not an employee there. Guliyeva said she was also placed under a travel ban that blocked her from leaving the country.

"This is a very disturbing situation for me," Guliyeva said. "I see this as pressure on my journalistic activities."

Parvana Bayramova of VOAs Azerbaijani Service contributed to this report.
Turn into Tatu City on the outskirts of Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and it feels like entering a different world.

Even the country's most reckless drivers are transformed, slowing to a crawl and not tossing trash out the window  thanks to surveillance cameras and rigorously enforced penalties for speeding and littering.

For the 5,000 people who have moved into Tatu, a "startup city" that welcomed its first residents four years ago, the ruthless upholding of such rules makes the place appealing.

"Tatu has more law and order than other places," said Valerie Akoko, a digital content creator who moved in two years ago. "I've never seen Tatu City dirty."

Situated on 2,023 hectares, Tatu City aspires to be what its name suggests: a city, privately owned, that its designers hope will eventually have a population of 250,000. It is already home to 88 businesses employing 15,000 people. They include CCI Global, which operates a 5,000-seat call center, and Zhende Medical, a Chinese medical supply manufacturer.

There are similar projects around the world. But in sub-Saharan Africa, champions of the idea hope that new-city developments can address the continent's urbanization conundrum: While the growth of cities has rolled back poverty elsewhere, the region has largely been an exception.

History suggests that as people move into cities, productivity increases, wages rise, exports grow and a country gets richer. But in Africa, urbanization has rarely unleashed such economic transformation.

In theory, Africa should be prospering. The continent's urban population is set to grow by 900 million by 2050, according to the United Nations, more than the present urban population of Europe and North America combined.

But sub-Saharan Africa is urbanizing while still poor.

"Towns and cities in Africa today simply lack the tax base needed to invest in the urban infrastructure needed to accommodate the tsunami of people being added to their ranks in a short period of time," said Kurtis Lockhart, director of the Africa Urban Lab, a research center at the African School of Economics in Zanzibar.

Weak property rights and political tensions can make the problem worse.

Even Tatu City has battled Kenyan politicians and politically connected businessmen. In 2018, the London Court of International Arbitration ruled in favor of the development's multinational owner, Rendeavour, in a dispute with its Kenyan former partners, including a former governor of the central bank. The dispute delayed project development by several years.

Last year, Tatu City's Kenya head, Preston Mendenhall, took the unusual step of accusing the governor of the county where the development is based of extortion, saying he had demanded land worth $33 million in exchange for approving its updated master plan. The governor denied it and is suing Tatu City and Mendenhall for defamation. No ruling has been made.

Still, the case for building new cities, complete with new infrastructure, is compelling to some. The Charter Cities Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit, argues that, done properly, such projects could drive growth, create jobs and "lift tens of millions of people out of poverty." The institute sees Tatu City as a model.

Yet building new cities is hard. Africa is littered with failed projects.

A handful have shown promise. Angola's Quilamba city, whose construction began in 2002, is arguably the most successful, with a population of more than 130,000. It was built by CITIC, a state-owned Chinese company, but is owned by the Angolan government.

Perhaps a dozen new city projects  from Zanzibar to Zambia  are underway in Africa that stand a chance of emulating Quilamba, experts reckon. Of these, Tatu is the farthest along, with 26,400 people already living, working or studying there.

Experts agree that the private sector must play a role in African urbanization, saying African states are too fiscally constrained to fill the investment gap themselves. Rendeavour, a private company with a multibillion-dollar balance sheet, has deep enough pockets to make a difference.

But leaving city-building to the private sector alone can cause problems, for instance by worsening inequality. The average price of a property at Eko Atlantic, a new-city development on the outskirts of Lagos, is $415,000, far beyond the means of most Nigerians.

"Startup cities can serve as hubs for innovation and alleviate pressure on overcrowded urban centers," said Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of the U.N.'s Human Settlements Program, or UN-Habitat. "However, to be impactful, they must prioritize inclusivity, affordability and integration with existing urban areas, ensuring they serve all socioeconomic groups rather than becoming isolated enclaves for elites."

A one-bedroom apartment in Tatu City sells for $45,500, still beyond the means of most Kenyans, but within reach of some in the emerging middle class. Kenya's per capita GDP was $1,961 in 2023, according to the World Bank.

The development collaborates with Kenya's government, which has designated Tatu City a special economic zone. That means companies setting up there are eligible for tax benefits and other incentives, making it a model of private-public partnership, experts say.

Tatu City also appeals to businesses and residents with its transparent governance structure and services that are often lacking elsewhere in Kenya, including its own water supply and energy grid. It falls under national law but can set its own rules on matters like traffic and what kind of houses can be built, with all plans requiring approval from Tatu's management.

"If you look at the infrastructure, if you look at the utilities, if you look at the controls, if you look at the security, it is one of the best," said Sylvester Njuguna, who lives and owns a restaurant there.

Unlike many startup cities built far from urban centers, Tatu City is 19 kilometers north of Nairobi, close enough to plug into its labor markets.

According to Lockhart with the Africa Urban Lab, new city projects usually succeed if they are close enough to a major urban center and house both a high-quality anchor tenant  CCI Global in Tatu City's case  and good schools. They should operate under effective management and respond to market demand.

Tatu meets these criteria and, unlike many grandiosely conceived African city projects, it has grown organically like Rendeavour's other city projects in Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia and the Congo, according to Mendenhall.

"We are building what the market needs," he said. "We are not putting all the infrastructure on day one."
Two wildfires still burning in Los Angeles have torched more urban area than any other fire in the state since at least the mid-1980s, an Associated Press analysis shows.

The Eaton and Palisades fires that erupted last week have collectively burned almost 4 square miles of highly dense parts of Los Angeles, more than double the urban acreage consumed by the region's Woolsey fire in 2018, according to the AP's analysis of data from the Silvis Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Experts say several factors could lead to wildfires reaching cities more often. Urban areas continue to sprawl into wildland. Climate change is raising global temperatures that lead to more severe weather, including droughts, especially in the western United States.

If these conditions get worse or more frequent in the future, it wouldnt be surprising, in my opinion, if there were more events that threaten densely populated places, said Franz Schug, a researcher studying the boundaries between the wildland and urban areas at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Eaton and Palisades fires rampage through Los Angeles has killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and put more than 80,000 under evacuation orders. The fires are likely to be among the most destructive in California history, according to the state agency CalFire.

The Woolsey fire eventually grew to about twice the current size of the Eaton and Palisades fires but most of the area it burned was uninhabited.

Silvis, and AP, defined urban areas as those that are high density, where the land has at least three housing units for every acre, calculated with U.S. Census data.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned about 3.3 square miles of the downtown area of the city, according to the Chicago Architecture Center. San Franciscos Great Fire of 1906 destroyed 4 square miles of the city, according to the Museum of the City of San Francisco.

Besides burning the most urban area, the Eaton and Palisades fires are the largest ever for California in January. Alexandra Syphard, a senior research scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute, said their timing and path through the city may have no precedent in history.

Authorities haven't determined a cause for the major blazes in California. But experts have noted the extreme weather that created more favorable conditions: heavy rains that drove vegetation growth, then extreme drought that turned much of that vegetation into good fire fuel. Scientists say such extreme weather events are a hallmark of climate change.

Then theres the human element.

Across California, about 1.4 million homes were built in areas where residential areas and vegetation intermingle between 1990 and 2020, a 40% increase, the Silvis Lab found.

Fires that begin close to populated areas are often caused by people, and their proximity to people means that they are usually extinguished sooner. As David Helmers, a data scientist and geographer at the Silvis Lab, put it, Humans tend to ignite fires, but they also fight fires.

But that wasn't the case with the Eaton and Palisades fires, which were whipped by fierce Santa Ana winds to overwhelm fire crews.

The 2017 Tubbs fire in northern California's wine country came under similar high winds. That blaze, sparked by a residential electrical system, tore through suburban areas of Santa Rosa, killing 22 people and destroying more than 5,600 homes, businesses and other structures. Overnight, the rubble of the Coffey Park neighborhood became a symbol for how quickly a wildfire can reach a populated area.

Some 53 years prior, another fire  the Hanly fire  burned through almost the exact same area. Winds helped it spread with furious speed. But with little development at the time, nobody died and only 100 homes were lost.
At least 70 people were killed and more injured in northern Nigeria on Saturday when a petrol tanker truck overturned, spilling fuel that exploded, the country's national emergency agency said.

The accident in Niger state follows a similar blast in Jigawa state last October that killed 147 people, one of the worst such tragedies in Nigeria.

"As of this report, over 70 bodies have been recovered, 56 individuals are injured, and more than 15 shops have been destroyed," the National Emergency Management Authority said in a statement.

"The injured have been transported to hospitals for treatment, while recovery efforts for the deceased are ongoing."

A Reuters witness said residents and officials were digging graves with a view to bury the victims Saturday night in accordance with Islamic rites. Niger is a largely Muslim state in Africa's most populous nation.

Earlier, Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander for Niger state, said most of the victims were impoverished residents who had rushed to scoop up the spilled petrol after the truck overturned.

"Large crowd of people gathered to scoop fuel despite concerted efforts to stop them," Tsukwam said in a statement.

Tsukwam said firefighters had managed to put out the fire.

Such accidents have become common in Africa's largest oil producer, killing dozens of people in the country grappling with its worst cost of living crisis in a generation.

The price of petrol in Nigeria has soared more than 400% since President Bola Tinubu scrapped a decades-old subsidy when he came into office in May 2023.

Bologi Ibrahim, the spokesperson for Niger state's governor, said residents should give priority to their safety when petrol tanker trucks are involved in accidents.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday called the Equal Rights Amendment "the law of the land," 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. However, in a rare joint statement, the archivist and deputy archivist of the United States said Tuesday that the 1970s-era Equal Rights Amendment cannot be certified without further action by Congress or the courts. We spoke with Congresswoman Theresa Leger Fernandez, chair of the Democratic Congressional Womens Caucus.
Plastic bottles and empty beer cans roll on the sea floor in the waters around Phuket in southern Thailand, while ever more garbage piles up on the island itself, a tourist hotspot better known for its pristine beaches and stunning sunsets.

In one corner of the island, trucks and tractors trundle back and forth moving piles of trash around a sprawling landfill, the final destination for much of the more than 1,000 tonnes of waste collected on Phuket every day.

In a matter of months, the landfill has grown so large it has replaced the previous serene mountain view from Vassana Toyou's home.

"There is no life outside the house, (we) just stay at home," she said. "The smell is very strong, you have to wear a mask."

To cope with the stench, Vassana said she keeps her air conditioner and air purifiers switched on all the time, doubling her electricity bill.

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, has undergone rapid development due to its tourism sector, a major driver of the Thai economy as a whole. Of the country's 35.5 million foreign arrivals in 2024, about 13 million headed to the island.

"The growth of (Phuket) city has been much more rapid than it should be," said Suppachoke Laongphet, deputy mayor of the island's main municipality, explaining how a tourism and construction boom has pushed trash volumes above pre-COVID levels.

By the end of year, the island could be producing up to 1,400 tonnes of trash a day, overwhelming its sole landfill, he said.

Authorities are pushing ahead with plans to cut waste generation by 15% in six months, expand the landfill and build a new incinerator, he said, as the island strives to become a more sustainable tourist destination.

But increasing capacity and incinerators is only part of the solution, experts say.

"If you just keep expanding more waste incinerators, I don't think that would be just the solution," said Panate Manomaivibool, an assistant professor in waste management at Burapha University.

"They need to focus on waste reduction and separation."
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 King's 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, King's 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.

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.

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. That's 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 don't 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.

In 1983, about 20 years after King's "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.

States held back as activists stepped up

Reagan's 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 predecessor's executive order enacting a state holiday in Arizona.

"He said 'Black people don't need a holiday. Y'all need jobs,'" recalled Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., senior pastor at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix. "That started the war."

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  we've 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. Day's reach has only grown in its 42 years.

It's 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 Wofford's 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 Biden's administration. "What's so important about the King holiday is not only the service that's going to happen, but how it creates a spark for people to think about how maybe they're going to serve all year long."

That's something King's 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 it's 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 King's 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."
Kurdish women in Syria, who played a vital role during the civil war, are now advocating for gender equality in a post-Assad Syria. They are demanding a part in drafting the new Syrian constitution to ensure that it enshrines womens rights. VOAs Zana Omer files this report from Qamishli, Syria, narrated by Amy Katz. Camera: Zana Omer
Russian forces launched a combined drone and missile attack on Kyiv early Saturday, killing at least three people, Ukrainian officials said.

Three other people were wounded, according to city military administration chief Timur Tkachenko. A shopping mall, metro station, business center and water pipe were also damaged in the attack, he said.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defenses were in operation around the city. Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat told Ukrainian media that both missiles that had been aimed at Kyiv were destroyed, but that one of them was shot down at a low altitude, causing major damage.

Everyone who is helping the Russian state in this war must be put under such pressure that it is felt no less than these strikes. We can only do this in unity with the whole world, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media.

The Russian defense ministry called the attack retaliation for Ukraines use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles in strikes on Russian territory.

The Russian armed forces carried out a group strike with precision-guided weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, including the Luch Design Bureau that develops and manufactures long-range guided missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

City officials said the victims were two men, ages 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman. An earlier death toll said four people were killed in the attack, but it was later revised to three.

These acts merely underscore the enemys ruthlessness and barbarity, Ukrainian parliamentary ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets wrote on social media.

More Russian attacks

In another overnight attack, Russia struck the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, where the regional governor said 10 people were injured. Eight of them, aged between 28 to 69, were hospitalized. A 48-year-old woman was reported in serious condition, local Governor Ivan Fedorov said in a statement.

On Friday, a Russian missile attack killed at least four people and injured at least 14 others in the south-central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, 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, he said.

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.

Ukrainian drone attack

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack late Friday ignited a fire at an industrial site in Russias 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.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
President-elect Donald Trump is shaping his administration as he nominates his Cabinet, a process that typically requires Senate confirmation. But a loophole known as a recess appointment could allow Trump to bypass the Senate, at least temporarily. Heres what you need to know.
It is unclear who will take over at the Pentagon and the military services when the top leaders all step down Monday as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

As of Friday, officials said they had not yet heard who will become the acting defense secretary. Officials said the military chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force were getting ready to step in as acting service secretaries  a rare move  because no civilians had been named or, in some cases, had turned down the opportunity.

As is customary, all current political appointees will step down as of noon on Inauguration Day, leaving hundreds of key defense posts open, including dozens that require Senate confirmation. In addition to the top job and all three service secretaries, all of their deputies and senior policy staff will leave.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote Monday on Trump's choice to head the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, but the full Senate vote may not happen until days later. As a result, someone from the Biden administration would have to take over temporarily.

For the service secretaries, officials said that while things could still change before the inauguration, the Trump team is eyeing General Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, to be that service's temporary head. They said General David Allvin, chief of staff of the Air Force, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Navy chief, are aware they may have to step in if no civilian is named as acting secretary, and they are preparing for that possibility.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations, said many senior Biden administration leaders are reluctant to serve in the incoming Trump administration because they are concerned about policy changes they may be required to handle or enforce.

Usually, only people appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate serve as a defense or service secretary, including in an acting capacity during a transition. Trump could pull a confirmed member of the Biden administration from another agency and put that person at the Pentagon.

Civilian control of the military is a key tenet, but under the law the military chiefs of the services  who are all Senate confirmed  can take over on a temporary basis. It's rare, but it did happen more than 30 years ago.

Arnold Punaro, a retired Marine Corps Reserve two-star general, said that in 1993, Admiral Frank Kelso, who was Navy chief, was asked to serve as acting Navy secretary when Bill Clinton became president because civilian leaders did not step up.

It doesnt happen very often," said Punaro, who spent 14 years as a staff director on the Senate Armed Services Committee and has advised nominees through the confirmation process for decades. "Normally you dont want the active-duty military serving in the civilian control positions. The practical reality is they are wearing both hats.

The transition to a new secretary of defense has usually been an orderly process.

Four years ago, the deputy secretary of defense under Trump, David Norquist, became acting secretary for the two-day gap between the inauguration of Democratic President Joe Biden and the Senate vote to confirm Lloyd Austin as Pentagon chief.

President Barack Obama asked his Republican predecessor's defense secretary, Robert Gates, to stay on as his own Pentagon leader in 2009.

In 2017, Jim Mattis, Trump's pick to be secretary during his first term, was confirmed on Inauguration Day.

Various administrations have handled the handover differently. In many cases, people have been asked to stay on in a temporary role. In one recent instance, officials said, the comptrollers of the services stepped in as acting secretaries because a key job in the coming months is to put together the massive, complex budget and more often the money people are considered less political.

This year's gap is further complicated by the fact that Trump and Hegseth have both pledged to rid the Defense Department of what they call woke generals  or those who have supported diversity programs. That raises the possibility that even as the administration struggles to fill its political appointee slots, it may also be carving holes in the military leadership structure that will have to be filled.

When Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, asked Hegseth during his nomination hearing if he intended to fire the current Joint Chiefs chairman, General CQ Brown, he answered, "Senator, every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to lawful orders they will be given.

Hegseth previously said that Brown should be fired. Conservative groups have compiled lists of generals they believe should be fired for supporting diversity programs. If Brown is fired, the vice chairman would take over until a new chairman is confirmed.
The Israeli security Cabinet has recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return agreement, ahead of a full Cabinet meeting expected later Friday, according to a statement from the Israeli prime ministers office.

Despite some uncertainty over the timing of the final Cabinet approval, the deal is expected to begin as originally scheduled on Sunday, the prime ministers 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, it said in a statement.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the security Cabinets ceasefire approval and said he expects the full Cabinet to follow suit in swiftly affirming this decision.

The security Cabinet is a small forum of senior ministers, while the full Israeli Cabinet is composed of more than 30 ministers.

The ceasefire agreement will feature a three-week-long pause in fighting and the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The Israel Prison Service said Friday it was taking measures to prevent any public displays of joy when Palestinian prisoners are released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

In this first phase, Israeli troops will pull back to the edges of Gaza, and many Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes as increased aid flows into the besieged enclave.

Hamas said on Friday that there were no longer any barriers to the agreement.

Outgoing Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday in an interview with MSNBC 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.

The United Nations says at least 1.9 million of the 2.3 million people living in Gaza have been displaced and 92% of housing units have been destroyed.

The World Health Organization, or WHO, said on Friday that it should be possible to increase aid imports into Gaza to around 600 trucks per day under the ceasefire agreement.

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 Geneva press briefing. This can be built up very rapidly.

Peeperkorn also said he expected the ceasefire to allow for more medical evacuations for the more than 12,000 patients on the waiting list. Around one-third of the people on the list are children.

We hope now with the ceasefire process that this will be better facilitated and supported, he said.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting 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, mostly women and children, have been killed in subsequent Israeli military operations. Without providing evidence, Israel says the death toll includes thousands of militants it has killed.

Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
WASHINGTON 

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.
 After Elon Musks disproportionate donation to support Reform UK (United Kingdom), his interventions in favor of the AfD (Germany), the declarations for the annexation of Greenland, one could legitimately wonder what the team of re-elected President Donald Trump had in store for France.

 American journalist Candace Owens received a legal letter from French president Emmanuel Macrons lawyers in 2024 explicitly asking her not to spread "rumors about his private life". Their client seemed concerned about the rumor that his wife, Brigitte, was in fact a transgender woman. The letter was accompanied by photographs of Brigittes brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, at the Elysee Palace, in order to dispel the theory that Brigitte Trogneux was actually her brother who had undergone a sex change. However, to this day, the person designated by the Elysee Palace as her brother persists in refusing any contact with the press.

Shocked by this letter, Candace Owens went to investigate in Europe, but not in France. She lived in London for a long time (in 2019, she married the son of Lord Farmer of Bishopsgate) and received various French journalists there, including the man at the origin of this "rumor", the former editor-in-chief of Faits & Documents, Xavier Poussard.

To this day, several periods in Brigitte Trogneuxs life remain unknown to the public. Rumors circulate that during her stay in the United States, she became involved with a high-profile figure.

 During the US presidential campaign, Candace Owens appeared as a black personality questioning the woke rhetoric of Black Lives Matters. She managed to get a significant part of black men, until now loyal voters of the Democratic Party, vote for the Republican candidate. She is one of a number of high-profile influencers, like gay man Milo Yiannopoulos, who campaigned against LGTB woke speech and got some of the gay community to vote for the Republican candidate.

 After her stay in London, Candace Owens published several messages on X (where she has 6.4 million followers), including one for Emmanuel Macron: "Please instruct your lawyers never to tell an American what he can and cannot publish. Youve kept many secrets in your life, but Im not your personal diary  all correspondence between our legal teams will be available for the public to read. Well get back to your team tomorrow with specific questions to answer you ahead of the publication of our much broader review of Brigittes life. As we have said before, the minor factual errors we have made will be corrected... . Her video on the issue, published on January 11, has been viewed more than 2 million times in France, while it received the support of Russian geopolitical scientist Alexander Dugin.

 Elon Musk has made the fight against the transgender woke ideology a personal matter after his son Xavier broke up with him and underwent surgery to become Vivian.

 If a transgender story is of great importance to Americans, it is not clear how it could play a role in France where questions of sexuality are considered a private matter. But those in the know on the matter assure us that the Brigitte affair is only the first blow in a much wider unpacking, some aspects of which are, themselves, politically charged.
Voltaire, International Newsletter is a weekly newsletter on international politics. It features 10 to 15 pages of contextualized, sourced news items. Its aim is to enable you to follow the decline of the unipolar world and the emergence of a multipolar system.

The newsletter is published in several languages. Several foreign ministries from different countries have already subscribed.

Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world.

Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year, is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense.

Whats more, 10 times a year, subscribers are invited to Zoom virtual meetings with publications director Thierry Meyssan.

Contents of issue N116

EDITORIAL

 2673 After the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark, the Trump team prepares an operation for France

AMERICAS

 2674 Profound Differences in the Trump Team

 2675 Eric Trump praises Emirati blockchains

 2676 Donald Trump broadcasts Jeffrey Sachs remarks against Netanyahu

 2677 Annulment of the ban on "gender discrimination" in the national education system

 2678 House of Representatives passes legislation against the International Criminal Court

 2679 Lloyd Austin again reiterates his support for Ukraine

 2680 15 detainees remain at Guantanamo Torture Center

 2681 EU imposes new sanctions against members of Venezuelas Supreme Court of Justice and National Electoral Council (CNE)

 2682 Clashes in Bolivia

EUROPE

 2683 New revelations about the UKs involvement in the Gaza massacre

 2684 Towards a Commission of Inquiry into the United Kingdoms Involvement in the Amritsar Massacre (1984)

 2685 Bild does propaganda, not journalism

 2686 Washington could buy Greenland

 2687 Lithuania shocked by the renaming of a museum in Kaliningrad

 2688 Poland could violate its European commitments to welcome Benjamin Netanyahu

 2689 Robert Fico writes to Volodymyr Zelensky

 2690 Mark Rutte warns MEPs against the project of a European NATO

 2691 Polish EU Presidency wants to speed up Ukraines accession

 2692 Six European states call on the European Commission to strengthen "sanctions" against Russia

 2693 Thierry Breton admits that the EU cancelled the first-round vote of the Romanian presidential election

 2694 Global warming as measured by the EU

 2695 European Commission sets up 14 thematic project groups

 2696 Serbia bought French Rafales under duress

 2697 EU assists Ukraine in line with G7 directives

 2698 Poland and Ukraine want to end Russian energy sources

 2699 ENTSO-G and GIE publish new map of EU gas pipelines

 2700 For the Council of Europe, fighting hateful messages on social networks is not censorship

 2701 Azerbaijan calls for the denazification of Armenia

ASIA

 2702 Sarah and Yair Netanyahu have dinner with Donald Trump

 2703 New Lancet study on demography in Palestine

 2704 A high-profile intruder at Hamas-Israel negotiations

 2705 Lebanon finally has its three presidents

 2706 Meeting in Riyadh to end sanctions against Syria

 2707 States that have imposed the EU blockade against Syria want to lift it

 2708 Iraq and Iran

 2709 Turkiye received 5.3 billion from the EU, but did not repatriate any refugees

 2710 Yoon Suk Yeol arrested

 2711 Chinese trade: the worlds largest

INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

 2712 In the wake of Gaza crisis, UN Security Council demands an end to the fighting in the Red Sea

 2713 Operation "Baltic Sentry"

 2714 NATO Reorganization

 2715 Social Concerns in the West
The owner of Laura Palmers house has been comforting Twin Peaks fans for years. She has no plans of stopping. Photo: Courtesy Mary Reber

In the hours since David Lynchs death, the tributes and memories have been pouring in from his actors, his collaborators, his fans, his family, his friends. My mind went quickly to Mary Reber. Reber lives on a quiet street in Everett, Washington, in a beautiful home that also happens to be one of the most significant settings and symbols in the larger Lynch universe: Laura Palmers house. In 2014, while Lynch was filming Twin Peaks: The Return for several weeks at Rebers house, he spontaneously asked her to appear in the shows final scene as the homes alt-universe owner, Alice Tremond, forever entrenching her into the elaborate and beloved Twin Peaks mythology.

In the years since The Returns conclusion, reality and the dream world have continued to blur in that deliciously Lynchian way. Reber, now a true Twin Peaks obsessive herself, generously allows vetted fans to tour her/Laura/Alices house, functioning as a sort of shepherd for what has become a cherished pilgrimage site for those who see themselves in the tormented Laura. Warm and empathic, Reber often ends up listening to her visitors stories of trauma and heartache and comforting them with a combination of wisdom from her own life and thoughtful analyses of Lynchs work. In many ways, Reber has become inextricable from Lynchs fandom; her home is an emotional nexus and unofficial museum, teeming with talismans and pieces of art that patrons have left for Laura and Reber over the years.

A longtime Lynch freak myself with at least two Twin Peaksinspired tattoos, I was lucky enough to tour the house with Reber a few years ago, an experience so profound and strange and wonderful that I still have trouble describing it. Part of what made the whole thing so special was my long conversation with Reber, which, as most exchanges about Lynchs work do, fluidly moved between the personal and the Peaks. She and I have kept in touch since, which isnt entirely unusual for her; she cant help but connect deeply with her visitors. I wanted to talk to her as a way to access that connection, to plug into the Twin Peaks matrix, so I called her the day after Lynchs death to ask, Was the house already turning into a vigil a la Bobs Big Boy? How was the international Twin Peaks community faring, and what had she heard from them?

Mary Reber as Alice Tremond. Photo: SHOWTIME

Mary! How are you doing?

Well, you know that I lost my son a couple of years ago. My son James is the one who said, Mom, you gotta watch Twin Peaks! He was really into it. Monday would be his birthday. But its also David Lynchs birthday on Monday. Synchronicities like that really play a part in this show. People who come to visit, people in my life, woven throughout the show. And David talks about that a lot. It doesnt surprise me that they have the same birthday.

Thats really beautiful. What do you remember about the first time you met David?

My ex and I had just bought this house in 2014. We were out running errands and came back and there was a notice at the door that said, We want to film a movie at your house. Call the location guy. He came out that night and said thered be a director from Hollywood coming out later. He didnt say what the show was, but there were simultaneous tweets from David Lynch and Mark Frost saying, That gum you like is going to come back in style. So I kind of figured, My house, those tweets, its gotta be Twin Peaks.

Sure enough, on January 1, David Lynch shows up with his producer Sabrina Sutherland and Scott Cameron, his first AD. He was in the house for about 40 minutes. Im not a starstruck person  I was impressed with David and his work, but I wasnt fawning all over him. We just chatted. I was kind of disappointed: I asked, Do you wanna see the fan? And he goes, No, thats okay, Im fine. Hes seen the fan before! He said hed be in touch. He came out again in April, July, and then October he started filming. They were here for about 12 days.

And when did he ask you to be in the show?

He was standing by the front door and writing something and quietly talking to a girl. I was trying to listen, of course, but I couldnt hear. Then he came into the kitchen, where I was making coffee and doughnuts, and he said, Are you an actress? I said no. He said, Have you ever acted? I said no. Would you like to do a small part in the movie? It was the first time I was ever quiet, I think. He said, Its not for sure. You can be in your own home, in your own clothes. He was already trying to make me feel comfortable because he could tell it kind of threw me. I got notice from Sabrina that Id be getting a script, which came in September, one month before we filmed.

Did you get a sense he was feeling you out or that he came up with the idea for Alice after meeting you?

I dont know if it was talking to me first, or he was writing the scene and then thought, This should be the owner of the house. I know he doesnt do typical auditions. He has a person in his head that he wants, and what he does is he talks to you like you and I are talking right now. He hears the cadence in your voice, looks in your eyes, and asks, Do they fit the person in my head Im thinking about? I dont know what went through his mind. But I would love to find out, to be honest with you.

You never asked?

No, because I dont think hed answer.

David Lynch at Mary Rebers house. Photo: Courtesy Mary Reber

Its so interesting that were both talking about him in the present tense. Can you tell me about finding out about his death and what the last 24 hours or so have been like?

I knew a couple of weeks ago that he was failing. That it was going to be soon. It was anticipatory grief. You knew he was going to go, but you didnt know when. That was the worst. But I woke up yesterday and everything felt really empty. There was a total silence. Then all of a sudden, I saw Sabrinas message that he had passed. From that point on, there were tons of condolences. Big hugs. I know he meant a lot to you, Mary. It was weird. Im not really his personal family or anything. But everybody knew he had filmed here and that it was his last project.

Why do you think people reached out?

I think grief hits people and they dont know what to do with it. So they reach out for somebody or something tangible to hang onto. I think people felt that they could do that with me. That makes me feel like I was able to help out in a real way.

Did you feel like they wanted you to be there for them to be comforting?

I feel like they were there for me and I was there for them. I got condolences when my son died, but this was even more so. I was kind of surprised because people really do consider anybody who has worked with David to be part of it. Ive been doing these tours for nine years, so Ive spoken intimately with a lot of people. Most of the time, I hear their trauma stories. Its been an extension of that, maybe. David creates this atmosphere where his art unites. And I think people need to feel united right now. Thats one legacy that I think hes left. Everybody goes, Oh, its almost like a cult, Twin Peaks people. Its because it touches the core of their being.

There is something so fascinating going on at your house. I could feel it. Laura Palmers house is this receptacle for her trauma. All of these horrible things happen there on the show. And youre this wonderful person who invites people to share themselves with you. Its become this sort of lighthouse for Davids work and Laura and you. What do you think the house means to people?

There was one guy from Spain who came here, hes a psychologist for LGBTQ people. He handed me a little ladybug. He goes, I want you to keep this here. A lot of people leave things in Lauras room, in this little alcove. People bring their art. This man said, I was bullied as a child. And Twin Peaks saved my life. In Spain, a person who is queer is called a ladybug. So he asked me to keep the ladybug on my mantle, and I did. Last weekend, somebody left crystal lights in Lauras room that depict Twin Peaks. And someones daughter handed me an angel ring and said, I want you to keep this in Lauras room so she knows that there are still angels. A famous musician reached out to me yesterday, and I told them to come here and write a song and perform it. He wants to do a David Lynch memorial concert at the house.

People leave parts of themselves here. Because Laura has given a face to trauma. Sheryl Lee said once to me, We didnt win a ton of awards for Fire Walk With Me. But so many people have come to me talking about incest and trauma. I wouldnt trade any of that for an award.

Does it ever get heavy for you, all of this?

You know, I lost my son, and he passed away here. Nothing throws you like losing a child. Its been three years since James passed. You know youve healed when you can talk to other people about your pain. I have an ashtray here, its supposed to depict Sarah Palmers ashtray with all of her cigarettes. But theyre actually Jamess. Its an homage to him.

I know a lot of people dont really like people. [Laughs] But I really do. Have there been a few tough ones here? Absolutely. Theres always a fringe. But for the most part Ive really enjoyed everybody whos come here.

Have people been by in the last 24 hours?

There was a guy yesterday who said, Sorry to bother you. Is it okay if I take some pictures? I said, Yes, absolutely. I didnt let him inside. I do have some people reaching out for tours. I just remember when my son passed, I wanted his clothes. His last glass that he drank out of. You want something tangible. A recording. Something you can glom onto. You feel like youre out in the middle of nowhere: What do I do with this grief? You have to find a place to plant it.

Are people leaving tangible things, like the vigil at Bobs Big Boy, near your house?

If anybody wants to drop wine or chocolates, Im happy for them to do so! [Laughs] Sometimes its like, I cant have all of this stuff in my house. But when it means something to somebody  It sounds trite, but Im using this house, not as a memorial, because its my home, but if somebody wants to leave something here, they can. Its so important for me to share it. Within boundaries of course.

Well, thats a very important note! This is your house. People cant be bugging or harassing you.

I can vet people and make sure theyre real Twin Peaks fans. If I have a funky feeling about somebody, I turn them away. Ive had to learn boundaries through the years. Im empathic and that hasnt always served me well. But Ive done a lot of healing.

David and Mary. Photo: Courtesy Mary Reber

Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you think of David?

He treated everybody the same. We came back from makeup, Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl, and myself. Theyre very seasoned, and Im an ordinary person. And he treated us all the exact same. To me, that was a blessing, being directed by David Lynch. It was therapeutic. I was ending my 34-year-old marriage to my ex. And David was the last really super-nice man that was kind to me.

The way that he saw and depicted women has been a major focus of a lot of the tributes.

Yes. He doesnt candy-coat anything. I think women really appreciate him for that. Hes laying out what its really like. Sometimes we need something raw: This is what it feels like. And he does this thing called a callback. When every character is done with their scene, he has a circle of all the cast and crew, and you stand in the middle. And he thanks you. He said, Mary, thank you so much for letting us use your house. You did a great job. And then everybody claps for you. He did it three times for Kyle: one for Dougie, one for Cooper, one for his doppelganger.

One really cool story is that Id mentioned to him that my daughters wanted to meet him. I thought it went in one ear and out the other. I think the filming ended at 2 a.m. one day. He was sitting on a chair in the living room. He said, Mary, I know your daughters wanted to meet me. Id love to meet them now. But theyd just left! Despite all thats going through his head, he remembered that.

Hes such a hard worker. And not a small talker. [Laughs] I never spoke to him again after that. I have seen Kyle and talked to Sheryl. But I havent seen David again. If I hadnt been so nervous about acting, I wish I would have sat and had more conversations with him. When somebody passes you always think, I should have.

What are other synchronicities between the house and you and David and Twin Peaks?

The first Blue Rose case was Lois Duffy; thats my maiden name, Duffy. My characters name was Alice; I lost my mom over 20 years ago, and her name was Alice. Things like that. David calls them happy accidents. You have to make room for them. That you dont have such an intense plan that you dont see these things happening around you.

Im so glad youre the one taking care of the house. What you do for people is really lovely.

Dont you feel united through this show? With the fires in California, with everything happening in peoples lives, his death is still uniting people. We need each other, we need that interaction. Were missing it greatly, I think. People say, What are you doing? Youre letting complete strangers into your home. I could look at it that way. Or I could look at it as, This person needs to see this place, and we need to have this communication. In this day and age, I suppose its a strange thing to do, but its also been the biggest blessing. When we overcome those fears, thats when we really hit the big stuff.
Outlander A Hundred Thousand Angels Season 7 Episode 16 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * *  Previous Next  Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Robert Wilson/Starz Entertainment

Wow, I was going to get on here and be all like, Claires alive, hooray! because even though that was a given, it is still something to celebrate. But then Outlander had to go and give us the death of a major character anyway. A death so brutal the loss will reverberate through the rest of the series. A death so heartbreaking, reader, I sobbed my face off. Rollo is dead. The sweetest, goodest boy there ever was is dead!! And to make that dogs death even more gutting, it happens the morning after Rachel tells Ian shes pregnant and the two decide to ditch the war effort and move back to Frasers Ridge in North Carolina with Jamie and Claire. He waited, I think, until he knew you were here for me, Ian says through tears to Rachel. He was taking care of Ian until the very end! Rollo! Outlander really loves to kick us when were down, huh?

Fine, it is nice that Jamie and Claire will be headed back to the Ridge and will have Ian and Rachel and their future progeny with them. Unbeknownst to our Mom and Dad, theyll have even more family to tend to on the homestead in the near future: Bree, Jem, and Mandy make it through the stones and reunite with Roger (and Buck) at Lallybroch, where Bree and Roger decide not to return in 1980 and instead, return to Claire and Jamies time. Travel of both the time and trans-Atlantic varieties is never without obstacles on this show, so lets assume these two face some issues getting home, but still, it will admittedly be nice to have the Frasers back together (for the love of god, tell me Marsali and Fergus will appear in season eight). Itll also be sweet to watch Bree tell Jamie about meeting his father. The scene shared between granddaughter and her unknowing grandfather was gorgeous and a perfect pitch for that Outlander prequel in the works. If you thought Jamie loved Claire, just wait until you listen to a grieving Brian talk about how much he loved his wife, Ellen. I was getting misty-eyed just hearing him share that he hasnt been able to close the door on their love and move on and how he might never be able to. Now imagine watching their full love story play out on screen  I am ready, willing, and able to prequel weep.

And if Frasers Ridge already sounds like itll be buzzing once again in season eight, wait until you hear about its newest resident. Well get to her, but first, lets check on Claires healing process.

The patient is doing great! Denny is certainly relieved. Once Claire is up walking around again, he finds her to tell her just how horrible it was to operate on someone he knows  more than knows, someone he loves. She tells him that if she ever has to operate on family, she hopes she does it as well as he did. This mentor/mentee relationship has been one of the real treats in season seven, and although there are no plans at the moment, I do hope Denny somehow winds up setting down roots in North Carolina eventually. What a dream team.

Denny isnt the only person who has recently helped to save Claires life, though. We finally, mercifully, get some closure to the strange and strangely satisfying throuple mess we had going on between Claire, Jamie, and Lord John. When Lord John learns that Claire has been shot, he comes to check in on her as soon as he can. Claire seems grateful to see him and also wildly annoyed that the ding-dong version of her husband has arrived right on time to mark his territory, informing Lord John that he isnt allowed to call Claire my dear and demanding to know why hes here. Thankfully, Lord John isnt looking to poke the bear that is Jamies jealousy and ego; perhaps he doesnt feel like getting his other eye punched into his brain, just a guess. The two men dont exactly have a friendly bit of closure, but they both agree that theres nothing more to discuss about what happened and are moving on with it all.

Claire, however, gives us the moment this whole messy situation deserves when she calls John back to her side and takes his hand. Jamie might punch a hole in the wall, but to his credit, does not. With tears in her eyes, she apologizes to John for never properly thanking him for everything he did for her  he saved her life, she tells him. We saved each other, he replies. Jamie almost, almost looks as though he is starting to get some perspective on what happened, and maybe one day, he and John can get back to being old friends again. His exit from the makeshift hospital does seem to have a hint of finality to it, though. Will this be the last time Jamie and Claire actually lay eyes on Lord John Grey? Say it aint so!

Regardless, its hard to be too angry with Jamie in this episode because, once again, he remains so goddamn swoony when it comes to his wife. Outlander has given us countless examples of sweeping romantic moments between ride-or-dies Claire and Jamie, but what we get between the long-time married couple in this finale is perhaps the most romantic of all? Im sorry, but a husband not even flinching to hold up his wife as she takes a pee post-gun shot wound is so fucking hot. I mean, I dont for one minute buy that Dr. Claire Fraser would be embarrassed about peeing in front of her husband after all theyve been through, but for the sake of that look she gives him before she says Its just, I love you, I will suspend all disbelief. When Claire wakes up to Jamie sleeping in a chair beside her and asks him if hes been there all night, his simple where else would I be? response really makes me forgive him for all the murders. Im willing to admit that in writing, okay?! Remember when they first met and Jamie would sleep outside Claires door to make sure she was always safe? Hes still doing that 40-some years later. No love is like their love!

There is another reason Claire needs to know if Jamie was by her side all night, though: She has a strange dream that for a moment felt real, in which Master Raymond  yup, the mysterious (definitely time traveling) apothecary from Paris way back in season two  appears and asks her for her forgiveness. For what? she responds, confused. Someday you will know, he says. That cryptic weirdo never fails!

Since Master Raymond was with Claire during another near-death experience, when she almost died giving birth to her and Jamies stillborn first child, Faith, she and Jamie come to a consensus that it would make sense he might pop up in a dream. But the encounter feels more visceral than a dream, and Claire cant shake the memories of losing Faith. Her daughter begins to show up elsewhere as the Frasers prepare to head back to the Ridge.

One night, William appears at their door. He needs Jamies help, and you know it is dire because that boy would not interact with Jamie unless he is desperate. Its about Jane. Lord John discovered that Jane was being held in a nearby meetinghouse. She signed a confession stating she murdered Captain Harkness, and since theyre currently under martial law, there would be no trial  shes set to be executed. John tries to tell his son that theres nothing more they can do and that at least she will not be dying in vain; she did save her sister. But William has Jamies blood coursing through his body  there is always something more they can do. William wants to break Jane out of her jail. Of course, Jamie agrees to help because he wants nothing more than the love of his son, and while the duo makes a great little team, by the time they get to the meetinghouse, it is too late. Jane has slit her wrists  she is already dead. William refuses to leave her like that and instead fixes her body up on the bed and removes her handcuffs, laying her to rest in the most respectful way he can. Jamie cuts a lock of her hair to give to Janes sister.

The next morning, William brings Frances to see Jamie and Claire. The Frasers have, apparently, agreed to look after Frances  she can live with them on Frasers Ridge, where Jamie promises her no man will ever hurt her as long as he lives. Its very lovely and William ruins the whole vibe by asking for another word with Jamie and once again demanding the deets on how he was conceived. Like, get an actual grip, my man!! Jamie calmly explains pretty much everything hes already been told and also adds in some kind words about Williams mother being brave and bold and maybe thats really all William wanted to know  that he has some good in him. Jamie also tells him that he will never regret what happened between him and Geneva as he reaches for Williams face. He doesnt need to finish the sentence with  because it brought me you for William to understand. And just when you think the guy might be coming around on Jamie Fraser  he remembers how much he loved him as a child  he quietly assures Jamie that he will never call him father. Sam Hueghan plays this moment so well; Jamie tries to keep his composure in front of William, but you can see it in his eyes, this is a wound from which he will never heal. Anyway, William can get bent for all I care!

Theres not a ton of time to unpack that gutting moment anyway because we have to talk about Frances. Jamie and Claire bring her to see her sisters grave and the young girl breaks down in tears. She is wracked with guilt  her sister died trying to save her life, and she refuses to leave her. Claire sits with her, making sure she knows how much Jane loved her, how none of this is her fault. She has Frances tell her about Jane and she tells Claire a story about catching dragonflies with Jane and their mother. Claire loves dragonflies, remember? And Claire hands over Janes belongings so Frances will always have pieces of her. One of those belongings is their mothers locket adorned with a drawing of their mother and her name inscribed on the back: Faith. Hmm, thats weird, isnt it?

Later, as the Frasers pack up their wagon for the start of their journey home, Claire hears Frances singing a strangely familiar song inside. As she gets closer to the girl, its unmistakable, Frances is singing I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside, the song Claire once sang while holding Faiths body in her hands. Its a song that was written in 1907 so there is no way Frances could know this song. But she does. When Claire asks how, Frances says her mother used to sing it to her. Claire is reeling. In tears and utter shock, she looks over to Jamie. Was Frances and Janes mother  her not actually dead daughter Faith? I think Faith lived. I think our daughter lived.

This seems absolutely insane. First of all, even if Faith did survive birth, how did she know that song? Did Master Raymond sing it to her? Can he sing?? There are obviously lots of questions that will need to be answered in the coming eighth and final (!!) season that are more important than that (by just a hair!): Why would Master Raymond, assuming this is what he came to ask forgiveness for, want to take Faith and have Claire believe she died? What was Faiths life like? How will Claire and Jamie process this news if its true? But at the moment, I have one pressing question Ill be mulling over throughout our next droughtlander: Uhhh, if this is real, hows William going to feel when he finds out he had sex with his niece? Honestly, I hope they never, ever tell him. That poor guy has had enough identity crises for one lifetime.
Season two threw Juliette Nichols a curveball that proved Rebecca Ferguson can project a ferocious energy even when shes not climbing and falling and grunting. Photo: Rekha Garton/Apple TV+

Silo is perfectly okay B-grade science-fiction grub, though it has the distinction of being strangely bloodless, literally and metaphorically. Sure, it can be violent, and people die, but theres a robotic sheen to the Apple TV+ series, which adapts Hugh Howeys postapocalyptic novels set in a world where humanity is thought to be whittled down to just tens of thousands of people living in massive underground silos. Even when characters curse and they do like to say fuck a lot!  the utterance feels superfluous, like theyre saying it because thats what people are supposed to shout when theyre pissed.

Not so with Rebecca Ferguson, who stars and serves as executive producer on Silo. As Juliette Nichols, a mechanical whiz turned sheriff who quickly discovers that nothing is as it seems, she injects so much electricity into the air that she could light up a small town. The second-season finale has a moment when she yells, Be angry at the motherfuckers who built this place and put us in it!!, and she goes so hard you can feel the walls vibrate. Ferguson is an absolute beast, and the way she commits to Nichols results in fleeting moments where Silo suddenly becomes kind of great.

I dont think Ive ever seen Ferguson give a performance thats anything short of hilariously intense. This is no complaint. In the Mission: Impossible franchise, she plays Ilsa Faust, an impossibly cool femme fatale who stares holes into walls and whose grand introduction involves steadying a sniper rifle with one of her very long legs. Dune: Part Two finds Fergusons Lady Jessica skulking around caves as she mutters about the glorious future to her unborn fetus, freaking out the people around her. One of her best characters is Rose the Hat, the leader of a psychic-vampire cult in Mike Flanagans Doctor Sleep, in which she wears a top hat and utters her signature phrase  Hi there  with tectonic severity. Ferguson even brings intensity to the late-night circuit: Here she is walking onto Fallon carrying a Dyson vacuum like a Swedish Terminator; here she is on Colbert and Meyers, giving genial dominatrix as she constantly breaks the flow of conversation to establish control.

So it is with Silo, which channels Fergusons inimitable ferocity to its own benefit, and ours. It helps that the show gives her plenty of physical work to do. The first season made her spelunk in the silos depths as she looked for answers. She climbs pipes, shimmies up ropes, falls from tall places, and all the while, Ferguson augments these sequences with a cacophony of grunts and guttural screams that locks you into the reality of the universe. She gets even more physical labor to do in Silos second season, with Nichols navigating a seemingly abandoned neighboring silo for material to help her return home: more pipes, more ropes, more falls, more grunts, more yells. At some point, you might start to wonder this: Why doesnt anybody else in the cast have to do such grueling tasks? Nichols is almost always alone when facing these physical challenges, but it never gets old because Ferguson sells the difficulty of these tasks so well. Watch her eyes study the world around her; that conscious sense of looking gives a tangible quality to the surrounding set.

Season two also threw her character a curveball that proved Ferguson can project a ferocious energy even when shes not climbing and falling and grunting. With Nichols sequestered from the rest of the established cast, Silo locks Ferguson into a nearly season-long two-hander with Steve Zahn, who plays Solo, a man she discovers in the new vault who she later learns has been alone since he was a child. This makes Solo an interesting foil for Nichols, a whimpering man-child to her hypercompetent and quiet loner. As you would expect from Zahn, hes great at drawing sympathy from a character that initially tracks as pathetic, but you do still want to slap him in the face. So does Nichols, and the dynamic that emerges between the two is pretty compelling to watch. Nichols, an alpha who understands she cant just bulldoze Solo into giving her what she needs, shifts between trying to connect and reason with him as she grows increasingly desperate. Again, theres a striking physicality to how Ferguson holds her body in contrast to Zahns Solo: Shes so tightly wound while hes loosey-goosey, having spent most of his life behind a locked door not having to worry much about whats happening outside. Its a fun give-and-take that adds a real spark to an otherwise stolid show.

Not that Silo is bad, necessarily. The show has a few quirks that generally add to its watchability. Tim Robbins, Oscar winner, plays the head of the silos IT department who by the end of the first season becomes mayor, turns out to be the secret baddie, and ends the second season in near madness after discovering that he never had any control over his fate in the vault. Harriet Walter, whom you might remember as the very British mother to the three main Roy children in Succession, plays her character with a very American twang. Common is also on the show, hard at work pulling off the one lone facial expression he seems to know how to do as Sims, the heavy in charge of maintaining order in the underground society. Many of the younger actors are good-looking in a generic sort of way. Its just unfortunate that so much of the rest of the show feels like a SyFy series given an Apple TV+ glow-up. Theres lot of rich ideas baked into its premise of a society built on literal class strata segmented according to work functions, with bits in there about the nature of societal control, fascism, and the spark of rebellion, but it generally doesnt explore its moral and philosophical questions in ways that are thorny or difficult. For a show set in a dangerous world, the whole thing feels suspiciously chill. Except, of course, for Ferguson, whose core gift is being devoid of any chill, and were all the better for it.
Agrigento, famed for its rich archaeological heritage, succeeds Pesaro as Italian culture capital.

Italy's president Sergio Mattarella on Saturday will launch Agrigento as Capitale Italiana della Cultura 2025 with a ceremony in the hilltop Sicilian city.

Over the course of this year, hundreds of cultural events will take place in Agrigento which won the coveted culture capital status with its bid titled La natura della cultura.

Located on Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento was founded as a Greek colony in the sixth century BC and is celebrated for its UNESCO archaeological area, the Valley of the Temples.

The archaeological area stetches from the Rupe Atenea to the acropolis of the original ancient city, as well as the sacred hill with the main Doric temples and the extramural necropolis.

Full details of Agrigento's cultural programme for 2025 can be found on the official website.

Italy's Capitals of Culture: a brief history

Launched in Italy in 2014, the first Italian culture capitals were Cagliari, Lecce, Perugia, Ravenna and Siena in 2015, Mantua in 2016, Pistoia in 2017 and Palermo in 2018.

The Italian title skipped a year in 2019 when Matera, in the southern Basilicata region, became the European Capital of Culture.

In 2020 it was the turn of Parma to receive Italy's culture capital status, with the north Italian city retaining the title for a second year to make up for the negative effects of the covid lockdowns.

Procida, a small island in the Gulf of Naples, held the prestigious title in 2022.

Bergamo and Brescia jointly held the 2023 Capital of Culture title after Italy bypassed the usual application process in a "symbol of rebirth" for the two northern cities devastated by the covid pandemic.

L'Aquila, the city devastated by the massive earthquake that struck the central Abruzzo region almost 15 years ago, will be Italian Capital of Culture 2026.

On Friday the culture ministry announced the 10 finalists in the race for Italy's 2027 culture capital: Alberobello, Aliano, Brindisi, Gallipoli, La Spezia, Pompeii, Pordenone, Reggio Calabria, SantAndrea di Conza, and Savona.
Meloni has met Trump twice since his re-election.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni is to attend Donald Trump's inauguration as US president in Washington on 20 January, her office confirmed on Saturday.

Meloni is set to be joined at Trump's swearing-in ceremony by a delegation from her right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party, according to La Repubblica newspaper.

La Repubblica also suggests that the premier's last-minute decision to accept the invitation to Washington may have been linked to the indictment of tourism minister Daniela Santanche in a trial over alleged fraud.

Meloni and Trump are on good terms and the two leaders have met twice since Trump's re-election in November.

During a recent press conference in Rome, Meloni stressed her "very solid" relationship with the US President-elect and said she would "happily go" to his inauguration if she could fit it into her schedule.

Meloni is also on friendly terms with tech billionaire Elon Musk, the future co-head of a new government efficiency department in the Trump administration.

Earlier this month Meloni made a surprise flying visit to Florida to meet Trump who hailed her as a fantastic woman" who has "really taken Europe by storm.

Following a meeting in Paris in December for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump described Meloni as a real live-wire.

Photo: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com.
Santanche due to stand trial in March.

A Milan judge on Friday ordered Italy's tourism minister Daniela Santanche to stand trial for alleged accounting fraud at her former publishing group Visibilia.

Santanche, a prominent member of prime minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party, faces accusations that she and 15 others were aware of alleged falsification of financial statements at the company.

The 16 people ordered to stand trial include the minister's partner Dimitri Kunz, her former partner Canio Mazzaro, her sister Fiorella Garnero and her niece Silvia Garnero.

Prosecutors allege that the balance sheets were manipulated between 2016 and 2022 to hide millions of euro of losses and enable the company to stay in business, news agency ANSA reports.

Santanche, 63, sold her stake in Visibilia before becoming tourism minister more than two years ago and has denied any wrongdoing.

The trial has been scheduled in Milan on 20 March.

Santanche's lawyer Nicolo Pelanda on Friday said the decision was one "that we expected but that leaves a bitter taste in our mouths", adding that his client's innocence would be established in court.

Santanche is the second minister in Meloni's cabinet to stand trial after transport minister and deputy premier Matteo Salvini who was acquitted last month in a long-running case over his refusal to let a migrant rescue boat dock in Italy in 2019.

Opposition parties on Friday called for Santanche to resign however the minister has repeatedly vowed to clear her name and, so far, has retained the support of Meloni.

However, during a press conference earlier this month, Meloni refused to say whether the embattled minister would remain in her post if ordered to stand trial, telling reporters: "Let's see what the judiciary decides and then I will obviously speak to Minister Santanche".

In an article published early on Saturday, Santanche told Corriere della Sera that she was "very calm" in relation to the court ruling, which she had expected.

I havent heard from Giorgia, she hasnt called me, I imagine she has many important things to do, Santanche told the Corriere, adding: "If my prime minister were to ask me to step back, I will certainly do it".

Photo credit: Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock.com.
The negotiations for government, which brought the regional independents group into the frame, must have given anyone who thinks about the future of Waterford a pause for thought. They secured two super junior ministries and two junior ministries.

The Healy Rae brothers secured a junior ministry. Thats five positions. The Regional Independents has two super juniors from Galway!

One can only look back at the election and suggest, all politics aside, that Waterford made a strategic error in voting.

People here are always seeking someone with influence, a Healy Rae-like figure, to push the local agenda. The majority must have known that the new government would be Fianna Fail with Fine Gael plus a mudguard of some kind.

Matt Shanahan pushed the local agenda for 10 years both inside and outside Dail Eireann. Had he been reelected, it is certain in my view anyway that he would have had a super junior position to attend cabinet.

Instead, in protesting against perceived and real neglect, we opted for two Sinn Fein TDs. Quite what that will deliver for us is anyones guess.

David Cullinane was first elected in 2011 and is on the back benches ever since. Has his party been able to influence any government decision? Should the new government last five years, he will have been a back bencher for almost 20 dispiriting years.

In the past five years many Waterford people noticed and commented on social media that David rarely mentioned Waterford in any capacity. This reached its zenith when SF election posters failed to mention investment or the lack of it at SETU. More was expected from someone who received 20,000 first preference votes in 2020.

Anyway, it's water under the bridge. Deputies Cullinane and McGuinness must sit it out on the back benches. David Cullinane did voice his strong views on the new Programme for Government with Damien Tiernan on WLR FM last Thursday, saying that there is no mention of 24/7 cardiology for Waterford or timelines for new roads to Limerick and Cork and so on. He was quickly shot down by John Cummins (FG) and Mary Butler (FF) who dismissed accusations of vagueness and lack of mention of Waterford in the PFG as simply being the nature of the actual document, saying that mentioning everything that every constituency might want would create a huge and unwieldy document. You can make your own mind up about that. Its vague!

Waterford Airport is specifically mentioned. Government will work with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous Government 2019 commitments. That does sound hopeful.

24/7 cardiology for UHW is not mentioned. Ms Butler suggested the vague statement, 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, should see us all right.

Many people are not so sanguine.

Too often, government policy documents have been interpreted against us, not least on 24/7 cardiology. Several announcements by Ms Butler of 8am to 8pm seven-day cardiology at UHW have proven fruitless. The PFG document also references hospital beds, saying government would, Increase capacity by between 4,000 and 4,500 new and refurbished inpatient hospital beds across the country.

Everyone knows that UHW urgently needs more beds and is still the countrys most under-resourced and understaffed Model 4 hospital. Last week, the HSE published its National Service Plan for 2025. It commits to 297 new hospital beds across 17 hospitals, including 14 in Kilkenny. There are none for UHW.

Its all very well to believe the new surgical hub at UHW is the panacea for everything our hospital needs, but it is not. Remember back in 2022 that a vitally important, vertical Out Patients Department, over the main hospital, was discussed between hospital management and local Oireachtas members, who were informed it was ready to go under a Covid derogation, which meant planning permission was not required. Construction did not start although major developments in the Mater, St Lukes Kilkenny and elsewhere were completed.

UHW was left with two prosaic OPD and ED prefab units and a portable building.

Ms Butler seems to have believed our tin modular prefabs (language is so important) were equivalent to the modular buildings built elsewhere, which of course they are not. But then, we were the only Model 4 hospital to have a freezing cold triage tent erected outside its ED during Covid!

The vertical OPD extension has planning permission since July 2022. There are no signs of progress. Another long finger job?

Three previous PFGs were specific about SETU development. Now we must hope that we are included in catchall plans to Develop a multi-annual plan to urgently deliver new student accommodation, including through state-financed, purpose-built student accommodation on public or private lands and enable Technological Universities to borrow funds to provide for on-campus student accommodation.

There is a commitment to develop a borrowing framework for the TU sector to enable them to access funding and to introduce new academic career paths, contracts and professorships. There are no timelines.

Should these aspirations happen, they would help create a level playing field between the TUs and traditional universities.

Fine Gael doesnt like to acknowledge the damage done to WIT and Waterford during the almost two decade long failure to build any new teaching facility there. Some in FG even have the brass neck to dispute that reality, which is there for all to see.

Even now, with the new engineering block signed off by government before Christmas, we have no indication when building work will start.

Waterfords reality is that the Programme for Government is a politically expedient buffet. A list of possibilities, with a world of difference between studying/ exploring/ investigating and action! The language is loose and anything can be justified when the need arises.

Progress will realistically only be made if Waterford is represented at the cabinet table by a senior minister. Ms Butler seems to be in the frame for that as John Cummins is dismissed as too junior for elevation at this stage? Everyone wishes both of them well for Waterfords sake. If neither makes it to the top?
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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Donors Give From Heart; $13,500 Raised So Far For Toddler & Parents

People from Kimball and surrounding areas showed up in droves for breakfast and the silent auction benefiting Brigsley Hinton and her parents, Trevan and Hope.

Nine-month old Brigsley and her parents are forced to repeatedly travel to Denver for treatment of a low grade brain tumor at Children's Hospital. Brigsley was diagnosed at four months and has been receiving chemotherapy in the hopes of reducing the tumor. Unfortunately, the tumor has not shown signs of reduction and a new type of chemo is being considered.

Kimball's Eagles put together a fundraiser to help with travel, food, gas and other expenses for their trips to Denver. Over 440 people attended the free will breakfast with over $13,500 donated for the breakfast. The free will breakfast donation far exceeded the expectations, according to the Eagles.

Although a completed tally of the silent auction items has yet to be determined, organizer Gabe Ingram said they believe the silent auction sum would total around $20,000.

He said, "We had people from Scottsbluff, Sidney, Dalton, Gurley, Bridgeport, Kimball, Bushnell, Pine Bluffs, etc. Her family was such a big help with the silent auction. We only called one place to inquire about it they would donate a silent auction item. The rest reached out to us about donating. I'm glad it was such a big success, I hope we are able to take some stress off their plate."

The Red Knights donated items for the breakfast, and the six breakfast cooks were not too many cooks in the kitchen to feed over 440 people.
Taylor Brown, Landon Smith, Britni Toth Take Oaths

The installation of three board members was the first order of business at the 2025 Kimball School Board meeting. Britni Toth, Landon Smith, and Taylor Brown took their oath of office, and then the board got down to doing the business of the school district.

During the reorganization, Travis Cook was once again elected as the board president, with Jennifer Griebel as vice-president, Tom OBrien as secretary, and Britni Toth, treasurer.

Superintendent Trevor Anderson noted two significant bills when the board bills were discussed. Anderson mentioned SparqMeeting Subscription and Sparq Negotiations, totaling $4400, and Kimball Health Services bill for $13,851.00 for OT and PT therapy. The school district transitioned OT and PT away from the ESU contract, and Kimball Health Services addresses therapy, this created a significant savings.

Superintendent Anderson provided budget information to assess the districts financial health. At the current time, 23.23% of the budget has been spent, and 33% of the fiscal year has been completed.

The Actual Year-To-Date Expenditures are $2,806,828.70 thus far, compared to $2,907,932.41 last year, $3,538,529.76 two years ago and $2,483,449.60 three years ago.

The current cash balance in the General Fund is $2,047,385.86. Similar balances occurred in 2024, the balance $1,950,008.08.

In an update on the new activity bus which was ordered, the bus is making its way to Nebraska. Air conditioning will be installed, and the bus will be wrapped with the most popular survey design by students and staff. The expected arrival date is late spring.

Jr./H.S. Principal Danielle Reader shared information about a student assembly to start the new semester, during the assembly the AQuESST rating and methods to improve were discussed. The focus continues to be on developing a partnership between staff and students. Ninety Stampede Cards were handed out to students in grades 7th through 12th. According to Mrs. Reader, enrollment is stable at 176 for the Jr./HS.

Enrollment for Mary Lynch Elementary is 217. Principal Amanda Culek was encouraged with the disciplinary data. Her data shows a 53% decrease in total incidents from November to December 2024 and a 4% decrease compared to December 2023.

In action items the board approved the superintendents contract, it is a revolving three year contract. The board approved the appointment of the same School Media Affiliates and assigned board members to committees including theAmerican Civics, Building and Grounds/Transportation, Finance, Negotiations, and Scholarships.

The board has scheduled a work session on Jan 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kimball County Transit. The next regular school board meeting will be on Monday, Feb 10, at the Kimball County Transit Service building.
All parties in the Dail now see the benefits and support the plan to re-open the railway from Athenry to Claremorris.

These are the words of Colman OReilly, who has been the voice of the West on Track campaign to reopen the so-called Western Rail Corridor, closed in 1976, for the past 20 years.

This sea-change that has occurred in the campaign leads us to believe, with some confidence, that the re-opening will be included in the Programme for Government, and will be constructed and opened in the lifetime of the new Dail, Mr O'Reilly told the Western People at the weekend. It has taken us a long time to convince them all that the proposal makes sense, but they see now that it makes economic, social and environmental sense to re-open the railway. Theres nothing not to like about this project.

If all the parties support the plan, it has taken a campaign led by locals like Colman and hundreds of other people scattered across Mayo, Galway and Sligo and further afield to get them on board. But whatever it has taken, the chances of the railway reopening in the next few years are realistic.

The Dublin to Westport line which, for the most part, is a single track, is near capacity for train journeys. Passengers on the line often sit in a stationary carriage, waiting for a train travelling in the opposite direction to pass before their train can proceed. The wait takes place at so-called passing points, which are essential on single-track railways, allowing trains to effectively meet on the one track. Because lines converge as they head towards the capital, they cannot accommodate many more trains.

Extending the line from Athenry to Claremorris opens up a new route to export markets for industry, Mr OReilly said. The line will provide rail access to ports like Foynes in Limerick, which will be serviced by rail, and further south to Cork and Waterford. Already exporters from Ballina use their local link to Manulla Junction to pick up a route to Dublin. The reopened railway will offer an alternative and will increase capacity. It will, critically, facilitate expansion and job creation in the region. It will be a huge benefit to passengers, too.

West on Track has funded its own campaign from the start. It has held conferences and commissioned reports. The money needed was willingly and generously donated by the volunteers in an attempt to convince the authorities that the project was worthwhile.

There were many missed opportunities along the way, times when it would have been easy for the government of the day to deliver the re-opening. Mayo had four government TDs at one stage during the campaign, including a Taoiseach. Of course, money was tight at the time. The economy had collapsed, and we were staggering to remain upright. But when Donogh OMalley became Minister for Education in 1966, he didnt let money become an obstacle in the provision of free second-level education, which up to that point was fee-paying. He made an announcement to the media that free education would be available to all from 1969. He did so on a Saturday and just after the Dail went into summer recess. The announcement was hugely popular with the public and by the time the Dail reconvened, no TD or Minister could oppose such a move. When asked at one point, Can we afford it? his reply was, Can we afford not to do it?

After the Celtic Tiger era collapse, there might not have been much appetite for such leadership, but the opportunity was there. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Impending redevelopment of the railway station in Galway City and the installation of lifts at Claremorris railway station will all facilitate the reopening. The Galway train traditionally pulled into Platform 2 at Claremorris station (accessed by a foot-bridge over the track) when it was in use up to the 1970s. The new lifts will make that platform assessible to all. There are plans to redevelop Tuam station too and it will be used as one of a number of passing points along the reopened line.

The final phase of the reopening, that from Claremorris to Collooney in Co Sligo, must not be forgotten in the process. This will facilitate rail travel from Sligo to Cork for passengers and freight. It will also bring the railway much closer to Ireland West Airport.

The persuasion of politicians that this is a good idea took a lot of work. It is a fine example of the strength a specialist group of volunteers can show and how effective they can be. It is a shame that this type of campaign was necessary, however. A Donogh OMalley-style minister would have the trains running on the Western Rail Corridor long ago.
By David Young, PA

Britain's Northern Ireland secretary has said he appreciates why families of some Troubles victims remain sceptical about a new investigatory and truth recovery body.

Hilary Benn said he knows reform of legislation underpinning the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is required to secure the confidence of bereaved relatives.

The ICRIR was set up by the last government as part of its contentious Legacy Act.

While the UK Labour government has vowed to repeal parts of the Act, including the contentious offer of conditional immunity for perpetrators of Troubles killings, it has decided to retain the commission.

However, last year the Court of Appeal in Belfast ruled that a UK government veto power over what sensitive material can be disclosed to families by the commission is incompatible with human rights laws.

Some families want to see the new commission axed (Brian Lawless/PA)

The court also found that the work of the commission does not provide victims and their next of kin adequate means to participate in its processes.

The Appeal Court judges did uphold the operational independence of the commissions structures.

Some families who lost loved ones during the conflict have vowed not to engage with the commission, claiming it lacks the teeth and independence to properly re-examine their cases.

Mr Benn, writing in Saturdays Irish News, insisted he was committed to making changes.

Everybody I have spoken to agrees that there needs to be a means of conducting investigations and of recovering information, he wrote.

And we do now have, for the first time, an independent judge-led commission, responsible for doing both these things.

I am the first to acknowledge that the legislation that established the commission needs to be changed and I appreciate why, after all these years, and given the origins of the Legacy Act, there is scepticism about it.

I know that reforms will be needed to secure the confidence of families.

But a growing number of requests for investigations and information are now being made to the commission, over 120 at the last count, and the Northern Ireland Courts have been clear that it has the powers it needs to carry out independent, human rights-compliant investigations.

Whats more, the legislation I will propose will ensure that the commission is, in specific circumstances, able to hold public hearings, take sworn evidence from individuals, and ensure families have effective representation.

Mr Benn said one of the advantages of the commission was that it can quickly get to work, as he noted that its team of investigators was growing.

The commission also has full police powers to help find answers without the long years of waiting that are often involved with public inquiries, which must establish staff, premises and processes from scratch, he added.

There are a number of families, including the family of (murdered GAA official) Sean Brown, whose inquests were brought to a premature end (by the Legacy Act), and who continue to experience great pain and suffering.

For each of these families, I want to ensure that there is a full, thorough and independent investigation into the death of their loved one as soon as possible.

I urge all those still searching for answers, for justice or for acknowledgement of what happened, to talk to the commission to hear and discuss what they propose, knowing that the government will strengthen it in our forthcoming legislation.

Sean Browns widow Bridie Brown (centre) after attending the Court of Appeal on Thursday to hear the Government attempt to overturn a judges order for a public inquiry into his murder (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Labour MP said the complexity and sensitivity of dealing with the legacy of the past required a need to build as broad a consensus as possible.

I am determined, with the help of all interested parties, including the Irish government, to achieve this, he said.

Nothing will ever ease the pain that so many families endure to this day.

But we must do all we can to help society in Northern Ireland, which has come such a long way since 1998, to finally begin to heal the terrible wounds of the past and look to a better future together.

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal in Belfast heard a UK government bid to overturn a judges order that a public inquiry be established in the Sean Brown case.

Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Derry, 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.

In December, High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys issued an order compelling the UK government to set up a public inquiry.

Mr Benn is challenging his ruling. The believes the case should instead be dealt with by the ICRIR.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua)  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.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Teng Ge
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. &&
Just days ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Ukraine to offer ongoing support in NATOs war against Russia.

Starmers meeting with the head of the Ukrainian regime Volodymyr Zelensky was his seventhincluding meetings held while Starmer was leader of the opposition. It was his first trip to Ukraine since taking office at the head of the Labour government last July.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosts a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine during a visit to Ukraine, January 16, 2025 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY 4.0

Both this visit and his subsequent trip to Poland were held very much under the shadow of the incoming Trump administration, with Britain and the NATO powers unsure how fully Trump will commit to the Ukraine war and how much more he will demand the European powers contribute.

Trump has identified China as the foremost opponent of US imperialism and cast doubt on continuing US support for the war in Ukraine, upon which Britain imperialism has staked enormous geopolitical capital. This week Marco Rubio, Trumps nominee for secretary of state, told the Senate foreign relations committee that the war in Ukraine had become a stalemate and has to end with both Russia and Ukraine having to make concessions.

The purpose of Starmers Kiev visits was to sign a 100-year partnership treaty, the main aim of which was to ensure that London is able to reap its share of the spoils in Ukraines critical energy and mineral supplies.

A statement by Downing Street on the agreement said it would will bolster military collaboration and also cements the UK as a preferred partner for Ukraines energy sector, critical minerals strategy and green steel production.

The text of the agreement states: The Parties shall seek to strengthen conditions for investment and trade in both of their nations, and cooperate across a range of sectors. It adds that they shall deepen their collaboration on energy on a mutually beneficial basis, and strengthen conditions for investment in Ukraines energy sector.

Ever on the lookout for a return on investment, Downing Street announced on behalf of British arms manufacturers that further profits would be reaped: 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 [taken from profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets] set to be released for major procurement projects.

The statement included a comment from Defence Secretary John Healey who emphasised, The UKs loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraines military spending, enabling them to invest in key equipment, including British equipment, to support their efforts against Russia.

Starmers trip was also used to announce that the UK will deliver a new mobile air defence capability [Gravehawk] to Ukraine this year jointly funded by the UK and Denmark. Confirming the extent of Britains role in the war, the statement revealed that Two prototypes of the air defence capability system were tested in Ukraine in September, and a further 15 will follow this year.

Also announced was a 61 million contract awarded to BAE Systems from the UK government. A Downing Street press release said, With firms across the UK ramping up production to meet Ukraines requirements, the funding for Ukraine will directly support the UK defence industry... That includes BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters, who, for the first time in almost two decades, will produce artillery barrels for artillery guns. The barrels will be produced in Yorkshire, before being sent to Ukraine for finishing and integration.

Given that Trump is already on record that military spending among the NATO powers must be massively ramped upwith 5 percent of GDP to be the new benchmarkand with the expectation that much of the increase will be spend on US weapons, Starmers visit was an effort to push Britains war profiteers further up the queue.

The British Prime Minister was in Ukraine days after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made another push to persuade Trump that the US should continue financing the war against Russia.

Speaking on Tuesday at the European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs and Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Rutte solidarized with Trump on the necessity to boost war spending well beyond the 2 percent of GDP that NATO members target at present. He declared, NATO Allies have certainly increased defence spending. Two thirds are now spending at least 2% of GDP on defence, and thats good, and I very much welcome their efforts. But to be honest, 2% is not nearly enough.

Domestic budgets had to be laser focussed on war because if you dont do it, get your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand, or decide now to spend more.

Rutte made clear that rearmament on the scale being discussed will require the slashing of public spending, stating, I know spending more on defence means spending less on other priorities On average, European countries easily spend up to a quarter of their national income on pensions, health and social security systems, and we need only a small fraction of that money to make defence much stronger.

The small fraction referred to by Rutte runs into the many billions of euros and pounds that will be siphoned from vital public services. What he is actually talking about is a doubling or more of military spending and cannot be achieved except through a war on the working class and the decimation of pensions, health and social security systems.

The scale of the assault and its implications are indicated by the fact that the Starmer government has not yet been able to commit to a date when military spending will increase even from 2.2 to 2.5 percent of GDPout of fear of the social backlash at the austerity it would require. Were Britain to commit to 5 percent, it would require Britains annual spend on the military shooting up from 53 billion to 127 billionand a corresponding evisceration of social spending without precedent in peacetime.

While in Ukraine, Starmer was asked by Politico if Trumps return meant Europe would need to deliver much more for Ukraine. He replied, Yes, I think collectively we do need to do more. I think that is recognized across Europe. While he would not tell other countries what they should and shouldnt do we are living in a different context now in terms of conflicts around the world.

Regarding Britain and other countries sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of a future ceasefire and peace agreement, Starmerknowing that Trump will call the shotscould only say in the presidential palace in Kiev, We will work with you [Ukraine] and all of our allies on steps that would be robust enough to guarantee Ukraines security, peace and deter future aggression.

He added vaguely that Britain would play its full part in guaranteeing Ukraines security. The UK has handed Kiev 12.8 billion in total in the last three years, including 7.8 billion of military assistancethe second most behind Germany of the European powers. Critically, it has also authorised Ukraines use of long range Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside the Russian Federation.

But on this occasion, with Ukraine having suffered a series of military defeats, Starmer could only offer more training of Ukrainian soldiers: When it comes to training Ukraines defenders, nothing is off the table.

Russia sought to demonstrate its strong military position by carrying out a drone strike in Kiev while Starmer was in the Palacethe first time Moscow had hit the Ukrainian capital during a high-level western visit.

The reasons for Starmers relative reluctance were spelt out by the Financial Times in a comment on his subsequent visit to Poland. The paper noted that the idea of a European troop deployment on a sufficient scale to deter Russia has received short shrift in some capitals, especially if done without US military support. Poland has ruled it out.

The challenges confronting British foreign policy are enormous. Having tried to curry as much favour as possible with the US by acting as its chief provocateur against Russia in Ukraine, the effort increasingly appears wasted on the incoming Trump administration.

Backed by his main supporter in the oligarchy, Elon Musk, Trump and his team have done everything to undermine Starmer in their pursuit of a far-right UK government they envisage being led by Reform UK. Inviting 12 other world leaders, Trump pointedly refused Starmer an invitation to his inauguration. Musk posted on X this week as to why no invite was forthcomingin reference to Labours campaigning for the Democratic Party in the electionthat He [Starmer] sent operatives to America to undermine the US election!
Decades of neglect and paltry investment in education have left UK school buildings in a desperate state.

Amid an unresolved autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) crisiswhich closed schools due to the risk of collapse and initiated mass inspectionsthe Labour government is now concerned about thousands of system-built school structures that pose a real danger to workers and youth across the UK. Thousands more are in a state of general disrepair.

According to analysis carried out by the Guardian newspaper:

One in six schoolchildren (almost 1.6 million) are studying in schools that either need major work done or are in a relatively poor condition.

Almost 729,000 of those pupils study in a school that either the government or responsible body (such as the local council) believes needs rebuilding or refurbishment because of safety problems or the general dilapidated condition of the buildings.

A further 847,000 pupils study in a school with a high relative condition need, meaning a large number of defects and deterioration relative to the buildings size.

The analysis is based on a report by the National Audit Office which last year also identified 3,600 system-built school blocks out of a total of 13,800 that may be more susceptible to deterioration.

National Audit Office's Condition of School Buildings report [Photo: National Audit Office]

As of its 2023-24 annual report, the Department for Education (DfE) now flags possible school building collapse as one of its six key risks, describing it as critical  very likely.

The report states: While general deterioration of building condition increases the risk of building collapse, of greatest concern are buildings constructed post-1945 that use materials or designs that are past their intended design life and could be subject to defects that increase the risk of collapse.

There will be full structural surveys carried out on a representative sample of about 100 system-built blocks to ascertain the extent of the crisis.

Construction experts say part of the problem is that so little is known about the methods and materials used when the system-built schools were erected, cheaply, at speed and often with few records, after the devastation of the Second World War.

For example, Laingspan, according to Historic England, was a flexible modular system of frame construction using precast pre-stressed concrete units Designed to economise on steel consumption and minimise on wet trades to speed up construction, the system went on to be used for other building types including offices and hospitals.

Both Laingspan and Intergrid system builds have been marked by the DfE as of concern, after two schools were urgently closedone following a wall collapse and another after severe structural weaknesses were identified.

In response to the Guardians findings, Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the NAHT school leaders union, said, We have long warned that the school buildings crisis runs far deeper than RAAC. It is important that the DfE is very clear about the total number of schools affected and therefore vital that this work is completed as quickly as possible and that investigations are quickly scaled up based on the findings.

The education unions have not lifted a finger to protect members and pupils from the dangers posed by the state of school buildings. No action has been taken to prevent members being asked to work in potentially dangerous settings. They have allowed the DfE to critically underfund the school estate for years.

According to the 2024 Institute for Fiscal Studies report School spending in England: a guide to the debate during the 2024 general election: Capital spending on school buildings is low in historical terms. The three-year average up to 202324 is about 25% lower in real terms than the three-year average up to 200809. Spending on school maintenance and repairs is also low compared with need, with the [then Conservative] government having allocated about 40% less than its own assessments of how much is needed to ensure school buildings are in a fit state of repair.

A DfE spokesperson said: For too long our school estate has been neglectedbut this government is now gripping the issue, ensuring our schools are fit for the future. However, the new Labour government has offered little more. In the autumn budget, the government committed an additional 1.4 billion to the school rebuilding programme, with a further 2.1 billion to maintain and improve school buildings, an increase of just 300 million on last year.

In 2021, before the RAAC crisis, the DfE estimated that at least 11.4 billion would be needed to bring the school estate to a satisfactory condition.

Even work to remove RAAC is miles away from completion, despite three sudden roof collapses in UK schools in 2023. It is now coming up to a year since the DfE announced removal plans for schools and colleges in February 2024, and still 87 percent of the 232 schools and colleges identified as at risk have not had work carried out. Some 122 buildings need extensive work including rebuilds and refurbishments.

No strike action or any mobilisation has even been contemplated by the unions over this scandal.

Commenting on the schools capital funding in the Labour governments budget, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said, The crumbling school estate is emblematic of 14 years of neglect by the previous government  This 1.4 billion is a welcome first step, but more is needed. In next years spending review and beyond, we need to see sustained and increased investment in the school estate if we are to turn the page on over a decade of austerity.

A Labour government demanding ruthless prioritization of government spending, and committed to an expanding military budget, has no intention of providing this funding. It will have to be fought for tooth-and-nail by education workers. But the first opportunity for such a struggle was sabotaged by the education unions, who pushed through last years substandard pay award with the promise that Labour could be persuaded to reverse course on Tory austerity.

With its order of a 2.8 percent limit on public sector pay rises and feeble spending on school repairs, Labour has made clear the reality.

The UK school estate is in a dangerous, dilapidated state, with some buildings literally crumbling and many thousands still riddled with deadly asbestos. Requiring educators to carry on working in these conditions reflects the same attitude which has seen them recklessly exposed to COVID-19, whose continued spread requires (at the least) the extensive installation of improved air quality systems. Both are rooted in staggering levels of social inequality.

The fight for safe public buildings and high-quality education for all requires a socialist struggle against the hoarding and squandering of resources by the worlds super rich and armed forces, based on a mobilisation of educators alongside broader sections of the working class. Those who want to take up this fight should support and contact the Educators Rank-and-File Committee.
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Asia

India: Karnataka Accredited Social Health Activist workers union negotiates sell-out deal

The union representing thousands of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers who have been on indefinite strike since January 7 called off the industrial action on January 10 after negotiating a sell-out deal with the government. ASHA workers in Karnataka, supported by the All-India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), have been campaigning for over eight years for better wages and conditions.

The strikers were demanding a monthly wage of 15,000 rupees ($US175), 500,000 rupees as retirement benefits, recognition as permanent employees with health insurance, accident insurance while at work, equal pay for equal work, an honorarium of 7,500 rupees for facilitators, three advanced wage payments in case of serious illness and all wages paid on time. They also wanted an additional 2,000 rupees in urban work areas, which is proportionate to their workload, and provision of basic amenities, such as toilets at workplaces.

The deal stitched up by the ASHA Union and AIUTUC involves a poverty level 10,000 rupees ($US115) a month and additional pay for extra duties starting April 2025. This is only slightly more than their current meagre monthly honorarium of 7,000 rupees and 1,500 rupees for additional tasks performed in primary health centres.

The deal includes three months paid leave in case of serious illness, guaranteed monthly leave and a commitment to review retirement compensation in the coming days. No reference was made to workers demands for permanency, an additional 2,000 rupees in urban areas and provision of basic amenities.

The media has not reported whether the striking workers were given the opportunity to vote on the deal before the strike was shut down.

Telangana ASHA workers protest for pay rise

ASHA workers from across Telangana state demonstrated on January 10 outside the home of the Jacherla local MP for a pay rise and payment of entitlements. The workers want a 26,000-rupee ($US300) monthly wage and guaranteed fixed payment of 18,000 rupees per month.

They also called for a Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (health insurance), paid holidays, a weekly day off on Sundays, paid festival holidays, 20 days casual leave, six months medical leave, maternity leave and 5 million rupees incapacity insurance. The protest was organised by the Centre for Indian Trade Unions.

Victimised Maruti Suzuki contract workers demand reinstatement

Victimised contract Maruti Suzuki workers protested on January 10 outside the companys Haryana premises to demand reinstatement. On the same day the workers announced that they had formed a union called the Maruti Suzuki Asthayi (contract) Workers Union with several other demands. These included a lessening of the pay disparity between contract and permanent workers, permanent jobs and reduction of the tier wage system.

One worker told the media that there are about 35,000 workers employed in Maruti Suzuki factories. Only 18 percent of these are permanent with the rest contract, temporary workers and student trainees.

Punjab milk processing workers in Chandigarh demand pay rise

Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (Verka-Milkfed) employees stopped work and protested in Chandigarh on January 9 to demand a pay rise. Protesters said they would continue their action and convert it into a hunger strike if there was no increase.

BEST bus contract workers walk out over employers abuse of pregnant co-worker

Over 400 contract drivers and conductors from the BEST Bus Company in Mumbai suddenly struck on January 13, taking 200 buses off the road. The walkout erupted when a pregnant conductor was verbally abused by the contract employer for asking for lighter duties during the last trimester of her pregnancy.

Bangladeshi police fire water cannon against protesting garment workers

Hundreds of garment workers from the Sharmin Groups garment factory at Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka, protested on Monday to demand termination benefits. Their five-hour blockade of the Dhaka-Tangail Highway was attacked by police and other law enforcement agencies who assaulted them with batons and water cannon.

The protest followed a week-long strike. Management responded to that walkout by suspending the workers and serving show-cause notices on 453 workers, accusing them of causing unrest in the plant. Union officials from the Sammilita Garment Sramik Federation claimed a tripartite negotiation had settled the issue and that factory owners had agreed to pay termination benefits.

Sharmin Group, along with their other garment factories, employs over 16,000 workers.

Bangladesh: Beximco Industrial Park workers oppose factory closures

Thousands of garment workers at Beximco Industrial Park in Gazipur demonstrated on Tuesday with a massive 11-kilometre human chain. They were demanding the reopening of 16 closed plants in the park for loans and letters of credit facilities given to Beximco Group to restore operations. Protesters carried placards that read Open all factories and Let 40,000 families survive.

The Beximco Group laid off 30,000, 75 percent of the companys workforce, in mid-December claiming lack of orders and banking support. The laid-off workers received half of their basic salary and allowances for only 45 days.

Bangladesh: Chattogram Export Processing Zone workers demand wage rise

Premier 1888 Limited workers at Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) staged a two-hour protest on Sunday near the factory gate and outside the CEPZ administrative building to demand a 9 percent pay rise. CEPZ officials claimed most workers returned to their workplaces after holding meetings with the factory owners. Workers from several other CEPZ factories have protested over wage-related issues over recent days.

Dhaka garment workers demand festival bonus

Workers organised by the Dhaka Garment Workers Wage Increase Struggle Council rallied outside the National Press Club in Dhaka with six demands, including a bonus equivalent to one months wage for Eid-ul-Fitr, the Islamic religious holiday in March.

They also called for an increase in the minimum wage to compensate for price rises, on-time salaries payments on the 7th of each month, improved workplace safety, guaranteed job security, equal pay for female employees, health-conscious meals and night allowances.

Rally speakers denounced employers for breaching labour laws, citing instances where workers are forced to work 14- to 16-hour shifts without receiving double-pay rates.

Pakistan: Balochistan doctors and paramedics strike over arrests

Doctors and paramedics at Balochistan public hospitals are boycotting outpatient department services, elective operations and other services in protest over the police arrest and charging of doctors. According to the Young Doctors Association, Dr Bahar Shah and Dr Hafeez Mandokhail from the Grand Health Alliance at Quettas Civil Hospital were arrested on January 11. They were charged with attacking and assaulting the director of General Health Balochistan.

The Grand Health Alliance has been campaigning over several anti-government demands. These include for the government to withdraw its decision to run hospitals as public-private partnerships, permanent employment for doctors and adequate supplies of medicines and other basic necessities.

The provincial health department on Monday directed the authorities to take measures against the protesting medics under the Balochistan Employees Efficiency and Discipline Act.

Australia

Maritime Union of Australia suspends industrial action against Qube Ports

In a sudden move, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) suspended industrial action at Qube Ports bulk terminals at capital cities around Australia on Tuesday and resumed negotiations for a new enterprise agreement. The MUA has been renegotiating 19 enterprise agreements covering 21 Qube port facilities and over 1,000 workers since October 2023.

The MUA issued a statement on December 10 accusing Qube of dragging out negotiations to justify an intractable bargaining application at the Fair Work Commission. If such an application is successful, the commission would decide on the content of the enterprise agreement and impose it on both parties.

Along with higher pay, the workers want earlier notification of shift start times, a 10-hour break between shifts and 48 hours off after maximum consecutive shifts. The union claimed that there was a workable agreement on the table, but Qube had rejected two non-cost issues that relate to discrimination against workers who took industrial action and removing the choice of workers to have income insurance.

Neither Qube nor the MUA made a public comment on the resumption of talks.

Smit Lamnalco tug workers begin 15 days of industrial action at Gladstone Port

Tugmasters and engineers employed on Smit Lamnalco Towage (SL) tugboats at the Port of Gladstone, North Queensland, began 15 days of protected industrial action on Tuesday in a pay dispute. This could include unlimited work stoppages of between one hour and seven days. Other action would involve bans on working longer than 12 hours, working outside of rostered hours, plus 13 other bans. SL has filed a bargaining dispute with the Fair Work Commission hoping to get a temporary suspension of industrial action.

Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) and Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) are attempting to reach a deal with Smit Lamnalco for a new enterprise agreement. An AMOU spokesperson said the current agreement expired on December 31 and members have only received a 4 percent increase over the last eight years. The company has offered pay increases in line with the minimum award, which is only 3.75 percent.

The unions want a pay rise that compensates for eight years of real wage cuts and for the new agreement to stop Smit Lamnalco from scheduling masters and engineers up to 17 hours in any 24 hours.

New South Wales Ambulance control centre workers maintain work bans

Ambulance Division Health Services Union (ADHSU) members at four NSW Ambulance control centres are maintaining work bans begun last May 15 in their dispute with the state Labor government for better pay and conditions. The bans target management and KPIs (key performance initiatives).

ADHSU has slowly escalated the number of bans and this week, on request from NSW Ambulance, union delegates were called into the Industrial Relations Commission to justify the latest additions. Workers began expanding the number of work bans on June 28, after government health representatives said they were too busy to continue enterprise agreement negotiations. Ten work bans are currently in place.

Control centre workers want a pay rise and pay parity within the centres. According to the ADHSU, the governments current pay offer will increase the gap between a Clinical and Non-Clinical Emergency Medical Dispatcher to an average of 22 percent by January 2025. The gap in 2023 was only 6.9 percent. Workers want the gap closed to an average of 6.56 percent.

Other demands are for increased sick leave, fair rostering and reduction of night shift work for workers over the age of 50 or after 20 years service, increased allowances including a missed crib allowance, among other demands.

In a separate dispute, NSW Ambulance control centre Operations Managers put in place work bans on December 20 after negotiations for a new agreement failed to resolve the question of excessive hours. They are covered by the ADHSU and are demanding to be paid overtime for excessive hours worked, in the hope that NSW Ambulance will resolve the issue by reducing their workload.
Earlier this month, the ongoing Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, which is investigating war crimes committed by UK special forces during the US-led occupation of the country, released material summarising the testimony from seven closed hearings with members of the Special Air Service (SAS)Britains main special forces unit.

As well as evidence of war crimes, the inquiry, which opened October 9, 2023 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, is also looking into the deletion of evidence relating to these crimes and their whitewashing through internal inquiries.

British soldiers storm a building in Afghanistan, 2007 [Photo by Defence Imagery / Flickr / CC BY-NC 4.0

The documents containing the testimony, released on January 8, run into the hundreds of pages.

Only the inquiry team and representatives from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have been allowed to attend the closed hearings, preventing the lawyers for the bereaved families, the general public, and the press from observing the proceedings.

The inquiry is focussing on 54 alleged killings of Afghan civilians (although up to 80 killings, including of children, have since been uncovered) during deliberate detention operations (DDOs) or night raids carried out by UK special forces between 2010 and 2013.

As part of British military support for the US-led invasion and occupation of Afghanistan (2001-2021), the SAS, like the elite special forces of the US and other NATO powers, carried out hundreds of DDOs. Alongside continual airstrikes, they resulted in scores of unlawful killings which were intended to terrorize and pacify the Afghan population as a counter-occupation insurgency developed against the US-puppet regime of Hamid Karzai.

According to the BBC, a former senior UK Special Forces officer (codenamed N2107)one of several who registered concerns in 2011 that the SAS appeared to be carrying out executions and covering them uptold the ongoing inquiry that the regiment had a golden pass allowing them to get away with murder.

The Independent said N2107 had access to operational reports on SAS activity in Afghanistan in 2011 and he began to doubt official accounts of how Afghans had died, saying he thought that UK special forces had seemed beyond reproach in their actions.

In one email from the time, the officer had written that the SAS and murder were regular bedfellows. He also described the regiments official descriptions of operational killings as quite incredible, while another individual described them as astonishing, indicating that they were generally seen as transparent fabrications. One senior officer wrote to a colleague: If we dont believe this, then no one else will and when the next WikiLeaks occurs then we will be dragged down with them.

Pointing to the influence of the successive, brutal wars fought by imperialism in the region, the BBC reported: Senior special forces officers told the inquiry of deep concerns that the regiment, fresh from aggressive, high-tempo operations in Iraq, was being driven by kill countsthe number of dead they could achieve in each operation.

A junior officer (N1799) described a conversation in which a member of the SAS (N1201) who had recently returned from Afghanistan told him about a pillow being placed over the head of a victim 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, said N1799.

When asked by the inquiry counsel if he meant that some of those killed would be as young as 16, and so technically children, the junior officer replied: Or younger, 100 percent.

According to the Guardian, N1799 told his superiors at the time that he believed the SAS had an unofficial policy in Afghanistan to kill all males on target whether they posed a threat or not, and that dead victims were regularly referred to as having been flat packed.

Testimony also revealed that the common SAS practice of planting weaponry on or near victimsto suggest they were about to open fire just before being killedis referred to colloquially as Mr Wolf, in apparent reference to a character in the film Pulp Fiction who appears to solve problems.

In giving evidence of unlawful killings by the SAS, N1799 stated he now feared for his personal safety having broken a recognised code of silence within the special forces.

Other evidence provided more detail of known incidents during the occupation of Afghanistan, such as the breakdown in relations between UK forces and partnering Afghan forces.

At a meeting in February 2011, partnered Afghan special forces withdrew their support. The BBC wrote, The meeting followed a growing rift between the SAS and the Afghan special forces over what the Afghans saw as unlawful killings by members of the SAS.

One Afghan officer present at the meeting was so incensed that he reportedly reached for his pistol.

In a recently released email, a UK special forces officer described, Ive never had such a hostile meeting beforegenuine shouting, arm waving and with me staring down a 9mm barrel at one stageall pretty unpleasant.

After the intervention of senior members of UK special forces, the Afghan units were placated and agreed to continue working alongside the SAS, but it would not be the last time they withdrew their support in protest. Afghan units who would often suffer the blowback for conduct of UK and other foreign forcesnot being separated by garrison walls from the general populationhave said that they were treated like dogs by their imperial masters.

As the inquiry continues, a wider picture of the British imperialisms criminality abroad is coming into view.

On January 7, it emerged that four members of the Special Boat Service (SBS)elite forces in the Royal Navyare under investigation by military police after a car chase in Libya two years ago led to an apparent execution. This is believed to be the first confirmation that British forces are still operating in Libya following UK involvement in the NATO-led invasion of the country in 2011.

It has also recently emerged that nine members of the SAS could face prosecution over alleged war crimes linked to at least two separate incidents in Syria.

In a further telling instance of just how implicated British imperialism is in war crimes, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, formerly of the Royal Marines, is currently a leading candidate to be the next chief of the defence staff. But he is also facing questions over what he knew about alleged summary executions by British special forces in Afghanistan. It is for the prime minister and the self-confessed leader of the party of NATO Sir Keir Starmer to make the final decision.

Just as close as the nexus between the Whitehouse and US special forces, there is a direct connection between the occupant of Number 10 Downing Street and the British SAS. As the Guardian recently explained: SAS and SBS operations are conducted in secret and while the chief of the units, the director of special forces, is part of the military chain of command, they also report directly to the prime minister.

The crimes of British imperialism are legion. Even their partial uncovering has shocked and angered masses of people. In a perhaps non-coincidental move aimed at softening this response, the heavily promoted second season of the hagiographical SAS Rogue Heroes began airing and streaming on the BBC from January 1.

What those wishing to take up a struggle against these murders must be clear on is that no government inquiry or court will deliver justice. That can only come from a mobilisation of the working class against imperialist war and oppression, led by a revolutionary socialist party.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference at the conclusion of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 [AP Photo/Virginia Mayo]

NATO announced Tuesday a major strengthening of its military presence in the Baltic Sea, seizing as a pretext recent damage to undersea cables allegedly caused by ships associated with Russias shadow fleet. The move marks yet another step in the systematic military encircling of Russia by the US-led military alliance, which continues to back the far-right Ukrainian regime in a war aimed at inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and subjugating its territory to semi-colonial status.

The operation, labelled Baltic Sentry, was unveiled following a NATO ministers meeting of member states with Baltic Sea coasts in the Finnish capital Helsinki. A statement issued after the summit underscored the aggressive character of the operation, which will involve ships, surveillance planes, air and undersea drones, and other intelligence gathering. The statement, signed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden, declared,

We are determined to deter, detect and counter any attempts at sabotage. Any attack against our infrastructure will be met with a robust and determined response. We stand ready to attribute hostile actions committed by malign actors, as appropriate. We welcome that NATO has launched the enhanced Vigilance Activity Baltic Sentry to improve situational awareness and deter hostile activities. We welcome the efforts of Allies to deploy additional assets at sea, in the air, on land and below the surface of the sea, to enhance vigilance and deterrence.

Although NATO officials indicated the operation would continue for an undisclosed period, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented that the initial stage would last for three months. The recently established Commander Task Force Baltic command centre in Rostock, Germany, will play a key role in overseeing the increased military activity throughout the Baltic. Scholz stressed that Germany would participate with everything available to us in maritime operational infrastructure.

Since Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the Baltic Sea has effectively been turned into a NATO lake. Russia, which has used the Baltic for centuries as a key trading route and maintains a Baltic fleet, confronts hostile states on all sides of the Baltic, and can only access it from the port of St. Petersburg and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, located between Poland and Lithuania.

Following Russias US-instigated invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has utilised a so-called shadow fleet of freighters to continue and in many cases expand the sale of oil and natural gas to Asia in spite of sanctions imposed by the US and European powers. The ships sail under the flags of other states and are usually registered to offshore firms. The bourgeois-nationalist Putin regime, which emerged out of capitalist restoration following the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union, is eager to cut a deal with the imperialists to remove the sanctions.

NATOs operation aims ultimately to restrict Russias oil and gas trade, which is key to the Kremlins revenue. Just days before Baltic Sentry was announced, the Biden administration slapped new sanctions on some 180 ships believed to be part of the shadow fleet in another bid to curb Russian trade and undermine Moscows ability to fund the war in Ukraine.

The fact that the latest measures move the NATO powers ever closer to a position of outright war with Russia is acknowledged by the participants at Tuesdays meeting. Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently declared that while his country is not at war, it is no longer at peace. In November, the Swedish government sent an updated version of a pamphlet, In case of crisis or war, to all households with advice on how to survive a military conflict. The Norwegian government sent 2.2 million copies of a similar pamphlet to all households last summer.

Speaking after Tuesdays meeting, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, We can no longer think that we are in peacetime, according to public broadcaster DR. She insisted that Denmark would contribute to concrete military cooperation, and insisted that 2 percent of GDP for defence spending is not enough.

NATOs determination to wage war in pursuit of the interests of the American and European imperialist powers extends far beyond the Baltic Sea region, a fact underscored by comments made by Rutte to the European Parliament Monday. The NATO Secretary-General demanded the destruction of what remains of Europes social welfare programmes to pay for close to a doubling of military spending on top of the 2 percent of GDP for defence spending floor agreed among the NATO member states.

While Rutte insisted that these increases should be conducted in cooperation with Europes US ally, dominant sections of Europes ruling class view incoming President Donald Trumps America First policies as a welcome opportunity to strengthen the European imperialist powers military capabilities so they can advance their interests more independently of and if necessary in opposition to Washington in the future.

On average, European countries easily spend up to a quarter of their national income on pensions, health and social security systems, and we need only a small fraction of that to make defence much stronger, declared Rutte, before stressing that the ultimate target for NATO spending could be as high as 3.6 or 3.7 percent of GDP. Im deeply concerned about the security situation in Europe, he continued. We are not at war, but we are not at peace either ... That means we need to invest more in defense and produce more capabilities. This cannot wait. We need to boost the resilience of our societies and critical infrastructure.

At a two-day meeting of the chiefs of defence at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rutte spoke even more bluntly, stating in his opening remarks Wednesday, It is time to shift to a wartime mindset.

Ruttes assertion that Europes ruling class only needs a fraction of the funds spent on social services to fund its mad plans for world war is a flat-out lie. The reality is that what is already underway is a massive restructuring of social relations involving the subordination of all of societys resources to the waging of imperialist war and the enrichment of the financial oligarchy.

In Germany, the EUs largest economy, the health budget has already been cut by over half in recent years to fund major increases in military spending. But this is only the beginning. In the ongoing campaign for the federal election set for February 23, Green Party Chancellor candidate Robert Habeck is calling for Berlin to spend 3.5 percent of its GDP on defence, virtually matching Ruttes proposal to the EU Parliament. This sum would equate to Germany spending about 150 billion per year on its military, a sum seven times greater than the federal education budget and almost as much as the 175 billion Berlin currently spends annually on all social services.

Imposing the necessary attacks on working conditions and social programmes to fund these astronomical sums is incompatible with democratic forms of rule. This is why the ruling elites in every European country, following the example of their counterparts in the United States, are systematically promoting far-right and outright fascist political parties. The Alternative for Germany, Le Pens National Rally in France, and the Brothers of Italy under Mussolini-admirer Giorgia Meloni are being called upon by the European bourgeoisie to serve as a battering ram against the rights of the working class. Their tasks are to eliminate the remnants of the concessions made in the period after World War II by the ruling elites to the working class in the face of revolutionary struggles, and redirect these resources to the funding of war and the bank accounts of the super-rich.

Workers across the continent must reject being made to pay for imperialist wars in the interests of the NATO powers. Only the building of an international anti-war movement armed with a socialist and internationalist programme that links the major struggles by workers against social and economic devastation with the widespread opposition to militarism in the population can stop the ruling elites resort to social barbarism and war.
The New South Wales State Emergency Services (NSW SES) has responded to more than 7,000 storm-related incidents across the state since Wednesday morning, as fierce storms battered large swathes of Australias east.

Lightning over Sydney Harbour on January 15, 2025. [Photo: X/@JarvFromOz]

Wild weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with ongoing thunderstorms on the east coast and a tropical cyclone developing just off the coast of Western Australia (WA), threatening gale force winds from Port Hedland to Exmouth in the states northwest. Meanwhile, large areas of Queensland and WA are experiencing a severe heatwave.

With heavy rainfall expected for much of the NSW coast, numerous flood warnings have been issued. North of Newcastle, Ferndale Caravan Park residents were told to evacuate this morning due to the risk of flooding.

Wednesdays severe weather was the result of a cold front that triggered a massive line of storms At one stage we basically had a line of storms extending from almost the Queensland border down to Tasmania, meteorologist Christie Johnson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). That represents a staggering storm front spanning more than 1,500 kilometres.

An 80-year-old man was killed on Wednesday when a tree fell on his car in Cowra, 240 kilometres (km) inland in Central West NSW. The same day, four people were injured in Wagga Wagga in southern NSW, when a demountable hut upturned in the strong winds.

Weatherzone detected an incredible 1.819 million lightning strikes from Queensland to Tasmania in the 24 hours to 8 a.m. Thursday. Between midday and midnight on Wednesday, 73,700 strikes were detected within a 100 km radius of the Sydney CBD.

Downed trees obstruct road and power lines in Sydneys Northern Beaches on January 16, 2025. [Photo: NSW SES]

Fallen trees and downed powerlines impacted electricity supply to around 200,000 homes in the Illawarra, Sydney and Hunter regions on Wednesday evening. While most connections have since been restored, further severe weather yesterday resulted in another 68,000 outages. As of this morning, around 28,000 homes are without power in Sydney and a further 15,000 in Newcastle and the Hunter.

In Sydney, where social media showed astonishing footage of numerous and sustained lightning bolts across the city skyline, Crown Casino at Barangaroo was hit by lightning which punctured the roof, allowing heavy rain to enter the building.

The wild weather ripped the roof off a house in Carlingford, in Sydneys northwest, which then smashed into the house next door. Fourteen people in that suburb were forced to find temporary accommodation because their homes were damaged by the storm.

Fires erupted in Mudgee, Central West NSW, when a house was hit by a power line and completely destroyed, and in Dubbo, where lightning struck a tree and ignited a leaking gas pipe.

Wind gusts of over 100 km/h were recorded across the storm front, including at Sydney Airport, with the highest reaching 120 km/h in Williamtown, near Newcastle and Trangie, in the Central West.

The storms dumped massive amounts of rain in some regions, with the highest fall recorded at Eurobadalla on the South Coast, 127 millimetres (mm) in 24 hours. The rain dumps have caused flash flooding and leaking roofs, putting more strain on underfunded emergency services.

At lunchtime on Thursday, the NSW SES issued a warning to residents between Tweed Heads and Nimbin, in the states Northern Rivers region, to stay indoors, due to expected damaging winds and large to giant hailstones.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued flood warnings from Coffs Coast to Newcastle, an area spanning 400 km, warning school holiday campers not to camp next to rivers.

Prior to the development of the cold front responsible for the storms, the BOM website was warning of a heatwave in NSW from January 13 to 16, but this was cancelled on January 15 due to the shift in weather patterns, indicating how quickly conditions changed.

In November, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) issued a summary of Australias weather extremes titled State of the Climate 2024: Australia is enduring harsher fire seasons, more ocean heatwaves and sea-level rise.

The report, which started by stating Australia was already 1.5 degrees hotter on land since 1910, said that Northern wet season rainfalls were 20 percent higher than 30 years ago. The report went on to say, In southwestern Australia, rainfall in the cooler, growing-season months has declined 16 percent, and in the southeast by 9 percent in recent decades adding that more rain in these regions now falls in heavy, short-lived rainfall events.

In a grim conclusion, the CSIRO wrote that climate change impacts on Australia will lead to more frequent, more intense rainfall events, causing increased flooding combined with extreme heat events and longer droughts. These predictions can be replicated worldwide.

Decades of underfunding mean that Australias emergency services are totally unprepared for the growing threat from natural disasters. The SES is staffed mainly by 10,000 volunteers, with just 500 full-time employees.

Similar statistics are mirrored in Australias firefighting force. There are only 30,000 full-time firefighters in the worlds driest inhabited continent. By contrast, volunteer firefighters number up to 200,000.

The Labor government, which represents the interests of finance capital, does not differ from any other capitalist government in its refusal to reduce emissions and its lack of preparedness for the increasing disasters climate change will inevitably bring.

Since May 2022, the current Labor government has approved seven new coal mines and the expansion of three others, directly contradicting climate science which has established the burning of fossil fuels as one of the main drivers of climate change.

Halting the mounting perils of climate change and extreme weather events is a task that can only be carried out by the international working class, through the overthrow of the capitalist system, the root cause of environmental destruction. What is required is a fight for the socialist transformation of society, under which the continuation of human civilisation is prioritised over the profit interests of the corporate and financial elite.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, January 17, 2025. [AP Photo/Ben Curtis]

In June Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota, refused to send National Guard troops in response to the historic floods in her own state, citing high costs and arguing the Guard should only be called in a true crisis. As part of the 100th State of the State address, Noem sought to whitewash her own role in the disastrous response by praising state employees for their heroism.

As thousands of residents were left to fend for themselves, Noem defended her inaction, saying, We have to be wise with how we use our soldiers. She waited more than a month after the flooding started to request a federal disaster declaration. During this time, Noem was campaigning for Trump, following him around the country and only briefly appearing in the state to discuss the situation with the emergency manager in Union County in between media appearances. Five months after the floods, some houses and roads still lay in ruin in many of the hardest hit areas of the state, like in the McCook Lake neighborhood in North Sioux City. Many homes and businesses are still being restored.

So what is wise in Noems view? Apparently, deploying the National Guard over 1,000 miles away to Texas in order to stop the supposed invasion at the Southern border. Trump praised Noem for this in a November 12 statement, saying, Kristi has been very strong on border security, citing her multiple deployments of troops to the border. Trump lauded Noem as the first governor to send National Guard soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden border crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times.

This cost about $3 million from the states Emergency Disaster Fund, which in the past was typically reserved for actual natural disasters. The most recent deployment of troops to the Southern border cost about $1 million. In 2021 $1 million of this cost was paid for by Willis Johnson, a Tennessee billionaire and Republican donor.

The precedent that was set is that wealthy donors are essentially given command of the U.S. military for their political motivations, as a Newsweek article put it. The last deployment involved 60 soldiers, with the primary mission being to help Texas Governor Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star.

The message is clear: Vilifying desperate immigrants fleeing poverty and oppression and preventing them from seeking refuge is more important than rebuilding destroyed working class communities. This principle treads all over working class Americans, as well as the legacy of the American Revolution, whose leaders viewed America as an asylum for mankind, as Thomas Paine put it.

Noem is Trumps pick to head the Department of Homeland Security, which is in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

Much of the Senate confirmation hearing Friday was dedicated to Noem and both Republicans and Democrats railing against immigrants.

Noem claimed immigrants were the number one threat to our homeland security and that the border would be her top priority. She also promised to close down an app that allows immigrants to more easily schedule hearings with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Noems record on her disaster response was not brought up by either party. In fact, Noem attempted to use her record as governor as proof she was ready to strengthen FEMAs capabilities. Republicans cynically claimed Noem would have prevented the massive fires in Los Angeles, as Senator Ron Johnson claimed.

But Noem also refused to say whether she would withhold disaster aid for political purposes when asked about Trumps threats to withhold aid from California by Senator Richard Blumenthal.

That Trump picked such a person is indicative of the character of the incoming administration and exposes the fraudulence of the pro-worker demagogy espoused by corporate shills like Noem and Trump. Much like the communities left to fend for themselves while millions of dollars were wasted sending troops to the Southern border, the cost of the anti-immigrant policies will be shouldered by the working class. Trumps own appointee for border czar, Tom Homan, has estimated the incoming administrations plan to deport 13 million people will cost $86 billion, with that figure to be wrung out of funding for disaster relief programs, schools, infrastructure, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Noem, in her confirmation hearing, refused to rule out using federal agents against domestic political opponents in response to questions fielded by Senator Elissa Slotkin. Slotkin asked, If the president asks you to send in federal law enforcement to a state without coordination of that governor, would you support that action? Noem evaded the question by merely saying that if nominated, her job is to uphold the Constitution. Noem, however, endorsed the January 6, 2021 coup attempt by Donald Trump and supports eliminating the 14th Amendment guarantee of birthright citizenship.

Furthermore, she has attempted to blame immigrants for causing the poverty on Native American reservations. She said in a January 2024 speech, We are affected by cartel presence on our tribal reservations; by the spread of drugs and human trafficking throughout our communities; and by the drain on our resources at the local, state, and federal level.

The real culprit for poverty on reservations is the US government, which committed genocidal acts against the Native Americans and forced the remaining tribes onto desolate parcels of land.

The pervasive poverty faced by both Native American workers and the broader working class is above all caused by the more than four decades of attacks on jobs, living standards and social programs carried out by successive Democratic and Republican governments on behalf of the financial oligarchy. The most representative of this oligarchy is the sordid band of billionaire oligarchs composing the incoming Trump administration, whose collective net worth exceeds over half a trillion dollars and includes the richest man in the world, Elon Musk.
President-elect Donald Trump speaks at Turning Point Actions AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. [AP Photo/Rick Scuteri]

As Donald Trumps inauguration approaches, concern is growing in Germany that the new US president will realise his Make America Great Again agenda at the expense of Europe. There is therefore nervousness and uncertainty in the corporate boardrooms, ministries and editorial offices.

No one should harbour any illusions about the scale of what lies ahead for Germany and Europe, warned Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, Director of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in the specialist journal Internationale Politik. What we can expect for America is not only a relapse into nationalism and isolationism, but also an entry into unpredictability.

In particular, the threatened punitive tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on imports from Europe would hit the German economy hard. According to calculations by the Institute for Macroeconomics and Economic Research (IMK), they would directly jeopardise 300,000 jobs. According to the Prognos Institute, a total of 1.2 million German jobs depend on exports to the US. Several German companies are already relocating production facilities overseas for fear of the tariffs.

However, Trump has numerous other means at his disposal to weaken Europe. There is concern in Berlin that he will try to split the European Union, on which Germany is highly dependent and which it dominates.

Under the headline It will be easy for Trump to divide Europe, WirtschaftsWoche listed more than half a dozen dangers from the Trump administration threatening the EU.

The publication warned that Trump, together with Moscow, will impose a dictated peace on Ukraine at the expense of Europe. It could end up with the Europeans paying for the reconstruction, the Americans earning from it and the EU states also having the obligation to militarily secure the ceasefire along the long demarcation line between Ukraine and Russia, it quotes a senior diplomat as saying.

WirtschaftsWoche also accused Trump of trying to undermine the cohesion of Europeans by offering individual deals that are advantageous for one EU country but rather negative for the EU as a whole. As an example, it cited the 1.5 billion deal for a secure communication system that Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed with Elon Musk, the head of SpaceX, on the sidelines of a lightning visit to Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence. It torpedoes European efforts to build their own such system.

It should be similarly easy for Trump, the publication continued, to play the individual EU states off against each other when it comes to US investments in Europe or the purchase of US military equipment at the expense of products from Airbus factories.

WirtschaftsWoche sees a further danger in the growing number of right-wing populist European heads of government who are hostile or sceptical towards the EU and some of whom, such as Meloni and Viktor Orban (Hungary), are ardent Trump fans.

Finally, it warned against the growing influence of US internet platforms that interfere in European politics. The support of Elon Musk and his platform X for Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel and the swinging of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg behind Trump has also been criticised by other German media outlets. The EU Commission is now discussing measures to limit the power of US social media networks.

Some media outlets are now also focussing on the connection between power and capital in Trumps government and his authoritarian tendencies. This weekend, news magazine Der Spiegel appeared with a cover picture of a grim-faced Trump with a laurel wreath and the headline: The Emperor. How Trump wants to impose his will on the world. The opening lines read: Donald Trump returns to the White House, more powerful and determined than ever before. His enemies are the liberal world order that America helped to build and democracy at home.

But one searches in vain for an explanation. For a quarter of a century, German governments have participated in US warsfrom Yugoslavia to Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria to the war in Ukraine and the genocide in Gazaand justified this with the defence of the liberal world order and democracy. But now, as a result of these wars, a bitter enemy of democracy is taking power in the US!

How is this possible? It cannot be explained by Trump as an individual. Rather, the rise of this vulgar gangster to the top of the most powerful capitalist country is the result of the bankruptcy and rottenness of the capitalist system on a global scale, which only produces social inequality, war and destruction.

In its New Years statement, the World Socialist Web Site editorial board wrote:

The character of the new government marks a violent realignment of the state to correspond with the nature of capitalist society itself. The worlds richest individuals and corporations control resources on an unfathomable scale

These processes, clearly evident in the United States, are in fact universal. All over the world, capitalist governments are being shaken by massive political crises, facing popular resistance and resorting to authoritarian measures.

The ruling class in Germany and Europe is reacting to Trump accordingly. Their answer to Make America Great Again is Deutschland uber alles, reads the Sozialistische Gleichheitsparteis election statement.

In the article cited above, DGAP Director Kleine-Brockhoff distinguishes between three European reactions to Trump: adapters, sovereigntists and right-wing populists. The adapters, among which he counts Poland and Germany, consider the preservation of NATO and the US nuclear umbrella to be so important that they want to please, charm, impress or distract Trump.

The sovereigntists, led by France, want to distance Europe from America and establish the continent as an independent pole of power politics in what they see as a multipolar world order. And the right-wing populists, led by Hungary, support Trump because they are ideologically close to him and he is trying to detach Europe from America.

Kleine-Brockhoff is in favour of an alliance between the different camps and believes this is possible. In fact, the various camps agree on the fundamental issues. Their response to Trump is: even more rearmament, even more exploitation and austerity, and even more agitation against refugees and the buildup of the repressive powers of the state.
The TikTok Inc. logo is seen on their building in Culver City, Calif., Monday, March 11, 2024 [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]

On Friday, the Supreme Court delivered a sweeping, unanimous broadside against the First Amendment of the Constitution, just days ahead of the coming to power of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to rule as dictator on day one.

The attack took the form of a ruling upholding a federal ban on TikTok, the fourth most popular social media network in the United States. The court ruled that national security concerns take precedence over freedom of expression, which is a stock pseudo-legal mechanism used by every dictatorship for attacks on democratic rights.

The ban on TikTok is scheduled to go into effect on January 19, but the Biden administration has said that it will not enforce it, leaving the fate of the social media network to the next administration. Trump has said he has not decided how to proceed, leaving open a political arrangement to keep it available under greater state control.

The Supreme Court ruling, however, has sweeping implications far beyond the case of TikTok. As Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, explained:

TikToks future will turn on politics, not on todays ruling by the Supreme Court. But make no mistake, by allowing the ban to go into effect, the Supreme Court has weakened the First Amendment and markedly expanded the governments power to restrict speech in the name of national security. Its implications for TikTok may be limited, but the ruling creates the space for other repressive policies in the future.

The majority of the unsigned ruling is dedicated to the dishonest argument that there are no First Amendment issues raised in the banning of TikTok because the ban is not designed to limit any political or intellectual viewpoint. But having made this argument, the conclusion of the ruling counterposes the freedom of speech to national security, and categorically comes down on the side of the latter:

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.

In other words, the conclusion of the ruling admits that the American public has a clear free speech interest in the availability of TikTok, but that national security, as defined by the American government, supersedes that interest.

Justifying its conclusion, the Supreme Court declares, citing an earlier court ruling, We are mindful that this law arises in a context in which national security and foreign policy concerns arise in connection with efforts to confront evolving threats in an area where information can be difficult to obtain and the impact of certain conduct difficult to assess. We thus afford the Governments informed judgment substantial respect here.

The implications of these words are sweeping. The First Amendment of the Constitution declares, Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. In the American system of government of checks and balances, it is the duty of the Supreme Court to prevent Congress from doing anything that would violate the Constitution.

But the ruling declares that the substantial respect granted to the informed judgment of the government regarding foreign policy can then be used as a lever to overturn the most fundamental of constitutional protections, the freedom of speech.

Using this logic, all domestic opposition to war could be banned on the grounds that it gives aid and comfort to foreign adversaries. In response to criticism that this is unconstitutional, the Court would then say that what denotes foreign adversaries is difficult to determine, and therefore the governments opinion must be granted substantial respect.

The entire framework of the ruling is grounded on the doctrine of great power conflict, adopted in the Trump administrations 2018 National Security Strategy, which requires the seamless integration of multiple elements of national powerdiplomacy, information, economics, finance, intelligence, law enforcement, and military.

The campaign to ban TikTok, initiated under the first Trump administration and led by Republican arch-warmonger Michael Gallagher, a former Wisconsin congressman and Marine Corps intelligence officer, in Iraq flowed directly from this doctrine.

The Supreme Court ruling rests on the Biden administrations June 9, 2021, Executive Order on Protecting Americans Sensitive Data from Foreign Adversaries, which declares, the term foreign adversary means any foreign government or foreign non-government person engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States.

Within this framework, the term foreign adversary is essentially limitless. Earlier this month, President-elect Donald Trump declared that for purposes of National Security  ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity for the United States. By the Biden administrations definition, Denmark could be construed by Trump as a threat to the national security of the United States by virtue of its possession of Greenland.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court prominently cites Humanitarian Law Project v. Holder, the 2010 case in which the court ruled in favor of the Obama administration. That ruling upheld a law making it a crime to knowingly provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, even if the support consists only of expert advice or assistance for lawful, non-violent purposes. In that case, the organization provided legal advice for peaceful conflict resolution to a Kurdish separatist organization.

The ruling sets up, on the basis of the definition by the American government of China as an adversary, a total discontinuity between Chinese corporations and the Chinese government on the one hand, and American corporations on the other. Data collection by Chinese companies and the Chinese government on Americans is defined as fundamentally malign, while the same activities on the part of American corporations and the American government are defined as benign and to be encouraged.

This is despite the fact that the American government has a proven track record of illegally spying on the private communications of the American people, and of compelling American corporations to turn over the private communications of Americans for illegal surveillance.

In 2013, Edward Snowden revealed that the US government operates the worlds largest illegal domestic surveillance program, by digitally copying, analyzing and storing private communications of individuals throughout the world, including US citizens. The US National Security Agencys explicit goal is total information awareness, to collect it all, know it all, process it all, exploit it all.

Fridays Supreme Court ruling is fundamentally dishonest in alleging that the banning of TikTok is not intended to target specific political viewpoints.

As the Knight Institutes amicus brief explained:

In November 2023, the bills eventual lead sponsor, Representative Mike Gallagher, the chairman of the House committee on the CCP, published an article calling for a TikTok ban and characterizing TikTok as digital fentanyl through which the CCP can push its propaganda. Two days after introducing the bill in March 2024, Chairman Gallagher noted privacy and espionage concerns regarding TikTok but made clear that the most important[] reason for a ban was the possibility that young Americans are getting all their news from Tik[T]ok.

It continued:

In the brief debate on the Senate floor, senators likewise cited viewpoint-based motivations for supporting the legislation. Senator Maria Cantwell expressed concern that [f]oreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian governments had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israeli hashtags. Senator Pete Ricketts supported the ban because the CCP allegedly uses TikTok to skew public opinion on foreign events in their favor, including by promoting hashtags that align with its foreign policy perspectives such as [p]ro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas hashtags. Indeed, multiple lawmakers have cited the prevalence of pro-Palestinian content on TikTok as a reason for supporting the Act.

Fridays ruling follows the July 2024 ruling by the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States which, as the WSWS explained, plac[ed] the president above the law and effectively transform[ed] the Commander-in-Chief into a dictator, who can commit crimes with impunity.

Fridays sweeping attack on the First Amendment is another testament to the advanced state of decay of the constitutional order in the United States. As Trump moves toward the formation of a presidential dictatorship in the United States, no confidence can be placed in any institutions of the state to resist sweeping attacks on democratic rights. The defense of the social and political rights of the population requires the mobilization of the working class, both against Trump and the policies of war and dictatorship supported by both parties.
The inauguration of Nicolas Maduro for a third consecutive term as president of Venezuela on January 10 marked the failure of the outgoing Biden administrations strategy to leverage the elections for regime change.

President Nicolas Maduro with Venezuelan National Guard troops [Photo: Prensa Presidencial/Atahualpa Calderon]

Since 2022, Washington organized a series of backroom talks with the Maduro administration and the US-sponsored opposition, offering sanctions relief in exchange for presidential elections, which would then be used to delegitimize the Venezuelan government regardless of the result.

As expected, both Maduro and the US-sponsored candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia declared victory. But having vowed for weeks that he would be smuggled back into Venezuela from exile to stage a counter-inauguration on January 10, Gonzalez decided not to risk it. He reportedly stayed in the Dominican Republic until Tuesday and now plans to visit the right-wing presidents of Guatemala and Costa Rica before attending Trumps inauguration Monday.

On January 9, the fascistic leader of Gonzalezs coalition, Maria Corina Machado, launched a last-ditch attempt to incite the Venezuelan military against Maduro or at least to provide a distraction from the oppositions imminent debacle.

After months hiding from an arrest warrant, Machado made a public appearance at an opposition protest in Caracas, which failed at mobilizing a significant crowd. Shortly after, her party Vente Venezuela claimed that government agents violently intercepted Machado after leaving the protest and detained her briefly.

Following the same script, the corporate media, US politicians, including Trump, and humanitarian groups globally raised an outcry claiming that the opposition leader had been abducted. It was immediately apparent that her supporters and CIA handlers in Caracas had somehow failed to record any video or proof of the alleged encounter. Having failed at staging the provocation, Machado quickly recorded a video saying she was safe without providing a credible explanation of why she was released.

Since January 8, Maduro carried out a series of measures to block any obstacles to his inauguration, including the first deployment nationally of the so-called Integral Defense Body (ODI), conformed by the military, police and paramilitary groups. This was preceded by the arrest of seven alleged mercenaries, including two citizens, three Ukrainians and two Colombians, which adds to 125 others arrested since November in connection with terrorist plans. Venezuela also closed its border with Colombia ahead of the inauguration.

The US and a handful of other governments have recognized Gonzalez as president-elect, claiming that the Unitary Platform has presented evidence of its victory. Most regional leaders have otherwise aligned themselves with the US regime-change drive. This includes the nominal allies of Caracas, Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who refused to attend the inauguration to signal their rejection of the legitimacy of Maduros re-election. Chilean pseudo-leftist President Gabriel Boric has led the chorus denouncing Maduro as a dictator.

While significant protests erupted nationwide against Maduros claims of victory in July, these were heavily composed of wealthier layers in Caracas and involved fascistic elements that carried out attacks against public infrastructure. These lasted only a few days after the vote and were easily repressed by the security forces, including through mass arrests.

In response to its latest failure in Venezuela, the different factions of the US ruling class are approaching a consensus to employ further economic devastation and potentially military force to oust Maduro and secure control over the worlds largest oil reserves.

The Biden administration responded to the inauguration by raising the bounty for the arrest of Maduro from $15 million to $25 million, as well as for other top officials, based on charges of narco-terrorism issued under Trump in 2020. The bounties, which are a clear incitement of violence against the Venezuelan leadership, were combined with new financial sanctions against eight Venezuelan officials.

On Tuesday, in an opinion article titled Depose Maduro, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens argued for a U.S. military intervention of the sort that in 1990 swiftly ended the regime of the Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega claiming that American troops withdrew swiftly, and Panama has been a democracy ever since.

He adds: Every other option for political change has been attempted. How much more suffering are Venezuelans supposed to endure, and how much worse does this hemispheric crisis have to get before the nightmare finally ends?

Applauding Trumps choice for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, a Senator who has argued in favor of a military invasion to oust Maduro, Stephens concludes, Ending Maduros long reign of terror is a good way to start their administrationand send a signal to tyrants elsewhere that American patience with disorder and danger eventually runs out.

Formerly a Republican-aligned critic of Trump, Stephens was hired by the Times, which speaks unofficially for the Democratic Party, to promote the use of military violence to advance the interests of US imperialism.

As noted previously by the WSWS, in 2016, Stephens called for bombing Syria like the Balkans to oust Bashar al-Assad. The rapid collapse of the Assad government last month, with the complicity of its Iranian and Russian allies, has now emboldened those seeking a similar course in Caracas, thousands of miles farther from its Russian and Iranian allies.

However, the claim that US troops left Panama swiftly or even comparing this brutal aggression to an invasion of Venezuela can only be described as insanity. The 26,000 US troops that participated in the invasion of Panama outnumbered the Panamanian forces by five to one, but they still carpet bombed several neighborhoods killing thousands of civilians. The economic and human cost of an invasion of Venezuela would be incomparably higher as it has some150,000 active troops and a fully combat-capable Air Force with a variety of fighter jetsnot to speak of more than 12 times the territory and 10 times the population of Panama in 1989.

Despite its populist rhetoric, the Maduro administration represents the interests of a section of the national bourgeoisie dependent on global finance capital and is unable to make an appeal to workers in the United States or anywhere in Latin America. Its only response to US threats is a combination of nationalist bluster and appeals to win the favor of Trump and Wall Street, such as promising an endless and heavily policed source of cheap resources and labor, as well as cooperation on mass deportations.

During his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, Rubio said that licenses exempting certain companies from the sanctions regime, allowing them to produce and sell Venezuelan oil, would be re-explored. Ending these licenses, particularly Chevrons, would again deprive the government of the necessary foreign reserves for basic imports and services.

Rubio continued: Because in Venezuela you have the Russian presence, you have a very strong Iranian presence. The Iranians are in fact beginning to build drone factories, the manufacturer of Iranian drones in our own hemisphere, not to mention the long practice of the Venezuelan regime of providing illegitimate passports to operatives of Hezbollah in our own hemisphere.

The story about Iranian drone factories was also reproduced by Stephens in the Times, but neither cited its original source, and for good reason. It first appeared on January 10 in the far-right Argentine online publication Infobae, which consistently fails to meet basic journalistic standards. The report merely states that It has been informed and As reported in detail to Infobae, before making a series of claims about military and economic cooperation with Iran, including drone factories. By whom this publication was informed is anyones guess.

The threat of a massively unpopular and devastating war in the Western Hemisphere cannot be minimized. Earlier during the hearing, Rubio summed up the mentality of the US ruling class when he said: The postwar global order is not just obsolete; it is now a weapon being used against us.

Trumps threats to secure control over Greenland, Canada, Mexico, the Panama Canal and Venezuela are all expressions of the turn by the entire ruling class toward the unrestrained use of military violence and brutality to reverse the decline of US global hegemony.
Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha) in All We Imagine as Light [Photo: Rialto Distribution]

Writer/director Payal Kapadias first dramatic feature, the cryptically entitled All We Imagine as Light, explores the lives of three working-class women at a Mumbai hospital during the monsoon season.

Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha), who are migrant nurses from Kerala state, and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), a hospital canteen worker originally from Ratnagiri in southern Maharashtra, get to know each other at the hospital and become friends.

Low pay, long working hours, high rents, cramped living conditions, and the ever-present class and religious prejudices imposed on single women in India, make life a constant struggle in the demanding and socially polarised megacity.

Prabha, a head nurse, is sharing accommodation with Anu, who is in love with Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon), a young Muslim man, a taboo relationship for a Hindu woman.

Anu is determined to maintain her semi-secret affair, a relationship that would be frowned upon by both their parents. Prabha is uncomfortable with Anus youthful self-confidence but refuses to get involved in hospital gossip about the young woman.

Prabha is married but never really got to know her husband before their arranged wedding and his departure for Germany not long after. She has not heard from him for years. While Prabha is lonely and desperately hopes that her husband will return, she will not allow herself to get involved with Manoj (Azees Nedumangad), a shy hospital doctor attracted to her.

One day Prabha receives an unexpected parcel containing a large red rice cooker. It could be from her husband but there is no message or return address. The only clue is the Made in Germany label on the bottom of the cooker. In one of the films understated but haunting moments, she sits alone on the floor of the shared apartment late one night, tearfully embracing the gift.

Prabha and Anu become friends with Parvaty, whose husband has recently died. She is being threatened by thugs from a real estate developer who plans to bulldoze the area and build high-rise luxury units.

Parvaty and her family have lived in the tiny one-room dwelling with shared toilet facilities for over 20 years, having been told that they own it. But like thousands of other workers being evicted by get-rich-quick developers across the city, she has no legal documents to proof her ownership.

Parvaty is ordered to leave the property within days and just before the Ganpala Festival, a major holiday on Mumbais religious calendar. Prabha and Parvaty seek out a well-to-do lawyer for assistance but all he offers is sympathy. They later attend a union meeting where a female official calls for unity to fight the developers.

Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam) and Prabha (Kani Kusruti) in All We Imagine is Light [Photo: Rialto Distributors]

Buoyed by the meeting, the two women vent their anger against a property developers streetside billboard. The advert arrogantly declares, Luxury living redefined: CLASS is a privilege reserved for the PRIVILEGED.

At one point in the film, an anonymous voiceover says, Some people call this a city of dreams, but I think its a city of illusions. Theres an unspoken code in this city: even if youre in the gutter, youre not allowed to feel anger. People call this the spirit of Mumbai. You have to believe the illusion or else youll go mad.

Facing homelessness and fed up with the illusions, Parvaty decides to return home to Ratnagiri, about several hundred kilometres down the coast. Prabha and Anu travel with Parvaty, helping her set up home in a coastal shack. Freed from the daily pressures of life and work in Mumbai, the three women relax and begin to make some decisions about their future lives.

Kapadias movie does not attempt to present Ratnagiri as an idyllic alternative to Mumbai, Parvatys shack has no electricity or even a toilet.

Nor does it suggest that the nurses temporary escape from Mumbai and the difficult social pressures imposed on these migrant workers, is a permanent solution for these women. The trip down south, however, marks an optimistic turning point in their lives.

All We Imagine as Light is an enthralling story with strong performances, evocative cinematography by Ranabir Das, especially his monsoon-season night shots of Mumbai, and effective use of Ethiopian composer Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrous intriguing piano music. The movies portrayal of Anus love affair with Shiaz is also an important antidote to the anti-Islamic hysteria of the Hindu fundamentalist Modi government and its backers.

Anu (Divya Prabha) and Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon) in All We Imagine is Light [Photo: Rialto Distributors]

This is a film free of the faux heroes and bombast that generally dominates contemporary cinema but is an honest portrait of the lives of ordinary peoplethe real heroes of everyday life in Mumbai and other megacities around the world.

In 1951, Satyajit Ray, arguably Indias greatest director, reviewed Vittorio Di Sicas The Bicycle Thief, hailing it as a triumphant rediscovery of the fundamentals of the cinema. The simple universality of its theme, the effectiveness of its treatment, and the low cost of its production, he wrote, make it the ideal film for the Indian filmmaker to study.

The present blind worship of technique emphasises the poverty of genuine inspiration among our directors. For a popular medium, the best kind of inspiration should derive from life and have its roots in it. No amount of technical polish can make up for artificiality of theme and dishonesty of treatment. The filmmaker must turn to life, to reality, Ray said.

All We Imagine as Light seems to be underpinned by this wise advice.

Kapadias film premiered at last years Cannes Film Festival where it won the prestigious Grand Prix and is still winning numerous international film awards and well-deserved critical praise.

The Film Federation of India (FFI), which each year selects what movie it will submit to the Oscars Best Foreign Language award, however, failed to nominate All We Imagine as Light. Jahnu Barua, who headed the 13-member selection committee, later claimed that the jury considered the film to be very poor technically.

Responding to widespread criticism over the decision, FFI President Ravi Kottarakara told the media that the committee felt that they were watching a European film taking place in India, not an Indian film taking place in India.

In fact, All We Imagine as Light is screening across India, with distribution deals in more than fifty countries and available on several streaming services in the US, a rare achievement for a low-budget independent film. This is significant. Kapadias humane and sensitive film transcends its national origins, and the situation confronting its protagonists, and powerfully speaks to the issues facing millions of workers across the globe.
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Donald Trump, as the Republican presidential nominee, shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, during a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

Medicine is a social science, and politics is nothing but medicine on a grand scale.Dr. Rudolph Virchow, known as the father of modern pathology and the central figure in the emergence of public health in Germany.

I see the disinfectant which knocks it out in a minute  is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside for almost a cleaning?  Supposing we hit the body with a tremendous, whether its ultraviolet or just very powerful light  supposing it brought the light inside the body, which you can either do through the skin or some other way. Donald Trump, April 2020

***

Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, Donald Trump will return to the White House on Monday. More so than any other figure, Trump is identified with the disastrous official response to the pandemic, initiating a war on science and public health epitomized in the murderous herd immunity strategy of deliberate mass infection and death.

Over the course of 2020, Trump set into motion a basic pattern of lies, denial and anti-science disinformation. In his return to power, Trump II will likely be accompanied by the notorious purveyor of pseudoscience and anti-vaccine disinformation, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., slated to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Gregg Gonsalves, an epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health, recently compared Kennedy heading the HHS to putting a flat earther in charge of NASA. A letter to the US Senate signed by more than 15,000 physicians warned:

The health and well-being of 336 million Americans depend on leadership at HHS that prioritizes science, evidence-based medicine, and strengthening the integrity of our public health system. RFK Jr. is not only unqualified to lead this essential agencyhe is actively dangerous.

On Friday, the New York Times reported that Kennedy filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke its authorization of all anti-COVID-19 vaccines in May 2021, as thousands of Americans were still dying from the disease each week.

Trumps other public health appointeesGreat Barrington Declaration co-author Jay Bhattacharya to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Department of Medicare and Medicaid, anti-abortion fanatic Dave Weldon to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Fox News television doctor Janette Nesheiwat as Surgeon General, and Marty Makary to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)amount to a rogues gallery of some of the leading anti-science advocates throughout the pandemic. They have all denigrated or cast doubt on the COVID-19 vaccines and vociferously opposed virtually every public health measure that saved lives. Their aim is to put the final nail in the coffin of public health in the US, which will have vast global ramifications.

Under the banner Make America Healthy Again, Trump, Kennedy and this gang of quacks will do everything in their power to facilitate the spread of disease, including previously eliminated pathogens like measles and new existential threats like H5N1 bird flu.

Biden, having won the 2020 election in large part due to his pledges to follow the science, steadily eviscerated every limited public health measure in place during his tenure in office. Over the past four years, Biden and the Democratic Party have implemented a bipartisan forever COVID policy of perpetual mass infection, debilitation and death, in the process overseeing the excess deaths of nearly 1 million Americans.

The cumulative toll of five years of the COVID-19 pandemic

Contrary to the lies of capitalist politicians and the corporate media, the pandemic is by no means over. In fact, Trump returns to power amid the 10th wave of mass infection in the United States, with wastewater data showing that over 1 million Americans are being infected with COVID-19 every day and rising. This coincides with a surge in seasonal flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus, dubbed a quad-demic by health officials, with similar conditions in the UK and across Europe.

The corporate media in the US has provided scant coverage of this crisis, with virtually no mention of the central role played by COVID-19 or the horrific conditions that now exist in hospital systems across the country.

In just the last three months of 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 9.3 million cases of flu, leading to 140,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, along with 1.2 million cases of RSV, causing 60,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths.

Due to inadequate testing, large numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths go uncounted, but the CDC data show that at least 130,000 Americans were hospitalized and over 15,000 killed by COVID-19 in the same time period. While official figures show that over 50,000 Americans died of COVID-19 in 2024, excess death estimates by The Economist were roughly 120,000. In total, the US has now suffered over 1.5 million excess deaths, while the global figure is approaching 30 million.

Scientific studies indicate that over 20 million Americans and roughly 500 million people globally are now suffering from Long COVID, an often debilitating affliction that can impact virtually every organ in the body. Multiple rigorous studies have established that reinfections with COVID-19 compound ones risk of developing Long COVID. On average, every American has been infected with COVID at least three to four times since the beginning of the pandemic.

Cognitive and motor fatigue scores in healthy control (HC), non-post-COVID syndrome (non-PCS), and post-COVID syndrome (PCS) patients [Photo by Charles James, J., Schulze, H., Siems, N. et al. Neurological post-COVID syndrome is associated with substantial impairment of verbal short-term and working memory. Sci Rep / CC BY 4.0

A recent study on cognitive impairments associated with neurological Long COVID found that these patients exhibited higher rates of fatigue, depression and anxiety and did worse on cognitive tests. They had impairments in their mental flexibility, verbal short-term memory, working memory and processing speed. These findings are proven every day in the real-life experiences of millions of workers and professionals, for whom the chronic disabling disease has caused significant daily disruptions to every aspect of their lives.

Furthermore, recent studies have found an association between common non-COVID infections and non-communicable diseases later in life, including stomach cancer and cirrhosis. Multiple infections earlier in life have shown deleterious impacts on overall health, underscoring the importance of infection prevention and indicating the vast potential health ramifications of the forever COVID policy.

Growing danger of an H5N1 bird flu pandemic

Beyond the acute and long-term physical damage caused by the pandemic, its social, political and even psychological consequences have been far-reaching. Above all, the capitalist response to the pandemic has exposed the ruling classs visceral hatred for public health and determination to lower life expectancy in the working class.

This has found concentrated expression in the Biden administrations non-response to the escalating threat of an H5N1 bird flu pandemic, which has been greeted with a collective shrug. The announcement last month of the first human death from bird flu in the US is a stark reminder of how unprepared the world remains for another pandemic. Historically, bird flu has had a documented case fatality rate of roughly 50 percent.

The man who has overseen the response to the bird flu outbreak in the US, USDA head Tom Vilsack, is intimately connected to the agribusiness, meat and dairy industries and has directly profited from these connections throughout his political career. Under Vilsacks direction, the Biden administration has done nothing to stop the spread of bird flu among cattle over the past year, which so far has likely infected hundreds of farmworkers.

Tom Vilsack [Photo: Tom Witham]

Regardless of whether the next pandemic is bird flu, mpox or some other disease, the response will once again amount to extreme nationalism and the promotion of a eugenicist and fascistic herd immunity policy.

There have already been articles published by the same purveyors of disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Brownstone Institute and the War Room podcast hosted by Steve Bannon, falsely claiming that bird flu is a hoax or another lab leak engineered by Anthony Fauci, a conspiracy theory which Bannon pioneered in January 2020 with the Wuhan Lab Lie.

The danger of a bird flu pandemic will only worsen under Trump and Kennedy, as the latter has actively promoted the consumption of unpasteurized raw milk, well known to increase the risk of bird flu infections among humans.

Socialist public health vs. capitalist barbarism

The bipartisan assault on public health has had disastrous and far-reaching consequences. In a recent widely-read interview with the World Socialist Web Site, noted COVID researcher Dr. Arijit Chakravarty summarized the historic assault on public health, which has taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating:

This is what failure looks like. We are looking at it. No one ever said when the concept of public health emerged in the 19th century, We really need an organization that is committed to serving as the doula for every newly emergent pathogen that pops out of the wild. The idea that emergent pathogens need to be shepherded into endemicity, this has never been in any public health mission statement There really is no historical precedent for this. No society in the world ever said, Oh, youre infected? Lets let it spread. This whole concept of pox parties being a thing is ludicrous. But thats exactly where we are today. Quarantines used to happen in the 14th century with plague. This uncritical acceptance of infectious disease as a sort of lord and savior is brand new.

Indeed, the open repudiation of the most basic principles of public health over the past five years is, except under police state and fascist regimes, unprecedented in modern history. Alongside the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the normalization of the use of nuclear weapons in the US-NATO war against Russia, and the global rise of fascist politicians, the attacks on science and public health during an active pandemic epitomize the modern descent into capitalist barbarism.

The intersection of the emergence of public health as a discipline and the development of Marxism was not incidental. Only three years after Friedrich Engels published his seminal 1845 work, The Condition of the Working Class in England, in 1848 the distinguished German physician and progressive liberal Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902) was commissioned by the central government in Berlin to investigate a typhus epidemic that had erupted in the depressed and impoverished Eastern province of Silesia in what was then Prussia.

Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902)

Virchows report was an indictment of the abject poverty and squalid living conditions that affected the Silesian peasants. Noting that the epidemic was concentrated among the poorest and malnourished who became more vulnerable to the disease, Virchow stressed that the typhus epidemic was more a social problem than a medical issue, and that it could only be prevented through the ending of social inequality. He advocated for full and unlimited democracy and education, freedom and prosperity for all.

In an article about Virchows work published in the Global Health Journal in 2021, coinciding with the deadliest year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Klause W. Lange wrote:

In the German revolution of 1848, Virchow became an activist committed to revolutionary social change. During the year of the revolution, he remained politically very active, was amongst those manning the barricades in Berlin and founded the weekly newspaper Die Medicinische Reform (Medical Reform), written for a mass readership. Virchows medical studies of social etiology, combined with his political radicalism, led him to characterize himself as a socialist with the primary objective of improving the welfare of the working class.

One of Virchows fundamental theories that proved prophetic and correct was his postulate that the impact of social circumstances and inequality contribute to the dissemination of illness and the emergence of epidemics, and that the equitable distribution of societys resources would ameliorate these epidemics. As Virchow said then, medicine extends beyond just the treatment of disease and must encompass measures that address the health and well-being of the entire population.

Virchows four principles for reforming medicine included:

Peoples health is a matter of social concern. Economic and social conditions have major effects on health and disease, which must be scientifically studied. Promoting health and combatting disease must include both social and medical measures. Medical statistics provide the standard of measurement.

Virchow also advocated for the prohibition of child labor and protection of pregnant women from occupational exposures to toxic substances.

Much of Virchows revolutionary perspectives towards public health found fertile ground in the aftermath of the October 1917 Russian Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, which completed the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy. By bringing an end to World War I and directing resources to the revolutionary democratic and socialist transformation of the country, and thereby addressing the high rates of infant and maternal mortality, the Bolshevik regime rapidly increased life expectancy for the entire population.

Lenin addressing a crowd of revolutionary workers in Petrograd in 1920. Trotsky is on the right. [Photo: Wikipedia]

The social gains that have been made over the past century, including numerous mass vaccination campaigns, vast improvements in sanitation and food industries, safe drinking water, and the science of health, have led to a doubling of life expectancy across the globe.

However, in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and especially in the last two decades, these hard-won social gains began to be clawed back by the corporate and financial aristocracy, with life expectancy for working people steadily declining in comparison to the more affluent layers of society. The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly exacerbated and entrenched these inequities.

The appointment of RFK Jr. and the second Trump administration will quickly accelerate these decades-long processes. Only the working class has the means and objective interests in reversing these trajectories through socialist revolution on an international scale. The attack on public health is foremost an attack on the working class.

In Volume I of Capital, Karl Marx wrote:

Hence Capital is reckless of the health or length of life of the labourer, unless under compulsion from society. To the out-cry as to the physical and mental degradation, the premature death, the torture of over-work, it answers: Ought these to trouble us since they increase our profits? But looking at things as a whole, all this does not, indeed, depend on the good or ill will of the individual capitalist. Free competition brings out the inherent laws of capitalist production, in the shape of external coercive laws having power over every individual capitalist.

The same class forces and profit imperatives described by Marx over 150 years ago have only strengthened in the 21st century, as capitalism descends into modern barbarism.

The naked rule of the oligarchy, embodied in Trump, RFK Jr., their close ally Elon Musk and the entire incoming administration, must and will be opposed by the development of a powerful socialist movement in the American and international working class.

Throughout the pandemic, the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International alone have advanced a revolutionary strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and lives of the working class and the entire population. In opposition to the bourgeois propaganda and efforts to normalize the pandemic, which has produced a crippling fatalism among many anti-COVID advocates, the WSWS has relentlessly gathered and published information through the Global Workers Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic, as part of our broader efforts to educate the working class and build a socialist leadership.

The only viable policy toward COVID-19 is one of global elimination, which requires the universal deployment of all available public health measures and the renovation of all indoor public spaces with HEPA filters and Far-UVC technology. Not only would these measures stop the COVID-19 pandemic, but they would also lay the foundations for eliminating the flu, RSV and other pathogens that needlessly plague humanity, while creating the necessary public health infrastructure to prevent future pandemics.

The WSWS and ICFI renew our call for an alliance between principled scientists and the working class, the two interdependent forces whose combined strength is the only means to stop the capitalist war on public health and science, and rebuild global society on the basis of scientific economic planning.
The following statement has been published by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP), the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. The Federal Electoral Committee certified the SGP to stand in the German federal election on February 23.

The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) is contesting the federal elections to oppose the all-party coalition advocating war and austerity. Together with our sister parties of the Fourth International around the world, we are building an international movement to halt the madness of war, mass layoffs and wage cuts.

Our goal is not to reform capitalism but to abolish it. Each passing day proves anew that the capitalist system is bankrupt, producing only social devastation, war and environmental catastrophe. We fight for a socialist society in which the needs of the majority take precedence over the profits of the wealthy.

The billionaire oligarchs who dominate the global economy and financial markets can maintain their rule only through fascism and war. Nowhere is this more evident than in the worlds most powerful capitalist country, the United States. On January 20, a government of criminals, fascists and multi-billionaires will assume power.

Donald Trump, a convicted felon, real estate mogul and casino operator, pursues a policy of economic extortion, military conquest and violent repression. He not only threatens China and other economic rivals with punitive tariffs and military force but also targets Americas traditional allies. By arresting and deporting millions of migrants, he is laying the groundwork to suppress all social and political opposition within the United States and establish a dictatorship.

The German ruling class is following a similar path. Its answer to Make America Great Again is Deutschland uber alles (Germany above all), responding to Trump by rearming at a pace not seen since Hitler. All parties represented in the Bundestag (federal parliament) are united on this. In the war against Russia, they are willing to risk a nuclear conflagration. In Gaza, they are supporting genocide. The federal election was brought forward to install a government capable of implementing the policies of war and the accompanying social cuts more effectively than the discredited coalition government led by the Social Democrats (SPD).

There is no such thing as a lesser evil in this election. All the establishment parties are committed to making Germany war-ready (kriegstuchtig) again and shifting the costs onto workers, pensioners and the needy. The mass layoffs and radical wage cuts at VW are only the beginning. For this frontal attack on the working class, they rely on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)whether as part of the government or not. All other parties have already embraced the AfDs anti-refugee propaganda and law-and-order policies. Their aim is to divide the working class, incite a right-wing mob and strengthen the repressive state apparatus.

The SGP rejects the illusion that the establishment parties can be compelled to change course through moral appeals or pressure from below. Our election campaign is directed at the working class and youthat all those who refuse to accept the genocidal pro-war policy, the stark levels of social inequality, the destruction of health and education systems and the devastation of our planet.

The international working class is a formidable social force, comprising 3.5 billion people55 percent more than in 1991. It creates all social wealth while bearing the entire burden of war and crisis. Only if the working class intervenes independently in political life and transforms society on a revolutionary basisexpropriating the big banks and corporations and placing them under democratic controlcan catastrophe be averted.

Such a movement has already begun. From the United States to Europe, Asia, and Africa, fierce industrial struggles are emerging, increasingly coming into open conflict with the pro-capitalist trade union bureaucracy. Despite brutal repression, millions have protested against the genocide in Gaza. The central task is to unite these struggles internationally, arm them with a socialist perspective and build a new socialist mass party. This is the goal of our election campaign.

We fight for a return to international socialism. As the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), we stand in the Marxist tradition of August Bebel, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, the Russian October Revolution and the Left Opposition led by Leon Trotsky. The Left Opposition stands as living proof that there was a socialist alternative to Stalinism, which did not represent socialism but served as its gravedigger.

No Third World War! Stop the war in Ukraine and the genocide in Gaza!

Eighty-five years ago, Nazi Germany launched a war of extermination that reduced the whole of Europe to ruins and cost 80 million lives, including 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Today, German imperialism is once again waging war against Russia. It has supplied Ukraine with weapons worth 28 billion to date and is stationing the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) on Russias border, risking a nuclear war that threatens the survival of humanity.

The SGP rejects this insane war policy. We demand the immediate cessation of arms deliveries to Ukraine, the withdrawal of the Bundeswehr from Eastern Europe and the dissolution of NATO. We reject the false propaganda claiming that NATO is defending Ukraine against a Russian war of aggression. In reality, Berlin and Washington deliberately provoked this war.

The German elites enthusiastically celebrated Vladimir Putin and his mentor Boris Yeltsin as they dissolved the Soviet Union, sold off its social property to criminal oligarchs and dismantled the social and cultural achievements of the Soviet working class. It was only when NATO continued its eastward expansion and encirclement of Russia that Putin was transformed from hero to villain.

Not content with breaking their original promises not to incorporate Eastern Europe into NATO and the EU, Germany and the United States now seek to annex Ukraine and Georgia, divide Russia and gain direct access to its vast mineral resources. In 2014, they helped bring to power a right-wing, pro-Western regime in Kiev that venerates Nazi collaborators from World War II as heroes.

Since then, NATO has been massively rearming the Ukrainian army. Putin eventually responded by launching a military intervention in Ukraine, hoping to force NATO to withdraw. However, NATO rejected all negotiations and instead used the war as a pretext to intensify its arms build-up and escalate its offensive against Russia.

We are staunch opponents of the Russian regime and its reactionary invasion of Ukraine. However, its overthrow is the task of the Russian and international working class. Any regime that came to power in Moscow with NATOs support would be just as reactionary as the one in Kiev. Zelensky is being funded by NATO to deploy hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian men as cannon fodder while suppressing all political opposition.

Our Ukrainian comrade, Bogdan Syrotiuk, has been imprisoned without trial for nine months for rejecting the war and advocating the unity of Ukrainian and Russian workers. Numerous other opponents of the war and critics of the Zelensky regime face similar persecution.

The war in Ukraine is only one front in an escalating Third World War, with China as its main target. The United States is determined to prevent China from overtaking it as the worlds largest economic power at any cost. Berlin is contributing to the military build-up against China by deploying warships and fighter aircraft to the Pacific for maneuvers.

Another front is the Middle East. Supported by the US and Germany, Israel is committing a vicious genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, whose resistance stands in the way of the imperialist powers complete control of the region.

Meanwhile, they have extended the war to Lebanon and Yemen and brought jihadists to power in Syria. The imperialist powers are using the heirs of al-Qaeda to roll back the influence of Russia and China in the region and isolate Iran, which they are also threatening with war.

The genocide in Gaza has claimed 45,000 victims, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. However, scientific studies estimate that the actual number is four times higher. Two-thirds of the victims are women, children and the elderly. Ninety percent of Gazas 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced from their homes.

Although numerous international institutions have accused Israel of genocide and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, anyone in Germany who even expresses empathy for the Palestinians faces persecution. False accusations of anti-Semitism are used as a pretext to ban demonstrations, suppress freedom of expression, censor critical academics and artists, and bar individuals from pursuing their professions. It is only a matter of time before opponents of war are once again imprisoned in Germany.

With the same ruthlessness that drives those in power to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of young people on the battlefields of Ukraine and bomb Palestinian refugee camps today, they will not hesitate to drop nuclear bombs on Moscow, Tehran, or Beijing tomorrow.

Stop the NATO war in Ukraine! No sanctions and arms deliveries!

Stop the genocide in Gaza!

Two world wars are enough! Stop the warmongers!

Stop mass layoffs, wage and social cuts!

The new era of war policy is closely linked to a new era of social policy. The enormous costs of rearmament are being imposed on the working class, undermining everything it has fought for over decadeswages, social support and democratic rights are all under attack.

Germanys military budget increased from 58 billion in 2021 to 86 billion in 2024, while the health budget was slashed from 64 billion to 16 billion over the same period, despite the ongoing pandemic. Further cuts have been made to education and housing. States and municipalities are also facing severe cutbacks due to reduced support from the federal government. The result is skyrocketing rents, crumbling schools, overburdened hospitals and the destruction of many cultural institutions.

The slash-and-burn approach at Volkswagen, where 35,000 jobs are being eliminated and wages slashed by up to 20 percent, is the most visible expression of the frontal assault on the working class. Opel, Ford, Audi, Mercedes, the supplier industry and the chemical sector are pursuing similar plans. Millions of jobs, the future of entire regions, pensions, health care, social services and education are at stake.

The fierce attacks on jobs and wages are accompanied by a staggering orgy of enrichment. Billionaire oligarchs are demanding ever higher profits be squeezed from workers. In June, Volkswagen distributed 4.5 billion to its shareholders and now aims to increase its profit margin from 3.4 percent to 6.5 percent through the austerity measures it has implemented.

The orgy of enrichment accelerated during the pandemic. Nearly 200,000 people have died of coronavirus in Germany due to the profits before lives policy, millions are grappling with long-term effects of the disease, and nurses are burning out in underfunded hospitals. Meanwhile, the super-rich have enormously increased their wealth.

Since 2021, the number of millionaires in Germany has increased by 73 percent, rising from 1.6 million to 2.8 million. Over the same period, the five richest Germans have grown their wealth from $89 billion to $155 billion. Meanwhile, 17.5 million people in Germany live in poverty, struggling with ever-rising rents, and 10.5 million workers earn less than 15 gross per hour.

Society can no longer afford the oligarchs, who will stop at nothing to maximize their profits, plunging humanity into disaster. To prevent a world war and establish social equality, the big banks and corporations must be expropriated and placed under democratic control.

Such a socialist program can only be realized through class struggle and the international mobilization of the working class. The international working class is the most powerful and significant social force on the planet, the source of all value in capitalist society. Yet its power is systematically silenced and suppressed.

The trade unions play a key role in this. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and its affiliates, such as IG Metall and Verdi, fully endorse the governments pro-war policies. Their well-paid functionaries and corporatist works council representatives stand on the side of shareholders and management. They pit workforces from different plants and countries against one another and are willing to make any concession to keep their location competitive in the global race for lower costs and higher profits. At Volkswagen, IG Metall and the works council have supported the cuts, cynically celebrating them as a Christmas miracle.

To defend jobs, wages, and rights, workers must organize independently of the trade union bureaucracy and unite internationally. We call for the establishment of action committees that are controlled by and responsible only to the rank-and-file. These committees must defend every job at all locations as a matter of principle and reject any concessions on wages and social benefits.

This struggle must be waged internationally. The action committees must overcome the divisions within the workforcebetween permanent and temporary employees, between different locations, and between car brandsand establish networks with action committees in other plants, companies and countries. We have launched the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) for this purpose.

Not a penny for armaments! Health and education instead of armaments and war!

Defend all jobs! Build independent action committees!

Expropriate the landlords, energy companies and war profiteers without compensation!

Never again fascism! For a united socialist Europe!

The alliance between Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, and figures like Donald Trump, Argentinas Javier Milei, Italys Giorgia Meloni, Germanys Alice Weidel, and Nigel Farages Reform UK Party epitomizes the relationship between capital and fascism.

The oligarchs need the fascists to subordinate all social needs to their unrestrained enrichment and the demands of war, eliminating any obstacles to these goals. The state is to be reduced to its repressive functionspolice, secret services, and militarywhile social functions such as education, health and infrastructure are to be privatized or, in the case of social welfare, nursing care, pensions and environmental protection, eliminated altogether. As head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has been tasked with cutting the US budget by $2 trillion and eliminating hundreds of thousands of jobs on behalf of Trump.

In Europe, fascist parties are increasingly being incorporated into governments for this purpose. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni holds power; in France, President Macron relies on Marine Le Pen; in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders dominates the government; and in Austria, the fascist Herbert Kickl is poised to become chancellor.

In Germany, the far-right AfD is being built up and promoted to suppress resistance to war and social devastation. The establishment parties have adopted the key elements of the AfDs program and are actively implementing them. They are rearming, supporting the genocide in Gaza and resorting to authoritarian methods to silence opposition. In migration policy, they compete to outdo each other with right-wing propaganda.

In Saxony, the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, supported by the Left Party and its anti-immigrant splinter group BSW, have included the AfD in the work of the state government through regular consultations for the first time. Also for the first time, a major daily newspaper, Welt am Sonntag, has published an election appeal for the AfD, written by Elon Musk, on its front page.

The fight against fascism requires opposing all establishment parties and is inextricably linked to building a socialist mass movement. We counterpose the international unity of the working class to the fascists nationalist poison and anti-immigrant agitation. Refugees and migrants are not responsible for the social catastrophe caused by the governments policies of war and austerity. They are themselves an integral part of the working class.

We counterpose the European Union of banks and corporations, of mass death and war, with the perspective of a Socialist United States of Europethe unity of the European working class to break the power of the banks and corporations. Instead of fighting one another, we call on Russian and Ukrainian workers to unite against the warmongers in their respective countries.

Against the EU of banks and corporations, of mass death and war! For a Socialist United States of Europe!

Defend democratic rights!

Equal rights for migrants and refugees!

Workers need their own party!

Not a single party in the Bundestag represents the interests of the working class, even in the most rudimentary way. All of them defend the capitalist system and respond to its crisis by closing ranks and shifting further to the right.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) abandoned its roots as a workers party decades ago. Under Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, it oversaw the first military deployment of the Bundeswehr and, through the Agenda 2010 welfare and labor reforms, initiated the most comprehensive social cuts since the founding of the post-war Federal Republic. Under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the SPD declared a new era in its war policy and, in close cooperation with the trade unions, drastically reduced real wages. The SPD is prepared to continue this role under Friedrich Merz, a former BlackRock manager and the Christian Democratic Unions (CDU) leader and chancellor candidate.

The Greens have always been a party representing well-off urban middle-class layers. When founded in the early 1980s, they professed pacifism and environmentalism. However, the class interests of their wealthy clientele have now triumphed over any remaining pacifist scruples. Green chancellor candidate Robert Habeck is calling for a tripling of the defense budget. Meanwhile, the feminist foreign policy of Green Party leader Annalena Baerbock culminates in support for the massacre of Palestinian women and children and political genuflection before Mohammed bin Salman and Syrias new Islamist rulers.

At its federal party conference, the Left Party abandoned its last pacifist pretenses and endorsed arms deliveries to Ukraine and Israels right to self-defense. Having emerged from the Stalinist state party of the former East Germany, it embodies the concentrated contempt of the repressive state apparatus for ordinary workers. Wherever it participates in state governments, it implements the same reactionary policies as other capitalist parties. Its sister parties, Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain, have similarly pushed through EU austerity measures and pro-war policies despite massive resistance.

Sahra Wagenknechts breakaway party, BSW, has nothing to do with anti-militarism. The BSW critiques the war against Russia from a nationalist standpoint, advocating for German-European rearmament independent of the United States. Wagenknechts goal is to stabilize the decaying capitalist system and divert growing opposition into nationalist channels. Her agitation against refugees bears the stench of the AfD.

The working class needs its own socialist mass party to abolish the bankrupt capitalist system. We call on everyone who agrees with this perspective: Share this appeal as widely as possible, come to our events and rallies, make generous donations to our election campaign, actively support it and become a member of our party!

The struggle against poverty, oppression and a Third World War is the struggle for socialism worldwide!
Lt. Matt Phillips, left, from Kitsap County firefighting strike team from Bainbridge Island, Wash., directs his crew while checking homes for structural issues in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday. January 17, 2025. [AP Photo/Richard Vogel]

After over 10 days of intense firefighting, the Palisades and Eaton fires continue to rage in Los Angeles County. The Palisades Fire has burned some 24,000 acres and is currently 31 percent contained, while the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,000 acres and is at 65 percent containment.

Twenty-seven deaths have been officially linked to the blazes, and 31 people, including many elderly, remain missing. Cadaver dogs and forensic teams are searching through the rubble to identify human remains. Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed thus far, the vast majority being single-family residences in the foothills north of Pasadena and northwest of Santa Monica.

The devastation left behind in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton fires is comparable to the destruction of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The fires have already caused an estimated $275 billion in property damage, over double the financial burden left behind by Katrina, far surpassing the annual budget for FEMA aid at a paltry $20 billion per year.

Since the beginning of the two wildfires, over 150,000 Angelenos have been forced to evacuate at a moments notice with virtually no support from the city, state, or federal governments. Many have been forced to flee to the homes of friends and families, hotels and Airbnbs, if they can afford them, or to one of a handful of emergency shelters set up by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). However, only 569 public shelter beds have been opened to the public, leaving most wildfire victims effectively homeless.

Similar to the victims of Katrina, Lahaina and other climate change-powered disasters, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires have largely been left to fend for themselves as insurance companies and FEMA have placed bureaucratic barriers between them and financial aid. FEMA is offering one-time payments of $770 to uninsured victims of the LA wildfires to pay for things like water, baby formula and prescriptions.

These payments are a pittance for those who have lost everything, and there is little indication that more aid is on the way. Uninsured homeowners are being offered up to $43,600 in housing aid by FEMA and an additional $10,000 from the California State Supplemental Grant Program. Victims are also potentially eligible for up to $500,000 in loans through the Small Business Administration. These grants will hardly be enough to make residents whole when the average cost of a home in Altadena exceeds $1.2 million, according to Zillow.

Before the fires several national for-profit insurance companies, including State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance, either stopped offering home insurance or have fled from California entirely. An analysis by CBS News this week found that 1,600 policies in the Pacific Palisades were dropped by State Farm in July. CBS also found that State Farm canceled insurance for over 2,000 additional homes and businesses in the Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Brentwood and Monte Nido. A recent analysis from the San Francisco Chronicle found that between 2019 and 2024, more than 100,000 Californians lost their home insurance.



Even insured victims of the fires are struggling. The average time between filing a complicated insurance claim and receiving payment is between 12-18 months. Homeowners forced off of private fire insurance have been forced to enroll in the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, or FAIR Plan, which provides basic fire insurance at exorbitant rates. But these high premiums are not enough to cover all the claims expected to be filed by those nominally covered under the FAIR Plan. In an interview with Fortune, Jaime Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, warned that California homeowners could expect an additional $1,000$3,700 surcharge to keep the insurer solvent.

Altadena, the community most affected by the Eaton Fire, is a predominately working and middle class neighborhood. The average household income in Altadena is around $150,000, roughly equivalent to the income of two full-time LAUSD teachers.

Mario, a Hollywood resident whose mothers house was damaged by the Eaton Fire, spoke to reporters from the WSWS about his frustrations with the recent Los Angeles Fire Department budget cuts and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) budget increases. The city of Los Angeles cut the LA Fire Department by $17.4 million, effective January 1, 2025.

Mario thought it was crazy that the LAPD budget had increased, while the LAFD was cut. It seems like the police are getting more than what they necessarily need. ... It seems like a money grab.

I cant get housing myself, Mario said after speaking to FEMA officials. Capitalism has turned into a really sad affair.

FEMA officials take applications for relief outside the Pasadena Convention Center, January 17, 2025.

WSWS reporters also spoke to Steve and his wife outside the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday. Together they own three properties, including a local business that supports developmentally disabled adults in Altadena.



Steve noted that their house was completely destroyed, but that they were not the only ones.

It is heart-wrenching to know so many people in this area, friends and families that were affected, Steve said, adding, There are so many people that are not insured or are underinsured or dont have the full coverage or no coverage at all.

Steves wife observed that many buildings are not occupied. Theyre just sitting there.



Steve added, Million-dollar homes and theyre sitting there empty. You know, people just own them. And when you go throughout even here in Pasadena, LA, all over the place, there are buildings that are owned, paid for, you know, theyre part of some trust or hedge fund.  All theyre doing is parking money.

The so-called housing crisis in California, a state controlled by the Democratic Party, is entirely a product of capitalism. A sane and centrally planned economy, built with the needs of the working class in mind, would not feature hundreds of thousands of vacant homes in a time of crisis.

Enough housing exists in Los Angeles to house the entire homeless population, including those recently displaced by the wildfires. According to UCLA, 318,000 housing units sat vacant in the greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area as recently as 2018, more than enough units to house every displaced person. Eminent domain should be utilized to seize vacant housing units from speculators and investors and instead given to people displaced by the LA wildfires.
A U.S. State Department travel warning does not automatically mean you should not visit a country. In most cases, it's guidance to be cautious and sometimes to avoid certain areas.

Many countries that are considered tourist destination remain under Level 1: Exercise normal caution or Level 2: Exercise increased caution warnings. Those are official statements telling Americans to be careful.

Related: Every cruise ship port under a US 'do not travel' safety advisory

In many cases, cruise ports are considered safe areas even in countries with more severe Level 3: Reconsider travel or Level 4: Do not travel advisories.

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It's very rare that a cruise line would stop in a country with a Level 4 warning, but Royal Caribbean has made an exception in Labadee, Haiti. That's because the cruise line's private destination is an isolated area far from Port au Prince, which is where the worst of the civil unrest has occurred.

Multiple cruise lines are also calling on ports in Mexico that are subject to Level 3, and in one case Level 4, warnings from the State Department, but passengers are urged to stay in the port area and to stick to cruise-line-sponsored excursions.

Now, another country that pretty much all major cruise lines call on has been placed under a U.S. State Department advisory.

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Chile has multiple ports where cruise ships dock.Image source: Pixabay.

Pacific nation offers multiple cruise ports

Chile is located along the western coast of South America and it borders the Pacific Ocean. It offers multiple cruise ports with Valparaiso perhaps being the most famous.

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"When you visit Valparaiso on your cruise vacation, immerse yourself in the city's magic," Royal Caribbean posts on its website. "If you've just spent time amid the concrete jungle of Santiago, devote your time in Valparaiso to discovering the city's coastal appeal. Dine waterside on seafood caught fresh from the Pacific, or lay out a towel on the sand and get some color to take with you on your cruise."

Holland American Line, a Carnival-owned brand, stops in multiple ports in Chile.

"Chile is long, lean, and loaded with astonishing wonders, which Holland America Line reveals during your South America voyage," HAL's website says. "Raft the Petrohue River in Puerto Montt, visit the Unesco-designated churches of Chiloe from Castro, and make celestial discoveries at the Cerro Tololo Observatory near Coquimbo.

"Holland America Line opens cellar doors at wineries in the Rosario and Casablanca valleys near San Antonio, while Puerto Arenas serves as gateway to cool adventures in Patagonia and Antarctica."

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Norwegian Cruise Line calls on Chilean ports as well and even touts their safety.

"San Antonio is your gateway to Valparaiso, just 30 miles up the coast," it posted on its website. "There, enjoy the charm and color of the hillside old quarter, or visit lovely nearby Vina del Mar and its famed floral clock.

"Head inland to Chiles scenic Central Valley, the countrys breadbasket, and on to the Andes with their world-class vineyards and ski resorts. Or spend the day in metropolitan Santiago, considered the safest city in Latin America."

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US State Department issues warning for Chile

The State Department has placed Chile under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution travel advisory as of Jan. 16. The federal agency issues the warning due to crime and civil unrest.

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"Street crime (e.g., muggings, pick-pocketing, theft) is common in Chile. Rates of violent crime, such as assaults, homicide, carjackings, and residential break-ins, are increasing," it warned.

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The advisory also warned Americans about other problems that can take place in the coastal nation.

"Large-scale demonstrations periodically occur in Santiago and other cities in Chile. Demonstrations can take place with little or no notice, and often result in disruptions to transportation, including public bus and Santiago metro services," it shared.

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The State Department also shared the following advice for American travelers who visit Chile:

Do not leave luggage unattended, even in locked vehicles.

Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.

Avoid demonstrations.

Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions and obey all curfews.

Find a safe location and shelter in place if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

Related: Popular Caribbean cruise port extends state of emergency

Americans visiting Chile, even on a cruise ship, are also advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
Jan. 17Get your fill of frosty, award-winning New Mexico craft beer at WinterBrew 2025.

The New Mexico Brewers Guild event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the Santa Fe Farmers' Market Pavilion, in the City Different. VIP ticketholders get an extra hour of fun with early entry at 5 p.m.

Ticketholders will receive a WinterBrew 2025 commemorative glass, 16 sample tickets and a pint of their beer of choice from any of the 16 participating breweries.

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"You're gonna get 16 sample tickets and then one full pour ticket," said Ebbie Edmonston, executive director of the New Mexico Brewers Guild. "Obviously, the full pour kind of varies depending on what style beer you get. If you're getting a double dry hop IPA, that might not come in a full 16-ounce pour, but it might come in like a 12-ounce pour. Those are up to the breweries. But, there's plenty of beers available if you like dark beer, hoppy beer, light beer, it's all going to be there."

Santa Fe breweries wanting to participate in the event will be on-hand, with a mix of breweries from other parts of the state that were selected using a lottery system. This year's participants are Beer Creek Brewing Company, Bonito Valley Brewing Co., Bosque Brewing Co., Brew Lab 101, Flock of Moons Brewing Co., La Cumbre Brewing Co., Nuckolls Brewing Co., Rio Bravo Brewing Co., Rowley Farmhouse Ales, Santa Fe Brewing Co., Second Street Brewery, Sidetrack Brewing Co., Steel Bender Brewyard, Taos Mesa Brewing Co., Tractor Brewing Co. and Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery.

Food will be available for purchase from Restoration Pizza and Second Street Brewery.

WinterBrew 2025 is presented by Santa Fe County Economic Development and Santa Fe County Tourism.

"It was a situation where we were made aware of some grants through (Santa Fe) County Economic Development and unfortunately, we did not receive the grant, but that put us in contact with the right people," Edmonston said. "They were interested in sponsoring this event and bringing more attention to local beers. That's definitely one of the things that the Brewers Guild obviously focuses on. Many of these breweries are based out of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County."
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Sr. has announced a $1000 college scholarship for a lucky Caddo Parish graduating high school senior.

According to the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office, to qualify for a scholarship, the recipient must be a permanent resident of Louisiana, plan to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student, and agree to use the scholarship at a Louisiana institute of higher education. 

The scholarships help defray the costs associated with higher education. One scholarship is awarded in each parish where the sheriff participates in the Honorary Membership Program.

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$1,000 scholarship for Bossier high school seniors, offer details

CPSO notes that applicants must be eligible for admission to the school indicated on their application.

The deadline to apply is April 1.

Completed applications should be mailed to the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Media Relations Office, 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA, 71101, or can be delivered in person to the Sheriffs Office at 505 Travis Street, 7th floor.

Scholarship winners will be announced by May 1.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  One person was convicted in the murder of a witness in Aurora in 2023, and a second suspect is still at large.

On Thursday, an Arapahoe County jury convicted Mohamed Tagir of murder in the first degree conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, retaliation against a witness and aggravated motor vehicle theft.

8 arrested in drug bust in northern Colorado

The charges stem from a shooting that happened around 8:20 a.m. on March 1, 2023 near 10755 East Exposition Ave. in Aurora. The Aurora Police Department said officers responded and found a man with gunshot wounds in an apartment parking lot. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead and was later identified as 30-year-old Marcus Pyne.

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That morning, Pyne left his apartment where he lived with his girlfriend and baby for a job interview, according to a press release from the 18th Judicial District. In the parking lot, Tagir and a second suspect had been lying there waiting for three hours.

Mr. Pyne was approached from behind and shot eight times in the back, arms, and legs, killing him, the press release states.

Evidence showed that Tagir and others were angry with Pyne for speaking with police during an investigation years prior, calling him a rat, the judicial district said.

The Aurora Police Department used numerous surveillance cameras to track a stolen car that Tagir used to flee the scene of the shooting. The car was found, which the judicial district said provided additional critical evidence for the prosecution. The agency did not go into detail about the nature of that evidence.

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Our Office takes all cases of witness intimidation and retaliation very seriously, District Attorney Amy Padden said. Intimidation and retaliation are attacks on the criminal justice system itself, as well as on victims, because they are part of an effort to avoid consequences for criminal activity. These crimes have serious impacts on the criminal justice system, victims, and society by discouraging people from coming forward as witnesses in future cases and making it more difficult for justice to be served.

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The judicial district said the second suspect in this case remains at large today. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-918-7867.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DENVER (KDVR)  A man died in the hospital after a fatal car crash in Aurora on Friday, according to the Aurora Police Department.

Police responded to an incident around 2:30 p.m. near E. Jewell Avenue and S. Old Tom Morris Road.

3 drivers crash into separate buildings within 14 hours

Investigators said that the man was traveling eastbound on E. Jewell Avenue in a Honda Civic. He turned left in front of a Nissan Altima traveling westbound at a high rate of speed.

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The vehicles collided and the man was transported to a local hospital.

He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, according to Aurora police.

The driver of the Altima remained on scene and spoke to the police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
UPDATE: Two juveniles were taken into custody in connection with the shooting Friday afternoon on Porter Avenue in Central El Paso, police said Sunday, Jan. 19.

The juveniles were referred to the Juvenile Probation Department. Police have not released any information about the juveniles or what led up to the shooting. The Gang Unit has been investigating the incident.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  One person was injured after a shooting that may be gang-related on Friday afternoon, Jan. 17 in Central El Paso, El Paso Police said.

The call came in just after 4:30 p.m. for police to respond to a shooting along the 3000 block of Porter Avenue.

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Police said one person was transported to a local hospital but did not say how badly hurt they were.

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Police said their Gang Unit was responding and looking into the incident.

This is a developing story and we will update it as soon as we learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
*Editors note: The Hobart Police Department originally said one person had been shot inside Burlington, but has since said the victim was not shot but rather sustained other non-life threatening injuries. This story has been updated to reflect this claim.

MERRILLVILLE, Ind.  An investigation is underway on Friday afternoon after a person was injured during an incident that involved a gun being fired inside a clothing store in northwest Indiana.

Authorities said the incident unfolded around 5 p.m. inside a Burlington in the 2000 block of East Lincoln Highway in Merrillville, Indiana.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to Hobart police, officers arrived on the scene and found one injured individual who was later taken to the hospital. Police said a gun was fired, but the victim who was injured was not shot.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the incident and authorities said there is no active threat to residents in the area.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers asked residents to avoid the area due to the significant police presence as they processed the scene.

It is unclear if any arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHICAGO  A man is dead and another is recovering in the hospital on Saturday after an early-morning shooting on the Northwest Side.

Chicago police said the gunfire erupted just before 2 a.m. in the 6000 block of West Belden Avenue, in Belmont Cragin.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to officers, the two victims were walking in the area when they were shot by an unknown individual.

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The 25-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his head and was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The second victim suffered a gunshot wound to his back and shoulder and was taken to the hospital where he was listed in good condition.

1 killed, 1 injured in early-morning shooting in Belmont Cragin

Police said further investigation revealed that the shooter may have been traveling in a red vehicle at the time of the incident.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and no arrests have been made.

Police share photo of vehicle wanted in connection with West Town hit-and-run crash

Authorities have not yet identified the victim killed.

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Anyone with information on the deadly shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Five Detectives at 312-746-6554 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
These 10 counties have the most disposable income

(NewsNation)  Disposable income  or, whats left after youve paid all your necessities for the month, including bills, gas and food  is increasingly hard to come by for many American households.

But there are some counties across the country where the lining of a persons wallet might stay a bit thicker, according to a 2025 study from SmartAsset, a financial technology company.

Counties with the most disposable income for a family (two adults and one child):

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Fairfax County, Virginia

Collin County, Texas

Santa Clara County, California

Fort Bend County, Texas

Nassau County, New York

Montgomery County, Maryland

Denton County, Texas

Montgomery County, Texas

Bergen County, New Jersey

Utah County, Utah

What is the rule of 55 and should you use it?

If youre single, here are the 10 counties that yield the most disposable income:

Fairfax County, Virginia

Santa Clara County, California

Nassau County, New York

San Francisco County, California

San Mateo County, California

Collin County, Texas

Bergen County, New Jersey

Alameda County, California

Montgomery County, Maryland

Suffolk County, New York

Fairfax County, Virgina, has most disposable income

Fairfax County, Virgina, recorded the lowest relative cost of living compared to the median household income ($144,632), earning it the top spot for residents with children or without.

A family in the county would have $29,941 of disposable income, while a single person, on average, would have $83,875.

The second and third-ranked counties boast similar numbers. Collin County, Texas, records $20,801 for a family, and $62,193 for a single adult, while Santa Clara County, California, rings in at $20,377 and $81,883 respectively.

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How to save for retirement without a 401(k)

Bronx County, New York, has lowest disposable income

The cost of living in Bronx County, New York, outweighs the median household income ($45,864). Data shows negative amounts of disposable income left for both solo households (-$8,133) and a family of three (-$58,718).

In total, five New York counties ranked as having the least disposable income across household types.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Ten years after a Henderson County murder, Kentucky State Police say new technology can help solve the case. In 2015, 20-year-old Blake Crews was found dead while house-sitting on Fairmont Avenue. Troopers say the family deserves to know who killed their son.

Kentucky State Police say the technology they hope will lead them to the killer was developed within the last year.

There are some key pieces of evidence that were collected that night and that next day that are sitting at the lab and getting ready to go through some pretty rigorous testing, says Trooper Corey King of KSP.

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Search resumes for missing kayaker on Ohio River

On January 17, 2015, troopers received a call about a burglary in Henderson.

The front door of this home, which is in the 500 block of Fairmont Avenue, that the door had been kicked open, says King.

Inside, Crews was found dead.

The autopsy revealed that Blake died, unfortunately, with gunshot wounds to the head, says King.

Law enforcement says head wounds happen more commonly in crimes where there are personal ties.

The home was connected to drug trafficking, although law enforcement say theyre unsure if Crews was aware.

Perhaps that house is where the drugs would be held and maybe some of the currency as well that comes along with it, says King.

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Reports from 2015 state the homeowner called 911 after Crews called about an attempted break-in. A phone owned by the house owner was used to make 57 calls in nearly twenty minutes.

Were told at least 10 people discovered Crews body before KSP arrived.

They were arrested not directly related to Blakes death, but rather for not calling law enforcement or rendering aid, says King.

Police say there are numerous working theories, but no closure for the family.

Henderson County Crime Stoppers put out a significant reward for those who are charged in and arrested for this crimearound $15,000. Then, Blake Crews family upped the ante with an additional $10,000, says King.

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KSP says the $25,000 reward still stands.

Closure is having answers of what happened to their child, and thats what we are set out to do, says King.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  After a naturalization ceremony in Albuquerque on Friday, New Mexico now has more than a hundred new U.S. citizens. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed 123 new citizens at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Friday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer M. Rozzoni delivered opening remarks and administered the oath of allegiance.

Bernalillo County commissioners approve changes to casitas zoning

While today is your final step in your journey to citizenship, it is just the very first step in your journey as an American citizenYou have lived and served in this country for many years before today. Each of you are valuable members of your communities, said Judge Rozzoni.

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The new citizens come from 36 different countries, including Cuba, France, New Zealand, Mexico, and Ukraine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City.

168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Peggy Louise Holland. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Peggy Louise Holland, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City.

168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Linda Coleen Housley. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Linda Coleen Housley, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Kentucky State Police Department (KSP) is investigating after troopers found a father and son dead in Harlan County on Saturday afternoon.

According to KSP, troopers were dispatched around 1 p.m. on Saturday in response to reports of a shooting on Hemlock Street in the Benham community of Harlan County.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

On Sunday, the Harlan County Coroners Office posted on Facebook that Charles Adam Allison, 37, was declared dead from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound and said his father, Charles Timothy Allison, 63, was pronounced dead outside his residence from multiple gunshot wounds.

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KSP, the Haran County Coroners Office, and emergency personnel are continuing an investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
THONOTOSASSA, Fla. (WFLA)  Detectives have arrested a two-time convicted felon in connection with a shooting at a Thonotosassa gas station that left one man dead.

The suspect, 38-year-old Dean Henderson, was taken into custody on Thursday, Jan. 16  nearly 24 hours after the shooting was reported.

Fugitive in gruesome home invasion case arrested in Florida

Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office responded to the Circle K on County Road around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

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There, officials said they found the victim, 37-year-old Paul Strickland, with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriffs office said detectives believe Henderson may have been the shooter. An arrest warrant was obtained the next day.

However, as of Friday, Henderson had not been charged with murder. The charges against him include felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence.

The investigation was ongoing Friday. No further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi will host its biggest fundraiser of the year. The Bacchus Ball will raise money to help support Mississippians with diabetes.

The Country Club of Jackson will soon be transformed into a Mardi Gras theme for the event on Saturday, February 1.

There will be a second line. There will be lots of specialty cocktails, king cakes, beignets. So, we bring a little bit of New Orleans and Mississippi Coast to Jackson for this weekend, said Heather Ward, chair of the Bacchus Ball.

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Event planners would like to pack the Country Club of Jackson with nearly 400 guests to come out and have a good time in order to raise money for a good cause. The money will stay right here in Mississippi to help those living with diabetes.

Want her to be a normal kid: Vicksburg girl in need of kidney donor

Its a great event in Jackson. Its a great way to meet people and network, especially if youre in the professional community or if you want to get plugged in. If youve been living in Jackson for 10 years or one year, come and join and hang out and support a really great cause, said Faith Ruchti, Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Mississippi ranks second in the nation when it comes to diabetes, and the foundation is fighting to help reduce those numbers.

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Its a silent killer. Its really unfortunate the complications that come from that, so you may be living with type 2 diabetes and not know it. Thats a really scary thought, so we want people to know the warning signs and the risks. So, thats why we do what we do, so we can get out in the field, said Ruchti.

If you would like to attend the ball, you can purchase tickets online at msdiabetes.org or at the door of the event on February 1.

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Maria Zaitseva, a 24-year-old Belarusian volunteer soldier fighting for Ukraine, was killed in action near the town of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast on Jan. 17, Nasha Niva reported.

Zaitseva joined the Ukrainian army after the start of Russia's full-scale war and fought with the 2nd International Legion Battalion.

She turned 24 on Jan. 16, a day before she was killed by Russian forces.

In August 2020, Zaitseva participated in the protests in Minsk against alleged presidential election fraud in Belarus. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won elections by a landslide with 80% of the vote, provoking nationwide protests and a subsequent regime crackdown on dissent.

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During protests, fragments of a flash grenade severely injured Zaitseva's arm and head. Her photo from the protests with her face covered in blood went viral.

"Gravely injured during the 2020 Belarus protests, she gave her life for freedom," said Belarusian opposition leader Svitlana Tsikhanouskaya, describing Zaitseva as "an icon of our revolution."

This is utterly heartbreaking. Maria Zaitseva, an icon of our revolution, was killed at just 24 years old while defending . Gravely injured during the 2020 Belarus protests, she gave her life for freedom. My deepest condolences to her family & friends at this unimaginable loss. pic.twitter.com/i7G7wAITrQ  Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) January 17, 2025

After being injured, Zaitseva was treated in the Czech Republic, where she underwent several surgeries. She said that the injury caused a hematoma in her brain. She also lost hearing in one ear.

Hundreds of Belarusians have joined the Ukrainian army since 2014, and over 60 of them have been killed in action, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. In Belarus, volunteer fighters risk imprisonment, and the Lukashenko regime harasses their families.

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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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Des Moines Police Department is investigating reports of three armed robberies happening in the span of thirty minutes.

According to a DMPD post on X, the Des Moines Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery around 12:08 p.m. at a business located at 1330 East University.

Police report the scene is secure and there is no ongoing danger to the neighborhood. An increased police presence is expected in this area as the investigation progresses.

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According to a DMPD post on X, at approximately 12:33 p.m., DMPD officers responded to reports of an armed robbery at a business located at 3030 University Avenue.

Authorities secured the scene and say there is no indication of ongoing danger to the neighborhood. An increased police presence is expected in this area as the investigation progresses.

According to a DMPD post on X, DMPD officers responded to a third armed robbery around 12:40 p.m. at a business located at 3501 Ingersoll.

Authorities secured the scene. An increase police presence is expected at this area as the investigation continues.

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The three businesses involved in the armed robberies are all Walgreens locations.

Police say the three robberies all occurred within 30 minutes of each other. According to police, the preliminary investigation indicates the three incidents may be connected.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  Three drivers crashed into three separate buildings in the west Denver metro area between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

West Metro Fire Rescue said its crews responded to the three crashes within 14 hours.

Winter driving conditions, busy traffic delays expected for MLK Jr. Day weekend

No injuries were reported in any of the crashes, however, multiple vehicles and buildings were damaged.

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The first happened just before 7 p.m. Thursday near Pierce Street and 1st Avenue in Lakewood. The driver of a pickup truck had a dog in the vehicle when they hit another vehicle and then crashed into a house.

The crash took out a portion of the wall and WMFR said a technical rescue team responded to support the structure.

A driver crashed a pickup truck into a house near Pierce Street and 1st Avenue in Lakewood on Jan. 16, 2025. (West Metro Fire Rescue) A driver crashed a pickup truck into a house near Pierce Street and 1st Avenue in Lakewood on Jan. 16, 2025. (West Metro Fire Rescue) A driver crashed a pickup truck into a house near Pierce Street and 1st Avenue in Lakewood on Jan. 16, 2025. (West Metro Fire Rescue) A driver crashed a pickup truck into a house near Pierce Street and 1st Avenue in Lakewood on Jan. 16, 2025. (West Metro Fire Rescue)

The second crash happened Friday around 8:30 a.m. near 37th Avenue and Parfet Street. A driver crashed into an apartment building while someone was inside. The Wheat Ridge Police Department said drugs or alcohol are not expected to be factors in the crash.

Things to do inside in Denver amid arctic blast over MLK Jr. Day weekend

A driver crashed into an apartment building near 37th Avenue and Parfet Street on Jan. 17, 2025. A driver crashed into an apartment building near 37th Avenue and Parfet Street on Jan. 17, 2025. A driver crashed into an apartment building near 37th Avenue and Parfet Street on Jan. 17, 2025.

Just over a half hour later, West Metro Fire Rescue said another vehicle crashed into a building, this time a business in Ken Caryl. Two vehicles collided in the intersection of Wadsworth Boulevard and Coal Mine Avenue, and one vehicle was pushed into a bank building.

A vehicle crashed into a business in Ken Caryl on Jan. 17, 2025 after the driver had collided with another vehicle. A vehicle crashed into a business in Ken Caryl on Jan. 17, 2025 after the driver had collided with another vehicle.

Road conditions are expected to be icy as an arctic blast brings snow and freezing temperatures through the weekend. Be sure to check the forecast before driving this weekend and prepare for winter driving conditions and traffic delays.

Denver, Colorado weather resources

Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information:

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The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Editor's Note: The number of casualties was changed after local authorities published an update, saying there were three killed people, not four.

Russia launched an attack on Kyiv early in the morning on Jan. 18, killing three people and injuring three others, Kyiv city military administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported.

A 41-year-old woman and two men aged 25 and 43 are among the killed.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, windows were shattered, and smoke filled the entrance of a residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district. Several cars caught fire following the attack.

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A water supply pipeline was also damaged in the area. Repair crews have been dispatched to the site, according to Klitschko.

The glass entrance to the Lukyanivska metro station was also damaged, Klitschko said, adding that the station is currently closed for entry and exit, with trains bypassing it without stopping.

Debris were detected in the city's Desnianskyi district, Tkachenko reported.

Read also: Its not enough  Ukrainians react to Bidens farewell speech

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NEW YORK (AP)  Three high-ranking members of the MS-13 street gang have pleaded guilty to their roles in nine killings involving machetes and guns in the New York City suburbs, federal prosecutors said.

Kevin Torres pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Central Islip to racketeering charges for his role in the killings, which took place during a violent period for the transnational gang in New York from 2016 to 2017.

The 29-year-old Freeport resident was the New York regional leader of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside, a Long Island-based clique of MS-13, according to the U.S. Attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York.

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David Sosa-Guevara, 33, and Victor Lopez-Morales, 36, both of Roosevelt, entered guilty pleas Thursday in Central Islip court. Prosecutors say Sosa-Guevara was the New York leader of the Hollywood Locos Salvatruchas, another MS-13 clique that operated on Long Island, and Lopez-Morales had been a high-ranking member.

Prosecutors say many of their victims were suspected members of rival gangs who were hacked to death with machetes and other weapons in secluded parks and wooded areas. Many of the bodies were dumped in shallow graves and werent discovered until months and years later.

Among them was the 2016 murders on Long Island of Samuel Martinez-Sandoval, Oscar Acosta, Kerin Pineda, Josue Amaya-Leonor, Marcus Bohannon, Javier Castillo and Carlos Ventura-Zelaya. The 2017 murders included the deaths of Angel Soler, also on Long Island, and David Rivera in Maryland.

Prosecutors say the three admitted to committing the killings to boost their status in the gang and to further its mission. MS-13 is also known as Mara Salvatrucha and is believed to have been founded as a neighborhood street gang in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s by people fleeing civil war in El Salvador.

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These defendants carried out vicious and senseless violence to instill fear and assert their dominance, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a statement with other regional law enforcement officials announcing the pleas Friday. "Todays guilty pleas bring us one step closer to ridding this dangerous gang activity from Nassau County communities."

Lawyers for Sosa-Guevara declined to comment Saturday; attorneys for the other two men didnt immediately respond to emails.

They each face a minimum of 40 years in prison under the terms of their plea agreements, with Sosa-Guevara and Torres facing up to 65 years in prison and Lopez-Morales facing a maximum of 60 years, according to prosecutors.

Earlier this week, Jairo Saenz, a high-ranking member of another MS-13 clique, pleaded guilty to his role in seven murders, including the killings of Acosta and Castillo, as well as the deaths of two high school girls that focused the nations attention on the violent gang.
A 3-year-old boy was found dead in the snow in Maine last weekend, shortly after he was reported missing.

The Maine State Police is investigating the death of the toddler after he was found dead on Exeter Road in the town of Corinna on Sunday, Jan. 12, a police spokesperson told PEOPLE.

A family member  who identified the child as her nephew  called 911 around 8:30 a.m. local time that day to report the boy missing, before his father found him "outside in the snow" a distance from the family's home, police said.

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EMS arrived at the scene, but the child  whose identity has not been shared  ultimately died of his injuries, which appeared to be "consistent with exposure to the elements," per the Maine State Police.

The boy's death is still being investigated by the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North. A cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta following an autopsy.

The Penobscot County Sheriffs Office and the Department of Health and Human Services assisted with the investigation, the state police said.

Douglas Sacha/Getty Stock image of police sirens Stock image of police sirens

Related: 18-Year-Old Boy Found Dead Beside 'Partially Submerged' Car at Sewage Plant, 2 People Arrested: Police

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Authorities said they believe the toddler's death was an isolated incident. A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services told NBC affiliate WCSH that "the loss of a child is devastating and tragic," before they expressed their condolences to "the family and those impacted."

Following the child's death, CBS affiliate WABI cited a social media post, reportedly from the child's mother, stating that she woke up on Jan. 12 to find her child was missing.

According to the outlet, the woman wrote that the home's door was previously kicked open by another family member and had been kept closed with a bolt.

She reportedly also wrote that the child's father has since been hospitalized because this loss in our home has destroyed him to [the] point he wants to take his own life," WABI reported.

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A spokesperson for the Maine State Police told PEOPLE on Jan. 18 that it would not comment on the social media post, citing the "active and ongoing investigation."

Getty Police tape (stock image). Police tape (stock image).

According to WABI and local outlet WMTW, a GoFundMe campaign has since been set up for the family, asking for assistance covering "expenses" for the child's "memorial, cremation and any uncovered medical bills."

The fundraising page described the child as "a strong loving caring funny happy little boy." It also called the loss "sudden and unexpected" for the family, which includes the young child's two sisters.

Read the original article on People
3 people were miraculously unharmed after the front side of their car was totaled from being hit by a Haverhill Line train on Friday afternoon.

The accident occurred at roughly 5:30 P.M. when a car was struck by the train.

#BREAKING: A cars frontside is totaled after getting hit by the commuter rail in North Andover, police say.



The Haverhill line train is halted on Sutton Street and will delayed until further notice.



Commuters are being told to get off the train at this time. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/C9LlVzXU3g  Daniel Coates (@danielcoates_25) January 17, 2025

The Haverhill Line Train has been delayed until further notice, with commuters being told to get off the train and, if possible, find other means of getting to their desired location.

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I heard the brakes stop -- they came to a screeching halt, said Sam Mather, a passenger on the inbound train. They made sure everyone was ok and we were all safe. That was their main priority.

Crews on scene told Boston 25 that there were three people inside the car at the time of the collision. None are suffering from injuries, they said.

Curious neighbors living near the tracks also watched on.

Ive seen a lot of stuff go wrong here, said Gaetano Padpalardo, a longtime North Andover resident. Everyones in a hurry to go nowhere You cant stop a train.

North Andover Fire Department has also announced people should avoid the railroad crossing on Sutton Street as crews continue to work.

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We will update you further when more information becomes available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Recently fires in Southern California have brought hundreds of crackpots onto social media trying to leverage tragedy.

Perhaps now is a good time to go back to basics.

Firefighters often talk about the fire triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen. Interrupt any of the sides of the triangle and they have a chance to win the battle.

In recent years an addition to the center of the triangle is a chemical chain reaction like a failed lithium ion battery  a concern at battery storage facilities like the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, which erupted in flames Thursday night and prompted evacuation orders for nearby residents.

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Unfortunately the hillsides of California have all three legs of the triangle in abundance.

As time goes by, areas that burned grow back and burn again, but given California real estate pushes further into wildlands every year, it makes the fight more complex.

Technology, like air tankers, bulldozers and fire engines with pumps have given firefighters powerful tools, but if one of the legs of the triangle grow too long, even firefighters cant stop the flame front.

For example when winds exceed the freeway speed limit, they loft embers far ahead of the fire front.

If an area hasnt burned in a few decades the chaparral can build up decadent fuels to explosive levels.

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And hot weather with low humidity is the bane of any firefight.

In San Luis Obispo County, one name gets repeated often when talking about tricky local fires: Las Pilitas. That could of course be because there have been a handful of major local fires under that name.

Robert Lewin, a former Cal Fire SLO fire chief, and current principal at Resolute Associates said in an email to The Tribune that there have been three fires with the Las Pilitas name.

The 1921 Las Pilitas fire charred 100,000 acres.

Smoke and high winds faced firefighters in the Flora Street neighborhood of San Luis Obispo during the height of the fire July 8, 1985. Las Pilitas Fire began July 1, 1985. The nine-day fire consumed 75,000 acres of brush, 10 homes, cost $6.3 million and jumped fire lines twice.

The 1985 Las Pilitas Fire burned 75,000 acres and destroyed 10 homes. It started on Las Pilitas Road near Santa Margarita and burned into coastal mountains behind Arroyo Grande and up to San Luis Obispo.

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However the most tragic of the three was the 1950 Las Pilitas fire.

That fire burned 27,800 acres and was halted when a freak July 10 rain of 0.48 inches quenched the last flames.

But before that happened, four men fighting the fire had been killed in one of the most deadly days for county fire services. The Spanish Ranch Fire of 1979 near Highway 166 also claimed the lives of four firefighters.

Early on July 5, 1950, the fire raged across a 7-mile front in terrain so steep bulldozers werent able to reach it.

The county was experiencing the sixth consecutive below-normal rain season with a 2.5-inch deficit recorded at Cal Poly.

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But the lead headline was the tragedy reported by Telegram-Tribune on Thursday, July 6, 1950:

Front page of the Telegram-Tribune from July 6, 1950 carries news of the Korean War and the lead headline was the four firfighter deaths at Las Pilitas fire.

4 men burn to death in raging forest fire: 3 soldiers, 1 civilian trapped

Four firefighters were burned to death late yesterday afternoon when they were trapped in a pocket as two columns of flame converged in the Las Pilitas fire, about 20 miles northeast of San Luis Obispo.

The charred bodies were brought to the Palmer-Waters mortuary in San Luis Obispo last night, where only one man has been identified. He was Gerald OReilly, Tuolumne, a state division of forestry worker.

Badly Burned

The other three men have been identified by their combat boots as soldiers from Fort Ord, and they were members of the 4th infantry division stationed there. Their bodies were burned beyond recognition.

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Positive identification is being determined by army authorities.

They were sent to the fire with 200 other soldiers, and who are now scattered over a wide area along the fire lines, hampering an immediate accounting of all the men to learn identity of those who died.

(A later story identified two of the men as Pvt. John P. Smith of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, and Pfc. Laurence R. Morris of Toledo, Ohio, and the third remained unidentified. His name is listed in a Facebook post as Pfc. Turley McFarland.)

Front page of the Telegram-Tribune from July 7, 1950 carries news of the Korean War and aerial pictures of the Las Pilitas fire which killed four firefighters. The photos were by commercial photographer McLain.

Explosive Force

It was explained that the four men were part of a group of 20 men engaged in an area between the main fire and a separate fire when the two came together with explosive force.

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The other men escaped to safety.

They were trapped near the old state relief camp, off the Calf canyon road, the local state forestry office reported.

Maj. Gen. Robert T. Fredrick, commanding general of the 4th division, rushed here last night from Fort Ord to personally investigate the deaths.
President-elect Donald Trumps efforts to suppress or rewrite the history of his raucous first term in office  and especially what happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021  have gone unabated for years. As he prepares to take office again, a great memory-holing could soon begin.

Trump has made revisionism a cornerstone of his political career  a feature, not a bug. He regularly distorts facts and often denies any culpability of wrongdoing even if, for example, crimes he was alleged to have committed were proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court and he was convicted by a judge and jury.

Trump has vowed to sign a slew of executive orders once back in the White House. And from Day One, he will be buoyed by Republican majorities in Congress, albeit slim ones. The Republican Party has, over the last four years, become increasingly pliant to Trumps every wish or whim, even if that means playing down certain facts about the mob bearing Trump flags and banners that broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

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Unchained from nearly a half dozen indictments and imbued with great though vague powers of immunity by a majority-conservative Supreme Court justices, several of whom he hand-selected, one of the only things to stop a great rewriting of the nations recent history will be the efforts of the public to hold fast to facts instead of fiction.

Heres what Trump might try to distance himself from, once hes back in office:

1: The Spark Of Stand Back, Stand By

As Trump promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters who stormed the Capitol on his behalf, prosecutors, FBI agents and even Proud Boys whove testified in court have pointed to one comment from Trump in the lead-up to the 2020 election that helped spark the violence to come.

At a debate against Joe Biden in 2020, he refused to disavow extremist groups like the Proud Boys, saying instead that they should stand back and stand by.

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The Proud Boys had long considered themselves a drinking club with a political problem, according to defense lawyers, but Trumps remark shifted the atmosphere.

It became an instant rallying cry and powerful recruitment tool for the Proud Boys, according to extensive witness testimony, texts and chats presented at the Proud Boys seditious conspiracy trial in 2023. Proud Boys leaders were inundated with messages from people who sought to join the group to support Trump and crush their perceived enemies. Prior to Trumps comment, the group had for years mostly been disorganized but had been eager to grow their ranks or find a purpose.

That moment spawned significant outreach among Proud Boys chapters around the country. And it gave rise to multiple secret or encrypted text channels, where leaders of the extremist group would later coordinate their attack on the Capitol.

On the witness stand at the seditious conspiracy trial of onetime Proud Boys leader Henry Enrique Tarrio and Proud Boys leaders Joe Biggs, Zachary Rehl and Ethan Nordean, one FBI special agent testified under oath that communications among group members after the debate were jubilant because they believed Trump was telling them that he needed them.

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After Trump lost to Biden, texts the FBI obtained from Proud Boys devices showed Tarrio discussing the election results, writing that it would be dark times if the results werent reversed  and if its reversed, civil war. Members responded by saying civil war was necessary no matter what. There was no toning down of that rhetoric from Tarrio nor any other leader associated with the group.

With their newfound confidence, throughout November and December 2020, Proud Boys attended rallies in D.C. for Trump aimed at stopping the steal and ended up clashing in the street with counterprotesters.

Former Proud Boys leader Jeremy Bertino, who pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy, was stabbed by a counterprotester after one of those rallies, and it became a seminal moment. He testified at Tarrios trial that the Proud Boys were upset because they believed police werent doing enough to protect them from anti-Trump demonstrators or individuals they deemed members of antifa. Bertinos stabbing spurred the groups animosity toward police, and that resentment grew until it was allowed to explode on Jan. 6.

When Trump announced on Dec. 19, 2020, that there would be a wild rally in D.C. on Jan. 6, they went into overdrive.

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The Justice Department told jurors at the Proud Boys trial that leaders of the group knew they lacked discipline, generally speaking, but were open to using whatever means necessary to achieve their ends. On Jan. 6, Capitol Police reported seeing as many as 200 Proud Boys in the crowd. While that was a lot, it wasnt enough to forcibly stop the transfer of power  and leaders of the group knew that going in, according to federal prosecutors.

They would have to rely on something that became known as the tools theory, prosecutors revealed: By agreeing to whip up the normies, or everyday people, who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, they would have the sheer force they needed to stop the certification in its tracks.

2. A Close Connection Between The Trump White House And An Extremist Group

Testimony provided to the congressional committee investigating Jan. 6, as well as records, witness testimony and evidence from the Oath Keepers seditious conspiracy trial in 2022 showed that there were few degrees of separation between Trump and associates or members of the extremist groups that stormed the Capitol.

Kellye SoRelle, former general counsel to the far-right anti-government Oath Keepers network and former girlfriend of Oath Keepers leader Elmer Stewart Rhodes, is one such example.

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SoRelle, who was sentenced to a year in prison on Friday, was a vocal proponent of stolen election claims. She told NBC in July 2022 that as a volunteer for Lawyers for Trump during the 2020 election, she had established contact with people inside the Trump administration, as well as with associates of allies like Rudy Giuliani, Trumps onetime lawyer and an alleged architect of the fake elector scheme to overturn the election results. She also said she had contact with Trump attorney Sidney Powell, another alleged fake elector conspirator. (Giuliani has denied contact or association with members of the Oath Keepers or Proud Boys and any wrongdoing in the fake electors scheme. Powell pleaded guilty to conspiring to interfere in the 2020 election last October.)

SoRelle told NBC in 2022 she did not communicate directly with Trump, though that didnt deter Rhodes from asking her to put him in touch with the 45th president. SoRelle denied connecting Rhodes to Trump directly, but she said she contacted Andrew Giuliani, Rudy Giulianis son, in November 2020, when Andrew was then a White House special assistant. Records unearthed after the FBI seized SoRelles phone confirmed this and showed that there was another attempt by SoRelle to contact someone with a White House phone number via text on Dec. 20, 2020. The text was ultimately undeliverable and was rerouted to the White House switchboard.

Rhodes made SoRelle his point person in the days ahead of Jan. 6, and she co-signed two open letters that Rhodes addressed to Trump before the attack on the Capitol. One of the letters went public just days before Trump mentioned the upcoming wild rally; the other was issued just days after. Both called on Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act. For Rhodes, that meant he could rally to Trumps side throngs of armed Oath Keepers and any others who wanted to keep him in power or block Congress from its duties that day. The second open letter, dated Dec. 23, 2020, stated that many of us will have our mission-critical gear stowed nearby just outside D.C., and we will answer the call right then and there, if you call on us.

In fact, starting Jan. 4, 2021, a quick reaction force with guns and gear was set up at a Virginia hotel just over the Potomac River. There were so many firearms transported there by Oath Keepers that it stunned one Florida Oath Keeper, Terry Cumming. Cumming testified at the Oath Keepers sedition trial that he had not seen so many weapons in one place since he was in the military.

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SoRelle was arrested and indicted on four counts tied to Jan. 6: conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, obstruction of justice by tampering with records and a single misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted area. A federal judge deemed her mentally incompetent to stand trial in 2023 but did not disclose her ailment. She was restored to competency in February and in August, she struck a plea deal, admitting she was guilty of telling Oath Keepers to delete incriminating text messages.

From December 2020 to January 2021, SoRelle was regularly privy to discussions about possible bids to stop the election certification, prosecutors said. She was also present for a meeting in an underground garage in D.C. between Tarrio and Rhodes on the eve of the insurrection.

What was ultimately discussed at that meeting is unknown. A documentary filmmaker who had been recording the Proud Boys for weeks, at Tarrios invitation, was told to leave once the extremist leaders started chatting.

SoRelle also attended another meeting with Rhodes on Jan. 10, 2021. They met with Jason Alpers, co-founder of Allied Security Operations Group, a group responsible for spreading key false 2020 election claims through its Antrim Michigan Forensics report. (Antrim County prosecutor James Rossiter told The Washington Post in 2022 that Giuliani asked for the countys voting machines so he could give them to Trump.)

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Alpers testified under oath that during the Jan. 10, 2021, meeting, SoRelle was heavily intoxicated and Rhodes was beside himself: Jan. 6 hadnt worked out as hoped, so Rhodes wanted Alpers to pass Trump a message urging him to invoke the Insurrection Act before Biden was inaugurated.

Texts the FBI extracted from SoRelles cell phone showed that 48 hours before this meeting with Alpers, Rhodes sent a message to an Oath Keepers leadership chat: My cell is down. will be back up soon. Cant be avoided for now. stand firm. dont go off half-cocked. Theres still a chance Trump will act as commander-in-chief. Im working with others to make that a reality.

3. The January 6 Committee Was Properly Formed, According to a Trump-Appointed Judge

Immediately after Jan. 6, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle flatly condemned Trumps conduct. As days turned to weeks, that attitude shifted among the GOP: The same lawmakers who had once come out against Trump for inspiring violence or had condemned his response to the attack opted to acquit him of inciting an insurrection when faced with an impeachment vote.

In May 2021, the House of Representatives passed legislation to create a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The body, which would be styled after the 9/11 Commission, would be tasked with reviewing what happened on Jan. 6 and probing security and intelligence failures. Members would be obligated to produce a final report at the end of their probe.

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Despite enjoying bipartisan support in the House, Trump publicly called on House Republicans to tank the bill. Just 35 Republicans voted with House Democrats to form the commission.

Then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy rejected the commission by claiming that then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi had drawn up an unfair framework. He claimed the commissions focus would be too narrow and that its work would be repetitive of existing options already available to lawmakers to investigate. McCarthy said the commission wasnt truly bipartisan, and he was insistent that the group look into security failures more broadly, including a probe into the death of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans, who had died that spring after a driver slammed into a barricade on the Capitols north side.

In fact, the bill meant to evenly split the committee members. There would be five Democrats and five Republicans, including a Democratic chair and a Republican vice chair, that would reflect the makeup of the chamber at the time. All commission members would be imbued with subpoena powers subject to final approval by the committee chairs.

When a measure to form the commission went to the Senate for a vote, only a week after the House passed its bill, Senate Republicans filibustered it. Only six Republicans joined Democrats in voting to form a body to investigate the worst attack on the Capitol in over a century.

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Then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to support the bill in the Senate and whipped members against it, even though he had once said Trump was morally responsible for Jan. 6. (McConnell also voted to acquit Trump of inciting an insurrection.)

The Senates filibuster of a full commission left the House with no choice but to strike out on its own. Members drafted a new resolution that would require just a simple majority to form a select committee. A select committee wasnt necessarily a downgrade, but was the last remaining tool to explore the attack through the legislative branch of government. In June 2021, the House voted to approve the creation of the House Select Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The only two Republicans who aligned with Democrats on that vote were then-Reps. Liz Cheney (Wis.) and Adam Kinzinger (Ill.).

The resolution to form the select committee featured slightly different terms: There would be 13 members instead of 10. Democrats extended an olive branch to Republicans and wrote into the committee rules that at least five members would need to be appointed in consultation with the House minority leader.

McCarthy presented several nominees and Pelosi accepted some. She would not compromise, however, when McCarthy presented Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana. Both men voted to overturn Bidens victory after Jan. 6, and Democrats believed they were too close to Trump to investigate impartially.

This prompted McCarthy to take his ball and go home. Instead of finding just two more suitable candidates, he withdrew all five of his nominees and lashed out at Pelosi.

To save the committee from falling to the wayside, Pelosi picked the only two Republicans she felt were left for the job: Kinzinger and Cheney.

The Republican National Committee sued, claiming the select committee had been improperly formed because it didnt have 13 members or a ranking member. The panel only ended up having nine members.

With Cheney as vice chair, it was a rose by any other name, according to the Trump-appointed judge, U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly. Kelly ruled against the RNC, finding there was nothing illegitimate about how the committee had been formed or its final makeup.

After all, Kelly noted, the House had previously formed committees with an imbalance of Republicans to Democrats, including a panel in 2005 that investigated the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. There were zero Democrats on that committee.

Trump has railed against the committee for years and has called for its members to be jailed. His attacks on Liz Cheney for her participation as vice chair have been constant. Trump and lawmakers like Rep. Barry Loudermilk have accused her of tampering with witnesses who testified before the committee.

The final report, released by the Jan. 6 committee in December 2022, detailed what its members, like Cheney, said showed an unprecedented effort to defraud the American people with nonsense allegations that were designed to prey upon the patriotism of millions of men and women who love our country.

Most Americans also did not know exactly how Donald Trump, along with a handful of others, planned to defeat the transfer of presidential power on January 6th. This was not a simple plan, but it was a corrupt one, Cheney wrote in the foreword of the committees report.

Trump was indicted on four felony charges for Jan. 6: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. Special counsel Jack Smith, after showing evidence to a grand jury, secured an unprecedented indictment against a former president.

The evidence was alleged to show how Trump engaged in a massive scheme to stop the transfer of power after he was defeated by Biden. Trump was accused of lying about voter fraud to further that conspiracy. While endlessly insisting that he had won, he tasked a coterie of his allies to pressure state officials or advance fake elector slates. When members of the Justice Department and the nations intelligence agencies told him repeatedly that there was no evidence of fraud, he kept up the scheme, according to prosecutors.

And as his lawyers tried to advance claims of voter fraud in court, failing every time, Trumps strategy of pressure and intimidation ramped up  until it exploded with his speech at the Ellipse on Jan. 6. Then, prosecutors claimed, Trump stood by for more than an hour as the Capitol was ransacked; lawmakers, staff and journalists fled for their lives; over 140 officers were assaulted; and deaths followed.

Had Trump not won the election in November against Vice President Kamala Harris, there is no guarantee that he would have actually gone to trial, given the composition of a Supreme Court that has granted him vast immunity protections and his pattern of filing endless appeals, delays and motions to dismiss. In the end, however, and despite his attempts to rewrite the story of Jan. 6, Trumps attempt to keep Smiths charging report hidden from the annals of history failed.

Smith, who resigned after the case was dismissed in light of Trumps election, explained in his final report to Attorney General Merrick Garland why Trump was ultimately not charged with insurrection. And he argued, despite Trumps claims otherwise, his prosecution was never a matter of politics.

It was a matter of upholding the rule of law, he wrote, when the case represented one in which the offense [was] the most flagrant, the public harm the greatest, and the proof most certain.

Related...
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Saturday that five of Americas biggest financial institutions will be providing mortgage relief to residents affected by the Southern California wildfires.

Newsoms office announced that the commitments were made by Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

The institutions are offering impacted homeowners a 90-day forbearance of their mortgage payments without reporting those payments to credit reporting agencies in addition to other wildfire-related relief.

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After so much trauma, we hope this deal will provide thousands of survivors with a measure of relief, Newsom said in a release issued Saturday morning. These financial protections will enable residents to concentrate on taking care of their immediate needs rather than worrying about paying their mortgage bills.

First residents allowed back to communities ravaged by Palisades Fire

In addition to the forbearance periods, the lenders are also offering streamlined processes for requesting initial relief without submitting forms or documents, payment options that do not require immediate repayment at the end of the forbearance period.

Relief from mortgage-related late fees accruing during the forbearance period is also being offered, as is protection from new foreclosures or evictions for at least 60 days.

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Institutions will also not report late payments of forborne amounts to credit agencies.

The relief is available to qualified residents who are customers of the five institutions who live in the following L.A. County ZIP codes: 90019, 90041, 90049, 90066, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001, 91104, 91106, 91107 and 93536.

Borrowers must contact their mortgage servicer to obtain relief.

More information can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A federal appeals court Friday upheld a lower court ruling that found protections for so-called Dreamers to be unlawful, suspending the program in Texas while otherwise limiting its ruling in the event of an appeal.

The ruling upholds a lower court ruling that found Biden administration efforts to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program violated immigration law.

The ruling leaves more than half a million DACA recipients in another period of uncertainty.

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While the Biden administration would ordinarily appeal the decision, possibly launching the case before the Supreme Court, its not clear how the incoming Trump administration will proceed.

The [Immigration and Nationality Act] expressly and carefully provides legal designations allowing defined classes of aliens to be lawfully present. In the INA, Congress enacted a comprehensive federal statutory scheme for regulation of immigration and naturalization and set the terms and conditions of admission to the country, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in its decision.

Because it chose not to include DACA recipients in that comprehensive scheme, Congresss rigorous classification scheme forecloses the contrary scheme in the DACA Memorandum.

The ruling largely upholds an earlier decision from U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen.

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Hanen had found that the coalition of states led by Texas had standing and ruled in September 2023 against the Biden administrations revamp of DACA as a memorandum replacing Obamas 2012 executive order.

The Friday ruling also created another complex dynamic in the case. The suspension of DACA is only applicable in Texas, but other Dreamers are protected while the case proceeds.

And the court also found that work authorizations could be legally separated from the protection from deportations provided by DACA, remanding that issue back to the lower court.

Hanen has ruled against DACA multiple times.

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In 2015, Hanen ruled against an expansion of DACA and a partner program Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, and in 2021 he ruled that DACA itself was unlawful.

That 2021 ruling was bounced back to Hanen after the Biden administrations memorandum, which Hanen ruled illegal, maintaining an injunction that allows current DACA beneficiaries to remain in status while the courts process the issue.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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When a man at the Bettendorf YMCA collapsed from a heart attack, quick thinking allowed other people to save him.

Tim Murphy, 71, runs every other day on a treadmill, but on Jan. 4 his run ended differently: After his run on the Bettendorf YMCA treadmill, Murphy collapsed on the ground and needed immediate help. Thats when another YMCA member began to perform CPR on him and employee Josh Moten applied the AED (Automated External Defibrillator,) which gave Murphy a shock to restart his heart.

Bettendorf YMCA Membership Director Josh Moten (Photo by Gabe Zwierzynski)

Bettendorf Family YMCA Executive Director Luis Leal told Our Quad Cities News that if Moten hadnt stepped in, this would be a very different story.

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Fortunately for us Josh was here that day, Leal said. He focused on his training and he reacted appropriately.

Leal said the chances for survival in this kind of situation are slim: its only 6% of people that have a heart attack like that survive.

Leal said its not a matter of whether a situation like this arises, its a matter of when. Because of this, he tells staff to always be ready for an emergency and ensures they keep up with training.

On Friday, Murphy gave a heartfelt speech thanking everyone who was involved in saving his life and gave out gifts of appreciation. Murphy says he needed to do something to say thanks.

I was very, very fortunate that there were people around that knew what to do, Murphy said.

Heart attack survivor Tim Murphy (Gabe Zwierzynsk, OurQuadCities.com)

Murphy is now recovering and should be back to normal soon. He says doctors say miraculously there will be no lasting effects to the cardiac arrest. He plans to continue to stay active. With his new lease on life he says he will continue his hobbies of traveling, bird watching, hiking and more.

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Moten said that he was just doing his job and remained calm throughout the situation. When he heard the news that Murphy was doing well, he was overjoyed.

Seeing him and he looked very healthy, Moten said. Seeing him today, it was just a breath of fresh air

Moten says that he plans to check in with Murphy and stay in touch in the future.

Leal reminds people to take caution at the gym and if you see a situation like this, to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.

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Six people were injured on Friday when a dump truck crossed into oncoming traffic, crashed into a tractor-trailer, then slammed through a concrete wall of a Target store.

The incident occurred at around 2:15 p.m. in North Bergen, when police say a dump truck traveling west on 71st Street crossed into the southbound lanes of Tonnelle Avenue, striking a tractor-trailer before colliding with Target.

Grainy video posted to Facebook appears to show the dump truck barreling past traffic near the North Bergen Commons just moments before it slams through the wall. Footage of the accidents aftermath shows the Target with a gaping hole the size of a swimming pool and the dump truck entirely inside the store.

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Of the six reported injuries, two are considered serious, two moderate and two minor, the North Bergen Police Department said late Friday afternoon. Five of those injured individuals were being treated at a hospital.

Among those hurt were the drivers of both trucks involved in the collision, and three Target shoppers, authorities said Friday, according to NJ.com. Target reported no injuries to its employees, but evacuated and closed the store to assess the damage.

Authorities temporarily shut down traffic on Tonnelle Avenue between 70th and 76th streets as emergency personal responded to the site and investigators worked to determine what caused the crash.

No had charges had been filed as of Friday evening.
1.This is the unfinished portrait of George Washington that was used as a basis for the design of the $1 bill:

The portrait was done by Gilbert Stuart, who apparently had something better to do than finish up ol' George's portrait? Graphicaartis / Getty Images

2.This is Albert Woolson, the last surviving Civil War veteran:

Albert fought for the Union army and died in 1956 at the age of 106. Star Tribune Via Getty Images / Star Tribune via Getty Images

3.The first Super Bowl didn't sell out  you can see plenty of empty seats in pictures from that day:

There were tens of thousands of empty seats despite ticket costs no higher than $12. Focus on Sport / Getty Images

4.This is the chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in the night he was assassinated:

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5.Someone had to hand-carve all of the presidents' eyes on Mount Rushmore:

My palms are sweaty just looking at this picture. George Rinhart / Corbis via Getty Images

6.This is what the Statue of Liberty looked like while it was under construction in France:

Alamy Stock Photo

7.This photo is one of only two photos in existence of the US Supreme Court in session:

The court has never allowed cameras. In 1937, photographer Erich Salomon pretended that his arm was broken and put the camera inside a sling he wore into the court and snapped this pic. Alamy Stock Photo

8.This is William Hutchings, one of the last surviving American Revolutionary War veterans:

He was 100 in this picture. FAY 2018 / Alamy Stock Photo

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9.This is the scene inside a Chicago bar on Dec. 5, 1933, the day Prohibition was repealed:

Alamy Stock Photo

10.The man in the middle in this picture is a college-aged Richard Nixon:

He was a member of the Whittier College football team. Fox Photos / Getty Images

11.This is Ruth Malcolmson, the woman who won the 1924 Miss America pageant:

George Rinhart / Corbis via Getty Images

12.This tea chest is one of two surviving chests from the Boston Tea Party back in 1773:

Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images

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13.In 1972, astronaut Charles Duke left behind a picture of his family on the moon's surface. It's been there ever since:

The back of the photo reads, "This is the family of Astronaut Duke from Planet Earth, who landed on the Moon on the twentieth of April 1972." CBW / Alamy Stock Photo

14.This is what the Panama Canal looked like while it was under construction:

Absolutely enormous. Alamy Stock Photo

15.This is Eugene Cernan, who is, as of 2023, the last man to ever walk on the moon:

He did it way back in 1972. It's been that long, folks! Space Frontiers / Getty Images

16.You might recognize Eugene from this iconic picture of his moon walk:

Donaldson Collection / Getty Images

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17.This is what's on the BACK of the Declaration of Independence:

Unfortunately, there's no treasure map, just a lot of nothing. Nicolas Cage... how could you lie to us? catalog.archives.gov

18.This is the Willamette meteorite, the largest meteorite that's ever been found in the United States:

It is the sixth largest in the world and weighs 15.5 tons. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

19.This is the earliest known picture of Abraham Lincoln, taken in 1846:

Science History Images / Alamy Stock Photo

20.And this is what Abraham Lincoln looked like 19 years later, in 1865:

The man had a stressful life, folks. Historical / Corbis via Getty Images

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21.This is one of the last pictures taken of President Harry S. Truman, shortly before his death in 1972:

Harry S. Truman Library

22.The picture, from 1930, shows what the Empire State Building looked like while it was under construction:

Bettmann

23.Before it became that iconic sign all us sign-heads know and love, the Hollywood sign read "Hollywoodland":

/ Alamy Stock Photo

24.This is what Times Square looked like in 1921:

We need more razor blades keen to shave me. Edwin Levick / Getty Images

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25.This is Selma Burke, the woman who designed the portrait of Franklin Roosevelt that's still on the dime to this day:

Science History Images / Alamy Stock Photo

26.This is a picture of the opening of the very first New York City subway back in 1904:

Photoquest / Getty Images

27.In 1969, Niagara Falls was "drained" in order to remove a large number of boulders that had accumulated at the foot of the falls:

Apparently, two bodies were found at the bottom of the drained waterfall. colaimages / Alamy Stock Photo

28.This is the dish rag that Robert E. Lee used to surrender the Confederate army to the Union during the Civil War:

It's been called "the final flag of the confederacy." Facebook: CTYJohnsHopkins

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29.This is what the face of the Statue of Liberty looked like before it was installed onto the monument:

NPS Photo / Alamy Stock Photo

30.This is the USS Langley, the first United States aircraft carrier:

The Langley was sunk in World War II after Japanese bombardment. Everett Collection Historical / Alamy Stock Photo

31.This is a billboard that was posted outside of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a town established as a manufacturing site as part of the Manhattan Project:

Galerie Bilderwelt / Getty Images

32.This is Jackie Robinson entering the Dodgers clubhouse for the first time, five days before his first game in the MLB on April 10th, 1947:

New York Daily News Archive / NY Daily News via Getty Images

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33.This is Henry Ford cruising around in the first car he designed, the Quadricycle:

Looks like this baby can go zero to six in no time at all. Apic / Getty Images

34.This is the last picture ever taken of President Ulysses S. Grant, snapped days before his death at his home:

Afro Newspaper / Getty Images

35.This is what Harriet Tubman looked like in old age:

Photo 12 / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

36.Andrew Jackson was one of the first United States presidents to be photographed. Here he is in 1844:

Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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37.Before CGI, this is how MGM filmed its iconic movie intro:

John Kobal Foundation / Getty Images

38.This bad boy is Zach T. Wilcox, owner of the world's longest beard, in 1922:

Whoa, Zach! Save some beard for the rest of us. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

39.This is how big Plymouth Rock is in real life:

40.This is the first ever ticket sold for Disneyland:

It's from 1955, when the park opened. $1 for a trip to Walt's domicile! How about that. Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images

41.This is the top hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing the night he was assassinated:

42.One of the more creative ways bootleggers would hide alcohol during Prohibition was inside trucks lined with wood, complete with a tiny trapdoor:

Archive Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

43.On Feb. 7, 1984, Bruce McCandless II performed the first-ever untethered space walk, and folks, it looks absolutely terrifying:

He used a jet-propelled backpack to maneuver around. It was apparently very, very cold. Nasa / Getty Images

44.These are the contestants in the 1930 Miss Lovely Eyes beauty pageant, a contest where woman had to wear an absolutely terrifying mask so that only her eyes were visible:

Yet another thing we should just leave in the past. Fpg / Getty Images

45.This is what a dollar bill looked like in 1917:

46.The presidents on Mount Rushmore were originally planned to look like this:

Big, giant hands. Vintage Images / Getty Images

47.This is John Smith, a Chippewa man who was reported to be 137 years old at the time of his death:

There's controversy about whether that's actually true, of course, but I choose to believe in my man John. Alamy Stock Photo

48.In 1962, three men escaped Alcatraz Island prison after fooling guards with papier-mache decoy heads that looked like this:

San Francisco Chronicle / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

49.This is how big the engines on the Saturn V rocket that sent astronauts to the Moon were compared to engineer Wernher von Braun:

50.This picture straight out of Harold Potter is of the former Cincinnati Public Library, built in 1874 and demolished in 1955:

Cincinnati Museum Center / Getty Images

51.This is a picture from Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration in 1865. Can you spot him?

Sepia Times / Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

52.Speaking of Lincoln, this man, Valentine Tapley, vowed in 1860 to never cut his beard again if Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Here's him in 1896:

He won fifth place at a world's longest beard competition that year. Print Collector / Getty Images

53.This is what the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC looked like in 1907:

Library of Congress

54.And this is what it looked like 100 years later:

Leonardfarrell / Getty Images/iStockphoto

55.This monument to the doomed Donner Party shows just how deep the snow the unfortunate travelers had to deal with was:

56.This is what the Golden Gate Bridge looked like while it was under construction:

Underwood Archives / Getty Images

57.You are, of course, familiar with Grant Wood's painting "American Gothic"...

Graphicaartis / Getty Images

58....well, this is what it looks like from inside the actual house in the painting:

The window is down. Took me a second, too. u/mccofport / Via reddit.com

59.This is the safety net that was installed under the Golden Gate Bridge during its construction in the 1930s. The net saved 19 people through the duration of the work:

The 19 men who were saved by the net became known as the "Halfway to Hell Club." Underwood Archives / Getty Images

60.This is what the inside of the White House looked like when it was being reconstructed in the late 1940s:

Abbie Rowe / National Park Service

61.This is the oldest picture of the White House ever taken:

It was taken in 1846. IanDagnall Computing / Alamy Stock Photo

62.John Quincy Adams was the first US president ever photographed. Here he is in 1840, more than a decade after his presidency:

Henry Guttmann Collection / Getty Images

63.The person driving the car here is Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in the United States:

She made her fortune selling cosmetics designed for Black women. Smith Collection / Getty Images

64.This is the first picture of Earth from the moon, taken in 1966 by Lunar Orbiter 1:

Encyclopaedia Britannica / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

65.This is the foldout bed George Washington slept on during the Revolutionary War:

You'll notice it folds into a trunk. Only the finest for old George. Twitter: @DonRadebaugh

66.Speaking of George, this is what a pair of Washington's dentures looked like:

They contained cow, human, and horse teeth. / Alamy Stock Photo

67.This is the world's first skyscraper, the 10-story Home Insurance Building, which was located in Chicago:

The absolutely gargantuan skyscraper was built in 1885 and torn down in 1931. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

68.This is the note former president George H.W. Bush left for incoming president Bill Clinton in the White House after Clinton defeated him in the 1992 presidential election:

It reads: "Dear Bill, When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too. I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described. There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course. You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you. Good luck  George" VTR / Alamy Stock Photo

69.This is Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls while inside a barrel:

She was 62 years old at the time. People going over waterfalls in a barrel fell off real hard. We should bring it back. Pictorial Press Ltd. / Alamy Stock Photo

70.And finally, this is the statement President Jimmy Carter wrote and put aboard the Voyager 1 spacecraft, intended for any aliens the probe might encounter:
House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, shakes hands with military veteran Ernest Martin at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Patriot's Village veterans' nursing home. (Shaun Chornobroff/SC Daily Gazette)

SUMTER  The sixth veterans nursing home in this military-friendly state officially opened Friday less than 10 miles from Shaw Air Force Base.

The $71.5 million, 125,000 square-foot facility offers veterans low-cost care complete with a barbershop and salon, community game rooms and large public and private courtyards.

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This is the crown jewel of our dedication to our community and to our veterans in our community, House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said at the ceremony. I look forward to this facility being here for years to come.

South Carolina is home to more than 68,000 active-duty and reserve military members, 400,000 veterans and eight military bases.

There is still sort of this rebel spirit in the heart of the South Carolinian. Military folks, that sort of draws us into the profession, said Sen. Jeff Zell, R-Sumter, who was stationed at Shaw for eight years before retiring with 20 years of service.

We feel at home here, said the freshman senator.

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Shaw Air Force Base, located outside Sumter city limits, has been training pilots since World War II, opening six years before the Air Force was established as a separate military branch. Last September, Sumter was designated the states only World War II Heritage City.

More than 13% of Sumter Countys residents are veterans, according to census data, the highest percentage of South Carolinas 46 counties.

Yet, Sumter wasnt initially slated for a veterans nursing home.

When the state sought a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant in 2015 for additional nursing homes, the state was looking at opening a second one in Columbia.

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Then Smith became chairman of the powerful budget-writing committee in 2019 and started publicly asking why the homes werent being located in other cities with military bases. The three existing nursing homes at the time  all at capacity  were located in Columbia, Walterboro and Anderson.

House Speaker Murrell Smith (center) shakes hands with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Todd McCaffrey as Lt. Governor Pamela Evette claps at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the state-run Patriots Village veterans nursing home on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo by Shaun Chornobroff/SC Daily Gazette)

I asked the question, Why not Sumter?' Smith, who became House speaker in 2022, told the crowd. Why not put them in the military communities across the state?

What had been planned for Columbia became Patriots Village near Shaw.

Zell said he was impressed by what he saw Friday.

I didnt realize the complexities of it, he told the SC Daily Gazette. This isnt just a little building.

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The other two veterans nursing homes that opened ahead of Patriots Village are in Gaffney, home to Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, and Florence, home of his powerful predecessor, the late Sen. Hugh Leatherman.

Future facilities in Orangeburg and Horry counties are set for completion over the next several years, said Robert Hoskins, the deputy director of facilities management for the states Department of Veterans Affairs.

Gov. Henry McMaster is asking legislators to put an additional $20.6 million next fiscal year toward running the six veterans nursing homes.

The additional annual commitment would help ensure veterans are well taken care of, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette said Friday about the governors budget recommendations for 2025-26.

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I can hope you see our passion, not just in today, not just in what weve done, but our passion moving forward, she said.

Veterans cost to live at Patriots Village is $68 a day, the same price as the locations in Florence and Gaffney. The three other facilities are priced at $45 a day, said Heyward Hilliard, the states director of veteran homes.

Its a great value, he said.

All honorably discharged veterans who served full-time are eligible for the homes, Hilliard said.

The Sumter facility can accommodate up to 104 veterans and will have 130 full-time employees. Its amenities include areas for physical, occupational and speech therapies, dining areas, an on-site pharmacy and a pool hall.

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Admissions are expected to begin in late February or early March.

However, one resident is already known.

Ernest Martin, an 82-year-old veteran, will be moving from the nursing home in Florence County to Patriots Village, so he can return to Sumter.

Everything looks so modern, so good, so up to date, Martin said. Its outstanding.
While Russian ally Bashar al-Assad was being toppled by rebels in Syria, another friend of Moscow, President Faustin-Archange Touadera, was being chaperoned by Kremlin-backed mercenaries in the conflict-ridden Central African Republic (CAR), where armed groups are yearning to oust him.

Without the protection of Wagner (a private Russian military force), he (Touadera) could not be president at this time, Aboubakar Siddick, spokesperson for an alliance of rebel groups in CAR, known as the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC-F), told CNN.

Siddick said that the CPC-F rebels were feeling inspired by Assads ouster, stating: Touaderas dismissal is imperative.

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In a sign of the importance Russia places in its relationships in Africa, Vladimir Putin met Thursday with Touadera in Moscow, in what were the Russian presidents first international talks this year.

This is connected to the fact that we are developing relations with the Central African Republic in all possible areas, including highly sensitive areas related to security. And we intend to develop this cooperation further, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ahead of the meeting.

Decades of conflict in CAR mirror the instability in other fragile African states where reliance on Russias military offerings has become increasingly prevalent, amid an aggressive push by Moscow to lessen Western influence on the continent.

As Russias foothold in Africa expands  notably in the mineral-rich Sahel region that is beset by recurring coups, armed rebellion and extremist insurgency  anti-Western sentiments, partly fueled by Russian propaganda, are engineering the exit of Western troops from swathes of territory. The Kremlin is the most favored to fill the vacuum they leave.

Holding placards with pro russian slogans, demonstrators gather in Bangui on March 5, 2022 during a rally in support of Russia. - Carol Valade/AFP/Getty Images

Ivory Coast and Chad are the latest in a string of former French colonies in West and Central Africa to demand the withdrawal of French and other Western forces from their territories, treading in the path of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Those three, all now controlled by juntas, have since turned to Russia for security support, ignoring calls from their Western ex-partners for a swift return to civilian rule.

Supporters of Burkina Faso's junta leader Ibrahim Traore hold national flags of Burkina Faso and Russia during a demonstration in Ouagadougou on October 6, 2022. - Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty Images

Moscow is also a sought-after partner by non-French former colonies such as Equatorial Guinea, which hosts an estimated 200 military instructors deployed by Russia in November to protect the Central African nations presidency. Its authoritarian leader President Teodoro Obiang, 82, has ruled the tiny, oil-rich country for 45 years following a coup in 1979.

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Outside West and Central Africa, Russia is bolstering its presence in the continents north, where Wagner forces back eastern Libyas de facto ruler, Gen. Khalifa Haftar.

Following Assads ouster as Syrian leader last month, Moscow has operated multiple flights to and from an airbase in eastern Libya  some headed to Mali, CNN found  suggesting a shift from the Syrian bases that have served as a hub for its military operations in Africa and the Mediterranean region.

Statues honor Wagner figures in CAR

In CAR, an erstwhile French colony, the Russian mercenaries that have operated in the country since 2018 have become the dominant force, following the final exit of French troops in 2022.

At Thursdays meeting with Putin, Touadera thanked the Russian leader for supporting his nation and helping it to achieve stability.

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Today, the army trained by Russian instructors is capable of repelling terrorists and anyone who encroaches on the territory of CAR. We will continue to work together to strengthen security throughout the country, at the borders, wherever the threat comes from. Russian instructors are truly professionals, he said.

The French  who deployed to CAR to help stabilize the nation after a coup in 2013 sparked a civil war  retreated over what the armed forces ministry said was CARs failure to halt massive disinformation campaigns targeting France amid a competition with Russia for influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron last week slammed African leaders for showing ingratitude over the deployment of his nations troops in the Sahel, saying that Sahel states only remained sovereign because of the arrival of French forces.

Macron also dismissed the notion that French troops had been expelled from the region, adding that France was only reorganizing itself on the continent. We left because there were coups detat France no longer had a place there because we are not the auxiliaries of putschists.

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A US State Department report published last February outlined how Kremlin-funded disinformation had taken root across Africa with the creation of a pro-Russia news agency called the African Initiative  which, with the help of hired local journalists, markets Moscow to the continent while tarnishing the Wests reputation.

CARs army, bolstered by Russias Wagner mercenaries, United Nations forces and Rwandan troops, has battled to keep armed groups such as the CPC-F at bay and reclaim territory seized by rebels. But it is the Russians who are widely credited with helping the nation stave off collapse.

Statues honoring the late Wagner leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and top commander, Dmitry Utkin, were unveiled in CARs capital, Bangui, in December, a Telegram channel linked to the mercenary group reported. Both men were killed in a plane crash northwest of Moscow in August 2023, two months after they had launched an abortive rebellion against Russias military leadership.

A photograph from December 3, 2024, shows a newly inaugurated bronze statue in the likeness of late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin (left), and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin, erected in Bangui. - Annelo Niamolo/AFP/Getty Images

Wagner, rebranded as the Africa Corps and placed under the umbrella of the Russian defense ministry after Prigozhins death, still operates under the Wagner brand in CAR, where its mercenaries are possibly the groups most active in Africa.

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CARs communications minister, Maxime Balalou, told CNN the statues were inaugurated as part of the cooperation between our country and Russia, adding that a bilateral defense agreement allowed Russia to provide us with weapons as well as handling and training for our defense and security forces, (and) assisting our armed forces on the ground.

Another monument, depicting Wagner troops guarding a local woman and her children, was erected in Bangui three years ago.

Russias significant contribution helped stabilize and secure CAR, Balalou said, adding that at the height of CARs crisis, we were abandoned but Russia responded.

Protection  at what cost?

Not everyone views Russias involvement in Africa through a positive lens.

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The Kremlins guns-for-hire mission is far from humanitarian, according to Irina Filatova, a Russian historian specializing in African history. Its a mixed quest for power and cash, she said, as Moscow hunts for alternative revenue to sustain its war in Ukraine amid a raft of Western sanctions.

The Russians are providing this support (to troubled African nations) in exchange for either the full control or a percentage of the control from their mineral resources. That is what Russia needs: It needs funding, and it needs influence. It helps its war in Ukraine, Filatova, a senior research associate at the University of Cape Town, told CNN from South Africa.

In CAR, Martin Ziguele, a former prime minister and current opposition MP, told CNN that Wagners remuneration for providing military services to his nation is done in an extremely hidden and discreet manner by the Touadera-led government.

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera. - Richard Bord/Getty Images

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Previous CNN investigations found that companies linked to ex-Wagner leader Prigozhin had won concessions to mine gold and diamonds in CAR, where nearly 70% of the population lives in extreme poverty  the fifth highest poverty rate in the world, according to a World Bank assessment in 2023.

One of those companies owns rights to the Ndassima gold mine, located 440 kilometers (273 miles) east of Bangui, whose gold proceeds are valued at over $1 billion, according to the US Treasury Department.

Authorities have no right of inspection, Jean-Fernand Koena, who heads a union of CARs journalists, told CNN about what he said was Wagners total control of the Ndassima mine.

CARs government, he said, cannot monitor where the gold that they (Prigozhin-linked company) mine goes, adding that there is neither public accounting nor information from the ministry of mines.

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CNN has contacted the mines ministry for comment.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement announcing sanctions in June 2023 that the company, Midas Ressources, had in conjunction with the Wagner Group denied CAR government officials the ability to inspect the Ndassima mine.

The same statement said another company affiliated with Prigozhin, named as Diamville, had shipped diamonds mined in the CAR to buyers in the UAE and Europe.

The Treasury further reported that in 2022 (the year Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine), two companies  Diamville and Industrial Resources  took part in a gold-selling scheme to convert CAR-origin gold into US dollars and that the latter knowingly participated in the transfer by hand of cash to Russia  in a bid to bypass US sanctions on Russian financial institutions.

Win-win cooperation

A report by the World Gold Council, an international association of gold producers, puts Wagners earnings from its illicit gold dealings at an estimated $2.5 billion since the start of Russias war in Ukraine.

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This includes the profits from mines and refineries under Russian control, as well as retainers for security services, in CAR, Sudan and Mali, the report said.

In 2022, CNN also investigated Russias plunder of Sudans gold, uncovering more than a dozen Russian gold-smuggling flights out of the war-torn country in exchange for backing its military leadership.

The following year, CNN uncovered evidence that Wagner had been arming a Sudanese militia group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is engaged in a bitter war with Sudans armed forces for control of the country. Both Prigozhin and the RSF denied this at the time.

For CAR, the murky underbelly of its military partnership with Russia also comes at the cost of serious violations of human rights, Koena said.

Wagners alleged atrocities in Africa are widely reported. In CAR, its forces were found to have summarily executed, tortured, and beaten civilians since 2019, according to a 2022 report by the rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Balalou, the communications minister, did not address these allegations but told CNN: We are developing a new form of win-win cooperation with Russia. He didnt specify what this entailed.

Vladislav Ilin, a spokesman for the Russian Embassy in CAR, did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

Outside CAR, similar atrocities, including the killing of civilians, have been committed by Wagner, the HRW claimed in another report last year, this time uncovering the groups alleged deadly activities in Mali, where it partners with the West African nations military to fight insurgents.

This undated photograph handed out by French military shows Russian mercenaries boarding a helicopter in northern Mali. - French Army/AP

Wagner has suffered some of its worst losses on the continent in Mali.

In response to a question from CNN about the nature and scope of Russias military partnerships on the continent, the Kremlins Peskov said: We are purposefully developing our cooperation with African countries, including interaction in sensitive areas related to security.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet responded to CNNs request for comment on the widespread allegations of abuse and misconduct attributed to Wagner forces in CAR and Mali.

Competition for influence

The Kremlin isnt the only foreign power jostling for influence in Africa.

With the US largely focused on the Middle East, China has made deep inroads into the continent over decades, expanding military ties and claiming the title of Africas top trading partner for the past 15 years, according to Beijing.

China has also financed tens of billions worth of development projects across Africa, including under its flagship Belt and Road global infrastructure drive launched in 2013.

Projects under the initiatives umbrella have generated accusations of lax environmental and labor standards, as well as risky lending, with critics saying China has saddled low- and middle-income governments with overly high levels of debt relative to their GDPs. Beijing has sought to push back on Western criticism over those debts.

Mutasim Ali, a legal adviser at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, a Canadian NGO, told CNN that in his view, Russia and China tend to share a common trait in their dealings with Africa.

Russians and Chinese do not care about democracy, human rights violations, corruption, and the like Theyre happy to protect dictators and human rights violators. Thats one of the reasons why Russians are getting a lot more influence, he said, contrasting their approach with Western powers such as the US and France, who prioritize democracy and human rights protections.

A report by the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies in 2022 highlighted concerns over abusive labor practices, unsafe working conditions and lack of transparency among Chinese-owned companies operating in southern Africa.

The Chinese Mission to the African Union has not yet responded to CNNs request for comment on the claim China does not prioritize democracy and human rights protections in its dealings with African states.

China and Russia were the main arms suppliers to sub-Saharan Africa between 2019 and 2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Addressing African delegates at a summit in Beijing in September, President Xi Jinping claimed ties between Beijing and Africa were their best in history, as he pledged billions of dollars in financial support for the continent, in addition to $140 million in military aid.

A Chinese foreign ministry statement issued after the summit said Beijing was committed to building a shared future with Africa and that China will continue to respect African countries political and economic choices based on their own national conditions and honor the principles of noninterference in African countries internal affairs.

In Koenas view, Chinas policy of non-interference speaks to how different powers operate in Africa, with China focusing on economics and Russia on security.

In a renewed resentment against Western policy in Africa, China is imposing itself on the economic level through trade and infrastructure while Russia wants to be the military response for the stability of sometimes autocratic regimes, he said.

For Koenas country, CAR, which has experienced decades of instability, the message of peace and security gets across more quickly than the economy, he added. For as long as this continues, the Russian military presence will likely be welcomed by its leaders.

CNNs Anna Chernova contributed to this report.

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CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI)  A 48-year-old St. Lawrence County man will be spending the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced to double murder on Friday.

Adam Smith was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Friday morning in St. Lawrence County Court. Smith was convicted of the murders of Ronald Huck Durham and William Freeman in November 2024 after a five-week trail. The jury returned a guilty verdict in less than an hour.

NYSP release name of missing snowmobiler in St. Lawrence County

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This was the maximum sentence under New York State law. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

Smith was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery relating to the February 11, 2023 death of Durham in Gouverneur. Smith was also convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny and and three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny in regards to the March 1, 2023, death of Freeman in Rossie.

Smith now has a period of 20 days to appeal the conviction.

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HAYWARD, Calif. (KRON)  Overwhelmed animal shelters in fire-ravaged Los Angeles County are continuing to receive a helping hand  or paw  from Bay Area non-profits. On Friday, an emergency flight from Southern California carrying pets impacted by the fires landed in Hayward, where local rescue groups took the animals in.

It was a short flight from San Diego County to the Hayward Executive Airport, but in this case, it could yield big rewards in the long run.

Were actually getting two adult huskies and one puppy, explained Laura Birdsall of nonprofit, Pets in Need.

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Bay Area ranked top for jobs that pay over $500K: survey

The plane carrying more than 50 adoptable pets made a stop in the East Bay, where local animal rescue groups are making them available to Northern California families.

We dont want to take the animals that are displaced and move them way up here where they cant find their owners. So, were taking the adoptable animals and the animals that were already in the shelters there, explained Lisa Hammock of East Bay SPCA.

The global nonprofit Greater Good Charities is spearheading the effort. On Friday, the East Bay SPCA received 12 dogs and Humane Society of Sonoma County took in six.

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SF SPCA waives adoption fees to make room for dogs affected by SoCal wildfires

Marin Humane Society and Pets in Need received three each. The rest of the animals onboard continued on the flight to their destinations in Oregon.

Everybodys really coming together and something folks can do is support any of these organizations by adopting  by fostering these animals, and of course, by donating to support this stuff, said Birdsall.

The nonprofits involved say this emergency flight is not a one-off and another is planned for next week. They say they will continue as long as there is a need.

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ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Appalachian Power (AEP) is seeking grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) to support Virginia with advanced nuclear site exploration to process two potential Small Modular Reactor (SMR) sites.

Appalachian Power has announced previously that it was beginning the ESP process for the Joshua Falls company-owned property in Campbell County Virginia.

Through the funding partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will be seeking $50 million to start the early stages of SMR development. This will be at the Rockport Plant site.

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Appalachian Power and AEP foundation spread holiday cheer

If I&M is awarded the funds, it will start conducting the ESP process as well as a Preliminary Safety Analysis for a protection construction permit. This will include collecting site information and deployment planning. The SMR unit will be able to generate 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

SMRs offer tremendous potential to provide safe, reliable, and clean energy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The relatively small footprint allows SMRs to be constructed in areas that were not previously feasible for nuclear energy generation and can be scaled to match the energy needs of the state. A single SMR unit can generate up to 500 MW of clean energy, depending on the design of the unit.

(Photo Credit: Idaho National Laboratory, https://inl.gov/trending-topics/small-modular-reactors/)

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Both grant applications are under the USDOEs Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program. This program will offer a total of $900 million in grants.

We are excited that Indiana Michigan Power is exploring SMR technology and is looking at its Rockport generation site in Spencer County as its home, said Indiana State Representative Steve Bartels and Indiana State Senator Daryl Schmitt in a joint statement. An SMR here would mean hundreds of great jobs for the area, provide local fiscal support to enhance the quality of life, and local services, and create educational opportunities for our young people to help them build a career in energy production.

This is not good for Virginians many against Appalachian Powers increased rate

In 2024, the Indiana Office of Energy Development also issued a siting report that was conducted by Perdue University to identify Rockport as a suitable site.

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The flexibility of our generation portfolio has allowed us to provide reliable, affordable power to our customers, said Steve Baker, I&M President, and Chief Operating Officer. Our fleet includes reliable baseload generation from coal and the Cook Nuclear Plant, as well as renewable energy from wind and solar. Were excited that the next generation of nuclear technology could be a part of I&Ms future.

Since 1975 I&M has been operating at the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, Michigan. The facility has been a reliable power source, but the company is looking to expand and meet the near-term energy needs of customers.

In November of 2024, Appalachian Power announced its exploration of the Joshua Falls site to see if it was suitable for an SMR. On January 17, 2025, Appalachian Power submitted a proposal for a grant of $35 million to help offset the work that is necessary for the ESP.

AEP requests price hike, decision coming

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In December 2024, Virginia Appalachian Power held a meeting where over 100 individuals to keep the public informed as the project progresses.

Appalachian Power has heard tremendous support for our SMR proposal, and were listening to, and working with, those who have concerns, said Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power President and Chief Operating Officer. We are at the beginning of a long and exciting journey. Our state and local leaders understand how SMRs can benefit our customers, and we are grateful for their support.

AEPs users of an SMR will be at least a decade away to ensure the safety and reliability of the facilities. SMRs are the future energy sources therefore I&M and Appalachian Power are working with state regulators, stakeholders, and leaders to meet the needs of energy and energy policy goals.

To learn more about Appalachian Powers SMR visit appalachianpower.com/smr

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More information about SMRs can be found here.

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AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP)  President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration is just a few days away.

The thing Im most excited about is seeing President Trump put his hand on the bible raise his right and take that oath, said Massachusetts for Trump 2024 committee member, Cecilia Calabrese.

Live updates: Trump inauguration weekend commences as protesters rally in Washington

Its not too long now before Agawams Cecilia Calabrese will see Donald Trump. The 45th and soon-to-be 47th president will be sworn in on January 20 in the United States capital. Just eight years ago, Trump stood on those very same steps and took an oath to the office.

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I think that then when we have a strong leader in the White House, we have a strong country, Calabrese said.

As a member of the Massachusetts for Trump 2024 committee, she worked tirelessly to encourage others to vote for Trump during the presidential race.

In addition to working within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we traveled to Pennsylvania to do some door-knocking and up to New Hampshire, also to do some door-knocking, Calabrese said.

When Trump makes his inauguration speech and cites his vision for the country, there are a few things shed like to see him address. A top priority for Calabrese is border security.

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Its costing the commonwealth hundreds of millions of dollars, Calabrese said. And I just really felt like, you know, that was what people were looking for. Weve got to secure that border again. We got to ensure our freedoms and the safety and prosperity bring all those things back again.

Shed also like to see him lower the cost of groceries, gas, housing, and health care. Additionally, she wants Trump to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

World peace is a noble pursuit, Calabrese said. And we had that under the first Trump administration. And I fully expect them to bring that back again.

The ceremony for Trump is being moved indoors due to frigid weather. You can watch it live on 22News.

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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SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Barely an hour after his son killed Ahmaud Arbery with a shotgun after they chased him through their neighborhood, Greg McMichael made a call for help to his former boss, the area's chief state prosecutor.

My son and I have been involved in a shooting, and I need some advice right away, McMichael said in a voicemail left on District Attorney Jackie Johnson's cellphone.

A video of the killing would ultimately lead to charges against McMichael, his adult son Travis McMichael and their neighbor William Roddie Bryan. All three white men, who used pickup trucks and guns to try to corral the 25-year-old Black man, are now serving life sentences for murder and federal hate crimes.

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But all three men avoided arrest for more than two months as Greg McMichael and Johnson kept in touch by phone, court records show.

Nearly five years later, Johnson is going to trial on charges that she used her office to interfere with police investigating Arberys killing. Jury selection is scheduled to start Tuesday in Brunswick, a port city 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Savannah.

Here are key things to know about the case.

How was Ahmaud Arbery killed?

Arbery was a frequent runner and his route often included the Satilla Shores subdivision where he was killed in coastal Glynn County, less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from his home.

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When Arbery ran past the McMichaels' property on Feb. 23, 2020, the father and son grabbed guns and gave chase. Bryan joined them in his own truck and was recording cellphone video when the McMichaels stopped in the road ahead of Arbery, who tried to run around them. The video showed Travis McMichael shooting Arbery at point-blank range as they grappled over his shotgun.

Police found Arbery was unarmed and carried no stolen property, but they let the men go home. The incident report quoted Greg McMichael saying they suspected Arbery had been stealing from a neighboring home under construction and that his son fired his gun in self-defense.

Two months later, Bryan's video leaked online, triggering outrage as Arbery's death became part of a broader outcry over racial injustice that followed the 2020 police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local police. The McMichaels were quickly arrested, as was Bryan two weeks later.

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Who is Jackie Johnson and why was she charged?

At the time Arbery was killed, Johnson had served for a decade as district attorney for southeast Georgia's Brunswick Judicial Circuit. Greg McMichael worked in her office as an investigator before retiring in 2019.

Because of that connection, Johnson has said she immediately recused her office from handling the case. A neighboring district attorney, George Barnhill, became the first of three outside prosecutors appointed to take over. He soon concluded the McMichaels were legally attempting to detain Arbery and that the shooting was justified.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr ordered an investigation of the two prosecutors in May 2020 soon after the McMichaels were arrested. Carr said he appointed Barnhill based on Johnson's recommendation, but wasn't told Barnhill already had advised police that Arbery's killing wasn't a crime.

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When voters ousted Johnson in the November 2020 election, she largely blamed the controversy surrounding Arbery's killing and insisted she had done nothing wrong.

The former prosecutor became a criminal defendant when a grand jury indicted Johnson on Sept. 2, 2021. Carr announced his office was prosecuting the case.

What crimes do prosecutors say Johnson committed?

Johnson is charged with violating her oath of office, a felony punishable by one to five years in prison, by using her position to show favor and affection to Greg McMichael.

The indictment also charges her with a misdemeanor  hindering police investigating the shooting  by "directing that Travis McMichael should not be placed under arrest.

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Johnson told The Associated Press in 2020 that no one in her office told police not to make arrests. Her lead defense attorney, Brian Steel, said during a December pretrial hearing that Johnson was focused on seeking an unrelated high-profile indictment and didnt know what was going on with Ahmaud Arberys case.

Prosecutors haven't disclosed much of their trial evidence, but said in court records that 16 calls were made between cellphone numbers for Greg McMichael and Johnson in the weeks following the shooting.

How will a jury be picked?

Jury duty notices were mailed to 500 county residents, which is more than normal, to facilitate selecting an impartial jury, Glynn County Superior Court Clerk Rebecca Walden said.

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Potential jurors reporting to the courthouse Tuesday morning will be questioned about what they have read or heard about the case. Walden said she suspects it could take a week or more to arrive at a final jury of 12 members plus alternates.

Why did it take so long for Johnson to stand trial?

Johnson's case has taken three years and four months to go to trial.

Presiding will be Senior Judge John R. Turner, who told the AP in October that the long wait was unavoidable because Steel, Johnson's lead attorney, spent nearly two years in an Atlanta courtroom defending Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug in a prolonged racketeering and gang trial.

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Five days after the rapper agreed to a plea deal in Oct. 31, Turner ordered Johnson to make her first court appearance and scheduled her January trial.

__

This story has been updated to correct the date of Arberys killing.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Breastfeeding women in Alabama will be excused from jury duty, the state's highest court ordered unanimously on Friday, in response to public outcry from a mother who said that she was threatened with child protective services for bringing her nursing infant into court.

The Alabama Supreme Court issued an administrative order that requires Alabama judges to have written procedures excusing breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. Previously, state code did not specifically make exemptions for nursing mothers.

A nursing mother of an infant child clearly qualifies for the excuse from jury service under the existing court codes, the order read. The justices added that the process of approving exemption may be submitted by telephone, electronic mail, or in writing ahead of jury selection. All nine justices concurred with the order.

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Twenty-two states in the U.S. have bills that make specific exemptions for nursing mothers, according to a 2021 report by the National Conference of State Legislators. A similar bill was introduced in the Alabama legislature in 2022, but it was killed before it reached a vote.

The order was explicitly in response to statements from several mothers in Jefferson County, which includes Birmingham, who said that they were harassed and threatened by judges for bringing their breastfeeding babies in for jury duty.

Kandace Brown complained on Facebook that a Jefferson County circuit court judge threatened to call the Department of Human Resources  which includes child protective services  unless Brown arranged for someone else to pick up her 3-month-old from the courthouse. Brown said two other mothers who brought their children were told the same.

Brown also said that she submitted forms to get excused from jury duty before she was summoned to court, but was denied.

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If Im still breastfeeding, Im going to have to (bring the baby). I dont have a choice. Like she would literally starve for the day or the week if I was chosen," Brown wrote in the post.

Brown wrote that when she was finally dismissed, she was told that she would be summoned again the next day and that she would have to leave her infant at home.

No maam I cannot pump and get her to take a bottle. How can you tell me how to feed my child?! Brown wrote.

Several mothers came forward with similar stories after Brown published her story, which had more than 1,000 likes on Facebook on Saturday.

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Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Shanta Owens later called the encounter a miscommunication to AL.com on Wednesday, adding, The juror was indeed excused a short time after arriving for jury service, as was any other similarly situated individual called for jury service.

Owens added that as a former nursing mother herself, she would excuse jury service for a period of time for any individual under the circumstances.

Alabama circuit judges have 30 days to submit the new written procedures.
Jan. 17Jurors convicted a man Friday of first-degree murder and other charges in the 2022 shooting death of 46-year-old Raymond "Smiley" Aviles during a dispute over a motorcycle.

Joe Simon Hilario Lee Anderson, 41, faces at least 30 years in prison for what prosecutors described as a deliberate act of chasing Aviles through a residential street and firing multiple gunshots, one of which struck and killed Aviles.

The 2nd Judicial District Court jury deliberated less than three hours Friday before reaching the verdicts following a five-day trial before Judge Clara Moran. No sentencing hearing has been scheduled.

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Jurors also found Anderson guilty of tampering with evidence and conspiracy for telling a second man to take possession of the motorcycle Aviles was riding and walk it back to Anderson's residence.

Prosecutor Troy Gray told jurors that Anderson planned the Aug. 6, 2022, killing because he had previously loaned a motorcycle to Aviles, who failed to return it. Aviles was riding the motorcycle at the time he was shot.

Gray said Anderson learned that Aviles was in the area in a text message from his fiancee.

Anderson "wanted the motorcycle back," Gray said in closing arguments. "He took a gun with him. He made a decision, 'I'm going to follow him and shoot him.' He was shooting to kill and he succeeded."

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Anderson's attorney, Keren Fenderson, said in closing arguments Friday that prosecutors offered as evidence only a poor-quality security video and testimony from witnesses who received favorable plea agreements in exchange for their testimony.

"The only thing they have is a grainy video that doesn't even show the full event," Fenderson said in closing arguments. Fenderson argued that Anderson was at home at the time of the killing and that someone else had fired the fatal gunshots. Anderson's fiancee testified this week that Anderson was home with her at the time of the killing.

Prosecutors told jurors that the knee-length pants worn by the man in the video matched the clothing Anderson was seen wearing in another video made the same night.

Prosecutors showed jurors security video from an apartment building in the 3400 block of Eastern SE, near the site where Aviles was fatally shot.

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The video shows Aviles sitting on a motorcycle when a white SUV arrived at the parking lot. When Aviles sees the SUV, he drives away on the motorcycle out of the frame of the video.

As Aviles drives away, a man exits the driver's seat of the SUV and appears to run after Aviles, followed by a second man who exits the passenger seat of the SUV.

Moments later, the driver runs back to the SUV and drives away, leaving the second man behind, the video shows.

Gray said the second man in the SUV was Ene Gala Ualita, who was fixing vehicles for Anderson and provided eyewitness testimony at trial that Anderson fatally shot Aviles.

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Ualita, 40, pleaded guilty in June 2024 to tampering with evidence for removing the motorcycle from the scene of Aviles' killing, court records show. Ualita was initially charged in July 2023 with an open count of murder in Aviles' killing, records show.

Anderson was convicted in 2016 by a 2nd Judicial District Court jury of voluntary manslaughter in the 2010 shooting death of Vincente Sanchez and was sentenced to seven years in prison, court records show.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  An Albuquerque man has been convicted of a murder from nearly three years ago. In 2022, Joe Anderson shot and killed Raymond Aviles who was trying to drive away on a motorcycle Anderson lent him.

Police: 50-year-old man arrested for paying 14-year-old human trafficking victim for sex

Anderson was originally released from custody, but when the New Mexico Supreme Court reversed the decision, he cut off his ankle monitor and fled. He was later found and arrested again.

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On Friday, a jury found Anderson guilty of first-degree murder and tampering charges. He is facing up to life in prison.

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The decision to reduce Alburghs contract with Grand Isle Sheriffs Department by a little over $50,000 comes after what Selectboard member, Alexander McCracken, says was a years-long debate over the effectiveness of police services.

We were seeing year over year increases to the cost of our contract to the department, and year over year decreases in their response rates. Effectively meaning our residents were paying for services they werent receiving, said McCracken.

On December 18, the board held a similar vote which passed 5-0, however three weeks later the meeting was found to be in violation to Vermonts Open Meeting Law. Remote viewers of the meeting were not able to use Zoom that evening and a recording of the meeting also failed to be posted five days later in compliance with Vermont law.

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McCracken says the recording errors were due to technical issues.

It was absolutely a misstep on our part and its one I feel strongly about not repeating, he said.

Following the scrapped meeting, Grand Isle County Sheriff Ray Allen met with the selectboard on December 30, who agreed to hold the re-vote in early January but ended up holding their prior stance.

Sheriff Allen wrote in an emailed statement that while the department will continue to have a reduced contract with the town that quote, in the future more hours may be allocated for additional coverage pending the selectboard decisions.

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7-year resident Bruce Robertson says, while he has seen crime go up and police responses go down, he does not agree with the boards decision. He says he believes increasing funding would be a better solution, so police will have more of a responsibility to respond.

I would just like to have them patrol on a regular basis, or at least when somebody calls them a problem, especially a serious problem like a peeper in their window, that they would actually come out here, said Robertson.

Moving forward the selectboard says, if the reduced town budget is approved by voters during Town Meeting Day, they will consider exploring alternative options such as increasing the use of town constables, establishing a neighborhood watch or contracting with other law enforcement agencies.

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May 5 has been set as the date for the start of the second federal bank fraud trial for Russell Laffitte, former attorney Alex Murdaughs alleged partner in a multi-year fraud scheme.

The new trial is expected to last two weeks  through at least May 16  and will be presided over by U.S. Judge Richand Gergel, the judge at the first trial, according to court records. It will likely be held in federal court in Charleston.

Spokesmen for both the Laffitte and prosecution teams declined comment on Friday.

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Laffitte, the former CEO of Palmetto State Bank in Hampton, was released from prison in November after the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned his conviction and a 7-year prison sentence. He is under a $500,000 appearance bond, court records say.

The unanimous ruling by a 4th Circuit three-judge panel found no fault with the evidence or the prosecutions case, but said that Gergels decision to remove one juror and replace her with an alternate during jury deliberations violated Laffittes Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury.

Gergel also violated Laffittes Fifth Amendment right to be present at a critical stage of the trial when Gergel questioned the juror he excused in a closed proceeding away from Laffitte and his lawyers, the ruling said.

Laffitte was found guilty by a Charleston federal jury in November 2022 on six counts of conspiracy, bank and wire fraud and misapplication of bank funds.

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Basically, prosecutors accused Laffitte of using his bank to launder millions of dollars that Murdaugh, a lawyer at the time, stole from his law firm and from his clients who were receiving major settlements in legal cases. The two worked in concert after Murdaugh brought Laffitte checks from settlements, according to the prosecutions case.

During an August 2023 sentencing hearing, Gergel dwelt on Laffittes alleged thefts over eight years, calling them systematic and methodical and abusive.

Gergel also described Laffittes actions as among the states most notorious financial crimes, noting that they targeted broken people, among them a deaf man who was placed on a ventilator following a car crash and two sisters, 12 and 8, who had just lost their mother in a car wreck. Laffitte had served as a conservator, or steward, of their funds, which were won by Murdaugh in settlements for their injuries.

In his defense, Laffitte took the witness stand for five hours during the trial and acknowledged that while he had committed errors of judgment in his dealings with Murdaugh, he denied he had any criminal intent.

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Portraying himself as a simple country banker who trusted folks and who unwittingly allowed himself to be used by Murdaugh, Laffitte told the jury he did not realize he had become part of a criminal scheme. He also said that Murdaugh, his family and the Murdaugh law firm had been loyal bank customers for years.

Murdaugh was a childhood friend, and their families had known each other for years, Laffitte testified. His father is my godfather, and my father is his godfather, Laffitte said of Murdaugh.

Laffitte testified he knew Murdaugh was in financial trouble but believed the problem could be managed. But he was very low risk because of his job and his ability to earn money. He had been banking with us since the late 80s, so we had a lot of history, which gave us a lot of comfort..., Laffitte testified.

Laffittes trial put disgraced ex-attorney and Murdaugh in the spotlight. Although Murdaugh was not present in the courtroom, his name was mentioned numerous times as a co-conspirator in the case.

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In summing up the case to the jury, lead prosecutor Emily Limehouse told that jury that Laffittes knowledge of the bank and ability to move money around was an essential part in Murdaughs schemes.

Russell Laffitte was the banker, the organizer, the one who kept the trains running, Limehouse told the jury. Alex Murdaugh was the rainmaker, the one who brought the money in. He (Laffitte) violated the trust of the bank and its customers. Thats why hes standing trial today.

After the trial, Gergel sentenced Laffitte to seven years in prison. Murdaugh had used Laffittes bank for years to hide and manipulate money he was stealing from clients, according to the prosecutions case. Laffitte had helped him, according to the prosecution.

Since Laffittes trial, Murdaugh has pleaded guilty in state and federal court to numerous counts of stealing at least $10 million from his law firm, clients and even his own brother. Murdaugh was also found guilty in March 2023 of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. He is serving two life sentences in state prison for the murders.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  KELOLAND News has new details surrounding the shooting in Milbank earlier this week at a nursing home that landed one person in the hospital and another in jail.

According to a probable cause statement, written by an investigator, Carrie Collins allegedly shot her supervisor in the face after she became disgruntled while being trained.

According to court papers obtained by KELOLAND News, Carrie Collins was a newer employee at Avantara Nursing Home and was in the process of being trained.

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The investigator wrote she had already been written up once and was likely to be written up a second time due to her talking over other employees and talking about nursing home clients in front of other clients.

The report says Collins training nurse spoke with her about her behavior and told her they were going to take a lunch break.

USD introduces Travis Johansen as new head coach

Thats when Collins told her she needed to get her lunch out of her car.

She went to her vehicle and returned a short time later and went to the nurses desk.

The report says several employees heard a loud bang and saw Collins by the desk waving a black pistol and yelling at a woman.

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Witnesses inside the nursing home thought she yelled something to the effect of Youre taking money from me and my children.

The victim was seen bleeding from the face and was rushed out of the building by other employees.

Earlier this week, Attorney General Marty Jackley told me the police and other law enforcement officers responded immediately and took action.

Don: Did the nursing home have to take any sort of emergency response?

I think everybody acted appropriately and quickly, this occurred very abruptly. A 911 call was made immediately and local law enforcement did a very strong job of responding making the apprehension, DCI was called we were on the scene, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, we collected a firearm and obviously a shell casing, said Jackley.

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According to court papers the bullet and casing were found to match that of the bullets recovered from Collins vehicle when she was taken into custody.

The AGs office told us the victim has non-life-threatening injuries.

Collins is charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Her first court appearance is scheduled for next week.

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Jan. 18LIMA  Those dissatisfied with the results of November's presidential election will gather Saturday in Washington, D.C. in what is now branded the People's March, a rebranding of what had formerly been known as the Women's March, and the event, expected to attract as many as 50,000 people, will include a contingent from Allen County.

A group of 34 people assembled Friday evening in Bluffton, ready to leave together at midnight to make their way to the nation's capital to join this event.

"They will arrive in D.C. at about 8 o'clock in the morning," Allen County Democratic Party Chair Rochelle Twining said Friday evening. "They'll ride the subway down to the Capitol building and then I think they'll be heading back to Lima about 5 o'clock."

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Twining hopes that the gathering will give a projection of strength to the rest of the country from those who did not want to see President-Elect Donald Trump return to the White House a second time.

"I think there's power in gathering together," she said. "And I think that women and other people want to remind our country that we're not all in agreement with the way things happened. However, we didn't crawl up the Capitol building, break windows, beat up cops and that sort of thing. We're going to make a peaceful protest that women's rights are being overlooked in this country every day and that there's not equal economic opportunity for all people."

One of the attendees, Alice Donahue, said she is bringing her great-niece with her. As this past election was the first in which her great-niece was involved as a voter, Donahue hopes this experience will help alleviate any despondency she may be feeling after November.

"She's a college student, and they're more concerned about democracy and the future and what it holds," she said. "I guess what I'm hoping to get out of this is to be with her and I hope that she sees that there are other people that feel as we do. People are still willing to come together and peacefully demonstrate."

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Donahue said the group will have the opportunity to hear from several speakers at the event, and they will be particularly focused on "human rights" issues.

"We're mainly concerned about human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gender rights, women's reproductive healthcare and healthcare in general," she said.

The Allen County Democratic Party is holding a watch party from noon to 2 p.m. at the party headquarters, 1209 Allentown Road, Lima. The event will include a potluck as well as updates from local attendees, Twining said.

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The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed Ambassador Francisco Antonio Duarte Lopes of Portugal to Temple Square Wednesday, part of a trip taken at the invitation of World Trade Center Utah and its partners, the Governors Office of Economic Opportunity and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

A career diplomat with more than three decades of public service, Lopes previously served as Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations and held key leadership positions at Portugals Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As an ambassador, he has advanced initiatives on peace, sustainable development and human rights, and has been a champion of Portugals multilateral diplomacy  which seeks to bring multiple countries together to tackle a particular problem.

President Russell M. Nelson, left, and Ambassador Francisco Antonio Duarte Lopes of Portugal, right, smile at one another during a visit in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025

The first Portuguese citizen to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ was baptized in 1967, with approximately 48,000 Latter-day Saints now living in Portugal. Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Portugal (the land of his ancestry) in 2024, where he said, Our message is a message of love ... to invite everyone to experience Gods love and to act in His name by sharing love and care with those in need.

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Meetings of the Portuguese delegation to Utah included Honorary Consul representing Portugal in Utah, Luis Camara Manoel, Pedro Leao, the director of AICEP, which is the Portuguese Agency for Trade and Investment, and Consul General Filipe Ramal Heira.

Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, said that ambassadors come to Utah with an interest to grow diplomatic subnational ties between Utah and their nation, and to foster economic development opportunities with Utah companies.

He said the Portuguese delegation had a specific interest in identifying economic opportunities in the field of sustainable energy, cancer research, biotech and semiconductor chips  consequently visiting Huntsman Cancer Institute and BioHive.

A day earlier, the Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Rustam Karimjonov, also arrived in the state, hosted by World Trade Center Utah in partnership with the Stirling Foundation.

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The World Trade Center Utah has a mission of accelerating the growth of Utah companies through its global network, program and services  in a way that can facilitate exports. When ambassadors are here, the WTC hosts roundtable discussions with business leaders in the state who have an interest in those countries.

On Thursday, the First Presidency also met with Sonia Guzman, the Dominican Republics Ambassador to the United States. The ambassador was also brought to Utah by the World Trade Center Utah and its partners, the Governors Office of Economic Opportunity and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Guzman has had an extensive career in public service and diplomacy, serving in this particular position since November 2020, when she became the first woman to represent her country in this capacity.

President Russell M. Nelson, left, welcomes Ambassador Sonia Guzman of the Dominican Republic, right, during a visit in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

The Dominican Republic is home to nearly 150,000 Latter-day Saints, where the church has had a presence for 47 years. President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited the country in November 2024, where he encouraged people, Live the gospel, see it through, and broken things will be mended through the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
CHEYENNE  A total of $55,447 was raised during the 2024 holiday season for the Laramie County Community Christmas program between Bar Bucks and the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's Empty Stocking Fund.

That total is down from last years record-setting amount of $69,055 collected. Despite the decrease, the Bar Bucks fundraiser was still the fourth most successful it has ever been since it began in 2001, generating $47,163 of the total donations.

Thanks to everybody that donated. I mean, we can't do these kind of programs without the donations, said Tony Janssen, organizer of the Community Christmas program. And we know that people's disposable income is not what it may have used to have been. ... But we are still able to do incredible things with the donations we got.

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The Bar Bucks program was composed of 40 bars and restaurants across the county this past year. The businesses and organizations collect donations throughout the holiday season to contribute to the Community Christmas program. The other part of the program, the Empty Stocking Fund, collects donations sent to the WTE by mail or online.

In total, Janssen and his team of volunteers handed out 1,030 grocery gift cards this year loaded with $70 to community members in need across the county just before Christmas. The cards can be used at Albertsons or Safeway in Cheyenne and at local stores in some smaller communities, like Texas Trail Market in Pine Bluffs.

This year, the top participating Bar Bucks location was American Legion Post 6, giving $13,355, dethroning Alfs Pub & Package, which was the top donor the previous two years. Alfs finished second this year, raising $8,500.

While there is no reward for the largest donation amount, Janssen said there is friendly competition among the participating locations for bragging rights each year.

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With all respect to Alfs and what (owner Bryan Grzegorczyk) does for this community, any time a business can even get close to beating Alfs now, they take a lot of pride in it, Janssen said. So, the Legion did quite a dance when I told him that they were the top winner this year.

Since 2001, Bar Bucks has averaged more than $26,400 raised each year and contributed a total of $655,047 to the community over 24 years. The highest cumulative funds raised between the two programs was $70,881 in 2021.

With a few exceptions, most participating locations raised slightly less than last year. Some locations, however, stepped up their contributions between 2023 and 2024. In 2023, Pour Decisions Bar & Grill raised $220. In 2024, it was the top contributing restaurant at $1,682.

Due to funds raised in previous years, Community Christmas is already funded through 2026. The money raised in 2024 will go toward supporting the community in 2027.

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However, Janssen said he is still looking for ways to continue to raise funds to grow the program as the need in the community continues to grow. He said he feels the program has hit a ceiling in its current form, and he hopes to do more events throughout the year to raise funds.

We're still kind of in the brainstorming phase of that, but it's basically going to start leveraging more people to be more one-on-one with businesses, and not just the bars, he said.

He expects demand will continue to rise, noting that there were almost twice as many applicants for a grocery card in 2024 than in 2023.

The people are actually hurting out there in the community, Janssen said. There were a lot of people that normally would have been approved at their income level and number of kids, but this year they were not because there are only so many available cards.

Before the program begins each year, Janssen and his team do a cost analysis based on grocery prices and household income to determine if $70 is still adequate for an individual to be able to buy a meal for their whole family.
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The 18th Mayors Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast was held Friday in Anderson.

The mayor, city council and community members came together to remember Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy and what he stood for.

Today well talk about young people and how Dr. King believed that the future was our young people and how it didnt fall on educators it kind of falls on all of us, said Mayor of Anderson, Terence Roberts.

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Dreamcatchers hung on the wall, surrounded by a diverse group of people as they celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.s dream.

Keynote speaker Raen Parker-Washington, performed in front of the large crowd of people and promoted the dream of hope, freedom, perseverance and justice.

I think its really important that here we are, five decades later and were still talking about the dream, said Parker-Washington. Its obviously being seeded and so we need to keep it bloomed in some areas.

As an educator, Parker-Washington said she is inspired by Kings passion for youth.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a blueprint for young folks, Parker-Washington said. His whole idea was that at an early age, get involved in something, look beyond yourself and serve in some kind of capacity.

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She said she hopes the youth will always be encouraged to dream big.

What do we need to do to persevere, even when we have those challenges? Parker-Washington asked. We still have to be brave. We still have to be resilient and courageous, but how do we do that on going when theres so many other issues to face?

Parker-Washington said our only hope is each other.

How can we be kind to each other? How can we have a more gentle or gentler society? Parker-Washington asked. I think thats important to continue that conversation, because sometimes were not.

United Way of Anderson County will participate in community service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the weekend.

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Jan. 17ANDERSON  A 22-year-old Anderson man has been charged in connection with three separate shooting incidents Tuesday.

Tremmeric Lamont Alex Love was arrested Wednesday evening in the 1500 block of Chesterfield Drive and found to be in possession of a firearm that had been reported as stolen.

Love was charged Friday with three counts of criminal recklessness and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

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If convicted on the most serious charge he faces a possible prison sentence of two to 12 years.

According to a press release, police responded to a shooting that took place at 8:19 p.m. Tuesday in the 1600 block of East 38th Street.

A caller advised Central Dispatch that he was transporting his friend to the hospital. Officers went to the hospital while others went to the scene on East 38th Street.

Zachary Troxel, 18, was treated and released at an Indianapolis hospital.

The Criminal Investigations Division began investigating the case and identified an alleged suspect vehicle, which resulted in a brief standoff in the 1300 block of Oregon Way.

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A preliminary investigation indicates the victim was traveling west on 38th Street when another vehicle pulled up along side and fired multiple rounds into the car.

The victim was riding in the front passenger seat and rushed to a local emergency room and later transported to an Indianapolis hospital.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a witness told Anderson Police Department Detective Nolan Schaefer that she was riding with Love, who was driving the vehicle.

"They were driving around and he rolled the window down and started shooting at people," she said.

She told police that Love fired shots at two individuals at the intersection of Nichol and Madison avenues and then fired the gun a third time.

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Two men told police they were at a convenience store at the intersection when shots were fired from a passing car.

A court document states a Flock gunshot detection device at the location registered nine shots being fired.

Love refused to be interviewed at the time of his arrest.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Detective Christopher Christian at 765-648-6089 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.

Love was convicted in Madison Circuit Court Division 4 in 2023 on misdemeanor charges of unlawful carrying a handgun and visiting a common nuisance. He received a one-year suspended sentence.

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He was also convicted in 2023 on a charge of battery and was sentenced to five years with two years suspended, one year served and two years on sanctions.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
Jan. 17ANDERSON  An Anderson man has been sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to seven counts of child exploitation and sexual misconduct with a minor.

Lonnie Hoskins, 32, was arrested in August following an investigation, conducted by the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force, in which police found five files depicting girls under the age of 10 involved in sexual activity with men.

Madison Circuit Court Division 3 Judge Andrew Hopper sentenced Hoskins to 25 years with 18 years to be served at the Indiana Department of Correction and seven years suspended to formal probation.

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Hoskins was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

The state's case was presented by deputy prosecutor Dan Kopp.

Detective Christoher Borgmann reported that Hoskins admitted to distributing child sexual material 100-150 times. He also admitted to having sexual contact with a juvenile at least six times over the course of about a year, as recently as Aug. 16, according to Borgmann.

During a Kids Talk forensic interview a 15-year-old girl told investigators there had been sexual activity with Hoskins, police reported.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A two-vehicle crash that occurred early Friday morning left a Anniston woman dead.

Dazjiah Cunningham, 28, was injured when the Toyota Camry she was driving collided head-on with a tractor-trailer around 2:40 a.m., according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Cunningham was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash occurred on Priebes Mill road. Nothing else is available as ALEA continues to investigate.

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(KRON)  Its a story you cant make-up.

The Antioch Police Department (APD) said a helicopter flown by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff caught a trio suspected of trying to haul $2,000 worth of stolen beauty products from Sephora.

2 arrested after man bought cocaine while toddlers, childrens mother were present: detectives

Antioch PD said the incident occurred Wednesday night at the Slattern Ranch Shopping Center on the 5700 block of Lone Tree Way.

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APD said the suspects stuffed an array of make-up items into their empty purses and left the Sephora store without paying.

Police confirmed all three suspects were quickly located, arrested and booked for multiple felony theft charges.

Antich PD said one suspect had warrants for theft, another suspect was already on probation for a separate theft, and the other had several theft arrests.

Investigators said one member of the trio was found hiding under a table in the Champs store. Police said their suspected vehicle was impounded.

Antioch PD said in the social media post announcing the arrests that, they were unaware that no amount of concealer would save them from the consequences.

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LOS ANGELES (AP)  A$AP Rocky is at a crossroads. He could soar to new heights of celebrity in 2025, or be brought back to earth quickly by a trial starting Tuesday that could led to his imprisonment for years.

The hip-hop star, and longtime partner to Rihanna, with whom he has two toddler sons, is set to touch the highest levels of high fashion as one of the celebrity chairs of the Met Gala in May along with Pharrell Williams, LeBron James and others.

And his modest acting career will get a major boost from starring alongside Denzel Washington in director Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest," planned for a summer release.

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But at the Los Angeles trial that's expected to last about three weeks, he is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He's accused of firing on a former friend on the streets near a Hollywood hotel in 2021. If convicted, he could get up to 24 years in prison.

The 36-year-old has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney says he committed no crime.

Were ready to go. Its been a long time, defense lawyer Joe Tacopina said after a hearing Wednesday. Its been something thats waiting over Rockys head and Rihanna and their familys heads for a while. Were anxious to get this thing underway and get this behind him.

A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli

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The trial has its roots in high school in New York, when the Harlem-raised Rakim Mayers, now known as A$AP Rocky, met Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, who will be the trial's most important witness.

Ephron testified at a 2023 preliminary hearing that he brought Rocky into a crew of young creators who called themselves A$AP  for Always Strive and Prosper.

We had dreams, pretty much, Ephron said.

He testified that the members remained close even as Rocky became rich and famous, but the relationships would eventually erode.

The feud came to a head in Hollywood on the night of Nov. 6, 2021, when according to Ephron, Rocky fired at him three or four times, the shots grazing his knuckles.

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Ephron went to the police two days later, and brought shell casings he had picked up himself  both points the defense will seize on.

You need nothing more than Mr. Ephrons testimony by itself, Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec, the case's lead prosecutor, told a judge at the 2023 hearing,

Key players in the A$AP Rocky trial

The trial is full of large personalities, along with two huge names that will loom over the proceedings despite having no direct role: President-elect Donald Trump and Rihanna.

The trial begins the day after the second inauguration of Trump, whom Tacopina represented in the defamation and sexual abuse lawsuit of writer E. Jean Carroll. And Rocky himself became an unlikely cause celebre for then-President Trump during his first term when Trump publicly declared he was trying to get the rapper freed and returned to the U.S. when he was jailed after a brawl in Sweden in 2019.

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But Trump has no power over these proceedings, and could not pardon Rocky if he's convicted.

Those anticipating the trial have long been asking whether Rihanna may attend.

The mother of his children is she going to be here? Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold asked the defense at an October hearing. Shes welcome to be here whenever she wants Id just like to know.

Tacopina has been unable to give a definitive answer, but has said that he does not expect it.

Hes very protective of Rihanna and doesnt want her anywhere near this proceeding," he said after Wednesday's hearing. "But thats a family decision theyll make.

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Tacopina said he has no intention of bringing Rihanna's name up at trial, but Arnold suggested he may when screening jurors.

The judge, a former sheriffs deputy, has an affable but no-nonsense style and dispenses with many court formalities. He said he will keep the juror selection process simple, and a jury should be seated quickly.

In an uncommon move in LA County courts, he will allow cameras in court for nearly the entire trial.

I believe that the public deserves to see what goes on in the courtroom, he said.

Tacopina has also represented other hip-hop figures, including Meek Mill and YG. The lawyer who normally practices in New York is gregarious, quick with a joke and always happy to talk to the media, but can be ruthless in cross-examination.

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When discussing Ephron's minor injuries at the 2023 hearing, he said, Its a miracle he survived that shooting and was admonished for his tone.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, best known for his successful murder prosecution of real estate scion Robert Durst, was a late addition to the prosecution team. He's also known for his aggressive cross-examination, including a relentless, weeks-long questioning of Durst.

The evidence against A$AP Rocky

The case against Rocky will largely depend on how credible the jurors find Ephron.

Police officers who searched the Hollywood sidewalk after a report of shots fired found no shell casings. Police recovered no fingerprints from the 9 mm casings Ephron brought them, and no 9 mm pistol was found when a search warrant was served on Rocky.

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Surveillance video captured parts of the incident. Prosecutors at the 2023 hearing showed a video still with a man in a hooded sweatshirt whose face is not visible holding what appears to be a gun, along with another image showing the face of the man in the sweatshirt, with no gun visible. A detective testified that investigators established it was Rocky.

Tacopina said he has not decided whether Rocky will testify, which he is legally allowed to avoid.

He is eager to tell his story, he would love the opportunity to do so, the lawyer said Wednesday. He is very articulate and very intelligent, hes a good human being, that would come out if he testifies, but that decision has not been made yet. It depends on how the case goes.
APALACHIN, N.Y. (WETM)  A Tioga County, New York, woman was killed after her dog attacked her and another person on Thursday.

The Tioga County Sheriffs Office reported that Darnelle A. Greeno, 51, of Apalachin, was attacked by her own dog on Pleasant View Drive on Jan. 16. Authorities say the dog then attacked a man who was walking his dog nearby, and the man killed the attacking dog.

Greeno sustained multiple injuries during the attack, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities did not specify if the man, who has not been publically identified, was injured.

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The Tioga County Sheriffs Office Road Patrol, the Tioga County Criminal Investigation Division, the Town of Owego Dog Control, and the Tioga County Coroners Office responded to the scene.

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A woman in Peachtree City says over 20 packages were dumped at the Retreat at Peachtree City Apartment complex that she manages just days before Christmas. A month later, she is still working to get all the packages to their final destination.

Kristen Moss said the packages from businesses like Fanatics and Gap were found outside of her leasing office on December 22, all with addresses listed in areas throughout Coweta County.

She says she took to social media and made a post to see if she could track down the recipients.

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All I could think about was this is someones Christmas and theyre not going to get their package before Christmasthis is so sad, explained Moss.

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One of the people listed on a parcel was Tiffany Davis. She says she had received confirmation from the shipping carrier, LaserShip, that her package was delivered to her home on December 21.

I had paid for extra shipping to have it shipped over night and it said delivered and I went to the door and there was no package so that set in a little bit of a panic moment for us, said Davis.

Davis said the next day, she received several notifications on Facebook, my phone started blowing up after church and Im like what is everybody tagging me about.

TRENDING STORIES:

After seeing Mosss post regarding her missing package, the Newnan resident drove to Peachtree City to get her package, a Christmas present for her husband.

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We are huge Georgia Tech fansso he wanted a hoodieI was able to go home and wrap it and get it under the Christmas tree in time, Davis added.

While Moss has been able to find the owners of most of the packages, she says there are still a handful left in her office that she hopes she can get to their destination.

If you live in the Newnan or Sharpsburg area and are missing a package, you can contact Kristen at the Retreat at Peachtree City Apartments.

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NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A federal appeals court on Friday ruled against an Obama-era policy to shield immigrants who came to the country illegally as young children, only three days before Donald Trump takes office with pledges of mass deportations.

The unanimous decision by a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans  two judges appointed by Republican presidents, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, and one by Democrat Barack Obama  is the latest blow for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, whose beneficiaries have lived in legal limbo for more than a decade.

It signals no immediate change for its more than 500,000 beneficiaries, who can renew temporary permits to live and work in the United States. But the federal government cannot take new applications, leaving an aging and thinning pool of recipients.

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The decision may tee up the policy for a third visit to the Supreme Court. Trump sought to end DACA during his first term, but he also occasionally expressed wishes that beneficiaries be allowed to stay.

Obama introduced DACA in 2012, citing inaction by Congress on legislation aimed at giving those brought to the U.S. as children a path to legal status. Legal battles followed, including two trips to the Supreme Court.

This latest case involves a new version of the rule issued by President Joe Biden in 2022. It represented little substantive change from the 2012 memo that created DACA, but it was subject to public comment as part of a formal rule-making process intended to improve its chances of surviving legal muster.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Houston said the executive branch had overstepped its authority and barred he government from approving new applications. He left it intact for current beneficiaries while appeals played out in court.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who led the challenge on behalf of Republican-led states, called Friday's ruling a major victory.

I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump to ensure that the rule of law is restored, and the illegal immigration crisis is finally stopped, Paxton said.

The U.S. Homeland Security Department didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment late Friday.

In 2016, with one vacancy on the Supreme Court, the justices deadlocked 4-4 over an expanded DACA and a version of the program for parents of DACA recipients, keeping in place a lower court decision for the benefits to be blocked. In 2020, the high court ruled 5-4 that the Trump administration improperly ended DACA by failing to follow federal procedures, allowing it to stay in place.
It was a September morning in 2020, and Deni Seymour, an archeologist, was searching for artifacts along the Santa Cruz River near Nogales, Arizona.

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.

Archeologist Deni Seymour and Daniel Preston, a member of the Tohono Oodham Nation.

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. Its exact route, and the location of various settlements, remains debated, as researchers continue to piece together documentary and archeological evidence. The expedition returned to Mexico in 1542, without the riches it 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 indigenous 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.

Archeologist Deni Seymour and Daniel Preston, a member of the Tohono Oodham Nation.

A second cannon, but damaged

Last year, 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.

Seymour 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 and the ways 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: Archeologists find 500-year-old cannon in Arizona, oldest gun in US
Archaeologists in Pompeii have unearthed a once-in-a-century discovery which has been buried under piles of rock and ash in the ancient city for over 2,000 years. The news was revealed exclusively to BBC News.

Scientists uncovered a luxurious bathhouse, which they believe is the largest ever discovered in the Roman city, in the center of a palatial home they first came across two years ago. Since then, archaeologists have been excavating the contents of the estate. The bathhouse is opulent, to say the least, decorated with ornate artwork and featuring a massive plunge pool, as well as hot, warm, and cold rooms.

Archaeological Park of Pompeii Press Office

Archaeological Park of Pompeii Press Office

"There are just a few houses that have a private bath complex, so it was something really for the wealthiest of the wealthy," Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, told BBC. "And this is so hugeit's probably the biggest bath complex in a Pompeiian private home, he continued. It's these spaces that really are part of the 'Pompeii effect. It's almost as if the people had only left a minute ago.

Related: Pompeii DNA Reveals Surprising Family, Gender Roles

It is believed that the home was owned by Aulus Rustius Verus, a well-heeled Pompeiian politician who is also thought to have owned a bakery and a laundry facility located on the same block as the home. The bathhouse is further evidence of Verus uber-elite status.

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Zuchtriegel and his associates will continue to excavate the residence, searching for more artifacts that illuminate Pompeiis tragic history. Last August, they discovered the skeletons of two Pompeiians who perished when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. One was an older woman aged between 35 and 50 and the other was a young man in his teens or early 20s. The man and woman, who was clutching an assortment of valuable jewelry and coins, had taken refuge in a small room within the manse hoping to avoid the flames.

"This is a dramatic place, and everything you find here tells you about the drama," Ludovicia Alesse, a Pompeii conservator, told the outlet.
Friday succeeded in being the warmest day of the week, by several degrees. However, the warmer temperatures are moving out of New Mexico as arctic air moves in.

A low pressure system will dive into northern New Mexico from the northern Rocky Mountains. This low pressure system will be bringing round one of snow to New Mexico. The snowfall will begin early Saturday morning in far southeast of New Mexico near Raton. Over the course of the day, the snowfall will migrate south towards Tucumcari. Due to the expected snowfall, the National Weather Service has issued severe Winter Weather Alerts for northeast New Mexico tomorrow January 17th. The low pressure will also be assisting in hefty wind gusts across the state Saturday afternoon.

Along with the snowfall, the low pressure is also bringing arctic air into New Mexico. This air will bring a drop in temperatures on Sunday. Wind chill will cool temperatures off by another few degrees. Snowfall on Sunday will be much lighter than Saturday. The light dusting is forecasted for northeast New Mexico.

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On Monday round two of snow will move into New Mexico. This final round has the potential of being more widespread than the snowfall expected for Saturday. Certain models are showing snowfall as far south as the Sacramento Mountains and as far east as the Albuquerque Metro. However, other models are keeping all the snowfall in northeast New Mexico. The forecast confidence for snow in central New Mexico is not incredibly high but there is still a chance.

Monday also marks the second blast of arctic air into New Mexico. This air will be much colder than the first arctic blast expected on Saturday. The impact will be seen on Tuesday of next week. The entire state will start out well below freezing. Wind chill will have most of the state in the single digits. Come Tuesday afternoon the state will have warmed up slightly. However, wind chills will keep the state feeling well below freezing.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  Northeast Ohio, along with most of the country, is getting hit with an arctic blast this week, bringing the coldest air weve seen so far this season.

A strong arctic cold front started moving in Sunday, meaning Northeast Ohioans could see wind chills ranging from 10 to 20 degrees below zero Sunday night through the middle of the week, according to the FOX 8 weather team.

Schools closed: CMSD announces classes canceled, joining other districts across NE Ohio

FOX 8 meteorologist Scott Sabol said the last time we had two straight days with high temperatures under 5 degrees was back in 1993.

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Also, the last time we had a 48-hour period with average temperatures as cold as what well see Monday and Tuesday combined was in 1994.

How to safely keep your house warm during bitter cold temperatures

Were far from the only ones impacted by the incoming arctic blast. According to Sabol, 94% of the U.S. will be below freezing and 40% of the U.S. (roughly 80 million people) will be below zero Tuesday morning.

So, what does all this extreme cold weather mean for Lake Erie?

Ice has already been forming on the lake, as seen when the James R. Barker freighter got stuck on Thursday, but Sabol said ice coverage could reach at least 80% by the end of this week.

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Warming centers in Akron, Canton, Cleveland

That ice will be extremely thin. Learn more about ice safety from firefighters right here.

According to Sabol, the long-range outlook for early February indicates that some of the ice will start melting as temperatures moderate.

Keep up with the latest weather conditions here.

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Col. Mike Hagar, right, Secretary of Public Safety and Director of Arkansas State Police, answers questions about Sen. Bart Hesters Freedom of Information Act bill during a Senate committee hearing in September 2023. At left is Allison Bragg, Secretary of the Department of Inspector General. (Photo by John Sykes Jr. /Arkansas Advocate)

Days after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named public safety as one of her priorities for the 95th General Assembly, the Arkansas State Police announced a new webpage that provides human trafficking victims with county-level resources.

The website provides a searchable, county-by-county map that victims can use to locate resources closest to them, including legal services, adult restorative care facility and child advocacy centers. It also implements a reporting system for the public.

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I know this resource will help leaders, advocates, and victims across our state combat trafficking in their communities, Sanders said in a Friday press release.

Introduction of ASPs new webpage coincides with National Human Trafficking Month. It was a collaborative effort from the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council, the Attorney Generals office and the Department of Human Services, according to a press release.

Prevention is the first step toward action, said Col. Mike Hagar, ASP director and Public Safety secretary, in a statement. Our sincere hope is that this new webpage will help to empower Arkansans to recognize the signs of trafficking and that it will serve as a way for victims to connect with critical resources. The Department of Public Safety and Arkansas State Police are committed to protecting those at risk and holding traffickers accountable.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The crime does not need to include the physical movement of a person.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Even if victims initially offer consent, that consent is rendered meaningless by the actions of the traffickers to exploit them for labor, services or commercial sex, according to the ASP.

Efforts to prevent human trafficking in recent years include an executive order from Sanders in 2023 that called for a coordinated and integrated approach to safeguard children and prevent human trafficking in Arkansas by supporting victims and prosecuting human traffickers to the fullest extent of the law.

Afterward, the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council launched using a $1.5 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a press release from ASP. In 2024, the task force provided care to 28 adults and identified 134 victims during operations in Hot Springs, Little Rock and Northeast Arkansas.

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The group has also implemented new identification tools, adopted new policies and trained 2,500 individuals, according to an ASP press release.

Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, speaks to his fellow lawmakers on Jan. 13, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

On Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester named human trafficking as a legislative focus for some lawmakers.

Over the 95th General Assembly, weve still got plenty of work to do, Hester, R-Cave Springs, said during an opening speech to the Senate on Monday. Leaders like [Sens.] Josh Bryant and Missy Irvin will push Arkansas to be a national leader in protecting victims of human trafficking, while sending a stiff message to the traffickers that were going to find you and were going to deliver the harshest penalties in the country.

The only legislation filed related to human trafficking so far is led by Rep. Steve Unger, R-Springdale. House Bill 1059 would offer a free lifetime hunting and fishing license to any commercial truck driver who provides information on human trafficking.

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The information must lead to the rescue of a victim of human trafficking or the conviction of someone who is trafficking, according to the bill.

According to ASP, 108 children are currently missing in Arkansas, 11 of whom have been missing for more than two years.

The fight against human trafficking requires a collective effort from law enforcement, nonprofits, state agencies, and the community, Sgt. Matt Foster, Arkansas Human Trafficking coordinator, said in a statement. This webpage is not just a resourceits a signal of our commitment to victims and survivors across Arkansas. Our work will not stop until every trafficker is brought to justice and every victim has a path to recovery.

Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam and Attorney General Tim Griffin also shared positive sentiments about the new webpage.

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YELL COUNTY, Ark.  Officials with the Arkansas State Police have located a missing 7-year-old from Yell County.

According to a post on social media, the 7-year-old was last seen Friday at 2:45 p.m. when she was picked up from Dardanelle Primary School by her uncles girlfriend.

ASP officials said that she was found safe Saturday afternoon.

Police said that the child was believed to be traveling with the woman and her uncle in a red Chevy Sonic with an Arkansas license plate.

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TAMA COUNTY, Iowa  A Marshalltown man has been arrested in connection to a pair of burglaries targeting American Legions in Iowa.

In late December the American Legions in Gladbrook and Garwin reported being burglarized. According to court documents, the American Legion at 421 Johnston Street in Gladbrook reported a money bag with $400 in cash had been stolen from a rifle cabinet after a side door to the building had been left unlocked overnight. The American Legion at 601 3rd Street in Garwin reported that one of the buildings doors and two of their gaming machines had been significantly damaged  costing over several thousand dollars in repairs.

Nearly 100 headstones damaged by vandals at Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines

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On Thursday 42-year-old Matthew Lee Moore was arrested in connection to the burglaries. Moore has been charged with two counts of third-degree burglary and one count of third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, and ongoing criminal conduct  unlawful activity.

According to a criminal complaint, video footage obtained by the Tama County Sheriffs Office from other law enforcement agencies investigating similar burglaries identified Moore as the suspect by his unusually thick glasses and gait. The vehicle also believed to be connected to the burglaries match the 2005 Ford F-150 thats registered to Moore, the complaint states.

Around the same time that the Gladbrook and Garwin American Legions were burglarized, the Marshalltown VFW and Newton American Legion also reported being burglarized. Moore has not been officially charged in connection to those burglaries.

This isnt the first burglary spree that Moore has been accused of. Court records state Moore pled guilty to a spree that included at least nine burglaries across the state in 2020. According to the Times-Republican, Moore was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison in the case.

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Moore is being held at the Tama County Jail on a $75,000 bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 24.

Iowa News:

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An arson suspect was arrested for allegedly starting a brush fire in Irwindale on Friday.

The suspect was identified as Maninder Singh, 33, a Baldwin Park resident, according to the Irwindale Police Department.

At around 7 a.m., L.A. County fire crews responded to a fire burning near Arrow Highway and the 605 Freeway. Crews located the fire inside a tunnel along the San Gabriel River Trail near Live Oak Lane.

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Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. The suspect was located nearby and taken into custody for arson and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fridays incident marks the second arson-related arrest in Irwindale this week. Since the devastating wildfires broke out in the greater Los Angeles area, dozens of people have been arrested on burglary, looting and arson charges.

Some homeowners chose to defy evacuation orders to protect their properties from looters and trespassers.

The Irwindale Police Department strongly urges residents to avoid using flammable materials in riverbeds or surrounding areas, authorities said in a statement. Such actions pose significant risks to public safety, property, and the environment. The Irwindale Police Department remains committed to taking swift action against individuals who endanger our community.

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Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Leonard Garza at 626-430-2290.

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By Danial Azhar

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Reuters) - The regional bloc ASEAN and China should make headway on a protracted code of conduct for the South China Sea by tackling thorny "milestone issues", including its scope and if it can be legally binding, the Philippines' top diplomat said on Saturday.

The South China Sea remains a source of tension between China and neighbours the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, with ties between Beijing and U.S. ally Manila at their worst in years amid frequent confrontations that have sparked concerns they could spiral into conflict.

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China pledged in 2002 to create a code of conduct, but took 15 years to start discussions and progress has been slow.

In an interview ahead of Sunday's meeting with his ASEAN counterparts on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo said discussions on a code were well underway, but it was time to start thrashing out the meatier, trickier aspects.

"It's time that we try to look at issues which are, in our view, essential, which have not really been discussed in a thorough way or even much less negotiated. These are the so-called milestone issues," Manalo told Reuters.

Those would include the code's scope, whether it is legally binding and its impact on third-party countries, he said, adding the aim was to make it effective and substantive.

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"We have to begin addressing these important issues," Manalo added. "This might be the best way to at least move the negotiation forward."

Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which it asserts through a fleet of coast guard and fishing militia that some neighbours accuse of aggression and of disrupting fishing and energy activities in their exclusive economic zones.

China insists it operates lawfully in its territory and does not recognise a 2016 arbitration ruling that said its claim has no basis under international law.

'U.S. INTERESTS ARE STILL THERE'

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Manalo also said that as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, there was no sign the United States would reassess its engagement in Southeast Asia.

"We haven't heard any or seen any indication of scaling down or any kind of particular change," he said.

"We have to wait until the administration actually takes over. But from what we've seen so far, U.S. interests are still there."

Manalo said the civil war in military-ruled Myanmar remains a big challenge for ASEAN, which has barred the generals from meetings for failing to implement the bloc's peace plan.

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The junta plans to hold an election this year in which its opponents either cannot run, or refuse to contest.

Manalo said it was premature to discuss if ASEAN would make preconditions for recognising the election, which he said must involve as much of the population as possible.

"If elections are held without being seen as inclusive, not transparent, I believe it would be very difficult for those elections to create more legitimacy," he said.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Martin Petty)
In a podcast interview with Tucker Carlson earlier this month, former television host Billy Bush tried to connect the 2016 release of the Access Hollywood tapewhich featured then-candidate Donald Trump bragging about assaulting womento the Clintons by claiming that the reporter who broke the story of the tape and published the recording was a groomsman in Marc Mezvinksy and Chelsea Clintons wedding.

Bush, a cousin of former President George W. Bush and nephew of former President George H.W. Bush, was with Trump in 2005 as an Access Hollywood host to record an episode when Trump made his infamous comments about sexually assaulting women. Trumps comments were picked up on the filming crews microphones and, 11 years later, published by David Fahrenthold in the Washington Post in the leadup to the 2016 presidential election.

Carlson asked Bush how the Washington Post might have obtained the recording from NBC News, and Bush responded by citing Farentholds friendship with the president of NBC, which produces Access Hollywood. From the transcript:

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Billy Bush: We dont know exactly, but if you want to begin the internal investigation, Noah Oppenheim is the president of NBC, hes the head of thehes general manager of The Today Show. His coeditor of the Harvard Crimson newspaper, back when he was a Harvard man, was a writer named David Fahrenthold from the Washington Post. And Fahrenthold is the onethey ran the Crimson together, they were both groomsmen in Hillaryin Chelsea Clintons wedding. Tucker Carlson: Actually? Billy Bush: Co-groomsman. Oh, yeah. Because one of their other buddies was the guy that Chelsea married [Mezvinsky]. So, they were groomsmen in the wedding together, anyway, that guys the one who releasedits like the paper trail is terrible.

According to the New York Times, where Fahrenthold currently works as a reporter, he neither attended Mezvinsky and Clintons wedding nor ever met Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton. David Fahrenthold has never met Chelsea Clinton and was not at her wedding, Naseem Amini, a senior manager of external communications at the New York Times, told The Dispatch Fact Check.

One week after the Carlson interview, Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, responded to the podcast interview on X, mentioning Bushs claim while also sharing a 2018 Fox News story by Brian Flood on internal turmoil within NBC News leadership. So apparently Brian Flood reported this years ago but I missed it, Hemingway tweeted. The Access Hollywood tape was leaked by NBC in 2016 to the Washington Post, as we all know. (Billy Bush was collateral damage in the leak operation.) Anyway, he notes the head of NBC was this guy named Noah Oppenheim. Oppenheims coeditor at the Harvard Crimson was none other than Fahrenthold, the recipient of the leak. And they were both actual groomsmen in Chelsea Clintons wedding!? Shortly after running the information operation against Trump, Fahrenthold was given a contributing gig at MSNBC. She added, Here is Brian [Flood]s story that mentions all this, and included in her tweet a link to the article.

Floods Fox News article from 2018 stated that Oppenheim was close friends with Fahrenthold, adding that the pair were also tied to Marc Mezvinsky, Chelsea Clintons husband, and that they were groomsmen at each others weddings. While Oppenheim reportedly made his connections with both Fahrenthold and Mezvinksy during his time at Harvard, Flood made no note of Fahrenthold attending Mezvinsky and Clintons wedding, nor any other specific connection between one another. As Flood wrote in his 2018 piece:

Furthermore, Oppenheims role in the Access Hollywood debacle has been the object of negative attention within Comcast, sources tell Fox News, as he is close friends with Fahrenthold from prestigious Harvard University. NBC has denied that Oppenheim leaked the tape to Fahrentholdwho with Oppenheim is also tied from Harvard to investor Marc Mezvinsky, the son-in-law of Hillary Clinton. Oppenheim and Mezvinsky were groomsmen in each others weddings and continue to revolve in the same privileged social circles.

Hemingway later replied to her own tweet with a link to a thread by Gabe Fleisher, author of the political newsletter Wake Up To Politics, that debunked the connection between Fahrenthold and Clinton in a series of tweets. However, she has not deleted the original tweet.

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The Dispatch Fact Check has reached out to the Hot Mics With Billy Bush video podcast, David Fahrenthold, and Mollie Hemingway for comment.

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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UPDATE: Rock Island County States Attorney Dora Villarreal provided a statement to Our Quad Cities News in response to Jakarta Jacksons family attorneys.

Here is the full statement:

The States Attorneys Office received the Integrity Task Force file yesterday. The SAO is an independent entity that ensures that integrity of the investigation and reviews the facts in accordance with the law. It is critical that witness interviews are conducted and that statements are collected prior to disclosure of body cam and squad videos. The States Attorney will diligently review the case in an expeditious but careful manner. Our next step is to review the evidence collected in accordance with State and Federal use of force legal standards. We will then meet with the family and allow them to review the case prior to the public. At the conclusion of the review we will update the public on a decision on the actions of law enforcement officers. We are committed to this process to ensure complete, thorough and impartial analysis of the case, respecting the family and ensuring transparency for the public.

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UPDATE: Attorneys representing the family of a man who died during an incident with a Rock Island Police officer have released a statement.

Civil Rights Attorneys Ben Crump of Ben Crump Law and Antonio Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin represent a child of Jakarta Jackson, who died on January 5. They emailed this statement to Our Quad Cities News:

Romanucci & Blandin and Ben Crump Law represent the mother of Jakarta Jacksons young daughter, and in her name and all of those who cared about Jakarta Jackson, we come forward with a list of urgent questions and demands for Rock Island Police. Twenty-one-year-old Jakarta was tragically shot and killed by Rock Island Police on January 5, 2025yet another young Black man to die at the hands of police.

Our office has already issued a Freedom of Information Act request for any and all body camera footage and dashboard camera footage of the killing. It has been over 10 days since Jakarta was killed. We are still waiting. We demand the immediate release of that footage, and the transparency that comes with it, so this grieving family and the Rock Island community can know the truth of what happened. What do the police have to hide?

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The historic former Galena Hotel in downtown Aurora could soon hold over 20 micro-unit apartments, which is a new concept for the city.

The building at 116 W. Galena Blvd. was constructed in 1862, making it one of the oldest in the city. It has been vacant since 2020 but was purchased in 2023 by developer Fernando Barrera, an East Side Aurora native and Aurora Central Catholic High School graduate, who plans to renovate the building into apartments ranging in size from 260 square feet to 550 square feet to be priced from $1,050 per month to $1,350 per month.

On Wednesday, the City Council Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee recommended approval of Barreras plans for the former hotel, along with a special zoning designation for the project, called a Conditional Use Planned Development.

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The plans and the zoning designation are now set to go before the City Council Committee of the Whole on Tuesday before being sent to the Aurora City Council for final approval.

The buildings downstairs is planned to have five units, with the buildings lobby also converted into an apartment, according to a staff report included with Wednesdays meeting agenda. The second and third floors would each hold seven units, while the fourth floor would hold two larger units, city staff said in the report.

The interior of the building is planned to be reconfigured, but the center stairwell corridors, which the staff report calls the buildings most significant and intact pubic spaces, are set to be restored.

The only major change to the building would be a new addition on the back of the building that will hold an elevator for residents, which would only be accessible from inside the building, along with a new stairwell also on the back of the building, according to Jill Morgan, a senior planner with the city of Aurora.

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She told the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee that the developer has worked with both the city and the state Historic Preservation Office, along with others, to make sure that the additions have minimal impact on the historic building, because Barrera plans to use historic preservation tax credits for the project.

City staff also worked with Barrera early in the planning process to better understand micro-units, since it is a new concept for the city, Morgan said.

Information provided to the city showed that the micro-units are affordable for those who want to live in urban areas, provide convenient access to jobs and amenities, typically have a higher occupancy rate than other types of apartments, rent at higher prices per square footage than other units, are sustainable and will fill an untapped market within the city, in addition to preserving a historic building, she said.

Barrera told the committee on Wednesday that it will be targeting working-class professionals to live in the units, and all the leases would be for a minimum of 12 months.

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Ald. Carl Franco, 5th Ward, questioned the prices of the units, saying that for just a few hundred dollars more a month, someone could get a significantly bigger apartment. Barrera said that, while the rent may look pricey when comparing dollars to square footage, the apartments will have the cheapest base rent in downtown Aurora, so it will be affordable in a sense for working professionals.

You guys do your research and stuff like that, I just was kind of surprised, Franco said about the prices.

In his experience, most people looking for an apartment in or around downtown Aurora are looking for a studio apartment or a one-bedroom apartment, and the concept for the micro-units came from that, according to Barrera. He said the concept works because of the square footage of the units and the location of the project.

Residents of the apartments would likely need to park in city lots, Barrera said. According to Morgan, the city does have overnight parking available through permits.

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Ald. Bill Donnell, 4th Ward, said he believes it is important to find some parking for the project even though downtown projects do not require it.

Ald. Patty Smith, 8th Ward, suggested a permit that would allow people to park overnight on the street similar to how it is done in Chicago, if parking ends up being something those residents need.

This is going to be just the first of others that we could have this issue with long-term, she said.

Also, once the Hollywood Casino moves out of downtown to its new spot near the Chicago Premium Outlets mall near Interstate 88, there will be more parking available downtown, Morgan said.

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The Aurora City Council previously approved a $1.3 million incentive for the micro-unit project at the historic hotel, funds which will come from the citys tax on gaming, according to previous reporting.

At that time, Barrera was planning to primarily finance the project, which is set to cost a total of $6.65 million, through the sale of historic tax credits, which the building is eligible to receive because its on the National Register of Historic Places and in Auroras Riveredge Redevelopment Zone.

The building is also in a tax increment financing, or TIF, district  the same one that was created for the historic Hobbs Building project across Galena Boulevard. So, Barrera will get back 80% of the difference between the buildings current property tax and the future property tax from after the project is completed, according to past reporting.

City officials previously estimated that the buildings property taxes would increase from about $4,000 a year to between about $20,000 and $25,000.

rsmith@chicagotribune.com
(This Dec. 18 story has been corrected to show that the New York Times first reported Tice's escape, in paragraph 11)

By Maya Gebeily

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - The mother of American journalist Austin Tice, who was taken captive during a reporting trip to Syria in August 2012, arrived in Damascus on Saturday to step up the search for her son and said she hopes she can take him home with her.

Tice, who worked as a freelance reporter for the Washington Post and McClatchy, was one of the first U.S. journalists to make it into Syria after the outbreak of the civil war.

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His mother, Debra Tice, drove into the Syrian capital from Lebanon with Nizar Zakka, the head of Hostage Aid Worldwide, an organisation which is searching for Austin and believes he is still in Syria.

"It'd be lovely to put my arms around Austin while I'm here. It'd be the best," Debra Tice told Reuters in the Syrian capital, which she last visited in 2015 to meet with Syrian authorities about her son, before they stopped granting her visas.

The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December by Syrian rebels has allowed her to visit again from her home in Texas.

"I feel very strongly that Austin's here, and I think he knows I'm here... I'm here," she said.

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Debra Tice and Zakka are hoping to meet with Syria's new authorities, including the head of its new administration Ahmed al-Sharaa, to push for information about Austin. They are also optimistic that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, will take up the cause.

"I am hoping to get some answers. And of course, you know, we have inauguration on Monday, and I think that should be a huge change," she said.

"I know that President Trump is quite a negotiator, so I have a lot of confidence there. But now we have an unknown on this (Syrian) side. It's difficult to know, if those that are coming in even have the information about him," she said.

Her son, now 43, was taken captive in August 2012, while travelling through the Damascus suburb of Daraya.

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Reuters reported earlier that in 2013 Tice, a former Marine, managed to slip out of his cell and was seen moving between houses in the streets of Damascus' upscale Mazzeh neighborhood. The New York Times first reported that brief escape and recapture.

He was recaptured soon after his escape, likely by forces who answered directly to Assad, current and former U.S. officials said.

Debra Tice came to Syria in 2012 and 2015 to meet with Syrian authorities, who never confirmed that Tice was in their custody, both she and Zakka said.

She criticised outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, saying they did not negotiate hard enough for her son's release, even in recent months.

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"We certainly felt like President Biden was very well positioned to do everything possible to bring Austin home, right? I mean, this was the end of his career. This would be a wonderful thing for him to do. So we had an expectation. He pardoned his own son, right? So, where's my son?"

Debra Tice said her "mind was just spinning" as she drove across the Lebanese border into Syria and teared up as she spoke about the tens of thousands whose loved ones were held in Assad's notorious prison system and whose fate remains unknown.

"I have a lot in common with a lot of Syrian mothers and families, and just thinking about how this is affecting them - do they have the same hope that I do, that they're going to open a door, that they're going to see their loved one?"

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily, Firas Makdesi and Yamam Al Shaar in Damascus; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Aamir on working with SRK and Salman in film: Waiting for right script

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23:43 Police recover piece of knife from Saif's residence The police have recovered a piece of a broken knife from Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's house during the probe of Thursday's attack on him by an intruder, an official said on Saturday night. Saif was stabbed multiple times by the attacker during the robbery attempt at his 12th floor... Read more >

23:06 NCP leader dropped as guardian minister in Maharashtra Dhananjay Munde NCP leader and Food and Civil Supplies minister Dhananjay Munde did not find place in the list of guardian ministers released by the Maharashtra government on Saturday. Ministers in Maharashtra are given responsibility of one or more districts. The announcement was awaited after the... Read more >

21:39 IDF prepares for return of hostages The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced that preparations have begun for the implementation of the hostages' return agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, after the ceasefire deal was approved by the Israeli security cabinet on Friday.The deal is set to take effect on Sunday,... Read more >

21:01 IIT-BHU gang rape: Scratches found on survivor's private parts A government doctor has told a court hearing the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) gang rape case that scratch marks were found on the private part of the survivor, a student of the institute.Assistant District Government Counsel Manoj Gupta said that Dr Anamika... Read more >

20:57 SC to hear on Jan 20 plea by Atul Subhash's mother The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea filed by the mother of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based engineer who committed suicide in 2024 alleging harassment by wife, seeking his minor son's custody.A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Saish Chandra Sharma is likely to hear the plea... Read more >

20:15 Shah forms team to probe mysterious Rajouri deaths Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team to visit a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district to ascertain the causes of deaths in three incidents in the past six weeks.The team will be headed by a senior Union home ministry officer and consist... Read more >

19:47 Curbs on flight operations at Delhi airport till Jan 26 Delhi airport operator DIAL on Saturday said there will be no flight arrivals and departures between 10.20 am and 12.45 pm for the next eight days till January 26 in view of the Republic Day week.Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is the country's busiest airport and handles around 1,300... Read more >

19:40 Man opens fire in girlfriend's house after break-up A 24-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly opening fire inside his girlfriend's house after she broke up with him in Maharashtra's Beed district, police said on Saturday.No one was injured in the incident that took place in Ambejogai on Friday morning, an official said.He said the accused,... Read more >

19:22 RG Kar verdict: Doctors vow to continue protests Doctors from various hospitals in Kolkata staged a protest rally here on Saturday expressing dissatisfaction with the conviction of prime accused Sanjay Roy in the RG Kar rape-murder case and demanded that the CBI bring to justice all those allegedly involved in the crime.Junior and senior... Read more >

19:11 Roof of Arjun-Bhoomi film set collapses during song shoot The roof of a film set collapsed in Mumbai's Goregaon area possibly due to vibrations from the sound of a song being shot at the time, a cine employees' federation functionary said on Saturday.The incident took place on Wednesday night while a song was being shot on the sets of the film Mere... Read more >

18:32 Boy, 15, raped by friends in UP's Deoria A 15-year-old boy was allegedly raped in Deoria by two of his friends, one of them a minor, police said on Saturday.Superintendent of Police Vikrant Veer said the two accused are aged 15 and 18 and efforts are on to nab them.The incident took place on January 3 in a village under the Rudrapur... Read more >

18:15 Saif attack suspect held from train in Chhattisgarh The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has detained a man named Aakash Kanojia in connection with the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan from a train at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, an official said.The suspect was traveling by a Mumbai-Howrah train and held at Durg in the afternoon, the... Read more >

17:49 Sanjay Roy wasn't alone: RG Kar victim's mother Welcoming the conviction of prime accused Sanjay Roy by a trial court in Kolkata in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, the mother of the deceased woman doctor on Saturday said they were still waiting for the other criminals to be arrested and punished.That Sanjay is guilty was... Read more >

17:07 Sanjay Roy's family not to challenge conviction Minutes after the conviction of Sanjay Roy in the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, his elder sister on Saturday said the family has no plan to challenge the order on its own in any court.The middle-aged woman, her face partially covered... Read more >

16:41 Another beed sarpanch alleges extortion threat A woman village sarpanch in Maharashtra's Beed district has approached police claiming that she faces threat to life from a former sarpanch and two others for refusing to pay Rs one lakh as extortion amount.Mangal Mamadge, sarpanch of Mamdapur village in Ambajogai tehsil, also said her son ended... Read more >

16:01 NCP ready to contest local bodies polls solo: Walse Patil The Nationalist Congress Party is ready to go solo in the upcoming local bodies elections in Maharashtra if alliance with other parties doesn't materialise, party leader Dilip Walse Patil said on Saturday.The NCP, led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, is a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance,... Read more >

15:52 Christian man unable to bury dad: SC raps Chhattisgarh govt Image only for representation The Supreme Court has rapped the Chhattisgarh government and sought its response on a plea filed by a Christian man who said he is unable to bury his pastor father in Chhindawada village as people have aggressively objected to it and police have threatened him with legal action.A bench of... Read more >

15:19 Rahul Gandhi bumps into Tejashwi in Patna Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is in Patna on Saturday, bumped into Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, a political ally who also happens to be a family friend.The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha drove to a hotel in the city to freshen up, before proceeding to the venue of a... Read more >

14:49 M&M: Interest for EVs from Tier-II,- III cities Deepak Patel/Business Standard The strong interest shown by residents of Tier-II and -III cities in the BE 6e and XEV 9e, Mahindra and Mahindra's (M&M's) newly launched premium electric vehicles (EVs), has 'surprised' the company, leading it to include the cities in the initial phase of... Read more >

14:35 RG Kar rape-murder: Sanjay Roy pronounced guilty JUST IN: Kolkata court pronounces accused Sanjay Roy guilty of rape-murder of on-duty doctor at RG Kar hospital.The court will pronounce Roy's sentence on Monday.Sanjay Roy, who was a civic volunteer with the city police, was charged with committing the crime on the postgraduate trainee at the... Read more >

14:27 10 reasons to watch Vidaamuyarchi Actor Ajith Kumar ends a two-year wait with Vidaamuyarchi, which releases on February 6.Here are 10 reasons why you should watch it. Read more >

14:22 Free power, water to cover tenants too: Kejriwal Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that his party would take decisive steps to extend the benefits of free electricity and water to tenants if re-elected to power.Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, he highlighted concerns raised by tenants across... Read more >

14:08 Modi expresses condolences on Pritish Nandy's Demise Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing of Shri Pritish Nandy, a multi-faceted personality known for his contributions to journalism, cinema, poetry, and art.In a message to Rina Pritish Nandy, the prime minister extended heartfelt condolences, emphasising the lasting... Read more >

14:06 Tata Steel files SC petition on mineral land tax Ishita Ayan Dutt/Business StandardTata Steel on Friday said it had filed a curative petition in the Supreme Court regarding an apex court ruling on the imposition of tax on mineral-bearing land.In a regulatory filing, the company stated, '...we wish to inform you that the company has today, i.e.,... Read more >

13:42 Bhujbal attends NCP conclave, says that doesn't mean... Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who had targeted party chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for his exclusion from the Maharashtra cabinet, on Saturday said he is attending the party conclave on request of senior leaders.Bhujbal said his presence at the two-day NCP convention... Read more >

13:27 FDI inflow slowed to $0.5 Billion... Abhijit Lele/Business StandardThe net foreign direct investment (FDI) in India -- inflows minus outflows -- dropped to $0.5 billion during April-November 2024 from $8.5 billion in the same period in 2023, reflecting the rise in repatriation and overseas investments by Indian firms.Gross inward... Read more >

13:26 Former Paytm directors settle with SEBI for... Khushboo Tiwari/Business StandardSeven former directors and the former compliance officer of One97 Communications -- the parent firm of Paytm -- have paid Rs 3.32 crore to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) as part of a settlement in the alleged violation of regulatory norms.These... Read more >

13:16 Rahul Gandhi arrives in Patna on day-long visit Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Patna on Saturday on a day-long visit during which he would take part in a conference based on the theme of 'safeguarding' the Constitution, besides interacting with leaders of the Bihar unit.Gandhi is scheduled to address the 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan'... Read more >

13:06 RBI sold record $20.2 billion in Nov to back Rupee Anjali Kumari/Business StandardThe Reserve Bank of India sold a record $20.2 billion in the foreign exchange market in November to contain rupee volatility against the greenback, pushing its net short position in the forward market to $58.9 billion by the month's end, according to the central... Read more >

12:53 NRI deposits up 71% in April-November 2024 Abhijit Lele/Business StandardThe flow of money from Overseas Indians in non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes rose by 71 per cent to $12.5 billion between April and November, 2024 from $7.30 billion that they put in these schemes during the same period in 2023, data released by the RBI... Read more >

12:30 Indians remitted $7.1 billion overseas Sep-Nov! Aathira Varier/Business StandardOutward remittances under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) rose 3.6 per cent in November 2024 to $1.95 billion from $1.87 billion in the year-ago period as growth in overseas investment balanced the degrowth in remittances under international travel,... Read more >

12:12 Piyush Goyal to travel to Brussels for... Shreya Nandi/Business StandardCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to Brussels, Belgium, on Saturday for a high-level dialogue with a top European Commission official to give political direction to expedite the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union... Read more >

11:49 Attacker did not touch...: Kareena tells cops Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has informed the police that the intruder who entered their house in Mumbai got aggressive during the scuffle but did not touch jewellery kept in the open, an official said on Saturday.The police recorded the actress's statement following the... Read more >

11:36 WazirX freezes 1st set of stolen assets Ajinkya Kawale/Business StandardCrypto platform WazirX has frozen the first tranche of stolen virtual digital assets (VDAs) worth $3 million USDT, it announced on Friday.The move comes nearly seven months after the firm suffered an alleged security breach, leading to a loss of over $230 million... Read more >

11:12 Indriya Plans To Launch 100 Stores Akshara Srivastava/Business Standard Indriya, the jewellery brand from the Aditya Birla Group, has outlined a plan to open 100 new stores over the next 18 months to gain a bigger share of the organised jewellery retail market.The design-focused brand is also open to pivoting into lab grown... Read more >

11:07 Dense fog in parts of Delhi, 47 trains delayed A thick blanket of fog covered parts of outer Delhi on Saturday morning, significantly reducing visibility and delaying 47 trains. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 10.2 degrees Celsius, 2.6 notches above the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department... Read more >

11:06 Couple light fireplace to beat cold, die of suffocation Representative image A couple died from suffocation after they went to sleep with the fireplace burning in a village in Uttarakhand's New Tehri, officials said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Dwari-Thapla village of the Bhilangana area. The couple, Madan Mohan Semwal (52)... Read more >

11:05 UP man held for 'Pakistan Zindabad' post on social media Police have arrested a man for allegedly posting a pro-Pakistan slogan on his social media account, officials said on Friday. The accused was identified as Imran (25), a resident of Nawabganj area, they said. Inspector Raj Kumar Sharma said that the police had received... Read more >

11:01 UPI Has potential to grow 10x: NPCI CEO Ajinkya Kawale/Business StandardCountry's real-time payments system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) can grow 10 times from its current levels, said Dilip Asbe, MD and CEO, National Payments Corporation of India. The apex payments body recorded 16.73 billion transactions in December... Read more >

10:40 '13 km in 13 minutes': Hy'bad metro creates green corridor for heart transplantation The Hyderabad Metro Rail created a green corridor facilitating the swift and seamless transportation of a donor heart, covering a distance of 13 kilometers in 13 minutes across 13 stations in Hyderabad .The corridor created on January 17 at 9:30 PM, facilitated the transportation of a... Read more >

10:32 Saif recovering, likely to be discharged in...: Docs Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was attacked by an intruder at his Mumbai home, is recovering well and is expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors said on Saturday.The 54-year-old actor suffered multiple stab wounds, including on his neck and near the spine, in a brutal attack... Read more >

10:24 Rashtrapati Honours Our Sports Jewels India's sporting heroes were over the moon after being conferred the National Sports Awards In New Delhi on Friday by President Droupadi Murmu .Here's the Web Story capturing the glimpses of the ceremony. Read more >

10:03 RG Kar rape-murder: Court to pronounce verdict today The judgement in the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata will be delivered later on Saturday.Sanjay Roy, who was a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was charged with committing the crime on the postgraduate trainee at the state-run... Read more >

09:43 TaMo Demerger Likely By Mid-FY26 Shine Jacob/Business StandardTata Motors' much-talked-about demerger into two entities -- Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Ltd (TMLCV) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) -- is expected to take place by the middle of 2025-2026, said a top company executive on Friday. Within the company,... Read more >

09:25 'Trending positive': Elon Musk on India-US trade ties Tech billionaire Elon Musk told a delegation of leading Indian business figures at his SpaceX Starbase facility in Texas on Friday that he believes India-US ties are trending positive and that he favours an enhanced trade partnership between the two nations. The Indian entrepreneurs,... Read more >

08:54 TV actor Aman Jaiswal dies in Mumbai road accident TV actor Aman Jaiswal, known for his lead role in the serial Dhartiputra Nandini, died in a road accident in the Jogeshwari West area of Mumbai when a truck allegedly hit his motorcycle, police said The incident occurred at Hill Park Road around 3:15 PM on Friday when the truck collided with... Read more >

08:43 Rents hit two decade high Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com The share of rent in consumption expenditure has risen to 6.58%, according to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-2024.This is the highest it has been in surveys going back to the turn of the millennium. READ the full report HERE Read more >

08:31 Israel cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal Israel's cabinet has approved a deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.The ceasefire is set to begin from Sunday.Qatar and the US announced the ceasefire Wednesday, but the deal was in limbo for more than a day as Prime Minister Benjamin... Read more >

00:28 Trump admin to convene QUAD foreign ministers meeting on Jan 21 The foreign ministers of QUAD countries Australia, India, Japan and the US will meet in here on January 21, a day after the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th US President, making it one of the first foreign policy acts of the new administration, a media report said on Friday. Trump... Read more >
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office is warning the public of a phone scam involving Bitcoin ATMs in the county.

Authorities say scammers are impersonating representatives of trusted organizations to an attempt to steal money form victims. They say although this scam has been occurring nationwide, recent reports have been filed in Vanderburgh County.

VSCO says scammers will pretend to be part of a legitimate organization like a government agency, law enforcement, banking or tech support manipulate victims into withdrawing cash from their bank accounts and deposit them into a Bitcoin ATM.

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They say the scammer will often create a sense of urgency to pressure the victim into acting swiftly.

Authorities say once funds are transferred to a cryptocurrency wallet, it becomes nearly impossible to trace.

VCSO says to never act on unexpected calls, to do your research and report any potential scams to authorities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
NEWTON COUNTY, Mo.  A huge wave of avian flu has been identified in Newton County.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms more than 1.5 million chickens are infected. The site is not officially identified, other than it being part of a commercial egg-laying operation.

The birds will be destroyed, and health authorities are monitoring a small number of workers who were in contact with those birds.

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The viruses, they do go bird to bird. Or if it does go bird to human, we want to make sure we stop it as soon as we can, so that it doesnt mutate and get a situation that we can go person to person. So right now, were in good shape. Nobody is showing symptoms, said Larry Bergner, Newton Co. Health Admin.

Officials say in incidents nationwide in the last 10 months, only 67 human patients have contracted bird fluone of those cases was fatal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A baby boy was surrendered to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services through the Safe Haven Law in December.

The baby was born on December 3 and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement can be found, the Iowa HHS said.

Landus announces layoffs in effort to execute bold strategy

According to Iowa HHS, the baby boy brings the total number of babies surrendered through the Safe Haven Law in 2024 to eight. Since the law went into effect over two decades ago 74 infants have been surrendered.

Iowa News:

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The Safe Haven Law allows parents who dont believe they can properly care for a baby to surrender the baby up to 90-days-old at a safe location like a hospital or police and fire stations. For more information about the law visit the Iowa HHS website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently wrote. Before the pen of Jefferson etched the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence across the pages of history, we were here.

So one must ask: Why do some continually tell African Americans to "Go back to Africa?" Or tell any minority to go back to their ancestral country? Or characterize Black Americans, and the needs of the neighborhoods and cities where many dwell, as separate from "real America"?

We need to accept that we are one nation, and recognize that our differences make us stronger, and that our destinies should be linked to our unity and pride in the freedoms and democracy our country affords us.

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For the record, the Pew Research Center shows that 90% of Americans of African descent were born in the United States, but cannot trace their family lineage. Conversely, the overwhelming percentage of white Americans can trace their lineage to European origins.

My familys history, like most Americans of African descent, has ancestors who were born into slavery. However, my research shows that they came to America, though not by choice, and have a history in our country that I can trace back more than two centuries. We are a family, born and raised here, with multiple members who have honorably served, protected and even died for our country.

I am a real American.

Former Detroit Police Chief Isaiah McKinnon speaks during 12th Precinct community event in 1995.

More from McKinnon: Beaten by a cop as a teen, Ike McKinnon later became Detroit's police chief

Encounters with ignorance

I was born in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1943. My family moved to Detroit in 1953, and has lived here since. My parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were born in Alabama. Some of them were born into slavery. In fact, my American lineage can be traced back to the early 1800s, less than 25 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, when my great-great-grandparents, Lavenia and Isaac McKinnon were born in South Carolina.

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They were enslaved by Daniel McKinnon, who gave them to his daughter in his will, which reveals how my familys surname originated.

My first encounter with racist language occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, when I was 8 and on my way to school. A young white man drove past me and yelled, "Go back to Africa, followed by the N-word. I told my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Thomas, and she told me to forget it, and to hold my head up high.

I did forget it, until 1957, when my dad, brother and I were returning from my grandmothers funeral in Alabama, and a car with six young white men drove next to us and yelled out the same slur.

After joining the U.S. Air Force in July of 1961, I was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, for basic training. After the fifth week, we were given a one-day pass and I decided to visit the city and go to a movie. As I approached the theater and attempted to purchase a ticket, the cashier said, We dont allow n----s into this theater. Incensed, I replied, Look, Im a member of the U.S. Air Force and just want to see the movie. She responded, I dont care. You dont belong in my country.

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This was the first, but not the last such incident that occurred during my military career.

In 1968, then-Officer Ike McKinnon became a model for Detroit police recruiting.

More from McKinnon: It's time to restructure police departments so they truly serve and protect

We were fighting a war

After basic training, my first duty assignment was at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. While stationed there, I witnessed derogatory name calling toward Native American, Hispanic and Jewish airmen.

And while serving in Da Nang, Vietnam, four white airmen in a nearby tent loudly sang, Two, four, six, eight. We don't want to integrate. Go back to Africa, all you n-----s. This was the epitome of ignorance and racism, as it was at the height of the Civil Rights Movement and we were fighting a war 8,000 miles from home.

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In 1965, following my honorable discharge, I joined the Detroit Police Department. The insulting language didnt stop. One day, as my partner and I, both Black officers, were dispatched to a break up a neighborhood fight. As we approached the building, the two men who were physically fighting stopped, and yelled to us, We dont need any n----r cops. Send us the white Police, because theyre real Americans.

During my years on the department, not only was the N-word a commonly used part of some officers' vocabularies, as they patrolled the streets of our city, I often heard some fellow officers, and even supervisors, use equally racist terms toward Hispanic, Jewish and Arab citizens. Unfortunately, since some of the supervisors participated, or silently found it amusing, no one was disciplined.

The reality is that the use of the N-word, or any other descriptive minority slur, is used to imply that the person is less than human. That they dont belong here. Over the years, many Black officers in Detroit shared similar stories with me. And during my career, as I traveled and spoke with other minority police from various cities and states, their experiences were similar.

Ike McKinnon, then chief of the Detroit Police Department, at a 1995 a press conference.

Making change

As I rose through the ranks in Detroit, and specifically to chief, it became painfully obvious to me that a percentage of those involved in law enforcement were not taking the initiative, without direct orders or discipline, to make substantive changes in this type of behavior. It became necessary to require direct responsibility for higher-level managers to take corrective action. Classes in different languages and mandatory visits to precinct businesses, schools and religious institutions were instituted.

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Since I retired as chief, entered the university field of higher education and began consulting and conducting law enforcement cultural diversity training classes, I've heard many current African American, Hispanic, Arab and LGBTQ+ officers speak in class of incidents that are still occurring today. It is truly an education to hear both young and older officers openly discuss the racist and sexist slurs used by and towards them.

I applaud the Detroit, Dearborn and Inkster Police Departments, and the Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw County sheriff departments for being at the forefront of recognizing and improving their hiring and disciplinary process to mitigate and remove problematic trainees and sworn officers from their departments. Education, tolerance and open discussions are some of the tools to foster understanding and change.

King said that our history and destiny is tied to the destiny of America.

Whatever your personal ancestral story or heritage as an American might be, lets honor the shared history of our great country, celebrate all that connects us and respect our differences, so we can move forward together to a peaceful American future for all current and future generations.

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Isaiah Ike McKinnon served as a Detroit police officer for 19 years and served as chief from 1993 to 1998. He earned a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, became a tenured professor at the University of Detroit-Mercy and served as deputy mayor from 2013-1016.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Back to Africa'? Before pilgrims and Jefferson, we were here |Opinion
Ashley Waxman Bakshi knows the Gaza ceasefire agreement is a bad deal for Israel, but she believes it could be the last chance she has of seeing her cousin Agam again.

For 15 months, the family of 20-year-old Agam Berger has been tormented by thoughts of her horrific abduction on Oct 7 2023, and what could have happened to her since.

Im taking a nice warm shower in my nice warm home. Then you stop and you think about it and youre like, I wonder when was the last time Agam showered, Ashley, 39, told The Telegraph.

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It cant be that theyre not showering. You try to convince yourself that its not as bad as you think it is. Self-defence.

Agam is set to be released at some point during the first stage of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but Ashley and the family do not know exactly when or what condition she is in  or if she will be returned alive.

Agam Berger in happier times

Were trying to stay positive, but whats to stop Hamas from killing all of them now, she said.

You also stop yourself from being happy because you dont want to get your hopes up.

When she puts fears about the worst aside, she struggles to believe the release is finally happening.

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Its something the family have been fighting for for so long, but it comes with mixed feelings.

We all know, this entire country knows, this is a bad deal.

This is what Hamas wanted from the beginning, she said, explaining that serious terrorists were on the list of Palestinian prisoners that Israel will release under the terms of the agreement.

Yahya Sinwar [the Hamas leader in Gaza before he was killed] himself was a product of a deal. We know theres going to be more hostages, more terrorism.

But if all the hostages dont come in this process, I dont believe theyll ever come home.

Agam pictured with her parents

Agam was serving as a surveillance soldier at the Nahal Oz army base when scores of Hamas gunmen stormed the perimeter and killed dozens of her comrades, as well as at least 15 civilians in the nearby kibbutz.

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She had just finished basic training and had only arrived the day before.

Along with several other young female soldiers, she was captured and dragged off to Gaza still wearing her pyjamas.

Hamas filmed the girls as they were taken prisoner.

Agam, visibly terrified, is shown bleeding profusely from a severely swollen mouth as the terrorists threaten to shoot them all.

Here, these are the girls who can get pregnant, says one fighter.

Another stares at the group of tied-up, beaten young women and tells one, You are so beautiful.

Ashley said she still could not believe the video was real.

We only recognised her because we recognised her pyjama pants when she was getting pushed into the car.

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Shes so afraid and in shock. People dont look like themselves when they fear for their lives  something in the eyes.

The dazed and bloodied girl in the video is a world away from the photos of her before she was abducted  a pretty young woman who loved playing the violin, going to the beach and travelling.

Agam is so full of life: funny, hotheaded, [she] volunteered with the less fortunate, Ashley said smiling.

She can be spicy! she exclaimed. I can picture her getting into an argument with the terrorists.

Agams parents pray as family members use giant speakers to call their loved ones near the Gaza border

Ashley said her cousin is spiritual and often prayed, something she herself had begun doing since Agam was kidnapped.

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This was something Agams mum was very happy about, she said.

When the ceasefire deal was first announced, Ashley said the first thing she did was run to Agams parents.

Agams mum was cooking, getting ready for Shabbat and, like, I havent seen her in such good spirits since before Oct 7.

When Agams twin sister Li-Yam heard news of the deal, she became excited that Agam could perhaps come to her graduation from IDF officer training next week.

I had to remind her she wont leave hospital for weeks, Ashley said.

Friends of the family have been asking how they can help with Agams return, but there are so many unknowns that they cannot plan anything.

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Everyone wants to make her her favourite dishes.

It may not even be wise for Ashley to see Agam straight away, she said.

We dont know if she was alone for 15 months, she said, explaining that she may just need to see her parents and siblings during the first few weeks.

She will be changed. Theres no way she could not be changed.

Ashleys job as a content creator and being a cousin has allowed her to take on the media role she said, shielding the immediate family from too much exposure.

Its my way of protecting them.

After the ceasefire deal was announced, videos of Palestinians celebrating it as a victory circulated across social media.

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Some on the streets were filmed wearing what appeared to Hamas insignia, and chanting pro-Hamas slogans.

For Ashley, such videos brought back memories of the horror footage of the Oct 7 attacks.

She said she tries to sympathise with Palestinians, and that she genuinely has compassion for them, but doesnt think this is reciprocated.

Find me one person in Gaza who will openly say, I have compassion for the hostages or I have compassion for the Israelis that were murdered.

There are videos of kids celebrating victory.

A hostage who was released in November 2023 told the family that Agam had been moved out of Hamass tunnel network and then into peoples homes, where children were present.

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What do these people think? What are they telling the children? I cant comprehend it. Whose apartment was it? she said.

Are they complicit? Are they victims? I will never understand the way they think. I want peace but when your culture is so different, your values are so different, how are we ever gonna bridge this?

Weve never been so far away from peace, she said.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh is in Washington DC for the annual United States Conference of Mayors.

Goh and other U.S. mayors are in the capital to meet with federal officials and members of Congress on the most pressing issues of the day.

Pet of the Week: Nico

On Friday, Goh and other California mayors met with Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff. The group met and discussed homeowners insurance, housing affordability, homelessness and disaster resilient infrastructure, according to a statement from Sen. Schiffs office.

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President Joe Biden addressed the conference on Friday morning.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors takes place through Jan. 19.

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Ukraines Air Force has stated that one of the ballistic missiles launched towards Kyiv on the night of 17-18 January was downed at a relatively low altitude, leading to the falling wreckage causing extensive damage.

Source: Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of Ukrainian Air Force Command, in a comment for Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "There were two ballistic missile strikes on a business in Zaporizhzhia, and search and rescue operations are ongoing there. In Kyiv, both missiles were downed, which is confirmed by their data recorders. Unfortunately, there are fatalities due to the falling wreckage of ballistic missiles in the Shevchenkivskyi district, as one of the missiles was downed at a relatively low altitude.

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As we have repeatedly emphasised, wreckage of a destroyed missile cannot dissolve in the air, so the aftermath of air defence efforts in such areas as densely populated cities unfortunately occurs often. Everything that is downed in the air will inevitably fall to the ground, which is why we always ask citizens to follow safety measures and stay in shelters."

Background:

Russia attacked the cities of Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles on the morning of 18 January. A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv killed four people. Three more people sustained injuries. Fires, falling wreckage and damage to infrastructure facilities, including the Lukianivska metro station, were reported in the city.

Ukraines Air Force reported that Russia had launched four Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles from Russias Voronezh and Bryansk oblasts. Air defence forces downed two of the four missiles.

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As a ban looms over the social media app and its 170 million users, TikTok said it will be forced to go dark on Sunday unless the Biden administration explicitly declares that it will not enforce the ban.

In a statement Friday night, TikTok said the Biden administration has failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikToks availability to over 170 million Americans following the Supreme Courts decision earlier that day to uphold the divest or ban law.

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.

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The statement, issued just over a day before the ban is scheduled to go into effect, puts pressure on President Joe Biden in his final days in office to publicly decline to enforce a law that passed Congress swiftly with bipartisan support.

Under the law, app stores must remove TikTok from their offerings or potentially face up to a $5,000 fine for each user who continues to access the app. Although the Biden administration has said it will be up to its successor to implement the law, companies like Apple and Google are likely to consider it a massive risk to keep TikTok in their app stores given the five-year enforcement window.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Saturday called TikToks latest statement a stunt and clarified that its position is that the Trump administration is responsible for enforcing the ban.

It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday, she said. We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them.

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Passed in April, the law requires TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the popular app to a non-Chinese entity or be banned from app stores in the U.S. ByteDance has long said it will not sell. The legislation sped through Congress with bipartisan enthusiasm, but now that the ban is imminent and President-elect Donald Trump has flip-flopped on his support for the app, some lawmakers are trying to delay it from going into effect.

The Biden administration has also sought to punt the dilemma to its successor. Biden officials have been exploring ways to keep TikTok available after the Jan. 19 deadline, NBC News reported, so as to defer the problem to Trump.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is attending a number of inaugural events in Washington, D.C., this weekend in support of the president-elect. After the Supreme Courts decision Friday, Chew personally thanked Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States.

Trump, meanwhile, told NBC News on Saturday that he will most likely grant TikTok a 90-day extension on Monday, his first day back in office.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Brazils former President Jair Bolsonaro said Saturday that he is the victim of political persecution as he accompanied his wife to the airport in Brasilia to board a flight to attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration next week.

Brazils Supreme Court on Thursday denied Bolsonaros request to temporarily restore his passport so that he could travel to the inauguration, determining that Bolsonaro currently holds no position that would allow him to represent Brazil at the event.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes also said in the ruling that the far-right leader did not adequately prove to the court that he had been invited.

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Bolsonaro told journalists at the airport that he is upset and still shocked by the decision.

Obviously it would have been really good for me to go. President Trump would have really liked it, Bolsonaro said. But I am facing enormous political persecution by one person, he added, referring to de Moraes.

Some 20 supporters of the former president were at the airport, where Michelle Bolsonaro boarded her flight to the U.S.

My husband is being persecuted, but those that God sends will be persecuted, we know this, she told journalists before kissing her husband and going through the gates.

Bolsonaro is an outspoken admirer of Trump. Like him, the former Brazilian president also cast doubt on the electoral system in his country and refused to concede.

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Bolsonaro, under several wide-ranging investigations including an attempt to stay in office despite his electoral defeat in 2022, had his passport seized by federal police last February because he was considered a flight risk. He denies the allegations against him.

Bolsonaro had requested permission to leave the country from Jan. 17 to 22 to attend Trump's inauguration ceremony on Monday and a Hispanic inaugural ball.

When de Moraes asked Bolsonaros lawyers for evidence of his invitation on Saturday, they forwarded an invitation letter signed by inauguration committee co-chairs Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler.

Still, de Moraes argued that Bolsonaro had not adequately proven that he was invited to the inauguration. In the ruling, de Moraes followed the recommendation of Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who said Wednesday that Bolsonaros private interest in the trip did not outweigh the public interest in prohibiting him from traveling abroad.

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De Moraes said Bolsonaro remains a flight risk and added that the former president has advocated that his supporters, who face legal troubles in cases involving their political allegiance, should leave the country and seek asylum. Hundreds of Bolsonaros supporters involved in Jan. 8, 2023, riots in Brasilia have left Brazil to avoid prosecution.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was not officially invited, will not be present at Trumps inauguration. The Brazilian ambassador to the U.S., Maria Luiza Viotti, will attend.

Trump has invited some global leaders, including Chinas President Xi Jinping and Argentinas President Javier Milei.
BARLING, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Barling Police Captain Nathan Mayhugh defended his officers actions during a Nov. 10 arrest of Chad Nalley, a man whose family claims suffers from seizures and mental disabilities.

I believe that they handled the situation accordingly. So I believe our officers acted accordingly to what was given to them, Mayhugh said when asked about the handling of the incident, in which police were called to assist EMS with a non-compliant individual.

Mayhugh explained that Nalley was not cooperating with officers, which led to a physical confrontation.

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Nalley was charged with four felonies, including assault. Barling police say they were called to assist EMS at the Sebastian County Retirement Center. When they responded to help medical staff with Nalley, he struggled and injured an officer.

He was just not cooperative at all. And then eventually, our officers had to go hands-on. And thats when two more officers were assaulted, Mayhugh added.

Barling City Park to get $500,000 from grant program for renovations

Nalley was hospitalized following the encounter, then arrested and charged with two counts of assaulting officers and two counts of assaulting EMS personnel.

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Dr. Shawna Burns, an Arkansas psychologist and mental health therapist who reviewed the bodycam footage, believes the situation could have been handled differently, particularly given Nalleys mental disabilities. She emphasized that de-escalation techniques and alternative communication methods could have been more effective.

There are different ways that we communicate, not just verbally. And sometimes thats enough just to calm the person down, to let them know, Hey, Im safe here with you. I just want to help you,' said Burns, stressing the significance of tone of voice in calming individuals in distress.

Burns also pointed out that individuals on the autism spectrum, like Nalley, can experience heightened sensory sensitivities that make even a simple push feel like a punch. She believes such considerations are crucial in situations involving people with mental disabilities.

I would have loved to have seen a mental health person there or someone, maybe a nurse, or someone just trying to help communicate with him, Burns said. I think that could have helped before we went to that response.

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According to Burns, first responders often operate in a fight-or-flight mindset when called for backup, which can contribute to heightened reactions.

That might make a responder go into the situation already geared up, worried and scared. But without the backstory, thats hard because if he just walked into a situation and this is the first time he met him, honestly, I felt like that was a little premature.

Burns believes its important for first responders to be educated about how to communicate with individuals who have mental disabilities, and to take those factors into account when responding to emergencies.

Mayhugh, however, stood by his officers actions, saying that, while he recognizes the challenges of such situations, the safety of all involved  including officers, EMS personnel, and the public  must be the top priority.

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Mayhugh believes if an investigation is launched and Nalleys mental disabilities are proven, the four felonies could be dropped, but thats up to the prosecutor.

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Gooseneck barnacle populations are declining at a rapid pace. The effects of these decreasing numbers are being felt in Spain, where the barnacles are a delicacy, especially at Christmastime.

What's happening?

According to Reuters, the price of gooseneck barnacles in Spain has skyrocketed due to intense demand and limited supply. Two parallel factors seem to be contributing. One is climate change. The second is illegal fishing.

An auctioneer at the A Coruna fish market said that the number of barnacles a decade ago was double or triple what it is now, Reuters reported.

The number of barnacle pickers, locally known as percebeiros, has also declined sharply, the outlet said. One said that only about 30 remain in his hometown of Corme from a high of 100 to 200.

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"The percebeiro trade on the Costa da Morte is dying. This is due to climate change, absurd laws, illegal fishing and a lack of workers," percebeiro Roberto Vidal told Reuters.

Why are barnacle numbers declining?

Barnacles thrive in icy waters, so rising sea temperatures have destroyed their natural habitats. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the last three decades have seen the warmest sea temperatures on record.

In response to the declining numbers of gooseneck barnacles, the Spanish government has tried to limit how many can be collected, Reuters reported. This is in addition to Spain's firm laws against illegal fishing. But these measures have been ineffective. As the price of gooseneck barnacles has soared, so has the presence of illegal fishermen trying to make a buck.

What's being done about the barnacles?

The percebeiros are calling on the Spanish government to step up its policing of the coast, per Reuters. The hope is that more enforcement will stop the overfishing of barnacles and give the population time to bounce back.

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There are also massive investments in research and technology with the goal of getting our oceans healthy and our ecosystems back on track. Microsoft recently announced a deal with a company called Ebb Carbon to remove harmful carbon pollution from our oceans.

And nations around the world are banding together and prioritizing the health of our waters. Recently, representatives from 56 Commonwealth nations agreed to the Apia Ocean Declaration, vowing to protect our oceans from pollution and overexploitation.

There is much work to be done in the battle to reverse the damage we've done to our oceans and the marine life that calls it home, including barnacles. But with a mix of technological innovation, strong laws, and enforcement, it's a battle we can win.

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.




Fresh off a tour of the destruction left by wildfires in the Los Angeles area on Thursday, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass assured residents on Friday that getting people back home is her top priority.

Though there is still some fire risk from more Santa Ana winds coming early next week, Bass said shes hopeful that it will not be anywhere near the severity that we saw in the beginning of this.

In the meantime, some evacuation orders have been lifted, and crews are hard at work to ensure more areas are safe for residents to return to their homes, something Bass said is top of mind for her and all other public officials.

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After the fires are out definitively, there is no greater priority than getting people back home, she said.

Part of that process will involve rebuilding thousands of homes and finding places for the evacuees to stay, and Bass said local government will accomplish this and other tasks by reorganizing around urgency, common sense and competence.

More information is expected next week, when Bass plans to unveil a series of executive directives aimed at fire recovery.

This is an unprecedented natural disaster, and it warrants an unprecedented response, Bass said. Were going to do everything we can to clear the way so that people can get back home.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The social media app, TikTok, is scheduled to be banned on Americans phones soon.

On Friday, the Supreme Court cleared a law to allow the ban to start Sunday.

Local TikTok creator Calli Nguyen said this will impact her livelihood.

It has been honestly life-changing for me, said Nguyen. I was someone I thought I could never use my voice. I thought success was impossible.

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But now about 84,000 people from around the world follow her on TikTok.



Nguyens content includes food, mental health, and lifestyle, a message that resonates with people.



Mental health advocacy is something thats super important to me, she said. I feel like its still not normalized enough.



What started as something small, led to brand deals and more.



The money has been life-changing, the content creator said. I did not think I could see that kind of money. Someone like me, from a low-income family, I thought, Oh my gosh, this changed my financial status.'

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill files lawsuit against President Bidens offshore drilling ban

But after the Supreme Court decision, Nguyens way of life could be in jeopardy.

Theres a lot of evidence that the Chinese communist party has used TikTok to influence public opinion in a way which is against our national interest, said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)



Barring a last-minute sale of TikTok, the app will be banned on Americans phones starting Sunday.

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Some lawmakers said the app is a threat to national security.

There will be no extensions, no exceptions, and no compromises for TikTok, said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)

Nguyen said no matter what, shell always be thankful for TikTok. It got her a social media job, and even more importantly, confidence.

Shes someone whos seen, through TikTok, that miracles can happen and shes hoping another happens here, to save the app.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Baton Rouge officials are urging residents to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions with snow and ice expected next week.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards issued a parish-wide emergency disaster declaration Friday ahead of forecasted freezing temperatures and potential snow in Baton Rouge. The emergency declaration allows the parish to implement emergency plans and request resources as needed.

Use this time to prepare your families and homes for the upcoming weather conditions, Edwards office said in an announcement.

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Schools, offices in, near Baton Rouge closed Tuesday due to winter weather

Emergency teams are taking steps to ensure public safety and are asking the community to be proactive.

Director of the Mayors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Clay Rives said it is important for people to stay safe and warm during next weeks winter weather event. Stay warm, stay out of the elements if at all possible, Rives added.

Warming centers and community centers will be open. Rives said people can go to their local library branch.

Ice and snow can create dangerous driving conditions. Rives said a team from the Department of Public Works will be putting sand and rock salt on bridges.

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If we do put barricades out, please dont drive around them, he said.

The Baton Rouge Fire Department reminds people to take precautions at home with fire and heating safety.

Make sure theres a working smoke detector in your home. Its very importantit increases your chances of survival by more than 50% if theres an incident in your home, Baton Rouge Fire Public Information Officer Curt Monte.

Snow possible in Louisiana next week: What to know about potential winter storm

Monte warned against using unsafe heating methods. Never use your oven or stove to heat your home. That can be a carbon monoxide issue, he said.

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Winter weather is rare in Baton Rouge, preparation is key. Other tips from officials include insulating your homes pipes, stocking up on essentials and making sure heating methods are safe.

Red Stick Ready has more information for residents about winter weather preparedness.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office arrested a man accused of shooting and killing a man in December.

According to an affidavit, Johnny Johnson III, 25, was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree murder.

EBRSO deputies were called to an apartment complex in the 13600 block of Kenner Avenue about a reported shooting on Dec. 16, 2024. Upon arrival, deputies learned a man and a woman were shot at as they were entering a unit at an apartment complex. The man was found dead behind a nearby residence. The woman was uninjured.

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The woman told detectives the victim lived at the complex. They were trying to unlock the front door of the apartment when the suspect, Johnson, approached from behind and reportedly began firing shots. After being shot and fighting with Johnson, the victim fled the area. Johnson followed.

After an interview with the victim, detectives learned Johnson was an ex-boyfriend to the woman. She told detectives Johnson threatened the victim before the shooting. She also said she believed Johnson followed her or the victim to his home on Kenner Avenue. The woman stated she was positive Johnson was responsible for the shooting.

During an investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage of the shooting. The video showed Johnson arriving on the scene with an accomplice who drove a white Nissan Altima.

The woman gave authorities the cell phone number associated with Johnson. EBRSO said after conducting a search warrant of Johnsons phone, detectives found it had pinged near the womans home around 11:15 a.m. on the day of the murder. His phone was turned off around 7:45 p.m. near I-110 and Dalrymple and was turned back on around 9 p.m. near Siegen and Perkins and shortly after, near Metairie Drive.

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A bond amount has not been set yet, according to jail records.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man was arrested after a gun accidentally went off and injured another person during a routine traffic stop in Baton Rouge.

Around 2:18 a.m. Friday, a Baton Rouge Police Department officer saw a minor traffic violation and initiated a stop. As the officer approached the vehicle, a single gunshot was heard.

Moments later, the front passenger, who police identified as Cameron Knighton, 21, fled the scene on foot, armed with a firearm.

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The driver and rear passenger stayed in the car and were detained for questioning. The driver had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, police said. BRPD confirmed it was from an accidental discharge by Knighton.

Responding BRPD units established a perimeter with the help of a K-9 and a drone. Police said Knighton was found in a nearby parking lot, attempting to avoid capture. The BRPD drone tracked his movements until the K-9 apprehended him.

Knighton was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and charged with illegal use of weapons, aggravated criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, evidence tampering, aggravated battery and resisting an officer.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Many school districts across the state are facing budget deficits and are now having to make difficult decisions.

Because there has been no increase in funding since 2019, districts are having to cut programs or close down schools because deficits are too large to manage.

This week Eanes Independent School District announced it would be closing Valley View Elementary School at the end of the school year. The district also cut a Spanish immersion program that catered to more than 900 students.

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The state of Texas is really making it hard for school districts across the board, said Eanes ISD parent Chandler Hatchett.

Some Republicans have been pushing for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) while Democrats are pushing hard against them.

Public school districts and Democratic lawmakers argue that public money is best invested into the public school system, and because district funding is based on student attendance, any form of private school stipend would reduce their resources.

We are pretty much stuck. Most Central Texas school districts are facing budget shortfalls

We have a school funding emergency in the state, said Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin.

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Talarico said this year the focus will again rest on getting Texas districts the money they need, but will ESAs or vouchers be tied to any funding bills?

I think we learned our lesson last time when we shot down vouchers and [Gov.] Greg Abbott sabotaged school funding as retaliation, Talarico said. This time we want to separate the two so that our students and teachers are going to get the resources they need.

Republican Sen. Brandon Creighton, who helped lead the charge with ESAs last session, told KXAN last year, that they still plan to get both ESAs and school funding done this time around.

We are all fully intentioned to lift up public schools with the funding they need and also provide education opportunities for those that need it most, Creighton said.

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He said ESAs are about giving parents and students opportunity and choice.

It is what will set our Texas students up to be the most successful in the future, Creighton said.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Friday morning Bay EDA President and CEO Becca Hardin presented Bay Countys 2025 economic projections to the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce members.

A groundbreaking partnership with the IAG Aero Group is kick-starting economic momentum.

Its Bay EDAs largest partnership to date, creating 500 new jobs with a $60,000 average salary. IAG provides customized engine services for the commercial aerospace industry.

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Bay County jury finds against CNN in defamation lawsuit

This is a game-changing project. Were excited to see that IAG is going to be expanding here in Bay County. Theres three phases of the project. They have purchased an existing facility in the city of Lynn Haven that theyre already moving into. Theyll be building a main repair and overhaul facility at our airport, along with a jet engine test cell, Hardin said.

The project is a $107 million capital investment in the community.

Triumph Gulf Coast awarded the $25 million grant to help build the 120,000-square-foot facility at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

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Officials emphasize the ripple effect this project will have on Bay Countys economy.

Any time you can diversify our economy, thats huge. And when you have these higher paying jobs, these advanced manufacturing jobs, those are new businesses and new families that are coming into our area. So any time you can get different people coming to the area, expanding our workforce, creating new opportunities, it really just helps out the entire community, PCB Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kristopher McLane said.

Officials hope local partnerships with Haney Technical College, the FSU Inspire program, Gulf Coast State College, Career Source Gulf Coast, and K-12 schools will help fill the positions.

The most important thing is keeping the people here locally as they as they continue to go through education and keeping them here in Bay County, McLane said.

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Officials believe projects like this will increase Bay Countys population by another 30,000 people by 2030.

Warming shelter opening in Panama City this weekend

Bay EDA officials have at least eight more major projects planned, creating an estimated 4,500 jobs this year.

The details of those partnerships will be announced in the coming months.

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NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WWLP)  A New Bedford man was sentenced to prison in federal court on Friday for stealing over $450,000 in disability benefits that were meant for a Marine veteran with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Joseph Smith, 71, was found guilty of stealing monthly disability checks from a 20-year veteran alongside multiple accomplices. The victim of this crime was diagnosed with ALS in 2015 and was approved for disability benefits by the United States Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), at which time they awarded him $8,318 in monthly payments.

Wanted fugitive in gruesome Springfield home invasion case arrested in Florida

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The victim lived with Smiths relative at the time, and the checks were mailed to their home in New Bedford. When he was hospitalized for ALS between 2015 and 2020, Smith and others received the monthly VBA checks and deposited them into their own bank accounts and fraudulent ones under the name of the veteran.

Smith would then withdraw the funds in cash and use the money for personal use. Over $450,000 in disability benefits was stolen from the victim by Smith and others.

Smith was charged in June 2024, and in September 2024 he pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government benefits and one count of conspiracy to steal government benefits. He was sentenced on Friday to 23 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

Local News Headlines

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In the Spotlight is a Bellingham Herald series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email newsroom@bellinghamherald.com.

Student and youth homelessness in America has been increasing steadily for years, with Washington and Whatcom County experiencing similar trends.

Hundreds of students experiencing homelessness are currently working to receive an education across Bellinghams public schools, and that number is on track to continue growing.

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Data indicate that students experiencing homelessness graduate at significantly lower rates than students from families with low incomes who are stably housed. Additional research shows that not completing high school is the greatest single risk factor for experiencing homelessness as a young person, according to the national nonprofit organization SchoolHouse Connection.

A look at Bellinghams numbers

The Bellingham Public Schools District breaks down its population of students experiencing homelessness and unstable housing in two ways:

 It identifies unhoused students who qualify to be designated under the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act, which provides federal funding to ensure enrollment and educational stability.

 It also identifies students who are considered unaccompanied, which means they are staying with someone who is not considered to be the students legal guardian. This can include students who are living with grandparents, staying with friends, staying at emergency shelters, or who may have relocated to Whatcom County from another region or country without guardianship.

Bellingham Public Schools buses outside a local school.

During the 2022-23 school year, BPS identified 506 students  4.3% of the student population  who qualified to be designated under McKinney-Vento, as well as 162 unaccompanied students.

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In the following school year, BPS identified 948 students  8.2% of the student population  who qualified to be designated under McKinney-Vento and 215 unaccompanied students, representing a significant uptick from the previous year.

By Jan. 9  less than halfway through the 2024-25 school year  BPS had identified 606 students who qualify to be designated under McKinney-Vento and 137 unaccompanied students.

By this time last year, we were not near that number, Executive Director of Family Engagement at Bellingham Public Schools Isabel Meaker said. They are going up big time.

The number of Bellingham Public Schools students experiencing homelessness in the 2024-25 school year is expected to surpass the previous years totals, district staff told The Bellingham Herald.

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I remember when I used to see the number at 400 students and that was a big number, Meaker said.

The district identified about 400 BPS students experiencing homelessness as recently as the 2021-22 school year, an indication that the number of unhoused students is increasing rapidly.

Bellingham Public Schools available student services

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that all students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

 School stability. A student may remain at their school of origin regardless of changes to living circumstances.

 Immediate enrollment  even without the required registration documents.

 Transportation to a students school of origin if requested. The district will coordinate transportation for students to ensure they have a way to and from the school they have been attending.

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 Free school meals.

In addition to these federal protections, Bellingham Public Schools, in partnership with the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, provide extensive and specific support to families in need.

We work with the families to address whatever is going on. Not just whats happening in the classroom or at school but also whats going on at home so we can support them, Meaker told The Herald.

The Family Engagement team will help identify student and family needs to support them in any way necessary, district staff told The Herald. That can include providing clothing and food as well as assisting a family working their way through the local coordinated entry system to secure housing and services.

The Bellingham Public Schools District Office at 1985 Barkley Blvd.

Its anything at all, and I feel that we are very lucky to be able to say that, Meaker said. Its not a hand down. We work together. We are partners, Meaker said.

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The Bellingham Public Schools Foundation is a separate entity from the district that is 90% donor-funded by individuals in the community and corporations. The foundation helps fund efforts to support the districts students experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.

In terms of the support we provide, its super broad. Thats kind of our advantage, foundation Executive Director Sam Gearhart said. We dont receive public funding so we dont have the same restrictions the district has in terms of the kinds of things we can fund. We might give somebody a gift card to go get food. Weve paid utilities. Weve paid internet bills. Weve bought clothing. Its whatever random little things that come up.

Surplus food? Sustainable Connections delivers it to Whatcom hunger relief organizations

Richland asks WA state for emergency $13.5M advance to cover school district bills

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The foundations close relationship with the school district allows requests to be met immediately, according to Gearhart.

Because we work really closely with the district, we can be super responsive. There are so many resources in the community but sometimes it takes a few days to martial those. But if the district comes to me with a need, I can probably hand over a check or gift card at that moment. If not, its probably within 24 hours, Gearhart said.

Although significant budget shortfalls are a concern for the 2025-26 school year, the foundations private funding stream would be unaffected and Bellingham Public Schools must continue to follow the federal law to support students in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act.

Even if funding does go down, it will continue to be a priority to support our students identified as experiencing homelessness, Bellingham Public Schools Communications Director Jacqueline Brawley told The Herald.

Comparing national and local data

 More than 1.37 million K-12 students were identified as experiencing homelessness nationwide during the 2022-23 school year, representing about 2.8% of all students enrolled in public schools, according to the National Center for Homeless Education.

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 The total number of students identified as experiencing homelessness in the 2022-23 school year was up 14% from the previous school year and up 25% from the 2020-21 school year.

 The number of public school students identified as experiencing homelessness between the 2004-05 school year and the 2022-23 school year increased by 104%, with an average annual increase of about 5% during that same period.

 Between 2023 and 2024, Washington reported a 56 percent increase  and the largest numeric increase across the country  in the number of individuals experiencing chronic patterns of homelessness (4,295 more individuals). That increase is largely attributed to rising housing costs and a lack of affordable housing across the state.

 42,436 Washington students experienced homelessness during the 202223 school year, representing about 3.8% of students statewide, according to 2024 data from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

 4% of all K-12 students in Whatcom County, a total of 972 students, met the definition of homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year, according to Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2024 Annual Update on Homelessness.
PASADENA, Calif.  Usually, Octavias Bookshelf in Pasadena, California, is filled with books. The walls are lined with titles on dark brown shelves, and customers can buy candles and other small goods, too. But for the past two weeks, the Black-owned bookshop has been packed wall-to-wall with supplies like bottles of water, hygiene products, clothes and food that are given away for free to locals impacted by the ongoing wildfire in the area.

The focus has always been serving the community and that means different things at different times. Right now it means something other than books, Kiki Williams, manager of the bookstore, said.

Overall, the multiple fires in Souther California have killed at least 27 people and dozens more may be missing. The Eaton Fire, which has ravaged parts of Pasadena and Altadena, was 65% contained as of Friday morning.

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Nikki High, the owner of the bookstore, returned to the shop last week and was shocked to learn that the building still had power. High, who has been unable to return to her Pasadena home, immediately opened the store to displaced locals who needed to charge their phones, use their laptops and connect with their loved ones. Williams recalled the moment the simple bookstore grew into more.

Somehow, in the midst of all that, people just started to bring stuff, Williams said. And then within a few hours, I looked at Nikki and I said, Nikki, we have an operation happening.

Overnight, the bookshop was transformed into a resource center, a mutual aid hub where locals could use the stores power and access everything from blankets and baby supplies to hot food and water. With the help of volunteers, employees have been able to distribute supplies to the elderly, disabled or otherwise vulnerable people. For the last week, the stores Instagram account has been filled with updates and invitations for locals to come and access anything they may need.

From left, Kiki Williams, manager of Octavia's Bookshelf speaks to a person, in Pasadena, Calif., on Thursday; A shelf of donations available to the public.

This community is one with a lot of elders, its one with folks with disabilities, Williams said. Also, people are in shock, theyre spread out. Theyre far away, so we want people to have access to these items even if theyre not able to come get them themselves. So we have been able to take clothing and food and items to folks who are farther away, who dont have cars at the moment but who need them.

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Bookshelves have been replaced with food and toiletries, bins with packs of toothbrushes and other items were piled high in the 621-square-foot North Hill Avenue space. People have sent in donations almost constantly, with some driving from as far as San Diego to join in the efforts, according to Alta, a California-focused online news site.

The significance of the store transforming into a resource hub isnt lost on its owner and staff. The shop is named after the late Octavia E. Butler, the legendary science fiction writer who predicted a Los Angeles consumed by fires and wracked by climate change and poverty in her books Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. The first book, published in 1993, includes an eerie line from a young girl struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. On Feb. 1, 2025, the character writes, We had a fire today.

The beloved author grew up in Pasadena, near Altadena, a haven for Black and Latino residents, and spent much of her life in Southern California. High first read Butlers work as a teenager, she told The Guardian in 2023, and decided to open the store to champion the work of writers of color and share Butlers legacy. High quickly established the store as a community space and sanctuary for writing by Black, indigenous and other authors of color. Her current efforts are an extension of that work.

This is completely free of charge, Williams said of the recent operation. You just come. Were not IDing anybody, so it really is a bit of a trust system. We have bags outside that folks can grab. We have diapers and wipes, baby food, we have hair care. Hair care specific to curly hair, Black hair. Were working on getting air filters too that people can just take.

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The store is relying on donations of all kinds to keep the operation going, and the community has rallied to provide supplies and even monetary support that, Williams said, is going to benefit the store in the long run. Still, the current operation is costly especially since all book sales have been paused. But, Williams said, they couldnt imagine doing anything else.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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Democrats may have lost power in Washington in part because voters blamed them for the rising cost of goods, but when Joe Bidens administration hands over power, it will also leave behind a series of strong new protections for consumers.

These are the kinds of actions, many of them obvious and relatively noncontroversial, by which government incrementally affects peoples everyday lives. Its quite a list:

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 Caps on annoying costs: $35 is the max monthly cost of insulin for Americans in Medicare thanks to a law passed by Democrats, and some drug makers are now expanding that price cap for even more people. Theres also a new $5 cap on overdraft fees at banks thanks to a new rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 Bans on efforts to hide costs from consumers: The Federal Trade Commission cracked down on junk fees for concert tickets and short-term rentals are subject to new transparency rules. Fake online reviews can lead to fines.

 Protections for travelers: Airlines are now required by the Department of Transportation to issue refunds for some cancellations and the government has created a website to compare the consumer policies of different airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a rule to help families with children to sit together at no extra cost.

Transparency in cable and internet bills: New Federal Communications Commission rules will make it easier for people to figure out what theyre being charged all-in in cable bills and a nutrition label to demystify internet service provider bills.

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 A crackdown on scam texts: The FCC is also requiring mobile service providers to block some text messages from suspicious sources.

 A better way to unsubscribe: The FTC is requiring that subscriptions bought online must include a click to cancel option online.

Even in the waning days of the Biden administration, there are more happening. CFPB is working to remove medical debt from most credit reports, although that rule finalized in early January is already the subject of a lawsuit. The Wall Street Journal also reported Monday the FTC would sue the countrys largest landlord, Greystar Real Estate Partners, alleging deceptive pricing practices.

When I asked Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at Public Interest Research Group, how the landscape has changed over the past four years, she was ready with a list of developments and the argument that things have moved in the right direction.

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I would say that being a consumer in the United States has become a lot more transparent, or its on the path to becoming more transparent, and thats a very good thing, Murray said.

Susan Weinstock, CEO of the Consumer Federation of America, went a step further.

I would say that that President Biden has been the the strongest consumer protection president weve probably ever had, she told me, arguing the Biden administration went all out to fix the conundrums that consumers find themselves in when theyre trying to make everyday decisions in their lives about airline tickets, or tickets to live events, or banking.

The measures have been enacted in a variety of ways, such as passing new laws, as with the cap on the cost of insulin in Medicare or some of the airline-related reimbursement rules.

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But most have been done through rulemaking, the process whereby a government agency proposes a rule, hears from the public over the course of months, and then engages in a rulemaking process, which takes time and is subject to lawsuits.

Undoing such rules does not happen overnight and theres no indication that Trump will look to claw back any of these presumably popular measures.

But he does want to reorganize the government. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, one of the co-leaders of Trumps government efficiency efforts, has said he wants to delete the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The agency, the brainchild of now-Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, was created by law during President Barack Obamas administration in response to the 2008 financial system meltdown. The Supreme Court this year saved the CFPB from extinction when it brushed aside a lawsuit from a group of payday lenders.

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CFPB rules are frequently challenged in court. A rule to cap many credit card late fees at $8 is on hold due to a lawsuit in Texas.

Additionally, Trump generally opposes rules meant to address climate change, and has promised to reverse fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. When he grumbled about water pressure during a Mar-a-Lago press conference, he may have been referencing a new Biden administration rule designed to make water heaters more efficient beginning in 2029. The Department of Energy argues it will save consumers money on utility costs, but it could also drive up the cost of new water heaters.

Trump also pushed for consumer protections during his first term, as CNNs Tami Luhby reminded me. The No Surprises Act was passed by Congress at the end of Trumps term, although it took effect after Biden became president.

That law, which aimed to ban unexpected medical charges from out-of-network providers, is also an example of how something that has broad support can take years to get through Congress.

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Murray said the pro-consumer rules like eliminating junk fees and creating transparency in reviews are the kinds of things that have been a long time coming and have bipartisan support. She argued that honest businesses shouldnt mind them because it levels the playing field in the marketplace.

They just want to do it all fairly. They want to do it honestly. They want to do it with transparency, and if all of the bad actors are squashed and required to play by the same rules, she said.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.
DAVIS, W.Va. (WBOY)  Big Timber Brewing, West Virginias biggest craft brewer, is looking to open a new location in Tucker County, one of the states main hubs for outdoor recreation.

Timber Cutter Lo-Cal IPA by Big Timber Brewing (Courtesy Big Timber Brewing)

Although details of the new location are limited at this time, Big Timbers president and head brewer Matt Kwasniewski told 12 News that the brewery is expanding to the town of Davis on the outskirts of the Monongahela National Forest. The town is close to some of the states most famous tourism destinations, including Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley.

The one beer you should try from West Virginia, according to Vinepair

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Kwasniewski said they are aiming for a Spring 2025 opening date.

Big Timbers expansion comes only two years after it opened a new taproom in Elkins connected to its brewhouse, ironically located at 2 Davis Ave.

Big Timber will be joining two other breweries already established in the area: Stumptown Ales in Davis, and Mountain State Brewing Co. in Thomas, which has a number of other locations throughout West Virginia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Another billionaire chooses Trump. This time, its the historically liberal Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

Gates told The Wall Street Journal that he was impressed by the president-elect.



I had a chance to go have a long, and actually quite intriguing dinner with him, Gates said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He noted that he talked to Trump for three hours, along with Trump aide Susie Wiles and Gatess aide Larry Cohen.

I spoke a lot about HIV, and that the foundations literally working on a cure for that. Were at an early stage, and so he, in the Covid days accelerated vaccine innovation, so I was asking him if maybe the same kind of thing could be done here, and we both got  pretty excited about that, said Gates. He also noted that they got excited talking about a cure to polio. I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation. I was frankly impressed with how well he showed a lot of interest in the issues I brought up.

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Its a stunning remark from Gates, one of the richest people in the world, who previously said he donated more than $50 million to Kamala Harriss presidential campaign. The news of the meeting comes after Trump claimed last month that the billionaire was begging to have a meeting with him.

It also comes after Elon Musk has entered Trumps inner circle, and other billionaires trail closely behind. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are expected to sit together with Musk on the dais at Trumps inauguration on Monday, as is TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. This rallying of tech heavyweights around the incoming president, even in the face of his right-wing base, only reaffirms what Trump has been saying over and over again: Everybody does want to be his friend.


Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates reflected on a recent dinner he had with President-elect Trump in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, saying he was impressed by the former president.

I had a chance, about two weeks ago, to go have a long and actually quite intriguing dinner with him, Gates told WSJ editor-in-chief Emma Tucker.

Gates said the discussion during the dinner, which Susie Wiles, the incoming White House chief of staff, also attended, focused on innovation in the global health sphere. Trump reportedly got pretty excited as they discussed the potential development of a cure for HIV and polio mitigation efforts.

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He, in the Covid days, accelerated the vaccine innovation, Gates said, according to WSJ. So I was asking him if maybe the same kind of thing could be done here, and we both got, I think, pretty excited about that.

Gatess foundation, the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation, notably has initiatives targeting both issues.

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 possibly eradicating polio.

I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation, Gates said about the conversation during the nearly three-hour dinner. I was frankly impressed with how well he showed a lot of interest in the issues I brought up.

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The meeting comes shortly after Trump posted on X that Gates requested to join him at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. The billionaire and former president have met several times in the past despite Gates occasionally being critical of the president-elect.

Gates is one of several billionaires who have taken steps to reach out to Trump following his election victory. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos also met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. Amazon donated $1 million to the president-elects inaugural fund along, as did OpenAIs Sam Altman and several major companies including Ford, Google, Meta and more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Comedian Bill Maher joined right-wing pundits weaponizing California wildfires to lambast the state governments progressive-leaning policies in his Friday monologue on HBOs Real Time.

Maher prefaced his argument with, Is wokeness the main reason for the fires? Of course not. But, he said, its also not wrong to associate some of the unforced errors our government made with the things normies see as hallmarks of uber-progressive politics.

He added, Questionable budget priorities, high taxes that get you nothing, making everything about identity politics, virtue-signalling overseas instead of tending to the nuts and bolts at home.

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As for common sense, We better get some of that back soon, said Maher. Because wildfires in California are like boob jobs in a strip clubinevitable, and theyre only going to get bigger.

Earlier in his show, Maher railed against the current political climate, partisanship, and how he believes it all overshadows the real-world suffering caused by the states blazeswhich have already killed more than two dozen people and are estimated to cost the state as much as $250 billion in damage, reported Business Insider.

So many people choose to defend their own team, even over death, said Maher. A lot of Democrats in this one-party state this week went right to, Dont blame politicians, you cant do anything about the wind. Which is exactly half true: the wind part.

A resident of Los Angeles himself, Maher then went on to blast Californias government for what he said was a failure to invest sufficient taxpayer money in firefighting resources for the notoriously fire-prone and increasingly dry state.

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Axios ran a story on how getting the water out of the hydrants in Pacific Palisades was more complicated than it seems, he said. Im sure it is. Im sure its very complicated. Thats why I pay 13 percent of my income in the state every year to people who, I assumed, were working on things like this.

Maher later also ripped what he said was an effort to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion programs over the effective provision of public resourcesa common refrain among the likes of Elon Musk, top Republican politicos and right-wing commentators.

The good news is, our fire chief is a lesbian, said Maher. Am I against a lesbian being fire chief? Of course not. Do I think a lesbian can do the job? Of course I do, and maybe shes the best person for the job. Or maybe they really wanted a lesbian in that job, and shes just the best lesbian for the job, and with essential services, thats not good enough.
Bill Maher has joined a burgeoning chorus of pundits in railing against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass over an ill-timed trip to Ghana she took as her city became engulfed in ongoing wildfires.

The wildfires have devastated Southern California since last Tuesday: More than 40,000 acres have burned, with some 80,000 residents still under mandatory evacuation orders, at least 27 people dead and over 12,000 structures destroyed, per CalFire.

Bass reportedly left for Ghana on Jan. 4 to attend the inauguration of the new president on Jan. 7, and the Palisades Fire broke out later that day.

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Im sure its very complicated, Maher said on his show, Real Time, Friday. Thats why I pay 13% of my income in this state every year to people who I assumed were working on things like this.

He continued, When asked why so many of the hydrants in the Palisades ran out of water, Governor Newsom said, The local folks are trying to figure that out. Yeah you gotta do that before the fire.

Maher noted that one of the three reservoirs for the Palisades was offline at the one time of year when it was most needed, referring to the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which has been closed since February due to repairs, officials told the Los Angeles Times last week.

LAs mayor, Karen Bass, the Nero of American politics, was fiddling in Ghana while the city burned and later placed the blame on eight months of negligible rain, and winds that have not been seen in LA in at least 14 years, said Maher. Yeah, thats not that long a time.

An aerial view of the devastation from the wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Jill Connelly/Bloomberg/Getty Images

He then countered her claim last week that there were no reductions in the fire department budget that would have impacted the response by quoting LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, who told Fox 11 that it was cut and did impact our ability to provide service.

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(Per reporting from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and others, there was in fact a lower budget approved for the fire department last year because additional funding for firefighter salaries was temporarily held up amid union negotiations. But the reductions in overtime and other resources still severely limited the departments capacity, Crowley reportedly warned.)

Maher segued into a rant about the departments diversity efforts and suggested Crowley couldve been hired because the city wanted a lesbian in that job, echoing similar comments from numerous conservative figures.

Orange County Fire Captain Lauren Andrade disputed those charges earlier this week in an interview with Politico, and said there is nobody more qualified for that position than Crowley, who has been firefighting for more than 20 years and has worked her way up.

But Maher ultimately appeared most frustrated with the partisanship that emerged during this crisis and the bureaucracy that keeps power lines  sparks from which often cause wildfires  precariously exposed, instead of buried underground.

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Ive heard people say, Do you want to pay more taxes to fund this? Maher continued. No, I want you to use the exorbitant taxes you already collect to prioritize it.

Related...
State Sen. Dan Dernulc filed a bill that would require county property tax assessment boards of appeal members to live in Indiana to address the controversy surrounding a Lake County tax board member who lives in Illinois.

Senate Bill 187 states the term of anyone serving on a county property tax assessment board of appeals who isnt an Indiana resident will expire July 1. The fiscal body, which is the council in Lake County, would then be required to appoint a new member to finish out the members term.

The bill maintains Indianas current PTABOA law that states a member has to be at least 18 years old and be knowledgeable in the valuation of property.

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Dernulc, R-Highland, said he drafted the bill after learning about Lake County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals member Samantha Steele, who is also a Cook County Board of Review commissioner and was arrested for driving under the influence in Chicago late last year.

Steele was arrested on a DUI charge before 9 p.m. Nov. 10 near Ashland and Winnemac avenues in Chicago. During her arrest, she repeatedly told police officers she was an elected official, made crude comments about one of the arresting officers, and refused to cooperate with officer requests, public records released to the Chicago Tribune show.

I really firmly believe that people in Indiana should serve on this board, Dernulc said. I think going forward this is what we need to do. We need to make sure that we have people who are Hoosier-centric.

Steele told the Post-Tribune that theres always some bill introduced that would amend the property tax code.

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In the valuation world, as in life, the only constant is change, Steele said.

Steele has served on the Lake County PTABOA since 2020, according to Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman, who serves as secretary and non-voting member of the PTABOA.

The board hears all property tax appeals and non-profit exemption applications in Lake County, Spearman said.

Steele told the Post-Tribune she joined the Lake County PTABOA because it needed a Level III assessor.

The Cook County Board of Review and Lake County PTABOA meetings do not overlap, which allows her to serve on both, Steele said.

In Cook County, Steele said the meetings are quarterly and she has 40 staff members that she trains and works with. In Lake County, Steele said the board meets twice a month to hear appeals.

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Im more than qualified for both positions, Steele said. I think its a service that I provide for the communities.

Steele said shes worked in property valuation since 2006 and that shes done work mostly in Indiana but also in Michigan, South Carolina and Texas. She said she works in business personal property assessment.

With the Portage Township Assessor, Steele said the assessor assigns her audits to look at specific business-personal property. Steele said she works with experts that specialize in business-personal property to complete audits. Steele has performed property valuation work for Porter County, Portage Township, and Calumet Township.

Were sort of like a forensic accountant, Steele said.

Senate Bill 187 has been assigned to the Senate Local Government committee. It is scheduled to be heard Jan. 23.

akukulka@post-trib.com
Two legislators introduced a bill Thursday that would modify the landmark Antiquities Act by stripping the president of the ability to create or expand national monuments. The proposal comes a week after President Biden designated two monuments in California that set aside a combined 848,000 acres.

Representatives Mark Amodei of Nevada and Celeste Maloy of Utah, both Republicans, introduced the Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act to the House. The full text of the bill is short and to the point. It seeks to strike Section 2 of the Antiquities Act  which allows presidents to designate national monuments and historic landmarks on existing federal lands  and transfer that authority exclusively to Congress.

To be clear, Congress already has the power to designate national monuments. The trouble, according to public-lands advocates, is that Congress hasnt been particularly effective at conserving public lands lately.

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They really want to put a line in the sand on this idea that only Congress should be able to make public-land designations, says Kaden McArthur, director of policy and government relations for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. While he acknowledges that sometimes Congress is the best entity for conserving federal lands, McArthur points out that its been six years since Congress approved a public-lands package with public-lands protections, which included five monument designations.

It takes Congress years to get these things done, so the ability of the president to quickly respond to threats to public lands is really important, says McArthur. Instead of complaining about the president having the ability to protect places, maybe [lawmakers] should be working on addressing those issues themselves so the president doesnt feel the need to.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 was proposed and signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt. Since 1906, the act has been used more than 300 times by presidents from both parties to protect sites of geological and archeological significance and to conserve national resources. Roosevelt designated the Grand Canyon National Park in 1908, setting aside 800,000 acres of public land in the face of mining interests.

The most controversial recent use of Section 2 was when President Obama designated 1.35 million acres of federal land in Utah as Bears Ears National Monument in 2016. When he took office, President Trump reduced Bears Ears by about 85 percent; President Biden expanded the monument again in 2021. All told, the Biden administration has exercised Section 2 of the Antiquities Act to establish 10 new national monuments and expand two existing monuments. Trump used the Antiquities Act primarily to reduce monuments, though he did exercise Article 2 to establish the historical Camp Nelson National Monument. Five monuments were created during the Trump administration as part of the 2019 public-lands package passed by Congress, including the 850-acre Jurassic National Monument in Utah.

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Historically, the more preservation-minded National Park Service managed monuments. Since the late 1990s, however, McArthur notes, designations have embraced more multi-use recreation of landscape-level monuments with management under the BLM and USFS. Wyoming is currently the only state exempt from presidential designations, which is also outlined in Section 2 of the Antiquities Act. As our conservation editor reported last week, Utah and other Western state lawmakers are increasingly eyeing Wyomings exemption status.

The message received loud and clear from both of these representatives [from Utah and Nevada] is that they feel like we should take away this tool because it doesnt include local communities. But what we have seen in all these monument efforts, including Chuckwalla, is that it takes almost a decade of local, grassroots community outreach to really even grab the attention of a president to start the process to consider a national monument designation, says Jocelyn Torres, the chief conservation officer of the Conservation Lands Foundation. I think its important for the public to know that these [designations] arent coming out of thin air  It takes a lot of effort to get the attention of the president. National monuments dont happen magically.

National monument designations are made on existing federal lands; private, state, and tribal lands are not lumped into these expansions or designations. The way those lands are used, however, can be curtailed. Both McArthur and Torres note theres public input on how that land is managed.

The final management plan for Bears Ears would ban recreational shooting on 1.3 million acres of federally-managed public land in Utah. Photo by Bob Wick / BLM

After the monuments are designated, theres still a years long process for public engagement for how they want to see it managed, says Torres. There are public meetings, public comment periods. There is plenty of opportunity in the full life cycle [of the monument] to participate  especially [if youre] a member of Congress.

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Critics of that process  those who feel their voices werent considered  might point yet again to Bears Ears National Monument, which received its final management plan in October. In addition to a complete ban on target shooting in the 1.3-million-acre monument, off-highway vehicle use will be significantly restricted, with about 600,000 acres closed to OHV use and another 483,000 acres where OHV use will be limited. Both uses are normally included in the BLMs multiple-use mandate, but were ultimately revoked as a result of the national monument designation.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of the U.S. declined Monday to hear Utahs public-lands lawsuit that sought to turn federal lands over to the state. While conservation sources say the bill introduction isnt necessarily a direct response to the lawsuit, the timing does feel coordinated. And while the proposed Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act doesnt appear to have a great chance of passing into law, says McArthur, it does set the tone of an aggressive anti-public lands agenda this Congress.

Related: Final Bears Ears National Monument Plan Bans All Recreational Shooting on 1.3 Million Acres of Federal Land

Were [this bill] to pass, it would be a pretty big blow to a bedrock environmental law. I do think the odds that this goes anywhere right now are not particularly high, says McArthur, who remains concerned that an onslaught of anti-public land sentiment will ultimately force a compromise with pro-conservation lawmakers. But it really feels like the folks who are opponents of conserving our public lands are really going full-court press right now.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Theres a new development in the Utah legislatures plans for oversight of Utahs elections.

State Representative Ryan Wilcox, (R  North Ogden) confirms exclusively to ABC4.com that he is running a bill to create an executive director of elections who would take oversight away from the Lt. Governors office.

I just want to do whatever I can to quash this idea that itsAnything personal with the lieutenant governor, the current one or the former one, or anybody else. Wilcox said. Thats not it at all. Honestly, I, I think it makes more sense for (the position) to be as independent as possible rather than tied to any campaign.

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10 interesting bills to check out ahead of the 2025 Utah Legislative Session

In the latest yet-to-be-released version of his bill, Wilcox says the Executive Director would be hired by five of Utahs county clerks.

That panel of clerks would be appointed collectively by the governor, senate president, house speaker, state treasurer, and state auditor.

(County clerks) would know far better than other elected officials who dont study elections, who dont do those things when theyre hiring an executive director for election, Wilcox said. If theres any malfeasance, if there is anything shady, if we see anything like we saw in other states, then theyre going to be able to see it sooner.

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Wilcox argues that having a Lt. Governor who oversees their own election creates the appearance of a conflict of interest. He acknowledged that county clerks are the ones who are overseeing the counting of the ballots and administering elections, but he said that the Lt. Governors office has big decision authority, which he said could be problematic.

For example, when theres a lawsuit, he said. And thats one of the kind of awkward parts of this. When (the Lt. Governors office is) having these lawsuits that involve their own race. Ultimately, its the lieutenant governor who is making the decision in those lawsuits. And its not (that) shes not doing anything wrong. Im not saying any of those things are happening. Im saying weve put her in a very difficult position. The current lieutenant governor, by having this particular structure, Wilcox said.

Its not clear yet whether the idea has support amongst the rest of the body, or leadership.

The Lt. Governor did not respond to a request for comment.

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As fears grow of a possible bird flu pandemic in humans, the federal government is pouring more money into the development of new vaccines, including an mRNA shot.

On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced its providing about $590 million in funding to Moderna in part to fast-track the development of an mRNA vaccine that targets the strains of bird flu currently circulating in wild birds, poultry and dairy cows.

The money is in addition to the $176 million HHS awarded the drugmaker in July to develop a bird flu vaccine.

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The federal government already has two bird flu vaccine candidates in limited quantities in the nations stockpile. Those shots use traditional vaccine technology, but take far longer to produce  a hindrance during an emergency like a fast-moving pandemic.

Dawn OConnell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said an mRNA-based bird flu vaccine is important because the technology is faster to develop and easier to update than more traditional vaccines.

When I think about the advantages of this technology, I think about the vulnerability that the country has in the early stages of any emerging threat, OConnell said. Because it can be manufactured quickly, if we began to see something sweep across the country quickly, it would allow us to move fast, to give the first line of protection to the American people.

Thats something that health officials have so far said is unnecessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the risk to the general public is low.

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Bird flu viruses typically dont infect humans, aside from sporadic cases in people who have close contact with infected animals.

Scientists have grown increasingly alarmed, however, since the virus took hold in dairy cows last March. Its since spread to at least 928 herds across 16 states, according to the Agriculture Department. The majority of the herds are in California.

There have been 67 confirmed cases in humans in the U.S., according to the CDC. One patient, an older person in Louisiana, has died. Nearly all of the people had contact with either dairy cows or poultry.

An mRNA bird flu vaccine

The federal government began working with Moderna in 2023 to develop mRNA influenza vaccines.

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In addition to the bird flu vaccine targeting the strain currently in the U.S., called H5N1, the drugmaker will also continue work on a vaccine that targets the strain H7N9 in a phase 3 clinical trial.

Robert Johnson, director of the medical countermeasures program at HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said the government doesnt have a definitive timeline for when it expects an mRNA vaccine to be ready, noting that it will depend on the science and data.

Johnson added the investment shows federal health officials' view on mRNA technology, including its versatility and its ability to be used in different ways.

Its really important that we look at the mRNA platform not just against H5, but against other strains of influenza, as well, Johnson said.

More countermeasures

Since the bird flu outbreak began in dairy cows, the primary tool that public health officials have relied on hasnt been vaccines but antivirals such as Tamiflu. Its given to patients infected with the virus and prophylactically to people exposed to sick animals.

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As the virus continues to spread among wild birds, poultry and dairy cows  giving it more chances to mutate in ways that could make it easier to spread among people  federal health officials say the U.S. will need more tools to protect the public, most notably vaccines.

The National Institutes of Health announced earlier this month that its providing $11 million in funding for additional research into countermeasures.

We always want to be prepared for if there becomes episodes or sustained human-to-human transmission, said Dr. Michael Ison, chief of the respiratory disease branch within the division of microbiology and infectious disease at the NIH. Along those lines, the best approach to that is vaccination.

The two vaccine candidates in the stockpile are regularly tested against currently circulating strains of bird flu, he said. While that means scientists wont need to start from scratch like with Covid, he said, the current shots still may not provide the best protection possible and are unlikely to provide protection against multiple variants.

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Ideally, we would like vaccines that dont need to be updated and provide cross protection irrespective of which virus emerges, Ison said.

Preparing for possible human spread

Ison said the government is preparing for a possible scenario that bird flu does become more easily transmissible to humans.

The NIH funding announced this month will also be used to help develop new medications, such as antivirals and monoclonal antibodies, Ison said. However, he said, the majority of the funding will go toward developing or enhancing vaccines.

Matthew Frieman, a professor of viral pathogen research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said he is among the group of researchers receiving new funding from the NIH.

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Along with researchers at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Frieman is developing an adjuvant  a substance used in some vaccines that can help generate a stronger immune response  that could be added to H5N1 shots.

The work to develop a bird flu adjuvant has been going on for about three years, Frieman said, and the team is currently testing the adjuvant in mice to see how well it works and comparing it to other adjuvants currently used in humans.

They hope, he said, to move from the preclinical stage to early-stage clinical trials in about a year.

You dont want to wait until its everywhere and then you decide to make a vaccine, Frieman said. Since we know this virus is kind of perched, ready and able to spread with probably only a handful of mutations before it could jump, theres a dire need immediately for vaccines to be tested.

A universal vaccine

Ted Ross, global director of vaccine development at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, is working on a universal flu vaccine that could protect against all forms of influenza, including seasonal flu and the current bird flu strain spreading in dairy cows.

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A universal flu vaccine has been a long-time goal of scientists. In 2018, for example, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the NIH, launched a strategic initiative focused on developing one.

Ross group began getting money from the NIH in 2018 and has received additional funds through the agencys new announcement.

While a bird flu pandemic isnt happening right now, Ross said the threat keeps growing, emphasizing the need to prepare now.

The difference between what were doing and what maybe some other groups are doing is that our vaccine candidate is able to not only neutralize what circulates today, but it can circulate and neutralize what circulates next year and the year after, he said.

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The vaccine has already been tested against the circulating strain in dairy cows, which Ross said it neutralized very well.

Ross said the vaccine is scheduled to enter phase 1 clinical trials sometime in 2026, but the urgency of H5N1 may move the trial date to sometime this year.

Whats disconcerting is that it seems to be now more efficiently moving into mammals, going from birds, he said. Chickens are a big problem. Turkey is a big problem. But now, its getting into cows and pigs and cats, and seems to be very lethal.

A better and broader vaccine

Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccines program at Boston Childrens Hospital, is working on another adjuvant for bird flu vaccines, as well as other vaccines for viruses, particularly one that works well in the very old, who he said often have trouble generating a strong immune response from vaccines.

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Levy said research in mice, with support from NIH, has shown that the adjuvant, called PVP-037, generates a strong immune response.

Theyre still a couple of months away from releasing data, he said, as they want to test the adjuvant against the most recent strains of bird flu.

Were currently doing the work to try to build a better and broader bird flu vaccine, Levy said. Every life is precious and we want to protect our most vulnerable.

The goal, he said, is that adjuvant can be added to any vaccine to enhance it.

It could be that this doesnt turn into a huge epidemic or pandemic, but we cant sit on our hands because the consequences of that would be very bad, Levy said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Several members of a historic Black sorority spent Friday morning reading to children at schools across Clark County, in the hopes of teaching them Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy.

In one second grade classroom at Mathis Elementary School, children sat on the floor in rows eager to learn of the famed civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Reading to the students were members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which was founded in 1908. The sorority was part of the Theta Theta Omega Chapter.

(KLAS)

I have a dream that no one will be poor said James. These sounds like good dreams dont they? Dr. Constance Brown, a physician, said.

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Brown was one of the readers.

Just seeing the children and how they participate, its just a wonderful feeling, Brown said. My legacy is serving all my mankind and in that way all mankind will benefit.

The children were read a book about Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King was a great leader because he had great dreams,' Valerie Lucas, a sorority member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, said.

Valerie Lucas, a sorority member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, reads to children at Mathis Elementary School on Friday. (KLAS)

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis. Lucas said theyre passing along his values and principles to another generation.

Its very unsettling that he was killed in the manner that he was. But I look back and if it wasnt for him, bringing those messages forward, we dont know what the world would be at this point today, Lucas said.

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The kids at Mathis Elementary were inquisitive.

I want to know whats your dream? a student asked Lucas.

In light of Kings famous I have a dream speech, the students stated their dreams.

Valerie Lucas, a sorority member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, reads to children at Mathis Elementary School on Friday. (KLAS)

My dream is to nobody kill other people, a child said.

Lucas responded, No one should kill anybody else. I absolutely agree with you.

The mixture of children in the classrooms very much represented Kings legacy.

Alexis Lewis volunteered with the sorority to read to the children, and she described what King meant to her.

The world in its entirety is facing a lot right now but just making sure we come together as a community to support one another, Lewis said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court decision that desegregated public schools, stands in the collective national memory as a turning point in Americas fight for racial justice. But as the U.S. observes its 70th anniversary, Brown also represents something more somber: It ultimately led to thousands of Black teachers losing their jobs.

Before Brown, Black teachers constituted 35% to 50% of the teacher workforce in segregated states. Today, Black people account for just 6.7% of Americas public K-12 teachers, even as Black children make up more than 15% of public school students.

As researchers focused on education policy, teacher diversity, critical research methods and teacher quality, we believe this is an important piece of unfinished business for a country still reckoning with systemic racism. In our view, the best way to fulfill Browns promise and confront the national teacher shortage is to hire more teachers of color.

How Black teachers ranks rose and fell

Before Brown, Black children often were excluded from public schools or forced into underfunded and unsafe schools. Rather than accept these conditions, many Black communities pooled limited resources to build private schools of their own, buy curricular materials and hire Black teachers.

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Conditions were vastly unequal to those for white children at the time, but the presence of Black teachers provided Black children with deep value and care.

Prior to 1954, there were about 82,000 Black teachers in the United States. A decade later, with hundreds of segregated schools closing, more than 38,000 Black teachers had been fired by white school leaders. As the community-run schools for Black children disappeared following the end of legalized segregation, so too did the Black educators who staffed them.

Brown had mandated integration for students but said nothing of their educators.

The importance of Black teachers

In the decades since, parents, social justice advocates and researchers have documented the importance of teachers of color and pleaded for teacher workforce diversity. They argue that Black teachers support student learning and social and emotional development of children of color in ways that lead to better outcomes.

Black students are more likely to attend college when they have Black teachers at the K-12 level. SDI Productions/E+ via Getty Images

One study found the presence of Black math teachers increased the likelihood that Black students enroll in rigorous math classes. Another found that Black students taught by at least one Black teacher from kindergarten through third grade were 13% more likely to graduate from high school and 19% more likely to attend college than same-race peers who did not have a Black teacher.

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Still, the teacher workforce remains stubbornly white-dominated. Why? Research shows problematic certification measures, adverse working conditions and discriminatory hiring practices contribute to keeping Black people from becoming teachers or keeping their teaching positions.

Certification exams are barriers to entry

Obtaining a professional license is a critical milestone in a teachers career. Yet licensure policies and exams long have kept Black teachers out, similar to race-based policies such as literacy tests that once prevented Black people from voting in the segregated South.

By several measures, standardized tests have been found to be biased against people of color. Research shows they contain culturally biased questions that privilege white test-takers.

Whats more, certification and licensing exams prevent the entry of Black people into teaching and determine which teachers are retained. As a result, from 1984 to 1989, about 21,500 Black teachers lost their jobs, according to one study of the impact of reliance on licensure exams and policies.

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This gatekeeping function is especially troublesome because other studies show exam results are poor predictors of teacher effectiveness. In one study, Black teachers in North Carolina with low exam scores nonetheless had positive outcomes on Black student achievement.

Difficult work conditions lead to turnover

Black teachers have the highest rate of turnover among teachers, both white and nonwhite. When asked to reflect on their careers, longtime Black teachers say they face constant racist microaggressions from fellow teachers, non-Black parents and district personnel.

Black male teachers in particular say their expertise is overlooked and that they are forced to play disciplinarian for Black boys. Other studies show Black teachers are systematically sorted into schools with fewer resources, chronic turnover and leadership instability.

Last-in-first-out hiring policies exacerbate the issue. Layoffs of this nature disproportionately affect the students most often taught by beginning teachers and teachers of color.

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All of this makes teaching a precarious profession for Black educators.

Discriminatory hiring practices

Teacher hiring practices have made this cycle, and they can break it, too.

Black teachers are more likely to be hired at schools with Black principals. Kali9/E+ via Getty Images

One study found equally qualified Black teacher applicants receive fewer job offers than white candidates. When hired, Black teachers are more likely to be selected by principals of color, and they, too, are a disproportionately small percentage of school leaders.

Principals say they seek teachers who best fit their school culture. Yet research shows that definitions of fit rely on subjective traits and personal attributes, and often this means excluding Black teachers.

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The nation faces a massive teacher shortage, but there is no shortage of potential teachers of color. Seven decades after Brown, it is a lack of willingness to hire and retain them that is missing.

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: Diana D'Amico Pawlewicz, University of North Dakota; Andrea Guiden Pittman, American University; Andrene J. Castro, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Marvin G. Powell, Lessons for today from the overlooked stories of Black teachers during the segregated civil rights era

Jessie Simmons: How a schoolteacher became an unsung hero of the civil rights movementWe need more teachers of color, so why do we use tests that keep them out of the classroom?

Diana D'Amico Pawlewicz, Ph.D. has received funding to support her research from The Spencer Foundation.

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Andrea Guiden Pittman, Ph.D. receives funding from The Spencer Foundation to support her research.

Andrene J. Castro receives funding from The Spencer Foundation to support this research.

Marvin G. Powell receives funding from The Spencer Foundation to support his research.
(Reuters) - Most army-controlled areas in Sudan have been plunged into blackouts following drone attacks on power generation facilities by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, government officials and residents told Reuters.

The blackouts began on Monday after drone attacks on Merowe Dam, the country's largest, affected Sudan's northern state, while a technical issue affected River Nile and Red Sea states. The blackouts spread on Saturday after an overnight attack on the al-Shouk power station in the east of the country, putting Gedaref, Kassala and Sennar states offline, the officials and residents said.

The affected areas cover the majority of areas still controlled by the army, which has been locked in an almost two-year long war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which controls most of the western half of the country. Electricity generation in most RSF-controlled areas has been disrupted in the fighting.

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Areas impacted by the blackouts are housing millions of internally displaced people, straining living space and infrastructure.

"The attack on the power station led to the disruption of electricity to hospitals, schools, and water facilities, which threatens civilian lives particularly in these difficult humanitarian circumstances," said human rights group Emergency Lawyers.

"These attacks do not only deprive civilians of their basic rights, they increase the risk of escalated violence," they added.

The war in Sudan has displaced more than 12 million people in total and the global hunger monitor estimated this month that about 24.6 million people, or around half of all Sudanese, urgently need food aid through May.

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Residents in the city of Omdurman, which is in the greater Khartoum area and is partly controlled by the army, reported that bakeries were shut down and that people had resorted to drawing water from the Nile River.

Engineers are working to restore operations at the Merowe power station but have not yet been successful, sources there said.

(Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz, writing by Nafisa Eltahir, editing by Susan Fenton)
A cold air mass air is moving south from Canada into the U.S. this weekend, causing temperatures in Southwest Idaho and all across the region to drop below normal.

In Boise, high temperatures are expected to be barely above freezing this weekend and into early next week, according to the National Weather Service in Boise. It will be even colder at the popular Idaho ski areas.

The bad news for snow lovers is that theres no precipitation on the horizon for the lower half of Idaho, even in the mountains.

How cold, windy will it get in Boise?

As the cold front is moving south, the Rocky Mountains in Montana and Wyoming will block off the main part of the air mass, according to meteorologist Kori Anderson, leaving it to hit the east side of the Rockies and the upper Midwest.

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The high pressure off the coast is diverting the jet stream up into Alaska, and then it moves south, down along the Rockies, right over us, said Anderson. There are some strong winds that will peak Friday night, but then it should be pretty light winds on Saturday afternoon and then Sunday as well.

Very cold Canadian air will move south into the U.S. late this week/weekend. Southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho will get clipped by this cold air mass, causing temperatures to drop roughly 10-15 degrees below normal. pic.twitter.com/3yuvmRZtfy  NWS Boise (@NWSBoise) January 14, 2025

The Friday night winds should clear out the stagnant air mass thats been in the area, but also keep subfreezing temperatures and wind-chill values across the region, according to a post from the NWS Boise.

Temperatures are expected to be about 5 to 10 degrees below normal, said Anderson. Our normal in Boise right now is 39 degrees, and the normal low 26.

It all makes for a cold three-day holiday weekend; Monday is Martin Luther King Day.

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The forecast high temperature on Saturday is 35, with a low of 19. Then it will only get colder. Sunday should see a high of 34 and low of 17, with Monday being a high of 31 and low of 15.

The skies will be mostly sunny on each day, though, the weather service said.

If you are heading for the ski areas this long weekend, expect it to be even colder. Lows at Tamarack, Brundage Basin in McCall and in Sun Valley are expected to be close to zero every day, with highs barely hitting 20.
Jan. 17Blaze Brewing Company announced Thursday it is closing its Biddeford tasting room as it prepares to open a new location on Big Moose Mountain in Greenville.

Blaze's five-year-old Pearl Street tasting room, set along the Saco River on the outskirts of downtown Biddeford, will close after service Sunday night. In a detailed, extensive Facebook post, owner Matt Haskell explained that Blaze is shutting down the tasting room for at least the next three months "and very likely for good," because Maine liquor license laws require him to relinquish one of his licenses before opening their new location in Greenville this month.

Haskell has multiple Blaze restaurants and tasting rooms in locations including Bangor, Bar Harbor and Blue Hill. Blaze will operate out of a temporary location on Big Moose Mountain this winter while its permanent site is being built out.

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Blaze's 15-barrel brewery at the Biddeford venue will continue to brew beer until later this summer, when the company plans to move the production operation to Doles Orchard in Limington. Haskell has been in negotiations to buy the orchard and expects to close the deal in February.

Blaze is buying Doles from the Bunting family, which has operated the roughly 100-acre orchard for more than 30 years. Haskell's post says the orchard will be open for the full 2025 season starting in late spring, with pick-your-own cherries, peaches, apples, plums, raspberries and blueberries, noting that they may also bring back strawberries.

Blaze has applied for a federal winery license, and the company plans to launch Dole's Maine Hard Cider Company later this year.

Haskell also noted that Blaze is now part-owner of Black Bear Brewing in Orono. Closed since May, the venue will reopen in mid-February as a brewpub, full-service restaurant and live music space, Haskell said. Blaze is now brewing Black Bear beer in Biddeford.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The smoke has begun to settle from the historic fires that turned Americas second largest city into the countrys most expensive wildfire, but the need for essential supplies continues to grow.

Were from the LA area and they reached out to us knowing what we do up here asking if theres anything the Blessing Corner can do to help, said Pastor Bonnie Turner with the Blessing Corner.

Turner founded the Blessing Corner Outreach Ministry in 1996.

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Now, her team of helpers are loading goods into vehicles and headed to Pasadena using their own gas money to help survivors get back on their feet.

Wife speaks out after Border Patrol agents arrest her husband

Brand new clothingWalmart supplied us with a bin of clothing; my sister that lives in the area, shes preparing a hot meal, and toys, said Turner. Backpacks, school suppliesjust about everything that people need to start over.

The Eaton Fire raked through five schools including an elementary school, a middle school, and three charter schools. More than 10,000 students of the 14,000 student population were evacuated from their homes.

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Not only are we from that community, but when we experienced the Borel Fire not too long ago, a lot of people down south came up, said Turner. Even the firefighters came up.

Turner says this makes it their second run to Los Angeles and its because of the giving spirit of the Golden Empire.

Its a people problem. So, people are having a heart to give and to help folks you know, help them back up, said Turner. Thats why were doing what were doing.



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After the family of Grayson Roberts, a Southern California boy who is blind due to a rare eye condition, lost their home in the Eaton Fire, community members are coming together to support them.

The wildfire ignited on Jan. 7 and before long, 10-year-old Grayson Roberts home was in the path of danger. His family recalled the moment they knew something was very wrong.

The sky was red, which isnt typical, said Graysons mother, Terica Roberts.

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It was Graysons older brother, Gavin Roberts, 16, who first noticed the smell of smoke.

When I walked out the door, the fire was just right there, Gavin recalled. You could see it from the mountains and it was just blowing towards our house.

At the rate the wind was blowing, I knew we had to go, Terica said.

Terica and Grayson Roberts speak to KTLA on Jan. 17, 2025. The Roberts home in Altadena was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (Roberts Family) Grayson Roberts checks out a KTLA photojournalists camera on Jan. 17, 2025. (KTLA) Grayson Roberts, 10, has a rare genetic eye condition that causes eventual blindness in his eyes. (KTLA) The Eaton Fire encroaching on the Roberts Familys Altadena home on Jan. 7, 2025. (Roberts Family) The Roberts Family is seen in a photo posted to a GoFundMe page thats helping them rebuild. (GoFundMe)

With only minutes to escape, Terica and her three sons grabbed whatever they could and fled from the home to safety. The next day, they discovered their house had burned down.

Grayson, who has a passion for music and raising awareness for other blind children, lost all of his instruments, along with his Braille materials.

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Grayson was born completely blind, Teria explained. He has aniridia. Its a chromosomal defect where his eyes never completely developed. So thats basically the cause of it. And he has glaucoma.

Terica says its been an incredibly tough time, but her family is grateful to have each other and Graysons unshakeable optimism as they navigate the long road to recovery.

I told everyone while we were staying at my uncles that when life gives you lemons or burnt houses, you make lemonade, Grayson said. To the people of Altadena  lets rebuild and make our community better and bigger.

Over 8,900 structures, many of them homes, were destroyed in the Eaton Fire, according to CalFire.

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A GoFundMe page to help the Roberts family can be found here. A fundraiser to help the family rebuild can also be found here.

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Downward Spiral

The last few days of the Cybertruck bomber's life sound like an absolute roller coaster.

Matthew Livelsberger, the special forces soldier who killed himself in a vehicle bombing outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day, had reportedly been dumped by his wife six days before the apparent attack. The couple had recently had a baby girl.

Then, just two days before the bombing, he started texting an ex-girlfriend, in a brazen attempt to hit on her. "I'm up in Denver," Livelsberger texted Alica Arritt, who hadn't spoken to him since 2022. "Are you single?"

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Hammering home his chaotic thought process in his final days, he seems to have believed impressing her with his new ride was the way to her heart.

"I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. It's the shit," he wrote, sending her photos and videos of the vehicle. "I feel like Batman or [H]alo."

"I don't know if it's cool or I should bully you about it," Arritt replied. "How fast is it."

"Ungodly," he replied.

Farrago-Out

Authorities, who believe Livelsberger was likely suffering from PTSD, are still trying to piece together his motives . But the details we know so far, we have to say, exemplify the sheer absurdity of our polarized, extremely online age  and by extension, the bizarre overlap between deranged far-right politics and tech fetishism.

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Case in point, Livelsberger used OpenAI's ChatGPT to help plan his bombing, asking it questions about bullet velocities and potential explosion targets.

He also seems to have succumbed to the widespread drone hysteria gripping the country. In a widely forwarded email, Livelsberger speculated the mysterious aerial sightings were evidence of "gravitic propulsion systems powered aircraft by most recently China in the east coast."

There's also his choice of vehicle. The Cybertruck has come to symbolize Elon Musk's transgressive right wing turn  the Tesla being a giant middle finger to sensible automotive norms, or to good taste in general. Livelsberger was gently roasted by his ex for picking it, which is a rite of passage for any driver of the iconoclastic truck. And evincing his conservative sympathies, officials say he harbored no animosity towards Musk or Trump.

Mixed Motives

Police say that Livelsberger poured racing-grade fuel into the Cybertruck, which he combined with 60 pounds of fireworks onboard to perpetrate the bombing. Shortly before the explosion, he fatally shot himself in the head.

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In a manifesto recovered from his personal devices, the decorated Army soldier rambled about the country's "weak" leadership, and its path towards "collapse," and also touched on geopolitical issues like the war in Ukraine.

Exactly what he intended with the attack is nebulous, but he claimed it wasn't a "terrorist attack."

"It was a wake up call," he wrote.

More on the Cybertruck: After Cybertruck Terror Attack, Elon Musk Screeches That Cybertrucks Are Bad for Terror Attacks
Aaron Rodgers has made no secret of his support of anti-vax avatar Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., but the New York Jets QB took his skeptic stanning to new heights while visiting "The Pat McAfee Show" this week.

Speaking to the reddest thing on ESPN this side of their logo, Rodgers told the punter-turned-television host that he was excited to watch the Cabinet nominee's upcoming Senate hearings to "see who [tries] to f**k with him."

Rodgers believes the would-be head of the Department of Health and Human Services will "absolutely mop the floor with any of these senators."

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"You better come ready, senators. Come ready and try and see if you can pull one over on my boy, Bobby because Bobbys f**king smart, dude," Rodgers said. "No notes, off the cuff, can handle his own pretty well."

The likely future Hall of Famer then went on a screed against supposedly lax food regulations in the United States and promoted RFK Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" platform.

"Its disgusting what they allow here, the levels that they allow here, products that are terrible for you, products they know are carcinogenic...Hes doing a service to everybody," Rodgers said. "He just wants to make sure that everything thats being given to our kids is safe, everything that were ingesting on a day-to-day basis is safe, and hes going to Make America Healthy Again or is going to freaking die trying."

Rodgers' endorsement spread as the news broke that Kennedy petitioned the FDA to put a halt to the use of COVID-19 vaccines during the height of the pandemic. The 2021 petition asked the agency to revoke authorization for all coronavirus vaccines. It was filed through Kennedy's non-profit, Childrens Health Defense, and rejected some months later.

Kennedy has not received universal support from the GOP with senators like Bill Cassidy and Mitch McConnell showing concern about the appointee.
Warning: The video shows violent images and may be disturbing.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A very tragic ordeal unfolding in a metro neighborhood just days before Christmas.

A father locked in a gunfight with police before shooting two children, killing one of them, and then taking his own life.

Now, we are seeing how it all unfolded.

In the video, you see the moment when two officers enter the home and are quickly met with gunfire. Bullets flying through the house, all while a woman and two kids take cover in the living room.

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OKC Police release bodycam video of deadly shooting that left teen dead

Gunshots and screams filled the home when police spotted the suspect, Jerry Yang, with a gun.

Police say Yang began shooting at officers as soon as they turned the corner.

Two children and a woman are seen taking cover in the living room.

Yang was struck by the officers gunfire, but he continued to shoot at officers, Capt. Valerie Littlejohn with OKCPD said.

One of the bullets from Yangs gun hit an officers pocket knife, preventing a more serious injury.

The gun battle ensued for a couple of minutes before both officers saw Yang dead on the floor in the hallway.

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Then, a chilling discovery.

Suspect Yang had shot two children who were in the room with him, then ultimately took his own life by shooting himself during the gun battle with the officers, Capt. Littlejohn said.

Both children were rushed to the hospital, where one of them, a 15-year-old boy named Abel Her, died.

Yang also had a protective order against him and wasnt supposed to be near his family.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  After 8 days of testimony and another 8 hours of deliberation, a local jury came back with their decision in a high-profile media lawsuit.

Do you find by the greater weight of the evidence that defendant CNN committed defamation per se against plaintiff Zachary Young? Yes. Number two, do you find by the greater weight of the evidence that defendant CNN committed defamation by implication against plaintiff Zachary Young? Yes.

Bay County jury finds against CNN in defamation lawsuit

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In 2021, the Biden Administration pulled U.S. troops out of Afghanistan. The chaotic withdrawal left thousands of Afghan nationals at the mercy of the Taliban. Many scrambled to find a way to evacuate.

CNN produced a story about the highly lucrative black market evacuation trade that developed.

The story implicated security consultant Zachary Young and his company Nemex Enterprises. In reality, the security consultant was working with corporate sponsors who funded the evacuations.

During closing arguments Thursday, Youngs attorney Devin Freedman said Afghans wouldnt be able to afford the service themselves and needed guidance following extraction from Afghanistan.

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These refugees needed someone who could navigate the complex legal issues that arose when Afghans arrived in new countries, Freedman said.

CNNs lead attorney David Axelrod tried to convince the jury that Young was profiteering off desperate Afghans.

The story got started by Jill Kornetsky saying, Anyone interested in a story about an American mercenary charging people $13,000 per head? And how did she know about it? Because he was out there on LinkedIn, out in the open advertising his services, Axelrod said.

The defense attorney called the story truthful and argued Young put himself in the middle of it.

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Mr. Young, he didnt want to be reported on. No doubt about that. We see that in all those text messages, but he put himself in the middle of this story. He was out there, his advertisements to Afghans, as the court has already found, they were newsworthy, Axelrod said.

Panama City native launches Commissioner Ward 1 campaign

When jurors returned a verdict for Young, they awarded him $4 million for lost wages and $1 million for emotional distress.

They were in the process of deciding punitive damages when both sides said theyd reached a settlement, presumably more than the $5 million figure the jury reached.

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An accountant testified that Young lost $21 million in the 3 years since the story aired.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Another narcotic smuggling attempt along Interstate 5 was thwarted by U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the San Diego Sector last week, according to a release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Friday.

On Jan. 10, around 10:30 a.m., agents stopped a suspicious vehicle near the Basilone Road exit which is near San Onofre State Park, CBP said.

After an inspection by a K-9 unit, agents found multiple packages wrapped in cellophane within the vehicle. The vehicle and driver were then taken to a nearby Border Patrol station, according to CBP.

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Woman found dead at Motel 6 in suspected domestic violence incident: police

A total of 22 packages containing narcotics such as methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl were removed from the vehicle.

Together, the packages contained over 11 pounds of methamphetamine, more than five pounds of heroin and at least 34 pounds of fentanyl, all estimated to have a street value of nearly $300,000, authorities said.

The driver and the drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration while the vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.

In fiscal year 2024, agents in the San Diego Sector have seized 2,862 pounds of cocaine, 4,276 pounds of methamphetamine, 67 pounds of heroin and 782 pounds of fentanyl, according to the release.

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Jan. 17ELKHART  The City of Elkhart recently announced the retirement of Bradley Tracy, chief of staff, where he served under two administrations, since joining the city in 2019. He will stay on to handle special projects for Mayor Rod Roberson's administration.

Tracy's career spanned as press secretary for former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut to the Indiana House of Representatives where he served as the chief of staff for former Speakers' Paul S. Mannwiler and Brian C. Bosma with four decades of experience. He is a Purdue University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Advertising.

According to Mayor Rod Roberson, "Since joining my administration in April 2021, Bradley has demonstrated unwavering dedication to making a significant and lasting impact on the City of Elkhart and beyond. As mayor, I'm grateful to have a chief of staff who has devoted his life to public service but also a constant professional that I could trust. He joined my administration after service with former Mayor Timothy Neese to continue to put the City of Elkhart on a path of success, putting any political affiliations aside and putting the people of Elkhart first. Throughout his tenure with my administration, he has championed numerous initiatives that align with the state's goals for economic development, public safety, and community enrichment. His keen understanding of civic dynamics and state policies has enabled him to advocate effectively for resources that benefit both Elkhart and neighboring areas."

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Succeeding Tracy is Megan Erwin, an Elkhart native who brings a wealth of experience in public policy, grants management and public finance.

Erwin spent the last seven years working for the city of Norfolk, Virginia, as senior budget analyst, HUD grants manager, and assistant director of Housing and Community Development. During her time in Norfolk, she was responsible for overseeing more than $80 million in departmental funds and $220 million in federal grants, as well as leading the city's community budget engagement, housing preservation, and financial empowerment initiatives. Her diverse experience also includes the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Indiana House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee, Monroe County Council, Oxfam America, and Catholic Charities.

Roberson said, "We are confident that her leadership will build on the strong foundation laid by Bradley Tracy. Her extensive experience in managing complex budgets and her proven track record in community development make her an ideal leader to guide Elkhart into the future."

Erwin graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and attended Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where she earned a Master of Public Affairs with concentrations in Public Financial Administration and Policy Analysis. She is a graduate of Concord High School and a member of Hively Avenue Mennonite Church.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's government announced on Friday Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in the multinational bloc of nations known as BRICS.

Brazil, which holds the bloc's presidency in 2025, said in a statement that the African country has been actively "strengthening cooperation in the Global South and reforming global governance", which has been a priority to Brazil.

"As the 6th largest population in the world and the 1st on the African continent, as well as one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria has converging interests with the other members of the group," Brazil Foreign Ministry, known as Itamaraty, said in the statement.

Nigeria joins the BRICS in a status already held by another eight nations primarily in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia.

(Reporting by Isabel Teles; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez)
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro accused the countrys supreme court of persecuting him on Saturday after his appeal against a travel ban was rejected.

Speaking at the airport in Brasilia, Bolsonaro, who had called on the Supreme Court to reconsider a previous decision barring him from traveling to the United States to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, said he was facing huge political persecution by one person.

Bolsonaros lawyers had filed an appeal late on Thursday claiming the right-wing politician had fully complied with and respected the precautionary measures imposed on him by the Supreme Court, and also rejected any possibility of him fleeing.

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But Justice Alexandre de Moraes hours later upheld an earlier ruling rejecting the former presidents request to have his passport returned, a document seen by Reuters showed.

Bolsonaro was at the airport to bid farewell to his wife Michelle who will attend Trumps inauguration.

Bolsonaro, who has been barred from running for office until 2030 and faces criminal charges for allegedly plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat, had his passport taken in February 2024 on the order of Brazils top court.

Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022 and has been called Trump of the Tropics, said on Saturday that he had been invited to Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration.

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CyberBust

Police in England have impounded a Tesla Cybertruck that apparently made it across the Atlantic, for being "not road legal in the UK."

According to a Facebook update by the Bury police department in the Greater Manchester area, the driver "was a permanent UK resident but the vehicle was registered and insured abroad which is prohibited in the UK."

Even with the right paperwork, the Cybertruck would still be illegal to drive there. Officials have previously pointed out that the massive truck is simply too big and sharp for European roads, posing too much of a threat to the safety of pedestrians.

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"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," the Bury police's statement reads. "The vehicle was subsequently seized under S165 of the Road Traffic Act and the driver reported."

Euro FOMO

We've already come across several other Cybertrucks being transported across the pond. In September, Russian warlord and leader of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov shared pictures of himself manning a machine gun mounted to a Cybertruck's bed.

In July, Czechia saw the import of its first registered Cybertruck. The owner made several modifications to the sharp outside of the truck, like covering the hood with a rubber strip, before it could be classified as a truck by Czech authorities.

As Carscoops points out, the latest impounded Cybertruck isn't the only one of its kind headed for the UK; YouTuber Yianni "Yiannimize" Charalambous is attempting to get his truck, which currently has Albanian plates, registered there.

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But whether the many changes he's had to make since, like changing the color of indicator lights and installing rear fog lights, will be enough for UK regulators remains to be seen.

For one, the car's curb weight of over 6,600 pounds could still be a dealbreaker anyway due to strict vehicle class weight restrictions that would require a special permit.

More on the Cybertrcuck: After Cybertruck Terror Attack, Elon Musk Screeches That Cybertrucks Are Bad for Terror Attacks


The former human resources director of the Broad is suing the Los Angeles museum and its former chief operating officer, accusing them of discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment.

In the lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, former HR director Darron Rezell Walker accuses former COO Alysa Gerlach of pressuring him to fire a white employee, Rick Mitchell, 65, based on personal animus  as well as his age and race. Walker alleges in his suit that Gerlach said she did not want an old white man in any director-level position and that Mitchell was a "misogynist" who "makes people uncomfortable."

After Walker interviewed staff and determined that Mitchell should not be terminated, Gerlach not only fired Mitchell but also fired Walker in retaliation, the lawsuit says. Walker also accuses Gerlach in the suit of creating a hostile work environment by asking inappropriate questions about Walker's sex life and sharing personal information about her own intimate relationships.

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Neither the Broad nor Gerlach responded to requests for comment on Friday.

Walker was employed at the Broad for less than two months, and his quick dismissal last April has "devastated" his reputation, says his attorney, Michelle Iarusso.

Read more: The Broad announces massive expansion that will increase gallery space by 70%

"This was a very high-profile position for him," Iarusso says, adding that Walker had connections in the worlds of art and fashion that intersected with his job at the Broad. "He was very excited to get this position, and he let everybody know. So when he was summarily terminated after a very short time, it was a bomb. It was like they obliterated his career."

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In his lawsuit, Walker alleges that Gerlach was "trying to find a way to fire" Mitchell, who served as the Broad's director of facilities. Walker diplomatically tried to challenge Gerlach's comments about Mitchell's age and race, the lawsuit says. "Gerlach thought that because both of them were persons of color, Walker being African American and Defendant Gerlach being Latina, that her comments were an acceptable form of commiseration shared between people of color," the suit says.

According to the lawsuit, Mitchell had raised questions in a meeting about whether the physical limitations of his staff members, including women and a person with a disability, would prevent them from moving staging equipment used in museum events. Some staff members perceived the comments as discriminatory, the suit says. But over several weeks, Walker conducted interviews with Mitchells co-workers and subordinates, who "painted a clear picture of Mitchell being revered as a supportive and well-respected manager," the suit says. "In particular, women under his supervision expressed appreciation for his fairness and leadership. Not one person corroborated any claims of discriminatory or misogynistic behavior."

Gerlach was not pleased with the results of Walker's investigation, the lawsuit alleges, and moved forward with plans to terminate Mitchell. As the HR director, Walker worried that the action would be "exposing the museum to significant legal and reputational risks, all occurring on Walkers watch, to somehow be unfairly attributed to him."

During this time, the lawsuit alleges, Gerlach forbade Mitchell from talking with her superior, Broad founding director Joanne Heyler, unless Gerlach was present.

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Read more: Updates: The architecturally significant houses destroyed in L.A.'s fires

When Walker submitted his report rejecting Gerlach's accusations against Mitchell, the lawsuit says, Walker faced "immediate and escalating hostility."

Eleven days after Mitchell was fired, Gerlach fired Walker on speakerphone while other staff members were present in Walker's office, the lawsuit says, causing "substantial humiliation and embarrassment."

The lawsuit accuses the Broad of failing to take "reasonable steps to prevent retaliation and wrongful termination against Walker who opposed discrimination in the workplace." It also alleges a hostile work environment created by Gerlach, whom Walker accuses of asking about romantic and sexual partners.

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Walker, who is gay, alleges that Gerlach "frequently expressed curiosity about topics related to gay sexual activity."

Gerlach's LinkedIn profile indicates she left the Broad in September. Neither she nor the museum could be reached for comment on the circumstances of her departure.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This article is part two in a series by chief reporter, Robert Mendick and photographer, Julian Simmonds who are exploring Donald Trumps America ahead of his inauguration. Please check back tomorrow for part three.

Four years ago, Will Pope was arrested by the FBIs terrorist taskforce and taken to jail. He was sacked from his job, dumped by his friends and faced 30 years in prison for his alleged role in the Jan 6 insurrection.

On Monday, Mr Pope will be back at the Capitol  but this time as a VIP guest of Donald Trump at the president-elects inauguration.

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A number of protesters who stormed the Capitol in 2021  they are known collectively as J6ers  will join Mr Pope among the invited guests. A few more who want to witness Mr Trump being sworn into office for a second time have been banned from travelling to DC by courts or under the terms of probation.

Among them are Billy Chrestman, a member of the Kansas branch of the notorious white supremacist group Proud Boys (he refers instead to the group as western chauvinists) who told the Telegraph he wanted to apologise to Mr Trump because we made a lot of problems for him.

Chrestman described Mr Trump as the greatest American and expected a presidential pardon to now be coming his way.

Will Pope has been charged with civil disorder and trespassing offences over Jan 6 but never convicted of any crime and last week a court gave him permission to make the 1,100 mile trip to DC from Topeka, Kansas.

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He is coy about who invited him to the inauguration but says it came from people who worked closely with Trump.

Mr Pope has visited Mr Trump three times at his home in New Jersey in the past couple of years and they spoke at great length on one of those occasions. He was trying to reassure people, revealed Mr Pope.

Trump supporters storm the US Capitol after a rally with Donald Trump in 2021 - Samuel Corum/Getty

The J6ers, accused of imperilling the worlds greatest democracy are now being feted at Mr Trumps coronation, taking place on the very steps of the Capitol building where much of the worst violence took place.

Egged on by Mr Trumps false insistence that the 2020 election was stolen from him, rioters stormed the building.

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Among them was Chrestman, dressed in combat trousers and wearing body armour and carrying an axe handle topped with an American flag.

Mr Pope, 38, a giant of a man at 6ft 5in tall, appears confident he can now beat the charges that have been hanging over him for nearly four years.

Mr Trump has repeatedly promised pardons to the J6ers which means releasing some of the most violent offenders of the day.

Mr Pope is in a slightly different position. He has never been convicted. He just hopes charges will now be dropped.

Will Pope has been charged with a civil disorder and trespassing offence over the Jan 6 riots - JULIAN SIMMONDS

There is still a lot to work out, he says, although you can tell he is confident that Mr Trump will come through for him. I havent been convicted and presidents can only pardon people who have committed crimes.

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They can either drop the charges in my case or keep on prosecuting me, he says, I tangentially know a few people in there [the Trump camp]. They are being tight lipped on what they are going to do. That could mean they dont want to let on about their plans. Or they dont have a clue.

There is enormous political pressure to kick his charges into touch. In the space of four years, the narrative has swung dramatically. In 2021, the rioters were accused of insurrection and trying to overturn by violence the outcome of a free and fair election.

Supporters of Donald Trump, including a member of the QAnon conspiracy group Jake Angeli, centre, enter the Capitol - SAUL LOEB/AFP

But Mr Trump himself has since called the Jan 6 riot a beautiful day and controversially, during the election campaign, a day of love  despite the fact five people died including a police officer.

Many of the most violent rioters, who subsequently were convicted and imprisoned, have been transformed into patriotic martyrs, pursued by a politically weaponised Department of Justice.

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FBI informants are now being blamed for infiltrating groups like the Proud Boys and committing the worst excesses and Antifa, the anti-fascist movement, of having plants in the crowd who ran riot.

I wasnt violent; I didnt do anything crazy, says Mr Pope - JULIAN SIMMONDS

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Mr Pope, who had been studying for a PhD and was teaching at his local university before being fired, has become something of a cause celebre for the J6ers. He sacked his public defender early on and instead represented himself through dozens of hearings.

He has combed through hours and hours of footage from the Capitol for his own case and to assist other defendants. He has succeeded in getting some of the most serious charges dropped.

I wasnt violent; I didnt do anything crazy, he says. He accepts he chanted USA, USA as he walked through the Capitol with his brother Michael and the rest of the mob but insists he went into the building in part in error, pushed through one of the Capitols entrance doors. Mr Popes brother was convicted in October of an attempt to obstruct justice and of knowingly entering a restricted building. He has not yet been sentenced.

Sitting in a local Mexican restaurant close to his home in Kansass state capital, Mr Pope insists he was acting as a journalist, who had been operating his own Right-wing news website Free State Kansas. He had previously run for City Hall in Topeka. He spent five nights in jail after his arrest in Feb 2021.

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To date 1,270 people have been convicted, of whom about 1,000 have pleaded guilty. Mr Trump has in the past accepted there is never a justification for violence but nobody really knows what he will do next. In this bit of Kansas, Mr Pope is offering himself up as an adviser to the process.

To date over 1,000 people have been convicted in connection with the Jan 6 insurrection - John Minchillo

He advocates looking at pardons on a case by case basis but says Mr Trump doesnt understand the amount of complexity, doesnt have the time to look at the details.

As the inauguration approaches, Mr Pope believes the Department of Justice should be investigated. The DoJ has not exactly been truthful on a lot of the facts, says Mr Pope.

He had worked for many years for the national parks and claims that he had been planning a road trip with his brother to visit battlefield sites that also took in the now infamous Trump rally on the Ellipse. Mr Pope insisted he was unaware of the violent events unfolding when he was somehow pushed into the Capitol building.

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Under the terms of his bail, he is allowed to travel anywhere within Kansas and must notify authorities if he wants to travel outside the state. But Washington DC remains off limits so that when his invite to the Inauguration came through, Mr Pope was forced to seek permission from the court.

Mr Trump at the rally on Jan 6 before his supporters descended on the Capitol - Jacquelyn Martin

Matthew Graves, the US District Attorney for DC, opposed the motion, accusing Mr Pope of posing a danger to the DC community, including the very law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on Jan 6.

Mr Pope, he said, had ignored police commands and wedged a flag pole he carried with him in a door as police attempted to shut it. The last organised event the defendant attended in Washington DC spiralled into a full-scale riot, Graves alleged.

But the judge  in light of the fact the alleged offences were neither violent nor caused criminal damage  sided with Mr Pope, giving him the green light to visit for no more than three days between Jan 19 and 21.

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The Trump win inevitably reversed the fortunes overnight of the J6ers. I would say the last three months of my life have been pretty good, says Mr Pope with a barely suppressed grin. He describes the last four years as a struggle.

Facebook and Instagram shut down his accounts, cutting him off from friends online. Other friends simply ditched him. The university in Topeka fired him from his job and PayPal, he claims, de-banked him. It was really an Orwellian period. I was cancelled and Im not the only one, he says.

Not far down the road from Topeka, Billy Chrestman, fresh out of jail, sits at a table in the incongruous surroundings of the family-friendly IHOP pancake chain.

He is 51, nervous and had We The People tattooed across his right forearm while in jail. The year 1776 is tattooed across his knuckles.

He was a combat medic in the military between 1992 and 1996 before turning to working in metal.

He accepts he is a member of the Proud Boys  having been initiated in 2018  but insists it has been wrongly portrayed as a white supremacist, far-right group. To Chrestman it was a western chauvinist drinking fraternity.

Billy Chrestman, a member of the Proud Boys, is now expecting to receive a presidential pardon after he was sentenced to 55 months in prison over his role in the riots - JULIAN SIMMONDS

He said he would attend events staged by the Kansas branch a handful of times in a year, in a club where you dont have to apologise for being proud of western culture adding: We got tired of being conservative in a society where if you dont lean left you get accused of being a fascist. I was hung out to dry after Jan 6 because of my Proud Boy affiliation.

He is convinced he was set up by an FBI informant who infiltrated the Kansas Proud Boys and egged them on during the Jan 6 riots and the events leading up to it. He promises to send me the evidence although what I later get are some posts from Will Pope on X that dont appear substantive and photos of the alleged informant at a neo-Nazi event.

Chrestman pleaded guilty to two charges  obstruction of an official proceeding and threatening a federal officer  and was last year sentenced to 55 months in prison. With time spent in pre-trial custody, he was released in the summer but has failed to find work. He suffers from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of being arrested at his home in Olathe, Kansas, after a pre-dawn raid by 30 police and FBI agents.

We were told we were insurrectionists, terrorists, scum of the earth, he says of his time in jail. He put off the plea deal until persuaded to take it by the Proud Boys leadership, figuring he would be out of prison quicker than if he had held on for a trial. I committed no violence and was accused of no violence, he says. One hundred per cent I was set up. It is not even worth debating any more.

Snow blankets the ground in front of the US Capitol ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration on Monday - Amanda Perobelli

Workers build a stage in the Capitol after it was announced the inauguration ceremony would be moved indoors due to the extreme weather in Washington DC - Morry Gash

He is desperate for his presidential pardon and certain Mr Trump will deliver. With the exception of the wall [with Mexico], Mr Trump has kept every campaign promise. He said he will pardon us and he will do it. I was terrified he would get a bullet before he got in.

I would love to shake the mans hand. Quite honestly in my opinion he is the greatest American and truly wants to help the world become a better place. Or, adds Chrestman, he is the anti-Christ.

In an America divided like never before, Mr Trump is, in truth, both things to all men.

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BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) Two brothers from Brockton were indicted for their alleged involvement in the robbery of the Energy Credit Union in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Jenel Flounoury, 29, and Justin Flounoury, 33, both from Brockton, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy and one count of larceny from a credit union. They were arrested and charged in December 2024 following an arrest on the night of the robbery.

Wanted suspect captured after crossing Chicopee River to elude police

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According to investigators, Jenel Flounoury, who worked as a teller at the credit union, arranged for a large cash deposit to be stored in a section of the vault that he could access. Jenel Flounoury then allegedly arranged for his brother, Justin Flounoury, to stage a robbery, passing Jenel Flounoury a note demanding money. On September 24, 2024, Justin Flounoury passed Jenel Flounoury the note, and Jenel Flounoury allegedly bypassed his teller cash drawer, went straight to the vault, and loaded nearly $200,000 into a bag he retrieved himself, before delivering it to the robber.

The night of the robbery a search was executed at the residence of Justin and Jenel Flounoury Over $160,000 in cash was recovered, including ten $100 bills whose serial numbers had been recorded by Energy Credit Union employees as being present in the vault prior to the robbery. According to court documents, cell site location information for Justin Flounourys phone places it within .25 miles of the credit union at the time the robbery occurred.

If found guilty, they could face up to 15 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

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Jan. 17Brownsville ISD trustees decided to wait and see what multiple ongoing investigations by internal auditor Marco Porras reveal before proceeding further on any possible forensic audit.

The decision came on a 4-3 vote Tuesday in which newly re-elected board member Minerva Pena joined trustees Carlos Elizondo and Frank Ortiz in voting for the proposal.

A forensic audit is a detailed review of financial records to uncover potential fraud or other irregularities. The goal is to gather evidence that can be used in legal proceedings or to prevent future fraud.

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"I decided to place this on the agenda because I personally wanted to get more information in regards to a lot of the audits," trustee Erasmo Castro said at the meeting.

BISD last conducted a forensic audit of the three school years between 2008 and 2011. The Dallas forensic audit firm of Defenbaugh & Associates completed the audit on Jan. 12, 2012, according to an executive summary released to The Brownsville Herald at the time.

Elizondo proposed a forensic audit in December 2022, but the board tabled the proposal at that time.

On Tuesday, Castro brought up the idea again, but voted with former president Jessica G. Gonzalez and trustees Daniella Lopez Valdez and Denise Garza against a motion to consider appointing an outside auditor.

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Castro said one of his main concerns was money missing from student fundraisers at several schools.

"One of the goals of this board should be to go out there and find ways to save as much money as we can in all aspects, and so I encouraged all of the members on the (audit) committee to please look into could we actually save money for the students and for the teachers and for staff," he said.

Pena said she supported the motion because "there's too many things that have gone on and I just want to make sure. Let's check it out. ... Is there any value to it? Is it anything that's actually wrong or not. Let's clear it. I just want to make sure we do it right and that people not be cornered not to say stuff," Pena said.

Garza said her concern was duplication of services.

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"I hate to right now approve something when it's still considered premature because our internal auditor is still working on some audits," she said.

Gonzalez then read a portion of the minutes from the board's Oct. 9 meeting concerning the first phase of audits. At that meeting, the board granted authorization, in priority order, for audits of: Sams Memorial Stadium, the Resaca Technology Center, LED lighting projects throughout the district, and intercom systems around the district.

The motion carried unanimously to approve the first phase of audits.

Elizondo said then that the board could come back if anything came up, according to the minutes.

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Gonzalez added that in December when Porras presented to the board "there was no action. Nobody had any concerns."

Garza then noted that the Sept 3 minutes state that "once he was done with phase one, if there was anything alarming, then we would look out for an external auditor."

"Correct," Gonzalez said.

Responding to a question from Gonzalez, Porras said the 2012 audit cost $252,000.

At the lectern, Porras answered questions from Elizondo, including whether he was aware of a $1 million loss to the district.

Porras said the investigation was handled by the FBI "but internally I did some investigation on it, yes sir." When Elizondo asked if they ever found out who did it, Porras said no, that it was a phishing scheme.

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"As soon as it left our district or bank, it hit different banks."

The loss was $800,000 and was covered by bank insurance, he said.

Elizondo then asked about missing monies from schools. Porras said that he investigated and was able to identify who took the funds.

"And they're still working for the school district," Elizondo asked.

"Uh no, no sir," Porras said.

Board attorney Nick Maddox then cautioned Elizondo not to mention names or position in which the individual is easily identifiable.

"From the top of my head, sir, there was quite a few audits that we've conducted, and some of these employees are no longer with the district," Porras said.

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"But some of them are," Elizondo asked.

"Not that I can remember from the top of my head, no sir," Porras said.

Porras said he could not be sure.

Elizondo said that was the reason he supported Castro's motion concerning the audit.

"Mr Porras has a limit and that's why it is so important we find out where this money is, because all of us here are concerned when we're missing money and there's not enough to pay people. We gotta get that money back, and this is the reason I supported your agenda and the only reason," Elizondo stated.

The board then voted 4-3 against Castro's motion to appoint an independent external auditor for a forensic audit.

Earlier, the board defeated a motion by Elizondo to terminate the Austin law firm of O'Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo as board counsel by an identical vote.

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The royal family Instagram account is the sole place to find all the recent appearances of King Charles and Queen Camilla. On rare occasions, you might even catch a glimpse of Princess Anne. (And of course, Prince William and Kate Middleton have their own social media handles.) However, the IG account just featured a family member I was *not* expecting to show up: Prince Edward. He recently made an appearance on their feed with a truly striking image in the snow.

In the post, you'll find a series of photos with Prince Edward in his military uniform talking to soldiers. The caption reads, "As Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Dragoon Guards, The Duke of Edinburgh has visited troops currently deployed to Estonia and attended a training exercise in Harju County."

It continues, "The cold weather operator course takes place every year in Estonia and involves soldiers spending two nights in a forest, learning how to build camps, make fires and find food and water."

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By the end of the caption, it gives a shoutout to King Charles himself, stating, "His Royal Highness also visited Tapa Camp, an army base in Laane Viru County."

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It's nice to see Prince Edward get some love these days. It's very rare for the king's younger brother to make an appearance on Instagram. However, outside of the social site, he's been taking a more active role.

A few months ago, the Duke of Edinburgh, along with his wife Duchess Sophie, attended the 120th anniversary parade of The Entente Cordiale on behalf of the monarch. Due to his continuing medical treatment for his undisclosed form of cancer, King Charles was unable to fulfill this requirement and leaned on his brother for help.

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The 60-year-old royal continued to take his big bro's place and went to the 2024 Anzac Day ceremony, where I'm still loss for words at the chilling photos taken of Prince Edward. It showed him standing alone with his head held high, along with other photos of him placing down the ceremonial wreath.

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Now, Prince Edward is not the only royal who has taken time to meet with servicemen and women. Prince William frequently visits soldiers in full military uniform, too. Back in September 2024, he celebrated the forty-eight RAF Cadets, who completed their Commissioned Warrant Officers Course and Modular Initial Officer Training Course. (It was also an appearance where he started to show off his signature scruff.)

But back to the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeththe last time I saw the IG account post Prince Edward (and Duchess Sophie) was in October 2024, in a post filled with never-before-seen photos of the couple. So I'm very happy to see new photos popping up.

Here's to more appearances from Prince Edward in 2025!

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Royal News Roundup: Kate Middletons Health Update, Meghan Markles Netflix Delay & Princess Annes Major Trip
Native relations emerged as a central focus of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday for Secretary of the Interior, where he pledged to uphold the government-to-government relationship with tribes through consultation on issues like public land management.

If confirmed, Burgum would oversee federal programs affecting tribal nations through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, while also managing 500 million acres of public lands  much of it ancestral tribal territory  along with federal wildlife programs and national parks and monuments.

As North Dakotas governor, Burgum developed relationships with the states five tribes. Though tensions arose over his handling of the Dakota Access pipeline protests, he established regular dialogue with tribal leaders, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

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Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, urged Burgum to maintain tribal consultation before making any changes to conservation designations presently in place. Heinrich requested Burgum meet with him and local leaders before making changes affecting New Mexico.

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We'd look forward to those discussions with you and, I think, again, as you've described, the key to this is the local consultation, Burgum said. My experience as governor and working with the tribes and working with local communities in North Dakota, whether it's grazing associations, county commissioners, mayors, rural residents, I think the consultation is key.

During the hearing, Burgum highlighted the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, calling it an unseen tragedy.

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It seems that we lose a college student at spring break, its a Netflix series and the whole nation knows her name personally. And then we have the same individual tragedies that happen over and over again in Indian Country, and people arent even aware that its going on, Burgum said in response to questioning from Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) about federal collaboration with tribal law enforcement. Weve got to change our entire approach to this.

On energy policy, Burgum voiced his alignment with President-elect Trumps expanded policy to Drill, baby, drill. He framed fossil fuel production as crucial for competing with China on artificial intelligence development, despite concerns from Democratic senators about climate change.

We know we have the technology to deliver clean coal, Burgum said. Were doing that in North Dakota. This is critical to our national security. Without baseload were going to lose the AI arms race to China. And if we lose to China that has a direct impact on our national security.

Tribal leaders and lawmakers expressed support for Burgums nomination before and after the hearing.

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In the weeks following his nomination, he received strong support from tribal leaders in his home state of North Dakota, as well as neighboring South Dakota. He also received backing from the Navajo Nation, where President Buu Nygren praised Burgums experience and commitment to strengthening government-to-government relationships with tribes. The Great Plains Tribal Chairmens Association strongly endorsed Governor Burgum in an email to Native News Online on Thursday.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, expressed strong support for Burgum through a spokesperson.

The Department of the Interior  and in turn the Secretary who leads it  both play a tremendous role in Indigenous communities across the United States, a representative from her office told Native News Online. Governor Burgum has publicly expressed and demonstrated a commitment to good engagement with Tribes, the importance of the government to government relationship, and ensuring the federal government honors its obligations to Native peoples.

He also understands the tragic history and impact of the many broken promises and treaties with Tribes and has noted that federal agencies need to do better. Senator Murkowski is looking forward to having a good partner on Indian Affairs priorities.

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About the Author: "Neely Bardwell (descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian) is a staff reporter for Native News Online. Bardwell is also a student at Michigan State University where she is majoring in policy and minoring in Native American studies. "

Contact: neely@nativenewsonline.net
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Rapper Busta Rhymes turned himself in at a Brooklyn police precinct on Tuesday after being accused of assault, police said.

Trevor Tanhiem Smith, Jr., 52, also known as Busta Rhymes, is accused of punching a man in the face during a fight last week, police said. The assault was reported to police on Jan. 10, according to the NYPD.

The baby names going extinct in 2025, according to BabyCenter

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The victim was transported to Woodhull Hospital for treatment. He is expected to recover, authorities said.

Busta Rhymes was charged with assault in the third degree, according to police.

It was unclear whether the victim and Busta Rhymes knew each other before the fight.

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A police officer in the Butler Area School District is being honored for going above and beyond.

On Friday, state and federal officials celebrated Broad Street Elementary School Police Officer James Green, also known as Officer Jim.

Green was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. The accolade given out by the U.S. Department of Education honors those who play a vital role in the welfare, safety and success of students.

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A school spokesperson says Green, a retired police officer, is a parent volunteer who started at Broad Street in 2021 and knows his job is to protect the kids.

Green is known for many things at the elementary school, like fist bumps, custom cartoons or a penny drive to help the local Humane Society.

As a school police officer, he goes above and beyond to serve as a father figure, a mentor, and a protector, Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of Broad Street Elementary School students, his selfless service to his community, and his daily example of integrity and care make him a true hero to Pennsylvania students. Officer Green embodies the very best of what it means to serve and inspire, and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am proud that he has been recognized as one of the most outstanding school employees nationally.

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Jan. 17The 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.

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.

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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.
Gavin Newsom is the most prominent Democratic governor directing that American flags in his state fly full-staff for Donald Trumps second Inauguration Day, in what could be an attempt to cool down his feud with the president-elect.

California will temporarily raise the flags at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Monday, a move that aligns with Speaker Mike Johnsons directive for full-staff flags to honor Trump in the U.S. Capitol and counters President Joe Bidens order that all flags be lowered to half-staff for 30 days following former President Jimmy Carters death last month.

The flags at the U.S. Capitol and in Sacramento will be lowered again on Tuesday to finish out Carters mourning period.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is another leading Democratic governor who will be temporarily raising his states flags in the same fashion. Polis has welcomed many priorities of the incoming administration from deporting dangerous criminals to the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, while opposing others like Trump's proposals to raise tariffs.

Other blue states with nationally recognized governors including Illinois, New Jersey and New York, appear to be keeping their flags half-staff. And plenty of red states from Texas to Florida will raise their flags on Jan. 20.

It's unclear how Georgia, Carter's home state led by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, will handle the flag question.

Californias buy-in to the symbolism of the new administration comes as tensions have been ratcheting up between Newsom and the president-elect. Trump has slammed Newsom for his response to the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, blaming the governor for the spread of the fires in a post on Truth Social.

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I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this, Trump wrote, after referring to him as Gavin Newscum.

Newsoms office shut down Trumps claims, saying The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need. The pair have yet to connect by phone about the fires.

Trump and Newsoms relationship has been sour for years. Trump previously threatened Californias federal disaster relief funding for political reasons, and Newsom has been gearing up to mount resistance in his state to Trumps second term.

But now, Newsom may be using a flag as an olive branch.

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Trump, who deeply values pomp and circumstance, previously chastised Democrats for being giddy at the prospect of flags being half-mast during his oath of office. Nobody wants to see this, he wrote on Truth Social.

After Johnsons announcement that the flags would be raised, at least 18 Republican governors followed suit, publicly announcing they will fly American flags full-staff to honor the ceremony. In their statements, many of the state leaders referenced a 1947 federal statute stating the flag should be displayed on several official and unofficial holidays, including Inauguration Day.

Of the 12 Democrat-led states POLITICO contacted, five confirmed they will continue to follow Bidens guidance of having flags at half-mast.

That leaves Newsom as the most prominent Democrat in the country embracing Trumps pomp and circumstance as he is set to regain control over federal disaster relief spending decisions  perhaps setting the tone of their relationship for the next four years.

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President Trump has an opportunity, Newsom said in a video posted to his X account this week. Youll be elevated, Mr. President. At the end of the day, youll be the one we all go to and say thank you.

Shia Kapos, Nicole Norman, Nick Reisman and Dustin Racioppi contributed to this article.
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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Land use decision-making has been outsourced to the insurance industry, said Heller, of the Consumer Federation of America.

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 through its Citizens Property Insurance Corp., 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.

Ashley and Noni Abt (pictured) lost their Keaton Beach home during Hurricane Helene. But they arent moving from the area. (Photo courtesy Ashley Abt)

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 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.

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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 wherein 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.

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.

This story first appeared in Stateline, 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. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has sent more than 200 letters to landlords and hotels warning them that they've been accused of wildfire-related price gouging, his office announced Friday.

"The price gouging that were seeing and hearing about needs to stop now, Bonta said in a release. These letters are just one of many tools my office is using to stop this illegal activity. May they serve as declaration that we are taking swift action, and we will not stop until the price gouging does."

Online listings have shown landlords jacking up prices 50% or more above what advertised rents were prior to last week's fires, far in excess of the 10% increases allowed under the law. Activist groups have cobbled together spreadsheets of alleged violators and pressed authorities to take action.

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Read more: Fire victims seek answers about rebuilding, cleanup timeline

The letters notify recipients that they're subject to a price gouging complaint and place them on notice of the law's provisions and penalties for violating it. In addition to the letters, Bonta noted that his office has active criminal investigations into price gouging.

Also on Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order prohibiting evictions against tenants who shelter one or more people displaced by the wildfires even if doing so would otherwise violate lease provisions.

"Opening your place of residence to help shelter those in need is not only encouraged and generous, but deserves to be protected," Newsom said in a release.

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Newsom's order is in effect until March 8.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted on Jan. 7 and roared across the Los Angeles area, killing at least 29 people, including some who died trying to prevent the fires from engulfing their homes, and destroying thousands of structures.

A city official in Los Angeles described the night of Jan. 7 as one of the most devastating and terrifying that she had seen in her corner of the city.

Heres what we know about the fires.

Where are the fires?

The Palisades Fire erupted the morning of Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood east of Malibu, as a brush fire. The blaze grew to 23,448 acres before it was declared 100% contained on Friday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire. Cal Fire said the fire damaged or destroyed more than 6,800 structures.

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The Eaton Fire ignited hours after the Palisades Fire near a canyon in the sprawling national forest lands north of downtown Los Angeles. It had exploded to 14,021 acres and was 100% contained Friday, according to Cal Fire. The agency has reported that 10,491 structures were damaged or destroyed in the blaze.

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, in Los Angeles, on Jan. 11.

As firefighters were battling the largest blazes, additional fires broke out in the Los Angeles area. Crews were able to stop the forward spread and contain the blazes.

Those blazes, which included the Lidia, Archer, Woodley, Sunset, Kenneth, Hurst and Auto fires, have been 100% contained and are no longer considered active, according to Cal Fire. Between them, the fires scorched 2,399 acres.

Two weeks after the initial fires, the Hughes Fire began near Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County on Jan. 22 and quickly grew to over 10,000 acres. It was fully contained Thursday after covering 10,425 acres.

Have there been deaths and injuries?

At least 29 people have died in the fires, according to Los Angeles County officials.

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The county medical examiners office is still investigating many of the deaths. The department noted that it cannot confirm human remains until it processes them at its facility.

At least 17 of the deaths were in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades Fire, according to the medical examiners office.

The medical examiners office said it could take weeks to confirm the identities of those killed.

Officials have warned that the death toll could grow.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said a significant number of people who did not heed evacuation orders have been injured in the Palisades Fire. He also said there have been significant injuries in the Eaton Fire.

How many people are affected?

At one point there were close to 200,000 people under evacuation orders as crews tried to battle back the fires. In the days and weeks since, officials announced the limited repopulation for some areas evacuated amid the Palisades and Eaton fires.

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The City of Los Angeles Joint Information Center announced Monday that residents off all burn areas in the city's portion of the Palisades Fire will be allowed to return, but the overnight curfew remained. The cities of Malibu and Santa Monica, as well as the areas of the Palisades Fire controlled by Los Angeles County, lifted evacuations previously.

Residents of the Eaton Fire area were also allowed to return last week, but the overnight curfew for the zone remained.

The fires have destroyed entire neighborhoods and blocks, leaving an unknown number of people homeless.

How much damage have the fires done?

The insured losses from the fires may exceed $20 billion, and total economic losses could reach $50 billion, according to estimates published by JPMorgan.

Kevin Marshall sifts through his mother's fire-ravaged property in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Jan. 11.

Those losses would far exceed the $12.5 billion in insured damages from the 2018 Camp Fire, which until now was the costliest blaze in the countrys history, according to data from Aon.

What led to the fires?

The official cause of the fires has not been determined.

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The combination of drought-like conditions  Southern California has had less than 10% of average rainfall since Oct. 1  and powerful offshore winds that hit the region last week prompted fire weather that was, in the words of the National Weather Service, about as bad as it gets.

The agency issued a red flag warning  indicating an increased risk for fire danger  to 19 million people. Wind gusts topping 70 mph were recorded at several locations across the region.

A vehicle is covered in fire retardant while crews battle the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles, on Jan. 11.

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Climate scientist Daniel Swain pointed to the weather whiplash California has experienced in recent years  lurching between drought and heavy rainfall  and said such swings are a key element of the fire weather gripping the region.

Its not just that drier conditions are perpetually more likely in a warming climate, he said, according Inside Climate News. Its that this oscillation back and forth between states is something that is particularly consequential for wildfire risk in Southern California.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Campaigners have urged the British government to impose sanctions on a company director banned by the US for his alleged links with Hamas.

Majed al-Zeer is the director of the London-based Palestinian Refugee Centre, despite being the subject of US sanctions.

Pro-Israel campaign groups have now called for the 62-year old to be disqualified from operating as a company director, in line with the sanctions imposed on him by the US Treasury in October last year.

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The US Treasury accuses Mr Zeer of being the senior Hamas representative in Germany and alleges he has played a central role in the terrorist groups European fundraising.

Its designation of Mr Zeer, issued on the one-year anniversary of the Oct 7 2023 attacks on Israel, added that he had appeared publicly with other senior Hamas members in order to generate funding and other support for Hamas.

Mr Zeer, a British national who lives in Germany where he has permanent residency, rejects the claims, saying he is not and has never been a member or supporter of the group.

Hamas flags sported in Nablus: Majed al-Zeer denies he is or ever has been a supporter of the proscribed terror group - Nasser Ishtayeh/Getty

The Henry Jackson Society (HJS) think tank called for ministers to take action over his status.

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Dr Alan Mendoza, executive director of the HJS, said: Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. It is therefore astonishing that a close ally has identified a British citizen they believe is a Hamas representative and sanctions-worthy, and yet no action has followed here.

An urgent investigation must be undertaken by our authorities to ascertain the veracity of the US allegations so that Majed al-Zeers name can either be cleared officially, or the full force of UK law directed if there is found to be a case to answer.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), the campaign group, wrote to Companies House urging it to disqualify Majed al-Zeer from being an officer of a UK company.

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, told The Telegraph: Majed al-Zeer was described by the US Treasury department as one of the senior Hamas members in Europe [who] has played a central role in the terrorist groups European fundraising.

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Hamas is a designated terrorist group in the UK, so it is shocking that such a person is still apparently allowed to be a company director. It is surprising that the UK has not yet followed the US lead and designated Mr Zeer.

Categorical denial

Mr Zeer condemned the US for issuing sanctions against him, dismissing it as a calculated attempt to discourage him from his support for the Palestinian people and his advocacy for their rights.

In a statement to The Telegraph, his representatives added that Mr Zeer had been active in such advocacy in the UK for some 32 years without any suggestion by the UK authorities that he was affiliated with Hamas or has otherwise acted unlawfully in any way.

They said: [Mr Zeer] wholly and categorically rejects the allegation that he is a representative of Hamas and denies that he is or has ever been a member, sponsor or supporter of the terror group.

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[He] has never been so much as questioned with regard to, let alone charged with or convicted of, any terrorism-related offence, including membership of any proscribed group, whether in the US or in any other jurisdiction.

The allegations contained in the US designation are baseless and wholly misleading. A principal and absurd basis for the designation is a single photograph that shows [him] with a group of individuals which included the late Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh.

Yet this photograph was taken in the context of a larger delegation consisting of up to 60 individuals including British MPs and MEPs, led by the late and eminent British MP, Sir Gerald Kaufman, at a time when Mr Haniyeh was the prime minister of the Palestinian National Authority.

It could not on any sensible or objective view be said to provide legitimate evidence of being a representative of Hamas and no proper evidence of any such association has been presented to Mr Zeer.

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Companies House sources said unless individuals were subject to sanctions in this country they had no powers to remove them as company directors.

Foreign Office response

Foreign Office sources said: We keep sanctions lists under constant review and do not comment on whether a specific individual is or is not being considered.

The UK, along with our G7 partners, has committed to take action to deny Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad the ability to finance atrocities.

Mr Zeer was previously chairman and president of the Palestinian Return Centre, which is listed by Companies House as based in the same office building near Wembley in north-west London as the Palestinian Refugee Centre.

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Israel has long accused the Palestinian Return Centre of being associated with Hamas. In 2010, Ehud Barak, the Israeli defence minister at the time, signed a decree declaring it an illegal association.

He accused it of promoting Hamass agenda in Europe and directly interacting with its leadership in Gaza and the Gulf states.

The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), which campaigns for the right of Palestinian refugees to return to Israel, said Mr al-Zeer had not held any position at the charity since 2019.

It said: The PRC is a non-partisan NGO committed to advocating for Palestinian human rights within the framework of international law. The unfounded allegations linking the PRC to political groups primarily originate from Israeli sources and are politically motivated.

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Mr Zeers representatives added that under his chairmanship the PRC was in 2015 given special consultative status at the United Nations as a non-governmental organisation.

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Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, spent more than $250 million to help elect Donald Trump in 2024. Illustration: HuffPost; Photos: Getty

Elon Musk, the richest man in the world with a net worth north of $400 billion, is now also the biggest donor in U.S. politics, having spent more than a quarter of $1 billion to elect Donald Trump president in 2024.

Musk made his biggest investment in America PAC, a super PAC that ran an extensive (but maybe not particularly effective) operation in swing states to get low-propensity Republican voters out to the polls. What made Musks efforts in 2024 different from those of past megadonors is that the super PAC operations he funded were directly coordinated with the Trump campaign.

Super PACs and other outside groups allowed to raise unlimited contributions are ostensibly meant to be independent from the political parties and candidates they support  at least, that was the rationale given by the Supreme Court in its 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which enabled corporations and the wealthy to make such contributions.

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Since then, the courts, the FEC and opportunistic political party actors have knocked down the wall of independence between the political action committees and the campaigns that the Citizens United court had presumed.

What the country is left with is the worst of all possible worlds. The political parties are hollow and weak, especially at the state level. Members of Congress spend an inordinate amount of time fundraising, for themselves and their party. Their campaigns send out endless, often deceptive solicitations for small-dollar donations. Meanwhile, nonparty actors, fueled by billionaire donations, control what should be party activities and buy themselves an amount of power and access that was previously unheard of.

Its time to admit an uncomfortable fact: 15 years after Citizens United, campaign finance reform is dead.

The 2024 presidential campaign for Trump, left, directly coordinated with Musk's super PAC to help turn out the vote in the November elections. Brandon Bell via Associated Press

This doesnt mean that efforts to regulate money in politics no longer exist or have no future. What it does mean is that existing campaign finance laws no longer serve their stated purpose of preventing corruption and empowering the voices of ordinary citizens. Those still on the books also face an uncertain future in the face of a deeply hostile judiciary that will only get more hostile as Trump appoints even more conservative judges to the federal bench.

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Campaign finance reform traces its roots to the turn of the 20th century. The enactment of civil service reform ended the old spoils system, whereby federal office-seekers and officeholders made small donations or paid a portion of their government salaries to fund their respective parties. The current system of campaign financing slowly emerged, with corporations and the very wealthy financing party efforts, until it came into full blossom under the guidance of Mark Hanna, William McKinleys campaign manager, in the 1896 presidential election.

McKinleys campaign was the first entirely funded outside of the political system, as Hanna raised millions from nearly every major corporation in New York City. Never before had a campaign raised so much money and from so many powerful interests, from J.P. Morgan to John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil, as it beat back the populist campaign of McKinleys opponent William Jennings Bryan that threatened the power of capital. Reform efforts sprang forth to address popular fears of corruption from giant corporate monopolies and the growing ranks of the industrial oligarchy.

First came the Tillman Act of 1907, a law banning corporate donations to political parties and candidates that followed a fundraising scandal involving life insurance companies. But it had no enforcement mechanism. Reform efforts puttered along for decades until the explosion in popularity of television in the 1950s and 1960s led to ever-escalating costs for running for office.

The current campaign finance regime was born in 1971 when Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act, which was then expanded in 1974 following Watergate revelations about illegal campaign fundraising practices, including violations of the Tillman Act.

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The law created campaign contribution limits for parties and candidates, mandatory disclosure, an enforcement body in the FEC, public financing of presidential elections and bans on certain abusive practices. A key part of the law, however, was its limits on campaign spending: These limits were meant to reduce the influence of money in politics by stopping the rise in campaign costs on the back end, while the contribution limits sought to reduce the potential for big-donor corruption on the front end.

The Supreme Court's 2010 decision in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission eroded decades of campaign finance reform laws over the ensuing 15 years. Caroline Brehman via Getty Images

In 1976, the Supreme Court struck down the laws limits on campaign spending in the case of Buckley v. Valeo, on the grounds that they impinged on the First Amendment right to free speech. This came just as congressional elections were about to become much more competitive.

A campaign money arms race quickly ensued  and it hasnt let up. Without spending limits, the push for limited campaign contributions exploded. Political party actors and ideological activists sought opportunistic advantages at every turn, through unlimited soft-money party contributions to exploiting political action committee and nonprofit loopholes.

Reformers sought to plug some of these holes with the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, popularly known as McCain-Feingold, which banned soft money donated to a party for spending on so-called issue advocacy and party-building efforts, limited outside spending and cracked down on wealthy, self-financing candidates. But the Supreme Courts shift to the right that began with the appointments of Chief Justice John Roberts in 2005 and Justice Samuel Alito in 2006 has effectively neutered that law.

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This started in 2007 when the court blew up the McCain-Feingold limits on corporate-funded issue ads by nonprofits, ruling that the limits violated the free speech rights of those corporations and groups. Then, in 2010, the Citizens United decision vastly expanded that to all outside spending: The court ruled that corporations could freely fund independent political spending, saying that independent expenditures, including those made by corporations, do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption. A lower court extended that ruling to allow funds from individuals, which enabled the creation of the super PAC.

A wide array of outside groups immediately popped up  many with explicit connections to parties and candidates, despite the courts supposed insistence on independence. Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign incubated the super PAC Restore Our Future before he announced his candidacy and then made it independent afterward.

The lines of independence continued to crumble thanks to enforcement decisions by the FEC. Candidates were allowed to appear at super PAC fundraisers so long as they did not personally ask for sums exceeding the candidate contribution limit. Super PACs could use materials and information posted online by candidates and parties, including videos, images, ad messaging and targeting strategy. In the 2016 GOP presidential primaries, single-candidate super PACs effectively took over campaign operations by hosting rallies where their candidate would appear as a special guest. Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, Hillary Clintons presidential campaign was accused of openly coordinating with the super PAC Correct the Record  and was let off the hook by the FEC.

Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that does not disclose its donors, directly coordinated with Trump's 2024 presidential campaign to help knock on doors to turn out voters. Alex Brandon via Associated Press

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The coup de grace came in early 2024, after the law firm of Democratic Party lawyer Marc Elias petitioned the FEC to allow a Democratic-aligned super PAC in Texas to coordinate with candidates when engaged in voter turnout efforts. The FECs decision gave the thumbs-up to direct coordination between candidates, parties and super PACs on one of the most vital elements of campaigning: voter engagement and turnout.

But it wasnt Democrats who took advantage. Republicans immediately seized the opportunity. Trump outsourced his ground game to groups like Turning Point USA and Musks America PAC while directly coordinating with them. Whatever lines existed between the independent spending envisioned by the Supreme Court in its Citizens United ruling and the candidates and parties backed by such groups were no more.

This, now the state of affairs in 2025, is the worst possible system for campaign funding. Political parties are husks turned into personalistic fiefdoms by conquering warlords, like the Republicans, or incapable of leadership, policy prioritization and decision making, like the Democrats. State parties are in even worse shape, needing to beg for funds from their national party, thus making it impossible for them to create an independent identity. Filling their place are outside groups, with their phony independence providing billionaires like Musk a chance to assert control.

Campaign contribution limits are effectively void now that super PACs can explicitly coordinate with candidates and parties. However, lawmakers still need to raise limited contributions on a nonstop basis for themselves and their party, leaving less time for legislating. This was made even worse by the Supreme Courts 2014 decision in McCutcheon v. FEC that ended aggregate limits on campaign contributions, thus expanding how much a particular donor could give in one cycle. Any concerns about the corrupting influence of money in politics are only growing.

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At the same time, the Citizens United decision led to a dramatic increase in the amount of campaign spending funded by undisclosed donors. The public may not know the identity of the hundreds of millions in dark money spent on elections since then, but the candidates and party actors  who, after all, can appear at their fundraisers  likely do.

And future hopes for reforming these issues are slim to none. Democrats almost passed legislation in 2022 that would have closed some of the loopholes in super PAC coordination, changed the structure of the FEC and introduced limited public financing of House elections, but were stymied by the refusal of then-Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema to bypass the filibuster to do so.

Conservative opponents of campaign finance reform hold a supermajority on the Supreme Court that is unlikely to change for decades. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Of course, that bill could not have done anything about the ultimate obstacle to fixing the death spiral of campaign finance reform: the Supreme Court. The courts decisions in Buckley and Citizens United make it impossible to place limits on campaign spending or rein in the outside spending that is now swamping politics and empowering literally the richest man in the world. The conservative court continues to strip away existing campaign finance laws and would likely find cause to strike down elements of Democrats reforms if they passed.

There is also no hope for a court more amenable to campaign finance reform in the near or medium terms. The late Justice Sandra Day OConnor was the last Republican-appointed justice to be favorable to campaign finance laws. Her replacement by Alito began reforms death. The only hope that reformers had was for a Democrat, whether it be Clinton or Barack Obama, to appoint Justice Antonin Scalias replacement after he died in 2016. Mitch McConnell, known as the Darth Vader of campaign finance reform, made sure that didnt happen. Then, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs untimely death gave Republicans a sixth seat on the court.

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If Alito, Roberts or Justice Clarence Thomas retire during Trumps second presidential term, the six-vote conservative supermajority will extend for at least the next few decades.

This doesnt mean that concerns about the role of money in politics need to die with the existing system of reform. It may in fact be the one issue on which the public is almost universally united: Americans are overwhelmingly unhappy with a political system beholden to money over constituents, and broadly desire reforms that would course-correct the existing operation. Reformers, in turn, need to recalibrate what they intend reforms to accomplish away from their 1970s roots in devolving party power to the people and toward a reinvigoration of democratic parties if they are to fight against the rising tide of oligarchic wealth that outside spending represents.

Political parties, when allowed to function properly, are vital tools of democracy. Parties provide structure for democratic decision making, policy prioritization and coalition mobilization that ideological or self-interested actors cannot. Absent those structures, or undermined by the rise of and reliance on billionaire-funded super PACs and dark money, you get the personalistic rule of Trump and Musk, or the shambolic process that led to Joe Biden stepping aside in last years presidential race. Rebuilding parties can be a way to fight against the corrupting influence of so-called independent spending.

The constitutional amendment process, however far-fetched, is the only real hope for reining in money in politics. Overturning the Buckley and Citizens United decisions is the only way to actually enable reform to work. The other option is reforming the Supreme Court to bring about a different majority in this lifetime.

The reform project may be at its nadir as the corruption of big money takes the throne. That doesnt mean it cannot reimagine what fighting the influence of money in politics means in the 21st century. But it may very well take some hard reconsideration of which reforms are beneficial  and which ones undermine the broader goal of a more equal and sustainable democracy.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian cabinet minister Karina Gould on Saturday said she would take part in the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.

Gould, 37, becomes the third serious candidate to announce their candidacy. She is currently the Liberals' House Leader, in charge of pushing legislation through Parliament.

Gould will be up against former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. The new leader is due to be announced on March 9.

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Trudeau, under pressure from legislator over the party's pool poll showing, announced on Jan 6 that he would step down after more than nine years in office.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; editing by Diane Craft)
Canoo, the electric vehicle manufacturer that once promised to employ 2,000 Oklahomans, announced Friday night it declared bankruptcy with plans to liquidate all assets.

The filing, made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, will be followed with appointment of a trustee to oversee the liquidation and distribution of proceeds to creditors.

A news release issued by the company revealed Canoo executives attempted but failed to obtain financial assistance from the U.S Department of Energys loan program. The company also was unable to strike a deal with foreign investors.

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Canoo CEO Tony Aquila, joined by Gov. Kevin Stitt, first announced in 2021 it was going to open a 400-acre campus at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor.

Canoo was promised more than $100 million in state incentives for meeting hiring and performance incentives. The deal was a victory for Stitt on heels of Oklahoma losing a bidding war for Tesla to Texas.

One year later, Aquila purchased the former Terex telehandler plant in west Oklahoma City and promised to employ more than 500 people and produce up to 20,000 vehicles by the end of 2023.

Canoo then announced it had purchase orders lined up with NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, the United States Postal Service, the state of Oklahoma and Walmart. As of April, however, the company reported it had completed just 22 vehicles.

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Canoo officials in September reported they were about to expand and hire 150 people in the near future even as it continued to report ongoing losses and substantial doubt about whether the company would stay in business.

The company ultimately furloughed and laid off most of its workforce. The impact of the bankruptcy on $1 million in incentives already provided by Oklahoma was uncertain Friday night.

We would like to thank the companys employees for their dedication and hard work, Aquila said in the news release. We know that you believed in our company as we did. We are truly disappointed that things turned out as they did.

Gov. Stitt on Saturday struck an understanding tone for Canoo.

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"Building a business is hard," he said. "Building a capital heavy business like this is even harder. We should never fault someone for taking a chance to chase the American dream. Canoo has been cooperative in its work with the state and I wish the best to everyone involved.

Sen. Lonnie Paxton, a Republican from Tuttle and the senate's new president pro tempore, said he initially supported the deal.

"As a business owner, I know decisions like this take risk and those involved at the time thought it was a worthwhile opportunity to pursue, which is why I didn't object to the governor using his Quick Action Closing Fund," he told The Oklahoman Saturday. "The legislature made sure any further investment was performance based. Additionally, the legislature did not distribute or approve any funds going to this company.

State Sen. Adam Pugh, a Republican from Edmond, said Saturday that he had real concerns about the electric vehicle maker Canoo.

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Pugh said he supports the use of new technologies and believes the state could do much more to support the entire business community. But his concerns with Canoo were so big, he said, that he filed legislation which would exclude electric vehicle manufacturers like Canoo from receiving payments from the Governors Quick Action Closing Fund.

Pugh said Senate Bill 294 adds new restrictions to the existing law. The measure, filed on Dec. 30, includes language specific to electronic vehicle manufacturers: establishments engaged in electric automobiles for highway use manufacturing activities defined or classified in the 2022 NAICS Manual under U.S. Industry Group No. 336110 shall not qualify for any funds from the Oklahoma Quick Action Closing Fund, the measure said.

Pugh said he expected the measure to be heard this session.

And though he said he has nothing against electric vehicle manufacturers, Pugh told The Oklahoman that his concern was with how the state invested taxpayer money and how the state made sure that Oklahomas business environment help all businesses here.

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Id been working on that legislation (SB 294) since the summer, he said. I got frustrated with that particular company because it seems, in the end, theyve really been insolvent for quite a while.

He said the EV market in the Sooner State isnt nearly as robust as many believe.

I dont think the demand is there, he said. We know the infrastructure isnt there to support it. If you look at all these companies, they are really upside down. Theyre bleeding capital and I fear they are just going around the states asking for money. You could even argue that the bubble may be bursting.

And since Oklahoma has invested tax dollars in EV manufacturers, Pugh said it should be looking at a way of getting those investments back. He said he supported ways to expand industries and the state economy.

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As an oil and gas state, it was an interesting pivot for us to start looking at a market that requires these heavy lifts, he said. All of these companies are bleeding capital. I dont want us to be picking winners and losers from industries that we might not be ready for.

Instead, Pugh said, Oklahoma should invest in the businesses and industries already here.

I dont want to continue to focus outside the state, he said. if you go talk to small business owners, if you help small businesses expand and reach new markets. If you give them a talent pipeline. If you take a small company and help double it, youre changing multiple generations. They are building something thats lasting."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Electric vehicle startup Canoo filing for bankruptcy, closing OKC plant
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Canutillo Independent School District presented its initial renderings and site plans for its major projects for the voter-approved multimillion dollar bond that voters approved last year.

The plans were presented at a meeting on Thursday night, Jan. 16.

We were able to bring in the architects for every single one of the projects that are out there right now. All 10 schools were represented, and they were able to bring in virtual reality machines, renderings, hands-on experiences on how these campuses might look, what were looking to build and how were looking to improve and modernize our schools, said Gustavo Reveles, a spokesperson for CISD.

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The $387 million bond will feature four major projects that include: rebuilding and relocating Davenport Elementary, and the Alderete and Canutillo middle schools to the rapidly growing areas in the Enchanted Hills subdivision and the Upper Valley; and building the districts Northwest Early College Campus.

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Funds from the bond will also be used to make districtwide upgrades to the overall infrastructure of its existing campuses and district offices.

You can check out the renderings of the project by clicking here.

Reveles said that approximately 100 people were present at Thursdays meeting.

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We recognized that there was an issue of trust that led to the district passing this bond by slim margins. And we, as a district, designed an outreach program to really transform and to really change that mentality, Reveles said.

Bonds in Canutillo ISD, Lower Valley Water headed to slim victories

Theres really a lot of excitement out there in our community for this transformative work thats happening. I think people are finally starting to see the projects come to life, seeing some of the work thats being done and we are really working hard to engage the community, to communicate with them where we are, and theyre engaging back with us, Reveles said.

Reveles said the projects are currently in the schematic design phase and nothing is set in stone yet, but that theyre moving along quickly with the goal of completing all bond projects within a four to five-year period.

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The goal and the timeline right now sets us at opening these four new schools before the fall of 2027. So were being aggressive in our timelines. We know that thats pretty aggressive. And thats pretty pretty important. So we want to make sure that we hit those marks, Reveles said.

Canutillo ISD expects these new school openings to attract thousands of new students into the district when completed, which could improve the districts overall financial outlook.

Reveles said theyre still working to tackle the districts overall budget deficit which he said currently amounts to approximately $3.5 million, compared to $9 million last school year.

Reveles said people who were not able to attend Thursdays meeting can still submit their feedback by clicking here.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Capital One is experiencing a nationwide disruption to its service, initially reported on Wednesday, that is impacting the processing of deposits, payments and transfers.

On Wednesday, customers received an email regarding to the initial disruption of service. The email specified the delaying of direct deposits, electronic payments and transfers.

In the email from Capital One, officials say, were working closely with our provider to resolve this issue and restore processing as quickly as possible. We expect services to gradually begin to return to normal throughout today and the majority of issues to be resolved by Friday morning.

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However, by Friday afternoon, customers were still reporting deposit and processing problems.

Capital One took to social media to apologize for the inconvenience as they are still working towards a resolution to their technical issue.

According to DownDetector, up to 3,550 customers reported an outage with their Capital One accounts. The site lists 94% of the reported problems came from deposits.

The bank says once the systems are restored, they will process all deposits and other transactions that have been delayed.

This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  Elmira Police Captain Christopher Osiecki has now been promoted to Deputy Chief.

This comes after Former Deputy Chief Scott Packard retired in December. Deputy Chief Osiecki has been acting in the role since early this year. According to an Elmira Police Department news release, Osiecki joined the Elmira Police Department in 2008 and is currently the head of the departments field training evaluation program and aviation unit. He brings over 16 years of service at the Elmira Police Department to his new role having been a part of numerous collateral duties and assignments.

One of the visions I have is basically getting back to really proactive police work. Getting guys productive and again getting back to having fun and enjoying the job. When you do that, you go out there, you look for crime, you stop it. You be proactive and thats what Im looking for in this department, said Deputy Chief Christopher Osiecki.

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Driver in fatal Clemens Center Parkway crosswalk crash not to be charged

The Elmira Police Department also announced two other promotions to higher ranks and a swearing in on January 17. Sergeant Matthew McGrain was promoted to Police Lieutenant, Police Officer James Wellington was promoted to Police Sergeant and Daijeon Gardner took the Oath of Office becoming the Elmira Police Departments newest Police Officer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
BOONE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating after a car crashed into a pawn shop on Thursday in Boone County.

According to a news release, around 4:46 a.m., a stolen Hyundai Elantra drove into the front doors of Goodies Pawn Shop in Hebron.

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A video from inside the business showed two people enter and steal multiple firearms from an enclosed display case.

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Jon Greene, the owner of the shop, said one of the suspects pulled out a gun, shooting through the display cases to reach the firearms.

A news release said detectives determined at least five people were involved.

Greene said by the time police arrived, the suspects were seen getting into another vehicle and fleeing the scene.

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The ATF is assisting in the ongoing investigation.

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Here is a list of events scheduled to honor civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. in and around Baltimore after the citys parade was canceled because of weather concerns:

Monday: An Era of Creative Maladjustment

Listen to a panel discussion reflecting on a quote by King and its lasting impact at King Day 2025 | An Era of Creative Maladjustment at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. The King quote reads, There are some things in our society, some things in our world, to which we should never be adjusted. King called for creative maladjustment. The event is free. lewismuseum.org/event/king-day-an-era-of-creative-maladjustment

Monday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday: MLK Dare to Dream Day

Help honor King and his enduring legacy at MLK Dare to Dream Day at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Activities include an art workshop, open mic and poetry slam, artist talk, traditional African music and dance, and more. The event is free. RSVP at avam.org/event-details/free-mlk-dare-to-dream-day

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Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday: Day of Service

Volunteer to help clean up at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in East Baltimore. The 6th Branch, a local veteran-led neighborhood organization, and the New Broadway East Community will host 100 volunteers. Dress warm and help remove trash, debris and overgrowth. Head to 1500 N. Bethel St. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The speaking program will begin at 9 a.m., and project work will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by lunch. the6thbranch.org/mlk

Monday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Monday: MLK Day at Annapolis

Learn about Kings legacy in Maryland at the Museum of Historic Annapolis, 99 Main St. Exhibits and activities include the Annapolis: An American Story exhibit, create your own Freedom Bell, select a childrens book about King and more. General admission costs $7 for ages 8 and above and free for members, children 7-and-under and SNAP/WIC recipients through Museums for All. annapolis.org/events/mlk-2025

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Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ongoing: A Celebration of Freedom

Stop by the B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St., for two MLK Celebration events. On Sunday, listen to a lecture and discussion about civil rights leader and judge Thurgood Marshall by the Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. Admission to the museum is free starting at 1 p.m., the lecture is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m. On Monday, there will be educational activities for children from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a public tour, From Slavery to Civil Rights: The African American Railroading Legacy, from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission fees apply on Monday: $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for children. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. borail.org/events/celebration-of-freedom

Sunday and Monday

Ongoing: !Witness: Media & The Movement

Tour an exhibit that examines medias role in the Civil Rights Movement at !Witness: Media & The Movement at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 830 E. Pratt St. Dates and times are Monday, Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for Adults, $9 for seniors, youth, military and college students and free for children 6-and-under. lewismuseum.org/iwitness

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Through Sept. 1

Monday: Closings

Here are a list of closings in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: State government offices will be closed. MLK Day is an observed holiday for public schools in Maryland. Public libraries in Baltimore City in addition to Anne Arundel Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties will all be closed. Most banks will be closed including Bank of America, Citibank, Capital One, PNC and Wells Fargo.
RIVIERA BEACH  The crowd lining the street was more than five deep by 10 a.m. well before the procession of Riviera Beachs 41st annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade started Saturday.

It gets bigger every year, because it gets better every year, city spokeswoman Brittany Collins said.

The entire Marching 100 Band from Florida A&M University performed along with the Roar Marching Band from Florida Memorial University. The city officials, their names posted on the sides of convertibles, rolled down the route. A side street of vendors offered fried Oreo cookies, barbecue ribs and health screenings.

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And everywhere, on t-shirts and posters plastered on light poles and truck sides was the face of the man who led some of the most pivotal battles for human rights of the last century, before he was cut down at less than half a life more than 50 years ago.

People line the streets watching the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on January 18, 2025, in Riviera Beach, Florida. The holiday is Monday.

Terrion Nelson, who opened the parade by singing Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Black National Anthem, ended her performance by urging those there to keep King's legacy alive.

His legacy is remembered, she says when she steps away from the microphone, But not as much as it needs to be.

Unlike many there, she lived during Kings lifetime, but doesnt remember him. She was 2 when he was assassinated.

Civil Rights in the 1960s: A time not forgotten

Houston Mond, 7, center, Lorrine Mond, Jaycee Tucker, 4, and Carol Merchant watch the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on January 18, 2025, in Riviera Beach, Florida. The holiday is Monday.

Brother Carl Muhammad, standing alone near the start of the route, remembers those times well.

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Hes 72 now. He was a child, sitting on his familys sofa when he watched the brutal beatings of voting rights marchers in Selma, Alabama on television, in what became known as Bloody Sunday. He remembers seeing fire hoses and dogs turned on nonviolent protesters as the cause of racial justice advanced through the 1960s. He remembers the examples set by King and others in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference who went to jail and put their lives on the line.

MORE: Why is West Palm Beach going to spend $60,000 more than expected for a disparity study?

MORE: Why Riviera Beach could be a gem of a place to live in the future despite past struggles

Muhammad was an organizer of the Million Man March in 1995, bringing the Palm Beach County contingent to Washington, DC.

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Parade participants step out of the procession every couple of minutes to greet him.

He asks young people often what they know about King.

Nothing, he says, with a sad smile. They dont know anything about his activities. They know he had a dream, and they got a parade.

The Roar, the Florida Memorial University marching band performs at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on January 18, 2025, in Riviera Beach, Florida. The holiday is Monday.

Hes glad he watched those times unfold and got to be part of them. It gave me my resilience, he says.

Near the end of the route, Lorrine Mond sits in a folding chair, alternately watching the parade and watching her eight-year-old grandson.

She had just graduated high school two years earlier when King was shot to death in April 1968. She remembers her sadness at seeing him and others lose their lives for trying to bring change.

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She wants her grandson to know that people fought for the opportunities he has today.

And I want him to know, she added, That he can be anything he wants to be.

Antigone Barton is a reporter at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at avbarton@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: FAMU Marching 100 performs at Martin Luther King Parade in Riveria
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A shooting in Birminghams central business district on Thursday evening rattled some residents who say gun violence is not the norm where they live.

Birmingham police believe someone fired multiple shots, injuring a man inside a vehicle in the 2300 block of 1st Avenue North around 6:30 p.m.

Police said nearby business owners pulled the shooting victim into their business and rendered aid. He was taken to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Dr. Bobby Lewis has lived in this neighborhood for ten years. It boasts a number of lofts, homes and apartments as well as up and coming restaurants.

He said he was in his backyard on Thursday when he heard gunfire nearby.

I cant say that Ive ever felt very uncomfortable living down here, because some of this goes on almost everywhere but its just an unusual amount when you look at the previous incidences over on, particularly on the First Avenue area in the last few years, Lewis said.

Man shot in downtown Birmingham, no suspects in custody

Lewis said its been unbelievably quiet since Cru Lounge shut down on First Avenue North.

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Shelby Morris, who moved downtown in August from Hoover, said the early evening shooting on First Avenue North has impacted her sense of security.

I always tell people that its safer over here on this side of town, Morris said. I never thought it would happen over here on the main road.

Birmingham City Councilor Hunter Williams, who sits on the Public Safety Committee, discussed the importance of the central business district to the citys economy.

Anytime that theres something that might give someone the thought of well, maybe well go somewhere else, its concerning because it can have a definite impact on our business community and the revenue that serves all 99 neighborhoods, Williams said.

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Caleb Reeves, the general manager of the Armour House, which is also located in the 2300 block of First Avenue North, said business was not negatively impacted on Friday. The upscale dining establishment just opened in November.

There have been no arrests announced in Thursdays shooting, and BPD has not released any information about the motive.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  TikTok may be going dark on Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikToks parent company to divest from the app.

With the decision, the TikTok ban is set to take effect on Sunday. Many Americans use the app daily to watch videos on pop culture, travel, food and more, but the ban would arguably have the biggest effect on the content creators who rely on income from TikTok.

Among content creators based in central Ohio is user Jackie Mitchell, who makes videos about living on a budget. Although TikTok isnt her full time job, she said she made good money from her content creation.

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TikTok is supplementary income for my husband and I, said Mitchell. So I get paid monthly through TikTok and its been a really nice boost. It helped us last year be able to save up for a house actually.

Mitchell said TikTok is unique and its much easier to reach a large number of people on the app compared to other social media sites. Mitchell and a number of other content creators may be starting from scratch come Sunday.

I would say that while its not the income that I live off of, it helped us reach a lot of our financial goals so we definitely will miss it. Absolutely, said Mitchell.

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Megan Carver runs the account @meganincolumbus and makes videos about hidden gems in central Ohio. Carver doesnt make much money off the app, but she said she uses TikTok every day to consume content.

I learned so much like how to take care of my house and travel inspiration. I love to travel and I always make my itineraries for travel from what I see on TikTok. Cooking videos, exercises, said Carver. Part of me is still in denial honestly that something is going to happen.

Championship game odds: Does fortune favor Ohio State?

Its not just the content creators who will be affected. Annie Dickson owns Bite This By Annie, a goth-inspired bakery in Clintonville.

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Because these people are discovering me on their For You Pages and theyre local to Columbus, it gains me a considerable amount of traffic, said Dickson.

She said her small business will definitely be affected by the TikTok ban, both in exposure and finances.

To put it in perspective, the same video on TikTok has close to 700,000 views and the same video on Instagram has, like, 7,000, said Dickson.

These local content creators said they plan on moving to other platforms to continue making videos, but they said it wont be the same. They also said they dont expect to reach the same number of people as they do on TikTok.

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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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Bins of old PFAS-containing firefighting foams are seen on Oct. 24, 2024, at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport fire department headquarters. The PFAS foams are due to be removed and sent to a treatment facility. The airport, like all other state-operated airports, is to switch to non-PFAS firefighting foams by the start of 2025, under a new state law. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are man-made synthetic chemicals with substantial fire and water-resistant properties. While many PFAS reached consumer goods markets because of these characteristics, several countries and U.S. states now ban their use due to their undisputed link with several human diseases.

One industry where these chemicals have been difficult to replace is firefighting services. To date, there are limited alternatives that can comply with current firefighting standards, making PFAS-based equipment and firefighting foams the only solution.

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In this context, the PFAS Alternatives Act 2023 aims to improve the speed of research and development on PFAS-free equipment, as well as provide funding for training firefighters in using these new materials.

Alaska Fire Service

The Alaska Fire Service manages and responds to fire emergencies on over 586,000 square miles of land for a population of 730,000 people. As the service frequently deals with wildfires, an important component of this service is its aviation force, comprised of several water-scooping and smokejumper airplanes, helicopters, and air attack airplanes.

Firefighting foams based on PFAS have been used extensively in combating wildfires, which thus left many areas polluted with PFAS. In 2024, Alaska Senate Bill 67 set a total replacement of PFAS-based firefighting foams by early 2025, and increased PFAS decontamination in affected areas.

At present, this project is still in development and a reimbursement program has been developed to assist small villages with PFAS removal.

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However, despite current efforts, Senate Bill 67 does not include any mandate on firefighting gear. Subsequently, firefighters in Alaska are still exposed to PFAS daily, raising significant concerns about their future health.

PFAS Alternatives Act

The PFAS Alternatives Act was introduced on July 20, 2023, by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania. The scope of the act is to reduce firefighters exposure to PFAS and prompt research for the development of safer alternatives.

As stipulated by this act, from fiscal years 2024 to 2028, the government is set to provide $25 million for research, development, and testing of new PFAS-free turnout gear. An additional $2 million per year is set to be dedicated to training programs that would enable the efficient and safe use of any newly developed equipment.

Two main institutions would be in charge of managing projects under this act. Firstly, the U.S. Fire Administration, as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency , will be responsible for overseeing the grant distribution to eligible entities. Secondly, the Environmental Protection Agency will be tasked with providing scientific guidance on PFAS-free alternatives and collaborating with manufacturers, researchers, and other stakeholders to identify and test safer substitutes.

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Although the act is a much-needed change for protecting firefighter health, it does not provide direct funding for fire departments to purchase any new equipment developed, nor does it set a specific timeline for phasing out existing PFAS-containing gear.

Risks to Firefighters Health

PFAS cannot be naturally eliminated from the body. As a result, there is no safe exposure limit as these substances tend to accumulate over time with repeated exposure and cause disease. To date, several types of cancers, endocrine dysfunctions, and cardiovascular issues have been linked with PFAS.

Research into PFAS exposure and firefighters health demonstrates that in these populations, the risks of testicular, prostate, thyroid, and kidney cancer are significantly increased. Moreover, additional data demonstrates that compared to the general public, firefighters have concerningly high levels of PFAS in their blood.

This comes as no surprise. Recently, a study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology on firefighting gear from 20 U.S.-based producers reported a total of 2,000 micrograms of PFAS per kilogram in this equipment. By contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency sets the safety limit for PFAS in drinking water at just four parts per trillion.

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Hence, considering that firefighters use this equipment every single day, their health risks following PFAS exposure are substantially increased when compared to the general public or other emergency response professional groups.

Containment and Decontamination

Containing the PFAS issue indubitably requires these substances to stop being used and spread across the environment. Decontamination efforts far exceed the funds allocated through the PFAS Alternatives Act, being estimated at over $106 trillion, which exceeds the total global GDP. To this cost, the health expenses should be considered, estimated at several billions for the US alone.

In these circumstances, in recent years, people have begun to take legal action against PFAS pollutants, resulting in several companies paying billions in damages to individuals. With increased evidence of links between PFAS and human disease, firefighting gear manufacturers may be next. This implies that, in the long run, focusing on alternatives may be cheaper than paying damages.

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Charges say a man twice tried to escape custody from St. Paul police officers on Tuesday, first by running in the jails sally port, where he also attempted to take an officers holstered gun, and then later by jumping out of a wheelchair at Regions Hospital and running through the parking lot.

Kyle Stuart Vanwert, 39, of St. Paul, was charged Wednesday in Ramsey County District Court with two counts each of felony attempted escape from custody and felony disarming of a police officer. He remained jailed Friday in lieu of $185,000 bail ahead of a court hearing set for Wednesday.

Vanwert has two other pending court cases. In September, he was charged with stealing a Lincoln Navigator while a St. Paul officer was performing roadside field sobriety testing on the driver.

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According to this weeks complaint:

Officers arrested Vanwert around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday near the Higher Ground/Dorothy Day shelter campus in downtown St. Paul while investigating an apparent hand-to-hand drug deal. The investigation revealed Vanwert was wanted on a January warrant for missing a court hearing in the auto theft case.

An officer transported Vanwert to the Ramsey County jail and pulled into the sally port, or secured area. When the officer opened the squad cars rear passenger door, Vanwert, who had managed to slip one wrist from his handcuffs, pushed his way out the car and ran to one end of the sally port. He tried to open a door.

Vanwert then ran to another door. When it wouldnt open, he began kicking it.

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The officer deployed his Taser, and Vanwert went to the ground and rolled onto his stomach.

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When the officer tried to put Vanwert in handcuffs, he rolled onto his back, put both his hands on the officers gun and pulled, the complaint says. The officer dropped the Taser and put his hands on the gun to keep it holstered.

The officer delivered knee strikes to Vanwerts ribs, which caused him to release his grip on the gun, the complaint says. Vanwert tried to grab the Taser from the ground, but the officer beat him to it and delivered a drive stun to his buttocks.

Vanwert then grabbed hold of the Taser at the probe end. When the officer said he might have to use lethal force, Vanwert said, Youre going to have to kill me. The officer then delivered multiple punches to Vanwert to try to gain control of him.

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Other officers arrived and used a Taser and pepper spray to get him under control.

The officer suffered injuries to hands and a knee.

Vanwert was evaluated at Regions Hospital and cleared for release. As two officers tried to put him in the back of a squad car for a transport back to the jail, he jumped from his wheelchair and ran through the parking lot. The officers chased him, taking him to the ground. He was taken to jail, and booked.

In April, Vanwert was charged with first-degree burglary for allegedly using a hammer to break into an apartment at the Dorothy Day shelter, where he lived.

Vanwert also faces a fleeing police charge in Hennepin County in connection with the September auto theft case. After he jumped into the Lincoln Navigator and sped away, police used the drivers cellphone, which was still in the SUV, to track him to a gas station at Nicollet Avenue and 77th Street in Richfield, according to the criminal complaint.

When officers arrived, Vanwert drove off in the Navigator. Richfield and Bloomington officers pursued the SUV and took him into custody at an airport hangar.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Come Sunday, the social media app TikTok will be banned in the U.S. This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 to reject a challenge filed against the ban.

It is still unknown whether the law will be enforced, President Joe Biden leaving that decision up to incoming president Donald Trump.

White House says TikTok ban will fall to Trump administration

But the app has made an impact, including in Charlotte. Pop Charlotte, a balloon-business based in Gastonia, told Queen City News TikTok played a role in their growth. Owner Maggie Jenkins started by shipping orders out of her house and now operates out of a warehouse.

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2020 was a huge boom for the balloon industry, and I will say TikTok helped that because there was like a bunch of trending things on TikTok, she said.

Congress passed the ban with bipartisan support in April. Lawmakers were concerned the apps Chinese parent company would have to share user data with a government that is adversarial to the U.S. N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson raised his public profile with TikTok, posting frequently when he was serving in the House. But Jackson still supported the ban, hoping it would it stay alive if the app was sold to an American company.

I like this app, Ive been able to reach a lot of people and hear directly from them and its been great, Im also in Congress and Ive been part of some briefings that were generally alarming, said Jackson in March 2024.

Maggie Jenkins blows up balloons at her Pop Charlotte warehouse.

Many on the app say it has cemented itself as a reliable platform and has become a resource for small businesses.

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TikTok is where they find me. They see me, said Jenkins. I get more sponsors on TikTok so people will send me free products, backdrops and things to promote to put in these event backdrops.

Renters hopeful after NC AG sues landlords accused of illegally raising rent

Jenkins says over the past four years, she has used several social media platforms to get her brand out, using TikTok to show her followers what a typical day looked like for her, even filming educational videos to teach people about balloon design and decorating.

Its sad. A lot of people will lose out on a lot of business, she added. And its really tragic, its like a part of like everyones creativity coming out. You can see the real behind the scenes of how their brain works and now they cant get that anymore.

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It is still unclear if the ban will stand and unclear how Trump will proceed, but there is talk of delaying the ban if there is a deal on the table to sell off the app.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
(Bloomberg) -- Tom Homan has crisscrossed America since President-elect Donald Trump named the former cop and immigration official his border czar, promising shock and awe alongside the biggest deportation the US has ever seen.

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But wherever Homan goes, from New York City to Texas, hes zeroed in on two cities he plans to target in the first days of Trumps new presidency: San Diego and Chicago.

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Both places have reason to be high on the priority list for the incoming administration. The San Diego region has emerged as one of the busiest illegal border crossing spots along the Mexican border. Chicago  a perennial punching bag for Trump and a sanctuary city since 1985  has housed tens of thousands of migrants bused and flown in by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

What San Diego and Chicago also have in common are leaders who have vowed to defy Homan by protecting undocumented migrants from deportation. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted last month to become what one member called a super sanctuary community. In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has been reiterating in recent weeks that local law enforcement is prohibited from cooperating with federal immigration officials.

San Diego better get the hell out of the way. Were coming, Homan, told a Republican group this month in Texas. The Chicago mayor, Homan continued, said I am not welcome in Chicago. Well, guess where I am going to be on a day one?

Trumps team is planning a big immigration raid in the city starting Tuesday and continuing all week, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the planning.

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Trump said Saturday that the mass deportations would begin very early, very quickly. In an exclusive phone interview with NBCs Kristen Welker, Trump declined to name the cities in which the raids would occur because things are evolving.

While experts questioned whether the plans  dubbed Operation Safeguard, according to the New York Times  would differ dramatically from previous major actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the signaling right after Trumps inauguration would be unmistakable.

The Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center is advising migrants to consult with an immigration attorney, memorize family phone numbers, establish an emergency contact with their childrens schools and keep all necessary documentation in a secure place.

US Representative Chuy Garcia, an Illinois Democrat, is working with churches and community groups to help immigrants understand their rights if ICE agents come calling.

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There are good reasons to expect that Chicago would be the primary target, Garcia said. We can expect ICE, under new leadership starting on Monday, to be targeting high visibility locations, whether its factories or possibly larger restaurants.

While a flurry of executive orders on immigration and the border is expected when Trump takes office Monday, logistical details of the deportation operations have remained shrouded. Homan has signaled hell initially focus on deporting violent criminals, a view largely shared by Democratic leaders such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

But Pritzker warned of the negative impact, including on the economy, of Homans gung-ho attitude.

He seems like a blowhard to me, and I know that hes going to go do things that really do affect peoples lives in a terribly negative way, Pritzker said in an interview Jan. 14. He thinks that hes carrying out something thats good for the country. But its not.

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Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding unless cities and states comply with the administrations wishes. In Chicago, Mayor Johnson has fired back by vowing to defend his citys immigrant community.

I promise you we will not bend or break, Johnson said after the November election. Our values will remain strong and firm.

Other cities are dealing with similar challenges while taking different approaches to the change of administration. New York Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September, met with Trump on Friday as an adviser emphasized City Halls willingness to work with the new president.

In San Diego, by contrast, the board of supervisors last month approved a policy to bar county agencies from working with federal immigration authorities trying to carry about mass deportations.

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We should be deporting felons, not farm workers, said Terra Lawson-Remer, one of three Democrats who voted for the measure. We are very concerned about the specter of mass deportations that will make our communities fundamentally less safe.

Jim Desmond, a Republican supervisor in San Diego County and the lone dissenter in the vote on the super sanctuary proposal, predicted the measure would have little impact. The county sheriff, Kelly Martinez, downplayed the new policies and said her office will continue to follow California state law.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta underlined that state law already limits when and how local authorities can work with federal immigration agents.

Here in California we are not going to spend our time, money and resources going backward, Bonta said at a briefing Friday. You can be sure that as Californias attorney general, if Trump attacks the rights of our immigrants I will be there. If Trump breaks the law, we will see him in court and hold him accountable.

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It remains to be seen exactly how the threats from Homan and vows of protection from local authorities will play out in the coming weeks and months. Its also unclear which groups of immigrants the new administration will prioritize for deportation. And federal officials face limits in staffing, money and temporary detention space.

But cities are girding for a showdown amid the uncertainty of how Trumps crackdown will play out. Restaurants from Texas to Colorado are grappling with the uncertainty around potential deportations.

In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston has said hes willing to go to jail in order protect migrants in his community. Homan said hes willing to put him there if Johnston blocks ICE agents from doing their jobs.

Look, me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing  hes willing to go to jail, Im willing to put him in jail because theres a statute, Homan said in an interview with Fox News in late November. And what it says is its a felony if you knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien from immigration authorities. Its also a felony to impede a federal law enforcement officer.

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--With assistance from Miranda Davis, Daniela Sirtori and Kate Seaman.

(updates with Trump comment in seventh paragraph)

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a slew of bills this week lawmakers passed in the previous Democratic-led legislative session last year. She approved legislation touching on a range of policies from child labor to public transit.

Here's a look at what she put her signature on during bill signings Thursday and Friday.

Charter school transparency

Whitmer signed House Bills 5231, 5232, 5233 and 5234 to require charter schools to disclose their partner organizations  including for-profit entities contracted to manage the schools  in promotional materials, websites and student application forms. She also approved House Bill 5269 which requires charter schools to publicly disclose on their websites the average salary information for teachers and support staff.

Name change proceedings

House Bills 5300 and 5303 change the process for someone changing their name or gender identity on legal documents. For instance, the legislation eliminates the requirement that someone provide an affidavit from a doctor certifying they performed a sex reassignment surgery to change the sex designation on a birth certificate.

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Equality Michigan  an LGBTQ+ advocacy group  applauded the changes, describing them as a legislative victory for transgender individuals. House Bills 5300 and 5303 remove archaic, harmful, and inequitable restrictions in our States legal name change process such as arduous fingerprint criminal background checks, presumptions of fraud, and the dangerous demand that trans folks publish their name-change hearings in newspapers, said Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott in a statement Dec. 20 after the Senate voted on the bills. Every Democratic state lawmaker voted for the bills while every Republican opposed them.

Wayne County opt-out communities

House Bill 6088 signed by Whitmer would end the ability of Wayne County communities to opt out of the transit millage that funds the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) regional bus system in Southeast Michigan. Seventeen Wayne County communities currently opt out of SMART, including Detroit but Michigans biggest city has its own transportation department. The bill passed with unified support from Democratic lawmakers against Republican opposition.

Michigan Politics: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to deliver 2025 State of the State speech Feb. 26

Child labor in Michigan

A 2023 investigation published by The New York Times uncovered child labor law violations in the U.S. and migrant children skipping school to work dangerous jobs, including in Michigan. The reporting prompted legislative efforts in Congress and the Michigan Legislature.

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House Bill 5594 signed by Whitmer makes changes to Michigan's child labor law to require the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity instead of schools to issue work permits for minors and modify the hours minors can work.

Bill sponsor state Rep. Phil Skaggs, D-East Grand Rapids, said child work permits are scattered across high schools in Michigan, but his legislation would create a central database within the state's labor department to keep track of children who are working. "They didn't know where they were because the old system all went through their local high school," he said. Skaggs' other bill proposed an increase in the fine for employers who violate Michigan's child labor laws, but that didn't cross the finish line in the last legislative session. "But we're going to work and see if we can move them in a bipartisan way," he said.

Education savings and disabled residents

Whitmer approved House Bill 5783 which expands the type of expenses the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) can cover to include fees, books, supplies and equipment for an apprenticeship program and student loan payments.

Another bill Whitmer signed  House Bill 5781  expands the eligibility for the Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience (MiABLE) savings program to about 500,000 disabled residents in the state and their families, according to bill sponsor state Rep. Sharon MacDonell, D-Troy.

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State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks celebrated the new laws in a statement Thursday. "For MiABLE, this means more people with disabilities will have the option to save for current and future expenses without jeopardizing government assistance like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income," she said. She also applauded the expansion of MESP. "I applaud Governor Whitmer for signing these two bills that financially empower Michigan residents and taxpayers."

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New Michigan laws on education, transit and child labor
As President-elect Donald Trump enters his second term Monday, hes facing down an unprecedented foreign threat: Chinese hackers.

In the last several years, three distinct Chinese hacking campaigns have occurred in the United States  even reportedly infiltrating U.S. government computers belonging to top Biden administration officials.

While China has long been a top cyber adversary for the U.S., over the course of the Biden administration it has become more dogged and ambitious than ever before, experts and U.S. officials say, building to what has become perhaps the biggest cyber challenge the U.S. has faced to date.

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I dont think theres any doubt that the risk of Chinese cyberattacks has gone up, said Adam Segal, who served as a senior cybersecurity adviser in the State Department last year. And Chinese capabilities have seemed to have notably increased over the last four years.

The most recent breach, discovered in December, gave the hackers access to files from the Treasury Department. The department described the breach as a major incident and sanctioned a Chinese company for allegedly helping that countrys cyber programs. Another, called Salt Typhoon, included a massive compromise of telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon, and gave the hackers access to the Trump and Harris campaigns phone calls last year, as well as the phone records of more than a million Americans. FBI Director Christopher Wray said last month it may prove to be the most significant cyber espionage campaign in history.

Perhaps the biggest threat, known as Volt Typhoon, consists of hackers stealthily burrowing into infrastructure, including power, communications and water facilities. In a marked departure from other alleged Chinese hacking campaigns, which generally seem designed to collect intelligence, U.S. officials say Volt Typhoon is pre-positioning in case of military conflict  particularly if China were to invade the self-ruling island of Taiwan  to cause mass chaos and hamper the U.S. from conducting a full and immediate response.

While AT&T and Verizon say they have worked to clear the hackers from their systems, White House officials have said that both the Salt and Volt Typhoon hacks should be considered perpetual operations and that the hackers are unlikely to give up trying to get back in. China has denied being behind all three hacking campaigns.

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As the Biden administration prepares to depart the White House, there are indications that the government realizes it has not done enough to stop China-backed hackers.

On Thursday, in one of his final official acts as president, Joe Biden signed an executive order that largely tackles cybersecurity problems, including giving the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency more power to monitor federal networks for hackers.

According to a memo published on Jan. 6 by the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center  one of dozens of fusion centers across the U.S. that share law enforcement and intelligence information  senators received multiple briefings on Salt Typhoon last month. The memo, seen by NBC News, is unclassified but marked for official use only, and was provided to NBC News by Property of the People, a nonprofit that uses freedom of information requests to obtain hidden government documents.

In at least one of those briefings, private experts told senators that countering China would require both hardening U.S. telephone networks  a massive investment  and beginning a sustained, direct, and more forceful effort to disincentivize Chinese espionage. One expert suggested the U.S. create a credible threat of painful retaliation for such campaigns.

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Trumps incoming team has said it plans to be more confrontational and aggressive against China.

For too long our country has been on defense when it comes to cyberattacks, Brian Hughes, a Trump-Vance transition spokesperson, told NBC News in an emailed statement.

The Trump Administration is committed to imposing costs on private and nation state actors who continue to steal our data and attack our infrastructure, Hughes said.

Trumps pick for national security adviser, Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., told CBS News last month that the next administration would take a different approach to cyber.

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We need to start going on offense and start imposing, I think, higher costs and consequences to private actors and nation state actors that continue to steal our data, that continue to spy on us, and that even worse, with the Volt Typhoon penetration, that are literally putting cyber time bombs on our infrastructure, Waltz said.

Waltz declined in the interview to say whether that could include sanctions, and did not otherwise describe what such deterrence might mean.

During his first term, Trump eliminated the federal governments cybersecurity czar, a move that attracted intense criticism from Democrats. Experts praised the Biden administrations cyber policies, despite what appeared to be steeply escalating issues affecting citizens and the government itself.

Chris Painter, the top cyber diplomat during the Obama administration, said it was clear that Chinas cyber activity is not being deterred, but that it isnt clear how the Trump administrations approach would fix that.

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There has been a lot of activity over the years, both in the Trump administration and this administration, but it hasnt protected us from these massive events. Theyre going to have to take this seriously, he said.

Vulnerabilities in private companies, like those exploited to give hackers access to American telecoms, are an enduring problem that Bidens team tried to address with regulations that are unlikely to last under Trump, Painter said. Trump campaigned on the most aggressive regulatory reduction and has vowed to sign a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office, many overturning Biden policies.

So how do you cure that? The Biden administration, for the first time in years, has moved to this idea in the national cyber strategy that maybe its time to think about the dirty word of regulation and have more responsibility. I think thats out the window in the new administration.

Segal, the former Biden official, said the U.S. wont be able to convince China to stop conducting cyber espionage, especially given the United States own long history of that practice.

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Theres very little that can be done or said to China about espionage, Segal told NBC News. Countries are going to commit espionage and then continue committing espionage, and so really its on us to better defend ourselves.

The Biden White House has conducted operations to disrupt Chinas hacking infrastructure, same as it does with other hackers adversarial to the U.S. On Tuesday, the Justice Department and the FBI announced they had removed a type of malware that China has used to infect Americans computers to unwittingly do Beijings bidding.

Most of the operations that the U.S. Cyber Command conducts, including disrupting Chinese hacking operations, are classified, making it impossible to fully judge their effectiveness. But its not clear that simply disrupting that kind of hacker infrastructure is an effective long-term plan, said Brandon Wales, the executive director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency during the first Trump administration.

Offensive cyber operations can complicate adversary planning and disrupt operational infrastructure, but we have seen both nation-state and criminal organizations reconstitute that infrastructure relatively quickly, Wales, now the vice president for cybersecurity strategy at cybersecurity company SentinelOne, told NBC News.

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Where the U.S. government has its best access to Chinese networks, do we want to burn those on operations now or save those for conflict when they could mean the difference between life and death? he said.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
China may be a step closer to reopening its doors to Japanese seafood imports after Beijing signalled it was keen to strengthen trade in food and agricultural products.

Meeting his Japanese counterpart Taku Eto in Beijing on Friday, China's agriculture minister Han Jun said that both sides should deepen cooperation, and noted that relations were "at a key stage of improvement and development", according to his ministry.

Eto said after the meeting that he had made a fresh request for the ban on Japanese seafood to be lifted, the Kyodo news agency reported.

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Beijing imposed the ban in August 2023, in the wake of a row over the release of waste water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant.

The Chinese ministry statement on the meeting did not specifically refer to the issue, but quoted Han as saying that China was "willing to ... strengthen pragmatic cooperation in areas such as animal health, fishery resource protection, smart agriculture, rural revitalisation and agricultural trade".

The statement also said that Eto had expressed his willingness to work with China to promote the healthy development of agricultural ties.

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Beijing had cited public health concerns in imposing the seafood ban after Japan started releasing treated radioactive waste water from the Fukushima plant, which was hit by the devastating 2011 tsunami.

In September last year, Japan agreed to an international monitoring framework allowing other parties, including China, to engage in independent sampling and monitoring of the waste water discharge.

At the same time, Beijing said it would "gradually restore" the imports of some Japanese aquatic products.

Before the ban, China was the biggest market for Japanese seafood exports, buying more than US$500 million worth in 2022, according to Chinese customs data.

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Eto and Han also agreed to continue talks on China resuming Japanese beef imports, according to Kyodo News.

During his three-day visit to China from Wednesday, Eto also met Wang Lingjun, vice-minister of the Chinese General Administration of Customs, and raised the issue of beef and seafood imports, the report said.

The two countries have stepped up engagement in recent months, with relations appearing to thaw since Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took office in October, and with the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House creating an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

In December, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made his first visit to China, where the issue of beef and milled rice imports were among the items on the agenda.

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Seafood imports also featured in talks between the governing parties of both countries on Tuesday, their first such dialogue in more than six years.

The two sides also agreed to step up communications to "appropriately address their respective concerns", according to the Communist Party of China's international department.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- It was late 2022 when hundreds of lawyers across America joined in a virtual Lords Prayer for Jeremy Tedesco and his mission to promote Christian values in corporate America.

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A senior counsel at the countrys most powerful conservative legal group that helped orchestrate the end of Roe v. Wade, Tedesco was getting ready to spread the gospel: corporate diversity, equity and inclusion policies are anti-Christian and must be eradicated.

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Gracious, Holy Father, we humbly come before you today to address the accountability of Americas corporations, the host and lawyer, Bob Pruitt, said in prayer.

Amen.

With barely a pause, the two then delved into their grievances over what they called woke corporations  from Walt Disney Co. to Netflix Inc. to then-Twitter Inc. (now X Corp.). The webinar, which was obtained by investigative watchdog and news site Documented and seen by Bloomberg News, was disseminated to a network of over 4,800 attorneys across the country who belong to Alliance Defending Freedom.

The aim: push those lawyers to convince corporate clients to end DEI programs, including efforts to hire and promote people from minority backgrounds and support LGBTQ workers, as part of a broader project that they say will help to make the US friendlier to Christians.

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Two years on, that movement is gaining unprecedented momentum. Donald Trumps incoming administration has pledged to eradicate federal spending on DEI offices within agencies and ban government contractors from offering bias training. Companies from Amazon.com. Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. to Walmart Inc. have already watered down or scrapped certain programs aimed at recruiting and advancing racially diverse talent, as well as prioritizing contracts with minority-owned businesses, amid the political DEI backlash.

Meta said it made the changes because the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing. Walmart said it chose to curb DEI efforts in order to open doors to opportunities for all of our associates, customers and suppliers. Amazon said it is hoping to foster a more truly inclusive culture. Its unclear if ADF was involved with these companies.

ADF has played a key role in the movement, helping to draft dozens of shareholder resolutions aimed at axing DEI trainings and policies meant to improve representation of racially underrepresented groups at firms. The group is also scoring companies based on their friendliness to Christians through a project called the Viewpoint Diversity Score.

The incoming presidential administration will no doubt do its part to hasten the demise of DEI, Tedesco said in an email on Jan. 10. Doubling down on DEI is doubling down on failure. We expect to see more brands move to distance themselves.

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The US legal system is crowded with campaigners, liberal and conservative. But ADF stands out both for its in-house successes  helping to write and defend the pro-life Mississippi law that ultimately led the Supreme Court to overturn the federal right to an abortion  and a unique strategy of recruiting thousands of lawyers across the country to boost its influence.

ADF doesnt publicly disclose the names of its allied attorneys, though says on its website that they include practitioners from Big Law. Tedesco said the group regularly encourages shareholders, asset managers, public officials, and others, including attorneys in our network to promote their corporate accountability work.

Ideological Army

ADFs allied attorneys are the armies in the field, carrying ideologically motivated precedent into these spaces that, on their own, wouldnt necessarily be as visible, says Alison Gash, a professor and expert on ADF at the University of Oregon. Through the help of these armies, they suddenly have real power.

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The lawyers have to agree to a statement affirming their belief in and commitment to the historic Trinitarian Christian faith as revealed in the canon of the Old and New Testaments and commonly expressed in the Nicene-Constantinople and Apostles Creeds, according to ADF. Attorneys are encouraged to become ADF allies because the organization will help them be a change agent. Theyre offered benefits like grants and funding as well as training and support from ADF and its 100-strong in-house counsel and staff.

ADF always aspired to have lawyers in large firms with corporate clients as part of their network, said Joshua Wilson, a professor at University of Denver who specializes in researching conservative politics. Lawyers wield power in organizations everywhere. So, if you have this network and you have lawyers positioned in these institutions, that gives you potential inroads and access.

Slipperly Slope

Its difficult to know what advice those attorneys are providing to clients, let alone unpick how ideological motivations are influencing it. But to some American Christian conservatives, DEI policies are seen as a slippery slope toward promoting LGBTQ rights and abortion. ADFs legal argument against them is that they infringe on free speech and religious rights; they claim corporate policies banning hate speech or discrimination prevent Christians from saying things or acting in ways that align with their values.

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Supporters of DEI have pushed back on that characterization, saying it is a misrepresentation of programs and trainings meant to reduce discrimination. The goal is to promote inclusive environments and respectful standards for all people, not stifle free speech, they say.

DEI is about opportunities and access for marginalized communities in places theyve been excluded, said Leah Watson, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. Equating DEI with something that is anti-religion is inaccurate and its meant to mislead. The programs that have traditionally been characterized as DEI are efforts to ensure there is equal opportunity in workplaces and in schools, which is required by the law for everyone.

Though the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in higher education in 2023, no cases related to corporate DEI has reached the high court. But some lawyers are advising companies to preemptively reconsider some of those programs  particularly scholarships and programs only available to underrepresented groups or women, hiring practices that require people of color to be considered for roles, and bonuses for managers for boosting workplace diversity  in anticipation of any further civil lawsuits and potential government action similar to Trumps previous executive order preventing federal contractors from implementing some diversity trainings.

Conservative Response

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ADF sees itself as a conservative response to the left-leaning American Civil Liberties Union, a legal powerhouse that provides support for lawyers seeking to get involved in civil rights and First Amendment cases. ADF produces a ranking of companies based on their friendliness to Christian values, in many ways the inverse of the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index, which benchmarks companies on their support of LGBTQ rights based on companies policies protecting LGBTQ workers from discrimination, their benefits for same-sex couples and transgender people, and their affirmation of support for LGBTQ rights in employee training materials, among other factors.

Meanwhile, the ADFs Viewpoint Diversity Score ranks firms based on factors such as religious and ideological diversity, and whether they avoid what they dub as divisive concepts in workforce teaching materials, such as unconscious bias training and discussions around privilege, allyship and xenophobia.

The ADF index has the backing of Christian investment firms that hold $250 billion in assets, according to Inspire Investing, which is closely allied with ADF. Those firms have pledged to punish companies that have low scores and reward those that score well, ADF said.

In a fact sheet sent to allied attorneys in early 2023, ADF encouraged them to direct their corporate clients to use the Viewpoint Diversity Score. ADF urged the lawyers in the network to cite the Viewpoint Diversity Score in your memos and written guidance to corporate clients, according to a copy of the sheet obtained by Documented and seen by Bloomberg. It also asked attorneys to provide expertise on securities and corporate law to a growing network of allied investors filing shareholder resolutions to hold corporations accountable. ADF helped to draft at least 28 shareholder resolutions introduced by Christian investors during annual shareholder meetings last year.

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There was a period of time where it felt like we were losing every battle: the pendulum felt like it was swinging farther and farther to the left, Tedesco said in the webinar. But as we know, these pendulums often swing back. I feel that were at that moment.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  A Vienna man who was a former CIA analyst pleaded guilty Friday to publicly posting top secret information on social media last October, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) announced.

According to court documents, 34-year-old Asif William Rahman worked at the CIA starting in 2016. As part of his job, he had Top Secret level security clearance with access to information relating to the national defense and classified documents and materials.

Starting in the spring of 2024 and continuing through November of that year, the USAO said Rahman repeatedly printed classified information and took them to his home. There, he reproduced the documents and altered them to conceal their source and his activity.

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US Capitol police lists items prohibited at presidential inauguration

He then shared the Top Secret information with people he knew were not given clearance to access.

On Oct. 17, 2024, Rahman accessed and printed two documents about a foreign ally and its planned kinetic actions against a foreign adversary. The documents were classified at the Top Secret level and contained National Defense Information.

He took photos of them and sent them to people he knew were not allowed to receive them.

By the next day, the documents were on multiple social media platforms, complete with the classification markings. One of the posts had the following caption:

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EXCLUSIVE: An informed source within the U.S. intelligence community has shared with us an extremely sensitive top secret U.S. intelligence document from the [U.S. government agency], dated October 15-16, detailing [foreign ally] preparations for an extensive strike inside [foreign adversary]  This classified report originates from the [U.S. government agency], part of the U.S. Department of Defense.

2 dead after truck drove off Arlington Memorial Bridge, into Potomac river

Rahman returned to his work with the documents, where he eventually shredded them.

After Oct. 17, he deleted and edited journal entries and written work products on his personal devices in order to conceal his opinions on U.S. policy. He also destroyed multiple electronic devices, such as his personal cell phone and an internet router.

On Nov. 7, 2024, Rahman was indicted by a grand jury and arrested at his workplace on Nov. 12. He has remained in custody since then.

On Jan. 17, 2025, he pled guilty to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information related to the national defense.

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Rahmans sentencing is scheduled for May 25, where he faces up to 10 years in prison.

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ST. LOUIS  Emergency contracts have been approved to pay local contractors to assist with the citys efforts to treat road conditions after the heavy snowfall on the City of St. Louis last week.

The funds are coming from the comptrollers professional services fund.

The current contracts are with Kings Auto Repair and AJM Snow Removal. They are actively treating the roads, along with Street Dept. plow trucks and additional city fleet vehicles from Parks and Forestry.

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They reached out to us, and we got the guys out here and just trying to make a difference and help out as much as we can, Operations Manager of Kings Inc. Snow Removal and Ice Managemen Jay Johnson said.

With how ice- and snow-packed some streets are, its a process that will take a few days.

Our game plan is over the next five days were going to get out here. Were going to treat every road, and as it starts to thaw out, were going to put our blades down and try to break up as much snow as we can and as much ice as we can, he said.

In a letter to St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones on Thursday, City Comptroller Darlene Green requested the mayor hire contractors to help clear streets of snow and ice before the next freeze.

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During a meeting with members of the Clergy Coaltion Thursday morning, Green said she was met with questions about the icy streets. Green said hiring contractors would speed up efforts to de-ice the streets and take advantage of the more moderate temperatures.

Couple accused of stealing $315K from guest at Ritz-Carlton: Prosecutors

Green said her office would approve emergency funding to make this happen if the mayor declares an emergency.

Outreach to additional contractors is ongoing as needs are assessed.

The mayors office admits that this was an atypical storm and they took too long to move away from the typical response.

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When we first began to treat this winter storm, we did it with the same tools the city has been using every winter for quite a long time. It took us too long to switch up that response and start looking at those residential streets, Conner Kerrigan, the Director of Communications for Mayor Tishaura Jones, said. Now we have purchased using ARPA funds, weve purchased more additional smaller fleet with the objective of being able to get down those residential streets like I said without taking off those mirrors and burying peoples cars in.

The City of St. Louis has historically avoided plowing residential side streets due to concerns over damage to parked cars. The city has now started using smaller vehicles to salt some of those streets.

The mayors office is working with Alderman Shane Cohn to update city ordinances that reflect the changes residents want to see in how the city addresses winter weather and our streets.

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Will Myrtle Beach residents get to see the deal that keeps the Sheraton hotel open and saves the city nearly $2 million?

In an election year when elected officials promote transparency, 17 days into the year, the city has already seemingly skirted the Freedom of Information Act to delay, if not outright withhold, a contract from public disclosure.

Earlier this week, city council members unanimously passed a new franchise agreement between the Sheraton hotel and a city volunteer board that oversees the citys ownership of the hotel. The agreement effectively keeps the hotel open and operating. Since the council approved the new deal, details are currently being withheld from public inspection.

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The publicly available document and part of the agenda reads more like a marketing pamphlet than a legal contract between a city and a business. For example, it notes the city is saving $1.7 million a year, but provides no other information about potential costs or parts of the deal. The actual contract was not included in the agenda.

The city was asked to show their receipts, providing proof or evidence supporting their claims of saving millions by providing a public document.

After email exchanges with the acting city spokesperson, Patrick Lloyd, he has clarified that the city has not outright denied a formal written request while making it clear that the public should not expect many additional details, citing confidentiality requirements.

Lloyd was asked how the financing of the new agreement would work for the city to save $1.7 million over the first four years.

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The simple answer for how these savings are calculated is based on a change in the franchise fee formula, he explained via email.

I cant provide specific numbers for you, and Id like to explain why. The Sheraton LLC considers terms of the franchise agreement to be confidential and proprietary, Lloyd, creative services manager for the city and acting spokesperson, said in an email to The Sun News on Thursday. Participating in a franchise system like the one developed by Sheraton allows the Convention Center Hotel Corporation to take advantage of an established brand and customer base, as well as tested and proven business practices and processes.

The Sun News requested a public record from the City of Myrtle Beach, not The Sheraton LLC. The Sheraton corporation has not responded to multiple requests for comment about the negotiations over the past few months.

A non-elected volunteer board oversees the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel Corporation is a closely-held corporation that oversees the citys ownership of the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel and the management of the property, the citys website states.

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The members are Louis LaBruce, Adam Johnson, Frank DuRant, Matthew DAntoni, Jessica Greene, Yvette Jefferson and George C. DuRant.

Louis LaBruce is the Chair of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel Corporation Board. You are more than welcome to reach out to him, but he will not be able to provide any specifics due to the confidentiality provisions in the agreement, Loyd wrote in an email on Thursday.

Does that mean a non-elected volunteer board signed a contract binding the city to a multi-year and potentially multi-million dollar deal without city council reviewing or signing the actual agreement? The agenda says Execution of the agreement by the Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel Corporation requires the approval of City Council.

Lloyd clarified Friday morning in an email, No city staff or elected officials have signed the document on behalf of the City of Myrtle Beach or the Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel Corporation.

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Lloyd cited section 30-4-40(1) of the South Carolina Public Records law that cites trade secrets are being exempt from disclosure. The law defines those as unpatented, secret, commercially valuable plans, appliances, formulas, or processes, which are used for the making, preparing, compounding, treating, or processing of articles or materials which are trade commodities obtained from a person and which are generally recognized as confidential and work products, in whole or in part collected or produced for sale or resale, and paid subscriber information.

Lloyds emailed statement in response to The Sun News request for documents continued with, In order to protect their proprietary information, franchisors like Sheraton impose confidentiality requirements on franchisees. S.C. FOIA also recognizes the importance of keeping confidential or proprietary information of companies who do business with public entities confidential by exempting certain information from being disclosed to the public.

The tool under the state law allows documents to be redacted, not withheld. The city has a fee schedule on its website that includes the cost of redacting public documents.

What weve done with our FOIA process over the last few months is were trying to track as much as we can in terms of any requests for any documents, Lloyd wrote in an email. So basically anytime you need any documents we want to be able to track that process and have a history of it, thats why were trying to direct more FOIA requests for anything document related.

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The law does not require a formal written FOIA request. The city website notes A FOIA Request Form is provided for the publics convenience, but use of the form is not required to make a written request under the FOIA. Submit written requests to the City Attorney Office at: P. O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, email FOIA@cityofmyrtlebeach.com or 843-918-1028 (fax). Click here to download the FOIA request form.

The Sun News will ask for that tracking data.
By Bianca Flowers

(Reuters) - As the United States prepares to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy and fight for equality, civil rights leaders are organizing efforts to counter policies expected from President-elect Donald Trump that they believe will undermine decades of progress.

Carrying out mass deportations and dismantling diversity initiatives and programs have become a priority of the Republican Party's agenda. Trump has said he plans to challenge policies aimed at boosting diversity at companies and universities when he takes office, frequently attacking what he calls "woke" culture, a term for those focused on racial and social justice but which is used by conservatives to disparage progressive policies.

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Activists and organizations are holding rallies leading up to MLK Day and convening meetings with state lawmakers to strategize on how to safeguard policies and avoid funding cuts to social service programs that largely support Black and Latino communities. They're also planning counter challenges against corporations that have rolled back or eliminated diversity initiatives.

"Our concern and our emphasis is going to be on his policy announcements," said Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League. "We will resist and oppose."

Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

With a Republican-controlled Senate and House, Trump wields executive power to implement policy from his first day in office. However, experts say some actions could be subject to legal and constitutional challenges as they can't override laws passed by Congress and require compliance with judicial rulings.

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This years Martin Luther King Jr. Day coinciding with Trumps Jan. 20 swearing-in is a rare occurrence that's only happened twice in history. The last time this occurred was former President Barack Obama's second term. The second inauguration of the nation's first Black president was viewed by many as symbolic of the progress made towards civil rights.

Dr. Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, told Reuters the day will serve as a dual moment to honor her father's legacy of non-violence and unity, while calling on Americans to keep up the fight.

"We [have] an opportunity to take seriously what my father has been saying to us as a nation  to hold strong to those ideals that he taught us, King said. "Dont forget that they showed us that it is possible to keep moving forward and fighting for freedom, justice, and democracy  cultivating it, protecting it, and advancing it.

National Action Network founder Rev. Al Sharpton underscored the importance for policymakers and grassroots leaders to reevaluate their approach and unify. "We don't fight without changing legislation. It takes time, but it happens," said Sharpton.

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Kimberly Conway, senior policy counsel for the ACLU, said some Democratic lawmakers have already issued state mandates to support non-discrimination and equal opportunities.

"We're advocating that they go even further with respect to those mandates."

Some corporations that implemented diversity, equity and inclusion practices following the 2020 killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer have scrapped programs over the past year after pressure from anti-DEI conservatives. Walmart (WMT.N), the nation's largest employer, faced fierce criticism from civil rights activists after announcing it would eliminate some of its diversity policies  including from a group of shareholders who penned a letter to Walmart's CEO this week.

As political lobbying has shifted toward leveraging influence over corporations, Sharpton said traditional organizing tactics  similar to the Montgomery Bus Boycott  could pressure companies to reconsider their actions by targeting their bottom line.

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"We're forming a commission that will include other civil rights groups that will study for 90 days, the businesses announcing they're coming out of DEI. You can go with Trump's philosophy, but it's going to cost you."

Supporters of Trumps proposals argue that certain DEI initiatives amount to discrimination. Camilla Moore, the chairwoman of the Georgia Black Republican Council, who is attending the inauguration, said she's looking forward to Trump's policy actions.

"I think the Trump administration should take a look at removing any remaining barriers. There should not be any barriers between me and a white person from pursuing our dreams."

Trump has repeatedly claimed he's "been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln," often pointing to lower Black unemployment numbers and programs started under his first term. Some supporters have also credited him for passing criminal justice legislation to address mass incarceration, such as the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill on sentencing reform that disproportionately impacted Black men  an initiative that advocates have pushed lawmakers on for decades.

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Clayborne Carson, a historian at Stanford University who edited and published King's autobiography, said there was clearly not going to be major civil rights legislation in the near future. "What we're going to have is a different kind of society," he said. "It's up to us to decide whether it will become more egalitarian or less so."

(Reporting by Bianca Flowers; Editing by Kat Stafford and Claudia Parsons)
TAMPA, Fla, (WFLA)  The founder of the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration was accused of siphoning millions of dollars earmarked to help disabled people.

A federal bankruptcy judge ordered Clearwater businessman, Leo Govoni, to be responsible for the missing $120 million.

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About a year after the Center filed for bankruptcy, the non-profit was permanently shut down. Judge Roberta Colton has determined that Govoni is liable for more than $120 million in missing money, which was taken from disabled people and their families.

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Families across the country gave the Center money from large settlements to hold in trust for their loved ones and provide for their future care.

Court records show that Govoni loaned more than $100 million from the Center to his own company, Boston Finance Group.

30 people in custody after police uncover possible trafficking, smuggling ring

Where did it go and how was he able to go in there and take it questioned Louis Capasso, father of a client named Elena.

In a summary judgment signed late last week, Colton declared damages against Govoni in the amount of $88 million plus $32.2 million in interest.

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Records show Govoni has disputed that amount saying he only owned $30 million, but forensic accountants determined more than $120 million is owed, and Govonis statement contradicts his own companys accounting records.



On Friday morning, an ex parte emergency meeting was held, meaning neither Govoni nor his attorneys were invited. The Chapter 11 Trustee Michael Goldberg, who was appointed to recover the missing funds, asked Colton to temporarily restrain Govoni from selling or touching his assets from his nearly 200 corporations.

Were getting a glimpse of where that money may have been stashed, including St. Petersburgs Big Storm Brewery. A local physician settled his lawsuit against Big Storm and its co-owners, Leo Govoni and his son LJ, for having ties to the center. Last month, LJ stepped down as president.



This is the most the most disabled you can be, there isnt a degree beyond this, said Theresa Schlosser, mother of a client named Sarah. This is the most disabled, and how in your conscience, do you decide to take what is helping her to live every day the best that she can live and take it away from where do you find that in your soul?



As the case continues, hundreds of vulnerable families are still waiting. Many of them have been left in the dark without critical funds to care for their disabled loved ones.

The good news is, this is a win for the victims, who might finally see some of their missing money returned to them.

Two big questions remain: where is Leo Govoni and could he ultimately face criminal charges? 8 On Your Side learned months ago that the FBI launched a criminal investigation into the Center, but so far, no charges have been filed against Govoni or anyone else associated with the Center for Special Needs.

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There is a preliminary hearing scheduled at the federal courthouse in downtown Tampa on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

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Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Time ran out to keep TikTok in business in the United States.

The highly popular video-sharing platform, owned by a Chinese-based company deemed a U.S. security threat, went dark around 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday ahead of the implementation Sunday of a federal law.

The app was not found on Apple and Google's app stores.

Users from computers in the United States attempting to access the website were given this message:

TikTok had said it would shut down unless President Joe Biden intervenes before he leaves office one day later.

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On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump told NBC News' Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker that he will "most likely" order a 90-day delay when he takes office Sunday.

The law allows the U.S. president to push back the ban but it requires "significant progress" of a sale to a non-Chinese buyer.

Initially 170 million U.S. users and around 1 million creators have lost access for at least one day of the 23 million new videos uploaded daily. Those using the app spend about a hour an day looking at content with teens at 2-3 hours a day, according to Exploding Topics.

It is the fifth-most social network with 1.6 billion users in the world behind Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp, according to Statistica.

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A federal law approved by wide margins in the House and Senate, and signed by Biden in April takes effect Sunday. The legislation gave TikTok's Chinese parent, ByteDance, 270 days to sell TikTok.

The company has said the platform is not for sale.

TikTok reacts after court decision

The social media platform made the announcement Friday night to go dark after the U.S. Supreme Court voted unanimously earlier in the day to leave in place a law that would ban TikTok from U.S. app stores unless the company divests from the platform and sells it to an American firm by Sunday.

TikTok faces fines for continuing to host TikTok after the deadline.

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"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," ByteDance said in a statement. "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 had argued that the app and those using the app in the United States are protected by the First Amendment. Lawmakers warned data could be collected and used by China.

Some justices wondered how effective a ban would be.

"A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in his opinion. "As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear."

Government stances

Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Lisa Monaco said in a release that the decision "enables the Justice Department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine America's national security."

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Trump's nominee for attorney general Pam Bondi won't commit to enforcing the TikTok law at her confirmation hearing this week.

The White House doesn't want to intervene.

"The Administration, like the rest of the country, has awaited the decision just made by the U.S. Supreme Court on the TikTok matter," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "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."

Trump's evolving views

Trmp originally opposed TikTok in the United States but he has softened his tone on TikTok after starting efforts to ban it during his first administration.

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Trump, who had urged the high court to delay the ban law, told NBC News: "I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. You know, it's appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It's a very big situation.

"If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday."

On Friday, Trump posted 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 said he spoke 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 said. "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 invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to his inauguration Monday, which he accepted. He met with Chew at Mar-a-Lago in December.

Chew thanked Trump on Friday for his efforts.

"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 in a video statement. "More to come."

Sale possibility

ByteDance has publicly said the app is not for sale, including its algorithm. And China is likely to block the sale of the algorithm.

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TikTok's U.S. assets, without the algorithm, are estimated at between $40 billion and $50 billion, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives to CNN.

The algorithm determines videos shown to each user on their "For You Page", which is based on their personal interests and engagement with the service.

Billionaire Frank McCourt, the former Los Angles Dodgers owner, said he has offered to buy the app with other investors, including Kevin O'Leary of Shark Tank.

"We are ready to work with the company and President Trump to complete a deal," McCourt said in a statement to Politico. "Together, we can transition TikTok to a clean tech stack and turn this national security problem into a big win for Americans."

TikTok is big business for people

The Charles Agency estimates there are 1 million creators on TikTok and more than 100,000 influencers who use it as their primary job. Charli D'Amelio is the highest-earning TikToker at $23 million annually, according to TikTok.

The platform, which began in 2016 as as Douyin, had net advertising revenue of $18.49 billion in 2024, according to the agency.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  More than 100 officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will travel to Washington, D.C. to assist with security for Inauguration Day.

Officials announced on Saturday with a video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Were always happy to serve our community and cant wait for the opportunity to showcase our department to the country on Monday! the post reads.

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CMPD has assisted in many inaugurations in the past, as well as the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  The United States Coast Guard will enact a security zone in the waters near the International African American Museum ahead of President Joe Bidens visit this weekend.

The blocked-off area of the Cooper River adjacent to the museum will be in place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 encompassing all waters within an area approximately 680 yards long and 500 yards wide.

No vessels or people will be allowed within that space unless authorized by official patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a marine bulletin Saturday morning.

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Mariners are encouraged to plan transits accordingly to avoid unnecessary disruptions, USCG said.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will attend Sunday morning service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston Sunday morning before touring the International African American Museum in the afternoon. He is expected to deliver remarks at the museum on his last full day in office.

President Biden and the First Lady will return to Washington after they tour the museum.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with partner agencies, stopped a 25-foot panga-style vessel about 25 miles off the coast Point Loma on Thursday, seizing 15 individuals from multiple countries.

The operation began when Coast Guard personnel aboard a responding vessel arrived on the scene and instructed the panga to stop. In a sudden move, the operator abandoned the steering console, causing the boat to drift erratically, officials explained.

The Coast Guard crew swiftly took control of the vessel and powered down the engine, but not before the panga collided with the Coast Guards small boat, causing minor damage to its starboard railing.

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The 15 individuals aboard the vessel were found to represent a diverse group of nationalities, including citizens from China, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Ecuador, Vietnam, and El Salvador. Officials said one individual was observed exhibiting hypothermia-like symptoms. Emergency medical services were called and the person was transported to UCSD Hillcrest for evaluation, with U.S. Border Patrol agents accompanying them.

After securing the vessel, the Coast Guard transferred all 15 individuals to U.S. Border Patrol custody. No further injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard did not immediately provide additional details about the origin of the vessel or the individuals planned destination. However, officials emphasized the ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at combating illegal maritime smuggling along the U.S. southern border.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  With temperatures being far below freezing, preparing your pets for the weather is the key to their comfort and safety.

On Friday, people were out at a local park in Kettering, enjoying a short respite from the cold while high temperatures reached 42 degrees. But in just a few days, the Miami Valley will be taking another polar plunge, which could pose a risk to your pets health.

102 Shih Tzus siezed from Miami County home

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2 NEWS spoke with local residents about their concerns with the upcoming weather, as well as experts to learn how you and your pet can prepare for the cold.

The winter weather sees a whole new set of challenges, not just for people, but for their pets as well.

Residents in Kettering who were walking their dogs say theyre enjoying the nice weather, but say theyre fatigued by the cold and the snow. But all of that experience has taught them some valuable lessons on how to keep their pets as comfortable as possible.

Earlier this week, it was at subzero. I try to get her in as soon as I see her go, I try to call her in and get her in, said Brent Veselik, Kettering resident.

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The salt used on roads is also a major irritant for pets  when they step on crystals with their paw pads, it can cause pain.

We put salt on our driveway and sidewalk, said Mark Griggs, Kettering resident. We want pet friendly because we have pets all the time that walk around the subdivision.

Staying energy-efficient during the Polar Vortex

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton warns of leaving your pets out in the cold for too long when letting them outside. Short-haired dogs and older dogs will be extremely vulnerable, but even long-coated dogs will have trouble with the upcoming arctic temperatures.

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Theres too much exposure to them, and its really important that people mostly try to keep their pets inside, said Brian Weltgen, CEO of the Humane Society.

If you have an outdoor shelter for your pet, add straw to the floor for insulation and install flaps to help keep the wind out and the heat in.

If you dont have an outdoor shelter, the Humane Society offers them. But if at all possible, keep your pets indoors and only keep them outside for minutes at a time.

If you are out and see a pet outside in the cold, reach out to your local animal resource center to learn how to help.

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As Rashan Robinson was being sentenced to federal prison in 2021, his attorney told the court that Robinson was afraid for his safety and someone was after him. Why? Because hed recently been the target of two shootings.

His fears proved true on Thursday afternoon, when Robinson and his brother, Willie Deshawn Robinson, both 36, were gunned down in what police described as a targeted attack in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in Colerain Township.

Although police have not released a motive or announced any arrests in the shooting, which also left a bystander critically injured, court records show that Robinson publicly expressed his fears of being killed in a court filing years before his death.

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Robinson was 17 years old when prosecutors say he killed Brenton Brown, 18, in a 2006 shooting in Lincoln Heights. He was charged as an adult in that case and was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2008 to voluntary manslaughter.

After his release from prison in the state case, Robinson was indicted in September 2020 on a federal charge of illegally possessing a handgun, which prosecutors said he was prohibited from owning because of his prior felony conviction.

He ultimately pleaded guilty and was ordered in August 2021 to 39 months in federal prison.

Attorney: Robinson feared he was being targeted for 2006 killing

His public defender Zenaida Lockard wrote in a pre-sentence court filing that Robinson only carried the gun because his life was threatened twice in half a year.

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First, a car Robinson was driving in the fall of 2019 was struck with gunfire during a drive-by shooting, the court document states. Robinson was not injured in that incident, but just a few months later in May 2020, he was shot in the leg and hospitalized.

While the shooter wasnt identified in those incidents, Lockard said that Robinson believed he was being targeted by a friend of Browns.

He also found out that the two shootings were related and that the shooter wanted him dead, Lockard wrote. All of these facts shook Rashan to his core and ultimately compelled him to carry a firearm as a form of self-protection.

The attorney said Robinson wished to move to a new city after his incarceration to get a fresh start.

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In short, if Rashan were able to move to a place where nobody knew him, his safety would no longer be in jeopardy and he could move forward to live a law-abiding and productive life, she wrote.

911 callers describe chaotic shooting scene

However, that fresh start would never come. Colerain Township police were called just before 1 p.m. Thursday to the intersection of Colerain Avenue and Springdale Road, where Robinson and his brother died at the scene.

The shooting started in the parking lot of a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, with one of the brothers found inside a blue Infiniti and the other just outside the vehicle, according to a Colerain Township spokesperson.

The Infiniti had 12 gunshots through the passenger window.

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At least seven people called 911. Multiple people reported a "shootout" in the area and a white car leaving the scene. One caller reported seeing a man with a "big assault rifle."

A third victim said in a 911 call that 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.

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.

Officials said investigators believe the third victim, whose name hasn't been released, wasnt an intended target.

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Police have identified one suspect, who is still at large, but have not released any information on the suspect's description. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Colerain Township Police Department at 513-321-2677.

Enquirer reporters Cameron Knight, David Ferrara and Aaron Valdez contributed.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Colerain shooting: Victim voiced fears of targeted attack years prior
Guineas largest opposition alliance, Forces Vives de Guinee, has called on its representatives to step down from the National Transitional Council, the legislative body established by the military junta that seized power two years ago. In a statement released late Wednesday, the coalition declared that the juntas failure to honor its promised return to civilian governance by the December 31, 2024, deadline had undermined the legitimacy of the transition process.

Led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya since 2021, Guineas junta had initially committed to a democratic transition, only to dissolve dozens of political parties last year in what it called an effort to clean up the political chessboard. Rights groups claim the junta has also intensified restrictions on independent media and other civic organizations. Reports suggest that social media networks, private radio stations, and news websites have faced prolonged disruptions, leaving journalists vulnerable to attacks and arrests.

Doumbouyas New Years address signaled a constitutional referendum decree would be issued to pave the way for democracy, yet critics remain skeptical given the absence of a firm date. Tensions in Conakry flared last week during opposition demonstrations, which effectively paralyzed the capital.

The National Transitional Council, comprising 81 junta-appointed figures, includes 15 political party representatives, among them three from Forces Vives de Guinee. The alliance includes former President Alpha Condes Rally of the Guinean People and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guineathe two parties that garnered over 90% of the vote in Guineas most recent presidential election. Observers fear that this withdrawal could heighten instability, as the West African nation struggles to resolve its prolonged political crisis.
MONTROSE, Colo. (KREX)  Colorado Sens. Hickenlooper and Bennet have acquired over $20 million to improve Colorado airports.

Montrose Regional Airport, known as the Runway to Recreation, is one of the airports selected to receive the funds.

The funds, totaling $3,368,181, are from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Director of Aviation for Montrose Regional Lloyd Arnold talks about the process to acquire the funding and the work that will take place.

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We go through the design process, then after the design process we apply for the grant. The amount of funding that was released by the federal government is the available funding. We have not yet applied for that, we are in the process of applying for that. These funds will be used to reconstruct Charlie and Delta taxiway, where the large commercial aircraft cross runway 1331 to the commercial ramp.

Montrose Regional has seen record numbers so far for 2025 seeing 267,000 people leave the airport with the same amount entering the airport.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  New 3rd District Congressman Brian Jack has announced a key staff hire.

Longtime Columbus radio executive and Republican Party activist Joseph Brannan has been hired as Jacks District Director, the congressman told WRBL.

I am excited to have a Columbus native and someone who was proudly involved with the Columbus community lead my district efforts, Jack said.

Jack is a native of Peachtree City and spent four years working as a political adviser for President Trump before getting elected to congress last year.

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Ive known Joseph for eight years, mostly through Georgia Republican Party activity, Jack said.

Brannan spent 25 years working for PMB Broadcasting. Most recently has been the radio companys general manager. He started working for PMB when he was in high school.

Its an honor to join Congressman Jacks team and a privilege to serve him, my hometown of Columbus, and all citizens of Georgias 3rd Congressional District, Brannan said when asked for comment.

Brannan said leaving an organization he had worked at for a quarter century was not easy.

It was certainly difficult to leave someone Ive worked and respected for 25 years (the Martin family) but working for the Congressman is a unique opportunity I could not pass up, he said.

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He will supervise a district staff of five people. Currently, the district office is located in Newnan.

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Fires ambushed the back of the building, and savage winds battered the windows while staffers at the Two Palms Nursing Center in Altadena raced to evacuate roughly four dozen elderly and disabled residents.

It was Jan. 7, that first night of the deadly Eaton fire, and Brenda Robinson, 76, a retired bookkeeper who is immobilized by a chronic tissue disease, "prayed to Jehovah" as an aide helped her into a wheelchair.

In another room, Valerie Fine, 66, a retired teacher who has multiple sclerosis and is unable to walk, smelled smoke.

Abandoned wheelchairs remain on the front lawn after patients were evacuated from the Two Palms Nursing Center during the Eaton fire. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

They rushed in and put N95s on us, Fine said. Thank God they did that, because the facility was on fire.

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A nurse's assistant wheeled her bed outside and into the inferno.

She was right there, hugging me and making sure that embers didnt catch me on fire, Fine said.

Robinson and Fine were then hoisted into vehicles by staff members and driven, through heavy smoke and past leaping flames, to another care center. In one vehicle, a patient with dementia told the driver they needed to go back for her dog  a pet from an earlier phase of her life.

It was scary, said Fine, and the hellish ordeal took another jarring turn when fire advanced on the facility where they'd just been transported, forcing a second evacuation.

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Fine and Robinson shared their experience with me the morning of Jan. 15 at a care center in Sylmar, their third and final stop on the night of the fire, which destroyed Two Palms. They praised the heroics of the staffers who ushered them to safety and said they were adjusting to new surroundings, but unsure whether this was a stopover or their new permanent home.

Valerie Fine, left, chats with fellow Eaton fire evacuee Brenda Robinson in the room they share at the Golden Legacy Care Center in Sylmar. Fine and Robinson were residents of the Two Palms Nursing Center in Altadena, which was destroyed. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The Eaton and Palisades fires wiped out neighborhoods and displaced thousands. Its been a blow to the psyche of the entire region, exposing our perpetual risk and serving as a reminder that when disasters hit, knocking out lines of communication, they can be more dangerous and traumatic for those who are older, less mobile and more isolated.

At least 27 people had died as of Jan. 15, and the ages of the 14 who have been identified included victims who were 66, 69, 77, 80-plus, 82, 83, 84, 84 and 95.

Anthony Mitchell Sr., an amputee in his 60s, died in his Altadena home along with his son Justin , who had cerebral palsy. As my colleague Sonja Sharp reported, Anthony Mitchell Jr. said his father told him on the phone early Wednesday morning that they were awaiting evacuation, but help never arrived.

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Read more: New fire breaks out along 405 Freeway in Sepulveda Pass

Going forward, Anthony Mitchell Jr. told me, there should be a better accounting, pre-disaster, of those with special needs, adding: They should put those addresses down as priorities.

The entire response to the fires is under review in the service of being better prepared for the next disaster, said Dr. Laura Trejo, director of L.A. Countys Aging & Disabilities Department. Whether it be floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, any kind of disaster, usually the most impacts are to older adults and vulnerable groups like people with disabilities. Were trying to learn from this and document  the needs that were seeing.

Thats critical because the population is shifting dramatically as climate change raises the threat of wildfire and other disasters. In the 10 years ending in 2022, the number of L.A. County residents in their 60s rose by 32%, and the number of residents in their 70s rose by 40%.

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Advocates for older adults say theyve been pushing for updated and improved evacuation plans in recent years, and although thousands of people were safely rescued from nursing facilities, assisted living centers and private homes, the magnitude of the displacement initially overwhelmed shelters.

At the Pasadena Convention Center, responders scrambled to provide cots, medical supplies and care for streams of incoming evacuees. I was there on Jan. 8, the day after the Eaton fire exploded, and saw medical beds with severely disabled patients lining one corridor. In another section, dozens of people sat with aides and administrators of their retirement centers, awaiting word on their next move.

The Two Palms Nursing Center in Altadena was destroyed in the Eaton fire. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ann Haeckl reclined on a cot  an American Red Cross blanket pulled over her  while her brother John sat nearby. Theyre in their 70s, and John said they live in the Stone Age, without cellphones or computers, so they werent fully aware of the mounting catastrophe until a neighbor alerted them to flee their home in Altadena.

They tried numerous hotels, but either they were booked, Ann said, or the innkeepers were price-gouging and demanding cash. So they spent the night in their 2011 Mercedes-Benz.

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We stayed in the Stater Brothers parking lot at Washington and Allen, John said.

Read more: 12 hours of fire that decimated Altadena: Im going to lose half of my town

Marc Vanwalkenburgh, 63, sat next to his mother, Catherine, 92, who squirmed uncomfortably on a medical bed in the middle of the convention center. Shes losing memory and losing her sight, Marc said, and seeing things that arent there.

They were hoping to be able to return to the Altadena home where he grew up and where he is his mothers primary caregiver. They change our diapers, and then we change theirs, said Marc, who got his mother into their car with the help of an L.A. County sheriffs deputy and fled the fires.

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While we spoke, Lela Arnold, 27, approached. She said she was an eldercare provider who had come to the evacuation center to volunteer her services.

Whatever you need, she said to Marc, who told her they were fine at the moment.

Marc Vanvalkenburgh with his mother, Catherine Vanvalkenburgh. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times)

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Arnold later told me she had served multiple Middle East deployments as a U.S. Navy aircraft mechanic and had worked at an eldercare facility before that. Many older people are set in their ways and take comfort in routine and familiar surroundings, Arnold told me, adding: Taking them out of their normal routine is very dangerous and could cause a lot of harm."

Arnold said many of the evacuees were exhausted and soiled.

They were sitting in pee and poop for hours," she said, adding that she spent hours changing clothes and helping people to the bathroom. Their lives have just burned down. The least we could do is help them be clean.

In the Palisades, therapist Alice Lynn , 84, fled in darkness past towering flames the first night of the blaze, terrified as she drove for hours in evacuation traffic to get to the home of her son in Topanga, only to find that he and his family were being evacuated as well. Her house survived even as the homes of some of her neighbors were destroyed, but although shes in safe and comfortable quarters with relatives, she wishes she could go back to her own place.

Alice Lynn is shown inside her office at her home in Pacific Palisades in April 2023. Her house survived, but the homes of some of her neighbors were destroyed in the Palisade fire. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

I cannot tell you the times I have said, I just want to go home, said Lynn, who has been overwhelmed both by guilt about her homes survival and heartbreak over the random destruction in her neighborhood.

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I had visited Lynn in 2023 to talk to her about the struggle of losing friends and relatives as we age , and now she was dealing with a different kind of loss.

Though she covets the comfort of home, Lynn knows shell be returning to something of a "Twilight Zone," revisiting a landscape that is both familiar and permanently altered. Neighbors of 32 years lost their home and said they wont be back, and others are still sorting things out.

Those relationships have been a foundation of Lynns well-being, and she wonders if, in her 80s, she can summon the energy to start anew somewhere else, or to endure the work and uncertainty of re-establishing herself in a neighborhood that may forever be at risk.

Read more: Column: After years of helping the homeless, hes one of them after Altadena fire destroys his house

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I think theres another component to the distress she and others are experiencing, Lynn said. Its the swirling of emotions that are incompatible. Relief and fear. Gratitude and anger. Its being all over the place in a way that  many older people have never encountered. This has been a wallop unlike anything I have experienced. I cant get my head around it.

Steve Cron, 76, a friend and neighbor of Lynn's, evacuated and said he later watched his house burn remotely. Another friend who had to leave was able to activate a camera on his car, which was left behind, and they watched video of the destruction.

For Cron, it was the second of two recent gut punches.

Six weeks before the fire, my wife died of lung disease, which had been plaguing her for four or five years, Cron said. Nancee was 71.

Another friend of Lynns, Palisades resident Joe Halper, 95, got an evacuation notice while his wife Arline, 88, was playing bridge at a friends house. Halper, a former parks commissioner , told me he had been concerned about fire danger due to thick brush in the area. He reached Arline by phone and agreed to meet her at their sons home in Brentwood. As he drove down the hill toward the water, fire and smoke were everywhere.

William Jackson of Altadena found his neighbor's body in the rubble of his home. "I keep calling his name, Victor, Victor," he said. "He died with the water hose still in his hands." (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

I thought this was kind of nuts, so I finally went down, and the PCH also was on fire, Halper said. He suspected their house would be lost, the way things were looking, and he turned out to be right.

Their son also had to evacuate, so they kept moving on that horrible night that marked the beginning of a new and difficult chapter for them, resettling at a nearby grandsons home.

We have insurance, Halper said, but at their ages, and given the uncertainty ahead, rebuilding may be problematic.

Arline was trying to focus on what they have rather than what they lost.

Were fortunate, she said, referring to family.

They lost all their possessions, however, including their clothes, photographs and personal keepsakes, and starting from scratch wont be easy.

But as they say, Joe told me, do we have a choice?

They dont, and thousands of others are in their company.

Roberto Marquez kneels in front of a makeshift memorial to victims of the Eaton fire at Lake Avenue and East Villa Street in Pasadena. Marquez, from Dallas, erected the memorial to those who lost their lives in the recent blazes. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Many will suffer the continuing churn of emotions that Lynn described. Many will confront financial hardship as rents rise and competition sharpens for what was already a shortage of affordable housing. And many will be unsettled, in multiple ways, for years to come.

What will not change is that  given dry vegetation, frequent destructive winds and the proximity of so many homes to danger zones  the risk of the next big disaster will be ever present.

A few days after the fires, I got a call from the Pasadena Senior Center, where Im a member. They were checking in to make sure my wife and I were OK and to ask if we needed anything, just as many senior centers did during the pandemic.

It was a reminder that one thing we can all do is make and keep those kinds of connections, watch out for vulnerable friends and neighbors and, even in this sprawling metropolis, create a sustaining form of small-town familiarity and rise to the challenge of building a stronger community.

steve.lopez@latimes.com



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LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Leaders do their best to put special-needs students in this unique-to-the-county program in roles that suit them. So watching Valeriya Redcay interact effortlessly with seniors whose rooms she cleans, you might assume that part of the job was always a strength.

But the truth is even better.

Val was so shy, said Erin Garcia, executive director of Juniper Village at Lebanon, an over-55 independent and assisted-care home. Val barely spoke the first time I met her.

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Val  like Damian assembling furniture in the maintenance department and Brittany playing games with Patrick, a resident, in the lobby and other high school seniors washing dishes in the kitchen  is a senior in high school in a work immersion program, helping seniors in life at Juniper.

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The program is organized by Intermediate Unit 13, which serves Lancaster and Lebanon counties. There are already three such classrooms in Lancaster; this is the first in Lebanon.

The students have learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities that might make transitioning to the working world a challenge, explained Megan Brown, their teacher. The program serves as a bridge.

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They just need that extra bit of support, Brown said.

The students spend some days in what indeed resembles a traditional classroom, taught by Brown, and other days getting on-the-job training.

Lois, can I come clean your room? Redcay said to a resident before entering and proceeding to mop and clean the bathroom.

Weve seen Val come a long way, said Brian Heibel, her mentor, who oversees housekeepers at Juniper. When she first came to us, she was a little  you know  held back.

Its helping me step out of my comfort zone, Redcay confirmed. I used to not want to do anything  like i was kind of scared of leaving school. And this has been a nice transition for me. I feel better. I feel a lot more confident in myself.

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This, to be clear, might be an act of kindness  but is not an act of charity  by Juniper. As America ages, senior living facilities are a fast-growing industry struggling to hire enough workers.

It is a tight labor market, Garcia said. And some individuals dont realize how much of a blessing it is working with seniors. You gain so much knowledge, and you just have such positive experiences.

She said four students in the current class are likely to land full-time jobs at Juniper after they graduate  good for the students, yes, but also for the company.

We were really worried we werent going to have enough students, Garcia said. And now we had two open houses, inviting future students to come and see if theyd be interested in the program, and they were full.

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Garcias recommendation, after her first semester working with the program?

I really would encourage any type of business to participate in this type of program, she said.

To be equally clear, the learning  mentors with special-needs students  is not a one-way street.

They kind of question you: Well, why that way?' Heibel said. And then youre like, Well, maybe there is another way. So, you know, they really bring something with them, also, for us to learn from.

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Jan. 17Maine's marine resources commissioner is "strongly urging" lobstermen to move their gear from an area in the Gulf of Maine where over 70 endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted earlier this week.

"The ramifications of another entanglement in Maine gear could be devastating to your fishery," Commissioner Pat Keliher said in an emailed announcement Friday afternoon.

Officials directly linked the death of a whale to a Maine lobsterman's gear for the first time in October.

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For several years, scientists have warned entanglements in fishing gear and boat strikes are the most common causes of premature right whale deaths, but they could not prove any of the problematic gear belonged to Maine fishermen until the fall.

Lobstermen have leaned on the absence of data when calling out how regulations meant to protect the whales come at a great cost to them and threaten to put them out of business.

The group of right whales gathered at Jeffreys Ledge  a long, underwater ridge that attracts marine life  is unusually large and represents more than 15% of the remaining global population. Surveyors noticed the group on Sunday.

A "large amount" of fixed fishing gear was also spotted in the area, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Keliher, who last week got into a heated argument with lobstermen over a separate issue, asked them to "eliminate the risk" and move gear "until surveys indicate that the whales have moved on." A slow zone for boaters  no more than 10 knots  is also in place.

"I cannot predict what will happen if Maine gear entangles a right whale, however it is possible that resulting federal regulatory restrictions on the Maine lobster fishery could be catastrophic  including extensive additional prohibitions on the use of traditional gear," Keliher said.

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It has long been known as an alcohol-soaked den of political gossip and intrigue. But over the past decade a series of scandals has cast a shadow over Parliaments Strangers Bar, which sits at the back of the Palace of Westminster, overlooking the Thames.

On Friday the parliamentary authorities announced that the bar would be temporarily closed while police investigated allegations that a parliamentary researchers drink was spiked in the venue on January 7.

The incident is the fifth major controversy to hit the bar over the past 12 years, each of which are detailed below.

The Labour MP who head-butted a Tory colleague, 2012

The then-Labour MP for Falkirk Eric Joyce became involved in a dispute with a group of Tory MPs that led to his dismissal from the party - Eddie Mulholland

The history of the Strangers Bar goes back decades  it was where rebellious Conservative MPs took Dutch courage before they crossed the Rubicon in 1990 on the morning of the first leadership ballot that eventually ousted Margaret Thatcher  but perhaps its most extraordinary and chaotic scenes were thanks to the conduct of Eric Joyce in 2012, a butterfly wings moment that had long-term political repercussions.

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On a night of mayhem in February 2012, the then-Labour MP for Falkirk began a fight that led to his conviction for assault and dismissal from the Labour Party. Joyce became involved in a dispute with a group of Tory MPs and was reported to have head-butted Stuart Andrew, struck Phil Wilson and then hit two Essex councillors. Two further Conservative MPs were then also dragged into the melee in an attempt to break up the fighting. In the magistrates court it was reported that Joyce had told police attending the incident, You cant touch me, Im an MP, though at the time he had been apprehended he also admitted to police he was hammered.

Joyces downfall led to a dispute between Ed Miliband, the then-Labour leader, and the Unite union over the selection of the next Labour candidate. That row ultimately ushered in the entryism of the far Left that helped Jeremy Corbyn become party leader in 2015.

The foul-mouthed Labour backbencher, 2022

Neil Coyle, Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark was suspended for five days after two incidents of alleged harassment - Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Neil Coyle, Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, was suspended from the House of Commons for five days in March 2023 after two incidents of alleged harassment in the Strangers Bar. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner found he had breached Parliaments bullying and harassment policy with foul-mouthed and drunken abuse towards a junior parliamentary assistant on the evening of Jan 31 2022.

In the second incident, he was found to have used abusive language with racial overtones towards Henry Dyer, a British-Chinese journalist. Coyle used the insulting name Fu Manchu, a fictional Chinese villain dating back to before the First World War.

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An official inquiry found that Coyle had made such comments while under the influence of excessive amounts of alcohol, which, while undoubtedly contributing to his behaviour, in no way excuses it, as the respondent rightly accepts. Coyles appeal was rejected. In a statement he said he was deeply sorry for [his] offensive behaviour and language.

The government whip accused of sexual misconduct, 2023

A review found that former Conservative MP Aaron Bell was involved in a serious case of sexual misconduct involving an abuse of power - Yui Mok/PA Wire

In October 2024, Aaron Bell, a former Conservative MP, was reprimanded for sexual misconduct reported the previous year.

The Independent Expert Panel, set up to examine potential breaches of Parliaments Sexual Misconduct Policy, found that Bell touched the complainant on her left thigh, waist and bottom inappropriately and without her consent in the Strangers Bar in December 2023. At the time he was MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme and an assistant government whip.

The IEP said that it was a serious case of sexual misconduct involving an abuse of power that had an enduring impact on the complainant. It stated: It does not reduce the seriousness of the conduct that it took place in a bar. No matter how the respondent or others may view that environment, it is in the workplace. Any Member of Parliament in that setting remains a person with particular power and authority. Indeed, sexual misconduct such as this, which is both brazen and drunken, makes the conduct more serious as the level of threat is increased.

It also concluded that if Bell had still been an MP it would have considered suspending him from Parliament for a significant period.

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Bell said he was disappointed at the outcome but would not appeal the findings. I apologise for any upset caused to the complainant and wish to make it clear that I did not intend to cause any distress, he added.

The visibly drunk Tory peer, 2024

He called us f------ useless, recalls a witness of the incident with Conservative peer Lord Ranger of Northwood - Avalon

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Lord Ranger of Northwood, a Conservative peer, was suspended from Parliament bars for a year and resigned the Tory whip following a series of outbursts during the course of one evening in the Strangers Bar in January 2024. The House of Lords Conduct Committee upheld allegations against him of bullying and harassment. The report found Ranger was visibly drunk and made various inappropriate comments to a group of four people, including the two complainants. One of the witnesses said, The first time he stood very close to my right side, physically pressing himself up against me and coming very close to my face. I made a number of attempts to step away from him during this conversation.

Shortly after the initial confrontation in the bar, Ranger approached the group for a second time. The same witnesses reported, Later that evening he returned to our group and we began a conversation about his work. During this conversation he became aggressive, raising his voice and swearing at us, calling us f------ useless.

A second complainant recalled that the peer repeatedly jabbed his finger in both our faces and got very close while angryI found him physically intimidating and towards the end of the conversation, I was shaking.

Strangers Bar staff reported Ranger returning again to order some shots from the bar, at which point they decided he was too drunk to serve. Responding to the allegations, Ranger said: This is not the type of behaviour or conduct I have maintained in my life, and I do not recognise the behaviour described to be at all in keeping with my character ... I do not recall the detail of the conversations with the two individuals in Strangers Bar.

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He added: If I in any way upset or offended the individuals involved, I sincerely apologise to them. I am extremely mortified and saddened if I caused anyone to be upset. In 25 years of being active in corporate and public life I have never seen it fit to behave in the manner described.

In a subsequent letter of apology he added: I am deeply mortified at the descriptions of my behaviour. I must say I have little recollection of the incident but that is in no way to diminish how you both have described my actions or how they made you feel.

Alleged drink spiking, 2025

On Jan 15 2025, Scotland Yard confirmed that it was investigating an alleged drink-spiking incident at a parliamentary bar. A parliamentary researcher claimed that her drink had been tampered with at about 6.30pm on Jan 7.

On Friday a spokesman for the Commons said: Strangers Bar will close from Monday, Jan 20, while security and safety arrangements are reviewed. The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority.

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The branch of the GMB union that represents MPs staff said: The House authorities have a duty of care for the whole parliamentary community, but this is especially important for MPs staff, given the vulnerabilities we face with power dynamics.

Parliaments Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme has expressed concern about the drinking culture at Westminster before and its relationship with inappropriate behaviour.

In its 2023 annual report, it said alcohol consumption in Parliaments bars was leading to intimidating behaviour like shouting and swearing. The new all-party Modernisation Committee chaired by the Commons leader, Lucy Powell, has already been urged by a group of Labour MPs to restrict the sale of alcohol.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  In just a few days, Memphis-Shelby County School Board Members will decide to either keep or fire Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.

The controversial move has been met with fierce disapproval from community members.

On Saturday, dozens of Memphis Shelby County School parents as well as staff members and even community members came out to show their support for Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.

Supporters host Faith in Feagins Walk. Supporters host Faith in Feagins Walk. Supporters host Faith in Feagins Walk.

Everyone who spoke with WREG said they have one clear message that they want to send to the school board.

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The same way we voted you in, we will vote you out, they said.

Feagins fires back in response to school board allegations

Filled with frustration, people took to the streets to show the community and the school board that they have faith in Feagins.

We have a leader thats impactful, invested, committed, educated and the person for the job, organizer Porsha Toney said. Thats what we want. We want Dr. Marie Feagins.

The group walked from Hollywood and Poplar straight to the front door of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education building.

The walk comes just days before the board is expected to vote on whether they will fire Dr. Feagins after less than a year on the job.

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Weve had such upheaval over the past few years with superintendents and we dont think Dr. Feagins has been given enough time to really show us the change that she wants to effect in the city, MSCS parent Liz Upchurch.

School board member lays out her concerns with Feagins as superintendent defends herself against allegations

In December, the board accused Feagins of misleading them when she said the district paid employees $1 million in overtime wages not worked, accepted a donation of more than $45,000 without board approval and failed to secure federal grant funds.

In a recent meeting, Dr. Feagins called the accusations false and said there was a coordinated attack against her.

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Many people attending the rally said they agreed.

We can see that the positive changes shes making is hurting some peoples bottom line, MSCS Spanish teacher Noah Nordstrom said. And its disappointing that some people are putting profit over the success of our children.

Board members said they are listening to the communitys concerns but some said they will not be swayed by public pressure.

What they see is not what were dealing with, so I think we need to come to a medium, board member Towanna Murphy said. My stance still is my stance, but we have to come to a medium to find out what the issues are.

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The next MSCS school board meeting and vote on the future of Dr. Feagins is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m.

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With transatlantic tensions rising as Donald Trump is sworn in as president, Mathias Dopfner says hes got a better idea.

Dopfner, the CEO of German publishing giant Axel Springer (which owns POLITICO), argues that now is the moment for the U.S. and European Union  along with friendly democracies like Japan, Canada and Australia  to form a grand trading alliance against China, Russia and other autocracies that engage in unfair trade practices.

In his new paperback book, Dealings with Dictators: A CEOs Guide to Defending Democracy, Dopfner writes that the U.S. and Western nations made a critical mistake by giving China full trade access to their markets after the Cold War but that its not too late to change course.

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In his mixture of memoir and manifesto, an updated version of a hardcover published in 2023, Dopfner writes about the fallacy of the idea he first learned as a young journalist from then-German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. This was the concept of Wandel durch Handel, or change through trade, which was expected to reform autocratic countries like China.

Of course, nothing of the sort happened. Instead, he writes, the maxim of change through trade has led to a macabre outcome thats quite the opposite of the one intended: Instead of becoming more liberal, tolerant, and cosmopolitan through intensified business links with Western democracies, the worlds autocracies, like Russia and China, have become even more radical and undemocratic. So there has been change through trade, but this change ended up weakening democracy rather than strengthening it and effectively led the West into a trade trap.

Therefore, Dopfner argues, the only way forward is the opposite idea, which is change through no trade, or creating what he calls the Freedom Trade Alliance. This would involve lifting all trade barriers among participating democracies while imposing stiff tariffs on non-democracies.

In an interview with POLITICO Magazine, Dopfner argued that his proposal actually aligns well with Trumps approach to global affairs, despite the incoming presidents frequent skepticism toward Europe and seeming indifference to democratic norms.

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I would strongly suggest that America First will only work if its not America alone, he said. And there are some issues where America will need partners in order to have the ultimate leverage.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What kind of reaction have you gotten to the idea of a Freedom Trade Alliance, particularly from the incoming Trump administration?

In Germany and in Europe, from the business community, some people are still stuck in the old way of thinking. They see this idea as disturbing their interests [in China]. From an American perspective, I get a lot of positive feedback, including from some in the incoming Trump administration. I think the moment now is actually very good, because there are so many things at stake and a lot of very significant plans coming from the next administration with regard to China and trade and tariffs of up to 60 percent, as well as tariffs for European goods.

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I think it is now a very critical and pivotal moment to shape a strategy here. And the big question for me  and also what makes the book timely  is to what degree this can become a transatlantic project, or whether it has to remain a U.S. project, because Europe is not leaning in now.

Lets dive into the particulars. Donald Trump may like imposing tariffs, but Trump doesn't have a lot of use for democracy based on what he's said and done in recent years. And as Im sure youre aware, there is an emerging view in both U.S. political parties that Washington no longer wants to engage in pro-democracy crusades around the world. Moreover, some of Trumps key advisers like Elon Musk and incoming Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have huge investments in China. So is there any real constituency for your idea?

My main point is that, instead of trying to decouple unilaterally from China, lets do it in an organized manner together. Lets sit together at the negotiation table, because if 300 million Americans impose tariffs, thats one thing. But if 300 million Americans plus 500 million Europeans and some of the largest economies in the world and other democracies from Japan to Australia are warm-heartedly invited to join, then I think we will have a much better outcome that is very much to the benefit of every non-authoritarian economy, but most importantly, for the U.S.

I would strongly suggest that America First will only work if its not America alone. And there are some issues where America will need partners in order to have the ultimate leverage, and I think that leverage would be increased by joining forces.

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Now, having said that, I want to be very clear that this is not something I mainly expect from the U.S. administration. I think the most important step has to come from Europe, from the EU, from Germany as the biggest economy in the EU and the third-largest economy in the world. And so my book is, in a way, a European calling for more common interests and more engagement with America. I truly believe if we go separate ways here, Europe will suffer most, but I also think America will not achieve the optimal outcome, because were not maximizing our leverage, and thats what we should do.

Yet this does not seem to be a propitious moment for a new transatlantic alliance. Trump is already starting up the tensions with European countries, obviously Denmark in particular, by saying he wants to take control of Greenland, and hes threatening more tariffs against friendly nations as well as adversaries. Could you address that?

Yes, it looks like Trump is now imposing tariffs mainly on Europe, and Trump sees Germany particularly as a dysfunctional economy. By the way, I think he is right. People are saying, Well, that is most likely going to be the end of the transatlantic relationship  pretty much the opposite of what you, Mathias, are suggesting here. And yeah, we can see it like that. But I would also not underestimate what it means when Trump says NATO has to be funded adequately, otherwise America cannot continue to do so. People interpret that as meaning he wants to kill NATO, but in fact he has strengthened NATO.

I truly see an opportunity that perhaps this tariff battle too will be the call for negotiation. Lets sit together. And if we can define a common policy toward China and other economies that are acting against our interests, then perhaps we can have a transatlantic alliance and perhaps no tariffs or lower tariffs.

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The larger issue here is there are good reasons to be alarmed about the future of the free and open society model. There are threats from many directions. There is Russia invading Ukraine, and there is Hamas attacking Israel, and Iran and its allies trying to destroy that country and its people. And these two wars have one common denominator, and that is to weaken democracy  in particular to weaken the biggest democracy in the world, the United States. If that goes well and the United States is not successful in helping to resolve these conflicts and defend Israel and also limit Putins aggression, then there is a very clear lesson for China, the most important aggressor of them all. And that lesson is, We are successful in weakening the U.S. and now lets go for Taiwan. And if China learns that we, the United States and Europe, are not together here in order to resolve these conflicts and strengthen the democracies, then China will go for Taiwan, which it wants to do sooner or later anyway. And then we have three wars at the same time, three fronts, and the one in Taiwan will prove to be one too much, where we probably cant successfully deal with it. Then we will have a different world order. And that is, in the bigger context, my biggest worry.

I was a little bit puzzled when you wrote that the U.S. and Europe have to take the lead in this, and that countries like Canada, Australia and Japan should follow. Why wouldnt those countries be part of the founding group?

Thats a good point. Im not saying it has to be in that order. The best way would be that you have a kind of founding member basis that is as broad as possible. And particularly Japan is a great candidate.

The very simple fact is, if we look to the numbers, if we look back to 2001 when China became a full member of the WTO [World Trade Organization], they had 3.8 percent of world GDP contribution. Today, it is north of 18 percent. At the same time, the U.S. and Europes share went down significantly. So it is very obvious who benefited from this asymmetric trade policy. Its a joke that China, the second-biggest economy in the world, is still treated as a developing country. This makes absolutely no sense.

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Now some people are saying you cannot change that because it is too late. And I think no, it is not too late, because still 70 percent of the world GDP is in the hands of non-totalitarian open societies. If we stick together, if we join forces, then our negotiation leverage toward China and other less important, non-democratic economies will be bigger. By the way, Im not saying we need to decouple completely  have no trade at all with China and others. What Im insisting on is that it should be more symmetrical. It should be based on the principle of reciprocity.

Talk a little bit about how much this freedom trade agenda is motivated by your identity as a German. One of the most compelling things about this book is how much you weave in your personal story. You start out by writing that you love democracy because its the opposite of Auschwitz. You talk about how your father taught you the dangers of appeasement, dating back to Munich and Neville Chamberlain. And youre also very critical of recent governments in Germany, especially Angela Merkels, for appeasing Russia and making Germany the world champion in gratismat, as you say, or the empty courage that incurs no risks.

I would mention three factors here. One is truly the German history of the Holocaust, which for me started when I was young, a kid basically, and saw the first movies about that, which was a U.S. [television] series called Holocaust. I was exposed for the first time to the horrific deeds of the Nazis in the Holocaust, and there was this deep motivation to make sure that something like that can never happen again. And if we see the rise of antisemitism, all around the world, absurdly, after the attack of Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, then it is something that is for me deeply disturbing. I think we have to do everything in order to turn that around and to stand by Israel and defend their right of existence and fight against all forms of antisemitism. That leads you automatically to this question of, how can we strengthen the non-authoritarian societies and their values, and how can we weaken the authoritarian societies in dictatorships.



So thats clearly one motivator. The second one is very concrete experiences that we have collected over the last two and a half decades at Axel Springer as an international publisher and company that invested in various countries  including Turkey, Russia and other markets where we basically experienced terrible things. In Russia, Paul Klebnikov, editor in chief of our Russian Forbes edition, was shot [to death] in front of the newsroom in 2016. We have seen legal reform that retroactively disapproved foreign media investments, so we were basically kicked out of the country and lost a lot of money. In Iran, some of our reporters spent months in prison and in life-threatening circumstances. In Turkey, one of our correspondents spent one year in prison just because of independent reporting, nothing else. In the Balkan countries, people got shot because of investigative reporting. And also some business experiences in China, in Turkey and elsewhere, led me early to the very concrete conviction that if you compromise with totalitarian systems, you will pay a high price.

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The third personal motivator is the simple fact that since my childhood I have loved America, and that is my country. Im sometimes even more emotionally moved if Im listening to the U.S. national anthem than listening to the German one. I just discovered that country early on, its values, its spirit of freedom, its spirit of individual responsibility, its risk culture. That risk is something that you want to embrace, and somebody who took a risk gets another chance  not like in Germany, where, if you fail once, you are dead forever and so on, and that leads to a lot of risk averseness. So for many reasons, the spirit of the American people and the American society was very compelling for me. Thats why I was always super interested in working in America, on boards of American companies [and] to develop Axel Springers business in the U.S., which we did with Business Insider, POLITICO and other assets. That has created a very transatlantic mindset.

Just to clarify, do you consider yourself more American than German now?

Mentally, yes. Unfortunately, I dont have U.S. citizenship. But mentally, absolutely, for decades, yeah.

In the introduction to your book, you write about how your agent, Andrew Wylie, called you up after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and said you have to write this book now, because your views about the dangers of autocracy and of Russia in particular were vindicated. But in the year after the Russian invasion, President Biden did try to turn this into a fight of democracy versus autocracy. He tried to rally world support against Russia on that basis, and it really did not work well. There are a lot of important countries in the middle of the spectrum between democracy and autocracy that either dont identify with democracies, or dont particularly admire the U.S. and its own troubled democracy. Or like India, they have too many interests in working both with Russia and China.

My definition of democracy, involving an open society and the rule of law, is a very basic one. Im not speaking about perfect democracies. In India, of course, there is a lot of corruption, and there are a lot of things that are not going in the perfect direction of what we would call an optimal democracy. But India is a democracy, and Brazil is a democracy, and other imperfect democracies should be part of this alliance in order to again defend our interests and increase our leverage at the negotiation table.

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I think it is probably more reasonable to not argue out of a moral perspective, mainly, but more out of the perspective of interests. It is just in the interest of our economies, of our growth prospects, of the well-being of our people. Because otherwise we will face dependency [on autocracies]. One concrete example here is the German experience with Russia and its energy supply under Helmut Kohl and basically all other German chancellors. Because there was once a kind of limit to what Germany would buy. We would not consume more than roughly 30 percent of our gas from Russia, because otherwise we would become dependent. But under Angela Merkel, that figure grew from 33 percent to 65 percent. And on top of that, she was advocating for the Nord Stream Two pipeline, which would have increased that dependency even further. That is just an unwise policy that has, first of all, financed and strengthened Putin, and secondly has led to a terrible energy crisis and very bad consequences for the German economy.

It is a very concrete negative lesson of what happens if good trade relationships lead to dependency, and what that means if it is dependency from a non-democratic player who could simply change the rules without any basis.

Lets address the economic arguments against your proposal. In one review of your book, Bob Davis, a longtime former Wall Street Journal trade reporter, called it a grand plan for a much poorer world. You know the criticism: Your idea would basically divide up the world, impoverish tens of millions of people in poorer countries and raise up dictators who will argue that the U.S. and Europe are trying to destroy their economies. It would also ostracize China at a time when, as you yourself point out in the book, we need China to help on the climate crisis. And of course, China is leading the world, in many ways, in developing clean technologies we need.

I honestly expected much, much more of that. I was surprised that it was only here and there. But it is unconvincing to me, because it is like the criticism of every tax reform. Its always the same: Whenever you talk about real, fundamental tax reform, people always say, Well, this is unaffordable. This is going to damage us. But in every very bold tax reform, people see theyre pretty surprised that the positive effects more than compensate for the negative effects.

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I calculated that in my book pretty carefully, and based on analysis that other experts have made in their simulations of the consequences. Of course, short term, these kinds of tougher policies toward China and other markets will have negative consequences, but in the short to medium term, the positive effects will by far compensate for that. Imagine how many jobs would be reallocated to the United States and to Europe. Millions of people are working in China, and jobs could definitely be brought back to our countries. The strengthening of an aligned trade policy of successful democratic economies would accelerate their growth and would take value creation out of the markets [like China], which are now based on asymmetrical criteria, basically sucking blood out of our systems.

The incoming Trump administration really is the elephant in the room here. President Trump seems to have no interest in promoting or even dealing with democracies. In some cases, hes proved to be cozier with autocrats like Viktor Orban of Hungary. Is there any reasonable possibility at all that Trump could be interested in pursuing this agenda, or would you have to wait for some future U.S. president?

No, I think there is an incredible opportunity. That may be a bit counter-intuitive, but the way I see and read Donald Trump is that he is a very transactional politician. He is a very kind of interest-based politician  I mean the interests of the people of the United States. And he optimizes that through a negotiation psychology that may look very weird to certain European politicians, but sometimes it is very efficient.

I do get your point, however. And this is the general view Im hearing: The likelihood that we are moving in that direction looks small. But since Im a contrarian and sometimes take contrarian bets, I would also bet that what looks very disturbing  on the transatlantic relationship and a mutual trade policy  may end up with a surprising, happy ending.

Practically speaking, though, if the Freedom Trade Alliance did go forward, who would decide which democracies qualify and which dont? When Biden held his Summit of Democracies, critics were horrified that he excluded Singapore and Hungary but included other dubious countries. Wouldnt there be constant second-guessing about whos in the club?

I think whats very important is that the criteria should be very basic. If the criteria are too ambitious, then its never going to work. Then the critical mass of [democratic] GDP is not going to be achieved.

First of all, I think the WTO should cease operations. The WTO is a dysfunctional, bureaucratic colossus. It is de facto dysfunctional, because it is in a very kind of asymmetrical way benefiting China. And thats why the U.S. has basically stopped its proactive involvement in the WTO. The best way is not to try to reform it, but to simply replace it, and then something should be created that looks much more like the old GATT [General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade] agreement, which was way more minimalistic, less bureaucratic, less ambitious, but much more functional. I think in that spirit of less is more and lean and fast, we could form that alliance.

Finally, I wonder whether partly what is motivating you  again, as a German  is that we are now living in a moment when the living memory of World War II is literally dying out. The last survivors of the Holocaust are almost gone, along with the perpetrators. With them is fading the raison detre of the postwar system. And theres a sense that the rise of antisemitism might be one more piece of evidence that people are forgetting the lessons of World War II and the global order that was created in its aftermath.

I subscribe to every word that you have said, and particularly this experience of [pre-World War II] appeasement. England and other countries underestimated the German aggression in the early years. The Holocaust and the terrible consequences and millions of casualties could have been avoided. The world underestimated the aggressor. The world put it basically on an equal level with imperfect democracies. And said, No, hes not going that far. But he [Hitler] did it. He did it all, and he did it just as he announced it. Its better to take a dictator seriously. Take China seriously in their announcements with regard to Taiwan, take Putin seriously with regard to his announcements of not only Ukraine, but even going further. And for sure, if we let him get away with this, he will go for Poland, he will go for the Baltics.

I truly think this is the historic lesson. Lets not underestimate the non-democratic aggressors. In every form, appeasement is wrong and is existentially dangerous. And there is military appeasement and political appeasement, but there is also business appeasement. We can avoid a dangerous escalation, but only if we act fast and if we use all the tools that we have.


The United States has imposed sanctions against Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, citing his responsibility for war crimes in the ongoing conflict owing to Burhans decision to choose war over good-faith negotiation and de-escalation, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

The US sanctions against Sudan armys chief, announced this week, come a week after Washington took a similar action against a Sudanese rebel leader. Burhan has refused to participate in international peace talks to end the fighting, choosing war over good-faith negotiation and de-escalation, according to the statement. He is blamed for blocking humanitarian aid and attacking schools, markets, and hospitals in a conflict that has bled the oil-rich nation dry over the past year and created the largest displacement crisis in the world.

In response, Sudans army-aligned government expressed its objection to the sanctions, calling them flawed, unethical and dubious. Its statement also asserted that this decision lacks the basic principles of justice and objectivity, relying on implausible pretexts.

The outgoing US secretary of state Antony Blinken accused the SAF of war crimes, though he did not address recent US media reports that the Sudanese military had used chemical weapons at least twice. The SAF has also committed war crimes, and it continues to target civilians, Blinken said. Last week, Washington 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. Taken together, these sanctions underscore the US view that neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan, Blinken said in a statement.
The U.S. Capitol pictured on Nov. 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)

Congress will again consider granting federal tribal recognition to the Lumbee of North Carolina under the second Trump administration after a bipartisan group of lawmakers from the state introduced a bill to do so Thursday.

The bill, put forward by Republican lead sponsors Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Ted Budd as well as Rep. David Rouzer and Rep. Mark Harris, would provide federal rights to the group of more than 55,000, granting them access to benefits received by other recognized tribes, such as financial, housing, and health care assistance. The lead sponsors were joined by four other Republicans and three Democrats from North Carolina in introducing the bill.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina (File photo)

I am dedicated to ensuring that Congress fulfills its six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee people. We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise, Tillis said in a press release. There is clearly strong bipartisan support for this effort in Congress, and both President Biden and President-elect Trump firmly back recognition. This bill has passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support over the past three Congresses. I will continue to pursue all options to finally achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.

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Near the end of the previous Congress, a bill for Lumbee recognition passed the House of Representatives in a 311 to 96 vote, but was not taken up by the Senate. President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to sign recognition for the Lumbee into law should a bill reach his desk.

The Lumbee tribe has been wrongfully denied federal recognition for more than a century, Trump said in a Wilmington rally last September. If I am elected in November, I will sign legislation granting the great Lumbee Tribe the federal recognition that it deserves.

While the North Carolina General Assembly recognized the Lumbee in 1885, they have been unable to gain federal recognition as a tribe in the 140 years since. Despite pledges for tribal recognition by both Trump and President Joe Biden during the 2020 campaign, Lumbee recognition did not become law in the four years that followed. Both candidates in the 2024 race backed recognition as well.

In 1956, Congress recognized Native Americans living in Robeson County and its neighboring counties as the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina, but prevented them from receiving the rights and benefits afforded to federally recognized tribes  consistent with other efforts to curtail tribal self-governance under the Eisenhower administration.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) (Photo: House.gov)

It is long past time that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina receives full federal recognition, said Rep. Deborah Ross, a Democrat. I am proud to join my North Carolina colleagues on both sides of the aisle in reintroducing the Lumbee Fairness Act, which would give the Lumbee Tribe the recognition they deserve. This critical, bipartisan legislation passed the House last Congress, and I am hopeful we can get it done this Congress.

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Recognition for the Lumbee has long been opposed by North Carolinas Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as well as other Cherokee tribes across the U.S., who contend that the historical record does not support the claims of the Lumbee. They note that the group identified as the Cherokee Indians of Robeson County in the early 20th century prior to seeking recognition as the Lumbee Tribe.

Allowing this bill to pass would harm tribal nations across the country by creating a shortcut to recognition that diminishes the sacrifices of tribes who have fought for years to protect their identity, said Principal Chief Michell Hicks in December after the House approved. Lumbee recognition. Congress must not ignore recent expert analysis that reveals serious questions about the Lumbees claims.

Opponents of a bill recognizing the Lumbee have said they should instead press their claim through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, whose Office of Federal Acknowledgment vets tribal claims using anthropological, genealogical, and historical evidence. A petition for recognition from a group based in California purporting to be the Lumbee was previously rejected by that office in 1985. Until 2016, the Department of the Interior interpreted the Lumbee Act of 1956 as preventing the Lumbee from seeking recognition through this route.
Jan. 17More than 40% of Navajo Nation households don't have running water and have to haul it in, but a $2.2 billion pipeline project to solve that problem is $120 million closer to being fully funded.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will divert water from the San Juan River to provide it to 43 Navajo chapters, the majority of which are in New Mexico. The project is part of a water rights settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation and the U.S. government. The water supply project will also meet the water needs of Gallup, the Teepee Junction area and the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

"Families across the Navajo Nation  young kids, our elders, veterans  don't have access to running water, a water facility, because of decisions made by governments in the past to actually take that water and move it to other places," said Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M.

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Lujan was one of the lawmakers to carry the original bill that created the water supply project in 2009, along with former Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.

New Mexico's two senators and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., announced the additional $120 million for the Bureau of Reclamation project Tuesday. The money is for the 2025 fiscal year and comes from Reclamation's water settlements fund. More funding, $267 million, came in August. Both those allocations will go toward designing and building the San Juan Lateral, according to Bart Deming, the project engineer with Reclamation's Upper Colorado Basin region.

"With this funding, we are even closer to bringing a safe and reliable water supply to our people," Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said in a statement.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is one of the largest Reclamation has ever funded and constructed, Deming said. The estimated cost was reduced by at least $70 million when Reclamation was able to purchase a water system from the shuttered San Juan Generating Station, a former coal-fired power plant on the north side of the San Juan River, Deming said.

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One down, one to go

The project has two separate water transmission systems and is approximately 70% complete, Deming said. The Bureau of Reclamation is building the main pipelines, pumping plants and water treatment plants, while the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the city of Gallup are building community connections off of the transmission system to get water to households.

The smaller of the two, the Cutter Lateral, began water deliveries to Navajo communities in 2020 and was completed in 2021. It provides water to eight Navajo chapters approximately 6,200 people  and the Jicarilla Apache nation. The route of the Cutter Lateral follows U.S. 550 from the Cutter Reservoir.

The San Juan Lateral is six times the size of the Cutter Lateral, Deming said. It carries water from the San Juan River, following the path of U.S. 491 from Shiprock to Gallup. Once completed, the San Juan Lateral should provide water to at least 200,000 people.

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The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.2 billion and still needs approximately $600 million to be completed. The deadline for the project to be finished is December 2029. The funding primarily comes from the federal government because of the water rights settlement. New Mexico has also kicked in $50 million. Gallup and the Jicarilla Apache Nation are not part of the settlement agreement but are receiving water from the project, so they have to pay part of the cost, Deming said.

One of the big challenges has been protecting cultural resources as they build, Deming said, which has involved finding new routes for the pipelines.

"The Four Corners area is one of the most densely archeological areas in the world because of the number of people that lived here over 1,000 years ago. There's been a number of cultural resource discoveries, and we've had to find ways to avoid and protect those sites during the project," Deming said.

Along with building the water pipeline, Reclamation and the Navajo Nation are building new electric transmission lines to power the water pumping plants and treatment facilities. That new electric infrastructure also has the capacity to power new businesses in the Navajo Nation, Deming said. Combined with the water access, the new infrastructure should be a boon for economic development.

"That will enable opportunities that have not been available before, with commercial and industrial business development, economic growth, creating jobs and in allowing for housing developments and places for the Navajo people to live and work that just have not been available until this project is done," Deming said.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A Connecticut lawmaker is pushing for a statewide ban on the sale of small bottles of liquor, commonly referred to as nips or shooters.

State Rep. Jaime Foster (D-Ellington) said she authored the proposed legislation, introduced around the start of this years legislative session, after a conversation with a concerned constituent.

This constituent was convinced that a primary driver of DUI is the availability and accessibility of nips, Foster said.

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While Foster said there isnt conclusive evidence specifically tying nips to impaired driving, she did note that there is at least some observable evidence that drivers might be drinking behind the wheel.

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What we see in patterns of littering with nips suggests that there is in-car use, Foster said. In other words, discarded, empty nips are often found on the side of the road.

Fosters legislation sets a floor of 50 milliliters for liquor containers, which would effectively eliminate the sale of most nips.

Is it the lever that will fix this problem? Foster asked. Im not sure that it will cover one hundred percent.

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Lawrence Cafero, the head of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, pushed back on the notion that serving size is inversely tied to abuse.

Its the juice, if you will, inside the container that is the problem that people who abuse it can get addicted to  not so much the size of the bottle, Cafero said.

As for the Republicans, State Rep. David Rutigliano concurred with Cafero on that point, adding that his party generally opposes blanket bans like the one proposed by Foster.

Were not for banning, Rutigliano said. Its not really what we think were supposed to do.

Rutigliano is the deputy Republican leader in the state House and the ranking member of the committee where the bill will be considered first. But Rutigliano suggested that perhaps a larger concern for road safety is recreational marijuana use.

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Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban in the U.S.

Foster and Rutigliano did agree on one point: the odds of passing a nips ban in this years session are low. Prior efforts have met a similar fate.

If I was a betting person, I would not bet on it, Foster said. But I do think its worth a conversation.

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SPRAGUE, Conn. (WTNH)  A sex offender pleaded guilty on Friday to a child exploitation offense, according to the Department of Justice.

In Nov. 2020, friends and family members of two missing juveniles in Colorado posted information about the children on social media, including a phone number asking the public to call with any information.

Arrest warrant details Southbury mans alleged child sex abuse

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Gregory Butts, 54, called the number and spoke to a female friend of the missing juveniles, stating that he was with the missing people and had had sexual contact with them. He allegedly then threatened to harm the missing people if law enforcement were contacted. He also said that he would return the missing juveniles if the friend would have sexual intercourse with him.

Investigators determined that the call came from the lightly-populated area of Sprague, Connecticut, and that Butts was a registered sex offender. Officers searched Butts residence and found more than 10,000 images and videos of child pornography and downloaded explicit conversations that he had with minors via the social media app Snapchat.

Butts pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison.

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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Construction crews have made progress on Murfreesboros Buc-ees location. Dirt has been moved and the roadway has been laid for the future gas station and convenience store.

According to the City of Murfreesboro, the company will continue to transform Butler Drive and Joe B. Jackson Parkway to help accommodate future traffic. Buc-ees is working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) on the current roadway to the building.

DECEMBER 2023: Murfreesboro prepares for Buc-ees, future growth

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The Texas-based chain has a loyal following, and it is known as a staple for many drivers.

I love Buc-ees, John DeWees said. Im a Buc-ees fanatic.

News 2 spoke with DeWees and his wife at the Buc-ees location in Smiths Grove, Kentucky. They said they were traveling across the southeast to visit different Buc-ees locations. As of publication, they had visited five different locations and planned to visit more.

Dont forget about the pulled pork sandwiches! Kelly DeWees said. You dont want to miss that.

SEPTEMBER 2024: Murfreesboro Buc-ees making progress, council estimates millions in tax revenue

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The management and the people who work here are really friendly, too  thats the thing, John added. Its just a good experience.

As of publication, there are two other open Buc-ees locations in Tennessee: one in Crossville and the other in Sevierville. Previously, a location had been proposed for Clarksville; plans were withdrawn for that site in 2023.

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Jan. 17CORBIN  Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission reviewed its participation in the Kentucky Tourism Matching Funds Program, a statewide initiative supporting local tourism offices in marketing and promotional efforts. The program, administered by the Kentucky Department of Tourism, provides financial resources to help communities attract visitors and boost economic growth.

"This is an annual program through the state tourism office," explained Nancy Conley, Tourism Commission Director. "In June, we submit an application detailing the marketing projects we plan to pursue and how much we expect to spend."

The program reimburses up to 50% of qualifying expenses for marketing initiatives, while co-op campaigns  collaborative advertising efforts involving multiple tourism offices  receive a higher reimbursement rate of 90%. This year, the state allocated $2 million across 87 tourism organizations in 80 counties. The Eastern Highlands South Region, which includes Corbin, was awarded $104,341.

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The Corbin Tourism Commission was approved for $76,205 in matching funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. These funds will be used for a variety of marketing efforts including digital campaigns, print advertisements, and promotional brochures.

"This is reimbursement-based," Conley noted. "We spend the money first on approved projects, and then we submit receipts, invoices, and proof of completion for reimbursement."

Conley emphasized that the funds must be used for projects targeting audiences at least 50 miles outside of Corbin. "The program ensures that the money is spent on initiatives that genuinely attract new visitors, not just promoting within our local area," she explained.

The commission is currently preparing to submit its first round of invoices for projects completed between July and December 2024.

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"We're submitting for about $7,100 in reimbursement for the first cycle, with the remainder of our funds to be claimed in the second half of the year," Conley said.

The program's co-op marketing campaigns allow Corbin to collaborate with other tourism offices across the state for discounted advertising in regional publications like Blue Ridge Outdoors and Columbus Monthly.

"Co-op options are especially valuable because they're reimbursed at a higher rate of 90%," Conley said. "It's a great way to amplify our reach while keeping costs down."

These campaigns not only reduce expenses for individual tourism offices but also create a unified message promoting Kentucky as a travel destination.

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The Kentucky Tourism Matching Funds Program is part of the state's broader effort to promote its $13.8 billion tourism industry, which supports over 91,000 jobs across the commonwealth. Governor Andy Beshear has described the program as essential to fostering vibrant communities and showcasing Kentucky's unique heritage.

"This program gives us the resources to be competitive," Conley said. "It allows us to promote Corbin on a larger scale and attract visitors who contribute to our local economy through spending at hotels, restaurants, and attractions."
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A woman who survived a shooting where another person died is suing Sioux City and a city police officer for failing to enforce a restraining order, claiming that inaction led to the shooting.

The lawsuit was filed by Ashley Rogers and her daughter. It names the City of Sioux City and Sioux City Police Officer Jamie Mattas as the defendants. The suit claims that the city and Mattas failed to take action on a restraining order, leading to Raymond Rogers allegedly shooting and injuring Ashley Rogers and fatally shooting Gerele Jones on Feb. 24, 2023, in Sergeant Bluff.

A mugshot of Raymond Rogers from the Woodbury County Jail.

Raymond Rogers is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree burglary, stalking with a dangerous weapon, and violation of a no contact order. Gerele Eli Jones died in the shooting, while Ashley Rogers was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. Raymond Rogers was also hospitalized for an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was later extradited from Douglas County, Neb. to Woodbury County, Iowa.

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Rogers case is currently on hold as the parties work to determine if you is competent to stand trial. He was deemed incompetent to stand trial in June 2024, but was ordered to be reevaluated in a July order. According to a September court filing by the prosecution for a motion hold a hearing, Raymond Rogers was deemed competent to stand trail on a Sept. 12. A hearing was held on Dec. 6 with no ruling. On Jan. 10, the defense lawyer then filed a brief asking the court to find Raymond Rogers incompetent to stand trial.

Sioux City man accused of creating porn using faces of coworkers, underage relatives

KCAU 9 reached out to the city and the police department who provided a combined statement. It states that the police started an internal investigation after the lawsuit was filed, saying they are confident that officers involved in this incident properly investigated the matter and reacted accordingly. Read the full statement below.

The City of Sioux City and the Sioux City Police Department are aware of the civil petition filed in court on January 10th alleging Sioux City Police Officers failed to enforce a restraining order. The petition prompted an internal review of our response, and we are confident that officers involved in this incident properly investigated the matter and took appropriate steps to seek charges against the suspect. Because of the ongoing litigation, the City will not provide further comment. Statement from the City of Sioux City and the Sioux City Police Department

Ashley Rogers said she suffered extreme emotional distress as well as permanent life altering injuries as a result of the shooting and inaction.

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According to the court document, Ashley Rogers and Raymond Rogers had been married for more than 15 years, when in in 2021 through 2022, Raymond Rogers mental health was deteriorating, the marriage was failing and the parties were living separately, at least part of the time, the lawsuit claimed. In May 2021, Raymond Rogers family had him committed for a psychological evaluation.

Ashely Rogers then left Raymond Rogers in January 2022 and started to live with Jones, her boyfriend, in April while working to file for divorce from Raymond Rogers.

The lawsuit says that Raymond Rogers then tried to run Ashley Rogers off the road in June 2022. She called 911 at the time and she got a temporary restraining order against Raymond Rogers.

Ashley Rogers asked to dismiss the restraining order on July 28, 2022 on the advice of the divorce attorney, even though the suit claimed that Raymond Rogers violated the restraining order multiple times.

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SCPD looking for suspect who allegedly broke into Southern Hills Mall businesses

Raymond Rogers continued to make threats to Ashley Rogers and Jones as she filed reports to law enforcement. She then obtained a second temporary restraining order against Raymond Rogers in November 2022.

The lawsuit claims that Raymond Rogers violated the protection order on Feb. 16, 2023, by sending Ashley Rogers cryptic nonsense and threatening texts. Ashley Rogers called the Sioux City Police Department with officer Jamie Mattas responding. The lawsuit claims that Mattas filed a report that said a warrant would be issued against Raymond Rogers for violating the restraining orders, but no warrant was issued until after the Feb. 24, 2023 shooting of Ashley Rogers.

Mattas allegedly said he would be the officer for Ashley Rogers to contact for any other violations of the restraining order. In the next few days, Ashley Rogers emailed and texted Mattas multiple times about Raymond Rogers repeatedly violating the restraining order with an increasing ferocity of threats. The lawsuit claimed that Ashley Rogers never received a response from Mattas or any other law enforcement officer to any of the texts or emails.

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When she reached out to other law enforcement agents about Raymond Rogers restraining order violations, she was informed to contact Mattas.

The lawsuit claimed that Mattas violated Iowa law and his oath of office by repeatedly refusing to arrest Raymond Rogers in violation of a restraining order and placed Ashley Rogers in great danger. If she would have known not to rely on the false belief that the Defendants would enforce the law before she was shot multiple times, she would have taken additional steps to protect herself, including reaching out to the Woodbury County Sheriffs Office or the Sergeant Bluff Police Department to enforce the restraining order.

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Defendant Mattas conduct was willful, wanton and/or deliberately indifferent to Ashley Rogerss safety and welfare and the Defendant was well aware of the fact that Raymond Rogers posed a substantial risk of serious harm to Ashley Rogers; and he ignored that risk, the lawsuit reads in part.

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By failing to act on the restraining order violations, the lawsuit claimed that that the defendants acceptable law enforcement practices and norms as identified in express statutes regarding the enforcement of no contact orders and engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct.

Ashley Rogers is asking for a judgment to compensate her for her injuries and damages, as well as attorneys fees, interests allowed by law and punitive damages against Mattas. She has asked for a jury trial.

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Jan. 17HINES  Weeks after she was charged with felony animal mistreatment, the court has denied a Hines woman's request that the Animal Humane Society return 11 of the animals seized from her property.

Debra Marshall and Douglas Erickson were arrested on Dec. 6, 2024, following a months-long probe into reports of severe neglect involving hundreds of animals at their rural property about 20 miles northeast of Bemidji.

According to the initial release from the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, deputies first responded to a residence in the 16700 block of Aksarben Lane NE on Oct. 21 after receiving a report of potential animal neglect.

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"Deputies discovered a large number of cats and dogs that did not have adequate food and water, living in poorly ventilated environments, accumulation of animal feces and urine and animals that were in need of medical care," the release said.

These concerns were discussed with Marshall and Erickson, and they were advised that a follow-up visit would be conducted to ensure the issues were addressed. During the follow-up visit, law enforcement noted that many of the animals seen on the property during a previous visit were unaccounted for.

"When executing the search warrant, it became evident that many of the animals were unaccounted for," the release said. "An outdoor woodstove and ash pile were located nearby. Numerous bones and bone fragments were discovered in the ash, too numerous to count."

As a result of the investigation, the sheriff's office, veterinarians and Animal Humane Society personnel obtained a warrant to seize all cats, dogs and animal remains on the property under the authority of the Minnesota Animal Welfare Act.

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A total of 64 animals were recovered, leaving more than 170 missing. Deputies were able to confirm that only four of the dogs had been surrendered to a rescue, the release continued.

Following her arrest, Marshall filed to have six dogs and five cats returned to her, requesting a hearing to determine whether or not the seizure of the animals was substantially justified by law. In a hearing held on Dec. 23, Marshall explained her reasoning for wanting the 11 pets returned to her care.

"None of our pets that I'm requesting to be returned are young pets; they're older pets. They've been with us since they were babies," she said during the hearing. "We would like for them to be able to finish living their lives with us."

During the hearing, Marshall also claimed that a few of the pets were in the process of being certified as emotional support animals for either herself, her sister or Erickson. According to Marshall, the other animals listed in the request are needed for "helping with our safety and property when we are gone."

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Marshall also denied killing any animals in her care, despite the bones found near the outdoor woodstove at the property. She claimed that she rehomed or released the missing animals, noting that many of them were feral cats.

"I also did state... that I would be releasing my ferals and not keeping them in confinement," she said during the hearing. "And so when they show up again and there's numerous less cats, I did also say I was going to rehome animals and that I did have rescues lined up to help, which I did."

Marshall's request to have the 11 animals returned to her was denied, with the court finding that "there is insufficient evidence to find that the animals are physically fit or that Ms. Marshall can and will provide the care required by law for the animals," and that "the seizure and impoundment of the animals was substantially justified by law."

Marshall's next court hearing relating to her felony animal mistreatment charges is set for March 13. Erickson's next court hearing is set for Feb. 10.
A group of riders on dirt bikes, doing street stunts and waving to news helicopters, escaped a police pursuit though east Los Angeles County Thursday, authorities said.

California Highway Patrol responded at 3:52 p.m. to reports of racing between several motor bikes and dirt bikes on the westbound 60 Freeway at Rosemead Boulevard near South El Monte. When authorities tried to pull over the racers, two drivers fled, CHP said, leading a chase through various surface streets and freeways.

The riders, described by police as a young man and a teen, both wearing hoodies, traveled the wrong way on the 710 Freeway, CHP said, riding "at various speeds," although no specific top speed was mentioned in a press release.

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The release also failed to mention the group of nearly 20 drivers that joined the fleeing riders on motor bikes and four wheelers, captured by KTLA's news helicopter during the chase.

The riders greeted each other with fist bumps, waved to the news helicopter overhead while performing wheelies and street stunts and swerved dangerously close to other motorists, with police in tow. The group even stopped at a gas station to refuel at one point, KTLA reported.

Police eventually called off the chase and a police helicopter left behind to monitor them "was unable to continue with the pursuit." No arrests were made.

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LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Firefighters battled a house fire in Lancaster County last night and into the next morning.

According to the Lancaster Emergency Supervisor, crews were called to a residence in the first block of Williams Run Road in Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County just before 11:15 p.m. on January 17 for reports of a house fire.

Upon arrival, crews encountered the fire and began working into the overnight hours to put it out.

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The supervisor says people were home during the fire but no injuries have been reported.

The Red Cross was called to the scene to assist, and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal has been contacted to investigate the cause, per the supervisor.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised the alarm over the ongoing crackdown by some African governments on political opponents, activists, journalists, and critics.

The organization reported that armed forces and rebel groups in certain African nations have targeted civilians, causing deaths and forcing families from their homes. These findings are part of HRWs newly-released report, which highlights serious human rights violations across the continent.

The 2025 report particularly focuses on the devastating conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia. In Sudan, the ongoing war between the national armed forces and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to the displacement of 12 million people. This conflict has also resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and hindered the delivery of vital humanitarian aid. In Ethiopia, the report describes how government forces in the Amhara region have committed numerous attacks on medical professionals, patients, and health facilities, exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable communities.

Mausi Segun, the head of HRWs Africa Division, emphasised that armed conflict is not the only human rights violation affecting the continent. She highlighted increasing restrictions on civil liberties, such as intolerance for freedom of expression and assembly. HRW reports that protests are being suppressed, and individuals advocating for their rights or commenting on government policies are being targeted. In East Africa, disturbing trends of abductions have been noted, with anti-government protesters and foreign activists allegedly being forcibly taken, including some who were deported to countries like Turkey and Uganda.

The report also draws attention to the protracted conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where civilians continue to suffer from violence, including killings, sexual assaults, and displacement. HRWs Clementine de Montoye noted that the expansion of conflict is deepening harm to civilians, with no significant pressure on the warring factions to reduce their violations. Additionally, the report mentions the military-led regimes in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have cracked down on dissent, freedom of expression, and made little progress in addressing corruption.

In Southern Africa, HRW highlights Mozambiques ongoing post-election violence, which has claimed hundreds of lives. The violence has led to a rise in physical and psychological injuries, including an increase in disabilities and mental health issues. Elizabeth Kamundia, HRWs deputy director for disability rights, expressed concern about the challenges faced by those with mental health conditions, who are often unable to access necessary medication due to conflict and violence. Despite the widespread abuses, HRW acknowledges that African people are fighting back, using social media and street protests to demand an end to authoritarianism and the protection of their rights.
(Bloomberg) -- Croatian Agriculture Minister Josip Dabro resigned Saturday after a video emerged of him firing a handgun from a moving car.

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The 42-year-old politician from the right-wing Homeland Movement, a partner in coalition with the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, said the video was shot years ago before he was appointed minister. Also a deputy prime minister, Dabro said in a Facebook post he is resigning for moral reasons.

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The ruling party of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who started his third consecutive term after April elections, has seen more than a dozen ministers resign amid allegations of abuse of power and corruption.

No-one was reported as having been injured after the shooting that appeared from the video to be outside a village in eastern Croatia.

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Tens of thousands of people gathered for a glitzy array of festivities in the eastern German city of Chemnitz on Saturday as it took over the mantle of European Capital of Culture.

Under the motto "C the Unseen," in reference to the city's lesser-known status abroad, Chemnitz will host more than 200 projects and 1,000 events over the year.

The city, which was known as Karl Marx City in the former East Germany, has a population of around 240,000.

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"With this impressive programme, Chemnitz and all 38 participating municipalities have the potential to create a cultural beacon that will be recognized throughout Europe," said Culture Minister Claudia Roth.

Programmes were organized on several stages on Saturday, including a ceremony with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and a grand opening show at the Karl Marx Monument.

A rave was also planned at the town hall, while 120 people planned to pull a historic steam locomotive through the city to commemorate its rich industrial history.

EU Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef said he was looking forward to a year full of celebrations showcasing the diversity, identities and values of the European Union.

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Chemnitz is one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2025 alongside Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy.

It is the fourth time that a German city has held the title after West Berlin in 1988, Weimar in 1999 and Essen in 2010.

Around two million visitors are expected over the course of the year.
The Biden Administration is facing criticism for its decision to remove Cuba from the US list of nations sponsoring terrorism. While the move could potentially improve relations between the two countries, it has angered many Cuban Americans, particularly in Florida.
LONG POND, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso stated in a release that he believes a Venezuelan prison gang is responsible for two shootings in the last year.

The shootings have been linked to Venezuelan street gang Trena de Aragua (Train to Aragua) or TdA, according to Mancuso.

This comes after several interviews with party attendees, done by Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department, who have expressed fear of retaliation by the gang.

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On January 12, two people were shot at a residence on the 1300 block of Clover Road that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Lionardo Hernandez Zarata, of Venezuela.

Officials say he booked the private residence for a party to celebrate his birthday.

The residence was littered with shell casings and suitcases were left in the driveway with cell phones, cash, and Venezuelan identification cards, according to Mancuso.

Mancuso descried the residence as similar another in Pocono Farms last May where a property was also rented out for a party and a shooting occurred.

Authorities say no one is charged in the homicide, but police arrested two men on burglary charges and three women for narcotics charges.

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Mancuso says the investigation remains ongoing.

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WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  The cause of death for a woman whose body was found buried on a property in Cook Township after being missing for over a week has been ruled a homicide.

The Westmoreland County District Attorneys Office along with the Westmoreland County Coroners Office and Ligonier Valley police released an update Friday on their investigation into the death of Amy Shipley, 45, of Ligonier.

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Amy Shipley, 45, of Ligonier.

An autopsy found that Shipley died as a result of homicidal violence including blunt force trauma, according to the DAs office. Shipley was found in what was described as a makeshift grave on a property along Helens Lane. The autopsy also showed she had multiple traumatic injuries such as broken bones in various stages of healing.

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Authorities learned that her boyfriend, Robert Angelo, 48, frequented the property at the time of Shipleys disappearance. It was believed that Shipley died in her home on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 before she was buried at the property.

The DAs office planned to bring homicide charges against Angelo for the death of Shipley. However, Angelo died of suicide on Sept. 19, 2024, before charges could be filed.

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An investigation into the case is ongoing. Anyone with information about Shipley or Angelo is asked to contact the Westmoreland County Detective Bureau at (724) 830-3287.

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A federal appeals court on Friday dealt the immigration program known as DACA a legal setback, keeping the program alive but teeing up a showdown at the Supreme Court.

In a unanimous ruling, a three-judge panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the policy was unlawful but said that a federal judge in Texas had erred in concluding that the entire program should be halted nationwide. The court instead narrowed the injunction against part of the program so it would only apply to Texas.

The ruling injects fresh uncertainty for around half a million recipients of the Obama-era program that allows undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US illegally to live and work in the United States.

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The appeals court kept in place a pause on a lower-court ruling that barred the government nationwide from accepting new applications to the program, meaning that for now, DACA remains largely intact.

Because (Department of Homeland Security) intended the aspects of DACA to be severable and to function independently from one another, the district court erred by not severing the forbearance provisions from the work-authorization provisions, Judge Jerry Smith, Ronald Reagan appointee, wrote in the ruling.

Nina Perales, vice president of litigation for MALDEF, which represents DACA recipients in the case, said its unclear what the courts ruling means for DACA participants in Texas who are allowed to work.

Its striking down that part of the DACA rule that makes DACA recipients eligible for work authorization consideration, Perales said.

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That answer is not provided in the decision, Perales said, when asked whether the ruling would strip work permits away from DACA recipients. Its unlikely that it means a sudden end to work authorization, given that even Texas in the case was asking for a wind down.

The court said that it would keep its ruling on hold pending a further order of this court or the Supreme Court. Its unclear what the incoming Trump administration, which has shown a hostility to DACA, will decide to do with the ruling.

The Obama-era program has faced numerous legal challenges over the years. Under President Joe Biden, the program was codified through the federal rule-making process, but met with yet another challenge by a group of Republican-led states that argued the program harmed their states due to the public health care and educational spending that goes to DACA recipients.

The appeals court judges said in their ruling that the rule is materially identical to the program created via executive action in 2012 and contrary to federal immigration law, which they said did not give DHS the authority to set up the DACA scheme.

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RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA)  A 40-year-old woman from Danville is dead after she was hit by a car late Thursday night in Rantoul.

The pedestrian strike happened on Liberty Avenue near Chandler Road. The Rantoul Police Department said METCAD received a call at 10:23 p.m. that a woman was walking in the southbound lanes of Liberty Avenue; she was reportedly wearing all dark clothing. As officers were responding, METCAD received a second call from someone who said they had just hit the woman in the roadway.

One person hurt in overnight Arcola shooting

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The officers and personnel from the Rantoul Fire Department arrived on-scene and rendered medical aid until the woman could be taken to Carle Hospital in Urbana. She was later pronounced dead there, officials said.

The woman was identified as Kristina M. Sherman of Danville.

The driver of the car that hit Sherman stayed on the scene, officials said, and they are cooperating in the investigation. The Rantoul Police Department is being assisted by the Illinois State Police and the Champaign County Coroners Office.

Anyone who has further information on this incident is asked to contact the Rantoul Police Department at 217-333-8911 or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.

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Oleksii Akymenko, a student at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University who also worked as a teacher, was killed together with his grandmother in a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 17 January, aged just 20. The young man was actively involved in student life, volunteering, collecting books and going on field trips.

Source: Oleksandr Vilkul, Chairman of Kryvyi Rih Defence Council; Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University

Details: Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University said Oleksii had been studying Geography there.

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University lecturer Volodymyr Kazakov said that on the day of the tragedy, after the first strike on the city, Oleksii ran to a building that had been hit in an attempt to rescue his aunt.

Local animal rescue volunteers said that a 22-year-old woman who later died in a Kryvyi Rih hospital was Oleksii's aunt.

Quote from Volodymyr Kazakov: "We have lost a future geographer and teacher. He had many plans for travel and hikes, he went on expeditions. He had a sharp mind and a great thirst for knowledge and exploration of the world. He would take risks and was always ready to help people."

More details: The university added that Oleksii was the head of the facultys cultural events department, played an active role on the student council, and "energised" everyone around him.

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Describing Oleksii as "extraordinary" and "creative", the university said he had "dared to break stereotypes".

Read more: Prominent neuroscientist and biochemist: renowned scientist couple killed in Kyiv in Russian attack

Oleksii also taught geography at Kryvyi Rih's Impulse Lyceum No. 35, where his colleagues described him as a "talented and promising" teacher with "ambitious plans" for his professional and personal life.

Best Friend, an animal protection organisation, said Oleksii had also volunteered and helped out at a local shelter for stray animals.

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The volunteers reminisced about how in 2021, with other students from the faculty, he filmed a video for the animal shelter, and had brought hay for the dogs to keep them warm on New Year's Eve 2024.

Background: On 17 January, local resident Ihor lost his second wife in a Russian ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. His first wife had been killed in the city of Kherson.

Read more: "He believed he was making a difference": Scottish volunteer combat medic killed in action in Ukraine

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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

The complexity of the human brain86 billion neurons strong with more than 100 trillion connectionsenables abstract thinking, language acquisition, advanced reasoning and problem-solving, and the capacity for creativity and social interaction. Understanding how differences in brain signaling and dynamics produce unique cognition and behavior in individuals has long been a goal of neuroscience research, yet many phenomena remain unexplained.

A study from neuroscientists and engineers at Washington University in St. Louis addresses this knowledge gap with a new method to create personalized brain models, which offer insights into individual neural dynamics. Led by ShiNung Ching, associate professor in the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering, and Todd Braver, professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences in Arts & Sciences, the work, published Jan. 17 in PNAS, introduces a novel framework that will allow the researchers to create individualized brain models based on detailed data from noninvasive, high-temporal resolution brain scans. Such personalized models have applications in research and clinical settings, where they could support advances in neuroscience and treatment of neurological conditions.

"This research is motivated by our need to understand person-to-person variation in brain dynamics," said first author Matthew Singh, who conducted the research while a postdoctoral fellow with Braver and Ching at WashU and is now an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "We're not explaining the full range of biophysical mechanisms at work in the human brain, but we are able to shed light on why healthy individuals have different brain dynamics with our new modeling framework, which gives us insights into brain mechanics and testable predictions of brain phenomena."

A key advantage of the team's technique is its ability to see individual variations in the generation of alpha and beta waves and link them to global changes in the brain. These two types of brainwaves, characterized by their different electrical frequencies, are associated with different cognitive states and functions. For example, alpha waves are associated with relaxed states, such as meditation, while beta waves are linked to alert and active states, such as decision-making and problem-solving. Variation in the peak frequency of alpha waves has traditionally been a reliable measure of individual differences in the brain and behavior.

The study links differences in alpha- and beta-frequency oscillations with brain-wide variation in the balance between excitatory neuronsthose that boost activity by firing and passing signals to other neuronsand inhibitory neuronsthose that regulate activity by telling other neurons not to fire. The researchers validated the personalized models by showing they could reproduce global individual alpha and beta patterns and forecast future brain-wide activity accurately, verifying the explanatory power of their framework.

"This new technique provides a powerful tool for exploring the mechanisms underlying individual brain dynamics based on noninvasive measurements of brain activity," Ching said. "This will allow us to advance high-level neuroscience, create precision brain models for individuals that can forecast future brain activity and use that knowledge to inform personalized medical interventions."

"Ongoing collaboration, expansion and refinement of our model will be a key part of the next steps of this project," Braver added. "Our innovative approach has the potential to provide new insights into how individual variation in brain dynamics results in differences in cognitive functioning. We hope this framework may also eventually inform new ways of enhancing cognitive functioning, such as with neurostimulation."

More information: Matthew F. Singh et al, Precision data-driven modeling of cortical dynamics reveals person-specific mechanisms underpinning brain electrophysiology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2409577121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A Davidson County mom is fighting for answers from county and state leaders about how thousands of dollars in death benefits were spent before her adopted children were in her care.

Christopher and Falen came to Sana Myers as foster kids in October 2022 after their biological father passed away. The two kids were set to receive more than $900 a month per child.

After their foster care stipend is taken out, theyre left with $269 per child per month. Thats over $10,000 from the time they were with Myers as foster children.

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That money stays with the Davidson County Department of Social Services while the kids are considered foster children and is for bills, food, clothing and appointments, but Myers has always had questions about where that money was going.

Any time my kids needed to go to the doctor, I took them. I never asked any of the social workers to do anything for me. Thats my responsibility, Myers said.

Myers fostered the kids for almost two years aside from a four-month stay with their biological aunt.

Any extra money that wasnt spent by the DCDSS while the two were in foster care was supposed to come back to Myers from the Social Security Administration after she adopted them in August 2024, but she never saw a check.

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Show me where the moneys gone for the last two years, Myers said. Its theirs, Its what theyre entitled to.

Myers reached out in September 2024. Leaders with the DCDSS told her the money was spent on care for the kids and other bills, and leftover money would go to Social Security. She called the Social Security office which sent her back to the DCDSS and said there was no check for her, and they couldnt share with her how the money was spent.

When Myers went back to the DCDSS to ask for a breakdown of how the money was spent, they told her child welfare records were confidential, and they couldnt share them with her.

I feel like theyre my kids  I should be able to know anything and everything, Myers said.

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With no check and no answers, she reached out to FOX8.

When we reached out to the county manager, he shared two letters with us sent to the Social Security Administration, indicating the DCDSS sent the money back for both kids in October 2024.

The county manager also shared an email with us to the Social Security Administration, which was dated Jan. 15, after we got involved. Portions of the email are redacted, but one line states the check is being reissued.

FOX8 reached out to the Social Security Office to ask who got the original check and how a payee for these benefits is determined and is waiting to hear back.

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We later learned from Myers a check is on its way back to her from the office for $1,500, which is well under the $10,000 she was expecting.

We could put it in a college fund for them and let it grow. We could purchase their cars whenever it comes time for that. Theres a lot of things that money could go towards that is rightfully theirs, and nobody can tell me where it is, Myers said.

When FOX8 reached out to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to ask why Myers isnt allowed to know how her childrens money was spent, they pushed us back to the Social Security Administration and said in part:

Child Welfare records are confidential and protected by state and federal laws  We would recommend someone with questions about how social security benefits were previously spent contact the Social Security Office to see what may be able to be shared. Individuals may also want to seek their own, private legal counsel for assistance.

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Myers is now stuck hoping for help from her elected leaders at a county and state level to offer some kind of explanation.

She worries the red tape could keep other people from growing their families through the foster and adoption system.

Its going to make a lot of people say  I wanted to be a foster parent, but I dont want to  jump through these hoops. I dont want to be treated this way,' said Myers. It makes me question everything.

There is an additional almost $8,000 Myers says the aunt who fostered the kids temporarily is owed, and shes trying to track that money down, too.

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Jan. 17MITCHELL  The following cases were among those heard Tuesday, Jan. 14, during a circuit court session at the Davison County Public Safety Center, with Judge Chris Giles presiding:

* Princella Blackspottedhorse, 29, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine within a drug-free zone, a Class 4 felony. As part of a plea agreement, two additional charges of meth possession and distribution, both Class 5 felonies, were dismissed. The court ordered a pre-sentencing report to be completed. Blackspottedhorse faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. She will be sentenced in February. The court also denied a request for a bond modification.

* Treyton Hurlburt, 19, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, a Class 1 misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, several other charges were dismissed, including having an altered or invalid license, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and open container and possession of alcohol by a minor, both Class 2 misdemeanors. Hurlburt was fined $350 and sentenced to 33 days in jail, with 30 days suspended and one day credited for time already served. He was also granted a suspended imposition of sentence.

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* Sara Kleinsasser, 30, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled substance (meth), a Class 5 felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor. A jury trial is scheduled for March.

* Matthew Sherman, 35, of Chamberlain, appeared in court for a status hearing. Sherman is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, a Class 5 felony, and unauthorized manufacturing/distribution of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. Sherman previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case has been continued to March.

* Jonathan Abdo, 46, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (Tramadol). As part of a plea agreement, Class 1 misdemeanor charges from a separate incident, including trespassing and threatening law enforcement officers, were dismissed. Abdo was sentenced to two years in prison, with all time suspended and credit for 71 days already served. He was also ordered to pay a $600 fine and serve two years of probation.

* Paul Garcia, 49, of Rapid City, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (meth), a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, additional charges were dismissed, including possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to maintain financial responsibility, both Class 2 misdemeanors. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with the entire sentence suspended and a 57-day credit for time already served. Garcia was also ordered to pay a $750 fine and serve two years of probation.

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* Brandi Allen, 28, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a status hearing. She faces multiple charges, including obstructing police and resisting arrest, both Class 1 misdemeanors, as well as two counts of simple assault on a law enforcement officer, Class 6 felonies. Allen is currently applying for the James Valley Drug and DUI Court. A jury trial is scheduled for March.

* Lateef Maddox, 34, of Deland, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (hash oil), a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, several other charges were dismissed, including possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor; possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and another charge of possession of a controlled substance (meth). The court has ordered a pre-sentencing report, with sentencing scheduled for March.

* Lance Shields, 31, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (meth), a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, a Class 1 misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed. Shields was sentenced to five years in prison, with the entire sentence suspended and a credit for 94 days already served.

* Darice Garcia, 50, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and possession of a controlled substance (meth), a Class 5 felony. A jury trial is set for June.

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* Richard Dehmer, 50, of Fairmont, Minnesota, failed to appear in court, resulting in the forfeiture of his bond. Dehmer is facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 5 felony.

* Teresa Chipps, 18, of Rapid City, admitted to a probation violation. She had been serving probation for a grand theft charge involving $2,500-$5,000, a Class 4 felony. Chipps was ordered to serve 49 days in jail, with credit for 35 days already served.

* Mark Rigdon, 61, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a status hearing. He faces several charges, to which he previously pleaded not guilty, including threatening a law enforcement officer, reckless use of weapons, possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicatedall Class 1 misdemeanorsand aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony. According to court documents, Rigdon was target shooting on a trail leading to private property, firing in the direction of a home and cattle. When confronted by the landowner, he allegedly threatened violence and fired three rounds into the ground near the complainant's vehicle. While being transported to jail, Rigdon reportedly told a female trooper he could "cap" her without warning. Rigdon requested a continuance, which was granted, and his jury trial, originally scheduled for February, was rescheduled for March.

* Matthew Messer, 42, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to distribution/possession with the intent to distribute one ounce or less of marijuana, a Class 6 felony. Messer was sentenced to 75 days in jail, with 60 days suspended and credit for 11 days already served. He was also fined $300.

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* Kyle Long Crow, 35, of Sioux Falls, admitted to a probation violation. He had been serving probation for a possession of meth charge, a Class 5 felony. As a result of the violation, the court revoked the previously granted suspended imposition of sentence. Long Crow was sentenced to five years in prison, with all time suspended. He was ordered to serve 37 days in jail, with credit for 27 days already served, and to serve two years of probation.

* Courtney Brown, 45, of Sioux Falls, pleaded guilty to first-degree petty theft involving more than $400, a Class 1 misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, an identity theft charge, a Class 6 felony, was dismissed. According to court documents, Brown was captured on video surveillance multiple times at Walmart, failing to scan all her items. She also used a debit/credit card that did not belong to her to charge items. Brown was sentenced to 91 days in jail, with 90 days suspended and credit for one day already served. She was fined $300 and ordered to pay restitution of $403.36 to Walmart and $766.31 to the owner of the debit/credit card.

* Angela Stewart, 52, of Wingate, Indiana, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, two additional charges for possession and distribution of cocaine, a Class 5 and Class 4 felony, were dismissed. Stewart was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with 29 days suspended and credit for one day already served.

* Logan Hettinger, 22, of Ethan, pleaded guilty to possession of two ounces but less than half a pound of marijuana, a Class 6 felony. As part of a plea agreement, charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and possession of 10 ounces but less than half a pound of marijuana with intent to distribute, a Class 5 felony, were dismissed. The court has ordered a pre-sentencing report, and Hettinger is scheduled to be sentenced in February.

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* Mark Leach, 43, of Mitchell, appeared in court to request a continuance. Leach faces several charges, including unauthorized manufacturing, distribution, or possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; a drug-free zone violation, a Class 4 felony; two counts of possession of controlled substances (methamphetamine and Ritalin), both Class 5 felonies; and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor. His previously scheduled jury trial for February has been rescheduled to March.

* Dixon Escalona, 25, of Davie, Florida, failed to appear in court to face an attempted grand theft charge involving an amount between $5,000 and $10,000. According to court documents, Escalona was part of a group attempting to steal money from an ATM. A $5,000 bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.

* Russell Duley, 26, of Mitchell, made his initial appearance in court facing multiple misdemeanor charges. These include open container, resisting an officer, and careless driving, all classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, as well as driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence (DUI), both Class 1 misdemeanors. The case was continued to give Duley time to secure legal representation.

* Felix Rodriguez, 39, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (Tramadol), a Class 6 felony. In exchange for the plea, a Class 2 misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed. He was sentenced to two years in prison, with the sentence fully suspended. Rodriguez was also ordered to pay a $600 fine and serve two years of probation.

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* Selena Ross, 19, of Mitchell, failed to appear in court on charges she is facing, including intentional damage to property causing damages between $5,000 and $100,000, a Class 4 felony; attempted first-degree robbery, a Class 3 felony; and first-degree burglary, a Class 2 felony. A $5,000 bench warrant was issued for her arrest.

* Robert Martin, 30, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree petty theft for amounts under $400, both Class 2 misdemeanors; third-degree burglary and possession of a controlled substance (meth), both Class 5 felonies; and second-degree eluding and identity theft, both Class 6 felonies. Court documents indicate that Martin stole $140 from the Freedom Valu Center at 504 S. Sanborn Blvd. and also took a wallet, using the debit card inside to withdraw $100 from an ATM. A jury trial is set for March.

* Cleveland Skunk, 33, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to domestic abuse simple assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and third-offense domestic abuse simple assault, a Class 6 felony. Skunk was sentenced to two years in prison, with the sentence fully suspended. He was also fined $300 and ordered to serve two years of probation.

* Alexzander Drapeau, 18, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to second-degree eluding, a Class 6 felony, and underage DUI, a Class 2 misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, several other misdemeanor charges were dismissed, including speeding, driving without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia and throwing a substance on a highway intending to cause damage, all Class 2 misdemeanors, as well as possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana and obstructing police, both Class 1 misdemeanors. Drapeau was ordered to pay a $200 fine and serve two years of probation, with credit for one day served. His driver's license was revoked for 90 days, and he was granted a suspended imposition of sentence.

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* John Patton, 25, of Mitchell, admitted to violating his probation. He was on probation for possession of meth, a Class 5 felony. Patton requested a furlough to seek treatment at Stepping Stones. His case has been continued until February.

* Katrina Wells, 54, of Reelsville, Indiana, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, two additional chargesdistribution of cocaine, a Class 4 felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanorwere dismissed. Wells was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence fully suspended. She received credit for one day served and was fined $750. Additionally, she was ordered to serve two years of probation and was granted a suspended imposition of sentence.

* West Mackey, 58, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to possession of meth, a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, several other charges were dismissed, including driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class 2 misdemeanors; having an altered or invalid license, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and possession of a controlled substance (THC wax), a Class 5 felony. Mackey was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence fully suspended, and received credit for 22 days served. He was fined $750 and ordered to serve two years of probation.

* Will-Anthony Owen Jellis, 46, of Sioux Falls, appeared in court for a status hearing. He was facing charges of impersonating an officer, a Class 1 misdemeanor; two counts of domestic abuse simple assault by strangulation, a Class 3 felony; and violation of a protection order, a Class 6 felony. All charges against him were dismissed.

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* Joel McCormick, 37, of Denver, Colorado, appeared in court for a status hearing. He faces charges including two counts of possession of a controlled weapon, possession of a controlled substance, distribution of drugs without medical purpose, all Class 6 felonies, possession of cocaine, a Class 5 felony, and committing a felony while carrying a firearm, a Class 2 felony. The charges stem from a domestic dispute reported by his girlfriend on September 24, 2024, which led law enforcement to find the couple hours later in a hotel parking lot. During the investigation, officers conducted a search of McCormick's vehicle and discovered a ghost gun, an AR-style rifle, illegal drugs, and over 600 alprazolam pills. McCormick admitted to distributing the pills without authorization. His jury trial, originally set for February, has been rescheduled to March.

* Tina Hauge, 46, of Mitchell, appeared for a status hearing. She faces multiple drug charges, including possession and unauthorized ingestion of meth, both Class 5 felonies; possession of suboxone, a Class 6 felony; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor. Hauge is currently undergoing treatment, and the case was continued to March.

* Carey Fleury, 51, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to possession of meth, a Class 5 felony, and distribution of meth, a Class 4 felony. A jury trial is scheduled for June. Fleury was previously released on a $10,000 cash bond, but her bond was modified, and she is now being held until she provides a clean urine analysis.

* Lando Edoff, 20, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to obstructing police, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and possession of meth, a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, two other chargesdriving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class 2 misdemeanorswere dismissed. Edoff is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
Blackout  if ever a single word could strike fear into ministers it is this. The prospect of Britains lights, computers, offices and so much more all shutting down, and the huge political backlash that would follow  are the stuff of ministerial nightmares.

For the last five decades, thats what blackouts have been  just a nightmare. But a few days ago, the UK came closer to losing power than it has done for years.

The first warning came on Tuesday when the National Energy System Operator (Neso) issued an alert predicting a major shortfall in power for next day.

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Plummeting wind speeds, outages on three interconnectors and at some gas-fired power stations meant generating capacity was down. At the same time, forecasts of freezing temperatures meant demand was set to peak.

Demand for power was set to exceed supply, and if that happened, Nesos grid operators would be forced to blackout chunks of the country.

Birmingham would have been a likely target, say some analysts. Cutting off its power temporarily would have created enough reserve to keep the lights on in London and elsewhere. But it could have been anywhere.

In the end, the risk receded. Neso bought its way out of the crisis by paying generators to switch on extra power stations. It meant paying some of the highest prices for power ever seen, and cost consumers at least 17m extra on their bills  but it kept the lights on.

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Looking back, Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, rejected any suggestion of a crisis. He told a Commons select committee convened to quiz him on the issue last week: Theres been quite a lot of nonsense talked about this  Neso has said that at no point were electricity supplies less than anticipated demand.

Others are not so sure, pointing to the warnings emerging from grid operators on the day, including warnings of a 29pc risk of loss of load  a euphemism for shortages  that was higher than any could recall.

Kathryn Porter, an energy analyst and expert on grid dynamics, believes Miliband and Neso are playing down the risks.

Jan 8 was the tightest day for electricity supplies in over 15 years. Market data indicate we came within the loss of one power station of demand control or even blackouts, she says.

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Unfortunately, Neso continues to refuse to be transparent about which generating assets or batteries were available to run that day to provide spare margin and reserves.

This is disappointing and undermines confidence in their assertions, which are not supported by underlying market data.

The net zero risk

Whoever is right about Jan 8, its clear that large-scale blackouts remain unlikely. But so are hurricanes, terrorist attacks and acts of war  and Britain has faced all three over the last few decades

And, as even Neso admits, the transition to net zero is raising the risk. Paul Wakeley, Neso network boss, wrote in its last 10-year plan: Our analysis this year continues to show growing system needs driven primarily by [growing] low carbon and renewable generation.

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Growing system needs is a reference to the shutdown of old-style large power stations and their replacement by wind and solar, which are more intermittent sources of electricity.

Last year, for example, the UK shut down its last remaining coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar to get rid of the 8m to 10m tonnes of CO2 it emitted annually at its peak.

If the 2 gigawatts of capacity it once provided had been available on Jan 8, there would have been no problem.

In the next few years, the UK is also likely to lose at least two of the nuclear power stations whose steady output is what now stabilises the entire grid.

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That will leave the nation even more reliant on weather-dependent sources such as wind and solar, backed up by a fleet of ageing and increasingly unreliable gas-fired power stations.

The peak threat for power shortages will come around 2027-29, say analysts. So what would happen if we were one day hit by blackouts? How would Britain cope? And how would it recover?

Neso, along with the operators of the UKs high voltage transmission systems are extremely reluctant to discuss plans for major outages  fearing perhaps that even acknowledging the risk would raise the hackles of politicians. We dont talk about hypotheticals, a Neso spokesperson said.

However, it has published a one-page description of what it terms demand control  effectively meaning cutting off parts of the country to reduce the demand for power.

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It states: If a sudden or short-duration electricity shortfall affected a specific region, or the whole country, we would implement the Demand Control process as set out in the Grid Code  allowing us to instruct distribution network operators to reduce up to 20pc of demand at short-notice (five minutes) with an additional 20pc made available at one days notice.

In practice, this would mean power companies would decide on which areas to shut off.

Blackouts in practice

If the shortfalls were prolonged, however, the Government would have to invoke the emergency powers in the Energy Act 1976.

Miliband would have to seek an Order in Council to activate Electricity Supply Emergency Code, which would allow him to impose a rota of power disconnections across the whole country. Such orders must be approved by the monarch in person  meaning Miliband or his successor would have to make a rather awkward trip to Buckingham Palace.

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The disconnection rota set out in the code doesnt mean just cutting off a few factories. The way the grid is built would mean rolling blackouts for whole cities or regions.

Official documents show disconnections from the grid would be managed in three-hour chunks, rolling across geographies to spread the impact. For prolonged periods of strained supply, regions would see their blackouts clustered over several days to minimise disruption.

Certain businesses would be shielded  operations of national importance, facilities needed for public health and sites that would pose a safety risk or incur catastrophic damage if their power was summarily cut off.

Businesses and public services that fall within these designations can apply to be protected sites. Examples include gas terminals, major airports and their control towers, water and sewage plants, hospitals without access to backup generators, army facilities and essential financial infrastructure.

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As for geography, where might be affected? Here the official guidance is less clear but analysts point to Birmingham as an example of a likely target. Its power usage is large enough that imposing blackouts could make a significant difference to stabilising the grid.

However, it could just as easily be chunks of Wales or Manchester.

London is seen as the least likely to be switched off, given the political implications of cutting off the capital and the fact that it is the countrys seat of power.

Milibands Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is confident that such plans will never be needed.

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A spokesman said: It is categorically untrue that our electricity or gas supplies have been at risk this winter. We have no concerns and are confident we will have a sufficient gas supply and electricity capacity to meet demand.

Richard Tice, Reforms energy spokesman, disagrees, warning that the UKs energy system is becoming increasingly precarious both in terms of price and security of supply.

He says: We are not being told the truth. Our energy is becoming more expensive and less secure. The drive to net zero is dramatically increasing prices due to the need to have back up gas and nuclear supply for when renewables are not generating enough electricity.

It also increases the risk of rationing or even blackouts at times of low wind, as we saw last week.

Memories run deep

Rolling blackouts have hit Britain before. Five decades ago, a mining strike left power stations without coal and forced the government to declare a state of emergency in February 1972.

That meant power cuts, with a disconnection rota that left swathes of the country without power sometimes for nine hours a day. About 1.5m people were immediately laid off from work.

In 1972, a mining strike left power stations without coal and forced the government to declare a state of emergency - David Bagnall/Alamy Stock Photo

In 1974, a second strike forced Ted Heath, then-prime minister, to impose a three-day working week. He also called a general election but lost, opening the way to a Labour government.

Memories of those events run deep among British political parties. Ministers are acutely aware that, in an era when electricity powers not just our lights and TVs, as in 1974, but our computers, cars phones and medical equipment, the political impacts could be even greater.

A small taste of the threat came in August 2019 when lightning struck a transmission line in Cambridgeshire  causing blackouts across England, Wales and even parts of Scotland.

The 2019 power blackout occurred in summer and in daylight so there were no accidents on unlit homes or streets and no-one froze.

However, the National Risk Register, which is drawn up by the Cabinet Office and lists 89 threats that could destabilise the country, states that future blackouts are most likely in winter, when demand is heaviest. Restoring power could take up to seven days with cities facing the longest wait because urban grid networks are so complex.

In 1974, strikes forced Ted Heath, then-prime minister, to call a general election - Terry Disney/Hulton Archive

Crisis plans in place

How might Britain re-energise? There are plans for this too. The process was once known as a black start and depended on getting the big gas and coal power stations fired up first to create a stable baseload.

Those are now gone so Neso is experimenting with a new process called distributed restart  using low carbon and even intermittent sources of electricity to kick start the grid after a collapse. It works experimentally, but whether it can work in reality is yet to be tested.

Some industry experts believe Britains best bulwark against blackouts caused by low winds and plummeting temperatures is to reinforce its sources of renewable electricity.

Greg Jackson, head of Octopus Energy, the UKs largest energy supplier, says he is backing the Xlinks project to construct huge solar and wind farms in Moroccos Sahara desert. Subsea cables will then bring power to the UK, covering for times of low wind and little sun in gloomy Britain.

That would help answer the Dunkelflaute problem by providing 7pc of our electricity, he says.

Other solutions are available, including banks of batteries or even inertia systems  giant flywheels spinning so fast they can repower the grid at the flick of a switch. Again, these have yet to be tested.

Ministers and energy officials alike will hope that they never have to be. Such plans are drawn up for a crisis but the best case scenario is they sit idle in a draw forever.

Our net zero future holds many uncertainties  but never more so than for ministers for whom every cold windless winter day could herald the end of a political career.

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Jan. 17A Dayton man who was accused of trying to flee a traffic stop with a police officer stuck inside his car was sentenced to prison.

Antonie Michael Still, 31, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Ellis to four to six years in prison, followed by two years of parole.

On May 13, 2024, officers Ashley Frey and Madeline Ambrose pulled over a Honda Civic with expired tags near Bierce Avenue and South Torrence Street at around 10 p.m.

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During the traffic stop, Still began reaching for a backpack on the floor of the car, so Frey asked him to step outside, according to Dayton Municipal Court documents.

Police camera footage shows one of the officers try to open the driver's door when Still pulls it shut and says "Ma'am I'm not going to do that."

Both officers then opened the door and Frey reached across Still to unlatch his seat belt, court records said, but as she did so Still tried to accelerate away.

Video shows Frey and Still struggle with each other while trying to control the car. The car then crashed into a parked pickup truck, the affidavit said, which closed the door and shut Frey inside.

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Ambrose ran to the car and tried to open the passenger door, but it was locked, the affidavit said. The car briefly backed up then stopped, and Ambrose was able to break the passenger window.

The car accelerated forward again and crashed into a tree, deploying the airbags.

Still got out and fled on foot, with officers trying and failing to use a Taser on him.

While running, Still dropped a bag that he later told detectives had cocaine in it, the affidavit said, and he was later found and arrested by two other officers under a handicap ramp in a yard.

A resident's dog had reported bitten him as he fled.

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Frey was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, where she was treated and released. Still was also taken to the hospital before being transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

Still claimed that he was shot at, though police reports said no shots were fired.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in D.C. are investigating after a man was shot to death in Congress Heights Saturday morning.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that just before 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 18, officers went to the 1300 block of Congress St. SE for a report of a person suffering from cardiac arrest.

Former US Attorney for DC Matthew Graves reflects on time in office

When the officers arrived, they found a man who was unconscious and not breathing, with gunshot wounds.

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He died at the scene.

Police said the case is under investigation by the Homicide Unit.

The victims name has not been released, as of Saturday morning.

Anyone with information that can help police in their investigation is encouraged to call 202-727-9099 or text MPD at 50411.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The outgoing top prosecutor for the nations capital said that he doesnt see a basis for President-elect Trump to pardon those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an exit interview with The Washington Post.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves, who spearheaded the Department of Justices (DOJ) investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, officially stepped down Friday.

When asked whether any of the Jan. 6 cases could legitimately be offered some type of clemency, Graves said, As the prosecutor who prosecuted these cases, I dont see a basis for a pardon or clemency.

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And that shouldnt be in any way controversial, he added. Because if I thought that the case shouldnt have been prosecuted, I wouldnt have prosecuted it. And if I thought that there was some reason for a lesser sentence, I would have advocated for that lesser sentence.

Graves announced last month that he would step down before Trump returns to the White House. His office has charged more than 1,500 defendants accused of participating in Jan. 6, their charges underpinned by tens of thousands of hours of video and photo evidence, cellphone data and eyewitness testimony. Of those defendants, 996 people have pleaded guilty, and 255 people were convicted by a jury or judge.

Earlier this week, Graves also ensured that investigations and information related to the insurrection would be preserved and will be available later for public review.

Trump repeatedly promised during the 2024 campaign to grant clemency to those who stormed the Capitol as Congress certified President Bidens 2020 election victory.

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Theres a whole political consideration on the back end about whether an executive wants to either reduce the sentence or grant a pardon, Graves told the Post on Friday. That is a completely separate process. I never said that wouldnt be legitimate.

Vice President-elect JD Vance on Sunday said people who committed violence on Jan. 6, 2021, obviously shouldnt be pardoned by Trump.

Meanwhile, Trumps pledge for pardons for the rioters could be carried out as early as Monday, once he is sworn into office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Michael Ansbach said he had been snorting cocaine with David Pearce for hours, but he knew something was wrong with the last bump he took.

After a day spent filming material for a documentary Pearce was supposedly producing, the pair went out to a Koreatown nightclub, then an East L.A. warehouse rave, where Ansbach said they met two young women  Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales Arzola.

The two women later died from drug overdoses, with Pearce now standing trial, charged with murder in their deaths, along with several rapes prosecutors say he committed between 2007 and 2021.

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Ansbach testified Friday that Pearce was generously doling out coke to the women, and that the group eventually made their way back to Pearce's Olympic Boulevard apartment.

At some point, Ansbach testified, Pearce served him a vodka drink that tasted "awful" and made him feel "immediately dizzy." Then, he said, Pearce brought out a batch of coke he deemed "the good stuff," according to Ansbach. He said he joined Giles and Arzola in trying the new supply, but in an instant, his nostrils were burning and he was in serious pain.

Read more: L.A. County courts tried to maintain business as usual during firestorm. It was anything but

Ansbach said he asked Pearce what he just snorted. In reply, Ansbach said, Pearce began laughing and looked like "the devil personified right in front of me."

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Hours passed. Ansbach said he lost count of how many times he vomited. He noticed neither woman was moving and that Giles "didn't appear to be alive." Ansbach says he pleaded with Pearce to take the women to the hospital but was brushed off.

Dead girls dont talk,'" Pearce said, according to Ansbach's testimony Friday. "Its a phrase that echoes in my nightmares and disturbs me.

Pearce has pleaded not guilty, with his defense arguing that there's no evidence he supplied the drugs that caused the women to die.

Originally arrested in connection with the killings of both women  who were dumped outside hospitals that night in November 2021  Ansbach has since become a critical prosecution witness, the only person to survive after ingesting the drugs prosecutors say killed Giles and Arzola.

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Pearce faces two counts of murder in the deaths of the women and seven counts of rape. Prosecutors previously declined to pursue sexual assault charges against Pearce in 2014, but after news of Giles' and Arzola's deaths drew headlines, several women came forward with accusations that dated back to 2005.

Prosecutors said during opening arguments last week that Pearce represented himself as a well-connected Hollywood player to lure women back to his apartment. In some cases, the women alleged they fell ill or felt "paralyzed" after Pearce served them drinks, and woke up to him sexually assaulting them.

Brandt Osborn, who was Pearce's roommate at the apartment where Giles and Arzola suffered the overdoses, is also on trial for two counts of being an accessory after the fact to the women's deaths. Prosecutors said Osborn helped Pearce transport the dying women and destroy evidence at the residence.

Ansbach said he lost track of time as he got sicker in the apartment, but insisted that he urged Pearce to take the women to a hospital.

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I felt incredibly weak  like it was taking over me  it was like a tranquilizer," Ansbach said of his reaction to the drink Pearce served him. A toxicology screen found gamma-hydroxybutyrate  the date rape drug commonly referred to as GHB  in Giles system.

After checking Giles' pulse  Ansbach said he couldn't feel anything  he became concerned that Pearce wasn't going to do anything to help the women.

Read more: Judge 'troubled' by Danny Masterson's attorneys tracking down jurors after rape trial

Ansbach said Pearce was really only concerned about himself, and mentioned his fear of prison time due to a past criminal record.

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Ive had priors, this cant happen to me, Pearce said, according to Ansbach.

Court records show the women were eventually taken to medical facilities nearly 12 hours later, driven in a car without license plates, which Ansbach said he saw Pearce remove.

Pearce and Osborn have denied all wrongdoing, and their attorneys were quick to point out Ansbach's description of events inside the apartment changed significantly after his arrest in December 2021.

Prosecutors did not offer Ansbach immunity in exchange for his testimony. Months after his arrest alongside Pearce and Osborn, he provided a statement through an attorney implicating the other men.

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Ansbach was never charged with a crime, and it was not immediately clear if the LAPD ever presented a case against him. The district attorney's office has not responded to inquiries about the case, including a request for public records that layout the reasoning as to why any charges might have been declined.

On cross-examination, Ansbach admitted that during his first interview with Los Angeles police he said he never saw the women do drugs, nor did he paint a portrait of Pearce anywhere close to the way he described him on Friday.

Ansbach said he didn't have a lawyer at the time and was rattled after being taken in by what he described as a "SWAT team."

I was scared," Ansbach said. "Id never been in that situation before, and I had no idea what to do.

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"So you lied?" defense attorney Jeff Voll asked.

"Yeah," Ansbach eventually said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jan. 17SANTA FE  In the final days before she departs, Deb Haaland has found time to reflect on her journey from the back roads of New Mexico to a sprawling office in the Stewart Udall Department of the Interior Building in Washington, D.C.

Haaland, a former congresswoman, made history in 2021 when President Joe Biden appointed her as the first Native American Cabinet secretary.

During her nearly four years at the helm of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Haaland has focused on expanding renewable energy projects on public land and shining light on historical wrongs committed by the government.

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"When I first got here, I felt like, 'What am I doing here?'" she said during an interview this week. "It was hard to believe I really had this opportunity."

"It has given me a real opportunity to see so much of our beautiful country and appreciate it in a way that perhaps I never had before," she added.

While Haaland faced pushback from skeptical Republican senators from day one due to her past support for green energy policies, she ended up approving new oil leases, including in parts of New Mexico.

But she also touted the federal agency's efforts to cap orphaned oil wells and clean up abandoned mines, along with launching 59 new wind energy projects, including 11 offshore wind projects.

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Haaland, a Laguna Pueblo member who grew up in a military family, said the opportunity to elevate Native American voices has also been a priority during her time as Interior secretary.

"I wanted to make sure that Indian Country was on equal footing with everything else we are charged with doing here," she said.

Among other initiatives, Haaland cited the department's efforts to remove derogatory names from more than 600 physical landmarks, such as changing the name of Squaw Peak in Sandoval County to Tamayameh Kah Sta Ma.

She also referred to an initiative to recognize the troubled legacy of federal Indian boarding schools, which led Biden to issue a formal apology at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona in October.

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Haaland's grandparents were both sent to St. Catherine's Indian Boarding School in Santa Fe, and she has talked about the generational trauma of the boarding school policies.

"What we really wanted to do is shine a light on this horrific historical era of American history," she said. "It's really astounding how many people had no idea this actually happened in our country."

'Not my job to make everyone happy'

While Haaland has received accolades for some of her actions as Interior secretary, she has also faced criticism.

That includes an outcry over her 2023 decision to bar new oil and gas leasing in a 10-mile radius around Chaco Canyon from Navajo Nation residents who financially benefit from drilling royalties.

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Navajo Nation protesters even blocked the road to the World Heritage Site, scuttling plans for an event celebrating the order.

In addition, a tribe in northern California filed a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior over its handling of a different tribe's application to build an off-reservation casino.

Haaland acknowledged the difficulty  if not impossibility  of finding consensus on some issues that fall under the agency's purview.

"It's not my job to make everyone happy, right?" she said. "It's my job to manage our public lands."

On tribal gaming issues, Haaland said she's largely deferred to Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Brian Newland.

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"We follow the law, we follow our policies, we follow the rules and we do the work that is in front of us," she added.

With her departure date approaching, Haaland said she has not spoken with Doug Burgum, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee as the next Interior secretary, but indicated she would be open to doing so.

"I would probably just let him know really what a wonderful opportunity any secretary of the Interior has," she said.

Regis Pecos, a former governor of Cochiti Pueblo, said Haaland has faced pressure from tribal leaders to represent their interests at the highest levels of U.S. government, along with the pressure of being the only Native American in key closed-door meetings.

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"I think she's really done it in a respectful and dignified way," said Pecos, who recalled Haaland taking time to meet with a group of visiting high school students from New Mexico.

"New Mexico should be profoundly proud that one of our own served in that capacity," he added.

The next chapter

With Trump set to be sworn into office on Monday, Haaland said she's looking forward to returning soon to New Mexico.

Her final weeks at the agency have been full of meetings and pep talks, along with an appearance on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

"I'm dropping in to see some folks, whether virtually or in person, and just letting them know I'm going to be cheering for them from the sidelines," she said.

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Haaland did not say whether her future plans include a New Mexico gubernatorial campaign in 2026, though senior Democratic strategists have said she has been quietly making plans to run.

Whatever the future holds, Haaland said the journey from being a single mom in Albuquerque to a glass ceiling-breaking U.S. Cabinet secretary has not been hers alone.

"As a pueblo woman from New Mexico, I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors," she said.

"It's been the honor of my lifetime to bring that perspective and help us to accomplish the goals and stay true to the mission of the Department of the Interior," said Haaland.
Romania's Defense Ministry confirmed on Jan. 17 that it had found Russian drone fragments in two communities situated on the Romania-Ukraine border.

The two attack drones, located in the communities of Chatalchioi and Kiliya Veche in Tulcea County, were found following a Russian overnight drone attack on Ukraine. Residents in the Romanian border communities received air raid alerts amid the attack.

Ukraine's Air Force reported it had downed 33 out of the 50 drones launched by Russia overnight on Jan. 16 - 17. Another nine were "lost," and one more drone flew in the direction of Romania, according to the statement.

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Romania's Defense Ministry said that the Russian drones did not cause any casualties or damage.

It was not the first time that wreckage of Russian drones have been found on Romanian territory, which is a NATO country. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River that separates Ukraine and Romania.

In previous incidents, Romania's military scrambled F-16 fighter jets to protect the country's own airspace.

The country previously published a draft law that would allow the military to shoot down aircraft that illegally violate Romania's airspace. Despite the legislative efforts, Bucharest has yet to down Russian drones over its territory.

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia, Iran sign strategic partnership deal; Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 radar equipment













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PARIS  Delphine Arnault was among the honorees on the Legion dHonneurs annual New Year decree, published Saturday by Frances Journal Officiel.

The civilian distinction, traditionally handed out twice a year on Jan. 1 and July 14, was delayed this year due to the protracted formation of a new government. Honorees are listed according to the ministry that oversees their field.

More from WWD

Included on the list of the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Arnault was distinguished as chief executive officer of a fashion house, in recognition of her 27-year career.

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Currently chairman and CEO of Dior as well as a member of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuittons board of directors and executive committee, she is also the force behind the LVMH Prize for Young Designers and a key talent scout for the group.

Arnault wasnt the only LVMH executive on the New Years honors roll.

Jean-Paul Claverie, an adviser to business titan Bernard Arnault and director of patronage for the French luxury conglomerate, was elevated to commander on the list of the French Ministry of Culture, as was philanthropist and collector Maryvonne Pinault, the wife of luxury chief Francois Pinault.

Others connected to the luxury spheres were also awarded, including LOreal scion Francoise Bettencourt Meyers; Anthony Chevy, industrial director of S.T. Dupont, the French purveyor of luxury pens and lighters, and Edgar Schaffhauser, executive president of the French leather goods federation.

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They were joined in the 2025 New Years Legion dHonneur cohort by master baker Eric Kayser, French actresses Camille Cottin and Melanie Thierry, as well as a cadre of professionals who were involved the restauration of Paris Notre-Dame cathedral, reopened in December.

Meanwhile, new inductees of Frances National Order of Merit, an honorific for distinguished civil achievements, were also revealed. They included LVMHs deputy finance officer Cecile Cabanis at the grade of officer, and feather artist Nelly Saunier, among the knights.

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Jan. 17ANDERSON  An Anderson man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to felony charges of child molesting and possession of child pornography.

Marcus P. Delvaux, 54, 1700 block of Lindberg Road, entered pleas of guilty to two counts of child molesting and a count of possession of child pornography in Madison Circuit Court Division 6.

Madison Circuit Court Division 6 Judge Mark Dudley sentenced Delvaux Friday to an executed sentence of six years at the Indiana Department of Correction and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.

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The state's case was presented by deputy prosecutor Dan Kopp.

Anderson police arrested Delvaux in August for reportedly fondling a young girl several times starting when she was 12 years old.

During a Kids Talk forensic interview, the girl said Delvaux would touch her inappropriately and that he possessed child pornography.

The investigation began following a report made on the Indiana Department of Child Services Hotline.

When interviewed, Delvaux denied any inappropriate contact.

A search warrant on his cellphone showed nude pictures of females in which their age could not be determined.

Forensic analysis of Delvaux's cellphone and laptop found at least 10 images of child pornography, depicting sexual conduct by female children between the ages of 10 and 16.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
(NewsNation)  Days before Biden leaves office, 16 Democratic state attorneys general asked a court on Thursday to join a federal lawsuit as part of a battle to keep two Biden-era gun control policies in place.

A private gun group is challenging Bidens ban on forced reset triggers, which can make a semiautomatic weapon fire like a machine gun, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Attorneys general from coast to coast, including New Jersey, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, North Carolina, Nevada and more, want to join the lawsuit as defendants before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

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The decision below will impose significant law enforcement and healthcare costs on Movant States and injure their quasi-sovereign interestsincluding in the safety of their residents, the motion filed this week says. And though Movant States could previously rely on federal defendants to represent their interests, the President-Elect promises to overturn the current Administrations firearms policies swiftly.

Biden admin announces last round of student debt relief

Movant states refers to the 16 state officials who want to be named defendants alongside U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A judge denied the motion the same day, meaning the states cannot become defendants in the lawsuit. But the effort signals a larger push for states to act on their interests that may clash with Trumps before Inauguration Day.

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The attorneys general also filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to join a lawsuit challenging the background check requirement of buyers at gun shows.

Trump, in a previous campaign speech, said he would roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment.

We know its a very real likelihood, based on what the president-elect has said, that his Justice Department wont defend these rules, said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin of New Jersey to the New York Times. States like New Jersey will be harmed.

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Democrats are down in the dumps this inauguration weekend, and their hopes are not being lifted when they look at their prospects for winning back the White House in 2028.

As President-elect Trump prepares to enter the Oval Office for a second time, plenty of Democrats looking at a potential field that includes Vice President Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer give this answer when asked who they think can put the party back on top: None of the above.

We need a political exorcism, one top Democratic strategist said.

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Two months of introspection and analysis have left party operatives feeling the best-known hopefuls could suffer the same fate as Harris. They say their party needs to find a candidate who better appeals to not only Democrats but the electorate as a whole.

They all talk out of the same playbook and that same playbook has failed again and again and again. We have a major fing problem, the strategist said of the list of potential candidates being bandied about. And were headed to a multi-cycle wilderness if we think any of those people can fix it.

One major Democratic donor agreed with that assessment. Asked who was most appealing among the top contenders, the donor replied, Honestly, none of them.

How are any of them different from what weve had before? the donor added. Its like the old expression, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting it to be different.

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In the days following Trumps stunning victory  in which he won not just the Electoral College but the popular vote  and an election that saw the Senate flip and Republicans retain control of the House, some Democrats maintain they need not only wholesale makeover of their party but a new messenger at the top.

Democrats acknowledge that in the last two months, they feel demoralized and lost, almost the opposite feeling of the one they had on the heels of Trumps surprise win against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons conceded that Democrats in Washington are rightfully worried about the future of the party in a macro sense and that Democrats have got to burn down our image.

Our vibe is off, said Simmons, who served as communications director for Harris until 2023. The whiff of us is that we dont live life like most Americans. It doesnt feel as culturally familiar as the Republican vibe.

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More specifically, when it comes to the top contenders for 2028, Simmons said its still early.

But he cautioned, everything is possible and nobody is safe.

Other Democrats point to President Biden and his administration, which they say was not only completely out of touch with what voters wanted but unsympathetic to the struggles of Americans. And when Biden announced he would no longer seek reelection, Harris, while more energetic, didnt offer anything different.

In recent weeks, Democrats  even would-be hopefuls like Newsom  havent offered much in the way of change, some in the party say.

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Several Democrats interviewed by The Hill highlighted the California governors response to the wildfires in the Los Angeles region by promising to launch investigations but refusing to accept any responsibility for the devastating loss in his state.

Instead of saying I cant believe there was no water in the reservoirs and taking action, its just excuse after excuse, the Democratic strategist said. And somehow we dont think this will bleed into the presidential election. Mark my words, no one will forget this.

At the same time, Democrats are casting doubt on other contenders including Whitmer, Harris and outgoing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, saying they represent the status quo.

A second strategist predicted that the next few years during the Trump era would be a race for who can be the chief Trump critic.

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I dont know, man, the strategist said. I think voters spoke pretty loudly about what they wanted. And their response was f them.

Whitmer, in recent days, has taken steps to show she wants to come together with Republicans, including Trump, something other Democrats have considered in the weeks since the president-elects win.

I have shared with some of my colleagues from some of the very blue states that my situation here in Michigan is very different than theirs, Whitmer said in an interview with The Associated Press. Ive got a Republican House of Representatives  majority Republican House  now to work with.

Ive got to make sure that I can deliver and work with folks of the federal government, and so I dont view myself as the leader of the opposition like some might, Whitmer said, adding that she suspects she and Trump can find common ground on some things.

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has also carved a unique path since November, moving toward the center on some issues and signaling a desire to work with Trump and some of his appointees. He represents a swing state that Trump won in 2024.

While some Democrats say there needs to be a wider net cast for potential candidates, Democratic strategist Eddie Vale said the 2028 race is already different from past cycles because there isnt a clear front-runner for the nomination.

With the caveat of course who knows who will get in, if youre tired of the same old folks, the 2028 field is actually probably one of the most wide open and youngest possibilities in decades, Vale said.

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Donald Trump has not yet taken office, but prominent Democrats have already started weighing in on one of the partys most pressing strategic questions: is there room to work with the new administration?

It depends on who you ask.

In the days leading up to Trumps second inauguration, some Democrats in Congress have expressed openness to some of the incoming presidents Cabinet picks. Governors of blue states  including New Jersey and Maryland, where Trump gained ground in the November election - have said they wouldnt put resistance over advancing their states priorities. And a handful of prominent members of the party, including Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, have trekked to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump.

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The willingness to find common ground with the incoming president highlights a difficult reality for Democrats. After years of warning that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy, they must now confront the reality that he narrowly won the popular vote, chipped away at their coalition and is backed by loyal Republican majorities in Congress.

But while elected officials have signaled their receptivity, those charged with helping Democrats win and selecting their partys new leadership have stopped short of proactively seeking common ground. Democratic party insiders expressed skepticism that the incoming presidents agenda would offer room for compromise.

When I hear elected officials say that they are willing to find a way to work with Trump, I think we have different jobs, said Shasti Conrad, the chair of the Washington Democratic Party. My job as a leader of this Democratic Party is to make sure that we have more Democrats winning  its not to make it easier for the Republicans to do whatever theyre going to do.

For Democrats, trying to calibrate the right amount of resistance isnt a new debate. After Trumps 2016 election, dozens of House Democrats boycotted Trumps inauguration even as their congressional leaders argued Democrats had a responsibility to find common ground with the incoming president. Eight years later, Trump is taking office once again, with a Republican trifecta to push forward various promises he made on the campaign trail, from mass deportations of migrants to rolling back much of President Joe Bidens agenda.

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In the final days of his presidential transition, 55% of Americans approved how Trump handled it and 56% said they expect him to do a good job as president, according to a recent CNN poll.

Democrats are betting that voters will sour on the incoming president once he takes office and begins enacting his plans.

Hes going to start doing all the things he did before, but now he feels even more emboldened to be able to do those things in the future, said Bryan Kennedy, a Democratic National Committee member and mayor of Glendale, Wisconsin. Democrats have to stand up to him.

Not looking for fights

One early area of common ground has been immigration. This month, 48 House Democrats voted with Republicans to advance the Laken Riley Act, which would require law enforcement to detain undocumented migrants charged with theft or burglary. Two Democrats have also co-sponsored the bill in the Senate: Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Ruben Gallego of Arizona.

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A handful of Democratic senators also have expressed openness to confirming Trumps Cabinet picks or working with Republicans on key issues. Chief among them has been Fetterman, who Trump called a commonsense person after the Pennsylvania Democrat visited him in Mar-a-Lago this month.

But that attitude has gone beyond Capitol Hill. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who once called himself the Biden of Brooklyn and is in charge of a blue city where Trump made gains, also traveled to Florida to meet with the president-elect Friday.

Across the country, governors have made clear that their priorities are their states, not combatting the incoming White House.

In New Jersey, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy vowed to never back down from partnering with the administration where our priorities align during his State of the State address earlier this month.

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But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values  if and when they are tested, he added.

In Michigan, one of the seven battleground states Trump won, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she wouldnt avoid fights with the administration, but she wouldnt look for them, either.

I dont want to pretend were always going to agree, but I will always seek collaboration first, Whitmer, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said during remarks at the Detroit Auto Show.

And in Maryland, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, who is also viewed as a possible future presidential candidate, shared a similar sentiment.

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I am not the leader of the resistance, I am a governor of Maryland, Moore told CNNs Jake Tapper.

Not every Democratic governor has shied away from being part of the opposition. Some party leaders have embraced taking on an adversarial role against the Trump White House.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a special session of the state legislature in November to safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration. This month, Democrats in the state agreed to invest $50 million to help fund legal efforts to sue the Trump administration and protect migrants from deportation.

Not our job to cooperate

In Detroit, where the national party held its first official in-person forum for those seeking to lead the party during the second Trump administration, leading candidates argued Democrats need to choose their battles.

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Its about picking the fights that show that were on the side of the vast majority of people in this country who dont live off of massive wealth, said Ben Wikler, a candidate for Democratic National Committee chair and the head of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. I would be delighted if Trump somehow transformed into a totally different person, but hes shown us exactly what hes about, so we have to be ready.

Ken Martin, the chair of Minnesotas Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and another candidate to chair the national party, said Democrats should consider Republican policies that would improve peoples lives on a case-by-case basis if there are serious proposals on the table.

What Im suggesting right now is theres nothing that the president-elect or his administration have said that gives me any reason to believe that theyre serious about actually governing in the best interests of all Americans, Martin said.

Former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, also a candidate for chair, said its not the job of the party to cooperate with the incoming president. Instead, the party must focus on rebuilding its brand.

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I do think that theres a lot of been a lot of reflection about tactics and strategies in the party since the election, and we cannot allow ourselves to be constantly juked, taken off message, taken away from our brand and our purpose as a party, OMalley said.

Jason Paul, an attorney and political strategist whos also seeking the chair role, argued the incoming president should be left on his own.

As an opposition party, we dont owe you any votes, Paul said. Its your job to fix the country.

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Little over a week before Donald Trumps second inauguration, a New York judge handed down a non-penalty sentence against the President-elect, and the federal special counsel Jack Smith  having already dropped his two cases against Trump  resigned. It marked the final end to the pre-election lawfare that so many Democrats were banking on for victory in 2024.

In 2023, Trump was indicted for a total of 91 criminal charges across two federal cases and those brought by elected state prosecutors in New York and Georgia. The Georgia case is still technically pending but on shaky ground. The others have all now been resolved.

The unconditional discharge sentence in Manhattan was a shallow victory for Trumps battered enemies in a war they ultimately lost when a majority of Americans in November sentenced him to another four years in the White House. Indeed, this collapse of the prosecutorial phalanx and Trumps decisive election victory are an important lesson for Democrats, political prosecutors  and possibly the incoming Trump administration.

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Indicting Trump was bad politics and might have even helped the 45th and 47th President. Thats not to discount the possibility that he would have won by an even greater margin in the absence of the indictments. But when the FBI raided his Mar-a-Lago home in 2022, it seemed so over-the-top that I thought they either really had Trump dead to rights this time  or they were trying to get him re-elected president.

The overriding issues for voters in 2024 were the economy and the border. But piling 91 criminal charges against Trump created a combination of sympathy and apathy among voters that effectively nullified the convicted felon narrative that Democrats longed to capitalise on.

Sympathy, since 62 per cent of voters  expanding well beyond the Maga or even Republican base  said that the federal charges were politically motivated. Apathy, because the shock value of indicting a former president vanished when it became almost routine.

Trump often claimed that the criminal charges were orchestrated by the Biden administration and his political enemies. While there was not clear evidence of any such conspiracy, there were enough data points to suggest smoke.

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For one, President Joe Bidens former acting US associate attorney general Matthew Colangelo  steeped in Democratic politics  was hired by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg in December 2022 to handle the Trump prosecution and argued the Stormy Daniels hush money case. In Georgia, the special prosecutor Nathan Wade  hired by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to handle the Trump case  is believed to have met with Biden White House officials at least twice.

Then, theres the fact that all of the criminal indictments from these years-long investigations occurred only after Trump announced his third campaign for president.

Recall that, for a time in late 2022 and early 2023, the Republican primary contest appeared to be competitive. Then the Bragg indictment came, in what seemed like a kangaroo court even to many Trump sceptics. After that, he soared ahead of his GOP challengers in the polling.

Now Democrats fear that Trump will turn to retribution lawfare himself. And, well, they might be correct.

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In one narrow sense, that may not be a bad thing. Before the Biden administration, the temptation to weaponise the justice system against political opponents was limited by a doctrine of mutually assured destruction. If one party set the Department of Justice on its rivals, the other party would respond in kind when it returned to power. Banana republics have tit-for-tats. Not America  or so was the thinking. Democrats will likely bend the legal process to political ends if there is zero fear the next Republican administration wont do the same.

However, there is a danger of the Trump administration falling into the same trap as his enemies. Legitimate questions have been raised about the ethical conduct of FBI and intelligence officials, public health officials, and members of Congress acting in potentially unethical ways. Some of these cases warrant investigation. There are certainly many unanswered questions about the Biden familys fortune.

But it was overzealous Democratic prosecutors who helped advance Trumps argument in the eyes of most Americans that the cases against him were a witch hunt.

The public is sceptical of political investigations. If the Trump DOJ seeks to prosecute his opponents, it should be on solid ground. Otherwise, Americans are likely to become both sympathetic towards Democrats, and apathetic about any of their misdeeds.

Fred Lucas is manager of the Investigative Reporting Project at The Daily Signal. He is the author of The Myth of Voter Suppression: The Lefts Assault on Clean Elections

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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Deputies in Georgetown County arrested a 54-year-old man who shot a teenager Friday evening, the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office said.

Reginald Cordell Parker was apprehended on Pee Dee Lane and charged with attempted murder. He was booked at the Georgetown County Detention Center.

Law enforcement responded to a home on Lulu Loop in Murrells Inlet shortly after 9 p.m., according to Jason Lesley, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office.

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When they arrived, they found an 18-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

An initial investigation revealed that the teen was shot following an argument with Parker.

The sheriffs office asks anyone with information on the incident to contact them at 843-546-5102.

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GARNETT, Kan. (KSNW)  Law enforcement rushed to the aid of a person who was inside of a burning home Thursday.

It happened shortly after 6 a.m. in Garnett in Anderson County. The Garnett Fire Department says smoke and flames were coming from the home when they arrived.

A sheriffs deputy and a police officer rushed inside the burning home and pulled the one person inside to safety.

One dead after semi-truck crashes into bridge pillar on I-70 in Shawnee County

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The Anderson County Sheriffs Office commended Deputy Alex Jones and Garnett Police Officer Clay Perina for their rescue.

Their quick thinking and bravery not only saved a life but also exemplified the true spirit of service in our community. Thank you, Deputy Jones and Officer Perina, for your unwavering commitment and selflessness in the face of danger! Lets come together to applaud these heroes! Please join us in showing gratitude for their courage and dedication to keeping our community safe. Anderson County Sheriffs Office

The Anderson County, Linn County, Pottawatomie and Richmond Township Fire Departments all responded to assist Garnett Fire in battling the blaze.

It took several hours to bring it under control, and the home is a total loss. The Kansas State Fire Marshals Office is investigating the cause, but foul play is not suspected.

No one was hurt.

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A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Monday, Jan. 18, 1993, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was observed in all 50 states for the first time.

This years Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated on Monday, with several events planned across Utah and around the nation. It has become a national day of service. This year it is also Inauguration Day in the United States.

The history

According to historical accounts, King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, and on April 8 of that same year, a the proposed bill was reportedly put forward by former Democratic Michigan Congressman John Conyers, to create a holiday in Kings honor.

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While there was support for the bill, not just in the U.S. but around the world, it would take years of Conyers reintroducing the legislation annually with the support of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he helped found.

On Nov. 2, 1983, then President Ronald Reagan signed the bill named the King Holiday Bill that forevermore set the third Monday in January as a federal holiday in order to remember and observe the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It took 15 years to get the bill signed into law. Then it took 17 more years to get each state to recognize the holiday.

Arizona was the last state to formally celebrate the holiday, on this day in 1993. The state had lost the rights to host the 1993 Super Bowl  it was moved to California that year  because of its reluctance to honor the holiday, and didnt want to have that happen again.

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Utah was also one of the last states to formally celebrate the federal holiday.

A day of service

This holiday is also reportedly the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.

Martin Luther King Jr., during a speech in an undated photo. | Associated Press

Here are some stories from Deseret News and Church News archives about Martin Luther King Jr., how Americans can honor Kings legacy and how the peaceful civil rights protester can inspire others:

Why Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national day of service

Perspective: What Coretta Scott King asks of us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The story behind how Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday

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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  a model overcomer

President Russell M. Nelson honors Martin Luther King Jr.: Abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice

Service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day blesses communities, volunteers

What to do for Martin Luther King Day in Utah
Idaho Gov. Brad Little addresses reporters at a press conference at the Idaho Department of Lands office in Boise on Jan. 17, 2025. From left to right, he is accompanied by Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director Brad Richy, Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator Richard Stover, Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller and Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron. To his right stand firefighters with the Idaho Department of Lands. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)

As wildfires spread across homes in Southern California, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said the state of Idaho is working to prevent similar devastation from happening in Idaho.

At a press conference on Friday morning in Boise, Little and state agency leaders shared progress on how the state is implementing recommendations from the governors offices inaugural Wildfire Report created in August, including financing and improving fire mitigation technology, helping utilities protect their infrastructure and supporting legislation to help protect Idaho homes and insurance rates.

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The devastating southern California fires are heartbreaking, and we continue to pray for the many families impacted, Little said. However, the extent of the damage is, unfortunately, not altogether surprising. The decisions of Californias elected leaders have made many places in the Golden State unsafe to live. The opposite is happening in Idaho. We are strategically and proactively reducing fire risk and ensuring Idahoans property is covered.

Idaho agencies take steps to improve fire suppression technology, energy infrastructure

For the 2026 fiscal year, Little is recommending $100 million for fire management in Idaho  $60 million of which would replenish the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund depleted during the 2024 fire season and $40 million which would cover the five-year average of fire suppression expenditures. The governors budget also includes funds to support wildland firefighter bonuses to help recruit workers.

Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller said Idahos population  which hit 2 million people last year  is growing. That means the department is seeing more human caused fires than before, and there are more fires in the wild and urban interface, he said.

The Valley Fire burns in the Boise foothills on Oct. 4, 2024, in this file photo taken from Southeast Boise. (Courtesy of Robbie Johnson/Idaho Department of Lands)

Miller said the department is working to establish enhanced fire detection camera tools, satellite protection services and enhancing the states aviation management program.

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Richard Stover, the administrator of the Idahos Governors Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, said his office is also investing in protecting utility infrastructure through its Idaho Energy Resiliency Grant Program.

This year, the grant has funded 23 projects across Idaho, costing $22 million, to help mostly small rural municipal cooperative utilities protect their power lines and transmission poles from wildfire, he said.

As for out of state partnerships, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director Brad Richy said he is proud of Idahos ability to help other states during natural disasters.

The greatest thing about Idaho is the neighbors helping neighbors, Richy said, noting that the office has sent 104 Idaho firefighters to suppress the fires in California.

Idaho Department of Insurance director proposes bill to ease wildfire risk, insurance rates

On Wednesday, Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron introduced a bill to help homeowners mitigate wildfire risk and stabilize the insurance market in Idaho.

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This year, nearly one million acres burned from wildfires in Idaho. Additionally, 140 structures were burned by fire  41 of which were residences  Cameron told the House Business Committee on Wednesday.

At the press conference, Cameron said his office regularly receives calls from individuals whose homeowners insurance is going up or their insurance is dropping their coverage.

There are 91 insurance companies in Idaho that sell homeowners insurance. In 2023, 22 of those companies asked to discontinue or not renew their policies in Idaho, Cameron said.

Now were getting calls given the California fires about how to harden their homes, how to prevent the loss of property, he said.

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The purpose of House Bill 17, called the Idaho Wildfire Risk Mitigation and Stabilization Pool Act, is to assist homeowners against wildfire, keep insurance rates down and attract insurance companies to Idaho.

The bill would create a financial pool from existing resources to provide grants to homeowners to create fire mitigation upgrades on their property. These upgrades may include roof replacements, mesh screen installations and shrubbery reduction, Cameron told the committee on Wednesday. It would have no impact on the general fund. Additionally, the bill would create a 12-member board consisting of state officials, insurance, forest products, and fire industry experts who would develop strategies to stabilize the insurance market.

Cameron said some southern states have implemented a similar pool of funds for hurricanes, which effectively led to a drop in insurance rates in those states.

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A fearsome predator roamed the Egyptian desert millions of years ago. But its story, like a lost relic, was nearly forgotten to time.

In 1914, the fossil of this large dinosaur was unearthed in the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt. Later, the fossil was shipped to paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach in Munich.

World War II brought devastation to Munich in 1944. Allied bombings destroyed the museum, and with it, the irreplaceable dinosaur fossil.

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But the existence of this giant dinosaur was only recently confirmed, thanks to a stroke of luck and some meticulous detective work.

Paleontologists from the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology (SNSB) and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) made a major discovery by analyzing previously unseen photographs of a dinosaur skeleton.

These photographs, taken before 1944, provided key details about this dinosaur species.

This newly identified predatory dinosaur species inhabited North Africa around 95 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.

Skeletal remains of Tameryraptor markgrafi in the exhibition at the Alte Akademie. Taken at an unspecified time before the material was destroyed in April 1944, University Archives Tubingen (photographer unknown) recolored.

Meticulous examination of historic photos

Stromer initially classified the dinosaur as a Carcharodontosaurus, meaning "shark-toothed lizard."

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This massive predator  estimated to be around 10 meters long  would have rivaled the size of Tyrannosaurus Rex of North America.

Tragically, on July 21, 1944, an Allied air raid devastated the Old Academy building in Munich, where the dinosaur fossil was housed. The resulting fire destroyed a significant portion of the museum's collection, including all the Egyptian dinosaur fossils.

The only surviving evidence was Stromer's research notes, bone illustrations, and a limited number of photographs of the original skeletons.

The researchers also uncovered previously unknown photographs of an Egyptian dinosaur skeleton. These images, taken before the museum's destruction, showcased parts of the skull, spine, and hind limbs.

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They collaborated with dinosaur experts to analyze the images.

What we saw in the historical images surprised us all. The Egyptian dinosaur fossil depicted there differs significantly from more recent Carcharodontosaurus finds in Morocco. Stromers original classification was thus incorrect. We identified a completely different, previously unknown predatory dinosaur species here and named it Tameryraptor markgrafi, said Maximilian Kellermann, first author of the study.

Possessed symmetrical teeth

Tameryraptor possessed symmetrical teeth and a prominent nasal horn.

The name "Tameryraptor" pays homage to "Tamery," the ancient name for Egypt, and honors Richard Markgraf, the fossil collector who unearthed the dinosaur remains during Stromer's expedition.

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The research revealed that Tameryraptor shares close evolutionary ties with Carcharodontosaurs from both North Africa and South America as well as with a group of Asian predatory dinosaurs known as Metriacanthosaurs.

Presumably, the dinosaur fauna of North Africa was much more diverse than we 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, a dinosaur specialist, in the press release.

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, Rauhut added.

The findings were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Soldiers of Ukraine's 48th Separate Assault Battalion spoke out against the replacement of their commander Lenur Islyamov in a video address to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi published on Jan. 18.

The battalion is currently based in the town of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces that has been the focus of fierce fighting as Russia intensifies its offensive in Donetsk Oblast.

According to the soldiers, they were deployed there 10 days ago after almost a year spent defending another hot spot in the region. Following the redeployment, the battalion learned that Isyamov had been replaced by another commander.

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"Changing the commander at a critical moment is a direct threat to the unit's combat capability and undermines the trust of the fighters," the statement read.

The servicemembers praised Islyamov for forming and leading a battalion that consists of 90% volunteers.

"We have not surrendered a single position. Instead, we have conducted dozens of successful operations. During this time, we recaptured several settlements where Ukrainian flags were planted," one soldier said.

Read also: Absurd phenomenon  The manpower issue threatening to weaken Ukraines Air Force

"All this was possible only thanks to the experience, professionalism, and dedication of our commander."

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The soldiers also said that they were not provided with necessary intelligence information after their redeployment.

The Ukrainian military leadership has not yet commented on the address.

This is the latest appeal by the Ukrainian military in support of a commander allegedly about to be removed.

In the summer of 2024, soldiers from Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade spoke out to oppose the dismissal of its commander, Ivan Holishevskyi.

Later, officers from Ukraine's 80th Air Assault Brigade called on Ukraine's political and military leadership to keep brigade commander Emil Ishkulov in his post.

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Read also: As Trump about to take office, Ukraine awaits Americas next moves

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In all the arguments over whether President-elect Donald Trumps choice for director of national intelligence is fit for the job, its easy to lose sight of why it matters.

It matters a lot. To speak of telling truth to power seems terribly old-fashioned these days, but as a veteran of White House intelligence operations, I know that is the essence of the job.

The director of national intelligence is the presidents principal adviser on intelligence, though the CIA director has remained somewhat co-equal in that role. The director of national intelligence is responsible for both the Presidents Daily Brief, where the most crucial and sophisticated intelligence is presented, and for the work of the National Intelligence Council. Most of the Presidents Daily Brief items are still done by the CIA, but the director of national intelligence or their deputy briefs the president, daily in most administrations but one or two times a week in the first Trump administration.

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The issues in those briefings lean toward the immediate and tactical: What is the situation on the ground in the Ukraine war? If action X is taken, how will Russian President Vladimir Putin respond? But intelligence strives to push presidents and their colleagues to think more strategically: What are the implications of hypersonic missiles? What is the trajectory of the relationship between Russia and China? What are Chinas geostrategic objectives, and what is the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in that vision?

A display showing the covers of the Presidents Daily Brief is seen at the Central Intelligence Agencys museum in the headquarters building in Langley, Va., on Sept. 24, 2022. AP Photo/Kevin Wolf

9/11 led to intelligence changes

The current director of national intelligence is Avril Haines, who is my friend and former colleague from when she was the deputy national security adviser in charge of the National Security Council policy committees and I was chair of the National Intelligence Council, providing the intelligence support to those committees.

As director of national intelligence, Haines sits atop the 17 agencies that make up what is called the U.S. intelligence community. She does not run those agencies. Nor does she have full control of their budgets.

Rather, the director of national intelligence coordinates them, which sometimes seems like the proverbial herding of cats. She assembles a combined budget for intelligence, but many of the big agencies, such as the National Security Agency, which makes and breaks codes and intercepts signals of interest, belong to the Pentagon.

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The creation of the director of national intelligence position was a direct result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The report of the 9/11 Commission was vividly damning about the failures of communication between agencies in the run-up to 9/11. In meetings in New York that summer, CIA and FBI officers were literally unsure what they could tell each other: The former wondered whether the FBI people were really cleared to hear this, while the latter feared that talking might blow a case they were working on. That lack of coordination played a role in letting the plotters slip through intelligence, often in plain sight.

The result of the commissions work was the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which created the director of national intelligence position.

Before that, the director of central intelligence wore two hats, as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and loose coordinator of the broader intelligence community. Hardly surprisingly, directors of central intelligence spent most of their time running the CIA, for that was the source of their troops  and their troubles when they arose. A score of blue-ribbon panels over 50 years had recommended breaking the director of central intelligences conflict of interest  coordinating agencies and their budgets while running one of them  and creating a director of national intelligence position.

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James Clapper, the director of national intelligence for whom I worked as chair of the National Intelligence Council, constantly emphasized integration. Across agencies, integration mostly means talking to each other and sharing information. This works against the natural tendency to scoop your colleagues.

Across disciplines, integration means better aligning what information intelligence agencies collect with what analysts need.

How integration works

If presidents want to know what the CIA thinks about a particular issue, they can simply ask. Usually, though, the question is what does the intelligence community think, and then the question goes to the National Intelligence Council, the director of national intelligences interagency group for intelligence analysis.

The National Intelligence Council is organized like the State Department, with officers for regions and functions. Once a question has been presented, the relevant national intelligence officer will convene his or her council colleagues from the other agencies. They will argue about the answer to the question, a process sweetly called coordination, then agree on the answer. If need be, the process can be done in a few hours. Major strategic analyses  national intelligence estimates  like one done in 2022 on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic out to 2026, may take months. In all cases, though, the analysis carefully records where there are differences of view in the intelligence community.

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In my last year chairing the National Intelligence Council, of the 700 or so analyses we did, about 400 were responses to questions  called taskings in governmentese  from the national security adviser or one of the deputies.

National intelligence officers are national experts from inside or outside federal government, and their deputies  the heart and soul of the NIC  are all assigned from intelligence agencies. The largest number come from the CIA, but I worked with a cyber analyst from the Secret Service and a wonderful analyst from the New York Police Department.

James Clapper, nominated by President Barack Obama for director of national intelligence, testifies at his Senate Select Intelligence Commitee confirmation hearing on July 20, 2010. Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Resolutely nonpolitical stance

What was striking then and has struck me both times Ive had the privilege of running a U.S. intelligence agency is the dedication of the officers. They work for the nation, not for a political party or ideology. As chair of the NIC, I had no idea of the politics of my people, save for the several closest to me. For them, telling truth to power is not a slogan. It is what they do. They are always worried about politicizing  producing an assessment to suit a policymakers preference or, worse, being pressured to do so.

The presidents daily briefers, for instance, give up a year of their lives to come to work at 4 a.m., learn their briefs and then fan out across Washington to brief senior officials. They like being on the team of the person they brief, but they become uncomfortable if the conversation turns political. The director of national intelligence sets the tone for that resolutely nonpolitical stance and polices it through principles articulated in the agencys analytic integrity and standards. As chair of the NIC, for instance, Id receive regular assessments of both the quality of our analyses and whether we risked becoming politicized.

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For their part, do politicians and agency leaders like it when their pet projects are assessed by intelligence as unwise or infeasible? Of course not. Ive been on that side of the intelligence-policy divide as well. But the United States is much the better for it.

This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

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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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Many dissenting voices spoke out Friday during a public hearing regarding the proposed rules that are coming from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

Im calling on Walters to immediately resign from office, said Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval (D-Oklahoma City). He is overwhelmingly wrong constitutionally.

The representative was one of many who specifically went to speak out against the proposed rule that would essentially require students to provide proof of citizenship.

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Lawmakers have, for almost two months, spoken about how the proposed rule could scare off many families from enrolling altogether.

| READ LOCAL > OSDE proposed rules include counting undocumented students >

All day people spoke out for and against the many proposed rules. The rules proposed include crossing out civil rights from a portion of the rules, getting rid of the Multicultural Equity Advisory Committee, ensuring the U.S. flag is flying on campus for districts, and more.

Im opposed to the rule because this rule, like Ryan Walters himself, is dangerously ignorant, said another person opposed to it.

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There is a federal law that prohibits schools from asking about a students citizenship status.

I have a copy of Plyler V. Doe that I brought with me, and I have a copy you can have, said a woman who dissented against the proposed rule as she handed out copies of the Supreme Court case that essentially determined it wasnt allowed.

Other dissenting votes mentioned the amount of current litigation facing OSDE and said that more will come as a result of that specific rule.

Just this week, Walters filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security leaders for $474 million.

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A sum he likely knows hell never receive, said another dissenting voice.

The rest of the day was spent giving public comment time to other proposed rules, including the crossing out completely of Civil Rights from the current rules.

Reading the proposal, I was in absolute shock, said a teacher in regards to that proposed rule. I wouldnt be here maybe if it werent for the civil rights that so many people before us fought for.

Another proposed rule some spoke out about was the rule surrounding the requirement of the U.S. flags on campus for districts. Most districts News 4 has contacted regarding this issue have said they have a U.S. flag already on campus.

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| READ LOCAL > Yukon audit alleges pornography sent and sexual encounters on city property >

Another public comment period given for the proposed rules was about getting rid of the Multicultural Equity Advisory Committee.

There were only dissenting voices on that, but there were only around three speakers.

Even though the day was filled with mostly dissenting voices on most of the rules proposed. OSDE sent news agencies a statement regarding todays events saying in part, Todays hearing is a great step forward in the process that will lead to new rules in place to protect Oklahoma students.

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The rules are headed to the Oklahoma State Board of Education to possibly get approved, and then they will head to the legislature to have the final decision.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- It is a new year, and members, both newly elected and incumbents, of the Odessa City Council have some New Year Resolutions and plans for 2025.

The Odessa City Council is made up of five members elected by their districts, one At-Large representative, and the Mayor. After a tense election season, the City of Odessa now has a new Mayor, Cal Hendrick, along with two new faces in the City Council; Craig Stoker At-Large, and Eddie Mitchell for District One.

We reached out to each elected official, both newly elected and incumbents, on what they are planning to do in 2025.

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This story will feature incumbent councilmember Gilbert Vasquez of District 3 and what he wants to do in 2025.

Gilbert Vasquez of District 3 was elected back in November 2022 and has continued to serve as the District 3 representative since. Vasquez said that he is looking to improve several things in the city this year, specifically with the quality of the Citys streets.

Vasquez stated that to do this, he wants to utilize ordinances of Code Enforcement, to improve the quality and appearance of the City as a whole.

Another goal Vasquez said he wants to focus on this year is working on re-gaining the citizens of Odessas trust and growing the confidence of City Council, and internal leadership.

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ICYMI: Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick talks plans for new year

Vasquez said that he also wanted to convey the following message to District 3 constituents:

Feel free to contact me with your concerns and/or issues and I will address them as promptly as possible.

You can reach out to Councilman Vasquez, by calling 432-335-3276 or emailing him at gvasquez@odessa-tx.gov.

Overall, Vasquez said this year he wants to be a more effective and positive Councilmember, working alongside all other City district representatives on the same agenda for the betterment of all ODESSA!

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
*WARNING: This story contains elements of domestic violence. Viewer discretion is advised. For anyone in need of help, WGN News has placed domestic violence resources at the bottom of this story.*

CHICAGO  Court documents detail years of alleged troubles between a man and woman found shot to death at a North Lawndale home Thursday morning.

According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to the 4100 block of West Grenshaw Street just after 7:30 a.m. Thursday and found two people, later identified as Tanisha Weeks, 41, and Timothy Gibbs, 35, unresponsive with gunshot wounds to their heads. Both were taken to Mt. Sinai, where they were pronounced dead.

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According to the Cook County Medical Examiners Office, Weeks was shot multiple times in the face and her death has been ruled a homicide, while Gibbs cause and manner of death are pending.

Weeks was a mom and a teacher at a local charter school, records show.

Police sources tell WGN News Weeks 7-year-old daughter told investigators she witnessed the fatal encounter, and that Gibbs shot her mom before he turned the gun on himself. Court records confirm Weeks had an active order of protection against Gibbs at the time of the shooting.

You just dont expect it: 81-year-old Lombard man charged in wifes murder

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On Nov. 27, Weeks was granted an emergency order of protection, according to court records. It expired on Dec. 18, and a judge signed off on a plenary order of protection, which would remain in place for two years.

Weeks filed the petition for an order of protection after her relationship with Gibbs ended, records show. She said the pair dated from around March 2019 to Nov. 22, 2024, and detailed alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she said she suffered at the hands of Gibbs during their time together.

According to Weeks petition, just three days after her relationship ended with Gibbs, he pulled out a gun and made her sit on the couch. She wrote that he strangled her with one hand, and when he pulled away, the chain she was wearing broke off her neck.

The respondent [Gibbs] told me that he would shoot me and watch me bleed out. While he was interrogating me, he put the gun to my head. Then, he said that he did not want to have to kill me in the same place my daughter has to live, Weeks wrote.

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According to the filing, Gibbs allegedly fired his gun, causing a bullet to hit the couch just to the left of where she was sitting. He then forced her to drive him in her car to several locations.

The respondent said if I said anything to anyone, he would kill everyone in the store, Weeks wrote. The respondent told me I could crash the car if I want to and just more people will die.

Weeks wrote she filed a police report later that night for domestic battery.

Mass deportation raids could start in Chicago as soon as Tuesday: report

During another incident days before, Weeks alleged that Gibbs strangled her with one arm against her neck and put two fingers in her nose before threatening her with a gun. He also allegedly called her close to 20 times and texted her, threatening to share personal photos with her family.

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Weeks alleges during the years they were involved, the emotional abuse escalated.

This included the Respondent pulling out his gun and threatening to kill himself, handing me a knife and telling me to kill him, telling me we both have to die, the petition read.

According to court records, Gibbs was taken into custody on Nov. 28 for failing to register as a violent offender. This was related to a 2010 attempted murder conviction. He was released the same day by Judge William Fahy on probation, court records show. The case was dropped on Dec. 2.

According to the order of protection, Gibbs was to stay at least 100 feet away from Weeks, including at the charter school where she taught, LEARN Charles and Dorothy Campbell Campus in East Garfield Park.

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WGN News reached out to the charter schools network for comment, but did not hear back.

An order of protection automatically prohibits the person accused of domestic violence from having any firearms and would require them to be turned over to law enforcement immediately. However, in this case, Gibbs is a convicted felon and by law, is already prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Earlier this month, the Illinois General Assembly passed Karinas Bill, requiring firearms to be removed from the home of an abuser when their state-issued Firearm Owners Identification card (FOID) has been revoked following an order of protection issued in a domestic violence case.

The legislation is named in honor of Karina Gonzalez, who was shot and killed allegedly by her husband in 2023, despite an order of protection being in place that could have led to his gun being removed by law enforcement. Gonzalezs 15-year-old daughter, Daniela, was also killed.

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While the current law states that people accused of abuse must turn over their firearms, the new law clarifies that local law enforcement is responsible for temporarily removing a weapon in appropriate cases and providing proof of what was recovered.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has said that he intends to sign this into law. It will take effect 90 days after Pritzker signs it.

Several recent cases have sounded the alarm on better ways to help protect victims of domestic violence, including the murder of Jayden Perkins, 11, stabbed to death while trying to protect his pregnant mother from her convicted abuser last year in Edgewater. His mother was also wounded but survived the attack.

Just weeks before the deadly stabbing, Jaydens mother filed for an emergency order of protection after the suspect allegedly sent text messages threatening to kill her and her family. Judge Thomas Nowinski denied the request and scheduled a hearing on the matter for the same day Jayden was killed.

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The same judge presided over a case involving a man accused of murdering his wife in a stabbing in Portage Park in Nov. The victim, Lacramioara Beldie, 54, was killed by her husband Constantin Beldie, 57, who then took his own life. An off-duty CPD officer was injured trying to intervene in the attack.

Weeks before the deadly attack, court documents show Constantin was accused of approaching Lacramioara in an alley, beating her, and throwing her to the ground. He tried dragging her into his vehicle, but she escaped.

At the time, prosecutors asked Constantin to be held on pretrial detention, but Nowinski denied it, and released him on electronic monitoring. On Thursday, it was announced Nowinski would be reassigned to misdemeanors and traffic court after Chief Judge Tim Evans reviewed the case.

Amanda Pyron, President and CEO of the Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, shared a statement following the decision.

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With the tragic shooting in North Lawndale today, we are reminded of how untimely releases can have fatal consequences for those in abusive relationships. We appreciate the full review of Lacramiora Beldies death by the Chief Judge and the commitment to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence advocates must be part of the process as reforms are proposed and implemented in all areas of our justice system. We agree with the transfer of the judge at the center of this case and look forward to working with the States Attorneys Office, Office of the Chief Judge, a the presiding judge of the Domestic Violence Division to keep survivors safe.

Domestic Violence Resources

For those of us doing this work on the frontlines, its awful because we know we could have helped them, had they made the phone call, said Rebecca Darr, President, and CEO of Wings Program. A lot of times when people get an order of protection, they think theyre safe, but thats just one layer of safety.

An order of protection is just the first step, Darr said. It is important for people to utilize the states domestic violence hotline to help them create a safety plan.

The confidential hotline is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and text and offers assistance in over 240 languages. It serves as a connector to domestic violence prevention and intervention programs throughout the state.

The phone number is 877-863-6338.

If we can get you to a place where the perpetrator cannot find you, then they cannot hurt you, and thats what were here to do, said Darr. If you go to your moms house, the abuser could still come there, find you, and hurt you.

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Hotline staff help provide crisis safety planning and referrals to emergency housing and support services for domestic violence in Illinois. They are able to help victims find the best path forward. There are also advocates to help people concerned for family or friends impacted by domestic violence.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to domestic violence advocates, the most dangerous time for victims and survivors is when they are trying to flee an abusive situation, because its when the abuser feels they are losing control.

While court documents indicate the pair did not live together, Darr wants to make sure anyone in an abusive relationship has access to this information, so they know where to go to find help.

Theres a resource thats there, and its there to protect people and to keep them alive, said Darr. Youre not alone. There are resources and there are people here that care about you.

According to domestic violence advocates, the odds of homicide increase 750% for victims that have been previously strangled by their abuser. If an abuser has access to firearms, the odds of female homicide increase by over 1,000%.

Advocates hope by sharing these resources they can help victims become survivors and break the cycle of domestic violence.

The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. You can also view a list of resources by state by visiting the National Domestic Violence Hotlines 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 WGN-TV.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hit drugstore chain Walgreens with a lawsuit this week for filling unlawful opioid prescriptions that had no legitimate medical purpose for over a decade.

The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Thursday, alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of prescriptions despite red flags indicating that they were likely to be unlawful and that it pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions while not taking the necessary time to confirm their validity.

Walgreens allegedly ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions, including from its own pharmacists and internal data, the DOJ said in a Friday press release.

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These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton added in a statement.

The government alleged the company violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by dispensing millions of unlawful prescriptions. The lawsuit alleges that Walgreens, which has over 8,000 pharmacies across the country, also breached the False Claims Act (FCA) by seeking reimbursement for many of the prescriptions from a variety of federal healthcare programs.

These laws are critically important in protecting our communities from the dangers of the opioid epidemic, said acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.

The DOJ said that four different whistleblowers, who used to work at Walgreens, filed whistleblower actions. Walgreens said it will stand behind its pharmacists and asked the court to shield the drugstore corporation from DOJ attempts to enforce arbitrary rules.

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We are asking the court to clarify the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacists and to protect against the governments attempt to enforce arbitrary rules that do not appear in any law or regulation and never went through any official rulemaking process, Wallgreens said on Friday.

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, the company said, adding it looks forward to defending the professionalism and integrity of our pharmacists.

The DOJ filed a similar lawsuit last month, that time against CVS Health, accusing the retail behemoth of aiding the opioid crisis by knowingly filling illegal prescriptions in an effort to prize profits over patient safety.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Seeing Green

Rest assured that as president-elect Donald Trump tries to buy Greenland from Denmark, he'll be selecting some of the most qualified people out there to negotiate this tricky diplomatic endeavor  like one of Elon Musk's old pals.

That pal is Ken Howery, a powerful tech investor who worked with Elon on PayPal some 25 years ago. The two have remained closely connected ever since, The New York Times reports, a sign of Silicon Valley figures' eager kowtowing to, if not participation in, Trump's administration  or perhaps Musk's influence over the man about to be sitting in the Oval Office.

Howery is Trump's current pick for US ambassador to Denmark. If he gets the job, it'll mark his second diplomatic stint under the Republican president, having served as ambassador to Sweden between 2019 and 2021.

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After his nomination in late December, Howery thanked Trump on X, formerly Twitter, to which Musk responded with a crying-laughing emoji, writing this masterful bit of sloganeering: "Help America gain Greenland."

Friends4Ever

Unlike his billionaire brother-in-arms, Howery typically avoids the spotlight. But he's known for being an adventurous globe-trotter with a bit of a "daredevil streak" in him, per the NYT  and also for throwing elaborate parties.

According to the NYT's sources, he's said to be an old-school conservative and not a "Trump die-hard." He's largely motivated by the prospect of working overseas rather than ideology, sources close to him said.

When attending Stanford University in the 90s, Howery linked up with Peter Thiel, another towering tech investor figure who espouses (and bankrolls) right-wing politics. Years later, the pair would collaborate with Musk on PayPal, and the three of them would go on to become key members of the so-called PayPal Mafia, a group of former heavies at the payment platform whose money and influence goes far in Silicon Valley today.

His Majesty's Retinue

As for Howery's ties to Musk, he reportedly plays an important but subtle role in helping Musk's businesses. He advised him on his purchase of Twitter, for example, and invested in his ventures including Neuralink and xAI.

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Howery also handles some of Musk's day to day affairs, often taking notes, packages, and resumes intended for Musk.

Howery has been right alongside Musk for his political turn, too. At Musk's request, he helped obfuscate Musk's involvement in his America PAC by being one of its first donors: four contributions totaling $1,000,000.

For what it's worth, Howery has remained fairly reticent about the whole Greenland-annexing saga; he made no mention of it in this thank-you post to Trump for his ambassadorial post, despite Musk's comments. Tactful as he may be, some are doubtful that he's the right guy for the Greenland job  if indeed anyone is.

"If you're entering into the political firestorm that would be Donald Trumps stated desire to purchase Greenland, I dont believe theres very much on your resume that can help you navigate that," Rufus Gifford, former ambassador to Denmark under President Obama, told the NYT.

More on Trump: Trump Pledges Information About Mystery Drones on Day One of Presidency
(NewsNation)  President-elect Donald Trump could issue an executive order to save TikTok once hes in office, according to reports.

In doing so, it would suspend the enforcement of the ban or sale for 60 to 90 days, buying the new administration time to find a solution.

The Supreme Court ruled the social media app would be banned in the U.S. on Jan. 19, a day before Trumps inauguration, unless the Chinese-owned company was sold.

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Trump tried to ban it during his first term as president but could be changing his tune on the popular video platform.

Trumps goal is perhaps to buy himself more time, political contributor Dr. Lauren Wright, said on NewsNation Live Weekend. Thats what I would expect the executive order to do.

Lawmakers first proposed a ban in 2023, claiming it poses a national security threat, alleging the Chinese government could be spying on American users.

What happens to TikTok and its users after ban starts Sunday?

Wright, who teaches courses on the presidency and executive power at Princeton University, said she concurs the app threatens national security.

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Most Republicans agree on that, but young people are not persuaded by that argument. A lot of them found President Trump on the app, and a ton of small businesses use this, in addition to young people who just really like the app and their favorite social media platform, Wright said.

Trump sees the benefits of it, and Im sure hes getting a lot of pressure from Republicans in Congress  about the very real security concerns.

She said its a no-brainer that Trump would move to prevent the ban. In recent weeks, a new Chinese-owned app called RedNote has emerged in popularity.

There are certainly other potential replacements that China is already flooding the marketplace with that would do the same thing, Wright said. But for a lot of Americans who use (TikTok) every day, its an economic question and a very real annoyance for them.

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Kevin OLeary says hes offering $20B cash for TikTok

Trump issued an executive order in 2020, claiming the app was capturing mass amounts of information about Americans. A judge blocked this under the Biden administration.

So can Trump successfully lift the ban this time?

He certainly has leverage based on how many Americans voted for him last time around, (and) he has the understanding of the app because it helped his campaign a lot, Wright said. Hes reportedly said he has a soft spot for it for that reason, Wright added.

He has a direct line to the American people. But I really think if he wants TikTok to go away, all Republicans in government, and there are definitely some Democrats on this side of the argument too, need to articulate more clearly to the American people, what are the risks? What is this doing?

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President-elect Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he will give TikTok a reprieve with an executive order to be issued after he takes office on Monday and that he will push for the popular China-owned social media app to seek a joint venture with a U.S. partner.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark, he wrote. I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. Trumps comments come hours after use of the platform was disabled late Saturday night for U.S. users.

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The TikTok ban has been percolating for more than a year amid concerns that owner Bytedance is gathering valuable intelligence on Americans through the app that has become the dominant social media platform for video sharing.

EARLIER: The fight for TikTok may not be over just yet.

While speaking with NBCs Kristen Welker on Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump said he will most likely give TikTok a 90-day grace period to avoid getting banned in the U.S. once he takes office on Jan. 20.

I think that would be certainly an option that we look at, Trump said. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation.

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Trump added that if he decides to save the social media giant from its Sunday deadline, he would probably announce it during his first day in office.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected TikToks appeal to remain active in the United States after its Chinese parent company ByteDance failed to sell its stake in the app to a buyer outside of China. TikTok is set to go dark on Jan. 19 if it remains unsold.

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 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.

TikToks troubles began in April, when President Joe Biden signed a law stating that if ByteDance didnt sell the app to a non-Chinese entity, it would be banned in the United States. TikTok and ByteDance sued the U.S. government in May 2024 over the legislation, claiming it violated First Amendment rights, but the suit was ultimately overruled.

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TikTok's fate in the US now rests with president-elect Donald Trump after the country's Supreme Court upheld a ban on the popular Chinese-owned app late on Friday.

In a video posted on the social media platform in response to the court's ruling, TikTok chief executive Chew Shou Zi vowed that the company would "do everything in our power to ensure our platform thrives".

He also thanked the president-elect "for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States".

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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.

"TikTok is a place where people can create communities, discover new interests and express themselves, including over 7 million American businesses who earn a living and gain new customers using our platform," he said.

Trump called for the court's decision to be respected, writing on social media: "My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!"

Chew met Trump last month and has been invited to his inauguration on Monday. Other attendees will include Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, the most senior Beijing official to attend a US presidential inauguration.

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The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling means TikTok's China-based parent ByteDance will have to sell the app, which has around 170 million US users, to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the US.

Trump also discussed the issue when he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, although details of their conversation have not been released.

Trump posted that the call was a "very good one" for both China and the US. "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 wrote.

China made no mention of TikTok, and said only that the pair exchanged views on major issues.

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Some social media users in China, where the platform is not available, expressed deep concern about the US ban. The issue was among the top three most searched topics on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Saturday.

Some social media users said they hoped Trump would save it, including one who wrote: "Trump is a smart man, he has now realised that even if TikTok is banned, Americans will still choose China's RedNote, and the move will also annoy Americans. So [Trump] might think about dropping the ban."

TikTok warned on Saturday that, "Unless the [White House] 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."

Should the ban take effect, Americans will no longer be able to download TikTok on their devices, and those who already have the app will not be able to update it.

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One social media user described it as a "sad moment in US history, impacting millions of lives".

The post continued: "TikTok is much more than simply a social network; it's a community. It's a lifeline for countless individuals to earn an income, a tool for businesses to grow, and a source of joy for so many."

The US Supreme Court's opinion said: "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 TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."

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In response to the US ban, so-called TikTok refugees have been flocking to the Chinese social media platform RedNote.

It topped the free apps download charts in the US earlier this week and on Friday Reuters reported that analytics firm Similarweb had estimated that it had gained nearly 3 million US-based users in the space of a week.

At a reception for foreign journalists in Beijing on Friday, Hua Chunying, China's vice-minister of foreign affairs, said she was "very happy to see" the exodus to RedNote. "Young people have freedom of choice," she added.

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.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  In the hours after President-elect Donald Trump moved his second inauguration ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol, crews along Pennsylvania Avenue were busy taking down bleachers, speakers and platforms for the press.

Trump cited the forecasted cold weather Monday for the change in Inauguration Day programming, which will move the ceremonial transfer of power inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

Out-of-town supporters of the soon-to-be 47th President expressed a mixed bag of emotions following the shakeup for his second swearing-in.

President-elect Donald Trump is seen speaking on video monitor on the National Mall during his inauguration, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

CIA analyst pleads guilty to sharing Top Secret National Defense Information

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Steve Schumacher drove to D.C. from Minneapolis to meet family members from North Dakota, noting theyre accustomed to the frigid conditions outside.

Were at home here with this weather, this is awesome, actually. This is nice and balmy for us, Schumacher said Friday evening.

Sandra Vanvoorhis, Schumachers sister, called the situation, disappointing, but its ok, adding that despite the forecast, were coming, nothing will stop us. We came this far and were gonna keep going.

Donald Eymann is in town from Colorado, saying he was prepared to brave the cold.

Four layers of clothes and double hats and warmers, and we were ready to go, Eymann said.

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Those with ticketed seats on the National Mall will now have to find other plans to watch. Details remain limited about whether onlookers will see the ceremony on large screens on the mall, which are typically placed for those far from the stage to view the ceremony in real time.

At around midday on Friday, a stage was being built inside the Capitol to accommodate the transfer of power. A similar sight was seen in 1985 when then-President Ronald Reagan took the oath of office for a second time inside the rotunda; a decision made because of brutal temperatures that day.

Whatever follow-up we get, well just adjust, said Jill Howell of Alabama, who says she had ticketed seats for the ceremony.

Presidential Inauguration security plans to change due to anticipated cold

** FILE ** In this Jan. 21, 1985 file photo, first Lady Nancy Reagan watches as President Ronald Reagan is sworn in during ceremonies in the Rotunda beneath the Capitol Dome in Washington. Reagan, forced indoors by a record inaugural freeze, reenacted his oath taking and sounded a second term dedication to his conservative principles. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

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Of course we were disappointed, but the biggest thing was if you liken it to a marriage ceremony, a wedding versus a marriage, we are more interested in the marriage with President Trump than just the ceremony, she added.

The President-elect had already been scheduled to host a rally Sunday night before the Inauguration at Capital One Arena in Chinatown. Trump is slated to return to the arena after being sworn in for a celebration instead of a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Details about tickets for that Monday arena event are unknown, but a Secret Service spokesperson said Friday night that people could see additional impacts for cars, pedestrians and public transit near the arena.

While these adjustments will undoubtedly affect the people of Washington, D.C.,  the goal of the Secret Service and our partners is to provide the most secure environment, while minimizing impact to residents and businesses, the spokesperson posted on X.

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Donald Trump will visit the Los Angeles area to see the wildfire devastation, in what will mark his first official trip after his Monday inauguration, according to Saturday media reports.

Trump will arrive late next week, according to The Hill, which cites sources who spoke with its sister company NewsNation. The 47th president will be sworn in Monday in the Capitol Rotunda, a change from the traditional spot in front of the Capitol because of extreme cold temperatures in the forecast.

Underlying the smoke an ash in the air, there will be spice: The President-elect has been fiercely critical of Californias leaders  with whom he will surely meet  over their response to the fires.

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Trump raged at California Gov. Gavin Newsom over the wildfires that have swept through several of Los Angeles Westside and northern regions, including the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and Altadena, calling the Democrat incompetent.

Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post 0n Jan. 8.

The wildfires began Jan. 7 and have destroyed thousands of homes and tens of thousands of acres around the Los Angeles area. Officials say 27 people have been confirmed dead.

The post Donald Trump to Visit Los Angeles Wildfires Devastation in First Official Trip as President appeared first on TheWrap.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Numerous road closures are expected throughout downtown Charleston for Sundays presidential visit.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will tour the International African American Museum and deliver remarks in the afternoon.

The Charleston Police Department said drivers and pedestrians should expect road closures and traffic impacts Sunday morning through late afternoon.

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While the United States Secret Service will lead transportation efforts, Charleston officers will be present to assist.

Drivers, pedestrians, and those utilizing public transportation should follow directions from law enforcement for help navigating throughout downtown.

Coast Guard sets security zone in water near IAAM for Biden visit

Road closures and traffic delays are also anticipated in North Charleston and on I-26 due to the presidents motorcade.

President Biden and the first lady will attend Sunday morning service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston Sunday morning before touring the International African American Museum in the afternoon.

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Both are scheduled to return to Washington after they tour the museum.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Dozens of skiers were injured after a chairlift collapsed in the popular and busy ski resort of Astun in Spains Pyrenees mountain range.

At least nine people were reported to be severely injured, and another eight seriously hurt, after the accident at 11.50am local time on Saturday.

Four helicopters were scrambled to help with treating and evacuating patients. Local media said at least 30 people had been injured to varying degrees and that one woman was fighting for her life and had been transferred to a hospital in Zaragoza.

X.com

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Two 18-year-old women, an 11-year-old girl and 67-year-old woman were among the seriously injured and hospitalised. Twenty people were treated on site at the resort and discharged, while 80 people were reported to have been trapped.

X / @jaimepele

The total number of people hurt is currently unknown. Hospitals were put on high alert in the region of Aragon, while a temporary hospital was set up on the slopes. A hotline for relatives has been set up.

Images on social media appeared to show a wheel powering the chairlift had fallen to the ground and that the cable holding the chairs had loosened in places.

X.com

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State broadcaster TBE earlier reported that about 80 people were trapped on the chairlift in the resort, which has now been closed to the public.

Its like a cable has come off, the chairs have bounced and people have been thrown off, a witness said before the evacuations were completed at about 2pm local time.

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X / @PASJOAQUIN

Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, said he was shocked by the accident and sent all our affection to the injured and their families.

He said he had spoken to the regional leader of Aragon Jorge Azcon to offer him the full support of the government.

Mr Azcon said he was travelling to the area after being notified of the accident. All the necessary regional departments were working to help the injured, he said.

Emergency departments attend the scene

About 80 people are trapped on the chairlift in the resort

His regional government said that extra medical personnel would go where was necessary.

Look out, it seems that at least one chair has fallen at #Astun. Many ambulances are coming up, said one person on social media after the accident.

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Another wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Accident in Astun. The Canal Roya chairlift has fallen. Luckily we are fine but there are injured people, we have seen several stretchers coming down.

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MADRID (Reuters) - A ski lift collapsed at a resort in the Spanish region of Aragon on Saturday, injuring dozens of people, nine of them very seriously and eight seriously, the regional government said.

Around 80 people remain trapped, hanging in the chairlift at the ski resort of Astun, in the province of Huesca, according to state TV channel TVE.

"It's like a cable has come off, the chairs have bounced and people have been thrown off," a witness told TVE.

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The cause of the cable failure remains unknown.

The ski resort's management declined to comment and was not immediately able to say if foreigners were among the injured.

Several helicopters were working in the area to rescue the skiers who were still trapped on the chairlift and transfer the injured to nearby hospitals.

The Astun ski resort, mainly popular among Spanish skiers, is located close to the Spanish border with France, in the Pyrenees mountain range.

(Reporting by Ana Cantero; editing by David Evans)
Two teams of Bitterroot National Forest firefighters have been dispatched to California to battle the historic wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area.

Two 10-person suppression modules and one Forest Service prevention technician left for California from the Bitterroot Valley this week, according to Bitterroot National Forest spokesperson Alexandra Stuart.

Engine Captain Cody Hoover of Darby was in Beaver, Utah, on his way to a mobilization center in Californias San Fernando Valley when he spoke with the Ravalli Republic. He left the Bitterroot Valley on Wednesday. This isnt the first time Hoover has answered the call to fight fires in California. He was there in 2018 during the Camp fire that burned through Paradise, California, and the surrounding area. Approximately 153,336 acres burned, causing 85 fatalities and displacing more than 50,000 people. The blaze caused an estimated $16.5 billion in damage.

According to the CAL Fire website, approximately 37,890 acres are currently burning in the LA area as of Friday morning; the Palisades fire is currently estimated at 23,713, the Eaton fire is 14,117 acres and the Auto fire is estimated at 61 acres. Around 82,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders and another 90,000 are under evacuation warnings.

I don't know exactly what we're gonna see in LA just yet, he said. But having those slides, seeing those stuff before is always a help in this job.

Hoover discussed some of the difference between fighting fires in a wildland setting versus a populated urban area like southern California, saying the urban interface is kind of like one of our situations that we watch out for.

It's just a lot more complex and more dangerous and just more moving parts, Hoover said. I've been to California quite a few times, so it is completely different than where we usually fight fire in the backcountry, but nowadays, honestly, even where we're from weve found, especially this year, we've been fighting a lot of fire in Montana in urban interface as well.

In his 19th season as a wildland firefighter, BNF firefighter Jarrod Chandler of Hamilton also has experience fighting fires in California. Chandler and his crew, a 10-person suppression module out of Trapper Creek Job Corps mobilized on Monday and arrived in California on Tuesday at the Noble Creek Mobilization Center. Chandler highlighted the challenges of fighting fires in urban settings versus wildland areas saying, it's like two different animals, but they're combined into one.

There's different challenges and hazards in both when you get into the urban setting, he said. Obviously you deal with different hazards; power lines, infrastructure, obviously, homes, vehicles. That's a lot of stuff to deal with, versus a mountainous terrain where you have steep slopes, a lot more timber, rolling debris, things like that. They're all unique, and you get extreme fire behavior in both. So, physical conditioning is good, that's a big part of it. Knowing the layout of the land and utilizing the resources that you have, like the city fire departments and those that work in the city. They know the neighborhoods. They have plans for that stuff. They know the location of water sources. They know how to get in contact with the power companies  shutting things off like that. That's their bread and butter. That's what they do. For us typically out in Montana, we do deal with the urban interface, but not to the scale of what you have in a state like here, where they have a lot bigger population.

After meeting with representatives from the Forest Service and CAL FIRE, Chandler and his crew received a briefing and were on standby at a fire camp when he spoke with the Ravalli Republic on Thursday. The crew was busy going through their gear, preparing chainsaws, and making sure everybody has everything they need so we are 100% ready to roll right this second.

Things change in a minute, he said. Heaven forbid if something starts, we're at a good central location where they can distribute a multitude of resources in any direction. We're not far from the bigger fires that are going down through LA that make all the news. We're not very far from there, but if something does mark up right next to us, you have a lot of resources that can respond relatively quickly, and that's what we're here for.

Winds have died down in the LA area for now, but another Santa Ana wind event is likely beginning late Monday into Tuesday, and again Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Fire officials on the ground are doing what they can to make sure that they know the appropriate response level and can distribute resources as needed as emergencies arise, Chandler said. But there is only so much firefighters can do when facing hurricane-force winds as seen in the Altadena area at the start of the fires.

The wind is going to push things where it wants to. It's really hard to prepare for like, specifically like Hurricane-level winds or tropical storm-force winds while it's happening, Chandler said. The best way to prepare for that stuff would be before. But during it, as long as you make sure that you do everything you can to try to make it as small as possible. What we do is rely on our training, which is, obviously safety by a firefighter and public safety is number one. Property, you know, we don't want anybody's stuff to burn, and then we try to do what we can, and that's establish an anchor point and start going from there. It's a very complex area down here. There's a lot of homes, there's a lot of houses, a lot of, lot of things going on.

Beyond the sheer magnitude of destruction and physical toll of fighting the fires, is the emotional weight of the situation. Approximately 12,300 structures have been lost in the LA fires, and more than 170,000 people have been displaced by the fires.

It takes an emotional toll on people, Chandler said. The homeowners, especially, obviously, it's their everything, and so we always try to do our best when dealing with, you know, buyers that come into the urban interface. That's not something anybody ever wants.

He said that its important for people to remember we're all just trying to help each other out.

Regardless of agency or jurisdiction, we all come together to do the goal of protecting our fellow Americans, our fellow citizens, Chandler said. We're just here together. We want to do the right thing and continue to keep our neighborhoods and our forests and everything safe and protected from big, catastrophic fires.

We're all in this together, Chandler said. If you look across all the hundreds and thousands of people that come from various parts of the country to have one mission, and that's to help assist the people here in California at this time, just like everybody does every year all across the country, it doesn't have to be just California. Any state that has an issue with an emergency or a tragedy or a catastrophic event like this, you have hundreds or thousands of men and women from volunteer fire departments, city fire departments, different government agencies, all coming together with one mission, and that's to help the people out, because we're all in this together. We all care about each other.
In the coming weeks, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) will join NATOs new Baltic Sentry effort to protect power and communications cables running under the Baltic Sea, some of which have recently been sabotaged. The USVs, also known as drone boats, will help establish an enhanced common operating picture to give participating nations a better sense of potential threats and speed up any response.

It is the first time NATO will use USVs in this manner, said a top alliance commander.

#NATO is ready to defend critical underwater infrastructure in the #BalticSea. Op #BalticSentry deploys #SNMG1 & #SNMCMG1, maritime patrol aircraft & naval drones to increase our understanding of the maritime environment, improving Allies ability to deter, defend & respond to pic.twitter.com/B0SwtkLLQZ  NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) January 17, 2025

NATOs Allied Command Transformation (ACT) will bring some new [USVs] at the speed of light, said French Adm Pierre Vandier, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT). So, I expect that in less than a few weeks, we will bring that to (Allied Marine Command) MARCOM and then we will begin to use these ships to give a persistent, 24-7 surveillance of critical areas.

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The plan is to create a single network combing all the picture[s], all the video, the [Integrated Automation System] IAS, the picture on a radar picture, and then share the resulting data with all stakeholders, Vandier said Thursday evening after a meeting of NATO defense chiefs. It will give quicker forensic and quicker hints for action for the multiple stakeholders whether they are industry or Coast Guard or National Police.

The effort is the first time we bring this as an operational experiment in answer to an operational problem, the admiral added.

There will be at least 20 USVs assigned to Baltic Sentry, a NATO spokesman told The War Zone Friday afternoon.

ACT and NATOs Allied Command Operations are finalizing the specific capabilities required, he added. Those requirements will focus on delivering situational awareness, through largely passive sensors (including imagery and the electromagnetic spectrum) and generating the necessary number of platforms to cover the areas of interest, he explained. The initiative foresees the fleet evolving over phases, allowing for the opportunities to scale the effort, integrate new or different technologies, and broaden the operational domains.

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The exact types of USVs are still to be determined, the official said.

A Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV) from the US Navy moves past a Spanish Navy P45 patrol vessel during sea trials as part of NATO Exercise REPMUS 22. (NATO)

In the first phase of the experiment, the USVs will have the capabilities under human control while later phases will include greater autonomy. The USVs will augment the dozen or so vessels as well as an unspecified number of crewed maritime patrol aircraft committed to Baltic Sentry, which was unveiled earlier this week. It was formed in the wake of the suspected sabotage last month of undersea power and communications cables between Finland and Estonia. According to Finnish authorities, the Russian-linked Eagle S oil tanker severed the Estlink 2 undersea power cable and four telecommunications cables with its anchor. The ship, found to be brimming with spy equipment, was seized and authorities are continuing their investigation. You can see that ship after it was seized by Finnish authorites in the following video.

The suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 power cable is the most recent of several such incidents in the region. In November, Germany said damage to two communication cables running under the Baltic Sea was most likely the result of sabotage. The two cables in question are both fiber-optic communication cables, running along the Baltic seabed. One runs between the Swedish island of Gotland and Lithuania, and the other between Finland and Germany. Gotland is about 280 miles southwest of where the Estlink 2 cable was severed.

A day later, Denmark confirmed it was monitoring a Chinese cargo vessel at the center of allegations surrounding that damage. The 735-foot-long Yi Peng 3 was identified as operating near the cables when the incidents occurred. The Chinese vessel had departed the Russian port of Ust-Luga, in the Leningrad region, close to the Estonian border, on Nov. 15 and had been scheduled to sail to Port Said, Egypt, where it was originally due to arrive on Dec. 3.

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Earlier this week, Swedish Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin announced that the Norbalt undersea power cable linking Sweden with Lithuania was likely also purposely damaged by the Yi Peng 3 as well. The vessel is currently transiting the Red Sea.

Officials suspect the Yi Peng 3 of severing at least three cables running underneath the Baltic Sea. (Photo by Mikkel Berg Pedersen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark)

We are determined to deter, detect and counter any attempts at sabotage, read a joint statement by the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden that announced Baltic Sentry. Any attack against our infrastructure will be met with a robust and determined response. We stand ready to attribute hostile actions committed by malign actors, as appropriate.

In their statement, the leaders singled out Russia and its shadow fleet of oil tankers for creating security and environmental problems around the world.

This reprehensible practice also threatens the integrity of undersea infrastructure, increases risks connected to sea-dumped chemical munitions, and significantly supports funding of Russias illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

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Baltic Sentry is the latest effort to defend against the Russian shadow fleet.

Nordic Warden, an advanced UK-led reaction system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet, following reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, was launched earlier this month, the U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) announced.

The system was set up to protect critical undersea infrastructure and harnesses AI to assess data from a range of sources, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS) ships use to broadcast their position, to calculate the risk posed by each vessel entering areas of interest, according to the MoD. Theaction reinforces existing and planned NATO responses.

Nordic Warden is a U.K.-led effort to counter Russias shadow fleet. (Forsvaret)

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USVs gained global recognition from the war in Ukraine, which has used them to devastating effect as strike weapons against Russia in the Black Sea region. However, their use as reconnaissance and surveillance tools is also being evaluated by the U.S. and other navies, like Chinas. American USVs of various types have played an increasing role in keeping tabs on ship movements and other actions, as well as taking part in major exercises, in the Middle East, for instance, under the Navys Task Force 59.

The Baltic Sentry USV experiment will be closely watched to see how its autonomous operations and sensing capabilities work under a very real-world, high-profile use case. The data provided by these systems wont just help counter sabotage threats in those waters, it will also provide greater insights into the benefits and challenges of operating these systems over extended periods.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
PICAYUNE, Miss. (WJTV)  Picayune police announced a man is facing charges after drugs, guns and alligators were found during a search of his home.

Police said their Special Operations Division began receiving information that Ryan Howard was involved in illegal activity. During the investigation, Picayune police were contacted by St. Tammany Parish deputies, who had arrested Howard.

Five suspects carrying assault rifles wanted for Jackson auto burglaries

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According to investigators, officers executed a search warrant at Howards home on Glenwood Street and found 51 pounds of marijuana, packaging material for bulk sales, anabolic steroids, six ounces of mushrooms, 13 vials of marijuana seeds, and 14 firearms. They also found eight alligators in the backyard pool.

Police said Howard, who had a minor child with him, was found transporting 80 pounds of marijuana in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. He is being charged with trafficking a controlled substance.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) responded to Howards home and took custody of the alligators.

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Jan. 17The Ector County ISD Board of Trustees will meet for a busy meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in the first floor board room of the administration building, 802 N. Sam Houston Ave.

The board will consider hiring a principal for Burleson Early Education Center.

The elementary campus is being converted to an early education center for prekindergarten children.

Some other items on the agenda are:

 Consideration and possible action concerning pending litigation and possible settlement of Student v. Ector County Independent School District, Before a Special Education Hearing Officer for the State of Texas; Docket No. 226-SE-0324.

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 Request for approval of agreed corrective action plan between the Texas Education Agency and ECISD.

 In order to address self-reported data to TEA related to potentially impermissibly assigned out-of-school suspensions to students experiencing homelessness during the 2022-23 school year.

 A bond update.

 Discussion of and request for approval of an Election Order and Notice for the May 3, 2025, Board of Trustees Election. Filing continues through Feb. 14.

 Request for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ector County ISD and Angelo State University for a School Counseling Pathway.

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 Request to submit grant resolutions to the Office of the Governor.

 Board resolution for truancy prevention grant.

Special Presentations:

 School Board Month Proclamation.

 Presentation of Aetna Well-Being Award.

 Announcement of Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund Student Scholarship.

 Presentation of Crockett Middle School student design for State Capitol Christmas Ornament.

 Recognition of Permian High School Band State Qualifier.

 Introduction of Academic All-State Athletes from the fall semester.
Jan. 17The West Texas Associated General Contractors on Friday donated about $1,200 worth of tools to Ector County ISD's construction trades program.

Scott Hughes, executive director of the West Texas AGC, and Daniel Horton, president of Teinert Construction, also took time to talk to students on hand for the presentation. The tools included everything from ear plugs to hammers and levels.

Teinert is building the new middle school and Career and Technical Center.

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Hughes and Horton noted how important it is to get young people interested in construction as the workforce has diminished.

One of the students asked a question about what Hughes and Horton had learned from their mistakes.

Horton said he learned a lot from his errors.

Hughes said one of his bosses told him not to be scared to make a mistake, because it shows you're trying.

"Just don't make the same mistake twice," Hughes said.

He noted that you can generally see how things are built in career and technical facilities. He encouraged them to ask what different things do, or why a conduit is run the way it is.

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"There's a reason, and generally, someone like Daniel (Horton) or his team can explain to you why it was constructed that way," Hughes said. "But if you're in a facility like this, you have the opportunity to learn so much because everything is exposed above your head. All you've got to do is ask the question of somebody."

Horton said once construction starts on the CTE facility in the summer, they'd like to take the students on a field trip and give them a chance to ask questions and what they do.

Hughes said industry as it is requires a high school diploma or to be 18 to work on commercial jobs. But companies also look for students who have taken CTE classes or have worked in the residential sector while they were in high school.

"Then once you hit that baseline and graduating from high school or tuning 18, you are eligible to work on those commercial sites and anybody that is taking the initiative to work summers on those residential projects and has that background, has that experience, they jump to the front of the line when companies are looking for employees," Hughes said.

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Horton said it also helps to become an apprentice. If you want to go into management, you can get a construction engineering degree.

"Texas Tech has a good one. That's where I graduated," Horton said.

But he added that you still learn everything in the field.

"It's still building stuff, even though your job might be behind a computer more than in the field. Having the experience of building things or being in the field is invaluable and getting a start in high school is really a great step," Horton said.

Hughes said 30 percent of the students in the audience of 16 were girls and the field is opening up for them in the field or in the office.

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He added that every construction company is looking to be more diverse in their demographic by hiring women.

The West Texas Associated General Contractors has members that are superintendents, foremen and projects managers among other jobs.

Sherman Haller, the construction technology instructor, said he has girls in all his classes. He said he has close to 50 students total.

Haller said he thought the event was awesome. The main thing was receiving the tools that students will use and other people seeing them as potential employees and wanting to help them.

Maloney Ramirez, a senior at Odessa High School, said she enjoyed the presentation. She wants to go into either architecture, construction or both.

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Ramirez said they have enough tools, but having newer ones makes them feel appreciated.

Hughes said the West Texas AGC supports the commercial construction industry in West Texas. The organization has 275 members throughout the region.

The members came together last fall and donated tools to help support CTE and building trade programs in various schools. This is the first year they have made these donations as a chapter.

"Once we collected all those tools, we split those up. We identified six different school districts, Ector County being one of them. We split those tools up and today was an opportunity to come donate those tools to Ector County ISD," Hughes said.

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He said it's important to get involved with the youth because workforce development in the construction industry is at a "severity right now."

They need more men and women coming into the construction industry.

"We have projects that are not being able to be manned the way they should be and that is hurting construction schedules. It's hurting construction budgets and so the better we can train, the better we can prepare these ... young men and women to enter ... the commercial construction industry, the more successful these projects are going to be once they break ground," Hughes said.

He added that the organization plans to have tool drives every fall and then the following spring identify different school districts to donate those tools to. The tools are specific to building trades.

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Hughes' organization covers 69 counties with approximately 75,000 square miles.

Ryan Merritt, executive director of CTE with ECISD, said the donation is significant, but what's more important is the partnership with the industry and the district.
As wildfires scorched the Los Angeles area in January 2025, a number of Snopes readers and commentators (archived) pointed out similarities between current events and the plot of Octavia Butler's 1993 novel "Parable of the Sower" and its sequel "Parable of the Talents."

A reader shared the following Facebook post (archived) with the question: "Is this meme accurate about Octavia Butler's book 'Parable of the Sower' and predicting the recent LA fires with a new 'fascist' president who uses the slogan 'Make America Great Again'?"

(BlueSky user Leah Stokes)

Butler's 1993 novel did have startling similarities to the events in Los Angeles today. However, prescience does not indicate something supernatural is afoot. It simply shows Butler's attention to detail, historical research and ability to anticipate how societal problems would play out over decades based on the issues she saw when she was alive.

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Butler was born in Pasadena, California, in 1947 and turned California into the setting for her "Earthseed" novels, the first of which was "Parable of the Sower." According to the synopsis on Bookshop.org:

When global climate change and economic crises lead to social chaos in the early 2020s, California becomes full of dangers, from pervasive water shortage to masses of vagabonds who will do anything to live to see another day. Fifteen-year-old Lauren Olamina lives inside a gated community with her preacher father, family, and neighbors, sheltered from the surrounding anarchy. In a society where any vulnerability is a risk, she suffers from hyperempathy, a debilitating sensitivity to others' emotions. Precocious and clear-eyed, Lauren must make her voice heard in order to protect her loved ones from the imminent disasters her small community stubbornly ignores. But what begins as a fight for survival soon leads to something much more: the birth of a new faith  and a startling vision of human destiny.

We obtained copies of the two novels and pinpointed key sections that carry that prescience. In "Parable of the Sower," the main character, Lauren, writes diary entries in the years 2024 and 2025, which mention a number of natural disasters including "a big, early-season storm blowing itself out in the Gulf of Mexico. It's bounced around the Gulf, killing people from Florida to Texas and down into Mexico."

Then in an entry for July 30, 2024, Lauren writes:

Tonight the last big Window Wall television in the neighborhood went dark for good. We saw the dead astronaut with all of red, rocky Mars around her. We saw a dust-dry reservoir and three dead water peddlers with their dirty-blue armbands and their heads cut halfway off. And we saw whole blocks of boarded up buildings burning in Los Angeles. Of course, no one would waste water trying to put such fires out.

In an August 2027 entry, the narrator describes her travels en route to Northern California:

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But it's the fire that holds our attention. Maybe it was started by accident. Maybe not. But still, people are losing what they may not be able to replace. Even if they survive, insurance isn't worth much these days. People on the highway, shadowy in the darkness, had begun to reverse the flow, to drift northward to find a way to the fire. Best to be early for the scavenging.

In Butler's sequel, "Parable of the Talents," Lauren has managed to survive the destruction of her home and created a peaceful community which acts as a refuge. The second book also has a familiar sounding character in the form of a right-wing president. Per Bookshop.org:

In 2032, Lauren Olamina has survived the destruction of her home and family, and realized her vision of a peaceful community in northern California based on her newly founded faith, Earthseed. The fledgling community provides refuge for outcasts facing persecution after the election of an ultra-conservative president who vows to "make America great again." In an increasingly divided and dangerous nation, Lauren's subversive colony--a minority religious faction led by a young black woman--becomes a target for President Jarret's reign of terror and oppression.

A scene in the book, from the year 2032 describes the presidential candidate, Texas Sen. Andrew Steele Jarret, thusly (emphasis ours):

And "cultist" is a great catchall term for anyone who fits into no other large category, and yet doesn't quite match Jarret's version of Christianity. Jarret's people have been known to beat or drive out Unitarians, for goodness' sake. Jarret condemns the burnings, but does so in such mild language that his people are free to hear what they want to hear. As for the beatings, the tarring and feathering, and the destruction of "heathen houses of devil-worship," he has a simple answer: "Join us! Our doors are open to every nationality, every race! Leave your sinful past behind, and become one of us. Help us to make America great again." He's had notable success with this carrot-and-stick approach. Join us and thrive, or whatever happens to you as a result of your own sinful stubbornness is your problem. His opponent Vice President Edward Jay Smith calls him a demagogue, a rabble-rouser, and a hypocrite. Smith is right, of course, but Smith is such a tired, gray shadow of a man. Jarret, on the other hand, is a big, handsome, black-haired man with deep, clear blue eyes that seduce people and hold them. He has a voice that's a whole-body experience, the way my father's was.

Butler actually had enough examples of the term "Make America Great Again" in the 1980s and '90s as inspiration for the cultlike figure of Jarret. In 1980, the Republican Party's then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan campaigned alongside George H.W. Bush to the slogan "Let's Make America Great Again." In 1992 the Democratic candidate Bill Clinton began his campaign with the pledge to "make America great again," according to the National Museum of American History.

In an interview with Democracy Now! in 2005, Butler described the inspiration for the two novels (emphasis ours):

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I wrote the two "Parable" books, back in the '90s, they are books about, as I said, what happens because we don't trouble to correct some of the problems that we're brewing for ourselves right now. Global warming is one of those problems and I was aware of it back in the '80s. I was reading books about it and a lot of people were seeing it as politics, as something very iffy, as something they could ignore because nothing was going to come of it tomorrow. That and the fact that I think I was paying a lot of attention to education because a lot of my friends were teachers and the politics of education was getting scarier, it seemed to me. We were getting to that point where we were thinking more about the building of prisons than of schools and libraries. Not everybody was going in the wrong direction, but a lot of the country still was. And what I wanted to write was a novel of someone who was coming up with solutions of a sort.

In a 2000 interview at a Baltimore writing convention, Butler said: "Global warming is practically a character in 'Parable of the Sower.'  They are problems now, they become disasters because they are not attended to. I hope, of course, that we will be smarter than that."

According to The Associated Press, Butler also spoke of the past as "filled with repeating cycles of strength and weakness, wisdom and stupidity, empire and ashes. To study history is to study humanity."

Butler's prescience is not a sign of supernatural ability, but of a canny and well-researched writer. In her words, per the AP, "I didn't make up the problems. All I did was look around at the problems we're neglecting now and give them about 30 years to grow into full-fledged disasters."

Sources:

Butler, Octavia E. "Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents: Ebook Box Set." Grand Central Publishing, 2023. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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Butler, Octavia E. "Parable of the Sower." Bookshop.Org, https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-sower-octavia-e-butler/19767724?ean=9781538732182." target="blank">https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-sower-octavia-e-butler/19767724?ean=9781538732182.">https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-sower-octavia-e-butler/19767724?ean=9781538732182. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Butler, Octavia E. . "Parable of the Talents." Bookshop.Org, https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-talents-octavia-e-butler/7395430?ean=9781538732199." target="blank">https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-talents-octavia-e-butler/7395430?ean=9781538732199.">https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-talents-octavia-e-butler/7395430?ean=9781538732199. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

"Button, Ronald Reagan, 1980." Smithsonian Institution, https://www.si.edu/object/button-ronald-reagan-1980%3Anmah_522618. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Chambers, Veronica. "As California Burns, 'Octavia Tried to Tell Us' Has New Meaning." The New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/los-angeles-wildfires-octavia-butler.html." target="blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/los-angeles-wildfires-octavia-butler.html.">https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/los-angeles-wildfires-octavia-butler.html. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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"Octavia Butler Imagined LA Ravaged by Fires. Her Altadena Cemetery Survived." AP News, 14 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/octavia-butler-los-angeles-wildfires-cemetery-eaf2ee7921561355d632d0e381099ed6." target="blank">https://apnews.com/article/octavia-butler-los-angeles-wildfires-cemetery-eaf2ee7921561355d632d0e381099ed6.">https://apnews.com/article/octavia-butler-los-angeles-wildfires-cemetery-eaf2ee7921561355d632d0e381099ed6. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

"Octavia Butler Interview - Transcending Barriers." Fast Forward: Contemporary Science Fiction, 22 June 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG68v0RGHsY&t=900s." target="blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG68v0RGHsY&t=900s.">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG68v0RGHsY&t=900s. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Octavia Butler on "Parable" Books and Predicting Climate Chaos in 2005. Democracy Now!, 13 Jan. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv5m3tnT9wk." target="blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv5m3tnT9wk.">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv5m3tnT9wk. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

"Remembering Afrofuturist Octavia Butler." National Museum of African American History and Culture, https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/remembering-afrofuturist-octavia-butler. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
Egyptian government officials on Saturday inspected the preparations for the delivery of relief aid into the neighbouring Gaza Strip, a day before a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas is set to go into effect.

Egypt's ministers of health and social solidarity inspected the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza and a logistics area where about 600 aid trucks are stationed, local officials said.

Both ministers toured hospitals and medical facilities in North Sinai, readied to receive the wounded from Gaza, Egypt's state-linked al-Qahera News broadcaster reported.

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They also inspected the equipment of the Egyptian Red Crescent and its logistical warehouses in the province, part of the Sinai Peninsula.

Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghafar said Egypt is ready to receive the injured Palestinians leaving Gaza in the coming days.

In May last year, Israel took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, in an operation that halted aid deliveries via the vital facility into the heavily populated coastal strip.
DETURKSVILLE, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pine Grove man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in southwestern Schuylkill County.

Robert Miller, 18, of Pine Grove, was identified by State Police at Schuylkill Haven as the victim.

Route 15 shut down after wrong-way driver hits multiple cars

Troopers said the crash happened around 11:55 p.m. Thursday night on Sweet Arrow Lake Road near Wolfes Road in Washington Township.

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Wolfe was headed west on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt when he crossed over the center line, overcorrected and lost control of the car.

The vehicle hit an embankment and then a tree.

Miller was not wearing a seatbelt, troopers said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene around 1 a.m. by a Schuylkill County deputy coroner.

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Pine Grove Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

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A Good Samaritan and emergency responders saved the life of an elderly man who mistakenly drove off a boat ramp in Washington state.

The incident occurred in Lake Stevens around 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, said Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue in a news release. It stated that the driver was navigating the North Cove boat launch in dark and foggy conditions when he made a wrong turn and drove down the ramp.

Authorities added that a Good Samaritan observed the incident, called 911 and dove into the water to help.

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Related: Restaurant Staff Rescues Couple Who Drove into Water After Getting Confused by GPS Directions

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, including an off-duty firefighter who heard the call at his home and entered the frigid waters after donning his wet suit and snorkel gear, read the news release.

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.

"By the time firefighters arrived, the vehicle had floated approximately 100 feet from the shore and was slowly sinking, Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue said. The rescue swimmers and Good Samaritan secured the vehicle and successfully extricated the driver.

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue An elderly man was rescued after he mistakenly drove off a boat ramp in Washington state on Jan. 16, 2025 An elderly man was rescued after he mistakenly drove off a boat ramp in Washington state on Jan. 16, 2025

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue noted that the driver and the Good Samaritan were treated for cold water exposure. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital while the Samaritan was warmed up at an aid unit and later left the scene.

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Related: Hawaii Tourists Following GPS Directions Rescued After Driving Car 'Straight into the Harbor'

At the time of the incident, the temperature of Lake Stevens was about 40 degrees, described by authorities as cold enough to incapacitate someone quickly,"

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue also stated that dark and foggy conditions can make getting around dangerous.

"Still water, especially in fog, is almost indistinguishable from a solid surface from a drivers perspective. Once a vehicle enters the water, it can float and drift quickly due to forward momentum, according to the release.

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue An elderly man was rescued after he mistakenly drove off a boat ramp in Washington state on Jan. 16, 2024 An elderly man was rescued after he mistakenly drove off a boat ramp in Washington state on Jan. 16, 2024

Related: 5 University of Georgia Sorority Sisters Save Mom and Kids from Sinking Car: 'Absolutely Admirable'

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Authorities advised drivers that if their car is in the water, they should stay calm and quickly roll down the windows. They also suggested that drivers try to open the door and get out of the car immediately.

We want to thank the selfless good Samaritan for their swift response and the care for other people over your own! And thank you Lake Stevens Police for your swift response as well, Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue concluded its statement.



Read the original article on People
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY)  The Elizabeth City Police Department is seeking the publics help in identifying the suspect in connection with the 2024 murder of Caleb Jeremiah Bowe.

ECPD investigating homicide after man found dead in vehicle

Around 11:45 a.m. Aug. 26, officers responded to the area of Oak Grove Avenue in reference to suspicious conditions.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a dead man in a vehicle in the 100 block of Oak Grove Avenue. Police identified the man as the 21-year-old Bowe of Elizabeth City.

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A reward is being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons involved in the murder.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Elizabeth City Police Department at 252-335-4321, the Crime Line at 252-335-5555, or FUSUS Text-a-Tip at 252-390-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Office Space

Multi-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk has grown so close to president-elect Donald Trump that he'll be moving with him  well, sort of  following next week's inauguration.

Musk, who was put in charge of a so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) last year by Trump, is expected to be assigned space in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is part of the White House complex and a five-minute walk from the West Wing, the New York Times reports.

That's despite the fact that DOGE is an entirely advisory body and not an actual government "department."

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The news again highlights the incredibly cozy relationship between Musk and Trump  and, more generally, between corporate America and the White House in what critics including the outgoing president Joe Biden are calling the rise of American oligarchy.

On a separate level, the arrangement again raises a question pertinent both to Trump's foes and allies: after Musk spent an unprecedented hundreds of millions to get the real estate tycoon into office, who's really calling the shots?

Never Let Me Go

The department Musk will be co-leading alongside pharmaceutical CEO Vivek Ramaswamy is anticipated to be run out of the office block. Currently, its staff are working out of SpaceX's offices in Washington, DC.

According to an announcement last year, DOGE will be tasked with slashing government spending, a process that will involve the examination of highly classified contracts.

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While DOGE's purported objective is to slash a whopping $2 trillion from the federal government budget, Musk has since attempted to manage expectations, admitting that the department is more likely to only cut half that amount.

The mercurial entrepreneur has barely left Trump's side since the election, going as far as to occupy a cottage near Trump's property in Mar-a-Lago  an overbearing presence that has annoyed Trump's aides and allies.

Nobody knows how far DOGE will manage to get in its attempt to butcher the federal government's budget, and Musk's personal role remains a subject of debate. Becoming a "special government employee" would force Musk to disclose financial relationships, according to the NYT.

If he were to forgo such a status, Musk would be required to hold public meetings and make any DOGE documents available to the public.

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Trump is also a notoriously fickle partner; whether or how long the bromance will survive the turbulent Trump administration is anybody's guess.

After being sworn in as president, Trump will likely have little time and energy for Musk's enormous need for attention  a reality that could put additional strain on the unusual father-son-style duo.

More on Trump and Musk: Trump Seems Awfully Touchy About the Impression That He's Taking Orders From Elon Musk
Elon Musk wrote "Make Europe Great Again" in an X post on Saturday.

Musk has used X to share support for far-right political parties in Europe.

His remarks have drawn ire from political leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Elon Musk continues to champion right-wing politics in Europe.

Musk shared an X post on Saturday that invoked President-elect Donald Trump's world-famous campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again."

"From MAGA to MEGA: Make Europe Great Again!" the tech billionaire wrote.

In a separate post, Musk said, "So many people in Europe lack hope for the future or think Europe is 'bad' in some way. Pervasive pessimism. This will lead to the end of Europe. Therefore, it must change."

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Representatives for Musk did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Musk has previously promoted right-wing political parties and agendas in Europe, including in a December 2024 op-ed in a prominent German newspaper. The op-ed called the Alternative for Germany party  or AfD  the "last spark of hope for this country."

"The AfD advocates a controlled immigration policy that gives priority to integration and the preservation of German culture and security. This is not about xenophobia, but about ensuring that Germany does not lose its identity in the pursuit of globalization," Musk wrote. "A nation must preserve its core values and cultural heritage to remain strong and united."

That same month, Musk called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz an "incompetent fool" on X and suggested he should resign.

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Musk owns a Tesla Gigafactory near Berlin, which has been the source of local tension. Last year, a clash between police and protestors, who said the factory's expansion would deplete local forests and water resources, broke out.

Thomas Zittel, a politics professor at Goethe University Frankfurt, told Business Insider that Musk's "motivation to comment on German party politics may be driven by his own experiences during the construction" of the factory. He added that there was "probably too much bureaucracy and regulation for his taste."

"After all, he thinks in terms of disruption," Zittel said.

Musk has also waded into UK politics. Earlier this month, he advocated on X for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right English agitator. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, breached a court order not to repeat false claims about a refugee from Syria and was jailed last year. Robinson was sued for defamation over the claims.

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Five days later, Musk shared a poll on X asking if America should "liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government."

Musk's comments have drawn criticism from political leaders across Europe.

Scholz responded to Musk's op-ed during an interview this month. "There are many people on social media who want to attract attention with strong slogans," he said. "The rule is: Don't feed the troll."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also discussed Musk during a speech without naming him this month. "Those who are spreading lies and misinformation as far and as wide as possible are not interested in victims  they're interested in themselves," Starmer said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SpaceX, the private space technology company owned by Elon Musk, is asking federal authorities to approve a new round of tests for a prototype reusable rocket, but some of them may never make it back to the surface intact and will crash in the ocean. The project has received pushback from those who fear the rocket's scatters debris will threaten protected marine habitats near Hawaii.

The company plans to launch two kinds of rockets from Boca Chica, Texas: The Super Heavy and the Starship. SpaceX wants to increase the number of annual flights from five to 25 (for both types of rockets) and expand the landing zone by roughly 20 times the initial scope. According to the Federal Aviation Administrations Revised Draft Environmental Assessment of SpaceXs proposal, some of the Starship rockets will be destroyed when they plow into designated ocean zones off Hawaii, Indonesia, West Australia and South America.

The SpaceX Starship lifts off from Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, on October 13, 2024, for the Starship Flight 5 test. SpaceX successfully "caught" the first-stage booster of its Starship megarocket Sunday as it returned to the launch pad after a test flight, a world first in the company's quest for rapid reusability. Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images

Its the Starship plans that have upset both Hawaiian residents (this is the model that reportedly blew up minutes after launch on January 16). Part of the rocket will be ejected and land in large swaths in the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the plan states that part of the Starship rocket may not be reused and are instead expended in the ocean. There are several ways this could happen, according to the FAA: It could break up at terminal velocity and create an explosive event at the surface of the water, or a soft water landing and tip over and sink or explode on impact at the surface of the water or the rocket could break up on reentry and rain debris into the ocean. SpaceX estimated no more than 20 explosive events for each vehicle within the next five years. Below is a map of the proposed landing areas in the Pacific.

Federal Aviation Adminstration

Its a massive playing field spanning thousands of miles. However, the prospect of rocket debris raining down into the ocean has received vocal opposition, particularly in Hawaii, because part of the landing area surrounds the federally protected habitat of Papahanaumokuakea, formerly known as the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. This comes days after the Biden Administration on January 2 recognized the 580,000 square miles of islands and atolls west of Hawaii as one of the largest protected areas in the country. The sanctuary hosts reefs, seamounts and wildlife found only in the Hawaiian islands, and has cultural sites that are significant to Native Hawaiians.

A map of the federally protected Papahanaumokuakea, formerly known as the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. NOAA

During a virtual meeting hosted by the FAA on January 13, SF Gate reported that the majority of public speakers opposed the project due to environmental concerns. It looks like theres a magical line drawn around these protected areas, where space junk is going to fall on either side of these areas and magically will not fall on the protected areas, said Stephanie Fried, a former alternate member of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council, during public comment. This just does not make sense.

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The 1,350 miles of coral islands are also used by local fishers and are frequented by migrating humpback whales. Mainei Kinimaka, a surfer, filmmaker and daughter of Waimea Bay legend Titus Kinimaka said at the meeting that, Any cultural assessment done properly in this area would easily disprove this being a decent site for dumping debris.

Related: Surfrider Foundation Takes On Elon Musk, Space X In New Lawsuit

Surprisingly, the FAA has not required a full new environmental impact review of the project and determined the landings would not result in significant terrestrial habitat and wildlife or marine resource impacts, according to Lynda Williams, a physicist and environmental activist based in Hawaii. She noted that the current analysis is based on the 2022 biological opinion that the Starship landings would cause no harm to marine mammals and critical habitats.

But Williams believes more assessment is needed, as the past studies, relied only on best-case scenarios, such as the assumption that Starship would completely disintegrate upon impact and detonation. Had the FAA required a full environmental impact statement, potential errors or mishaps would need to be considered.

Written comments to the FAA are due today, January 17 and can be submitted here. To learn more about the proposal, click here or here.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Owner and Chef of Gyu-Masu Steak and Seafood, Victor Jian, Vice President of Toriyama Farms, Wataru Toriyama, and Chef, Kazuki Arai, joined Brittni Friedlander on Wake Up 2Day to share their authentic Japanese wagyu experience offered at the restaurant.

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The Gyu-Masu team has brought an unforgettable night of dining to their restaurant in efforts to raise awareness to the consumers between the difference of certified and authentic Japanese Wagyu versus other types across the country.

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Owner, Victor Jian, shared the importance of this specialty meat.

Japanese Wagyu is a highly prized beef renowned for its exceptional quality, marbling, and unique flavor. The term Wagyu translates to Japanese cow (Wagyu = Wa meaning Japan, Gyu meaning cow) and refers to specific breeds of cattle native to Japan, including the Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled, and Japanese Shorthorn.

However, the most well-known and sought-after variety is the Japanese Black, prized for its intense marbling and tender texture.

Actor from Rescue: HI-Surf shares viewers can expect a lot more action in upcoming episodes

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Friday January 17, guests can purchase tickets ($150 per person) to this one-of-a-kind farm to table experience.

In collaboration with Aloun Farms, Toriyama Farms, and chefs that were flown directly from Japan, Gyu-Masu is hosting the United States first ever Umami Wagyu farm to table experience.

The event begins at 6 p.m.

If you are not able to attend this prestigious event Friday, you can visit Gyu-Masu Steak and Seafood connected to the Embassy Suites Hotel in Kapolei and enjoy their nabe, all you can eat experience, and delicious a la carte menu options.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

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You can keep up to date and follow the Gyu-Masu Steak and Seafood journey on Instagram (@gyumasukapolei).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans are monitoring upcoming winter weather, including cold temperatures and possible precipitation, expected early next week. To ensure customer safety, Entergy said disconnects are suspended through Sunday, Jan. 26.

Customer tips from Entergy:

Prepare your home: Winterize it and create an emergency kit.

Stay informed: Update contact info and download the Entergy app.

Report outages: Use the app, myEntergy.com, or text OUT to 36778.

Entergys Storm Center offers more safety tips on generators, gas, and extreme cold.

How Entergy is preparing:

Power Plants: Improved insulation and freezing prevention measures for equipment and pipes.

Transmission Lines: Inspections and vegetation trimming to reduce storm damage risks.

According to a news release, Entergy will use forecasts and models to plan restoration efforts and call in more workers if needed.

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Entergy said it remains ready year-round with ongoing maintenance and vegetation management to minimize power disruptions. Customers are encouraged to prepare early and stay connected for updates.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Evansville Police Department is searching for a suspect after a holdup at OReilly Auto Parts.

Officials with Evansville Dispatch say they got a call about the holdup at 8:09 p.m. Friday. They went on to say that EPD was dispatched to an OReilly Auto Parts in the 2000 block of Covert Avenue.

Police say when they arrived on scene, an employee told them a man came in the store and stole a starter box then attempted to leave the store. The employee says they attempted to stop the man, but he pulled out a gun and ran off on foot.

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Police say they deployed a drone and have officers searching the area for the suspect.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Jan. 17ROCHESTER  Eric Kerska said serving nearly seven years as Rochester's fire chief wasn't his favorite job in his three-decade career with the city department.

"This job is totally different," he said of leading the department. "I never set out to do this job. It just kind of happened."

The fire chief, who retired Friday, said his favorite assignment was his 11 years as captain.

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"I enjoyed the response. ... You are working on a team, and you are solving complex problems for people," said Kerska, who joined the department as a firefighter in 1994.

"You never knew what you were going to get, and it was so fun figuring out how to help people through varied stuff, from water in a basement to fires to an iguana stuck in a tree," he added.

The chief said rescuing an iguana that latched onto the sleeve of his coat was one of several unique experiences in his career, but his career never involved a cat trapped in a tree, since most felines are more adept at rescuing themselves.

"In 30 years and nine months, I never found a skeleton of a cat in a tree," he joked. "Somehow, they always get down."

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While a path to leadership wasn't in Kerska's early plans, department and city leaders said Friday they are happy he found one.

City Administrator Alison Zelms, who joined the city staff after Kerska was tapped as chief in 2018, said his leadership has been important to the city.

"You are a mentor, and you also held people accountable," she told him during a retirement ceremony Friday afternoon. "But it's lonely at the top, and thanks for being here. I respect you for making the hard decisions, with the courage of your convictions."

Reflecting on the work that has been done since he became a firefighter, Kerska said the department's greatest challenge has been responding to the growing needs of a city that has seen the population change from 76,000 when he joined the department to approximately 125,000 today.

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With the growth expected to continue, he said he's grateful the Rochester City Council is supporting a strategic plan to grow the department and eventually add a new fire station.

"It's a good thing to try to plan, rather than react," he said.

While he oversaw the development of the plan in his years as chief, Kerska said he considers his greatest accomplishment to be championing mental health services for firefighters.

"We've been doing great with physical fitness for years ... but my folks see a lot of bad stuff, and how do you keep them healthy mentally," he said.

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The department has started consulting with a licensed psychiatrist and implemented a chaplain program to provide support.

"The chaplain program has been amazing, not only for my folks, but what we didn't anticipate is the positive impact on the citizens. ... The chaplains are helping our folks help the citizens through some of this stuff," Kerska said, pointing out firefighters frequently meet residents at traumatic points in their lives.

On Friday, chaplains in the department's program thanked the chief for his efforts and said the work he started will continue.

"For generations to come, people will be able to look at you and say 'those are the shoulders on which I now stand,'" fire department chaplin.Todd Looney said.

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Deputy Chief Holly Mulholland echoed the sentiment and extended it to Kerska's family.

"He and you are leaving the department a little bit better," she told Kerska's family members gathered with other Rochester residents during Friday's ceremony.

As he transitions to being a Rochester resident, rather than a city employee, Kerska said he's waiting to make plans for his future. After a firefighter career and 32 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard, he said he's entering new territory.

"I'm not making any firm plans, and it's the first time in my adult life where I haven't had a plan," he said. "That in itself is a little unnerving."

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With the change, he is confident he's leaving the fire department in good hands.

He spent two weeks with the new fire chief, Mason Pooler, who started on Jan. 6.

Pooler has worked in Wisconsin fire departments since 1998 and has served as chief in West Allis, Wisconsin, since 2017.

"Couple his experience with the great team we have, and this is going to be fine," he said of the Rochester department. "I have great people who know their jobs."

Pooler said he's proud to follow in Kerska's footsteps.

"As I step into the role as fire chief, I respect the legacy that we've all inherited from you and I understand my responsibility to continue to honor it," he told Kerska during Friday's retirement ceremony.

"Your impact on this department, the city and the people you led will never be forgotten," he added.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  An election observation mission has been set up by the European Union to oversee parliamentary elections in Kosovo scheduled for Feb. 9.

The poll is expected to be a key test for Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whose governing party won in a landslide in the 2021. Tensions with neighboring Serbia remain tense since the former Serbian province declared independence in 2008, which Belgrade doesnt recognize.

A team of 100 observers will monitor the elections, underlining "continuous EU support for Kosovo to further strengthen its democratic governance," Nathalie Loiseau, the French member of the European Parliament who has been appointed as chief of the mission, said Saturday.

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She said the election will showcase the plurality of Kosovos political landscape.

In all, 27 political groupings will run for 120 seats in the parliament. About 100,000 voters registered abroad have already started casting postal ballots. The Serb minority has 10 secured seats in the parliament.

Ethnic Serbs make up about 2.3% of Kosovo's 1.6 million population, according to a 2024 census. Serbs largely boycotted the census and have not accepted those figures, calling them too low.

Loiseau said the elections are being held "at a moment when democracies are questioned, sometimes under threat globally ... so the importance of having a vibrant democracy in Kosovo has never been bigger.

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NATO-led international peacekeepers known as KFOR, who have increased their presence in Kosovo after last year's tensions, said their 4,300-strong force will be buttressed by more than 200 Italian troops during the election period.

In September 2023, Serb gunmen killed a police officer and occupied an Orthodox monastery in an incident Kosovo blamed on Serbia, accusing it of organizing a plot to grab its northern territory. Kosovo again accused Serbia for an explosion that damaged water and power supply systems in November last year. Belgrade denied both accusations.

Both the EU and the United States have been urging both sides to implement agreements reached two years ago that include a commitment by Kosovo to establish an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Serbia was also expected to deliver on the de facto recognition of Kosovo.

___

Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
The city of Evanston has announced it is taking measures to protect immigrants from the potential deportation initiative that incoming President Donald Trump has said will take place as soon as his first day in office. Meanwhile, officials in Skokie and Glenview, other North Shore towns with significant immigrant populations, have said theyll take a wait-and-see attitude.

Evanstons City Council unanimously voted at its Jan. 13 meeting to approve changes to its existing Welcoming City ordinance. The amendments redefine key terms of the ordinance, which would prohibit Evanston authorities from assisting immigration officers other than U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as some groups have expressed worry that Trump could invoke the military to carry out deportations.

Fred Tsao, the senior policy director for the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said Evanstons ordinance surpasses protections offered by the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois. We believe passing these amendments is a very crucial step, especially in light of the incoming federal administration, he said.

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During his presidential campaign, Trump said that if re-elected, he would explore options of invoking the National Guard and the military domestically to deport millions of migrants, according to the Associated Press.

Tsao said the redefined terms of Immigration Officer and Immigration Detainer could be applied to the National Guard and the military and that Evanston authorities would be prohibited from cooperating with them.

Tsao said the ordinance doesnt mean immigrants cannot be deported if they are in Evanston, noting thats a common misconception that some people have about sanctuary cities and states. ICE can still do what it does here (Evanston). It just means that they wont get help from the city, he said.

Evanston originally passed a Welcoming City ordinance in 2016, along with Chicago and Illinois. Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities, but a panel of federal judges ruled the government could not withhold those funds.

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So, we have excellent precedent and sound constitutional arguments on our side, said the citys Chief Legislative Policy Advisor Liza Roberson-Young.

The attempt to withhold the funding was unconstitutional because the federal government cant conscript the police power of states or local governments to achieve its policy goals, Roberson-Young said.

Nadav Shoked, an expert in local government and legal history at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, told Pioneer Press that Evanstons updated ordinance is mostly symbolic, as Evanston is not a likely target for the federal government, in part due to the federal governments limits.

The underlying problem that the federal government will always have is that it really doesnt have a police force, Shoked said. So if youre the federal government, you kind of have to rely on the goodwill of state and local forces to help you, and its almost all local in America, including in Illinois.

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If you have a limited force, you go for the easy targets, he said, referring to encampments and shelters in Chicago which arent housing as many people as they used to.

Shoked said an unintentional consequence of the ordinance could be putting federal funds in jeopardy, as happened during Trumps first term.

Last time, they (the Trump administration) were exceptionally ineffective Now, I think they have a better idea of what they can legally do, Shoked said.

Evanston is also scheduled to host a free Know-Your-Rights workshop on Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, to educate residents on how to recognize profiling, discrimination, exploitation, mistreatment or abuse.

Wait and see

Other municipalities on the North Shore area are opting to see what the Trump administration will do in its second term.

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Were basically taking a wait-and-see attitude, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said. Its very hard to know what the administration might do or perhaps will not do.

Van Dusen said it wouldnt be likely that the military would be used to carry out deportations, as it would likely be unconstitutional, he said.

Shoked also said the use of the military for domestic purposes could raise constitutional issues.

In 2017, the Skokie Village Board adopted changes to its Human Relations Code that in many ways mirrored what other villages and cities call a Sanctuary City or Welcoming City ordinance, according to the villages corporation counsel.

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The timing of the adopted changes was two months into Trumps first term. It was also after a local group urged the village board to adopt a Sanctuary Village ordinance.

When asked if the villages corporation counsel and legal department are reviewing the Human Relations Code again, Van Dusen said, No. Not at this time.

The village of Glenview is not planning to pass a Welcoming City ordinance, or anything similar, ahead of Trumps second term, according to the villages Director of Communications and Community Engagement David Just. Just noted that the state of Illinois contains protections in its Illinois TRUST Act.

The act denies local law enforcement the ability to detain people on behalf of immigration officials, and bars local officials from asking about a persons immigration status, among other protections.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The six burn victims from the New Years Eve Aliamanu fireworks explosion incident are on course for recovery.

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Dr. Kevin Foster of Arizona Burn Center  Valleywise Health and Arizona Burn Foundation CEO Rex Albright provided an update on the victims and their families in a press conference on Friday, Jan. 17.

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Six burn patients from NYE firework explosion flown to US mainland

The Aliamanu victims were flown to the mainland on Jan. 4 to receive further medical treatment. Multiple Hawaii agencies assisted with the transport, with more than 30 military specialists with experience in air transport and aeromedical practices joining the trip to Arizona.

The flight left at 11 a.m. and arrived safely the same day.

According to Dr. Foster, each patient underwent their first surgery on Jan. 5 and continued with operations every two or three days since that time.

Dr. Foster added that all victims have 50% or more burns and will be spending between two to four months in the hospital, as well as additional time for rehabilitation.

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As of now, all patients are still in a medically induced coma until most of the burns are covered.

Medical professionals are working to address cuts, scraps, abrasions and lacerations. Patients are said to have suffered traumatic injuries from flying particles and the debris carried in the air that resulted in infectious complications.

Rex Albright said the Arizona Burn Foundation is working with 20 family members of the six victims, offering lodging and transport assistance.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The foundation is also working to prepare families to communicate with their loved ones once they wake up.

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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 KHON2.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers charged former lawmaker and businessman Vadym Novynskyi with high treason and incitement to religious hatred in absentia, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said.

The SBI didn't mention the suspect's name, but the description and the video made it clear that this was Novynskyi.

Novynskyi is an ex-lawmaker from the pro-Russian Opposition Bloc, which was banned in Ukraine shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale war, and sponsor of the Moscow-backed church in Ukraine.

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For years, Novynskyi was listed among the richest Ukrainians, with Forbes estimating his wealth at $1.4 billion in the spring of 2023.

According to the investigation, Novynskyi has been publicly promoting Russian narratives since Moscow's invasion in 2014.

"The MP tried to form anti-government and pro-Russian sentiments in Ukrainian society, justify Russian aggression, etc.," the SBI said.

Law enforcement officials called Novynskyi a "handler" of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in Ukraine. In December 2022, Ukraine imposed sanctions against him and other leaders of the Russia-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

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The former MP followed the instructions of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, maintained close ties with him for a long time, and was hierarchically subordinate to him, the statement read.

After the start of the full-scale invasion, Novynskyi resigned from Ukraine's parliament and fled abroad. He continues "to assist Russia in conducting subversive information activities," the SBI said.

If detained and convicted, he might face up to 15 years in prison with or without confiscation of property.

Read also: Former pro-Russian lawmaker charged with treason resurfaces in China

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A former governor of Washington has ripped into the GOP for suggesting there should be strings attached to aid in the wake of some of the most devastating wildfires in U.S. history.

Speaking with MSNBCs Ali Velshi on Friday, Jay Inslee explained that the president-elect does unfortunately have prior form in this area, having denied additional funding to Washington after the 2020 wildfires, and forcing the state to wait until Joe Biden assumed office more than five months later.

As Inslee said, Imagine a couple standing in the ruins of their home embracing and crying, which Ive seen on multiple occasions, because these fires are increasing because of climate change.

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He went on, Imagine them turning to the president of the United States, saying could you lend us a little hand here? And he says no, I dont like you because you live in a blue state, you happen to have elected Democrats on occasion.

Inslee then clarified that this was exactly what [Trump] did to my constituents when they suffered in the Malden fire, where the whole town burned down, 15,000 acres, even burned the fire department, the library. And he just said, Go fish.

The former governor went on to say that it was inconceivable that a U.S. president would react like this in the aftermath of a natural disaster until Donald Trump came on the scene.

Commenting further on suggestions from the GOP leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, that conditions should be attached to federal aid for California, Inslee said, This is an attack on American people who made a voting decision that Donald Trump doesnt like.

He added, They deserve to be treated like Americans.
By Sabine Siebold and Friederike Heine

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's ambassador to the United States has warned that the incoming Trump administration will rob U.S. law enforcement and the media of their independence and hand big tech companies "co-governing power", according to a confidential document seen by Reuters.

The briefing document, dated Jan. 14 and signed by Ambassador Andreas Michaelis, describes Donald Trump's agenda for his second White House term as one of "maximum disruption" that will bring about "a redefinition of the constitutional order - maximum concentration of power with the president at the expense of Congress and the federal states."

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"Basic democratic principles and checks and balances will be largely undermined, the legislature, law enforcement and media will be robbed of their independence and misused as a political arm, Big Tech will be given co-governing power," it says.

Trump's transition team had no immediate comment on the ambassador's assessment.

On Sunday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Berlin would "continue to work closely together [with the U.S.], but of course we also want to continue to stand up for our own interests."

Asked to explain the ambassador's stance on Trump on German public broadcaster ZDF, Baerbock said Michaelis was merely doing his job and that Trump had openly stated much of his agenda.

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The outgoing government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz has largely refrained from direct public criticism of Trump since the election, but the ambassador's confidential assessment offers a blunt view from a senior German official.

Ambassadors are not replaced automatically with the formation of a new government, unless a change is deemed necessary for diplomatic or other reasons.

The document cites the judiciary, and especially the U.S. Supreme Court, as central to Trump's attempts to further his agenda, but says that despite the court's recent decision to expand presidential powers, "even the biggest critics assume that it will prevent the worst from happening."

Michaelis sees control of the Justice Department and FBI as key to Trump reaching his political and personal goals, including mass deportations, retribution against perceived enemies and legal impunity.

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He says Trump has broad legal options to force his agenda on the states, saying "even military deployment within the country for police activities would be possible in the event of declared 'insurrection' and 'invasion'."

The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act bars the federal military from participating in domestic law enforcement, with some exceptions.

Michaelis also foresees a "redefinition of the First Amendment," saying Trump and billionaire X owner Elon Musk are already taking actions against critics and non-cooperating media companies.

"One is using lawsuits, threatening criminal prosecution and licence revocation, the other is having algorithms manipulated and accounts blocked," he says in the document.

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Musk's repeated endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of the Feb. 23 national election has drawn ire in Berlin, but the government has stopped short of unanimously leaving his platform.

Berlin endured a particularly difficult relationship with the United States during the first Trump administration, facing costly tariffs and criticism over its failure to meet the NATO target on defence expenditure.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Christian Kraemer; Writing by Friederike Heine; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Deepa Babington)
By Dan Levine and Mike Spector

(Reuters) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. played an instrumental role in organizing mass litigation against drugmaker Merck over its Gardasil vaccine, a strategy that faces its first test in a Los Angeles court next week, according to two attorneys close to the case and court filings.

Kennedy, who ended his own presidential campaign last year to endorse Donald Trump, awaits confirmation as U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. The role would give him direct authority over a special vaccine court that compensates injuries.

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Details of the Gardasil litigation show how Kennedy took action beyond sowing doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines in the court of public opinion and helped build a case against the pharmaceutical industry before judges and juries.

Kennedy, a longtime plaintiffs' lawyer, became involved in the Gardasil litigation in 2018 in collaboration with Robert Krakow, an attorney specializing in vaccine injury cases, Krakow said.

Under U.S. law, such cases must first be filed with the special vaccine court run by HHS that aims to address claims quickly, but caps compensation and limits vaccine makers' liability.

That process had discouraged top lawyers who represent hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs in liability lawsuits with the potential to reap millions, and sometimes billions, of dollars in company payouts.

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Krakow saw grounds to sue Merck directly over its human papillomavirus shot Gardasil after handling some injury claims in vaccine court. He believed there was also evidence that Merck had fraudulently advertised Gardasil as safe, overstating its benefits while concealing knowledge of dangerous side effects.

Kennedy championed that strategy among a network of influential lawyers who had taken on major corporations over other products, Krakow said.

"He was a galvanizing force," Krakow told Reuters. Kennedy's presence in Gardasil strategy meetings helped pique the interest of lawyers whom Krakow would have been unable to recruit on his own, he said.

Kennedy did not respond to requests for comment on the Gardasil litigation and has not indicated whether he would change vaccine compensation as health secretary. It is not clear whether Kennedy would earn any fees off the Gardasil cases, as would be customary.

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Merck did not comment on Kennedy's role in the litigation, which it said had no merit.

Gardasil is recommended as a routine immunization for 11 and 12-year-olds by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent cervical and other cancers caused by the virus. Nearly 160 million doses were distributed in the U.S. through the end of 2022, federal data show.

"An overwhelming body of scientific evidence, including more than 20 years of research and development, continues to support the safety and efficacy profiles of our HPV vaccines," Merck said in a statement to Reuters. "We remain committed to vigorously defending against these claims in the upcoming trial."

'BOBBY TAUGHT US'

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Michael Baum is one of the high-profile lawyers persuaded by Kennedy to pursue Gardasil cases. The two became friends as neighbors in the wealthy Malibu community outside Los Angeles, and were already collaborating on a lawsuit over Monsanto's weed killer Roundup, Baum said. The case eventually won a $289 million verdict that was later reduced.

Baum was initially unaware that vaccine claims could be pursued outside the government-run compensation system through traditional lawsuits.

"It's an expensive, daunting thing for lawyers and experts to go up against a large vaccine manufacturer," Baum told Reuters. "Bobby taught us."

The first trial is set to begin on Jan. 21 in a state court in Los Angeles, a day after Trump's inauguration. Jennifer Robi, 30, was vaccinated with Gardasil as a teenager and claims the shot led to impaired mobility that confined her to a wheelchair.

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The vaccine court denied Robi's compensation claim in 2015 because the alleged injury had not been shown to be linked to Gardasil.

Robi sued Merck in 2016 and included fraud among the claims. Kennedy, Baum and several other plaintiffs' lawyers began representing her in 2018. They have since incorporated a similar fraud claim into other Gardasil lawsuits, court filings show.

Roughly 200 Gardasil lawsuits have been consolidated into a multi-district proceeding before a North Carolina judge since 2022. Kennedy is an attorney of record in some of those cases.

Despite their long-standing alliance, Baum and colleagues asked the Los Angeles judge to forbid mentioning Kennedy's name in front of jurors.

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Kennedy is "not presently" an active attorney in the lawsuit, they wrote to the court in November, and his association with Trump "risks inciting potentially strong political opinions or biases."

The judge ruled that Merck's defense team can inquire about Kennedy's relationship to one of Robi's expert witnesses, a former employee of the nonprofit organization he founded, Children's Health Defense. The judge said the questioning can only refer to him in that context, and as "Mr. Kennedy," not his full name.

As HHS Secretary, Kennedy could remove individual vaccines from the vaccine court. Plaintiffs' lawyers could then sue manufacturers directly and pursue a wider set of claims from the outset, said Dorit Reiss, a professor at UC Law San Francisco.

Such heightened risk could lead vaccine makers to raise prices or pull a product off the market, said John Grabenstein, a consultant and former Merck vaccine distribution executive who is not involved in the Gardasil litigation.

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Krakow opposes removing any vaccines from the special court, which he says helps consumers with minor injuries who don't have the capacity to sue drugmakers. He said he emailed Kennedy a week after the November presidential election to discuss more modest reforms of the system.

Kennedy's response: "Let's talk about it after Jan. 20."

(Reporting by Dan Levine in San Francisco and Mike Spector in New York; Additional reporting by Michael Erman; Editing by Michele Gershberg)
New satellite imagery and drone photos of Cambodia's protected Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary have recently surfaced, revealing a strip of land cleared in the forest for a massive transmission line project.

Conservationists worry that if work is allowed to continue, it will disrupt wildlife habitats and further stress already-strained rainforest ecosystems.

What's happening?

Mongabay reported that work began on the electricity transmission lines in early October. The lines are scheduled to run 40 miles through the sanctuary and connect Cambodia's electric grid with that of neighboring Laos to the north.

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The 500-kilovolt transmission line project was initially approved in 2020, but it has been on hold due to financing issues and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the satellite images reveal a strip of land  measuring 100 feet by 3.6 miles  cleared through the sanctuary's northeastern territory, suggesting the project is back in business. While this may be a boon for Cambodia's economy, experts say it will be "a death sentence" for the 1.2 million-acre protected rainforest and the numerous animals that live in it  some of which are critically endangered.

Even without the energy project, Prey Lang's valuable natural resources have long been threatened by illegal logging and land grabbing, poaching, and mining operations, per Mongabay.

While the Prey Lang Community Network  a local group working to save the forest from industrial activities  has warned the Cambodian government that the project will harm biodiversity and cause economic hardship for Indigenous communities, their pleas have been largely ignored.

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"We don't [know] how to deal with it," Keng Ko, a group representative, told Mongabay in an interview.

Why is the energy project concerning?

According to Mongabay, the transmission lines will negatively impact the rainforest and wildlife habitats, along with two ongoing REDD+ projects, which aim to reduce pollution from deforestation in developing nations.

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The rainforest near the route cleared for the project is home to diverse animal and plant life, including the endangered Asian elephant and the critically endangered Sunda pangolin. Furthermore, 14 plant species classified as at risk of extinction on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List are found in the sanctuary.

According to Global Forest Watch data cited by Mongabay, Prey Lang lost over 250,000 acres of forest cover between 2001 and 2023. The transmission lines will result in further deforestation, destroy animal habitats, and reduce the forest's ability to absorb carbon pollution.

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Some experts believe the government deliberately routed the lines through the most biodiversity-rich section of the forest to access valuable timber in the heart of Prey Lang.

"The deforestation and forest fragmentation are another blow to everyone fighting for the right to a healthy, clean environment and against global warming. Prey Lang forest has a cooling effect, and once gone, it will be felt across the country. People will suffer," Ida Theilade, a University of Copenhagen professor who proposed the theory and has extensive knowledge of Prey Lang, told Mongabay.

What's being done to protect the forest?

Mongabay stated that Cambodia's environment and energy ministries have pledged to boost forest coverage to 60% nationwide by midcentury. However, opening Prey Lang to energy development seems counterproductive to this goal.

Perhaps government officials can take notes from a recent study that found Amazon restoration projects have reduced deforestation in Brazil by over 80%. The conservation win was largely due to land protection initiatives enacted by Brazil's government.

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As a backup plan, scientists have proposed a rather radical idea to protect Earth's biodiversity: setting up a biological repository on the moon.

We can ensure the health of our planet by donating money to climate causes and supporting eco-friendly initiatives by our favorite brands. Putting our money where our mouth is will show companies that helping the planet is also good for their bottom line.

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Scientists in Peru recently attempted to get a look into the habits of one of the world's most elusive bear species  the Andean bear  by finding one and attaching a camera to it. The resulting look into the bear's life turned into a bit more than they had bargained for, Mongabay reported.

Some of the bear's more interesting behaviors included eating, and also mating, high up in the precarious treetops. Also, cannibalism.

"I remember being really shocked when we saw this," Andrew Whitworth, executive director of Osa Conservation and one of the study's co-authors, told Mongabay, somehow referring only to the eating part. "These are fast-growing, very spindly, hollow trees that snap really easily, and we see this bear 30 [meters] up feeding on seeds. Holy smokes!"

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The study's lead author, National Geographic explorer Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya, was driven to understand more about Andean bears due to their important place in Indigenous Quechua culture.

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"In Andean Quechua culture, Andean bears are known as Ukuku or Ukumary. The Ukukus are mythical beings, half-human and half-bear," Pillco Huarcaya, who is herself Quechua, told Mongabay. "I wish people knew that Andean bears are the guardians of the mountains and vital ambassadors for the conservation of cloud forests, their primary habitat."

Their findings were published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

The cannibalism was recorded on two separate occasions. In the first, the bear was observed feeding on the carcass of a bear cub, which it may have also killed. In the second, it was observed eating another small bear or cub.

This behavior, shocking though it may seem, is actually not all that unusual for other species of bears, which are known to turn to infanticide and cannibalism as opportunistic means of survival. While it could signal the bear could not find enough of its regular food sources, that is not necessarily the case.

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Either way, the scientists behind the study hope that it leads to increased conservation efforts  particularly among the local community.

"My work with children has had a significant impact on how the community views Andean bears," Pillco Huarcaya told Mongabay. "Through our 'Conservation Ambassadors' program, children visit the Wayqecha Biological Station to learn about the bears and the cloud forest. Many of them didn't know about Andean bears before, and now they see them as friends that need to be protected."

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Jan. 17The Federal Aviation Administration will require SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation following the apparent midair explosion of Starship S33 during the company's seventh suborbital Starship test flight on Thursday, the agency announced Friday morning.

The Starship lost at least three of its engines in the seconds leading up to the ship's destruction, which occurred about eight-and-half minutes after the launch from Boca Chica Beach, when SpaceX mission control lost contact with the vehicle. The uncrewed, experimental prototype had reached a speed of approximately 13,246 mph and an altitude of more than 90 miles when contact was lost, according to telemetry data transmitted up to that point.

The launch from Boca Chica took place at 4:37 p.m. Thursday. SpaceX achieved one of its goals with Flight 7: the second-ever return and "catch" of a Super Heavy booster rocket at the launch tower, just short of seven minutes after liftoff.

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The flaming remnants of the Starship made for spectacular fireworks passing directly over the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory 90 miles north of Haiti and 1,600 miles east of the Boca Chica Beach.

The FAA said there were no reports of public injury, but that it is "working with SpaceX and appropriate authorities to confirm reports of public property damage on Turks and Caicos."

The agency said it activated a Debris Response Area during the event, briefly grounding some aircraft at their departure airports and slowing or diverting some flights to keep them away from falling debris.

"Several aircraft requested to divert due to low fuel levels while holding outside impacted areas," FAA said.

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The agency said a Debris Response Area is activated when a "space vehicle experiences an anomaly" causing pieces to fall outside the FAA's designated hazard area closed to aircraft during a spacecraft test flight.

"A mishap investigation is designed to enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again," the agency said.

"The FAA will be involved in every step of the SpaceX-led mishap investigation process and must approve SpaceX's final report, including any corrective actions. 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."

In a blog post, SpaceX said it will "conduct a thorough investigation, in coordination with the FAA, and implement corrective actions to make improvements on future Starship flight tests."

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"Starship flew within its designated launch corridor  as all U.S. launches do to safeguard the public both on the ground, on water and in the air," the company said. "Any surviving pieces of debris would have fallen into the designated hazard area."

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk posted on social media that the "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. Nothing so far suggests pushing next launch past next month."

Starship's Raptor engines are fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid methane. SpaceX is currently seeking permission from FAA for up to 25 launches a year, and 25 landings each of the Starship and Super Heavy, at Boca Chica.

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The FAA is requiring an investigation after a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded yesterday eight and a half minutes into the companys seventh flight test of the upgraded vehicle.

Dramatic images of debris streaking through the sky were captured from the ground.

The seventh flight test started on a high note with the capture of the rockets Super Heavy booster at its Starbase in Texas.

But Starship broke up before it could deliver a payload of dummy satellites and make a controlled splashdown in the Indian ocean.

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READ: Trump inauguration: Coldest ceremony in 40 years, will move inside

The FAA briefly slowed and diverted aircraft from around the flight test area.

The agency says its also working with SpaceX and appropriate authorities to confirm reports of public property damage on Turks and Caicos.

There have been no reports of injuries.

READ: TikTok users and Influencers speak out as app set to go dark Sunday

Dr. Don Platt, Associate Professor of Space Systems at Florida Tech told us, It sounds like there was a leak of oxygen. And obviously, if you have oxygen mixing with potentially maybe some vapors from the methane propellant as well, you can definitely build up an explosive situation. And so apparently thats certainly what happened on this particular flight here.

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SpaceX has said, Data review is already underway as we seek out a root cause. We will conduct a thorough investigation in coordination with the FAA, and implement corrective actions to make improvements on future Starship flight tests.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Claim:

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is the only U.S. president ever to not attend their successor's inauguration.

Rating:

Rating: False

When U.S. President Joe Biden was sworn into office in January 2021, outgoing President Donald Trump was not in attendance. About a month before Trump's second inauguration in January 2025, Biden said in an interview with Ben Meiselas, host for the progressive MeidasTouch News network, that he would be attending his successor's inauguration on Jan. 20, adding: "The only president to ever avoid an inauguration was the guy that's about to be inaugurated."

Biden's quote was shared widely on multiple social media platforms. Many users praised him in the comments, with one Reddit post title reading "folks, he's still got it!"

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While it is true that Trump skipped Biden's inauguration in January 2021, he was not the first president to avoid a successor's inauguration. In fact, a handful of other presidents failed to appear at the next swearing-in.

John Adams, the second U.S. president, lost to Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 election. According to the White House Historical Association, he left Washington at 4 a.m. on Jefferson's Inauguration Day. However, it may have been that Adams' departure was for security reasons, as tensions that election season were particularly high, with threats of violence from militia groups.

John Quincy Adams, John Adams' son, followed in his father's footsteps when his successor, Andrew Jackson, won the bid for president in 1828. He left Washington the day before Jackson's inauguration following a contentious several years between the two  Jackson's failure to pay John Quincy Adams the customary visit to him leading up to the inauguration was the final straw.

Until Trump, Andrew Johnson was the last president to forego their successor's inauguration for political reasons. The relationship between Congress and Johnson experienced a slow deterioration until he ultimately became the first U.S. president to be impeached in 1868. In a biography of his successor, Ulysses S. Grant, Ron Chernow wrote that Johnson "swore he would not 'debase' himself by going to the ceremony."

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As of this writing, the details surrounding Martin Van Buren's absence at his successor's inauguration are unclear as to whether it was for personal or political reasons.

Two other presidents missed the inauguration of their successor for other reasons: Woodrow Wilson, who was unable to attend his successor's inauguration because of a recent stroke, and Richard Nixon, who resigned amid the turmoil of the Watergate scandal and departed Washington before his vice president, Gerald Ford, assumed power.

In sum, there is sufficient evidence showing that Trump was not "the only president to ever avoid an inauguration," as Biden claimed. Therefore, we rate this claim false.

Sources:

Chernow, Ron. Grant. New York : Penguin Press, 2017. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/grant0000cher.

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'Notably Absent: Presidential No-Shows on Inauguration Day'. WHHA (En-US), https://www.whitehousehistory.org/notably-absent-presidential-no-shows-on-inauguration-day. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Rosenthal, Annie. 'The First Time a U.S. President Skipped His Successor's Inauguration'. Politico, 8 Jan. 2021, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/01/08/president-skip-successor-inauguration-history-jefferson-adams-trump-biden-456684.

Sanford, Shannon. '9 Presidents Who Hid Health Issues'. Snopes, 19 Mar. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//list/9-presidents-who-hid-health-issues/.

Waxman, Olivia B. '3 Presidents Who Did Not Attend Successors' Inaugurations'. TIME, 19 Jan. 2021, https://time.com/5928537/trump-biden-not-attend-inauguration-history/.

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJfOAjUleTc. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Claim:

No U.K. Prime Minister has ever attended a U.S. presidents inauguration.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

The U.S. State Department keeps records of visits from foreign leaders but complete records only go back to 1929. Since then, no U.K. prime ministers have visited the U.S. on Inauguration Day.

As invites rolled out for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, claims circulated online that no U.K prime minister had ever attended a U.S. president's inauguration.

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The claims took off after Mike Graham, a host on the British media outlet TalkTV, reported (archived) that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had not been invited to Trump's inauguration, calling it, "A massive stain on British history." After the report was posted on X, another user countered (archived): "Is your presenter & production team really just unaware that no British PM in the history of the USA ever yet attended a presidential inauguration?"

(X user @sundersays)

Examples of the claim further circulated following the X user's claim on Jan. 14, on Facebook (archived) and on (archived) X (archived). The claim was also repeated on the popular @Number10cat X account (archived) that impersonates the U.K.'s "chief mouser"  a cat named Larry that lives at the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street in London.

Here's what we found: The U.S. State Department keeps records of visits from foreign leaders, but these are not complete prior to 1929. Nonetheless, according to this data, no U.K. prime minister has visited the U.S. on Inauguration Day since 1929, and so would not have attended the event. Records from the National Archive in the U.K. show no evidence of prime ministers attending U.S. presidential inaugurations since the Office of the Prime Minister was established in 1916. No photographic evidence in the picture archive Getty exists of U.K prime ministers attending inaugurations between 1877 (the first inauguration since foreign leader visits to the U.S. were first recorded in 1874) and 1929, when complete U.S. records began. Therefore, we rate this claim true, from at least 1929 to 2025. According to the State Department Office of the Historian, the first U.S. visit by a U.K. prime minister was from James Ramsay MacDonald, from Oct. 4-10, 1929. President Herbert Hoover was inaugurated on March 4 of that year, seven months before MacDonald's visit. U.K. prime ministers have visited the U.S. in 21 inauguration years since 1929, including that year. None of these visits overlapped with Inauguration Day (March 4 in 1929 and 1933, Jan. 20 since then). The closest a U.K. prime minister has come to visiting on Inauguration Day was Theresa May in 2021, who visited the U.S. on Jan. 27, 2017, one week after the first inauguration of President Donald Trump. The U.S. State Department has recorded visits from every consecutive U.K. prime minister since Clement Attlee, who visited in 1945. Even Liz Truss, who held the post for just 45 days in 2022, managed to squeeze in a visit. The State Department also has incomplete records prior to 1929. Nine inauguration years are missing from records between 1874 and 1929. A further five inauguration years (1881, 1909, 1913, 1921 and 1925) are recorded but without visits from a U.K. prime minister. Trump has bucked tradition on Inauguration Day invites, according to reports, by inviting several foreign leaders, including China's President Xi Jinping. Other notable guests include TikTok CEO Shou Chew, who is expected to attend, according to Trump transition officials cited by NBC, the day after the video-sharing app will likely be hit with a ban in the U.S.

Sources:

"36TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES." The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/36th-inaugural-ceremonies/. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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"58TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES." The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/58th-inaugural-ceremonies/. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Archives, The National. The Discovery Service. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r/3?_q=presidential%20inauguration&_dss=range&_sd=1916&_ed=2024. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Langu, Jina. "Musk's AI 'Grok' Is Feeding Misinformation to Support the Non-Story That Starmer's Non-Attendance on Monday Is 'a Disgrace.'" Facebook, 16 Jan. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/joshua.laceyroberts/posts/pfbid0AAaujL1o43GDxsNx4qaPFYRtVnSRDua4mcZvHZuRMKVa7vkrfxJemYaZsHwC7iQkl.

"Liz Truss: A Quick Guide to the UK's Shortest-Serving PM." BBC News, 5 Sept. 2022. www.bbc.co.uk, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62750866.

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@Number10cat. "Cat Check: There Is No Record of Any British Prime Minister Ever Attending a US Presidential Inauguration. So the 'Massive Stain in British History' Has Existed since 1789 and Encompasses All 59 Inaugural Ceremonies so Far." X, 14 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/Number10cat/status/1879129720069202063.

@sundersays. "Is Your Presenter & Production Team Really Just Unaware That No British PM in the History of the USA Ever yet Attended a Presidential Inauguration?" X, 14 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/sundersays/status/1879079967323230677.

@TalkTV. "Keir Starmer Has Not Been Invited to the Inauguration of Donald Trump in a Major Snub." X, 14 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/TalkTV/status/1879068943542825413.

Tang, Didi. "Chinese President Xi Jinping Will Send a Special Representative to Trump's Inauguration." AP News, 17 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/china-trump-inauguration-han-zheng-xi-jinping-8de208204ed5732dd8e7bfa7e065b1f8.

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"TikTok CEO Shou Chew Expected to Attend Trump's Inauguration with Other Tech Leaders." NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/tiktok-ceo-shou-chew-expected-attend-trumps-inauguration-rcna187948.

United Kingdom - Visits by Foreign Leaders - Department History - Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/visits/united-kingdom. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Visits by Foreign Leaders - Department History - Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/visits. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
(Reuters) -During the first six-week phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreed last week, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in total, with at least three hostages released each week. In turn, Israel will release 30 Palestinians from prison for each Israeli civilian Hamas releases, and 50 for each soldier.

Hamas released the first three Israeli hostages from Gaza and Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, day one of the ceasefire.

WHO WAS RELEASED ON SUNDAY?

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The first three hostages released were all women: Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari.

In exchange, 90 Palestinians were released from Israeli detention: 69 women and 21 teenage boys.

Many of the prisoners released on the first day of the ceasefire were recently detained by Israel and had not been tried or convicted.

WHO IS BEING HELD IN GAZA? WHO WILL BE FREED IN THE FIRST PHASE?

The Israeli military said shortly before the ceasefire began that it had recovered the body of a soldier who had been killed in Gaza a decade ago. That left 97 hostages in Gaza at the start of the truce. Israeli authorities believe around half of them are alive though they have yet to receive confirmation from Hamas.

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The 33 hostages slated for release in the first ceasefire phase include women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives.

In return, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinians from its jails. They include 1,167 people detained in Gaza during the war and held in Israel, and 737 other Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank, Jerusalem or Gaza.

The second category includes members of militant groups, some awaiting trial, some held by Israel in administrative detention without charge and some who have been convicted of crimes, including attacks that killed dozens of Israelis.

During the first phase of the ceasefire, the Israeli army will pull back from some positions in Gaza and Palestinians displaced from areas in northern Gaza will be allowed to return.

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A second phase, exchanging the remaining hostages and completing the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, is expected to follow, depending on the results of negotiations.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN HOSTAGES AND PRISONERS ARE FREED?

The hostages will be handed by Hamas to Red Cross officials who will take them to the Israeli military in Gaza. The military has set up three locations near the northern, central and southern edges of Gaza in Erez, Re'im and Kerem Shalom to take charge of the hostages, depending on the route they take out.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, buses on Sunday carried the first wave of released Palestinian prisoners to Ramallah.

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Israel is also expected to release some Palestinian prisoners into Gaza. It will deport others to Egypt with the understanding that they will be settled in a third country, with Qatar, Turkey or Algeria as possible destinations, an official involved in the plans told Reuters.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie, Maayan Lubell, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ali SawaftaEditing by Deepa Babington, Ros Russell, Peter Graff)
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Applications for Free Application for Federal Student Aid are now open.

To graduate high school in Texas, students are required to submit FAFSA applications.

Region XV Education Specialist Dr. Lesley Casarez says for students to get any type of financial aid they have to fill out a FAFSA application. Casarez explained this includes scholarships and grants. She said that even if you dont qualify for FAFSA, doing this could help you get scholarships through different avenues.

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The deadline for graduating students who apply for FAFSA is 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH)  The Fairfield County Sheriffs Office is investigating an aggravated murder.

According to Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape, the sheriffs enforcement bureau responded to a home on the 3000 block of Tschopp Road in Lancaster on Jan. 17. At the residence, officers found Darby Russell, 51, dead from a gunshot wound.

Lape said Kimberly Russell, 44, was detained, arrested and booked into the Fairfield County Jail on one count of aggravated murder.

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Less than a month ago, a social media post from a Kimberly Russell married to a Darby Russell living in Lancaster show a couple together, with the caption dubbing Darby the love of her life and stating Kimberly had never been happier.

Lape said his office is still actively investigating the case and invited anyone with knowledge of the incident to use the submit a tip feature on the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office app, or call 740-652-7911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  It was over a decade of waiting for the Alvidrez family, but thats now over.

Alvidrezs son, also named Steven, said they got the news of Lillys arrest two nights ago.

The courtroom Friday afternoon was absolutely packed as dozens showed up to support the Alvidrez family as they faced David Lopez Lilly. This is the first time 37-year-old Lilly is seen in public since his arrest.

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Lilly was arrested Wednesday at Los Angeles Airport, according to arrest records. The California Highway Patrol said Lilly was brought back to the U.S. from Mexico, where we was living near Puerto Vallarta. Investigators also revealing Lilly had two prior DUI convictions before the crash that killed Alvidrez.

Annual ADAKC Cinnamon Roll Drive to takeover Compassion Corner

Alvidrezs daughter Kristin, and his wife Ramona stood next to Steven as they thanked the community for all the support through the years.

We live with it every day, we think about our father, husband every single day of our life, Steven said. Its a very surreal thing for us and its an everyday thing for us, but we know that were trying to make our dad proud and be strong. Were thankful this day is finally coming.

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Alvidrez added he has worked in this courtroom before so he knows how lengthy the road ahead can be, but said the family has been patient and will continue to be patient for justice to be served.

Lilly is expected to be back in court Feb. 13. He was denied 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 KGET 17 News.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A hit-and-run incident claimed the life of a female pedestrian Friday in the Clairemont Mesa West neighborhood, authorities said. The unidentified woman was struck while walking in a crosswalk at the intersection of Genesee Avenue and Mount Etna Drive around 9 p.m.

According to the San Diego Police Department, the victim was crossing westbound in the south crosswalk of Genesee Avenue when a vehicle traveling northbound in the 4200 block of Genesee Avenue struck her. The driver of the vehicle, whose make and model remain unknown, fled the scene immediately following the collision.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident and transported the woman to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she was later pronounced dead. At this time, authorities have not disclosed the womans age or identity.

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The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with police unable to confirm whether alcohol played a role in the collision. SDPDs Traffic Division is leading the investigation into the hit-and-run and is urging anyone with information to come forward by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Throughout the 2024 election cycle, President-elect 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.

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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NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An old-fashioned photo booth on New York Citys Lower East Side has attracted throngs of earnest Zoomers, delighting locals and tourists alike and garnering millions of views across social media.

But the viral sensation has elicited a somewhat less enthusiastic response from its next-door neighbor.

Maggie Trakas, pictured center, with her father George Trakas, the sculptor, to the right at a 2023 art event in New York (McGaw/BFA.com/Shutterstock)

Maggie Trakas  the daughter of renowned contemporary artist Susan Rothenberg and acclaimed sculptor George Trakas  is accused of waging war against the modish young couple behind the Old Friend Photobooth, a must-visit destination for the TikTok and Instagram set. The battle began in early December and has pitted Trakas, a native New Yorker, against Utah transplants Brandon Minton, 27, and Zoe Lazerson, a 25-year-old social media influencer, who now want $2 million from Trakas for the trouble they claim shes caused.

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From spreading feces onto its fence and planters, to dumping a bucket of urine onto Minton and queueing customers, to supergluing the keyholes of Plaintiffs maintenance van, to physically and verbally assaulting Minton in front of customers, Trakas will seemingly stop at nothing to derail the operation of the Old Friend Photobooth, reads an application for a temporary restraining order filed Friday and obtained by The Independent.

Minton, a Salt Lake City native who moved to New York in 2023, and Lazerson, who is also from Salt Lake and runs the photobooth with him, attempted to engage with Trakas in a friendly and diplomatic manner, according to a complaint filed alongside the restraining order application.

A screengrab of security footage showing Old Friend Photobooth co-owner Brandon Minton, seen here at bottom, as a bucket of urine is dumped on his head (New York State Supreme Court)

Trakas is herself a photographer and member of the arts community, the complaint states, naming her dad and late mom as proof. ... Plaintiffs attempted to appeal to Trakas by sharing their appreciation for art and photography.

Instead, court filings say Trakas declared war on the couple and the narcissistic retards who flock to their disgrace of a destination, and express concern that the 52-year-olds deranged conduct is not only creating an immediate health hazard but may soon cause someone to get physically hurt.

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Reached by phone, Trakas told The Independent that she was served a copy of Minton and Lazersons complaint on Thursday evening and that it contains a litany of lies by a young, wealthy couple from Utah that has essentially destroyed the quality of peace on the corner of Allen and Rivington.

There are certainly two sides to every story, and this is utter fabrication, Trakas said. Theyre essentially using my parents and my position in the community to extort money from me. My attorneys are well aware of it and we will proceed, in the coming weeks, to present evidence of the harassment that Ive been under for the roughly month-and-a-half since they opened.

Trakas, who was born and raised in downtown Manhattan, argued on Friday that Minton, and to a lesser extent, Lazerson, were the ones harassing her.

She railed against the busloads of 20-year-old kids who descend on the block, populating the sidewalk outside and gathering by her front door while they wait for their photos to develop. When Trakas complained to Minton about his incredibly disrespectful customers, He told me I was a Karen, and said, Welcome to New York she recalled.

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Ive been tracked, stalked, harassed, threatened, constantly being told that Im a scumbag, that Im miserable, Trakas went on, describing herself as the aggreived party in this dispute. I have resorted to some juvenile responses, because Ive been provoked. I live in a landmark building that my family and I renovated, and which I am very protective of.

The Old Friend Photobooths proprietors say they have tried to accommodate neighbor Maggie Trakas, but that she remains angry about their presence (New York State Supreme Court)

Attorney Robert McFarlane, who is representing Minton and Lazerson, told The Independent that he would be appearing in court Friday afternoon to argue for the restraining order on his clients behalf and declined to comment further until after the proceedings were completed.

The Old Friend Photobooth concept became a reality in May 2024, when Minton and Lazerson bought a 1970s photobooth from a former photobooth technician in St. Louis, Missouri. The complaint and TRO application, filed in New York State Supreme Court, say the pair drove it back to Manhattan, refurbished it, and installed it on the outside of a luggage shop on Orchard Street. It immediately became a hit, drawing crowds all too happy to pay $8 for a strip of four vintage black-and-white snapshots.

The booth was so successful, Minton and Lazerson decided to give it a more permanent home, and in December 2024, moved Old Friend to a street-facing commercial space on Allen Street, according to the complaint.

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Within an hour of opening their doors at the new location, Trakas confronted Minton and Lazerson while throwing a fit, calling the photobooth a disgrace and demanding its closure, the complaint says. It claims she reprised her harangue the next morning, kicking over a bucket of water Minton was using to clean the photobooth before vowing to ruin his and Lazersons lives, screaming, This is war! Minton called the police, according to the complaint, which says the cops told Trakas that having a line of customers in front of a business was not a crime.

Police have been called to the scene multiple times, but the bad blood between Brandon Minton, Zoe Lazerson, and Maggie Trakas, right, remains (New York State Supreme Court)

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In mid-December, the complaint says, Trakas began locking multiple bikes to the outside of her gate in such a way that intentionally blocked customers from retrieving their photos. Minton also found his truck vandalized, with Trakas allegedly having superglued shut the door locks. The only time Minton, Lazerson, and their photobooth saw a moments peace was during the week between Christmas and New Years, when Trakas went out of town, according to the complaint.

On January 2, the complaint says Minton discovered what appeared to be the frozen urine on the chair and sidewalk next to the photobooth. He reviewed security footage from the night before and spotted Trakas in fact dumping urine onto his property from her second-floor window, the complaint states.

A few days later, an allegedly drunk Trakas smacked Minton as he was setting up the photobooth and said, Its Sunday, go home and f**k your b**ch, according to the complaint. That afternoon, while Minton was installing new planter boxes outside the booth, the complaint says Trakas leaned out of her window and poured a bucket of urine directly onto Mintons head, causing the urine to splash onto queuing customers. (Trakas later said this was vinegar; Minton and Lazersons complaint says police and paramedics who responded to the scene confirmed it was urine.)

Last week, things, astonishingly, took a turn for the worse, the complaint goes on. That morning, when Minton arrived at the photobooth, he was overcome by a strong, putrid odor, according to the complaint. He followed the fumes to one of the newly-installed planters, where he then observed what appeared to be feces smeared and dumped all around the planter box, along with additional fecal matter caked onto a board that Trakas had put up between her building and the photobooth, it says.

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The odor was so horrible that Minton could not stand near the planters without gagging, according to the complaint.

A planter by the Old Friend Photobooth, packed full of fecal matter (New York State Supreme Court)

Minton scrolled through security video from the previous night, coming upon disturbing footage showing Trakas, clad in a black mask and hoodie, plac[ing] a paint can filled with brown liquid feces on the planter box and proceeding to paint the plywood fence with liquid feces, the complaint alleges. Trakas then proceeded to spray a yellow liquid onto the plywood wall using a restaurant-style ketchup bottle. She then finished the job by dumping the rest of the paint bucket of feces into the planters.

The Independent has viewed the videos in question, along with photographs of the damage from each alleged incident.

It took Minton and a helper, who donned KN-95 masks to endure the fecal stench, more than three hours to get the booth adequately clean again, according to the complaint. He and Lazerson are asking a judge to make Trakas fork over a little over $2 million, plus legal fees, and want an injunction to be issued that would formally bar Trakas from continuing to disrupt their business.

Police have been called to the scene multiple times, but while officers have taken reports, no arrests have been made.

Trakas now has 20 days to respond to the allegations.
NEW YORK  In Eric Adams telling, his jaunt to Florida to meet with President-elect Donald Trump had everything to do with weighty policies and nothing to do with the New York City mayors legal case.

President Trump and I 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, Adams said in a prepared statement released Friday evening, several hours after the meeting.

The mayor  a Democrat more at ease with New York Republicans than many members of his own party  said he and Trump talked about the Middle East cease-fire deal, manufacturing jobs in the Bronx and infrastructure when they had lunch near Mar-a-Lago.

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To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, and those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldn't meet with the incoming president to discuss our city's priorities because of inaccurate speculation or because we're from different parties clearly care more about politics than people, Adams added.

Joining them, according to The New York Times, were longtime Adams adviser Frank Carone, Trumps son Eric and New York developer Steve Witkoff, whom Trump tapped as his Middle East envoy.

Carone, who started a consulting and lobbying firm after leaving city government, was instrumental in setting up the meeting, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

Federal prosecutors indicted Adams on five counts in September; he is set to go on trial in April in the bribery case. Once Trump is sworn in Monday, he will have the power to pardon Adams or intervene in his case, something the president-elect has said he is considering.

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Adams abruptly jetted off to Palm Beach Thursday night after securing the sitdown with the president-elect.

At that meeting, according to Adams, the group discussed how the Middle East accord, which is set to take effect Sunday, would benefit stateside public safety.

I will take every opportunity possible to advocate for New Yorkers and our city, and after our discussion, I strongly believe there is much our city and the federal government can partner on to make New York City safer, stronger, and more affordable, Adams said in his statement. I thank President Trump for his time and attention and look forward to working with him to benefit all New Yorkers.

The reception back home was less cordial.

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Adams opponents in the upcoming Democratic primary characterized his trip as a desperate effort to obtain clemency. And Al Sharpton has suggested the closer Adams gets to Trump, the less appealing he will become to his core base of Black voters.

Fridays confab caps a long run of Adams overtures and commiseration over their respective legal cases.

The big-city mayor steadfastly avoided Trump critiques during the presidential campaign, even as he publicly blasted President Joe Biden on immigration policy. And both he and Trump have cast themselves as victims of a politicized Department of Justice.
Joe Vanderbrook of Lafayette displays a sign during a rally to support Ronald Greene's family at the State Capitol on Thursday, May 27, 2021.(Photo credit: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Federal authorities released the findings of an investigation Thursday that revealed a pattern of unlawful conduct within the Louisiana State Police, including troopers use of excessive force, lack of accountability and other problems in every corner of the state.

The U.S. Department of Justice review was prompted by the May 2019 killing of Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old Black man, in police custody. He was beaten while handcuffed and shackled face down on the side of a highway, pleading with the troopers and a local deputy following a vehicle pursuit near Monroe.

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Law enforcement did not render aid to Greene once he was unresponsive on the roadside, according to the DOJ report and body camera footage. Paramedics later testified Greene showed no signs of life when they arrived on the scene.

Department of Justice investigators found systemic problems from a culture of aggression, unchecked misconduct and unusual tactics within State Police that encourage troopers to escalate interactions with citizens. These problems and others contribute to a pattern or practice of excessive force that violates the constitutional rights of citizens, according to a report from the DOJs Civil Rights Division.

The report details the findings of what is called a pattern or practice investigation, which federal authorities use to identify the root causes of problems in local or state law enforcement agencies plagued by repeated scandals and allegations of unconstitutional behavior.

The states Republican leaders have already begun pushing back against the findings. Both Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a joint statement Thursday, claiming the Justice Department report is old news from the previous administration and an attempt to advance a political agenda. They did not specify what that agenda is.

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Louisiana State Police, whose superintendent is a governors appointee, has not responded to the report. In an emailed response Friday, LSP spokesperson Capt. Nick Manale deferred questions to the governor and attorney general.

Members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, along with the ACLU, requested the DOJ probe in 2021 following a series of high-profile beatings of Black motorists and alleged coverups within LSP such as the Ronald Greene case.

It notes some of the troopers involved in the Greene incident mislabeled the video evidence and misdated their reports, concealing their actions and delaying any internal accountability for more than a year. During that time period, one of the troopers involved in Greenes death would go on to assault more drivers, according to the report. The Justice Department did not name the trooper. Former LSP trooper Dakota DeMoss, who was involved in Greenes death, faced charges in a separate excessive force case in 2021.

However, despite its findings, the Justice Department opted to bring no federal charges against any of the officers involved in the Ronald Greene case. Additionally, local prosecutors in Union Parish fumbled the cases it brought against each of the officers, allowing all of them to either go free or plead to misdemeanors.

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The latest of those occurred this week when federal authorities told Greenes family they would no longer be pursuing charges in the case. A day later, Union Parish Deputy Chris Harpin pleaded no contest to a state charge of simple battery. He received a sentence of supervised probation. In a similar move last year, former LSP Trooper Kory York pleaded no contest to simple battery and also received probation.

The Justice Department reviewed many other incidents in which troopers displayed similar misconduct and violated the rights of drivers. The investigators found that Louisiana State Police reported more than 1,300 uses of force from 2018 to 2023. They reviewed every LSP shooting and hundreds of other randomly selected force incidents from that time period.

We found that LSP troopers across the state use excessive force, the report states. We found LSPs use of Tasers particularly concerning.

Those concerns included troopers tendency to quickly escalate the use of excessive force within the first few moments of encountering a person and without warning them or giving them a chance to comply with verbal commands. The troopers also use force on many who are restrained or unable to flee and pose no threat, the report states.

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In one such incident, an LSP trooper stunned an unarmed man in the back with a Taser while he was lying face down, surrounded by at least five officers.

The driver did not pose an immediate threat to anyones safety, was not armed, did not actively resist arrest, and did not attempt to run, the report states.

In another incident, a trooper fired 15 bullets from his handgun at a car that got stuck in the mud. Other officers at the scene then joined in on the shooting.

One trooper said, He has no tires, he aint going nowhere, then fired 19 more bullets at the car from his rifle. Together, they fired a total of 61 bullets at the disabled car and then finally dragged the driver out through a broken window. The driver sustained cuts but was not shot.

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The review also found troopers are quick to draw their service weapons to deal with seemingly small annoyances. In one case, a trooper conducted a traffic stop on a car for improper lane usage, and even though the driver immediately pulled over, the trooper yelled at him to step out. About 10 seconds later, the trooper walked up to the drivers window, which was rolled down, and placed his gun a few inches from the back of the drivers head. He then opened the door, dragged the driver out of the car and slammed him onto the pavement.

Prior to 2022, the State Police Training Academy used a military-style bootcamp approach to training new cadets that was designed to instill stress and to establish a warrior mindset, the report states. Policing experts LSP hired to evaluate the agency found it created an adverse learning environment in which troopers were primed to view everyone as a potential threat.

The Justice Department also found that State Police does not conduct meaningful internal investigations when legitimate complaints are made. The agencys internal affairs division either refuses to open investigations, minimizes the misconduct, and clears troopers or reduces discipline without any explanation, the report states.

The DOJ report recommends a series of reforms to State Police training, tactics, policies and accountability mechanisms, though LSP is under no obligation to follow the recommendations.

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Federal prosecutors dropped corruption charges against former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin after a key witness, real estate developer Gerald Migdol, died before the bribery and wire fraud case could be brought to trial.

Prosecutors wrote in a court filing Friday that they could no longer prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Benjamin colluded to steer state funds to Migdol.

Prosecutors dropped charges into former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin after a key witness in their case died. Alec Tabak

Based on a review of the evidence in the case, and in light of the death of cooperating witness and co-defendant Gerald Migdol, the Government has determined that it can no longer prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges in the Indictment, the prosecutors wrote.

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Prior to his death in February 2024, Migdol, a Manhattan-based real estate developer, pleaded guilty to bribery charges for donations he made to Benjamin in exchange for the state grant.

I want to thank the present leadership of the Southern District of New York for reviewing this case and dismissing it in its entirety, Benjamin said in a statement Friday night.

As New Yorks 78th Lieutenant Governor and as Harlems State Senator, I represented my district and this state with honor and integrity.

Benjamin was Gov. Kathy Hochuls first pick for lieutenant governor after she took over when Andrew Cuomo resigned in 2021. Hans Pennink

Benjamin, a former Democratic Manhattan state Senator, was tapped by Gov. Kathy Hochul to be her lieutenant governor shortly after she took over following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo in 2021.

He stepped down shortly after surrendering to the charges in 2022.
Federal prosecutors have secured a fourth guilty plea in a drug smuggling ring that mailed a record amount of fentanyl pills from Arizona to the Twin Cities hidden in stuffed animals.

Robiel Lee Williams, 24, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in St. Paul to conspiracy to distribute the drug in connection with the ring from August 2022 to February 2023.

Eight others, from St. Paul and Minneapolis, also were charged this year with the same count following seizure of 280,000 fentanyl pills sent in six packages through the U.S. Postal Service from Phoenix to the Twin Cities.

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Authorities called the seizure  66 pounds with an estimated value of more than $2.2 million  the largest in Minnesota.

Court documents say several of the defendants traveled to Phoenix to obtain fentanyl, hid the pills inside stuffed animals and mailed them to addresses around the Twin Cities. The drug ring disguised the stuffed animals as birthday presents and lined them with dog treats to prevent drug-sniffing dogs from alerting them.

In November, Cornell Montez Chandler Jr., 25, of St. Paul, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charge.

Stardasha Christina Davenport-Mounger, 25, of Minneapolis, and DaShawn Natori Domena, 25, of Indiana, also admitted to the scheme, while the five other defendants have pleaded not guilty.

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Sentencings for Williams, Davenport-Mounger and Domena have not been scheduled.

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Jan. 17American flags at state buildings across Washington will be raised to full staff on Monday in recognition of the presidential inauguration, with flags to return to half-staff by sunrise Tuesday in continued remembrance of former President Jimmy Carter.

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced the decision Friday afternoon.

Following Carter's death on Dec. 29, President Joe Biden ordered American flags at the White House and federal buildings across the country to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days, as is customary. The tradition became customary in the 20th century, according to the UC Santa Barbara Presidency Project, a nonpartisan website that tracks presidential history.

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Following the directive, former Gov. Jay Inslee also ordered that U.S. and Washington state flags flown at state facilities be lowered for a 30-day remembrance period.

The directive expires at close of business or sunset for state facilities on Jan. 28. Flags flew at half-staff on the Capitol campus during Ferguson's inauguration Wednesday.

Ahead of the presidential inauguration, several other governors have ordered that flags be temporarily raised.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that flags in the state would be temporarily raised for the presidential inauguration.

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Idaho Gov. Brad Little said Tuesday that flags would be raised to full mast from sunrise to sunset on Monday to recognize Trump's inauguration, with flags to be lowered to half mast again the following day.

Washington will join at least 12 other states in temporarily raising flags at state facilities in recognition of the inauguration, including Indiana, South Carolina, Iowa, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Nebraska and Alabama.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek told the Salem Statesman Journal that flags in the state would remain lowered pursuant to the current presidential proclamation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Tuesday that flags at the U.S. Capitol would be raised on Monday "to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump." In a post on X, Johnson said that flags would return to half-staff Tuesday in honor of Carter.

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Ahead of his second inauguration, Trump has frequently voiced frustration over flags potentially being lowered during the ceremony.

Earlier this month, Trump posted on Truth Social that "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. Let's see how it plays out."
As a fire erupted at the Moss Landing battery plant Thursday night, forcing evacuations and sending a pillar of smoke over Monterey County, Morro Bay residents watched the news and worried what a similar incident could mean for their town if a battery plant were built here.

A 750-megawatt battery energy storage facility at Moss Landing caught fire on Thursday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of of more than 1,000 residents due to air quality concerns, Monterey County spokesperson Nick Pasculli said.

No one was injured in the blaze, he said.

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Texas-based energy company Vistra Corp. runs the facility, and it wants to build a similar battery plant in Morro Bay.

Those plans were met with new community outcry in Morro Bay on Friday.

The grassroots organization Citizens for Estero Bay Preservation placed a measure on the 2024 Morro Bay ballot designed to block the battery plant  which passed with almost 60% of the vote.

The group said that battery storage facilities are prone to catching fire and dangerous to locate in highly populated areas like Morro Bay.

A rendering illustrates how a proposed 22-acre battery storage plant would look at the site of the Morro Bay Power Plants old oil tanks.

The Moss Landing Fire is everything Morro Bay residents feared  and everything theyd like to prevent, group co-founder Barry Branin told The Tribune.

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Theyre all shocked and alarmed, Branin said on behalf of Citizens for Estero Bay Preservation. These batteries need to be located somewhere else  away from the ocean and away from people.

Vistra did not respond to The Tribunes requests for comment, but a company spokesperson addressed the fire at a press conference in Monterey County on Friday.

Safety is Vistras top priority, company spokesperson Brad Watson 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.

Moss Landing fire prompts evacuations

Vistras facility caught fire at 3 p.m. on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of about 1,200 nearby residents from a 7,600-acre area due to air quality concerns, Monterey County spokesperson Nick Pasculli said at a press conference on Friday.

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The fire was contained inside a concrete building that houses 300 megawatts of batteries.

Montereys North County Fire Protection District Chief Joel Mendonza said the facilitys fire suppression system failed during the fire, which allowed the blaze to spread inside of the building.

No fire suppression activities are being taken, and the fire is being allowed to burn itself out, a news release from the City of Morro Bay said.

The fire was largest between 8 and 10 p.m., Mendoza said. By Friday morning, about 5% of the fire remained, he said.

We have very little active flame. We have very little products of combustion being put out into the atmosphere, he said.

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Preliminary air quality reports found that the blaze did not release a toxic chemical called hydrogen fluoride, Mendoza said, but the Fire Department did not share if other chemicals were released by the fire.

The California Highway Patrol posted six road closures around the facility, including closures on Highway 1, CHP spokesperson Nicholas King said.

The evacuation order was still in place during the press conference on Friday morning.

This would best be described as a worst-case scenario, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn 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.

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He called for an independent investigation into the cause of the fire, along with better safety protocols for battery storage facilities at local, state, federal and private levels.

I myself, was personally assured  and I know with other county officials too  that this was not going to happen, there were safety protocols in place, Church said. Well, obviously, that failed. I think that just shows the nature that nobody knows really what were dealing with here in this technology.

This fire wasnt the first incident at the facility.

In 2021, batteries overheated at the battery plant. The incident did not cause a fire but prompted Vistra to temporarily close the facility.

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There was also a fire in 2022 at Teslas Elkhorn Energy Battery Storage Facility, also located at Moss Landing but not owned by Vistra. The North County Fire Protection District closed Highway 1 while firefighters fought the fire, the incident report said.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis and her staff are formulating a plan of action to address the incident, and she will do everything she can to prevent another battery fire from happening on the Central Coast, she told The Tribune on Friday.

We need to know how this happened, why it happened, and who could have prevented this from happening and why they didnt, said Addis, whose district stretches from Santa Cruz to the SLO County and includes both Moss Landing and Morro Bay. The community here needs to know that their needs are going to be met moving forward, particularly when it comes to safety.

Battery energy storage systems exist because we need climate solutions, and those solutions cannot cause risk to human health, she added.

The former Morro Bay Power Plant site on April 25, 2024, where Vistra has proposed a battery electrical storage facility. The battery facility will be located on the former oil tank farm in foreground and hidden behind the current sand berm that was a containment for the tanks.

Morro Bay reacts to Moss Landing fire

Vistra originally applied to the city of Morro Bay in 2021 to build a battery plant on the retired Morro Bay Power Plant property.

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Then, in October, Vistra withdrew its application from the city, and the company announced plans to seek approval through the California Energy Commission instead.

The California Energy Commission and Coastal Commission can bypass local zoning rules to approve large renewable energy projects like Vistras proposed battery plant.

Citizens for Estero Bay Preservation hopes that the California Energy Commission and Coastal Commission will listen to Morro Bay voters and strike down the battery plant project  especially after the Moss Landing fire, Branin said.

They worry that a fire at the facility would jeopardize the safety of nearby homes and Morro Bay High School.

The proposed battery plant would be built on a 24-acre parcel that used to be an oil tank farm. Vistra Corp. director of project development David Yeager stands on the site to give a sense of scale on April 24, 2024.

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Our citizens are very alarmed, theyre very concerned about this being pushed through by the state, Branin said. The push to have California reach these battery goals in a short period of time without some reasonable understanding seems to not be working, and it needs to be looked at carefully.

City staff will present an update on the Moss Landing fire at the next City Council meeting on Jan. 28, the citys Friday news release said.

The council will also consider an urgency ordinance that would pause the citys ability to process new battery plant development permits for up to two years. This wouldnt prevent the California Coastal Commission and Energy Commission from approving the project, though.

Since Vistra also owns the former power plant property in Morro Bay and has proposed a similar Battery Energy Storage System project in our city, this situation is particularly relevant to us, the city said in a news release on Friday.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A fire erupted at an oil depot in the town of Uzlovaya in Russia's Tula Oblast following a Ukrainian drone attack on the facility overnight on Jan. 18, regional Governor Dmitry Milyaev said.

Milyaev said that a fuel storage tank caught fire at "one of the enterprises in the region." Videos posted on social media and shared by residents appear to show a large fire at an oil depot in the town.

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Milyaev claimed that there were not casualties 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.

No information on the extent of the damage was immediately available.

The attack comes amid an uptick in Ukraines drone operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Earlier in the night, Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked an oil depot in Russia's Kaluga Oblast, causing a large fire.

Tula Oblast, located south of Moscow, has regularly come under attack by Ukrainian drones as the country attempts to disrupt Russia's military supplychain. On Nov. 9, sources told the Kyiv Independent that Ukrainian drones struck the Aleksinsky chemical plant in the region, which produces gunpowder and ammunition for the Russian military.

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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.

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









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The union that represents more than 3,000 Los Angeles city firefighters renewed its support for Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on Friday, denouncing an anonymous letter that accused her of mishandling the response to the massively destructive Palisades fire.

United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 condemned a letter circulated this week  one that claimed to be from "retired and active LAFD chief officers" but contained no names or signatures  saying Crowley had "failed" the residents of Los Angeles and lost the confidence of Mayor Karen Bass.

The union's 10-member board of directors said in a one-page letter to Crowley that "disgruntled and anonymous individuals" have been mounting a campaign against her. They also praised Crowley, the department's first female chief, for being "willing to fight" for her staff and the agency's budget.

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"While we haven't agreed on everything, you've been the only fire chief in decades to repeatedly demand adequate resources," the union's letter said.

The forceful endorsement of Crowley was the latest chapter in a back-and-forth that has engulfed the city's leadership since the outbreak of the Palisades fire, which has destroyed more than 3,500 structures and left at least 10 people dead.

Last week, as the fire continued to burn, Crowley gave television interviews asserting that her department's response to that emergency was hampered by a $17-million cut to its budget. In one appearance, she said the city of Los Angeles  and by implication, Bass  had failed her and her agency.

The city's top budget analyst, and some City Council members, pushed back, saying the Fire Department budget is slated to grow by more than 7% once raises for firefighters and vehicle purchases are factored in. Bass herself said that the $17 million in reductions to certain Fire Department operations did not affect the response to the Palisades fire.

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In the days that followed, Crowley became the target of an anonymous five-page memo, featuring Fire Department letterhead, that claimed to be from "LAFD Chief Officers" and accused Crowley of "squabbling and pointing the finger of blame" as the Palisades fire continued to rage. No previous L.A. fire chief had behaved in such a way, said the letter, which was dated Monday and has been circulated inside and outside the department.

"Chief, please focus on your current duties and responsibilities which currently should be focused on mitigating and stabilizing the Palisades fire," the letter said. "Your outburst regarding the budget and the statement that the 'City failed the LAFD' was ill-advised, poorly timed and took away from the most important issue, the Palisades fire."

The unsigned letter faulted Crowley over several other issues, including personnel complaints, city payroll problems and allegations that the agency failed to sufficiently prepare for the fire.

It wasn't immediately clear how many Fire Department staffers, if any, were involved in writing the letter. On Thursday, the agency's Chief Officers Assn., which represents dozens of command staff, weighed in with its own letter commending Crowley's "courageous leadership and advocacy."

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"Your recent action highlighted a truth we all know too well," said the one-page document, which was signed by union President Robert Nelson. "Our ability to protect and serve depends on proper staffing, resources, equipment and facilities and the data analysis illustrates that the LAFD is less staffed than other major cities."

Nelson could not be reached for comment about the letter, which was sent Thursday and later provided to The Times by the rank-and-file firefighters union.

Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl, asked about the volley of correspondence for and against Crowley, referred The Times to the mayor's comments at the city Emergency Operations Center last weekend. Bass, after meeting with Crowley in person, said she and the chief are focused on fighting these fires and working in "lockstep."

Crowley, for her part, said that she has received an outpouring of support in recent days from both current and retired chiefs. The chief also said she has been "digging into" the issues raised in the letter.

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"Again, I don't know who these individuals are, and honestly, it doesn't matter to me," she said. "I'm taking that feedback and looking at it."

The same day the Palisades fire broke out, the Eaton fire tore through the Altadena area, destroying more than 7,100 structures and leaving at least 17 people dead. Altadena is outside the city of Los Angeles and therefore not part of Crowley's duties.

The criticism of Crowley has not been limited to correspondence. Loyola Marymount University political science professor Fernando Guerra said he viewed Crowley's media blitz last week  and her claims that the city had failed her agency  as a "fireable offense."

Crowley broke ranks with other city leaders in the middle of a crisis, just as they needed to project unity, said Guerra, who also runs Loyola Marymount's Center for the Study of Los Angeles. On top of that, he said, Crowley did so without talking to her bosses first.

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"To me, she's not ready for prime time, in terms of City Hall politics and budget politics," he said.

Genethia Hudley Hayes, president of the Los Angeles Board of Fire Commissioners, said she too had received the letter attacking Crowley and did not know the names of the people behind it. She said the questions raised by the letter need to be taken up by the commission "one at a time."

"Do I think it's fair or not? At this particular point in time, I do not know," she said. "I'm not going to say whether or not I think these allegations are correct because they are allegations."

Hudley Hayes, who was appointed by Bass to her post, said she agreed with one passage in the letter that said Crowley had been pointing fingers and should have been focusing on her duties.

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"I do believe she should have been concentrating solely on managing the emergency," she said. "I agree with that. As far as the other allegations that are in that letter, I'm not going to step into that fight with anybody."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A fire at a south Charlotte Harris Teeter was intentionally set Friday night, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

It occurred just before 9 p.m. on Rea Road.

Firefighters said it took 60 firefighters almost an hour to get the fire under control.

ALSO READ: Charlotte-Metro one of the best places to open a small business, recent study finds

No injuries have been reported.

Firefighters said an investigation determined the fire to be incendiary in nature.

It caused 20,000 in damages, according to the fire department.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

VIDEO: Crews rescue woman from 2-alarm condo fire in south Charlotte




Firefighters from multiple communities are battling a blaze at old the Fernald School in Waltham.

Around 10:30 a.m., Cambridge Fire announced they are assisting the Waltham Fire Department with a third-alarm fire aqt the Fernald School on Trapelo Road.

The Fernald School was opened in 1888 and closed in 2014 when it was purchased by the City of Waltham.

It is not known if anyone was inside the building at the time and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Firefighters are taking advantage of a lull in the wind to make steady progress against the massive fires that have ravaged Los Angeles since Jan. 7.

Officials are also easing evacuation orders and lifting curfews across the region as residents of burned neighborhoods return to face the damage.

As of Sunday morning, the Palisades fire, which has burned nearly 24,000 acres and killed at least 10 people, was 52% contained, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton fire, which tore through Altadena burning 14,000 acres and killing at least 17 people, was 81% contained.

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There are still 27 people reported missing: 20 from the Eaton fire and seven from the Palisades, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and calm winds through Monday morning should give firefighters a needed respite for the rest of the weekend, giving them a chance to put out existing fires without too much fear about new ones, said Joe Sirard, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Oxnard.

Its actually very favorable for fighting any ongoing fires, Sirard said. It will be minimal fire behavior with these kinds of winds and humidities.

As the mop-up work continues, officials are allowing for the slow "repopulation" of certain neighborhoods in the Palisades.

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Only residents are allowed in and people will need an I.D. with their name, photo and address  like a driver's license  to get past the checkpoints manned by the Los Angeles Police Department and the National Guard.

On Friday, security was still tight inside the Palisades fire zone, with police and troops at most major intersections and others patrolling on horseback and dirt bikes to keep an eye out for looters.

Just after noon on Saturday, Santa Monica officials announced that all evacuated residents could return home and that all street closures north of San Vicente Boulevard had been lifted.

A curfew that had been in place for the area between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. has also been removed.

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The stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that runs through the city of Santa Monica is also accessible to local residents, businesses and patrons. Access to PCH and the city of Los Angeles, north of the Santa Monica city limits, is being managed by the Los Angeles Police Department.

President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to be sworn into office on Monday, has announced that his first official trip will be to Southern California to tour the devastated areas.

Trump has spent much of the last 10 days hurling abuse at California's leaders for what he sees as their mismanagement of the crisis, which began when hurricane force winds drove flames through multiple locations in greater Los Angeles.

One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground, Trump posted to Truth Social on Jan. 8. Its ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!

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Trump is expected to arrive late next week, according to a story published by The Hill.

For his part, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Saturday that five major lenders would offer a 90-day grace period on mortgage payments for victims of the fires.

Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo have all agreed to offer "forbearance" to their mortgage customers in the burn zones and the missed payments will not generate fees or reports to credit agencies, according to a statement from the governor's office.

After so much trauma, we hope this deal will provide thousands of survivors a measure of relief," Newsom said. "These financial protections will enable residents to concentrate on taking care of their immediate needs rather than worrying about paying their mortgage bills."

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With so many displaced people scrambling to find somewhere to live, the state attorney general's office issued another warning to landlords on Saturday against price gouging. After a state of emergency has been declared, it is illegal to raise rents by more than 10% over the price advertised before the disaster.

Reports of rental bidding wars are deeply concerning, especially because some landlords seem to be encouraging them," Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said. Our Legislature has enacted robust protections for renters during times of crisis, and Im committed to ensuring that those protections are followed and respected.

Following a brief reprieve from dangerous winds this weekend, another round of fire weather could arrive on Monday and last for much of next week, with the peak threat arriving on Tuesday, forecasters said. Red flag fire weather warnings are looking likely for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

The bottom line is: were in uncharted territories this deep into the winter, or rainy season, in having barely any rain, said Alex Tardy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in San Diego.

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In other unsettling fire news, the huge costs of the historic Los Angeles fires could force a bailout of the states insurer of last resort, which has just $377 million in reserves.

To remain solvent, Californias Fair Plan may turn to its member insurers for financial help and prompt them to levy surcharges on policyholders.

If you've been displaced by the fires and you're struggling to sort through the logistics of getting help, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up two centers offering in-person assistance.

One is at the UCLA Research Park, 10850 W. Pico Blvd., and the other at the Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Both centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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You can also go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.



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Qatar, a key negotiator in the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, confirmed Saturday that the first hostages will be released in less than 24 hours.

Qatari Foreign Minister Majid al-Ansari said the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday, less than day after Israels war cabinet formally approved the deal that would halt the fighting between the two sides after 15 months.

As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza, al-Ansari wrote in a Saturday statement. We advise the inhabitants to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources.

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The U.S. and Egypt were also key mediators in the ceasefire negotiations.

Israels government officially backed the pause in fighting early Saturday local time, after multiple hours of deliberations. The approval came just a day after the Security Cabinet greenlighted the framework on Friday. The nations Supreme Court was given 24 hours to welcome legal objections to the deal.

The proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal would end fighting for six weeks in the region which has been engulfed in warfare since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages. In response, the Israeli militarys bombing campaign in Gaza has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The tally does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

As part of the first phase of the agreement, some 33 hostages are supposed to be released by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli troops are set to withdraw from the populated areas in Gaza.

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Israeli soldiers and military-aged men still held in the Gaza Strip are supposed to be released during the second phase of the plan.

President Biden said that some Americans are supposed to be released during the first phase.

The start of the ceasefire would mark a major foreign policy win for both Biden and President-elect Trump at the moment of transition between the two administrations. Both leaders have taken credit for the achievement.

Trump, set to take office early next week, had seemingly wanted to take office with the Middle East conflict behind him. Now, he will have to manage the complicated details of the ceasefire, which could take months to resolve.

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IOWA PARK (KFDX/KJTL)  A local family is trying to raise money after a tragic event happened on Christmas Eve.

Kristen Byas suffered a stroke on December 24, 2024, that has now left her needing rehab. Kristen has four children and many family and friends who are rooting for her.

Tech For Teens driven by student passion and love of learning

They are coming together in hopes of raising money to help alleviate travel expenses for rehab.

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There will be a fish fry on Saturday, January 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Iowa Park Optimist Club, and each food plate will be $10.

Donations are also welcome; a GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of Kristens husband, Jason Byas, and a Venmo @Amy-Garcia-118.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A burglar was caught on camera stealing several French bulldogs from a Cordova apartment last Thursday.

Police said the suspect broke into an apartment at Parks Edge Apartments on Shelby Grove Drive and snatched five Frenchies from their kennels.

In the video, the suspect is seen walking through a breezeway with at least two of the dogs in his arms.

Parks Edge Apartments (MPD)

According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog has been the most popular dog breed in the United States for the last two years.

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A purebred French bulldog from a breeder can cost between $1,500 to $8,000.

MPD: Man robs woman for her french bulldog

Several French bulldogs have been stolen in the Memphis area. In December, a man was arrested for allegedly robbing a University of Memphis student of her French Bulldog.

Deterrious Daniel, 26, was charged several months after the dog was stolen at Mynders Avenue and Patterson Street.

A female victim told the officer that she was walking her French Bulldog Bengie when a man approached her and allegedly said, Give me the dog, or Im going to shoot you. According to the police report, the dog was valued at $2,000.

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In March of 2023, two French bulldogs were stolen at gunpoint from the parking lot of an East Memphis apartment complex.

MPD: French bulldogs stolen at gunpoint in East Memphis

Police said the suspects took some of the property and his two French bulldogs from his vehicle before leaving. MPD released a video of the stolen dogs.

If you have information about the five dogs stolen in Cordova, call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH or submit your tip at http://www.crimestopmem.org.

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Jan. 18JAMESTOWN  Five people were sentenced recently on felony charges in Southeast District Court in Jamestown.

Dalten Jason Rudy Perleberg, 25, Jamestown, pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sexual offender, a Class C felony.

Perleberg was accused of being an individual required to register as a sexual offender having a change in computer online identity and failing to register the change within three days with the local law agency with jurisdiction of the defendant's place of residence on Dec. 12.

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Judge James Shockman sentenced Perleberg to 18 months in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for 25 days served concurrently with two other cases. Shockman also placed Perleberg on year supervised probation.

A Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Jeremiah Emmanuel Mckoy, 33, Williston, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to theft of services, a Class C felony.

Mckoy was accused of not paying a business for services rendered in towing and storing his vehicle with a value of more than $1,000 but less than $10,000 on June 16.

Shockman sentenced Mckoy to 360 days in the Stutsman County Correctional Center with 360 days suspended. Shockman placed Mckoy on two years supervised probation and ordered him to submit to fingerprints and have no contact with a specific business. Mckoy was also ordered to pay $1,071 in restitution.

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Samuel Paxton Mittleider, 27, Jamestown, pleaded guilty to prohibited acts A/controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, Class C felonies.

Mittleider was accused of possessing methamphetamine with a previous conviction in 2024 and possessing one or more glass pipes used with methamphetamine with a previous conviction in 2021 on Dec. 19.

Shockman sentenced Mittleider to 20 days in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for 20 days served. Shockman placed Mittleider on one year supervised probation and ordered him to get a chemical dependency evaluation and to complete recommended treatment.

Mariama Rochelle Touchine, 32, Bismarck, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C felony, and prohibited acts A/controlled substances, a Class A misdemeanor.

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Touchine was accused of possessing fentanyl and one or more syringes and/or pipes used with fentanyl or methamphetamine on Sept. 13 with previous convictions in 2021 and 2023.

Shockman sentenced Touchine to 107 days in the Stutsman County Correctional Center with credit for 94 days served and 13 days of good time. Shockman placed Touchine on two years supervised probation.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by 360 days in prison and a $3,000 fine.

Justin Roy Poitra, 33, Bismarck, pleaded guilty to simple assault, a Class C felony.

Poitra was accused of causing bodily injury to a correctional institution employee on March 24.

Shockman sentenced Poitra to one year in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to be served consecutively with his current sentence. Shockman placed Poitra on one year supervised probation and ordered him to pay a $400 criminal administration fee, $100 defense/facility administration fee, $35 indigent defense application fee, $300 indigent recoupment and a $25 victim-witness fee.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The 95th General Assembly of the Arkansas Legislature opened this week and began doing its business of the people.

These are some of the top moments and proposed legislation from Jan. 13-17 at the Arkansas State Capitol and the potential impact in Arkansas. The linked articles will have more depth on each topic.

The week started with the opening ceremonies and appointments.

Arkansas legislature starts first day of 2025 legislative session

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The formality reminds us of the long-standing tradition of government and its operation within a set of rules.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders gives state-of-the-state address, introduces new policy initiatives and

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders outlines goal for free school breakfast program in State of the State address

Tuesday began with a state-of-the-state address by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders before both houses of the legislature. The governor outlined her agenda and the legislation she was backing for this session.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Education was a big part of the governors speech, which also addressed public safety and the cost of living. A component of that was a proposal for every child in Arkansas arriving at school to a free breakfast every morning.

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Democrats in the legislature found some problems with what was proposed.

Bill before Arkansas legislature would restrict pharmacy benefit managers

If the bill becomes law it would keep pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurance companies out of the pharmacy business in Arkansas.

PBMs act as intermediaries between health insurers and drug manufacturers to negotiate drug cost and in turn margins to pharmacies selling the drugs.

As the linked article shows, each side argues this will either raise or lower drug prices.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants to revive states Medicaid work requirements under Trump administration

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The Sanders administration tried work requirements for Medicaid recipients once before, but the Biden administration denied it. With Trump in office and his former press secretary as the governor proposing it, this is expected to be able to be put into action.

As pointed out in the article, while the intent is to prevent people from taking advantage of government programs, some argue it creates another barrier to health care access for those in need.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and Volunteer Florida are encouraging students to participate in the 2025 Black History Month student art and essay contests.

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The 2025 theme is Honoring African American Contributions to Floridas Success

Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest. Students can submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on the theme. Four winners will be selected, prizes include a $100 gift card for school supplies.

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Students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Students are asked to write about an African American who has had an impactful effect on Florida and whose story should be shared. Essays should be no longer than 500 words. Six winners will be selected, prizes include a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship (provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation) and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

Florida is committed to teaching students about African American history and the role African Americans have played in Floridas success, said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. I encourage all students to participate in the Black History Month art and essay contests and immerse themselves in Floridas history.

Parents are also encouraged to nominate teachers and staff for the Excellence in Educational Award provided by Governor and First Lady Ron and Casey Desantis. 4 winners will be selected, with prizes including a $2,500 prize from Volunteer Florida.

Florida goes the extra mile to recognize the immense and historical contributions of African Americans in our great state, said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. We are proud to offer this opportunity each year to recognize outstanding students and educators in Florida for their unique efforts and talents.

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Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online HERE. The application deadline is Monday, February 3 at 5 p.m.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo announced in a proclamation that he would raise all flags in Nevada to full-staff on Monday in honor of the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.

Flags are currently at half-staff following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

Flags will be lowered to half-staff again after inauguration day to continue the period of mourning for Carter, according to the proclamation. View the full proclamation here.

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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered flags raised on inauguration day at the nations Capitol, and many governors followed suit. Before the decision to raise flags in Nevada, 21 other states indicated they would raise flags for Trumps inauguration.

Its not a strictly Republican-Democrat issue, as California Gov. Gavin Newsom  a Democrat  also ordered flags raised.

Trumps inauguration on Monday also coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
*Attached video: Homicides in Cleveland in recent years

DENVER, Colo. (WJW)  Two people have died and two others are injured after a man, who has since been arrested, went on a stabbing spree in Denver, Colorado.

According to a press release from the Denver Police Department on Monday, 24-year-old Elijah Caudill was arrested in connection to four stabbings that happened on Jan. 11 and 12 in the downtown Denver area.

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Gov. Mike DeWine picks Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for J.D. Vances U.S. Senate seat

Although authorities did not identify the victims in the four stabbings, a labor union that represents American Airlines flight attendants, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, announced on Jan. 12 that one of their flight attendants was among those who were killed.

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Phoenix-based Flight Attendant Celinda Levno while on a layover in Denver, the statement said.

According to the press release from police, Caudill is believed to have stabbed for people, killing two, in just two days. The stabbings include:

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The first stabbing happened around 5:12 p.m. at 16th St. and Tremont St. A man was self-transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The second stabbing happened around 5:17 p.m. at 16th St. and California St. A woman was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The third stabbing happened around 5:54 p.m. at 16th St. and Lawrence St. A man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive.

The fourth stabbing happened on Jan. 12 around 8:06 p.m. at 16th St. and Wynkoop St. A man was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Ramaswamy plans run for Ohio governor

According to the release, before officers learned about the fourth victim they were in the area of 16th and Wynkoop Streets where they found a man who fit the description of the suspect running with a knife. Officers chased the man and took him into custody.

Shortly after the man was arrested, the fourth victim was found and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The motive remains under investigation and there does not appear to be any connection with the victims and Caudill, the press release said.

According to the release, Caudill is being held for investigations of first-degree murder of an at-risk elder, first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

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According to PEOPLE, American Airlines confirmed Levnos death in an email statement on Jan. 16.

We can go back for more! Ex-FirstEnergy executives Charles Jones, Michael Dowling indicted in House Bill 6 scandal

According to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, although Levno was not killed at the layover hotel, crews laying over in downtown Denver will be temporarily relocated to a hotel near the Denver airport.

We stand in support with Celindas family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy, the statement from the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said. On behalf of APFA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Celindas family, friends, and all Phoenix Crewmembers who had the pleasure of flying with her.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT)  A Florence attorney has been suspended from practicing law after entering a conditional guilty plea to Alabama State Bar disciplinary charges.

On Wednesday, the Alabama Supreme Court ordered that Florence Attorney Basil Timothy Case be suspended for one year and 45 days, and three years of probation after he entered a conditional guilty plea to the Alabama State Bar disciplinary commission. The Supreme Court said 45 days of Cases suspension will be served while the rest will be suspended while he is on probation.

Missing Huntsville realtor was last seen leaving liquor store with 2 women, family releases statement

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The disciplinary charges stem from Cases work with five separate clients, according to Alabama Bar Association records. According to the Bars disciplinary commissions order, Case failed to follow the Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedure while working for each client, including failing to file documents in their cases properly and failing to properly refund clients.

The disciplinary commission also ordered that Case pay the five clients a total of $108,500 in refunds and provide proof of those refunds to the Alabama Bars Office of General Counsel. Case will also be required to provide quarterly trust account records to the Office of General Counsel along with a $150 fee with each of these submissions.

The order also said Case will also have to complete 50 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) courses over three years. The disciplinary commission said 10 of those hours will need to focus on post-conviction relief along with 10 hours in both ethics and practice management.

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Forecast: Blustery, cold temps on the way

This is an archived forecast. Sundays weather: Bluster and bitterly cold.





WGN Weather Center

Maps & Interactive Radar

Extended 7-Day Forecast

Current Conditions

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The extended outlook calls for the bitter cold to continue for Monday and Tuesday with highs between 5 and 10 degrees.

Overnight lows will be sub-zero and wind chills will be dangerously cold. Frostbite can happen on exposed skin within a half hour with these kinds of conditions.

A bit milder on Wednesday with temps in the mid to low 20s.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

High on Thursday will be near freezing with a chance of afternoon snow showers.

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Monday Morning Lows Tuesday Morning Lows

Amtrak has pre-emptively cancelled trains scheduled for Monday when the Chicago area is predicted to enter a deep freeze.

The rail agency said that due to the forecasted temperatures, its Monday Empire Builder train 7/27 from Chicago to Spokane, Washington, is cancelled. Empire Builder train 8/28 that normally runs between Seattle and Chicago will on Monday operate only between Seattle and Spokane.

Travelers should check with Amtrak for the latest information.

Warming Centers

The City of Chicago coordinates a network of more than 190 public facilities available for warming. This includes participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours.

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Department of Family & Support Services:

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at the citys six community service centers when temps are 32 degrees or below.

The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced locations on holidays.

Under extreme cold conditions, as defined by the National Weather Service and communicated by OEMC, warming center hours of operation at 10 S. Kedzie may be extended.

Seniors are welcome at any of DFSSs 21 senior centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations and hours.

Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services.

Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1.

DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to connect with warming options, shelter and well-being checks.

Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency.

Warming Center Locations available Monday, Jan. 6  Friday, Jan. 10:

All Community Service Centers (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Englewood Community Service Center  1140 West 79th Street.

Garfield Community Service Center  10 South Kedzie Avenue.

Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center  4314 South Cottage Grove.

North Area Community Service Center  845 West Wilson Avenue.

South Chicago Community Service Center  8650 South Commercial Avenue.

Trina Davila Community Service Center  4312 West North Avenue.

Senior Centers (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)  visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations.

Chicago Public Library locations, visit chipublib.org for hours and locations.

Cook County will open warming centers in the north, south and west suburbs to help residents combat the extremely cold conditions forecast for Tuesday evening through Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Jan. 18Two former FirstEnergy executives accused of participating in a $60 million bribery scheme.

Former CEO and President Charles E. Jones, 69, of Akron, and former Senior Vice President Michael Dowling, 60, of Massillon, were indicted on one count of participating in a racketeering conspiracy by a federal grand jury.

Jones and Dowling reportedly were part of a conspiracy to increase FirstEnergy's stock price while enriching themselves.

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"Jones and Dowling used their positions within FirstEnergy to engage in schemes involving the offer, acceptance and payment of bribes, money laundering and witness and information tampering," the indictment read.

As part of the scheme, the pair allegedly participating in bribes to former Ohio House Representative Larry Householder and former PUCO Chairman Samuel Randazzo.

Between 2017 and March, FirstEnergy paid more than $59 million to Generation Now, which Jones and Dowling knew was controlled by Householder, according to court records.

The funds were funneled through a 501(c)(4) entity, Energy Pass-Through, to Generation Now and other entities that were reportedly associated with other public officials.

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The money allegedly helped Householder become speaker of the house and pass House Bill 6, a nuclear bailout that benefited FirstEnergy.

Jones and Dowling are also accused of directing more than $4 million to Randazzo's companies to influence him to take actions that would benefit them and FirstEnergy, according to the indictment.

In June 2023, Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the scheme.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A former Bartlett Independent School District employee was arrested Thursday by police on charges of an improper relationship between an educator/student that happened in August 2024, as well as sexual assault of a child, BISD Superintendent Teddy Clevenger said in a letter to the district community.

The district said it was aware of the allegations of the improper relationship on Aug. 23, 2024. The staff member was immediately placed on administrative leave. The staff member was then removed from all district property effective that same day, the district said. Additionally, the Bartlett Police Department and Child Protective Services were notified by BISD.

The district said it has cooperated with the investigation, as the Texas Education Agency, BPD and CPS conduct separate investigations into the allegations. BISD said it will not disclose confidential information of everyone involved, nor will it provide details into the allegations.

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Student safety and the wellbeing of our community will always be a top priority for Barlett ISD, and we will always take the necessary steps needed to ensure our Bartlett family is safe, healthy, and supported, Clevenger said in the letter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
TOWANDA, Pa. (WETM)  A former youth pastor from Bradford County has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl during a church-approved betrothal, as reported by the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that on Thursday, Jan. 16, Robert D. Fenton, 55, pleaded guilty to aggravated indecent assault and statutory sexual assault after he sexually assaulted a teenage girl from 1996 to 1998 in Bradford County when he was 26 years old.

Elmira sex offender failed to update registry; police said

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According to the AGs release, Fenton was a youth pastor at Abide in the Vine Church at the time of the sexual abuse. At this time, Fenton went to the victims parents and announced that he had a vision from God that he and the girl were to be married. Fenton, the victims parents and other church officials then agreed on a betrothal between him and the child, which is when the sexual assault occurred.

This trusted mentor figure used religion to get close to, and exploit, this child for his own sexual gratification, Attorney General Henry said. Investigators went to great lengths  literally  to bring this defendant to justice for deviate crimes he committed decades ago.

Monroeton man sentenced up to 50 years on felony sex charges against children

The AG further states that Fenton fled to Australia before charges were filed and was then detained entering the Philippines in April of 2024.

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As a result of his guilty plea, Fenton will undergo an evaluation by the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board in Pennsylvania. He will be sentenced for the crime at a later date.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Former Chicago Heights Mayor Angelo Sam Ciambrone, who died Thursday at age 95, was remembered as someone who reflected the soul of the city.

The longtime attorney and former official with the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association was mayor from 1995 until 2003. Ciambrone lived in Chicago Heights his entire life and was a longtime parishioner of San Rocco Church there.

His daughter, Rosanne Ciambrone, said Friday her father was a man of great integrity, kindness and warmth and that he did a lot of good things for a lot of people. He was a very selfless man.

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He was the pillar of our family, she said.

Dominic Candeloro was an assistant to Ciambrone during his tenure as mayor.

He was a Chicago Heights man through and through, Candeloro said Friday. He reflected the soul of the city.

Ciambrone was instrumental in increasing hiring diversity in the citys Police and Fire departments, and having Chicago Heights host events marking the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., according to his obituary and Candeloro.

Then an Illinois senator, Barack Obama spoke at one of the King events in Chicago Heights, and Ciambrone hired the citys first Black police chief, Candeloro said.

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Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jean, as well as his daughter and son, Gregory, according to Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at Panozzo Bros., 530 W. 14th St., with a funeral Mass to be celebrated starting at 9:15 a.m. Jan. 27 at Our Lady of the Heights/St. Agnes Church, 1501 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights.

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, followed Ciambrone as Chicago Heights mayor, serving from 2003 until 2009. when he was elected to the state legislature.

DeLuca noted Friday that he was president of the Bloom Township High School District 206 Board before running for mayor when Ciambrone opted not to seek another term in 2003.

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When he was mayor we were not always on the same page, DeLuca said. But over the years our relationship grew stronger.

I never questioned his love for the city, DeLuca said. Over the years we became close and worked together, and would talk about city matters and state issues.

Ciambrone served two terms on the Illinois Racing Board, first from 1976 until 1980, and he was appointed to a six-year term in August 2006.

A graduate of Bloom High School. Ciambrone attended DePaul University and the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his law degree, according to his obituary. After law school, he served in the U.S. Army Training Intelligence

Unit.

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Starting in 1956, Ciambrone worked as an attorney at a Chicago Heights law firm and rose to become a partner in Wilczynski, Wilczynski & Ciambrone until his retirement last June at age 94, according to his obituary.

Ciambrone was a director of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, served as president of Italo-American National Union, was a director of First National Bank of Chicago Heights and president of the Chicago Heights Symphony Orchestra, according to his obituary.

He had many different interests, many different passions, Candeloro said. He spoke Italian and had a passion for the opera, horse racing.

Ciambrone would often travel to the Kentucky Derby, and frequented the former Washington Park Race Track in Homewood, Candeloro said.

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He said the mayor would cook for many city fundraisers, and Ciambrones daughter said her father was always the head chef for big family gatherings, with chicken and fish among his specialties.

She said her father learned to cook from his mother, Rose, an Italian immigrant who cooked at Savoias Italian Restaurant in Chicago Heights.

Ciambrone won a second term as Chicago Heights mayor in 1999, in an election that is likely part of the lore of political history in that city.

Vote totals that evening showed Bloom Township Supervisor T.J. Somer with a lead over Ciambrone in the mayoral election. However, when the dust had settled, unofficial results showed Ciambrone on top with a one-vote margin.

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Somer appealed in the courts for a new election, and was denied. It wasnt until a year later that some absentee ballots not originally counted gave Ciambrone a clear win, but a cushion of fewer than 20 votes.

It all sounded so fishy at the time, but it wasnt, Candeloro said.

Rosanne Ciambrone said one of the proudest moments of her fathers life was working to have an oratory built on the site of San Rocco, the Italian-American church in Chicago Heights.

A member of the church his entire life, he was lector at the early Italian Mass on

Sundays for decades, according to his obituary.

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The parish was closed in 1990 by then-Cardinal Joseph Bernardin as part of a consolidation push in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Dedicated in 1906, the church was razed in 1995, along with its rectory, convent and grade school.

Ciambrone and August Anzelmo made several trips to the Vatican in Rome to contest the shuttering of San Rocco, according to the obituary.

Though a Vatican Signatura eventually decided in their favor and ruled that the cardinals action to close the church was in error and the church should be reopened, the archdiocese simply reconvened and closed the

church again, according to the obituary.

Ciambrone and Anzelmo researched and found a stipulation in Canon

Law that allows an oratory to be opened as a place of worship for a particular

community, and Bernardin allowed for the construction of the oratory.

A fundraising effort was launched to build the oratory, 315 E. 22nd St., which still serves San Rocco parishioners.
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A former Decatur field officer arrested in 2024 for child abuse has been indicted, court documents say.

Joddie Brooke King, a former Decatur field officer for the Bureau of Pardons and Parole, was indicted for aggravated child abuse on Dec. 6, 2024. According to court documents, the warrant was served on Jan. 14.

The indictment states that King reportedly abused said child by slapping [the child], pulling [the childs] hair, hitting [the child] with the metal part of a belt in the eye, putting [the child] in a dog kennel to sleep with the dogs while naked, chained [the child] to a fence with a dog leash and shooting a gun beside [the childs] head.

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Court documents show King was only indicted on one count of aggravated child abuse despite being arrested for four counts of aggravated child abuse and four counts of willful abuse of a child under 18 in May 2024.

Records show King was held in the Lawrence County Jail with a bond of $15,000 and has since been released.

When King was initially arrested, News 19 reached out to the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles for a statement. You can read that statement below.

Former Decatur Field Officer Joddie King has been terminated by the Bureau, a bureau spokesperson said. We are aware a criminal investigation is being conducted by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation.

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Court documents show King is set for an arraignment on April 29.

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NORTH CANAAN, Conn. (WTNH)  A former Glastonbury Police Officer is once again on the wrong side of the law following his 20th arrest on burglary an larceny related charges.

Patrick Hemingway was arrested this week by State Police troopers out of Troop B in North Canaan following an investigation into a 2023 burglary spree in their jurisdiction. According to a Connecticut Judicial Branch court docket the crimes occurred on April 29 and March 14 of that year.

RELATED CONTENT: News 8 Exclusive: Former police officer charged in restaurant burglary in South Windsor

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Details of his arrest are limited but State Police say he is facing 3 counts of Burglary 3rd degree and one count of larceny 3rd degree that included property and services theft valued at more than $2000 dollars.

Hemingway has been in custody while facing similar charges from crimes in more than 13 communities. His bond for this latest arrest is $10,000 and he has already been arraigned & is due back in Torrington Superior Court on March 14th on these latest charges but his next court appearance on some of the previous charges is February 4 in Rockville Superior Court.

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VIRGINIA BEACH  A campaign staffer of former congressional candidate Missy Cotter Smasal says he wasnt paid for work he did during last years election season and is suing the campaign for more than $4,000.

Dawann Steagall filed a warrant in debt against the Missy for Congress campaign Jan. 3 in Virginia Beach General District Court.

Smasal, a Democrat, lost the race for Virginias 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives to Republican incumbent Jen Kiggans.

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Steagall, who says he had a verbal contract with Smasals campaign manager, received only one of two payments for his services from September through Election Day, according to the court documents. The lawsuit was first reported by political newsletter Virginia Scope.

Steagall has worked on campaigns for other Virginia Beach Democrats including Dels. Michael Feggans and Alex Askew. This is the first time he ran into a problem with getting paid, he said.

Its unfair to me to do the work that I did no matter what the results of the campaign was and not be compensated, Steagall said by phone this week.

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Steagall said he visited churches with Smasal and managed staff and volunteers while campaigning in Suffolk. He received payment for his work in September, but has not been paid for the remainder.

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Steagall shared a series of text messages with The Virginian-Pilot that were not included as part of the court filing. On Oct. 9, Steagall texted Brenna Crombie, Smasals campaign manager, asking if the pay problem had been solved.

Crombie responded by text: No unfortunately tbh Missy is holding about 5 peoples pay hostage right now

Steagall then asked Crombie if she had been paid, and she responded No not yet.

Steagall then texted Smasal directly about his pay. Smasal said in a reply text that she thought Steagall was a volunteer.

Brenna did not have authorization to hire a contractor during October and November, and told me that she made that clear, Smasal wrote in the text. Brenna told me on multiple occasions that you were volunteering and trying to be helpful, and not officially working for the campaign.

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Smasal suggested Steagall work it out with Crombie.

I think the two of you need to have a candid conversation, she wrote. Ive been told multiple times that you already had.

Steagall said based on his experience with other candidates, he believes the work he did for Smasals campaign was not what volunteers typically do.

I know volunteers dont have their own emails for campaign accounts or have the ability to staff congressional candidates on their own, he said. Thats past the purview of a volunteer.

After Steagall texted Smasal, he received another message from Crombie.

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Crombie wrote: buddy you went directly to Missy? I just lost all of the power I had to get you that money by tomorrow. Im sorry but now I no longer have the ability to do that.

The Pilot left several messages for Smasal through her campaign email address and Facebook page. Crombie declined to comment.

Steagall said he has not heard from Smasal or the campaign since he filed the lawsuit.

A hearing will be held Feb. 14.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
MIAMI, Okla.  A former Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College instructor facing six life sentences on accusations of child sexual abuse is going back to jail.

Special Judge Andrew Meloy found on Friday that Aaron Smith, 45, had violated the conditions of his $150,000 bail by contacting a 14-year-old girl through several social media platforms.

Meloy ordered Smiths bail be raised to $100,000 per count  or $600,000  for six counts of child sexual abuse.

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Former NEO instructor accused of sexually abusing teen on campus

The judge also said that if Smith, a former NEO theatre instructor, should make bail, he would refrain from posting online and unfollow the teen on all social media accounts.

Aaron Smith

The criminal case centers on allegations Smith sexually abused the teen on numerous occasions, according to an arrest affidavit. The teen also disclosed she had been asked to send nude pictures of herself to Smith, and he allegedly sent nude photographs of himself to her, the affidavit states.

He is either obsessed with her, or he is trying to threaten her, said Prosecutor Kathy Lahmeyer.

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During the hour-long bond revocation hearing, the teens mother and Detective Leslie Bissell took the stand.

Both women testified how Smith allegedly sent a friend request to the teens social media account on Threads, viewed her Snapchat videos, and made posts on his social media sites that were indirect messages to her.

Several screenshots of Smiths alleged actions were introduced during the hearing.

Threads is a social media platform similar to Twitter but geared toward younger teens.

Smiths attorney, Tracy Tiernan, argued the Thread friend request was a blanket request sent to hundreds of Smiths Instagram friends.

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Testimony showed Smith never emailed, called, or texted the teen.

Tiernan argued that Smith may have been looking at the teens social media accounts to find texts to help him with his trial defense and referenced the teens previous false sexual assault allegation against another teenage boy.

The teens other media platforms  Instagram and Tiktok- were also allegedly viewed by Smith.

This was never an intentional act, Tiernan said.

He has been seeking her out, the teens mother testified. Her Thread account is private. He had to look for her.

More than 100 of the teens Snapchat videos had been allegedly viewed by Smith, she testified.

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The teens mother repeatedly said Smith harassed and stalked her daughter, and she and the family were afraid of him.

He (Smith) knew what he was doing on social media platforms, Meloy said. He knew the alleged victim would see his posts.

His posts on Instagram are an attempt to contact her, Meloy said.

NEO fired Smith following a preliminary investigation last August.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact Leslie Bissell, Childrens Advocacy Center of Ottawa County executive director, at (918) 540-1621 if they suspect any child is a victim of abuse.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A former Olathe North High School choir teacher accused of sex crimes against minors has pleaded guilty.

Micah Barry Horton, 36, was charged in March 2024 with sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of unlawful sexual relations.

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According to the Johnson County District Attorneys Office, Horton pleaded guilty in court Friday to two counts of unlawful sexual relations.

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A complaint accused Horton of unlawfully engaging in sodomy two separate times with a student under the age of 16 enrolled at Olathe North High School, where Horton was the choir teacher, and persuading, enticing, or coercing a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct between December 7, 2023 and February 12, 2024.

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The board of education terminated Horton last year and banned him from Olathe North and any Olathe school district facility.

Horton is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28 at 9 a.m.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The co-founder of an unlicensed Portland pet rescue service that shut down years ago has been sentenced to federal prison.

As first reported by the Oregonian/OregonLive, Samantha Miller was sentenced to more than three years on Thursday. Her former business Woofin Palooza made headlines in August 2020 when officials conducted a search warrant on the property after receiving multiple complaints accusing the facility of animal abuse and neglect.

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After the Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Animal Services and the District Attorneys Office searched the property, MCAS ultimately seized 117 animals  including 65 cats and 52 dogs. Eighty-nine animals were later forfeited to Animal Services, while the remaining animals were put up for adoption.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers saw un-altered male dogs mixed in with other dogs, multiple animals which appeared to be unwell and injured, areas without water available for animals, and animals kept in wooden and wire crates which were inadequate for minimum care at the facility.

Multnomah County court documents also alleged a Woofin Palooza client learned her dog had contagious disease distemper just one day after adopting it. The dog was euthanized a few days later.

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Miller and her co-owner Tori Head were charged with 157 counts of second-degree animal neglect, 15 counts of second-degree forgery and 13 counts of identity theft in May 2021.

KOIN 6 previously reported that some co-owners were additionally accused of charging clients fake appointment fees, failing to refund customers for spay and neuter services, mislabeling medications and more.

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HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  A Mt. Vernon woman is facing charges after allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars in county funds.

Jennifer Tinsley, 44, is accused of stealing more than $25,000 from her former employer.

According to court records, Tinsley is a former Posey County Solid Waste employee. An investigation conducted by Indiana State Police and Indiana State Board of Accounts revealed that from April 2023 through February 2024, Tinsley received $21,274 in unauthorized checks plus $4,550 in fraudulent payroll checks for a total of $25,852.

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During in an interview, Tinsley admitted to forging fraudulent vendor and payroll checks that she had written to herself.

Tinsley is facing charges of theft and forgery.

If convicted as charged, Tinsley faces six months to 2 1/2 years in prison plus a $10,000 fine.

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Former Ukrainian pro-Russian lawmaker Yevheniy Murayev published a two-hour propaganda interview on Jan. 17, marking his first public appearance after almost three years of Russia's full-scale war.

Murayev was a lawmaker between 2012 and 2019, and later led the pro-Russian Nashi party until it was banned in June 2022. He also was the owner of Nash TV channel, which was banned in 2022 for spreading the Kremlin's propaganda.

Murayev fled Ukraine in May 2022. He said in the interview that he lived in Beijing with his family. He refused to say how he managed to leave Ukraine.

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In the interview, Murayev parroted Russian propaganda, blaming President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russia's all-out invasion. The ex-lawmaker opposed Ukraine's EU and NATO accession and criticized Western sanctions imposed on Moscow.

He said that his reappearance is not related to the post-war elections, which have been the subject of speculations in Ukraine in recent months.

"I'm not running for any position, and I don't see any possibility of returning to Ukraine yet. At least in the short term," Murayev said.

Shortly before the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.K. Foreign Office warned that the Kremlin intends to install Murayev as the head of the Russian puppet regime in Kyiv.

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A day after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Murayev called on Kyiv to capitulate.

In the summer of 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) charged Murayev with high treason.

Read also: Russian-friendly politician reinvents himself in Ukraine as election speculation looms

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(FOX40.COM)  A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment today against Kami Elois Power, 54, of Gardnerville, Nevada, charging her with wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, according to the United States Department of Justice.

According to court documents, from November 2019 to May 2023, Power worked as an office assistant at a family-owned construction company in South Lake Tahoe. During her employment, Power embezzled more than 1.4 million dollars from the company.

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The DOJ said she disguised more than $700,000 of these fraudulent transfers as payments made to vendors that the company worked with under fake profiles she created in the names of real companies, as well as fake companies that resembled her initials, such as KEP Inc. Sale and KPI.

Power reportedly disguised additional fraudulent transfers as payments for payroll or reimbursements. She also used the companys credit card to make unauthorized personal purchases and paid down the balance of her credit cards with the companys money, according to the DOJ. Power used the stolen money to purchase property, luxury cars, ATVs, and a horse.

If convicted, the DOJ said Power faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud, 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each count of bank fraud, and a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.

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WASHINGTON  As Republicans gear up for new jobs in the second Trump administration, people who worked for Donald Trump the first time around are dispensing advice about a must-buy item for those coming to Washington.

Its not an article of clothing or a trendy apartment, and it is something most hope they will never use.

Incoming administration staffers are being warned to weigh the threat of a pricey legal defense and consider purchasing a form of legal insurance that would provide them a lawyer if needed, a protection that many now consider part of doing business after former Trump aides were hauled before congressional committees and grand juries over the past eight years, five former senior administration officials and longtime Washington advisers said.

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In a cautionary move, Trumps transition has briefed some incoming administration staff members on the need to price and buy professional liability insurance, according to two people familiar with the warnings. The transition did not respond to requests for comment.

It is a need that former aides said they realized they had during Trumps first impeachment. Everyone started getting it, a former administration official said. This person went without insurance and emerged unscathed but said if they returned, they would not be so cavalier.

You need legal representation if youre facing people who have the arms of the government at their disposal, said a former White House official who also was not covered by insurance during the last administration but has purchased it since. Its very intimidating when you dont have people on your side to tell you what you can do and what circumstances you might be walking into.

Its edging into absolute requirement territory, said a second former Trump White House official. It would be reckless if you have any assets to protect  the house, college funds, whatever.

Better prepared

Washington insiders have long sounded a note of caution when advising incoming administration officials about the legal risks they could face as they go about their jobs.

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One thing I tell every client considering taking a political appointment in a new administration, whether Republican or Democrat, is to expect that they could get drawn into an investigation and to think hard about whether they are willing to take that risk and whether theyre prepared for it, said Robert Kelner, the head of the congressional investigations practice at the law firm Covington & Burling. Its just become so routine that its almost to be assumed, and it can be very distracting and burdensome and occasionally expensive for political appointees.

Its a lesson many learned the hard way. During Trumps first term, White House aides said they would not cooperate with Democrats probes, and current and former officials rebuffed demands to testify before Congress during special counsel Robert Muellers investigation, the Trump-Ukraine impeachment inquiry, and the probe in the Jan. 6 attack.

Two former Trump advisers  Steve Bannon and Roger Stone  ultimately served jail time for refusing to cooperate with congressional investigations.

I often say that congressional investigations are like the wild, wild West because there are no rules, Kelner said. Its all about whos the quicker draw, and whos tougher, and whos more clever. So theres a lot of strategy, a lot of maneuvering, a lot of posturing, but not a lot of law, not a lot of rules governing the process.

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Some in Washington see a business opportunity in helping to defray the cost of legal expenses for government workers. Anthony Vergnetti left his job as a lawyer more than a decade ago to launch an insurance firm protecting government workers from legal exposure. Vergnetti said in a FEDTalk podcast interview that aired in 2023 that the cost of a policy can range from $250 to $400 and often extends for a number of months after a person leaves their government job. Certain agencies help pay part of the cost, he said. Vergnetti declined to be interviewed by NBC News.

Brace for the worst

In May 2017, Trump was barely five months into office and already the hint of potential congressional investigations was prompting aides to brace for cover. In a memoir of his 500-day stretch in the Trump White House, former White House director of message strategy Cliff Sims wrote that a leaked story falsely reported that he and another colleague would be helming a Russia War Room  and immediately yoked them to a political live wire.

We were livid, Sims wrote in Team of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House. First of all, it wasnt true. But more concerning was that being connected to anything Russia-related opened up the possibility of legal bills that could easily be more than a years salary in the White House.

The hope is that this time around, aides will enter with some cover as Trump begins rolling out a promised immigration crackdown and a sweep of executive actions.

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A former senior Trump White House official said that Trumps staff members  unlike the president himself, whose core presidential powers are protected  bear the brunt of any actions that could come under future legal fire.

If Trump gives an illegal order and you do it out of loyalty to him, you are liable, the former senior official said. Hes protected, youre not. You can find yourself with a serious legal problem, while hes protected.

Trump used a political account to help pay for lawyers for some of his allies who were summoned before the Jan. 6 committee and grand juries, but that assistance didnt stretch to everyone. And even when it did, at least one recipient didnt believe it helped.

Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson appeared before the Jan. 6 committee with a lawyer who had been paid by Trumps allies. She later secured a lawyer of her own and returned to the committee to offer more information, saying she felt the first attorney was giving her bad advice. In her book, Hutchinson wrote about the anxiety she faced about being unable to pay for her own lawyer, including traveling to her estranged biological fathers house to beg him to help her retain a lawyer and an offer from an aunt and uncle to mortgage their house to foot the bill.

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The investigations into Trump left other staff members staring down a gantlet of costly lawyers fees as they sought out representation that wouldnt leave them saddled with a mountain of legal debt. Investigations into Trump continued after he left office, leading White House alumni to help set up a charity to help pay for the legal defense of certain co-defendants.

These are things that people that have been around Washington know, to get liability insurance, the first former White House official explained. That wasnt necessarily told to everybody last time, but in a difficult way, we eventually figured out.

The advice this person is dispensing today? Prepare for the worst. You never know.

One former Republican official who worked for the party made the argument that if you have any level of exposure to potential subpoenas, insurance is nondiscretionary. You have got to buy insurance. Its not one of these Im going to roll the dice scenarios. You self-insure, said the former official. Certain insurers will even allow you to roll it into your current home or auto coverage.

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Said the former first White House official: For most, that can do some damage to your bank account.

Mike Howell, a lawyer who represented a high-profile client pro bono in front of the Jan. 6 committee, said the dynamic generates perverse incentives among Republican attorneys at a time when incoming political appointees are more at risk than ever.

The rights lawyers exist to make a lot money off these conflicts; they see it as a client base and a market, Howell argued. And so, when young people are subject to these lawfare exercises, there is nobody to protect them.

Not a new phenomenon

The threat of political investigations is hardly new. There was the Benghazi report, where Congress flexed its powers, the probe into whether George W. Bushs Justice Department ordered the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, and an impeachment inquiry into Bill Clinton. Ronald Reagans presidency saw the Iran-Contra affair.

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Were kind of in low-intensity conflict, is what the Defense Department guys like to call it, said the second former White House official. This low-level warfare goes on all the time. The only question is, can they figure out some way to damage you personally, not just as an official of the government?

Yet incoming political staffers on both sides of the aisle, and especially those new to government, have not always thought to buy insurance. The thinking is that if an administration official were to be called in for questioning over a work matter, they could safely rely on the governments counsel.

But that promise has failed to halt concerns. One former Obama White House official recalled how friends at the State Department began searching for cover as congressional Republicans promised a drumbeat of investigations into the assault that killed Americans at the U.S. Mission in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012.

And Kelner said he does not recall a situation where he represented someone in government and his firms fees were paid by an insurance policy  suggesting these were not likely geared toward the rates of Big Law.

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The person may instead find themselves with an attorney selected by their provider and not one of the handful of white shoe partners with experience before the most challenging government investigations, meaning some insurance may not offer the kind of coverage that some come to expect. The corollary is the more charged the inquiry, the higher the potential reputational cost.

Kelner said Clintons presidency marked a turning point as partisan, politicized investigations ramped up with no sign of slowing. It never really stopped after that, he added.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Months after being voted out of office, former State Representative Carolina Amesty (R-Windermere) has been charged with federal crimes related to a pandemic-era relief program.

United States Attorney Roger Handberg announced a criminal complaint Friday charging Amesty with two counts of theft of government property.

According to the filing, Amesty and a relative received more than $500,000 across 15 COVID-19 disaster loans, which were a part of the March 2020 CARES Act given to small businesses to offset the cost of the economic shutdown and maintain payroll.

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Read: Brief warm spell with light showers before cold front arrives

The loans Amesty received or was approved for included $150,000 to her familys school, Central Christian University and tens of thousands of dollars toward her familys restaurants and Amestys nonprofit.

Prosecutors say Amesty falsified the gross revenues connected to many of these ventures when applying for the loans, and they were unable to find evidence to support the number of employees Amesty submitted in her applications.

Read: Trump inauguration: Coldest ceremony in 40 years, will move inside

Notably, several of the entities for which applications were submitted did not even open the bank account provided on their application until after the pandemic had started, the charging document claimed.

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In two cases, prosecutors say Amesty opened bank accounts the day before or on the day she applied for the loan, including the $84,500 approved for the Carolina Amesty Foundation.

Read: TikTok users and Influencers speak out as app set to go dark Sunday

Investigators said they visited another location Amesty applied for, where she listed the address as Dinocar Auto Sales. However, they said a worker for a construction company that operated at the address she gave had never heard of the car dealership, outside of occasionally receiving mail addressed to it, and a records search showed the dealership didnt have a license to operate.

Prosecutors said Amesty spent more than ten thousand dollars of the loan money on personal expenses.

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The charges stem specifically from the loans to the Carolina Amesty Foundation and Dinocar Auto Sales, which totaled $122,000. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, for a total of 20 if Amesty is convicted.

A request to Amesty for comment was not returned.

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An Indiana foster mom has been sentenced for killing a 10-year-old boy in her care.

Jennifer Wilson was sentenced to six years in prison, with one year suspended to be served on probation, on Friday, Jan. 17, over the April 2024 death of her foster son Dakota Stevens, according to Law & Crime, NBC Chicago and CBS News.

Wilson, 48, previously pleaded guilty to the charge of reckless homicide in October 2024, the outlets reported.

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Authorities initially responded to a call after 3:30 p.m. local time regarding an unresponsive child at a home in Valparaiso, Law & Crime previously reported. The boy was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the Porter County Sheriffs Office said in a prior press release obtained by PEOPLE.

Getty Police car lights (stock image). Police car lights (stock image).

Related: Boy Allegedly Killed by Foster Mom Lying on Top of Him Begged Neighbor to Adopt Him Minutes Before: Docs

After police noted bruising on Stevens' neck and chest at the scene of the crime, Wilson admitted to lying on top of the boy for five minutes for acting bad, WGN, NBC Chicago and CBS Chicago reported in April, citing a probable cause affidavit.

Half an hour before emergency service arrived, Stevens reportedly ran to a neighbors house and asked them to adopt him, the outlets added.

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Wilson was later arrested over Stevens death in Michigan in July 2024, after a license plate camera detected her vehicle, according to a press release from the Berrien County Sheriffs Office previously obtained by PEOPLE.

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According to authorities, Stevens was 4 foot 10 inches tall and weighed 90 pounds at the time of his death. Wilson, meanwhile, was 4 foot 11 inches and weighed 340 pounds, per Law & Crime.



Read the original article on People
It is less than a week until Donald Trumps second presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., and Rolla Alaydi can barely stop crying.

For more than a year, Alaydi, a Palestinian American teacher living in California, has been working nonstop with an attorney in a heartrending, uphill battle to evacuate nearly two dozen of Alaydis family members  including small children  whove been trapped in Gaza during Israels immensely brutal war. Unlike other relatives and friends, these family members have survived, but only barely. Israeli forces bombed their family home, and Alaydi describes them as living in tents as the harsh winter arrives. They now live in multiple tents, so if something happens, at least they dont all die together, she says. As news broke this week of an Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal, Alaydi messaged Rolling Stone that she received word that one family member had just been shot in the stomach, and she was scrambling to confirm what had happened. (As of Friday, last she heard, her family member is still alive.)

Alaydi adds that she is the only person sending them money, whatever she can, and because Gaza has been so catastrophically pummeled by Israeli forces, with the support of the Biden administration, the family members all financially depend on her. For the past year, she says she wakes up every morning unsure if her family is still alive, until she gets a message or a reply from one of them. Sometimes, there have been days when she cant reach them.

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I just feel paralyzed, she tells Rolling Stone, fighting back tears and at times wailing. I keep fearing that if I have panic attacks and go to sleep and never wake up, who will help my family? I cant die; they all need me! I need to be not selfish, and keep going. I promised them all I would get them here, but its been so hard and its difficult to find hope  Im not asking for too much, I just want them to live, thats all.

Under President Joe Biden, it has been enormously difficult for American citizens trying to rescue children or other family members  even those who are U.S. citizens or green card holders  from the carnage in Gaza, and bring them to the United States. Even if this new cease-fire deal holds and the bombing stops, Alaydis family, just like so many others like them, will still be in a living hell, in a destroyed Gaza, and seeking potential ways out.

As painfully slow and hyper-selective as the Biden administration has been  including on humanitarian parole applications and medical evacuees  multiple immigration attorneys, human rights advocates, and Muslim-American activists say that there has been some occasional room to negotiate here and there, and that they have managed to get some children and others out alive. Some have made it all the way to American soil on temporary status. Others languish in Cairo, Egypt, awaiting final approval to reunite with family in the U.S.

Now, with President-elect Trump returning to power on Monday, those tiny ounces of hope are expected to be entirely, aggressively snuffed out  at least for the next four years. And many of those children and families will remain trapped or in limbo overseas, with an even less sympathetic American government dictating their fates. Various immigration lawyers and Muslim-American advocates  as deeply enraged as they are at the Biden administration  were hoping for another four years of runway under a Kamala Harris presidency, in which there would have likely been scant but visible opportunities for pressuring the government into aiding the reunification of Palestinian families.

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Those faintest of hopes were all but obliterated in early November, when former President Trump defeated Vice President Harris in the U.S. presidential election. While Trump managed to win the majority-Arab city of Dearborn, Michigan, he openly campaigned on expanding his infamous travel Muslim ban, and as recently as September promised to bar refugee resettlement from terror-infested areas like the Gaza Strip. Last year, Trump was also publicly using the word Palestinian as a slur.

Were not going to have family reunification with the new Trump administration, says Houston-based human rights attorney Maria Kari, who has taken on many cases pro bono, including that of the Alaydi family. Even my preliminarily approved Palestinian clients who have gotten so close, theyre just going to be sitting in a third-party country When it comes to getting their relatives out now, Im not telling any of these people to waste their time and money filing applications for humanitarian parole, not with the new administration coming in.

Kari adds that the trouble isnt just one large executive order, such as Trumps travel Muslim ban, which he has repeatedly vowed to revive and expand when back in office, or the big things that get taken to court. She continues: Its these small, little things that the average public doesnt even know about. Last time, it was death-by-a-thousand-paper-cuts  tiny policy [and] legal changes. It would be like dragging out eight-month periods for work permits but then not actually giving them their work permits, or saying their contract with the printer had run out. Trump does these things, and then some real geniuses come up with ways to make it extremely difficult for us [attorneys and advocates] to operate.

As horrific and demoralizing as the past year has been during a Democratic presidency, Alaydi has long contemplated whether her mission to extract family from Gaza could get even harder under a revived Trump administration. Alaydi shared with Rolling Stone screenshots of messages she exchanged with her Gaza relatives just after Trumps 2024 election-night victory in November, expressing fear and uncertainty about what this will mean for their family. Around that time, her family had also texted her a photo showing that they were down to eating just plain bread in their tents.

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Alaydi shared with Rolling Stone several photos, taken in recent months of Gazas hell on earth, of her five-year-old niece, Alma. Despite all the destruction and mass death around her, Alma is smiling in some of the photos, in pigtails, wearing an oversized red sweater that reads, LOVE. In other pictures, its impossible to not see the dread and misery in her eyes.

In a phone interview, Alaydi discusses her conversations with Alma during this war, which started in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks and hostage-taking in Israel. After not too long, Alaydi, understandably, cannot contain her tears and says she has to go for a walk and have a deep breath. Alaydi says that her niece dreams of growing up to become a doctor. The Palestinian child says she also dreams of the day she can go back to school, even though, Alma says, shes heard all her friends have been killed. She loves to color and also enjoys making necklaces and bracelets for other small children just like her. When Alma tells her aunt that shes cold, Alaydi sobs, because she cant even send her a freaking jacket in the mail.

I have promised her, Im getting you out, Alaydi says. Ive told her, When you come to the U.S., Im going to buy a box of new colorful beads for you so you can make your necklaces for young girls. When she talks about what she looks forward to doing in America, its nothing special, just like how she cant wait to eat a hamburger  because she says she misses meat so much because they havent had any for so long. And Ive promised her Id get her hamburgers. She is so strong and so sweet. I dont want to fail her, but I dont know what to do.

Asked what she would say if Trump or incoming Vice President J.D. Vance were sitting in front of her right now, Alaydi responds: I would show them a photo of Alma, and ask them: What if it were your niece? We arent terrorists. We are human beings.

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Theirs is a story of just one family.

But their story is similar to countless other Gaza civilians and children, Muslim or not, whose lives have been immeasurably ripped apart, and whose already slim odds of escape are on the chopping block, with Trump set to commence his immigration and refugee crackdowns.

Since early last year, immigration and human rights lawyers  who were working on behalf of U.S. citizens and residents who sought to get family over to the states from Gaza and certain Muslim-majority nations  have told Rolling Stone that theyd had numerous frank conversations with clients and colleagues about how they were now in a race against the clock. Even before Trump secured the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, he was on a clear march toward winning the primary and other polling suggested he had a strong chance of returning to the Oval Office. And he was campaigning on rebooting and growing his first terms Muslim ban.

As terrible as the Biden administration had been on these issues, the attorneys advised their clients, the clampdown would be much crueler and harsher under President Trump.

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It was like a sprint to get every person in who we could, one of these lawyers says. It is a tragedy how few families weve been able to reunite in America.

In the past several months, Rolling Stone spoke to a number of Muslim families who could be affected. Several did not want to be named, out of fear of being put on a list or a watchlist of some kind by the incoming Trump administration. One of the women Rolling Stone spoke to has her own children still trapped abroad, after a protracted process that began under President Biden  to get her kids out of Gaza and to the U.S. after the war began  has kept the children in Egypt. Now with Trump retaking the White House, its unclear if the meager progress shes made will be quickly reversed.

If, or when, Trump reimposes the travel ban that President Biden rolled back on day one of his administration, part of the official justification underlying this policy shift will be a secret 17-page Department of Homeland Security report. When the first version of the Muslim ban was taken to court as bigoted and blatantly unconstitutional, the first Trump administration argued before the Supreme Court that ban was based not on mere bigotry, but on national-security-related concerns pertaining to the affected countries. The first Trump administration told the court these concerns were outlined in the secret DHS document.

To many outside observers and experts, this reeked of obvious bad faith. But the Supreme Court majority bought it, taking the Trump administration at its word, and ultimately rubber-stamped a revised version of Trumps sweeping ban. The first Trump administration fought to keep this alleged document hidden from the public. The Biden administration  as if to follow its pattern established on so much else  dragged its feet on demands to release it.

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The administration spent more than half of Bidens presidency not giving it to us, with dog-ate-my-homework type excuses. Initially, years ago, they said they had to go through hundreds of thousands of pages to find it, says David Bier, director of immigration studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, which filed a lawsuit to try to force the Biden administration to finally cough it up.

Now, Bier adds, as recently as within the past couple weeks, the Biden [Justice Department] is still telling us theyre not releasing it to the public before the end of his term.

There are only two days left until Trump is sworn into office again, after he ran for two years on a policy platform that is somehow even more flamboyantly authoritarian and crackdown-obsessed than his 2016 and 2020 platforms.

For human rights attorneys such as Maria Kari, there is so much to fear and loathe about the coming Trump era, and not just on the issues related to immigration and Palestinians. But for this weekend, at least, we are still in the Biden era. And there are some images from Bidens America that Kari says will be forever carved into her memory.

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Ive visited with some of the children in Houston, [Texas], who have been brought here from Gaza for medical treatment, she says. Im a mother and I dont know how many diapers youve changed. But until this war, I had never seen someone have to change a diaper on a baby  who was just under two years old  who had third-degree burns on the diaper-change area. The sound the baby makes is horrifying. Its seared into your brain. It haunts you forever. Ive sat and ate with a girl who had to hold her jaw while we ate because theres a hole in her jaw and food was falling out while she ate. Ive sat and painted ceramic dinosaurs with these children  the same things I do with my children  and theyre so beautiful, theyre so cute and resilient. One of them had just buried her baby sister just before she got on a plane to come here.

The lawyer continues: No matter how bad things are going to get under the incoming Trump administration, to me, that is the legacy of President Biden and his administration.

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GULFPORT, Fla. (WFLA)  Its been months since hurricanes hit Florida, causing damage across Tampa Bay.

Recovery has been tough as permit delays prevent some homeowners from rebuilding. However, some are seeing success.

South Tampa neighborhood struggles to recover months after Hurricane Milton

Jim Newman was able to get a permit to repair the roof of his rental properties and is familiar with the process, but the permit application to repair the gaping hole in his roof is still under review nearly four months after the storms.

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The roofs are completed on our rental property, Newman said. However, we cannot get a permit for our home thats in a flood zone. We just cant get a roof permit, at least in the City of Gulfport.

Inspectors also reported minimal damage to his home, but the application still hasnt been approved.

We were not aware of the update that needed a floor plan and pictures of interior and exterior of every room, Newman said. Thats kind of a privacy thing. I guess our house is public record inside and out.

He says he never received any notification about the additional documents that were needed to complete the process.

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They did not email me or call me to tell me to update my package, Newman said. I found out from a neighbor.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Four people have been displaced after a house caught fire and spread to another Friday morning, according to the Pottsville Fire Department.

Assistant Fire Chief AJ Alves said that crews were called to the 600 block of North 2nd Street for a reported house fire just after 6:00 a.m.

On-scene officials say that the fire started at one home and later spread to another residence on the block.

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Teen injured after hit-and-run, woman charged

Alves said that they had a water shortage so another tanker was called into give them more supply.

Both properties suffered severe damage, but it is unknown if the properties will be a total loss, according to Alves.

Authorities say multiple people were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and four people are displaced.

Crews were on-scene for eight hours, according to Alves.

The fire is under investigation by Pottsville Fire Department, Pottsville Police Department with assistance by a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Jan. 17MITCHELL  The fourth defendant involved in a September break-in at Mitchell High School has pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary, a Class 5 felony.

Matthew Ruff, 19, of Mitchell, was sentenced to two years probation, fined $500, and ordered to pay $21.63 in restitution. He was granted a suspended imposition of sentence. The other three defendants had already pleaded guilty and were sentenced in December.

According to court documents, the four individuals were caught on video entering the high school on the night of Sept. 26, 2024, through an unlocked door during overnight hours. Mitchell Superintendent Joe Childs confirmed that the break-in resulted in the theft of approximately $100 worth of drinks from the school's cafeteria.
PARIS (AP)  France's President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to former French Resistance activist and author Genevieve Callerot, who has died aged 108.

Callerot, who was among the last survivors of the groups that combatted the countrys World War II occupation by Nazi Germany, died Thursday in a care home in Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, a town in the Dordogne region of southwestern France where she had lived since childhood, according to local media reports.

A statement from the presidential Elysee Palace said Macron offered his heartfelt condolences to her loved ones, to all those who were illuminated by her solar presence, and finally to those whose lives she saved.

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Callerot takes with her a little piece of France, a certain France that is tough on suffering and intimidation, tender toward the beauty of the world, as quick to raise its fist in the face of oppression as it is to extend its hand, the statement said.

Born in 1916, Callerot was 24 when France surrendered to Adolf Hitler's invasion forces in June 1940, an event which forever marked her life and revealed her to herself, the statement said.

It said she and her family joined a Resistance network that smuggled people across the demarcation line that separated Nazi-occupied areas that included Paris, northern France and the country's Atlantic seaboard and the so-called free zone governed by the French Vichy administration that collaborated with the Nazi occupiers.

She participated in the escape of 200 men and women, including Jews and American and British war-wounded, whose lives she saved with anonymous heroism, and who often never knew what they owed to this teenager, Macron's office said. It said German forces took her into custody three times  twice releasing her for lack of evidence and holding her in prison for several weeks the third time.

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She and her husband worked as farmers after the war.

When she was 67 she published her first novel  Les cinq filles du Grand-Barrail, or The five girls of Grand-Barrail  about a family of sharecroppers.

___

This story has been corrected to show Callerot was 24-year-old in 1940 and not 14 as wrongly mentioned in the Elysee statement.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Theres not only one Donald Trump in the United States. Nor is there only one William J. Clinton.

Plenty of people share names with famous presidents.

Donald Trump, a veteran and resident of Alabama, said because of his name he often is gifted things for free. William J. Clinton, who goes by Billy, used to live in the Washington, D.C., area, and would receive interesting mail from inmates.

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The men with those names who served in the White House will be at the Capitol Monday to attend the inauguration of Trump, the president-elect. The Associated Press talked to people who share names with the presidents to find out what life is like for them.

William J. Clinton, Tennessee resident

My dad is Bill, not the former president, but hes just, hes actually the seventh in the line of William J., William Clintons in our genealogy. So, Im the eighth. My nine-month-old son is the ninth. ... Theres definitely a lot of double takes, though, for sure. And its a daily occurrence. I have in my mind always like, well, theres the daily occurrence of somebody being like, Your names really Bill Clinton?'

Some of the craziest things that have happened because of my name, and especially because I had an address for, you know, basically my whole life that was like in and around the D.C. area, was receiving letters from federal inmates asking for presidential pardons addressed to me, like by accident.

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Donald Trump, a veteran and resident of Clanton, Alabama

Theres been a lot of times where I got upgraded, you know, like first class. There has been times where I did make reservations for a hotel and they gave me the penthouse free. Well, thank you very much. Ive had some free meals at restaurants.

Abraham Lincoln, a banking professional from Washington state

Ive found that its sort of a blessing and a curse. Like its really good for breaking the ice, sort of, people are just sort of amazed and it gets people talking. It also, you know, where first impressions really matter, people arent going to forget my name, therefore, theyre not going to usually forget the first impression. So, Ive got to really always sort of be on my A-game when Im meeting people.

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"Reservations generally will go under (his wife's) name because I usually will get a, No really whats your name? Or, Youre messing with me.

Grover Cleveland, a fire chief from Cresco, Pennsylvania

Just growing up, everyone was always pretty shocked on how I have the exact name.

Ill give a credit card at a store that somebody might not know who I am. And yeah, then the manager gets called up and its fraud or something like that. So, you know, nope, heres my ID.
Online scammers are nothing new but with the rise of AI-generated images, theyre becoming more sophisticated, especially regarding true romance.

One such case involved a 53-year-old French interior designer who was tricked into paying 830,000 ($855,000) for someone posing as actor Brad Pitt for alleged cancer treatment.

Don't miss

The scam began when the woman received a message on social media from an account claiming to be Brad Pitts mother. The following day, another message arrived  this time from an account impersonating the actor himself.

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Admittedly, she was experiencing marital problems with her millionaire husband and sought comfort in what she believed to be an unexpected friendship with Pitt. The scammer sent her poems and affirmations, creating a genuine bond during a challenging time.

There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done, she said, originally in French, for a BFMTV interview.

Although she admitted to having doubts about the account, the AI-generated photos and videos eased her suspicions. However, as the financial demands grew increasingly absurd, she finally reported the situation to authorities, prompting an investigation.

How does this happen?

Romance scammers will spin elaborate tales to tug at your heartstrings  and empty your wallets.

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According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2022 nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam and reported losses hit $1.3 billion.

These scammers are experts in crafting the perfect narrative. By closely monitoring information shared online, they create the illusion of being a perfect match. Dating apps are often their preferred hunting grounds, but they also use direct messages on social media platforms to lure victims. If youre searching for the one these scammers are conveniently looking for the same  though their intentions are far from romantic.

In the case of the interior designer, the fake Pitt proposed and promised extravagant gifts. The scammer went even further, asking for financial support to cover urgent kidney cancer treatment, claiming they couldnt use their own money due to Pitts divorce from Angelina Jolie. To make the story even more convincing, they sent AI-generated photos of Pitt appearing bedridden in a hospital.

Read more: Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among Americas wealthiest  plus 2 ways to build that first-class portfolio

Recognizing the signs

Scammers often rely on an arsenal of photos and fabricated stories to draw you into their lies. However, their schemes usually unravel when you ask them to meet in person  they simply cant.

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These scammers often claim to be living abroad, traveling for work, stationed on an oil rig or engaged with an international organization  excuses used to explain their absence and build trust. But their endgame is to quickly access your money, often through difficult-to-track methods, such as wire transfer via Western Union or MoneyGram or gift cards like Amazon, Google Play or iTunes.

While these tactics raise obvious red flags, victims often forget to verify the persons identity. For example, in the case of the Pitt Scam, one X user questioned why the victim didnt simply Google whether the star was hospitalized. A quick search could have easily exposed the scam.

If you suspect you might be falling for an online romance scam  even one that doesnt involve a so-called celebrity  there are simple ways to verify a persons identity. Social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook can be tools to see if the person has a profile, followers and authentic interactions with others. If someone youve never met is asking you for money, its a clear sign to pause and reconsider that it might be an online scam.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
On October 7 2023, Hamas murdered more than 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251. The deal which begins its enactment tomorrow, provides for the release, in phases, of the estimated 94 hostages still held by Hamas, of whom, the Israeli government calculates, 34 are dead. In return, Israel will let hundreds of Palestinian terrorist prisoners out of its jails, withdraw its troops from densely populated areas of Gaza and let in 600 aid-carrying lorries every day.

Most of the world seems pleased. There are reasons to be so, and I shall come back to them. But first it needs to be said that the deal represents two major victories for Hamas.

One is that it legitimates them as a continuing force in Gaza. They will remain on the ground and Israel will not. Hamas now know they will be part of future negotiations. Plenty of malign actors  many of them in Western governments, policy elites and media  will even start to hail them as peacemakers.

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The other is that the deal will prove to the satisfaction of Hamas that hostage-taking works. If they had simply murdered those 1,200 plus people on October 7, they would have won themselves no protection against Israeli retaliation. Because they took the hostages, they were able to make Israel hesitate, divide Israeli politics, manipulate Western opinion and gain diplomatic advantage.

When (if) Hamas stick to the deal, dump 34 dishonoured corpses on Israel and hand back about 60 tormented, sick, hungry, terrified men, women and children, the direct evidence of their evil will be there for all to see, and yet they will be widely praised outside Israel for having done the right thing. That will be disgusting.

The deal will also be seen in Islamist minds as a successful precedent. Capture Jews, will be the internal message, torture them, kill a proportion of them, play cat-and-mouse about the ones who live, and it will give you power. So, when you get the chance, do it again.

I invoke an unlikely source in support of my argument. After its usual, almost daily rant by Jeremy Bowen about how absolutely everything is the fault of Benjamin Netanyahu, the BBC Today programme yesterday morning interviewed Oliver McTernan.

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Mr McTernan is a former Catholic priest who, like most in the conflict resolution business, is essentially anti-Israel. He said that it was incompatible for Israel to try to destroy Hamas while also trying to negotiate with them over hostages.

He is right, though for the wrong reason. He meant that Israel should give up trying to destroy Hamas and instead negotiate the hostage releases. A clearer analysis points in the opposite direction  that destroying Hamas should take precedence over hostage release. Otherwise, the lesson will go on echoing down the years: terrorism works.

Oh, come on, some readers may say, Israel is winning. In the later months of last year, it killed Yahya Sinwar and most of Hamass leaders. It blew up most of the command structure of Hezbollah via their pagers and killed their supreme murderer, Hassan Nasrallah. It proved it could penetrate Iranian defences at the heart of Tehran. It knew exactly when to attack Syrian military installations as Bashar al-Assad fell. Surely, it should take the win.

It is true that, by wisely defying the advice of Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan and Antony Blinken (let alone of the rest of world) at almost every turn, Israel mostly eschewed ceasefires and eventually had the enemy on the run. The Israel Defence Forces saved the Jewish nation from the genocide of which the October 7 attacks were intended as the first move. Theirs is the greatest and most disciplined heroism shown since the Six-Day War of 1967.

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But Yayha Sinwar had a kid brother called Mohammed, who is busy trying to stick everything together again. And whereas, after the siege of Beirut in 1982, the PLO leader Yasser Arafat had to set sail and flee to Tunis, Hamas will still be in Gaza, still intimidating the civilian population, controlling the hospitals and the Palestinian media (who, says Jeremy Bowen, do a great job), looting the aid, still winked at by large elements of UN and other relief organisations. Israel has scotched the snake, not killed it.

In such circumstances, the martyrdom of Hamas leaders may even be good propaganda for them. Look, the survivors will say, Even under the satanic attack of the Jews, backed by America, we fought on. Allah is with us! The politicised International Criminal Court stands ready to secularise such thoughts and weaponise them for lawfare for decades to come.

A stronger argument for some deal is the change in American politics. This weeks effort is supposed to be the first example of what Donald Trump, even before he reaches office, can deliver in a way that poor old Biden never could.

In early December, Mr Trump warned Hamas of hell to pay if they did not come to heel; the Qataris, it seems, have drummed it into Hamas heads that this is their last chance. In Israel, the deal is being sold to doubters with encouraging words about how, if Hamas misbehave again, Trump will let it go after them in a way that Biden would have forbidden.

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On top of this comes the added point, also strong, that all the moderate powers in the Arab world are much readier to deal with an Israel that is strong than one which is beleaguered and debilitated. The smashing of the Hamas and Hezbollah leadership and of related Iranian power was wonderful news, for example, for the Gulf Arabs, Egypt and Jordan.

For Donald Trump, the biggest and ultimate prize, which would build on what he achieved last time in office with the Abraham Accords, is a Middle-East peace deal that protects Israel, kills Irans nuclear ambitions and brings in Saudi Arabia. This might create the conditions, if not for a two-state solution (can anyone really believe such a conflict can be solved?), at least for the gradual development of some parallel Palestinian republic alongside Israel.

One must accept that a deal guaranteed by a powerful Trump administration is a much more hopeful thing than anything that could have emerged in the feeble Biden years (including the deal remarkably similar to the present one which was on offer in July last year, before Israel had won its famous victories). However, what makes Mr Trump look good is not automatically what is best for Israels security and a peaceful Middle East.

Friends of Ukraine fear that Trumps self-image as the big dealmaker who brings peace could let Vladmir Putin come out on top. Friends of Israel should not imagine that a Trump Gaza deal is risk-free.

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The real agony, of course, is Israels. As the country founded to offer refuge to Jews everywhere, it has a Talmudically inspired duty to rescue them wherever it can. It is pierced, too, by the deep personal pain inflicted on so many families. Politically, it may be that there is an Israeli consensus round the idea that this deal is, as one Jewish friend expert in the region put it to me, bad, but essential.

But I cannot let go of the point that, with this deal, Hamas have prised open the jaws of defeat and won, if not a victory, at least the chance to live and fight and murder for much more than another day.

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By Ahmed Kingimi

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) -At least 70 people were killed and more injured in northern Nigeria on Saturday when a petrol tanker truck overturned, spilling fuel that exploded, the country's national emergency agency said.

The accident in Niger state follows a similar blast in Jigawa state last October that killed 147 people, one of the worst such tragedies in Nigeria.

"As of this report, over 70 bodies have been recovered, 56 individuals are injured, and more than 15 shops have been destroyed," the National Emergency Management Authority said in a statement.

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"The injured have been transported to hospitals for treatment, while recovery efforts for the deceased are ongoing."

A Reuters witness said residents and officials were digging graves with a view to bury the victims on Saturday night in accordance with Islamic rites. Niger is a largely Muslim state in Africa's most populous nation.

Earlier, Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander for Niger state, said most of the victims were impoverished local residents who had rushed to scoop up the spilled petrol after the truck overturned.

"Large crowd of people gathered to scoop fuel despite concerted efforts to stop them," Tsukwam said in a statement.

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Tsukwam said firefighters had managed to put out the fire.

Such accidents have become common in Africa's largest oil producer, killing dozens of people in the country grappling with its worst cost of living crisis in a generation.

The price of petrol in Nigeria has soared more than 400% since President Bola Tinubu scrapped a decades-old subsidy when he came into office in May 2023.

Bologi Ibrahim, spokesperson to Niger state governor, said residents should give priority to their safety when petrol tanker trucks are involved in accidents.

(Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi in Maiduguri, additional reporting by Garba Muhammad in Kaduna and Nura Muhammed in Niger; writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; editing by Mark Heinrich, Tomasz Janowski and Diane Craft)
A funeral service was held in northern Germany on Saturday for a 9-year-old boy killed in the car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg.

Police said around 300 mourners attended the ceremony in Wolfenbuttel, in the state of Lower Saxony, 80 kilometres west of Magdeburg.

The street in front of the church was cordoned off, with emergency counsellors and volunteers from the fire brigade on site.

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The urn was due to be buried in the cemetery in the nearby village of Warle.

On December 20, a 50-year-old man ploughed a car into crowds attending a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing the boy and five women aged between 45 and 75. At least 299 injuries were reported.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the eastern city on Thursday to express his sympathy and gratitude to emergency workers.
A Gordon County man was arrested for assaulting a woman he was in a relationship with, while her children witnessed the attack.

On Sunday, Jan. 12, deputies were called to a home on Knight Road in the Ranger community for a reported assault.

Deputies discovered that the victim, a 39-year-old woman, had been badly beaten around her face and head with a solid object.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The woman said her domestic partner, identified as Jeffery Scott McCullough, 36, was the attacker.

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Deputies learned that he ran away before they could arrive.

Deputies removed the woman and her children from the home and began searching for the suspect.

The next day, they found him hiding out at the home of a friend.

McCullough was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and third-degree cruelty to children.

McCulloughs friend, Joshua O. Grizzle, 36, was also arrested for aiding and abetting McCullough.

Both men were booked into the Gordon County Jail.

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Tulsi Gabbard is trying to explain her past support for Edward Snowden, including her push to pardon the national security leaker, to a tough crowd: members of the Senate Intelligence Committee considering her confirmation.

When she was still in the House, Gabbard introduced a resolution calling for all charges to be dropped against Snowden. And she urged President-elect Trump at the end of his first term to pardon people who exposed the deception and criminality of those in the deep state, in commenting on another post specifically mentioning Snowden.

That is not the type of rhetoric you hear on Snowden from members of Congresss two intelligence committees.

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I dont think Edward Snowden is a patriot by any means. Hes a traitor to his own nation, said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Gabbard appears to have made headway in recent days, including by shifting her position on a warrantless surveillance program that allows spying on noncitizens when they are abroad  a controversial measure as it can sweep up communications with Americans in the process.

In private meetings with lawmakers, shes similarly sought to assure them by saying she didnt feel Snowden had a good route to share his concerns  an explanation eliciting mixed reactions from lawmakers.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cottons (R-Ark.) office wouldnt comment on Gabbards position on Snowden, who he has said should rot in jail.

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Snowden fled to Russia after leaking thousands of National Security Agency documents showing the bulk collection of Americans communications data  a move exacerbating criticism from intelligence leaders who saw his leaks as inexcusable.

Her concern was that there was no way for someone to be able to be a whistleblower, Lankford said. But we do need to be able to secure documents [and] allow people to have a better path to be able to challenge things they see as inappropriate, but not do that  not actually go to the Russians and risk sources and methods.

It was helpful to be able to hear the context on it, he added, before reiterating his own criticism of Snowden.

She was able to answer the question. She was able to go through and say that theres better protections, a better way to be able to do that, to allow people to be able to have that internal conversation, he said, adding that she felt like at that time, years ago there was not.

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Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, blasted the explanation.

Shes full of st, he said.

Look, shes doing everything that she can to try to get the next glittery job and demonstrating her complete lack of consistent principle, he added, saying the shift on the foreign spying program shows her principles are negotiable, to say the least.

Himes also disagreed with Gabbards take on whistleblowers being stymied, saying Snowden had plenty of options for raising his concerns without leaking national security secrets.

Its important to remember that there were legitimate whistleblowing routes and lots of other routes that Edward Snowden could have taken that would have been consistent with preserving important secrets for the country. He chose not to take any of those routes. He chose to flee to the most appalling totalitarian regime on the planet, Himes said.

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That speaks volumes, right? I mean, I know how people inside the [intelligence community] would feel about somebody whos defending that behavior. They would hate that.

Though Cottons (R-Ark.) office wouldnt comment for this story, the senator hasnt been shy about his take on Snowden, or how he should be punished.

Edward Snowden was an egotistical serial liar and traitor whose unauthorized disclosures of classified information have jeopardized the safety of Americans and allies around the world. Snowdens close and continual contact with Russian intelligence services speak volumes. He deserves to rot in jail for the rest of his life, Cotton said in 2016 when the House Intelligence Committee released a report analyzing the damage done by Snowden.

Cotton praised Gabbard, however, when she announced she had changed her position on the foreign spying program, an intelligence tool governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

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Last week she called the program a vital national security tool  a position in line with national security leaders on both sides of the aisle who urged its reauthorization earlier this year.

Its a key commitment, as Section 702 will lapse in April of 2026, and intelligence lawmakers are sure to want someone who will be an advocate for the tool when the matter again comes before Congress.

Tulsi Gabbard has assured me in our conversations that she supports Section 702 as recently amended and that she will follow the law and support its reauthorization as DNI, Cotton said in a statement last week, a positive outward sign for Gabbards confirmation process after a series of rocky meetings in December first reported by The Hill.

A source close to Gabbard said her latest comments to lawmakers reflect a shift in whistleblower protections since Snowden leaked documents in 2013. And while Snowden revealed documents on a different program, Gabbard has been reassured by reforms to how Section 702 can be used, they said.

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Lt. Col. Gabbard made these statements almost 10 years ago and there have been changes and updates to both whistleblower protection for contractors- which was a concern of hers  so if a member of the [intelligence community] needs to raise these concerns there are many avenues to choose from and not break the law, the source said.

Theres also been updates to FISA with concerns to Fourth Amendment protections that she supports and looks forward to seeing how those have been implemented in practice as DNI.

Gabbard has made other controversial comments sure to be weighed by the panel. She met with now-deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad after he was accused of using chemical weapons on his own people, and shes parroted some Russian narratives on their war with Ukraine.

Democrats also successfully pushed to delay her hearing after they said they were unable to get her full background check and paperwork.

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But her position on Snowden raised questions about how she will handle one of the most basic tenets of the intelligence community  keeping secrets secret.

Its clear though that those on the committee still have questions about her stance on Snowden.

Thats a line of inquiry I want to continue, said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the panel.

I think Mr. Snowden was a traitor. I know she introduced legislation for a pardon. Some of her responses as she goes through this process changed a little bit., but Ive got more questions on it.

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Israelis gather at memorial for Gaza hostages in Tel Aviv. | Credit: Noam Galai / Getty Images

What happened

Representatives from Israel, Hamas, Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. signed a Gaza ceasefire agreement in Doha Thursday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Friday morning his security cabinet would convene to approve it that day. Final approval by Netanyahu's full cabinet is expected Saturday evening, a delay likely to push off the implementation of the ceasefire from Sunday to Monday, according to Axios.

Who said what

Netanyahu's security cabinet had been expected to vote on the phased 42-day ceasefire and hostage deal Thursday, but the vote was "delayed amid last-minute disputes with Hamas and rifts over the agreement" inside Netanyahu's governing coalition, The New York Times said. Two ultranationalist cabinet ministers oppose a ceasefire and one, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit the government if it took effect. A Hamas spokesperson said Thursday the militant group was "committed to the ceasefire agreement that was announced by the mediators."

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Inside Gaza, "joy over the truce gave way to sorrow and anger" as "Israeli warplanes kept up intense strikes," killing at least 86 people "in the day after the truce was unveiled," Reuters said. "Traditionally," The Associated Press said, "both Israel and Hamas have intensified military actions before ceasefires take effect."

What next?

If "fully implemented," the deal could "mark the beginning of the end of one of the deadliest episodes in modern Middle Eastern history," The Wall Street Journal said. Many hundreds of Israelis and more than 46,000 Palestinians are dead, and the "full extent of the damage" in Gaza "will only be known when the fighting ends and inspectors have full access to the territory," the AP said. But the U.N. estimates that 50 million tons of rubble needs to be cleared, a task that would take "100 trucks working full time" and more than 15 years to accomplish.
In 1976, a woman from Roanoke, Virginia, named Rhoda received a prescription for two drugs: estrogen and progestin. Twelve months later, a local reporter noted Rhodas surprisingly soft skin and visible breasts. He wrote that the drugs had made her so completely female.

Indeed, that was the point. The University of Virginia Medical Center in nearby Charlottesville had a clinic specifically for women like Rhoda. In fact, doctors there had been prescribing hormones and performing surgeries  what today we would call gender-affirming care  for years.

The founder of that clinic, Dr. Milton Edgerton, had cut his teeth caring for transgender people at Johns Hopkins University in the 1960s. There, he was part of a team that established the nations first university-based Gender Identity Clinic in 1966.

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When politicians today refer to gender-affirming care as new, untested or experimental, they ignore the long history of transgender medicine in the United States.

Its been nearly 60 years since the first transgender medical clinic opened in the U.S., and 48 years since Rhoda started her hormone therapy. Understanding the history of these treatments in the U.S. can be a helpful guide for citizens and legislators in a year when a record number of bills in statehouses target the rights of transgender people.

Christine Jorgensen, who received gender-affirming treatments in the 1950s, was one of the first trans celebrities in the U.S. Bettmann/Getty Images

Treating gender in every population

As a trans woman and a scholar of transgender history, I have spent much of the past decade studying these issues. I also take several pills each morning to maintain the proper hormonal balance in my body: spironolactone to suppress testosterone and estradiol to increase estrogen.

When I began HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, like many Americans I wasnt aware that this treatment had been around for generations. What I was even more surprised to learn was that HRT is often prescribed to cisgender women  women who were assigned female at birth and raised their whole lives as women. In fact, many providers in my region already had a long record of prescribing hormones to cis women, primarily women experiencing menopause.

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I also learned that gender-affirming hormone therapies have been prescribed to cisgender youths for generations  despite what contemporary politicians may think. Disability scholar Eli Clare has written of the history and continued practice of prescribing hormones to boys who are too short and girls who are too tall for what is considered a normal range for their gender. Because of binary gender norms that celebrate height in men and smallness in women, doctors, parents and ethicists have approved the use of hormonal therapies to make children conform to these gender stereotypes since at least the 1940s.

Clare describes a severely disabled young woman whose parents  with the approval of doctors and ethicists from their local childrens hospital  administered puberty blockers so that she would never grow into an adult. They deemed her mentally incapable of becoming a real woman.

The history of these treatments demonstrates that hormone therapies and puberty blockers have been used on cisgender children in this country  for better or for worse  with the goal of regulating the passage from girlhood to womanhood and from boyhood to manhood. Gender stereotypes concerning the presence or absence of secondary sex characteristics  too tall, too short, too much body hair  have all led parents and doctors to perform gender-affirming care on cisgender children.

For over half a century, legal and medical authorities in the U.S. have also approved and administered surgeries and hormone therapies to force the bodies of intersex children to conform to binary gender stereotypes. I myself had genital surgery in infancy to bring my anatomy into alignment with expectations for what a male body should look like. In most cases, intersex surgeries are unnecessary for the health or well-being of a child.

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Historians such as Jules Gill-Peterson have shown that early advances in transgender medicine in this country are deeply interwoven with the nonconsensual treatment of intersex children. Doctors at Johns Hopkins and the University of Virginia practiced reconstructing the genitalia of intersex people before applying those same treatments on transgender patients.

Given these intertwined histories, I contend that the current political focus on prohibiting gender-affirming care for transgender people is evidence that opposition to these treatments is not about the safety of any specific medications or procedures, but rather their use specifically by transgender people.

How transgender people access care

Many transgender people in the U.S. have deeply complicated feelings about gender-affirming care. This complexity is a result of over half a century of transgender medicine and patient experiences in the U.S.

In Rhodas time, medical gatekeeping meant that she had to live full time as a woman and prove her suitability for gender-affirming care to a team of primarily white, cis male doctors before they would give her treatment. She had to mimic language about being born in the wrong body  language invented by cis doctors studying trans people, not by trans people themselves. She had to affirm she would be heterosexual and seek marriage and monogamy with a man. She could not be a lesbian or bisexual or promiscuous.

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Many trans people still need to jump through similar hoops today to receive gender-affirming care. For example, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, a designated mental disorder, is sometimes required before treatment. Many trans people argue that these preconditions for access to care should be removed because being trans is an identity and a lived experience, not a disorder.

Feminist activists in the 1970s also critiqued the role of medical authority in gender-affirming care. Writer Janice Raymond decried the transsexual empire, her term for the physicians, psychologists and other professionals who practice transgender medicine. Raymond argued that cis male doctors were making an army of trans women to satisfy the male gaze: promoting iterations of womanhood that reinforced sexist gender stereotypes, ultimately ushering in the displacement and eradication of the worlds biological women. The origins of todays gender-critical, or trans-exclusionary radical feminist, movement are visible in Raymonds words. But as trans scholar Sandy Stone wrote in her famous reply to Raymond, its not that trans women are unwilling dupes of cis male medical authority, but rather that we have to strategically perform our womanhood in certain ways to access the care and treatments we need.

The future of gender-affirming care

In many states, especially in the South, where I live, governors and legislatures are introducing bills to ban gender-affirming care  even for adults  in ignorance of history. The consequences of hurried legislation extend beyond trans people, because access to hormones and surgeries is a basic medical service many people may need to feel better in their body.

Prohibitions on hormone therapy and gender-related surgeries for minors could mean ending the same treatment options for cisgender children. The legal implications for intersex children may directly clash with proposed legislation in several states that aims to codify male and female as discrete biological sexes with certain anatomical features.

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Prohibitions on hormone replacement therapy for adults could affect access to the same treatments for menopausal women or limit access to hormonal birth control. Prohibitions of gender-affirming surgeries could affect anyones ability to access a hysterectomy or a mastectomy. So-called cosmetic surgeries such as breast implants or reductions, and even facial feminization procedures such as lip fillers or Botox, could also come under question.

These are all different types of gender-affirming procedures. Are most Americans willing to live with this level of government intrusion into their bodily autonomy?

Almost every major medical organization in the U.S. has come out against new government restrictions on gender-affirming care because, as doctors and professionals, they know that these treatments are time-tested and safe. These treatments have histories reaching back over 50 years.

Trans and intersex people are important voices in this debate, because our bodies are the ones politicians opposing gender-affirming care most frequently treat as objects of ridicule and disgust. Legislators are developing policies about us despite the fact that most Americans say they do not even know a trans person.

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But trans and intersex people know what it is like to have to fight to access the care and treatment we need. And we know the joy of finally feeling comfortable in our own skin and being able to affirm our gender on our own terms.

This article was originally published on March 27, 2023.

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: G. Samantha Rosenthal, Roanoke College

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G. Samantha Rosenthal is co-founder of the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project
ATLANTA (WJBF)  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and state leaders are prioritizing school safety this legislative session as they wrap up the first week at the state capitol.

We made yearly funding to strengthen our base budgets. In total, we have allocated $294 million dollars for campus safety so far and my budget proposal includes a further $159 million dollars for that purpose, said Governor Kemp.

The governor wants to give public schools a one-time $50 million dollar grant to improve school safety. That will bring the total grant of $86,000 dollars per school for security.

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Governor Kemp said the funds would give each of the states more than 2000 schools another $21,000 dollars to spend on safety.

In addition to the funding, the lieutenant governor wants a law that would mandate teachers and school employees to wear panic buttons.

Georgias state school superintendent wants lawmakers to fund mental health services for students. This because only one third of Georgias schools currently have them, and also is pushing for a crisis alert system and police officers in every school.

I think school safety is a major issue. We will have legislation relating to that to secure the schools. Last year in the budget, we secured that there would be a school safety officer post certified as in peace officer in every school, not just system. We paid for that in an ongoing fashion last year, said State Senator Ben Watson.

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Georgia Republican House Speaker Jon Burns rescinded a ban on a state senator after he was arrested Thursday for attempting to enter the House chamber and hear Gov. Brian Kemps (R) state address.

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, according to multiple outlets.

Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore (R) was arrested on Thursday for attempting to enter the House chamber from which he was banned last year by Burns for deriding late ex-Georgia Speaker David Ralston, who at the time was being honored.

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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, Burns said on Friday.

On Thursday, Moore tried to enter the chamber to listen to Kemps address to lawmakers. He was being blocked by staffers from entering and was thrown to the ground. Moore ended up being arrested by state troopers and was booked at Fulton County Jail with a misdemeanor charge, The Associated Press reported.

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? Moore told reporters on Friday, according to AP. That is a constitutional crisis. That is tyranny.

Moore, who has criticized GOP lawmakers in Georgia for not being supportive enough of President-elect Trump, was suspended from the GOP caucus in 2023 over calling for a special session to probe District Attorney Fani Willis, who indicted the president-elect for his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

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Willis was disqualified from the case over her relationship with a top prosecutor.

Moore, a northwestern Georgia senator, said he was released from jail on Thursday and added that he was getting treatment at Atlantas Emory University Hospital Midtown for his injuries.

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The head of Germany's military task force on assistance for Ukraine, Major General Christian Freuding, has warned that Russia is building up its forces beyond the requirements of the current conflict.

"We see that the Russian armed forces are not just able to compensate for their enormous personnel and material losses on their own and with the support of their partners, but that they are successfully rearming, he told the Sunday edition of the Welt newspaper.

It is by no means certain that Russia will launch an attack on NATO states in the coming years, "but Moscow is clearly creating the conditions for it," he warned.

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Freuding said that month by month, the Russian military was acquiring more tanks, more ammunition, more missiles and more drones.

"Production is growing, the supplies in the depots are growing," he noted.

'Huge threat' to Germany

EU lawmaker Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a defence expert with Germany's Free Democrats, spoke of a "huge threat" to Germany and Europe from Russia, which has been waging a war against Ukraine for almost three years.

"Russia has an impressive troop strength and a wide range of highly effective equipment," she told the newspaper, noting that Moscow had achieved this despite Western sanctions. However, quality issues and dependency on foreign technology were limiting factors, she added.

Roderich Kiesewetter, a foreign policy expert with the centre-right Christian Democrats, considers hybrid Russian attacks a "precursor to war." This includes espionage activities and massive attacks on IT services, Kiesewetter told the newspaper.
The head of Germany's military task force on assistance for Ukraine, Major General Christian Freuding, has warned that Russia is building up its forces beyond the requirements of the current conflict.

"We see that the Russian armed forces are not just able to compensate for their enormous personnel and material losses on their own and with the support of their partners, but that they are successfully rearming, he told the Sunday edition of the Welt newspaper.

It is by no means certain that Russia will launch an attack on NATO states in the coming years, "but Moscow is clearly creating the conditions for it," he warned.

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Freuding said that month by month, the Russian military was acquiring more tanks, more ammunition, more missiles and more drones.

"Production is growing, the supplies in the depots are growing," he noted.

'Huge threat' to Germany

EU lawmaker Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a defence expert with Germany's Free Democrats, spoke of a "huge threat" to Germany and Europe from Russia, which has been waging a war against Ukraine for almost three years.

"Russia has an impressive troop strength and a wide range of highly effective equipment," she told the newspaper, noting that Moscow had achieved this despite Western sanctions. However, quality issues and dependency on foreign technology were limiting factors, she added.

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Roderich Kiesewetter, a foreign policy expert with the centre-right Christian Democrats, considers hybrid Russian attacks a "precursor to war." This includes espionage activities and massive attacks on IT services, Kiesewetter told the newspaper.

NATO has strengthened its defence against sabotage and cyberattacks, with an eye on Russia and China.

In recent weeks, Russia has been accused of acts of sabotage on cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea by its so-called shadow fleet of ageing tanker ships used to export oil and circumvent strict Western sanctions.
The memoirs of former German chancellor Angela Merkel are having a "sensational" run, her publisher said on Saturday, two months after the book's release.

"We are still selling around 12,000 copies a week, which is sensational," publisher Kerstin Gleba of Kiepenheuer & Witsch told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung daily.

In the autobiography, entitled "Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021," Germany's first female chancellor reflects on her life and 16 years in office across 736 pages.

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The hardcover edition, which has been translated into English and other languages, costs a hefty 42.

About one-third of the readership is under 40, the publisher said, with many young people also attending book signings.

"It was very important to us and the authors to reach a young audience as well," said Gleba, noting that an interview with comedian and television presenter Hazel Brugger attracted 1.5 million views on YouTube and was widely shared on social media.

"I think the book can also offer something to people who are not so familiar with the political scene, due to Angela Merkel's special life story," Gleba added.

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By Christmas, she said 600,000 copies had been sold in Germany, while 40,000 were sold in Britain in the first few weeks and 25,000 in the United States.

Gleba said the book, co-written with Merkel's long-time political adviser Beate Baumann, topped the bestseller list in the Netherlands and was among the most-sold books in Italy and Scandinavia.
Germany may consider deploying its troops in a peacekeeping mission to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on January 18.

The idea of sending a European peacekeeping force to Ukraine has gained traction in recent months as EU countries prepare to play a greater role in Kyiv's defense once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

When asked if Germany was prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire agreement, Pistorius indicated that Berlin was open to the idea.

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"We're the largest NATO partner in Europe. We'll obviously have a role to play," Pistorius said in an interview with the German media outlet Suddeutsche Zeitung.

The matter will "be discussed in due time," Pistorius said.

The U.K. and France are reportedly already discussing the possibility of deploying French and British troops to monitor a ceasefire along the front line in Ukraine. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Jan. 16 that he had discussed the option with President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting in Kyiv.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who first floated the idea of European troops in Ukraine, has also been in talks with Zelensky regarding future peacekeepers.

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Zelensky has previously said that Ukraine would only consider foreign peacekeepers if it secures a clear timeline for NATO membership.

Other German politicians have also commented on the issue of deploying Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine. Roderich Kiesewetter, a lawmaker from the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Jan. 3 that Berlin should not rule out the possibility.

Friedrich Merz, the opposition CDU/CSU alliance's candidate for chancellor in the upcoming parliamentary elections, said on Dec. 28 that Germany could join a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine but only with Russia's consent.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Germany's The Left believes conservative leader Friedrich Merz, likely to be the country's next chancellor, could cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after elections on February 23.

Merz wants to "smash the welfare state to bits," said Ines Schwerdtner, co-leader of the hard-left party at a conference in Berlin.

"And I don't think it can be ruled out that he will ultimately achieve this with the AfD, regardless of what he claims before the election."

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Schwerdtner pointed to ties between conservative and far-right parties across Europe, including in France and Austria.

She called the AfD "essentially a fascist party," adding: "Any party that makes slightly modified Nazi slogans their election campaign slogan is a Nazi party."

Jan van Aken, one of the party's top candidates in the upcoming election, also attempted to distance The Left from the ruling coalition of Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens.

While Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD has discussed rent caps and wealth taxes in the current campaign, it failed to implement them in government, van Aken argued.

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Van Aken insisted that rent caps were central to The Left's campaign.

"We will not stop fighting for a rent freeze, even if it takes five years," said van Aken. "We will push it through because people need it."

(L-R) Heidi Reichinnek, top candidate of the Left Party for the German elections, Jan van Aken, Chairman of the Party, and Ines Schwerdtner, Chairwoman of the Party, attend a press conference of the Left Party for the 2025 German Bundestag elections. The election program is to be adopted at the extraordinary party conference. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Work is underway to build and dedicate a ghost bike to pay tribute to a bicyclist who was killed in a crash in Grand Rapids Saturday evening.

Steve Dowhan, 53, of Walker, was hit by a suspected drunken driver on Pearl Street NW at Scribner Avenue. He died at the scene.

An undated photo of Steve Dowhan. (Courtesy)

Dowhan frequently cycled to and from his work as a stagehand, helping set up and break down big events at Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place downtown. Last year, he helped build the exhibit for the 50th anniversary of President Gerald R. Fords inauguration at the presidential museum in Grand Rapids.

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Bicyclist killed in downtown GR was stagehand

When Dowhans co-worker, John Despres, decided a ghost bike should be made to honor him, he knew exactly where to turn: Upcycle Bikes in Grand Rapids.

Its interesting that you reached out (about getting a ghost bike) because I have had that thought recently. We have potential ghost bikes and if that provides a little comfort to individuals, wed love to be able to do that, founder and executive director Rick Armbruster told Despres.

The nonprofit rehabs donated bikes and turns them over to charities to distribute to people who need them. Armbruster launched it in 2022 after he started volunteering with Bethany Christian Services to help with the influx of refugees from Afghanistan.

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It started with the refugee population, but now were serving people with housing insecurity, parolees, addiction programs, women in crisis  anyone with severe financial constraints can use access to basic transportation, he said.

Despres is a cyclist himself.

Losing another cyclist is absolutely senseless, just senseless, and the way this happened was even worse, Despres said. Cyclists are at risk right now. Theyre at risk of distracted drivers.  The more people are aware of it, the more it becomes real.

John Despres, who worked with Steve Dowhan.

We are all extremely passionate about bikes and getting more butts on bikes. Its tragic when we lose somebody, Armbruster said.

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Despres said he hoped the ghost bike  a bicycle painted white as a memorial  would honor his friend and remind drivers to watch for bicyclists on the road.

(Dowhan would) probably be a little embarrassed (about the ghost bike) and roll his eyes, Despres said of his friend.

But, he said, Dowhan just loved talking about his bike, so (a ghost bike) makes sense.

Despres recalled his friend as a lover of music and always curious.

He was just an enthusiast about a lot of things and always had questions, he said. He wanted to learn more stuff about the people around him.

Ghost bikes are usually placed at the scene of a cyclists death, but Grand Rapids does not allow memorials on public rights of way. Despres said he will dedicate the bicycle where the crash happened at 10 a.m. Feb. 1 and then look for a permanent home.

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Grand Rapids Police arrested the suspected drunk driver the night of the crash, but he has yet to be charged. That is not uncommon in similar cases because police have to wait for the results of toxicology testing, which can take some time to come back.

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The primary lobbying group representing the fossil fuel industry joined five Republican attorneys general Friday in a lawsuit challenging restrictions on offshore drilling announced in the waning days of the Biden administration.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) joined Mississippi, Alaska, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia in suing over the restrictions, which closed off several million acres to new drilling.

The plaintiffs sued in the Western District of Louisiana, which previously granted an injunction in 2022 against one of President Bidens first acts in the White House, a freeze on new gas and oil leasing on federal lands. All of the states involved in the Friday lawsuit were plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the leasing freeze as well.

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Today were taking action to reverse this politically motivated decision and ensure our nations vast offshore resources remain a critical source of affordable energy, government revenue and stability around the world, API general counsel and Senior Vice President Ryan Meyers said in a statement. As we move forward with a legal challenge, we continue to urge Congress and the incoming administration to use every tool at their disposal to restore a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing.

President-elect Trump will almost certainly separately seek to undo the restrictions after his inauguration Monday, suggesting as much shortly after the Biden administration announced the move.

However, any move by the White House is likely to trigger a court fight with environmental advocacy groups, which won a similar fight after Trump sought to undo Obama-era restrictions in his first term. If the plaintiffs secure a favorable ruling in the Friday lawsuit, it may happen on a speedier timeline than Trumps efforts to undo the restrictions.

The ban on new drilling was one of several moves by the Biden administration in its final weeks to secure environmental protections, including the establishment of a new national monument in California.

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A supporter of former President Donald Trump waves a flag in front of a Metairie, Louisiana, home next to the site of a July 25, 2023, fundraiser for Trump. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Some Republican governors have followed the lead of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has issued a one-day reprieve from flying American flags at half-staff for the late President Jimmy Carter. They will be returned to full-staff Monday for President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry isnt in that number, however. Hes chosen instead to fly a Make America Great Again flag at the Governors Mansion and issued an executive order Friday requesting other state citizens to join him.

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Gone are the days of open borders. Gone are the days where Americans have to worry about gas and grocery prices while taxpayer dollars are shipped overseas, Landry said in a statement Friday. Today, under President Trump, begins a renaissance in this Nation. One where America and her people will always come first. In Louisiana, we think that is worthy of celebrating!

As is custom when a former president dies, President Joe Biden ordered all government buildings and property to lower U.S. flags to half-staff for 30 days in Carters memory. Johnson said the tribute to Carter will continue Tuesday when the Capitols flags are lowered back to half-staff.

Landry issued an executive order to declare an official period of mourning two days after 14 people were killed in the Jan. 1 terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. He declared each person lost be honored with their own day of mourning, during which U.S. and state flags would be lowered for the next 14 workdays. That included Monday, Jan. 20, when the death of Edward Pettifer, 31, of England will be recognized.

Landrys MAGA flag proclamation came late Friday morning, just three hours after the Illuminator asked his office  in light of the ongoing Bourbon Street memorials  whether he would follow the lead of other governors and order the American flag raised to full-staff at state properties.

There was no response to the Illuminators question.

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Jan. 18People on the verge of eviction because they can't afford rent may soon be limited to three months of General Assistance housing support in a one-year period.

The new limit, proposed in Gov. Janet Mills' supplemental budget, is aimed at reining in costs that ballooned during the pandemic and returning the state program to its original mission of being a short-term safety net program of last resort.

General Assistance spending increased threefold during the pandemic to $43 million in fiscal 2023 from $13 million in fiscal 2019  an increase driven largely by the use of hotels as emergency shelters. Lawmakers enacted limits on hotel use, which helped lower costs to what officials expect will be $20 million in this fiscal year. But spending remains well above the baseline budget of $10.4 million, state officials said.

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General Assistance is administered by towns and cities but the state covers most of the costs and sets the rules. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Thursday at the State House.

The proposed limits on housing assistance would not apply to emergency shelters and would include hardship exemptions for people with severe mental or physical disabilities and those with a pending application for Social Security Administration assistance, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Recipients would have to provide proof of special conditions when applying for additional assistance.

"Limiting GA to three months of housing during a 12-month period will realign the program to its statutory purpose of being a time-limited, last-resort program and enable it to operate within its baseline budget," DHHS spokesperson Lindsay Hammes said in an email. "Further, not allowing municipalities to exceed the maximum levels of assistance will provide needed cost certainty to the program."

It's unclear how many people could be affected, but Hammes said the proposed changes to the program are expected to reduce overall expenditures by $10 million a year.

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The proposal comes amid an ongoing shortage of housing and rising rents, raising the prospect of more people being pushed into homelessness, especially those who might not qualify for other rental assistance programs.

Kathy Kilrain del Rio, advocacy and programs director at Maine Equal Justice, a nonprofit that helps low-income families, said the proposal caught her by surprise and that it will only increase housing insecurity for some of the most vulnerable Mainers.

"It doesn't make sense to us for more people to lose help in maintaining stable housing amid a housing crisis," Kilrain del Rio said. "It seems more expensive and causes harm in lots of other ways for people to end up losing their current housing and becoming unhoused or needing to seek shelter through the emergency shelter system. So we were really surprised by the proposal."

The proposed time limit also comes as Republicans have made it clear that they plan to make welfare reform and blocking any tax increases a priority this session, although they have not released any detailed proposals.

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Maine is one of 25 states with a GA program, but each state's program is different. Here, the state funds 70% of the costs, while 30% are shouldered by municipalities.

State officials raised concerns two years ago about the explosion in costs associated with housing assistance.

General Assistance was originally designed as a last-resort, emergency program to provide financial assistance such as vouchers for housing, utilities, medication and other necessities. However, it was expanded during the pandemic for ongoing housing support and to reimburse municipalities for costs that exceeded regular program maximums.

That expansion, plus the need for more emergency shelter and the rising costs of housing, food and other necessities, led to a threefold increase in spending between 2019 and 2023.

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Support for people in danger of losing their permanent housing accounted for $10.7 million of the total spending in 2023, according to a DHHS report to lawmakers two years ago that warned the spending was unsustainable. An additional $25.8 million was spent on temporary housing, including emergency shelters and hotels, which were used heavily during the pandemic.

Most of those additional costs were covered by federal stimulus funding and surplus state revenues. But the federal pandemic assistance has dried up and other state revenues, including the income and sales taxes, are flattening or declining, forcing Mills and lawmakers to take a second look at spending priorities.

Lawmakers previously enacted time limits for using General Assistance to pay for hotels, but continued to allow people to use it for housing assistance without a time limit.

In fiscal 2024, General Assistance spending dropped from $43 million to $36 million, according to DHHS.

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Hammes said one-time appropriations from the state, including $10 million in the current budget, should provide enough funding to cover costs through the fiscal year ending June 30, when GA costs are expected to total $20 million.

Kilrain del Rio said there are many reasons why people would need GA to help with housing costs, including being unable to qualify for subsidized housing or experiencing a personal emergency, like an illness or expensive car repair, that causes them to fall behind on rent. And there are waiting lists for more long-term housing vouchers, she said.

"General Assistance is the program of last resort, so as part of utilizing General Assistance, you have to have tried to seek out any other potential resources," she said. "If someone is utilizing General Assistance, it means they have run out of help and if you take that away there's really nothing else for them to turn to."

Kilrain del Rio said she would rather see lawmakers look for ways to increase revenue instead of cutting GA. But both Mills and Republican leaders have said they would not support any increases in income or sales taxes this session.

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"People who are utilizing General Assistance are the people having the hardest time meeting their basic needs, so it's really hard to see any help being taken away from that population," she said.

The Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will consider the proposal and is scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday.

Staff Writer Rachel Ohm contributed to this report.

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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks at a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border Aug. 21, 2023. (Screenshot via the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott livestream)

Gov. Kim Reynolds told Iowa law enforcement officials Friday to prepare to support the federal governments effort to deport undocumented immigrants, expected to start when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Trump is set to take office Monday, Jan. 20 on Inauguration Day and has promised swift action on immigration. Advocates with immigration groups are preparing for a return to immigration policies from Trumps first term in office, like the so-called Remain in Mexico policy requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are pending. They also expect a return of the Title 42 policy allowing the U.S. to expel and bar migrants claiming asylum status, in addition to changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

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The president-elect has also outlined his plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, creating a team led by border czar Tom Homan.

In preparation for Trumps deportation actions, Reynolds sent a memo to Stephan Bayens, Iowa Department of Public Safety commissioner, and Beth Skinner, director of the Iowa Department of Corrections Friday, saying Iowa law enforcement will fully cooperate and assist with the federal government in upholding federal immigration laws.

This will entail working with U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security on investigations and contacting federal departments if state investigations result in the apprehension of individuals under reasonable suspicion for violating federal immigration laws.

The memo also directed state law enforcement to honor detainer requests from the Department of Homeland Security for transferring individuals to immigration authorities, and to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a person will be released from criminal custody, and to keep them in custody until they can be transferred to a requesting federal authority.

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Lets Make America Safe Again! Reynolds wrote in a social media post on the memo.

Iowa immigrant advocates criticized the governors directive, with Escucha Mi Voz member Alejandra Escobar saying in a statement that Reynolds should focus on keeping families together while safeguarding the essential workers who are the backbone of Iowas economy.

Governor Reynolds and law enforcement at all levels must uphold and respect our constitutional rights, Escobar said. ICE and the police cannot enter our homes without a warrant. We have the right to remain silent, consult with an attorney, and request identification from law enforcement officials.
Pauly Denetclaw

ICT



WASHINGTON  Four years ago, President Joe Biden was getting ready to take his oath of office in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 insurrection. The countrys capital was heavily guarded by 25,000 National Guard troops, who would stay for a five-month deployment. The usual crowds on the National Mall were missing  at the request of the Secret Service it was closed.



The country was in the midst of a global pandemic that had killed thousands of Americans  one of the hardest hit were Indigenous nations. During the inauguration, federal officials, past presidents, and guests donned masks, and social distancing was in full effect.



By the end of 2021, Interior Sec. Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, Bay Mills Indian Community, and National Park Service director Charles F. Chuck Sams III, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, would all take their oaths of office.



For the next four years, they would all make historic changes in their respective departments.



Working with Secretary Haaland, it is hard to put it into words except that she's just a wonderful person, Newland told ICT. Everything that people think, she is in public. She is more in private. She's warm and genuine and brilliant and tough.



I'm leaving this position with an enormous amount of gratitude. I've been blessed to work alongside brilliant, dedicated people who want to make life better for Indian people.



It would take nearly one more year for Chief Marilynn Lynn Malerba, Mohegan Tribe, to be sworn in as the U.S. Treasurer. She would stay for just two years before leaving her post in fall of 2024. Despite her short tenure, she would lead historic tax status changes that would solve decades long issues that uniquely impacted tribal nations and their enterprises.



The Biden administration is coming to a close, and the gains made under his leadership for Indigenous people and nations will be remembered for decades to come. Biden could possibly join the ranks of former Presidents Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy as Indian Countrys favorite heads of state. The dawn of a new era is upon the country with the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump in just a few days.



As Haaland said in her farewell speech: the future is uncertain.

Related: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland gives farewell address

Hope remains strong



The only aspect of politics thats predictable is there will be change, new administrations come in, different parties take control of the House and Senate, and new policy goals become a priority. Regardless, the mission of the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs role remains the same despite who serves in it.



That's really what this role is about: to work with Indian people. Not to make decisions about what's best for Indian people (but) to bring sovereigns together for a common purpose of meeting our trust obligation and helping Indian people, Newland said. We're going to have Republican presidents, we're going to have Democratic presidents, and years from now who knows what other parties and folks (will) come into office. My hope is that the person who serves in this role understands their place in history and also is working alongside Indian Country.



One piece of advice Newland has for the person who will be his successor is to stay grounded and not lose sight of the people they serve.



It's really easy to come here and be isolated and to lose touch with the everyday experiences of people in tribal communities. People who have to haul water, or people who have to go to fish camp and canned salmon for their food in the winter, or people who are crowded into homes with multiple generations, he said. It's easy to fall out of touch with that, living here in Washington, D.C. And so it's important to be on the ground in communities, places where government officials don't often visit, and to just listen.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo, sits with Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland to hear testimony from Indian boarding school survivors at the Road to Healing hearing at Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma on Saturday, July 9, 2022. (Photo by Mary Annette Pember/ICT)

Quinault Nation Council Member Ryan Hendricks shows Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland plans for a new climate-resistant village. (Photo courtesy U.S. Department of the Interior)

The Biden-Harris administration made tribal consultation one of its priorities, releasing guidelines that define what tribal consultation is and looks like. Newland hopes this continues into the next administration.



Consultation shouldn't be a partisan issue. It should be just a matter of course. I think it leads to better policy, he said. I know from having been a tribal leader myself, and working with tribes, how much I appreciate it when government officials would talk to me about things that affected me. We've set the bar high and I hope Indian Country doesn't expect or allow for anything less.



Before becoming a federal official, Newland was elected to a two-year term as president of the Bay Mills Indian Community in northern Michigan. In taking the role of assistant secretary of Indian Affairs, Newland saw it as an act of public service, and his way of giving back to not just his nation but others across what is now known as the United States.



I would encourage everyone out there to find ways to give of themselves and to serve, Newland said. I'm out of energy. I feel like I've left it on the field, but I'm filled with gratitude.

Related: Reflections on policies and transitions

There are many ways to answer the call, Newland said.



You don't have to serve as assistant secretary or president or senator or what have you, he said. We can all serve in our own ways, whether it's our family or our communities or the natural world around us, and to do just a little bit to make the world a better place.



If you had a chance to come into the federal government and serve, there's nothing like it.



There were many rewarding parts about being a federal official but one stood out for Newland.



It's really rewarding to know that you're shaping the policy of the federal government. As a Native person, it's rewarding to play your part in changing it, to make it better for Indian people, he said.

Charles Chuck Sams III is sworn in as National Park Director by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Deb Haaland's Twitter page)

Charles F. Chuck Sams III, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, was tasked with telling the true history of this country by Haaland. Over the last almost four years, hes proud of the work hes been able to accomplish as the first Indigenous person to lead the National Park Service.



The agency has been able to share the stories of Chinese people who helped to build the infrastructure and created the first concessionaires in what would become Yosemite National Park in California, and on a more somber note the torture, lynching and murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black boy, by two older white men, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, in Mississippi.



When I was sworn in over three years ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Sec. Haaland said, Chuck, I'm charging you with being fierce in our storytelling, not to tell just the great stories and the happy stories, but also those that are hard, Sams told ICT. The staff have leaned into telling all of those stories, across the breadth of who we are as Americans, so that we can ensure our future generations understand what it takes to have a vibrant democracy.



The last day for Bidens political appointees is Jan. 20.

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MAURY, N.C. (WNCT)  An offender in the Greene Correctional Institution was found dead on Thursday night.

Samuel Shore was found unresponsive in his cell around 9:30 p.m. According to a press release, prison staff and paramedics performed life-saving measures but were unsuccessful. Local law enforcement and the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are currently investigating.

Shore was serving four years for two convictions of driving while intoxicated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Across the Triad, there have been several water rescues involving frozen ponds.

As we prepare to see freezing temperatures next week, the Greensboro Fire Department is warning you to avoid frozen bodies of water.

The GFDs assistant chief of special operations said while frozen water may seem safe to walk on, it is definitely not.

You need to be aware of bodies of water around your homes and warn your kids about the potential dangers.

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Weve had two calls in Guilford County. Weve had two calls in Forsyth County, Assistant Chief of Special Operations at the GFD Bryan Vickery said.

In the last two weeks, there have been incidents of kids and animals having to be rescued from frozen bodies of water.

The GFD is warning families to be aware of the dangers. The water may look frozen, but its not sturdy enough.

It just does not get cold enough here, Vickery said.

While many people opt to test the thickness of the ice on ponds and lakes, Vickery said to avoid venturing onto frozen bodies of water.

The ice does not get thick enough to support folks walking on the ice and at ponds in any body of water, Vickery said.

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With freezing temps returning next week, Vickery said parents need to have conversations with their kids now about the dangers of frozen lakes and ponds.

One of the key things is that we know that kids, teenagers, theyre attracted to the water. We also know that kids like adventure, and this is a little bit adventurous, but we also know that pets and animals can get trapped out on the ice  Its critical, Vickery said.

If someone is stuck on a frozen body of water or falls in, you should call 911 immediately and not attempt to rescue them yourself.

The GFD Swift Water Rescue Team is prepared for these incidents.

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If you attempt to rescue, you could become a possible victim yourself, and hypothermia sets in  drowning  Those are the things that we are really concerned with, Vickery said.

The GFD said one thing you can do if someone needs to be rescued from a frozen body of water is throw rope or a line out.

Once again, do not go out there to try to initiate the rescue because there is moving water under that ice.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
GREENWOOD, S.C. (WSPA)  The Greenwood County Sheriffs Office said a girl previously reported missing has been located, and the man she is thought to have left with is now in jail.

According to deputies, Torin Kodi Ashley, 12, was last believed to have left her residence Friday evening with 18-year-old Devon Smith.

The sheriffs office confirmed on Saturday that Ashley had been located, and Smith has been arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and criminal sexual conduct.

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He was denied bond by a magistrate Saturday morning and is being held in the Greenwood County Detention Center.

(Photo/Greenwood County Sheriffs Office)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to members of the Michigan Legislature in Lansing on Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth)

This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

The door is closing on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers chance to fulfill many of her campaign promises after Democrats couldnt coalesce around a legislative agenda in the final days of 2024.

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Michigan Democrats led all branches of government for the past two years, for the first time in about four decades, and they started with a multibillion-dollar budget surplus to boot. But the trifecta was lost after Republicans won back the state House in the fall. And, during the chaotic final session of the year, Democrats accomplished little on what Whitmer once presented as the most significant issues facing the state.

Among the bills not acted upon: ones to bring more transparency to the governors office and Legislature, which are now exempt from public record requests. Also dead were efforts to repeal Michigans controversial emergency manager law and to charge royalties to bottled water companies for extracting groundwater and invest it in infrastructure and other programs, an idea similar to what Whitmer herself once suggested. The Legislature also took no substantive action to fix the damn roads, as Whitmers famous 2018 campaign slogan put it.

Governor Whitmer thanks our colleagues in the legislature for their efforts on behalf of their fellow Michiganders and looks forward to working alongside the incoming House, Stacey LaRouche, Whitmers press secretary, said in a statement. She will continue to work with anyone who is serious about getting things done.

Overall, Michigan Democrats followed an active first year in leadership with a markedly more stunted one, tempered by internal conflicts and moderate policies that seemed tailored to shoring up electoral prospects. (The governor has consistently demurred when asked about her interest in running for president.)

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Im across-the-board mad, said Lisa McGraw, public affairs manager of the Michigan Press Association, which has lobbied for years to expand the states Freedom of Information Act.

There is a continuing cost to secrecy in state government, McGraw said, pointing to how a lack of transparency contributes to corruption and the potential misuse of power. To those who oppose opening up the governors office and Legislature to FOIA, she asks, What do they have to hide?

Bills that would have made long-unaddressed fixes to Michigans Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act also never made it to the governors desk. A ProPublica investigation last year showed how WICA provides support for wrongfully convicted people as they rebuild their lives, but many of their compensation claims are challenged by the state. Some get nothing at all. Two Supreme Court justices, a state commission, the attorney generals office and advocates have implored legislators to address gaps in the law.

But bills that aimed to do so expired at the end of the year.

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More people will be harmed in the near future because of the failure of our Legislature, said Kenneth Nixon, president and co-founder of the Organization of Exonerees.

Now, he said, everything starts over with the WICA reform effort. The split government makes it unlikely that a new bill will advance over the next two years, he said, but its important to educate legislators on why the changes are needed.

People have had their lives destroyed through no fault of their own, and they should be made whole, Nixon said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to members of the Michigan Legislature in Lansing on Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth)

A Senate bill to ensure that health plans cover a new generation of cancer therapies also failed to reach the finish line. ProPublica previously reported on how a Michigan man died after an insurer denied the only therapy that could have saved his life.

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Road funding wasnt publicly addressed until the last moment. In mid-December, Whitmer reportedly warned her fellow Democrats that they shouldnt expect her to sign any further bills if they didnt move on road funding or economic development. But in the end, nothing got done on the issue that had once been Whitmers flagship.

Short-term funding sources that paid for some improvements in recent years are running out. Without further action, according to one estimate by civil engineers, the proportion of paved roads in poor condition will increase in the years to come.

The governor has run on roads funding, but has she actually fixed it? asked Rachel Hood, a Democrat whose term in the House ended in December. If Whitmer does run for higher office, she said, voters will see that the job didnt get done.

Sam Inglot, executive director of the left-leaning nonprofit Progress Michigan, said that one of the lessons of the last session is that, even with a trifecta advantage, theres a need for strong leadership. You need to have somebody whos going to set the vision and the priorities of what these folks are going to do, he said.

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Michigan lawmakers did pass a slew of consequential laws in 2023, the first year of full Democratic power. They repealed the states right-to-work law that allowed workers in unionized jobs to opt out of union dues and fees, codified reproductive rights, expanded the earned income tax credit, and provided free breakfast and lunch to all public schoolchildren.

And, in the last weeks of the trifecta, they passed bills that strengthened hate crime protections, modified the states gun buyback program and made changes intended to increase access to birth control.

State Sen. Jeff Irwin, a Democrat who sponsored the cancer treatment bill, said that many of the years accomplishments were overlooked because they didnt sync with issues spotlighted in the presidential election. As an example of one such success, he pointed to reforms in how reading skills are taught in Michigan. (ProPublica has reported on how 1 in 5 American adults struggles to read at a basic level.)

Nonetheless, 2024 will be chronicled as one of the least productive legislative sessions in history, said Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a nonpartisan policy organization.

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Momentum slowed in the first part of the year, as the Democrats slim House majority slipped to a tie until after special elections were held for two seats. Election-year campaigning ate up the summer and fall. And an ordinarily crowded late-term agenda was even more so because House Speaker Joe Tate instructed members to wait until after the election to introduce many bills, according to Hood. (Tates office didnt respond to requests for comment.)

Then House Republicans and one Democratic representative refused to show up unless their policy priorities were addressed. Unable to muster a quorum, Tate adjourned the House early, on Dec. 19. No one did their job in the House, McGraw said. They didnt show up.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a stop on the Driving Forward Blue Wall Bus Tour at the MSU Union in East Lansing, Mich., on Oct. 17, 2024. The bus tour is lead by Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

The Senate continued working, powering through an all-night session before concluding business on the afternoon of Dec. 20. But it was effectively limited to bills needing no further action from the House.

That was a problem for the wrongful-compensation bill. Although the House passed it in December, the bill inadvertently left off an amendment, so it wasnt possible for the Senate to vote on a complete version of the bill, said Sen. Stephanie Chang, the Democratic sponsor.

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Despite her reported warning about legislative inaction on roads, Whitmer did sign many bills, including policies addressing housing discrimination and human trafficking.

And this week, on the first day of the new legislative session, the senators who have long fought to expand FOIA introduced the bipartisan proposals yet again. The Senate has made this a priority, said McGraw. I hope the House Republicans feel the same way.

If passed, the bills would likely not take effect until 2027  after Whitmer concludes her second and final term in office.

LaRouche said in a statement that the governor believes that state government must be open, transparent and accountable to taxpayers. She is the first governor in state history to voluntarily disclose personal financial information, and income tax returns, LaRouche said.

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Whitmer previously said that if legislative efforts to increase transparency stall, she would unilaterally open up the governors and lieutenant governors offices to public record requests.

Michiganders should know when and what their governor is working on, she vowed in her 2018 Sunshine Plan.

Six years later, she has yet to do so.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A Guadalajara native will be ordained by the Diocese of El Paso as a priest on Friday night, Jan. 17 at El Pasos St. Patrick Cathedral, the Diocese said.

The priestly ordination of Anwar Alfonso Camarena Zeferin will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 at the cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa St.

Rev. Anwar Alfonso Camarena Zeferin. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of El Paso.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz will preside over the sacred and solemn celebration, the Diocese of El Paso said.

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Zeferin has been serving the El Paso Catholic community at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Northeast El Paso, according to the Diocese of El Paso.

According to the Diocese, Zeferin began his religious journey at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in the Diocese of San Juan de los Lago, where he completed his introductory courses, and then at the Seminary of Guadalajara., majoring in philosophy.

Zeferin then applied to the El Paso Diocese, where he was welcomed as a seminarian.

He spent one year at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and completed his theological studies at St. Johns Seminary in Camarillo, California.

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Tonights ordination marks the culmination of years of preparation, prayer, and discernment. As

he becomes a priest, Anwar Alfonso Camarena Zeferin will join the ranks of those called to serve

the faithful through the sacraments, pastoral care, and evangelization, the Diocese 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 KTSM 9 News.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A man fatally shot two prominent hard-line judges in Iran's capital Saturday, officials said, both of whom allegedly took part in the mass execution of dissidents in 1988.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the shootings of the judges, clerics Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini. However, Razini's involvement in the 1988 executions had likely made him a target in the past, including an assassination attempt in 1999.

Their killings, a rare attack targeting the judiciary, also come as Iran faces economic turmoil, the mauling of its Mideast allies by Israel and the return of Donald Trump to the White House on Monday.

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Both clerics served on Iran's Supreme Court, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. A bodyguard for one of the judges also was wounded in the attack at the Palace of Justice in Tehran, which also serves as the headquarters of the country's judiciary and typically has tight security.

The attacker, who was armed with a handgun, killed himself, IRNA said.

According to initial investigations, the person in question did not have a case in the Supreme Court nor was he a client of the branches of the court, the judiciary's Mizan news agency said. Currently, investigations have been launched to identify and arrest the perpetrators of this terrorist act.

Asghar Jahangir, a spokesman for Irans judiciary, separately told Iranian state television that the shooter had been an infiltrator, suggesting he had worked at the courthouse where the killings took place.

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Later in the day, Jahangir told state TV that others were involved. In this regard, some individuals were identified, summoned or arrested and investigations of them have begun.

Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, the Iranian Supreme Court has many branches spread across the country. It is the highest court in Iran and can hear appeals on decisions made by lower courts.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a message offered his condolences for the martyrdom  of both judges.

Razini had been targeted previously. In January 1999, attackers on motorcycles hurled an explosive at his vehicle, wounding him as he left work as the head of the judiciary in Tehran.

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Mogheiseh had been under sanctions from the U.S. Treasury since 2019. At the time, the Treasury described him as having overseen countless unfair trials, during which charges went unsubstantiated and evidence was disregarded.

He is notorious for sentencing scores of journalists and internet users to lengthy prison terms, the Treasury said. Mogheiseh had pressed charges against members of Iran's Bahai minority "after they reportedly held prayer and worship ceremonies with other members, the Treasury said.

Both men had been named by activists and exiles as taking part in the 1988 executions, which came at the end of Irans long war with Iraq. After Irans then-Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini accepted a U.N.-brokered ceasefire, members of the exiled Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, or MEK, heavily armed by Saddam Hussein, stormed across the Iranian border in a surprise attack.

Iran ultimately blunted their assault, but the attack set the stage for the sham retrials of political prisoners, militants and others that would become known as death commissions.

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International rights groups estimate that as many as 5,000 people were executed, while the MEK puts the number at 30,000. Iran has never fully acknowledged the executions, apparently carried out on Khomeinis orders, though some argue that other top officials were effectively in charge in the months before his 1989 death.

The MEK declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press.

While Mogheiseh never addressed the accusation he took part in the 1988 death commissions, Razini gave a 2017 interview published by Iran's Shargh newspaper in which he defended the panels as fair and completely in accordance with the law.

Our friends and I who are among the 20 judges in the country, we did our best to ensure the security of that time and the years after and from then, we guaranteed that the hypocrites (the MEK) could never become powerful in this country, he reportedly said.
As she prepares to leave the Biden administration, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland expressed confidence that the work the department has done to conserve land and promote renewable energy during her tenure will be durable.

We have some pretty awesome attorneys here at the department, she said They really make sure that the work were doing is right, its done well and its durable.

The fact that we really have, on a lot of these conservation efforts, gotten the full support of the communities that we have done these in  that really is something I think thats valuable, she said.

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The incoming Trump administration is expected to reverse or undercut many of the conservation efforts undertaken under President Biden, especially those to restrict fossil fuels production on federal lands and in federal waters.

Haaland expressed particular skepticism as to whether the incoming administration would be able to block wind energy projects  despite President-elect Trumps growing hostility for the climate-friendly power source.

Of course, they can always try. But I mean, theres existing rights that people have, Haaland said.

Quite frankly, I dont see  the offshore wind industry taking a step back at all. They have too much invested, she added.

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Asked what she will do when she leaves the Interior Department, she declined to give specifics. She did say, however, that she hopes to continue to fight for Native people and combat climate change.

Before I came here, before I came to Congress  I was an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous peoples. I was a climate activist, she said.

I worked hard on a lot of elections, every seat, every single cycle, to get the candidates who cared about my issues elected. So my guess is that Im going to give support to organizations that that move those issues forward, she added.

She also declined to comment on whether she will run for governor in her home state of New Mexico, saying that she could not speak about elections from her perch within the administration.

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Haaland has led the Interior Department  which oversees energy production on federal lands and waters, conservation efforts, national parks and tribal affairs  since the start of the Biden administration.

Before Biden tapped her for the role, she represented New Mexicos First District in Congress.

During her tenure at Interior, she oversaw efforts to limit the expansion of fossil fuel opportunities on federal lands and waters, including in ecologically sensitive parts of Alaska.

She also started a new unit in the department to investigate missing and murdered indigenous people and probed the historic deaths of Native children in federal boarding schools.

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The Biden administration also designated a number of new national monuments during its four years.

Haaland presided over a number of contentious issues  from approving the controversial Willow drilling project to offering up a five-year plan with the fewest ever opportunities to drill offshore.

We consistently tell people were relying on the science and the law, she said when asked about those decisions.

The Willow Project  there were a lot of people for it. Yes, there were a lot of people against it. But in the end, you have to look at every single factor thats involved, she said. There were a lot of valid existing rights that  folks had had for 20 years and as a country, we cant ignore that.

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Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and her appointment made her the first-ever Indigenous cabinet secretary. She said this distinction meant the world to her.

It meant the absolute world to me, she said. I have the president to thank he nominated me. He supported me in this role, and Im very grateful that he did live up to his promise for his cabinet to look like America.

I came here standing on the shoulders of my ancestors and so many other Native leaders who came before me, she added.

Asked if she had any regrets, she didnt name a thing.

I cant regret the fact that we poured our hearts into the work for four years and accomplished a lot, she said. Ill just say that Im super proud of the work that weve all done.

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Haaland said shes proudest of the fact that the administration ushered in a new era for Indian country.

Indian Country has felt neglected and underfunded and  it was difficult for them to have a seat at the table and now they really have had a real seat at the table this term, she said.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Two doors dedicated to President Jimmy Carter are available for signing at Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity Restore locations.

Former President Jimmy Carter is known for his acts of volunteerism and his dedication to the Habitat for Humanity. Here in Iowa, the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity has a special way to honor his legacy.

Two doors have been placed at the Urbandale and Des Moines Restore locations for people to write a message of appreciation for the former president.

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In honor of Jimmy Carter, President Carter, because he opened so many doors for Habitat for Humanity, said Lance Henning, the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity CEO. What he did for Habitat for Humanity is immeasurable and this is a small way for us to be able to recognize and remember.

Henning says it allows people to share how much they appreciate Carter and the ways he changed lives right here in Iowa.

We just encourage people to come out and that if you would like to be able to just remember and honor President Carter come sign a door, we would love to have you do that, said Henning.

Community support flooding in after vehicle slams into Basic Bird restaurant

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The doors will be placed in Carter Court, a group of 15 buildings that are being built in northeast Des Moines. Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the site in October 2024 and is expected to begin moving in residents this spring.

Both doors are being filled with messages thanking Carter for his service during his presidency, his dedication to good work, and his outstanding character.

One person is thankful for a few specific accomplishments.

In 1980, Carter signed Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act which protects Alaskan land, wildlife, and monuments. In 1978, he helped pass legislation that legalized homebrewing, leading to a boom that enlarged and enhanced the brewing industry.

President Carters responsible for lowering the standards of how many barrels that someone could brew, said Henning. So, it was a very high number and by lowering that, that really opened up and created the microbrewery craft beer industry.

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Though Carters work with Habitat for Humanity was great, theres always something to be worked on. In the spirit of Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr., Habitat for Humanity has a full schedule of volunteers who are lending a hand on January 20, in both homes and stores.

Henning says that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is another time when people can think about volunteerism and doing good work.

I think in some ways theres some connection with President Carter and Martin Luther King Jr., really about having a day of service. So, we have groups and volunteers that are out one day helping us build homes, said Henning. Dr. King, he really had a vision of a beloved community and a day of service with Habitat for Humanity is really about helping to build that beloved community.

The doors will be available for signing at both the Urbandale and Des Moines Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations through Monday afternoon.

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Intel Atlantic

The FBI admitted that hackers appear to have broken into AT&T's systems last year to steal months of call and text logs  data pilfering that could endanger the agency's own operatives.

According to a document reviewed by Bloomberg, the FBI scrambled to contain the disaster. The infiltrators got access to data from all devices used by FBI agents under the bureau's AT&T service for public safety agencies, according to the outlet's reporting, though exactly how they did so remains unclear.

It's nonetheless an egregious lapse in telecommunications cybersecurity, which could aid hackers in tracking down FBI agents' sensitive communications with informants, among other data. According to one of Bloomberg's sources, the stolen information contained the call logs of at least one agent.

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The hack also highlights lapses in the cybersecurity of the FBI itself, turning the hack into a considerable risk to its operations and even national security  not to mention potentially undermining its ability to keep confidential informants safe.

Over Confidant

The agency is already dealing with a separate data breach affecting nine different telecommunications companies. In November, US officials blamed Chinese state-sponsored hackers, part of a spy group called Salt Typhoon, for a "broad and significant cyber-espionage campaign."

The latest hack adds even more pressure on telecommunications companies like AT&T, as well as the FBI.

"After criminals stole customer data last year, we worked closely with law enforcement to mitigate impact to government operations," AT&T spokesperson Alex Byers told Bloomberg.

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"The FBI continually adapts our operational and security practices as physical and digital threats evolve," the FBI added in a statement.

Nonetheless, the call and text logs leak is a major setback for the agency, retired FBI agent William Evanina told the publication.

"Any disclosure of such communications is both significantly detrimental to investigations but also potentially dangerous to confidential informants if their identity is disclosed," he said. "Not good."

"This is an op-sec failure more than a technology failure," former agent Miguel Clarke told Bloomberg.

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The exact extent of the latest hack remains unknown, but it certainly reveals some uncomfortable cybersecurity shortcomings.

"I worry about the FBI sources who might have been affected by this AT&T exposure, but more broadly the public still doesn't have a full understanding of the fallout of the Salt Typhoon campaigns," former NSA hacker and Hunter Strategy vice president of research Jake Williams told Wired. "And it seems that the US government is still working on getting a grasp of that as well."

More on cybersecurity: It Appears That Chinese Hackers Have Stolen Your Naughty Texts
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now)  Officials with the Maryland State Department of Transportation have been in Hagerstown this week, taking the publics pulse on making Route 40, the Dual Highway, a safer east-west corridor.

All the growth in Washington County is raising safety concerns and MDOT engineers want community input for plans to prevent fatalities and injuries in traffic management and design for roads, cyclist and pedestrian thoroughfares.

We go through a process of identifying corridors which have some safety challenges we think we can address fairly quickly and within a certain budget, Mulowa Kajoba, project engineering director with MDOT, said.

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Hagerstown nonprofit marks 25 years meeting critical social service needs for community

We see an opportunity for improvement, District Engineer Linda Puffenbarger said. Its a big push for the state highway, right now to balance our transportation network. Its time to modernize it and meet those needs better.

Puffenbarger explains a broad range of options are being considered.

We find that maybe we need better lighting, Poffenbarger said. We need to balance vehicle speed with pedestrian use, those sorts of things.

Puffenbarger said she wants to be sure the state plan is tailored to fit Hagerstown.

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MDOT would like to finalize its plan by summer but is placing an emphasis on community feedback.

Were working for the public so hearing from them is exactly what we need, Kajoba said.

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Jan. 18 (UPI) -- The first three hostages held by Hamas and some prisoners held captive by Israel are scheduled to be exchanged following the cessation of hostilities Sunday.

The Israeli government on Friday approved the cease-fire agreement with Hamas that ends fighting in Gaza and could see Hamas release three Israelis hostages in exchange for Israel releasing several Palestinians held prisoner in Israeli jails on Sunday morning, the Washington Post reported.

The cease-fire officially takes effect at 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday in Gaza, which is 1:30 a.m. EST. The war began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and took hostages.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a nationally televised address on Saturday night warned his nation will not move forward until Hamas gives a list of the hostages to be released.

"If we need to resume fighting we will do so in new ways and we will do so with tremendous force," Netanyahu said. "We maintain our right to resume the war if necessary with the backing of the U.S."

Netanyhau said the negotiated cease-fire terms are based on three fundamental principles.

The first was affirming Israel's right to resume the war with U.S. backing if negotiations failed regarding the cease-fire's second phase.

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"If we need to return to fighting, we will do so in new ways," Netanyahu said, "and we will do it with great strength."

The second was increasing the number of living hostages returned to Israel among the initial 33 to be released during the first phase of the cease-fire.

He said the number of living hostages to be released among the first 33 nearly doubled during negotiations.

The third negotiating principle was maintaining Israel's control of security buffer zone surrounding Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, which is a narrow strip of land separating Gaza and Egypt

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"This agreement is ... the result of the courage of our fighters in battle," Netanyahu said, "and it is also the result of our steadfast stand on Israel's vital interests. A tough stand in the face of heavy pressures, both from within and abroad."

When the cease-fire takes effect on Sunday morning, Israel Defense Forces "will implement the operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements," IDF officials told the Jerusalem Post.

The IDF is preparing to receive hostages and provide them with medical and psychological support while continuing to ensure security for Israeli citizens, especially those living in communities located near the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, Qatari officials, who helped negotiate the cease-fire terms, have confirmed the official starting time for the cease-fire to clear up confusion regarding when the hostilities must end.

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"We advise the [Gaza Strip] inhabitants to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution and wait for directions from official source," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a post on X.

The cease-fire is scheduled to occur in three phases with the first one lasting 42 days.

During that phase, Hamas is required to release 33 Israeli hostages, leaving 65 still held by Hamas, while Israel is required to release potentially hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The first hostages Hamas is to release are women, children, men over age 55 and those with medical conditions requiring treatment.

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The 33 hostages scheduled for the initial release are identified by The Times of Israel.

They include 10 women, two children, including a toddler and a 5-year-old, and 21 men.

The youngest hostage is 2, while the oldest is 86.

Hamas has not indicated how many of those 33 hostages are alive, but Israeli officials expect the majority of those hostages are still living.

The bodies of those who are not living also are required to be returned to Israel to enable their families to bury them and provide them with closure.

Three hostages are scheduled for release on Sunday followed by four more on the cease-fire's seventh day.

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Three more hostages are to be released each of the following four weeks, followed by 14 hostages release on the sixth week of the cease-fire.

If the second phase of the cease-fire comes to fruition, the remaining 65 hostages are to be released then. Many of those hostages are dead, The Times of Israel reported.

The number of hostages to be released by Israel in the first phase has not been announced. The BBC reported 1,890 will be freed. Israel's justice ministry earlier said 737 Palestinians would be released.

The second phase also brings a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.
HANALEI, Hawaii (KHON2)  A Hanalei man has been indicted for murder after Kauai police discovered a body inside a burning car at Anahola Beach Park in January 2024.

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Forty-three-year-old Michael John Sears was indicted on charges of murder, arson and abuse of a corpse.

Body discovered in Anahola, KPD opens investigation

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The incident happened during the morning hours of Jan. 12, 2024, when firefighters were called to put out a vehicle fire.

Once the fire was put out, Kauai police found the body of Paul Nicolas inside the vehicle. An autopsy report revealed that Nicolas was shot multiple times before he and his vehicle were set ablaze.

According to KPD, the indictment alleges that Sears intentionally or knowingly set fire to or caused to be burned Paul Nicolas property without his consent causing damage in excess of $20,000.

It also alleges he intentionally or knowingly treated a human corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities.

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Sears has been in custody since Feb. 2, 2024, on an unrelated charge. His bail is set at $2 million.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The Providence Childrens Museum is the perfect place to visit during the winter months with the whole family. Celebrate play with interactive exhibits and hands-on exploration. This weekend they are also offering special programming in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

In the attached clip, Ashley Erling gives us a preview!

Each weekend, Ashley brings you around Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts for a look at whats happening as part of our all-new, expanded 12 News This Morning.

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(NEXSTAR)  The Supreme Court Friday decided to uphold a law that bans TikTok starting on Sunday, unless the social media app is sold off by its Chinese parent company.

Several parties have expressed interest in buying the popular platform, but the parent company ByteDance has repeatedly said it does not plan to sell. Unless something changes at the eleventh hour, the ban appears set to take effect on Jan. 19.

But the app wont suddenly disappear from your phone, and using it wont land you in trouble with the law. If the ban on TikTok is allowed to play out, its more likely to look like a slow fade into obsolescence. New users wont be able to download the app and updates wont be available in app stores. Internet hosting services also will be prohibited from hosting TikTok.

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Charlotte business owner laments TikTok ban after video app aided growth

That will eventually render the app unworkable, the Justice Department has said in court filings.

President Joe Biden says he doesnt plan to enforce the law on Sunday, his last full day in 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.

Will Trump intervene?

Once he takes office, President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering using an executive order to keep TikTok around, despite the bans popularity with both parties in Congress.

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The Trump transition team has not offered details on the record 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.

Which foods contain Red 3, the dye now banned by the FDA?

Is anyone serious about buying TikTok to save it?

Frank McCourt, a billionaire businessman, real estate mogul and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently announced his internet advocacy group had submitted a proposal to buy the social media site from ByteDance. Famed Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary has also joined the effort.

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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.

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.

ByteDance, for its part, has remained firm that it does not plan to sell. Experts have also noted the Chinese government is unlikely to approve a sale that includes TikToks coveted algorithm.

Why are lawmakers concerned about TikTok?

The argument against TikTok in Congress has largely come down to national security. The U.S. has said its concerned about the app collecting vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits, that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion.

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Officials have also warned the algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way thats difficult to detect.

TikTok points out the U.S. has not presented evidence that China has attempted to manipulate content on its U.S. platform or gather American user data through TikTok.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam is one of hundreds of city leaders participating in the U.S. Conference of Mayors this weekend in Washington, D.C.

First Night preps across the state

The mayors are in the nations capital with a few goals in mind: to learn from each other and express their concerns to members of the senate, congress and the incoming Trump Administration about what is important to them.

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Some issues on the table include public safety, infrastructure investment, cybersecurity, immigration and affordable housing.

Arulampalam said that a multi-faceted approach is needed to address local housing concerns.

We clearly have not kept pace in manufacturing housing and creating a supply to meet the demand and meet the population that needs housing, Arulampalam said. Now, every time we build an apartment in Hartford it fills up immediately and yet we have so many residents who struggle with affordability.

President Joe Biden is also addressing the crowd today as he prepares to leave office.

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Watch the full video in the player above.

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(HONOLULU, HI) The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Mens Volleyball Team hosted the Princeton Tigers on Friday for the 2nd match between the two.

In the 1st set, UH started off with momentum in front of a season-high 6,297 fans in the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

The Bows with 3 aces, 3 blocks and 13 kills in the 1st frame to take a quick 1-0 set lead. Hawaii held the Tigers to only 9 kills and 0 blocks in the frame.

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In set 2, Not much changed for the Rainbow Warriors as they grabbed another 3 aces and 3 blocks, along with 14 kills. Princeton did managed to grab 4.5 blocks of their own but the Bows hold them to another set with single digit kills with 8.

Hawaii on Wednesday dropping the 3rd set to Princeton, but Friday night UH does not repeat that performance. The Rainbow Warriors hold off a late push by Princeton and Hawaii grabs the set and game win.

#HawaiiMVB takes down Princeton in 3 straight sets



Hawaii is now 6-0 on the season and will have a week off before heading to BYU at the end of the month@RobDeMelloKHON I @khon2SportsTV pic.twitter.com/bXecqhhscJ  Mitch Riberal (@Mitch_Riberal) January 18, 2025

The Rainbow Warriors led by 7 at one point in the 3rd set (18-11) but Princeton pulled within 2 (19-17) but Hawaii able to stop the Tigers run.

Final Stats:

Roure: 11 kills, 3 service aces

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Wieter: 9 kills

Titriyski: 8 kills, 2 service aces

Rosenthal: 31 assists

Next: Hawaii @ BYU on January 31st at 4:00pm HT.

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Ahead of predicted icy weather next week, multiple school districts have canceled classes Tuesday.

Temperatures in the Austin area are expected to plunge to the low 20s, and to the teens in some areas, Monday night into Tuesday morning with a 56% chance of snow in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service.

Central Texas school districts are closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but Austin school officials sent out communication to families Sunday night school would be closed Tuesday in anticipation of bad weather. Multiple other school districts in Central Texas also canceled classes ahead of expected icy conditions.

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Hays officials on Friday decided to announce the district's plan to close on Tuesday as well because of the weather, spokesman Tim Savoy said.

A pedestrian crosses Congress Avenue as rain falls Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.

Meteorologists at the weather service are forecasting, with increasing confidence, a wintry mix of precipitation Monday night into Tuesday. They also expect wind chills in the high teens in the Austin area.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates on school closures and delays.

Is my school district closed due to inclement weather?

Austin  school canceled Tuesday

Bastrop  school canceled Tuesday; all before- and after-school activities canceled

Burnet  school canceled Tuesday

Del Valle  school canceled Tuesday; all activities canceled

Dripping Springs  school canceled Tuesday; all activities, meetings and events canceled

Eanes  school canceled Tuesday

Elgin  school canceled Tuesday

Georgetown  school canceled Tuesday; extracurricular activities canceled

Hays  school canceled Tuesday

Hutto  school canceled Tuesday

Johnson City  school canceled Tuesday

Lago Vista  school canceled Tuesday; after-school and athletic events rescheduled

Lake Travis  school canceled Tuesday

Leander  school canceled Tuesday; all activities canceled

Liberty Hill  school canceled Tuesday

Manor  school canceled Tuesday; all before- and after-school activities canceled

Marble Falls  school canceled Tuesday; all activities and events canceled

Pflugerville  school canceled Tuesday; all before- and after-school activities canceled

Round Rock  school canceled Tuesday; all before- and after-school activities canceled

San Marcos  school canceled Tuesday; all after-school and UIL events canceled

Wimberley  school canceled Tuesday; all extracurricular activities rescheduled or canceled

Other universities, colleges

Austin Community College  classes and work canceled Tuesday

Huston-Tillotson University  remote operations Tuesday

Texas State University  school canceled Tuesday for all in-person and online classes for San Marcos and Round Rock campuses

UT Austin  school canceled Tuesday

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What Central Texas districts cancelled school ahead of icy weather?
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  On Friday, Hays Consolidated Independent School District families received an email from the district that there wouldnt be school on Tuesday for inclement weather.

Part of the email said, Our districts corporate weather service has high confidence that we will receive snow on Tuesday. Exactly how much snow is still an uncertainty, but it is anticipated to be enough to accumulate.

LIST: Central Texas school delays and closures amid wintry weather

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Hays CISD Spokesperson Tim Savoy said they decided to tell families sooner rather than later.

Because we are closed anyway on Monday for Dr. [Martin Luther] Kings holiday, we decided that, rather than try to tell people Monday night or Monday afternoon that weve decided to close Tuesday, we went ahead and made the call today, Savoy said.

Ultimately, Savoy said the decision came down to an issue of safety for the students and staff.

Its about road conditions. Of course, anytime you have ice or snow on our roads, then thats pretty much automatic grounds for us to close. Tim Savoy, Hays CISD Spokesperson

When it comes to making up the school closure on Tuesday, Savoy said they wont have to.

Now that school calendars are based on instructional minutes, we always build in additional instructional minutes anyway to cover for potential school closures or delays, Savoy said.

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Still, several other school districts continue to monitor the situation.

Austin Independent School District sent an email to families saying it is working closely with meteorologists and other local entities. Itll monitor throughout the weekend and provide updates as the district learns more.

Leander Independent School District said it will make a weather call on Sunday if needed. Other districts, like Round Rock Independent School District, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District and Wimberley Independent School District each told KXAN they expect to have a decision by Monday.

When it comes to a possible school closure on Wednesday, Savoy said theyll make that decision on Tuesday.

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In the middle of the night on November 27, 2023 Efrat Bron Harlev, M.D., a pediatric specialist and CEO of Schneider Childrens Medical Center in Petah Tikvahan Israeli city located 7 miles due east of Tel Avivstood outside awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. Moments later, Sharon Aloni Cunio and her 3-year-old twin daughters, Emma and Yuli, emerged from the ambulance and stepped onto the hospital grounds, freed after being abducted from their home in Nahal Oz on October 7 and held hostage in Gaza for more than seven weeks by the Islamist terrorist group Hamas.



They were very emotional minutes, says Bron Harlev, an esteemed intensive care unit physician who has been on staff at Schneider, Israels singular medical center dedicated specifically to pediatric care, since 1994. During that week-long November 2023 ceasefire, Bron Harlev and her team of doctors, nurses and psychiatric health professionals, admitted and treated 19 Israeli children freed from captivityEmma and Yuli, now 4-years-old, among them.

Related: Los Angeles is Burning: Latest Updates on the Fires in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and More

There was no formerly prescribed protocol for how to treat rescued children hostages, there was no handbook or list of rules. There was no well-documented research. This was uncharted waters.



We created protocols by what we knew from children in trauma, by what we knew of children and families who had experienced extreme events ranging from zero in intensity to 100, says Bron Harlev. We knew we had to be very flexible in our thought of how to treat a patient.



As Bron Harlev walked the hospital hallways that fateful night, flanked by Cunio and her twin girls, she turned to Sharon and asked, Would you like me to help you with one of the children, would you like me to carry her? Sharon said, Yes, if she will allow you to. She did, and Emma, wan and exhausted, flopped into Bron Harlevs arms.

Related: DOJ Forms Federal Task Force to Combat Fire-Related Crimes

I held Emma in my arms. She put her head on my shoulders. She was heavythe way a child is heavy when she is sound asleep, recalls Bron Harlev. I couldn't see her face, but I could feel her heart, and my heart was beating and her heart was beating. And I asked Sharon, is she asleep? And she wasnt. She just had all her weight on me. And I felt, I have such a big, heavy responsibility. But she trusted me. She believed in me. It was something very, very physical that meant a lot to me.



14 months later, the girls father and Cunios husband, David, remains in captivity. He is not on the list of the 33 hostages expected to be freed beginning this Sunday as part of phase one of the latest Israel-Hamas hostage deal.



The two children on the list: Ariel Bibas, age 4 at the time of abduction, and Kfir, his brother, who was eight-months-old when he, and the siblings parents, Shiri and Yarden, were snatched from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The boys, with their bright ginger hair and limpid, doe-eyed stares, are the youngest and among the most high-profile hostages. In November 2023, Hamas announced their murder, but the group, earmarked by its use of deranged, physiological warfare, has yet to provide substantiated evidence. And the Israeli Defense Forces has yet to confirm.

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Bron Harlev, steadfastly committed to the health and wellbeing of every child she treatsI have my four children at home and my hundreds of children here at the hospital, she saysis anxiously awaiting, along with Jews globalwide, news of the Bibas brothers fate.



We are ready. And if they tell us that we should receive hostages in an hour from now, we are definitely ready to do that, says Bron Harlev. She grows quiet for a moment, then draws a tentative, shaky breath. At this point, there are not supposed to be any children. The Bibas brothers, let me say this: we will be very, very, very happy and very surprised to see them alive.



The way the IDF pronounces a hostage dead is when they have 100 percent evidence that they are dead, meaning they have DNA, exact, precise evidence, she continues. If they do not have that, they will not make an announcement. But that does not mean a hostage is alive. Which is terrible, of course, because these families are living within this question mark, with this smallthe smallest hopethat their loved one is maybe alive.

Related: Live Nation Plans FireAid Concert as Music Industry Responds to L.A. Wildfires

The trauma resulting from the Hamas attacks and subsequent war is immeasurable, says Bron Harlev, and childrenJewish, Palestinian, Arab-Christian, Bedouin, in Israel and in Gazahave paid an intractable price. To that end, Schneider Childrens Medical Center prides itself on treating children from every ethnic, religious and cultural background, including children from Ukraine, Cyprus, Syria and the Palestinian Authority.



When we talk about our future, and we all want to see a better future, what does that mean? says Bron Harlev. For me, and for our staff here, a better future means growing up in a better world. It means investing in the children of today, those who will become our adults of tomorrow. I know this sounds completely utopian, but when I look at a child, any child, whether from Sudan or Gaza or Alaska or Israel, I look at them all the same way. It does not matter. We talk about investments in medicine and in scienceand our children are also an investment. They are the most important. Always. The children always come first.
A 6-year-old girl with autism who went missing earlier Friday has died, police said Friday evening.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim, said Norton Fire Chief Shawn Simmons.

Members of the Norton Police and Fire departments responded to Power Street around 2:28 p.m. to search for the missing 6-year-old.

Emergency crews searched the icy pond, in the area of Barrowsville Pond and Wading River, wearing cold water rescue gear.

A rescue command post was set up at the bridge across from the childs home.

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Several agencies responded to provide mutual aid, including the Massachusetts State Police, Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, and Norton Emergency Management Agency.

Divers found the girl around 3:27 p.m. in the water towards the Barrowsville side of the bridge.

Once out of the water, emergency crews began lifesaving efforts at the scene. The girl was then taken by ambulance to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, officials said.

Our hearts go out to the family, Norton Police Chief Brian Clark said. We offer our condolences for their loss.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  An Arkansas mother said the money she has made from making TikTok videos has supported her family, a source of income that could be in jeopardy due to the apps ban.

Erika Dison has been posting on TikTok for four and half years, creating relatable stay-at-home mom content and do-it-yourself videos.

Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban in the U.S.

In time and with brand deals, she began earning money from the app, once making $11,000 in a single month.

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Thats when I realized, I can help support my family with this, Dison said.

Now Disons income is in jeopardy after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on the app

My husband is a teacher. And so, we all know teachers dont make enough, Dison said. And to be honest, the money I get from TikTok month to month helps fill in those gaps with income.

She said its because of the app that shes been able to buy the house shes living in now.

Like its not small potatoes. It helped us be able to live, Dison said.

What happens if TikTok is banned? Will app and data disappear?

With the uncertainty shes feeling, she said shes just grateful for the time shes gotten to spend sharing her life through videos on TikTok.

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Im the girl from central Arkansas, that is it, Dison said. And I am a mom first and foremost. But it has been so fun to be able to create content.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Hemp business owners sent a flurry of campaign contributions to key Illinois lawmakers this fall to ward off a feared shutdown of their industry, though it paled in comparison to the money that licensed cannabis companies have given over the years, state records show.

Hemp advocates gave more than $30,000 to oppose a bill they said would have shut them down, and instead favored a bill to tax and regulate hemp but let them stay in business. Much of that money went to the campaign fund for House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, who refused to bring the feared ban to a vote without 60 Democratic votes.

But campaign donations from cannabis businesses have a much longer history. By comparison, ICANN PAC, which represents state-licensed cannabis interests, made few political contributions in 2024, although it has been a heavy contributor in the past. The cannabis political action committee has given at least $287,500 since it was founded in 2018, and was especially active with contributions between 2021 and 2023 when various issues, including hemp regulation, were being debated. ICANNs biggest donations to date have gone to state Senate President Don Harmons campaign, which received $185,000, and Welchs campaign, which received $57,000.

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Cannabis companies favored the much stricter bill to bring intoxicating hemp products under the cannabis licensing system, which was supported by Gov. JB Pritzker, who criticized the influence of pro-hemp political donations. Neither bill passed in the General Assemblys lame duck session at the start of the new year.

I was tremendously disappointed that this is a demonstration, from my perspective, of the power of special interests and the money that they spread around to thwart health and safety of the public, Pritzker said last week. He said the hemp bills demise resulted from the choice by a number of people to go for profits over people.

But a spokeswoman for Welchs office said larger concerns were at play that were irrelevant to donations, and the bill didnt have enough support in the Democratic Caucus.

While everyone supports health and safety regulations, there were concerns around equity, there were concerns around how this would put black and brown business owners out of business, and there were concerns about handing this industry to big cannabis while stripping smaller business owners of opportunity, TaQuoya McConnico wrote in an email to the Tribune. Speaker Welch is committed to continuing discussions and bringing stakeholders to the table so that when the bill ultimately passes, it is the best possible piece of legislation for Illinois. We dont have to choose between keeping people safe and protecting small business owners. We can do both.

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The impasse leaves hemp largely unregulated, for sale at stores and gas stations statewide, with no age or amount restrictions for an intoxicating and potentially addictive product.

It also leaves intact the competition between the cannabis industry, which remains illegal federally but is licensed in Illinois and 23 other states, and the hemp industry, whose products are federally legal. In legalizing hemp, Congress intended to allow the sale of nonintoxicating products like CBD, but inadvertently created a loophole that also allows the sale of products that get users high.

Charles Wu, owner of Chicago-based Chitiva and lobbyist for the Illinois Hemp Business Association, made contributions totaling $21,831 in the past two years, the state Board of Elections reported.

That includes reported campaign contributions of $9,000 to Welchs main fund in 2024, $3,500 to state Rep. LaShawn Ford, who sponsored legislation for looser regulations than the governor supported, $1,250 to Rep. Teresa Mah, who appeared with Ford at a news conference supporting the bill, $1,500 to a fund for state Sen. Cristina Castro and $2,500 to Neighbors for state Rep. Hoan Huynh, all Democrats.

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The pro-hemp Council for the Safe Regulation of Delta Hemp Products also gave $10,000 to Welchs campaign, as well as $8,000 to Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and $5,000 to state Rep. Yolanda Morris.

Wu sent a statement to the Tribune again calling for legislation to set a minimum age of 21 for hemp customers, and requiring testing and labeling of potency and purity, but calling the controversy over donations a distraction.

Millions of dollars are regularly spent on campaigns in Illinois, Wu wrote. Within that context, I highly doubt that a few relatively minor contributions would influence someones position on a major issue.

Mah said donors get no advantage, and that she was looking for a way to safely regulate hemp without shutting down the industry.

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Harmon sent a statement that he voted for the strict hemp regulation to keep the products away from children, saying, The only priority for this legislation is to keep children safe.

For added context, large interest groups like unions and corporations give millions in campaign donations, and the JB for Governor fund spent $7 million in the fall campaign push, much of it to lawmakers.

Ford said most small hemp and cannabis business owners alike dont have much money to donate to campaigns, but donations are an intrinsic part of politics.

No one buys votes, Ford said. People support campaigns. Lobbyists hope they can curry favor with campaign donations, but they also recognize that its not a promise. Ive taken money from both sides, but I vote according to justice and fairness.

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Welch has consistently stuck to his rule requiring 60 Democrats to bring a bill to a vote, Ford said, so he cant be accused of favoritism on this issue.

Alisa Kaplan, executive director for the nonpartisan public policy watchdog group Reform for Illinois, expressed concern about the donations.

Its not a ton of money for Illinois politics, but the timing suggests the hemp industry wanted to make sure its voice was heard on this issue, she told the Tribune. Did money affect the outcome? The problem with our system is that whenever money changes hands, youre never really going to know whose interests are being put first. Even if nothing shady is actually going on, theres always that cloud over the process.

Arianne Richards, head of cannabis advocate Chicago NORML, which does not make campaign donations, said the influence of money makes it particularly tough for minority and other startup licensed business owners.

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Its disheartening and doesnt make a fair playing field, she said. You cant compete with peoples money.

A Tribune investigation in 2019, when Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize recreational marijuana, found that cannabis cultivating companies gave more than $630,000 in political donations. Those companies gained a huge advantage when they were allowed to sell their products immediately upon legalization in 2020, while new businesses were limited in size and have struggled for years to get licenses and open.

Illinois marijuana growers spent about $600,000 on political giving leading to the pot legalization vote. Heres where the money went.

Many of the big multistate cannabis companies have donated to ICANN PAC. The campaign watchdog group Reform for Illinois reported that ICANNs top donors since it was founded were cannabis companies PharmaCann, at a total of $56,000; followed by Cresco Labs, at $47,000; Curaleaf at $39,500; Cresco Labs, LLC, at $38,200; Natures Grace and Wellness at $34,000; Ascend Illinois, LLC, at $24,000; GTI-Illinois Clinic Holdings, LLC; and GTI Rock Island, LLC, at $22,200.

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Many companies also gave directly to political campaigns. Cresco Labs, for instance, has donated about $151,000 since 2017, including its ICANN donations.

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, which represents many of those companies and has also donated to ICANN PAC, issued a statement from Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram that it follows all disclosure requirements.

Like many other industries and organizations, the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois participates in the political process through campaign contributions and other forms of outreach. This engagement does not and should not dictate legislative or policy outcomes.

Hemp is defined by federal law as cannabis with less than 0.3% dry weight of delta-9 THC, the main component that gets users stoned. But manufacturers have found ways to synthetically derive similar compounds, such as delta-8 THC, or to concentrate more delta-9 THC in much heavier foods or drinks, so that they also get people high.

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Several states have banned or limited hemp-derived cannabinoids. In states like Illinois where hemp remains unregulated, hemp products are far cheaper because they dont have the same taxes and fees required of the licensed cannabis stores.

Estimates of hemp sales nationwide vary widely, but consistently are in the billions. Analytics firm Brightfield Group estimated nationwide hemp sales in 2023 were at about $3 billion, far short of the $32 billion in state-licensed cannabis sales, but growing.
A Spanaway man pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday in the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who overdosed on fentanyl pills that belonged to him.

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Matthew Thomas sentenced 34-year-old Evan Hodge to 102 months in prison for first-degree manslaughter. This was 24 months longer than what prosecutors recommended.

Hodge told detectives he woke up at around 4:20 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2023, to find his daughter, Nanette Hodge, not breathing. He called the Pierce County Sheriffs Department two minutes later. When deputies and paramedics arrived at his home, they pronounced the girl dead at the scene.

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Detectives learned from the Pierce County medical examiner that the child consumed fentanyl pills, who said the amount of pills was among the most she had seen in a child, according to charging documents.

Hodge initially said he was clean for a year or two but later told detectives he smoked meth and heroin the night he picked up his daughter. He kept his drugs in his backpack. Contrary to what he told 911 dispatchers, Hodge told detectives he did not perform CPR on his daughter because he believed she was already dead, documents show.

Nanette Hodges mother, Lilliana Peden, and her stepfather were present at sentencing and wrote statements that were read aloud by a victim advocate.

My daughter was only a few months away from her third birthday when her life was taken, Pedens statement said. Her father, someone I should have been able to trust as much as myself to protect her, was secretly using fentanyl. He knew that if anyone found out, hed lose time with her, so he kept it hidden from everyone. That secrecy ultimately cost her life.

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The statement said that like most children almost 3 years old, her daughter had a habit of putting random things in her mouth, which Hodge was aware of. She said Evan Hodge came to her apartment the day after their daughters death, sat with her family and grieved with them.

I sat on my back porch with him and told him I still loved and cared for him like we were family, as I had always considered him family because of how important he was to my daughter. He was her favorite person, Pedens statement said.

Pedens statement said that Evan Hodge did not just fail to protect their daughter but created the danger that took her away.

No one in his family, nor I have any sympathy for him for losing his child. He made choices that led to this, and the consequences are entirely his to bear, the statement said.

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Prior to sentencing, the defense said that Hodges childhood trauma, along with physical and sexual abuse, drove him to addiction. His attorney, Gaurav Sharma, said that Hodge has taken responsibility for the actions that led to his daughters death. Sharma recommended a sentence of 44 months in prison.

Hodge read out loud his statement and said that he is not asking for forgiveness because he does not believe he deserves it.

There are no words for me to prepare how sorry I am for the loss of my daughter, he said. There isnt a night I dont relive waking up and finding her over and over, which is something that will affect me for the rest of my life.

Before imposing his sentence, Thomas said the case is particularity tragic because the victim was a small child.

Someone once said that how we treat our children says a lot about who we are as a people, Thomas said.
By Ahmed Tolba and Menna AlaaElDin

CAIRO (Reuters) - Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem congratulated Palestinians on Saturday over the Gaza ceasefire deal, saying in a speech that it proved the "persistence of resistance" against Israel.

The remarks were the first in public by the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group since Israel and Hamas reached the accord on Wednesday.

"This deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups, which took what they wanted while Israel was not able to take what it sought," he said.

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Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in a conflict parallel to the Gaza war in November. That ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States and France, requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, and for Hezbollah to remove all its fighters and weapons from the south.

Both sides have since accused each other of breaching the ceasefire.

"Don't test our patience and I call on the Lebanese state to deal firmly with these violations that have exceeded 100," Qassem said.

He also referred to the election of Lebanon's new president, Joseph Aoun, who commanded the Lebanese military until parliament elected him as head of state on Jan.9.

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"Our contribution as Hezbollah and the Amal movement led to the election of the new president with consensus," Qassem said.

The nomination of Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam had angered Hezbollah, which accused opponents of seeking to exclude it.

Salam was nominated by a majority of lawmakers last week to form a government but did not win the backing of the Shi'ite parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.

Salam said the formation of a new government would not be delayed, indicating a positive atmosphere in discussions over its composition.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Menna Alaa El-Din; editing by Mark Heinrich and Timothy Heritage)
One home in the Pacific Palisades that narrowly survived the Palisades Fire was then split in half by a landslide on Thursday, Jan. 16, per KTLA, Los Angeles Times and KRON 4.

The 1,000-square-foot, single-family home split in two due to water runoff from the continuing firefight. It was one of 12,300 structures destroyed by the Palisades and Eaton Fires. The home, on the 17000 block of Castellammare Drive, was likely impacted after the home just above it burned to the ground, triggering the mudslide.

Bryan Kirkwood was hired to provide security for the few surviving homes and told KTLA that the recent incident is devastating.

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I didnt realize it was this bad, Kirkwood said. I didnt see the news, got out here and looked and it didnt hit me until now. Wow. This is a big deal.

Mario Tama/Getty An aerial view of a beachside homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California on January 16, 2025 An aerial view of a beachside homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California on January 16, 2025

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power first inspected the area and isolated the water main on Castellammare Drive on Sunday, Jan. 12, per an agency statement, the Los Angeles Times reported. The agency then returned on Thursday, Jan. 16 and discovered the home had split and slid onto the road.

Upon inspection, it appears that the home above it, which had been destroyed in the fire, had collapsed onto it which also resulted in damage to LADWPs water service line and buried the meter and curb valve, resulting in more water flow, according to the statement, per the Los Angeles Times. The crews diverted the water away from the collapsed house so it could flow out of the water main instead.

A representative for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Friday.

Related: L.A. Fires Live: At Least 27 Dead as Firefighters Make Containment Progress

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Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella confirmed that the agency and the California Department of Transportation are working to support areas where the fires burned and the damaged soil is fragile. We are developing plans for both areas to capture and hold this debris back as much as we can during a rain event, Pestrella said, per the Los Angeles Times.

There are mud and debris flow hazards that are existing even when its not raining, so we want people to be very careful," Pestrella said.

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.

LAFD Captain Erik Scott said that the L.A. fire department is also monitoring other Pacific Palisades and Malibu properties for any landslide damage. "It's safe to say that the infrastructure under thousands of homes have been compromised. And with that, can come challenges like this  if it's on a steep hillside," Scott said, per the Los Angeles Times.

Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/ Los Angeles Daily News via Getty The Palisades fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, January 7, 2024. The Palisades fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, January 7, 2024.

Related: Fire Chief Uses Milk and a 'Couple Beers' He Found in a Refrigerator While Saving Homes from L.A. Fires

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The mudslide and fragile soil follow the destructive Palisades Fire which first began on Tuesday, Jan. 7. It has since burned more than 23,700 acres with 39% containment, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Additionally, on the other side of L.A. County, the Eaton Fire also began on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and has already burned more than 14,000 acres and is now 65% contained.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

Read the original article on People
Image via Getty Images

Gov. Katie Hobbs budget proposal aims to reduce spending on private school vouchers  which her staff described as an entitlement for wealthy Arizonans.

However, her 2026 fiscal year budget, with a proposed nearly $17.7 billion in spending, takes a different approach than shes taken in prior years to reform school vouchers, formally called the Empower Scholarship Account program.

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Hobbs has abandoned her initial call to completely end the universal voucher system  a proposal that was never entertained by the GOP-controlled legislature  and now is seeking to impose means testing on students, limiting the amount that children in wealthy families can receive.

Since the program was expanded in 2022, any K-12 child, regardless of parent income, can receive a voucher to pay private school tuition, to use for homeschooling or to save for college tuition.

Before the universal expansion, the voucher program served around 12,000 students who met specific criteria. Now, there are more than 83,000 students enrolled, according to the Department of Education, with a total budget of almost $1 billion.

In 2022, Hobbs proposed nixing the expanded portion of the ESA program altogether, and last year she called for a new requirement that each universal voucher student attend a public school for at least 100 days before receiving a voucher.

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This year, Hobbs is proposing graduated income limits with households bringing in $100,000 or less each year eligible for the full voucher reimbursement, with 25% decreases at various income points up to a cut-off at household incomes of $200,000 and above.

This proposal, just like her previous ESA reforms, will almost certainly never make it into the states final budget, which must get approval from the Republican-led state Legislature.

Republican legislators, along with then-Gov. Doug Ducey, ushered in the expansion of the voucher program in 2022 and have praised and promised to protect school choice since then.

In her budget, Hobbs office claims that 73% of students in the universal portion of the program  about 55,600 students  never attended public school and were already attending private school or being homeschooled before they received a voucher.

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Christian Slater, a spokesman for Hobbs, told reporters on Friday that the governor was committed to improving accountability over what he called an entitlement program, even if Republicans didnt want to do so.

At some point, our friends in the Legislature are gonna have to ask themselves, do you like pay raises for police firefighters, or would you like the key paying for grand pianos in multimillion dollar homes? Slater said.

At the same time, Hobbs is also calling on state lawmakers to put $285.6 million in additional funding toward public K-12 schools  though whether that money would be new funding depends on the fate of a hoped-for extension of Proposition 123 is extended  or would keep funding at the same level if it expires, as it is set to do at the end of June.

In 2015 Arizona voters approved Prop. 123, increasing from 2.5% to 6.9% the distribution from the State Land Trust that goes to K-12 education. But that extra money is set to expire at the end of June. Hobbs, a Democrat, and the Republicans who control the Legislature have been squabbling over the past year or so about when to put a Prop. 123 renewal to voters and at what distribution percentage.

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They are eyeing a May 2025 special election, but negotiations are ongoing. And if an agreement cant be reached, or if voters ultimately reject whatever Hobbs and lawmakers agree to, Hobbs proposed $285 million K-12 spending would be used to backfill the amount lost by Prop. 123s expiration.

After Hobbs released her proposal on Friday, Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Steve Montenegro, R-Goodyear, said in an emailed statement that he looks forward to working with her on a serious and responsible budget but that they have a long way to go.

While we share a commitment to improving the lives of Arizonans, the Governors budget proposal as presented raises concerns about parental choice, fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth, and the undue burdens it places on the backs of taxpayers, Montenegro said. Our House Republican Majority remains focused on policies that support hardworking families, encourage job creation, and strengthen Arizonas future.

Republicans in the Senate had a similar reaction.

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We share the same concerns about some of the same issues the Governor has raised in her budget proposal, Kim Quintero, spokesperson for Senate Republicans, said in a statement. However, some of the Governors solutions are going to be a burden to the taxpayer and wont deliver results. Senate Republicans have a fiscally responsible budget that will ensure the core functions of government are funded, will provide relief to the taxpayer, and will ensure our state is not creating unsustainable government programs.

By the numbers

Hobbs proposed $17.7 billion budget includes $886 million in one-time spending. Thats an increase of more than $1 billion over last years bipartisan state budget of $16.1 billion.

The governors staff expects moderate revenue increases for the state over the next few years due to a growing state economy, although lack of clarity on what sorts of federal policies President-elect Donald Trump will enact and what impact they will have leaves significant uncertainty.

Hobbs plans to modestly increase the amount in the rainy day fund from $1.48 billion to $1.54 billion.

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She plans to spend $10 million to expand the Arizona Low Income Housing Tax Credit program for 6 years.

She also plans to deposit $15 million in the Housing Trust Fund and put $5 million into creating a new program to help homeless veterans, called Homes for Heroes.

As promised in her State of the State address, Hobbs plans to put more than $7 million toward a public-private partnership that will give tax credits to businesses that open up more child care slots for the 76,690 children who need care.

Her plans for spending on the states universities are modest, with a total of $40 million toward the Arizona Promise Program, including $20 million in one-time spending; $15 million toward the Arizona Teachers Academy; and $23.2 million in operation funding restoration for the universities.

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System proposed spending:

$344,000 in state funds and $3.9 million in federal funds to expand eligibility for family planning services for families.

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More than $1 million in combined funds to permanently extend postpartum coverage from 60 days to a year.

An increase of $334 million to AHCCCS for an expected increase in caseload

Public safety and border security

A total of $23 million for the Stopping Arizonas Fentanyl Epidemic (SAFE) initiative, including $10 million for grants to local law enforcement for drug interdiction, and $2 million to equip first responders with naloxone.

$20.7 million in federal funds to provide services to victims of crimes

$35 million for a 5% pay increase to frontline law enforcement and correctional officers

A total of $12 million to bring the state in line with a federal court ruling that found that the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry violated prisoners constitutional rights when it came to health care and housing.

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$335,000 to create two new positions at the Attorney Generals Office in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

Additional spending proposals

$5 million for major events to support Arizonas ability to manage major events that attract economic activity to the State.

$3 million for the creation of a new Colorado River Litigation in case Arizona has to enter into litigation when negotiating the Colorado River Compact with the six other states in the river basin. The current agreement expires at the end of 2026

$17.5 million for the largest ongoing increase in highway maintenance funding in state history

***UPDATE: This story has been updated with comments from Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Steve Montenegro and from Senate Republicans.

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington on Friday. via Associated Press

Republicans repeatedly misrepresented statistics about immigration and crime during the confirmation hearing for Donald Trumps pick to run the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, giving a preview of the baseless fearmongering that is likely to be a hallmark of the incoming administration.

The lawmakers questioning South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trumps pick to oversee the department that runs border and interior immigration enforcement, claimed the Biden administration has let in thousands ofmurderers and hundreds of suspected terroristsover the past four years  but thats not true, according to data from the same department Noem is hoping to run.

After one senator asked Noem about homegrown terrorism  in light of two recentdeadly incidents carried out by American citizens  Noem changed topics, saying, We all agree that the No. 1 threat to our homeland security is the southern border.

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Its not true that everyone agrees with Noem. In the last 50 years, there hasnt been a single American killed in a terrorist attack carried out by someone who entered the United States illegally, according to Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, who has spent years studying immigration and crime.

Separately in the hearing, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) claimed Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS secretary under President Joe Biden, had allowed around 400 people on the terrorism watch list, formally known as the terrorist screening data set, to come into this country illegally. Noem cited similar figures.

This appears to be a misrepresentation of immigration data. U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics refer not to people allowed into the country, but rather to encounters between U.S. officials and people trying to cross the border at or between ports of entry. In other words, CBP counts the people who are stopped by border agents.

According to DHS, noncitizens on the watchlist who are encountered at a port of entry are most commonly found inadmissible to our country and immediately repatriated or removed, and those who enter the country without inspection are most commonly detained and removed or turned over to another government agency for subsequent detention and law enforcement action, as appropriate.

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Gov. Noems testimony proves the need for her quick confirmation so she can get to work fulfilling the presidents mandate to make America safe again, Raffi Williams, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance Transition Team, told HuffPost.

Its laughable that Democrats and their media mouthpieces like the Huffington Post are still pretending the border crisis is just misinformation, Morenos spokesperson, Reagan McCarthy, said in a statement.

Notably, Noem changed her wording when referringto the DHS data, depending on the president: She said the Biden administration had let in people on the watch list, but that during the Trump administration, people on the list were then removed from the country and faced consequences.

Republicans focus on people on the watch list sneaking in over the southern border is also misleading. According to the same DHS data covering the last seven years, encounters with people on the watch list mostly occurred at ports of entry on the Canadian border, with the exception of fiscal years 2019 and 2021, when they mostly occurred at ports of entry on the southern border.

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Not everyone on the terrorism watch list is a terrorist. The list includes known or suspected terrorists, or KSTs, as well as people simply associated with KSTs, including their family members. And while there are a handful of isolated examples of people on the list being able to get into the country after arriving at the border, theyre all subject to arrest and expulsion.

"Its laughable that Democrats and their media mouthpieces like the Huffington Post are still pretending the border crisis is just misinformation,'" Sen. Bernie Moreno's spokesperson, Regan McCarthy, said in a statement. Andrew Harnik via Getty Images

Finally, Noem and Moreno went back and forth over a number Trump repeatedly lied about on the campaign trail: that Mayorkas had let in about 12,000 murderers.

Moreno appeared to be referring to data from Immigration and Customs Enforcements non-detained docket. Data released last year by ICE, which is housed within DHS, showed there were 13,099 people with past homicide convictions on ICEs non-detained docket as of July. It may sound like that docket describes people walking free around the country, but thats not the case  it only describes people who are not detained by ICE.

Many on the docket are currently serving prison time in federal and state institutions, and DHS notes that most noncitizens who are convicted of homicide are typically not eligible for release from ICE custody.

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Moreno also claimed the DHS numbers described people who were let in to the country during the Biden administration  but in fact, that 13,099 tally covers decades. The number of people with criminal convictions on the non-detained docket did increase some during the Biden administration, but it also went up during the first Trump administration.

As NBC News reported, A 2016 DHS Inspector Generals report found there were 368,000 criminal immigrants who were not detained by ICE. According to ICEs fiscal year 2023 budget justification, there were 405,786 convicted criminal immigrants on the non-detained docket as of June 5, 2021, just under five months after Trump left office, indicating many crossed during the Trump administration. As of July of [2024], according to the data provided by ICE to Rep. [Tony] Gonzales, over 435,719 convicted criminal immigrants were on ICEs non-detained docket.

Translation? Republicans grossly misrepresented numbers, yet again, to fearmonger about immigrants.

Related...
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.

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.

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.

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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.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com.
Daniel Herrera Carbajal

ICT

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem appeared Friday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is considering her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The senators questioned her on issues from cyber security to Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

But the main topic of the hearing was the U.S.-Mexico border.

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We have had over 13,000 murderers that are loose in this country that have come over that border, Noem said. We have had over 16,000 rapists and sexual assault perpetrators that are loose in this country right now.

Noem said the new administration will focus on immediately "rounding them up.

The No. 1 priority of the President is to secure the border and to deport these criminal actors, Noem said.

Ariz. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D) said large parts of the border run through tribal lands.

We have 22 federally recognized tribes (along the border), he said. They want to be collaborative partners when it comes to border security.

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As DHS secretary, what is your plan to consult with our border tribes and work together to balance both national security but also their sovereignty?

Noem cited her work with tribes in her state of South Dakota.

I believe my experience as governor and relationship working with our tribes is going to be a powerful tool, she said. I offered to train federal law enforcement officers, BIA officers, but also their tribal police at no cost to our tribes.

In 2024, all nine Oceti Sakowin tribes in South Dakota banned Noem from their lands after she claimed drug cartels were operating on tribal lands, a belief she reiterated Friday.

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We saw increased crime and we saw increased drug activity. We saw cartels and their affiliates moving into our state and proliferate trafficking, Noem said.

At Fridays hearing, North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer (R) presented a letter from Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairwoman Janet Alkire that praised Noem and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trumps nominee to be Secretary of the Interior.

On multiple occasions Gov. Noem has invited the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to her table at the South Dakota state capitol to enter into meaningful discussions, Alkire said in the letter.

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that our North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will be at the helm of the Department of the Interior and my hopes remain high that you will feel the same about Gov. Noem at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security, she said. These two governors understand the needs of Indian Country and what words like tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction and consultation mean to the Indigenous people.

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The 53-year-old Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota, and served as a U.S. congresswoman from 2011 to 2018, when she won her race for governor and was re-elected four years later.

At Fridays hearing, Michigan Sen. Gary Peters (D) said the most persistent threats to America are domestic.

Both DHS and the FBI have consistently said the most persistent threat to the homeland is from U.S.-based individuals or small groups radicalized by a variety of ideologies from white supremacy to ISIS to Al-Qaeda, Peters said.

We must continue to focus on people who are radicalized here in the U.S. with the intent of terrorizing our communities.

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Noem responded, saying the No. 1 threat to national security is the southern border, which she described as a warzone.

Homeland Security has more than 240,000 employees and a budget of more than $100 billion, Peters said.

If confirmed, Noem would replace Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whom President Joe Biden appointed in 2021.

She would be pivotal in carrying out Trumps plan for the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, and Noem already has deployed South Dakota National Guard troops to help secure the border on eight separate occasions.

Two of them were federal deployments  but six other times I sent them down there under state activation to partner with Texas and other states in securing our southern border, she said.

Whats next

Once the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee finishes its questioning of Noem, it will send her nomination to the full Senate for a vote, either with its recommendation of Noem or without it.

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The Senate will then debate the nomination and vote on it, though no date for that debate has been set.

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CHEYENNE  A bill that would eliminate the requirement to submit homeschool curriculum to local school boards passed the House Education Committee on Friday.

There are currently 11 states in the U.S. with little to no regulation for homeschool education, according to the U.S. Career Institute. In Wyoming, current state law requires a homeschool parent or guardian to submit a letter of intent and curriculum to the local school board each year.

House Bill 46, Homeschool freedom act, sponsored by Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, removes that requirement. She also confirmed in a text message to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that parents would not be responsible for notifying the school district of their intent to homeschool their child.

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Rep. Tomi Strock

Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, speaks during a meeting of the House Revenue Committee at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne on Jan. 19, 2023.

During the meeting, Strock said her intent behind the bill is to give parents the right to homeschool their children without government interference.

There was little to no opposition from the public or state agencies to this bill. However, a few stakeholders highlighted some concerns with how the state would ensure homeschool children are still receiving a proper education.

Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said the bill creates a little bit of a complication for her department, since it investigates reports of educational neglect. These reports are made for children who are assumed to be going to public school, she said.

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Schmidt, Korin (2021, Wyoming DFS director)

Korin Schmidt

A case manager from DFS will approach the family and ask why the child is absent. If the family claims the child is homeschooled, the case manager can verify this information with the local school district.

Without having some way for us to verify that the homeschooling is, in fact, meeting the requirements  itll be very difficult for us to make a determination of educational neglect, Schmidt said.

She added that educational neglect cases are small in number, with an average of 50 reported each year statewide, and approximately 25 of those are determined to be actual neglect. There are some situations where a family truly does not want to educate their child, Schmidt said.

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What we would propose is just some consideration to allow the schools to verify the curriculum, if requested, Schmidt said. We have authority under the current statute to be able to investigate these cases. This (bill) is just something that may make that a little more complicated.

Rep. Laurie Bratten, R-Sheridan, asked Schmidt if DFS personnel could ask the family being investigated to provide the curriculum. Schmidt responded that case workers lack the expertise to verify if the curriculum meets compulsory education standards.

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Rep. Laurie Bratten, R-Sheridan, listens during a House Judiciary Committee meeting at the Capitol on Friday in Cheyenne.

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We could potentially take that curriculum  to the school and ask for their opinion, Schmidt said. That puts the school in a difficult position, as well, under the proposed statute.

Reps. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, and Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan, said they failed to see the nexus between submitting homeschool curriculum to the school board and caseworkers ability to verify a child is being homeschooled.

It seems to me the educational neglect goes toward the public education system, Lawley said. Im reading the statute right here, and it seems to be connected with public school attendance.

Lawley added this statute, as she interpreted it, only applied to chronically absent public school students and not necessarily the homeschool environment.

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I see what youre getting at, but I dont find you have the authority under this provision, Lawley said.

Schmidt answered that a child not going to public school who is found to be homeschooled is not considered educational neglect. She said she is concerned there are families who will claim their child is homeschooled, but are using it as an out.

Are we sure that they are legitimately interested in homeschooling their children? Schmidt said. She added the verification process is a tool in those investigations. Without it, it would be much harder to investigate those cases.

Rep. McKay Erickson, R-Afton

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Rep. McKay Erickson, R-Afton

The bill passed through the committee on a vote of 8-1, with the lone no vote from Rep. McKay Erickson, R-Afton. It will now go before the committee of the whole for further debate in the House of Representatives.
KEWAUNEE, WI (WFRV)  Richard Schleis enlisted in the United States Army at 19. His father served in WWII and his brother in Vietnam. He wanted to serve his country as well.

Growing up on a farm and being in the military kind of go hand in hand, Schleis told Local 5 News. You do the job and keep working until its done.

Schleis did two tours overseas, including in the Middle East. He was an engineer with the 18th Airborne Corps which joined allied forces in Operation Desert Storm in retaliation for Iraqi dictator Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait.

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HTH: UW Health Heroes to Healthcare program

We did anything from putting in roads taking out roads clearing minefields detonating explosives bombs ordinance putting in minefields.

The airstrikes started on January 17th, 1991. The ground offensive a month later.

Schleis hints at the stress of combat but doesnt go into much detail.

Ive seen a lot, he said matter of factly. But it was rewarding to help oppressed people. And it makes you appreciate what you have back home.

Operation Desert Storm is considered a military success.

But the 18th lost seven soldiers from the 27th engineer battalion in a tragic accident.

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While the experience left a bad taste in his mouth, Schleis is not sour about military service.

Two of his sons are currently serving.

Click here for more sounds and stories from Wisconsins Hometown Heroes

When Schleis returned to Wisconsin he raised a family. He started the Red Grouse Farm in Kewaunee County which he owned until recently becoming a full-time and statewide consultant in regenerative farming practices.

Its all about how animals, the environment, and nature all work together.

Schleis believes there is great value in service, even with the negative aspects that he endured.

I think everybody should join the military or join Americorps. Give back to the community somehow and give back to your country.

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Schleis is active in many Veterans activities back home including the annual march to prevent Veteran suicide.

He also regularly participates in Joe and Bow at Hunters Edge Archery Complex in Green Bay, which provides free archery on Wednesday mornings for military, first responders, and their families.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COURTESY HPD Timothy Christopher Massie COURTESY HPD Timothy Christopher Massie A 29-year-old Honolulu police officer was arrested late Tuesday on suspicion of domestic violence after he allegedly placed a 25-year-old woman he lives with in a chokehold.

Timothy Christopher Massie was placed on restriction of police authority while the Honolulu Police Department conducts criminal and administrative investigations into the allegations.

Massie was arrested Tuesday night at 11 :44 p.m. in Ewa Beach at a home on Hoomalule Place for suspicion of abuse of family or household members. He is free on bail and has not been charged by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.

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Massie allegedly put the 25-year-old woman in a chokehold from behind during a disagreement. The woman went to the Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, and staff treating her injuries called the police.

Officers were sent to Massies Ewa Beach home and arrested him.

The HPD takes allegations of domestic violence seriously and thoroughly investigates each case. In addition to the criminal investigation, officers are also subject to administrative investigation and potential disciplinary action, up to and including termination,  Honolulu Police Chief Arthur Joe  Logan told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

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Robert Cavaco, an HPD lieutenant and president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, condemned domestic violence but said the accused officer has a right to due process.

Domestic violence can never be tolerated, and this allegation should be fully and impartially investigated by the Honolulu Police Department,  Cavaco told the Star-Advertiser. Each of our officers has a right to due process, and SHOPO firmly supports a fair process that holds our officers to the high standards expected of them by our fellow officers and the community we serve.

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A felony domestic violence investigation was initiated by police because of the allegations that Massie choked the victim.

Any domestic violence incident that consists of intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or the neck with any part of the body or a ligature  is a felony according to Hawaii law.

Massie has five years of service with the Honolulu Police Department and is assigned to police patrol District 1, which covers the downtown Honolulu area from Liliha to Punahou streets and from Round Top Drive to Ala Moana Beach, including Aloha Tower.

In 2022, Massie was suspended for a day after he failed to conduct a thorough investigation and follow proper procedures as required by departmental policy,  according to HPDs annual discipline report submitted to state lawmakers.

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Massie was investigated and suspended after he ignored a call for service from a maintenance worker at the Philip Street Elderly Housing who reported an intruder on the property.

Massie ignored the call, and the intruder beat up and sexually assaulted a senior before he was arrested about a week later, according to sources.

HPD announced Massies arrest Wednesday in a social media post.

An HPD officer was arrested for abuse of a family or household member. Criminal and administrative investigations have been initiated. The officer will be placed on restrictive duty,  read the post.
RICHLAND, Mo.  A standoff between a man and Richland Police resulted in one person being shot and another in the hospital.

According to court documents, Joshua Hackmann, 32, has a warrant for his arrest on charges of domestic assault and armed criminal action once he is released from the hospital.

According to a probable cause statement, on Jan. 15, around 10:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of North Pine Street for a report of shots being fired. When the police arrived, neighbors informed them of the shooter inside a residence and that a woman was shot and was in a neighbors home.

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The woman told police she pulled into the driveway of her home when her husband, Hackmann, was at the doorway pointing a pistol at her. She said she noticed the pistol had a laser on it and it was trained on her head. She said Hackman allegedly pulled the trigger and shot her in the arm. While she escaped, she stated she heard several more shots being fired.

According to the Pulaski County Prosecutors Office, an hours-long standoff took place which resulted in Hackman being hospitalized. He will be released to the Pulaski County Jail upon his discharge with a bond set in the amount of $500,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna repeatedly tried to convince Speaker Mike Johnson that he  as a pro-family champion  should back her push to allow new mothers to vote remotely for six weeks while they are recovering from birth.

He refused. Then, she turned to Democrats.

The House Freedom Caucus member is now teaming up with a group of House Democrats, backed by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on a measure that would give even more flexibility to new parents  a full 12 weeks for remote voting for mothers as well as fathers.

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She and her lead partner on the Democratic side, a very pregnant Rep. Brittany Pettersen, plan to soon force the measure to the floor using a discharge petition, which is a highly unusual step for a member to take against their own leadership. And they believe it will pass, since only a handful of Republicans would need to join Democrats in support.

I dont think that its right for the leadership, especially Republican leadership, that prides itself on being pro-family, to be so anti-family, a defiant Luna told CNN. And really, its a slap in the face to every single constituent that weve had that sent us to Washington DC.

This new push for remote voting, led by a conservative Republican, reflects a younger generation of members of Congress eager to modernize the institution  as well as the intense pressure on every House member to be physically present at a time when every vote matters. In a historically thin House majority, lawmakers who are unable to vote for an array of unavoidable reasons  including birth of a child, a chemotherapy treatment or the death of a spouse  can be the deciding factors in a bills success.

And its that same tight House math that empowers individual members like Luna to buck her own party leadership and work with Democrats.

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Johnson told CNN in a brief interview that the practice of proxy voting, even for new moms unable to travel, is unconstitutional. And the speaker, who spent decades in constitutional law before coming to Congress, has made that argument personally in a brief filed to the Supreme Court.

Its unfortunate. I have great sympathy, empathy, for all of our young women legislators who are of birthing age. Its a real quandary, Johnson told CNN. But Im afraid it doesnt fit with the language of the Constitution and thats the inescapable truth that we have.

Luna, for her part, calls that a cop-out response.

A pandemic-era fight

Proxy voting in Congress has been the subject of fierce political and legal debate since it was put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. House Republicans have long opposed the practice and ended it after they won the majority in the 2022 elections.

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A federal trial and appeals courts in Washington, DC, previously rejected a GOP-backed lawsuit challenging the practice in the House. The US Supreme Court declined to take up McCarthys case. Another lawsuit opposing proxy voting, brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is now before a federal appeals court.

Behind the scenes, Luna and other lawmakers  including GOP Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, who has a two-month-old at home, and Democrats like Pettersen and fellow millennial Rep. Sara Jacobs of California  tried to work with Johnson and his team to craft language that can win support in the Capitol and withstand legal scrutiny. They changed the initial language that Johnson said violated the Constitution, relating to establishing a quorum in the House.

When her appeal to GOP leadership failed, Luna decided to broker a compromise with Democrats, specifically Pettersen, who is due in February with her second child. The latest measure would allow both new mothers and fathers to vote remotely for 12 weeks, unlike Lunas initial bill, which would have only offered six weeks of proxy voting and only to birthing mothers. (Those changes cost some GOP votes: Multiple Republicans privately said theyd no longer back the measure if it included fathers, as well, according to a person familiar with the discussions.)

House Speaker Mike Johnson, left, poses during a ceremonial swearing-in with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., right, and her family on the opening day of 119th Congress at the US Capitol on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. - Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Republicans privately acknowledge its in their interest to allow members some flexibility given the House math. Two other House Republican men are expected to become new fathers later this year.

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But many are unwilling to back a discharge petition that goes against their own leadership. Rep. Blake Moore, who sits at Johnsons leadership table, missed the birth of one of his children because of his job in the House but said he doesnt plan to back the discharge petition.

I have talked to both of those ladies, and their hearts are in the right place, Moore told CNN, referring to Luna and Pettersen.

The push for proxy voting is a notable shift for Luna, a Freedom Caucus member who initially opposed the idea. But she changed her mind after her own difficult birth, which made traveling to Washington challenging.

Luna doesnt plan to stop with just proxy voting for new parents. The Florida Republican said she will work with another member, GOP Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, who is leading a push to give lawmakers some limited access to remote voting during true emergencies, if GOP leaders approve their leave.

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Van Drew said its a necessary step for Congress after watching some of his colleagues be forced to decide between attending a funeral or being with a sick family member or missing a big vote.

We have an unprecedented tiny majority, Van Drew told CNN. While he stressed it is absolutely our duty and our job to vote in person, he acknowledged lawmakers do occasionally face extreme circumstances.

But Van Drew knows there is stiff resistance from some in his caucus, recalling a conversation with one fellow Republican who refused to back the proposal.

I asked, What would you do if your dad was in a hospital bed and he was going to pass away and you had a critical vote for the country? Van Drew said, recalling his conversation with the member. He looked at me straight in the face and said, My dad would understand I had to vote.

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Rep. Chip Roy of Texas is one of those Republicans adamantly opposed to proxy voting  whether a member is recovering from birth or a sickness. He said its not just unconstitutional, its also not right.

I have to factor in the fact that Im an absent father from my 13-year-old and my 15-year-old children, Roy said. Its a choice. And I have to decide if its worth the choice. Ive got to tell you, most days, Im not sure it really is.

Time for Congress to evolve

Pettersen is now facing her own tough choices.

Stuck working from her district office in Lakewood, Colorado for the next few weeks, Pettersen wants new parents to be able to vote remotely when they, like her, cant travel to the Capitol. With her due date just weeks away, the Democrat can no longer travel by plane. And with upcoming votes expected on the Trump agenda, raising the US debt limit and government spending, its not clear when shell be able to return.

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It feels incredibly unfair that I cant physically fly to D.C. to have my vote counted. It is not safe for me or my baby, Pettersen told CNN. She added that her own decision to remain in Colorado was a difficult one  she even considered moving her family to Washington in the short-term for the birth of her baby but ultimately decided to remain at home near her current doctor and the rest of her family.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Colorado, and her three-year-old son Davis Silverii, attend the House Financial Services Committee hearing regarding the state of the international financial system at the Capitol in Washington on June 13, 2023. - Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/AP

She said its also important for Congress to evolve with the times, when women make up about 28% of the House. (Luna was just the 12th woman to give birth in Congress, and Pettersen will be the 13th.)

Jacobs, who decided to freeze her eggs because of her job in the House, put it this way: This is an institution designed for and by old white men.

Supporters are aiming to get about 10 Republicans on the discharge petition to ensure it has a buffer for passage.

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They will be able to officially file a discharge petition around mid-March, which is 30 legislative days from when they introduced their initial measure. And Luna is confident.

I love when people tell me I cant do something because I turn around and get it done, she said.

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CHEYENNE  A house fire in Burns caused residents within 1,000 feet of the blaze to be evacuated to Burns Town Hall on Friday afternoon.

Reports of a fire at the corner of South Washington and Second streets came in around 3:18 p.m., according to the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, following county-wide text and voice alerts from the National Weather Service and Cheyenne/Laramie County Emergency Management.

The owner of the home was able to safely vacate the property while first responders worked to contain the fire. While the cause is still unknown, there were reports of potential hazardous material on the property that prompted the evacuation notice, according to the Laramie County Sheriff's Office.

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Residents were evacuated to the Burns Town Hall, where American Red Cross volunteers were assisting them, according to Chief Deputy Aaron Veldheer. The evacuation order was lifted around 6:40 p.m.

The fire was contained to the one residence, but was still active at 5:45 p.m., Veldheer told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Residents were able to return to their homes less than an hour later.

The cause of the fire, as well as the extent of the damage, were unknown as of Friday evening, since it was still an active fire scene. No injuries had been reported.

Laramie County Fire Authority, LCSO, American Medical Response, Laramie County Combined Communications, and Laramie County Fire Districts 1, 4, 5 and 6 responded to the fire.
KAUAI, Hawaii (KHON2)  The 31st Annual Hoike Hula Concert will return to the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.

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The concert will provide audiences with a celebration of Hawaiian culture, music and dance. The event will be presented by Halau Hula O Leilani and led by Kumu Hula Leilani Rivera Low.

The concert will last until 8 p.m. The concert will compliment the Craft Fair and Grinds event, which is taking place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The fair will feature local artisans, vendors and food.

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Tickets can be purchased in-person at the following locations:

Halau Members

Scottys Music Kauai

Nakoa Surf Shop

Coconut Marketplace

Kauai Gourmet Nuts

Tickets start at $30 for adults, with discounted and even free rates for keiki. There are also $50 VIP seating tickets available for purchase.

For more information and ticket reservations, contact Darryl Low at (808) 651-0864.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Waco, TX (FOX 44)  Randa Rices story starts at a young age, 12 years old. Thats when she began selling her body for money.

Randa grew up in a heavily drug-involved home with two of her siblings. As the oldest sibling with no sort of income, Randa was desperate for money and was willing to do anything.

At the age of 18, she was still struggling for money. A friend of hers convinced her to do nude modelingtelling her it was fast easy money and safe  but it was not.

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I was under the impression that I was going to be dancing privately for someone, Randa said. And then when I got there, it was an actual massage studio that had many girls in there. Once I got in, I no longer had a choice. The next thing you know, I have a pimp. Im having to do things I dont want to do.

By the time Randa was 24, she thought she found a way out.

I married out, Randa said. But then the guy I married out turned around and started selling me too, because he actually met me in that kind of industry.

She permanently got out when a friend told her about the Grace House here in Waco.

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I ended up moving to Dallas, and thats where all that stuff kind of happened, Randa said. Then I waited to get into the Grace House, which is a year-long faith-based program, and I got in. But it was the community that I met through it, and they just stuck with me through all the trauma and the stuff that comes with that.

After years of dealing with her trauma, even with therapy and rehab, she still struggles.

I still cant go to a restaurant and sit with my back to the door, Randa said. I cant fully 100 percent be engaged in public in conversations because Im worried about my surroundings. So, it still definitely affects me.

Now Randa has been married 5 years to her husband, Graham Rice.

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Hes a great leader and provider and hes so protective, Randa said. Its the first relationship thats not toxic, and he knows my past to the full extent and he protects me with it.

Randa is now the owner and CEO of two businesses here in Waco, The Med Spa and Hidden Gems.

Her advice to other survivors who are struggling to heal is

Dont believe thats you, Randa said. Dont believe the things that youve done define who you are, and its okay to tell somebody that not everybody is going to judge you and you dont have to agree with the shame.

Randa is part of Unbound Now, an organization that helps survivors like her. And now she works with the community to spread awareness, alongside other passionate people like Unbound Now Regional Director Kristi Hayes.

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Trafficking is just stealing someones freedom, is really what it is, Hayes said. Stealing, taking their dignity for someone elses gain.

Randa wants people to know human trafficking is more common in Waco than you might think.

She says it has a lot to do with how dangerously fast and accessible Interstate 35 is.

Just keeping our eyes wide open, Hayes said. I think sometimes, when we are on our phones, were not paying attention to people. We have a phrase that we say in my house, its Eyes Wide, Light Shine. And so, its just keeping our eyes open.

Randa says always beware of your surroundings and educate yourself on the signs of human trafficking.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW)  Hundreds of people camped overnight in the cold at the Kansas State Fairgrounds to be among the first in line for free dental work. Those who did not arrive early enough were told to try again on Saturday.

Volunteer dentists and dental workers offer free care during the two-day Kansas Mission of Mercy. Friday was the first day, and Saturday is the last until next year.

One couple traveled from Nebraska to get care the family couldnt otherwise afford. Walt Mauch said he and his wife spent around $100 on a Hutchinson motel, cheaper than the nearly $3,000 in dental work he desperately needs.

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The Mission of Mercy is first come, first served. Since the doors open at 5:30 a.m., people line up early, even when it is cold.

We started at 4:30 this morning, or 4:15, I guess it was, and boy, that line looked like it would never end out there, Mauch said.

He said he and his wife both needed two fillings, and his wife also needed a tooth pulled.

Theyve all been waiting to get done until we could find a Mission of Mercy, and we dont have them in Nebraska anymore, so people in Kansas are very fortunate, he said.

Mauch and his wife were the lucky ones. Many people were turned away because organizers only let in as many patients as they could treat in one day. On Friday, they reached their maximum of about 400 people early in the morning.

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Its always hard to turn away the patients that come seeking that help, Niki Sadler, Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation, said. Hopefully, they come back tomorrow morning.

She said a shortage of dentists and a high volume of people in need is the reason they had to close the doors so early Friday. However, she says it is still rewarding to see the relief on a patients face when they get out of the dental chair.

Seeing the patients get the care that they need and get those fillings and extractions and get out of that dental pain is what makes it worthwhile for us and for the dentist, she said.

Mauch is grateful to leave with a fresh smile.

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What people are doing, its amazing, just amazing, he said. Its just incredible what they do. I get kind of choked up.

Organizers say people who want to be seen on Saturday will start lining up as early as 7 p.m. Friday. Treatment options include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental hygiene education.

Click here to learn more about the free clinic and to get answers to frequently asked questions.

Those looking for resources outside of this clinic are encouraged to go through the Community Care Network of Kansas.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  More than 200 people gathered Saturday morning in Johnson City for an annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The gathering took place at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Princeton Road. It featured keynote speaker, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Keith V. Johnson, PhD, who discussed the values that King Jr. fought for in the 1960s, and similar issues observed in this age.

MLK Day events, winter market, live music and more | Weekend events in the Tri-Cities

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There is always good news and bad news. Bad news is we havent progressed as far as we think we should have, Johnson said. The good news is theres still hope. And as long as we have opportunities to engage in the community and try to close equity gap where there is in healthcare, where theres in employment salaries, those kind of things, theres still hope.

Along with thoughtful words and poignant discussion, attendees performed gospel music and honored local educators with a community service award.

The event also serves as a fundraising opportunity to help young people in the Johnson City area travel to Alabama to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.

Several events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King Jr. are taking place in Johnson City throughout the weekend and on Monday, and those looking for more information can visit the citys website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Hundreds gathered in Downtown Orlando for Saturday mornings annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.

Spectators lined the streets as elected officials, community groups, marching bands and vibrant floats made their way from the courthouse to Lake Eola Park.

Elan Jackson and her family were among the many spectators.

Read: Bicyclist killed during early morning crash in Orange County, FHP reports

She told Channel 9 that she and her young children attend the parade yearly alongside their grandfather, Jonathan Blount, an activist who marched in North Carolina during the civil rights era.

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For me, its a level of remembrance and a level of reverence for that period. Because of the rights we now enjoy, I helped to fight for them. And Dr. King represented the vanguard of that movement, said Blount.

Read: Trump says he will most likely give TikTok a 90-day extension

The 2025 parade theme was Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.

Read: Brevard Zoo release three Green Sea Turtles

The city said the theme was a call to action for each of us to remain united in the spirit of love and nonviolence as we continue to advocate for a just and equitable society.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




HONOLULU (KHON2)  On the 132nd anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, hundreds of people marched in the annual Onipaa Peace March from the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu to Iolani Palace.

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The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom occurred in 1893 and eventually led to the arrest and imprisonment of Queen Liliuokalani and Hawaiis annexation by the United States.

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Marchers honored the struggles of their ancestors and plan to create a better Hawaii for future generations.

The event was complete with art spaces, hula, educational booths, live music and speakers from local activists. The crowd also honored Hawaiis last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.

U.S. Congress admitted that the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom was illegal in a formal apology resolution passed in 1993. In response to the overthrow and apology, activists continue to elevate Hawaiian culture and fight for sovereignty.

Its really important for the Hawaiian people to exercise our culture in the ways that help to elevate and uplift and amplify our culture, our traditions and specifically today, our political history when it comes to sovereignty, said Imaikalani Winchester, kumu at Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School.

In commemoration of the overthrow, Iolani Palace also offered free audio tours to kamaaina.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
PNN New Delhi [India], January 18: BlueRose Publishers proudly announces the release of Mushk, a captivating song that beautifully captures the essence of love and romance. Written by the talented Naina Asija. Mushk celebrates the joyous feelings of a newly wedded woman deeply in love with her partner. Naina Asija's latest release the poetry collection Mushk, the poignant depiction of Kirti's tales of love has been mentioned with great proficiency. The poems mainly contain very interesting descriptions of her conversations with God, inner self and her life partner. In these poems soaked in love, the fragrance of spring, the echo of humor, the sorrow of separation, the social satire, the excitement of meeting and the feeling of God in every moment, completely express the feelings of Kirti. Naina Asija's writings are mainly in Regional language, but Punjabi and Urdu vocabulary is also extensively used in her composition. She weaves a web of words in such a way that it seems as if she is making a verbal depiction. Through Mushk she plants the seeds of love, humour, joy and smile in the world. Naina Asija, a multifaceted individual, has carved a niche for herself in the world of literature and arts. At 50, her life story is one of remarkable transformation and unyielding passion. With a background as a textile designer, Naina's eye for detail and keen observation skills have significantly influenced her illustrative storytelling and poetry. Naina's primary interest since childhood has been in seeking the Truth. This quest led her to make unique life choices, including studying sciences and scriptures. Her dedication to understanding the world around her is evident in her works, which range from intricate textiles to profound literary pieces. An avid traveler and a voracious reader, Naina's interests span across various subjects such as sciences, autobiographies, wellness, and mythology. This diverse knowledge base enriches her storytelling, making it simple yet profound, and resonates deeply with her readers. Her narratives create a heart-to-heart connection, immersing the reader in a journey that stirs the soul, brings immense joy, and uplifts the mind. Naina's literary portfolio includes notable works like The Stories Of Braj, Head Over Heels, and Mushk. The Stories of Braj is a collection of short stories from the life of Shri Krishn during the tenure he spent in the Land of Braj. These stories are written from the perspective of devotees who have taken the form of either a cow, a flower, a rock or an observer to the Shri Krishn's Leela in real-time. Head Over Heels is a story about Riya who walks you through her love life from being an oppressed woman to becoming a very strong and powerful woman. She believes if she can be healed through the magnificent force of love then, so can the others too. The format in which it is described is Ekphrastic poetry and all the pieces of art are done in impasto by the author herself, giving the readers the actual glimpse of the moments lived by Riya. Mushk is a beautiful celebration of love, capturing the joyous feelings of a newly wedded woman deeply in love with her partner. Naina's storytelling is not only accessible and engaging but also carries a profound depth that resonates with her audience. BlueRose Publishers is honoured to be associated with Naina Asija and to have the privilege of promoting her profound works. The release of Mushk marks another milestone in her illustrious career, and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her storytelling on readers around the world. For more information about Naina Asija and her works, please visit her official website- nainaasija.com, Buy now on amazon.in/Naina Asija (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)
More than 250 protestors  braving bitter cold and harsh wind  stood on the south entrance of the State Capitol early Saturday afternoon to push back against what they say is a rising tide of political extremism on women's issues.

The event was part of a nationwide movement. Both state and federal organizers said protestors came to the Capitol building in Oklahoma City and other parts of the country to call out the incoming Trump Administration and to fight bills and policies being sponsored by Oklahoma's Republican-controlled Legislature.

"We are facing an unprecedented assault on our rights," said Nicole Maldonado, one of the Oklahoma City protest's local organizers. "This is not just about reproductive rights, it's about human rights, workers' rights, and the fundamental right to live in a society that is not controlled by corporations and right-wing extremists."

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Organized by Lia Camp, Vivian Jaber, and Nicole Maldonado, the event featured speakers, music and several non-profit groups that push issues.

People attend the OKC Women's March at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Jan., 18, 2025.

The Oklahoma City march follows what organizers called " a nationwide mobilization" on June 24th, 2024, that marked the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v Wade being overturned.

Though drawing a large crowd, it paled compared to the thousands who demonstrated at the Oklahoma Capitol following President-elect Trump's first inauguration in 2017.

More: OK women march at the state Capitol in advance of Trump inauguration

Those who attended Saturday said they were recognizing the critical moment in history as Trump prepares to retake the White House.

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"This January 18th event kicks off Inauguration Weekend with a powerful demonstration of resistance," organizer Lia Camp said.

Robin Naik, a protestor from Edmond, said she came to the Capitol building Saturday because she was concerned by efforts to ban library books and squelch media outlets such as National Public Radio.

"It's better to be here than not to be here," she said. "And I appreciate that in spite of the cold we did not go inside."

Rebekah Selid makes a sign at the OKC Women's March at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Jan., 18, 2025.

Naik said she was impressed that Saturday's protestors vowed to stay outside in the cold, while recent news reports said President-elect Trump moved his upcoming inauguration inside to avoid the cold weather.

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Norman resident Madison Hightower said she came to Saturday's protest to remind those in power that women's rights are human rights, too. She said public officials may be hearing some of the complaints being raised by protestors and making "small changes," but Hightower said individuals like her were looking for much larger changes.

"They are hearing us a little bit, but they are not hearing us enough  in my opinion," Hightower, an actress and filmmaker said. "They are not responding as well as we would like them to. There are small changes and we're looking for big changes."

Emily Thiemann, another protestor, said she stood in the cold Saturday to advocate for women's rights and to argue against the proposed ban of the social media platform TikTok.

"I don't want to see people being censored," Thiemann said. "This is about freedom of speech and access to information."

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Camp said she was pleased and surprised by the large turnout Saturday, even with the harsh weather.

"It looks like a bigger crowd than the Oklahoma City Women's March in June," she said. "All I had to do was sign up to host and everyone propelled the movement. I'm really proud of the show-up and the show-out."

She said she was pleased by the connections between women's groups and the effort each group put into turning out for the event. And while Camp said it appears that many state lawmakers aren't listening to women about their concerns, that lack of engagement, she said, has made many more women and many more topics visible.

"I understand that politics is politics," she said. "But we're going to show that we care about each other. We care about homeless  a lot of them are women. There are many issues. Talking about them is important."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Hundreds of OK women protest at Capitol before Trump inauguration
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade along NATO's eastern flank, a mission Sweden is calling its most significant operation so far as a member of the Western defense alliance.

A ship carrying parts of a mechanized infantry battalion arrived early Saturday in the port of Riga, the Latvian capital, escorted by the Swedish air force and units from the Swedish and Latvian navies, the Swedish armed forces said in a statement.

Latvia borders Russia to its east and Russia ally Belarus to its southeast. Tensions are high across Central Europe due to Russia's war against Ukraine.

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Sweden's armed forces said the mission of 550 troops will contribute to the alliances deterrence and defense efforts, and ensure stability in the region, and that it marks Swedens largest commitment yet since joining NATO" last year.

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he felt great pride in contributing to the alliance's collective defense.

"Its a historic day, but at the same time, its our new normal, he said.

The Swedish troops join one of eight NATO brigades along the alliances eastern flank. The battalion is stationed outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.

Sweden formally joined NATO in March as the 32nd member of the trans-Atlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe spiked following Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Finland also abandoned its longstanding military neutrality to join NATO in April 2023.
Jan. 17More than a thousand Washingtonians will be traveling to the other Washington this weekend to watch the swearing in of President-elect Donald Trump, including upwards of 200 people invited by the office of freshman congressman Rep. Michael Baumgartner.

More than 220,000 tickets will be distributed for the Monday inauguration, primarily by members of Congress, who each receive an allotment to send to their constituents. Different members of Congress had different systems for choosing who would receive their limited tickets, and Baumgartner was among those who primarily used a lottery.

The swearing-in ceremony will begin at noon Eastern  9 a.m. Pacific  and will be held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda in a rare move, due to the freezing weather expected at the time. Most guests with tickets, therefore, will not be able to attend the ceremony in person, ABC News reported Friday, though they may be able to attend the Presidential Parade in the Capital One Arena following the inauguration.

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Still, for many attending, it's an opportunity to be a first-hand witness to national history and a moment of patriotic pride.

Natalie Poulson, a member of the Spokane County GOP's executive board who ran unsuccessfully in 2022 for state representative and recently put her name forward for possible appointment as county treasurer, said she's always been fascinated by the history of presidents and is honored to take part.

"I love this country, and as a teacher I love teaching about it," Poulson said. "This is an opportunity to participate in something I often just see in history books or on TV."

Kellie Rizzi, state committeewoman for the Spokane County GOP, has never been to Washington, D.C., before, and hopes to take in some of the memorials and historic places in the nation's capital while she's there. Primarily, though, she said she feels honored to be able to celebrate the man she voted for taking office as the 47th president of the United States.

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"It reminds me  it's on par with Kennedy getting shot," Rizzi said. "Everybody knows where they were. I looked at Natalie (Poulson) at one point and said, 'Our grandkids will talk about this.' It's that kind of historic moment."

Given the assassination attempts on Trump last year, Rizzi said that she has heard concerns about security at the inauguration.

"My feeling is, I'm almost 60 years old, and I'm going to support the person I voted for come hell or high water," Rizzi said. "It's an outward statement, saying I will not be afraid."

Amanda McFarland, a precinct committee officer in Spokane and member of the Young Republicans of Spokane County was ready to pay for her own tickets to the inauguration if it came to it, but said she ran into a consultant that put in a good word for her with Baumgartner.

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She said that Trump has seriously shifted her perspective on the country and on himself over the last eight years.

"I used to hate America and the idea of America, always just pointed out all the negative stuff of society," McFarland said. "I wasn't a huge fan of him either, initially  eight to 10 years ago, I hated him. But now I admire him and his goals, and he's not as bad of a guy as everyone says."

McFarland flew out earlier than Rizzi or Poulson, hoping to squeeze in tours of D.C. memorials and monuments, though she joked that she'd spend most of the time in long lines.

"(Trump's) having a rally on the 19th, and I feel like it's going to be so packed, I might just have to stand there for 12 hours to get in the doors," she laughed.
Sanctions imposed by the outgoing U.S. administration against Antal Rogan, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's cabinet chief and overseer of the secret service, have only strengthened Rogan's position, Orban said during a state radio interview on Jan. 17.

In his first comments since the U.S. sanctioned Rogan earlier this month for alleged corruption, Orban defended his close ally. The prime ministers cabinet office dismissed the sanctions as the "last, petty revenge" of the departing U.S. ambassador.

"(Rogan) is the minister in charge of national security services, the number one guardian of Hungarian national sovereignty and if he is punished by a big power that means he does his job well, so this is our starting point," Orban told the broadcaster, according to Reuters.

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A long-time supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, Orban expressed optimism for a "golden era" in U.S.-Hungarian relations under Trumps leadership. At home, Orban faces mounting challenges, including a rising opposition party and economic difficulties ahead of the 2026 elections. He pledged to intensify efforts to combat what he described as "foreign networks" undermining Hungarys sovereignty.

Orban reiterated his criticism of Hungarian-born U.S. financier George Soros, whose liberal ideals have been a consistent target. The prime minister declared his foreign policy objective for the year: "to squeeze out the Soros empire from Europe," beginning with Hungary.

"It is time...for us to eliminate the foreign networks that pose a threat to Hungarian national sovereignty and send them home," he reportedly said. "Hungary will likely be the first country (in Europe) to squeeze out the Soros empire, this is my definite goal for this year."

For over a decade, Orban's Fidesz party has targeted Soros and his Open Society Foundations.

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In 2017, the government introduced stricter rules for foreign-funded NGOs, requiring them to register and disclose their funding sources publicly. Orban Defends Aide Sanctioned by U.S. A year later, Central European University, founded by Soros in 1991, began relocating most of its courses from Hungary to Vienna after a prolonged standoff with Orbans administration.

Read also: Hungarys Orban urges EU to lift Russia sanctions, media reports

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Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.

A startling discovery made public in July that metallic rocks were apparently producing oxygen on the Pacific Oceans seabed, where no light can penetrate, was a scientific bombshell.

Initial research suggested potato-size nodules rich in metals, predominantly found 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) below the surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, released an electrical charge, splitting seawater into oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis. The unprecedented natural phenomenon challenges the idea that oxygen can only be made from sunlight via photosynthesis.

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Andrew Sweetman, a professor at the UKs Scottish Association for Marine Science who was behind the find, is embarking on a three-year project to investigate the production of dark oxygen further. Sweetman and his team are using custom-made rigs equipped with sensors that can be deployed to depths of 11,000 meters (36,089 feet). The Nippon Foundation is funding the $2.7 million (2.2 million-pound) research project, which was announced Friday.

The Nippon Foundation and Scottish Association for Marine Science announce the launch of a research project at a news briefing in Scotland House. Shown are (from left) SAMS' Nick Owens and Andrew Sweetman and Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation. - Alex Rumford/SAMS/The Nippon Foundation

Uncovering dark oxygen revealed just how little is known about the deep ocean, and the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, or CCZ, in particular. The region is being explored for the deep-sea mining of rare metals contained in the rock nodules. The latter are formed over millions of years, and the metals play a key role in new and green technologies.

Our discovery of dark oxygen was a paradigm shift in our understanding of the deep sea and potentially life on Earth, but it threw up more questions than answers, Sweetman, the leader of his institutions seafloor ecology and biogeochemistry group, said in a news release. This new research will enable us to probe some of these scientific questions.

Sweetman said the initial goal of the new project was to determine whether dark oxygen production was replicated in other areas of the CCZ where the nodules can be found and then untangle exactly how the oxygen was being produced.

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Understanding the phenomenon better could also help space scientists find life beyond Earth, he added.

Oxygen in unexpected places

Oxygen is hard to produce without the continuous energy that comes from sunlight, but other scientists have also encountered unexpected oxygen molecules in remote, light-deprived places. Sweetman said that dark oxygen production may be a wider phenomenon that has been overlooked.

Emil Ruff, a microbiologist at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, detected oxygen in freshwater samples in Alberta tens to hundreds of meters beneath the Canadian prairie, a finding he and coauthors from the University of Calgary and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reported in a study published in June 2023. In some cases, the dark oxygen had been isolated from the atmosphere aboveground for more than 40,000 years.

If oxygen is not continuously being added to an environment (by trees and plants, for example), it would eventually disappear.

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After 40,000 years or 30,000 years (separated from surface processes), theres no reason really to think that there should be any oxygen left. Because oxygen is such a yummy electron acceptor, it usually either chemically oxidizes or microbially oxidizes, Ruff said. So what was it doing there?

Similar to Sweetman, Ruff said he first thought atmospheric oxygen had contaminated his samples, which were drawn from 14 groundwater aquifers. Given the age of the samples, any oxygen would have reacted with other substances long ago and disappeared.

After patiently working in the lab and field, Ruff ultimately discovered that microbes in the water were producing oxygen. The microbes had apparently evolved an obscure but neat trick that allowed them to produce molecules in the absence of light.

Through a series of chemical reactions, the microbes were able to break down soluble compounds called nitrites, molecules made of one nitrogen and two oxygen atoms, to produce molecular oxygen in a process known as dismutation. The microbes also had the ability to use the oxygen to consume methane in the water for energy.

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Whats more, Ruff found that the quantity of oxygen produced was enough to sustain other oxygen-dependent microbial life in the groundwater.

Nature keeps surprising us, he said. There are so many things that people have said, Oh, this is impossible, and then later it turns out its not.

To investigate dark oxygen further, Ruff and his team traveled to a 3-kilometer-deep (9,500-foot-deep) mine in South Africa in August to sample water that had been trapped in the rock for 1.2 billion years.

A team of scientists hunt for microbes at a study site in a 3-kilometer-deep (9,500-foot-deep) mine in South Africa. The researchers study brines isolated in the rock for 1.2 billion years that are teeming with life and are investigating how oxygen is produced in this ancient ecosystem. - Taro KIDO

Scientists already knew the water in the mine contained oxygen molecules, but its unclear how they were formed. Ruff and his colleagues are still studying the samples they took, but they have two hypotheses as to how oxygen molecules might be produced, he said.

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The site is mined for gold and uranium, a radioactive metal. Radiolysis, the splitting of water molecules through radioactivity, is one of the possible ways oxygen is produced without sunlight. Alternatively, the production of oxygen could involve microbes in processes similar to those Ruff found in Canadas groundwater.

Sweetman said on Friday the new project would also seek to understand whether any micriobial reactions played a role in dark oxygen production on the seafloor. In particular, the project will look into how hydrogen is released during the production of oxygen by the metallic nodules and whether hydrogen was used as an energy source for communities of microbes detected in parts of the deep ocean.

We dont have the mechanism, I think, completely wrapped up yet and well need a lot of time to figure that out, he said.

Ruff said he hoped to collaborate with Sweetman and other scientists involved in the dark oxygen research to understand how the chemical signature of the oxygen produced by seawater electrolysis differed from that produced by microbes or radiolysis.

Dark oxygen and the search for extraterrestrial life

Officials at NASA are interested in the research on dark oxygen production because it could inform scientific understanding of how life might be sustained on other planets without direct sunlight, Sweetman said.

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The space agency wants to run experiments to understand the amount of energy required to potentially produce oxygen at higher pressures that occur on Enceladus and Europa, the icy moons of Saturn and Jupiter, respectively, he added. Those moons are among the targets for investigating the possibility of life.

Deep-sea mining companies are aiming to mine the cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese contained in the nodules for use in solar panels, electric car batteries and other green technology. Some companies have taken issue with Sweetmans research.

Critics say deep-sea mining could irrevocably damage the pristine underwater environment and that it could disrupt the way carbon is stored in the ocean, contributing to the climate crisis.

The Metals Co. said it had submitted a rebuttal to Nature Geoscience, the journal that published the original research. The submission was undergoing peer review but has not been published yet, the company said.

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Sweetman said he was aware of the critical reaction and would respond through peer-reviewed channels.

We are completely convinced that this is an actual process going on at the seafloor, he said.

Sweetman also said it was prudent to hold off exploiting resources on the seabed until the ecosystem was better understood.

Amy Gartman, a research oceanographer and global marine minerals project chief at the US Geological Surveys Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California, said the USGS has not observed any electrical phenomena in ferromanganese nodules examined so far. She was not involved in either Sweetmans or Ruffs research.

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Researchers are currently trying to replicate the phenomena reported by Sweetman and others, she said. Scientific research is a process and it may be some time before a conclusive answer is reached.

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William Murphy laughs when recalling the story behind shooting his biggest buck.

A video shows his guide telling Murphy its a doe, but, once led up to the deer, could feel its nine points.

I had to give him a little crap, the 48-year-old Louisburg, Kansas, man said. I was like, doe my ass. You want to take my blind man cane? You want to borrow my guide dog?

Really, though, Murphy was just happy to have someone willing to guide him so hes able to hunt. Murphy, a husband and father of two children now in their 20s, lost his eyesight shortly after coming home from serving in Iraq in 2006 when an improvised explosive device (IED) knocked him back.

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He was forced to medically retire shortly after that. Losing his place in the U.S. Marines and just about all of his eyesight led him to a dark place  but hunting brought him out.

I can honestly say hunting probably saved my life, he said.

He didnt hunt before becoming legally blind, but technology has enhanced his limited vision enough to hunt turkey and deer. He first caught the thrill of being in the woods after another blind veteran invited him and others to a turkey hunt in Indiana.

Murphy thought it was a joke but ended up bagging a bird and discovering a new passion.

Hunting allows him to do many things he did as a Marine.

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I got to put on camouflage, then I got to walk all quiet and stealth-like through the woods, he said. And then I got to basically set up a hasty ambush on a turkey. And then I got to put rounds down range, make it mean something.

Prepared for a military life

Murphy was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, while his father served in the U.S. Army.

The military took his family to Germany, Virginia, back to Germany and then finally to Fort Riley in Kansas, where his father ended his career.

He went to Herington middle and high school where he met his wife, Sharon Murphy  though they didnt like each other when first meeting in middle school.

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Typical girl/boy (stuff), she said. He was just bugging me all the time.

But, he grew on her.

They started dating at the end of her junior year, the end of his sophomore year.

William Murphy graduated in 1994. He always knew he would go into the military. He left for boot camp in July 1994.

The two got married just under a year later. Their daughter, Shae Murphy, was born a few years later and their son, Aidan, was born a few years after that.

Deployment and bomb attack

William Murphy had assignments in Missouri, California, Virginia and Hawaii with the Marines. He and his family moved to California when he got stationed at Camp Pendleton before Murphy was deployed in 2006 to Iraq.

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Murphy worked in communications and was stationed at Al-Asad Airbase.

In July 2006, about five months into his tour in Iraq, he was called to go out and assist the towing of a broken down Humvee that had sensitive communications equipment in it.

The Marines took a few vehicles and set up a distance away from the Humvee that was abandoned in the desert. He had been on about a dozen similar calls before.

Within a couple minutes of arriving and after he and others exited their vehicles, someone set off the bomb.

Somebody had already planted something, and whenever we got out, boom, he said. And luckily, no one died that day. So we all dust each other off, and we were able to carry out the plan that day. Of course, that vehicle got blown to crap.

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Murphy figures the person who detonated the bomb saw the soldiers arrive. Hes not sure why the person set the bomb off when they did and didnt wait for them to move in closer.

I dont know if he got excited, he said. I dont know, but Im glad he did because that thing went boom a little early.

He still remembers the force from the shock wave.

I cant compare it to anything and I hope I never have to, he said.

He went back stateside in September. Within a couple weeks, Murphys vision deteriorated. He soon was declared legally blind.

William Murphy embraces his children after arriving back from Iraq to stateside in 2006. He lost most of his vision just a couple weeks later.

Murphy was a gunnery sergeant E7 and communications chief at the time. Murphys commanding officer told him his time with the Marines had come to an end.

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Hey gunny, you know a blind man cant shoot a weapon, Murphy remembers his commanding officer telling him. And I was just like, Roger that, sir.

The Murphys moved back to Kansas and tried to figure out how to cope with the changes in their lives.

Things took a better turn in 2010 after Sharon Murphy convinced her husband to attend an eight-week rehab for blind veterans at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois.

It was there that he met Lonnie Bedwell, a veteran who lost his sight in a 1997 hunting accident.

Bedwell hadnt let a lack of sight stop him.

Hes climbed the four highest peaks, including Mount Everest in May 2023, on four continents and plans to do so on the three remaining continents, according to an online bio.

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He was named one of National Geographics 2015 Adventurers of the Year.

Murphy also met others like Bedwell, and the group stayed in contact.

We dont like borders and boundaries. We like to push the envelope a little bit, Murphy said.

Blind veterans go hunting

In 2015, Bedwell called Murphy about hunting turkeys in Indiana. Murphy thought it was a joke.

And I go, What are you talking about? Man, I said, I know how you lost your eyesight. You trying to finish me off?

But it wasnt a joke.

Bedwell connected with Scott Goodman, who helped secure funding, land and guides to help six blind veterans hunt turkey at no cost.

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Three of them, including Murphy, had limited vision and could use a device that mounted onto the gun and allowed them to look onto a phone screen to see where they aimed. A guide still helped direct them to finding the turkey.

William Murphys guide, David Williams, helps the legally blind, Kansas veteran hunt while looking onto a phone screen instead of through the scope.

The other three were completely blind.

For the men who were completely blind, the guide would use a finger on the back of their neck to guide them on target. When the tom lined up in their crosshairs, the guide would double tap the back of their neck, letting them know to shoot.

Five out of the six veterans, including Murphy, shot a turkey.

Everything that I was taught in the Marine Corps, I got to do again. ... Everything that I loved to do in the Marine Corps, I was doing hunting, he said. Its just a different way. I was hooked. I fell in love with it. I love it.

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Goodman said he prayed for a few days after the veterans left. By the end of the week, he set up Heroes New Hope Foundation which brings disabled veterans and children to Indiana to hunt and fish.

Hes the best example of why we do what we do, Goodman said of Murphy. It truly changed that man.

Murphy has since spoken at the nonprofits annual banquet and done events with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Lifetime hobby

Murphy came back home to Kansas after that spring hunt in Indiana as a new man.

It gave him, not necessarily a new lease on life, but it showed him he is able to still do things that sighted people can do, Sharon Murphy said. If he could live out in the woods, I think he probably would. He would just need woods and a pond. He loves to fish, too.

She said their relationship and his relationship with their children got better.

It took a few months of convincing once William Murphy got back from Indiana before Kansas granted him a hunting license, he said. Murphy had to show them that the technology exists for him to hunt successfully.

William Murphy, a legally blind Kansas veteran, poses for a photo with his turkey and guide, David Williams, who helps him pick up the turkey on a screen so he can shoot it.

Those new technologies have also meant he has glasses he can tell to zoom in so he can see his wife and childrens faces or watch the Kansas City Chiefs. Without that zoom, he is only able to see at 4 feet what the average person can see at 200 feet, Sharon Murphy said.

Their daughter has since gone deer hunting with him but she didnt have any success.

Sharon Murphy got her hunters safety license last year after her husband couldnt find a guide to take him out for deer season. She wanted to make sure he had a guide so that it wouldnt happen again, but he had a guide for this season.

He likes the taste of both turkey and deer, but enjoys hunting turkey more because of the noises they make. Someone in town was also patient enough to teach him how to process his own deer.

I just have to do it with a, you know, obviously, with a sighted person, he said. But, you know, I love doing that.

Hes killed five or six turkeys since then.

Ive never missed a bird before, he said. Birds go down.

Hes also killed six does and four bucks.

Hes missed two 10-point bucks. Both times, he said, were because he had the wrong range from the guide.

Luckily, Ive met the right people that allow me to hunt on their land, he said. And, you know, the person to guide me. Ive been lucky.

The nine-pointer this year was the largest buck hes shot.

The person he was hunting with shot his buck first thing in the morning on Dec. 4, which was opening day of rifle season. They dragged the buck back to the blind. About 45 minutes later, Murphy got his shot.

The buck was 40 yards. It went about 20 yards after he shot it with his .308.

It was an awesome opening day, he said.
Jan. 17FREEMAN, S.D.  A 51-year-old Hutchinson County man has been charged with four counts of manufacturing child pornography following an investigation that began in early December. The charges are classified as a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.

The case came to light when Turner County authorities requested assistance from Hutchinson County Sheriffs to investigate a potential solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography case.

The investigation revealed that Jason Lee Kaufman allegedly posed as a 19-year-old female from Minnesota on Snapchat to solicit nude photos from a 14-year-old boy in Turner County. After receiving the images, Kaufman reportedly revealed his true identity to the victim, who recognized him personally. According to authorities, four images were allegedly sent to Kaufman.

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During the investigation, three Snapchat accounts were identified. Records from Snapchat showed that two accounts, including the one used to target the minor, were registered using the same email and shared the same IP address.

On Jan. 10, 2025, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at Kaufman's residence. After being read his Miranda rights, Kaufman reportedly admitted to operating both Snapchat accounts and requesting photos from the boy. He stated that he was surprised when the victim complied with his request.

Kaufman made his initial court appearance on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. According to court records, he is scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 23, 2025.
Co-chairwoman Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, conducts the proceedings of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

After a rocky meeting Thursday where legislators couldnt agree on employee pay levels, the Idaho Legislatures budget committee got back on track Friday and approved bare-bones maintenance of operations budgets for all state agencies Friday.

Fridays votes represent the first big budget votes of the new 2025 legislative session for the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, which sets budgets for all state agencies.

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The 10 maintenance budgets for fiscal year 2026 include $12.6 billion in total funding  including general funds, federal funds and dedicated funds, which are all other funds.

The $12.6 billion in total funding represents a 0.1% increase from the current fiscal years budget, according to documents provided Friday by the Idaho Legislative Services Office.

Idaho runs on a fiscal year calendar that begins July 1 and ends June 30.



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The so-called maintenance budgets are part of the new budget procedures that JFAC first enacted in 2024.

JFAC co-chairs Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, define maintenance budgets as a bare-bones version of the current budget  with all the one-time funding and supplemental funding requests stripped out. The maintenance budgets are merely intended to keep the lights on for state agencies.

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New spending requests and supplemental funding requests will be considered and voted on separately in the coming weeks and months.

JFAC will also have to consider pay and benefits for 25,000 state employees at a later date after JFAC members couldnt agree on salary and benefits proposals on Thursday.

Maintenance budgets include funding that touches nearly all state agencies, departments

For the maintenance budgets, JFAC voted almost unanimously to approve 10 different budgets that nearly all state agencies and departments were combined into.

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The 10 different maintenance budgets include:

The legislative branch

The judicial branch

Constitutional officers

Public safety

General government

Economic development

Natural resources

Idaho State Board of Education

Idaho public schools

Health and human services

Working together, JFAC members voted to approve the first nine budgets unanimously Friday. Rep. James Petzke, R-Meridian, and Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, R-Twin Falls, voted against the health and human services maintenance budgets, which were approved 17-2.

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Passing the maintenance budgets means JFAC will now transition to considering and scrutinizing new funding requests and budget enhancements for the fiscal year 2026 budget next.

In order to be approved, each of the 10 maintenance budgets still must pass both the Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho Senate with at least a simple majority of the votes.

JFAC is scheduled to reconvene at 8 a.m. Monday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise to hear funding requests for programs including mental health services and psychiatric hospitalization. The Idaho Legislature generally does not take holidays off when it is in session, and legislators will be in session Monday during Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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.

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CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois is one of 14 states trying to defend health insurance access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from court challenges.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the coalition filed a motion to intervene as the incoming federal administration is expected to stop federal efforts to defend a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) rule granting DACA recipients access to Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges.

DACA allows young people who came to the United States as children and have lived here since 2007 to avoid immediate fear of deportation for revocable two-year periods. Over 28,000 Dreamers (DACA recipients) resided in Illinois as of September 2023.

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IL Secretary of State warns of used vehicle scammers

Every day, Dreamers make invaluable contributions to our schools, workplaces and communities, Raoul said. Granting them access to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace would lead to better health outcomes for them and improved public health for everyone.

In 2024, the Biden administration issued a regulation expanding health care access to Dreamers by making them eligible to purchase health insurance through ACA exchanges. This took effect on Nov. 1 and provides public health and economic benefits for Dreamers as well as the greater community.

According to the press release, in August, a group of states sued HHS and CMS in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota and asked the court to delay implementation of the rule, pending judicial review. The district court prevented implementation of the rule in a few states, but ultimately left it in place in most states, including Illinois.

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During his 2024 campaign, President-elect Donald Trump criticized the rule, and his previous administration declined to defend both DACA and the ACA. The states motion explains that, because the incoming federal administration has stated and demonstrated it will not defend the rule, the states have a right to step in when the federal government will stop defending this critical policy and when repeal of the rule would affect state resources.

140 IL National Guard members set to attend Presidential Inauguration

This motion also describes ways that states public health systems and economies will be harmed if the rule is eliminated. Dreamers contribute an estimated $6.2 billion in federal taxes and $3.3 billion in state and local taxes annually.

According to HHS, Dreamers are three times more likely to be uninsured than the general U.S. population. Additionally, uninsured people drive up health care costs and worsen public health, leading to an increase in premature deaths among other issues.

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This is the most recent action Raoul has taken to defend access to affordable health care for Dreamers, the press release states. In 2024, Raoul and a collation of attorneys general filed an amicus brief that defended the rule. Previously, he signed a 2023 comment letter to HHS in support of the rule.

The thirteen other states joining Illinois in the filing include:

Arizona

California

Colorado

Delaware

Hawaii

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New Mexico

Nevada

Oregon

Vermont

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Illinois Secretary of State is warning residents of a used vehicle scam on the rise across the state.

Alexis Giannoulias is specifically urging Illinois residents to be cautious of fraudulent vehicle purchases. The Secretary of States office has discovered an increasing number of fraudulent sales from out-of-state businesses licensed as wholesale dealers. These scammers illegally falsify the mileage shown on a used vehicles title and odometer to defraud potential car buyers.

IL Dept. of Revenue announces start of 2025 income tax season

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This warning arose from a specific case where an Illinois car buyer thought they were buying a car with only 80,000 miles on it. This person later found out that the seller rolled back the odometer from over 200,000 miles and purposely did not disclose major mechanical problems with the vehicle.

Nightmare stories like this one is one of the worst-case scenarios when purchasing a used car, Giannoulias said. In many cases, the purchaser is in a desperate financial situation or needs a car fast, which leads them to overlook red flags and fail to do their due diligence.

Across the state, cars are often sold through online advertisements at seemingly low prices. What these scammers do is they pose as a private vehicle owner, when in reality they are oftentimes people who are licensed to sell vehicles in other states exclusively to car dealers.

The scammers give false information to the buyer and often disappear after the sale is made, before they can be caught.

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Additionally, there has been an uptick in odometer fraud across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings. These sales lead to consumers losing over $1 billion annually.

AMBER ALERT UPDATE: Illinois police say 4-year-old Blessing Aoci has been found

In December, Carfax ranked Illinois the fifth highest state in the nation with 79,000 cars found with rolled-back odometers. Odometers have been altered manually on older vehicles, and even digitally on newer cars.

In a press release, Giannoulias provided a list of recommendations on how buyers can protect themselves against vehicle scammers.

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My office is continuing to work with law enforcement and to educate the public to identify these scammers before they take advantage of customers, Giannoulias said. Its imperative that buyers do their homework and know the signs before it is too late.

For more information, visit ilsos.gov and scroll down to Publications & Forms where under the Law Enforcement section, it lists informational forms on odometer fraud and buying/selling vehicles.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian space startup Digantara for the success of its Mission SCOT, which marks a significant achievement in the country's growing space industry. In a post on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations, highlighting the mission's contribution to enhancing space situational awareness. He added, "Kudos to Indian space startup @Digantarahq at the success of Mission SCOT. This is an important contribution of the growing Indian space industry towards enhancing space situational awareness." In its reply the startup said, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji for championing India's private space ecosystem with bold vision and resolute support. Mission SCOT strengthens our national security framework and positions India as a leader in space domain awareness. We are proud to play our part in shaping the future of space technology and contributing to the nation's strategic priorities." According to the information provided by the spacetech startup on X, the mission SCOT has successfully established communication with its ground station, with solar panel arrays deployed, positive power levels, and stable operation. The next phase of the mission will focus on commissioning the satellite, which is designed for precise object tracking and imaging in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Digantara's team is now preparing SCOT for its core mission, ensuring it is fine-tuned and mission-ready in the coming weeks, as per the startup. "Over the coming weeks, our team will meticulously fine-tune SCOT, ensuring it's mission-ready for this endeavor," the startup added in the social media post. Quoting the Prime Minister's post, the startup added that the mission SCOT strengthens our national security framework and positions India as a leader in space domain awareness. The Union government, last year approved setting up of a Rs 1000 crore Venture Capital Fund dedicated to the space sector, under the aegis of IN-SPACe. The average deployment amount could be Rs 150-250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements. The Centre, as part of its 2020 space sector reforms, established IN-SPACe to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities. IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs1000 crore Venture Capital Fund to support the growth of India's space, economy, currently valued at S8.4 billion, with a target to reach USD 44 billion by 2033. The fund aims to address the critical need for risk capital, as traditional lenders are hesitant to fund startups in this high-tech sector. With nearly 250 space startups emerging across the value chain, timely financial support is crucial to ensure their growth and prevent talent loss overseas, the union government has stated in an official statement earlier. The proposed government-backed fund will boost investor confidence, attract private capital, and signal the government's commitment to advancing space reforms, as per the government. In addition, it will also serve as an Alternative Investment Fund under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale for further private equity investments.(ANI)
An illegal gambling network that ran from strip-mall casinos to a warehouse in Miamis Wynwood neighborhood was taken down this week by state and local law enforcement agencies.

Authorities raided slot-machine parlors in suburban West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Zephyrhills, confiscating machines and cash. They also charged officers of a company in Miami that sold slot machines to illegal casinos. At least five people face various gambling and money-laundering charges after an operation led by the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office and involving several other agencies.

During the investigation, which started in 2022, undercover officers posed as gamblers played the slot machines and others posed as casino owners to gather evidence on the Miami company that supplied machines to the illegal gambling operations.

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Among the casinos that were raided was VIP Sweepstakes at 2885 N. Military Trail, just outside West Palm Beach, a casino chronicled in a recent Sun Sentinel series on the spread of illegal casinos in Florida.

Lit with chandeliers and carpeted in maroon and gold, the casino offered free buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners and a more upscale gambling experience than the spartan, dimly lit slots parlors more commonly found along Military Trail.

The approach turned out to be profitable. During a one-year period, the casino deposited $763,196 into its bank accounts, according to an affidavit filed by the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office.

Florida law prohibits the possession or operation of slot machines except at 15 licensed gambling facilities, which include casinos run by the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes, as well as casinos and race tracks in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

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But casinos known as arcades operate throughout the state, some openly, some covertly. Although illegal, they often operate undisturbed because investigations are difficult and the penalties low.

At a panel discussion this week in the Florida Houses Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee, law enforcement officers told lawmakers that the penalties for gambling offenses, typically misdemeanors, were too light to serve as a deterrent. Owners who are arrested typically get off without jail time, they said, unless investigators are able to bring more serious charges such as racketeering.

And while many people may regard the casinos as engaging in victimless crime, they operate without any oversight or taxation, allowing them to routinely cheat players and avoid paying the hefty taxes levied on the legal casinos.

The other casinos that were raided this week were Treasure Hunters Arcade in Fort Pierce, Pharoahs Treasure Arcade in Vero Beach and Arcadia Arcade in Zephyrhills. The group that ran the casinos and warehouse used multiple shell and front companies, according to the affidavit.

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Its unclear how many people have been charged. The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that the investigation resulted in the issuance of five arrest warrants. An affidavit filed by the sheriffs office requests arrest warrants for six people. They are: Joseph Michael Pestana, Eric David Silverstein, Justin Earl Silverstein, David Roffey, Nova Revez Roffey, and Jana Barvircakova.

The slot machine company caught up in the investigation was Grand View Products Inc., 391 NW 24th St., Miami. Investigators learned about the companys involvement from a man arrested for his involvement in a group that ran several illegal casinos, who told them he had bought several machines from that company.

Undercover officers posed as business people planning to establish an illegal casino in Delray Beach and toured the warehouse, where they were offered used slot machines for $6,500 each.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois Representative Tony McCombie made her way to Dorothy Simon Elementary School to be principal for a day on Friday.

This was a part of the Illinois Principal Associations Principal for a Day Program.

McCombie did morning announcements, read to students, explained how a bill becomes a law and even helped in the cafeteria.

One of the representatives most important tasks was witnessing a cardiac emergency response drill.

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Principal Heather Baker is a sudden cardiac arrest survivor who recently helped pass legislation that requires schools to have an emergency response plan. McCombie thinks this drill is crucial in an educational setting.

Ive never seen one before in a school. So that was very interesting to see, said McCombie. Even my own adrenaline was up a little bit just to watch. And you have to think about that.

Mrs. Baker. She was 28 years old when this happened to her, and its very important to be able to have people respond, especially in where we live in a lot of rural areas, McCombie continued. So I think its extremely important. Im very interested to see what the legislation is to come out so we can start getting this into the schools.

The representative added that it is important to frequently check in with schools, educators and students to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

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Principal Baker said she could not be happier that the conversation around these response plans is growing.

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Captain RK Smithley flies McDonnell Douglas DC-10 fire bombers for New Mexico-based 10Tanker.

Smithley dropped red fire retardant over the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles.

Mountainous terrain, winds, busy air traffic, and drones have complicated the mission.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Captain RK Smithley, a pilot flying McDonnell Douglas DC-10 widebody airliners converted into tanker planes for a New Mexico-based company called 10Tanker. The DC-10 is one of dozens of aircraft assisting in fighting the California wildfires near Los Angeles. His words have been edited for length and clarity.

I'm a third-generation ground firefighter who ended up in the air fighting fire, so my career has come full circle.

Starting at age 16, I spent 16 years as a volunteer firefighter in southwest Pennsylvania, where I'm from, before I became a pilot. I flew for World Airways in these same McDonnell Douglas DC-10s for 10 years and another 15 years in the MD-11, which is basically a modern version of the DC-10.

We're the biggest tanker fighting the California wildfires

10Tanker DC-10 Ship 912 dropping red fire retardant over the Eaton Fire near Los Angeles. China News Service/China News Service via Getty Images

To fight the California fires, 10Tanker has four DC-10s and two  ships 912 and 914  here in San Bernardino at the old Norton Air Force Base. I'm on Ship 912. The DC-10 is a capable airframe for our size, at 420,000 pounds. We're dropping 85,000 pounds of fire retardant on our target.

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It's a very good airplane for what we're doing  we're the largest tool in the Forest Service's arsenal because we're the biggest tanker out here.

January is an odd time for wildfires in California

This fire is unprecedented. In 10 years of doing this, I've never flown fire in the United States in January. Working fires in January usually means we're in Australia, Mexico, and Chile.

We're in the off-season. That's why all four of our DC-10s aren't here; the other two are in maintenance. Typically, we park our airplanes in October or November, and we'll do recurrent annual training in February and March before the first airplanes go out on contract in mid to late March.

We're one part of a large team

There are different contract tankers that fight fires. We're all on the same team, from the little single-engine tanker carrying 700 hundred gallons to us big ones carrying 9,400 gallons, and all the stuff in between.

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I can't stress enough how much of an orchestrated team effort it is. We work as a team with the tanker base, with the mechanics who keep us rolling, the air traffic controllers to get us out there, the guys fueling the airplane, and all those retardant loaders. Some airplanes out here are what they call "initial attack qualified," which means they can go out with just aerial supervision orbiting over top, but we in the DC-10 have to have lead aircraft that we follow to guide us on the drops.

But at the end of the day, the real heroes are the guys and gals we're helping  the firefighters on the ground. They're the ones that we're there to support to the best of our ability so that they can help protect lives and property.

A 10Tanker DC-10 drops fire retardant over Topanga Canyon near Los Angeles. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

The 10Tanker flies a very specific mission

It's not as simple as flying over the fire and pushing a button and all the stuff comes out.

Helicopters are generally dropping water to directly attack the fires, but air tankers  or fire bombers as I like to call them  are designed to carry fire retardant, which is designed to build walls around fires to stop or at least slow down the fire so that the ground firefighters can get in there and get things under control. The retardant is colored red so that we can see it build lines and change angles on it.

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We start our days at 7 a.m.  basically sunrise  at which time the airplane is prepped, ready, and fueled to go. How many flights we can wedge in between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. depends on how far the fire is from the base, and how much daylight you have.

We flew four missions on Friday to the Palisades and six on Saturday. The record for 10Tanker is about 11 runs in a day, with a 20-minute reload time in between flights.

LA's weather and geography have been a challenge

These fires have been bad not only because of the destruction and the wind, but also because we're fighting fire while wedged into tight air space between the LAX, Van Nuys, Burbank, and Santa Monica airports.

The Palisades fire is around 24,000 acres; I've worked 300,000 and 400,000 acre fires that were massive compared to this one. But the destruction and air space and the 60 to 80 MPH winds kind of made this a cataclysmic event. Entire neighborhoods and towns burned until the winds died down enough for us to get in there and get to work. It's been a terrible situation.

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We're threading needles, like going straight down the side of a mountain. The DC-10 is very capable; we yank and bank it around like a fighter. If we were flying passengers, these maneuvers would be considered an emergency descent.

If drones fly, we can't

Drones have been a big problem here in California. "If drones fly, we can't" is an axiom we use in aerial firefighting. Normally a drone will shut down an aerial firefighting effort.

At one point, we moved to a different section of the fire to get away from them so that we could continue to help save lives and property, along with the work that firefighters on the ground are doing to get this thing under control. We had a drone come sailing past our left wing on Saturday; the Super Scooper air tanker from Montreal got a hole punched into its wing because a drone ran into it.

The drones have to stop because they're jeopardizing our lives and safety in the fire traffic area. It's unacceptable. Get the drones out of there so we can do our jobs.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Two days ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, chants of "No Trump! No KKK! No Fascist USA!" echoed off the Victorian facade of Cincinnati's Music Hall.

It came from a crowd of about 100 people gathered outside in Cincinnati's Washington Park on a gray and rainy Saturday morning.

People march around the perimeter of Washington Park during a protest on Saturday against president-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

Protesters at the rally organized by the Cincinnati chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America saw it as a way to do something positive ahead of the inauguration. It was also an opportunity to vent.

'Angry women can change the world'

"I've heard that angry women can change the world, and if that's the case, then the world is in for a reckoning," said Karina Bravo, a sex educator with Planned Parenthood, to the crowd. "Because I know I'm pretty pissed the (expletive) off."

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The roster of speakers included union leaders and social activists who inveighed about concerns of losing abortion access and transgender rights. They spoke about the plight of the working class and fears of mass deportations. Signs of "Stop Fascism!" and similar sentiments bobbed up and down as the crowd cheered.

Many at the rally were members of socialist organizations and community activists. Some were new to politics, motivated by fears of what Trump might do. This was Ashlyn Sanders' first political rally. The 22-year-old Silverton resident and social worker just graduated Kentucky State University.

Ire at Democrats as well - and worry over TikTok ban

She felt the rights of women, Black people and others are in jeopardy. She cited Trump's disparaging comments about African countries as an example of why she's so concerned.

"I'm more of a person who goes off morals and morally, he doesn't even see everybody as the same," Sanders said about her opinion of Trump. "He really belittles people and doesn't see us all the same."

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The crowd didn't just criticize Republicans and Trump. Speakers also directed their ire at the Democrats, with one speaker calling them the "lesser of two evils." The looming federal ban of the social media site TikTok, a ban that both Democrats and Republicans supported, also concerned multiple rallygoers, who told The Enquirer they saw the ban as an infringement of free speech.

A woman heckles protestors during a protest against president-elect Donald Trumps inauguration Saturday in Cincinnati's Washington Park.

Heckler sings 'God Bless America'

The two-hour demonstration went off with only one confrontational moment. A heckler carrying a small dachshund-like dog interrupted the speeches as she walked by and sang, or more like shouted, a rendition of "God Bless America." She then started arguing with some of the attendees about free speech before she was ushered away by a friend.

The rally ended with a quick march around Washington Park.

As Carmelita Doyle left the rally, she told her daughter she was glad she came. The 71-year-old from Greenhills wanted to find out ways to get involved. She's not sure what organizations she might join but knows she wants to get more active politically in the next year.

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"I had so much enthusiasm before the election results, and I was so positive about things," Doyle said. "I don't want to go negative just because my person didn't win. I want to keep my momentum going."

People march around the perimeter of Washington Park during a protest on Saturday against president-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Socialists and activists vent about Trump at rally in Cincinnati
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early on Sunday, days after being apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul. He faces possible imprisonment over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.

Yoons arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, lasting months or more.

The decision to arrest Yoon triggered unrest at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters broke in and rioted, destroying the main door and windows. They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields that they managed to wrestle away from officers. Some were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers, destroying furniture and glass doors. They shouted demands to see the judge who had issued the warrant, but she had already left.

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Hundreds of police officers were deployed and nearly 90 protesters were arrested. Some injured police officers were seen being treated at ambulance vans. The court said it was trying to confirm whether any staff members were injured and assess the damage to its facilities.

A court deliberated for 8 hours

Following eight hours of deliberation, the court granted law enforcements request for an arrest warrant for Yoon, saying he was a threat to destroy evidence. Yoon and his lawyers on Saturday appeared before the court and argued for his release.

Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residential compound, 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.

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While South Korean presidents have wide-ranging immunity from prosecution while in office, the protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can now extend Yoons detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

Yoons lawyers could also file a petition to challenge the courts arrest warrant.

Yoons appearance in court triggered chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his fervent supporters rallied for hours calling for his release. Even before the court issued the warrant for Yoons arrest, protesters repeatedly clashed with police who detained dozens of them, including about 20 who climbed over a fence in an attempt to approach the court. At least two vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they left the court after arguing for Yoons arrest.

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Yoons lawyers said he spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour closed-door hearing Saturday. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies presented opposing arguments about whether he should be held in custody.

Yoons defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in the enforcement of martial law.

Yoons lawyer decries his arrest

The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. 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.

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His political fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.

Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoons lawyers, called the courts decision to issue the warrant the epitome of anti-constitutionalism and anti-rule of law, maintaining Yoon's claim that his martial law decree was a legitimate act of governance. He pointed to the chaos at the Seoul Western Court and said Yoons arrest would inspire more anger from his supporters.

Yoons People Power Party regretted his arrest but also pleaded for his supporters to refrain from further violence.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative effort to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14, said his arrest would be a cornerstone for restoring the collapsed constitutional order. Kim Sung-hoi, a party lawmaker and spokesperson, called for stern punishment of Yoons supporters who stormed the court.

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I urge police to firmly enforce the law so that forces supporting rebellion will never even think of causing turmoil again, he said.

The countrys acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, expressed strong regret about the violence at the court, saying it directly undermines democracy and the rule of law. He asked for heightened security at the sites related to Yoons case and measures to ensure order during protests.

Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and the presidential security service, to attend the hearing at the court ahead of its warrant decision.

The motorcade entered the courts basement parking space as thousands of Yoons supporters gathered in nearby streets amid a heavy police presence. Following the hearing, Yoon was transported back to the detention center, where he awaited the decision. He did not speak to reporters.

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After its investigators were attacked by protesters later on Saturday, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to obscure the faces of its members attending the hearing.

Yoon insists his martial law decree was legitimate

Yoon and his lawyers have claimed that the martial law declaration was intended as a temporary and peaceful warning to the liberal opposition, which he accuses of obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority. Yoon says the troops sent to the National Election Commission offices were to investigate election fraud allegations, which remains unsubstantiated in South Korea.

Yoon has stressed he had no intention of stopping the functioning of the legislature. He stated that the troops were sent there to maintain order, not prevent lawmakers from entering and voting to lift martial law. He denied allegations that he ordered the arrests of key politicians and election officials.

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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.

If prosecutors indict Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, which are the allegations now being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before trial.

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 life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The incoming British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson praised President-elect Trump in a new op-ed, predicting his forthcoming presidency will be one of the most consequential in recent years.

Americas allies need to hear the message the American people have sent and calibrate their partnerships in order to work with and alongside the U.S. to stand up for the joint interests that unite us, Mandelson wrote in a Fox News op-ed published on Friday.

Mandelson, who is set to replace Dame Karen Pierce, wrote that he views three areas where the U.K. and the U.S. can expand their long-running partnership: national security, economic growth and foreign policy.

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Five decades as a politician and latterly as a businessman have taught me always to hear your electorate and listen to your customer, he wrote in the op-ed. Alliances between foreign nations need to do the same. Foreign relationships must hear these messages and evolve rapidly to deliver for their citizens. The Atlantic alliance cannot simply enjoy its glorious past  it must adapt to new threats and technological challenges.

Mandelson, a Labour Party politician, argued the U.S. and U.K. national security partnership has to be clearer in how they keep our people safe.

The U.K. has been at the forefront of driving NATO allies to increase their national defense spending and will continue to advocate for partners to pay their way, he said, referring to the money European nations have spent on defense following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But he emphasized that Americans are right to ask if NATO partners can do more to reduce the U.S.s out-sized burden.

He lauded the partnership between the two long-time allies, going on to say that we must do more together to invent, develop and industrialize the technologies of tomorrow.

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Mandelson complimented Trump for having straight-talking and deal-making instincts that allies should see as an opportunity to bring entrepreneurial thinking and urgency to resolving foreign policy that needs real-world solutions.

On foreign policy, Mandelson said the West must not allow Iran to be nuclear-armed and warned that Chinas progress on the world stage now directly challenges Western governments and our values.

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, he wrote.

The incoming diplomat said that in U.K.s closest allies, the U.S. will find old partners open to new ways of dealing with the current world  to protect, enrich and build opportunities for Americans and our own citizens alike.

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A controversial report on the purpose, function, and effectiveness of Washingtons Fish and Wildlife Commission has revived angst among anglers and hunters over a perceived takeover of the polarized board by anti-hunting activists.

The report, funded by a $300,000 legislative appropriation in 2023 and released to the public last month, considered alternatives to the current 9-member commission that guides policies and priorities of the states Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Capital Press broke the story on the document, called the Ruckleshaus Report as it was prepared by Washington State Universitys William D. Ruckelshaus Center in the universitys school of public policy and governance.

Agency reform has been a priority of about 50 preservationist groups in the state that think the commission disproportionately represents hunters and anglers. One of the Ruckleshaus Reports recommendations, that the WDFW be folded into a cabinet agency with its director appointed by the governor, has been opposed by sportsmens groups that think it would further politicize the agency in a deeply blue state.

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That outcome appears to be an enduring goal of preservationists, though. Those groups supported failed legislation last year to disband the commission and require the agency director to be appointed by the governor.

This tension  with preservationists urging the agency to manage for biodiversity and whole-ecosystem health and hunters and anglers advocating for traditional fish-and-game management  is at the heart of not only the agencys identity crisis but the dysfunctional elements identified in the report.

The 76-page document synthesizes interviews with over 100 participants familiar with the agency and commission and concludes that, in order to maximize the effectiveness of WDFW, the commission should make comprehensive, simultaneous reform.

Alternatively, if there isnt sufficient political will or interest in reform, then the report recommends the commission should be dissolved and the department moved to a cabinet-level agency with its director appointed by the governor. Currently, commissioners are appointed by the governor and commissioners hire the director of the agency, which is a non-cabinet department.

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The third option, status quo, is widely considered to be an unproductive continuation of conflict between hunters and anglers and those who want the agency to prioritize biodiversity and ecosystem health ahead of individual game species.

That conflict has resulted in simmering hostility over the past few years in Washington, as the commission has become dominated by ecologists who have de-emphasized the role of hunting in ungulate management and elevated principles of landscape health. Highly charged commission meetings have degenerated into either shouting matches or chilly impasses with agency personnel sometimes paralyzed in the middle.

The report, delivered by one of the most respected public-policy research entities in the Northwest, highlighted some of this negative energy, and offered a wide-ranging perspective on the operating landscape of the agency and commission as well as the stark recommendations for its future: fix it, or eliminate and re-invent it.

The report was prepared for the Washington State Legislature, which convened this week. Legislators could act on the reports findings, but most sources expect fish-and-game reform to be a low priority as the legislature tackles Washington States projected $12 billion revenue shortfall.

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Considering the polarized atmosphere around fish-and-wildlife management in Washington, and given the recommendations of the high-profile Ruckleshaus Center report, last-minute Fish and Wildlife Commission appointments last week by Washingtons outgoing governor are especially rankling for residents who would like to see reforms implemented sooner than later. The governor appointed two commissioners without consulting traditional constituencies. The report had suggested that one source of commission dysfunction is the opaque appointment process.

The governor [outgoing incumbent Democrat Jay Inslee] presumably had this report in his hand while he was doing interviews for these appointments, observes Dan Wilson, board member for Washingtons chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Wilson was one of the interviewees in the Ruckleshaus Report. First, Id question whether it was Inslees role to make these appointments, since he has had 12 years to appoint commissioners. It would have been appropriate to defer appointments to his successor [incoming Democrat Bob Ferguson]. The easy way to address reforms is to just start with accountability, transparency, and ensuring that the people appointed to make these decisions have a firm grasp of policy, process, and all the diverse interests and perspectives in wildlife management.

While the Ruckleshaus Reports conclusions about the need for structural reform have grabbed most headlines, the document is required reading for its insights into an agency and commission dealing with seismic changes in natural-resource management.

Conflict is a predictable outcome of change, says Claire Davis, founder of Washington Wildlife First (WWF), the most vocal of Washingtons preservationist groups that advocates for a paradigm shift in Washingtons management of its fish and wildlife to focus on conservation as its key objective, rather than consumption. Davis was also interviewed for the Ruckleshaus Report.

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What some people label dysfunction, we see as a product of the commissioners doing their best to fulfill this challenging role, by digging into difficult issues, asking hard questions, and publicly debating topics about which both the commission and the public are divided, says Davis, who is also WWFs president and executive director. The organization is allied with commissioners pushing the broader preservation mandate.

Many prior commissions have essentially served as rubber stamps for department management, she says. Rubber stamps might seem functional, but it makes no sense for the commission to exist if it operates that way. We believe disagreement among commissioners is healthy. It does not serve the public well if it tries to bury those disagreements rather than airing them.

A Restrained Report

Given all the heat around the conflict in Washingtons natural-resource management, the Ruckleshaus Report is actually a pretty measured and useful roadmap for reform, says BHAs Wilson.

I think the report is objective and insightful, he says. A couple of sitting commissioners have dismissed it as a public-opinion survey. Thats not what a qualitative survey of this level is. The 100 people interviewed werent random survey respondents. They were tribal leaders, heads of various organizations, active political people, and every commissioner. So the findings should not be easily dismissed.

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The report considered WDFW governance structure and funding model, and assessed the agencys responsibility as trustee of public wildlife resources. The report further evaluated the process by which the agency uses science and social values in decisions, influence on WDFW by special interest groups, WDFWs ability to meet threats created by climate change and biodiversity loss, and outreach and involvement of residents who have historically been excluded from fish and wildlife decisions.

Neither the agency nor the commission has responded to the report, except to confirm its receipt.

Before detailing its recommendations, the Ruckleshaus Report outlined what interviewees cited as problems with the commission and agency.

The report described the commission as dysfunctional, politically polarized, and caught up in conflict and cited lack of clarity about accountability of the commission, not only its decisions but individual commissioners actions, representation, and participation. Lack of clarity causes tensions and hinders the effectiveness of the commission, wastes time, and puts significant stress on individual commissioners, the report noted.

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Among the reports myriad observations is that many interviewees voiced a desire for cooperation among interest groups with a focus on collaboration and working together to solve problems versus division and litigation.

A black bear feeds on dandelions in the spring. The cancelation of Washingtons spring black bear hunt was an oft-cited example of poor conflict mitigation on the commission. Donna Feledichuk / Adobe Stock

Specifically, some sources urged the commission to take a more proactive role to address tensions and disharmony resulting from Commission decisions. Decisions about cougar and wolf management and the spring bear hunt arose repeatedly as examples where more could have been done to mitigate conflicts and arguments. Interviewees talked about how public testimony at meetings on issues known to be contentious only fuels the conflict and perpetuates a perceived division of harvest vs. protection.

The report also identified areas for improvement, including elevating the commissions relationship with Washingtons tribes, improving coordination across agencies and within different divisions of WDFW, increasing agency capacity to implement the states wildlife action plan to recover species of greatest conservation need, connecting fish and wildlife management to the states growth management plans, and partnering with private landowners.

Overall, the report identified things that can be addressed at the commission level by the commission, says Wilson. But that would take ownership by this commission of their own shortcomings, and a willingness to improve themselves collectively, and I dont see a lot of interest in or appetite for that. The worrisome thing I see is that the commission doesnt see a need to correct itself. Which ties back to the dismissal of a report done by a respected organization that just cost taxpayers $300,000.

A Mixed Mandate

The Ruckleshaus Report focused on one source of conflict: the legislative mandate of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and its commission.

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The mandates second sentence directs that The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters. The mandate later states that the commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all its citizens.

Many talked about the core elements of the mandate  preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish and wildlife and maximize hunting and fishing opportunities  as being seen amongst interest groups as a competitive dichotomy and a major source of disruptive conflict, the report states. Several interviewees talked about how the relationship between these goals is more complex than that, and they are in fact intertwined. Interviewees described a future where people see these goals as in service of one another, with more opportunities for mutual-gain outcomes.

BHAs Wilson agrees the mandates interpretation increases friction.

Theres some disparity in how individual commissioners interpret their role and responsibility, he observes. Are they there to advance a particular interest group? Are they there to safeguard and promote the mandate that conforms to their own worldview? Depending on the commissioner, theres an interpretive hierarchy in how they apply the dual mandate. Some think that preserve is the primary thing and that it exists completely independent of while maximizing opportunity. That causes dysfunction.

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Wilson, who reads the mandate as unified  We do these things and these other things all at the same time  says its fueling much of the current vitriol in the state.

Related: Conservation vs Preservation: Whats the Difference?

Things have gone sideways because certain groups have said that the preservation part needs to take priority over the opportunity part, he says. So if your first interest is preservation, then hunting opportunity is where to make the first cuts if theres any concern over preserving, protecting, and perpetuating. But wildlife management is more complicated and nuanced than that.

He provides the example of Washingtons struggling mountain goat population, which has dropped by nearly half over the past decade.

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The commission is talking about eliminating hunting opportunities for mountain goats, but hunting is not why our mountain goats arent doing well, says Wilson. So it hyper-targets a minority group in Washington to face a consequence that wont address the fundamental underlying causes of goat decline, which probably include climate change, shrinking habitat, and disturbance by backcountry hikers.

Wilson says instead of collaborating on solutions, radical voices are really dictating the conversation right now. I think the commission realizes theres this gulf between traditional stakeholders and emerging stakeholders, but they dont feel the responsibility to bring them together. They think those groups need to learn to work together outside the commission room, and I think thats an abdication of leadership.

Looking Ahead

By its legislative proviso, the Ruckleshaus Center is required to provide options for making changes to the departments mandate and governance structure as deemed necessary to improve the departments ability to function as a trustee for state fish and wildlife. The document outlines three basic ways forward for the commission. It can be dissolved by the legislature and reconstituted as a cabinet-level agency with its director appointed by the governor, and its commission reinvented as a policy advisory board. It can maintain its status quo, an option that would not fully address the issues interviewees raised and may limit the agencys ability to maximize its effectiveness into the future.

Or the commission could be retained but made more effective with comprehensive, simultaneous reforms, according to report authors. Some of those reforms could be clearly defining the roles, appropriate communication, and levels of authority among commissioners, director, and staff; establishing conflict-resolution mechanisms; increasing engagement with tribes; changing the commissioner appointment process; adding staff support for the commission; providing collaboration training; improving public-engagement processes; and utilizing third-party facilitators for meetings.

The report specifically notes that one reform should strengthen criteria for the makeup of the Commission to ensure Commissioners see their role as representing all interests in the state vs representing special interests.

The reports reform option would be hard work, but it has the support of Washington Wildlife First as well as groups on both sides of the preservation/consumption divide.

The commission has said that it plans to discuss the report at upcoming committee meetings and hold a session in March that will be focused on the report and next steps, says WWFs Davis. The commissioners have a big task before them to find reforms that will allow the commission to function better within the current structure, but we think they should have the opportunity to try.

BHAs Wilson supports the reform option, but stresses its success will hinge on the commissions willingness to change.

The report provides guidance to the commission on how it could self-correct and it provides the legislature a basic framework of the challenges around wildlife management in this state right now. I would hope the commission would use this as a tool to reflect and design better guardrails.

Wilson says moderate voices on both sides are eager to support an effective commission, given the wide range of conservation urgencies that require department attention. Whether the 2025 legislature takes up the issue of commission reform is anyones guess.

Read Next: In Wisconsin, Home of the Sandhill Crane Recovery, Legislators Are Now Considering a Hunt

With the legislature dealing with a massive budget shortfall, the Ruckleshaus Report will probably feel like a side note to the legislature, says Wilson.

But its an important side note. Washington deeply values its natural resources and wildlife, and we dont spend nearly as much money as we could on it, which makes it really important that we manage it efficiently and without political interests involved. We just need to lower the controversy around it. Everybody could work better if theyre not dealing with a fire in the next room.

Committees in both the Washington Senate and House are scheduled to hold work sessions next week with Ruckleshaus Center staff on the report. The committees are not expected to take public input and its unclear if any legislation might come out of the work.
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. Independent drugstores like Barnes are closing at an alarming rate  about one a day in 2023  squeezed by the huge companies that reimburse pharmacies for costly medications. (Nada Hassanein/Stateline)

This story originally appeared on Stateline.

VALDOSTA, Georgia  Abby Jones first stop of the day delivering medication was the home of 90-year-old Sarah Campbell Kier.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

You would think there would be more accountability for ensuring that the pharmacies providing care for these patients are protected from closure, Qato said.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

When Stateline called her, the pharmacist was packing prescriptions for a patient on 14 medications.

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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.

The closures, and the responses, are happening all over.

In Alabama, 21 community pharmacies and a dozen chain pharmacies closed across the state last year, 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.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.

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MUMBAI (Reuters) - Police in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh on Saturday detained a second person suspected of involvement in a knife attack in which Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was wounded.

Khan, 54, was stabbed six times by an intruder during a burglary attempt at his home in Mumbai early on Thursday. He had surgery after sustaining stab wounds to his spine, neck and hands, and is out of danger, doctors said.

"We got information from Mumbai Police that a suspect is travelling by Jnaneswari Express train," Sanjeev Sinha, a represenatative of the Railway Protection Force, told ANI news agency, in which Reuters holds a minority stake.

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"...Mumbai Police officials were contacted through video call and the suspect's identity was confirmed. He has been detained," Sinha said.

Police in India's financial capital of Mumbai had on Friday detained another key suspect in the knife attack.

The attack on Khan, one of Bollywood's most bankable and well-known actors, shocked the film industry and Mumbai residents, with many calling for better policing and security.

(Reporting by Siddhi Nayak, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 18: SBI Life Insurance, one of the leading life insurers in the country registered a New Business Premium of Rs.26,256 crores for the period ended on 31st December, 2024 vis-a-vis Rs.26,000 crores for the period ended December 31, 2023. Regular premium has increased by 12% over the corresponding period ended on 31st December, 2023. Establishing a clear focus on protection, SBI Life's protection new business premium stood at Rs.2,792 crores for the period ended December 31, 2024. Protection Individual new business premium stands at Rs.519 crores for the period ended December 31, 2024. Individual New Business Premium stands at Rs.19,857 crores with 12% growth over the corresponding period ended on 31st December, 2023. SBI Life's profit after tax stands at Rs.1,600 crores for the period ended December 31, 2024. The company's solvency ratio continues to remain robust at 2.04 as on December 31, 2024 as against the regulatory requirement of 1.50. SBI Life's AUM also continued to grow at 19% to Rs.4,41,678 crores as on December 31, 2024 from Rs. 3,71,410 crores as on December 31, 2023, with the debt-equity mix of 61:39. 94% of the debt investments are in AAA and Sovereign instruments. The company has a diversified distribution network of 309,590 trained insurance professionals and wide presence with 1,086 offices across the country, comprising of strong bancassurance channel, agency channel and others comprising of corporate agents, brokers, Point of sale persons (POS), insurance marketing firms, web aggregators and direct business. Performance for the period ended December 31, 2024 - Private Market leadership in New Business Premium of Rs.26,256 crores with 22.4% market share. - Private Market leadership in Individual New Business Premium of Rs.19,857 crores with 12% growth and 27.8% market share - Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) stands at Rs. 15,965 crores with growth of 11% - New Business individual sum assured stands at Rs. 1,81,489 crores with 33% growth - Improvement in 13M & 61M persistency by 83 bps & 521 bps respectively - Value of New Business (VoNB) stands at Rs.4,293 crores - VoNB Margin stands at 26.9%. - Indian Embedded value (IEV) stands at Rs. 68,140 crores with 17% growth over FY 24 - Profit After Tax (PAT) stands at Rs.1,600 crores with 48% growth - Robust Solvency ratio of 2.04 - Assets under Management stands at Rs.4,41,678 crores with 19% growth. About SBI Life Insurance: SBI Life Insurance ('SBI Life' / 'The Company'), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001. Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life's diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions. Driven by 'Customer-First' approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike. SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,086 offices, 25,949 employees, a large and productive network of about 241,251 agents, 77 corporate agents and 14 bancassurance partners with more than 41,000 partner branches, 144 brokers and other insurance marketing firms. In addition to doing what's right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally. SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2023-24, the Company touched over 1.05 lakh direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions. Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange ('BSE') and the National Stock Exchange ('NSE'), the company has an authorized capital of ` 20.0 billion and a paid up capital of ` 10.0 billion. The AuM is ` 4,416.8 billion. For more information, please visit our website-www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Linkedin. (Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended December 31, 2024) Disclaimer Except for the historical information contained herein, statements in this release which contain words or phrases such as 'will', 'expected to', etc., and similar expressions or variations of such expressions may constitute 'forward-looking statements'. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, opportunities and growth potential to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the actual growth in demand for insurance and other financial products and services in the countries that we operate or where a material number of our customers reside, our ability to successfully implement our strategy, including our use of the Internet and other technology our exploration of merger and acquisition opportunities, our ability to integrate mergers or acquisitions into our operations and manage the risks associated with such acquisitions to achieve our strategic and financial objectives, our growth and expansion in domestic and overseas markets, technological changes, our ability to market new products, the outcome of any legal, tax or regulatory proceedings in India and in other jurisdictions we are or become a party to, the future impact of new accounting standards, our ability to implement our dividend policy, the impact of changes in insurance regulations and other regulatory changes in India and other jurisdictions on us. SBI Life Insurance Company Limited undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof. This release does not constitute an offer of securities. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2325693/4699246/SBI_Life_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 Subrata Nag Choudhary

KOLKATA, India (Reuters) -An Indian police volunteer was convicted on Saturday of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a hospital in the eastern city Kolkata, in the speedy trial of a crime that sparked national outrage over a lack of safety for women.

The woman's body was found in a classroom at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on Aug. 9. Other doctors stayed off work for weeks to demand justice for her and better security at public hospitals.

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Defendant Sanjay Roy said in November he was "completely innocent" and was being framed. He reiterated this in court on Saturday, saying, "I have not done this."

Roy's lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment on the verdict. They had argued there were glaring discrepancies in the investigation and forensic examination reports.

Judge Anirban Das said circumstantial evidence had proved the charges against Roy and that the sentence, to be announced on Monday, would range from life in prison to the death penalty.

"Your guilt is proved. You are being convicted," the judge said.

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The parents of the victim, who cannot be named under Indian law, expressed dissatisfaction with the probe, saying the crime could not have been committed by just one person.

"Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man," her father said. "We will remain in pain and agony until all the culprits are punished."

India's federal police, who investigated the case, described the crime as "rarest of rare" during the trial and sought the death penalty for Roy.

Several doctors chanted slogans in solidarity with the victim outside the court. Dr Aniket Mahato, a spokesperson for the junior doctors, said street protests would continue "until justice is done".

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More than 200 armed police personnel were deployed in anticipation of the verdict as Roy was brought to court in a police car.

The investigation cited 128 witnesses, of whom 51 were examined during the trial, which that began on Nov. 11 and was fast-tracked to conclude swiftly, according to court sources.

Police also charged the officer heading the local police station at the time of the crime and the then-head of the hospital with destruction of the crime scene and tampering with evidence.

The police officer is out on bail while the former head of the hospital remains in detention in connection with a separate case of financial irregularities at the hospital.

(Reporting by Subrata Nag Choudhary, writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and William Mallard)
An innocent person was killed after a murder suspect seeking to evade police during a high-speed car chase crashed into their vehicle.

The deadly incident occurred in Texas on Thursday at around 10.30 a.m. after the suspect, named by local outlets as Gabriel Cerna, collided with another vehicle on the interstate. Dallas Police had been in pursuit.

Moments before being shot, Cerna told officers he wanted to call his mother real quick, according to an police affidavit seen by WFAA.

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Pictures shared on social media of the incident appeared to show a black SUV and a smaller vehicle, also black, both with heavy damage to the front.

Officers had located Cerna at a QT gas station in Dallas County and tried to pull him over in connection with a shooting of a 36-year-old man in Dallas on December 30, police sources told WFAA. He refused and drove south to Red Oak.

An innocent man was killed after a murder suspect being chased by police crashed into his vehicle in Texas. Moments before, the suspect had told police he wanted to call his mom (WFAA)

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Cerna pushed a woman out of the drivers seat of a Jeep Wagoneer before taking off down the freeway. Police gave chase for about two and a half miles before the crash occurred involving an elderly man and a woman.

Cerna exited the car with a gun in his hand. In response to commands to drop it, the affidavit said Cerna stated that he just wants to call his mom real quick. He continued to wave the handgun around and reach inside the vehicle, affidavit said.

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He was then shot by officers multiple times.

Dallas police provided Cerna with lifesaving treatment and he was taken to the hospital. His current condition is unknown.

Authorities confirmed one person in the other vehicle  an elderly man  was killed in the crash, and another occupant was severely injured.

No further information about the victims has been confirmed.

Dallas Police said the Texas Department of Public Safety would be investigating the incident.
Inside a high-security chemical plant, a mysterious project named Lionheart is helping prepare Germany for what could be its biggest crisis since the invasion of Ukraine.

Under heavy snowfall, workers bring crates of brinewater from the Rhineland into the factory in Frankfurt and convert it into battery-grade lithium, labelled V-Lion.

If it sounds like something out of a Cold War-era thriller, you would not be wildly far off the mark.

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Lithium, also known as white gold, is a crucial ingredient in mobile phone and electric car batteries. Half of Germanys lithium batteries are sourced from China, even though Beijing poses a growing security threat to Europe.

Project Lionhearts goal is to help Germany scale back its heavy reliance on Chinese batteries.

It comes as European tensions rise with Beijing over its apparent desire to invade Taiwan and its tacit support for Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine.

Chief executive of energy firm Vulcan is leading Project Lionheart with a new chemical plant that opened in November - Uli Deck

Friedrich Merz, the Right-wing frontrunner in next months German election, has vowed to face up to China with confidence as it becomes more externally aggressive and internally repressive.

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But the former BlackRock executive will face an uphill struggle from German chief executives, as many have immensely lucrative trade ties with China and are said to be terrified of upsetting officials in Beijing.

According to Norbert Rottgen, one of Mr Merzs own MPs, the reliance on China is so extreme that the countrys sovereignty could be at risk.

Germanys trade with China is valued at around $200 billion per year, whereas in Britain the figure is just $98 billion, and $78 billion in France.

Senior officials in Mr Merzs Christian Democrats (CDU) party say that Project Lionheart is a key part of reducing that reliance, as it will help to make German electric car producers more self-sufficient.

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At Frankfurts Hochst IndustriePark, the chief executive of energy firm Vulcan  named after the Roman God of metalwork  is leading Project Lionheart with a new chemical plant that opened to great fanfare in November.

Cris Moreno, the chief executive, says that once the plant is fully operational it will produce, on German soil alone, 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium per year: enough for half a million electric cars.

This technology has been around for nearly 40 years, [but] we have been able to onshore that technology, previously it was very much dominated by China and Russia, Mr Moreno said, showing The Telegraph a white, salt-like substance in one of his V-Lion containers.

Cris Moreno said once the plant will produce enough battery-grade lithium for half a million electric cars per year - James Rothwell

He emphasised that the Vulcan plant is the first factory in the world to recycle all of the lithiums byproducts, meaning it supports the environment in addition to German security interests.

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I think thats what really gives us the advantage, he said. Its not just the sustainability, its the cost, its the fact that weve onshored that supply chain. So the security part of it is that you cant take it away from Europe  its in Europe.

The name Project Lionheart comes from the Rhineland-Palatinate region, where the brinewater is extracted for conversion into battery-grade lithium. The regions famous Trifels Castle is where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned upon his return from the Third Crusade in 1192.

So far, the project has impressed senior figures in Mr Merzs CDU party. Boris Rhein, the CDU minister-president of Hesse state, said it will make a decisive contribution to Germany and Europe reducing its dependence on Chinese lithium sources.

Half of Germanys lithium batteries are sourced from China, even though Beijing poses a growing security threat to Europe - Uli Deck

While mass migration is grabbing the headlines in Germanys election campaign, China is posing a major headache behind the scenes for the CDU.

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The issue of reducing reliance on China demands a tightrope walk between global trade and national security. The country is mentioned 11 times in the CDUs manifesto, compared to just five mentions of Russia.

Amid Russias invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of Donald Trump, Germany is under pressure to become a greater security power in Europe. Experts say that cannot happen if the country is held to ransom by Russian energy providers or Chinese exporters.

Germany has made some progress on that goal under chancellor Olaf Scholz, who announced a Zeitenwende, or turning of the times, on German security policy after the invasion.

He has provided generous financial support to Ukraine and ended German reliance on cheap Russian gas, but on more ambitious security policies his heart does not seem to have been in it.

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His government has failed to deliver a planned return to conscription in Germany and he has personally shown deep reluctance to provide Kyiv with more powerful weaponry, such as long-range Taurus missiles, due to fears of provoking Russia.

An early sign that Germany might be ready to play a bigger role in global security came last Autumn when two of its warships sailed through the contested Taiwan Strait, which China claims as its own waters, for the first time in 20 years.

But experts say there is little appetite in Berlin for a major shift on China, even though Beijing is sending Moscow key weapons components for use in Ukraine, has allowed North Korean troops to join the war, and appears to be planning a land-grab of its own in Taiwan.

China, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory despite it gaining de facto independence in 1949, has reportedly started building D-Day-style barges which could be used for an invasion.

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Economically, Germany is extremely misaligned with Europe, in that its one of the only countries that still invests in large amounts in China, and is highly dependent and highly exposed to Chinese markets and revenues, said Agatha Kratz, an expert on Chinese diplomacy and trade policy at Rhodium Group, a research consultancy.

You still have policymakers and especially a chancellor [Olaf Scholz] intent on building the relationship with China and terrified of China retaliating, and closing off access for those big German firms.

To make matters even more tense, Germany is wrestling with Chinese espionage: three German citizens were charged this month with spying for Beijing. Separately, an aide to a far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD) MEP was arrested on suspicion of the same offence.

Beijing rejects this, having previously accused Berlin of exploiting the espionage allegation in order to politically manipulate the image of China and defame China.

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Mr Rottgen, who is also a foreign policy expert from the CDU, has said that Germany needs to prepare for a possible invasion as it would be massively affected by the political and economic fallout.

Germany would not be called upon in a military role. However the reactions of the USA and the West would certainly include imposing hefty economic sanctions on China. Germany could not and would not evade this, he argued in Democracy and War, a book published ahead of the German election campaign.

Olaf Scholz seems intent on building a relationship with China despite its growing support to Russia in the invasion of Ukraine - Clemens Bilan/Shutterstock

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Beijing would have the entire spectrum trade with Germany at its mercy in terms of retaliatory sanctions, he said. He added there are also entire strategic sections of Germany such as the car and chemical industries which rely on China to function.

The economic consequences would be so severe that the question arises as to whether Germanys sovereignty  would still be guaranteed in this conflict situation, he added.

As for whether Beijing will push ahead with its apparent plans to invade Taiwan remains unclear.

There are so many things that could happen short of an invasion, said Ms Kratz, citing the prospect of provocative Chinese military exercises, cyber attacks, and disruption of shipping in the Taiwan Strait.

Claus Soong, an expert at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, said he was optimistic that an invasion wont happen anytime soon as China lacks the military capability and its population, unlike Russias, is not mentally prepared for war.

We have a saying in Chinese, those who are barefoot are not afraid to pick a fight with those who wear nice shoes, he said, alluding to Russias willingness to isolate itself from the world.

Despite calling for a turning of the times on Germanys security policy, Olaf Scholz appears to be terrified of China retaliating - Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg

China, in contrast, has so much to lose if it triggers another Ukraine-style crisis by pushing ahead with an invasion, he said.

Back at the Frankfurt factory, Mr Moreno, Vulcans chief executive, is hopeful that German firms will opt for his homemade V-Lion supply of lithium over Chinas, in a world that seems to become more unstable with each passing year.

And while Germany still faces criticism over its fondness for Russian gas and Chinese commerce, he acknowledged changes on that front are definitely afoot.

Were all aware what happened with the war and the crippling effect thats had on providing reliable cheap gas, he said.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The plans for President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration had been in the works for months  but officials are now scrambling to figure out new options as freezing temperatures have forced proceedings to move inside for the first time in 40 years.

Trump confirmed his inauguration would be moving inside on Friday as temperatures are forecast to plummet to the low 20s and said he didnt want to see people hurt or injured due to the cold.

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 wrote on Truth Social.

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Dignitaries and guests will also be brought into the Capitol building. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience! he said.

Supporters who have traveled to the Capitol expressed disappointment over the plans (REUTERS)

The announcement triggered frantic calls and emergency meetings amongst officials, as many members of Congress only heard about the new plans via the media, the Washington Post reports.

Staff had to quickly get to work assembling a new podium inside the Rotunda for the ceremony.

Due to the number of people who can fit in the Rotunda, the new plans mean that many lawmakers will likely be unable to attend. When Reagans 1985 inauguration was held in the Rotunda, only 96 people were invited, according to reports from the time, and not everyone on Trumps guestlist will be able to fit inside.

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Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt) told Axios that she was still trying to figure out what this announcement means, and that there is definitely not enough room in the Rotunda. Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas) acknowledged to the outlet that he will likely not be in the building either, but said he would remain with his 46 guests.

The Joint Congressional Committee, the bipartisan group tasked with planning the event, distributed 220,000 tickets for the inauguration, but ticketholders have been advised the event will now be commemorative, according to an email sent on Friday by the House Sergeant at Arms, the Post reports. The majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person, the email said.

Officials scrambled to pull new plans together on Friday (AFP via Getty Images)

The change of plans and the Arctic temperatures have caused many inauguration goers to reconsider their trips to D.C. altogether, while some of those already in the nations capital expressed disappointment.

Supporters and many major donors will watching the swearing-in live at the Capitol One Arena where it will be screened  and Trump said he planned to join the crowd after the ceremony in the Rotunda.

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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 to experience the event, told NBC News. We came here to watch it in person. We dont really care to watch it on a Jumbotron.

We made all of the plans and all of the arrangements to come up and be a part of this event, and  its kind of a bummer, Jose Granado, who traveled from Florida, told the network.

The move comes eight years after Trump obsessed about the crowd size at his first inauguration.
ARCOLA, Ill. (WCIA)  Authorities are investigating after a man was shot in a small Douglas County community Friday morning. The situation has left many people in town shocked.

The shooting happened in Arcola in the area of South Pine and East Washington Streets. Authorities said the man was shot around midnight and taken to a hospital in Urbana in serious condition.

Some people in town said a crime like this is unusual for the City of Arcola.

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We have no bad neighborhoods in Arcola, said Arcola resident Vicki Gilbert. I would be comfortable living anywhere in this town.

Springfield man dies in structure fire

Thats why this shooting has people in town shaken up. Authorities said this man was shot in a residential neighborhood.

I want my community to feel safe and keeping our town a small town with a lot of love, said Mayor Jesus Garza. Big love, big heart, thats why we like to do.

Garza said he cant even remember the last time a shooting has happened in the city, its likely been years.

I saw that on Facebook this morning, and I was quite shocked about that, Gilbert said.

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Christian Co. Health Dept. warns of fake health inspector

Gilbert has lived in Arcola for 50 years and said shes lived there for that long because it feels safe. Mayor Garza said right now the city has six full time officers but would like to see more.

He plans to meet with the city administrator next week and the police chief to work through any concerns.

We are planning to hire more police, and we are planning to find a way that we can enforce this, Garza said. Not have more people shooting around here in Arcola because this town is family.

State Police is handling the investigation and authorities said there is no threat to the public.

We have no details on the condition of the victim at this time.

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Dont let Israels approval of the Gaza ceasefire fool you: There are deep schisms in Israeli politics that could threaten the longevity of the deal.

The ceasefire as agreed to in Qatar is set to last 42 days. Over that period, 33 hostages are expected to be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, there will be a slow withdrawal of the Israeli military from urban centers in Gaza and a surge of humanitarian aid.

Israels government approved the deal with Hamas after deliberations among the 33-member cabinet lasted for seven hours and unusually ran into early Saturday morning on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest.

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But it is very much not a permanent end to the war, nor does it guarantee freedom for the 65 hostages who would remain in Gaza at the end of this first phase  many of whom are likely dead. That is yet to be negotiated, starting by day 16 of the truce.

People walk in front of Gaza City's 17th century Qasr al-Basha, or the Pasha's Palace, on January 5, 2024. - AFP/Getty Images

Whether any of it comes to pass may be dictated by the vagaries of Israeli politics. The deal to which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed is remarkably similar to a proposal he railed against for almost a year.

We havent committed to any of the delusional demands of Hamas, the Israeli prime minister said in February last year. I told (US Secretary of State) Antony Blinken we are nearly there with complete victory.

The proposal he was criticizing would have seen a multi-stage ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. That happens to be the exact thing to which Netanyahu has now agreed.

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Though Hamas is undeniably weakened, Israel has not achieved the complete victory that Netanyahu long promised. We assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it is lost, Blinken said this week.

Netanyahus extremist allies in government are confused by his sudden about-face.

I love Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will make sure that he continues to be prime minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, the national security minister, said in a statement Friday morning. But I will leave (government) because the deal that was signed is disastrous.

Ben Gvir has said that his Jewish Power party will withdraw from the governing coalition if the ceasefire and hostage deal goes through. His departure would not by itself be enough to topple the government. And he could well return  it will be hard to step away from power for a man who not long ago was on the very fringes of politics, having been convicted of inciting terrorism and considered so extreme that the Israeli military rejected him from service.

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But what could topple the government is if Ben Gvir is joined by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in withdrawing from Netanyahus coalition. Smotrich, also an extreme right-wing nationalist, wants to make sure that the peace in Gaza is not permanent, and that Israel goes back to war after the 42-day ceasefire that is expected to see 33 hostages released.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrives at the annual Jerusalem Day march on June 5, 2024. - Ammar Awad/Reuters

While Smotrichs departure would break Netanyahus coalition, his government could be saved by his rival, Yair Lapid of the opposition Yesh Atid party, who has offered a political lifeline to the prime minister by supporting him in the legislature. That means that Lapid would hold a sword over Netanyahus neck, could collapse the government and bring about an election whenever he chooses  a threat the prime minister will surely do anything to avoid.

It is unclear whether Netanyahu has given Smotrich any promises to secure his support  solving todays crisis is more important than solving tomorrows. He is clearly keen for it, having met with Smotrich twice in the hours leading up to the ceasefire announcement in Qatar. President Biden said Wednesday the plan says if negotiations take longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue, as long as the negotiations continue. But were Israel to begin bombing on day 43, the agreement would collapse.

In the hours after the Qatari prime minister announced the agreement on Wednesday, Netanyahus office sent a cascade of press releases accusing Hamas of reneging on promises to give Israel a veto over some Palestinian prisoners due to be released.

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The statements made clear that he was being tough by telling his team to stand firm. Those 11th-hour hitches may have been real  though Hamas denies it. But the very public chest-beating crediting the prime ministers firm stance was surely intended to placate the domestic, far-right audience. Once the differences were bridged, the cabinet appeared to fast-track its approval  moving a planned Saturday meeting to the final hours of Friday.

Another factor may also be at the center of Netanyahus capitulation to this initial ceasefire: incoming American president Donald Trump.

His self-styled image as the American president who ends foreign wars will surely bring an enormous amount of pressure on Netanyahu to stay with the agreement, for which Trump has taken credit and dubbed EPIC.

Netanyahu was able to ignore President Joe Bidens overtures, confident that he had an even more steadfast ally, Trump, waiting in the wings.

Now he has no such luxury.

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The long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release deal between the Israeli government and Hamas will take effect on Sunday, potentially signaling a new chapter in a bloody 15-month conflict that has enflamed the Middle East.

The deal, which is made up of three phases, will come into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time (1:30 a.m. ET) on Sunday.

The first phase, expected to last six weeks, will see a pause to the fighting in Gaza and the release of 33 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

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Humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip will also be ramped up; 600 trucks will now be sent into the enclave per day, a significant increase from the 614 truckloads of aid that entered Gaza in the first two weeks of January, according to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The deal was reached between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday, but still needed final approval from the Israeli government before it could be enacted.

The 33-member cabinet deliberated for more than seven hours into early Saturday before green-lighting the agreement, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office. There were 24 votes in favor of the deal and eight against, an Israeli official told CNN, with communications minister Shlomo Karhi abstaining.

It will be the second ceasefire since the war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. The military offensive launched by Israel in response has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians and injured more than 110,000 in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its figures.

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Though Israels Supreme Court will still hear appeals by Israelis opposing freedom for any Palestinian prisoners slated for release, that process is not expected to delay the start of the ceasefire.

Hostages released

The breakthrough has inspired fresh  yet cautious  hope among the families of Israeli hostages still trapped in Gaza, many of whom do not know if their relatives are dead or alive.

Nobody knows the fate of their loved one for sure, Sharone Lifschitz, whose father has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, told CNNs Christiane Amanpour. If he has stayed alive, its a wonderful miracle.

Foreign hostages, including Americans, are expected to be released in addition to the 33 Israeli hostages, a source familiar told CNN Friday.

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Three female Israeli civilian hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released on the first day, according to two US officials. Ninety-five Palestinian prisoners are set to be released after 4 p.m. local time Sunday, Israels Ministry of Justice said.

Hamas and its allies still hold 94 people taken from Israel 15 months ago. At least 34 of them are dead, according to the Israeli government, though the true number is expected to be higher.

All but 10 of the 94 hostages are Israeli or dual citizens, while eight are from Thailand, one is from Nepal, and one is from Tanzania, according to the Israeli Prime Ministers Office.

Negotiations for the second and third phases of the ceasefire will begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal, according to an Israeli official.

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A joint operations room will be established in Cairo to monitor the implementation of the deal and will include representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, Israel, and Palestinian officials, according to Egypts state-affiliated Al Qahera News, citing a senior Egyptian official.

Humanitarian relief

The deal also offers an opportunity for humanitarian workers to shuttle much-needed aid into the battered Gaza enclave, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are starving, according to the United Nations, and living conditions are dire.

Hundreds of aid trucks carrying food, clothing, medical supplies and other relief materials, are lined up at the Rafah border crossing in anticipation of the deal going into effect Sunday, Al Qahera News reported. The trucks came from various areas of the Egyptian region of North Sinai, and some have been waiting for months, the news outlet said.

However, the United Nations warned Thursday the increased aid allotment would be only a start in addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

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The start of the ceasefire will be a reprieve for Gazans who have endured 15 months of relentless Israeli strikes, which have reduced much of the enclave to rubble.

Scenes of jubilation emerged across Gaza shortly after mediator Qatar announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had come to the agreement, though Israels bombardment has ramped up in the days since.

Israeli strikes have killed more than 122 people since the ceasefire deal was announced, including 33 children, according to Gazas Civil Defense.

The first ceasefire, in November 2023, lasted about a week. In that period, 105 hostages being held by Hamas  primarily women, children and elderly people  were released, while Israel released about 240 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.

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Netanyahu faced major political fallout ahead of the cabinet meeting to approve the deal, with two far-right parties threatening to quit the government if the deal went through  a move that could cause the prime minister to lose his majority in the Knesset, or parliament.

Netanyahu told his security cabinet on Friday that he received guarantees from negotiators that the US would back a return to war if future talks with Hamas break down, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim, Abeer Salman, Caitlin Danaher, Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Sana Noor Haq, Kareem Khadder, Jeremy Diamond, Lauren Kent, Helen Regan, Eric Levenson and Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Americans held hostage by the terror group Hamas for the past 15 months could soon finally walk free.

Israels government is expected to give final approval Friday of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which could start as soon as Sunday and signal the release of at least two American hostages.

The ceasefire marks a hopeful turning point for Israel, for the Palestinian people and particularly, for the families of the hostages who have waited so long in agony, said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

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The three-phase deal begins with a temporary pause in the fighting, the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

For 15 months, they have suffered unimaginable destruction, Schumer said.

Schumer, the Senates top Democrat and the countrys highest-ranking Jewish official, celebrated the deal Friday on the Senate floor. The incoming Trump administration will oversee the other phases.

We must make sure that the terrorists of Hamas can never again pose a threat to Israel or to the region, Schumer said.

To start the second phase, Israel and Hamas have to agree to a permanent ceasefire, which will also release another round of hostages and prisoners.

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You may get a loose end, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On Thursday, Blinken recognized the complexities of the negotiations even after President Joe Biden announced the agreement Wednesday.

Were tying up that loose end as we speak, Blinken said.

Blinken didnt get into specifics, but everything still came together Friday.

This is a moment of tremendous relief for Israelis and Palestinians alike, Blinken said.

In the final phase, Hamas would release the bodies and remains of the hostages it murdered, and major reconstruction efforts in Gaza would start.

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The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has urged the incoming Trump administration in US to prioritise reciprocal trade agreements with India, particularly in defence, digital services and pharmaceuticals among others. The council in a statement on Saturday outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen the commercial relationship between the two nations under the new US administration. These recommendations focus on areas of trade, technology, energy security, defense, and supply chain resilience, all aimed at advancing shared interests and spurring robust growth in both economies. The USIBC urged that negotiating sector-specific agreements can unlock billions of dollars in economic potential and create new jobs on both sides. Additionally, the council recommended the creation of a US-India Trade Council to focus on high-growth industries such as critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. USIBC highlighted the opportunity for both nations in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, with a suggestion to form US-India AI and Deep Tech Public-Private Council to promote joint research and ethical frameworks. This initiative would encourage collaboration in areas like AI for healthcare and autonomous systems, boosting both countries' leadership in tech innovation, the USIBC added. To address India's growing energy demand, the USIBC calls for deeper cooperation in the energy sector. The council recommended to form a US-India Energy Trade Alliance focused on oil, gas, and nuclear power, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). According to the council, this partnership will enhance energy security and help India to meet its clean energy goals while fostering reliable and diversified energy supply chains. USIBC advocated for a formal Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to strengthen the U.S.-India partnership in pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and medical goods. USIBC also recommended to create a fast-track STEM visa program to facilitate the exchange of skilled professionals between the US and India. USIBC called for expanded defense cooperation between the US and India, with recommendations that include co-production agreements, joint R&D in defense technologies, and the launch of a Defense Tech Innovation Challenge. To foster innovation, the USIBC emphasised the need for stronger intellectual property (IP) protections in India. The council recommended to launch an Intellectual Property Protection Incubator to provide training, resources, and legal assistance for U.S. companies operating in India. The USIBC urges the new administration to support infrastructure projects in India, particularly those valued over USD 1 billion, by establishing a fast-track program to expedite approvals and reduce delays. (ANI)
Israels full cabinet has voted to approve the ceasefire-hostage release deal with Hamas. Independent journalist Noga Tarnopolsky joins MNSBCs Ali Velshi to discuss what happens next in Gaza as Israeli continues its deadly airstrikes.
The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip agreed by Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement is set to come into effect at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) on Sunday morning, mediator Qatar announced on Saturday, offering the prospect of peace after 15 months of conflict.

"As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari wrote on the social media platform X.

The official advised inhabitants of the coastal territory to "take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources."

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Al-Ansari had previously announced that the ceasefire would start a little later, at 12:15 pm.

The first release of hostages held in Gaza is nonetheless expected at 4 pm on Sunday, according to the Israeli news portal Ynet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government approved the ceasefire and hostage deal early on Saturday after long deliberations, following earlier backing from the security Cabinet.

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had threatened to leave Netanyahu's coalition government if it approved the deal, according to media reports.

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Israeli media reported that 24 ministers ultimately backed the deal and eight opposed it.

Hope for hostages

The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts from the United States, Egypt and Qatar through indirect negotiations to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding.

The three-phase agreement 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, a total of 1,904 Palestinians are to be released from Israeli prisons and camps, the Israeli government announced. In return, Hamas is to release 33 out of 98 Israeli hostages during the six-week pause in fighting.

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The prisoners set to be released are mainly considered to be Hamas fighters who were captured during the war in Gaza.

The other 737 Palestinians to be released were imprisoned for minor offences such as stone-throwing in the West Bank or illegal border crossing, illicit possession of weapons or other infractions.

However, this group also includes some Palestinians serving sentences for serious crimes such as murder, according to a list published by the Israeli Justice Ministry.

The first three hostages are due to be handed over on Sunday, with media reporting that Hamas is due to name them on Saturday. All three are expected to be civilians.

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In return, Israel's Justice Ministry has published a list with the names of more than 90 prisoners who are to be exchanged for the first hostages on Sunday.

Under Israeli law, relatives of terrorism victims can appeal the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. The government decision gives them 24 hours to file a petition to the Supreme Court.

However, the judges are not expected to have any reason to thwart the agreement.

Next steps

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is due to reopen under the agreement, with humanitarian aid deliveries for the Palestinians to be significantly ramped up.

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In May last year, Israel took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, in an operation that halted aid deliveries via the vital facility into the heavily populated coastal strip.

On Saturday, Egypt's ministers of health and social solidarity inspected the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing with Gaza and a logistics area where about 600 aid trucks are stationed, local officials said.

Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghafar said Egypt is ready to receive the injured Palestinians leaving Gaza in the coming days.

The Israeli military is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. Those who fled to the south of the sealed-off coastal strip should be able to move freely again and return to their former homes in northern Gaza, under international supervision.

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The warring parties intend to clarify the details of the second and third phases of the agreement - aiming for a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - during the first phase of the ceasefire.

However, it is unclear whether the deal will hold, given the deep mutual suspicion on both sides of the conflict, with many details of the agreement still to be resolved.

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.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli government ratified the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, after a cabinet meeting that lasted more than six hours and ended in the early hours of Saturday.

Under the deal, bitterly opposed by some cabinet hardliners, a six-week ceasefire is due to take effect on Sunday, with the first of a series of hostage-for-prisoner exchanges that could open the way to ending the 15-month war in Gaza.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie and Alex Cornwell; Editing by Chris Reese)
By Alexander Cornwell and Nidal al-Mughrabi

TEL AVIV/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel approved a ceasefire deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday that involves releasing hostages in the Gaza Strip, and Israeli forces carried out new attacks in the enclave before the agreement's scheduled start on Sunday.

The three-phased agreement is set to halt a 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza's rulers Hamas that has decimated the Gaza Strip, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destabilised the Middle East.

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The war was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Gaza since.

The Israeli cabinet ratified the ceasefire deal which is meant to stop fighting and see the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in return for scores of Palestinians jailed in Israel. Its first stage will last six weeks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was still waiting for a list of hostages to be released and reserved the right to resume the war, with U.S. backing, should the second stage of the ceasefire prove futile.

"If we must return to fighting we will do that in new, forceful ways," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

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In Gaza, Israeli warplanes have kept up attacks since the deal was agreed, and pounded the territory on Saturday.

Israeli tanks shelled Gaza City and airstrikes hit central and southern Gaza, residents said. Medics in Gaza said five people were killed in an airstrike that hit a tent in the Mawasi area, west of the city of Khan Younis.

The Israeli military said that since Friday it had struck Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters who were among 50 "terror targets" it hit across Gaza.

Nearly 47,000 have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Palestinian health ministry, including 123 killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire deal was announced on Wednesday, according to emergency services.

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COUNTDOWN

In Tel Aviv, a large clock at the so-called Hostage Square by Israel's defence headquarters was still counting the days, hours, minutes and seconds since the hostages were taken. Protests for their release have been held there regularly since.

Hundreds gathered there on Saturday night, marking the second birthday of the youngest hostage, Kfir Bibas.

Images of his terrified mother Shiri surrounded by Palestinian gunmen and clutching her two young red-haired sons moments before they were dragged off to Gaza began circulating soon after they were seized. Father Yarden was also abducted.

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"Today I tried to write a birthday message for his second birthday, for the second time, for a child who cannot celebrate, a child who isn't here, a child who might not even be alive. But no words came, only tears," said Ofri Bibas, Kfir's aunt.

The Gaza ceasefire will come into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday. The White House expects three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross.

Thirty-three of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives, are to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire. In return, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinians from its jails.

They include 737 male, female and teen-aged prisoners, some of whom are members of militant groups convicted of attacks that killed dozens of Israelis, as well as hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza in detention since the start of the war.

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Israel's Justice Ministry published their details early on Saturday, along with the ceasefire agreement, which said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday.

After Sunday's hostage release, lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk said, the accord calls for four more female hostages to be freed after seven days, followed by the release of three further hostages every seven days thereafter.

With the Gaza accord opposed by some Israeli cabinet hard-liners, media reports said 24 ministers in Netanyahu's coalition government voted in favour of the deal while eight opposed it.

One of them was far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said his party's ministers will submit resignation letters on Sunday.

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MISSILES

The Gaza conflict caused shockwaves across the region, triggering a war with the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and bringing Israel into direct conflict with Iran for the first time.

The Yemeni Houthis, also backed by Iran, have carried out hundreds of attacks on what they say are Israeli-linked cargo ships travelling via the Red Sea and fired missiles at Israel, which has retaliated with airstrikes in Yemen.

At least two missiles were fired from Yemen on Saturday, the Israeli military said, setting off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the southern resort town of Eilat before they were intercepted.

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In Tel Aviv, a Palestinian man stabbed and wounded one person, police said, before he was shot by a passerby. His condition was not immediately clear.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie, Alexander Cornwell and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Nidal Al Mughrabi in Cairo, Hatem Khaled in Gaza and Ahmed Tolba and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo; Writing by Maayan Lubell, Cynthia Osterman and John Davison; Editing by David Gregorio, William Mallard, Timothy Heritage and Diane Craft)
The Israeli cabinet has approved an agreement with the Palestinian Hamas terrorist group regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Israeli government website; Reuters

Details: Late in the evening on Friday, 17 January, after a session lasting over six hours, the government ratified the agreement, which may pave the way for ending the 15-month-long war in the Palestinian enclave controlled by Hamas.

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Quote: "The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday [19 January 2025]."

Details: 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.

Furthermore, humanitarian assistance will be delivered to the Gaza Strip, including 600 lorries of supplies, 50 petrol tankers, 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.

Background:

An agreement between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza and the initiation of a ceasefire was officially signed in Doha, Qatar, on 16 January.

On 17 January, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that negotiation teams from Israel and Hamas had signed the agreement.

A statement from Netanyahu's office indicated that the prime minister had convened a Security Cabinet meeting on Friday to vote on the deal.

On 15 January, US President Joe Biden confirmed that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement had been reached between Hamas terrorists and Israel.

On the morning of 16 January, the Israeli prime minister's office reported that the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas had refused to support a number of ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip, thereby disrupting the hostage release process.

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The Israeli government has formally approved the ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of some hostages, soon halting the conflict that has been raging for 15 months.

The Israeli Cabinet voted in favor of the deal in the early morning hours in Jerusalem on Saturday, according to The Associated Press. The release of hostages and the ceasefire in the region will begin on Sunday, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages release will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom, the office said, according to CNN.

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A group of 33 ministers greenlit the deal after getting approval from the security cabinet on Friday. Israels highest court will wait 24 hours for any potential appeals.

The beginning of the ceasefire will likely permit the freeing of three Israeli civilian female hostages held in Gaza on Sunday. Some 90 Palestinian female prisoners and children will be exchanged in return.

The start of the ceasefire on Sunday should present a six-week period of peace between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Israeli military. The fighting is expected to halt while Israeli soldiers are set to retreat from the populated areas in Gaza.

The initial ceasefire deal, the second since the conflict started on Oct. 7, 2023, was struck on Wednesday.

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The fighting in Gaza will stop and soon the hostages will return home to their families, President Biden said on Wednesday.

He added that in the first phase of the three-phase plan, Americans are also expected to be released. Biden said that if negotiations to proceed to the second phase exceed two weeks, the pause in fighting should continue.

Negotiations will go forward for as long as it takes, he said.

In phase two, an exchange for living hostages in Gaza, including Israeli military and men of military age is expected to take place.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A total of 1,904 Palestinians are to be released from Israeli prisons and camps during the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli government has announced.

In return, Hamas is to release 33 out of 98 Israeli hostages during the six-week pause in fighting, which is set to begin on Sunday morning.

According to the Israeli government, the Palestinians include 1,167 detained residents of the Gaza Strip who were not involved in the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel by Hamas and other extremists.

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They are mainly considered to be Hamas fighters who were captured during more than 15 months of fighting.

The other 737 Palestinians to be released are imprisoned for minor offences such as stone-throwing in the West Bank or illegal border crossing, illegal weapons possession or other infractions.

However, this group also includes Palestinians serving sentences for serious crimes such as murder, according to a list published by the Israeli Justice Ministry of 22 prisoners to be released who are accused of serious attacks on Israelis.

This includes individuals such as Zakaria Zubeidi, who was the commander of the armed wing of the Fatah movement, the Al-Aqsa Brigades, in Jenin during the second Intifada from 2000.

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Approximately 3,500 Palestinians and more than 1,000 Israelis were killed during the uprising from 2000 to 2005.

The list also names Mahmoud Atallah, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of a Palestinian woman accused of collaborating with Israel, as well as Wael Qassem and Wissam Abbasi, who are alleged to have been involved in bombings in Israel with dozens of fatalities.

However, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner in Israel, Marwan Barghouti from the Fatah leadership, is not to be released. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2004 for five counts of murder.
The Israeli military on Saturday said it intercepted a rocket from Yemen, one day before a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas is set to take effect.

Residents rushed to shelters as alerts sounded in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel.

There were no initial reports of casualties or damage.

Yemen's Houthi militia, a Hamas ally, has so far not claimed the attack.

The Iran-backed group has been firing missiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas since the October 7 attacks triggered the war in Gaza.

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A long-awaited ceasefire in the coastal territory is due to begin early on Sunday, with 33 Israeli hostages set to be released in the first phase of the deal, in exchange for more than 700 Palestinian prisoners.

People walk by the coast after sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, following a ballistic missile attack from Yemen. According to the IDF, the Israeli air force intercepted missiles launched by Yemen's Houthis on Saturday morning. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
SMPL Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], January 18: COCOVO, a natural personal care brand rooted in sustainability, is pleased to announce its collaboration with The Organic World, Bangalore's trusted retailer for organic and eco-friendly products. This partnership is built on shared values of sustainability, transparency, and making safe, toxin-free products more accessible to everyday consumers. Anwar Shabeer, Founder of COCOVO, shared: "At COCOVO, we've always believed that personal care should nurture not just the individual but also the planet. Partnering with The Organic World feels natural because of our mutual commitment to offering high-quality, sustainable alternatives. This partnership will help us reach a community that cares deeply about what they use and the impact it has on the world around them." This collaboration ensures that COCOVO's range of natural personal care products will be available across The Organic World's stores, which have become a go-to destination for Bangalore's eco-conscious consumers. With The Organic World's presence in neighborhoods across the city and a strong focus on ethical sourcing, the partnership aims to provide customers with options they can trust--both in terms of effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Why This Partnership Matters: * A Shared Vision: Both brands emphasize the importance of safe, chemical-free products and are dedicated to creating an ecosystem where conscious choices are easier to make. * Community Connection: The Organic World attracts a loyal, sustainability-focused customer base, providing a unique opportunity for COCOVO to engage with like-minded individuals. * Long-Term Growth: As The Organic World continues to expand its reach, this partnership offers a platform to grow alongside a brand that shares COCOVO's values. COCOVO's personal care products, crafted with natural ingredients and free from harmful chemicals, are a reflection of the brand's philosophy: "Humbled by Nature, Inspired by Life." This collaboration is a step forward in making responsible and sustainable personal care the norm rather than the exception. About the Collaboration, Anwar added: "This is more than a business partnership--it's about creating meaningful change. By working with The Organic World, we hope to inspire more people to choose products that are kinder to themselves and the environment. It's an exciting journey, and we're grateful to be sharing it with a partner that truly understands the value of conscious living." About COCOVO: COCOVO is a natural personal care brand dedicated to creating toxin-free, sustainable products. Designed for the conscious consumer, the brand aims to redefine personal care by combining the best of nature with ethical production practices. About The Organic World: With a growing network of stores across Bangalore, The Organic World is a retailer committed to providing organic, natural, and responsibly sourced products. The brand champions chemical-free living and works to create an accessible space for sustainability-minded consumers. Together, COCOVO and The Organic World hope to create an impact that goes beyond products, encouraging customers to make mindful choices that benefit both personal health and the planet. For more information, please visit: https://cocovo.in/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government has approved the ceasefire and hostage deal with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, following earlier backing from the security Cabinet.

After hours of deliberation, Israel's government voted in favour of the agreement with Hamas, Netanyahu's office announced early on Saturday.

The decision had been expected despite the resistance of some far-right ministers.

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The government meeting started later than planned and extended into the Jewish Sabbath, which began late Friday afternoon.

After the government's decision, opponents can appeal to the High Court of Justice. However, the court is unlikely to intervene.

The ceasefire is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 1015 GMT.
Russia and Iran have signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which includes enhanced military cooperation that could help Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement on 17 January 2025 that provides numerous benefits for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

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Quote: "The agreement addresses issues spanning enhanced defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, nuclear energy use and cooperation, transportation support and development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and a clause stipulating that neither party shall allow third parties to use their territory to threaten the security of the other among other economic and social areas of partnership."

More details: Of particular note are the agreements on the so-called military-technical cooperation, which envisage the supply of Shahed attack drones and other military equipment that Russia can use to continue the war against Ukraine.

In particular, Iran could help Russia increase the production of Shahed drones in Russia, which would reduce dependence on imports and ensure a steady flow of necessary equipment for further military operations.

A bilateral agreement could also lead to the establishment of aircraft refuelling centres and a Russian naval presence in Iran, strengthening Russia's military presence in the Middle East.

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Quote: "Russia could use Iranian territory to support some of its operations in North Africa and the Middle East despite Iran's suboptimal geographic location when compared to Syria's proximity to Russia's basing in Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. Russia may also use the agreement to establish a more permanent military presence in Iran in the long term. However, Iran may be reluctant to such efforts due to the possibility of further Western sanctions and retaliation."

Details: The agreement also aims to help Russia avoid sanctions and ease economic difficulties caused by international restrictions. Russia hopes that strengthening economic and transport ties with Iran will allow it to circumvent Western sanctions and ease domestic economic pressure.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 17 January:

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement on 17 January.

The Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement lacks a mutual defence clause, however, indicating that Russia likely lacks the bandwidth to support significant operations outside Ukraine and is prioritising its manpower needs through its mutual defence treaty with North Korea.

Russian forces seized Vremivka on 17 January as part of their efforts to envelop Velyka Novosilka and force Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the settlement.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had a phone call on 17 January indicating the Kremlin's growing concerns over Armenia's deepening ties with the West.

Recently declassified US documents highlight the integral role of US monetary and technical assistance in expanding Ukraine's domestic drone production capabilities and how US national security is directly benefiting by integrating lessons learned from Ukraine in Americas defence industry.

Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and the Kharkiv, Kupiansk, Borova, Toretsk, Pokrovsk and Kurakhove fronts.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree on 17 January authorising calling up Russian reservists ("personnel mobilisation resource" or "zapas") for training in 2025.

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ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, officials from her office said on Friday, in a trip that should further strengthen her ties with the U.S. leader.

Meloni paid a flying visit to Trump earlier this month at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, winning praise from the incoming president, who called her "a fantastic woman."

Trump has broken with precedent and invited several foreign leaders to the inauguration ceremony. Historically, they have not attended due to security concerns and have sent diplomats in their stead.

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In addition to Meloni, Argentina's president, Javier Milei, another strong Trump supporter, has said he will attend, according to reports. However, another Trump backer, Hungary's Viktor Orban, will not be attending, his spokesman said this week.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will also not be attending, despite an invitation, but is sending an envoy.

Meloni's supporters hope the conservative Italian leader will have privileged access to Trump over the next four years and become a bridge between Washington and Europe.

(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte and Crispian Balmer; Editing by Leslie Adler)
JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Jackson County Sheriff says deputies are investigating after a chase that spanned parts of Jackson County and two counties in Tennessee.

Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen said that deputies began the chase after a vehicle fled a traffic stop in Scottsboro around noon on Friday. He said the vehicle then led deputies on a chase with speeds reaching over 115 mph before fleeing into Tennessee.

Missing Huntsville realtor was last seen leaving liquor store with 2 women, family releases statement

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Harnen said that local law enforcement then pursued the vehicle in Franklin County and Lincoln County, Tennessee.

In a post on social media, Huntland School in Franklin County, TN said it was placed on lockdown Friday afternoon as a precaution due to a police pursuit that originated in Alabama during this time.

Harnen said Tennessee law enforcement eventually lost sight of the vehicle but it was seen returning to Alabama on Highway 65 around 2:30 p.m. He said deputies resumed the pursuit but the vehicle left the roadway and wrecked shortly after.

The sheriff said the occupant of the vehicle then fled into the woods. He said deputies worked to search the area most of the afternoon but were unable to locate the driver of the car.

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Harnen said the investigation into the chase is ongoing at this time and that investigators have a suspect in the incident. The sheriff said his office plans to pursue felony fleeing charges against that suspect.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is holding a Sheriffs Neighborhood Crime Prevention Walk on Saturday morning.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Sheriff T.K. Waters and District 1 Commander Jimmy Ricks will be there.

This event is a chance for the community to talk to local police about the crime in their area.

Youre asked to meet at the Wells Fargo bank on North Main Street at 10:30 a.m.

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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Hundreds of volunteers from across the country are in California trying to help wildfire victims.

Charlotte Rodriguez is from Jacksonville and arrived in California Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. She works with information and planning for the Red Cross.

She said conditions are not good and many people still dont know what state their homes are in.

The best way to help when youre on the other coast is not necessarily to send us diapers or water, but to send financial donations, Rodriguez said. Financial donations give us the opportunity to get what we need when we need it and to get it to the clients much faster.

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You can make donations on the Red Crosss website. Rodriguez said people should not wait for disaster to strike to become a Red Cross volunteer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
JD Vance has billed himself as a champion of the working class.

Some have called the vice president-elect Trumpier than Trump.

Like President-elect Donald Trump, whose appeal with working class voters got him elected twice as president, Vance has supported protectionism by stifling foreign competition on trade and immigration. That policy translates to higher tariffs and other barriers on imported goods and restrictions on immigration.

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But unlike Trump, the former Republican senator from Ohio also has supported traditionally liberal agenda favorites such as a child tax credit and increasing minimum wage and opposed further corporate tax cuts. Hes praised President Joe Bidens Federal Trade Commission head for antitrust enforcement and embraced trade unions  even walking a picket line  a move that puts him closer to liberal lawmakers such as Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute and a longtime friend, says that as a senator, Vance was more of a populist and nationalist on economic issues than Trump.

JD is heavily interested in improving the wages of working-class Americans, he said. That seems to be a big focus of his, and I think that animates a lot of the specific policy positions that he takes.

Vance has never been a darling of the traditional free-market conservatives that dominate the Republican party. So will he be able to push economic policy ideas alien to the Republican orthodoxy as well as ones not currently aligned with Trump? Will his two years in the U.S. Senate give him an edge as he sells Trumps economic agenda to congressional Republicans and even some Democrats?

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Vance is widely seen as an heir apparent to Trump given that the 78-year-old president-elect is only eligible to serve one term. Experts and people close to Vance say that while he might have some influence on Trumps thinking, his agenda will not differ from his bosss outlook. They also point to the fact that Trump did not have a policy director during his campaign and that he likes to oversee the economic portfolio himself.

Vance, 40, shot to fame as the author of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir set in his hometown of Middletown, that lays bare the plight of white working-class Americans in an Ohio steel town that has been hemorrhaging jobs and hope. The book was seen by many as an explainer-of-sorts of the 2016 election victory of Trump and a window into his voter base in the rust belt and elsewhere.

Strain expects Vance to be a big contributor to the administration's priorities and policies -- and he doesnt expect the two of them to be at odds.

At least not publicly, he said.

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Thats no surprise to Doug Holtz-Eakin, who was the chief economist in former President George H.W. Bush's Council of Economic Advisers and served as director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office during former President George W. Bushs term.

Presidents agendas dominate, vice presidents adapt to the president's agenda, he said.

However, Vance would have some opportunity to influence Trump through the power of his personality and reasoning, Holtz-Eakin said.

But he's going to have to make the case that it's in his political interest, he said.

Trump also is increasingly cognizant of Vance being his successor and of the need to set him up to succeed, according to Holtz-Eakin. And giving him a victory on policy issues is one way to do that, he said.

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Vance, whose father walked out on the family when he was a toddler and whose mother was dealing with drug addiction, was primarily raised by his working-class grandparents in Middletown, about 30 miles north of Cincinnati. Vance enlisted in the military directly out of high school joined the Marines and worked as a military journalist from 2003 to 2007. He graduated from Ohio State University and went on to obtain a law degree from Yale Law School.

Vance, who went on to pursue a career in the tech industry as a venture capitalist, has written and spoken passionately about the sense of hopelessness and the lack of economic opportunity among the white working class in the rust belt contending with shuttering steel mills and mines.

He has described himself as a member of the postliberal right, which rejects both the progressive left and its emphasis on individual rights as well as economic liberalism that favors a free market. The movement favors economic nationalism, which is in sync with Trumps America First policies.

Vance, an economic populist, has spoken up against free trade and foreign military intervention.

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Jobs were sent overseas and our children were sent to war, he said in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in July. Our country was flooded with cheap Chinese goods, with cheap foreign labor  From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the financial crisis to the Great Recession, from open borders to stagnating wages, the people who govern this country have failed and failed again.

After Vance was elected senator from Ohio in 2022, he distinguished himself with his willingness to work across the aisle.In 2023, he collaborated with former Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown to cosponsor bipartisan legislation on railroad safety after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and worked with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., on a bill to claw back executive pay when banks fail.

Vance is not an orthodoxy guy. He is a heterodox thinker. He doesn't have an intellectual paradigm, says Holtz-Eakin. It's really a hodgepodge of economic policies that he supports and that's a trend on the Republican side right now.

The newly-minted Republican Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno, who unseated Brown in the 2024 election, sees Vances time in the Senate as a major asset.

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What he brings to the vice presidency is a combination of a fresh set of eyes, a new way of thinking with a deep understanding of how the institution works, says Moreno. Because he was there, but he wasn't there long enough to be corrupted by it.

But to be clear, the captain of the ship and the person steering the ship is Trump, said Moreno.

"JD is the first mate," he said. "Like Trump, he's an outsider to the political world. So they're not burdened by, to use a Kamala Harris line, by what has been."

That's a sentiment Holtz-Eakin agrees with. He pointed to the appointment of Andrew Ferguson to lead the Federal Trade Commission. Ferguson is expected to be more lenient on American companies when it comes to mergers and acquisitions than the current head, Lina Khan, whom Vance had praised.

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"Trump's already sort of gone the other direction on the antitrust issue," he said, offering it as evidence of the limited scope of influence anyone can have on Trump.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Where does JD Vance stand on economic issues?
As JD Vance steps into his new role as vice president of the United States, so too does his family, the country's new second family.

Vance and his wife Usha and their three children will now call the vice president's mansion on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., home.

On the historic Inauguration Day, Usha Vance was by her husband's side.

PHOTO: Usha Vance and Vice President-elect, Sen. J.D. Vance arrive for service at St. John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

When Vice President Vance was sworn into office, his three young children stood by his side, along with Usha Vance and his mom, Beverly Aikins.

PHOTO: Vice President-elect former Sen. J.D. Vance reacts with his family during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Prior to his inauguration as vice president on Jan. 20, alongside President Donald Trump, JD Vance and his family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio.

PHOTO: Vice President-elect J.D. Vance arrives to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Here is what to know about Vance's family.

Second lady Usha Vance

PHOTO: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance walks out with his wife Usha Vance to speak during a rally with running mate Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, July 27, 2024, in St Cloud, Minn. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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Usha Vance, the daughter of Indian immigrants, is making history as the first Indian American second lady in the White House, and the first Hindu second lady.

JD Vance's wife, Usha Vance, set to become history-making second lady

At 39, Usha Vance is also the youngest second lady since the Truman administration, when then-38-year-old Jane Hadley Barkley, wife of former Vice President Alben Barkley, assumed the role in 1949.

The Vances met while students at Yale Law School and wed in Kentucky in 2014.

Usha Vance spent her career as an attorney, serving as a clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and going on to work for the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson.

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The mom of three left her role at Munger, Tolles & Olson in July 2024, after her husband was formally announced as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

That same month, Usha Vance spoke at the Republican National Convention, where she introduced her husband.

"My background is very different from JD's. I grew up in San Diego, in a middle-class community with two loving parents, both immigrants from India, and a wonderful sister," she said at the convention. "That JD and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry, is a testament to this great country."

Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel Vance

PHOTO: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance carries his daughter Maribel Vance as he arrives with wife Usha Vance to greet supporters at the Park Diner, July 28, 2024, in St Cloud, Minn. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

JD and Usha Vance share three children: Ewan Vance, Vivek Vance and Mirabel Vance.

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The couple keep their children largely out of the public spotlight.

The three siblings though attended the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, at the U.S. Capitol to watch their father's swearing in as vice president.

PHOTO: JD Vance is sworn in as the Vice President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/upi/shutterstock/Saul Loeb/UPI/Shutterstock)

PHOTO: Vice President-elect former Sen. J.D. Vance is sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel also joined their parents on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, when the Vances voted together in Cincinnati.

PHOTO: Republican nominee for vice president Sen. JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance fill out their ballots with their children at a polling place, Nov. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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In February 2024, JD Vance, at the time a U.S. senator from Ohio, read the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh the Places You'll Go" on the Senate floor to mark Vivek's fourth birthday.

"I'm sorry Vivek that I can't be with you for your birthday dinner, but I want you to know that Daddy loves you very much. And I'm going to read this into the record because maybe you can watch it at home," Vance said, in part, before reading the book aloud.

Beverly Aikins

PHOTO: Beverly Aikins, mother of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance attends inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

JD Vance was raised in Middletown, Ohio, by his mom Beverly Aikins and his grandmother, the late Beverly Vance, a childhood he documented in his bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy."

Aikins was in and out of JD Vance's life due to her struggles with addiction, which JD Vance wrote about in his memoir and Aikins has also acknowledged publicly.

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Donald Trump is a dad of 5, grandfather of 10: What to know about his family

Aikins told the New York Times last year, shortly before the election, that her son's memoir helped to heal their family.

"It was heartbreaking in some parts," she said of reading the book. "But it helped us grow as a family, and it opened up a line of communication that we never really had. Addiction in our house was like the elephant in the room. Nobody ever said anything about it. We do now."

In addition to attending the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, Aikins traveled from Ohio, where she still lives, to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July to watch her son receive the vice presidential nomination.

PHOTO: Republican vice presidential candidate, Sen. J.D. Vance and his mom Beverly Vance stand on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In their hometown of Middletown, Aikins has fought for her son to be recognized.

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"I just think it would be really nice if we could acknowledge that this is his hometown and put up some signs," Aikins told the city council in Middletown in December, according to The Associated Press. "He graduated from Middletown High School, comes back here frequently to visit me and take me to dinner, and I humbly request that."

Following the meeting, a city spokesperson confirmed to the AP that the city plans to post signs at its seven entry points reading, "Middletown, Hometown of J.D. Vance, 50th Vice President of the United States of America."

ABC News' Meredith Deliso contributed to this report.

JD Vance is a dad of 3: What to know about his wife, kids originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark.  The ongoing failure to pass a Jefferson County budget has led six circuit judges to send a letter to the quorum court justices and the county judge.

The letter cautions that the failure to pass a budget is stifling programs and services many people in the county depend upon. Judges Rob Wyatt, Jodi Dennis, Earnest Brown, Alex Guynn, Mac Norton and Jackie Harris said continued inaction could have devastating consequences.

Its a power struggle, Jefferson County community upset about county government shutdown over budget

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As judges, we are duty-bound to remain impartial and cannot, and will not, take a position on the disagreements underlying the budget impasse, the letter states. However, we feel compelled to highlight the dire consequences this situation is having on the administration of justice and on the well-being of those who depend on the court system.

Programs focused on at-risk youth are at-risk, the judges wrote, and have been instrumental in preventing juvenile crime and providing opportunities for at-risk youth, are now at risk of suspension.

Jefferson County has no approved budget for 2025, meaning its employees and vendors are not being paid. The quorum court, headed by Judge Gerald Robinson, has met several times to hammer out a budget but remains at an impasse as the only budget being put up for a vote by the judge is unacceptable to a majority of justices.

Its frustrating, Jefferson County employees concerned about not being paid as budget issues continue

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The judges continued that the courts are at a standstill and child custody, adoption and divorce cases cannot move forward. Also, the adult and juvenile drug courts are at risk, they said, affecting a critical resource for reducing substance abuse and recidivism.

The judges conclude that what is at stake is more than budget administration.

This budget impasse is not just an administrative challenge; it is a crisis of justice, safety, and community trust, the letter states. Every day without resolution compounds the harm to Jefferson County, eroding the confidence of our citizens in their government and threatening the safety and well-being of our community.

Jefferson County community meets to share concerns about county government shutdown

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They then urge the county judge and justices to work together and thank them for their dedication to the residents of Jefferson County.

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PNN New Delhi [India], January 18: Nettlinx Ltd. (BSE: 511658), Nettlinx provides a comprehensive suite of network solutions, including Internet services, Network Management, Data Center and Co-Location Services and Enterprise Mailing Solutions. Its primary revenue comes from business IT services, which encompass software development, consulting, & package implementation. Nettlinx Ltd provides B2B dedicated Internet Leased Lines (1:1) through a network built on world-class technology. Provides advanced Managed Network Services to enterprises in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh. It Operates through a direct presence in over 93 locations. In its board meeting held on Friday, 17th January 2025, it approved the unaudited Financial Results of the Company for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2024. Financial Highlights (Consolidated Nos) ex Other Income For quarter three ended 31 December 2024, revenue from operations grew by 40.5% from Rs. 637.8 Lakhs in Q3FY24 to Rs. 896.3 Lakhs in Q3FY25. EBITDA increased by 20.4% from Rs. 225.8 Lakhs in Q3FY24 to Rs. 271.8 Lakhs in Q3FY25. EBITDA margins decreased by 510 bps from 35.4% in Q3FY24 to 30.3% in Q3FY25. PAT increased by 470.9% from Rs. 117.5 Lakhs in Q3FY24 to Rs. 671.0 Lakhs in Q3FY25. PAT margin improved by 5,650 bps in Q3FY25. About Nettlinx Limited: Nettlinx, an Internet, IT/ITES infrastructure initiative of the Nettlinx Group, traces its origins back to the inception of ISP (Internet Service Provider) operations in 1994. With its headquarters in Hyderabad, the company has expanded its presence to encompass over 93 locations in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Nettlinx holds the foremost position as the preferred choice for consumers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, providing cutting-edge services in cable and wireless Internet access, web design, portal development, web hosting, server co-location, network management, and e-commerce solutions. With its advanced connectivity services, the company adeptly meets the needs of multi-location enterprises, ensuring smooth operation for applications like live video streaming, mailing, and web services. Disclaimer: This press release contains "forward-looking statements", that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should" or "will." Forward-looking statements, by their nature, address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of the financial, software and real estate industries, from future integration of businesses, and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements. (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)
When President Joe Biden took office four years ago, some more conservative religious freedom advocates were hopeful that he would turn down the temperature of faith-related culture wars.

As a lifelong Catholic, Biden is closely connected to many people who oppose birth control, abortion and same-sex marriage because of their religion.

The hope was that hed keep them in mind when overseeing policy battles, and temper the Democratic Partys growing disdain for legal exemptions allowing people of faith to live according to their beliefs about health care, sexuality and marriage.

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But instead of striking a balance between conservative and progressive takes on religious freedom, Biden mostly toed the Democratic party line.

He rolled back protections for religious organizations participating in federal programs, pushed for new, exemption-free protections for the LGBTQ community and fought against limitations on abortion access.

These moves and others left many conservative people of faith frustrated with his leadership.

In a column published this week, a Catholic legal analyst claimed no president has harmed religious freedom more than Biden.

Nathan Finn, senior fellow on religious liberty with the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, didnt go that far in an interview with the Deseret News, but he did speak of missed opportunities, sharing his sense that Biden failed to consistently champion religious freedom over the past four years.

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I wish that President Bidens views of religious freedom sounded more like the church that he has been a part of for his entire life rather than the party that he has led for the last four years, Finn said.

Bidens record on LGBTQ rights

Finn, who identifies as a conservative evangelical, was particularly frustrated by Bidens approach to gender and sexuality.

When proposing new laws or administrative rules related to gender identity or LGBTQ discrimination, Biden often failed to acknowledge how the policies would affect conservative religious communities, Finn said.

Instead, the president acted as if opposition to the policies amounted to bigotry.

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There was an unwillingness to champion religious freedom when it came to those who hold more conservative understandings of human gender and sexuality, Finn said.

A key source of this frustration is the Equality Act, which Biden promoted at multiple points of his presidency.

The bill, which passed the House in 2021 but then stalled in the Senate, would amend federal civil rights law to boost protections for gay and transgender Americans while also limiting the application of federal religious freedom protections.

For our LGBTQ+ Americans, lets finally get the bipartisan Equality Act to my desk. The onslaught of state laws targeting transgender Americans and their families  its simply wrong," Biden said during his 2022 State of the Union address.

FILE - President Joe Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, March 1, 2022, in Washington. A year ago, President Joe Biden used his first State of the Union address to push top Democratic priorities that were sure to face a battle in the narrowly divided Congress but he also laid out a four-pronged "unity agenda" that would be an easier sell.(Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via AP, File) | Jim Lo Scalzo, pool via Associated Press

Ironically, the comment came just before he highlighted the importance of bipartisanship, a factor that some religious freedom advocates say was missing from Bidens faith-related work over the past four years.

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In general, Biden ignored calls to find a middle ground when LGBTQ rights came up against religious freedom, wrote Stanley Carlson-Thies, founder and senior director of the nonpartisan Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, in an email.

Instead of working out a fairness for all policy to simultaneously protect LGBTQ rights and institutional religious freedom, the Biden administration weighed in heavily on the the former side, causing difficulties for many morally conservative faith-based organizations, he said.

Biden did sign the Respect for Marriage Act in December 2022, turning a proposal to strengthen protections for same-sex and interracial couples and uphold existing religious freedom rights into law.

But at the signing ceremony, he emphasized the need to pass the Equality Act next and said nothing about respecting religious objectors to same-sex marriage.

Protecting faith groups

Although Finn and Carlson-Thies are critical of Bidens approach to religious freedom in the LGBTQ rights context, they said his overall religious freedom record includes some bright spots.

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For one thing, the Biden administration worked to build bridges between faith-based charities and government officials as part of a broader push to care for the poorest Americans.

Biden also increased the pool of money available to houses of worship that were struggling to guard against potential violence, like church shootings, Carlson-Thies said.

There were greatly expanded grants and training to help houses of worship bolster their defenses against attack, he said.

Similarly, Finn praised Bidens work on antisemitism, saying that his administration proactively worked to protect the Jewish community at home and abroad.

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There was a resurgence of antisemitism in American culture and abroad over especially the second half of the Biden administration, and I think Biden ... recognized it as a problem and fought against it, he said.

Finn also praised Biden for keeping the U.S. engaged in international efforts to protect people of all faiths and no faith around the world.

Biden continued to position America as a champion of international religious freedom and made that something we care about in our diplomacy with other nations, he said.

From Biden to Trump

Finn said he hopes President-elect Donald Trump will continue that international religious freedom work even as his administration reverses course on many of Bidens other faith-related moves.

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After he takes office Monday, Trump is expected to issue a flurry of executive orders, some of which will likely reinstate heightened religious freedom protections for faith groups receiving federal money.

Its safe to predict that move, since the protections that Biden adjusted were put in place by Trump during his first administration.

But even if next week was Trumps first time in the White House, it wouldnt be a surprise for him to adjust the countrys approach to religious freedom, Finn noted.

This is one of those issues that does tend to yo-yo a little bit depending on which party is in office, he said. This is an area with fundamental disagreements between at least the public officials who are Republicans and Democrats.

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Carlson-Thies is among those hoping that the Trump administration doesnt yo-yo so far in the rightward direction that it becomes a mirror image of the Biden administration.

In other words, hed like to see Trump spend some of his political capital on resolving religious freedom battles, rather than amping them up.

The next administration has to really take seriously that were a nation of communities of different convictions and ask, How can the government help them live together? he told the Deseret News this fall.
Johnny Cupcakes is closing its flagship Newbury Street location after 18 years in business.

The popular t-shirt shop posted on social media that their final day of business will be on Sunday, January 19.

Owner and founder Johnny Earle says the decision comes after a difficult year of losing his mother and having the store burglarized.

This past year brought me clarity Im thankful for, Earle said in the post. Im letting go of one thing (my shop) to make larger space for more important things: family, hobbies, finishing writing my book, launching a creative agency, and leveling up my speaking engagements and corporate gifting custom collaboration merch program!

Earle opened Johnny Cupcakes at 332 Newbury St. in Boston in 2006. Despite the name, the store does not sell baked goods. The store is known for bakery-themed apparel from popular franchises.

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The company will continue to have online T-shirt releases but not as consistently because they want to focus on quality over quantity.

A tapestry of delightful things moving at my own pace as to allow myself space to grieve, breathe, and be present  all while never losing that sense of wonderment, Earle wrote.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  The young boy wore a suit and bow tie to his stepfathers funeral on Saturday, where he demanded a handkerchief and wiped tears off his mothers face as they buried Marckendy Natoux, one of two journalists killed by gangs in Haiti.

Natoux was fatally shot on Christmas Eve in one of the worst attacks on the press in the troubled Caribbean country, with gangs opening fire during what was supposed to be the reopening of Haitis largest public hospital.

The 42-year-old father of two spoke four languages and worked for several local and U.S. media outlets. He also taught English and Spanish and was known for his kindness.

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Natoux was a protector of journalists, recalled Oriol Jacklin, a journalist with Radio Regard FM. He worked with everyone and respected everybody.

Natoux did marketing for Voice of Americas Creole service and worked for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Boston Caribbean Network, among others.

On Dec. 24, he traveled to downtown Port-au-Prince with other journalists to cover the anticipated reopening of Haitis General Hospital, which gangs had pillaged. Shortly after he arrived, gunmen opened fire.

He was killed for bringing news to the world, said Natouxs colleague, Rene Celias.

Johnson Izo Andre, considered Haitis most powerful gang leader and part of the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs, which have taken control of 85% of Port-au-Prince, posted a video on social media claiming responsibility. He said he had not authorized the hospitals reopening.

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Natouxs colleague, Jacalin, also blamed the government for the attack, which led to the health minister being replaced.

You shouldnt invite someone to cover a media event in an area you know is dangerous, Jacalin said. The negligence of the government took the life of two journalists, one police officer and left five other journalists with bullet wounds and awaiting surgeries.

Also killed was Jimmy Jean, a 44-year-old father of six who worked for the online news outlet Moun Afe Bon. He was buried on Thursday.

Robest Dimanche, spokesman for the Online Media Collective, a group that defends the rights of online journalists in Haiti, said Natoux was full of talent and integrity as he condemned both killings.

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This was a very dark day, he said. We are asking the authorities to not let this crime go unpunished.

But its unlikely those responsible will be brought to justice.

Last year, the Committee to Protect Journalists ranked Haiti as one of the top offenders worldwide in letting journalists murders go unpunished. At least seven murders remain unsolved since 2019.

Natoux and Jean were among the more than 5,600 people reported killed across Haiti last year despite the launch of a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to help quell gang violence.

On Saturday, an additional 217 Kenyan officers arrived to join 400 others who arrived last year as the U.S. and other countries seek a U.N. peacekeeping mission, warning that the current mission lacks funding and personnel.

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As friends and family mourned Natoux on Saturday, his small stepson used a handkerchief to wipe tears off his mothers face and then wiped his own as a family friend cradled the boys head and whispered something in his ear.

When the funeral ended, loved ones lifted Natouxs coffin high into the air. One colleague placed his hand on the Haitian flag draped over it as wails filled the church.

___

Associated Press writer Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed.
A federal judge blitzed lawyers on both sides with questions Friday during a three-hour hearing in a lawsuit brought by 13 people asking for the return of tithing they donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

But U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby repeatedly challenged the attorneys for the plaintiffs about the arguments in the suit they filed, lobbing one pointed question at a lawyer before he made it from his chair to the podium in a downtown Salt Lake City courtroom.

Meanwhile, the lawyer for the Church of Jesus Christ and another representing evangelicals and Seventh-day Adventists called the lawsuit a broadscale attack that if successful would set dangerous precedents for the futures of churches and charities.

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They also said the plaintiffs had failed to raise issues that would pierce a longstanding American legal precedent called the religious autonomy doctrine or church autonomy doctrine.

In my own 40 years practicing law in this area and a decade teaching the law, I have never seen a more brazen and dangerous assault on a churchs religious authority, said Gene Schaerr, who represented the National Association of Evangelicals and the General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists.

Schaerr said piercing the church autonomy doctrine the way the plaintiffs want would wreak Constitutional chaos for all religious organizations.

The plaintiffs cases were joined together in April. Shelby did not issue any rulings at the end of the hearing.

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I will take the matter under advisement and I will issue a written decision, he said.

What the lawsuit alleges and asks the court to do

The lawsuit alleges that the church defrauded its members by not informing them that leaders were placing some tithing funds into reserve accounts and investing that money. It also alleges the church hid those investments and defrauded members by saying it would not use tithing for the construction of the City Creek development in Salt Lake City while allegedly doing so.

The church has maintained that it used funds that came from commercial entities owned by the church and the earnings of invested reserve funds to build City Creek, a mixed-use commercial development across the street from church headquarters that was part of efforts to protect the area around Temple Square.

The lawsuit also asks the court to institute a class action that would make it possible for members or former members of the church to seek reimbursement of tithing they donated to the church. It also asks the court to require an annual public accounting about the churchs use of tithing and investment funds and to appoint a special master to monitor the collection and use of tithing and investment funds.

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Such rulings could create a court-authorized schism in the church, said the lead attorney for the Latter-day Saints, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement.

He said any lawsuit that could successfully pierce the church autonomy doctrine would have to be more of a rifle shot, a very specific case about a particular incident that showed actual harm to a person, not a blunderbuss attack on how the church handled tithing for decades and including thousands of people with differing experiences.

How the lawsuit got to this point

The 13 people in the lawsuit initially filed a number of separate cases. In April, a panel of judges in Washington, D.C., bundled five lawsuits around the country  Illinois, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and California  into a single case. They assigned the case to Shelby.

The plaintiffs filed a unified complaint in July. The church filed three motions, and Fridays hearing was for arguments on those motions. The first was a motion to strike the creation of a class-action suit, and the other two were motions to dismiss the case.

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Clement went first on Friday. He said the plaintiffs claim faced three fatal problems:

The church autonomy doctrine.

What he alleged was a failure by the lawsuit to establish what statements the plaintiffs relied on and how they were damaged.

The churchs belief that the lawsuit missed a three-year window set by the statute of limitations.

Clement also argued for the church in September at a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals en banc hearing in a similar tithing case brought by James Huntsman. Clement is well-known as one of the nations top appellate litigators.

The church autonomy doctrine

The U.S. Supreme Court has strengthened the church autonomy doctrine in several rulings over the past 25 years. The plaintiffs said Friday that it does not apply to their lawsuit, while Clement said it did.

This case cant get over the First Amendment hump, Clement said.

The church autonomy doctrine says that the government and courts cannot infringe on the way churchs govern themselves, especially with regard to religious questions. Clement said the ancient doctrine of tithing, which plaintiffs attorneys agreed is practiced by most faiths, is a religious doctrine that places Latter-day Saints under scriptural command to give 10% of their income back to God through the church.

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Shelby repeatedly asked Clement to consider hypotheticals in which a church, or a fraudster posing as a church, might be liable for fraudulently collecting and misusing tithing. Clement said his reading of court rulings on the religious autonomy doctrine was that there are only two exceptions to protecting churchs from charges of fraud  embezzlement or self-dealing and raising funds for very specific purposes and then using them for different purposes.

Christopher Seeger, who represented the plaintiffs, argued that the churchs statements that it would not use tithing funds for City Creek or anything but charitable purposes was a specific misrepresentation because a whistleblower alleged that the church used $1.4 billion in tithing funds for City Creek and $600 million to bail out Beneficial Life, allegations the church denies.

Seeger also alleged that the church intentionally concealed its investment fund, citing an SEC complaint and subsequent fine paid by the church without admitting wrongdoing.

Shelby sat in front of 13 attorneys, six for the plaintiffs, six for the church and Schaerr representing evangelicals and Seventh-day Adventists.

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The judge questioned Seeger and Scott George, who also appeared for the plaintiffs, with questions about whether their complaint established an actual fraud under Utah law. He repeatedly said he could not see how they showed what church statements the plaintiffs relied on when they made donations and how those donations may have been misused and how they suffered a loss.

George said the complaint established a theme. Shelby questioned whether pleading general themes met the standard for establishing fraud in the U.S. 10th Circuit. At one point, Shelby said he wanted to clarify what appeared to be a disconnect to him between what he and plaintiffs attorneys felt was the law he should follow. That discussion lasted about 45 minutes.

Whats next

One of the issues Shelby will consider is whether the statute of limitations bars the lawsuit altogether. Clement argued that news reports about the alleged whistleblowers account started the clock on the three-year statute in December 2019. The plaintiffs didnt file suit until 2023.

The judge noted that there were 26 national and local media accounts of the alleged whistleblowers account between December 2019 and February 2020 and that Huntsman filed his suit in 2021 and the plaintiffs in another lawsuit filed theirs in 2020. Clement said the plaintiffs seeking a class action in Fridays hearing didnt file until after the SEC settlement.

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Why is that analysis wrong? Shelby asked George.

George said the SEC settlement provided more clarity and should be when the clock started.

The potential class-action case is one of three pending lawsuits about the churchs tithing.

Shelby previously judged one of those cases, which is now before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. The other, the Huntsman case, is before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Its possible those courts could issue their rulings on September hearings before Shelby issues his.

In September, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard arguments about whether to reinstate a lawsuit filed by Huntsman seeking a refund of $5 million he tithed to the church.

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He alleges the church used tithing funds for part of the construction of the City Creek development in downtown Salt Lake City and that he wouldnt have donated the money if he knew tithing was being used for that alleged purpose.

A judge threw out the suit in 2021 but a three-judge appeals panel reinstated it in 2023 and the church appealed. The case also focuses on the church autonomy doctrine.

In a separate case, three former church members accused the church of propounding false beliefs and misrepresenting its history and practices to defraud members of donations.

Shelby also heard the case. He dismissed most of the case, but the defendants, including Laura Gaddy, appealed to the 10th Circuit Court. A panel of three 10th Circuit judges heard oral arguments in September. They have yet to issue a decision, but they indicated they saw barriers to the suit in church-autonomy precedent.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  In what turned out to be a contentious day in court, a Judge sentenced two South Dakota Prison inmates for the violent beating of a correctional officer. Lester Monroe and Kyle Jones attacked and beat the officer at the state prison in Sioux Falls in 2023. A second officer was also struck. A jury found both inmates guilty of attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Just get on with it thats what Kyle Jones told the judge today in court. Jones smiled, smirked, yawned and look at the ceiling as the judge handed down a 50-year prison sentence. Lester Monroe, who also beat the officer, received a 35-year sentence. The Attorney Generals office prosecuted the case.

A jury ultimately determined they were guilty of first degree attempted murder as well as assaulting an officer they received what is essentially could be equated to life sentences today, said Marty Jackley.

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Noem pledges transparency in DHS confirmation hearing

The correctional officer beaten in the attack was in court surrounded by family. He was struck about 70 times as Monroe and Jones tried to land blows to his head. The officer survived his injuries. The judge said this could have easily been a murder trial.

During todays proceedings, Jones said he attacked the guard to send a message to the Department of Corrections. He believes inmates are treated with in his words disrespect and predicted more violence at the prison. He also said he was not sorry for what he did. The judge wasnt having it. Instead of the 35-year sentence she had planned to give Jones, she sentenced him to the full 50 years. Jackley says Jones 50 year sentence doesnt even start until 2063, so it is basically a life sentence.

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The Christian County Justice Center, as photographed Nov. 18, 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Christian summer camp Kanakuk Ministries and its insurer are not liable after allegedly concealing knowledge of sexual misconduct at its camp, a judge in Christian County Circuit Court ruled Friday.

Logan Yandell in 2003, the year he began attending Kanakuk Kamps (photos submitted)

The case was brought by Logan Yandell, a survivor of sexual abuse by Kanakuk Ministries former camp director Pete Newman. Yandell alleged the camps CEO lied to his parents, which influenced them to sign a settlement and non-disclosure agreement for $250,000 that they otherwise would have continued to fight.

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Yandell says his family relied on statements made by camp CEO Joe White on a phone call that nothing has been on (the camps) radar with (Newman) when settling in 2010.

Yandells attorney Reed Martens argued in a November proceeding that the camps insurer, ACE American Insurance Co., influenced White to cover up his knowledge, saying White was acting as an agent of the insurance company during the phone conversation.

Judge Raymond Gross, who typically serves in Ozark County but was brought in to oversee the case, dismissed Yandells claims of fraud, saying he lacked the right to rely on a misstatement by White after newspapers reported that Kanakuk knew of inappropriate behavior since 2003 and a public sentencing referenced the camps knowledge.

Yandell said he didnt realize White had not told the truth until 2021, but Gross ruled that there were occasions he should have learned of the camps negligence years prior.

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The statute of limitations in Missouri restricts fraud claims to five years after the fraud is discovered. Yandell should have known about the misstatement more than five years before he filed his claim, Gross wrote, making him ineligible to bring the claim.

Gross also rejected ACE Insurance as responsible for Whites statement, writing: There is no evidence that ACE vested White with any power to speak or act on its behalf.

The ruling did not mention a letter that the camp drafted to send to families that ACE strongly recommended not to send. This occurred after the phone call with the misstatement.

Gross wrote that there was no evidence of ACE pressuring White prior to or during the phone call.

The trial scheduled for July is now canceled. Attorneys for Yandell could not be immediately reached for comment.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  For the third time in recent months, a Barry County judge has gotten a rap across the knuckles from the Michigan Court of Appeals for the way he sentences criminals  in this case, a repeat drunk driver.

Barry County Circuit Court Judge Michael L. Schipper gave the repeat offender a prison sentence when guidelines called for nominal jail time, if any.

Mario Javier Velasquez is a danger to society and unwilling or unable to stop drinking, the judge said in sending Velasquez to prison for three to five years.

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The Court of Appeals tossed the sentence and told Schipper to try again.

The judge did, resentencing Velasquez to 396 days with credit for time served, to be followed by a two-year term of home detention.

Once again, the Court of Appeals stepped in, last week rejecting the sentence and sending the case to a different judge.

This is not unfamiliar territory for Schipper. In September and again in December, cases were sent back to him for resentencing.

In one, he told a convicted killer that he could have no contact with anyone outside of prison until the day he dies. The appeals court sent it back, directing Schipper to remove the no-contact condition.

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No calls, no letters order nixed from killers sentence

Schipper offered similar terms to a woman convicted of sexually assaulting a minor: no mail, phone, social media or computer access while behind bars. The appeals court responded in December with the same instructions: remove the no-contact condition.

No contact with the outside world: Michigan Court of Appeals rejects judges ruling

Schipper made headlines eight years ago for his tough stance on first-time drunk drivers and a crackdown on second-time offenders, saying he was going to use 30 days in jail as kind of my baseline.

In 2017, he set bond at $200,000 for a man arrested a dozen times for drunk driving.

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Judge on 12-time drunken driving offender: Its crazy

The most recent dust-up involves sentencing of a man who had a blood alcohol content three times above the legal limit. Barry County sheriffs deputies found Velasquez behind the wheel of a car that was parked with its engine running.

Velasquez, 44, was charged with third-offense drunk driving, a five-year felony.

The minimum sentencing guidelines range was zero to six months in jail. Schipper was having none of it.

This is a third time drunk driving, the judge said at sentencing in September 2023. The defendant was three times the legal limit. Hes had multiple prior opportunities for rehabilitation, for counseling, for probation.

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Its clear that this defendant is a danger to society, Schipper continued. Hes unwilling or unable to stop drinking. Even knowing that more than jail or prison, he could be deported.

The judge said a three-to-five-year sentence is clearly proportionate to the crime.

Lawyers for Velasquez argued the judges justifications for the lengthy term were inadequate and he did not explain why the sentence was proportionate.

The appeals court agreed and sent the case back for resentencing, instructing the judge to fully articulate on the record its reasons for departing upward or to resentence the defendant.

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Schipper in September opted for the latter, resentencing Velasquez to 396 days in prison, with credit for time served, to be followed by a two-year term of home detention.

It was again above guidelines. The judge said he was amazed that the guidelines ranged from zero to six months.

The guidelines are clearly man-made and clearly flawed in this instance, Schipper said. I think I have the ability to go above guidelines in this case. And the Court of Appeals does not have to like my reasons or agree with my reasons, as long as I give a reason.

Sentencing guidelines are advisory, not mandatory, but sentences that depart from guidelines are reviewed for reasonableness.

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The Court of Appeals again found the sentence to be unreasonable and disproportionate.

It added: We conclude that remand to a different judge is necessary for resentencing. The trial court has twice now sentenced defendant.

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The Supreme Court said Friday it would review a case involving a group of Maryland parents who sued their childrens school district over its refusal to allow them to opt out of elementary school classes that use books with LGBTQ themes or characters.

The parents, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, sued Montgomery County Public Schools in 2023 after the school district said it would no longer honor opt-out requests or notify families if a book referencing gender or sexuality would be read in class. Marylands largest school district announced in 2022 that revisions to its curriculum would include a new reading list of storybooks with young LGBTQ characters, part of a broader effort to foster diversity and inclusion.

The books included My Rainbow, about a mother who makes a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, and Love, Violet, a story about a girl who develops a crush on her female classmate. Another book, Pride Puppy!, concerns a puppy who gets lost during a gay pride parade.

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Initially, the school board said it would allow parents to remove their children from the classroom when the books were read, but it changed course shortly after, touching off a wave of protests from parents who said the move violated their First Amendment rights.

Three families sued the school system that May, arguing that preventing them from opting their children out of classes with LGBTQ-inclusive books infringed on their free exercise of religion. They are not challenging the curriculum or asking the school district to stop reading the books to other students.

The lead plaintiffs in the case, Tamer Mahmoud and Enas Barakat, are Muslims who removed their elementary-aged son from public school after a district court sided with Montgomery County in August 2023. Other plaintiffs are members of the Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches.

The parents, who twice lost their case before appealing to the Supreme Court, believe a persons gender and sex at birth are intertwined and inseparable and an integral part of Gods design, according to court documents. They believe that they have a religious obligation to teach their children about the immutable sexual differences between males and females, the biblical way to properly express romantic and sexual desires, and the role of parents to love one another unconditionally and sacrificially within the confines of biblical marriage.

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Attorneys for the school district wrote in court filings that the disputed books are age-appropriate and impart critical reading skills to young students. They added that the families involved in the lawsuit had not offered any evidence that Montgomery County Public Schools pressured their children to affirm or disavow particular views or compelled them to act in violation of their religious beliefs.

The justices approved the parents request to hear the case Friday in a brief, unsigned order.

Last May, the Supreme Court declined to hear another case involving Montgomery County Public Schools. A separate group of parents sued the school district in 2020 over a policy meant to support transgender students.

Cramming down controversial gender ideology on three-year-olds without their parents permission is an affront to our nations traditions, parental rights, and basic human decency, Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, said Friday 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.

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A spokesperson for Montgomery County Public Schools did not immediately return a request for comment.

The dispute was one of five cases the Supreme Court agreed to hear Friday. It is poised to be the last batch of cases the justices will consider this term unless the court takes up a future case on an expedited timeline.

The justices said they would also take up disputes involving student disability claims and combat disability payments, among other cases.

Zach Schonfeld contributed.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  K2 Training is a fitness and wellness company focusing on underserved communities, including individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Everett King, the CEO and founder of K2 Training, goes above and beyond to bring his organizations standards of helping those with intellectual disability or disabled veterans reach their potential through customized workouts.

Wichita Falls kids fly high on new ADA accessible Liberty Swing

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Ive tried this with myself, with my background in therapy as well as training, then I found friends going through similar things, King said. Being able to help individuals neurodiverse with the Special Olympics, people told me that those athletes couldnt do the types of workouts I was doing, so that was one of those push me type deals.

King also stated they want to move to the Wichita Falls area to serve these individuals. Reaching out to recreational centers that will connect with his company to bring his work to the community.

He hopes to inspire and open an all-abilities gym to serve everyone inclusively.

If you have any questions, call Everett King at (817) 917-9212 or email him at k2athletetraining@gmail.com.

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Hello its the weekend. This is The Weekender 

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is ripping up legal procedure, the better to keep a high-profile abortion case in his hands as the new administration takes over.

Last June, the Supreme Court found that the anti-abortion doctors aiming to make abortion drug mifepristone less accessible lacked standing, and unanimously shot down the case. Experts expected the challenge to live on in the hands of a few red states  Idaho, Kansas and Missouri  whod try to take over as the primary plaintiffs. One expert even told TPM that she expected Kacsmaryk to go along with a right-wing strategy to drag the zombie case out, even if it was so thin as to later get shot down.

The first part of that prediction has come true. The DOJ and a manufacturer of mifepristone are trying to end the case  the Supreme Court found that the doctors couldnt keep litigating it, and the red states intervened in a case that is no longer live. If we lived in a normal world, the red states would have to start afresh.

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But they dont want to. Theyre not going to get a friendlier judge than Kacsmaryk. By staying, they also get the added perk of being in the 5th Circuits domain, the most reliably right-wing appellate court. And Kacsmaryk doesnt want to lose the case either, particularly amid his Supreme Court audition, knowing that the Trump DOJ will flip its position in the case.

Notwithstanding dismissal of the original action, the three Intervenor States of Missouri, Idaho, and Kansas (the States) wish to continue pressing their claims, the DOJ wrote in a filing last month. And they insist on doing so before this Court, even though the States claims have no plausible connection to the Northern District of Texas. Particularly now that the original Plaintiffs have dismissed their suit, the States Complaint must likewise be dismissed (or transferred)

Kacsmaryk isnt letting it happen. He directed the states on Thursday to submit a new complaint, hand-waving that theyll get to the venue controversy later.

Its totally lawless. Kamsaryk wants to keep alive the possibility that he can deliver a death blow to medication abortions, and to get on Trumps radar while hes doing it.

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 Kate Riga

Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend:

Josh Kovensky breaks down the carnival-esque array of balls for MAGA members hoping to cozy up to Trump and his closest allies this weekend.

Khaya Himmelman spoke to one of the 60,000 voters in North Carolina whose ballots Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin is trying to get tossed out in order to steal the election from incumbent Democratic Justice Allison Riggs, who won the race by just over 700 votes.

Emine Yucel checks in on Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) who this week threatened one of her Democratic colleagues during a congressional hearing, when she asked Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) if she would wanna take it outside.

The New Buckraking

It is really, really easy to cash in on the great bootlicking thats come with Trumps return to office. We mostly see it from the other side: tech CEOs cozying up to Trump, companies settling bogus lawsuits he brought, news outlets easing up coverage. Whats less visible are those who see it as a business opportunity.

That is where at least some of the pre-inaugural festivities fit in. Its partly due to a simple bottlenecking effect. The official Trump inaugural festivities are extremely limited, and sold out in early January. Thats left a lot of unmet demand among people trying to cozy up to the once and future President.

Its being met by a carnival-esque array of balls, featuring various tiers of Trumpworld officialdom. At the top, you have events that promise access to high-level appointees like FBI pick Kash Patel. Other events cater to specific, often picayune constituencies: take the Coronation Ball, which features the hosts of the Red Scare podcast and seems pitched at a mix of so-called nationalists and the most irony-poisoned among us. Then again, how else to deal with the next few years?

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This weekend, theres a ball for everyone. Read my piece on that here.

 Josh Kovensky

One Of 60K Voters Griffin Seeks To Disenfranchise Speaks Out: I Want My Vote To Be Counted

As North Carolina state appeals court judge and Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin filed a legal brief with the state Supreme Court laying out his argument for why he believes 60,000 November ballots should be tossed out, protesters gathered outside the state Supreme Court building to demonstrate against his election-stealing efforts. The protesters gathered at 6:00 am ET on Tuesday, reading all of the 60,000 names of voters whose ballots are being challenged by Griffin.

Although Louanne Caspar, a Wake County businesswoman with a 10-year voting history in North Carolina, did not attend the protest, shes on the list and shes not even sure why. In an interview with TPM she said she was very surprised to learn last week that her vote was in danger of being thrown out.

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I take every election cycle very seriously, she said. I read up, Im not a one party person, I am registered as a Democrat, but I vote both ways.

Caspar noted too that she actually works for the Board of Elections on Election Day because shes a big rule follower.

I would like to know why I could be disqualified, and then second, do I have an opportunity to cure that, she added.

Griffin is currently challenging 60,000 ballots because they allegedly contain incomplete voter registration and are missing the last four digits of their social security numbers or drivers license on their voter files. Caspar said that she did give the Board of Elections her social security number when she registered to vote, which is why she remains confused as to why her vote is among those Griffin is using to try to overturn the election in his favor.

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This week, Griffin, submitted a brief to the state Supreme Court, asking the court to first invalidate 5,509 overseas ballots, who, he claims, failed to show photo identification when they voted, before the court considers the rest of the 60,000 ballots that he is protesting. Griffin is in no way conceding that the 60,000 ballots should not be contested, but rather, as previously reported for TPM, he is merely attempting to protest ballots in a way that is more palatable. But the larger effort remains the samehe is attempting to overturn the results, and steal the lead away from Democrat incumbent Allison Riggs.

I really want to get some resolution from this, Caspar said. I want my vote to be counted.

 Khaya Himmelman

Words Of Wisdom

I am no child. Do not call me a child. I am no child. Dont even start  If you wanna take it outside we can do that.

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Thats Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), the most recent wannabe MTG, seemingly trying to start a fight during a congressional hearing this week with Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX).

If its bewildering to you to hear that a current United States representative is threatening another congresswoman with a catch me outside how about that moment over the word child  Well, youre not alone.

Mace claimed on social media her intention was not to fight but to have a more constructive conversation off the floor  Ill let you be the judge of that.

To make things even more ridiculous, following the comments, committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) ruled that Maces remarks were not a call to violence, saying she could have been asking Crockett to go outside to have a cup of coffee or perhaps a beer. Right.

 Emine Yucel
PNN New Delhi [India], January 18: VegEase is a one-of-its-kind brand idea, all about bringing freshness of handpicked fruits and vegetables backed by a professional infrastructure of hygiene and care to every doorstep. This internet enabler, an app-only company, is all geared to change the way a consumer has been buying fruits and vegetables for decades. VegEase is the way of life for today from this very moment. Having already clocked more than INR 270 MNS in the first 8 months of FY25 and having a growth rate of 150% when compared with FY24, VegEase is aiming to reach a revenue of INR 400 Mns by March'25. VegEase has become operationally profitable in the last quarter of FY24 and is striving to the mission of becoming EBITDA positive by the year-end of FY25. The company has developed a robust supply chain mechanism and enjoys a good association with its vendor partners. Working closely with the farmers' networks has also enabled VegEase to reduce the wastage in the segment, which almost accounts for 10-15% of the purchase cost across the industry. VegEase addresses the gap in the inconsistent quality of fruits and vegetables at alarming price diversity, which is available in the market. It solves the problem by providing fresh fruits and vegetables of consistent quality without any adulteration or artificial colouring at the time of consumer choice, topped with fair pricing. The company is also committed to creating its own ecosystem of farmers and procurement channels only after vetting them through a stringent quality and testing process. Commenting on this, the spokesperson, Arpit Katta, CEO, VegEase, said, "For us, customer experience and a qualitative addition to the stressful life of today is most significant. We are committed fully to giving consumers a value-added proposition that ensures quality and efficiency. We are delighted to cater to people in Delhi/NCR and are looking forward to empowering consumers across the length and breadth of the country." About VegEase: VegEase is a first-of-its-kind exclusive app (available on Play Store and App Store) to ensure the consumer gets fresh and unadulterated fruits and vegetables at the doorstep. A user-friendly app dedicated to fruits and vegetables alone highlights the brand's core objective, which is to focus on today's most critical cause to safeguard the health of all, topped with a unique proposition. The mission, vision and obsession of VegEase is all about elevating consumer relationships with a brand beyond brick and mortar. VegEase is part of EGreens, a people-first retail company focused on using its innovative zeal to redefine the grocery shopping experience and let customers discover the delight of buying farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. More details on - https://vegease.in Facebook - www.facebook.com/VegEaseIndia/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vegease/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vegeaseindia/ (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)
Photo: Win McNamee (Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris may be vacating her role on Jan. 20, but that doesnt mean she has to participate in every part of the political transition. CBS News has reported that Harris is refusing to fully accommodate her successor JD Vance  and it feels purposely petty. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Screenshot: CNN/YouTube

On Tuesday afternoon, a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing took an unexpected turn when Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) asked Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) to take it outside. The taunt came after the two had a heated exchange. - Candace McDuffie Read More

COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 29: Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at a When We All Vote rally on October 29, 2024 in College Park, Georgia. With one week until Election Day, top surrogates for Kamala Harris including the Obamas continue to campaign on her behalf in battleground states. - Photo: Elijah Nouvelage (Getty Images)

In her eight years in the White House, Michelle Obama was an ideal First Lady. She was always gracious and kind, even when she wasnt shown that same grace in return. Well always remember her encouraging her fellow Americans to go high when others inevitably go low. But now that shes a private citizen, Mrs. Obama is all about keeping it real, including doing her best to avoid any and all encounters with President-elect Donald Trump. - Angela Johnson Read More

Photo: Jason Mendez (Getty Images)

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The internet was on fire last week after former President Barack Obama seemingly had a chuckle with Donald Trump at the funeral for late President Jimmy Carter earlier this month. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Michael M. Santiago (Getty Images)

We already can see that Donald Trumps impending presidency will be a tumultuous one that could potentially put people of color and marginalized groups in danger of further persecution. Aside from attacks on the Haitian population and bias claims against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump has made a slew of promises for the first day hes back in the Oval Office. Here are a list of those claims. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Chris Kleponis (Getty Images)

Student loan debt remains the highest among Black families when compared to other races. According to data from the Survey of Consumer Finances, Black borrowers face notably more student loan debt than their white or Hispanic counterparts. This is why President Joe Bidens final plan to help alleviate this burden is significant. - Candace McDuffie Read More

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An off-duty Kane County sheriffs deputy who fatally shot an armed South Elgin man during an alleged Elgin robbery this summer was justified in his actions, according to a results of a Kane County Major Crimes Task Force investigation.

States Attorney Jamie Mosser announced the findings Friday in a news release in which the grand jury indictments of two of 18-year-old Tyquaze Nicolas alleged robbery accomplices were also made public.

According to the investigation, the deputy was driving northbound on Route 31 near National Drive about 4:35 p.m. July 8 when he saw a fight involving several people as it passed in front of his vehicle, the release said.

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Investigators, who conducted the probe at the request of the states attorney, determined the fight involved Nicolas and three other people attacking two victims, and that Nicolas was armed with a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, the report said. The deputy, whose name has not been released, stopped and announced he was a law enforcement officer but Nicolas continued in the escalation of the threat while armed with a dangerous weapon.

Because he feared Nicolas was going to shoot one of the victims, the deputy fired his gun and then began to try to administer medical aid to Nicolas, who had multiple wounds, the release said. While he was doing that, one of the suspects  identified as Mojahnay Steverson, age 22, of South Elgin  attempted to interfere with Nicolass body and the crime scene, the release said.

Elgin Police Department and paramedics took over efforts to save Nicolas life after they arrived but he died of his injuries.

After a comprehensive review of the investigation into this tragic event, it is evident that the sheriffs deputy acted in accordance with Illinois law, Mosser said in a statement. The evidence clearly demonstrates that his actions were both appropriate and justified under the circumstances.

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Steverson has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including armed violence, aggravated battery, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, mob action-use of force or violence disturbing the peace and obstructing justice.

A second defendant, Akevia S. Gilmore, 23, of Elgin, was indicted on charges of armed violence, aggravated battery, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and mob action-use of force or violence disturbing the peace.

Both men were in court Friday but a states attorneys offices request that they be retained in jail while their cases are pending was denied by a judge, according to the release. Their next court hearing is scheduled for March 12.

Prosecutors are planning to file charges against a third suspect, who is a juvenile, the release said.

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Every case involving an officer-involved death must be examined with the utmost scrutiny to ensure public trust in law enforcement and to protect the civil rights of all parties involved, Mosser said in her statement.

The charges brought against these defendants reflect the seriousness of their alleged roles in escalating the violence. While the deputy acted to protect others from harm, the events leading to this outcome serve as a sobering reminder of the need for accountability and the far-reaching impact of violence in our communities, she said.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 53-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man is sentenced for a 2024 arson fire that severely damaged a Midtown business.

George Daniels pleaded guilty on Thursday in Jackson County court to one count of being an accessory to second-degree arson.

A Jackson County judge sentenced Daniels to five years in prison.

According to court documents, the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a fire at Hahas Kebabs and Shawarma restaurant off West 39th Street on July 8, 2024, just before 3 a.m.

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Kansas City man charged in shooting, multi-hour standoff

Investigators found heavy damage to parts of the restaurant and could smell gasoline.

When detectives looked at surveillance video from the building, they saw Daniels and another suspect breaking into the building.

According to court documents, the video showed Daniels throwing a gasoline container into the building.

Investigators say Daniels and the other suspect then began throwing fire objects into the building through a broken window.

Investigators determined Daniels and the other suspect intentionally caused the fire.

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When Daniels was interviewed, he said he could not remember most of the night because he had smoked wet cigarettes. The National Library of Medicine says wet cigarettes are marijuana cigarettes laced with other substances or chemicals.

When he was shown the surveillance footage, Daniels identified himself.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LOS ANGELES  The most acute danger from the Los Angeles wildfires has finally let up  only to be replaced by a sense the nation has reached a turning point in responding to major disasters.

Even the most jaded political veterans profess shock at how fast the California blazes became fodder for partisan warfare and fevered conspiracy theories. Gone was the customary grace period before the finger-pointing began, not to mention the assurance of no-strings-attached assistance from the federal government.

As President-elect Donald Trump and top Republicans in Congress contemplate placing conditions on aid, California politicians from both parties are now openly begging the ruling party not to break from the long-standing precedent of apolitical assistance. Doing so, they warn, could spiral into a dangerous tit-for-tat that could one day prove just as harmful to calamity-struck red states.

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I certainly try to take the high road all the time, but I also keep receipts, said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a Los Angeles Democrat whose sister-in-law lost her home in the Eaton inferno.

I do believe in the universe, and karma is real, she added. You start down this road and its very hard to go back. Its a cautionary tale for folks that want to politicize peoples lives and peoples tragedy.

With at least 27 people dead and more than 12,000 structures destroyed or damaged, the concurrent Palisades and Eaton fires are poised to be the costliest in the nations history. But the political reaction, egged on by a social media ecosystem that runs on paranoia and outrage, has been more focused on cynical point-scoring than empathy for the tragedy.

This business with the speaker of the House insulting the governor and the president making up little snarky names  this is not the age of Lincoln or Roosevelt or anybody else. This is a whole new ball game that is going to test the durability of our form of government, said former California Gov. Jerry Brown.



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Much like the combination of desiccated brush and hurricane-force winds, the political dynamics could not be more combustible: the nations most prominent Democratic bastion finding itself in desperate need of aid just as Trump, its foremost antagonist, retakes the reins of the federal government.

But there is growing unease among other blue-state Democrats that threats to condition disaster assistance will not be unique to California.

New York Republicans will be held accountable if partisanship dictates disaster aid, setting a dangerous precedent for New Yorks next natural disaster, said Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York City Democrat.

Theres a deja vu quality to Californias tussling and haggling with Trump over federal disaster aid. Trumps stated reasons for resisting  his insistence that the state wasnt properly managing its forests and a disagreement with Newsom over pumping water from Northern California to farmers in the central part of the state and down south  is exactly where the two left off before Trump lost his reelection in 2020.

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At the time, Trump told Newsom there was a deal to be made, tying the aid to water deliveries. Newsom later explained to POLITICO he disagreed vehemently with Trump, but was at his mercy and thus indulged in more discussions.

I had to personally call him because FEMA was not getting back, Newsom said in one interview on the topic late last year. And we were told the only decision that would be made on this would come from the White House directly.

But Trumps initial refusal wasnt just over policy. He separately expressed a hesitation to grant aid to other blue bastions, including in the state of Washington, where he nursed a grudge against Democratic then-Gov. Jay Inslee, calling him a snake, and a nasty person for criticizing his Covid response.

Everything, Newsom said last year, was a transaction against his own citizens.

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The experience led Newsom to identify shoring up disaster aid as a top priority for Trump-proofing his state in anticipation of the president-elects return to the White House.



Since the fires started, Newsom has had to navigate a thin tightrope. He criticized Trump for stoking misinformation about the fires, invited the incoming president to tour the area and called on congressional Republicans not to condition federal aid. Trump has yet to personally respond to Newsom, though a Trump official has repeatedly said he would deliver despite his feud with the governor.

Late last week, Newsom urged House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from disaster-scarred Louisiana, and Democratic leaders to provide expedited federal aid without conditions or prolonged negotiation.

Newsom noted natural disasters have led Americans to stand together, setting aside politics to extend a helping hand to those in need, just hours after he told the YouTube host Brian Tyler Cohen last week that Californians need compassion as opposed to condemnation and divisive language that has aided and abetted nothing but mis and disinformation. Johnson took a swipe at Newsom on social media, suggesting he was overly concerned with his own image during the disaster.

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You're the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it, the speaker wrote on X.

Not all of the incoming aimed at the Golden State is in bad faith. Critics have raised legitimate questions about the states land use policies and follow-through on brush clearance, as well as local water infrastructure  all of which have bearing on the states readiness for devastating wildfire. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been pilloried over her decision to leave the country amid dangerous wind warnings and her citys decade-plus under-investment in the fire department. And Newsoms flood-the-zone media approach was bound to irritate detractors who have long derided his eagerness to get in front of a camera.

Some Democrats privately complained that Newsom may have made himself vulnerable to attacks by using a political email list and by going on the partisan Democratic Pod Save America podcast to address the fires.

But Newsom is also contending with an enduring California exceptionalism, in which the state occupies outsized real estate in the nations collective consciousness.

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California has always been a target, Brown said, recalling Look magazine headlines from the 1960s declaring the California dream over. California has a certain exotic quality and will always attract unusual attention. This is not going to happen in Kansas.

The threats hovering over California are nonetheless sending a chill down the spine of leaders in other Democrat-dominated states.

Blue States need to have a plan B because there is not a guarantee that this president will provide disaster relief based on whats in the best interest of the country and our people versus whats in the best interest of his own political interest. And were already seeing him play footsie with that in California, said Becky Carroll, a political strategist who has advised Democrats in Illinois and across the country, including former Mayor Rahm Emanuels administration.

I think most Americans would have confidence in any president stepping in in a moment of crisis. And thats just not a guarantee under this incoming administration, she added.

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The seedlings of disaster politicization have cropped up elsewhere in the country, and even before the era of Trump and his norms-breaking influence.

In 2013, House Republicans balked at approving aid to address the damage wreaked by Hurricane Sandy on mid-Atlantic states such as New York and New Jersey, prompting a furious rebuke from then-GOP Rep. Peter King. The relief package ultimately passed after a delay, but nearly 180 Republicans voted against the bill, citing concerns about the countrys national debt.

After Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico in 2017, causing nearly 3,000 deaths, the Trump administration slowed down billions of dollars in aid approved by Congress to the island. Russell Vought, a key figure in setting up extra hurdles to release the funds, is poised to return to run the Office of Management and Budget if the Senate confirms him.

And federal emergency workers themselves were at the heart of the polarized discourse after Hurricane Helene caused devastating flooding in western North Carolina last fall. The disaster prompted an avalanche of conspiracy theories, including claims echoed by Trump that FEMA was intentionally withholding aid to Republicans and had exhausted its funds helping immigrants illegally cross the border.

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Stoking the widespread distrust was the revelation that one FEMA employee working on outreach in Florida after last falls Hurricane Milton advised her team to avoid homes with pro-Trump yard signs. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell called such actions by the employee, who was fired, reprehensible and a clear violation of FEMAs core values & principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation.



But the chatter on the Hill about placing strings on fire assistance to California signals a whole new phase of disaster politics.

House Republicans have floated the possibility of imposing unspecified policy changes on California in exchange for aid, or linking a relief package to the always-fraught vote to raise the debt limit.

Why wouldnt you raise the debt limit? Because were going to have to anyway with the disaster relief money, said Rep. Tom Cole, the Oklahoma Republican who chairs the Appropriations committee. Thats not blackmail; actually, its quite the opposite. Democrats want to use the debt ceiling as a blackmail weapon against Trump in a tax debate. Well, Im sorry, the needs of the people in California, to me, are a lot more important than the political imperative up here.

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Even a whisper of conditions on aid prompted a furious response from Democrats, even those in unimpacted states.

You want to start a problem here? You start to do that. Because no one controls disasters, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat. It happens, and we have an obligation and a responsibility to try to help rebuild communities and rebuild people's lives.

California Republicans, who are happy to point out the governing defects of their home state run by the opposite party, have similarly called for no conditions on aid. But theirs is also a balancing act: State Senate GOP Leader Brian Jones posted on X that attaching conditions has no place in disaster relief, but later clarified he meant only funds directly sent to victims and that assistance routed through government entities should have strict requirements for spending.

Brian Dahle, a former GOP state legislator who ran for governor against Newsom in 2022, predicted that, despite the threats, California will ultimately get its wildfire aid.

Were going to help these people, Dahle said. This is all theater, in my mind. Theyre going to do it.

Ultimately, Californias prominence in the American imagination may end up being its saving grace. It is the location of two preeminent interests of Trump  Hollywood and the 2028 Olympics  both of which appeal to his showmans impulse to prioritize spectacle and celebrity. He has already pledged that Los Angeles Olympics will be the greatest games, according to an Axios report. And the citys deep-pocketed donors may ensure that other Republicans feel the California love as well.

Everyone knows somebody in Los Angeles, said Kamlager-Dove. And also, all these Republicans know somebody who's written them a check who lives in Los Angeles.

Nick Reisman, Nicholas Wu, Daniella Diaz, Sophia Cai and Shia Kapos contributed to this report.


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Princess Catherine surprised cancer patients at the same hospital where she was treated last year for her type of cancer.

The royal arrived in good spirits at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and during her visit, she met with and thanked the hospital staff who cared for her during her stay. (The princess announced her diagnosis in March of last year. In September, following months of chemotherapy, she revealed that she was cancer-free.)

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

Kates main purpose at the hospital today was to meet with patients who are currently going through treatment. The Princess of Wales sat and talked with several people as they underwent chemotherapy. Some patients broke out in laughter as they casually chatted with Kate.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently, the princess said during her visit, per the BBC. I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually its quite nice.

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As for how shes feeling now that her own treatment is done, Kate said, You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but thats still a real challenge. The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

Always the picture of elegance, the royal looked lovely in a long burgundy sweater dress with a turtleneck, which she wore over transparent brown tights and paired with chocolate-brown suede heels. To continue the warm winter hues, she layered on a brown plaid double-breasted coat with hints of reddish orange and black.

Photos show her all bundled up, smiling and waving goodbye to the hospital staff and patients following her visit.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

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A Kensington Palace spokesperson said, The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.

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Kate and husband Prince William are now serving as joint patrons of the Royal Marsden Hospital.

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Tiktoks famous user Keith Lee built his platform by doing honest food reviews from local restaurants in Las Vegas and that resulted in a positive uptick for sales and business prospects for most of the locations. Eventually his reviews prompted other businesses to reach out and he and his family began touring all over the country to spotlight small businesses with quality offerings.

But even outside the food industry, other Black businesses and its owners have blossomed thanks to help of the clock app. So thats why we felt it fitting to highlight a handful of booming businesses that you need to keep an eye out if the ban goes into effect. Hopefully, these success stories will inspire you to bet on yourself and go after your dreams.

The Puddery

Before the Lee made his review of the restaurant The Pudderya Black woman-owned pudding and dessert shopon TikTok back in the early part of Dec. 2024, the store barely saw two customers a day. Owner Janel Prator even tearfully pleaded for Lee and other customers to visit her store so she could stop struggling to pay her bills. After Lees video, The Puddery saw an explosion of support and a major boost in sales, which led her to move out of her small storefront and into a bigger location just a few weeks later.

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Canvas Beauty

Created by Stormi Steele back in 2018, thebody and haircare brand began growing a devoted following on social media thanks to consistent posts and humorous videos that showed the behind-the-scenes of her business. Per Business Insider, the following year, Canvas Beauty earned 30,000 monthly orders after going viral on Tiktok. In 2020, they raked in $20 million in sales. Fast forward to 2024, Steele and her business made history when she became the first creator to ever have $1 million in sales on a single TikTok Live session.

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IEMBE

Though Travis Terry, the creator of IEMBE, began his handbag designs back in 2019, it wasnt until a Christmas promo video of his mom went viral on Instagram and TikTok that his brand started receiving major eyeballs. Fast forward to 2024, and Terry/IEMBE have received cosigns from celebrities and influencers like Cardi B., Bia, and Kai Cenat. He and his mom continue to build their bond all while building a profitable brand at the same time.

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Coco Asante

Its not often that you see a Black-owned chocolate company, but thats exactly what you get with Ella Livingstons brand, Coco Asante. Though she started her business back in 2018, it would take five years and the introduction to TikTok before her chocolates would really take off with the masses. After Keith Lee made a video reviewing her desserts in March 2023, giving them one of his highest ratings of a 9.5/10, sales for Coco Asante jumped from under $1,000 to nearly $25,000 in just 45 minutes. Since then, Livingston was able to quit her job as a teacher to focus on her business full-time.

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Cleos Southern Cuisine

When Keith Lee and his family pulled up to Cleos Southern Cuisine back in 2023, he gave a plate of catfish, candied yams and cornbread the coveted 10/10 score. Since then, business became booming for owner and chef Kristen Harper so much so that they had to expand to not one but two more locations in the greater Chicago area. One year later, Cleos is still just as popping as it was in the initial months after Lees reviews went viral and if youre wondering about the quality of the food? Well, well let Lees reaction speak for itself.

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Vast numbers of voters hate the Conservatives because they are seen as incompetent liars. The shadow cabinets recent decision to avoid policy announcements until at least 2027 risks proving voters right.

Because the direct result of this decision will be to field an endless stream of senior politicians  for two whole years  to moan about the performance of this Government, while steadfastly refusing to say what they would do instead.

At best, this will see a mass spate of broken televisions, tablets and phones as peoples frustrations boil over with idiot Tories; at worst it will mean Reform effectively replace the Conservatives as the official opposition.

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The Conservative Party was brutally ejected from office because it betrayed voters  making specific policy promises it failed to deliver. Forget the ludicrous idea that people disliked Tory vibes; they did not like their failure.

The Conservatives pledged to cut immigration but arrivals hit about a million  with small boats arriving non-stop. They pledged to grow the economy, but it stalled. They pledged to create new hospitals, but the NHS collapsed. The list of failures is endless.

Despite this, the Conservative shadow cabinet is said to have agreed to avoid policy announcements for years because it thinks Keir Starmer won the general election like this. It is also said to think that a more important job is somehow just differentiating itself from Reform.

Aside from the obvious point about policy failure, this ignores two basic facts. Firstly, amid fatigue with the Conservatives, people did not hate Starmer or his Labour Party when they were in opposition; Labour could get away with vacuous calls for change with minimal scrutiny.

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Secondly, voters think Reform does have a policy platform  and many like it. While currently very narrow, Reforms putative manifesto is, rightly or not, extremely clear in peoples minds: they will cut immigration; get tough on crime and extremism; and take on woke.

Let us return to the obvious: when you are seen to have betrayed voters on policy delivery, you cannot regain trust simply by attacking other parties.

Nor can you regain trust by apologising for past mistakes (something else Tories are said to be relying on). Nor can you talk simply about philosophy or principles.

The only way back for the Tories is by offering a detailed, credible, alternative policy programme for government. When they are already despondent with Labours performance, this is precisely what the electorate want to hear.

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They absolutely do not want to hear just more politicians moaning.

In these pages 18 months ago, I wrote that if Farage became leader of Reform and focused on immigration, it would be easy to imagine the party getting to 25 points in the polls quite quickly. And so they have.

While I would like to claim this reflects my great genius (and it prompted some open derision), it was the easiest prediction Ive ever made.

Why? Not because voters love  or even like  Nigel Farage (they do not); but simply because he has by far the clearest policy positions on things vast numbers of voters care about.

To be clear, the Conservative Party is in a fight for its survival right now. To many of its recent voters, it is going from being a disappointment to an irrelevance.

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In conversation after conversation with voters (including last week), we find more and more of them declaring themselves Reform voters.

If the Conservatives do not start saying serious things about serious issues in the next few months, it could genuinely be curtains for the party.

James Frayne is chairman of the policy research agency Public First

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A new contingent of 217 additional police officers from Kenya arrived in Port-au-Prince on Saturday aboard a chartered airplane escorted by the U.S. military, after months of uncertainty about whether President William Ruto would continue to field cops for the struggling mission in Haiti, where gang violence last year reached record levels.

After disembarking, the Kenyans, as customary, danced and chanted on the runway while carrying their rifles. Others carried a Haitian flag.

Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering and we will continue to mobilize all the necessary international support for it to succeed, Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenyas newly appointed interior secretary, said on the social media site X, confirming that 217 officers were deployed.

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The new group is among 600 trained and U.S.-vetted cops from various units of Kenyas National Police Service whom Ruto had promised in September to deploy to Haiti before the end of the year. But the effort was stalled after Democrats lost the U.S. presidential election in November and Haitis ruling council days later replaced the prime minister after less than six months.

Both moves created uncertainty for Ruto, who had also expressed worries about the missions lack of resources, including funding and equipment, as it struggled to help Haitian police take down armed gangs.

Rutos uncertainties about the missions fate seems to have been put to rest, at last for now, following this weeks comments from President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of state. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio lauded Kenya for its leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, and signaled continued U.S. support.

Armored vehicles used by Kenyan police rumble through the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The vehicles are part of the United States more than $600 million in contributions to the U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support mission.

Rubios comments were immediately noticed by members of Rutos cabinet and on Saturday at 2 a.m. Kenya time, officials from both the interior and foreign affairs ministries waved the new contingent off as they boarded a Kenya Airways aircraft from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The plane landed in Port-au-Prince shortly after 11 a.m., escorted by U.S. military. In November, three U.S. jetliners flying over Port-au-Princes airspace were hit by gunfire, fueling concerns about the safety of the capitals skies.

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READ NEXT: He was the Caribbeans man at the OAS. Now hes vying to be its leading diplomat

The 217 Kenyan cops will join 380 of their compatriots already in Port-au-Prince, and are expected to be joined by hundreds more Kenyan police in the coming days. Their presence boosts the total number of foreign security personnel to just under 800. There are currently police and military officers from Jamaica, along with soldiers from The Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador. The Biden administration, which had been pushing Kenya to deploy its remaining officers, had hoped to bring the missions strength up to 1,000 officers before it leaves office on Monday.

But even 1,000 security personnel or the missions targeted goal of 2,500 is insufficient, security experts say. Last year, Haiti saw a record number of neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas fall to armed gangs, despite the presence of foreign forces and a new U.S.-backed transition government. As the gangs took over neighborhoods and carried out some of the worst massacres in recent memory, they also deepened the countrys humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands more Haitians were forced to flee their homes. The United Nations said more than 5,600 people were killed by gang violence last year, an increase over the previous two years, and over 1 million Haitians are now displaced.

In light of the widening crisis, security experts say there needs to be a shift both in both the national and international response.

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READ MORE: Why Haitis gangs are gaining ground despite the presence of an international armed force

Kenya promised 1,000 police officers as part of its offer to lead the mission. After repeated delays, including a court battle in Nairobi and congressional Republican opposition in Washington, cops began deploying in June of last year. But the under-resourced and underfunded effort has struggled to make inroads against armed groups.

As part of a shift in strategy, gangs have consolidated under an alliance known as Viv Ansanm, Living Together, overwhelming both the Kenyan-led force and Haitian police.

Obviously any increase in the [Kenya-led] deployment is very useful. The numbers have been woefully insufficient. But numbers alone are not sufficient, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a security expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington. We need to obviously have meaningful action by the... forces in combination with meaningful actions by the Haitian police. Both of these have really been elusive and the glaring lack of holding forces is especially critical and has been a factor allowing the reprisals, counter attacks, revenge attacks that we are seeing from the gangs and also from the militia forces.

A new contingent of more than 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on Saturday, January 18, 2025 to join the Multinational Security Support mission. Kenya promised 1,000 cops to the mission, which has been been struggling to contained armed gangs spreading violence and hunger.

Still, she is surprised that Kenya has decided to send another group of forces to Haiti at this moment given the ongoing funding issues.

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There are still significant challenges with funding that were already there with the Biden administration, with only a small fraction of the mission funded, said Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy and Technology in the foreign policy program at Brookings. And those uncertainties have grown enormously as the Trump administration is coming over, and have previously not been enthusiastically about funding the mission and many Republicans members of congress very skeptical outright of funding the mission.

Kenya sends hundred more police officers to Haiti on Saturday, January 18, 2025, to help the Multinational Security Support mission fight gangs after President-elect Donald Trump nominee for secretary of stare, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio signal support for the mission during his confirmation hearing.

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The Biden administration has provided more than $629 million for the mission, while a U.N.-controlled Trust Fund has raised just over $110 million. To address the money issue, the outgoing Biden administration has asked the U.N. Security Council, which has a meeting scheduled on Wednesday on the situation in Haiti, to transform the mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation. The move would guarantee funding through members assessed contributions and allow the force to expand and get the needed equipment. Whether this is something the Trump administration will support remains unclear. During Trumps first term in office, a U.N. peacekeeping force was on its way out of Haiti, and despite concerns the country wasnt ready to take control of its own security, the administration did not stop the move.

In its latest analysis of the situation in Haiti, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime said that a peacekeeping operation alone will not solve Haitis gang problem and the structures that support the criminal groups.

This is a far greater challenge, requiring the deployment of all available domestic and international instruments, including a mix of public security, justice, development aid and humanitarian cooperation, the report said.

A new contingent of police officers from Kenya arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Among those at the airport to welcome them were members of the U.S. Embassy, the ruling presidential council and the new secretary of state for public security, Mario Andresol.

Last week, Haitis ruling transition made the countrys former police chief, Mario Andresol, secretary of state for national security. A former infantry officer in the Haitian Armed Forces, Andresol was tapped in 2005 to lead the Haiti National Police as it became infiltrated by drug-trafficking cops and as gangs foothold endangered a government transition.

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He went on to head the Haitian police for seven years. As he was being installed last week, Andresol said he harbors no illusions about the magnitude of the task before him.

I firmly believe that my experience in strategic and operational fields, combined with the expertise of carefully selected collaborators, can make a significant contribution to this vast project of security governance in the country, he said during his installation ceremony.

On Saturday, he was among the Haitian officials, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, Police Chief Rameau Normil and Presidential Council member Fritz Jean, who welcomed the new contingent to Haiti.
PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Kenya sent more than 200 police officers to Haiti on Saturday, providing backup to an understaffed security mission in the Caribbean country where rampant gang violence has displaced more than a million people.

Some 10 countries have together pledged over 3,100 troops for Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed anti-gang force, but few have so far deployed.

Kenya's Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the new group comprised 217 police from Kenya, who would join about 400 officers sent last year.

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"Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering and we will continue to mobilise all the necessary international support for it to succeed," he said in a social media post.

Kenya has led the effort to staff the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, originally promising to deploy a total of 1,000 people.

However, Reuters reported last month that nearly 20 people in the initial deployment submitted letters of resignation from the anti-gang mission due to pay delays and poor conditions.

The MSS in Haiti, which is led by top Kenyan police officers, said in response that its offers had received their salaries, and that it had not received resignations.

The nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica and Belize have also contributed officers to the anti-gang effort.

(Reporting by Harold Isaac, Writing by Daina Beth Solomon, editing by Deepa Babington)
PRNewswire Hong Kong, January 18: Hong Kong Airlines celebrated the first flight between Hong Kong and Australia's Gold Coast, marking the airline's return to become the first local carrier to reinstate this highly anticipated route after several years. Operating seasonally from 17 January to 15 February 2025, the service covers four flights per week for a four-week period encompassing the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday. The route is operated by an A330 wide-body aircraft, offering both business and economy-class seating. To commemorate the relaunch, a ceremony was held at the boarding gate before the inaugural flight took off. Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun, representatives of Gold Coast and Queensland Airports, as well as senior representatives of the Airport Authority Hong Kong attended the event, interacted with passengers, and presented bespoke gifts to share the joy. First flight HX015 to Gold Coast arriving at the Gold Coast Airport at 8:55 am local time. Passengers are welcomed by a lively traditional lion dance performance arranged by the Gold Coast Airport. Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr Yan Bo stated, "We are delighted to have a full flight of passengers on our first voyage, with around 300 travellers coming to experience Queensland's warm climate and exciting tourist activities. We also look forward to welcoming visitors from the Gold Coast and the Queensland region to Hong Kong during our operation period, inviting them to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and enjoy authentic Hong Kong cuisine." Hong Kong Airlines President and Captain Mr Sun joined the cockpit crew to pilot the first flight, he stated, "As one of Hong Kong's leading full-service airlines, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive services, including flexible baggage allowance options, complimentary inflight meals, and comfortable seats, to ensure that every passenger can enjoy a pleasant journey." Queensland Airports Limited CEO Ms Amelia Evans said, "We're delighted to welcome Hong Kong Airlines' guests to our beautiful city of Gold Coast and can't wait for them to experience the best of an Australian summer across the whole region. We hope this connection with Hong Kong will pave the way for longer-term services across our key markets in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China." Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell stated, "This influx from Hong Kong over the Lunar New Year period is an exciting opportunity for Gold Coast, supporting local jobs and the economy." Tourism and Events Queensland's (TEQ) Ollie Philpot helped mark the milestone arrival. He commented, "TEQ has worked closely with Hong Kong Airlines and partners including Experience Gold Coast to put the Gold Coast up in lights in Hong Kong and Mainland China to drive demand for these flights and the destination." Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates celebrated the return of this important service after six years and its positive contribution to the region. Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the resumption of Hong Kong Airlines' services marks a significant step forward for the Gold Coast's tourism industry. "China is a hugely important source market for the Gold Coast, so we are thrilled to see Hong Kong Airlines' services lift off again," The resumption of the Gold Coast route marks Hong Kong Airlines' first step back into the long-haul market. The company is progressively expanding its fleet to support a phased expansion of its network, including potential new routes within Australia and a return to the North American market. Additionally, beyond Vancouver, the airline is also actively exploring the possibility of expanding services to Los Angeles, Seattle, and Toronto to offer passengers a wider range of international travel options. Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Gold Coast is as follows (All times local): For high-resolution photos, please download here: https://bitly.cx/xLwl About Hong Kong Airlines Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to 30 destinations across the Asia Pacific, and currently maintains interline and codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. For more information, please visit hongkongairlines.com or our social media channels on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. (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)
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Kern River Brewing Company is doing their part to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires one pint at a time.

KRB will be donating 100% of tap sales in their Kernville brewery of There is Still Beauty IPA to the Red Cross California Wildfire Fund, company officials said through a news release.

Bakersfield Crumbl owners bring goodies to fire crews at Eaton Fire

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The Kern River Valley is no stranger to the harsh realities of mother natures fury. Last years Borel Fire consumed 60,000 acres, destroyed the town of Havilah and another 230 structures.

Photo provided by courtesy of Kern River Brewery Co.

The company says the beer seems appropriate due to the inspiration behind it.

On a piece of paper, hanging on our wall, is a drawing my then eight-year-old daughter made in 2019. It is a picture with a bird and hearts and simply reads It seems like the end, therefore it is just the beginning. It is a reminder for us, in a crazy world and a crazy time, to notice the beauty around us every day. It is still there and always will be. Kern River Brewery Company

Multiple other breweries are also joining the effort to assist victims of the L.A. wildfires with a collaboration beer called We Love L.A. You can read more about its release 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 KGET 17 News.
After over a decade, Kierra Stubbs remains missing.

Stubbs, a mother of two young children, disappeared on April 24, 2014, in Birmingham, Ala. Nearly 11 years later, authorities are still investigating the then-23 year old's disappearance.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the Birmingham Police Department (BPD) carried out a search warrant at Stubbs previous residence, AL.com, WBRC 6 and WVTM 13. The BPD and the Jefferson County Coroners Office searched the home and dug up the yard, hoping to find Stubbs' remains. However, despite social media speculation, Stubbs remains were not found, and both agencies confirmed that the search was unsuccessful.

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The investigators returned to the scene on Friday, Jan. 17, and nothing was found, even after authorities moved a storage shed and used an excavator to search.

During the search, we did not find human remains, Officer Truman Fitzgerald said in a Friday press release, per WVTM. We cannot begin to imagine the challenges and anguish that Kierras family has faced over the past 10-plus years.

He added that lead Detective Jonathan Ross is committed to taking whatever measures are necessary to solve this case. Ross has led the case since Special Victims Unit and homicide Detective Rodney Rogers retired in 2019.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Kierra's aunt, Shonte Stubbs, said, This is one of the houses when she first went missingthis is one of the houses that we searched when she first went missing and it was nothing, per WBRC 6. Shonte added, It was nothing they wanted to do and the stuff theyre doing now they could have done 10 years ago, and we wouldve had answers and closure.

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Related: How Police Closed in on the Last Person to See Missing College Student Kristin Smart Alive

Black and Missing, Inc./Facebook Kierra Stubbs Kierra Stubbs

At the time of Kierras disappearance, her brother drove her to the Five Points West Boost Mobile store to meet a man she already knew. The man offered to help her with her car. In 2018, her aunt, Shonte, confirmed to AL.com that the man offered to give Kierra money to fix her brakes. Shonte said Kierra knew him because she had previously done his kids' hair.

But once Kierra met up with him, they spoke to one another, and then she entered a burgundy 2012 Chrysler 200. They drove away, and her brother waited for her for an hour, but after she entered the vehicle, she was never seen or heard from again.

The man who was seen with her was questioned but never arrested.

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Related: Womans Remains Identified Five Decades After She Went Missing

She was a sweet, funny, loving person, her aunt previously said, per AL.com. She loved her family. She loved her kids. Thats all she wanted to do - work and spend time with her family.

Her grandmother, Ora Stubbs, told WVTM 13 in 2022, For us to go through this hell for eight years and no justice. You know the justice system has failed us. I just want to understand why we cant get justice for Kierra. Kierra needs justice. We need justice. Her children need justice.

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.

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.

A representative for the Birmingham Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Friday.

Read the original article on People
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44)  On January 11, the Killeen Fire Department sent three of its firefighters to Southern California to assist with the ongoing wildfires  a testament to the departments readiness to answer calls for help far beyond their home state.

Firefighters Marcus Stillwell, Jason Wuest, and Christopher Poston were the first responders selected to travel to California, where they joined many first responders battling intense wildfires fueled by high winds.

While their training has prepared them for a range of emergencies, including wildfires, Killeen Fire Chief James Kubinski highlighted the unique challenges posed by the high winds in the region  particularly the Santa Ana winds. These winds, often reaching sustained speeds of 60 to 80 miles per hour, can drive fires across vast landscapes, making containment efforts more difficult.

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Its not a new hazard for our firefighters. They train on wind-driven fires and understanding how to try to attack any type of structure, fire, wildland, or fire based on the wind conditions, Chief Kubinski explained. So while its not a new concept, its just something that they dont experience here.

Though the Killeen Fire Departments resources are primarily based in Central Texas, the department has frequently responded to national emergencies. With a staff of 263 civil service firefighters, the department is well-equipped to assist in times of need.

We have the ability to support those requests, Chief Kubinski said, emphasizing the departments ongoing commitment to aiding other regions facing crises.

In addition to the Killeen firefighters, more than 135 Texas emergency personnelincluding firefighters, medical staff, and emergency management officialshave been deployed to California. More than 45 emergency vehicles were also sent as part of a coordinated response led by Governor Greg Abbott. According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, this effort underscores the broad support from Texas to combat wildfires and help with recovery efforts in the wake of the destruction.

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As Killeens firefighters work to help contain the fires and mitigate damage, their actions are part of a larger statewide effort to provide critical resources and aid to California during this challenging 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
The detainment of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and the start of the Constitutional Courts hearings on his impeachment are important steps to resolving the political crisis that has engulfed the worlds 13th largest economy for the last six weeks.

Despite the lack of a new president for another six months (at best), Koreas economic institutions and bullish experts counsel against panic. This is South Koreas third impeachment case in the last two decades, after all, suggesting that economic markets, foreign investment and currency rates could perhaps make it through a political crisis with little long-term damage.

Nothing could be further from the truth. War, weak growth, and policy uncertainty around Trumps return already threaten the Korean economy. An extended political crisis will make things worse, by preventing the government from taking necessary actions until its too late to do so.

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If you just go by the economic data, theres good reason to believe optimistic assessments about the Korean economy, like those from the Bank of Korea, that claim the impeachment crisis hasnt caused major sell-offs or downturns in market confidence. The KOSPI index, which tracks the overall performance of the Korean stock market, dropped 2.9% in the first days of Yoons Dec. 3 decision to impose martial law. Yet markets stabilized within the week. The KOSPI ended 2024 down 4%, not much worse than the average 3.2% drop among other major indices (excluding the U.S.)

That performance tracks past impeachments, like Roh Moo-hyuns in 2004 and Park Geun-hyes in 2016, where financial and foreign exchange markets eventually stabilized.

Similarly, glass-half-full experts blame the recent depreciation of the Korean won to the Federal Reserves slowdown on rate cuts rather than Koreas political crisis. The Bank of Korea has attributed any growth slowdown (forecast now at 1.8% instead of 2.2%) to imminent Trump tariffs rather than a crisis of confidence generated by the ongoing impeachment battle.

These bullish assessments may maintain international confidence in Korea, but they also remove pressure on political actors to promptly solve the impeachment crisis. Predicting that the economy will be fine once the crisis is over will leave more space for partisan bickering that ultimately hurts South Korea.

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First, conditions are not as favorable today as they were during previous impeachments. In 2004, Chinas strong economic growth helped the Korean economy recoup its losses after the impeachment of President Roh. Then in 2016, strong chip exports helped save the economy after the Park impeachment.

In 2025, things are markedly less pleasant, with war in Europe, slowed economic growth in China, and export controls on semiconductors. Its a much less forgiving environment for Koreas economic recovery.

Second, an extended impeachment crisis will hurt an undeniably strong record of foreign direct investment in the Korean economy, which peaked at around $34 billion in 2024. After the Park impeachment in 2016, for example, total FDI in Korea shrunk by nearly half in just one quarter, or by $400 million when measured on a year-over-year basis.

Foreign investors are already jittery about today's political crisis. Since the onset of the current crisis last month, they've sold off more than $2.3 billion in stocks and $11.6 billion in bonds.

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Third, a highly polarized political environment will prevent the acting government from boosting confidence in the economy. Any policy actionwhether incentives for FDI, emergency loans, repurchasing agreements, monetary expansion, or stock market stabilizationrisks becoming the target of partisan bickering and even potential criminal investigation if its seen to privilege either the incumbent government or the opposition. This stops bureaucrats from advancing well-meaning policy measures.

Even the rosiest assessments of the Korean economy accept that a protracted political crisis could spell disaster. Time is thus of the essence.

The Constitutional Court can ill afford to take the full six months allotted to adjudicate impeachment. South Korea also can't sustain a continued leadership vacuum that undermines economic confidence or leaves the country without answers to a second Trump administration. The incoming president has made no secret of his desire to impose tariffs on allies that enjoy trade surpluses with the U.S.; South Korea's is $51 billion. Trump may also want to pursue renewed summit talks with North Korea over the heads of South Korea or, worse, withdraw troops from the peninsula as part of an America First policy.

The message is clear: South Korea needs to get its act together soon. A Korea that emerges too late from its self-absorbed political infighting will soon find itself in a new crisis that could span both its economy and its relationship with the U.S.

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The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla.  A facility using chicken waste to produce a methane-based gas could be built in Ottawa County, and the window for public comment is closing.

Members of the environmental education agency called L.E.A.D. recently discovered a request for an air permit filed with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by a company called Argo Development Partners.

If granted, that permit would open the door for construction of a facility in Ottawa County that would use poultry litter for biogas.

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Theyre going to basically bring a lot of waste in, poultry waste, and theyre going to spin it into gold. Theyre going to make money from it, said L.E.A.D. Agency Executive Director, Rebecca Jim.

According to the permit application, the facility would be constructed off Highway 69 between the towns of Commerce and Quapaw.

The company is aiming to bring 164,000 tons of poultry litter into Ottawa County each year, the permit states.

We know about tons of waste, from the chat piles that weve had to eventually try and get rid of most of it, and were asking for more? No, I dont think so, said L.E.A.D. Agency Vice President, Grace Goodeagle.

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The permit application is raising concerns with the L.E.A.D. Agency, about not only pollution, but smell.

This particular smell has names, and there is a permit this time, and the DEQ does not have to allow it, said Jim.

The L.E.A.D. Agency says its important for residents of Ottawa County to voice their concerns with the Oklahoma DEQ. They say those concerns could determine the permits approval.

Those who live and work near the proposed biogas facility site also stress the importance of contacting the Oklahoma DEQ.

I just thought about how its going to ruin things around here because theres no way they can build a processing plant that wouldnt affect the environment, the air, said Sherri Sherwood, Director of Freedom From Addiction Through Christ homeless shelter.

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The deadline for public comments is January 22. Youll find the link for public comments, HERE.

Attempts by KSN/KODE to reach Argo Development Partners for comment Friday (1/17) were unsuccessful.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Los Angeles leading art institutions, including the J. Paul Getty Trust, LACMA, and the Hammer Museum, have launched a $12 million emergency fund to aid artists and cultural workers who have lost their homes, studios, or livelihoods to the wildfires still ravaging California.

The L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, which is reportedly still growing, will be organized and administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that helps artists achieve financial security. A significant portion of the initial funding pool comes from the Getty, which counts as the worlds richest art institution due to its $9.1 billion endowment. The area surrounding the Getty Villa, home to thousands of prized antiquities, faced evacuation orders on Tuesday. Getty staff have reported that the grounds and collection are safe, as of writing.

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Other organizations that have donated to the fund include MOCA, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Mellon and Helen Frankenthaler foundations, and Qatar Museums. The commercial galleries Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and Jeffrey Deitch, each of whom has LA outposts, also contributed.

The fires have left thousands in the LA area homeless, fueling fears that rising rents and the years of rebuilding ahead could force an exodus of artists, many of whom made a community in Altadena. According to a statement from J. Paul Getty Trust President and Chief Executive Katherine E. Fleming, the funds will be administered as soon as possible, with the immediate aim of ensuring locals can afford new housing.

Los Angeles is such an incredible community for and of artists and it would be horrible if we lose that and lose them, Fleming told the Art Newspaper. Were aware there is going to be a huge amount of bureaucracy for victims of this fire, so we want this to be as swift and painless as possible.

Artists and cultural workers affected by the fire can apply for an emergency grant at www.cciarts.org.

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As houses smoldered and the breadth of destruction from fires that raged through Los Angeles was just beginning to become clear, real estate developer Rick Caruso called into a local Fox station to cast the first stone.

It looks like we are in a third world country here, Caruso told the on-air correspondents on Jan. 8. We have a lot of tough questions that we need to ask the mayor and City Council and our representatives and the county rep.

It was just over 24 hours since two major fires had ignited across the city. The first in coastal and affluent Pacific Palisades, the second hours later further inland in working-class Altadena. Fueled by parched brush and abnormally strong 100 mph winds, the fire spread easily among homes and businesses. Gusts downed power lines and kept firefighting planes grounded. Some residents were caught so unprepared that they ultimately had to flee the threat on foot.

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But as Caruso spoke to the TV station that evening, at a time when many locals had still not learned the fate of their homes, he called out one politician in particular for what he saw as negligence, his former mayoral campaign rival, Karen Bass.

This is basic stuff. This isnt high science here. Its all about leadership and management that we are seeing a failure of, and all of these residents are seeing the ultimate price for that, he said.

When the fires began, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was on other side of the globe, on a planned trip to Ghana. By the next day, Bass had yet to make it home, and her absence opened the door for Caruso.

On Jan. 7, 2025, it felt like no one was in charge of Los Angeles. No communicating to the residents, no one answering questions and no one giving voice, or no one was even validating the shock and horror of Angelenos, said Sam Yebri, the board president of Thrive L.A., a group focused on electing moderate Democratic candidates. And when Rick stepped into that void voluntarily, as a resident and a business owner, as a business owner in the Palisades and resident of Brentwood, I think many Angelenos really appreciated that.

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Carusos insertion into the disaster seemed like a dress rehearsal.

This was a pretty concerted PR campaign for him to be in as many places as possible, said one Los Angeles political expert, who asked not to be named because of his previous work with the candidate. I dont think that this is just something that someone would do if they didnt have some kind of political ambitions.

A charred chimney is all that remains standing Thursday at a fire-ravaged oceanfront home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Caruso ran for mayor in the nonpartisan election in 2022, spending more than $100 million of his own money and outspending Bass 11 to 1. He changed political parties from Republican to Democrat days before registering. Running on a platform of law-and-order and real estate finesse, he did well with largely wealthier neighborhoods, including Bel-Air and the Palisades. But Bass, also a Democrat, was ultimately triumphant. She won by 9 percentage points. The former congresswoman, who at one point was vetted as Bidens 2020 running mate, announced last year she intends to run for mayor again.

But some have criticized the slow pace of change when it comes to affordable housing and homelessness, her main campaign issues, since Bass took office. Moderate Democrats see the frustration as an indictment of her leadership abilities, and they see the fires as a political opportunity. Politics in the Golden State has also changed. Last fall, California voters overwhelmingly approved a tough-on-crime proposition that increased some sentencing guidelines, and Los Angeles voters ousted their progressive district attorney, opting for a challenger who ran on a platform of increased public safety. Similar voter trends toward the middle have been seen in Democratic cities such as New York.

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Bass declined a request for comment.

I think for too long, Angelenos have mistaken performative politics for actual performance in office. As a lifelong Democrat, I can say that Ive seen too much of a focus on who could be, who could appear to be the most progressive, as opposed to whos going to be doing the best job. And I think that was a factor in the extent of these infernos, the damage of these infernos, Yebri said.

This wouldnt be the first time that a disaster launched a candidate to success. Several political consultants pointed to the actions of former California Gov. Pete Wilson after the deadly 1994 Northridge earthquake, which was centered in Los Angeles, saying he was reelected partially on the strength of his response. They caution that Basss reactions  including painfully stoic appearances at conferences  are not netting her any favors. Shes not going to necessarily have a lot of opportunities to redefine herself, the political expert said.

Its been reported that Caruso has been considering a second chance at political office for some time. The Los Angeles Times reported that he hired a full-time political director in 2023. Quietly, some moderate-leaning Democrats and Republicans are pushing him to run, though its unclear what role hed be better suited for: a rematch with Bass or a chance at governor after Gavin Newsom terms out next year. The governors race could be more opportunistic for someone with Republican roots, but a voter poll taken last October of preferences in a governors race placed Caruso near the bottom, behind former Rep. Katie Porter and Vice President Kamala Harris.

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In his mid-20s, Caruso served as a commissioner of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a government position he still references when talking about Los Angeles water needs. But in truth, the 66-year-old, whose father founded Dollar Rent-a-Car, is most known as a billionaire real estate developer. Hes has been responsible for constructing two of the citys most famous outdoor malls  picturesque, Disney-like spaces with cobblestone streets and shooting fountains  The Americana and The Grove.

Caruso declined a request for an interview.

Private firefighting company employees, hired to protect Rick Caruso's Palisades Village shopping district from fire, gather near their vehicles on Wednesday. ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images

But when the Palisades burned, his focus was largely on Palisades Village, another Caruso development that was in the heart of the catastrophe. While the majority of homes around the shopping area went up in flames, including the house of Carusos daughter, the Village escaped unscathed thanks to a private firefighting crew that Caruso hired to protect the property.

The Villages narrow escape has become its own symbol of division. Some see his ability to save his properties as proof of his leadership, though the Village survived largely by tapping into the very water supply Caruso criticized for being inadequate.

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From a corporate governance perspective, I think theres no better symbol of management versus mismanagement than the fact that this mall is standing and the rest of the Palisades, which was under the responsibility of City Hall, tragically burned to the ground, Yebri said.

Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant at GrassRootsLab and founder of The Lincoln Project, disagreed.

The only people who would be saying that are either Trump people or MAGA Republicans, he said, referring to President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters. If he were hiring private firefighters and using public water and changing the limited scarce resources at a time of disaster to protect that while people were losing their homes, like I dont think thats going to sit very well.

Carusos comments have drawn support from right-leaning voices on social media, such as investor Tyler Winklevoss, but its attention that Caruso, who is attempting to appeal to liberals, might not have intended.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks at a news conference Thursday to address the status of fires in Los Angeles County. Katie McTiernan/Anadolu via Getty Images

Yet Madrid argues Carusos run could still be effective.

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I think hes operating in a circumstance where Karen Bass is deeply, deeply, deeply wounded, yeah. So is it enough to prevent him from winning if he were to run again? No. I think hes going to be extraordinarily competitive.

Experts say a lot will come down to how Basss team responds now that the citys major fires are coming under control. She might have missed the chance to control the narrative when the fires began, but she can own the reconstruction.

I dont know a single elected official, not even Trump, who can stop a natural disaster with their magical powers but their magical powers come to play post-tragedy, said Mike Trujillo, a Democratic strategist who had worked with former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Bass is going to have a tough test in front of her, and its going to be about rebuilding, cutting red tape, essentially getting the government out of the way so that way homeowners can rebuild their homes, and folks and families can have a sense of normalcy back.

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There's a popular mantra among skeptics of government power that goes like this: If a law is named after a person, it's probably bad.

Usually pegged to a victim whose story is genuinely tragic, and for whom compassion is warranted, such legislation often gives lawmakers license to enact authoritarian policies while using a bill's raw emotional packaging as both a shield from criticism and as ammunition to criticize those who don't get on board.

The Laken Riley Act, which moved closer to passing the Senate on Friday, is no exception. Drafted in response to the death of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student murdered last year by an unlawful immigrant named Jose Ibarra, the bill has become a grab bag of draconian policies that have little, if anything, to do with Riley's death, but will likely soon be enshrined into law in her name.

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Prior to murdering Riley, Ibarra had been arrested for shoplifting. So the thrust of the bill begins there: It requires any undocumented immigrant to be held in federal detention without bailthey would not be granted a hearing by defaultand be subject to deportation if they are arrested for a theft-related crime.

"ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] will no longer have discretion to release individuals with those arrests, and will be required to hold them in detention without access to bond while they go through the removal process," says Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council. "That aspect of the bill also applies even if the person was later acquitted or had charges dropped."

The latter part raises obvious due process concerns, and it applies to children, people protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and those in the U.S. on temporary protected status. The former stipulation, meanwhile, potentially carries some rather dire unintended consequences: ICE has warned that the legislation may force the agency to release alleged offenders who pose significantly greater risk of danger, because detention centers can only hold but so many people. Lawmakers may be well-meaning as they seek to mandate that resources be funneled toward shoplifting suspectsas opposed to, say, people accused of more violent crimesbecause one unlawful immigrant previously arrested for shoplifting ended up committing a terrible act. But that does not mean it is wise.

What's more, in what arguably has little connection to Laken Riley, the act bearing her name also permits state attorneys general to file lawsuits challenging any decision to grant someone immigration parole, and, perhaps more significantly, to sue secretaries of state in an attempt to block legal migration from "recalcitrant countries."

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"The goal of this provision is to make it easier for states to challenge federal programs that grant visas or parole (temporary legal entry, employment, and residency in the US), such as the Biden Administration [Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela parole] program for people fleeing horrific violence and oppression in four Latin American nations (including three ruled by brutal socialist dictatorships)," writes Ilya Somin, a professor of law at George Mason University, at The Volokh Conspiracy. "Last year, a conservative federal judge ruled against a lawsuit brought against the program by a coalition of red states, on the ground that the latter lacked standing due to not having suffered the requisite 'harm' because of the program." The Laken Riley Act will make such standing much easier to find, and it will potentially allow attorneys general to sue to block visas from, say, India, a "recalcitrant country," as debates about high-skilled immigration continue to fracture much of the "new right."

"If all the bill did was mandate the deportation of migrants convicted of petty theft, it would make sense for many Democrats to back it, if only because there's so little political upside in defending the rights of undocumented shoplifters," writes Michelle Goldberg at The New York Times. But despite its wide-reaching implications, many Democrats have backed itenough to likely get the GOP-led bill over the finish linein what is almost certainly due, at least in part, to how the legislation came to be.

"You have to meet people where they are, even if your ideological priors might lead you in a different direction," Rep. Ritchie Torres (DN.Y.), who voted in favor, told the Times. "I do worry that when we vote against bills like the Laken Riley Act, we run the risk of seeming out of touch with most Americans on the issue of immigration and border security."

What happened to Riley was an utter tragedy. But lawmakers should be more concerned about bad laws than bad optics.

The post The Laken Riley Act Reminds Us: If a Law Is Named After Someone, It's Probably Bad appeared first on Reason.com.
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 18: iPlanet, one of South India's largest Apple Premium Partner, is proud to announce its entry into Mumbai with the launch of two Apple Premium Partner stores at Inorbit Mall, Vashi and Linking Road, Khar. Over 15 years of delivering unparalleled experiences across South India, iPlanet now extends its legacy to the business capital of India, Mumbai. This expansion promises to bring Mumbaikars a world- class blend of cutting-edge technology, premium retail spaces, and exceptional personalized service with our 275+ certified in-store experts. With Apple Premium Partner stores in Vashi, Khar, and other strategic locations across Mumbai, iPlanet, aims to raise the bar for how customers engage with Apple's partner ecosystem. iPlanet's journey to becoming a key Apple Premium Partner is a testament to its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. As part of this journey, iPlanet has acquired Maple stores across Mumbai and Mangalore. By integrating the eCommerce platform maplestore.in into iPlanet.one, the brand has created a seamless shopping experience that bridges online convenience with the premium feel of in-store service. This integration empowers customers to exchange their old devices effortlessly, enjoy flexible payment options, and choose between convenient home delivery or an engaging in-store pick-up experience. With these initiatives, iPlanet is not just expanding its footprint but redefining the way customers interact with the Apple ecosystem, making it accessible and exciting for everyone. To celebrate this occasion, iPlanet will offer exclusive discounts and benefits during the launch period from January 17th to 19th, 2025, at its Vashi and Khar stores. Customers purchasing an iPhone during this time will enjoy a complimentary Easy Upgrade Plan (EUP), which offers an impressive buyback value of 84.7% on the invoice price when upgrading to a new iPhone next year. This limited-time offer includes a free accessories bundle worth Rs5490 and a Premier Membership Card valued at Rs1999. Furthermore, customers can secure an effective price of just Rs22,474 for the iPhone 16 by exchanging their old device, inclusive of a Rs6000 exchange bonus. All purchases made during the launch will also receive a Rs1000 gift voucher, redeemable on select accessories via iPlanet.one. This special celebration ensures an incredible opportunity to embrace the Apple ecosystem with unbeatable value and benefits. Customers can enjoy up to 20% off on Mac, and up to 12% off on iPad. Additionally, there is a flat 8% discount on Apple Watch and AirPods, and Protect+ with AppleCare Services for iPhones is available at 50% off. These offers are designed to make this launch an extraordinary opportunity for customers to embrace the Apple ecosystem at an exceptional value. iPlanet's Managing Director, Raakesh Ramanand, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Mumbai is the epitome of energy, innovation, and ambition. We are thrilled to bring iPlanet's legacy of excellence and customer-centricity to the city. With our extensive retail experience and a deep understanding of Apple's products, we look forward to serving Mumbaikars with an unmatched tech experience in quality and personalization." He elaborated on iPlanet's success story, sharing how the company has established over 67 stores nationwide, making it one of India's most extensive Apple Premium Partner networks. With 61 dedicated service centers and over One lakh square feet of premium retail space, iPlanet offers a world-class Apple experience designed to delight customers. iPlanet ensures every customer receives knowledgeable and personalized assistance. The company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its stellar 4.9 star Google rating, a testament to unparalleled customer satisfaction, and the trust of over 2 million happy customers who have made iPlanet their preferred gateway to Apple's ecosystem. "Each store is a gateway to discovery, where technology meets personalized care, creating extraordinary moments for every customer," he added. Join the celebration. Don't miss the grand launch of iPlanet's Apple Premium Partner store in Inorbit Mall, Vashi, and Linking Road, Khar. Experience innovation, enjoy unmatched customer service, and take advantage of exclusive launch offers. iPlanet invites every Mumbaikar to step into its world and see why millions trust it as their gateway to Apple's ecosystem. (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)
A long-held vision for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Warner Robins is a step closer to reality.

Friday, Vietnam and other veterans, representatives of the U.S. Air Force and military-honoring nonprofits gathered with city, state and federal elected officials at a Vietnam Veterans Memorial land tribute event.

The event was held at the future home of the memorial on a five-acre site off Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway near Watson Boulevard in a portion of Warner Robins thats also in Peach County.

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The property was donated to the city of Warner Robins by Vietnam veteran Mike Driggers, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and shares his story with other veterans to help them cope with the tragedies of war.

Vietnam veteran Mike Driggers (black ball cap/front row), who donated the land for the future home of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Warner Robins, waits as people arrive for a land tribute Friday. He received a standing ovation at the event for donating the property to the city of Warner Robins.

The memorial will honor the sacrifices and legacy of those who served during the Vietnam War with a marble wall engraved with the names of 1,584 Georgians who did not return home from the Vietnam War.

Today, we do this not for us but for those who never walked Georgia soil again after going to the Vietnam War, Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick told more than 150 people gathered for the event.

We do it for their families, their loved ones and also for the ones who did return but did not receive the welcome that they so deserved. Welcome home and thank you for your service and for your continued sacrifice, she said.

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All the Vietnam veterans in attendance were asked to stand.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, a Democrat whose sprawling 2nd Congressional District includes Peach County and parts of Houston and Bibb counties, shared a personal story about his childhood friend Thaddeus Williams, who served in the Vietnam War as a reconnaissance pilot and was missing in action for over three decades before his remains were finally recovered and returned home.

Vietnam veteran Tom McLendon salutes the American flag Friday at land tribute event for the future home of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Warner Robins. McLendon was recognized at the event for advocating for the memorial for over a decade.

Bishop also presented veteran Tom McLendon with a certificate of special congressional recognition for outstanding achievement, service and public distinction in advocating for the memorial for over a decade.

Bishop thanked Driggers for donating the land and noted that Patrick has kept her promise, made when she was a mayoral candidate, to build the memorial.

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I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the veterans, service members and military families that are gathered here today, especially those Vietnam vets, Bishop told the crowd.

Your services and your sacrifices that you and your families make and have made in defense of the Constitution and our country allow us to enjoy the rights and the liberties that make our country the greatest country on the face of the earth.

Bishop was given a cap with Project 1584 emblazoned on it, in reference to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial project in Warner Robins.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, a Democrat whose sprawling 2nd Congressional District includes Peach County and parts of Houston and Bibb counties, fields questions from reporters after a land dedication at the future home of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial on 5-acres of property within Warner Robins city limits thats also part of neighboring Peach County.

U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Quick of the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins Air Force Base noted that memorials serve two important roles.

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First, they give us a way to preserve and honor the memories of the heroes, ensuring they are never forgotten, Quick said. Second, they provide us a touch point with history, so that we may always remember that freedom is not free and that the defense of our great nation lies with the few that are willing to serve and, when called upon, make the ultimate sacrifice.

Quick, whose father also served in the Vietnam War, ended his remarks by offering a salute to all the Vietnam veterans in the area.

Peach County Commission Chairman Martin Moseley, whose father served in World War II, noted that the memorial will provide a great place of reflection and to just honor those people who gave their lives for this country.

State Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, read aloud House Bill 17, which aims to honor and recognize Vietnam veterans who were victims of Agent Orange who have died from or suffer health issues from the tactical herbicide that was used by the U.S. military. Blackmon is one of the sponsors of the bill.

The joint honor guard of the Warner Robins police and fire departments post the colors at Fridays land tribute event for the future home of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Warner Robins.

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The land tribute event also included acknowledgment of all the public officials and nonprofit groups in attendance, a prayer, a posting of the colors, singing of the U.S. national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, and reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Additionally, a sign recognizing the property as the future site of the memorial was unveiled, with photos taken in front of the sign.

About $300,000 has been set aside for the first phase of the memorial, which will include the marble wall as well as recognition of Gulf War veterans and Agent Orange victims in a manner to be determined, according to Patrick.

The second phase is expected to include construction of a building to serve as a welcome center for the city, she said.

Patricks great-uncle, whose name will appear on the memorial wall, and her grandfather, who lives in Moultrie, served in the Vietnam War.
Jan. 17LAPEL  The town will move its administrative offices to the former First Merchants bank building as part of an agreement that will bring a bank back to the community.

Chad Blake, president of the Lapel Town Council, said Thursday that the State Bank of Lizton has purchased the former First Merchants building, which closed last year.

State Bank is donating the First Merchants building to the town in exchange for the current town hall, which was the location of a bank in the past.

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Blake said the move won't take place until the former First Merchants bank building is renovated for use as the new town hall.

The town council passed a resolution establishing a steering committee to plan for the renovations of the former building.

The committee will consist of a council member, a representative from the utility departments, the town's clerk/treasurer, and the public.

"We want to relocate town hall," Blake said at a previous meeting. "We want to make it similar to Pendleton where we can have public meetings in the building."

The First Merchants Bank branch closed in July, which left the community without a bank.

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OTHER BUSINESS

The council approved a final plat for the development of a five-lot residential project on 38 acres at the intersection of Ind. 38 and County Road 1000 West.

The development, to be known as Knoxson Miles Estates, is proposing five lots ranging in size from 6.16 acres to 9.8 acres.

All the lots front on the existing road; no new roads or private drives are being proposed.

The council approved a contract with Midwest Maintenance and Construction in the amount of $14,456 for a fuel tracking system for the town and fire department.

The new system will allow the town to track fuel usage by vehicle and user and help to determine which department should be billed for the fuel usage.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
CHEYENNE  Laramie County commissioners unanimously approved the expansion of the Horse Palace Swan Ranch on Tuesday, another step in the process of authorizing its owners to house 600 additional gaming machines as part of an estimated $100 million expansion plan to make the gaming facility a tourist destination.

Wyoming Horse Racing (WHR) opened the Horse Palace in June, a 30,000-square-foot facility that cost $25 million. The facility, at 5640 High Plains Road off the Swan Ranch exit on Interstate 25, currently houses around 300 of the 400 machines they are allowed to operate, as well as a concert stage, a bar that wraps around the wall leading into a steakhouse and a Dunkin Donuts.

Less than a year after opening, the location may soon more than double in size.

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The company envisions the expansion as a 41,000-square-foot building with 150 to 200 hotel rooms, a small theater, two restaurants and potentially a convention event space. WHR officials said they intend to fund this investment with profits from the existing machines and by making more machines available to patrons in phases.

With the approval of the county commission to house more gaming machines, WHR will now turn to the Wyoming Gaming Commission for final approval of the expansion.

Laramie County commissioners have previously expressed reluctance to allow more gaming facilities to come to Cheyenne. Nevertheless, this is the fourth gaming development the governing body has approved since the start of the calendar year. Last week, they approved allowing Cowboy Racing to open three separate gaming locations across Cheyenne.

Commissioner Ty Zwonitzer said he sees the growing historic horse racing industry as an exploited loophole. However, the business model of targeting the Colorado market and supporting the Wyoming economy seemed to ease the concerns some commissioners had about how this expansion would impact the community.

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At the same time, (tourism) is now our No. 1 export, and we need to make something happen in order to not put that strain on our constituents. So, were trying our best to find a source of income, Zwonitzer said. It kind of connects with that heritage. I dont want to be like Colorado, I want to find our own identity. And I feel like horse racing is something that a lot of us Wyomingites growing up here can really identify with.

Nick Hughes, president of WHR and Pacesetter Racing, WHRs parent company, said that 76% of the customers at Horse Palace Swan Ranch are coming from outside of Wyoming, primarily Colorado, and that all but one employee at the location is from Wyoming.

So, its a win-win in that were producing in-state Wyoming taxation from out-of-state gaming dollars from people that are not in Wyoming, Hughes said.

Zwonitzer said he recently drove to the facility to check it out. While he was there, he said all the cars in the parking lot had Colorado license plates and all the employees he spoke with were from Cheyenne.

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(WHR) is definitely Wyoming first, Zwonitzer said. They put a lot back in the community. Theyve done their due diligence, and I really appreciate that they went to the City Council and they included the City Council, because I very much feel that this should be their decision, not ours.

In November, WHR presented these plans to the Cheyenne City Council. Although the City Council does not get a vote to approve or block the project, WHR officials wanted the support of the city before seeking approval from the county. While city counselors seemed to react positively to the presentation in November, the city has not signed an official letter of support.

At that meeting, WHR General Manager Steve Jimenez said the current facility expects to produce $1.1 million in taxes each for the state, county and city, up from the initial projection of $900,000.

WHR projects that the expanded facility would generate $1.8 million in taxes each for the city, county and state annually. Once complete, WHR also anticipates having 450 employees on its payroll, up from around 100 currently.

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Additionally, WHR told the city the estimated costs would be around $76 million. On Tuesday, WHR told the county commission that number is now closer to $100 million.

There was little opposition to the expansion expressed at the commissioners meeting. In the public comment portion, one attendee expressed concern with the impact the development may have on water usage, hotel capacity and the culture of the community. She urged the commissioners to take more time to consider the proposal before casting a vote of support.

I just feel like too often since Ive moved here that the public is not fully informed of what the whole story is, and that part of it, I resent, she said.

Commissioner Gunnar Malm said the water availability is a city concern for this project, not the countys, but he understands the city currently has excess water availability.

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Visit Cheyennes annual report in 2023 showed hotel occupancy peaked at around 80% in June but sat between 50% and 60% occupancy between November and April.

Once approved by the Wyoming Gaming Commission, Hughes said he estimates the expansion will be an 18-month to two-year project, which could be delayed by adverse weather conditions.

While WHR has not announced any plans for further expansion, Hughes told the City Council that it is a real possibility if this second phase of the project is successful.
UPDATE: Allyssa Herrera, the missing 13-year-old girl, has been found safe and reunited with her family, Las Cruces Police said.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Las Cruces Police Department is asking for your help in finding a missing 13-year-old girl.

Allyssa Herrera, 13, was last seen at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday , Jan. 17 along the 5300 block of Stewards Drive.

Allyssa Herrera

Allyssa Herrera

Herrera is described as being 5-foot-1 in height, weighs 130 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.

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She was last seen wearing pajama pants, black-and-white shoes, gray hoodie and a black backpack.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact the Las Cruces Police Department at (575) 526-0795.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas Metro police have arrested a man connected to two violent sexual assaults and believe he may be connected to other cases.

On Jan. 11, police arrested Denver Baoec-Asuncion, 29, on charges including kidnapping and sexual assault.

On Dec. 20, a woman walked into University Medical Center saying a stranger sexually assaulted her, documents said. The woman told police the man, later identified as Baoec-Asuncion, sexually assaulted her after he offered her a ride near Las Vegas and Charleston boulevards.

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The man asked [the woman] what kind of date she wanted, and she replied that she did not do anything for less than $100 and they had to use a condom, which caused the male to become upset, documents said.

The man drove to his home, punched her and forced her to perform oral sex on him inside her home, documents said. The man then sexually assaulted her and drove her back to Charleston Boulevard.

The woman described the man as Asian chunky and provided a description of his car to detectives, police said.

Officers later located the mans home based on the womans memory, they said. A vehicle in front of the home matched the womans vehicle description.

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On Jan. 7, police responded to a second sexual assault. The woman told police a man offered to give her a ride, documents said. The woman got into Baoec-Asuncions car where he then allegedly battered her and sexually assaulted her at his home. Afterward, Baoec-Asuncion allegedly told the woman he kept photos of women, adding, Youre the first of 2025.

In both alleged sex assaults, the women told police Baoec-Asuncion threatened them with a firearm, documents said.

In 2020, police arrested Baoec-Asuncion for soliciting an undercover officer for sex, they said.

Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Amy Ferreria set Baoec-Asuncions bail at $500,000, records said. He was scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 27.

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Detectives ask any other victims or anyone with information to contact them at 702-828-3421. Tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-555 or crimestoppersofnv.com.

While Metro police no longer releases booking photos, citing a circuit court ruling, the department released a photo likely due to the ongoing investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said his department will learn from the shooting and killing of a man who called 911 during a home invasion, adding the investigative process needs to play out as designed.

McMahill answered questions about the Nov. 12 shooting during an exclusive interview with the 8 News Now Investigators, which will air on 8 News Now on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 9:30 p.m.

LVMPD Officer Alexander Bookman shot and killed 43-year-old Brandon Durham after Durham called 911 to report the home invasion. Durham told a dispatcher that he was inside his home with his 15-year-old daughter and said he was locking himself in a bathroom.

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Police suspect Alejandra Boudreaux, 31, broke into the home after Durham had police remove her from the property the night before.

Fourteen seconds after breaking down Durhams front door, Bookman shot and killed Durham as he and Boudreaux struggled over a knife, video indicated.

When you were briefed on that and you saw that video, what was your takeaway? Charns asked McMahill.

My takeaway was thats not the call that you want to get when you are the head of the law enforcement agency where that happened, the sheriff said. I knew that we were going to have some challenges in this particular case. Ive watched that video literally dozens of times, I still cant tell who was actually holding that knife when the officer confronted the two individuals.

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Police suspect Boudreaux broke into the home after Durham had police remove her from the property the night before. In an interview with police, Boudreaux said the pair had a casual sexual relationship. The charges indicate prosecutors suspect Boudreaux and Durham has had or was having a dating relationship, documents said. Boudreaux and Durham met on a dating app in October, police said.

Brandon Durham, 43, was shot and killed by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer after calling 911 during a home invasion. (Durham family)

Bookman spoke with both Boudreaux and Durham during a call for service on Nov. 10  the night before the home invasion and shooting, the 8 News Now Investigators reported. Boudreaux later left the property and took a rideshare to the airport.

Did it matter that that same officer had interacted with those people and had been there the day before? Charns asked.

I was surprised by that, certainly when you are at a call the day before, you would expect that the officer recognizes them. Ive responded on thousands of calls in my career. When you get a 911 call, more often than not the 911 call doesnt have all the adequate information that you need.

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Metro leadership placed Bookman on paid administration leave pending an outcome of their internal investigation. Durhams family has called for Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson to charge Bookman.

Clark County prosecutors filed another charge against the woman accused of sparking a police shooting after that woman exposed herself to reporters in court. (KLAS)

While I understand everybody wants answers right now, the other part of that is the process is in place for a reason  and youll get your answers, but were going to do it by the book.

McMahill highlighted Metros policy of releasing details of a use-of-force incident  with video  within 72 hours. The policy came following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2014.

I knew that when we were going to release it that it was going to cause an outcry in the community, McMahill said. Im not going to hide because the video doesnt look good. Im not going to hide because it doesnt shine us in the greatest light. Ive committed to being transparent about this stuff and were going to do it. Im not going to shy away from those problems because Ive got 6,200 people in this organization and we make mistakes, but we also try to learn from those mistakes.

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Durham sustained seven gunshot wounds, including one to the head, the report said. A toxicology report found methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.

During Boudreauxs grand jury hearing, a detective said police found pills and an unidentified crystal-like substance with hypodermic needles in Durhams home.

Boudreauxs criminal case was paused as of January as she undergoes a competency evaluation. She faces charges of home invasion with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon constituting domestic violence, child abuse and arson.

She was due to return to court on Jan. 29. Earlier this week, the district attorneys office did not return a request for comment about their investigation.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Rutherford County woman faces a slew of charges after an investigation revealed she stole from a vulnerable adult, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

Special agents with the TBIs Medicaid Fraud Control Division said they began investigating 60-year-old Jill Black Turner in August 2024 following allegations of theft and financial exploitation of an elderly adult.

Woman charged with reckless burning following Rutherford County fire

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During the investigation, agents reportedly learned between July 2023 and July 2024, property and cash belonging to an elderly resident at a Murfreesboro care facility had been stolen. Officials added the victims checking account was also utilized for unauthorized purchases, and her name had been forged on a check.

According to the TBI, the investigation identified the suspect as a relative to the victim. On Jan. 6, 2025, the Rutherford County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Turner with one count each of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, theft of property $60,000  $250,00, and criminal simulation.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

Deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office arrested Turner on Jan. 13. She is being held in the Rutherford County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

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No additional details about the incident were immediately released.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
By Jennifer Rigby and Emma Farge

LONDON/GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization is drawing up a list of reasons why the U.S. should remain in the WHO for its own good, two sources familiar with the process told Reuters, as part of an attempt by its supporters to lobby incoming President Donald Trump.

Trump moved to quit the U.N. health agency during his last presidency and is expected to take similar steps in his new administration, possibly as soon as he is inaugurated on Monday.

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The U.S. is the WHO's biggest donor, and experts agree its exit would be a blow for the Geneva agency and the health of the world more broadly. But it could also leave the U.S. out in the cold during emerging outbreaks as well as for routine disease surveillance, which could impact the country's national security and pharmaceutical industry, the list suggests.

The WHO has not pushed publicly for a change of heart from its member state, instead saying the administration needs time and they hoped to continue the partnership for the health of the world.

The list comes at the request of prominent American global health advocates, one of them told Reuters, saying they would use it to stress the risk to the U.S. of a WHO exit.

"It would be a deep wound to the WHO, to health globally, but an even more grievous wound to the U.S. national interest and we are making that case as forcefully as we can," said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health at Georgetown University in Washington and director of the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law.

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Even if Trump announces his decision on day one of his presidency, by domestic law there is a one-year notice period before the U.S. leaves the agency, during which time the advocates - including scientists, businesses, former officials and civil society - hope to change his mind.

It is not yet clear if they will present their findings directly to the Trump transition team or via a public letter.

Other figures have also campaigned for the WHO in recent weeks, including former British prime minister and WHO envoy Gordon Brown.

Health sources said the WHO has also been holding meetings and preparing for months, and is ready to argue its case.

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"I know they have been identifying activities of WHO which would still be in the interest of the U.S., even in the eyes of a Trump administration," said a Geneva-based diplomat from a major donor country, briefed on the WHO's preparations.

The list outlines how the U.S. outside the WHO would be deprived of vital information about any emerging disease - including H5N1 avian flu - that could become the next pandemic, the sources said.

"If we hollowed WHO out ... that is going to come back to the U.S. Germs don't respect borders," said Gostin.

It also details the importance of access to international flu surveillance data as well as the cost for U.S. pharmaceutical companies of missing out on the latest WHO information.

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The World Health Organization did not respond to a request for comment on the list.

Gostin and two other experts in America said other steps may be taken in the next 12 months if Trump signals a plan to exit, including potential lawsuits questioning whether the administration can leave without consulting Congress, which made the decision to join the WHO in 1948.

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby in London and Emma Farge in Geneva; editing by David Evans)
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The final Which Wiich location has closed in San Angelo, bringing an end to the sandwich chains years of business in the town.

According to a sign posted on the door of the store, located at 4515 Knickerbocker Road, the business has officially shut down. The shops exterior doors are locked, and the interior entrance located inside the gas station the restaurant shares a building with is shuttered.

It is with great sorrow we announce the closure of Which Wich San Angelo, the sign reads. It has been a pleasure to serve the community over the years and we would like to thank all of our customers for their patronage.

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Upon visiting the Which Wich website while using Which Wich San Angelo as a store location, customers are presented with a notification stating that online ordering is not available. Phone calls automatically fail when calling the businesss phone number.

The final locations closure comes approximately four years after its sister location at 59 N. Koenigheim St. closed. The business closed in July 2021, with a sign left on its door informing customers that the location was no longer operating.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Which Wich restaurant chain consists of 183 businesses  now approximately 182 in the absence of the last San Angelo storefront  located around the globe, with the majority being within the United States.

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MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A 36-year-old Latta man has been arrested in North Carolina in connection with a Thanksgiving Day homicide in Marion County, authorities said.

JameAl SeQuan Legette was arrested in Cumberland County, North Carolina, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office. He will be extradited to South Carolina to face charges in the killing of Charlie White, 44, on Bluff Road in the Mullins area.

Authorities obtained warranted charging Legette with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, but have not released any other details about the shooting.

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The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted in the investigation.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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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PNN New Delhi [India], January 18: Imagine a world where every gift you give contributes to a greener planet and uplifts someone's life. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not. Let me introduce you to Aadivasi.org, a startup with a heart, that's transforming the way we look at gifting and social impact. Founded by Dr. Bikrant Tiwary, an IIM Calcutta alumnus and a dedicated Rotarian, Aadivasi.org is the world's first online platform where nothing is for sale, yet everything has immense value. Here, you don't buy--you earn beautifully handcrafted tribal art by doing good. Plant trees, sponsor mid-day meals, or support education, and in return, choose from a stunning collection of Kantha stitch sarees, Dhokra art, bamboo lamps, and more. Imagine a world where every gift you give contributes to a greener planet and uplifts someone's life. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not. Let me introduce you to Aadivasi.org, a startup with a heart, that's transforming the way we look at gifting and social impact. Founded by Dr. Bikrant Tiwary, an IIM Calcutta alumnus and a dedicated Rotarian, Aadivasi.org is the world's first online platform where nothing is for sale, yet everything has immense value. Here, you don't buy--you earn beautifully handcrafted tribal art by doing good. Plant trees, sponsor mid-day meals, or support education, and in return, choose from a stunning collection of Kantha stitch sarees, Dhokra art, bamboo lamps, and more. Whether you're looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift, a thoughtful birthday present, or a meaningful corporate gifting idea, Aadivasi.org makes it special and impactful. The Vision Behind the PlatformThe brainchild of Dr. Tiwary, Aadivasi.org is an extension of his two-decade-long commitment to social causes. After leaving a flourishing corporate career, he joined the development sector, becoming National Head of GiveIndia and later leading an environmental organization where he oversaw the plantation of over 18 million trees. "Aadivasi.org is more than a platform; it's a way to make giving back a part of life. When people see the beauty of tribal art in their homes or offices, it becomes a constant reminder of their positive impact," says Dr. Tiwary. Adding to the platform's purpose is Supriya Patil, the co-founder, whose firsthand experience of social issues inspired a key initiative. "Years ago, I visited a small school in rural Uttarakhand with no proper facilities for kids. I felt deeply moved and thought, either I move there to help or find a solution. That moment planted the seed for free schools in remote areas like Jharkhand," says Patil. Why Aadivasi.org Stands OutAadivasi.org collaborates with over 500 tribal women artisans from 10 states, including Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tripura. These artisans create exquisite items that preserve India's heritage and craftsmanship. This initiative doesn't just preserve art forms; it uplifts communities by offering them sustainable livelihoods. And the best part? These handicrafts are not for sale--they're earned through meaningful contributions. A Growing MovementAadivasi.org's impact goes beyond gifting. The platform has planted thousands of trees, sponsored countless mid-day meals, and is running a free school for 72 tribal kids in a remote Jharkhand village. These efforts are gaining traction among individuals and corporates alike. Businesses are finding innovative ways to engage employees by celebrating milestones through tree plantations or mid-day meal sponsorships, paired with ESG-rated handicrafts as rewards. Why You Should Join the MovementIn a world filled with generic gifts, Aadivasi.org offers something extraordinary: gifts that tell a story and make a difference. Imagine giving someone a Kantha stitch saree from West Bengal or a bamboo lamp handcrafted in Assam, knowing it represents a tree planted or a child's meal sponsored. Next time you're celebrating a special occasion or exploring corporate gifting ideas, think beyond the usual. Think of a greener planet, empowered communities, and a better future. Visit www.aadivasi.org today and be part of this transformative journey. Because every tree planted and every meal sponsored brings us one step closer to a sustainable world. This is more than a platform--it's a movement. A movement to give, grow, and celebrate India's incredible culture. Join Aadivasi.org and make every occasion meaningful. (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)
New Yorks lavish pay, pension and health care plans pushed for by powerful teachers unions helped ramp up spending on school districts to a staggering $89 billion  with seemingly little payoff but middling student test scores, studies show.

Empire State teachers were the second-highest compensated in the US during 2024, raking in an average of $92,696, according to a National Education Association study.

And their generous pay has only increased from the 2020-2021 school year, when New York teachers $87,738 was the highest average pay in the nation, the Empire Center for Public Policy found.

New York teachers made an average of $92,696 in 2024, according to a National Education Association study. Helayne Seidman

Employee benefits at that time were between 200% and 250% higher than the national average, according to the report from the Albany-based government watchdog group.

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Ken Girardin, the centers research director, said New York is one of only two states where teachers continue to get raises even after their labor contract expires.

The union contracts are what really set us apart from other states, he said.

Teacher pay  and other nation-leading education costs, from benefits to pensions to school construction  came under the microscope following a searing study released Friday by the Citizens Budget Commission.

The watchdog contrasted the nation-leading, Ivy League-level $36,293 average spent per student in New York with the states middle-of-the-pack National Assessment of Educational Progress test scores.

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Continuing to shovel more and more money every year to school districts without fundamentally questioning this status quo behavior will not solve this problem, the CBC report argued.



The spending is in part ramped up by New York school districts benefits compensation through plum pension and health care plans pushed for by powerful unions such as the United Federation of Teachers.

Employee benefits at that time were between 200% and 250% higher than the national average. Cavan for Adobe  stock.adobe.com

The New York State Teachers Retirement System  one of the 10 largest pension plans in the nation  estimated that Empire State pensions will match 10% of all teacher payrolls on average during this school year.

Private sector 401(k) employer matches traditionally are much lower, according to a recent Vanguard study.

Unions have also pushed for earlier retirement dates and lower employee contribution rates in the pension plans.

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Teachers hired before 2010 are currently able to stop paying into their pension after 10 years and can retire at age 55, so as long as theyve been on the job for 25 years.

At the same time, the unions have complained of a teacher shortage.

Unions have also pushed for earlier retirement dates and lower employee contribution rates in the pension plans. Michael Nagle

Some experts cautioned against drawing a comparison between education spending and test results.

Challenges from the coronavirus pandemic, localized poverty and homelessness, language barriers and special needs all factor into expenses and performance results, said David Bloomfield, an education professor at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center.

The money has to be targeted to improve student learning and the deployment of staff has to be focused on that, said Bloomfield.

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The onus is on the teachers to teach their students whatever their compensation.

He called it a fallacy to believe salaries determine outcomes.

Theres not a one-to-one correspondence between monetary inputs and performance outcomes, said Bloomfield.

Teachers hired before 2010 are currently able to stop paying into their pension after 10 years and can retire at age 55. Christopher Sadowski

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The school system pays a lot more than just teacher salaries, but those expenses may not derive better student performance.

UFT spokesperson Alison Gender likewise argued that the citys school spending isnt just going to teachers.

New York Citys school spending reflects the citys commitment to all its students, from those living in homeless shelters to English language learners and children who require special education services, she said.

New York City Republican lawmakers laid the lions share of the blame on the UFT for pushing for higher spending and blocking institutional changes.

Some experts cautioned against drawing a comparison between education spending and test results. Robert Miller

We cannot allow the grifters at the teachers union to again scam us out of more money without any accountability or reforms, said Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Queens). Frankly, the spending wouldnt bother anyone if we were getting results. But were not.

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A whopping $36,000 per student, yet teachers are still buying their own supplies and performance is abysmal, said Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn). The UFT is up there with the MTA as another financial black hole bleeding our city dry.

State Education Department spokesman J. P. OHare lambasted the CBC report as fundamentally flawed.

This report is nothing more than a series of strategically cherry-picked data sets strung together in a way that supports the Commissions conclusion that more money should equal higher achievement, he said.

The bottom line is that New York State provides a level of services and support (including transportation and safe facilities) that far outpace what other states across the country require, as well as the federal minimums for students with disabilities and English Language Learners. New Yorks education spending figures reflect that the state is working to provide students with the support systems they need to be successful, including those with disabilities, significant cognitive difficulties, and special needs.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Kentucky Senate introduced a bill requiring Kentucky students to participate in a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day.

With Senate Bill 19, a one- to two-minute moment of silence would begin the start of the first class each day in public schools in Kentucky. Students would be able to decide how to use that time as long as they make no distracting display so as not to interfere with, distract from, or impede other pupils exercise of individual choice.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

According to the bill, district personnel would be prohibited from providing instruction to any student to engage in the moment of silence.

Lords Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance in Kentucky schools

The bill includes language about furthering the teaching of United States history and about freedom of religion by allowing districts to authorize the recitation of the traditional Lords Prayer and pledge of allegiance in public elementary schools in a voluntary way.

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Boards of education for all districts would be required to build a policy allowing students to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance if they want to.

Pupils shall be reminded that this Lords prayer is the prayer our pilgrim fathers recited when they came to this country in their search for freedom. Pupils shall be informed that these exercises are not meant to influence an individuals personal religious beliefs in any manner. The exercises shall be conducted so that pupils shall learn of our great freedoms, including the freedom of religion symbolized by the recitation of the Lords prayer. Senate Bill 19

In furtherance of patriotic exercises, the bill calls on the Kentucky Board of Education to develop a program to instruct students on flag etiquette and the exercises related to displaying the flag.

Rep. Dan Fister, R-Versailles, attempted to pass a similar bill in 2024.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

Ten Commandments in Kentucky schools

Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, has also introduced House Bill 65, which would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed on a wall in each Kentucky public school classroom.

A federal judge blocked a similar law in Louisiana, but Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is leading an 18-state coalition in support of the law.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Legislators are proposing to create a group dedicated to developing commercial nuclear energy in the state of Utah just months after Gov. Spencer Cox announced a plan to combat Utahs looming energy crisis.

State officials first publicly introduced the idea of building nuclear power plants in October, saying it would help satisfy Utahs increasing energy demand and provide local high-paying jobs to both white- and blue-collar workers. The plan to increase Utahs energy supply was deemed Operation Gigawatt.

Utah could have a nuclear power plant within a decade  Heres what to know

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Now, ahead of the 2025 State Legislature, lawmakers are proposing a bill to create the Nuclear Energy Consortium, a group dedicated to informing policymakers on the development of nuclear energy in Utah.

The bill would also create the Utah Energy Council, which the consortium would be tasked with providing knowledge and expertise to. The council would oversee energy projects, including the development of power plants, transmission lines, and energy storage facilities.

The creation of the council and consortium is the first step toward bringing commercial nuclear power to Utah and addressing the increasing need for energy due to the states growing population and changing technology. If passed, the bill would go into effect on May 7.

As part of the Utah Energy Councils outlined duties, it would develop criteria and locate land for electrical energy development zones.

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The bill sets up a process where counties could apply to have an energy development zone within their county boundaries. If approved, the county would be allowed to keep half of the property tax differential for the energy zone.

Dusty Monks, the interim director for the Utah Office of Energy Development, told ABC4 in October that they will not select a site for a power plant without the local communitys involvement.

The states not interested in forcing any community to take any energy resources, whether its nuclear or anything else, Monks said.

The bill reflects this by requiring there to be evidence of public support in order for the Utah Energy Council to approve the countys request for an energy development zone.

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Operation Gigawatt is about taking a challenge, an energy crisis, and turning it into an opportunity for the state, Monks said.

The bill will be considered during the 2025 Utah State Legislature which is set to begin Jan. 21. State officials previously said the process of building Utahs first nuclear reactors could take eight to 10 years or longer.

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The leader of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) on Saturday said his party does not want to leave the European Union, but called for an end to Brussels' "climate communism."

Herbert Kickl, who is likely to become Austria's first postwar far-right chancellor in the coming weeks, told a crowd of around 3,000 supporters in Vosendorf near Vienna that "no Freedom Party member wants to leave the European Union."

However, Kickl said that Brussels should enter a phase of "self-reflection" instead of "self-aggrandizement," in the interests of the economy.

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Bureaucracy should be cut, the FPO leader said, while advocating for the end of what he termed "climate communism."

Kickl also repeated his demands to create a "Fortress Austria" that is hostile to immigration.

The country should introduce a range of "paragraphs and regulations, of benefits in kind instead of cash, of negative asylum decisions, of travel certificates, of deportation flights."

Dealing with immigration is a question of fate for the continent far beyond Austria, said Kickl.

The 56-year-old - whose party has opposed EU sanctions on Russia - also rejected allegations that he is favourable to Moscow, instead arguing he has a "closeness to neutrality."

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Austria is committed to neutrality under its constitution and is not a member of NATO.

The FPO is currently negotiating with the conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP) over the formation of a government coalition.
LEBANON, Pa. (WHTM)  The sixth annual Lebanon Valley Java Journey coffee trail officially started earlier this week.

According to Visit Lebanon Valley, the Java Journey coffee trail returned earlier this week, starting on Thursday, January 16, and is slated to run through March 15.

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This years sixth annual self-guided trail event offers a new mug, passport, and three new coffee shops to visit. Altogether, there are 14 coffee shop locations where participants will be able to visit and collect stamps.

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These locations include:

Clay House Cafe (Lebanon)

Cleona Coffee Roasters (Annville)

Cool Beans Brew (mobile coffee truck)

Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie (Campbelltown & Cornwall)

Baked Sweet Coffeehouse & Bakery (Frystown)

Caffeination Station (Palmyra)

City Watch Coffee (Lebanon)

Mill 72 Bake Shop & Cafe (Lebanon)

Swatara Coffee Company (Annville & Jonestown)

Timber Creek Coffee (Myerstown)

Timeless Cafe (Lebanon)

Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffee Shop (Annville)

Visit Lebanon Valley says participants of the event will also gain access to secret drinks at all Java Journey locations.

We look forward to the Java Journey every year and we love how it brings such a diverse crowd of people into our shop that we dont normally see, Willie Weiler of Baked Sweet Coffeehouse & Bakery said. We have so many amazing coffee shops in our area, and its so cool that people get to see all of those through the Java Journey.

According to Visit Lebanon Valley, once participants complete their Java Journey passports, they will turn them in at their last coffee shop location to receive a specialty decal and entry to win various prizes.

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This years prizes include a stay at the Londonderry Inn & Estate as well as gift cards and merchandise from all of the participating coffee shops.

The Java Journey has been a great way for us to build community pride while also supporting the local economy at the same time, Visit Lebanon Valley President Jennifer Kuzo says. Over 50% of passports purchased in 2024 were fully completed and returned, resulting in an estimated economic impact of over $100,000!

For more information on this years Java Journey, you can join their Facebook group or visit their website.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Lebanon's new president Joseph Aoun stressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday the urgency of an Israeli military withdrawal as stipulated by a ceasefire deal that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war in November.

According to a statement by the Lebanese presidency on X, Aoun told Guterres during a meeting in Beirut that continued Israeli breaches were a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and the agreed ceasefire deal.

The ceasefire, which took effect on Nov. 27 and was brokered by the United States and France, requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, and for Hezbollah to remove all its fighters and weapons from the south.

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Guterres said the U.N. would exert utmost efforts to secure an Israeli withdrawal within the set deadline under the ceasefire terms, according to the statement.

He had said on Friday the Israeli military's continued occupation of territory in south Lebanon and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory were violations of a U.N. resolution upon which the ceasefire is based.

Despite the deal, Israeli forces have continued strikes on what they say are Hezbollah fighters ignoring the accord under which they must halt attacks and withdraw beyond the Litani River, about 30 km (18 miles) from the border with Israel.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Menna Alaa El-Din; editing by Mark Heinrich)
The next time Britain has a Right-wing government, whichever party finds itself atop the smouldering heap of ashes could do a lot worse than top its agenda with a lightly modified line from Henry VI: The first thing we do, lets sack all the lawyers.

If the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing mankind he doesnt exist, the greatest trick the legal profession ever pulled was convincing voters that it needed to be in charge in order to safeguard their interests. The result of this expanding legal activism has been to make Britain something close to ungovernable.

Decisions large and small appear increasingly subject to final sign-off not by ministers or by Parliament, but by the judiciary. Want to cut disability benefits? Better ask a judge; it might be illegal if you fail to ask people about it. Want to ask people about cutting disability benefits? Careful, a judge might rule that unlawful. Why do you have to ask people? Because judges have decided you do, in a series of cases over the last 60 years.

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The list goes on; judges hold the power to decide that businesses cant pay workers in different jobs different wages based on spurious comparisons, the ability to completely reshape the framework for oil exploration, declare the Governments decision not to spend more on criminal defence lawyers unlawful, and perhaps most interestingly to completely disarm efforts to defend the UKs borders.

Fossil fuel emissions must be considered when approving drilling projects after a Supreme Court case brought by Sarah Finch - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe

Even leaving aside the Rwanda debacle, the list of individual cases where judges have intervened to keep people in Britain against the will of the Government is long and impressive. You or I, confronted with a foreign murderer whose psychiatric illness makes him preoccupied with grievances and grudges might decide these qualities make him a prime candidate for deportation. The judiciary disagrees: instead, these qualities make him a prime candidate for healthcare, in Britain, presumably paid for by you in one way or another.

The costs of this approach to law are steep. Sometimes these costs are direct  lengthy delays to infrastructure projects as decisions are made and overturned, or an extra 3.7bn in disability benefits handed out as the Government gives up the fight, or a bizarre approach to equal pay bankrupting Birmingham City Council  and sometimes they are indirect.

Britains policymakers can barely move without a judge tripping them up, or at least the threat of a court case. Neither can many of Britains companies, for that matter. This is a recipe for stagnation, where systems develop and evolve, less to achieve specified ends than to avoid getting sued or judicially reviewed into oblivion. Compliance costs are piled on to everyday actions and the sort of dramatic changes needed to get the country back onto the right track are ruled out.

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It also undermines our democracy. Policymakers who are accountable to the public have frittered away their ability to influence the outcomes theyre accountable for. They have allowed activists and lawyers to press for intensely controversial and inherently political decisions to be removed from the realm of politics into the realm of law. When changing governments fails to change policy, public anger is rational and understandable.

The incentives for this process arent hard to parse. If the government decides to cut disability benefits, and you think it shouldnt, you can either set about the hard slog of attempting to win over the public, win over parliament, and work through the political process for years to achieve change. Or you can just ask a judge, and see if they cant rule it unlawful in some way, short-circuiting a lot of tedious effort and debate in the process.

For politicians, the incentives are even less noble. Lord Falconer remarked in 2003 that Labours approach was to place power where it should be: increasingly not with politicians but with those best fitted in different ways to deploy it. The aim of this process was to depoliticise policy.

Cynically, this might be read as removing policy from political control, trusting institutional incentives to deliver the right outcomes when the wrong party was in power. Some laws appear to fit this bill quite neatly, particularly the Human Rights Act. Others have achieved this end unintentionally.

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And some decisions resulted less from legislation than changes in judicial culture, as a preoccupation with fairness began to take root on the bench, slowly expanding the scope of judicial review beyond all recognition. In the process, the profession has reached for what we might call the approach of authoritarian rights; a strange concept of human rights shared only among members of the legal profession and activist classes. Interpretations are increasingly strained to achieve desired outcomes in some cases, even as rights to free speech and association are heavily constrained in order to achieve the goal of a harmonious and diverse society.

Under the Conservatives, the result of this process seemed to be a government that pulled on the levers of power only to find them strangely disconnected from outcomes, buffeted by legal challenges and unable to work its way through the resulting maze of legislation. Its ideas were immoral, unworkable and quite possibly illegal.

Under Labour, things will likely look slightly different: the grasp of the legal profession will be solidified. Sir Keir Starmer is practically the embodiment of process over politics, and his Attorney General, Richard Hermer, has made the approach of this Government quite clear.

Lord Hermers concept of the rule of law is one where the rule of law is absolute - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing

His Bingham lecture was filled with a sort of indignation that people might disagree with the project of legalistic liberal democracy, outraged at populist attacks on elites including judges. Lawyers. A free press. NGOs. Parliament. The Academy and, heaven forfend, the Civil Service. Its interesting to note how far down that list the body of elected representatives comes, and indeed how little many of them have to do with the democratic process at all.

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The principles of this speech have already been incorporated into government guidance taking a much more conservative approach to legal risk, and in particular attempting to avoid any clashes with international law.

But if Hermers concept of the rule of law is one where the rule of law is absolute, likely interpreted to include the role of the judge as effective policymaker and incorporating the empire of human rights, and rule by law disdained as an attempt to bludgeon the population into submission, he should be open to the idea that legal utopianism is open to criticism too.

A state where rules and processes are used to continually block and dispute government action will end up in gridlock. A state where the political preferences of a small activist minority are embedded into the legal system is one that will produce dissatisfaction with the democratic system. As much as it might pain the legal profession to admit it, nobody voted for the rule of lawyers. The populist backlash is going nowhere.

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Jan. 17WILKES-BARRE  Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Colonel Christopher Paris this week joined local law enforcement leaders and elected officials to highlight the ongoing commitment to strengthening public safety and investing in law enforcement across the Commonwealth.

As Gov. Shapiro marks two years in office, his Administration aims to make Pennsylvania safer  supporting law enforcement and first responders, investing in local communities, addressing crime and gun violence and implementing reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

"Every Pennsylvanian deserves to be safe and feel safe  and our Administration is working to ensure law enforcement has the resources and support they need to protect our families and our communities," said Gov. Shapiro.

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"Across Pennsylvania, we're seeing real progress from the investments we've made  with many of our major cities seeing reductions in homicides and gun violence," said Lieutenant Gov. Davis.

Investments in public safety and law enforcement

The Administration has secured funding to hire more than 800 new Pennsylvania State Police troopers and recruit and train nearly 700 municipal law enforcement officers.

"The partnership between state and local law enforcement is at the heart of our efforts to keep communities safe," said Colonel Paris.

Tackling gun violence and supporting first responders

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Gov. Shapiro has prioritized public safety initiatives to reduce gun violence, equip law enforcement, and support first responders, including:

Doubling funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, re-establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and investing $11.5 million in the Building Opportunity through Out of School Time (BOOST) program to reduce community violence.

Funding eight Pennsylvania State Police cadet classes to train over 800 new troopers and filling almost 700 municipal law enforcement positions.

Construction underway on a nearly $400M capital project to modernize the Pennsylvania State Police Academy to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement training.

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Expanding the use of body-worn cameras for Pennsylvania State Police across 61 counties to improve transparency and accountability.

Securing $31 million in grants for fire companies, EMS and rescue squads, along with $20.7 million to increase ambulance mileage reimbursements.

Enacting legislation to restrict access to xylazine, or "tranq," and seizing almost $120 million worth of illegal drugs through Pennsylvania State Police operations.

Attorney General Henry hosts session to raise awareness of cyber fraud in PA

Attorney General Michelle Henry this week hosted a listening session to raise awareness of what cyber fraud looks like in Pennsylvania, whom it impacts, and how banks, credit unions and other stakeholders can better protect Pennsylvanians.

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Several consumers who were victimized by cyber fraudsters shared their stories, as Attorney General Henry and staff also hosted state and local legislators and consumer advocates.

There are various types of cyber fraud  including technical support, romance, government impersonation, and investment fraud. Older Pennsylvanians are more at risk because they have more assets and might be more susceptible, but all Pennsylvanians should remain on the lookout for potential scams.

The Office of Attorney General is receptive to potential legislation that will better protect consumers and is hopeful banks and other financial institutions do all they can to proactively protect consumers before they are victimized.

"I have heard far too many stories of hard-working Pennsylvanians who had all or significant portions of their life savings taken through cyber-based fraud," AG Henry said. "We hope that this event spurs action that will ultimately prevent fraud and give consumers more opportunity to recover assets when they are victimized."

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PennDOT receives $1.3M grant ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) this week announced that it was awarded a $1.3 million SMART grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

The grant will support PennDOT's pilot of Freight Signal Priority (FSP) technology at two high truck traffic locations in central Pennsylvania, helping to relieve congestion and reduce air pollution while ensuring goods can more quickly get to market.

The technology uses real-time GPS data from truck electronic logging devices to determine a truck's speed and location. When the truck is approaching a traffic signal, the system sends a priority request to the signal controller, causing the green light to be extended by five to seven seconds. This allows the truck to safely move through the intersection instead of stopping, which keeps traffic moving and reduces emissions produced by trucks idling.

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"Efficient movement of goods is central to our economy. However, truck traffic can create congestion, cause supply chain delays and increase pollution in our communities." said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "As the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a critical freight hub. The Shapiro Administration looks forward to piloting this technology that will help keep our trucks and goods moving while also keeping our air cleaner."

"Truck congestion has a significant impact on the supply chain, causing delays, increasing costs for consumers, and making the job more challenging for truck drivers," said Rebecca Oyler, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association. "Pennsylvania ranks eighth in the U.S. for statewide costs related to truck congestion at over $3.7 billion, so we're excited to be on the cutting edge with this pilot project. Technology solutions hold a lot of promise for helping to solve the challenging issue of truck congestion. We're anxious to see the results of the project."

PA delivers more than $3M to hire, recruit and train police officers

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), this week announced that it has provided more than $3 million in grants to help attract and train high-quality recruits and fill 692 vacant municipal law enforcement positions across the Commonwealth.

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Additionally, Gov. Josh Shapiro has secured state funding for over 800 new Pennsylvania State Troopers  providing funding to add nearly 1,500 new law enforcement officers in our communities in just two years.

Funding was provided through two of PCCD's Law Enforcement Recruitment Incentives solicitations, aimed at addressing one of the most pressing public safety and workforce challenges Pennsylvania faces  the hiring shortage of police officers.

Luzerne County will receive $ 22,600 to support the training of 14 officers.

In addition to investing in hiring, recruiting and training law enforcement officers, PCCD delivered $5.8 million in grant funding to support law enforcement system upgrades which will enable the reporting of crime statistics to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

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The 68 approved law enforcement entities can use this funding for upgrades to software, hardware, and labor needed to install NIBRS-compliant record management systems; training on how to collect and submit NIBRS data; and/or technical assistance for personnel responsible for data collection and submission.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Jan. 17Lawmakers in state Senate committee Thursday heard testimony on a bill similar to ones considered in past years to lower the threshold for bond passage, down to 55% from a supermajority 60% voter support. Bonds pay for major construction projects on school campuses.

This reduction would require an amendment to the state constitution, a feat that needs the approval of two thirds of each chamber and a vote of the people.

"There are many schools that are struggling," said Committee Chair Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island. "We're trying to be flexible and provide different opportunities and different ways of funding for school districts."

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It's a relevant issue for schools across the state and locally. In Spokane County, only Cheney Public Schools had success getting 60% of its voter base to approve a bond issue in the last year. School districts Spokane, West Valley, Deer Park, Riverside and Orchard Prairie each had one or more failed bonds on ballots in 2024 elections.

From that bunch, Spokane Public Schools' February bond and Orchard Prairie's ask in November received more than 55% support and would have passed with this amendment. All but Deer Park in February were endorsed by a simple majority.

Statewide stats paint a similar picture: Over the past five years, 25% more bonds would have passed with the proposed threshold reduction. In November, 14 districts sought bonds, four passed. Five more, including Orchard Prairie, would have passed if the threshold was 55%, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which supports the effort to reduce the threshold.

Washington's bond passage threshold is an outlier in the nation; 40 states require a simple majority to pass a bond. Democratic bill sponsors Sens. Adrian Cortes of Battleground and Deb Krishnadasan of Gig Harbor called the threshold "outdated," as it's been in precedent for nearly 80 years.

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"At the end of the day, this is about giving local control to communities to decide whether they should move forward and build schools, this is about giving them a vote," said resolution sponsor Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground.

Anti-tax advocate and Bellevue businessman Tim Eyman spoke in opposition of the bill, as it would make it easier for school districts to collect voter-approved taxes from property owners in their district.

If passed by two-thirds of each chamber, Washington voters would weigh in on the amendment in November.

Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
A suspect in connection with the stabbing attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been detained in Durg, Chhattisgarh, the police said on Saturday. The suspect has been identified as Aakash Kanojia and was travelling from the Jnaneswari Express train when he was nabbed. The actor was stabbed multiple times at his Mumbai residence in the early hours of Thursday, which left him with severe injuries. According to the IG of RPF SECR Zone Bilaspur, Munawar Khursheed, information about the suspect, was received from the Assistant Police Inspector at Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police. It was said that the suspect was travelling aboard the Jnaneswari Express train. A photo of the suspect was shared, after which the individual was brought to the Durg RPF post, and Mumbai Police officials were contacted through a video call. A team from Mumbai Police is expected to arrive in Raipur today to take custody of the suspect, the police said. The incident, which left the actor with stab wounds to his thoracic spine, occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid in the early hours of Thursday. Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is doing well and has been moved from the ICU to a normal room. The surgery, which involved removing a 2.5-inch-long blade, was successful, and while Saif is currently "out of danger," medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely. In a related development, Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams as part of an extensive investigation to locate the assailant. Additionally, police are examining CCTV footage and questioning over 30 individuals, including the actor's staff and people seen in the vicinity of his residence that night. Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor also recorded her statement in the case with Bandra Police on Friday. (ANI)
To the editor: Those of us paying close attention already knew everything in former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith's report on President-elect Donald Trump's plan to overthrow the 2020 presidential election. Perhaps those suddenly surprised at its findings may be neglecting to stay informed.

The only explanation for why so many failed to notice Trump's attempt to revoke the will of American voters and illegally hold on to the presidency is willful ignorance. And it's this willful ignorance that's allowing a convicted criminal back into the Oval Office.

An old adage says you can't fix stupid. But you fix willful ignorance by staying informed, and the backbone of a thriving nation is an informed electorate.

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To hold on to our democracy, we need to remain alert, involved and informed. Anything less keeps us in our current predicament.

Robert Archerd, Rancho Palos Verdes

..

To the editor: Smith decided not to charge Trump with insurrection in part because Justice Department policy prohibits charging sitting presidents with federal prosecution, and Trump was president when the attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred. Prosecuting a president on such an offense would be unprecedented.

But the alleged crime itself is unprecedented. Never in the history of our country has a sitting president incited a mob to attack the Capitol to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. An unprecedented crime demands a commensurate legal response, even if that response is unprecedented.

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Smith's behavior highlights the difference between the two factions in our deeply polarized country. He feels obligated to abide by our country's precedents and laws. Trump and his loyalists feel justified, even eager, to trample customs, precedents and laws in pursuit of their goals.

Jerrold Gold, Thousand Oaks

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(WHTM)  The Libertarian Party of Lancaster County has announced their nomination for the upcoming 36th Senate District special election.

Zachary Moore, a GIS analyst from Mount Joy, is the partys candidate for the March 25 special election.

The election will fill the seat left vacant when Ryan Aument resigned to take a position with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick.

Moore is a Millersville University graduate and says he is adamant about government transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and fixing schools.

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Virtually nothing is working well now. We need school choice, property tax relief and, no matter how the funding formula is tweaked, schools will never be fairly funded by government, Moore said.

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He said he is prepared to debate candidates from either major party when nominated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Newly donated LGBTQ+ books are displayed in the library at Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond, Calif. California is one of six states that have enacted laws to fight against book bans. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Karen Grant and fellow school librarians throughout New Jersey have heard an increasingly loud chorus of parents and conservative activists demanding that certain books  often about race, gender and sexuality  be removed from the shelves.

In the past year, Grant and her colleagues in the Ewing Public Schools just north of Trenton updated a 3-decade-old policy on reviewing parents challenges to books they see as pornographic or inappropriate. Grants team feared that without a new policy, the district would immediately bend to someone who wanted certain books banned.

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Around the same time, state lawmakers in Trenton were readying legislation to set a book challenge policy for the entire state, preventing book bans based solely on the subject of a book or the authors background or views, while also protecting public and school librarians from legal or civil liabilities from people upset by the reading materials they offer.

When Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed that measure into law last month, Grant breathed a little easier.

We just hear so many stories of our librarians feeling threatened and targeted, said Grant, who works at Parkway Elementary School and serves as president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians. This has been a wrong, an injustice that needs to be made right.

Amid a national rise in book bans in school libraries and new laws in some red states that threaten criminal penalties against librarians, a growing number of blue states are taking the opposite approach.

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State leaders are demonstrating that censorship has no place in their state and that the freedom to read is a principle that is supported and protected.

 Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read program at PEN America

New Jersey joined at least five other states  California, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington  that have passed legislation within the past two years that aims to preserve access to reading materials that deal with racial and sexual themes, including those about the LGBTQ+ community.

Conservative groups have led the effort to ban materials to shield children from what they deem as harmful content. In the 2023-24 school year, there were 10,000 instances of book bans across the U.S.  nearly three times as many as the year before, according to a recent report by PEN America, a nonprofit that advocates for literary freedom.

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Certain books are harmful to children  just like drugs, alcohol, Rated R movies and tattoos are harmful to them, Kit Hart, chair of the Carroll County, Maryland, chapter of Moms for Liberty, a national organization leading the book banning effort, wrote in an email.

But some states are now safeguarding librarians and the books they offer.

State leaders are demonstrating that censorship has no place in their state and that the freedom to read is a principle that is supported and protected, said Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read program at PEN America, which has been tracking book bans since 2021.

The drive to ban certain books is not waning, however. While a handful of states fight censorship in school libraries, some communities within those states are attempting to retake local control and continuing to remove materials that conservative local officials regard as lurid and harmful to children.

Lives are in the balance

The New Jersey measure not only sets minimum standards for localities when they adopt a policy on how books are curated or can be challenged but also prevents school districts from removing material based on the origin, background, or views of the library material or those contributing to its creation.

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The law also gives librarians immunity from civil and criminal liability for good faith actions.

New Jersey state Sen. Andrew Zwicker, a Democrat who introduced the legislation, said until recently he thought that book bans were a disturbing trend, but one limited to other states. But early last year, he went to a brunch event and met a school librarian who told him she faced a torrent of verbal and online abuse for refusing to remove a handful of books with LGBTQ+ themes from her librarys shelves.

Thats when I realized that I was so horribly mistaken, that these attacks on librarians and on the freedom to read were happening everywhere, Zwicker told Stateline. I went up to her and asked, What can I do?

He said hes already heard from lawmakers in Rhode Island who are considering introducing a similar measure this year.

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A child who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community can read a memoir like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and feel seen for the first time in their lives, he said.

I do not think its an overstatement to say that lives are in the balance here, that these books are that important to people, and that librarians are trusted gatekeepers to ensure that whats on the shelf of a library has been curated and is appropriate, Zwicker said.

These new state laws, several of which are titled the Freedom to Read Act, passed almost entirely along party lines, with unanimous Democratic support.

In New Jersey, Republican state Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who has worked in schools for the past 18 years, including as an English teacher, vehemently opposed the measure. She did not respond to an interview request.

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This isnt puritanical parents saying, Oh, I dont want my child to learn how babies are made, she said during a September committee hearing. Thats ridiculous, and we all know it.

She added, What I do want is for us to be able to have an honest conversation about some of what is in these texts that is extraordinarily inappropriate for that grade level.

The library at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake, Utah, is pictured in March 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Enforcement and penalties

Legislation differs by state, including in enforcement and how to penalize noncompliant localities.

In Illinois, for example, school districts risk losing thousands of dollars in state grant funding if they violate the states new law discouraging book bans. But as the Chicago Tribune reported last month, that financial penalty was not enough to persuade many school districts throughout the state to comply, with administrators saying they are concerned about giving up local control on school decisions.

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Several school districts in other states have similarly rebelled.

North of Minneapolis, St. Francis Area Schools board last month decided it would consult with conservative group BookLooks to determine which books it will buy for its school libraries. BookLooks uses a 0-through-5 rating system that flags books for violent and sexual content.

Under its rating system, books that have long had a place in school libraries  such as the Holocaust memoir Night by Elie Wiesel or I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou  would require parental consent to read.

Asked about the school district potentially violating state law, school board member Amy Kelly, who led the drive to use BookLooks, declined to be interviewed. Karsten Anderson, superintendent of St. Francis Area Schools, also declined an interview request.

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In Maryland, Carroll County schools led the state in banning books in recent years, removing in the 2023-2024 school year at least 59 titles that were sexually explicit, according to a tally by PEN America.

Schools should not allow children to see kink and porn, wrote Hart, of Moms for Liberty. She got involved in the effort more than three years ago, saying she wanted to protect her five children and parents rights to make educational decisions.

She pointed to one book to make her point: Lets Talk About It: The Teens Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human, a nonfiction book in graphic novel form by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan that seeks to educate teenagers about anatomy and consensual and safe sex. The book explores other issues of gender and sexuality, as well. Hart likened the books illustrations showing different ways of having sex to erotica.

Parents who provide their children with alcohol or drugs, or to give them a tattoo would rightly be charged with crimes, she wrote Stateline in an email. Schools that provide children with sexually explicit content are negligent at best.

The future of book bans

Around 8,000 of the more than 10,000 instances of banned books during the 2023-24 school year were in Florida and Iowa schools, according to PEN America. Lawmakers in those states enacted legislation in 2023 that created processes for school districts to remove books that have sexual content.

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Iowa now requires that reading materials offered in schools be age-appropriate, while the Florida law ensures that books challenged for depicting or describing sexual conduct be removed from shelves while the challenge is processed by the district.

Some of those banned books included classics, such as Roots by Alex Haley and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Over the past year, lawmakers in Idaho, Tennessee and Utah passed measures that ban certain reading materials that deal with sex or are otherwise deemed inappropriate, according to a December report from EveryLibrary, an Illinois-based organization that advocates against book bans. Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed similar legislation in June.

Laws that allow for book bans have been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, as plaintiffs argue those measures violate constitutional protections of free expression.

Late last month, a federal judge struck down parts of a 2023 Arkansas law that threatened prison time for librarians who distribute harmful material to minors. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, a Republican, announced the state would appeal the decision.

EveryLibrary is tracking 26 bills in five states that lawmakers will consider this year that would target books with sexual and racial themes.

The organized effort to remove books because of LGBTQ+ or racial themes will continue, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom.

The association, which tracks book bans as part of its mission to support libraries and information science, found that most of the top banned books around the country had LGBTQ+ protagonists.

Librarians have always been all about providing individuals with access to the information they need, whether its for education, for enrichment, for understanding, she said in an interview. Censorship is diametrically opposed to that mission.

This story was originally published by Stateline, which 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.
The relentless and bitterly cold air is on track to return in earnest across a wide swath of the nation this week. Residents from the northern Plains to even the Gulf Coast will have noticeably cooler conditions through midweek, with some forecast to experience downright dangerous temperatures.

While many consider the persistent cold weather quite a nuisance, there may be more serious implications from the cold for farmers, certain businesses and even energy suppliers.

"The cold air will have wide-reaching impacts on everyday life and the economy, such as stressed power grids due to increased heating demands, closed schools, health impacts and dangerous AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Haley Taylor.

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Due to the cold influx across the East from early this week to midweek, several records will be challenged. Forecasters say record-low maximum and minimum temperatures through Wednesday will be in jeopardy.

"This cold snap is coming at the climatological peak of winter when historical average temperatures hit their lowest values in many parts of the country. Since this is the heart of winter, record-low temperatures are near their lowest values as well. This may prevent widespread record-setting temperatures, but some record-low temperatures will likely be broken," explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.

The core of the cold was settling in on Monday over the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Actual daytime temperatures on Monday will not even breach the 0-degree Fahrenheit mark across a large part of this zone, while overnight temperatures are projected to drop as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero.

The Minneapolis metro area remained below the 0-degree mark into the afternoon hours on Tuesday after dipping below zero on Saturday evening. The mercury finally climbed above zero after 2 a.m. CST on Wednesday.

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By Wednesday, the extreme cold has expand eastward to places like Philadelphia, where daytime temperatures will only climb into the upper teens. The last time the City of Brotherly Love observed a high temperature in the teens was in late December 2022.

Into Tuesday, wind gusts will generally range up to 20-25 mph from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, with a few stronger gusts in New England in the wake of the recent snowstorm. However, from Tuesday night to Wednesday, energy swinging into the North Central states will usher in stronger gusts, reaching speeds upwards of 30-40 mph from Montana to Nebraska.

Even a slight breeze paired with the frigid conditions can drop AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures substantially. The risk of cold-related illnesses such as frostbite, hypothermia and lung or immune system impacts increases as well.

"In areas that experience windy conditions, like much of the Midwest early this week, AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures can reach 40 to 50 below zero. It will feel brutally cold, and anyone adventuring outside can get frostbite on exposed skin in just a matter of minutes," noted Douty.

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Those who must work outdoors no matter the conditions, such as farmers, utility company workers, emergency personnel or plow drivers, will have to take extra measures to protect themselves against the bitter cold into midweek.

The magnitude of the cold air is leading to a rapid freeze-up of area streams, rivers and lakes in the Central and Northeast states. The increasing ice is just what some fishing interests have been waiting for. However, the building ice may lead to dangers.

Long-time residents transport an ice fishing shed across the frozen Okabena Lake in Worthington, Minnesota, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

"As the ice cover builds, the risk of ice jams will increase later this winter and spring unless a gradual thaw occurs," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, "Even though some ice will form on southern U.S. ponds and lakes, the ice will likely be too thin to support the weight of individuals and could give way."

Experts urge parents to monitor curious children and pets who may not have seen such a wintry condition like this before and may try to venture out on the ice to explore.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
MADISON, Ala (WHNT)  Blood donations are always important, but after severe weather hits, they can be hard to come by.

Thats the reality Lifesouth Blood Center is facing now.

Huntsville Boat Show happening this weekend at VBC

Were still recovering from the winter storm that we had last week, said Becky Cecil. We had to close, combined between our centers and mobiles, 29 times, which is huge for us.

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Cecil said they had 366 units they were projected to collect on those days.

In North Alabama alone, we need to collect about 200 units per day to supply our hospitals with what they need, so 366 units that thats a day and a half that were now behind in collections, Cecil said.

She explained they are the sole provider of blood for the Huntsville Hospital system, so when they are below quota, it can be dangerous.

We have to have it on the shelves before our hospitals need it, she said.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

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Because the reality is, there is no replacement for human blood.

If the bloods not there, theres not a plan b, theres not another option, she said. A trauma could come in and could wipe out units and units and units of blood, but that blood has to be there.

So, they are asking for your help.

We need people to get out and donate, she said. You know, if were in between these winter weather systems, we need people to show up at our drives, at our donor centers.

She said your impact could directly save a life.

They have centers across North Alabama as well as mobile trucks you can donate at. With every donation, a free sweatshirt is offered in addition to a $40 gift card if you choose to do automations such as giving double red blood cells or platelets.

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A Lincoln County resident is expressing his concerns about a busy intersection in Denver.

He worries that a crash at that intersection could block emergency crews from helping those who are nearly surrounded by water.

You have somebody with a heart attack or a fire; what do you do? said resident Martin Oakes.

Oakes believes the problem starts where Highway 16 meets Unity Church Road.

ALSO READ: Town of Matthews rejects plan to widen major road to four lanes

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There are about 1,500 homes in that area, and the only way to access them is through Unity Church Road.

Oakes said he has seen several crashes block access to that community, which could be dangerous.

>> In the video at the top of the page, he explains how commissioners could work around the problem.

VIDEO: Town of Matthews rejects plan to widen major road to four lanes
















VIDEO: Body parts sold online were donated to research, Arkansas hospital says

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A Little Rock woman has been sentenced to more than a decade for stealing human remains and transporting them across state lines to sell them.

The office of U.S. Attorney Jonathan stated that 37-year-old Candace Chapman Scott was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for transporting human body parts out of Arkansas and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

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Body parts sold online were donated to research, Arkansas hospital says

According to prosecutors, an investigation found that Scott stole human body parts and fetal remains while she was an employee of a mortuary services provider between October 2021 and July 2022.

Authorities said Scott would sell the stolen remains to a purchaser in Pennsylvania whom she met through a Facebook group that openly discussed the sale of body parts. Scott sent the purchaser 24 boxes of stolen human remains, including two fetuses.

Prosecutors said Scott told the purchaser that ashes of other cremated bodies would be returned to the fetuses parents, instead of the ashes of their children.

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The remains authorities said were stolen included a skull, multiple brains, an arm, an ear, multiple lungs, multiple hearts, multiple breasts, a belly button, testicles and other parts.

Woman accused of stealing body parts stolen from UAMS to get mental health evaluation

While executing a search warrant of Scotts home, investigators said they found numerous stolen body parts that she admitted she transported in trash bags from her work.

Scott received $10,625 from the purchaser in Pennsylvania for the human remains, prosecutors said.

In addition to prison time, U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Scott to a total of three years of supervised release, a fine of $10,625 and restitution in the amount of $1,800.

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Arkansas woman accused in multi-state body-part-selling case changes plea

Scott was indicted in April 2023 and pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property in April 2024.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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They were drawn to the Altadena foothills for the hummingbirds and the bats and the peacocks. It was the view of the canyon, downtown skyscrapers, and Santa Catalina Island, somehow all in one frame.

Everyone on Leilani Way knew the risks of living in the San Gabriel Mountains fire-prone foothills. The benefits just outweighed them.

That ability of being near the wildlands wasnt just a scary threat, said Erik Ghenoiu, who treasured daily dog walks on the trails. It was part of what we all loved about it.

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But residents say the last week has served as a brutal reminder of the stakes as they watched flames leap out of the foothills and leave their oak-tree dotted refuge looking like a moonscape. Ghenoiu's home is gone. So are most of his neighbors'.

As thousands of reeling homeowners weigh rebuilding, residents of the tight-knit street are forced to confront an even more fraught question  not just should they rebuild, but should they do it in an area likely to burn again.

We're obviously torn. ... Part of you wants to do it right away. And part of you is hesitant to even think about rebuilding in the same place, Ghenoiu said. Should we build in these sites at all?

For years, L.A. County officials have been trying to deter people from doing just that. One month before fire tore through Altadena, the planning agency notched a victory with the passage of a zoning update years in the making. It barred more homes in unincorporated swaths of west San Gabriel Valley, which the state has designated a  Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone."

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That includes the foothills of Altadena, where at least two people have died in the Eaton Fire, according to addresses provided by the coroner.

Residents of Leilani Way said they loved the easy access the foothills gave them to the San Gabriel Mountains. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)

Amy Bodek, who leads the countys planning department, said the plan wont have an effect on homeowners who are simply looking to rebuild their homes  rather than add additional ones  in these vulnerable areas.

We absolutely support individuals' rights to rebuild and are here to do everything that we can to help them, she said.

At the same time, though, the county has taken a clear stance: It doesn't want more people living in the foothills.

Its a legitimate conundrum, Bodek said.

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Its one the county will be grappling with for the foreseeable future: How do you balance the need to rapidly rebuild while deterring homes in areas likely to burn again?

The fire crisis in California is inseparable from the housing crisis, said Robert Olshansky, an expert in post-disaster planning and relocation. There really arent a lot of attractive options for where else they can go.

The Eaton fire is believed to have destroyed more than 7,000 structures, including many of the homes nestled in Altadena's foothills. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Ghenoiu, an architectural historian, said he believes theres a way to rebuild smarter. Covered windows, hardscape, and fire-resistant vents and siding are all high on his wish list.

His neighbors are hoping for the same. They just dont know whether the insurance payments will be enough to make those improvements a reality.

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Its going to be so expensive being in California and doing it right, said Taylor Zann, a content designer who built his own home. Our payout is not going to cover it, so I just don't know what were going to do.

Leilani Way was a sanctuary for its residents, a dead-end offshoot from Chaney Trail so discrete that Uber drivers had difficulty finding it. It is now mangled beyond recognition.

Zann's home, the product of four years labor that he says left him familiar with the location of every stud, is reduced to rubble, the mid-century vaulted ceiling gone and the metal roof crumpled on the ground. Most of his neighbor's lots are home to similar piles of ash and twisted metal.

Farther down the block, Michael Bicay owns one of the few homes that survived, a succulent-covered house from 1949. He suspects the survival is some combination of luck and updates he made to his house after a close call during the 2009 Station fire .

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Bicay, an astrophysicist and head of conservationist group AltadenaWild , doesnt think more people in fire-prone foothills makes any sense. The fire that just decimated his street, he says, made that abundantly clear.

That said, he thinks telling a homeowner they shouldnt rebuild is unrealistic. Hes not even sure what he would do had his home turned to rubble.

I just don't think society is ready to ban development in these areas, he said. All we can do is stop new developments from happening.

Its not like the embers strictly adhered to the states map, Bicay said. Some of the 2,200 houses in the hazardous zone survived, he noted. And many of the homes outside the zone did not.

The Eaton fire extended far beyond wildland into more urban areas, damaging beloved businesses and homes in Altadena's core. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the unincorporated town, has been adamant that the whole of Altadena comes back. At a board meeting this week, she cut off the county assessor as he discussed property taxes for residents if you rebuild."

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When they rebuild, she interjected. Im saying when.

Karen Chapple, a city planning expert at UC Berkeley, said thats usually the message in the aftermath of a disaster.

Politically, youd never say, Go away, she said. The politics of that are horrific.

But she said theres a deeper conversation that must happen on the state level as residents rush to rebuild, in some cases, adding literally fuel to the next fire.

From a policy perspective, or from a California taxpayer perspective, should we be subsidizing people to go back to these places where were going to have to bail them out again? she said. That is a real question that I think the good residents of California have to face.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger surveys the Eaton fire damage to neighborhoods in her district. She's been adamant that residents should rebuild. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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Since the 2018 Woolsey fire blackened tens of thousands of acres north of Malibu, some conservationists say L.A. County has emerged as a leader in planning for a fire-heavy future, trying to rein in the sprawl for which the region is famous.

Dan Silver, head of Endangered Habitats League, said the county has been locating homes that the state mandates be built away from the mountains, while making it more difficult for residents who spread out, sprawl and leapfrog into dangerous locations.

It's been really, quite a planning achievement, said Silver, noting a recent crackdown on subdivisions in fire-prone areas. L.A. County is really the model now.

Theres plenty to disparage, for sure  the land use of the past 100 years. But the county, he said, has put their money where their mouth is.

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One area where Bodek says the county hasnt been able to have much effect: the locations of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.

Bodek says the county tried to ban ADUs in risky areas because adding additional population to the fire zones was something that the county was not interested in doing. She said it was trumped by the state.

The state said its fire designations are not intended to restrict housing development and a high hazard zone is not a conclusive rationale to warrant restricting ADUs, according to state guidelines . David Zisser of the state Department of Housing and Community Development said in a statement that ADUs can be restricted in these areas in certain circumstances.

I wanted to start saying no, Bodek said of the blanket ban. The state said, No, you cant do that.

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Grace Lee-Bloch and her husband, Justin, had an ADU behind their house on Leilani Way. Its now gone, along with her home. All that remains are the wrought iron front doors.

Lee-Bloch, a teacher, said she worries that people will read about her community and compare it to homeowners who snatch up coastal property doomed to soon be gobbled up by the ocean.

But the natural beauty of Leilani Way  a street with so many hummingbirds she kept having to buy larger feeders is simply worth the risk. If she can afford it, she said, rebuilding is not a question.

Were pretty determined to build a property that could survive something like this, she said. We just want our little community back.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A popular barbecue restaurant in Oklahoma City is accused of keeping thousands of dollars from its own employees.

The United States Department of Labor found multiple violations against the owner of Edge Craft BBQ in Oklahoma City.

The owner of Edge Craft BBQ has to pay $66,000 in back wages for 13 employees after the Department of Labor said he would keep their tips.

What was happening in this situation was the employer was keeping all of their tips for himself and was using it for operations purposes, said Michael Speer, Director of the Wage and Hour Division.

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Yukon audit alleges pornography sent and sexual encounters on city property

The wage and hour division investigation revealed that employees would work beyond 40 hours in a week, but the restaurant did not properly compensate workers for overtime.

One was the Pitmaster, and he spent all of his time making the food, getting there early in the morning, stayed until late and he was a salary employee, but because of the nature of his work, was manual and not a supervisory type role, he was eligible for over time, said Speer.

Investigators found that some workers were paid a flat day rate regardless of the hours worked and that the owner would keep all of his tips for himself.

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Managers and owners cannot be involved in a tip pool arrangement. They cannot be receiving any tips from customers unless its specific to someone that theyre serving themselves, said Speer.

News 4 went to ask the owner for his side, he said everything has been settled and he has agreed to pay those 13 employees the money they are owed.

I think the whole situation is is a bunch of B.S. honestly, there was no mal-intent on our side. We just misinterpreted a rule and they tried to throw the hammer at us, we just settled the best way we could, said Zach Edge, Owner of Edge Craft BBQ.

The Department of Labor says the owner of Edge Craft BBQ is making payments every month to their wage and labor division.

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Once they receive all the money owed, the department will then issue checks on the owners behalf to all 13 employees.

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TYLER, Texas (KETK) The potential ban of TikTok is set to go into effect on Sunday and fade to black for nearly 170 million users in the United States.

Content creator and Tyler local Bridgette Hartt says that the app not only transformed the quality of her life but also her families.

You feel silly in a sense of crying over an app, but its so much more than that, Hartt said.

Hartt began her TikTok account by sharing funny videos with her family, but through the years, she has gravitated toward body positivity.

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I started sharing clothing and just how to dress your body if youre midsize. Thats kind of how I grew my community. Its been so neat to hear people tell me that Im the reason that they put on shorts and Im the reason that they felt comfortable wearing a swimsuit, Hartt said.

What will happen to TikTok on Apple and Googles app store on Sunday?

Her audience grew exponentially, opening up the opportunity to make money from her videos.

I found myself in motherhood. Ive been able to create an income from this app and to be able to support not only my family and my kids, but Ive been able to kind of make a career out of this for myself, Hartt said.

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In March 2024, five U.S. congressmen from East Texas, Nathaniel Morgan, Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Jake Ellzey and Pete Sessions all voted to proceed with banning the popular app.

Their vote could lead to some repercussions for their constituents such as realtor and content creator Austin McFarland has created videos which led to closings, proving TikTok an effective source for his business.

TikTok says it will go dark unless it gets clarity from Biden following Supreme Court ruling

Now, McFarland cant believe the app could actually disappear.

I thought it was just more of a tactic scare like were not going to deal with TikTok anymore. I think in the long term what will probably happen is well get another platform similarly to like how we had Vine back in the day and some of the more old school networks, McFarland said.

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Critically acclaimed director Adam Mckay opened up about the response to his 2021 popular Netflix release 'Don't Look Up.' The director says that the response received by the film on Netflix is much more energising and inspiring when compared to the 'critics' and the 'cultural gatekeepers' who hated it, reported The Hollywood Reporter. Adam McKay's multi-starrer 'Don't Look Up' is placed second most-watched movie of all time on Netflix. Adam Mckay believes that his film's themes are more relevant than ever before. "The estimates of how many people saw that movie. It's somewhere between 400 million and half a billion. 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," he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It was funny -- when I realized that was the common connection point, I was like, of course! It's happening everywhere now with this global neo-liberal economy that we're all living in. It's such a cancer and everyone is feeling it. In the face of these dramatic catastrophes that keep happening, a movie seems really small and ridiculous. But what was inspiring and energizing was the popular response to that movie, not the critics and the cultural gatekeepers who hated it," said Adam. Adam Mckay further shared his thoughts on the LA fires as the city has been his home for many years. "We're heartbroken. Afraid. Sad. We have so many friends that have lost their homes," he said. "Usually when there are disasters in Southern California TV coverage makes it look worse than it is. This is the first time that I've had to tell friends and family reaching out that it's actually worse than what you're seeing." Adam Mckay is known for films 'The Big Short', 'Don't Look Up' and 'Vice.' (ANI)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Tennessee lawmakers are preparing for a special session that will include immigration-related policies. Specific details are not known yet, but the proposals will likely support President-Elect Donald Trump, who has called for mass deportations.



Trump is set to be sworn into office Monday. Hes reportedly teed up an aggressive immigration push. A promise he made to voters on the campaign trail.



I will launch the largest deportation program in American history, he said at a campaign event.



Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said he called to convene a special session, and they will support whatever policies Trump brings. The session begins January 27.



In December, Lee stated on X he was already asking state agencies to make preparations and stand ready on day one to support President Trumps efforts to secure our Nations borders & keep communities safe.



Nobody knows exactly what can happen, right? I dont think even the administration knows exactly what is going to happen, said Mauricio Calvo, who leads Latino Memphis, the largest Latino-serving non-profit in our region.



He told WREG still, his team is preparing.



We are encouraging people to to have candid conversations among themselves about what is going to happen to my children if I get detained? I dont come back home.That could be the last time that, you know, see them, Calvo said.



Calvo said education remains key.



Every single person in this country under the Constitution, whether theyre here with papers, they have the right to due process, Calvo said.



During Trumps last term, rallies erupted as well as fear and anxiety as there were reports of a rise in ICE activity.



An ICE spokesperson admitted in 2017, they had conducted operations in Shelby County and arrested those who entered the country illegally or those with criminal histories or gang ties.



Calvo argued back then that wasnt the case. He claimed many were arrested without a criminal or judicial warrant.



These are your neighbors. These are the people your kids go to school, Calvo said in 2017.



Today, he repeats that message as he anticipates history will also be repeated.



So immigrants again need to to know the rights. They need to stick to the facts. We dont need to create panic and chaos. People need to be prepared, Calvo said.





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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  Augusta University, Augusta Tech, and Paine College all gathered Friday afternoon at the Maxwell Theatre at AUs Summerville campus.

This kicks off a weekend of big celebrations for a man who fought for freedom and justice for all.

Its one of our most anticipated events every year. We look forward to coming together in fellowshipobviously in celebration of MLK, but really to charge our community on how we can serve, said Augusta Tech President Dr. Jermaine Whirl.

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Its been almost 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, but not before serving more than a decade as a prominent civil rights activist.

New Paine College President Dr. Lester McCorn is honoring Kings legacy, calling him one of his biggest inspirations.

As a very young person, he was my hero that I aspired to. I went to his alma materMorehouse College in Atlantawhich set me on the trajectory of my professional career. To be able to inspire the next generation of Martin Luther Kings and Coretta Scott Kings and others is pretty special, so Im glad to be here today, said McCorn.

Along with those schools, students and faculty from Murphey Middle School, Hornsby Middle School, and Richmond Hill K-8 also got a special invitation.

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Augusta University President Dr. Russell Keen says this gathering is a great illustration of Dr. Kings dream, but theres still work to do.

Theres always unfortunately been injustice throughout the world, but it just takes someone to speak up, speak out, and collaborate in a peaceful way. Also with the message of love and unity, and I think thats what we all got today, said Keen.

Reverend Dr. Charles Goodman Jr. gave the keynote address, leaving this message for the audience.

Let us leave here today inspired. Not only by Dr. Kings dream, but also by his determination. Let us work together. Let us build a world together where justice prevails over oppression. Where love triumphs over hate, and every personyou, you, and youbelong to the beloved community, said Goodman Jr.

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MLK Day is this Monday, January 20th.

The City of Augusta announced it is moving the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade due to the threat of rain Saturday. Its now scheduled for Saturday, February 1st at 1 PM in downtown Augusta.

Dr. King would have been 96 years old on Wednesday this week.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The bad news? Kohls has released a list of 27 more locations they plan to close down. The good news? Coastal Empire and Lowcountry stores are not on the list.

Kohls is facing similar struggles as other stores in adapting to the changing retail environment. The company has experienced a nearly 40% decline in its stock value over the past six months. Macys is also dealing with retail shifts, recently announcing the upcoming closures of 66 locations, none of which are in the Coastal Empire or all of South Carolina.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Jan. 17State Sen. Jill Carter and several Southwest Missouri law enforcement officers took a fact-finding trip to Texas last fall to see for themselves what is going on with illegal border crossings and how it affects Missouri.

Large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants promised by President-elect Donald Trump could require the cooperation of state and local law enforcers.

There were more than 11 million people in the U.S. without legal authorization in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center.

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"With the massive amount of people coming across, it is an invasion, not immigration," said retired Newton County Sheriff Chris Jennings, who accompanied his successor, Matt Stewart, as well as Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser and Joplin police Chief Richard Pearson to meet with Carter in Texas.

Although Carter's family is from Missouri, she and her parents had lived in El Paso, Texas, when she was a child and young teen. Her family moved back to Southwest Missouri about 30 years ago.

She recently filed legislation that would give Missouri more authority to address border issues, including establishing the "Interstate Compact for Border Security Act" to enable Missouri to collaborate with other states to enhance border security and deter illegal immigration.

"During my recent visit with law enforcement at the United States-Mexico border, I witnessed firsthand the immense challenges they face in combating cartel operations and international crime syndicates that dominate illegal border crossings," she said in a statement. "The $13 billion industry, driven by human trafficking, narcotics and violence is not just a border issue; it's impacting communities across Missouri, including my own district."

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"I love the Hispanic culture and the people there, but our schools were surrounded by chain link and barbed wire. There was violence back then," said Carter.

"Every blessing that is mine is because of the people here and the culture here," she added. "So when I started hearing about the border, I was intrigued because of my life experience. When everybody was hearing about the border on the news, I could see where it could be bad simply because of that experience."

An opportunity arose with several other members of the Missouri Legislature to make that trip, and Carter also wanted local law enforcers to see it as well in order to help craft more legislative safeguards and better protect Missourians.

Human trafficking

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Jennings was one of those took the trip to meet Carter's group. He was sheriff at the time but has since retired, succeeded by Stewart, a former Joplin police chief.

Jennings said he learned that Latin drug cartels are financially assisting undocumented immigrants to cross the border so they can get jobs in the U.S. and pay money to the cartel. Carter said cartel members stand across the river from Texas attaching plastic or paper bracelets to the ankles of immigrants so other cartel members inside the U.S. could identify and track them for payments.

"Seeing it on TV is not the same as seeing it in person," Jennings said. "It is human trafficking. A lot of them end up in slavery because of the cartels.

"Most of what we saw were people from other countries that are put into the situation of having to work off the debt," that attaches to accepting funds and supplies from cartels to make the trip into the U.S.

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"Some were restaurant workers and some end up in the sex trade. They (cartel criminals) have them catalogued and know who their families are so a lot of them are trapped in modern-day slavery," or they or their families will be harmed, Jennings said.

"I really wasn't sure what I would see," Stewart said. "I wanted to take the opportunity and see for myself and see what was happening in Texas and how it was affecting the rest of the country."

He said he spoke to some ranchers who live there and heard personal stories about how illegal immigration affects them personally and puts a strain on local authorities having to deal with the crisis.

"Ranchers talked about how it has affected their ability to make a living. The ranchers would find dead bodies on their ranch from people trying to make it across who had fallen ill in the heat. It is a humanitarian crisis trying to get across the border," Stewart said.

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Carter brought back photographs of bodies bloating and bursting in the Texas heat that can reach 130 degrees or so on the open range. There also are snake and insect bites as well as animals that kill those unaware of what they will face as they try to travel on foot.

"They're having to pay the cartel to come across, and once they're here they are beholden to the cartel to pay that debt off. It's quite the humanitarian issue," Stewart said.

"I think there are two main issues. One is those who are coming across illegally are criminals and what kind of crimes they are going to commit against our citizens here. The second issue is that it's enabled this human trafficking and sex trafficking. They (the undocumented immigrants) are being trafficked for labor and for sex. We want to get those people out of the trafficking," Stewart said.

He believes Missouri laws should ensure that enforcement authorities can see that those who commit crimes are prosecuted and extradited.

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"We should work with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to find those who are here illegally and get them back to their country of origin," Stewart said.

Since the trip, there has been collaboration on Missouri legislation that will help state law enforcement, Carter said. In Texas, a program was created to allow sheriffs to share information when detainees are arrested because a crime is committed. It simplifies the process for local authorities to work with ICE and other arms of government, Carter said.

She filed new legislation this session and said it is her No. 1 priority to see that through to passage, especially since two Hondurans have been linked to a killing at a Joplin gas station the night she left to go on the Texas trip.

That shooting took the life of Jesse Gilmore, 63, an Oklahoma resident who was sitting in his car at a Road Ranger gas station, 2101 S. Prigmore Ave.

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The brothers, Adin A. Cantarero-Benitez, 26, and Jose Cantarero-Benitez, 20, went on to Kansas City and nearby Independence, where they are suspected of killing a woman and injuring another woman. They are charged in Independence with the alleged crimes there and here in Jasper County in connection with the killing of Gilmore.

The sheriff's office said at the time of the shooting that the brothers were believed to be Honduran nationals residing in the country illegally.

When asked for comment, Pearson deferred comment to Carter, and Kaiser did not respond to an interview request.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Local leaders gathered in the Hollywood District in Portland on Friday to break ground on a forthcoming complex that will have hundreds of affordable housing units.

The site, now an empty lot, is still under construction. But in two years, it will have a 12-story low-income apartment complex in it with over 200 units.

Rescue teams search for missing Mt. Hood climber Clackamas County

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Elected leaders from Oregon Metro and Portland joined nonprofit developer BRIDGE Housing and others in breaking ground on the affordable housing project called hollywoodHUB. It is located on the southern and western portion of the Hollywood Transit Center in Northeast Portland.

The location will have access to a fabulous neighborhood with a library, with grocery stores, with restaurants, walkability to parks, a great neighborhood to walk around,  said Oregon Metro District 5 Councilor Mary Nolan.

Leaders with BRIDGE Housing told KOIN 6 News they have been in Oregon for the past decade building affordable housing.

Were now at 2,133 units, with the 224 units that will be completed and brought online at Hollywood Hub, said Bridge Housing Executive Vice President Smitha Seshadri

A rendering of the forthcoming hollywoodHUB affordable housing complex in Northeast Portland. January 17, 2025 (courtesy City of Portland).

This $151 million project has an emphasis on supporting families with a majority of the apartments being built with two to three bedrooms,

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Funding came from a few places, including over $10 million from Metro programs, $21.5 million from the Portland Housing Bond and other sources.

St. Helens superintendent sought within 2 weeks

Fifty-five federal housing vouchers will also provide long-term assistance for struggling families.

The 55 families that were helping, to provide long-term rental assistance is a 20-year commitment. And that 20-year commitment equates to an investment of $20 million in rental assistance over the next two decades, said Home Forward CEO Ivory Matthews

In the San Francisco Bay Area, BRIDGE Housing has worked with the local transportation department to convert empty lots into low-income housing.

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Theyve opened up a lot of their parking lots, which are completely underutilized to provide affordable housing, Seshadri said.

Now the corporation may bring that concept here to Portland.

Metro, Mary Nolan, was just telling me about how theres a lot of similar sites close to the MAX line, I think on the west side, she mentioned, Seshadri said.

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For now, this current project will take until early 2027 to become a reality.

We appreciate BRIDGE Housing and taking this transformative step with us, working together to bring more much-needed affordable housing to the region and to the doorstep of our transit system, said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr.

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The newly elected Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said he would be at this groundbreaking on Friday but never showed up.

According to the City of Portlands website, the non-profit Impact NW will also provide supportive services for residents at the site.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
(WKBN)  Local leaders are reacting to Lt. Gov. Jon Husteds appointment to the U.S. Senate Friday.

Husted was selected by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine after Vice President-elect J.D. Vance officially resigned from the Senate last week.

As I was looking for the right person, I wanted someone who knew Ohio, DeWine said.

Ohio lawmakers, both at the Statehouse and on the federal level are happy about Gov. Mike DeWines choice to have Husted represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate. They say his background makes him well-suited for the job.

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Im pretty happy about the selection. I think Jon Husted is a tried and true Ohioan, said Congressman Mike Rulli, R-6th District.

However, Democrat leaders have their concerns.

I was hoping that the focus was going to be on the people of Ohio over politics, said Mark Alberini, chairman of the Trumbull County Democratic Party.

Husted said that representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate is an amazing opportunity.

It is something that an adopted kid who grew up on County Road J from Montpelier, Ohio could have never imagined, Husted said. I look forward to working with President Trump and JD Vance to make America great again.

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Trumbull County Republican Party Chairwoman Julia Shutt said she they are confident Husted will support President-elect Trumps administration.

We trust that he will prove to us that he is supporting Trumps agenda 100% by going along with all the policies that Trump is putting forth as he becomes the president, Shutt said.

Local Republican lawmakers support DeWines decision, man pointing to Husteds experience. He previously served as secretary of state, speaker of the House of Representatives and as state senator.

He had a lot of experience, and I think experience does matter when youre on the national stage. I think he has that going for him, and I think hell do a tremendous job, said State Senator Al Cutrona, R-33rd District.

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State Rep. David Thomas, R-65th District, said that Ohio voters have approved Husted several times in the past.

I think that makes a lot of sense. I know theres a lot of excitement in the room, Thomas said.

Congressman Michael Rulli, R-6th District, said that Husted is a tried and true Ohioan.

Hes really a great guy. Hes a good family man and he cares about Ohio, Rulli said.

Trumbull County Democratic Party Chair Mark Alberini said he has some concerns.

Im not crazy about how it was hand-picked. Just a political insider, Alberini said. Jon Husted seems to have been focused more on serving special interests and advancing his own political ambitions than on addressing the real challenges for Ohioans.

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Ohio House Representative Nick Santucci (R-District 64) provided this statement to First News:

As Lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted was a champion for economic and workforce development, and his expertise will be invaluable in the U.S. Senate as he partners with President Trump to reshape our nations future. This is a pivotal moment for our country, and I am confident Senator Husted will play a key role in advancing policies that strengthen our economy and empower American workers. I look forward to working with him to align the Trump administrations priorities with our legislative goals here in Ohio Nick Santucci, Ohio House Representative (R-District 46)

There will be a statewide election in 2026 where Ohioans will decide wholl serve the remaining two years of Vances term.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The clock is ticking for the popular social media platform, TikTok.

In a statement released Friday night, the app says users can expect TikTok to go dark on Jan. 19 unless the Biden administration provides clarity about its future.

This potential shut down has been a hot topic for the last few weeks as TikTok users and creators wait to see whether or not they can continue using the app, but it seems no progress is being made to divest the platform from its Chinese parent company Bytedance, so millions of users across the country are watching and creating their final videos.

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A lot of work goes into making a viral video happen.

Girl, I made this, Lauren Cella, a history teacher and TikTok creator said, showing the wig she made to film another Gen Z teaches history.

This may be one of the last videos Cella posts on TikTok.

I was pretty convinced that I was too old for something like that, she said. I never had a chance of going viral. I was too cringey, but it was actually my students, my high school students, who told me that stuffs fun, but actually a lot of us go on here to learn.

Cella went viral on the social media platform while teaching history at Mcfarland High School in Kern County.

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It is a bit satirical. It is supposed to be funny, but its really just how I relate to my students in the classroom, she said. Its really what all teachers do is breaking down history in a way that the students can really understand.

She blew up for her Gen Z teaches history series where she explains historical events using slang.

San Diegos first cannabis lounge opening soon

Now teaching middle schoolers in San Diego, the app has given her the opportunity to educate them and her 158.4K followers about current and historic events.

Ive had a captive audience the last week, Cella said when asked about how she teaches her students about the potential ban. Theyre so interested in, Wait, can the president save it? Wait, what happened with the House?

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More than 170 million Americans scroll through the platform for sometimes hours watching anything from educational videos like Cellas to viral dances and so much more, but in a unanimous decision on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban unless the Chinese parent company Bytedance sells the app.

This will become another pawn in the economic negotiations between the U.S. and China, said Peter Cowhey, a professor at University of California San Diego.

He says the dispute stems from concerns the Chinese government could use American data for blackmail or skew American opinions in favor of Chinese interests through the algorithm.

I would expect there is a betting in Las Vegas that we will be without TikTok for at least some number of days even if a potential deal is possible down the line, he added.

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In a statement posted on X, TikTok says Unless the Biden administration provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on Jan. 19.

Maybe Im delusion or delulu as the kids would say, but Im still pretty hopeful, Cella said when asked how the ban would impact her.

Despite its looming shutdown, opinions seem divided with the Pew Research Center reporting only 32% of Americans support the ban.

The people that want to hear your voice, they found you once. Theyll find it again, Cella said.

She says shell continue posting her videos on Instagram, and Cowhey believes most users will revert to other social media sites like Instagram and Youtube.

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He even says some have turned to Rednote, another Chinese-owned social media platform.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Local TikToker, UnderTheDeskNews, with over three million followers, said she will continue the fight to keep the app going despite the incoming ban.

V Spehar told News 8 she has met with President Joe Biden twice and was told that ultimately nothing could be done at this point. However, there is hope that President-Elect Donald Trump will reverse the ban.

Spehar added that she will not be going on the app now emerging, Red Note, but is turning to other platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.

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She started migrating her audiences in December when she said it was clear they werent going to be able to undo the ban.

All along the way I thought theres no way that theyll do it because so many people run their businesses here or run churches here or connect community here, Spehar said.

I just want to say thank you to everybody  the people of Rochester and Western New York who have supported me from the beginning. Really, Im proud of what we did with UnderTheDesk we became an international news source  and we did it all from right here from Park Avenue!

She also said that even if it takes a while for TikTok to make its return in the States, she will resume content as normal.

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Paula recalled one morning in early October when everything took a turn for the worse.

She went online to look at her bank account, a morning ritual of sorts. But what she saw this time horrified her.

I checked that morning, and the money was gone from my savings, said Paula. There was only $74 left.

Paula immediately panicked. How could this have happened? Where did her money go? Was her online bank security compromised? Questions swirled through her head as she tried to put together puzzle pieces that simply did not fit together.

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She would soon learn that she and her husband were victims of identity theft.

FIRST SIGNS OF TROUBLEA week earlier, Paula and her husband Dean were visiting their daughter in Colorado when suddenly Deans cell phone stopped working. That prompted the two to go to a local branch of their cell phone provider to figure out the issue.

The [representative] at the cell phone store said, Well this isnt your phone anyways, Paula explained. The representative did not offer further explanation, but the number on the account was no longer Deans; it belonged to a number with an area code in Georgia.

Later, the two found a $34 roaming charge on their phone bill, prompting Dean to call the cell phone providers customer assistance.

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They said, Well youre in another country, and Dean said, Ive never been to another country, Paula recalled.

A week later is when Paula discovered her account almost completely cleaned out. The withdrawals started with a mere $15, but soon far exceeded that. Multiple $2,000 amounts were taken, and even one for almost $15,000. Paula would later find out that all of these withdrawals were made out of state.

Initial calls to her financial institution proved fruitless. Paula tried calling before banking hours, which only brought her to a call center with limited available information. The representatives could only inform her that Paulas debit card showed no issues. After a few more calls she finally talked to a financial crimes representative who tried to help Paula figure out what happened.

Paula asked the representative why there were never email alerts sent informing her that her account was being accessed, and this is when the representative informed Paula that 14 alerts had, in fact, been sent. Each was within three minutes that the bad actor had accessed Paulas account.

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He also got into our email accounts, Paula said. When he got these emails, he was able to just delete them. Further alerts were, likewise, deleted before Paula ever saw them. As more evidence was laid out, it became clear to Paula the thief knew exactly what they were doing, having compromised everything he could get his hands on.

Cell phone service was compromised. Later, Paula and Deans Amazon account was hit. Catching that one early meant only certain information on the account had been changed. The culprit left behind evidence he planned to buy laptops fraudulently with the account.

HOLES IN THE SYSTEMPaula said that she was also informed that this bad actor took advantage of flaws in what is known as a shared branch network. These shared branches allow members to go to a different bank or credit union within the network and make transactions just as they can at home.

However, member institutions in a network have access to limited information, meaning that there is only so much those affiliated locations can do to protect accounts.

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Paula later learned important details from Harrison, a financial crimes representative in the area where Paulas funds were stolen. He talked with the Leader-Telegram, explaining that such a lack of information makes it easier to commit identity theft.

You can make up a fake check, grab someones social [security number], produce a fake ID, and say, Hi, my name is so and so, and I bank with ABC Credit Union, and make a transaction, said Harrison. They become you.

In Paulas case the criminal, who was several states away, used a fake ID and claimed to be Paulas husband Dean. With the fake ID and a bank account number, he was able to walk out with a check for $15,000 claiming he intended to buy a boat with the funds.

According to the shared branch where the theft occurred, there were questions on the validity of the transaction. But due to the limit of available information to the institution and the culprit providing seemingly valid information meant the transaction still took place even though there were enough red flags the shared branch contacted Paulas home bank to inform them of what occurred.

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The thief was caught on video and other details, including the fake ID card used, were all submitted to police here in the area. Eventually, Paula said, she was reimbursed the funds that were stolen. But despite video, eyewitnesses and other available evidence, no arrest has been made.

AFTERMATHPaula assumed, before the incident, she was being careful with her personal information.

Im very adamant about checking everything, she said.

There is no real explanation as to how the breach occurred, and there may never be an explanation.

Harrison said it can be an uphill battle to protect your information.

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Its really tough, as the world is electronic, he said.

He recommended that people check their banking statements regularly to make sure that all transactions were their own. He also recommended talking to a credit bureau to block credit card offers from coming to your mailbox. If you are receiving such offers, never leave them in your mailbox.

Most importantly, he recommended never buying something over the phone unless you initiated the call.

Though Paulas story ended on a good note, it was a nightmare for her to deal with as she wondered if her money was gone for good. She is now even more vigilant with her information, and warns against those who think that identity theft can only happen to other people.

Always be on your toes, and you have to, almost every day, make sure that you are protecting your identity, she said. We thought we were.
New London  An outspoken New London police lieutenant filed a federal civil rights lawsuit this week against the city and police department leadership, claiming among other things that he was targeted for discipline by his supervisors for speaking out against the department while union president.

Lt. Joshua Bergeson claims in the suit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in New Haven that his supervisors, including Chief Brian Wright and retired Capt. Matthew Galante, were part of a concerted effort to punish and silence" him in retaliation for his complaints against the chief.

One of the allegations in the suit is that Bergeson was placed on administrative leave for more than four months in 2023 at a time when he was seeking another term as union president. He ended up losing that union election to someone who Bergeson claims was friends with Galante.

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"Chief Wright, Captain Galante, and other City leaders resented the union's activities under President Bergeson and actively worked to limit his role and stifle union activity," the suit alleges.

Bergeson is represented in the suit by Hartford-based Ment Law Group. Attorney Patrick Jennings said Friday that Bergeson is not the type of person to "sit quietly when he thinks something wrong is happening." The $1 million sought in the lawsuit comes secondary, Jennings said, to Bergeson's attempt to shine a light on issues at the department and spur police reform and public discussion.

Bergeson himself has faced several recent internal investigations that led to suspensions in both 2023 and 2024. As union president, he also made public his doubts about the police department's ability to adequately staff Sailfest, the city's largest annual event, and recommended cancellation of the festival in 2022. He would later go on to create a controversial commemorative coin for his officers with an engraving of a burning dumpster and the words, "the strongest steel is forged in the fire of a dumpster."

Bergeson was suspended for three days, according to the suit, and ordered to attend retraining after an internal investigation found he had violated department policy during his confrontation with a so-called First Amendment activist who was filming vehicles in the parking lot of the police department in the summer of 2022. Bergeson can be seen in body camera footage bumping into Daniel Kokoszka while trying to get Kokoszka to leave the area.

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After he was disciplined, Bergeson filed a complaint that argued Chief Wright should have been cited for his use of force when he grabbed a female during a "push" by officers to clear revelers from the streets at the end of Sailfest in 2022. Bergeson would additionally file a complaint alleging an accusation of workplace violence was not properly handled. Wright and Galante responded with complaints of their own, alleging that Bergeson's complaints were retaliation for the discipline Bergeson had received.

Attorney Michael Rose from the law firm Rose Kallor performed an investigation into the dueling complaints and ultimately determined "Lt. Bergeson was motivated, in part, by his anger and displeasure at being the subject of a reprimand ... and sought to embarrass and malign only those who disciplined him." The investigation found no merit to most of Bergeson's allegations but did find that Wright had not activated his body-worn camera during the Sailfest incident.

Bergeson, in his suit, notes that Michael Rose is the same attorney previously hired by the city to investigate accusations of union interference and retaliation against former Chief Margaret Ackley.

The result of the investigation was a three-day suspension for Bergeson that was held in abeyance, which means he did not immediately have to serve the suspension. The lawsuit filed on Thursday alleges the investigation and Bergeson's long stay on administrative leave amounted to an attempt to "exploit the opportunity to chill union activity and retaliate against President Bergeson." Jennings called it an example of "the lengths they went to silence voice the of anyone raising issues about their leadership."

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The lawsuit comes in the wake of settlements by the city in two previous federal civil rights lawsuits from officers at the department. In July, the city agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a harassment and sexual discrimination suit brought by police detective Melissa Schafranski-Broadbent. The city spent $570,000 in 2023 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by Lt. Cornelius Rodgers that claimed a pattern of racial discrimination.

"The really appalling fact pattern here is you have the New London Police Department which has had documented issues for a while," Jennings said. "You have a union and a union president trying to kind of shine a light on the issues and make changes at the department. Rather than respond to the grievances in a normal way, what happened in this instance is a concerted effort to make sure Josh was on the sidelines. "

Bergeson, who is brother is the department's captain Todd Bergeson and has worked for the department since 2007, has faced controversy in the past. He was fired in 2012 in the wake of his involvement with other officers in the alleged beating of a man outside the Southeastern Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence detoxification center on Coit Street. His termination, however, was later explained by former Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio to be because of his absenteeism. An internal investigation cleared Bergeson of any breach of the department's use-of-force policy and grievances filed by the union led to his rehire a year later with a "last chance agreement, records show.

Bergeson declined to comment for this report. Chief Wright could not be reached to comment, and New London Mayor Michael Passero said he would not comment on pending litigation.
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan called his visit to Rashtrapati Bavan a special day of the year after he met President of India Droupadi Murmu and witnessed the grand Arjuna Award ceremony on January 17. He was invited along with 'Chandu Champion' director Kabir Khan. The duo were invited as they played a key role in the film 'Chandu Champion' which was based on Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petakar who was bestowed with Arjuna Award (Lifetime Achievement) on Friday. The event marked a significant moment in the career of the para-swimmer, who made history in 1972 as India's first Paralympic gold medalist. Kartik Aaryan who played the role of Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar in 'Chandu Champion' also expressed his joy as he got to witness the ceremony firsthand and meet President Murmu. It was his first visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Taking to his Instagram handle, Kartik Aaryan shared his pictures with President Murmu, Murlikant Petkar, Manu Bhaker, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and many other influential personalities of India. He also shared an adorable interaction video with the Paralympic Gold medalist Navdeep Singh in which the former hugged the actor as they met outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. After the visit, Kartik called President Murmu an epitome of success, grace and inspiration. He wrote, "This date in my 2025 calendar will always be special. My first visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to witness the grand Arjuna Award Ceremony to my first meeting with the honourable President of India- an epitome of success, grace and inspiration- and interacting with the esteemed personalities of our country. Congratulations, @murlikantpetkar sir, on this huge honour! it's truly been an incredible privilege to be part of your amazing journey!" wrote Kartik Aaryan. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE-GPqEtX-A/?img_index=1&igsh=ZHRlOG5qdTBneTVq After the meet, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad praised the actor's simplicity and spontaneous nature. In response, the 'Chandu Champion' fame actor wrote, "Thank you Sir It was a pleasant experience to spend some time with an experienced and influential personality like you." https://x.com/theaaryankartik/status/1880544569487720515?s=48 'Chandu Champion,' based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, was directed by Kabir Khan. Murlikant's life story is nothing short of inspiring. A proud member of the Indian Army, he sustained nine bullet wounds during the 1965 war with Pakistan which disabled him from under the waist but he chose not to give up. Instead, he turned to swimming and eventually made history in 1972 when he became India's first Paralympic gold medalist. (ANI)
Jan. 18The long-awaited $25 million Portland Harbor dredging project starts on Monday as contractors begin digging a 9-acre pit in a shallow South Portland cove where seven decades of a working waterfront's industrial sins will be buried over the next three winters.

Cashman Dredging of Massachusetts will use a barge-mounted crane to dig a confined aquatic disposal cell, or CAD, to be filled with contaminated sediments that have built up around the piers, marinas and wharves, stifling the harbor's economic vitality and threatening the health of Casco Bay.

With that sediment gone, the waterfront will regain the vessel berths that have been lost at low tide. And the occasional boat propeller or keel digging into the bottom or storm surge won't stir up such a toxic brew after the clean-up.

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It's been a very, very long time coming, said Bill Needelman, Portland's waterfront coordinator.

"The conversation of dredging Portland Harbor goes back at least 30 years," he said. "Dredge projects like these are notoriously difficult to do. Getting all the parties to agree, getting all the permits, getting all the funding, it's very hard. And every year of delay, it only gets harder."

The navigation channel linking Portland Harbor and the Gulf of Maine is dredged every 15 years or so, most recently in 2014, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is up to the owners or the city to remove sediment that shoals up between piers, wharves, marinas or boat launches.

But the sediment deposited in Portland Harbor's working waterfront by three quarters of a century of industrialization is too contaminated to be dumped at sea. Tests found it high in the remnants of fossil fuels, heavy metals like zinc, mercury, copper and lead, and pesticides.

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Hauling it to a hazardous waste disposal landfill was too costly for individual property owners to bear.

In 2007, about 15 years after it was formed in response to toxic chemicals in the harbor, the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership commissioned a study that concluded the only cost effective approach to clean up and dispose of these dredged soils would be through construction of a CAD cell.

The Estuary Partnership's study kicked off the quest for funding, permits and an acceptable burial site. And by acceptable, that meant a patch of ocean floor out of the shipping lanes that could support a cell without blasting while avoiding power lines, bird hotspots, boating areas, beaches and lobster grounds.

"The big story here is the level of public and private collaboration that has taken place to pull this thing off," Needelman said. "It's been really quite astounding. All levels working together toward a common goal, which is, quite literally, about keeping the port in Portland Harbor."

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The final piece of the puzzle fell into place last January, when the state released $10 million in funds for the project after Portland cut project costs from $32 million to $25 million. In 2023, state lawmakers changed Gov. Janet Mills' budget proposal to include American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project.

Over the years, the project has won over a diverse group of supporters in southern Maine's fishing and business community, as well as environmental groups, which, like the Estuary Partnership, want to clean up the state's busiest commercial port.

Portland Harbor generates about $800 million of total economic output that can be tied to the working waterfront, according to the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, 516 fishermen landed more than 14 million pounds of fish and lobster in Portland Harbor, according to state records.

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours has been operating in Casco Bay for 25 years. In its early days, its berths at Long Wharf and Fisherman's Wharf had a depth of 8 feet at low tide, but now the tour boats are often forced to tie up in less than 5 feet of water.

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"Our vessels often must push through the mud to operate," co-owner and tour captain Bill Frappier said. "This situation becomes more dire with every passing year that dredging does not take place. The project is essential to the success of our business."

Tides can drop as much as 12 feet in Portland Harbor during full or new moons. At low tide, boats often wind up stuck in the mud, forced to lift their engines or use poles to push their way out. While the depth boats need to operate varies by size, , lobster boats generally require 2 or 3 feet of water, a ferry boat 7 to 10 feet and a large herring vessel up to 15 feet.

The lack of berthing has created a Catch-22 situation, said Phineas Sprague Jr., president of Portland Yacht Services and Portland Ship Yard. Wharf owners are losing money, leaving them no choice but to charge more for the remaining berths. That puts the squeeze on the commercial fishing industry.

"There will be no next generation of commercial wharfingers," Sprague said of wharf owners before the last dredging grant was approved, signaling the project was a go. "Most of my friends have left the waterfront, and I will not allow my children to work in my business. My time is limited."

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Windham lobsterman Bill Coppersmith, who fished out of Portland Harbor for four decades, agreed that a lack of adequate berthing was hurting local fishermen. Without dredging, local lobstermen were losing direct access to their place of work and international markets, he said.

"More than seven decades of silt buildup has closed off hundreds of linear feet of vessel tie up and timely access to the waterfront facilities we rely on for safely and efficiently landing and shipping our product," Coppersmith wrote while pledging the Maine Lobstering Union's support for the project.

Friends of Casco Bay is happy that the cities and the harbor commission agreed to locate the CAD pit in an area outside of productive lobstering grounds and designed the project to ensure the least amount of environmental damage was done during the dredging.

"While most support will focus on the significant economic impact the dredge will have for Portland and South Portland, we focus on this unprecedented opportunity to remove legacy contaminants," Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca said in one of her letters of support for the project.

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It is an "ideal time" to remove the toxic sediments from the harbor, which will improve both habitat and public recreation, as Portland and South Portland are also taking steps to reduce their sewage overflows and stormwater runoff into the harbor, Frignoca said.

This will be Maine's first CAD, but the concept is not new. The technique has been safely used in waters around the world, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which permitted the Maine CAD. There are CADs in Boston Harbor; New Haven, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; and even the St. Louis River.

The Portland CAD will be dug in a shallow, little-used South Portland cove just downstream from Casco Bay Bridge, between South Port Marina and Coast Guard Station South Portland. The trapezoidal, 9-acre burial site will be 50 feet deep at its deepest, with sloped sides that run about 800 feet long and 425 feet wide.

Clean silt, marine clay and glacial till will be removed to create the CAD cell, and the sediment will be taken by barge to an open ocean disposal site about 7 miles off Dyer Point in Cape Elizabeth. Two or three tug boats and scows will make up to five trips a day back and forth during the monthlong dig.

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The dredging season will end on March 15, which means that any construction noise will be muffled by seasonally closed windows. There were no complaints during the last federal dredge of the channel, said Needelman, and that process required blasting. This one will not.

Once the pit is dug, the project moves into its second phase  the dredging of about 245,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from 47 areas in Portland Harbor's waterfront, including 19 piers, 10 marinas and boatyards, the Portland public boat launch and the Portland commercial barge landing.

Dredge scows will carry the contaminated sediment from the wharf or pier to the CAD and release their loads directly over the pit. Project officials plan to use a seasonal layering approach for the disposals, putting the most contaminated dredges of each season underneath the cleaner ones.

Project officials say the contaminated dredge material will be more stable when buried in the CAD than where it is now. In the CAD, it will be buried under a layer of clean fill at the end of each dredge season. Because the CAD will be "overdug," natural sedimentation will cover it at a rate of about 2 inches a year.

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Dredging the equivalent of 24,500 dump trucks full of muck will take about three winters. Officials will keep going over the budget, looking for ways to cut costs and boost waterfront participation, but at this time, disposing of dredge at the CAD will likely cost about $35 per cubic yard.

Needelman hopes construction of the CAD can be completed in a month so the contractor can be asked to extend its stay and complete the first harborfront dredges this winter. First up would be the Maine State Pier and Ocean Gateway, which already have permits and funding in place.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A Los Angeles DJ and podcast host accused of attempting to solicit a minor online for sexual activity in Wichita Falls has his bonds reduced, though not by as much as he was hoping for.

PREVIOUS STORY: Los Angeles DJ accused of online solicitation of minor

Jeffrey Dandurand in the 78th District Court on Friday, Jan. 17 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Jeffrey Joseph Dandurand, 50, of La Verne, California, was arrested in California and extradited to Wichita County, where he was booked into jail on September 17, 2024, and charged with four counts of online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony offense.

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Dandurands bonds were initially set at $75,000 for each count, bringing his total bond amount to $300,000. He filed a writ of habeas corpus in October, alleging the bonds were excessive, but 30th District Court Judge Jeff McKnight denied it.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Dandurand appeared in the 78th District Court, requesting that his bonds be reduced to $25,000 on each count, reducing his total bonds to $100,000.

Presiding Judge Meredith Kennedy granted Dandurand a reduction in his bonds, but instead of $25,000, she set the bond for each count at $50,000, reducing his total bonds to $200,000 and imposing strict conditions should he be released from jail.

LOCAL CRIME: Wichita Falls man charged for indecency with a child

Jeffrey Dandurand in the 78th District Court on Friday, Jan. 17 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

If Dandurand posts bond, he will not be able to return to California but will be required to remain in Wichita County while his charges are pending. He would be placed on 24-hour home detention and would be required to wear an ankle monitor.

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Additionally, Dandurand would not be allowed any contact with individuals under the age of 18 and would be prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of any place that minors frequent.

According to the affidavit, the charges against Dandurand stem from an undercover online operation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety targeting adult individuals communicating with children with the intent to meet with the child to engage in sexual activity.

Jeffrey Dandurand in the 78th District Court on Friday, Jan. 17 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

A DPS special agent said he began the investigation in April 2024 by creating an online persona of a 14-year-old female, along with age and gender-altered photographs to appear as a young female.

The special agent said he began receiving messages on Discord from Dandurand that were sexual in nature over the next several weeks, with Dandurand eventually asking the agent, who he believed was a minor female, to meet at a hotel in Wichita Falls to engage in sexual activity.

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LOCAL NEWS: Texas court upholds landmark fentanyl murder conviction in historic ruling

The affidavit said Dandurand was identified by public search as a stand-up comedian, a former child actor, a disc jockey, and a podcast host.

An online search revealed that Dandurand is a radio personality by the name of DJ Jeff Duran. Dandurand is credited with the song Rebellion by Britney Spears. Dandurand also appeared on episodes of The Wonder Years, Step By Step and The Twilight Zone in the 1980s and 1990s.

According to the Trivia section of Dandurands IMDB page, he was the first DJ in the United States to interview and play Lady Gaga.

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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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against President Joe Biden, calling his ban on offshore drilling illegal.

On Jan. 6, President Biden banned oil or natural gas drilling from over half a billion acres of offshore waters. Biden used the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to issue two memorandums to protect coastal areas from drilling.

Murrills lawsuit outlines reasons Biden had no authority to issue the memorandums.

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She believes the claim violates OCSLA, specifically under the major questions doctrine. The lawsuit states removing over half a billion acres of oil and natural gas drilling is major by any measure. The withdrawal would overrule OCSLAs drilling plan.

The lawsuit also reports the Constitutions Property Clause gives Congress the power only to enact needed rules and regulations. Murrill believes no basis in OCSLA suggests Congress deemed it necessary to give the President authority to interrupt OCSLAs promise of oil and gas leasing.

Promises made, promise kept! I promised  and today I filed  a federal lawsuit challenging Joe Bidens unlawful drilling ban, said Murrill. Two weeks before Inauguration Day, Biden purported to ban virtually all oil and gas leasing along the Lower 48 States coastline and a significant portion along Alaskas coastline. The ban is blatantly illegal! If upheld, it would dramatically harm our economy and livelihood. I will always defend Louisiana and American energy.

Murrill asks the Court to declare Bidens withdrawal unlawful, violates the Property Clause, exceeds Bidens authority and ban defendants from enforcing the withdrawal memos.

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Attorney Generals from Alaska, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama joined Murrills suit.

Read the full suit here.

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Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) said he will fully raise the Make American Great Again (MAGA) flag at the governors mansion for President-elect Trumps inauguration next week and invited Louisianans to do the same.

Gone are the days of open borders. Gone are the days where Americans have to worry about gas and grocery prices while taxpayer dollars are shipped overseas, Landry said in a Friday statement.

Today, under President Trump, begins a renaissance in this Nation, he added. One where America and her people will always come first. In Louisiana, we think that is worthy of celebrating!

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Landrys announcement comes as several GOP-led states will fly U.S. flags at full-staff for Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration. Flags in the Pelican State were slated to be kept up at half-staff in light of the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Years Day when an attacker plowed a rented pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more.

Governors in various Republican-led states, including Florida, North Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, Nebraska, ordered that flags be flown at full-staff for the 2025 presidential inauguration, despite the 30-day mourning period still being in effect over the death of former President Carter late last year.

At least five governors said the flags would be lowered back to half-staff after the Jan. 20 ceremony.

Similarly, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday that flags on the Capitol Hill would be flown at full-staff during the president-elects inauguration and be lowered to half-staff the next day to continue honoring Carters death.

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One of the two people indicted for the shooting death of Cornelius Garrison, who was cooperating with the investigation into the Louisiana staged accident scam, has pleaded guilty to participation in Garrisons murder while fingering two men he says are the actual shooter and the disbarred lawyer who directed it to occur.

In a bombshell guilty plea reported Thursday by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Ryan Harris, 36, who is known as Red, pleaded guilty in a superseding indictment that replaced an earlier pair of charges against him. The original indictment for murder was in May.

The original indictment charged Harris and his girlfriend with the murder of Garrison. (His co-defendant, Jovanna Gardner, was later found to be only tangentially involved in Garrisons death. Her case was disposed of with a guilty plea to witness tampering).

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Harris guilty pleas were for two counts related to mail and wire fraud, the same charges leveled against all the individuals involved in the staged accident scam, and causing death through the use of a firearm.

However, it is the Statement of Facts filed in connection with the guilty plea, also known as the proffer, that provide detail on Garrisons death, at least as the U.S. Attorney sees it based on the cooperation of witnesses. And while whats in the proffer may be sensational, it has not yet led to new indictments.

Earlier indicted defendants now seen as involved in Garrison murder

The shooter, according to the proffer, was Leon Parker, known as Chunky. Parker was indicted in December in a move that brought in two lawyers, two law firms and several other on-the-ground participants in the accidents, where a car would create a collision with a truck in order to set up the possibility of an insurance payout.

In a twist, the proffer also lists several staged accidents where high-value cars were targeted, including a Mercedes-Benz GLB 250.

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Parker was indicted on charges of mail and wire fraud with nothing in the December indictment suggesting Parker was involved in Garrisons murder.

The other person identified as a planner in the case is Shawn Alfortish, a disbarred lawyer who also was indicted in December. Like Parker, the December indictment did not suggest involvement in Garrisons death; he did get hit with obstruction of justice and witness tampering charges.

According to the prosecutors, Harris did not actually kill Garrison; Parker did. And it was Alfortish who made it happen. Both men are in custody.

(Alfortishs lawyer, Shaun Clarke, declined comment when contacted by FreightWaves. An attorney for Parker had not responded to FreightWaves by publication time.)

A rat and snitch

When several of the participants learned in 2020 that Garrison, after having been indicted, was cooperating with federal prosecutors, according to the proffer, Alfortish told Harris that he and (Vanessa Motta, one of the lawyers indicted in December) had offered to pay Garrison to convince (him) not to cooperate with the investigation. Alfortish, Motta and Parker considered Garrison a rat and a snitch and that it would be better for the three of them if Garrison was dead, according to the proffer.

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(Another twist: Parker, 51, was involved in a romantic relationship with Harris mother).

Alfortish asked Harris if he knew anyone who could assist Alfortish in killing Garrison, the proffer says. Harris arranged for Alfortish to meet Parker. Harris knew that by arranging the meeting between Alfortish and Parker, he was assisting Alfortish and Parkers scheme to murder Garrison.

Harris met with Parker multiple times and provided him with a burner phone, according to prosecutors. He also recruited Gardner, but according to the document, she was not aware that the preparations were to kill Garrison; she thought the visit to Garrisons house was to pay him for his silence.

Prosecutors have dubbed the staged accident scheme as Operation Sideswipe. After the December indictment, they said the investigation had led to 63 indictments. No indictments have gone to trial; all the charges that have been adjudicated came through guilty pleas.

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The longest sentence handed down so far is for a husband and wife who got four years.

The U.S. Attorneys office, in announcing the Harris guilty plea, said he faces 20 years on the first two counts, and life imprisonment on the third one related to the murder.

Prosecutors said only of Garrisons death that Parker murdered Garrison on September 22, 2020, as part of a scheme with Harris and Alfortish to prevent Garrison from further cooperation. They add that, shortly before the murder, Harris saw Parker in possession of a firearm, mask and gloves that Harris believed Parker would use to murder Garrison.

Thus it was reasonably foreseeable to Harris that a firearm would be used to murder Garrison, the document says. After the murder, Parker told Harris that he murdered Garrison and that Alfortish paid him for the murder.

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The post Louisiana staged accident murder: Harris pleads guilty but fingers others for the shooting appeared first on FreightWaves.
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko freed 23 Belarusians convicted of "extremist crimes," his press office reported on Jan. 18.

Lukashenko has pardoned political prisoners in rounds since July, a move that many see as an attempt to boost his approval rating ahead of the 2025 presidential election. However, political persecution continues in Belarus, according to human rights activists.

The eighth round of "pardons" includes three women and 20 men. More than half of them are over 50 years old. Fourteen people have chronic diseases, according to the statement.

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The names of the released convicts have not been revealed.

Since the first round of pardons on July 3, timed to coincide with Independence Day in Belarus, over 200 political prisoners have been reportedly released. Nearly 1,300 prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus, Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

However, the Lukashenko regime is continuing its crackdown on dissent. In fact, arbitrary repression of political opponents has intensified in Belarus in the run-up to the 2025 presidential elections, the Viasna said.

Over November and December, human rights activists added 120 new names to the list of recognized political prisoners in Belarus.

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Lukashenko has been in power since 1994 and is looking to reelect himself for the seventh time.

Read also: Youll die here  Belarusian political prisoners recount experiences ahead of Lukashenkos reelection

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Self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 23 people who supposedly "committed extremist crimes".

Source: Lukashenko's press service

Details: All of them reportedly wrote petitions for pardon, "admitted their guilt and repented".

Among them are three women and 20 men; 13 people are over 50 years old, and 14 more have chronic illnesses.

Lukashenko's office calls the decision "humanity and a chance to return to normal life".

The Belarusian Interior Ministry will monitor their behaviour after release.

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A Richmond Township man is accused of fatally strangling his father's Labrador retriever, according to Macomb County authorities.

William Kucharski Jr., 48, was ordered held on a $150,000 bond after he was arraigned Friday on a charge of third-degree killing/torturing an animal, a four-year felony, according to a release from the prosecutor's office and online records in 42-1 District Court in Romeo.

The release states Kucharski lives with his father and that Kucharski strangled the fully-grown dog in their home Tuesday.

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Kucharski currently is hospitalized and in the custody of the sheriff's office, according to the prosecutor's office release. Authorities said in releases that he was arraigned at his hospital bed via Zoom.

No attorney was listed for Kucharski in online court records, though they state he was represented by an unnamed appointed counsel at arraignment. He stood mute and a plea of not guilty was entered by the court, according to the court records.

Sheriff's deputies were sent to a residence on Prinz Road on a report of dead family pet and possible threat to a family member, according to a sheriff's office release. The suspect allegedly killed his father's dog and the caller was concerned for the welfare of the suspect and the suspect's father.

The sheriff's office stated the suspect was home alone with the dog. When his father returned home, he found the suspect with his arms around the dog and was unable to remove them, per the sheriff's office release.

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More: Pontiac rescue owner faces felony charge after 37 animals removed from home

It states the suspect made threats to harm himself. The suspect was uncooperative with deputies and was taken into custody, the sheriff's office stated.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Jennifer Putney said Friday that the dog's name was Punky. She did not know his age or how long the suspect's father had the dog. The caller, she said, was the suspect's sister.

Putney said there was some verbal negations with the suspect, who was in a bedroom with the door closed. He said he had a weapon, Putney said, but he did not end up having one.

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Putney said the dog was beside the suspect when deputies gained entry to the bedroom. The dog was found dead, and a necropsy is being performed, she said. Putney said the suspect told deputies that he killed the dog.

If Kucharski is released on bond, he is to have no contact with animals or witnesses in the case, no alcohol or drugs and no assaulting or threatening behavior and must wear a GPS tether, according to the prosecutor's office release. A probable cause conference is set for Jan. 28 and a preliminary exam is set for Feb. 4, according to court records.

More: Charges issued after authorities say 6 dogs starved, found dead in Eastpointe basement

The prosecutor's office stated Kucharski also is charged in Lapeer County with second-degree arson, assault with a dangerous weapon and resisting and obstructing a police officer and that an arraignment on those charges will be scheduled in that county. Putney did not have details about the Lapeer County case.

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"It is alarming to see innocent animals subjected to such cruelty. I urge everyone who believes in harsher consequences for animal abuse and the loss of animal life to contact their state legislature and push for changes in the law that will allow for stricter penalties for these heinous acts," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated in his office's release.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Macomb authorities: Richmond Twp. man accused of strangling dad's dog
Jan. 17State officials are preparing to end a transitional housing program for asylum seekers later this year amid high costs and a declining number of new arrivals to Maine.

The Mills administration and MaineHousing, along with local officials and organizations, have been running the Asylum Seeker Transitional Housing Program since 2022.

The program has brought housing and support services to nearly 1,000 people at two sites in Saco and South Portland and has been key to managing an influx of asylum seekers to Maine over the last few years.

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But the state hasn't been able to identify funding to continue it beyond the current contract for the Saco site, which expires at the end of September.

And the number of asylum seekers coming to Maine has been decreasing, reducing the need for housing for those who are awaiting work authorization, according to a report released this week by the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

The report notes that it is difficult to predict how many asylum seekers will arrive in the future and whether the transitional housing program will be needed in some form after September.

But a spokesperson for the office said Friday that recent federal immigration policy changes by the Biden administration have led to significant reductions in the number of new families crossing the southern border and arriving in Maine and other states, and that the Mills administration expects the number of asylum seekers coming to Maine will continue to decline.

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While the South Portland site was only open for one year from July 2023 to June 2024, the Saco site remains open and at capacity, currently serving about 85 households, or 300 people, on a daily basis.

"As the site draws to a close, the Administration and MaineHousing will work closely with local partners to prepare and transition those served to other housing options," office spokesperson Jackie Farwell said in a statement.

RESPONDING TO INFLUX

Between the summer of 2021 and fall of 2024, Maine experienced a large increase in arrivals of immigrants. Monthly notice-to-appear filings sent to Maine zip codes soared from 24 in June 2021 to a high of 652 in Jan. 2023 and remained historically high until falling to 84 in November, according to the report.

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A notice to appear is a document advising the recipient of the start of immigration proceedings in court. The notices are issued in asylum cases as well as other types of immigration cases, such as criminal proceedings or an overstay of a visa.

The state, city of Portland and Catholic Charities Maine teamed up in 2022 to launch a transitional housing program in Saco in response to the influx of newcomers and to address the lengthy amount of time asylum seekers must wait to get work permits.

Under federal rules, asylum seekers are required to wait 150 days after filing an asylum application before applying for work authorization, which can be granted no sooner than 180 days after filing the asylum claim, though the process often takes longer.

Funds allocated by the state to MaineHousing were used to secure former hotels for the transitional housing program and to contract with Catholic Charities to provide and coordinate on-site supports, including cultural orientation, job readiness training, school enrollment, English classes, help applying for asylum and work authorization, and more.

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A total of 84 households, or 241 people, were served at the South Portland site, while the Saco site has served 192 households, or 737 people, through December.

Most of the families have been asylum seekers from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti. About 80% of those who have moved out of the program have gone to local permanent housing while smaller numbers left to move in with family or friends or migrated to other states or countries.

At the South Portland site, 83% of working-age adults eligible to work were successful in finding employment while in the program, while at the Saco site, more than 90% of working-age adults eligible to work secured employment, according to the report.

Those who did not either could not work because of an inability to find childcare, enrolled full-time in high school, or could not work because of medical issues or disabilities.

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"The program has proven to be a highly successful model in helping immigrant households transition and integrate into Maine because it goes beyond the provision of basic shelter and minimal services, to ensure that families have the health, education and workforce support they need to succeed while waiting for federal work authorization," the report said.

NO FUNDING AVAILABLE TO CONTINUE

Still, the program was expensive, totaling $4.3 million for the one-year South Portland program and about $19 million for 39 months in Saco, with $16 million going to the hotel lease.

In the absence of the program, the state report said, the costs for emergency housing for the asylum seeking families would have fallen to the General Assistance program, which is paid for by the state and municipalities. The Mills administration also is proposing separate limits on General Assistance housing vouchers to try to reduce costs of the program.

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Extending the Saco program would cost about $6 million for one year, including $5.1 million for a 12-month hotel lease.

The state has explored purchasing the hotel  which would cost about $13 million to $17 million  but said the building would likely depreciate rapidly, as it was not designed for long-term housing. There would also be ongoing maintenance costs.

But the report said neither option seems to be viable given the budget constraints Maine is currently facing and the change in the inflow of asylum seekers.

The governor's biennial budget proposal does not include funding for the program beyond the conclusion of the current Saco contract, and the state said it has also been unable to identify any federal funding that could be used.

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The governor continues to support federal legislation aimed at speeding up the process for asylum seekers to be able to receive work permits, as well as other immigration reforms that would benefit Maine, Farwell said.

A spokesperson for the city of Portland, which has been involved in sending referrals to the program, said Friday that the city would work with the state and Catholic Charities on a transition plan if the program is discontinued after September, but further details on what that would look like and the impact were not immediately available.

NUMBER OF ASYLUM SEEKERS HAS DROPPED

The number of asylum seekers coming to Maine has declined in recent months because of federal immigration policy changes, said Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition.

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"We are seeing less people present and we are aware of the policy changes the current administration has put in place regarding limiting the number of people who are entering," she said.

The Biden administration announced a series of measures in June to restrict asylum eligibility and increase consequences for those who enter the U.S. without authorization at the southern border, and said in October that additional steps would be taken to implement those policies.

U.S. Border Patrol reported a steep decline in encounters with migrants between December 2023 and August 2024, due both to Biden's June executive order and Mexican authorities stepping up enforcement to prevent migrants from reaching the border, according to the Pew Research Center.

Still, Chitam said, the end of the hotel program would likely put more of a burden on the city of Portland, which runs a shelter for asylum seeking adults and houses many asylum seekers at its family shelter, and smaller private shelters that serve asylum seekers.

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Asylum seekers who continue to arrive in Maine may also stay with family or community members in greater numbers, which will meet their need for shelter, but won't come with additional supports such as English classes and help searching for a job.

"We still need transitional sites where people can come and live while waiting to get their work permits," Chitam said. "That hotel has been giving people an opportunity for support while they wait. It's serving a need, and we've seen it be successful."

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Jan. 17AUGUSTA  Maine doesn't require its medical cannabis be tested for mold, chemicals and other contaminants. A new bill seeks to change that.

Proposed by the Office of Cannabis Policy and sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, L.D. 104 would hold Maine's recreational and medical markets to the same safety standards.

"The vast majority of medical cannabis facilities and caregivers are operating in good faith, but the fact that there is no mandatory testing in place for medical cannabis in Maine is, I think, a real problem for Maine consumers," Malon said.

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Few states have different testing and tracking requirements for their medical and recreational markets as Maine does. Cannabis plants in the recreational market are tracked from seed-to-sale and products must pass safety and purity testing.

Maine's medical industry has no such requirements. Only Maine does not require chemical testing for medical cannabis. Only three states, Maine, Missouri and New Hampshire, lack seed-to-sale plant tracking.

Medical cannabis industry groups are pushing back against the bill, saying that requiring plant and product testing would set a greater financial burden on small-scale medical caregivers and may push many out of business.

The Maine Cannabis Union, an industry advocacy group, opposes the bill. Board member Paul McCarrier said Maine's recreational testing regime is flawed and notes that lawmakers have repeatedly defeated similar attempts to require medical cannabis testing in in 2023, 2021 and 2018.

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"This is a great example of state bureaucracy essentially just continuing to push the same agenda while ignoring that the Legislature has continually rejected this framework and the industry has continually rejected this framework," McCarrier said.

Cannabis plants in Maine's recreational market are tracked at all stages of growth from seed to sale. Products are tested for mold, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals and other contaminants before being sold. The state's Office of Cannabis Policy has issued three recalls to date of recreational cannabis for mold contamination.

McCarrier said the recalls demonstrate the testing regime's failures. Malon said the recalls are the system working as intended to keep tainted product off dispensary shelves.

In the state's medical market, plants and products are neither tracked nor tested unless a grower or dispensary owner chooses to do so voluntarily.

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Malon argues that loose restrictions enable unscrupulous growers to sell tainted cannabis into the legal market without consumers ever knowing. McCarrier said Maine's medical industry is a free market where consumers can pick and choose where they purchase pot.

"If they go to a place and that place does not have test results, they don't have to purchase it there; they can go to a place that does," McCarrier said.

Unlike most states, Maine's medical cannabis market has always outperformed its recreational counterpart, bringing in about $280 million in 2023. Partly because of the loose regulations, medical cannabis is often cheaper for Maine consumers than recreational.

Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine is a nonprofit advocacy group representing medical cannabis patients, growers and manufacturers that has previously pushed back against proposals for stricter testing and tracking.

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The organization did not respond to requests for comment. MMCM board chair Tammy Smith previously said that extending Maine's recreational guidelines to medical caregivers would "result in medicine being unaffordable for patients."

"We are opposed to the current mandatory testing requirements forced on the Adult Use program that are seriously flawed, overly burdensome, expensive and have been shown by the recent recalls by OCP, to not effectively protect the consumer from unsafe products entering the market," Smith said.

L.D. 104 is a department bill submitted by Malon with OCP's support. John Hudak, OCP director and a medical cannabis patient, has supported expanding testing in the medical industry despite pushback from the Legislature and industry groups against past proposals.

"If a business model is one in which producing clean cannabis is too costly, there's something wrong with the business model," Hudak said in 2023. "We're not going to focus on profits at the expense of patients' health."

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Close to half of the products sold in Maine's medical cannabis market could be contaminated with pesticides, harmful microbes, yeast and mold, two 2023 studies found. Samples most commonly failed because of the presence of myclobutanil, a common fungicide also known as Eagle-20, that creates cyanide gas when ignited and inhaled.

McCarrier and the Maine Cannabis Union say many of the contaminants OCP tests for are largely harmless. Most dispensaries reject transactions from sketchy sellers, McCarrier said, and have formed communities among themselves where bad actors can be called out and effectively shunned.

"If you have a product that people don't want or a product that is tainted, you lose your customer base," he said. "If there was a public health crisis, we would see it by now."

Eagle-20 is among the chemicals most commonly found in police raids of Maine's illegal marijuana "grow houses"  rural single-family homes converted into clandestine industrial-scale illegal cannabis farms, often by Chinese organized crime.

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At least 120 alleged grow houses have received medical cannabis caregiver licenses to grow, transport and sell cannabis, a Morning Sentinel investigation of OCP records found in December.

The OCP confirmed several licenses have been issued to illegal grow houses previously raided by police as illegal growers take advantage of Maine's loose cannabis regulations to transition from the black market to the medical market.

"OCP remains concerned about illicit actors and illicit behaviors taking refuge in the medical cannabis program," the agency's media relations director, Alexis Soucy, said last year. "A lot of the challenge comes from an outdated, piecemeal medical cannabis statute that needs significant structural reform."

Several strains from several alleged grow house owners have tested positive for dangerous amounts of toxic insecticides and fertilizers. Black market Chinese pesticides are often found inside the home and cannot be detected by standard chemical testing. Black mold infestations often fill the homes due to the high temperatures and humidity needed to efficiently grow cannabis.

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Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine has previously encouraged illegal growers to receive legal caregiver licenses so that the organization can teach them "best practices" to grow cannabis safely.

"We, as a trade organization, welcome new caregivers to the industry; those emerging from the illicit market are no exception," Smith said. "The association will provide them with the same guidance for the use of best practices, cultivation of clean, safe medicine and adherence to rules and regulations."

Dispensary owners are reporting an uptick in suspected grow house owners trying to sell cannabis for cash, transactions that are entirely legal under Maine's regulatory framework. Malon said the Sentinel's investigation was a factor in him sponsoring the bill.

"Whether it's grown illegally in one of those disgusting grow houses or it's something that was grown in good faith, having a testing protocol in place helps add an extra layer of protection to make sure that the product is clean when its on the shelves or being smoked," Malon said.

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It is not clear from the bill's text if cannabis growers or dispensaries will bear the cost of cannabis testing, which can be several hundred dollars per test. Malon said he expects the intricacies to be hashed out during the legislative session.

If growers end up footing the bill, industry advocates say that model would put many medical caregivers out of business.

"They impose so many unreasonable and impractical regulations upon the industry, which make it so the operating costs are so high," McCarrier said. "We don't want to impose a flawed program upon another sector of the industry."

By virtue of medical cannabis being a prescribed medicine, however, Malon argues it should be subject to more stringent safety and purity testing.

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"I believe that consumers should be able to have the same confidence in product that they are purchasing for medicinal usage as they would products for recreational usage," Malon said. "If anything, I think it's more crucial."

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has praised the critical role that civilian workers play in strengthening the Navy's infrastructure, innovation, and operational success. He said this while addressing an event, organised to commemorate the 'Year of Naval Civilians'. The event was organised by the Indian Navy at Dr DS Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan here. Singh pointed out that many key positions were held by civilians in the Navy, including in Command Headquarters, Dockyards, Material Organizations, and Naval Armament. He said, "In many important organizations of the Navy, such as Command Headquarters, Dockyards, Material Organisations, Naval Armament Depots, Training Establishments... it is our civilians who lay the foundation of the strong infrastructure of the Navy." Singh highlighted that while the Navy's technological advancements, such as ultra-modern vessels and aircraft carriers, are visible to the public, much of the groundwork for these innovations is carried out by civilian engineers and workers. "We see ultra-modern vessels in the sea, aircraft carriers. All these things are visible, we can see them in front of us. But what we cannot see is the hard work of our countless engineers and workers. These people always work behind the scenes, but these are the people who have always given strength to our Armed forces," he said. The Defence Minister emphasized the growing complexity of the Indian Navy's operations and acknowledged the support provided by civilian personnel. "Today, our forces are moving ahead with a big mandate and a complex structure. In this, our civilian colleagues provide administrative and technical support to our forces. If the Indian Navy is moving so far ahead in the field of innovation today, then everyone is doing the work of research and development for it together," Singh said. Defence Minister Singh also said that India's economic prosperity is linked to its maritime security. "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. (ANI)
CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WKRG)  A crash with two semi-trucks on I-10 eastbound is causing significant delays Friday afternoon, according to the Crestview Fire Department.

2 arrested in connection with September homicide: Escambia County Sheriffs Office

According to a CFD Facebook post, the crash happened near the Holt Exit and involved an entrapment.

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CFD officials said crews on the scene have extricated one person, and two others have been taken from the scene.

Holt Fire District and Baker Fire District arrived on the scene to help assist CFD.

City of Robertsdale begins eminent domain proceedings to acquire Baldwin Co. Fair land

This story is developing. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
By Danial Azhar

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Reuters) -Southeast Asian nations told Myanmar's military government on Sunday its plan to hold an election amid an escalating civil war should not be its priority, urging the junta to start dialogue and end hostilities immediately.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations called on the warring sides in member nation Myanmar to stop the fighting and told the junta's representative to allow unhindered humanitarian access, said Malaysia's foreign minister as the country takes over chairing ASEAN this year.

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"Malaysia wants to know what Myanmar has in mind," Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told a press conference after a ministerial retreat on the island of Langkawi.

"We told them the election is not a priority. The priority now is to cease fire."

Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021 when its military overthrew the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening armed rebellion that has taken over swathes of the country.

Despite being battered on multiple fronts, its economy in tatters and dozens of political parties banned, the junta plans this year to hold an election, which critics have widely derided as a sham to keep the generals in power through proxies.

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Malaysia announced the appointment of former diplomat Othman Hashim as special envoy on the crisis in Myanmar, where the United Nations says humanitarian needs are at "alarming levels", with nearly 20 million people - more than a third of the population - needing help.

Mohamad said Othman would visit Myanmar "soon".

SOUTH CHINA SEA A CONCERN

Othman is tasked with convincing all sides in Myanmar to implement ASEAN's five-point peace plan, which has made no progress since it was unveiled months after the coup.

ASEAN has barred the ruling generals from attending its meetings over their failure to comply. Myanmar is represented by a senior diplomat.

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"We want Myanmar to adhere to the Five-Point Consensus, to stop hostilities and have dialogue, it's very simple," Mohamad said. "What we want is unhindered humanitarian aid that can reach all in Myanmar."

Malaysia takes the chair of the 10-member bloc as it contends not only with the conflict in Myanmar but with Beijing's assertiveness in the South China Sea, the site of heated confrontations between ASEAN member the Philippines and China, a major source of the region's trade and investment.

Vietnam and Malaysia have also protested over the conduct of Chinese vessels in their exclusive economic zones, which Beijing says are operating lawfully in its waters.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, a conduit for about $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade. China and ASEAN have committed to drafting a code of conduct for the South China Sea, but talks have moved at a snail's pace.

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Mohamad said ministers welcomed progress so far but "highlighted the need to continue the momentum to expedite the code of conduct".

The foreign minister of U.S. ally the Philippines told Reuters on Saturday it was time to start negotiating thorny "milestone issues" for the code, including its scope, whether it can be legally binding and its impact on third-party states.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Martin Petty and William Mallard)
A North Lawndale man was charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman in a vehicle Thursday in the New City neighborhood, Chicago police announced Saturday.

Trevon Smith, 18, was arrested at 6:10 p.m. Thursday in the 4800 block of South Seeley Avenue after police said he shot and killed Belinda Fuentes-Herrera about 15 minutes earlier in the 2000 block of West 47th Street, a short distance away.

Fuentes-Herrera was in a vehicle traveling through an alley when Smith allegedly approached her, police previously said. Smith then pulled out a gun and fired at Fuentes-Herrera, striking her in the face and chest.

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She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead at 8:01 p.m, according to the Cook County medical examiners office, which ruled her death a homicide.

Police said they recovered a firearm at the scene but did not reveal a suspected motive for the shooting.

Smith is scheduled to appear in court Sunday afternoon for a detention hearing.
GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN)  Officers with the Gallatin Police Department and special agents with Tennessee Homeland Security arrested a man suspected of harassment against multiple senators and state representatives.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

A social media post from the Gallatin Police Department announced the arrest of Christopher Foust on multiple warrants for harassment.

(Courtesy: Gallatin Police Department)

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Our department remains dedicated to collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to uphold the safety and security of all citizens and public officials, the post reads, in part. We commend our officers and special agents for their commitment and professionalism in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  An East Texas man is behind bars after officers reportedly seized 60 counterfeit fentanyl pills and other drugs in Longview home.

According to the Longview Police Department, Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement (CODE) Unit and Longview SWAT team served a search warrant in the 800 block of Sheryl Lane on Friday.

Man pleads guilty to killing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, gets life in prison

Mugshot of Desmond Rugley, courtesy of Gregg County Jail

Officers reportedly located and seized around 60 counterfeit fentanyl pills, cocaine and marijuana found in the home.

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Desmond Rugley, 20 of Longview, was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Rugley also has a violation of probation warrant out of Gregg County.

Man gets 24 years in prison for burning Eustace home

Rugley was transported to the Gregg County jail and is currently being held without 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com.
A man was seriously injured in a knife attack on Saturday in the centre of the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv.

The victim was taken to hospital, according to a spokeswoman for the clinic treating him.

He had suffered a stab wound to his upper body but was responsive, the Magen David Adom rescue service said. The police spoke of a terrorist attack.

A passer-by had shot at the suspected attacker, the police added, while Israeli media said he was killed during the incident.

The suspect was a 19-year-old Palestinian from the city of Tulkarem in the West Bank.

A large contingent of police was on the scene and was reportedly searching the area by helicopter.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver District Attorney announced Friday that a man has been charged in connection to four stabbing cases that happened near the 16th Street Mall last weekend.

Elijah Caudill, 24, was arrested for investigation late Sunday night and now faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of assault and two counts of attempted murder.

16th Street Mall stabbing suspect had been in and out of jail before alleged attacks

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Our thoughts are with the victims of these terrible attacks and their families. The Denver DAs office will prosecute this case to the full extent of the law. Particular thanks and appreciation are due to the prosecutors handling the case, as well as the officers and detectives with the Denver Police Department, DA John Walsh said in a press release.

The charges come from a series of stabbings that resulted in the deaths of Celinda Levno, 71, and Nicholas Burkett, 34.

Saturday evening just after 5 p.m., the Denver Police Department responded to a stabbing at 16th Street and California Street. They found Levno and she was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The police department said two other men were also stabbed that night and both are expected to recover.

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Sunday night, police responded to another stabbing near 16th Street and Wynkoop and found Burkett. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas addressed the public regarding the stabbings, calling the spree an isolated, exceedingly rare event.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A man who is accused of shooting and killing a Niagara Falls man last summer during a memorial event was charged with murder after being located in Alabama, the Niagara County District Attorneys Office announced.

Rojae Mitchell, 22, allegedly shot and killed Anthony Brantley, 43, during a block party on Aug. 24. The party in the area of 9th and Ferry streets was held to celebrate lives lost, according to a member of the Niagara Falls Peacemakers. Brantley was shot in the chest and died at the scene.

He felt comfortable here and not one person helped him, screamed, scared the guy, nothing, they did nothing, Brantleys fiancee Chyna Shingledecker said last year. They watched him die, he was innocent, he was not here causing trouble, he was not here partying.

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Mitchell, of no permanent address, was returned to Niagara County after being apprehended.

He was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, an unsealed indictment revealed Friday.

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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.

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CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  A man was taken into custody Saturday morning after false claims of a hostage situation in the Ohio State Highway Patrol Circleville post parking lot.

Sergeant Ryan Purpura with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) said a large law enforcement response was called to an active incident in the OSHP Circleville post parking lot around 11:37 a.m. Saturday morning. A media release from Purpura states a suspect approached a trooper at the post and reported a person was being held at gunpoint inside a vehicle.

Through investigation, troopers determined that there was no hostage situation and the vehicle in question was driven by the suspect who reported the incident. According to the release from OSHP, follow-up interviews confirmed the allegations were false.

The suspect, Jeffrey Corby of Columbus, was taken into custody and charged with inducing panic according to Purpura. Corby is being held in Pickaway County jail as the incident remains under investigation.

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Purpura said the incident is contained and at no time was there any danger to the public and OSHP takes false reports seriously. U.S.-23 near the incident has now reopened.

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Shaikh, currently living in Pune's Maharshi Nagar area, was detained on Friday, following the lodging of an FIR at the Swargate police station.

Shaikh was arrested after activists from Patit Pavan Sanghatna brought him to the Swargate police station, suspecting he was a Bangladeshi citizen.

Investigations revealed that Shaikh originally hails from the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. The police also found mobile numbers of his relatives in Bangladesh on his cell phone.

According to the FIR, Shaikh entered India illegally by crossing the international border in 2004 without proper permission. He allegedly obtained a fake birth certificate from Kolkata with the help of agents, which he then used to acquire other documents, including an Indian passport.

As per FIR, the police during searches at his residence recovered seven Aadhaar cards, two voter ID cards, two driving licenses, seven PAN cards, four passports, nine debit cards, nine credit cards, one universal pass, eight birth certificates, and currency from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar from Shaikh's residence.

The police also seized his cell phone, SIM cards, business documents, and a house rent agreement. He came to Pune in 2009. He lived and worked at various locations before settling in Maharshi Nagar in 2012, where he opened a garment shop.

The police have booked Shaikh under Sections 318, 336, 338, and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Passport Act and Foreigners Act for further investigation. (ANI)
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockford Police arrested Charles Gary, 47, on charges of concealing a homicide death by allegedly dumping the body of 79-year-old Dennis Schattie of Altoona, Wisconsin in the Rock River in 2022.

Gary is charged with helping Tracey Clark, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Brandon Gaston, of Rockford, dispose of the body in the Rock River.

Clark has reached a plea deal in the homicide case and will be appearing for her plea and sentence hearing on February 11. She also has a jury trial scheduled for March 3.

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Gaston is due back in court on February 26.

Rockford Police said Schatties body was recovered in the Rock River on April 12th, 2022, near the Fordham Dam in downtown Rockford.

Police said the body was found in the water along with a saw, a butcher knife and a hammer.

After further investigation, Altoona Police determined the homicide took place in their jurisdiction.

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YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A man has died after a work-related incident at Hillandale Farms in Codorus Township, according to the York County Coroners Office.

Coroner Pam Gay says her office was dispatched to WellSpan York Hospital where 61-year-old Fernando Estrada-Moreno, a mechanic, had died.

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The coroners office says Estrada-Moreno became entrapped by an automatic feed trough and was found unresponsive.

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OSHA was notified and State Police at York are investigating.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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A 38-year-old man died in a single-vehicle wreck on U.S. 60 near Fleming Fork in Carter County on Thursday afternoon, according to Kentucky State Police,

According to KSP Post 14, Daniel Stone was traveling east on U.S. 60 in the Olive Hill area when a tree fell onto his 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.

Stone was ejected from the truck, KSP said. He was the only occupant and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Carter County Coroners Office.

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The accident occurred at about 1:14 p.m.

Carter County EMS and the coroners office assisted KSP troopers at the scene.

Det. Nathan Carter is leading an ongoing investigation.

Family members have organized a GoFundMe to help raise money to cover Stones funeral costs.

Stones daughter posted the following on the GoFundMe page: Dad was an amazing man who tried to help as many people as he could. He was a wonderful person and loved each and every one of you.
The fiancee of a man who was found dead in a locked storage trailer at a Sealy Mattress facility in Rockdale County has filed a negligence lawsuit against the company.

I just want answers as to how this could have happened, said Jasmin Jennings.

Jennings says Joshua Armour was having a mental health crisis on Oct. 22 when he wandered onto the mattress facility property in Conyers. He made a frantic call to his brother saying he was in a dark place.

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He called his brother Joe screaming. He was in a panic saying he was trapped. He didnt know where he was, Jennings told Channel 2s Tom Regan.

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Armours brother and sister traced his phones location to the mattress facility. When they went there the following day and ask to search the property, or have someone search the property, they were denied, according to the family attorney.

Instead of meeting them with humanitarian compassion and going to search for Joshua, which could have saved his life, they chose to ignore the families pleas, said attorney Kate Reddy.

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Family lawyers also say the facility had surveillance video of an unidentified man crossing onto the property at the time of Armours disappearance.

Logically, what it seemed like Sealy did in response to that information of an unidentified person being there, is they chose to act to protect the property in those trailers, and they did not see if someone was in the trailer, so they locked Josh in those trailers, said attorney Mark Johnson.

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The cause of the death of the 27-year-old father of two hasnt been determined, but lawyers believe it could have been heat-related.

Weather that week in Atlanta was in the eighties and a simple Google search will tell you that the temperature in that trailer was well over 100 degrees. What Josh experienced in the trailer before he died was unimaginable, said Johnson.

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Jennings said the death of her fiance was preventable.

My son asks questions on what happened to his dad. How do I explain this to a five-year-old? Its extremely difficult. I dont know what the future looks like right now. Im just taking it one day at a time and being strong for my kids. said Jennings.

Tempur Sealy International released a statement that read,

We are saddened by this tragic incident and our deepest sympathies are with the victims 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. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further details or comment at this time. Erin Grant, Head of Public Relations & Communications, Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

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Jan. 18The person who killed three young women while driving drunk in Arizona, including two Clarkston locals, will serve 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of second-degree murder, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

The three women, Abriauna Hoffman and Magdalyn "Maggie" Ogden, both 18-year-olds from Clarkston, and their Grand Canyon University suite mate Hunter Balberdi, 19, of Kula, Hawaii, were killed after being struck by a wrong-way driver on Oct.10, 2022.

The group had been on their way to watch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon for Ogden's birthday when they were struck by Vincent Ian Acosta's SUV near Table Mesa Road north of Phoenix, Ariz., according to previous reports from the Lewiston Tribune.

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Two of the women were pronounced dead at the scene, and another later died at a Phoenix-area hospital, according to the Arizona Department of Safety.

Acosta's blood alcohol level was over the legal limit, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

The sentence was handed down by Arizona Judge Sam Meyer on Friday afternoon after the original judge for the case, Pamela Dunne, recused herself months earlier after reading more than 200 pages of letters from family and friends of the victims.

Dunne said at a status hearing Sept. 26, 2024, that she was no longer willing to accept Acosta's plea agreement, which she said no longer felt was adequate. The plea deal remained in effect with Judge Meyer.

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Maggie Ogden's mother, Samantha Ogden, wrote in a statement to the Tribune that Judge Meyer also commented on how moving he found the letters from family and friends of the victims, including many from Clarkston.

"We are so appreciative that so many people took the time and effort to write," Samantha Ogden wrote. "The impact of the death of these girls is so much further than just our families. Our whole community was hit with many tragedies the fall of 2022. No one could be unaffected."

She said she was relieved to not have to spend any more time in court.

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"It was heart-wrenching, reliving the lives of our girls. It was very difficult to hear from (Acosta's) family and him," she said. "He has lots of days ahead to focus on what he has done and what he can do."

Ogden also said she believes Arizona needs better protections against wrong-way drivers.

"The highways in Arizona continue to frequently have wrong-way drivers," she wrote. "(Acosta) drove for 15 miles the wrong way, endangering many lives, harming a few and killing three girls."

Sun may be contacted at rsun@lmtribune.com or on Twitter at @Rachel_M_Sun. This report is made in partnership with Northwest Public Broadcasting, the Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
After Australian farmer George Cullinan spotted a strange-looking bird on his property, he was galvanized to learn more about the creature, which turned out to be an incredibly rare plains-wanderer.

A shy spotted species with a yellow beak and yellow legs, the bird is critically endangered, as detailed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"It's an extraordinary long-lived species that we're almost on the brink of losing," Trust for Nature manager David Dore told the ABC.

Unfortunately, Cullinan had found his plains-wanderer dead in a water trough. However, the 98-year-old's curiosity led to collaborations with Trust for Nature and the Birchip Landcare Group to install song meters  and a surprising discovery.

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According to the report, the song meters recorded 110 plains-wanderer sounds over three weeks, a shocking number given that there are as few as 250 of the birds left in the wild.

"There'd be more than one bird there for that many calls," Birchip Landcare Group member Brian Lea explained to the ABC.

With habitat degradation one of the key factors contributing to the bird's plight, Cullinan was moved to protect the species from over-farming. In 2024, he established a nearly 225-acre covenant on his property, complete with a 20-acre lake and 500-year-old box trees.

Community-led conservation initiatives and land trusts are among the tools we have to protect crucial water sources and habitats, and Cullinan's covenant operates similarly to the latter. Trust for Nature possesses the covenant's land title to ensure the bird's habitat remains undeveloped.

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Sadly, Cullinan died in the fall of 2024. Yet his legacy lives on, and his work was honored at his memorial service at the Birchip Lawn Cemetery in September.

"From what I've heard, he was a great contributor in the district all of his life," Dore told the ABC. "This last gift to the birds is really something that will keep him in many people's memories for a long, long time."

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to charges for shooting and killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare in March 2024.

Jaremy Smith of Marion, South Carolina, was charged with carjacking resulting in death, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. A sixth count, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, was negotiated out of the plea agreement. Smith initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in April.

I just want to say that Im glad this sorry excuse of a human being owned up to what he did. Its been ten long months to get to this point. I dont know where Terry and I would be if it wasnt for the great New Mexico State Police officers that constantly checked in on us and made us part of their family, said Justins father, Jim Hare.

Photo of fallen NMSP Officer Justin Hare, courtesy of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Both of Hares parents spoke at a press conference held by the United States Attorneys Office after the court hearing finished. Members of the New Mexico State Police, the FBI, and the NM Department of Public Safety were also present.

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No family should have to go through this, especially the family of a first responder of any kind. We got your back you guys; we got your back, and were going to fight for all law enforcement officers and first responders; this isnt over yet, said Terry Hare, Justins mother.

Smith shot Officer Hare on the side of Interstate 40 west of Tucumcari. The officer was dispatched to help a motorist with a flat tire. When he pulled on the side of the interstate and parked behind the car, Smith went up to the officers passenger side window and had a brief conversation about the flat tire before he shot the officer, according to court documents and New Mexico State Police.

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New Mexico State Police said Smith walked over to the drivers side and shot Hare again before he got into the officers vehicle. Smith then pushed Hare into the passenger seat and drove away in the officers patrol car.

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A duress signal from Hares radio was activated, and responding officers found his police unit crashed on the side of the road with no one inside. Officer Hare was found with gunshot wounds to the head and neck. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries, court documents state.

Law enforcement launched a manhunt for Smith, and he was found a few days later in Bernalillo County. A gas station clerk recognized Smith and reported it to officials. Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies caught up with Smith in the area of Unser and Anderson Hill. During a foot pursuit, court documents state that Smith reached for his waistband, and BCSO deputies shot him. He was taken into custody and to a local hospital to be treated.

At sentencing, he faces life in prison without parole.

A life sentence for a life taken does not make our community whole. But the best way to honor Justin Hares life is to take care of one another, said U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Alexander Uballez.

Smith faces separate charges for death of South Carolina paramedic

Smith, who has an extensive criminal history in South Carolina, also faces 17 separate charges in South Carolina for the death of 52-year-old paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore, KRQEs sister station WBTW reported.

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According to court documents, the BMW Smith was driving in New Mexico when he got a flat tire was registered to Machado-Fore. Also, law enforcement recovered a Taurus 9mm pistol near the area where Smith was taken into custody in Bernalillo County and 9mm shell casings in Officer Hares patrol unit. The same type of pistol was reported missing by Machado-Fores roommate after her Machado-Fore went missing in 2024.

Watch Fridays press conference below:

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OLATHE, Kan.  Remember the Olathe family who found an urn in an Uber? Following FOX4s story  we have a happy reunion to share, with reaction from the owner reunited with the precious cargo.

Mark Decotis is reunited with his mothers ashes after dropping the urn in an Uber in Olathe.

You know, I just thought I would never get it back, Decotis said.

Decotis said his mother passed away suddenly in 2023. Since then, hes carried the urn with her in it just about everywhere he goes.

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Brittany Mahomes provides a peek inside Goldens nursery

This year, just before Christmas, he lost the urn in an Uber.

I said joking around, my mother jumped out of my pocket in Kansas City, New Years, shed never been here, she always wanted to be here, he said.

Decotis is from Rhode Island and is living in Lenexa.

They tried contacting Uber, but no luck.

The panic set in. He thought she was gone.

More than a week later, his friend spotted the urn on FOX4.

He says, dude, I think your mothers on the news, Decotis said, I thought he was kidding, I said, Cmon. He said, No, theyre doing a story on an urn that was left in an Uber.

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Erin Hayden, whose family found the urn, talked to FOX4, trying to find the owner. They just didnt know it was Decotis.

The pair linked up and snapped a selfie. Now, Decotis said his mom is back home after an emotional reunion.

I cried. I mean, I was so grateful for what she did, you know, a lot of people wouldnt have, Decotis said. Have faith. God is real, God is there, God brought her back to me. Theres no way I should have found this urn. Im not even from here either.

Decotis will continue to carry his mom with him  just holding her a little tighter.

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(PUEBLO, Colo.)  A pueblo man has been sentenced to 10 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) for his role in a 2022 assault on the Colorado State Fairgrounds that injured four people, one of them seriously.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office (PCSO), 39-year-old Charles Montoya was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 16 after he pled guilty to one count of second degree assault and two counts of third degree assault in connection to a June 25, 2022 incident at an event on the State Fairgrounds.

Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office

PCSO said at the event, Montoya assaulted a then 49-year-old man, leaving him unconscious and unresponsive. Bystanders including off-duty nurses and police officers performed CPR on the victim, who survived but suffered extensive serious injuries.

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Montoya was arrested the following month after an arrest warrant was issued. PCSO said he was out on bond before the court proceedings, but after Thursdays sentencing, he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Pueblo County Jail where he awaits transfer to the DOC.

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Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will address the "Sanvidhan Suraksha Sammelan" in Patna today and will also attend a meeting of Congress workers. Gandhi will address the 'Sammelan' at 12:45 pm at Bapu Sabhaghar in Patna and will meet the party workers at the Congress office in Sadaqat Ashram, Patna at 2:45 pm. In preparation for the Lok Sabha LoP's visit, Bihar Congress held a meeting in the presence of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Bihar Mohan Prakash and the party's state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Friday. "Congress supporters from all over Bihar will be gathering here (in Patna), there is also a workers' conference. One is a Samajik Sanstha conference, and there is a karyakarta conference. On 18 Jan everyone will be here," MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan told ANI. Speaking about the workers' meeting, he said that Gandhi would be interacting with various people there. Bihar MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan mentioned that the Congress leader will be visiting the Sadaqat Ashram, founded by Mazhar-ul-Haq in 1920. The Ashram was built by students of Bihar School of Engineering when they were agitating against British rule. Gandhi will be visiting the state as the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants' protests are in full swing. The MLA also remarked on the comment of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the INDIA bloc has "disintegrated" as the parties in the alliance (AAP-Congress) are fighting the Delhi polls separately. "What even should be said on his (Amit Shah's) comments? He is in a quagmire after commenting on Babasaheb Ambedkar. INDIA alliance was made on the principle to fight against the Godsewadi party by gathering people who believe in Gandhian ideals and fight against the stoppage of development in the country, which is still alive," Khan told reporters. However, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey had a different take on his impending visit. "He (Gandhi) keeps roaming like this and neither the public nor his party take notice. If he comes tomorrow, factionalism will be seen in his party itself," Pandey said. (ANI)
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A man who was found hiding in the bedroom of a 15-year-old was sentenced for criminal sexual conduct with a minor Wednesday, according to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office.

Abel Sanjuan Tranquilino pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to eight years in prison by Judge Milton G. Kimpson, the attorney generals office said.

It all started when family members of a 15-year-old found Tranquilino hiding in the minors bedroom in June 2022. The family then contacted Charleston County Detective James Jacko on Aug. 25, 2022, and told Jacko about the situation.

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An investigation began and family members found out that Tranquilino and the minor had been communicating on a phone Tranquilino had given her.

When they searched the phone, they found explicit photos Tranquilino had sent the victim, investigators explained.

In addition to the photos, the minor admitted Tranquilino had engaged in sexual activity with her.

Judge Kimpson gave Tranquilino credit for the 862 days he had already served. When Tranquilino is released, he will have to register as a sex offender.

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Jan. 17LIMA  A Lima man was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison Friday for aggravated burglary with a repeat violent offender specification after a jury found him guilty last week.

Keith Malloy, 46, was also facing a third-degree felony charge of strangulation but jurors were unable to reach an agreement in deliberations last Thursday so prosecutors dismissed the charge.

Judge Terri Kohlrieser decided before sentencing that Malloy met the definition of a repeat violent offender because he was convicted of aggravated burglary and robbery  which are offenses of violence  in 2004. The specification added four years to the total sentence. The maximum time Malloy could be in prison for is 20 1/2 years and that depends on his behavior in the facility.

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The incident on April 29 that involved the mother of Malloy's child, Clarissa Dewitt-Campbell, occurred 96 days after Malloy was released from a 20-year prison sentence due to the 2004 charges.

Dewitt-Campbell didn't attend the sentencing, Assistant Prosecutor Colleen Limerick said, because she thought it was best to stay away after receiving criticism from Malloy's family on social media.

Limerick spent about 25 minutes going through Malloy's previous convictions  which started while he was a juvenile  and his behavior in prison.

She said in the 2004 case, Malloy and another individual threatened and assaulted a couple with guns while demanding money.

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Limerick said charges he received as a juvenile included gross sexual imposition for gang-raping a 15-year-old, receiving stolen property, attempted robbery, burglary and grand theft auto. His first adult offense was a third-degree felony robbery charge when he was 18.

She said Malloy is a Crip gang leader and was involved in a prison riot and other prison gang activity. Malloy's other prison infractions included being disrespectful, refusing to follow orders and making and drinking alcohol.

"Despite decades of imprisonment, he has almost immediately returned to his predatory and violent nature and harmed a pregnant lady in this case and continues to place the community at risk," Limerick said. "Keith Malloy is the person with the criminal history and the serious nature of the violations that the RVO spec (repeat violent offender specification) was incorporated for."

Before sentencing, Malloy said he thought he was being "aggressively charged" and repeatedly described the incident as a "minor" and "domestic" dispute. He asked Kohlrieser to consider overturning the guilty plea or declaring a mistrial.

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"I haven't had a chance. It ain't like I got out and got in the streets. I got out and got a job. That's a big accomplishment for me," Malloy said.

"I don't deserve to go back to prison. I deserve to be charged accordingly. I've never had a domestic fight. Why didn't you just charge me on domestic violence if you felt like I did a domestic dispute? That's because it's easy to send me back to prison," he said. "I was on the right track, I just had a few bumps, and those bumps don't call for another 20 years."

Kohlrieser found Malloy didn't express genuine remorse because of his statements.

"Something I would also note about the seriousness of the offense is there was evidence presented that the defendant kicked in the door to the home, that he knew he wasn't supposed to be in the home, and quite honestly, he thinks this is just a minor incident. Therein lies the problem. It wasn't a minor incident. You break someone's door down and you assault them and there's physical evidence of the assault," Kohlrieser said.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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A man is in the hospital after being shot in the foot on Saturday morning, according to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office.

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Police said the victim got into a physical altercation around 3 a.m. It happened in the 5900 block of Fort Caroline Road.

The suspect shot the victim in the foot once.

According to JSO, everyone involved is in custody.

The victim is in the hospital.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Franklin County that led to a man being shot and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries on Saturday morning.

According to a news release, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office asked the KSP Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that happened around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.

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A preliminary investigation by detectives showed that the sheriffs office responded to a call for service that involved an individual experiencing a mental health crisis who was armed with a knife, KSP said.

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State police said during the interaction with the man, one of the deputies allegedly shot him. He was taken to the Frankfort Regional Medical Center for life-threatening injuries.

Troopers said that the investigation is ongoing as witnesses are questioned and more information is gathered.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man is charged with felonious assault and domestic violence following a dispute in Youngstown Thursday evening.

Police were called to the 200 block of Dupont St. around 7 p.m. in reference to a fight with gunfire.

According to police reports, the victim said she had been shot at by Tymere Dubose, 29, and that they had been fighting at her home a few days before. According to a police report, she was trying to get away from Dubose.

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The police report states the two were arguing over text messages and Dubose eventually told the victim to come outside. When she went outside, Dubose fired one to two gunshots at her and fled the scene, according to the report.

The victim also provided police with a text message from Dubose that said, ahaha now I shot at you, according to the report.

While police were responding to the scene, they received a call from Dubose and arrested him.

Dubose has been charged with felonious assault and domestic violence. He has yet to be arraigned in court.

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TOOELE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A man has been booked into Tooele County Jail after an alleged high-speed chase ended with police ramming his vehicle on Wednesday.

According to the court documents, Jesus Antonio Wise, 37, was allegedly observed by a highway trooper going 115 miles per hour down I-80 west bound. The trooper then began a pursuit of the vehicle, attempting to catch up. During the pursuit, Wise passed several vehicles, ran into concrete barriers, and sped through local areas in Tooele County.

After running into a barrier, Wise allegedly lost control of his vehicle and went into a field. Other law enforcement units had joined the pursuit at this point and pursued into the field. Wise continued to flee, when law enforcement began to ram him.

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The probable cause statement goes on to say that Wise got out of his vehicle under the orders of police and was arrested. During the investigation, a loaded firearm was allegedly found in drivers side floor. Additionally, there was allegedly an open can of beer on the passenger side floor.

During the investigation, Wise allegedly began making threats to law enforcement that were present and specific officers that the arresting officer didnt know. During the exchange, Wise allegedly said that he was going to shoot [the officer] if he hadnt lost his gun when [the officer rammed] him.

Wise allegedly also made threats towards the officers family members, saying that the officers family was fair game. Additionally, Wise allegedly said that he would shoot officers, and cut off their heads and mail the heads to their family members.

At this point, Wise was transported and booked, where he allegedly refused a blood draw warrant to test his blood alcohol level.

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Wise would be booked on several offenses, including driving under the influence, failing to stop at the command of police, reckless driving, carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence, refusing a chemical test, improper passing on the right of vehicle, failing to operate within a single lane, aggravated assault, open container in a vehicle, drive on suspended or revoke license, ignition interlock violation, assault on peace officers, and alcohol restricted driver.

Wise currently resides at Tooele County Jail on a no bail warrant, awaiting legal proceedings.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Spotting a dog struggling to stay afloat in a icy Vermont river, Chris MacRitchie never hesitated.

He jumped into the frigid waters and waded over to the dog, gently pulling it ashore, where his wife draped it with a sweatshirt. The dramatic rescue on Jan. 10 in Berlin was caught on video by his son and was shared widely on social media.

MacRitchie's son first spotted the dog as they were going through the drive-thru of a nearby Dunkin. When they reached the embankment of the Stevens Branch, a tributary of the Winooski River, the father of two felt he had no choice but to save the pooch.

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It was like one of those moments everyone probably has in their life like youre going to make a decision, MacRitchie said. I felt I was obligated to at least try to fetch this dog out of the river, as I have two dogs myself, and I would hope someone would do that for them if they were in that spot.

The video shows MacRitchie  dressed in a T-shirt, sweats and boots  approaching the embankment as the dog struggles to get out. He calls out to the dog, and his wife can be heard encouraging him to rescue it.

MacRitchie gingerly steps through the ice and into the river, audibly gasping as he wades toward the dog, which was on the other side of the frozen tributary. MacRitchie lifts the dog out of the water and onto the icy embankment. He carries it over to his wife.

The only real stress I had about it wasnt getting in the cold water. It was the depth. I did not know if it was 20 feet deep or it was 2 feet deep, MacRitchie said. When I broke through and I got on my feet and it was like waist-high, I was actually relieved by that. In my mind, during the moment, I thought, 'OK this isnt that bad. Yeah, it's cold, but I feel this is a very doable situation.'

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MacRitchie called the dog's owner, Morgan Cerasoli, whose number was listed on the dog tag.

Cerasoli said she had been looking since Jan. 9 for her dog named Arizona, a 7-year-old mutt that had originally been rescued from the side of the road in South Carolina. She was heading to pick up her daughter from school, when she got the call from MacRitchie who said he had pulled a drowning dog out of the river.

I started crying, and I told him, 'Oh, my God, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you. Let me pull a U-turn and Im coming right back,' she said as she sat beside Arizona during an interview. She said the dog has mostly recovered.

After reuniting with her dog, Cerasoli said she saw the video and was brought to tears again over MacRitchie's rescue and the sight of the dog struggling in the water.

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Its brave, its selfless, its commendable. Its everything that I think that we were on this Earth to be, she said of the rescue. Sometimes it feels like thats very rare these days.

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This story was first published on Jan. 19, 2025. It was updated on Jan. 21, 2025 to make clear that the dog was rescued from a tributary of the Winooski River, not the river itself.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A felony charge was dismissed for a woman who was involved in a crash that killed a Westmoore High School student in 2022.

17-year-old Kolby Dutton was riding his motorcycle near SW 104th and Western when an SUV pulled out of a private driveway and hit Dutton. He died at the scene.

Officials say the driver, Judy Todd, was arrested and booked into the Cleveland County Jail on complaints of driving under the influence of drugs, first-degree manslaughter, and failure to yield from a private drive.

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Driver arrested after deadly motorcycle crash in Oklahoma City

Judy Todd, Cleveland County Sheriffs Office

This week, the felony manslaughter charge was dismissed.

The trial was set to begin in a couple weeks.

The case has been refiled as a negligent homicide, which is a misdemeanor.

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Jan. 17EFFINGHAM  A majority of foster children in Effingham County are placed with relatives. However, many may be unlicensed and receive less financial support than licensed foster parents. A new bill recently approved by Illinois legislators aims to change that.

According to DCFS, 79 children were in foster care in Effingham County as of Dec. 31. Of that number, 55 were placed with relatives who may or may not be licensed.

"We do try to place with family as much as we possibly can. That is the least disruptive for kids. It ensures that they stay connected to the people who they know and love," said DCFS Director Heidi Mueller. "There's a lot of research that has kind of shown that kids have better outcomes. They tend to do better over the course of a lifetime when they're able to be placed with family."

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However, Mueller said the child welfare system has disincentivized placement with families and not supported families as well as it has supported traditional foster parents. The Kinship in Demand Act, or KIND Act, gives relatives the support they need financially and in other ways.

Currently, unlicensed relative caregivers, on average, receive a stipend of $479 per child per month, while licensed foster parents get $742. That amount can vary based on the child's age and/or needs. The Kind Act equalizes that rate, allowing relative caregivers to be certified rather than licensed.

"As any parent knows, the cost of raising a child is the same whether you're a relative or a stranger. So there are families that can't afford to take children or can't afford to take more than one child in because of the cost associated. We do think this will really help support those families and help support those children," said Mueller.

Another aspect of the Act is it equalizes guardianship and adoption in the eyes of the court.

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Adoption requires termination of parental rights, and guardianship does not. Mueller said many families want to pursue the path of guardianship because they don't want to cut off parental rights completely.

"So, guardianship is an option that allows the biological parent to kind of stay more connected, have more connection with decisions around the child as the child grows. But it still provides that safe and loving permanent home for the child with relatives," she said.

In Illinois, a judge currently has to rule out adoption before considering guardianship, which is a lengthy process. Mueller said the Act states that a judge has to consider guardianship and adoption at the same time and doesn't favor one or the other, allowing for a quicker process.

"We think that's going to provide a lot more permanent homes for kids in our care and help really reduce that waiting list for kids," she said.

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Although there have been children in DCFS' care in emergency placement waiting for a foster family, guardian, or relative caregiver, currently, there are none in Effingham County.

"All of our kids in Effingham County are in a foster placement. They are in essentially a longer-term placement. So, that's great news in Effingham County," said Mueller.

However, Mueller said there is a national trend of fewer people interested in becoming traditional foster parents, so there are fewer available.

Foster care agency Caritas Family Solutions, which has offices in Effingham and Mt. Vernon, has seen that trend locally and statewide.

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"There are simply more children in need of a placement, compared to the number of placements that are available," said Mark Becker, Caritas Executive Director of Child Welfare Services.

Caritas currently serves 19 children in Effingham County. Of those, 12 are in unlicensed relative homes, three are in licensed relative homes, and four are in traditional foster homes.

Becker said in most cases, a child or children are placed with relative caregivers the same day DCFS asks them to take them, leaving relatives little to no time to prepare for the drastic change in their home lives.

"Our understanding is that the Kind Act places an emphasis on providing financial support to willing and able relatives, including support to prepare their homes to meet 'kinship caregiver home' certification standards," he said.

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With relatives facing current barriers and challenges to becoming licensed, Becker said the Act could help make some placements more permanent, which could lead to fewer foster homes being needed to take placements.

"Although the Kind Act won't help with everything that comes along with a relative saying yes to taking placement, our hope is that it will alleviate some of the demands and simplify what is asked from them," he said.

To learn more about guardianship, becoming a foster parent or adoption, visit the DCFS website at https://dcfs.illinois.gov/get-involved/become-a-foster-or-adoptive-parent.html.

You can also learn more about fostering a child at caritasfamilysolutions.org.

Cathy Griffith can be reached at cathy.griffith@effinghamdailynews.com or 618-510-9180.
(WSYR-TV)  Marcellus native Doug North traveled across the country on Friday, Jan. 10 to be on the ground and help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. North said he knew he needed to help and has been volunteering on the ground ever since.

Flying inyou could see smoke in the distance, North said.

He has been providing aid to hundreds from a warehouse since he landed.

It has been very busyin an initial phase like this, theres the tractor-trailer load of blankets and cots and we get a lot of donated stuff from corporations that come over, he said.

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This is not Norths first time volunteering when disaster strikes. But he said seeing people struggle has never gotten any easier.

I mean, the emotional experience is toughespecially when you go to the shelters because these are peoplesome of them know their homes are gone, some of them are not sure and theyre in evacuation shelters, he said.

North said he feels that it is his duty to lend a helping hand, no matter the circumstance.

Once the fires are out, the Red Cross will work with them and try to transition them back into asomewhat normalof life, he said.

Despite being at the epicenter of tragedy, North said it is rewarding to see volunteers making a difference in peoples lives.

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I mean, I feel good that were about to help people the best that we can, he said.

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Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Chief YS Sharmila Reddy "strongly" opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state accusing him of insulting BR Ambedkar and said he has no right to visit the state. Reddy said that the party will organize a large-scale protest at Ambedkar's statues across the state condemning his controversial remarks about BR Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha. In a post on X Reddy said, "Amit Shah, who insulted Dr BR Ambedkar, has no right to set foot in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Congress Party strongly opposes Amit Shah's visit to the state. In this regard, we are calling on the party leadership to organize large-scale protests at Ambedkar's statues. We demand that Amit Shah immediately issue a public apology to the people of the country. He must also resign from his ministerial post without delay." "Insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution is equivalent to committing treason against the nation. By mocking Ambedkar in a full session of the assembly, Amit Shah has proven himself a traitor to the country," she added. Further, slamming BJP's allies TDP and Janasena Party, Reddy said instead of seeking an apology from Amit Shah those who are welcoming his visit are also betraying the nation. "Those who do not condemn such treasonous remarks or demand apologies, but instead extend hospitality, are also betraying the nation. Political parties that share platforms with such individuals or remain silent on this issue are equally guilty of betraying the country," she said. "The Congress Party calls on its coalition partners, including the TDP, Jana Sena, to demand a public apology from Amit Shah. If you truly respect the Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi, and minority communities in the state, stand with us and insist on an apology from Amit Shah," she added. (ANI)
"Resist the billionaire takeover" read a sign carried during the People's March in Portland on Jan. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)

For Bre Danvers-Kidman, the hardest thing to say is also the most honest thing: We cannot wait on the government to save us.

Speaking at a rally to the hundreds of attendees of the Peoples March in Portland on Saturday, Danvers-Kidman, executive director of MaineTransNet, a community based organization led by transgender people for transgender people, urged the crowd to hold those in power accountable, use the collective might of community and not discount the power of showing collective love.

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We are the ones who will save us, said Danvers-Kidman, a lawyer who was the first openly nonbinary person to run for U.S. Senate in 2020.  We may not be able to change federal politics right away, but I do believe we have the courage to come together and change the way we show up for each other.

Formerly known as the Womens March, the Peoples March occurred across the country on Saturday ahead of the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday.

We are uniting under a larger umbrella because we need everyone, said Dania Bowie, organizer of the Portland march and the communications coordinator for Maine Womens Lobby. Patriarchy is not men. Patriarchy is a systemic preference for men, and so this also helps us acknowledge our trans folks and the fact that everybody can be a feminist.

Participants gathered in Monument Square Park, holding signs and dancing to live music, before marching to city hall, where speakers urged the crowd to use the event as an entryway to sustainable, long-term networks for future organizing and political education. They called for efforts to defend reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, as well as access to housing, education, health care and a healthy environment for all.

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While most speeches focused on the work ahead, Destie Hohman Sprague, executive director of Maine Womens Lobby, also empathized what she views as recent progress in Maine state law, including a shield law that now protects providers of reproductive and gender-affirming health care from other states bans and the recently launched Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

We know that policy advocacy can work to change lives, Hohman Sprague said. But, we have not yet enshrined our fundamental right to protection from discrimination in our foundational document, the Constitution.

President Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment the law of the land on Friday, but the White House acknowledged that assertion wont have the force of law. Hohman Sprague said passing an Equal Rights Amendment in Maine is the top priority of Maine Womens Lobby this legislative session, which began earlier this month.

In addition to pushing for new protections, organizations in Maine are focused on preventing existing ones from being taken away. Providers of reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare sounded the alarm this fall for a slew of possible changes under another Trump presidency that could threaten their funding and override protections offered by Maine state law.

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Nicole Clegg, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, who joined the march on Saturday, said she is also concerned about the conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court, established by Trumps nominations, taking further steps to restrict protections thought to be enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, like what occurred with the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

But, Clegg added that shes also thinking about what has changed since Trumps previous administration. Well, Roe fell and that has galvanized the American public, Clegg said.

She pointed to states that voted for Trump in November but also passed amendments to protect abortion as evidence of widespread support for reproductive health care.

We also need to remember we had some success, Clegg said. When you look at the attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the language that was included in there that called for defunding Planned Parenthood  that failed. And that failed in an environment where Republicans had both the House and the Senate and the White House.

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So, there are pathways for us to have influence.

April Fournier, an at-large city councilor for Portland, told the crowd that it was important to acknowledge what they were likely feeling: That there is uncertainty, that there is fear, anger, frustration and a strong pull to turn inward and unplug, Fournier said.

However, she cautioned, If we dont give space for these feelings, they go unresolved and let me tell you in this next year, over this next presidential term, we need all of the resolve we can get.

Fournier, who is a citizen of the Navajo Nation, shared a lesson she learned from Judith LeBlanc from the Caddo Nation, who says, Elections dont solve problems, but they do create the conditions in which we organize.

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Voters had shared this sentiment with Maine Morning Star in the leadup to the election, particularly when explaining why they decided to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris despite not agreeing with her stance on Israels deadly attacks on Palestinians.

Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage deal this week, which includes a pause in fighting and the phased exchange of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, as well as Palestinian prisoners.

Yes, theres a ceasefire agreement and we are praying it sticks, said Sarah Almatri from the Coalition for Palestine. Regardless, the governments responsible for perpetuating this violence need accountability to ensure this does not happen on any land to any children anymore.

The coalition and the local chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace have been advocating for Maine to stop manufacturing weapons that support such violence and pushed for Portland City Council to divest from companies doing business with Israel.

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Phillip Joseph spoke on behalf of his wife Lili Joseph, a disability and racial justice advocate, about the conflict abroad, arguing that struggles for liberation anywhere negatively affect us all.

They say that sunlight is the best disinfectant, that visibility necessarily brings change  it doesnt, Joseph said. Just like the oppressive systems around us have been intentionally developed, we have to intentionally develop the tools of liberation.

One of those tools is community, several speakers emphasized.

Nuna Gleason, founder of the Maine Afro Yoga Project, a community initiative under the nonprofit Wounded Healers International, which is dedicated to healing trauma and preventing sexual and domestic violence, explained that the need for community is what led to the founding of the project.

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Maine Afro Yoga was born out of a need  my need, our need  for spaces where we could

breathe freely, move joyfully, and reclaim peace in a world that so often tries to take it away from us, Gleason said. We practice yoga in natural spaces even if its  by the ocean, under the sky  because healing is not just something we do individually. Its something we build in the community.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Greater Rochester Chapter of the National Organization for Women held a Peoples March in Rochester through the Neighborhood of the Arts in solidarity with thousands of marchers across the nation on Saturday. The march started at the corner of University Avenue and N Goodman Street and ended at Three Heads Brewing on Atlantic Avenue.

The march is described by organizers as a feminist-led day of action. Rochester NOW leaders say the march was an opportunity to raise awareness about reproductive rights. The 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade is January 22. The landmark case granted access to abortion nationwide until it was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022. Since then, abortion has been banned in 13 states and access elsewhere is shrinking, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.

(WROC photo / Trinity Wilson)

Members of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, Rochesters Sexual & Reproductive Justice Task Force, The New Pride Agenda, Party of Socialism & Liberation Finger Lakes and the Penfield Democratic Commitee supported the march.

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We encourage all who believe in justice and equality to join us in standing up for a better future, organizers with NOW said.

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A man in custody with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is being accused of killing a fellow inmate, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Muhammad Toure, 26, is charged on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of 28-year-old Darshaquise Small-Duran, according to the attorney's office.

On Dec. 29, jail guards at the 4th Avenue Jail in downtown Phoenix discovered Toure standing over his unresponsive cellmate, Small-Duran, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Small-Duran received medical aid and was transported to a hospital, where he died on Jan. 2 from injuries sustained during the assault, the sheriff's office reported.

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The county attorney's office accepted charges against Toure on Jan. 9. He remains in custody, according to the sheriff's office. Maricopa County Superior Court records show that Toure was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday.

At the time of the attack, Toure was in custody on charges of aggravated assault on an officer and resisting arrest, according to court records. A trial for those charges is scheduled for Jan. 30, while the murder trial is set for Sept. 18, court records indicate.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County jail inmate indicted in death of cellmate
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) judge canceled an upcoming hearing on the Biden administrations marijuana rescheduling proposal pending appeals, effectively kicking the process to the Trump administration.

Advocates of more lenient marijuana laws alleged DEA officials had colluded with rescheduling opponents and are hopeful the process will move ahead under President-elect Trump.

The first hearing to go over the Biden administrations proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act was set to begin Jan. 21.

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But these plans have now been canceled by DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney.

The parties in support of rescheduling  Village Farms International, Hemp for Victory and the Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman  have asked that DEA Administrator Anne Milgram be removed as a supporter of rescheduling in the hearing process.

The groups alleged that at least one high-level DEA official had communicated with opponents of marijuana rescheduling, helping them improve their chances of being chosen as a participant in the hearings.

Mulrooney denied the parties request, writing, I can no more remove or re-designate the Administrator than I can hold parties in contempt and fine them. The strangeness of this unsupported approach is amplified by the fact that the appointment of a new DEA Administrator by a different political party is imminent.

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The judge also wrote that if the allegations are true, even in the best light, they would represent a puzzling and grotesque lack of understanding and poor judgment from high-level officials at a major federal agency with a wealth of prior experience with the [Administrative Procedure Act].

Per DEA regulations, parties can file an appeal if their request is denied. Mulrooney found in his ruling that allowing the parties to appeal could potentially avoid exceptional delay, expense or prejudice to the [designated participants] and the Government by injecting appellate certainty into the equation at this stage of proceedings.

The proceedings are now paused pending this appeal. The DEA declined to comment on the paused proceedings when reached by The Hill.

For those in the cannabis industry, the delay was cause for some concern, as rescheduling to Schedule III stands to help their businesses make deductions or add credit to their annual federal taxes, something businesses that deal with Schedule I or Schedule II substances cant do.

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Jordan Tritt is founder and CEO of the Panther Group, a cannabis merchant bank and advisory firm that aims to help business owners secure financial backing. Tritt told The Hill that bumps in the road were expected.

Were not surprised by this, he said. Ultimately, I do think that rescheduling will happen, and I think its probably a good thing that a new administration is coming in.

Tritt noted there did not seem to be a great deal of support coming from the current DEA when it came to marijuana rescheduling. Trumps initial pick to lead the agency withdrew from consideration, and he has yet to name a new nominee.

Judge Mulrooney alluded in his ruling this week that the DEA may not be a perpetual cheerleader-proponent when it comes to this proposal and acknowledged that the current DEA administrator could have reservations on the proposed rescheduling. He wrote that this should encourage the parties to present their best case for marijuana rescheduling.

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Karen OKeefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, echoed that the incoming administration could present a fresh start for marijuana legalization efforts.

For the first time in decades, we have an incoming U.S. president who believes cannabis should be legal, OKeefe said. More than two-thirds of Americans support legalization, and most live in a legal cannabis state. Yet every cannabis consumer and every worker that serves them remains a federal criminal. If President Trump makes federal reform a priority, we could be at the cusp of historic progress.

During his 2024 campaign, President-elect Trump expressed support for rescheduling and decriminalizing marijuana.

I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product, Trump wrote on Truth Social in September.

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He added that he planned to vote yes on Amendment 3 in Florida, a ballot measure that would have legalized adult marijuana. The measure ultimately failed despite roughly 56 percent voting yes, as it needed a 60 percent supermajority to pass.

OKeefe said Trump could uphold cannabis consumers Second Amendment rights, de-schedule cannabis, and otherwise lead on this popular issue of personal liberty, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and states rights.

Under federal law, someone who unlawfully uses a controlled substance like marijuana while also possessing a gun or ammunition is considered to have committed a felony.

Michael Teller, COO of the Panther Group, said the Trump administration may support further marijuana legalization as part of its pro-states rights and business-friendly attitude.

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I think Trump will look at this totally from a dollars and cents tax revenue [perspective]. Because whatever makes money, Teller said. I dont think hell push federal legalization at any point, but I think rescheduling and everything that needs to allow states to make the decisions  hell clear a path.

Michael DeGiglio and Robert Head, leads of Village Farms and Hemp for Victory respectively, wrote in an op-ed published in Marijuana Moment this week that the paused rescheduling hearing was a good thing for the cannabis industry. They acknowledged that they were frustrated by the delay but said it was necessary to achieve the goal of rescheduling.

Had we not intervened, the hearing would have gone ahead with DEA openly tipping the scales against rescheduling and setting the stage for an acting career official to formally reject the move to Schedule III, they wrote.

Instead, the matter will likely be handled in the near future by the incoming Justice Department and yet-to-be-named DEA Administrator under President-elect Donald Trump, who publicly endorsed rescheduling on the campaign trail.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WBTW)  A Marion man accused of killing a Pee Dee paramedic and a New Mexico State Police officer pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to five crimes in connection with the officers death.

Jaremy Smith in a change of plea hearing pleaded guilty to five crimes in the death of Officer Justin Hare including carjacking resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death.

Timeline: Whats happened so far in the case of Jaremy Smith, the man accused of killing Pee Dee paramedic, New Mexico officer

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Court records show that Smith pleaded not guilty in April to charges of kidnapping resulting in a death; carjacking resulting in a death; using a firearm during the commission of violent crime; being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm; and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.

Smith had been scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 22, 2025, according to a scheduling order filed in federal court in New Mexico in November.

Smith killed Hare on March 15 during a roadside ambush on Interstate 40 in New Mexico. That same day, authorities found the body of paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore outside of Lake View in Dillon County.

Officials said Smith was driving a white BMW that belonged to Machado-Fore when Hare stopped to help him along the interstate. Smith also faces 17 separate state charges in Marion County related to Machado-Fores killing.

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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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MARSHALL, Texas (KETK)  An East Texas woman has been arrested after threatening a coworker with a gun on Friday, the Marshall Police Department said.

Tyler PD searching for suspect in shooting of teenager

Officers were dispatched to a business in the 5900 block of E. End Boulevard South at around 11 a.m. after receiving a report of a person armed with a weapon.

Mugshot of Krystle Johnson, courtesy of the Harrison County Jail.

When officers arrived, they learned that a bystander was able to disarm the woman, identified as 34-year-old Krystle Johnson. However, Johnson was able to retrieve the firearm and pointed it at bystanders. She allegedly attempted to flee the area but was apprehended by MPD officers.

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She was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawfully carrying a weapon and deadly conduct. Johnson is now being held at the Harrison County Jail on a $54,000 bond.

The police department said no one was injured during the incident and officers ensured the safety of all employees and customers at the scene.

MPD commends the quick response of our officers and the courageous actions of the bystander, which contributed to the safe resolution of this dangerous situation, a spokesperson for the Marshall Police Department said. We remind the public to report any suspicious or dangerous activity to law enforcement immediately.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Monday, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the National Civil Rights Museum will host a daylong celebration dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King.

Its just one of several events around Memphis, which has been the mecca for honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Day for decades  but with freezing temperatures, many are reimagining the day of service with indoor events.

We all have individuals in our lives who have been very impactful for us. So, make that a day of celebration and honor for them, said Joseph Kyles, president of the Memphis Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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This years celebration for Memphis Rainbow Coalition will be at Monumental Baptist Church in Soulsville.

It will be warm and welcoming, as freezing temperatures and single-digit wind chills head towards the area Monday.

Mid-South prepares for more frigid temperature drops

We know that its going to be frigid. So some like organizations that may have community service, they were planning to do something else. So were inviting them to come on to Monumental, Kyles said. And its going to be warm.

The inside of Beale Street Landing at Tom Lee Park.. will also be heated as Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswells Men of Impact event takes over Monday morning.

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He says the cold wont stop the community.

We are going to bring our men together to talk about education health mental health justice reform, Caswell said. We say to all men, bundle up. We are going to be inside.

As always the National Civil Rights Museum will have free admission Monday.

Families are encouraged to bundle up and layer up, as the celebration continues rain or shine.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this Monday and theres theres several community groups coming together to celebrate the civil rights leaders life and legacy.

The Cain Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church is hosting a breakfast at Bakersfield College at the BC Renegade Event on Panorama Drive.

The event begins at 830 a.m. Contact the church at CainMemorialamec.org for tickets, which are $40.

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After years leading parks in the American Southwest, the new superintendent of Monocacy National Battlefield is returning to his home state.

Derek Carter, a Maryland native, replaces Andrew Banasik in the role. Banasik, who originally took over in 2020, left Monocacy to take over the superintendent role at Antietam National Battlefield in 2024.

The National Park Service (NPS) announced Carters appointment to the post Jan. 13, though he is not set to arrive until early March, according to Monocacy Park Ranger Matt Borders.

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The National Park Service said in a press release that Carter has had leadership roles in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), the private section oil and gas industry, and the nonprofit sector.

Carters professional experience with the National Park Service and with the U.S. Army strategically align with the history, purpose and priorities of the park, Jennifer Nersesian, the regional director for the National Park Service Capital Region, said in a press release. Dereks leadership qualities and analytical skills, experience with budget, strategic planning, park operations, and the military, prepare him well to serve as superintendent of Monocacy National Battlefield.

Carter previously worked as the superintendent of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado, as well as Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in Nevada.

He grew up in Little Orleans in Allegany County.

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Returning to Western Maryland is truly special, Carter said in a press release. Im honored to lead Monocacy National Battlefield and excited to collaborate with partners, volunteers and the local community to enhance visitor experiences, increase recreational opportunities and preserve the parks rich history.

Monocacy was the site of a Civil War clash between the forces of Confederate Gen. Jubal Early and Lew Wallaces Union defenders. Though the Union lost the battle, it delayed Earlys army and allowed reinforcements to arrive to the defense of then-threatened Washington, D.C.

The over 1,600 acres of the battlefield managed by the NPS are currently home to over 50 historic structures, several trails, a museum, and monuments to the fallen soldiers.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday responded to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on 'India's Independence'. "India is a great nation and it belongs to all of us... We gained independence with great effort. We have to create a brotherhood to retain this independence... I hope Mohan Bhagwat and everyone create an India in which we can live with harmony and progress. All of us want that India.." he said. On Monday, Mohan Bhagwat had said that India witnessed true independence on the day of Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. Bhagwat addressing a gathering at an event in Madhya Pradesh's Indore said, "The true independence of India, which had faced many centuries of persecution, was established on the day of Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. India had gained independence but it was not established." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also strongly condemned RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark that India gained "true independence" after the Ram Temple consecration, calling it "dangerous". CM Banerjee said, "It is not right to forget the history of our independence like this...I think this is a dangerous thing to say... This should be withdrawn. May our independence live long. We should celebrate our freedom fighters. So many young people gave their lives. Will they forget the entire history of the country like this?" Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned Bhagwat's statement that India didn't gain independence in 1947, calling it an insult to every Indian. He emphasized that such comments would warrant arrest and trial in any other country. "Mohan Bhagwat has the audacity to inform the nation every 2-3 days what he thinks about the independence movement and Constitution. What he said yesterday is treason because it states that the Constitution is invalid, fight against the British was invalid. He has the audacity to say this publicly, in any other country, he would be arrested and tried. To say that India did not get independence in 1947 is an insult to every single Indian person and it's about time we stop listening to this nonsense that these people think they can just keep parroting out and shouting and screaming...," he said. (ANI)
Beeps. Swooshes. Bells. Whistles. Texts. Calls. Message alerts. Gaming alerts.

Facebook. Tinder. Snapchat. Instagram. AI. Selfies. Pop music. Rap music. Music videos.

Do you remember a quieter time, when these sights and sounds didnt exist in school classrooms and hallways?

A new bill proposed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell wants to rid Massachusetts schools of these digital distractions during school hours so students have a greater chance to focus on the main goal in school: Learning.

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The STUDY Act seeks to implement a bell-to-bell restriction on student access to cell phones and personal electronic devices during school hours to improve their overall learning and school culture. It also proposes standards for social media companies that encourage safe and responsible use.

State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Cape and Islands, and State Representatives Alice Hanlon Peisch, D-Wellesley, and Kate Lipper-Garabedian, D-Melrose, are proposing the bill along with Campbell.

The STUDY Act puts students and their mental health first, Campbell said in a statement Friday.

By restricting cellphones during the school day and raising the bar for social media companies, we are taking bold steps to create learning environments free from distraction and a digital landscape that prioritizes the well-being of our youth, Campbell said. This bill is a commitment to both education and mental health for our young people, ensuring they have the tools to succeed without unnecessary harm.

A growing number of schools are adopting policies to restrict cell phone use during the school day.

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The STUDY Act would require all public schools to have formal policies regarding the use of cell phones, tablets, and other personal electronic devices on school grounds and at school-sponsored activities.

Each policy must prevent students from physically accessing their personal electronic devices during school hours. Exemptions would be allowed in certain circumstances to accommodate a students educational or medical needs, officials said.

The STUDY Act also requires schools to have a policy educating students about the social, emotional and physical harms of social media use, Campbell said.

These concerns led the U.S. Surgeon General in June to call for a warning label for social media platforms about the negative impact of social media use on mental health.

FILE PHOTO: An Arizona teacher has quit because he says his students are addicted to their phones.

For example, after one hour of social media use per day, adolescent mental health steeply declines and decreases in happiness and self-esteem occur, alongside increases in self-harm, depression and behavioral changes, Campbell said in her statement.

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Experts say phone use in schools can lead to distractions in learning, shortened attention span, increased anxiety, negative peer interactions and increases in cyberbullying, harassment and hate incidents.

A whopping 72% of high school teachers cite cell phone use as a major problem in classrooms, according to the Pew Research Center.

To keep users safe, Campbell said the bill calls on social media companies to implement procedures including:

Age verification system to determine whether a user meets age requirements under law and keep any information about a users age confidential from third-party use

Default settings for a minor user to ensure privacy and limit prolonged engagement by disabling features like notifications between certain hours, autoplay, and continuous scrolling

Features for a user to flag unwanted or harmful content and regular surveys for the user to indicate to the company that they dont want this type of content on their feed

Regular warnings from social media platforms to the user on the negative effects of social media use on social, emotional and physical health

Officials drafted The STUDY Act with input from members of Campbells Youth Council.

Campbell has filed lawsuits against Meta, and its subsidiary Instagram, as well as TikTok, for designing its social media platforms to addict young users and deceiving the public about efforts to keep its platform safe.

Research continues to show cellphones in the classroom can be a harmful distraction that impacts emotional wellbeing and impedes a students ability to learn, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said in a statement.

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We continue to hear feedback from parents, teachers, and staff that a more comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure childrens academic success and social and emotional wellbeing, Tutwiler said. We look forward to working with the Attorney General and Legislature to address that.

The Massachusetts Teachers Associations roughly 117,000 members are united in sounding the alarm about the impact of cellphones and social media on our schools and students, the unions president, Max Page, and vice president, Deb McCarthy, said in a statement.

Teachers see every day how phones detract from learning, how they facilitate bullying, how they have pernicious influences on the development of authentic friendships, and how they take precious time away from play and sleep and real-world human connection, the union leaders said.

Our members believe that every one of our schools need to take steps to eliminate the harm caused by these phones and social media, so we can reclaim the schools our students, our members, and communities deserve, the teachers union leaders said.

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*Editors note: The incoming Trump administration is reconsidering whether to launch mass deportation raids in Chicago next week, according to a report from The Washington Post. An updated story on this matter can be found here.

CHICAGO  Mass deportation raids threatened in Chicago could start as soon as Tuesday, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming border czar Tom Homan have threatened to begin the raids in Chicago in the lead up to the new administration.

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Trump inauguration moved indoors because of freezing temperatures

According to the Wall Street Journal, four people familiar with the planning said on the day after Trumps inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will send between 100 and 200 officers for the operation.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have said the citys law forbids CPD from coordinating with ICE.

Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Chicago Park District and Community Colleges of Chicago have all been directed not to allow ICE access into any of its buildings.

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Following the news, The Resurrection Project (TRP) launched its Prepare and Protect Campaign in an effort to prepare families for the unknown.

The initiative looks to initiative provide comprehensive services to individuals, families and immigrant communities that may be impacted by the potential raids.

As part of the campaign, TRP has also launched a website with information and resources for immigrants and families.

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A Massachusetts roofer has agreed to plead guilty to hiding $1.6 million in income from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Attorney said.

Jake Miller, 42, of Worcester, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion, Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said in a statement. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.

According to the charging documents, Miller owned and operated Kostas Roofing, a business that he ran under the alias Paul Kostas rather than under his own name.

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Prosecutors alleged that, between 2013 and 2021, Miller cashed the checks that he received from roofing customers and deposited the proceeds into his personal bank accounts.

Despite receiving at least $1.6 million from the roofing business during this period, Miller allegedly filed no income tax return for any of these years, Levy said.

As a result, Miller allegedly evaded income taxes of approximately $450,000.

The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

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(NewsNation)  A Los Angeles real estate mogul says there is a massive rental shortage in the wake of extensive wildfire property loss thats created an off-market business fueled by price gouging.

No one can find a rental. Its insane, Josh Altman, of Million Dollar Listing LA, said on NewsNations CUOMO. Were in uncharted waters here.

Altman said some California residents are in dire straits trying to find a new home as rents are skyrocketing and landlords are gouging them.

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LA wildfire victims contend with price-gouged rental prices

Whats happening to the rental market?

Wildfires have destroyed at least 10,000 homes, and more are expected to crumble.

Altman said there are over 1,500 displaced renters who are desperately looking for a place to live.

He said this has started an entire off-market business in which people try to make deals with empty houses that were supposed to be for sale.

Its really a race to who can get to these leases first and make a deal, and we dont even know whats going to happen at the end of the day, he said.

Whats happening with price gouging?

Under state law, price gouging occurs when the normal price of an item or service rises by more than 10%.

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If you asked me two weeks ago about price gouging in real estate, I wouldnt even know what you were talking about, and now, its a very big deal here, Altman said.

Theres over 2,000 units just on this list of people who had different prices in late December, and now, they are higher in January, Altman said.

LA price gouging is inhumane: Real estate agent

In the wake of the wildfires that have displaced tens of thousands of residents, rental prices around the region have jumped considerably.

The New York Times reported that a recent review of rental properties showed increases ranging from 15% to 64%. One ad for a Bel Air home was listed at $29,500 per month, which was previously listed at $15,900.

Unclear how housing laws will be enforced

California has existing laws that ban price-gouging, but that hasnt kept some landlords from spiking their rental prices.

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said that anyone noticing price gouging should immediately report it to his offices website.

Well, were going to see what the punishment is, right? Altman said.

We dont even know what that is yet, he said, adding that its unclear how long it will take agencies and the laws to catch offenders.

While it is possible to recoup the money you overspent, there is an element of having to hire a lawyer and go through court to get that, he said.

What to know about smoke from LA wildfires

But Altman added that ordinances are changing by the hour, which he said was good because it helps speed the building process, which will help get people back into homes.

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Still, he believes that at least 65 to 70% of residents who lived in the Palisades area wont return.

What are they going to do? Theyre going to be in the house thats finished and then live amongst 100 other houses being developed? The kids that are five years old, theyre going to be 10 years old by the time its done.

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Mayor Adams attorneys are requesting that a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault be dismissed on the basis that the woman who filed it is in bankruptcy proceedings.

In a Manhattan Supreme Court filing late Friday, Adams Law Department attorneys wrote they had not realized his accuser, ex-Transit Police employee Lorna Beach-Mathura, was in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings until the Daily News first reported it earlier this month.

Citing case law holding that individuals in bankruptcy cases lose standing to personally bring civil suits, the attorneys wrote that the presiding judge should promptly schedule a hearing on dismissing Beach-Mathuras suit outright. They argued any civil suit by an individual in bankruptcy must be brought by the persons estate, a temporary ownership structure meant to give more say to creditors who are owed money.

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Plaintiff lost her capacity to sue when she filed her Bankruptcy Petition nearly five months, Adams attorneys wrote.

Beach-Mathuras attorney didnt immediately return a request for comment on the dismissal request.

Beach-Mathura declared personal bankruptcy in her home state of Florida this past Sept. 11, revealing she owes nearly $333,000 to various creditors, including banks and hospitals.

A few weeks before she declared bankruptcy, Beach-Mathura also filed a slip-and-fall lawsuit charging the city should pay her at least $75,000 after she fell in Queens due what she described as a defective and uneven kink in a sidewalk, as also first reported by The News.

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Beach-Mathura, whos seeking some $5 million in damages over the alleged assault, says in her suit that Adams tried to force her to perform oral sex on him in a parked car in 1993 while they both worked for the citys since-defunct Transit Police agency. When she refused his overture, she alleges he masturbated and ejaculated on her leg.

Adams has vehemently denied the accusations and says he cant recall ever meeting Beach-Mathura, who first filed her suit in March 2024.

According to court papers filed earlier this week, Beach-Mathura, Adams and the NYPD, which is also named as a defendant in her action, have agreed to extend discovery on the sexual assault claim through June 20. If that timeline stays in place, it would mean the case will continue past the mayors scheduled Manhattan Federal Court trial in April on corruption charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Beach-Mathura recently sat for a deposition in the sexual assault case, though no details from that interview have been publicly disclosed to date.

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Before Fridays dismissal filing, Megan Goddard, Beach-Mathuras attorney, told The News that discovery has been bogged down by a lack of production of records from Adams administration.

Were still waiting on basic discovery production, like employment records, Goddard said, referring to documents shes seeking from the city detailing the Transit Police work history of her client and Adams.

A Law Department spokesman said the employment records are proving hard to locate as they are from over 30 years ago and produced by Transit Police, an agency that no longer exists as it was merged with the NYPD in the mid-1990s.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell will be in Washington, D.C. for three days, attending the 93rd Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting.

Southeast Louisiana officials brace for freezing temperatures

According to officials with the City of New Orleans, Cantrell is attending the meeting to discuss key urban challenges, share solutions and collaborate with federal officials, including top White House and Cabinet representatives.

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Her participation is reportedly an effort to ensure that New Orleans maintains its role as a key player for national discussions on urban resilience and growth, as well being well represented in discussions on housing, public safety, infrastructure and city service enhancement strategies.

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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Jan. 18If a New Mexico university is willing to work with the city of Albuquerque to revamp Downtown, Mayor Tim Keller is willing to hand over land in the heart of the city, free of charge.

Keller made the commitment last week at an Economic Forum meeting in Old Town. He referenced the University of New Mexico specifically but said the offer is open to any local higher education institution willing to take it.

"I've told UNM, that piece of land  it's yours," the mayor said, referencing a parking lot across from the Convention Center between Third and Fourth streets that the city has dubbed the "Civic Plaza lot."

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UNM is in talks with the city about "the possibilities for an expanded UNM presence" Downtown, according to Teresa Costantinidis, executive vice president for finance and administration at UNM. There are not yet specifics or a timeline for the potential project, she said.

"If a Downtown presence can contribute to invigorating the area, it not only benefits the heart of Albuquerque but also enhances the vitality and economic growth of the entire state of New Mexico," she said via email.

Keller compared Albuquerque to Phoenix, where Arizona State University "helped resuscitate and rebuild Phoenix." The Mayor's Office and officials from UNM have visited Downtown Phoenix together, according to Costantinidis.

"This is going to take many more years," Keller said. "But I'm committed to it."

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The out-of-state comparison was reminiscent of thoughts voiced at a September quarterly luncheon for the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, a 501(3) that works to grow the economy of the greater Albuquerque region.

Entrepreneur Larry Pobuda said on the September panel that when he came to Arizona in 2005, the state didn't have a very dynamic economy. What began the "transformation of Downtown," he said, was when ASU and the University of Arizona started moving facilities Downtown, like a University of Arizona medical center and ASU's law school.

"You've got the University of New Mexico," said Pobuda, executive vice president and general manager of Opus Development Company. "There's no reason why they can't be a billion-dollar research university. See what happens when you put the labs in for them."

How would it work?

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Over the past 10 years, the city has put out several requests for proposals and "never found the right prospect," said Terry Brunner, the mayor's chief of staff and interim director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency.

So, after visiting Phoenix and being "really impressed with what they did," the city wants to work with a New Mexico university for the benefit of both Albuquerque and the educational institution, Brunner said. He said the lot, which is a couple of acres, could mimic Arizona's concept and host university facilities, parking lots, even a hotel.

"What we learned in and have seen in other municipalities in the West is it's not uncommon to have a university purpose and a private sector purpose on the same site or in the same building," he said. "So we should really explore all the options that are out there and not limit ourselves to traditional ways of thinking about university and higher education buildings."

The university would still need to find the money to develop the site, said Danielle Casey, president and CEO of AREA. But, she said, it's great that "the city is a willing and excited partner."

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"It's exciting times here when we're thinking about the possibilities of these big concepts," Casey said, "and hopefully putting pen to paper and figuring out, not just conceptually, but how do we make it happen?"

And, Brunner added, New Mexico has even better incentives than Phoenix for development, like its tax abatement program or the MRA that can contribute land to developers, getting around the state's anti-donation clause.

Keller prefaced his idea last week by cautioning that it "needs more work." He said his vision was spurred by his predecessor, Republican Richard Berry, who wanted to build "the tallest building in the state" on the piece of land across from the Convention Center but lacked adequate financing to do so.

Brunner said the plan would require a change in mindset. The expansion of a university like UNM into Downtown would raise questions about transportation, resources and campus amenities.

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And, Brunner asked, can universities lease out properties? Can they rehab vacant properties? These are things that still need to be worked out, he said.

"Those are all uses that could be interesting to a university and serve the purpose of not only helping that university but redeveloping your Downtown," he said.

UNM already has a presence Downtown, Costantinidis pointed out, with its UNM Rainforest Innovations, a nonprofit organization owned by UNM's Board of Regents focused on innovation and economic development. She said an expanded partnership with the city, UNM and Central New Mexico Community College could lead to "a dynamic hub of education, innovation and community engagement."

"We look forward to continuing these discussions and working collaboratively to explore how UNM can play a meaningful role in Albuquerque's Downtown revitalization," Costantinidis said.
Mayors nationwide are warning of a worsening housing shortfall as decades of insufficient investment along with rising costs of housing during the COVID-19 pandemic aided in making housing unaffordable to most Americans, according to a survey.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors poll found that the housing shortage is expanding, with mayors warning that the deficit will increase by more than 2 million units over the next five years. More than half of the mayors surveyed said their city will experience between a 5,000 and 20,000 unit shortfall over the next half a decade.

The cost of housing is dealing a heavy financial blow to households, according to the poll. More than 4 in 10 households, 42 percent, spend more than 30 percent of their income on mortgage payments, rent and other housing costs.

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Almost 7 in 8 mayors said that 30 percent or more of the households in their cities are cost-burdened, while a third of those surveyed said more than 50 percent of households in their cities are cost-burdened.

The median rental price has gone up by 18 percent in the last three years to $1,779, the poll found. The median sale price increased by 21 percent over the past three years to $488,272.

Mayors in the survey showed strong support for increasing funding for some housing programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. The majority of mayors agreed that flexible and direct funding to cities is necessary to help combat the funding gaps and stimulate supply in those communities.

Continuing to protect and expand all of these programs (such as through a middle-income housing tax credit and additional renter housing protection programs) is extremely important to meet housing needs, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.

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The U.S. Conference of Mayors surveyed mayors from 120 cities in 43 states, representing nearly 35 million residents.

It is estimated that the United States has a housing shortage of between 4 to 7 million homes, with 69 percent of Americans very concerned about the rising cost of housing, U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO Tom Cochran said. Over 650,000 of our neighbors are homeless, first-time home ownership is at a record low, and U.S. home prices have skyrocketed over 40 percent since 2020.

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Gov. Dan McKee's proposed budget leaves the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's $32.6 million deficit unaddressed, raising fears of service cuts from transit advocates. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Public transit advocates are outraged that a $32.6 million deficit for Rhode Islands statewide bus agency has gone unaddressed in Gov. Dan McKees proposed fiscal year 2026 budget unveiled Thursday but remain hopeful an upcoming efficiency study will show how to fill in the gap.

The deficit is the result of federal pandemic relief aid drying up. When the state gave the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) $15 million of unspent COVID relief funds in its fiscal year 2025 budget, the agency agreed to conduct a report on its operations and submit it to the governor, House speaker, and Senate president by March 2025.

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But such a study had yet to be conducted, RIPTA spokesperson Cristy Raposo Perry confirmed Friday. She took note of a leadership change at the agency last year.

Now that a permanent CEO is in place we will be actively looking for a vendor to conduct the study, she said in a phone call.

In November, the agency elevated former CFO Christopher Durand from interim CEO to permanent CEO to replace predecessor Scott Avedisian  a move lauded by transit advocates, union officials, and the agencys board of directors.

Durand said in a statement Friday that RIPTA staff are reviewing McKees proposed budget and will assess its implications for the bus agencys operations.

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As part of this process, we will also look into new ways that we can generate revenue and enhance operational efficiencies, Durand said.

McKees proposed fiscal 2026 budget allocates $126.6 million to RIPTA, despite $159.1 million in projected expenditures. The governors budget is less than the agencys revised $153.4 million fiscal 2025 budget. RIPTA has a total of 873 full-time employees and seeks to hire an additional 23 under its fiscal 2026 budget request.

Department of Administration spokesperson Derek Gomes told Rhode Island Current Thursday the state wants to see how efficient RIPTA is before committing any funds.

And of course well see what the legislature does, Gomes said.

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Spokespeople for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio both said on Friday it was too premature to comment on individual budget proposals, which will be reviewed by their chambers respective finance committees over the coming months.

One legislator took to social media to voice his displeasure with the governors neglect of RIPTA.

Despite the concerns we heard from bus riders all across Rhode Island last legislative session, governor McKee has introduced a state budget Proposal that leaves RIPTA underfunded by over $30 Million! Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat, posted on X Friday. For the thousands of working people who rely on RIPTA, this is unacceptable.

Transit advocates say McKees new budget is just the latest evidence of his lack of commitment to RIPTA, fearing the unaddressed deficit could force mass layoffs and service cuts.

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People will be left with no way to get to their jobs, homes, or doctors appointments, Patricia Raub, co-chair of RI Transit Riders, said in an interview Friday. Weve got a governor that doesnt seem to understand that public transit is not only for poor people or the riders, its also a way to increase our economy and to meet our climate goals.

Raub also disagreed with the states assessment that RIPTA even needs to submit an efficiency study to potentially secure additional funding.

I think RIPTAs about as efficient as you can get, Raub said. Im amazed with what the new CEO has managed to do with a limited budget. Theres only so much you can do. You cant make soup out of stones.

RIPTA has managed to reverse course after what was a bumpy start to its 2024. The agency has seen driver applicants line up outside RIPTAs Melrose Street headquarters in Providence after raising starting wages and eliminated the need to suspend or reduce any routes brought by the ongoing labor shortage.

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The Save RIPTA coalition on Friday issued a statement that it was extremely disappointed in McKee for not addressing the bus agencys looming deficit, especially as states such as Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have opted to increase their mass transit funding to historic levels.

But here in Rhode Island, governor McKee is once again locked into a small-town mindset that cannot advance our state into the future, let alone meet his own administrations goals of increasing household incomes and improving school attendance, the coalition wrote.

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Sanket Gupta, authorized representative of BJP candidate from New Delhi constituency Parvesh Verma has objected to the nomination of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal and demanded the Election Commission reject his nomination papers. In his letter to the Returning Officer of the New Delhi assembly constituency, Sanket Gupta alleged that the affidavit submitted by Kejriwal is materially defective and he had knowingly given wrong information in his affidavit to mislead the voters. "He has shown his total income in the year 2019-20 as Rs1,57,823/- which comes to around Rs 13,152 per month. In the year 2021-22 as Rs 1,62,976 which comes to Rs 13,581 per month. In the year 2022-23 as Rs 1,67,066 which comes at Rs 13,922 per month," Gupta said. "The income shown in the affidavit is total income which is declared wrong by Arvind Kejriwal as the basic salary given to every Minister in NCT of Delhi was Rs 20,000 per month from November 4, 2011, to February 14, 2023, which comes to around Rs 2,40,000 per year, Daily allowance Rs 1000 per day which comes around Rs 3,65,000 per year along with other allowances also," he added. The representative of the BJP candidate also claimed that the vote of Arvind Kejriwal is also there at Ghaziabad's Kaushambi, ward no. 72, having voter no. 991. Sanket Gupta also claimed that Kejriwal has not given details of the criminal cases filed against him at the North Avenue Police Station. "It is, most humbly requested from you to kindly consider the objection and the evidence in support of our objections and reject the nomination of Arvind Kejriwal, candidate of Aam Aadmi Party as the above-mentioned defects are substantial defects," he said in his letter. The New Delhi Assembly seat will see a triangular contest between Kejriwal, BJP's Parvesh Verma and Congress' Sandeep Dikshit. Arvind Kejriwal hit out at the 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," he said on X. (ANI)
Journalists have identified the names of 88,726 Russian soldiers who died during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a joint investigation by BBC Russia and Mediazona.

Since the media outlets' last update in mid-December, the names of 3,965 Russian soldiers have been added to the list of casualties.

The journalists note that the actual figures are likely significantly higher, as their verified information comes from public sources such as obituaries, posts by relatives, regional media reports, and statements from local authorities.

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The confirmed death toll now includes 20,200 volunteers, 15,300 recruited prisoners, and 10,300 mobilized soldiers, according to the media outlets. Over 4,600 officers have also been confirmed to have been killed.

Russia has gained ground in eastern Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in recent months but at the cost of heavy casualties as well as equipment losses. The journalists note that as Russian military equipment dwindles, commanders may be forced to provide less protective equipment to soldiers, highlighted by their use of civilian cars in attacks  which ultimately may lead to a higher casualty rate.

As of Jan. 17, Russia has lost a total of 815,820 troops since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine's General Staff reported. The estimate, which is broadly in-line with estimates made by Western intelligence agencies, likely includes those killed, captured, wounded, and missing.

Moscow does not disclose its casualty figures, though a Defense Ministry official recently let slip that the department received 48,000 requests to identify missing soldiers.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in a rare statement in early December that Ukraine had lost 43,000 soldiers on the battlefield since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia, Iran sign strategic partnership deal; Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 radar equipment













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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A homeless shelter in Grand Rapids is making adjustments ahead of the Artic blast heading to West Michigan.

Arctic blast, heavy lake-effect snow begins Sunday

Mel Trotter Ministries declared a code blue, which means the shelter will expand its capacity and increase staffing to accommodate more people who could be seeking shelter over the next few days.

Director of Development at Mel Trotter Ministries Pam Liggett told News 8 they anticipate expanding their capacity by about 90. She said at full capacity, they will likely house 600 to 700 people each night with the expansion.

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Comparing the upcoming Arctic blast to 2019

We bring in extra staff and we open up certain areas of the mission that would not normally allow people to sleep in them, she said. We open those up and put cots and mattresses there, so we can accommodate more people. Our goal is to get as many people inside the building and to safety as we can.

News 8 spoke to Lady Ann Thorpe, who has been unhoused for the past five years. She said she recently made it to Grand Rapids and was shocked to hear about the temperatures coming this way.

Its startling, honestly, Thorpe said. My heart goes out to a lot of the unhoused, the tragically unhoused, the destitute that do not have even four walls and a door knob. Ive noticed, like during my years of travel, a lot of these people do come during the winter time and there is a lot of overflow.

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Recognizing the warning signs of hypothermia

Thorpe said that having these shelters as resources is something she is grateful for but acknowledged that not everyone is so lucky. She said she hopes everyone who is homeless can take advantage of the shelters, even just for the next few days.

It is paramount for me, at least, to have these to come to, because my family has turned their back on me, she said. All those people in there are my neighbors. I love them to death. I am very fortunate to have a bed upstairs, I am very fortunate. A lot of these people out here are not that fortunate, and its a lot of mental health out here, a lot of behavioral health out here, a lot of spiritual crisis.

Liggett urged anyone in need of assistance to contact 211.

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Fire and ash have permeated every aspect of Los Angeles life since the eruption of the Palisades Fire, which sparked just a little more than a week ago, though it has felt like much longer for many. While the smoke of the L.A. fires has yet to reach them in San Diego County, the lives of two former Angelenos, Erik and Lyle Menendez, will also be affected by the tragedies in their hometown.

Judge Michael Jesic has opted to once again postpone the brothers widely publicized sentencing until March 20-21, according to a release by the D.A.s office.

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Originally set for Dec. 11, Judge Jesic had already pushed the hearing to Jan. 30, with an extra day of Jan. 31 if needed, to allow time for the newly elected Los Angeles D.A. Nathan Hochman to reacquaint himself with the case. The continuance is due to the impact of recent wildfires on the parties extensive preparations for the hearings, the D.A. added.

Although Friday offered a brief reprieve from the winds, allowing firefighters to gain more control over the still-raging Palisades and Eaton fires, renewed bouts of strong Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up again early next week, which could significantly hinder firefighting efforts and exacerbate crime within the ongoing fire zones.

While catastrophe can bring out the best in people, giving rise to the everyday hero and arousing the incredible resilience of the human spirit, it also attracts the vulturous, those who prey on the downfall of others. As fires have engulfed tens of thousands of acres in L.A. County, destroying thousands of homes and structures in their wake, looting, vandalism and various other crimes have become rampant within evacuated neighborhoods.

This new surge of crime in an already crippled and fear-ridden L.A. has turned the new D.A.s attention away from the Menendez brothers high-profile case. Since last week, an estimated 97 arrests have been made in fire zones, with Hochman stating that his office is actively investigating incidents of looting, price-gouging and arson. Justice will be swift, justice will be significant, if you want to take advantage of this tragedy, said Hochman during a press conference on Wednesday.

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Renewed public interest in the Menendez case was sparked by Ryan Murphys hit Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and the viral intrigue has since garnered a subsequent Netflix documentary The Menendez Brothers, released in October of last year. Peacock also released a docuseries, Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, which revealed new evidence corroborating the brothers long-held claim that they were sexually abused by their father. The brothers were originally convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole in 1996 for the gruesome murder of their parents Kitty and Jose Menendez.

This most recent twist may not have revealed any clear indication of Hochmans leaning on the case at this time; however, it should be remembered that the previous D.A. George Gascon had indicated a willingness to reconsider the brothers sentences and at the height of his reelection campaign in October wrote a letter recommending that they be resentenced to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole. Gascons critics decried this move, claiming that he was merely betting on public interest in the case as a last-ditch effort to hold onto his office  he was well behind Hochman in the polls by this point. Despite criticism, Gascon held firm to his stance. However, the former D.A.s perception of being soft-on-crime was a strong factor in the failure of his reelection campaign, and now Hochman will have to weigh how his handling of the Menendez case will set the tone for his tenure.

So far, Hochman has been clear and direct when speaking about the case. He said, The Menendez case, though its received high levels of media attention, will not get preferential treatment because it is on the media stage.

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Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has claimed that Ukraine cannot remain an independent state without support from the US and NATO.

Source: German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Merkel asserted just before Donald Trump's inauguration as US president that the transatlantic partnership is more important than ever.

Speaking at the Christian Democratic Union reception in Dusseldorf, she stated that the fundamental principle of the European post-war system, territorial integrity, has become ineffective as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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Only with the United States and through the NATO framework can it be ensured "that [Kremlin leader Vladimir] Putin does not win the war and that Ukraine remains an independent state," Merkel said.

Merkel described Trump as a "special president," stating that he defends the "legitimate interests" of the United States, though he does not believe in "win-win situations" in multilateral cooperation, but rather that there is always a winner and a loser.

"We won't change Donald Trump, but we can react to him," Merkel said, adding that the US would be unwise not to seek allies in Europe. "We are also a strong factor," she remarked.

Background:

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German opposition CDU/CSU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz sees Donald Trump's presidency as an opportunity for Europe.

The US President-elect Donald Trump had previously confirmed that he believes it is essential for NATO members, including European ones, to spend 5% of GDP on defence. Germany, under Chancellor Merkel, had not met the 2% defence spending requirement, which led to harsh criticism from Trump.

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Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has urged the preservation of Europe's transatlantic partnership with the United States ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.

The partnership was even more indispensable today than it was a few years ago, Merkel said on Saturday in the western German city of Dusseldorf.

Without the support of the US and NATO, Ukraine could not have remained a sovereign state after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Merkel stressed.

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With Moscow's attack, the basic principle of the European post-war order - territorial inviolability - was overridden, according to the former German leader.

Merkel - who led Germany from 2005 to 2021 - described Trump as a "special president" defending "the legitimate interests" of his country.

But in multilateral cooperation, he did not believe in "win-win situations," instead believing that there is always a winner and a loser, she noted.

"We will not change Donald Trump, but we can react to him," said Merkel. Europe must pool its interests, she continued, as the US would also be ill-advised if it did not seek an ally in Europe.

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"We are also a strong factor," said Merkel.

Almost 80 years after the end of World War II, the issue of war and peace is once again "on our doorstep and is not an abstract discussion," said Merkel.

A "credible deterrent" requires significantly higher spending on defence. This should be more rather than less than 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), said Merkel, referring to the NATO spending target.

Trump recently demanded that NATO members spend 5% of GDP on defence.
WASHINGTON (AP)  During hearings on Merrick Garland's nomination to be President Joe Biden's attorney general, the longtime federal appeals court judge told senators in 2021 that he hoped to turn down the volume on the public discourse about the Justice Department and return to the days when the agency was not the center of partisan disagreement.

It didnt go as planned.

Garland came in with a mission to calm the waters and restore the department's reputation for independence after four turbulent years under Republican President Donald Trump, who fired one attorney general and feuded with another. Now the soft-spoken Garland, who was denied a seat on the Supreme Court by the Republican-led Senate before Trump's 2016 election, is leaving with the department under siege on all sides and his own legacy in question.

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Those on the right are incensed over the departments effort to hold Trump criminally responsible for his failed effort to overturn his 2020 election loss, and have accused prosecutors of going too easy on Biden's son Hunter. Democrats have claimed Garland failed to pursue Trump aggressively enough immediately after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and have criticized Garland's reliance on a special counsel, who, they thought, took gratuitous swipes at Biden.

Some senior Biden aides have said privately that Garland was the wrong choice for the job and they believe he bent too far backward to show he wasn't protecting the Democratic president.

Garland must now hand the department back to Trump, who has suggested he'll try to use the executive agency to exact revenge against his perceived enemies. Trump has nominated his personal lawyers and loyalists to run the Cabinet department, and they have promised to clean house of officials they consider part of the deep state working against Trump.

People close to Garland say he was dealt a monumentally difficult hand, taking over at a deeply divisive political time after the riot and inheriting a department shaken to its core during Trumps first term. Garland faced one politically sensitive matter after another.

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What Merrick Garland had to deal with: confronting Jan. 6 and its aftermath, the investigations into the president's son ... it's just a series of almost impossible decisions that were going to have huge ramifications for the country and the body politic, said Vanita Gupta, the third-highest ranking Justice Department official under Garland until leaving government last year. I just don't think any AG in recent time has had to confront that constellation of really, really difficult questions."

The Justice Department declined to make Garland available for an interview with The Associated Press.

His defenders say that despite the political pressures, he stood firm in his commitment to independence and impartiality.

What the AG brought is energetic and compassionate leadership  leadership that was about reinvigorating the institution as an institution," said Marshall Miller, principal associate deputy attorney general before recently leaving the department. I think thats critically important to the longevity of the institution  to have attorneys general who understand its history and its norms and buttress those.

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Yet in a hyperpartisan era, Garland's approach managed to anger just about everyone outside the department. Garland pushed back forcefully at times, such as when he told lawmakers during a congressional hearing, I will not be intimidated.

The story that has been told by some outside of this building about what has happened inside of it is wrong, he told employees Thursday during an emotional farewell address inside the Justice Department's Great Hall. "You have worked to pursue justice  not politics. That is the truth and nothing can change it.

But Garland never seemed fully comfortable in the media spotlight, and some wonder whether he should have made clearer to the country why the department did what it did. There were not only attacks from Republicans alleging weaponization of the department for political purposes and but also claims by the president who had picked him about a politicized justice system.

Merrick Garland has not, I think, been a very effective public defender of the integrity and impartiality of the Department of Justice, Andrew Kent, a Fordham University law school professor, said in an email. Given the issues the department faced, Garland needed "to explain to the public more frequently and more specifically how the Departments actions are consistent with a commitment to nonpartisan and impartial justice."

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From judge to the Justice Department

Garland was the chief judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where presidents have often searched for Supreme Court justices, when he was nominated by President Barack Obama in March 2016. But in a stunning display of partisanship, Republican senators led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky refused to vote on the nomination, saying it had come too close to the November election and the next president should make the choice.

Garland told CBS' 60 Minutes years later that it was an enormous honor to be chosen. So I was of course, a human being, very disappointed," he said. But, quoting Taylor Swift, he said, "As you know my favorite poet says  you got to shake it off."

Garland remained on the appeals court until he was nominated by Biden as attorney general.

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A detail-oriented leader known for asking probing questions in meetings, Garland spent much of his career as a Justice Department lawyer and worked under five attorneys general. He burnished his reputation as a hard-charging prosecutor supervising the case against Timothy McVeigh for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people. Garland has called his work on the investigation the most important thing he has ever done. On the wall in his Justice Department office is a framed photo of the destroyed Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

Those close to Garland say he has been a fierce defender of the department and has not been afraid to take arrows, such as when he announced  amid heavy criticism of the FBI  that he had personally approved the decision to seek a warrant to search Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2022 for classified documents. Inside the department, Garland's allies say, he succeeded in restoring calm and strengthening morale after years of firings and other scandals under Trump.

While Garland's predecessor, William Barr, publicly criticized career prosecutors, Garland praised department lawyers as the heart and soul of the workforce. A steadfast institutionalist, Garland would often get emotional when talking publicly about the department's work and its staff.

He did so much to restore the morale of career folks in the department, to restore normal order of decision making, said Gupta, the former associate attorney general.

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On civil rights matters, the Justice Department under Garland undertook a dozen investigations into law enforcement agencies, uncovering widespread abuse and misconduct  work that had been curtailed under Trump's first term. The department was also aggressive in its antitrust enforcement, bringing cases against Google, Apple and others.

But it always came back to political investigations.

Garland was hardly the first attorney general to find himself mired in politically sensitive investigations. Prosecutors in the Obama era investigated both the Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, and the Trump campaign in 2016. Trumps Justice Department, through a special counsel, investigated him.

But the confluence of investigations on his desk at once presented arguably the biggest test in the Justice Departments 150-year history.

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Political investigations swirled, especially around the Capitol riot

The department, at one point, was investigating Joe Biden for his handling of classified documents, Hunter Biden for tax and gun offenses, and Trump  the president's chief political rival. To do this, Garland appointed special counsels in an effort to remove any whiff of political bias.

Yet no event shaped Garlands tenure more than the Capitol riot, which unfolded on live TV on the same day news broke that Biden had picked Garland for the job.

By the time Garland was sworn in as attorney general in March 2021, the Justice Department had begun charging rioters, building what would become the largest investigation in its history.

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Garland would not say publicly whether the department was investigating Trump, but insisted investigators were pursuing Jan. 6 perpetrators at any level. In November 2022  days after Trump formally launched his 2024 candidacy  Garland announced he had appointed special counsel Jack Smith to lead the investigation and a separate inquiry into Trump's retention of classified documents.

The classified documents investigation was seen as more straightforward, given the breadth of evidence that prosecutors said they had accumulated. Yet that case, too, stalled amid a series of rulings from the trial judge that delayed its progression before its ultimate dismissal last July.

Critics, meanwhile, fretted about the pace.

"What should have happened in real time was a special counsel should have been appointed to investigate January 6th with more urgency than we now know happened," said Jed Shugerman, a Boston University law professor.

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Garland's defenders reject any suggestion the attorney general dragged his feet. Long before Smith was appointed, the department in 2021 launched an investigative unit looking at Trump allies who were at Washington's Willard Hotel around Jan. 6, 2021. Investigators searched for financial ties between Trump allies and the rioters  which, if found, officials believed could have allowed them to bring a more straightforward case. But that hit a dead end.

The investigation got bogged down in court fights around executive privilege and other matters. The Supreme Court tied up Smith's case for months before granting former presidents broad immunity from prosecution and sending the case back to the trial court. It likely would have gone back to the high court at least once or twice before it could reach trial, making a trial before November's election unlikely, even if the charges had come months earlier.

Jan. 6 was one of the most polarizing events in our nations history, said Jamie Gorelick, a close friend of Garland's who was deputy attorney general in the Justice Department under former President Bill Clinton. I think he did as well as he could, but institutionally, it has been a tremendously challenging matter to deal with ... and it has been a tremendously challenging fact of life in our society.

But while the cases against Trump moved through the courts, Trump was surging back to political prominence. He had been convicted in New York City in a state hush-money trial and still would go on to seize the nomination, casting himself as the victim of a politically motivated justice system and pledging to seek revenge on his enemies.

For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans  Not anymore, Trump said when announcing that he would nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the department.

Some in the White House sour on the attorney general

Inside the White House, frustration mounted over Garland. Biden felt hemmed in by his choice, particularly as the Justice Department investigated both him and Hunter.

White House officials were particularly dismayed at special counsel Robert Hur's report on his investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents. That report portrayed the president as a well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory," and White House officials said it was inappropriate to include such prejudicial language in a report explaining why no criminal charges were warranted.

The report was released just as Biden's age (he turned 82 in November) and mental acuity were becoming major political liabilities that would eventually, following his disastrous debate performance in June, sink his reelection effort.

Garland said the idea that he would edit or censor Hur's report was absurd. That may have frustrated the White House but it also spared Garland the groundswell of criticism he would have encountered from the right had he stepped in to shade the special counsels findings.

By releasing the entire document in unedited form, Garland reflected his determination not only to avoid the appearance of being the presidents protector but also to turn the page from his predecessor. Barr was castigated by the left after he issued his own four-page summary of special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian election interference that was seen as glossing over some of the documents more damning assessments.

Republicans in the House, angry over what they viewed as the Biden Justice Department's unfair treatment of Trump, later voted to hold Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over audio of Biden's interview with Hur.

The unraveling of years of work

Garland is about to see years of work dismantled when the new administration takes over.

The cases against Trump have unraveled. The Justice Department has decided to withhold from the public for now the section of Smith's final report on Trump's classified documents case because an appeal involving Trump's co-defendants is pending. It's possible that will never be seen by the public because Trump's Justice Department almost certainly will not release it.

The future of the Jan. 6 investigation, which has resulted in more than 1,200 convictions against rioters, is in peril. Trump has said he plans to pardon many of them.

Biden, too, pardoned his son after Hunter's trial conviction and guilty plea. Justice Department officials were surprised and frustrated by Biden's statement claiming the case against his son had been politicized, especially after the president's repeated vows to respect the rule of law.

Justice Department staff lined up Friday to cheer for Garland as he left the building. Several employees wiped tears and hugged as the SUV he climbed into drove off.

In his final speech to the workforce, Garland made no overt mention of Trump or the president-elect's suggestions that he might use the agency's powers to go after his foes. But Garland warned that the same powers that enable the federal prosecutor to pursue justice also create the potential for grave injustice.

We must understand that there is a difference between what we can do  and what we should do, Garland said.

___
Arizona's largest public school district has announced it will cut staff positions next school year as its student population continues to shrink.

Mesa Public Schools' enrollment has declined by about 12% over the past decade, a trend district officials expect to continue. In mid-January, the district announced it would eliminate positions next school year to reduce its budget by about $18 million.

Last year, the district estimated it would lose just under 1,000 students before the 2024-25 school year, but that number turned out to be about 1,500, according to a presentation at the district's Jan. 14 Governing Board meeting. The district was expecting to lose an additional 1,800 students next school year. None of the district's schools are at capacity.

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Mesa Public Schools has attributed the loss of students to declining birth rates. Arizona's birth rate declined by 33% between 2007 and 2021, according to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Arizona education: School districts across the US are acting on immigration to prepare for Trump

About a quarter of school-aged children who live within Mesa Public Schools' boundaries attend charter schools or schools in other districts. More than 4,000 school-aged children within Mesa Public Schools' boundaries receive voucher funds for private schools or homeschooling expenses, a group the district is trying to engage through its program for homeschooled students.

"Compounding these challenges are decreasing state and federal funding, including the expiration of Prop 123 in July 2025, and rising operational costs," Mesa Public Schools said in a statement.

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Nearly 90% of the district's budget goes toward staffing.

The recommendation for a reduction in force is set to go before the Governing Board for approval Jan. 28, and the list of affected positions is set to go before the board Feb. 11. Impacted staff will receive "several months' notice, resources such as resume support and mock interviews, and opportunities to apply for other roles within the district," according to the district's statement.

Last March, Mesa Public Schools announced it would cut the equivalent of 385 full-time positions  a nearly 5% reduction  for the 2024-25 school year. The district currently has the equivalent of about 7,859 full-time positions, down from about 8,808 during the 2021-22 school year.

Several other Valley school districts have made similar decisions over the past year as they've seen their student enrollment numbers decrease, including staff cuts in the Tempe Union High School District and school closures in the Roosevelt Elementary and Paradise Valley Unified school districts.

Reach the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mesa Public Schools to cut staff positions next school year
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday posted a video of his on X with the claim, "Hell outside AIIMS! Poor patients and their families from all over the country are forced to sleep outside AIIMS in cold, filth and hunger. They have no roof, no food, no toilet and no drinking water. Why have the Central and Delhi governments, which make big claims, turned a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis? " Reacting to the same, Spokesperson AIIMS Delhi, Dr Rima Dada said that AIIMS provides the best quality treatment and 18,000 - 20,000 patients visit for the treatment. Further, clarifying the video posted by Rahul Gandhi on the social media platform 'X' AIIMS said that the video doesn't qualify whether all patients shown therein belong to AIIMS Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Professor in charge of media, AIIMS Delhi Dr Rima Dada said, "We provide best quality treatment and 18,000 - 20,000 patients visits for the treatment, "AIIMS Delhi is the largest tertiary research and referral hospital in the nation. We provide the best comprehensive care to all the patients...Every day a total of 35-40,000 people visit AIIMS daily...We provide healthcare at a very cheap price...." Dr Dada also highlighted efforts to reduce patient waiting times through facility expansion and operational improvements. She also said that the waiting time of the patients has been reduced since when, new wards has been also started, "The waiting time of the patients has been reduced as the AIIMS has expanded a lot...Various facilities are being provided to the patients under a single building...The diagnostic facilities are running 24/7 and 365 days, which has reduced waiting time. Smart cards have also been issued to the patients...The patients can also stay at the Vishram Sadan...," she said. "A video showing the plight of patients awaiting treatment is being circulated on X, along with the interview of one attendant whose patient is admitted to AIIMS, Delhi. In this regard, it is submitted that the video is that of the subway outside AlIMS which is manned by the Delhi police and does not qualify whether all patients shown therein belong to AIIMS Delhi," said the statement. "The AlIMS policy allows for one attendant with one patient. In addition, provision is made for attendants of patients awaiting treatment in the vishram sadans, subject to availability of beds." It further explained the policy at AIIMS Delhi one patient one attendant, said the doctor. On Vishram Sadan it said, "At present, there are four Vishram Sadans with a total of 1500 beds of which 559 beds are available to the main campus. AlIMS has also taken the initiative to move patients awaiting registration to a temporary shelter called "Aashrey" built on its grounds behind JPNATC and managed by CRPF personnel. Patients are advised to utilise this facility. If patients are found on the footpaths outside the institution, they are transported in the night and shifted to the shelter where they are given food and bedding along with blankets and separate toilet facilities for males and females." "Moreover, these patients are taken to the hospital in the morning and their priority in registration is honoured. This is a humanitarian gesture started by AIlMS in December 2024, in view of the extremely cold conditions in the capital. Only patients who are willing to go to Aashrey are transported," said the doctor. (ANI)
In 1989, Ronaldo Ayala was sentenced to death for murdering three men in a San Diego auto repair shop.

Instead of facing the gas chamber at San Quentin, the reputed Mexican Mafia member turned death row into a base of power, law enforcement authorities and gang defectors say, collecting extortion payments, trafficking drugs and orchestrating acts of violence through a vast network of underlings from San Diego to Seattle.

Ayala, 74, now faces racketeering charges brought by federal prosecutors in Sacramento, who allege the National City native conspired with members of the Sinaloa cartel to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl throughout the western United States.

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Ayala, who was transferred last year from San Quentin to Centinela state prison as Gov. Gavin Newsom shut down death row, has yet to enter a plea. It wasn't clear Friday whether he was represented by a lawyer.

Ronaldo Ayala was held on San Quentin's death row for three decades. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

In a bare-bones indictment made public Friday, prosecutors allege Ayala oversaw a partnership between the Mexican Mafia and the Sinaloa cartel, Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking group, and offered protection to its former leader, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Read more: The Mexican Mafia Tapes: Secret recordings reveal greed, betrayal  and a deal with the feds

It wasn't clear from the indictment whether Guzman accepted  or would even need  the alleged offer. The former kingpin is serving a life term at ADX Florence, a maximum security federal penitentiary in Colorado where he has no contact with other inmates.

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San Diego has produced many Mexican Mafia members, but none as powerful as Ayala, a witness told FBI agents in 2023.

The witness  Ayala's alleged liaison to gang members in the San Diego area  pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

According to a transcript of the witness' interview with the FBI, Ayala carved up the San Diego area with two other alleged Mexican Mafia members, his brother Hector and Richard Buchanan.

Read more: Mexican Mafia member who ran Ventura County rackets is killed in Baja California, authorities say

Buchanan controlled the east side of San Diego and much of its South Bay. Ayala's brother got North County and Chula Vista. Ronaldo Ayala had Spring Valley, Paradise Hills, National City and "everything else," she said.

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"At the end of the day," she told the agents, "this is Ronnie's city."

According to the witness, Ayala also collected a regular payment called "the light bill" from the San Diego County jail system, which he split with his brother and Buchanan. Every module in the jail system was required to contribute $50 a month through CashApp, the woman told the agents.

Read more: He built a booming black market empire inside L.A. County jails. It ended with his murder

Ayala's underlings ran different rackets, she said. Some bought methamphetamine in Tijuana and shipped it to San Bernardino or Texas. Others ran casitas  illegal gambling parlors  or "trap houses" where people could buy and use drugs, according to the witness.

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San Diego County prosecutors charged seven people in 2022 with operating a trap house in the Encanto neighborhood for Ayala. His representative in San Ysidro, Juan "Sleepy" Castro, oversaw loan-sharking and human smuggling operations in addition to selling drugs, prosecutors wrote in court papers. Castro was sentenced in 2023 to 10 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman after his capture in Mexico in 2014. (Eduardo Verdugo / Associated Press)

Because he was held on death row with high-profile gang members from across California, Ayala's reach went beyond San Diego, the witness told the FBI.

According to the indictment made public this week, Ayala collected "taxes" from Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco and even Seattle, where prosecutors say gang members working under Ayala committed an arson attack on a musician who claimed in a music video to have "mafia" ties.

Two reputed members of Seattle's United Lokotes gang, Samuel "Payaso" Morales and Alexis "Menace" Rodriguez, are also accused of extorting the unnamed musician whose property was burned.

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Read more: Code words, smuggled phones, $50 tips: Mexican Mafia micromanages drug deals from prison

Helping Ayala collect "taxes" on sales of drugs from the Sinaloa cartel partnership was Angel "Snappy" Esparza, who was sent to death row for murdering three people in Riverside County, the indictment charges.

Ronald "Temper" Sepulveda, whom Ayala referred to as "our main supporter," oversaw the reputed Mexican Mafia member's affairs in Riverside County, including the extortion of musicians, prosecutors allege.

Allen "Frankie Chino" Fong, a San Jose gang member serving a 17-year prison term for assault, is charged with collecting "taxes" for Ayala while held at the state prison in Solano.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico agreed Friday to expand support to other Latin American and Caribbean nations as part of a regional migratory response, days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office with a promise to carry out mass deportations.

The aid was announced by Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Affairs Juan Ramon de la Fuente after a two-day closed meeting with ministers and representatives of 11 countries of the region.

The meeting  led by De la Fuente and the Honduran foreign minister in the Mexican capital  was the latest in a series of regional summits aimed at building a comprehensive regional response to the unprecedented levels of migration across the Americas. Government leaders of Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Venezuela, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador participated.

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Speaking before government representatives, De la Fuente acknowledged that significant changes are imminent in the United States, the primary destination for most migrants traveling through Latin America.

He said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that her government will expand aid projects in a number of countries working on migration and other issues, but offered few further details.

For years, Mexico has implemented such projects in over 20 countries, primarily those that serve as points of origin for migrants, including Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela and Haiti. In 2024, the Mexican government allocated over $108 million to this initiative.

Friday's announcement follows a period of increasing uncertainty in Latin America, fueled by concerns among some regional leaders about the potential impact of mass deportations and other threats made by Trump ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration.

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Sheinbaum has opened the possibility of receiving non-Mexican migrants deported by the United States and said she plans to launch a mobile app that would allow migrants in the U.S. to alert relatives and the consulate when they face imminent detention.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico State Police are investigating a shooting in northern New Mexico that left one man dead. According to NMSP, Taos County deputies responded to a domestic violence incident in Penasco. Law enforcement said a man was trying to set a home on fire with three family members inside.

Rio Rancho man accused of firing gun hundreds of times in the air indicted on charges

NMSP said agents learned that the man, identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Garcia, got into a fight with his wife before she locked him out of the house. Police said flames were then seen on the houses porch, and the wifes father shot Garcia in another fight. Garcia was pronounced dead.

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No charges have been filed at this time but NMSP said they will continue to investigate.

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AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Michael J. Hill, 75, of Austintown, died Friday, January 17, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.

He was retired from a 30-year career as a writer and editor in the fields of journalism and legal publishing.

Find obituaries from your high school

He was born February 3, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Arthur C. Hill, Jr. and Rosemary Jogerst Hill (Wood).

Before moving to Ohio in 1984, he had lived in Platteville, Wisconsin; St. Joseph, Michigan; and Ozark, Missouri. He had attended Michigan State University and later graduated magna cum laude from Hiram (Ohio) College, with a Bachelors degree in Communications.

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He was a 1967 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School; his academic honors included placing in the 99th percentile of those taking the SAT and ACT national tests that year.

He is survived by a daughter, Alicia Rose Hill of Mineral Ridge, Ohio; two brothers, Peter Hill (and wife Christal) of Camdenton, Mo. and Thomas Hill of Buffalo, Missouri; and two sisters, Julie Hill Moore (and husband Jeff) of Muskegon, Michigan, and Jenifer Hill Denney (and husband Jason), of Springfield, Missouri.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is also survived by an aunt, Jean Hill Duncan, of Marshal, Illinois; and by lifelong friends Matthew Willey, Earl Shulz, and Dan McKinley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Hill, in 2017; and by grandparents Marguerite and Arthur Hill, Sr., and Irene and Donald Jogerst.

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After moving to Ohio, he was a general assignment reporter, courthouse reporter, Sunday editor and weekly columnist at the Lisbon Morning Journal, and was the editor of the Canfield Courier and the Canfield Town Crier. From 2001 until 2010, he was a senior editor for Thomson-Reuters in Independence, Ohio.

After retiring, Michael participated onstage and/or backstage at more than a dozen productions at Trumbull New Theater, where he was a member, and took part in performances at several other local venues in Salem, Lisbon, Youngstown, and Sharon, Pa. His writing interests included fiction, songs and haiku, and he was the author of Hold That Thought, a one-act play presented at the Youngstown Playhouse in 2014 and at TNT in 2021.

In the field of nonfiction, he spent many years gathering material about the life of Pittsburgh-born songwriter Stephen Foster and his many connections to northeast Ohio, with the intention of writing a biography to be called Way Down Upon the Mahoning River.

An amateur musician, he enjoyed singing and playing guitar at local jam sessions and open mic events. He was also an admirer of the music of the Grateful Dead and of painter Albert Bierstadts Western landscapes.

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In addition to the church and TNT, he was a member of the Mahoning River Consortium, Dulci-More Folk and Traditional Musicians, and the Monday Night Writers group. Michael had also served for many years as a poll worker for the Mahoning County Board of Elections.

A memorial service will be held at Lane Funeral Home  Austintown Chapel on March 15, 2025. Family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Trumbull New Theatre www.trumbullnewtheatre.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael J. Hill, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air Sunday, January 19 at the following approximate times: 8:58 a.m. on WKBN and 7:58 p.m. on FOX. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization reporting on voting access and election administration across the U.S. Sign up for Votebeat Michigans free newsletter here.

After taking control of the Michigan House of Representatives, Republican lawmakers have begun shaping their election policy priorities. Theyve made one conspicuous change already: renaming the Houses Elections Committee  a standing body that outlives the control of any one party  the Election Integrity Committee.

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Republicans in Michigan and around the country continue to push the theme of election integrity as a counterweight to Democratic efforts to expand voting access. Whether the committee name change amounts to a mere branding exercise, or represents a firm marker of election policy priorities for Michigans House leaders will become clearer in the coming weeks, as members of the committee are chosen and leaders lay out their agenda.

For now, it makes Michigan one of the first few states to have a legislative group dedicated by name to the idea of election integrity.

Committee name changes often happen as chambers swap party control. In past years, for instance, that same House committee has been named elections and ethics to show a shared focus. Other committees have gotten the same treatment: In at least one session, the standing committee on education was the education reform committee.

Rep. Ann Bollin, a Republican from Brighton Township, said that the new name change isnt to suggest that Michigans elections lack integrity. Instead, she said, it suggests a commitment to reaffirming the strength of the states elections.

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We dont need a lot of fraud to want to prevent it, she said.

Bollin was formerly a city clerk for 16 years and chaired the Elections Committee when Republicans last controlled the House in the 2021-22 session.

Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) speaks at an election security event in Lansing, Michigan on June 5, 2024 (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Republican leaders have made clear that they want to find ways to push through measures that have been promoted around the country in the name of election integrity. Rep. Bryan Posthumus of Rockford, the new House majority leader, has said repeatedly that he is prepared to introduce a proposal for a constitutional amendment that would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when they register, and implement stricter ID requirements for casting a ballot.

Getting such a measure on the ballot through legislative action would require a two-thirds vote of both chambers, and its unlikely to gain a lot of traction in the Democratic-held Michigan Senate. But a group backed by conservative donors has already organized an effort to gather signatures on petitions that would put the issue on the ballot if the effort in the legislature fails.

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The group, the Committee to Protect Voters Rights, shares a treasurer with the now-defunct group Protect My Vote, according to state campaign finance records. Protect My Vote was the main opposition to 2018s Proposal 3, which amended the state constitution to allow for same-day registration and no-reason absentee voting.

Posthumus was not available Thursday to speak.

Just over a week into the session, no elections-focused legislation has been introduced in either chamber. Its possible certain pieces of legislation from last session, most notably the Michigan Voting Rights Act which sought to expand access for voters with disabilities or who dont speak English, may come back in a modified form, but Republicans have expressed no support for the bills as proposed and voted against it last session.

A Republican effort to focus attention on noncitizen voting  an exceedingly rare occurrence  as a potential concern with U.S. elections could resonate in Michigan after a University of Michigan student from China was charged with casting a ballot in the 2024 election despite not being a citizen.

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Sen. Jeremy Moss, a Democrat from Southfield who runs the Senate Elections Committee, said the election priorities in his chamber wouldnt change. He said he was eager to see who would be on the House committee to start forming inroads with them.

There are certainly some Republicans in the House that have been great to work with on these issues, and I dont want to paint everybody with a broad brush, he said. This could be a committee that is just in name only election integrity, but it still does the normal business of updating and modernizing our laws, or it could be a committee of conspiracy theorists. Our work continues regardless.

Sen. Jeremy Moss escorts Gov. Gretchen Whitmer into the Michigan House of Representatives to deliver her fifth State of the State address on Jan. 25, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization covering local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters here.
By Jose Luis Gonzalez

CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (Reuters) - Migrants trying to avoid arrest set fire to blankets and mattresses at a camp in the northern Mexican city of Chihuahua during a raid by government forces to clear the site in the early hours of Saturday.

The enforcement action near the U.S. border come just ahead of the inauguration on Monday of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has accused Mexico's government of not doing enough to curb migration to the U.S. and threatened sweeping tariffs.

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About 250 Mexican officials, including National Guard military police in anti-riot gear, surrounded the encampment at around midnight, according to a Reuters witness.

Migrants began setting fire to mattresses and blankets in protest, the witness said, and tried to slip out of the site carrying babies and belongings.

No deaths or injuries were reported in the blaze, which was extinguished in under an hour.

Mexico's migration agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A migration official, who was not authorized to speak to reporters, told Reuters that the goal of the operation was to bring the migrants to Mexico's southern border, where they would be told to return to their home countries.

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It was not clear how many people were detained.

Many among the 150 migrants were Venezuelan families who had stopped at the camp in Chihuahua city, about 220 miles (360 km) from the border city of Ciudad Juarez across from El Paso, Texas, as they headed north to the U.S.

Venezuelan migrant Daniel Barrios, traveling with a woman carrying a baby on her back and a child with a sparkly blue backpack, said they were taken aback by the sudden police presence.

"They surrounded the camp ... they asked just to talk, that they were going to do an inspection and all that," he said.

"Tell me, is it logical to come with this whole police and military force, supposedly to do an inspection at a camp, when they could do it during the day?"

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Barrios cut off his comments as he saw officials in the distance, saying, "We have to move."

Another family that also fled the camp said they were confused and frightened. A woman sobbed as she clutched two children close to her, and two men held toddlers in their arms, as red smoke rose high into the air behind them.

"The police came, and migration officials. We got to this shelter today, and we don't know what's happening," said one of the men. "We're disoriented. We're scared."

(Reporting by Jose Luis Gonzalez, Writing by Daina Beth Solomon, editing by Deepa Babington)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Friday, January 17. Take a look at our top stories in news and weather with KELOLAND On The GO First@4.

A New Effington woman is charged with attempted murder following Wednesdays shooting at Milbank nursing home.

Woman charged with attempted murder for Milbank shooting

The two South Dakota state penitentiary inmates found guilty of attempted murder were back in court Friday for their sentencing.

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Inmates found guilty of attempted murder in court for sentencing

High winds are causing issues for semi-truck drivers in South Dakota.

Highway Patrol: High winds blowing semis off interstate

A frigid forecast is ahead this weekend as the coldest air of the winter season arrives in the region. Strong winds are gusting from the northwest at 20-40 mph and we expect more wind this weekend. The video below shows the hourly temperature trends across KELOLAND. We should drop to 6 degrees in Sioux Falls by Saturday morning.

Storm Center Update: Coldest air of the winter arrives this weekend

Senator, I look forward to working with you. That was the repeated statement of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as she sat before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for her confirmation hearing for the role of Secretary of Homeland Security.

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Noem pledges transparency in DHS confirmation hearing

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
President Joe Bidens last days in office are at hand and Ive been feeling somber.

In 2020, I thought Biden had closed the chapter to one of the darkest times of American history. I thought his election was the American people saying they were no longer influenced by fear. Yet I was wrong.

Four years later, instead of choosing a president committed to democracy, the American people chose a leader in Donald Trump who surrounds himself with billionaires.

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In his farewell address, Biden warned us about this.

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. Weve seen the consequences all across America, and weve seen it before.

How Bidens presidency is ending is truly unfortunate because the American people and his own party rejected him. Biden was rejected by a working class that he helped, according to numerous metrics.

Opinion

Tons of results, but no credit

According to Bloomberg, the number of people who gained access to healthcare soared to more than 21 million and under Bidens watch, the number of uninsured Americans dropped below 8%, a record.

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Biden helped more than 5 million Americans get their student loans forgiven. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership has increased 412,000 since 2021.

Biden was the first American president to walk a picket line when he joined General Motors workers in Michigan last September.

Coming out of the darkest days of the pandemic, Biden enacted the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus that helped government and non-government workers and their families.

When it comes to domestic policy, President Biden probably would go down as one of the most effective presidents that centered the working class, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, told the New York Times.

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Yet even before his disastrous debate performance against Trump last June, polls showed Americans were not happy with Biden. His only failing was his age, which last time I checked he couldnt control. He turned 82 in November and had visibly slowed down since beating Trump in 2020. This was more important to Americans than what he did.

It was ironic that on the same day of his farewell address, it was announced that Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire that will go into effect later this month. There was no applause or congratulations given to Biden, especially among Democrats who were divided on this issue.

Biden is not without faults but he was a man with conviction who tried to help the working class. America will have a hard time voting someone like that into office again.

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A long road ahead

As a 30-year-old, I was most puzzled when my generation abandoned Biden. Last June, a University of Chicago survey found that just one-third of Americans under 40 would back Biden. As a Black man, I was equally puzzled that young Black voters no longer supported Biden either.

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In 2020, 89% of Black voters aged 18-29 voted for Biden, as well as 78% of those aged 30-44,  wrote National Public Radio last June, roughly a month before Biden stepped aside and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

In the latest GenForward survey, just 33% said they would support him if the election were held today.

Among the reasons that Ive heard, it appears that his being a white man with privilege was a big infraction. Trump isnt white and privileged?

Frankly, my generation got Biden wrong.

Biden saw the presidency as a moral responsibility. He has said many times that what spurred him to run in 2020 was the racial hatred visited upon the University of Virginia in 2017 by Neo-Nazis and other white supremacists. Biden was not driven by enriching himself or his supporters. He tried to help heal a country divided.

Sadly, not enough Americans seemed to care about our divisions or our democracy.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the country will need significantly more defence funding in the middle-term, once a special fund for military modernization expires.

"Once the special fund is gone, we will need at least 85 billion [$87.5 billion] from 2028. That's 30 billion more than today," Pistorius said in an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper published late on Friday.

The 100 billion special fund was set up in 2022 to rebuild Germany's military, or Bundeswehr, in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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In 2024, Germany's estimated defence spending was around 52 billion, which, combined with the special fund, amounts to about 2% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Pistorius said that Germany should aim for at least 3% of GDP in defence spending.

"At 3%, we are talking about a little over 120 billion based on today's GDP," he said, noting that Germany is far from this target.

NATO's 2% target achieved

Germany reached NATO's 2% target in defence spending for the first time in decades in 2024, largely due to the special fund financed through debt.

However, Pistorius emphasized that, in the future, the country will need to maintain a consistent level of funding to keep its military modernized.

US President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in on Monday, recently called on NATO allies to spend 5% of their GDP on defence.
The auto-rickshaw driver who rushed Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to the hospital was called by Mumbai Police for questioning on Saturday. Speaking to ANI, Bhajan Singh said that he was called at the Bandra Police Station for questioning. He stated that he has not been contacted by Kareena Kapoor or anyone else so far. "I was called there (Bandra Police Station) for questioning...I did not think about money that night...I have not been contacted by Kareena Kapoor or anyone else so far. I have not had any conversation with them," Bhajan Singh said. Following the recent attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar praised the Mumbai Police and said that they are trying to trace the roots and the truth will come out very soon. Speaking to the media, Shelar said, "Even today, Mumbai remains one of the safest among the megacities of the world. The history of the Mumbai Police has been commendable. Bandra was safe in the past, it is safe today, and it should remain safe in the future as well. For this, the Mumbai Police must continue their work." "The police are working meticulously on this matter. The teams formed are trying to trace the roots of the issue, and the truth will come to light very soon. Catching the culprit should be the police's priority. I have conveyed this to the senior officials of the police department," he added. The BJP leader also mentioned that he hopes that Saif Ali Khan would recover quickly. "I had met him the day before yesterday. The attack on him and the subsequent surgery lasted for 5-6 hours. We hope that he recovers quickly and comes out of it fully well," Ashish Shelar said. The incident, which left the actor with stab wounds to his thoracic spine, occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid in the early hours of Thursday. Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for treatment after he sustained major injuries. As per the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is doing well and has been shifted from ICU to a normal room. The surgery, which involved removing a 2.5-inch-long blade, was successful, and while Saif is currently "out of danger," medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely. In a related development, Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams as part of an extensive investigation to locate the assailant. Additionally, police are examining CCTV footage and questioning over 30 individuals, including the actor's staff and people seen in the vicinity of his residence that night. (ANI)
Jan. 17ST. PAUL  The Minnesota Department of Human Services concluded its investigation into the Rochester KinderCare location after a woman was charged with lacerating a 1-year-old with a pizza cutter.

The DHS report, issued on Jan. 15, cleared the KinderCare facility, noting that Andrianna Newburn was responsible for the single incident of maltreatment.

The incident occurred on June 13, 2024 , when Newburn was arguing with a staff member in the facility's kitchen. The staff member told Newburn to "think of the kids" who were listening or watching the incident, according to the DHS investigation report.

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A third staff member heard Newburn continue arguing with the staff member in the front entryway of the facility, the report said. The third staff member saw Newburn trying to push open the entryway door with a pizza cutter to reach the other staff member.

Newburn said she would "hurt" or "cut" the staff member's children.

Soon after, another staff member was holding a 1-year-old, who had a "huge cut" on their cheek. The 1-year-old is the child of the staff member who was arguing with Newburn, the report said.

The facility's internal review determined that while their policies and procedures are adequate, Newburn failed to follow them. She no longer works at the facility.

Newburn was charged in Olmsted County District Court faces five assault charges and one terroristic threats charge. She is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing on Feb. 11.
Advocates for a minimum degree of paid sick leave for Nebraska workers brought boxes of petition signatures to downtown Lincoln before bringing them to the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Minor adjustments could be coming to Nebraskas imminent paid sick leave law this October, which the campaign said are meant to aid implementation.

Legislative Bill 415, from State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, would modify the Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, which sets a baseline paid sick leave requirement for businesses based on the number of weekly employees. Voters enacted the change by ballot initiative in November 2024.

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Once the law takes effect Oct. 1, employees will earn at least one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small businesses (fewer than 20 weekly employees) must offer at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. Larger employers must offer up to 56 hours of paid sick leave each year.

State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, left, talks with State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Ballard said one of the biggest questions he and others have fielded since the initiative passed is from businesses asking what to do if an existing benefits package far exceeds the initiative requirements.

Some business owners, Ballard said, have asked whether the requirements set a floor or ceiling for possible sick leave hours in a year.

Under LB 415, businesses that meet or exceed the new law would not be required to allow employees to earn more paid sick leave than their existing policy, or carry over more hours into the next year.

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Its something that I hear from a lot of my businesses that are concerned, Ballard said. They understand the need but also just want a little more clarification on whats required from them.

Jodi Lepaopao, campaign manager of Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, said LB 415s changes are aimed at simplifying implementation.

We are not concerned with LB 415s changes, but we are opposed to any bill that would go beyond LB 415 to change paid sick leave as it was voted on and approved by nearly 75% of Nebraskans, Lepaopao said in a statement.

Employees can use paid sick leave for themselves or a family member for mental or physical illness, injury or a health condition or for a medical diagnosis or preventive medical care. Paid sick time could also be used during a public health emergency that closes a business or school.

Advocates to enshrine a minimum level of paid sick leave for Nebraska workers in state law celebrate the announcement they gathered more than 138,000 signatures in hopes to qualify for the November ballot Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Among the changes in LB 415:

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Employees could begin to accrue paid sick time after 80 hours of consecutive work, instead of right away.

Paid sick time earned prior to the law taking effect, between Jan. 1 and Oct. 1, would count toward an employers obligations under the law.

When an employee leaves employment but is rehired within the next 12 months, they can have unused paid sick leave time reinstated unless it was paid out to the employee.

Individual owner-operators and independent contractors would not be counted as employees, similar to state or federal employees and individuals who work in the state for fewer than 80 hours in a calendar year.

An employee could request using paid sick leave in writing.

Family member includes children, parents or legal guardians, a spouse, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or other blood relative. It also includes anyone whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.

Employees will not be required to search for a replacement worker.

Employers will be prohibited from punishing employees for using earned paid sick leave but can set a written policy for how the employee must request the time off. An employer could require a doctors note or other signed documentation after three consecutive work days.

The Nebraska Department of Labor can create additional rules and regulations as necessary.

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Said Ballard: The bill is still trying to respect the voters wishes but also have some constraints around definitions.

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FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  Forrest County deputies announced a bar owner was arrested in connection to the death of a pedestrian.

Investigators said 65-year-old John Folkes, of Seminary, was arrested and charged with manslaughter on January 17, 2025. Folkes is the owner of Johns Bar, according to deputies.

Man wanted for felony shoplifting in Hattiesburg

They said his arrest is the result of an investigation into the death of Garret Pitts, who was struck and killed by a vehicle in front of Johns Bar on Highway 49 on December 29, 2024.

John Folkes (Courtesy: Forrest County Sheriffs Dept.)

During a hearing on Sunday at the Forrest County Justice Court, Folkes bond was set at $100,000.

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Deputies said this is an active investigation, and no further details will be released at this time.

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MISSOURI  House Bill 285 would require some Missouri public and charter schools to offer breakfast during the school day beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

According to the bill, it applies to any public or charter school in which 70 percent or more of the students were eligible for free or reduced meals through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

The schools required to provide breakfast are given the option to serve it during or after a first period, or students may pick up breakfast in the cafeteria and eat when and where they want.

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The bill, if passed, would require breakfast after the bell be implemented starting in the 2025-2026 school years.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  A Missouri lawmaker introduced a new bill Thursday that aims to prevent the enforcement of red flag gun laws in the state.

Missouri State Rep. Mazzie Christensen (R-Bethany) introduced HB 459 on Thursday, legislation that calls to create an Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act. It follows a similar effort last year from former Missouri senator-turned-secretary of state Denny Hoskins.

If approved, the bill would block law enforcement officers from enforcing any federal order of protection or court order that mandates the confiscation of firearms or ammunition, aside from individuals with a felony conviction.

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Food Network picks the most iconic foods and drinks of St. Louis

A red flag law allows a state or federal court to order the temporary seizure or removal of firearms from individuals deemed to be at risk of harming themselves or others. Nineteen states have red flag laws in place, but Missouri is not one of those states, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association.

An anti-red flag law, as Missouri lawmakers have proposed the last two years, deems the process to be a violation of Second Amendment rights.

No state entity or employee thereof, political subdivision or employee thereof, or other entity or person shall have the authority to enforce or attempt to enforce a red flag law regardless of the red flag laws origin or the authority of the issuing entity, the bill reads, in part.

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HB 459 also calls to strip federal funding and impose civil penalties on state and local agencies if an officer knowingly enforces a red flag law. In the case of violations, individuals could also seek legal remedies, like injunctive relief or damages.

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Advocates of anti-red flag laws may argue that such measures protect Missourians from government overreach, while opponents may contend that they hunder law enforcements ability to act on credible threats.

Meanwhile, Missouris lack of a red flag law became a key issue after the deadly CVPA school shooting in St. Louis in 2022, when police said they lacked authority to seize a gun linked to the tragedy due to the absence of a red flag law.

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Last years anti-red flag proposal did not clear the Missouri Senate. The newest proposal has been read two times in the Missouri House, but is not currently on the House calendar.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Dayton will receive a $1,000 grant for the Dayton MLK Day service project.



State Rep. Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) announced the ServeOhio grant on Saturday, Jan. 18. The money will go to Wright-Patt Credit Unions Sunshine Community Fund for its MLK Day Service Project.

25 volunteers will make community health and wellness bags at The Hope Center.

MLK Day is a day on, not a day off, said Rep. Tims. I am thrilled that the Sunshine Community Fund will have an opportunity to demonstrate and embody the very ideals of community service and compassion for our neighbors. I hope that everyone joins us in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this day of service.

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For 2025 ServeOhio is funding over 20 service projects including 1,600 volunteers across Ohio.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sens. Matt Regier, Jason Ellsworth and Greg Hertz sit at a Republican Senate caucus meeting before giving their speeches seeking to be Senate President for 2025. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

The former Republican state Senate president denied Friday any wrongdoing in connection with a $170,000 no-bid contract he signed in his final days in office, an expenditure that is now under scrutiny by new Senate leadership.

Montana State News Bureau first reported that the contract Sen. Jason Ellsworth quietly signed at the end of his term as head of the interim Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform has raised concerns with Republican leaders in the Senate.

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Ellsworth contracted an outside consultant to conduct an analysis of 27 bills the committee drafted for the 2025 Montana Legislature and make an assessment of their effectiveness in achieving  intended judicial reform objectives.

The Department of Administration also signed off on the contract.

contract ells

On Friday, however, committee member Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, told the Daily Montanan the committee had rejected the need to spend money on such a contract because its own staff was able to do the work. Emrich said its membership was unaware that Ellsworth had forged ahead on his own.

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The bottom line is we rejected it as a committee, he said. We said No, and then he went off and did it anyway, which didnt make any sense.

The contract is between Ellsworth and Bryce Eggleston of Agile Analytics, a business that registered its name with the Secretary of States Office on Dec. 12. Ellsworth signed the contract on Dec. 31.

A Federal Trade Commission case from more than a decade ago identified Ellsworth and Eggleston as having a previous professional relationship, with businesses registered at the same Hamilton address.

Ellsworth exhibited close financial and business ties with Eggleston, according to court filings from the case in which Ellsworth and his Montana-based telemarketing firm was fined $600,000 for violations of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act.

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Ellsworth is a Republican from Hamilton, and according to Agiles registration, Eggleston is from Stevensville, both in the Bitterroot Valley.

The newly filed business registration form describes Agile as doing work in data analytics and reporting. Eggleston, who did not return a call or emails for comment Friday, appears to have a background as an actor and producer.

Ellsworth told the Daily Montanan he believes the recent registration only indicates a DBA change, or a doing business as name change to an existing company  the registered entity is AgileXO, according to the form  but did not elaborate.

He said he believes Agile is qualified to do detailed legislative work.

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Absolutely, because theyre very familiar with these particular issues, and theyve been duly informed of how important they are for the Republican Party, Ellsworth said.

Current Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said Friday GOP leadership is still looking to connect all the dots and see how deep this goes.

Its very concerning, Regier said.

He said an initial review is underway but declined to offer specifics.

Theres proper channels to go through to look at waste, fraud and abuse, and if it goes deeper, then it will be relayed on to the proper authorities, Regier said.

Sen. Jason Ellsworth takes his seat for a floor session on Jan. 17, 2025. (Micah Drew/ Daily Montanan)

Ellsworth said early Friday afternoon he had not been contacted by any authority requesting a formal response to any allegations of ethical violations.

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In November, Ellsworth lost his bid to serve another term as president of the Senate, though he remains in the Legislature. He and Regier clashed last week after Ellsworth joined Democrats in a political struggle that determined the makeup of Senate committees.

Within the Legislature, any legislator can file a complaint alleging a violation of ethical conduct before each chambers Ethics Committee. The chair of the Senate ethics review committee said Friday morning it had received no related complaints.

Ellsworth blindsides committee

Senate Republicans formed the interim Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform in April of last year. Ellsworth served as committee chairperson.

Changes to the judiciary are a priority for Republicans this session, after lawmakers expressed frustration at court rulings overturning some of their laws. But Ellsworth denied that his action would cast a pall on the effort and disputed any ethical breach in connection with the contract.

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Its completely transparent, Ellsworth said of the way he had handled the contract.

Regier also said he did not believe the appearance of impropriety would cast a shadow on the work done by the Judicial Oversight and Reform Committee.

However, Regier said he spoke with other members of the committee, and they said they knew nothing about the contract.

This seems like a Senator Ellsworth all-by-himself move, Regier said. A lot of great legislation that weve already heard has come out of that [committee], so I hope that these two issues will be divorced, because it certainly seems like they are.

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Emrich, who served on the interim committee and is sponsoring many of the 27 bills, said Ellsworth raised the idea of hiring someone to track the legislation during two of the committees final meetings, but the committee rejected the idea.

Emrich said that between legislative staff assigned to the committee and already on payroll, and GOP partisan staff, we didnt feel like there was any reason to hire more.

And we had no idea it was going to cost $170,000, he said.

In its last meeting in early December, the committee opted to just use legislative staff to prepare regular reports, to which Ellsworth said he was perfectly fine with that.

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I feel lied to, Emrich added. He wasnt honest with the committee.

Ellsworth told the Daily Montanan that because the priority legislation is partisan, with no backing from Senate Democrats, he did not believe it would be appropriate to use legislative staff.

The contract is between Ellsworth, in his capacity as Senate president and committee chair, and Agile. It says the work is necessary to ensure the committees intended outcomes are realized.

The contract identifies Ellsworth as its single point of contact, but Ellsworth said he planned to disseminate reports he received from the committee.

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A procurement officer from the Department of Administration signed off on the contract, as did a legal representative.

Department staff did not respond Friday to requests for comment about the timeline of the contract and DOAs due diligence, but told the Montana State News Bureau one day earlier that DOA approves a limited number of emergency contracts and did so in this case because funds for the committee were set to expire.

The initial contract runs from December 2024 through December 2026, unless terminated earlier or extended. It lists payment as monthly invoicing for $7,087 for 24 months and requires weekly reports to the chair.

Legislative Services Division Director Jerry Howe confirmed the division recently received a bill for nearly $7,100 from Agile. He said he believes the contract is valid and there appears to be no reason to withhold payment.

However, Howe said given questions being raised about the contract, he likely would confer with legal counsel.

Now that theres people raising the specter of (possible problems), well probably have to look at it too, he said.

Legal counsel with the Legislative Services Division could not be reached Friday for this story.
(Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters)

A record-breaking 247,000 Marylanders got private health insurance through the states insurance marketplace during the just-ended 2024 open enrollment period, an increase which includes more Black, Hispanic and young Marylanders enrolling in private health care, new data shows.

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which manages the states insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, said in a Friday press release that the latest open enrollment period saw a 16% increase in enrollees compared to the 2023 count, with a total of 247,243 Marylanders buying health coverage from the marketplace in 2024.

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Were really thrilled, Michele Eberle, executive director for MHBE, said Friday. Last year  I said to my team, Lets try to get 250,000 this year, and they all thought I was crazy. Lo and behold  we came up with over 247,000. So, were getting pretty darn close to that.

She was also pleased that the record-breaking enrollment numbers included increases among targeted demographics for the exchange, which includes Black and Hispanic populations along with young adults.

Open enrollment, when people can sign up for a health insurance plan or make changes to their current plan, ran from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. The most recent number continues a seven-year climb in enrollments on the state marketplace, according to data from the exchange.

More than one-third of the 2024 enrollments were from people aged 18-37, the young adult population that can qualify for a subsidy that helps bring their health care costs down by an average of $38 per month, depending on financial needs.

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There were 89,642 in that age group who enrolled this year  a 21% increase compared to the young adult enrollment in 2023, which was 73,858.

Thats 36% of our total enrollments (this year), Eberle said.

Of the nearly 90,000 young adults enrolled this year, 72% qualified for the young adult subsidy. It was created in 2022 as a pilot program to bring costs down for qualifying young people, who tend to make up one of the largest uninsured populations, Eberle said. Some members of the General Assembly are interested in making the youth subsidy permanent through legislation in the 2025 session.

Eberle said said that having young healthy people enrolled in the insurance pool helps keep premium costs down for everyone, while also ensuring that younger adults are covered during unanticipated medical situations.

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Weve done a lot to educate younger folks, she said. You dont know when theres going to be a pandemic, If youre going to have an unintended pregnancy. You dont know if you get a chronic condition or a cancer  or if you just fall and break your leg.

She was also pleased with the increase in enrollments among Black and Hispanic Marylanders.

Enrollment by Black Marylanders grew 23% in 2024  from 41,611 in the 2023 enrollment period to 51,086 in the most recent period. For Hispanic Marylanders, those enrollment numbers grew from 28,701 to 35,883, an increase of 25%.

While the overall number of enrollments was rising, the number of new enrollees decreased compared to last year. In 2023, there were 56,220 new enrollments to the marketplace. For 2024, there were 54,255 new enrollments  a decrease of 4%.

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Eberle is not worried about that drop.

The reason is that all last year, we had the public health emergency unwind. So as people were moving off of Medicaid, it qualified them for a special enrollment, and they could come in and get coverage through the exchange, she said. We started our renewals at a much higher level than we had in years past.

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Those renewing their insurance on the marketplace grew instead, with a 22% increase in the latest period. That means that about 193,000 people renewed coverage on the marketplace this year compared to 158,000 last year.

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Part of that is because we have very affordable health plans  we refer to that as the stickiness of insurance. If people like their health plans and they feel it that its affordable for them then they stay in their coverage, she said. So those are all good signs.

While Eberle and others at the health exchange are excited about the recent enrollment numbers, they said that the next year will be focused on responding to any potential federal policy changes under the incoming Trump administration that could reduce access to affordable health care plans for some people on the marketplace.

That could include a couple hundred Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, or so-called Dreamers. Those people, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, has been barred from buying private health insurance through the state marketplace, but a federal change by the Biden administration allowed them to buy on the marketplace for the first time this year.

About 249 Marylanders with DACA status purchased health care on the exchange this year. Depending what the Trump administration has in store, Eberle is worried that their new access to the marketplace could be at risk, among other concerns.

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I think well just be on guard for any changes coming down from the federal government, Eberle said. Well be eyes wide open. Well be prepared for what may come out of Congress or what may come out of the new federal administration and how we can make sure that we can get health coverage for Marylanders.

That will be our largest challenge this year, she said.
Hanan Shaheen, the mother of slain 6-year-old Plainfield boy Wadee Alfayoumi  who was fatally stabbed in an October 2023 attack that drew hate-crime charges  met President Joe Biden during a visit to the White House as he wrapped up the final days of his presidency.

Biden spoke with Shaheen for about 10 minutes, said Maaria Mozaffar, an Illinois-based legislative attorney who accompanied Shaheen to the Oval Office on Tuesday.

We understood the enormity of the moment, and we wanted to be able to deliver every sentiment and statement that the Muslim community would want to deliver, Mozaffar said. Its important to understand that behind every policy and every decision and every political office is a human being, and we were not going to give up an opportunity to have a human-to-human connection.

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According to police, Joseph Czuba  the familys landlord  allegedly stabbed Shaheen dozens of times outside her home and stabbed Wadee 26 times because of their Muslim and Palestinian identity.

At the White House, Shaheen and Mozaffar met first with senior administration officials before spending a few moments with Biden. Mozaffar chose to give Biden a Palestinian keffiyeh, an English-language Quran and a wood plank with a Biblical verse saying, Do to others as you would have them do to you. The items go far beyond political headlines and news of the Israel-Hamas war, Mozaffar said.

She also handed him a letter, which reads in part: It is indeed dehumanization that allows us to consistently make tolerable the witnessing of the crushing of children under buildings. If such a case occurred in cities like Chicago, New York, Washington, DC, children caught in the crossfires of war to fulfill a military objective, we would say immediately, Find another way as this crosses every red line of who we are as Americans.

Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from the South Side of Chicago who traveled to Gaza last year and has been outspoken about Wadees killing, said the meeting between Shaheen and Biden was a significant moment of recognition. But the timing doesnt sit well with him.

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Its just unfortunate that it took so long, and I have to be honest  as a father of two little girls and obviously as a Palestinian American  something rubs me the wrong way about it happening in the lame duck final days, Ahmad said. It felt like we were working so hard for Wadee to get the attention that any other American kid would get in a tragedy like this, but of course (I support) whatever we can do to keep bringing it back to what happened.

The meeting was a long time coming for Mozaffar, who has been pushing political leaders to talk about Wadees killing as representative of the dehumanization of Palestinians and Muslims since the Plainfield attack on Oct. 14.

Authorities said Czuba targeted the family after Hamas Oct. 7 attack in Israel and was radicalized by listening to political commentary a week into the Israel-Hamas war. Czuba was charged with two counts of hate crimes in addition to first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, and is set for a jury trial next month.

Shaheen was hospitalized and Wadees death was cemented as a casualty of false narratives, misinformation and hate, Mozaffar said, which was fueled by dangerous political rhetoric used for political expediency at the highest levels of political office.

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The private meeting at the White House was both a statement and an opportunity for Biden to confront the issues that arguably defined the final years of his presidency, Mozaffar said, adding that she rehearsed extensively to ensure her words covered the gravity of the last 15 months of war in Gaza and its implications on humanity.

A day before the meeting, U.S. officials announced that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was imminent, potentially putting a pause on the war in Gaza.

And on Friday, The Associated Press reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement for a ceasefire deal had been reached, which could bring relief to a region where nearly 90% of the 2.3 million Gazans have been displaced.

Authorities say Israels military offensive has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and wounded hundreds of thousands, many of whom are in tent camps along the coast without access to food, medicine and other basic necessities. A new analysis released this month by the Lancet says the death toll in Gaza is actually much higher. Hamas Oct. 7 attack killed 1,200 in Israel.

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Many Palestinians in the Chicago area are hopeful for a lasting agreement that would bring peace to their families in Gaza, but like Bridgeview resident Fidaa Elaydi, theyre heartbroken that so many lives were lost.

Theres so much anger and frustration that the Biden administration didnt exert their political power to push Israel to come to this agreement sooner, Elaydi told the Tribune. So much destruction could have been prevented, and so much heartache and so much sorrow and pain, so much loss  yet he wants to claim this (ceasefire) as his diplomatic win when really its a result of his abysmal failure.

In March, dozens of Arab, Muslim and Palestinian American leaders declined a White House request to meet with community organizers in Chicago ahead of the Illinois primary, feeling alienated by Bidens staunch support of Israel and the flow of U.S. weapons that Israel used to bombard Gaza.

Mozaffar declined the meeting as well, explaining that she didnt think the meeting would amount to impactful policy changes.

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But after a congressional resolution honoring Wadee  drafted by Mozaffar and sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin  passed the Senate unanimously in September, Mozaffar said White House aides contacted her about setting up a phone call between Shaheen and the president on the anniversary of Wadees death. Mozaffar urged the president to meet with Shaheen in person during that call.

This meeting would be different, Mozaffar said, if we could connect directly with the president to reaffirm the consequences of dehumanization with someone who is a victim of false narratives, it would have a different impact.

Mozaffar said separate from everything else, the private moment between Shaheen and Biden, who lost a daughter and a son, was centered around shared grief.

At the end of their conversation, Shaheen said to the president: We are connected by God. We both lost children.

zsyed@chicagotribune.com
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q must pay more than $2.8 million in damages to a San Antonio woman who spilled dangerously hot barbecue sauce on her thigh in 2023. Mike Sutter/Staff

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, the San Antonio restaurant chain with roots stretching back to the 50s, must pay $2.8 million in damages to a woman who suffered second-degree burns on her thigh after spilling dangerously hot barbecue sauce on herself.

A Bexar County jury of six men and six women unanimously found the injuries Genesis Monita suffered from the 2023 incident were the result of Bill Millers gross negligence.

It sends the message that companies cannot put profits over customer safety, Lawrence Morales II, an attorney representing the San Antonio woman, said of the award. It protects people in our community and elsewhere when companies know that.

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It was unclear if Bill Miller, which operates about 75 stores in San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi, will appeal.

Jurors deliberated just under two hours Friday before awarding Monita $900,000 for her past and future mental anguish, physical pain and impairment. They also awarded $25,225 for medical care expenses and $700 for lost earnings.

After finding gross negligence on the part of Bill Miller, they had to decide how much the company should pay in punitive damages on top of the compensatory damages. Jurors took about 15 minutes before deciding to award Monita, 19, almost $1.9 million.

Barry McClenahan, an attorney who defended Bill Miller, said he would speak with his client to determine how it wants to proceed.

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Before jurors began deliberations on punitive damages, though, he told them they had already made themselves heard.

The company will do better, Im sure, after getting this message, he said.

What happened

Monita and her sister had gone to the Bill Miller at Old Pearsall Road and Loop 410 to get breakfast tacos before heading to school on the morning of May 19, 2023. After purchasing the tacos at the drive-thru, Monita pulled over into a nearby parking space to eat.

She said the barbecue sauce was so hot that it caused her to drop the container, spilling the sauce on her upper right thigh. The sauce, which went through her ripped jeans, left a nasty burn. The jury verdict included $25,000 for Monita to have surgery to remove a scar left by the burn.

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Bill Miller was negligent in giving her dangerously hot barbecue sauce, not providing her a container that was adequate to contain the condiment and failing to warn her that the sauce was hot, Monita alleged in her 2023 complaint.

The sauce she spilled was 189 degrees, well above the 165-degree temperature spelled out in Bill Millers policy. McClenahan countered that the 165 degrees is a minimum temperature to comply with safety rules. It doesnt have any policy that prohibits the sauce from being heated to 189 degrees, he said.

Jurors assessed no fault on Monita, while assigning full blame to Bill Miller.

The company, which is named for its late founder, has become a common sight in San Antonio since it was founded 75 years ago.

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It began when Bill Miller started a poultry and egg operation in 1950 and, in 1953, opened a fried chicken to-go restaurant. He later added hamburgers and barbecue to the menu. Over the years, the restaurants name also changed, from Millers Chicken Box to Bill Millers Fine Foods to the moniker now seen on restaurants across the city.

In recent years, its been planning a new growth phase. Announcing plans to move from its longtime downtown headquarters to new digs on the West Side in 2022, Bill Miller said the $55 million project  the single largest investment in company history  would allow it to increase its store count to about 150.

The award

During opening statements Wednesday and closing arguments Friday in state District Judge Christine Horticks courtroom, Morales told jurors that a similar incident occurred in 2021 at the same restaurant. In that incident, a woman burned her abdomen after spilling barbecue sauce. Yet after both incidents, he said, Bill Miller did not change the way it does business.

The reality is they will change nothing, Morales said. (They say), Its not unreasonably dangerous. Only two people have been harmed. How many more people (have to be harmed)? Well, a lot more people. Thats what the answer is.

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McClenahan calculated that in the span of 865 days between the two incidents, Bill Miller had dispensed more than 2.2 million ounces of barbecue sauce. The restaurant gives out 2 ounces of sauce in a 4-ounce plastic cup. It knows of no other instances of customers being burned, he said.

If thats unreasonably dangerous, then were all in trouble, he said during closing arguments. We have a duty for our own safety. All of you agreed. That is still true. Just because something happened to us doesnt make it someone elses doing.

During the punitive damages portion of closing arguments, Morales noted that Bill Miller had a net worth of nearly $83 million as of September. He originally asked the jury to make the restaurant chain, which has 80 locations, pay 1% of its net worth  or almost $830,000  in punitive damages.

But he later asked them to award 10%, or about $8.3 million, after hearing McClenahans closing arguments on punitive damages.

They still dont get it, Morales said.

The total jury award is similar to the one in the infamous McDonalds case from 1992. In that instance, a 79-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., widow was burned after spilling coffee on herself while holding the cup between her knees to lift the lid.

Stella Liebeck suffered horrific burns over 16% of her body; 6% were third-degree burns, including to her groin, daughter Judy Allen told the New York Times Retro Report in 2013.

Liebeck sued McDonalds, alleging the coffee was unreasonably hot and therefore unreasonably dangerous.

A jury awarded her $160,000 in compensatory damages and $2.7 million in punitive damages (the equivalent of more than $6 million today). The verdict sparked calls for reforms to limit damages in civil cases. The case ultimately was settled out of court for less than $500,000, a source told Retro Report.
Speaking to ANI, he stated, "The Odisha Government has signed eight MoUs with Singapore during this visit, including one by my department on renewable and green energy. This reflects our commitment to sustainable development."

"The Singapore President attended a cultural program yesterday and visited the historic Konark Temple today. We are optimistic that this visit will pave the way for increased investments and enhanced collaboration between Odisha and Singapore," he added.

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.

The Singapore President was welcomed by CM Majhi on Friday. The Chief Minister expressed enthusiasm for the deepening ties, and stated, "There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha."

Earlier, 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.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on MoU, said, Odisha aims to leverage GFTN's global expertise and resources to drive innovation and create tailored Fintech solutions in the state.

Earlier today, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited the Raghurajpur village in Odisha and explored its heritage craft and artisanal diversity. He was accompanied by his wife, Jane Yumiko Ittogi.

During the visit, the Singaporean President also toured the Vertical Transportation Lab and Travelator Lab at the World Skill Center and interacted with students and instructors. (ANI)
Mother of woman killed in Eaton Fire sues California utility

NEW YORK, Jan 17 (Reuters)  The mother of a woman who was killed in the Los Angeles-area Eaton Fire on Friday sued Southern California Edison (SCE) in what may be the first death-related case brought against the electric utility in connection with the disaster.

Multiple fires that began to burn and quickly spread across Los Angeles in strong Santa Ana wind gusts last week have killed more than two dozen people and charred some 40,000 acres of the second-largest U.S. metro area.

While official investigators have not released the cause of the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, SCE has fielded a growing number of lawsuits accusing the utilitys equipment of sparking the initial flames.

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Altadena resident Evelyn Cathirell sued SCE for wrongful death after the remains of her daughter, Evelyn Petey McClendon were found in their shared home after it was destroyed by the blaze.

State Farm cancels Super Bowl ad over California wildfires

Peteys final hours were filled with chaos and panic, said the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The surroundings were straight out of a disaster movie with embers blowing freely in the wind, spot fires sprouting up in all directions, and a ceaseless wind.

Cathirells legal action follows multiple lawsuits filed against SCE this week by residents and business owners with destroyed property.

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Late Thursday night, attorneys for a woman who lost her home in the Los Angeles-area Eaton Fire filed an emergency request for SCE to preserve additional electrical equipment to be examined in blaze investigations, court filings show.

Evangeline Iglesias, who is among those suing SCE after her Altadena home was decimated in the inferno, asked the Los Angeles Superior Court to halt efforts by SCE to destroy some distribution lines and other electrical equipment in the burn area, according to court documents.

A spokesperson with SCE said the company is focused on restoring power to affected areas. The company said it is aware of lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire and will review them.

SCE, which is the main subsidiary of Edison International, previously said it preserved some power equipment to be examined in fire investigations.

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Wisdom of a California grandmother, 90, goes viral amid Eaton Fire tragedy

The law firm representing Iglesias, Edelson PC, said in the filings that SCE told the firm in letters that it planned to imminently remove physical power infrastructure in the burn area unless told specifically which equipment to keep.

That level of specificity, Edelson argued in its emergency request to the court, was unreasonable, particularly where most or all of that evidence is owned by SCE and where SCE has unique knowledge of the fires origin and spread, the filings showed.

Multiple investigations into the cause of the Eaton and Palisades fires  the two most destructive fires in California  are ongoing.

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Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Aurora Ellis and David Gregorio.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MOUNTAIN HOME, Tenn. (WJHL)  This week, Mountain Home National Cemetery held a service to honor the lives of unaccompanied veterans. The ceremonies are put on quarterly by the cemetery, local veterans groups, and other organizations.

The National Cemetery, specifically Mountain Home National Cemetery, works with our veterans service offices here, said Cemetery Director Richard Munoz. Some of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars offices here that support these events. So we work together collaboratively. Its very important that we do this to recognize those who dont have any friends, who dont have any families, and that we recognize them and provide a dignified burial space for them, that we remember them, that their service to our country goes noticed, that it does not go unnoticed.

Navy veteran Robert Clyde Green and Air Force Veteran Daniel Ralph Williams were remembered.

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Its important because it shows the communitys involvement with the national, their local national cemetery, and that they show that they care that theyre here for our fallen heroes, Munoz said. They might not have known them in life, but theyll be here present to honor them and in their death.

Full military honors are performed, including a three-round rifle volley, the playing of Taps, the ringing of the honor bell, and a folding presentation of the flag.

Unaccompanied. The unclaimed means they didnt have any family at all when they passed or the family just didnt accept them, or whatever the reason may be, said Air Force veteran and historian for American Legion Post 21 Allen Jackson. There was no one here for it. So we step in and we are their family. Were their brothers and sisters in arms.

Jackson has been a part of the services for more than a decade now.

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And the least I could do is to say thank you for that service, especially the ones that have no one to come to them, Jackson said.

Jackie Dennison drove from Bristol, Virginia to pay her respects.

My husband was in the Navy for six years. He was a Seabee, and he did two tours in Vietnam. He passed away in November of 2021, Dennison said. When I found out about these events, I felt it was my duty to come out of respect for him and out of respect for all the others that we have lost that didnt have anyone for them.

The services are open to anyone, even those without military connections.

I had three Navy and one Army in my family and my uncle was killed in action in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. And so I just feel very committed to remembering those that have passed on, she said. You dont have to be connected to the military to do it, but just to honor those people that did serve and sacrifice and are no longer with us.

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The next service is scheduled to take place on April 16. Theyre conducted at the National Cemetery Annex on the new portion of the cemetery.

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A Southwest Atlanta neighborhood is asking for help after an afternoon shootout killed a father working outside.

Friday, Atlanta Police Department said he was caught in the crossfire of two parties shooting at each other near Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and Interstate 285.

Mr. Mayor, we need help, sir. Please, help us. We are willing to listen. We are willing to follow, but we need some help, said Mike Hall.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

He grew up in the Adamsville neighborhood and knew 53-year-old Greg Witherspoon, who was killed in the Friday gunfire.

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This is so, so hard to digest, said Hall.

He said Witherspoon was known for washing cars there.

Hes a nice gentleman that went around helping people out, making a little money in the neighborhood, surviving, said Hall.

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People working, getting groceries, and waiting at the bus stop during the shootout asked us not to share their names in fear of retaliation. One mother said she does not feel safe there anymore.

It is just crazy. People need to stop this in this neighborhood. Children and stuff walk by and stuff. They could get caught up in the crossfire, you know?

Hall said, You cannot live like this anymore. They shot my vehicle up on Thanksgiving. My uncle was in the car, 86 years old. This needs to stop.

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Hosts of MSNBCs flagship weekend talk show have blasted Pam Bondis performance during her confirmation hearings in the U.S. senate ahead of likely becoming the nations next Attorney General.

Noting that Bondi had in many instances skirted entirely the questions put to her by the panel of senators, The Weekend host Michael Steele drew particular attention to an exchange between the former Florida Attorney General and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Steele said, What is stunning to me is that level of questioning was not put on Pam Bondi. And the moment, to me, [which] made the hearing a real sort of slaw-jacked, whacked out moment was the exchange with, you know, the senators around Donald Trump in his election results.

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You know, she and Ted Cruz having this, finishing each others sentences moment where theyre talking about, you know, the election and shes like, Oh yes, 77 million people, he went on, mimicking Bondis pitch of voice as he summarized what shed said.

By that point in the broadcast, Steele seemed increasingly exasperated by Republican members of the committee treating Bondi to what he appeared to think had been a free ride.

He said, You know, its like, really? I mean, I know youre concerned about the one and not the 330 million. So this is, I dont know

Gathering his thoughts, he then added, Yall going to find out a whole lot of stuff and people going to be running around looking for help from people who arent there, and thats going to be a big problem.
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  An MTA employee was punched in a random, unprovoked attack in a subway station in Harlem on Friday afternoon, police say.

The 66-year-old employee was on the job at the Harlem -148 Street subway station around 1 p.m. on Friday, officials report.

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She was standing on the platform when a man approached her and suddenly punched her in the face, according to authorities.

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The employee was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.

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).

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Middle Tennessee State University will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, in the Student Union Atrium, 1768 MTSU Blvd.

Classes begin for the spring semester on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with the King observance the following day.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration has historically been held on the actual holiday. However, this date was a barrier for some as the university is closed for the holiday, and it precedes the start of the spring semester, explained Danielle Rochelle, director of the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, which hosts the event annually.

Danielle Rochelle, director, Intercultural and Diversity Affairs

Rochelle said the decision to also change the time will give the chance for more people on campus and in the wider community to attend the free event honoring the slain civil rights leader and his widow, the late Coretta Scott King.

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Speakers for the celebration will include Dakota Logan of The Point Campus Ministry and Student Government Association President Michai Mosby. The occasion is a Connection Point event for MTSU students.

Michai Mosby, 2024-2025 SGA President.

It is an incredible honor to speak at MTSUs 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Mosby said. Dr. Kings legacy of justice, equality and service continues to inspire us as we strive to build a campus and community that reflect those ideals. This event is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Other guests include the men of the Murfreesboro Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, of which King was a member, and women of the Murfreesboro Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, of which Mrs. King was an honorary member. The Rev. Vincent Windrow, pastor of Olive Branch Church and retired associate vice provost at MTSU, will provide remarks on the history of the True Blue Pledge as it relates to the late civil rights leader.

The public is invited to attend the celebration. Parking is available just north of the building off Blue Raider Drive.

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Off-campus visitors can obtain a temporary parking permit from the Parking and Transportation Services office at 205 City View Drive or pay by plate by visiting this webpage, https://bit.ly/mtvisitorparking, and clicking the appropriate link under Visitor Parking. Visitor permits are $2 per day.

A campus parking map is available at https://bit.ly/MTSUParking and more information is available at https://mtsu.edu/parking/.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who was inspired both by his Christian faith and by civil disobedience tactics employed by Indian leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, led marches and demonstrations that promoted the end of legally enforced racial segregation in public accommodations. His work and that of his followers prompted Congress to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

After speaking to sanitation workers who were striking for better wages and working conditions in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, King was assassinated as he stood on the balcony of the citys Lorraine Motel.

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On Nov. 21, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the law creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national celebration of Kings birthday. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, and the first observance of the holiday was on Jan. 20, 1986. The holiday is celebrated each third Monday in January.

For more information about the celebration, call 615-898-5812 or email ida@mtsu.edu.

MLK Day campus closings

In addition to Mondays universitywide closing, the Student Union and James E. Walker Library will be closed Saturday-Monday, Jan. 18-20.

Campus Recreation Center will be open noon to 5 p.m. Saturday-Monday, Jan. 18-20.

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Hours for MT Dining locations will vary. McCallie Dining Hall will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Jan. 19-20. For more details on other locations, visit https://mtsu.campusdish.com.

MTSU is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth and service. We hold these values dear, and theres a simple phrase that conveys them: I am True Blue. Learn more at www.mtsu.edu/trueblue. For MTSU news anytime, visit www.MTSUnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU community to host 2025 MLK celebration Wednesday at Student Union
Jan. 18GRAND FORKS  In the front of the fluorescent-lit interior classroom, Andrea Parks read aloud from a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, stopping frequently to question her students: what did we just read? What does that mean? What does this word mean?

"I had to look up what 'neurasthenic' meant," the teacher conceded to the class.

A paraprofessional, Ione Seidlinger, flitted about the classroom, stopping occasionally to check to make sure a student was following the Fitzgerald story, a proto-"Gatsby" tale about ambition and unrequited love.

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On its face, the Tuesday morning class didn't look all that different from any other English class being taught at Red River High School or any number of public schools in North Dakota that day. The big difference was none of these students grew up speaking English.

The 13 or so juniors in the class hailed from a remarkable set of locales: Congo, Syria, Nepal, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan. Some were near-fluent in English; others could barely speak the language. More than one had lived in the United States for less than two years.

Over the last 15 months, Grand Forks Public Schools has witnessed the number of students participating in its Multilingual Learners program more than double, a change fueled by an increasing number of overseas workers and refugees moving into the city.

The district has opened new ML programs at three schools in the last year, and is now actively planning to add a program to all of its schools.

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Right now, at most district schools, at every grade level from kindergarten to senior year, there are students learning English in tandem with their regular public school education. In one elementary kindergarten cohort, multilingual students outnumber native speakers.

In classrooms across the district, teachers are working to meet the needs of a new cohort of students with an extraordinary variety of backgrounds, identities and language skills.

"You approach from the point of view of 'how do we align everything? How do we help every school and every ML student to be accepted, belong?" said program coordinator Ivona Todorovic.

The next morning, a few blocks west at Century Elementary School, a small group of kindergartners huddled around a kidney-shaped desk as their teacher, Jennifer Davis, sounded out a short phrase  "h-h-hug my dog ... hug myyyyyyyy dog ... hug my d-d-dog"  that they slowly transcribed in big block letters on white printer paper.

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One girl, Emisha, decided she was tired of waiting for her peers and scrawled the whole phrase out ahead of everyone else. Another, Yusuf, mixed up his Bs and Ds, a fairly common error for English learners, and wrote "hug my bog." Davis gently corrected him when she stopped the exercise to check her students' work.

Across the room, a group of third-graders were involved in a similar exercise, sounding out the "h" sound in "h-h-hammer" and pantomiming pounding nails.

The newcomers group, as it is called, meets first thing in the day at 8:30 a.m., when their native English-speaking peers are partaking in "carpet time."

ML students come at varying levels of English proficiency across all grade levels, including some elementary students who speak English almost as well as their native peers.

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This morning session, though, was specifically targeted at the kindergarteners, first-, second- and third-graders who'd been in the U.S. for less than a year. (New fourth- and fifth-graders meet in the afternoon.)

"In the beginning of the school year, we were heavy on 'my name is  , where are you from, how old are you, what grade are you in?'" Davis said. "So a lot of conversational pieces."

There's a heavy focus on phonics  connecting letters of the alphabet with sounds they make  because phonics instruction is a big part of elementary education in the district, and it would help these students when they joined their regular English classes later in the day.

At the elementary level, multilingual students spend much of their class time with their native-speaking students.

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"That's one good thing about kindergarten, first grade," said Davis. "This is still being taught in the classroom, so the gap is not as big."

At Century, an ML teacher coteaches a class with their non-ML peer, or a paraprofessional will be on hand to help the multilingual students in the class.

As students age up and the language gap between native speakers and some ML students increases (along with the academic demands on both), ML students learn in a more siloed environment.

When Lina Alsafouk came to Red River High School as a sophomore last year, the only thing she knew how to say in English was her name and where she was from, Syria. She spent most of her day in "shelter" classes populated by ML students and with at least one ML teacher in the room regularly.

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In her English language development classes, she worked on improving her grammar, how verbs work in the past, the present, the future.

With Parks, Lina worked on a project about herself: where is she from? What are her life experiences?

When she'd been in Lebanon, learning at a special school for Syrian refugee girls set up by activist Malala Yousafzai, teachers could be strict and unforgiving. In Grand Forks, though, making a mistake was part of the process.

"She was like, 'it's OK for you to get it wrong,'" Lina recalled. "People learn from their mistakes."

Other classes, like biology, would be co-taught by an ML teacher and a science teacher.

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In those classes, language and subject matter are taught simultaneously, with general education teachers adapting their curriculum to meet students' language abilities.

"We're looking at the (textbook) and we say, 'OK, what are the things, what's the language that will be hard for them to reach?'" said Todorovic, who co-taught one of those biology classes at Red River for 12 years. "You use a lot of visuals. You use sentence stems, you use paragraph frames. You use a lot of discourse strategies."

ML teachers have to take things slower, Parks said, and do a lot more explaining. They'll do something themselves, then they'll do it with the class, and then they'll have students do it themselves.

Lina was amazed how much English she knew after just a year.

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"I was like, 'oh my god, I can talk now. I can be with people. I can make friends really easy,'" Lina said.

In some topics that require less language skill, like math, ML students may share a class with their native-speaking peers, with the support of a paraprofessional. Generally, though, there's at least one ML educator in the room for newer ML students.

"We see just about every student, in some capacity, probably every day," said Seidlinger. "We're not just in our classroom doing ELD classes. We go into physical science, we go into econ, we go into government, biology."

It's unsurprising, then, that ML students become fond of their instructors, and vice versa.

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"That's such a benefit that we have as ML teachers is that, especially in high school, you get your students when they're freshmen and you get to grow with them, and see them become adults," Park said. "And its really cool. For that four years, you get to be there."

Throughout the day, Seidlinger is on hand for Red River's ML students, offering additional in-class assistance for students who may have trouble keeping up with what the teacher is saying.

"I'm making connections with those kids who you think might need a little bit more help, making sure that they're on track, following along, understanding what they're doing," Seidlinger said.

The district calls this network of supplementary support "scaffolding," with the amount each student receives varying based on their needs. For example, paraprofessionals sometimes connect with incoming students with few English skills ahead of the school year, to give them an edge with their more-experienced peers.

That's how Seidlinger met Johanna Torres-Trasloheros, a citizen of Mexico whose father came to Grand Forks to work for Cirrus Aircraft.

The paraprofessional says she figured out how to help Johanna when the high school junior brought a graphic novel  "Beast Boy Loves Raven," a coming-of-age romance featuring DC Comics' Teen Titans characters  with her when the two met two summers ago.

"(Seidlinger) tells me, if you want I can teach you with comics," Johanna said. "So every weekend we'd meet, and we'd just read."

Over the summer, they read through the entire series, with Seidlinger alongside her, rereading sentences and figuring out words from context clues.

"They would explain the meaning with other words in English," Johanna said. "So in your mind, you start thinking in English, and that's how I think that becomes better."

A year and a half later, Johanna is one of the many confident English speakers in Davis' junior classroom. And Seidlinger has a new appreciation for comic books.

"I'm not a graphic novel reader, but she got me hooked on that one," the paraprofessional noted.

Another example: in Davis' class, Yusuf, the American-born child of two Nigerian parents, left the kindergarten group at the 9 a.m. bell and bounded over a group of first-graders led into the classroom by another teacher.

Yusuf actually spoke English better than his peers at the kindergarten table, Davis explained, but he tended to shut down and stop talking in groups. She'd brought him into the newcomer group to boost his confidence before he returned to his regular cohort of students.

"He's starting to come out of his bubble and talk more and speak more," she said. "He can shine here a little bit and then go back and get the skill that he needed."

The district also employs other professionals to support ML kids, like speech specialists who will pull kids out of classes for one-on-one help.

"We really do a lot of personalized learning, because I don't think we have another choice, there's no other way to do it," Todorovic said.

The ultimate goal of the ML program is for its students to graduate out of it.

"(The goal) I would say, for them, is to become proficient, academically proficient, so they can have absolute access to content as any other learner at their grade level," Todorovic said.

Students whose English has progressed significantly, like Lina and Johanna, spent less time in siloed classes than they did the year before and more time in general education classes. The goal is for students to ultimately test out of the program entirely, based on a test administered annually by the state Department of Public Instruction.

Misan Subbha, a Red River senior, officially tested out of the program last year after first coming to the district in the fourth grade.

Though Subbha has spoken English confidently since the fifth grade, he's continued to participate in English language development classes and some other ML classes for the past several years.

There's a difference, Todorovic says, between being able to hold a conversation in English and being able to academically excel with it.

"A lot of our kids have English, conversational English," Todorovic said. "They don't have an accent, they sound amazingly fine to everyone. But they still need that academic proficiency."

ML students, unsurprisingly, lag behind their native-speaking peers in standardized testing, with program students posting lower scores on average on the North Dakota State Assessment compared to the district in general.

Todorovic argues ML students are in fact doing quite well given their circumstances and the additional language hurdles they have to overcome.

"Maybe comparing to their peers, it seems that they're behind, but when you calculate the years spent in the United States and the education system level they started at and how they performed at standardized tests, they are really doing great," she said.

At the state level, English learners at higher proficiency levels do post higher scores than their less proficient peers, according to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System.

As of last year, around 38% of English learners in the Grand Forks district are on track to graduate from the program, according to DPI, up from 26% the year before but down from 43% in 2021-22.

Those numbers are generally on par with statewide outcomes for English learners.

Todorovic says the district's fluctuating numbers can be attributed in part to new migration into the district.

Multilingual students taking the proficiency assessments in 2021-22 would have spent more time on average in the district than two years later, since COVID-19 restrictions at the time ground international migration to a halt.

At the time, only 3% of English learners had been living in the country for less than a year; in 2023-24 that number was 29%. This year, it's up to 34.2%.

As of this week, there are 493 multilingual learners in Grand Forks Public Schools, up nearly double from last year's official census figure of 268. (That count was taken in September 2023.)

The number of dedicated ML teachers, on the other hand, has increased by three, for a total of 17 teachers across nine schools.

Davis, the Century teacher, noted the number of ML students at the elementary school had increased from "50-something to more like 70-something" over the last year.

"The needs are different. The way we group kids is different," said Davis. "We really have to be intentional about whose kids we're pulling out, who has more needs, compared to collaborating in the classroom."

At other schools, ML programs had to be created out of whole cloth to accommodate the rapidly expanding share of the student body, shifting ML-certified teachers who had their positions cut to fill new and opening positions at Valley and South middle schools.

Todorovic and Matt Bakke, the assistant superintendent of elementary education, say the district is continuing to assess the distribution of ML-certified teachers relative to the student body to best meet the needs of ML learners.

Officially, the district is still within the 40:1 student-teacher ratio mandated by the state for English learner programs.

"I think that we are really well-equipped, compared to other districts, to be honest with you, in this state," Todorovic said. "Administrators are supportive of hiring if you need to hire."

Still, ML kids come with challenges outside of limited English proficiency. Trauma, for one, is a much more prevalent issue. Many of these students' families came to Grand Forks after fleeing from years- or even decades-long conflicts.

Lina missed two years of school after her family fled to Lebanon in the early years of the Syrian Civil War; Misan is a member of an ethnic group driven out of Bhutan by a campaign of state-run ethnic cleansing.

"We have little ones who have gone through a lot," Todorovic said. "Like they were barely holding onto their mom and dad, crossing the sea to get to another country."

Those students have access to social workers and school counselors like everyone else, and the district has made a point of applying for grants to hire Spanish-language counselors specifically, since Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the district and common among ML students.

Administrators and School Board members are hoping legislators will consider their petition to increase the amount of state aid that is issued based on the number of multilingual students in the district, so that Grand Forks  now the fourth-largest district in North Dakota by English learners  has the resources to support them.

"We have some amazing, amazing kids who are coming with a lot of knowledge," Todorovic said. "The language should not be a barrier for them."
BIBB COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  In the wake of tragedy, a family can finally begin moving forward after four years of waiting for a murder conviction.

I just said, Thank God,' Freeman Rutledge said. He heard me and my wifes prayers,

Freeman and Jackie Rutledge are the parents of Syibrieka Underwood, who was murdered in 2021 by a man she was dating, her parents said.

An Alabama state trooper was driving down U.S. Highway 82 in Tuscaloosa County and found a vehicle on the side of the road in July 2021. When the trooper went to investigate, Underwood was dead in the passenger seat.

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Underwood left behind two children.

The 4-year-old, hell never know his mother, Freeman Rutledge said. But my oldest grandboy, its been a strain on him.

Terek Herron-Antone was arrested on murder charges shortly after their daughter was found.

On October 6, 2021, Antone was indicted by a Tuscaloosa County grand jury for unlawfully owning a firearm and murder, according to court records. The case went to trial.

Guilt, Freeman Rutledge said. Thats the only thing I was praying for: a guilty verdict.

Yet, it would not be until 2025 his prayers would be answered.

On May 7, 2024, a trial started. Before opening statements occurred, one juror had to leave because of health reasons, a second juror had improper contact with the victims family, and a third jury was dismissed for improper communications about the case with a third party, court documents stated.

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The court declared a mistrial in the case May 9, 2024.

My wife, kids, sister and brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, everybody has been under enormous pressure, Freeman Rutledge said.

As each day passed, the uncertainty of whether a day of justice would come began taking a large toll on Underwoods family.

If it wasnt for the Lord, we wouldnt have made it through, Jackie Rutledge said.

Eggs are about to get even more expensive, expert says. Heres how much

On Jan. 16, Freeman and Jackie drove from their home in Brent to the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.

I told my wife going up the road. I said, Im ready. I want this over, Freeman said.

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I know this was a retrial, so theyve been through this before, and I know this closure is something that means a lot to them, said Tuscaloosa County District Attorney Hayes Webb.

While a retrial, it would be the first time Freeman and Jackie came face-to-face with the man who took their daughters life.

At 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Freeman and Jackie entered the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, stepped in the elevator, and went up to the fourth floor and sat down in Circuit Court Judge Allen May Jr.s courtroom.

Shortly after, the jurors were sent back for deliberations, Freeman said.

I dont know if it was 20 or 25 minutes, [a member of the DAs office] said, We have a verdict,' Freeman said.

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Jurors unanimously found Herron-Antone guilty of murder.

It was a sense of what you call relief, Freeman said. I just said, Thank God. He heard me and my wifes prayers. After that, we hugged each other, and even though Syibrieka wont be back here, we got closure.

It took over three years for that closure to come.

We want to give thanks to the Tuscaloosa DAs office, police, everyone for time, effort, countless hours they put in to get the conviction in this case, Freeman said.

Theres still one more court date in their future.

Herron-Antone will appear in court for his sentencing hearing Feb. 26.

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LEONARDO, N.J. (PIX11)  Mysterious explosion-like sounds have residents of a small community in New Jersey on edge.

Leonardo, located within Middletown Township, has about 2,700 residents. Some residents told PIX11 News that after recently seeing drones flying over, they are all eyes and ears on anything out of the norm.

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I ran downstairs going, What is going on?' said Walter Witkl. Its a question residents of Leonardo want an answer to.

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We went to bed around 10:30 last night and all of a sudden it was BOOM. It shook the house, said Mike Estell.

I thought this van blew up. I thought maybe there were batteries in here, gas, and it just blew up. And it was loud, Mike Muratore said.

There were two mysterious sounds, one at around 10:29 p.m. Thursday and another at around 3:43 a.m. Friday.

Muratore said he even saw the sky changing colors. Blue, then it went white, and it was just crazy, said Muratore.

The Middletown Police Department posted on its Facebook page that the light and loud noise were caused by a transformer.

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No, it didnt sound like a transformer. Ive seen many transformers go. It was much louder, said Pat Petach.

Jersey Central Power and Light said it hasnt had any transformer explosion in the community on either of the two days.

I am a fireman, so I have a scanner. I didnt hear anything on the scanner, so I said maybe it is the Earle base, said Estell.

PIX11 News contacted Naval Weapons Station Earle to see if it had any reports or an idea of where the mysterious sounds came from. PIX11 hasnt received a response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Congress leader and candidate from the New Delhi Assembly seat Sandeep Dikshit on Saturday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party over their manifesto for Delhi assembly elections. Dikshit claimed that the BJP Manifesto is just a copy-paste and they have picked up running schemes of Karnataka and Telangana. He further said that these schemes are not going to affect a lot of people. Speaking to ANI, Sandeep Dikshit said, "All this is just a copy of here and there. The Indira Rasoi that is running in Karnataka and before that in Telangana has been a very popular scheme of the Congress. They have copied that...In New Delhi, the slum dwellers were picked up and thrown out. Who will take care of them? These schemes are not going to affect a lot of people, there will not be much of a difference by this. This scheme of giving subsidized cylinders is a scheme of Congress. We should ask the BJP why don't they announce it all over India..." On Friday, BJP 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. 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. However, ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reacted sharply to the poll promises made by BJP and claimed that the ruling party at the Centre is following Arvind Kejriwal's governance model. "BJP has openly accepted that Kejriwal is running many welfare schemes in Delhi that are benefiting the families of BJP members also," a post by Arvind Kejriwal's X account read. 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. 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)
HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2)  A gruesome discovery 25 years ago in Waipio Valley remains unsolved to this day.

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The 1999 murder of 22-year-old Matthew Joel Peak has haunted his family and the Big Island community, and now police are turning to the public for help in solving the case.

Hanalei man indicted following 2024 Anahola murder

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On June 1, 1999, beachgoers in Waipio Valley made a chilling find when their dog began digging at a mound of sand and rock.

Upon closer inspection, they discovered what appeared to be a human skull with hair.

The remains, badly decomposed, were identified as Matthew Peak, originally from San Francisco.

At the time of his death, Matthew had been living a nomadic lifestyle in Waipio Valley, often hitchhiking between Hilo and Puna.

He had built a makeshift shack not far from where his body was discovered.

The cause of death was determined to be strangulation, and though Hawaii Island Police were able to track Matthews movements before his death, no suspects have been identified.

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Detective Derek Morimoto, who has been on the case, recalls the grim discovery and the difficult conversations with Matthews family.

Talking with a family member, maybe the last time they spoke with police was years ago, and now theyre receiving a call again about their case for their loved one. Theyre reliving the whole event again, Morimoto said.

Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins is hopeful that someone in the community might remember something from that time that could help solve the case.

We are just hopeful that theres somebody in the community that remembers something from these cases and will come forward, and give us that one bit of information thats missing.

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Matthews family continues to hope for justice, and with the help of the public, police hope to bring closure to this case.

Detective Morimoto emphasizes the importance of solving such cases.

What the community should know is that these sort of homicides have suspects that are still out in our community. By bringing these suspects to justice, we keep our community safer.

If you have any information about the murder of Matthew Peak, youre urged to contact Hawaii Island Police.

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Jan. 17High-powered thermal cameras that can see through smoke and fire, alongside live demonstrations of cutting-edge training systems and rescue equipment, drew first responders from across the Southeast to the annual NAFECO Vendor Expo at Ingalls Harbor on Thursday.

The expo included all manufacturers of equipment for first responders which can be purchased through NAFECO, or North American Fire Equipment Company. Headquartered in Decatur, NAFECO provides equipment, supplies, and services for emergency responders, including firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel.

"The is the 14th year for NAFECO doing an expo for our customers throughout the Southeast," NAFECO Vice President Ronald Woodall said. "It's for them to come and see new products and learn about products through demonstrations."

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Chris Dvorscak, a marketing project specialist for LION, demonstrated a hood line training system outside. The setup featured a burner unit resembling a barbecue pit, with a water-filled trough beneath it, connected to a mobile trailer housing propane tanks that fueled the controlled flames. Using a handheld controller, Dvorscak activated various fire stages or zones to create realistic training scenarios.

"It just gets fed liquid propane and we have four different zones we can use with the training," Dvorscak said. "Usually, if you have a tank on fire or fire near a tank, you're cooling the tank down. So, this is simulating that there's a fire under the tank, so you'll have a hand line cooling that down."

A small car's frame was positioned beside the burner unit, and Dvorscak explained that the propane trailer can also simulate fires within the vehicle. He said this exercise allows firefighters and emergency medical technicians to collaborate on extinguishing vehicular fires and rescuing trapped motorists.

Scott Epstein, a salesperson with Seek Thermal, was also outside showing firefighters their latest edition thermal imaging cameras, which not only can detect heat from a fire but can distinguish both the heat and individuals near the fire and can navigate firefighters through smoky structures.

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As Dvorscak lit up the burner unit, Epstein's camera illuminated both the fire and Dvorscak standing beside it and the two were clearly defined.

"We have this personal situational awareness camera and our big focus is to get one of these in every firefighter's hands so they can get home to their families at night," Epstein said. "This is a lifesaving tool, both for victims and firefighters."

The cameras Epstein displayed were the FirePRO 300, which is their latest edition camera, and the higher powered AttackPRO.

"They can see the heat and where the fire is," Epstein said. "It lets them know where they need to (spray) water. The cameras can also withstand heat at a lengthier rate; the (AttackPRO) can withstand 500 degrees at five minutes and the (FirePRO) can withstand 500 degrees at one minute."

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Decatur Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Ashley England said his department purchased Seek Thermal cameras a few years ago. He and Chief Tracy Thornton attended Thursday's expo.

"We buy a large portion of equipment from NAFECO, as far as our fans and uniforms," England said. "We just walked around and talked to people and I looked at different types of gloves they had there, things of that nature to see what they had to offer and hopefully purchase some stuff like that in the future."

England said having the expo in Decatur was not only great for nearby fire departments, but for fire departments outside of the state as well. Woodall said there were fire departments visiting the expo from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and North Carolina.

Tony Watson, fire chief for the Pigeon Forge Fire Department in Tennessee, said he was interested in the inflatable rescue boat being displayed outside, manufactured by ONE Boat Rescue Boats in Athens. He said he has been to every expo that NAFECO has hosted.

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"Our area really got affected by Hurricane Helena, so one thing we're looking at right now is a boat," Watson said. "We have several water rescue teams in (Sevier County), and we have rubberized boats, but when we get to operating in environments up there, we need a motorized boat. This expo has been very effective to me as I'm seeing the newest and greatest technology here, so this is a one-stop shop for me."

 wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  With TikTok facing a possible nationwide ban effective this Sunday, Nashville content creators face an uncertain future.

On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a free speech challenge filed by TikToks owners, meaning the platform could be banned on Sunday, Jan. 19.

The decision has left some Nashville content creators searching for a new action plan.

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So many of us have spent so long creating and building this arsenal of a content, b of community, and the fact that it could just go away and ruin so many peoples livelihoods is extremely scary, said Ashley Houston, a content creator in Nashville.

I have no idea what type of income is going to be immediately impacted, expressed Tyler Williams, another Nashville-based content creator. Can I do this anymore, or do I have to give up on my dream?'

Houston told News 2 that the back-and-forth discussions over TikToks future have been a constant source of stress. She added that Fridays announcement has pushed her to start downloading her old videos and shifting her focus to other apps.

Meanwhile, Williams said the app is not just a hobby  its his livelihood.

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Even if you could, what you replicate is the five years that it took me to build the following that I did and to be able to make the income that I was; Instead, I am starting from scratch, Williams said.

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Since its popularity in 2019, TikTok has been the app that encouraged dancing, inspired content creator houses, introduced new music to the charts and brought communities together.

That little quote that is a TikTok quote that is like In the club we all fam, it is genuinely like that though, Houston said.

At that time when I was starting, there was no better definition of the American dream than TikTok because it gave everyday people an opportunity, Williams explained.

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House Representative Antonio Parkinson of Memphis told News 2 that while the future of TikTok is unclear, he feels an American buyer will come through, saving the app and peoples livelihoods.

I believe that they are going to find a way to find an American company or individual to purchase whatever you know amount of the company or purchase the company outright itself and keep the company going, Parkinson explained.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

TikTok has actually become part of our economy, he added. You know there are people that are making money off of TikTok. Also, you know a lot of people receive education and tidbits through some of these videos.

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President-elect Donald Trump has said hell save TikTok, but its unclear what hell do.

For now, I am just kind of riding the wave and just seeing what is going to happen and making plans, Houston concluded. I think the main thing is to make sure you are active on all different forms of platforms.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
After oil and gas companies contaminated her community with toxic waste, Eriel Tchekwie Deranger did not stay silent. The executive director and co-founder of Indigenous Climate Action is spearheading a movement to reimagine how the world develops climate policy.

As detailed by The New York Times, Deranger is a Denesuine woman and part of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta, and she comes from a family with a history of advocacy in the American Indian Movement. She believes it is crucial to implement environmental policies with a mindset of "power with, as opposed to power over."

"It's not consumed by money but by the health and wealth of our communities' spirituality, our connections to our culture, our languages, our capacities to harvest from the land and not take more than you need," Deranger told the Times when asked about an Indigenous-led policy.

According to NASA, Earth is heating up at "an unprecedented rate" because of human activities  primarily the burning of dirty fuels  and this warming has led to serious issues, including more intense extreme weather that has devastated food crops and displaced millions of people.

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Also a member of the International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate Change, Deranger told the Times that everyone can participate in helping to heal the planet, no matter their cultural backgrounds or traditions, though she believes Indigenous peoples have a unique perspective that can both stand alone and strengthen existing systems.

"In the context of the climate crisis, Indigenous knowledge systems are in line with and, in many cases, can bolster Western empirical science and data, and they can allow us to create stronger frameworks to build better solutions," Deranger said, also advocating for "a diversity of governance systems and policies for managing lands."

At home, Indigenous Climate Action has teamed up with more than a dozen organizations, including Keepers of the Water, to urge the Alberta and Canadian governments to investigate the ongoing pollution of Indigenous waters and implement restoration solutions. In December, Deranger was honored with the Climate Breakthrough Award, receiving $4 million to ensure Indigenous peoples have a voice in global negotiations and decisions.

"Indigenous peoples have been some of the most formidable advocates in advancing climate change as a global political issue," Deranger said in a news release. "... It is about time that we receive this level of investment into Indigenous leadership in climate policy and solutions."

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.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Firefighters from the Navajo Nation worked tirelessly through a haze of dust to cut away dirt from a narrow road at the side of a mountain struck by a landslide in Southern California, coughing and sneezing amid the backbreaking work.

It was the Navajo Scouts eighth straight day battling the Eaton Fire outside Los Angeles and their assignment Friday morning was two-fold: restore vehicle access to the mountain on the outskirts of Altadena and check on the fire damage to structures at the top.

The team of 23 crew members had traveled for two days to Southern California from the Navajo Scouts headquarters along the Arizona-New Mexico state line at Fort Defiance to join the fight against wildfires that have killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and put more than 80,000 under evacuation orders. The crew is one of several firefighting teams from Native American tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs battling the blazes.

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The Navajo Scouts initial attack crew, which includes several elite hotshot-certified firefighters, have helped Los Angeles residents cut through landslides and mangled trees and worked to snuff out lingering hot spot fires.

We all feel like were giving back to the people, said Brian Billie, an emergency coordinator for the Navajo Scouts. Just talking to the locals, some of them have been here ever since childhood and they lost their homes.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren praised the crew for answering the call" to protect people in Los Angeles, including the diaspora of Navajo people who live there.

Let us send them our heartfelt wishes for protection, so that they may return home safely, he said of the Navajo Scouts in a post on the social platform X.

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Eleven electric utility journeymen from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority also have deployed to Los Angeles to assist in the wildfire response and recovery, with qualifications to work on both new construction and hot lines.

Theyre repaying a debt of gratitude after utility workers from the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power traveled to the Navajo Nation repeatedly in recent years on a training mission and helped extend power to 170 Navajo households that didnt have service previously, said Deenise Becenti, a spokesperson for the Navajo utility.

More than 10,400 families live without electricity across the Navajo Nation  which spans an area the size of West Virginia  a lingering legacy of gaps in the U.S. rural electrification efforts of the 1930s.

Becenti said that Navajo utility crews are accustomed to living away from home periodically to complete major construction projects on the vast reservation, but the deployment to Los Angeles marks the first participation in a major mutual aid project beyond that homeland.

There's a deep sense of pride not only for our utility employees here but people throughout the Navajo Nation ... in sending firefighters and now utility workers to help an area that's been just hit severely by a force of nature," said Becenti, noting that Los Angeles is home to many Navajo citizens. As far as we know we're the only tribal utility that is sending crews" to Los Angeles.
From left: M&F Bank president James Sills, NC Chamber president and CEO Gary Salamido, and NC Bankers Association president Peter Gwaltney speak on a panel on Jan. 14, 2025 in Durham. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

DURHAM  The leader of the North Carolina Chamber had plenty to brag about as he spoke to members at a lunchtime event last week.

The Tar Heel State has continued to see its population and economy grow, attracting major players in key industries. It boasts a standout higher education landscape, keeping new workers in-state for electric vehicle and pharmaceutical manufacturing. And the Chamber even had news of its own  a revamped health care plan for small business members, launching next year.

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We are fortunate in this state, Gary Salamido, the president and CEO of the NC Chamber, said at the groups annual economic forecast forum.

But challenges remain  and in the coming weeks, a new state legislative session and presidential administration give North Carolinas top business leaders the chance to offer new input.

Hurricane Helene, and its destruction in the mountains, left a hub of tourism and business in pieces. And it aggravated a state housing market that is already growing more expensive and facing shortages.

In Washington, the incoming Trump administration is priming industries for government deregulation and mass deportations of undocumented migrants  both of which would have major implications for the economy and workforce.

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North Carolina is in an interesting place, Salamido told NC Newsline in an interview. Right now, we have an ability to influence national legislation because of our rise to prominence. So how do we use that? How do we leverage that for thoughtful, middle-of-the-road policies that make that work?

Immigration and the workforce

Business leaders are preparing for a sea change on immigration policy, with the Trump administration pledging mass deportations of undocumented people throughout the U.S.

Such a move could have major impacts on the workforce, Salamido said. He said businesses and leaders would be talking to North Carolinas congressional delegation, urging them to find a path that ensures both security and a steady flow of workers.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Theres just not as many people as there are work right now in a growing state, in a growing country, he said. So we have to do both.

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And were having discussions on both sides of the aisle about, how do we secure the border, and how do we put in place a way for people to come in legally and make sure that we know how to do that? I think we can do both, and I think were going to see more interest in that than we have previously.

Helene recovery and aid for businesses

One issue on which officials of all political stripes and from an array of industries agree is that over the coming months, rebuilding western North Carolina is the governments number one priority.

Salamido referred to Helene as North Carolinas (Hurricane) Katrina  an existential threat to a regional economy, which will need years of investment and attention to recover.

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)

The devil, as always, is in the details. But early signs from Gov. Josh Steins new administration  waiving key regulations and hiring on staff to focus on relief  have business leaders optimistic.

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Im encouraged by what Gov. Stein has already done with his executive orders, the individuals hes brought in to advise us, said Peter Gwaltney, president and CEO of the North Carolina Bankers Association. Well be in the middle of that, helping inform that process.

Jonathan Krebs, Steins advisor on western North Carolina, earned particular praise from Gwaltney as he addressed the Chamber and affiliates last week.

Hes bringing to us all the experience, all the mistakes made, all the lessons learned to help us to do this the right way, Gwaltney said. Im encouraged by that.

The new House Speaker, Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), also earned high marks.

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Were encouraged, because weve worked with him before as Rules chairman, Salamido said. Whats nice is youve got a real lens into western North Carolina, too, because he lives real close out there.

When the legislature begins work in earnest later this month, it will again turn its attention to state aid for Helene.

Key to that debate is how to help small businesses. But lawmakers disagree on how to do it. Democrats have urged for grant programs  getting money out the door quickly to save a region thats normally bustling with tourists in the fall.

North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) speaks to reporters after the legislative sessions opening day on Jan. 8, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Republicans in control have opted instead for loan programs  a more cautious step, but one that Democrats have said isnt suitable to help many businesses.

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Salamido said there was room in the conversation for both policies.

Small businesses are kind of already leveraged out, right? he said. They already have the loans in place. So weve got to be creative and thoughtful about making both of those products available  looking at the individual, where they are, and that means both, right? One size isnt going to fit this time.

The General Assembly has passed three rounds of aid  the latest also being the most controversial, as it most prominently shifted the levers of executive power in state government.

Republican leaders have signaled they will address a new relief bill soon.

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Its going to require some patience, Gwaltney said. Katrina took close to a decade. We need to be ready for a long slog, unfortunately.

Housing regulations and needs

Helenes devastation in the mountains exacerbates what industry experts say is an increasingly fraught statewide housing market.

A survey of North Carolinas housing supply from NC REALTORS and the NC Chamber, to be released next month, found that the median list price in the state had ballooned to $419,000. Thats up from $251,000 in 2020.

Just nine counties had a median list price of $200,000 or less. And the states overall availability rate was less than 1%.

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This issue spans all income levels and housing types, including rentals, said Andrea Bushnell, CEO of NC REALTORS.

Policymakers need to address the issue quickly, she said  before continued state growth worsens the current housing gap. That means reducing or lowering parking requirements, allowing mixed-use developments, and rejecting the narrative that growth harms neighborhoods.

Salamido said housing, along with child care, topped the list of the Chambers legislative priorities this year.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday will have no shortage of Northeast Wisconsin representation.

Howard resident Dixon Wolfe said Trumps inaugural committee selected him to attend various events at the inauguration on Monday. He told Local 5 News that he had to buy a tuxedo for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Wolfe spent countless hours canvassing for Trump before the election and was at many rallies and campaign events when top Republican candidates visited our area.

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He will go down in history as a very, very influential president and I think a very great president, Wolfe said.

He told us that he was driving down to Washington D.C. with some of his other Wisconsin friends. He left on Friday evening. Wolfe also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee over the summer (he was a delegate), but said he thinks that attending the inauguration will top even that experience.

I think its going to be more exciting seeing the work completed I think is awesome, he said.

Joining Wolfe in our nations capitol next week is Andrew Brisson, the vice president of Loadmaster in the Upper Peninsula. Brissons company provided the garbage truck that helped to create one of the most memorable moments of Trumps campaign.

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When he visited Green Bay shortly before election day, Trump had a photo op inside Brissons garbage truck which had been decked out with Make America Great Again decorations.

This was about President Joe Bidens remarks suggesting that Trump supporters are garbage. Trump also wore a bright orange construction vest during his rally at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.

Brisson said hell be back with the garbage truck for the inauguration. He said hes going to drive one truck in the presidential parade on inauguration day and two others will be displayed during the inaugural ball.

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Its just a very cool and unique experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I never expected when it came along, he said.

Congressman Tony Wied also said hes going to be at the inauguration, saying hes very excited and that its a great honor to be part of this event. He said hes invited his family and some of his friends to Washington D.C. to experience the inauguration with him.

I believe in President Trump I think good things are in store for him going forward, said Wied.

The congressman told Local 5 News he believes that Trump can be a president for all Americans by instituting policies that he thinks will help everybody (getting the economy back on track and securing the border).

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I sense a calmness, hope, and just excitement people are really fired up its electric in Washington D.C. right now, Wied told Local 5 News.

A Trump endorsement helped Wied breeze through his contested primary in the race for Wisconsins 8th Congressional district last fall. Wied has spoken very highly of Trump throughout his campaign and during his first couple months in office.

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While many Republicans view the beginning of Trumps second stint in the White House as positive for the country, others have very different feelings.

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There are a lot of people who are very fearful and next week is going to be very difficult for them, said Democratic Party of Outagamie County chairwoman Emily Tseffos. (We) need to make sure were staying connected as a community and looking out for each other.

She said that immigrants and people in the LGBTQ+ community are particularly worried right now. She said she wont be watching the inauguration on television on Monday.

We remain hopeful that there is bipartisanship and people are willing to make compromises, said Tseffos.

For more information about the inauguration schedule on Monday please click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Dozens of headstones at the historic Woodland Cemetery were damaged by vandals on Wednesday.

Des Moines Parks and Recreation said about 100 headstones were damaged by the vandals. Most of those headstones were knocked over. The estimated cost of the damage is around $10,000.

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According to the Des Moines Police Department, officers responded to the cemetery Wednesday night to investigate a report of two people damaging headstones. The two individuals fled the cemetery before officers arrived on scene. The investigation into the vandalism is ongoing.

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On Friday heavy machinery was brought in to begin repairing the headstones.

Metro News:

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HARVARD, Ill. (WTVO)  A World War II veteran proved age is just a number after he went horseback riding on Friday.

Albert Wend served for over 3 years in the Navy. He was known for taking wounded soldiers to hospitals in the South Pacific.

Wend Partnered with BraveHearts, a local non-profit, to accomplish this incredible achievement. The non-profit specializes in providing therapy and healing through horseback riding.

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Wend said riding horses is an activity he has been doing since he was a child.

Years back, not too far from where I lived, there were a couple of farms out there. And they used to have horses out at them, said Wend. A group of us used to go out there every week, well, almost every week, Id say once or twice a month, and go horseback riding.

Wend will be turning 101 years old on January 27th.

If anyone is interested in BraveHearts cause visit its website.

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I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense, we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check; a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

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.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday took a dip at the Triveni Sangam on the sixth day of the Maha Kumbh being held in Prayagraj. After taking a dip, Singh performed puja and offered prayers at the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati rivers. The Defence Minister was accompanied by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and others leaders of the party. Earlier today, he took to X and announced his visit to Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. "Today, 18th January, I shall be in Prayagraj to participate in Mahakumbh 2025. The Mahakumbh is a celebration of India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Looking forward to join this holy confluence," Rajnath Singh posted on X. Over 1.98 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela on Saturday till 10 am, as per the official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government. According to the data, over 10 lakhs Kalpvasis and 9.84 lakhs, pilgrims took a dip at the Triveni Sangam on the sixth day of the Mahakumbh Mela. As of Friday, January 17, more than 73 million pilgrims have visited the Mahakumbh Mela so far, as per data. The Maha Kumbh Mela has been witnessing a huge influx of devotees with some notable names participating in the event. With the commencement of the Maha Kumbh on Monday, devotees from across India and around the world flocked to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to participate in the first Amrit Snan (sacred dip) on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. Devotees, both Indian and foreign, immersed themselves in the sacred tradition, contributing to the world's largest spiritual gathering. The atmosphere around the Triveni Sangam was filled with devotion as foreign pilgrims joined in the spiritual energy of the Mela. Foreign devotees from various parts of the world gathered to sing bhajans, blending into the devotional ambience. At the Sangam, crores of pilgrims from across the country, representing different castes, classes, and languages, are participating in the age-old tradition of Kalpavas. Rich or poor, traders or officials, men, women, or transgender individuals, everyone forgets their differences and unites in the spirit of devotion, taking a holy dip at the confluence. The Maha Kumbh was started on January 13. 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)
Nearly two thirds of convicted rapists in Sweden are migrants or second generation immigrants, a new study has found.

Researchers at Lund University found that 63 per cent of convictions for rape or attempted rape were handed down to people born abroad, or whose parents were born abroad.

The study examined 4,000 convictions between 2000 and 2024 and also suggested that the longer a foreigner lived in Sweden, the less likely they were to commit rape.

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It comes as the Swedish government adopts a significantly tougher stance on migration, with new rules coming into force which require foreigners to prove they have lived an honest life to gain citizenship.

The study was led by Ardavan Khoshnood, a criminologist at Lund University, and follows a similar study in 2018 which found that 58 per cent of rape convictions came from residents born overseas.

Study faces criticism over methodology

Mr Khoshnood said the statistics also showed that migrants who had been in Sweden for less than five years were more likely to be convicted of rape.

The longer you have lived in Sweden, the lower the odds of being convicted of rape. So we can see that the integration and understanding you develop for Swedish society plays a major role, Mr Khoshnood told Swedish news outlet SVT.

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The study has faced criticism over its methodology, as it only studied rape convictions in Sweden. Experts point to the fact that just a small proportion of rapes in the country are reported to the authorities.

Jerzy Sarnecki, a criminologist at Stockholm University, dismissed the study as meaningless as it only examined figures for convicted rape.

Theyve only looked at convicted people, and they make up a fraction of all rapists, he told Swedish broadcaster SVT.

Mr Khoshnood has defended that approach, arguing that 4,000 rape cases over a two-decade period gives as broad a picture as possible of the situation in Sweden.

Tougher laws on migration

Sweden, which has a population of 10.5 million, welcomed around 160,000 asylum seekers at the height of the 2015 refugee crisis.

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But the mood on mass migration has soured in Sweden, which announced last August that it had recorded more emigrants than immigrants for the first time in a century.

The shift is partly due to the make-up of the current minority government, which relies on the far-Right Sweden Democrats party to pass legislation.

Having come second place in the 2022 elections, the Sweden Democrats have pushed for tougher laws on migration, integration and citizenship in Sweden.

Under new rules, migrants will be required to live in Sweden for eight years before being eligible for citizenship, rather than five years.

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They must also prove that they have no criminal record or unpaid debts in Sweden or abroad, whereas previously the honest way of life clause applied only to their conduct since coming to Sweden.

You should feel proud to be a Swedish citizen, and you only feel proud once youve made an effort, said Johan Forssell, the migration minister this week.

This is particularly important at a time when Sweden has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people from many parts of the world in recent years.

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(NewsNation)  Three-time Grammy-winning artist Nelly will perform at the Liberty Ball on Inauguration Day.

It follows the swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, Jan 20. The news was announced via a press release Saturday by the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee.

Nelly wont be the only music star present in Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day.

Country music phenomenon Carrie Underwood will sing America the Beautiful at the swearing-in ceremony.

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Judges allow some Capitol riot defendants to return to DC for Trumps inauguration

Underwood faced some backlash for taking the opportunity to sign at Trumps inauguration, however, longtime Trump critic Whoopi Goldberg came to her defense this week.

Nelly, 49, whose birth name is Cornell Haynes II is a St. Louis native with hits such as Hot in Herre and Just A Dream. The 49-year-old has had four No. 1 hits and won nine Billboard Music Awards.

He escaped drug charges in November following an arrest at a Missouri casino in August.

Other performers on Inauguration Day include Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Village People and Rascal Flatts.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Bill Maher has fire outside of his front door and in his belly.

The "Real Time" host was seriously angry about deadly wildfires in his hometown of Los Angeles and he laid into local politicians during his Friday monologue, occasionally invoking GOP talking points to explain the devastation.

Alongside heated criticism at liberal California politicians like LA Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, Maher took aim at diversity, equity and inclusion efforts which he says kept the state inadequately prepared for a spat of historic burns.

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Democrats in this one-party state this week went right to dont blame politicians, you cant do anything about the wind, which is exactly half true  the wind part, Maher said. "Global warming absolutely makes it worse, but thats largely out of our control. What are we going to do? Pass a ballot measure to make sure [the] Chinese stop burning coal?

The comic went on to attack a lack of local leadership, joking that he pays 13% of my income every year to people I assumed were working on things like this.

[LA Mayor] Karen Bass, the Nero of American politics, was fiddling in Ghana while the city burned, Maher said, dismissing Bass passing the blame to 14-year-lows in rainfalls and high winds as a weak excuse.

Bass left for Ghana to attend an inauguration three days before the Palisades blaze broke out and returned to the U.S. hours after evacuation orders began, a CBS News review of her schedule revealed. Maher later accused Bass of cutting fire department funding before the blazes, though local reports noted that the net fire department budgets increased last year after contract negotiations wrapped.

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Maher bemoaned the state's exorbitant tax rates and wondered what residents received in return.

California is a place that spends money and gets nothing, which is why you may have noticed when the fires broke out, no one escaped by high-speed rail, he joked.

The comedian blasted the LAFD chief Kristin Crowley, who he alleges was too focused on her identity to curb the flames.

The good news is, our fire chief is a lesbian, Maher said. Maybe shes the best person for the job, or maybe they really wanted a lesbian in that job, and shes just the best lesbian for the job, and with essential services, thats not good enough.

Maher noted wokeness wasnt the main reason for the fires, but called DEI initiatives within LA an unforced error by local politicians.

Watch the full segment here:
Happy Saturday! Heres another edition of my weekend column for WPRI.com  as always, send your takes, tips and trial balloons to tnesi@wpri.com and follow me on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.

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Nesi's Notes

1. Rhode Islands state budget is like a battleship  big, and slow to change course. For all the ink being spilled about Governor McKees newly unveiled $14.2 billion proposal, much of state spending runs on autopilot and is seen as too foundational to change. No governor is going to cut Medicaid from $4.5 billion to $3.5 billion in one fell swoop, or K-12 school aid from $1.5 billion to $1 billion, and there would be a public outcry if someone tried. On the flip side, there also appears to be little political appetite for broad-based tax increases that would materially increase the amount of revenue available. So administrations muddle through as best they can  raising a fee here, adding a tax there, trimming a planned rate increase, shifting money between accounts, and leaving next years deficit to the future. Considering the durability of the legislatures Democratic supermajorities, voters seem to be generally OK with that approach. Still, every dollar in the budget is coming from someone and going to somebody else, which means the changes McKee is proposing are sure to spark fights. Will Meta and Google try to kill the digital advertising tax? Will environmental groups be OK with fees on electric cars? Will hospital lobbyists reverse the cuts theyre facing? Will lawmakers want to use scarce available dollars for municipal road projects and after-school programs, rather than shoring up RIPTA or increasing K-12 funding? And of course, the whole budget picture could change considerably in May, when revised revenue estimates come out.

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2. Washington pundit Matt Yglesias had an interesting line in a recent Q&A about the Democratic Partys struggles: I dont see the Democratic governors of very housing-constraining states being hailed as heroes by anybody. Theyre not progressive heroes, theyre not moderate heroes. They just mostly look like failures who are presiding over high taxes, strained public services, and lots of disputes about legacy pension obligations because running a low-growth state is a bummer. Thats a stark way to phrase it  I doubt aides to Dan McKee or Maura Healey would accept the idea that they look like failures  but it does put the challenges both governors face in stark relief. As McKee himself has pointed out, state revenue is currently growing at a 2.5% annual rate, while expenses are growing at about 3.7%. If revenue growth caught up with expenditure growth, a host of problems would go away, and new possibilities would open up. Maybe, then, the entire budget discussion is focused on the wrong side of the equation. What if Rhode Island set a goal of achieving 3.7% annual revenue growth so that the economy was healthy enough to keep up with the states spending commitments? What would need to be considered? What would need to change?

3. Really want to nerd out on the budget? My full breakdown (with Eli Sherman charts!) is on WPRI.com here.

4. If you felt like Governor McKees State of the State address was unusually long Tuesday night, you were right. McKee spoke for just over an hour, making it easily the longest State of the State in recent memory; Gina Raimondos seven State of the States averaged 41 minutes, and the four delivered by Lincoln Chafee averaged just 26 minutes. The upside of a long speech is the chance to include a large number of topics; the downside is that all those topics can drown each other out. One notable moment was McKees outreach to Donald Trump supporters, a nod to the incoming presidents relatively strong showing in Rhode Island. In my office, McKee said, I have a big round table where I bring people together to meet about the issues impacting our state. There are 10 chairs around the table. If those chairs were filled with Rhode Islanders based on the results of the presidential election, youd have about six people at that table who are unhappy with the results and four who are pleased. However, McKees aides spent the night dealing with the public fallout from two decisions to limit access inside the State House during the speech: blocking protestors from using the rotunda, and blocking independent TV cameras from shooting footage inside the House chamber. The governors press office said the latter move was a miscommunication, but defended closing the rotunda. Safety is the top priority for me, McKee told my colleague Corey Welch on Wednesday. I believe that the Capitol Police and the State Police handled it appropriately. And not only that, but they accommodated the protestors that wanted to have a rally, and they had it in the State House.  [W]e made sure that the State of the State address did not get interrupted, and I think that was important because Im talking to the people of the state of Rhode Island  I love this state, right?  and they have a right to hear what Im talking about.

5. Senate GOP Leader Jessica de la Cruz shared a different view in the Republican response to Governor McKees address. Unfortunately, the state of our state under Governor McKee is deeply troubled, she argued. In just over a year, many long-neglected and avoidable problems have led to critical failures. You can see her rebuttal here.

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6. Youd never know Rhode Islands gubernatorial primary is still over a year and a half away, with the Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes campaigns already exchanging fire in statements to the news media. They had another skirmish on Friday, when new polling from Morning Consult pegged McKees job approval rating at 44%. That placed him in positive territory, since his disapproval rating was only 40%, though it also made him the least popular governor in the United States. It turns out that speculation that Dan McKee has suffered decline in approval ratings is far from the case at hand, said McKee campaign spokesperson Mike Trainor. He contrasted McKees polling favorably with Gina Raimondo, who he said was at a net minus-4 job approval at the same point in her term. And this December poll was taken amidst continued focus on the 195 bridge and the RI Bridges data breach, Trainor added. Even more encouraging, this result for the governor implies an even stronger level of support for him among Democrat primary voters. Foulkes responded with her own statement hours later. The only number Governor McKee should be focused on is 7  thats how cold it will be next week as Rhode Islanders continue to sleep on our streets, she said. We have unhoused neighbors suffering through winter and the promised pallet shelter still isnt open. Governor McKee needs to declare homelessness a state of emergency and find immediate solutions. Meantime, Morning Consult ranked Maura Healey among the countrys most popular governors, with a 60% approval rating. Connecticuts Ned Lamont polled even better, at 63%.

7. Speaking of those pallet shelters, when are they finally going to open? My colleague Alexandra Leslie checked in Friday with the R.I. Department of Housing, and got this response from a spokesperson: Remaining work at Echo Village consists of final electrification, testing of systems and final inspections. The electrification and testing include collaboration with RI Energy to energize the transformer and connect to existing utility infrastructure. Each of the units on site will be energized to test power systems, heating, suppression systems and fire alarms, and once this work is complete, the team will request final inspection. We anticipate this work to be completed in the coming weeks.

8. The actuaries latest report on the state pension fund shows continued improvement in its funding level, with the partial COLA freeze still on track to end by 2030. But a number of state retirees emailed me in response to make clear they dont accept the reductions enacted in 2011. A study by the treasurers office last year indicated the pension shortfall would increase by $1.9 billion if the original benefit structure s restored with lost benefits paid retroactively.

9. A rare sight: banking crisis figure Joe Mollicone was briefly in public for a court date.

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10. Jack Reed has made national headlines a number of times during his Senate career  to take one example, he gave the nationally televised rebuttal to President George W. Bush over the Iraq War in September 2007. Reeds opening statement at Tuesdays confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee, is likely to go down as another memorable moment. Using all the authority built up from his years of expertise on the military, as well as his own Army service, Reed offered a scathing verdict about the nominee. Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job, Reed said, pointing out he has voted for every previous nominee to the post. Beyond Hegseths much-discussed private behavior, Reed expressed grave concern about his ability to manage the sprawling Pentagon bureaucracy and handle the countrys foreign rivals. Reeds comments led news coverage from coast to coast, partly because it startled the D.C. press corps, which invariably describes Reed as taciturn or mild-mannered. Reed is both of those things, of course. But hes also always been willing to take a divisive position on Pentagon matters if he thinks national defense is at risk. (Recall that Reed voted against the original Iraq authorization in 2002, when the war was a popular cause and its supporters included both Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer, among many others.) Reeds position as the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, as well as his long relationships in Washington, ensure he will retain some degree of influence under the second Trump administration. But his relationship with the new Pentagon leadership, assuming Hegseth gets confirmed, will be something to watch.

11. The Economist is bullish on Gina Raimondos tenure as commerce secretary. As for Raimondo herself, she said Friday, Over the last four years, my mission at the Department of Commerce has been to unite our tools in an effective way to enhance U.S. competitiveness and protect U.S. national security. Because of the incredible work of our public servants at the department, I believe we achieved that goal and are leaving Commerce a more muscular and influential agency.

12. An ambitious millennial Democrat representing Massachusetts 4th Congressional District wants a promotion to the U.S. Senate, and decides his best chance to get there is unseating Ed Markey in a primary. Six years ago that Democrat was Joe Kennedy III; he wound up out of office. Will Jake Auchincloss try the same move in 2026? Chatter about that possibility is picking up, with the ambitious 36-year-old congressman sitting on a roughly $5 million war chest  more than twice as much as Markey  and drawing a clear contrast on issues like banning TikTok. Plus, Markey is facing some disadvantages compared with 2020. At a time when Democrats are increasingly questioning their leaders advanced ages, Markey will be an octogenarian candidate whos been in Congress for 50 years. He wont have the counsel and sharp instincts of the late John Walsh, who was pivotal to his win last time. Auchincloss may not look quite as presumptuous as a Kennedy (though he is a very distant Jackie Kennedy relation himself), and he could also get a boost from the state Democratic Partys new delegate rules. The political mood is different, too. Nevertheless, it would be quite a risk for Auchincloss to give up a safe House seat to run the exact same play that already came up short for someone else six years ago. Not that Auchincloss is even willing to dignify the premise. When I asked about a potential run against Markey on Friday, his spokesperson Georgina Barros would only say: The congressman is running for reelection in 2026. Well see if WCVB gets more out of him when he appears on tomorrows edition of On the Record.

13. The Sheldon Whitehouse beat was a busy one yet again this week. The senator went viral for posting a candid response to President Bidens farewell address on social media: Now he tells us. Biden speaks out against dark money, for climate action, and for SCOTUS term limits. I pressed four years for this speech.  Had that speech launched the reelection campaign, wed have won. Had that speech launched his presidency, wed have saved America. Suffice to say not everyone agrees with Whitehouses analysis; Politicos Jonathan Martin quipped, Im not sure the class realignment of American politics coulda been stopped in its tracks had Biden only run on Scotus term limits. (Speaking of Biden, Whitehouse and Jack Reed also got mentioned in another New York Times postmortem on how he got pushed out of the race.) Meanwhile, Whitehouse managed to draw fire from both left and right at this weeks confirmation hearings, with Trumps campaign criticizing how he questioned AG nominee Pam Bondi, and some progressives criticizing his friendly welcome to the environment committees new GOP chair, Shelley Moore Capito. More substantively, Whitehouses office has been pointing to the home-insurance crisis in the wake of the California wildfires as further evidence that hes been correct to highlight that risk in hearings, reports and events over the years.

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14. Both of Rhode Islands U.S. senators remain popular with voters. The new Morning Consult poll pegs Jack Reeds job approval rating at 56% and Sheldon Whitehouses at 53%, putting both Democrats in the top half of senators nationwide. Massachusetts voters like their senators even more, giving both Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey a 57% approval rating.

15. Rhode Islands two congressman continue settling in as their new terms begin. Seth Magaziner held a news conference with Chip Roy, the conservative Texas Republican, to tout their formal introduction of a bill to ban congressional stock trading. (They think it might actually happen this time.) And Gabe Amo announced hes been named vice ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

16. City Councilor Justin Roias wants to limit Providences cooperation with ICE.

17. Mayor Picozzi wants a budget commission to deal with Warwicks schools deficit.

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18. Dan McKee wasnt the only governor giving a big annual address this week  heres what Maura Healey had to say in her State of the Commonwealth speech. (And a Wrentham lawmaker, state Rep. Marcus Vaughn, gave the Republican response.)

19. The Globes Alexa Gagosz has been providing exceptional coverage of Prospect Medicals bankruptcy filing and what it means for the companys two Rhode Island safety-net hospitals, Roger Williams and Fatima. Alexa joined Kim Kalunian on Thursdays 12 News at 4 to discuss the situation, as did AG Neronha two days earlier.

20. People in the news  James Kwon has departed as Congressman Magaziners communications director to fill the same role for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus  Michelle Moreno Silva has departed as Treasurer Diossas communications director  top Senate Democrats just laid off two staffers, Jordan Day and Allison Plunkett, as fallout from the chambers internal turmoil continues  R.I. Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers is running for a second term  attorney Amy Moses will be Rhode Islands new federal magistrate judge  Rhody political veteran J.R. Pagliarini is joining Machado Consulting, a cybersecurity and IT company, to expand the company into the Ocean State  former Congressman Joe Kennedy III has joined the board of MassINC, an influential think tank  congrats to my friend and former colleague Michelle Muscatello, who will be honored next weekend by the state chapter of the National Organization of Italian American Women.

21. To fluoridate or not to fluoridate? That is the question for Swansea and Somerset.

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22. My deep condolences to the family and many friends of Ed Quinlan, who died this month at age 75 after a brief illness. Ed wore a number of hats in Rhode Island public life over the years  press secretary to John Chafee, president of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island  and he had a savvy understanding of how the state really works, always willing to share his insights with reporters. As Tim White pointed out in his own reminisce, Ed was the sort of communications pro who had a real respect for the role of the press, despite being well aware of our industrys many foibles. Ill miss chatting with him about hospital C-suite drama or having him join us in studio to watch his wife, Lisa Pelosi, when shed appear on Newsmakers as a panelist. Rest in peace, Ed.

23. Heads up: Tony Petrarca says we are getting a shovel-worthy snow on Sunday night.

24. Set your DVRs: This week on Newsmakers  a reporters roundtable on the State of the State. Watch Sunday at 5:30 a.m. on WPRI 12 and 10 a.m. on Fox Providence, or listen on the radio Sunday at 6 p.m. on WPRO. You can also subscribe to Newsmakers as a podcast via Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you back here next Saturday.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Contention over hostage information has arisen between the warring parties in Gaza on the eve of the newly brokered ceasefire, it was reported on Saturday.

According to Israeli sources, the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia has not yet provided a list of the names of the three hostages who are due to be released to Israel on Sunday.

"Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Without the list of names, Israel would not continue to implement the agreement ratified by its government early on Saturday, he warned.

Hamas sources said that the militia would submit the list with the names of the three hostages in the coming hours.

Under the agreement, Hamas must inform Israel 24 hours in advance of the names of the hostages to be handed over. Three civilian women kidnapped from Israel are to be released first, Israeli media reported.
Contention over hostage information has arisen between the warring parties in Gaza on the eve of the newly brokered ceasefire, it was reported on Saturday.

According to Israeli sources, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas has not yet provided a list of the names of the three hostages who are due to be released to Israel on Sunday.

"Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Without the list of names, Israel would not continue to implement the agreement ratified by its government early on Saturday, he warned.

Hamas sources said that the militia would submit the list with the names of the three hostages in the coming hours.

Under the agreement, Hamas must inform Israel 24 hours in advance of the names of the hostages being handed over. Three civilian women kidnapped from Israel are to be released first, Israeli media reported.

Later, Netanyahu said during a speech that Israel has retained "the right to return to fighting if necessary" if the planned ceasefire agreement fails.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire set to begin early Sunday

The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip agreed by Israel and Hamas is set to come into effect at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) on Sunday morning, mediator Qatar announced on Saturday, offering the prospect of peace after 15 months of conflict.

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The official advised Gaza Strip residents to "take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources."

Later, Israel's military warned residents in the coastal strip not to approach areas where its troops will initially remain stationed.

A military spokesperson wrote on X on Saturday that approaching these areas, particularly the Netzarim Corridor which divides the coastal strip down the middle, poses significant danger.

Residents will be informed when it is safe to travel from the southern region to the north of Gaza, the statement added.

Netanyahu's coalition government approved the ceasefire and hostage deal early on Saturday after long deliberations, following earlier backing from the security Cabinet.

Hope for hostages

The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts from the United States, Egypt and Qatar through indirect negotiations to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding.

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The three-phase agreement 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, a total of 1,904 Palestinians are to be released from Israeli prisons and camps, the Israeli government announced. In return, Hamas is to release 33 out of 98 Israeli hostages during the six-week pause in fighting.

The prisoners set to be released are mainly considered to be Hamas fighters who were captured during the war in Gaza.

The other 737 Palestinians to be released were imprisoned for minor offences such as stone-throwing in the West Bank or illegal border crossing, illicit possession of weapons or other infractions.

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However, this group also includes some Palestinians serving sentences for serious crimes such as murder, according to a list published by the Israeli Justice Ministry.

Next steps

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is due to reopen under the agreement, with humanitarian aid deliveries for the Palestinians to be significantly ramped up.

In May last year, Israel took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, in an operation that halted aid deliveries via the vital facility into the heavily populated coastal strip.

On Saturday, Egypt's ministers of health and social solidarity inspected the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing with Gaza and a logistics area where about 600 aid trucks are stationed, local officials said.

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Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghafar said Egypt is ready to receive the injured Palestinians leaving Gaza in the coming days.

The Israeli military is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip.

Those who fled to the south of the coastal strip should be able to move freely again and return to their former homes in northern Gaza, under international supervision.

The warring parties intend to clarify the details of the second and third phases of the agreement - aiming for a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - during the first phase of the ceasefire.

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However, it is unclear whether the deal will hold, given the deep mutual suspicion on both sides, with many details of the agreement still to be resolved.

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed out of the coastal territory and killed some 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would resume its war against Hamas with full force if the terror group breaks the ceasefire.

In a speech as Israel awaited the release of the first hostages, Mr Netanyahu said both President Biden and President Donald Trump promised him Israel had the right to resume the fighting in new ways and with very great power if Hamas violates the deal.

He also said his government would get the necessary weaponry from America to continue the war on Hamas.

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By Saturday night, Israel was still waiting for Hamas to deliver a list with the names of the first three hostages set to be released on Sunday at 14:00 GMT.

The terror group was expected to send Israel a list with names of hostages 24 hours before their release as per the ceasefire agreement.

Mr Netanyahus office issued a statement, saying: We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible.

The Israeli premier also said that his country would increase the number of troops on the Philadelphi corridor, a thin strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border.

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Mr Netanyahus statement appears to contradict the terms of the deal, which stipulates that Israel will gradually reduce the forces in the corridor area during stage one, Israeli media said.

The Israeli prime minister made the corridor a key issue in the summer when he promised not to withdraw from it unless Israel is absolutely certain that Hamas will not be able to use the area to smuggle weapons across the border.

As the families of hostages waited anxiously for Hamas to send the list of names, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir railed against the terrible ceasefire deal, saying he would resign from Mr Netanyahus government on Sunday.

Mr Ben-Gvir also claimed that Mr Netanyahu tried to persuade him not to resign by offering to sack IDF chief of staff Herzl Halevi and give him the credit.

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Mr Netanyahus office quickly issued a statement denouncing Mr Ben-Gvirs remarks on Channel 12, saying: Ben Gvir wasnt offered anything. Its a total lie.

Meanwhile, Abu Hamza, spokesperson of Islamic Jihads armed wing, the al-Quds Brigades, encouraged families of hostages to call on the IDF to stop attacking Gaza in the hours leading up to the ceasefire on Sunday morning at 06:30 GMT.

Continued bombings in Gaza would be the reason for killing their children, Hamza said in his appeal to the families of the hostages.

11:39 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live blog.

We will be back tomorrow morning ahead of the expected ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

10:23 PM GMT

What will happen in the first week of the ceasefire?

If the ceasefire holds up, a second hostage exchange has been agreed for the seventh day.

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On Jan 25, Hamas is supposed to release four living female hostages.

In exchange, Israel is supposed to release around 30-50 Palestinian detainees for each hostage.

Israels ground troops will also withdraw from the central road that separates the territory, also known as the Netzarim Corridor.

This will allow Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza to make their return to what is left of their homes.

09:54 PM GMT

Dozens of Israelis protest ceasefire deal and demand Netanyahu resigns

Israelis barricaded a main road in Jerusalem on Saturday as they demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and protested for the war in Gaza to continue.

Many carried fake coffins draped in the Israeli flag as well as banners calling the ceasefire a betrayal of Israeli soldiers killed in the war.

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One woman whose son was killed fighting Hamas militants on Oct. 7, criticised the ceasefire deal and for releasing Palestinians from prison.

Yehoshua Shin called on President-elect Donald Trump to scrap the deal until there is total victory over the Hamas militant group.

09:33 PM GMT

What will happen once the three hostages are handed over?

Once the Israeli hostages are handed by Hamas to Red Cross officials they will be taken to the Israeli military base in Gaza.

The three hostages will be met there by medical staff, welfare specialists and psychologists.

These experts will be on hand to help them with an initial transition before the hostages are reunited with loved ones.

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They will also be transported to specialised facilities set up to help them adjust to returning from the trauma of 15 months in captivity.

09:11 PM GMT

Rafah crossing will see hundreds of aid trucks enter Gaza when ceasefire begins, says minister

The first phase of the ceasefire will also see aid trucks accessing Gaza for the first time in months.



According to Egypts foreign minister, Gazas main gateway to the outside world will start operating soon and bring in food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid. Half of the trucks are said to be heading to the north, where famine is the most prevalent.



The Rafah crossing had been shut down after Israels military took over the area last May.



The minister said 600 trucks of aid, including 50 fuel trucks, would start entering Gaza daily during the ceasefire, but will be subject to Israeli inspections.

07:40 PM GMT

Israeli national security minister threatens to resign over ceasefire deal

Itamar Ben Gvir, the head of the Otzma Yehudit party, has said said he and most of his party would resign from the government in opposition to the ceasefire deal.

He said on Saturday he had offered his resignation as national security minister to Benjamin Netanyahu, who tried to persuade him not to resign by offering to fire the head of the IDF and give him credit.

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But he said he had rejected that offer, telling Israels Channel 12 he is a man of principle and will quit over the terrible deal.

He argues that the deal will incentivise Hamas to kidnap more hostages, and opposes terrorists who have carried out murders being released by Israel.

07:27 PM GMT

IDF will not let Hamas stay in control of Gaza, chief of staff says

The Israel Defense Forces will not allow Hamas to recover or be in control of the Gaza, its chief of staff said.

Hamas has been severely weakened, and we will not allow it to recover, or allow it to be in control. The level of security today is significantly better than it was on October 7 and also prior, Herzi Halevi said.

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Mr Halevi said the IDF had achieved important things during the war with Hamas, including eliminating the terror groups chain of command and leader Yahya Sinwar.

In the coming days, the IDF will prepare for a reinforced defensive posture along the Gaza Strip border, a plan that was pre-planned and incorporates defensive as well as offensive components, he said.

07:02 PM GMT

Pictured: Ceasefire deal supporters rally in Tel Aviv

People are shown marching in Tel Aviv in a show of support for the Gaza ceasefire deal set to begin tomorrow, with some carrying boards saying bring them home.

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages attend a demonstration in support of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas - Ronen Zvulun/REUTERS

06:47 PM GMT

Israel to increase troops along Philadelphi corridor, Netanyahu says

Isreal will increase the number of troops on the Philadelphi corridor, a thin strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border, Benjamin Netanyahu said.

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Mr Netanyahus statement appears to contradict the terms of the deal, which stipulates that Israel will gradually reduce the forces in the corridor area during stage one, Israeli media said.

The Israeli prime minister made the corridor a key issue in the summer when he promised not to withdraw from it unless Israel is absolutely certain that Hamas will not be able to use the area to smuggle weapons across the border.

06:39 PM GMT

Pictured: IDF makes preparations to receive hostages

IDF location that is set to receive hostages

An IDF soldier makes preparations to receive hostages when they are freed by Hamas - IDF

06:21 PM GMT

Netanyahu: Israel reserves right to resume war if necessary

Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that if Israel is made to resume combat we will do so in new ways and we will do so with tremendous force in a statement on Saturday night.

The Israeli Prime Minister said the first principle is to maintain the ability to resume fighting after earlier saying that his country would no move forward the ceasefire until it has received from Hamas a list of the hostages to be freed.

He also said that Israels right to resume fighting was backed by the United States, adding that the deal was made possible as a result of cooporation with president Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump.

05:25 PM GMT

Netanyahu: Israel will not move forward with ceasefire until they have hostage names

Israel will not move forward with the ceasefire until it has received from Hamas a list of the hostages to be freed, Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed, the Israeli prime minister said.

Israeli media said the agreement stipulates that Hamas would provide the hostage names at least 24 hours ahead of their release.

The first release of hostages is scheduled to take place at 4pm local time tomorrow, which is less than 24 hours away.

05:07 PM GMT

Knifeman launches stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on eve of Gaza truce

An assailant stabbed and wounded a person in central Tel Aviv before being neutralised by a civilian, Israeli police said.

The apparent attack came the day before a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is set to come into effect.

Police had initially spoken of a shooting with several wounded but later clarified that the terrorist was armed with a knife.

Initial investigations reveal that a terrorist armed with a knife arrived at the restaurant area on Levontin Street and stabbed a civilian, police said.

Police said the stabbing victim was taken to hospital with serious wounds.

Emergency services said they were providing medical treatment to a 30-year-old male injured from stabbing.

Israeli security forces secure the area of a stabbing attack in which several people were injured and the attacker was shot, Tel Aviv - Oded Balilty/AP

Israeli security personnel gather at the scene of a suspected attack in Tel Aviv - Itai Ron/REUTERS

04:57 PM GMT

Hamas police allowed to operate in Gaza from tomorrow

Israel will allow Hamas policemen to operate in Gaza once the ceasefire begins on Sunday morning, according to the BBC.

They will be allowed to wear their official blue uniforms and will manage the movement of displaced Palestinians from southern Gaza to the north, the broadcaster said.

The policemen will not carry weapons except when absolutely necessary and will remain at a distance from Israeli forces, who will maintain a presence along the eastern and northern borders of the strip.

Qatar and Egypt will mediate between the two parties in order to prevent any fighting breaking out, the report said.

The Israeli military earlier said the ceasefire will begin on Sunday at 6.30am GMT, after the Israeli cabinet approved the deal on Friday night.

Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be released over the next six weeks in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel will receive the names of three hostages to be freed on Sunday later today, Israeli media reported.

03:25 PM GMT

Pictured: Ambulances wait to enter Gaza from Egypt

Paramedics and ambulances are shown on the Egyptian side of the border with Gaza, waiting to enter the enclave after the Israeli cabinets approval of a ceasefire.

Medical teams wait to enter Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, Jan 18 - AFP

02:09 PM GMT

Second Houthi missile intercepted by IDF

A ballistic missile fired from Yemen was successfully intercepted by the air force, Israels military said, adding that it was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory.

Sirens sounded in the southern port city of Eilat as well as in surrounding areas, Israeli media reported.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

It marks the second Houthi missile attack on Israel today (see our posts at 10.05am and 11.29am), and comes less than 24 hours until a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas begins.

01:23 PM GMT

Israel to receive names of first 3 hostages to be released, Israeli media says

Israel will later today receive the names of three hostages that will be released on Sunday, Israeli state broadcaster Kan reports.

The three hostages are civilians and their names will be given to Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea via Qatar, Kan said.

Mr Barnea is then expected to inform the families.

12:50 PM GMT

Hostages could be killed if IDF does not halt Gaza strikes, says PIJ

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has appeared to threaten to kill hostages if Israel does not stop strikes on Gaza before the ceasefire takes effect on Sunday.

A spokesman said the bombardment had given the group two paths: to return the hostages safely or to give them back to their families in coffins.

The choice of the last hours is in the hands of the Zionist army alone.

He said: The people of the enemy prisoners must demand that the Zionist army stop the bombardment of the last hours, which is the reason for the killing of your children while the resistance is making the final field arrangements for their release.

It was not clear if he meant the strikes could hit hostages or if PIJ would kill them as revenge for the attacks, which Hamas-controlled Gazan authorities said had killed 123 people since the ceasefire was announced on Wednesday.

PIJ is a Palestinian terror group founded in the Gaza Strip that has fought alongside Hamas during its war with Israel.

11:48 AM GMT

Israel must withdraw from Lebanon by January 26, Lebanese president says

Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline in order to fully implement a ceasefire agreed with Hezbollah last year, Lebanons president said on Saturday.

It was necessary for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27, Joseph Aoun told visiting UN chief Antonio Guterres.

Israels continued violations on land and in the air  blowing up homes and destroying border villages, completely contradicts what was stated in the ceasefire agreement, Mr Aoun said.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem earlier accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire violations, warning it against testing our patience as he called on the Lebanese state to be firm in its response.

Under the ceasefire deal, which ended two months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside peacekeepers from the UN mission in south Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws.

Hezbollah is also required to pull its forces north of the Litani River, around 20 miles from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the south.

11:29 AM GMT

Pictured: Israelis take cover amid rocket attack from Yemen

An Israeli family is shown inside a bomb shelter in Bet Zayit, central Israel, this morning as sirens wail amid a ballistic missile attack launched from Yemen (see our post at 10.05am).

The Israeli military said one missile was launched and that it was intercepted by air defence systems. There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.

The attack came one day before a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin.

Manuel Shlomo (age 3 months), Mikella Shlomo, Emmi Shlomo (age 3) and Daniel Shlomo inside a bomb shelter in Moshav Bet Zayit, Jan 18 - Jim Hollander/UPI/Shutterstock/Shutterstock

11:20 AM GMT

Hamas: Israel has failed to achieve its aggressive goals

Hamas said on Saturday morning that Israel had failed to achieve its aggressive goals, a day before the ceasefire deal it has agreed with Israel is set to take effect.

Israel only succeeded in committing war crimes that disgrace the dignity of humanity, the terror group said.

The ceasefire will begin at 6.30am GMT on Sunday, Israel and Qatar said on Saturday.

11:01 AM GMT

Hostage families urge for early stage 2 negotiations

Israel should begin negotiations for stage two and stage three of the ceasefire deal before the 16th day of the agreement taking effect, a body established by hostage families has urged.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said it welcomed the deal, but that it urgently calls for swift arrangements to ensure all phases of the deal are implemented, and emphasize that negotiations for the next phases must begin before day 16.

Under the agreement, 33 Israeli hostages of the 94 held by Hamas would be released over the deals first stage, which will last 42 days.

If conditions for the first stage are met, discussions for the second stage  when Hamas would free the remaining living hostages  would begin on day 16.

10:31 AM GMT

Pictured: Palestinian Syrians celebrate ceasefire in Damascus

Large crowds of Palestinian living in Syria are pictured celebrating the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in the Sbeineh Refugee Camp, which is around 9 miles south of Damascus.

They raised Palestinian flags, wore traditional attire and chanted slogans in support of Gaza and Palestine.

Large crowds of Palestinian Syrians gathered in Sbeineh Camp, Rural Damascus, on Jan 17, to march in support of the Gaza ceasefire - Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto/Shutterstock/Shutterstock

10:21 AM GMT

Hezbollah: Gaza ceasefire deal shows persistence of resistance against Israel

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas proved the persistence of resistance on Saturday morning.

This deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups, which took what they wanted while Israel was not able to take what it sought, said Qassem.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in November, following a 13-month-long conflict that started when the Iran-backed group bombarded Israeli positions a day after the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

10:05 AM GMT

IDF says it intercepted ballistic missile fired from Yemen

A ballistic missile fired from Yemen was intercepted by Israeli air defences on Saturday morning, the Israeli military said.

Sirens sounded across Jerusalem and central Israel over fears of debris falling from the intercepted missile.

Footage of the interception showed what appeared to be projectiles fired from air defence systems soaring across the sky, as loud explosions and laughter could be heard.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage.

The leader of Yemens Houthi rebels said on Thursday that the group would monitor the implementation of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is due to take effect on Sunday morning.

At any stage in which the aggression retreats from the agreement, we will be ready to provide military support to our Palestinian brothers, Abdul Malik al-Houthi said.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A death row inmate who killed two employees at a restaurant where he was laid off nearly 30 years ago has died, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Marlo Thomas, 52, was pronounced dead at Centennial Hospital in Las Vegas on Thursday, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections.

The 8 News Now Investigators reached out to the coroners office for the cause and manner of death.

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Thomas entered the Lone Star Steakhouse, where he had worked as a dishwasher until he was laid off, to get his job back on April 14, 1996, according to court records. Thomas then robbed the manager and stabbed two employees to death, documents stated.

Thomas received two death sentences and was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, battery causing substantial bodily harm, robbery, burglary, kidnapping and three deadly weapon enhancements. He most recently served time at High Desert State Prison near Indian Springs and began serving prison time on July 16, 1996, according to the department.

An autopsy has been requested and next-of-kin has been notified, the department stated.

The state of Nevadas last execution of a death row inmate was in 2006.

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GEORGIA (WRBL)  Plans for Mondays inauguration of President Trump are in full swing.

Georgias new 3rd District Congressman will have a much different view of the events this year than he did in 2017.

WRBLs had an exclusive interview with Congressman Brian Jack. Heres what we learned.

Brian Jack was a staffer for President Trump when he first took office eight years ago. Hes a freshman House member with growing influence in large part because of his deep ties with Trump.

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Brian Jack went from a little-known presidential political adviser from Peachtree City to congressman in less than a year.

Monday, he plans to watch the Trump inauguration and soak in the historical moment.

And he has a perspective few can offer.

Well, Im excited because I had a very special opportunity The last time he was sworn in, I was actually not at the Capitol. I was part of the very first wave of West Wing staff to enter the White House, and it was very ceremonial, said Jack. At noon, as he was taking the oath of office, a small bunch of us were escorted into the White House, and then we had our own ceremony of sorts.

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Because of Jacks connection to Trump, his office is incredibly busy right now with inauguration tickets and other activities in connection to the new administration, this interview with the congressman was done earlier this week before the swearing-in was moved indoors.

This will be the first time Ive had an opportunity to see him on the Capitol platform, raising that hand and taking the oath of office. But to me, its a testament to his political resiliency and the strength of his movement, said Jack. I mean, Democrats threw everything they possibly could at him over the last four years and many of his supporters as well and know here he is, is the 45th and now 47th president, the United States.

Jack has secured several key House committee assignments, including the Rules Committee.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme to property owners in over 50,000 villages in more than 230 districts across 10 States and 2 Union territories through video conferencing today. During the programme, Modi highlighted the significance of the initiative said, "Today is a very historic day for the villages of the country, for the rural economy. The ownership scheme was started 5 years ago so that people living in villages can be given their legal proof. In the last 5 years, these ownership cards have been given to about 1.5 crore people. Today, more than 65 lakh families have received these ownership cards under this programme." Prime Minister Modi also criticised the previous government for not tackling the challenge of land and ownership rights in villages. "The previous governments did not take any concrete steps in this direction. So when our government was formed in 2014, we decided to tackle this challenge of property papers and we started the Swamitva Yojana. We decided that with the help of drones, mapping of houses and lands will be done in every village of the country. The villagers will be given papers of their residential property," he said. PM Modi further said, "Today our government is trying with full sincerity to implement Gram Swaraj on the ground. With the ownership scheme, the planning and implementation of village development are now improving significantly. Now, with the availability of property rights, the problems of the Gram Panchayats will be resolved and they will also become financially empowered." The Prime Minister also emphasized the transformative progress in rural India, stating that nearly 98per cent of land records have been digitized in the last 7-8 years. "In the last 7-8 years, about 9per cent of land records have been digitized. Mahatma Gandhi used to say that - India lives in villages, the soul of India is in villages. The work of truly implementing this sentiment of revered Bapu has been done in the last decade." Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the government's commitment to farmers and rural development, announcing significant decisions as 2025 begins. "The year 2025 has also started with big decisions for the villages and farmers. The government has decided to continue the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Along with this, a decision has also been taken regarding DAP fertilizer so that farmers can benefit," he said. (ANI)
OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Coffee lovers in the Village of Owego are once again running on Dunkin as the chain celebrates the opening of its newly remodeled location.

Dunkin held a ribbon cutting at its location on Park Street in Owego. Its the latest Dunkin owned by franchisee High Test Coffee.

Patrons got to check out the new space while enjoying free coffee and special prizes. Glenn Pitcher from 98.1 the Hawk was also on-site providing music and supervising the plinko game which, oddly enough, only produced winners.

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Franchisee and President Santina Christian says the Owego location is part of Dunkins Next Generation initiative. During the remodel, it received both interior and exterior upgrades, a new tap system for premium beverages, and a new bakery display case.

Christian says support from the community is what makes Dunkin special.

The people, the community, not only my employees but the customers that come here. Thats what makes Owego run on Dunkin, said Christian.

Christian says Dunkin is an important part to a lot of customers daily routine. She says theyre just like family.

To celebrate the occasion, High Test Coffee also made a $3,000 donation to A Room to Heal which is renovating a room for a sick child in the Owego area.

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Dunkin is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Protections for three rare species found only in Nevada are a step closer, according to a wildlife conservation organization.

The Center for Biological Diversity said on Friday that the Amargosa toad, the Oasis Valley speckled dace and the Carson Valley monkeyflower will advance to a full review for endangered species status. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the decisions after considering the centers petitions.

Nevada is an epicenter of biodiversity, and these rare species are staring down the barrel of extinction unless we take prompt action to protect them. The Endangered Species Act is the best chance these little critters have, and Im pleased to see them advance towards protection, Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director for the center, said in a Friday niews release.

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More than 300 species are found only in Nevada, the center said. About four dozen of these currently have some form of federal or state protection. Donnellys group is trying to get protection for dozens more.

Amargosa toad: A toad that lives along the Amargosa River in the Oasis Valley, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas near Beatty in Nye County. Sporadic surveys have estimated the toads population is around a couple thousand, according to the center. Gold mining and its impact on groundwater are cited as a threat to the toads survival.

Oasis Valley speckled dace: A small fish that lives in the same area as the Amargosa toad. Population numbers and environmental threats are similar to those affecting the Amargosa toad.

Carson Valley monkeyflower: A flower that was once common in the Carson and Eagle valleys in western Nevada. Habitat loss due to the growth of Carson City and the Minden-Gardnerville area has impacted the wildflower.

The Carson Valley monkeyflower (Erythranthe carsonensis). (Photo by Patrick Donnelly, Center for Biological Diversity)

The Center for Biological Diversity said gold mining and urban sprawl are two of the most pervasive threats to biodiversity in Nevada.

Multinational corporations extracting wealth from Nevada cant do so by driving species extinct, Donnelly said. The Endangered Species Act is the most powerful law in the world at preventing extinction, and were going to keep pressing this issue until Nevadas special critters get the protections they need.

Even so, the center filed a lawsuit to stop what it describes as flagrant violation of numerous environmental protection laws involving the Bureau of Land Managements approval of a lithium mine at Rhyolite Ridge, west of Tonopah.

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Some New Hampshire Republican legislators are aiming to add new rules focused on immigrants and immigration enforcement, particularly for undocumented residents.

The proposed bills  which range from requiring municipalities to cooperate with immigration authorities to requiring businesses to use the federal E-verify program  come as the incoming Trump administration promises to carry out a mass deportation effort in U.S. history once hes in office.

Another bill, proposed by a House Democrat, would ban mass deportations in the state and tighten restrictions on the states only immigration detention center.

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For some immigration advocates, the roughly dozen or so bills this session are part of what they consider a growing anti-immigrant agenda in the state and the country. Other proposals from Republicans in the House and Senate would invalidate out-of-state drivers licenses issued to undocumented immigrants, and another would withhold money from schools if they house immigrants in an emergency.

Republicans and Democrats in the New Hampshire Statehouse are debating immigration policy.

Cooperating with immigration authorities

In her inaugural address, Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she expected Republicans to pass a ban on so-called sanctuary city policies, which would make it illegal for state or local governments to prohibit cooperating with federal immigration officials.

Two bills, one in the House and another yet to be made public in the Senate, would require state, county and local governments to help enforce federal immigration law. The proposals would also prohibit any municipality from adopting policies that would hinder federal immigration enforcement.

Rep. Ross Berry, a Republican from Weare, is one of the bills co-sponsors in the House.

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State, county, and local governments should not adopt policies that encourage or protect illegal immigration, Berry said in an email.Our country struggles with the problems it has now and we cannot afford to take more on.

Supporters argue that such measures would benefit New Hampshire by helping Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to deport criminals and undocumented people.

Critics say that enforcing immigration laws at the local level would be a strain on local police department budgets as immigration enforcement is typically handled by federal agencies like ICE or Customs and Border Protection.

A similar effort failed last year, after it faced opposition from advocates and some police chiefs, who argued it would damage trust with immigrant communities by making residents less likely to trust police and report crimes. Both bills have exceptions for undocumented residents who are the victim or a witness of a crime, although critics say that the exceptions dont go far enough.

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As it stands, a handful of New Hampshire communities like Manchester, Nashua and Lebanon have policies in place that prevent their police officers from detaining anyone solely based on a suspicion they are of living in the country illegally, unless they are also suspected of another crime  or under some policies, motor vehicle law violation or city ordinance violation.

For example, the city of Lebanon adopted an ordinance in 2021 that prevents city officials from asking about a resident's immigration status unless they have a valid reason. It also prevents local law enforcement from detaining anyone for being undocumented or participating in immigration enforcement actions.

City Manager Shaun Mulholland said that out of hundreds of arrests in the past four years, there have only been three encounters with people who might have had an immigration issue. However, he said if this proposal passes, the city will have to change its rules.

There'll be provisions in there if that passed into law that would preempt what we have in our welcoming Lebanon ordinance, and we'd have to obviously not enforce or have the council take action to change the city code to comply with that new law, he said.

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The police departments in Manchester and Nashua declined to comment on the bill.

Mandatory use of E-verify

Another proposal would require all New Hampshire businesses to enroll in E-verify, a federal program used to confirm employment eligibility by comparing records submitted by prospective employees to those available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

My thinking is the E-Verify program protects American workers by theoretically ensuring only eligible people are being hired by American businesses, Rep. Aidan Ankarberg, a Republican from Rochesters Ward 3, who sponsored the bill, said in an email.

Under his proposal, there wouldnt be a penalty for businesses that arent in compliance.

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Over 1.34 million employers are enrolled in the system nationwide, although different states have different requirements. Some states dont require E-Verify at all, while some states like Florida and North Carolina require all employers to use the system. Others, like Texas and Virginia only require it from public employers.

The incoming Trump-Vance administration has also signaled its support for a mandatory federal E-Verify law.

Similar bills were introduced in New Hampshire in 2012, 2022 and 2024, but ultimately did not pass. Ankarberg co-sponsored the 2022 version of the bill and believes that adopting it is a way to move with the times.

The goal here is to formally adopt the E-Verify program as mandatory best practice for our business community as it seems this may be somewhat inevitable, Ankarberg said. Better we be prepared and have our local stakeholders on board and aware of the program and how it works.

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A similar bill thats being proposed by Republican Sen. Bill Gannon of Sandown would require businesses with more than 25 employees to enroll in E-verify.

Banning mass deportations outright

Other legislators are going against signals from the incoming administration.

Rep. Tim Horrigan, a Democrat from Durham, introduced a bill that wants to tighten rules for immigration detention facilities. If passed as-is, the bill would prevent New Hampshire detention facilities from being run privately, participating in mass deportations or detaining a U.S. citizen.

Although there is only one detention facility in the state at the Strafford County Jail, he said that he did not want New Hampshire to be an active participant if mass deportations are carried out.

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A federal mass deportation effort, that's something that I think is contrary to our live free or die tradition and our tradition of tolerating people from elsewhere who want to come here and enjoy the many great things that New Hampshire has to offer, Horrigan said.

He added that he introduced the bill as a way to start the conversation about immigration detention in New Hampshire.

These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH lawmakers look to act on immigration, mass deportations
(Reuters) - Nicaraguan authorities swore in more than 1,400 masked civilians to form part of a new "volunteer" police force on Friday, raising concerns from human rights groups that President Daniel Ortega's government is formalizing a paramilitary force.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Opposition figures and human rights groups have raised concerns that the force is an attempt to institutionalize armed civilians loyal to Ortega. They say some of the new recruits were implicated in the deadly suppression of anti-government protests that erupted in 2018.

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BY THE NUMBERS

More than 4,000 people have been inducted into the force over just three days this week across the Central American nation, according to the government's official news site.

CONTEXT

Changes to Nicaragua's constitution that include the formation of the new force have been approved by the government-controlled legislature. Set to come into force in the coming weeks, the changes will concentrate power in the hands of Ortega, who has been in office since 2007, and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.

KEY QUOTES

At a swearing-in ceremony on Friday in the small northern city of Ocotal, national police chief Francisco Diaz described the new force as one that will support existing police officers, and is voluntarily formed by civilians who will "defend peace and security."

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Gioconda Belli, a Nicaraguan poet and prominent opposition voice in exile in Spain, wrote on social media: "Without any scruples, Ortega and Murillo make 1,500 paramilitaries swear loyalty to them with their faces covered by balaclavas. A lawless, repressive army that has been given constitutional status."

(Reporting by Gabriela Selser; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Rosalba O'Brien)
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  At least 70 people have died in north-central Nigeria after a gasoline tanker exploded, the countrys emergency response agency said.

The blast happened in the early hours of Saturday near the Suleja area of Niger state after individuals attempted to transfer gasoline from one tanker into another truck using a generator.

The fuel transfer sparked the explosion, resulting in the deaths of those transferring the gasoline and bystanders, Hussaini Isah, of the National Emergency Management Agency, told the Associated Press.

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Search and rescue operations were underway, Isah said.

With the absence of an efficient railway system to transport cargo, fatal truck accidents are common along most of the major roads in Nigeria, Africas most populous country.

In September, an explosion killed at least 48 people in Niger state after gasoline tanker collided with another truck conveying cattle.

There were 1,531 gasoline tanker crashes in 2020 resulting in 535 fatalities and 1,142 injuries, according to Nigerias Federal Road Safety Corps.
Jan. 17LOCKPORT  A Niagara County grand jury has charged a Jamaican national who prosecutors say is in the United States illegally with the murder of a Falls man at a memorial event on Ninth Street in August.

The grand jury indictment, unsealed during a hearing in Niagara County Court Friday morning, charges Rojae Jhohan Mitchell, 22, with single counts of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the slaying of Anthony Brantley.

Defense attorney Louis Mussari, who indicated he had been hired to represent Mitchell, entered a plea of not guilty for his client. Mitchell said nothing, besides answering, "Yes." when County Court Judge Caroline Wojtaszek asked him if he understood his trial rights.

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First Assistant District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann told Wojtaszek that Mitchell entered the United States "illegally in 2023" and was processed by immigration officials in California. Hoffmann said he was released and scheduled for a deportation hearing in New York City, but never appeared at the proceeding.

The assistant DA said Mitchell gave immigration authorities a fake home address, and when he was apprehended in Birmingham, Alabama, on Dec. 16 by agents from U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) he had a New York state driver's license that showed his address as a New York City homeless shelter.

"I have been told (by ICE agents) that if (Mitchell) was given any type of bail he would be deported immediately," Hoffmann said, in asking Wojtaszek to order him held without bail to face the murder and weapons charges.

The judge, noting that her paperwork showed Mitchell's home address as "homeless," ordered him held without bail at the Niagara County jail pending further proceedings. Mussari asked to "reserve (his) rights" to request bail at a later date.

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Prosecutors also filed a motion with Wojtaszek that asks for a DNA sample from Mitchell. The judge reserved a decision on that request.

Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman was in the courtroom for the hearing but declined further comment afterward.

Mitchell is accused of murdering Brantley, aka "Carlito Vasquez", 43, who was shot and stabbed in the 400 block of Ninth Street on Aug. 24 during a yearly "violence remembrance" gathering that honors people from the Ninth Street neighborhood who have passed away over the years.

Falls Police patrol officers said they were first called to the area at about 8:50 p.m. for reports of both a stabbing and a shooting. Officers said when they arrived they found a vehicle, with the driver's-side front window shot out, crashed into a parked car.

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The officers also said they discovered Brantley's body lying on the front lawn of a nearby home. Police said a large crowd had gathered near 449 Ninth St. before they arrived and that Brantley was unresponsive and had suffered what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds to his chest.

Brantley was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. Detectives said later that Brantley also appeared to have suffered stab wounds.

Witnesses, at the time, described the suspected killer as a male, dressed in all black, with a hoodie pulled over his head. The suspect was last seen running south in the 400 block of Ninth Street.

Neither police nor prosecutors have said how or why Mitchell was in the Falls on the day of the homicide or how he happened to be in Alabama four months later.
A solar and battery storage development operated by Entergy in Searcy, Arkansas. (Robert Zullo / States Newsroom)

New Mexico lawmakers and renewable energy advocates will once again seek funds and legal authority during this years legislative session to help rural and tribal governments establish solar-powered centers, in part to ensure residents have stable electricity during disasters like wildfires or blizzards.

Lawmakers also introduced the Local Solar Access Fund last year, unsuccessfully. This year, the $60 million funding request is reduced by $50 million, along with other tweaks like making land grants eligible, sponsors said during a news conference Friday afternoon organized by Public Power New Mexico.

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I feel very optimistic that this is our year to truly deliver on these benefits for rural communities, said House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), who is sponsoring the legislation along with Sen. Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque).

If passed, the New Mexico Finance Authority would, after establishing rules with help from the state energy department, provide grants to small public entities like counties, school districts and tribes and pueblos to help them plan for, purchase and install solar energy systems on public buildings and other infrastructure they own.

In addition to expanding the use of renewable energy, the grants would help rural areas be more self-reliant and resilient to power outages, including those that might occur during natural disasters, advocates said. Steve Jenison, a district chief for the volunteer fire department in Dixon, said the solar panels his department installed several years ago have already proven a vital energy backup.

We had a couple of bad wind storms earlier in the year that knocked out the power and we were able to maintain all of the functions of the fire station, he said at the news conference. The emergency power switches on within about two seconds of the power going out, so we were able to not only serve the purposes of the fire station, but also of the community.

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The funding would also provide grants for technical assistance to apply for federal funding or to design solar systems. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said it took years for the village to understand and design the solar power system that will soon power its wastewater treatment plant.

The bill has not yet been introduced to the Legislature, but lawmakers provided a draft bill here.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  Its a Florida nightmare: walking through your house after a hurricane to see the place you called home now in shambles.

Thomas Andrews and his wife Stephanie packed up their baby and two dogs and headed inland for Hurricane Helene, hoping theyd have a home to come back to.

Neighbors: Hostile takeover happening in Gulfport post hurricanes

We hoped for the best when we went to our hotel in Orlando, but we started getting videos and texts and it didnt end up the way we wanted it obviously, Thomas said.

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Their Shore Acres home had water waist deep, uprooting their lives.

Now knowing what we know, we love Florida, we dont want to leave, you know were not from here, but we cant go through that again, Stephanie explained.

With this type of devastation, putting almost all of your belongings to the curb, Stephanie and Thomas were faced with a tough decision.

Do they rebuild or sell?

After wrestling with their love for the water and the sheer heartbreak they just experienced, Stephanie said, it was a no brainer.

No flood zones, she said. None.

Theyre moving.

Now the question is, where?

We are very heavily looking at elevation certificates, Stephanie explained. We are looking at what Helene did to those areas who had historically never flooded before, so if it got touched with water, were not looking at it.

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8 On Your Side sat down with Derrick Silvers, a broker associate at Future Home Reality.

He said there are more people than ever now moving inland from our coastal communities.

Ive seen a much larger trend of people wanting to get out, Silvers said. A lot of people are paying attention way more than they used to be for elevation.

We talked about Seminole, he continued. Seminole has a very very high elevation, its a great community, theyve got nice houses, theyve got townhouses, theyve got condos, but youre still pretty close to the beach.

Silvers said no matter where you chose to live, if its in the Sunshine State, you should get flood insurance.

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You know, I tell people when theyre buying a house, that even if theyre not in a flood zone, get flood insurance, Silvers explained. That covers rising water.

Nothing else covers that unless you get flood insurance, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The Missouri Department of Transportation shared an update about the Nodaway County bridge which has been closed for several months due to deterioration.

According to MoDOT's press release on Friday, Jan. 17 - "A project to replace the 70-year-old Platte River Bridge on Nodaway County Route NN is scheduled for the March 2025 contractor letting through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program... The earliest a contractor may begin work on the project is May 2025."

During a routine inspection by MoDOT crews in July, the Platte River Bridge was closed due to "significant deterioration" and drivers were advised to use alternate routes for the foreseeable future.

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MoDOT has been collaborating with GBA Consulting Engineers to design the bridge replacement. The next step is to put the contract out for bidding which MoDOT has scheduled for March.

MoDOT expects to have a bid awarded during its monthly meeting in April with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Construction is expected to begin by May.

MoDOT has set a hard deadline for bridge completion on or before Dec. 1. Jenna Keyes, MoDOT communications manager with the Northwest District Office, said if the project is not finished by Dec. 1, the contractor will have to pay fees for every day the project goes past the deadline.

For more information about the Platte River Bridge Replacement Project, visit MoDOT's website at modot.org/route-nn-bridge-replacement-nodaway.
"BJP is a bundle of fraud and lies. Rajasthan government was giving a cylinder at Rs 500. Then BJP government promised to give cylinders at Rs 450. Now who is getting cylinders at that price in Rajasthan?" Lamba asked while speaking to ANI.

She also slammed AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, calling him "a bigger fraud."

"Kejriwal is a bigger fraud... Women of Punjab are standing outside Arvind Kejriwal's house with passbooks saying that he did not give even a single rupee," she said.

"They (AAP) should fight the elections on what they have done in the last 10 years... BJP may call it freebies but this is the public's money and Congress and Rahul Gandhi have decided to put this money in the public's pockets," she added.

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. (ANI)
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday used what might prove to be her final weekly column to say a final goodbye.

Earlier in the day, she appeared before a U.S. Senate committee for her confirmation hearing as President-elect Trumps nominee for homeland security secretary.

Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, her running mate in 2018 and 2022, will become governor upon her resignation. Her second and final term was to run until early January 2027.

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Rhoden, who before had walked the halls like any other Capitol employee other than Gov. Noem, this week had security people accompanying him in his role as South Dakota Senate president and outside his Capitol office.

He posed for photos after the Senate adjourned on Friday afternoon with the Senates secretarial staff and sergeant at arms.

Alleged shooter in Milbank nursing home was in training

The transition from Noem to Rhoden could come within the next few days. Trumps inauguration is Monday, January 20, which coincides with the Martin Luther King, Jr., national and state holiday.

Noem praised Rhoden in the column titled My Great Honor and said South Dakotas people are worth serving and the very best in America.

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So although I am saying farewell, please know that Im not going far, her column said. South Dakota has always been my home  and it is still my home. I will continue to focus on making our people safer, stronger, and freer.

She concluded, To the people of South Dakota: thank you for the incredible honor of serving you as state representative, as congresswoman, and now as governor. Thank you for trusting me and for working with me to accomplish incredible things.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Saturday, January 18. Take a look at our top stories with KELOLAND On The GO.

Senator, I look forward to working with you. That was the repeated statement of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as she sat before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for her confirmation hearing for the role of Secretary of Homeland Security.

Noem pledges transparency in DHS confirmation hearing

In what turned out to be a contentious day in court, a Judge sentenced two South Dakota Prison inmates for the violent beating of a correctional officer. Lester Monroe and Kyle Jones attacked and beat the officer at the state prison in Sioux Falls in 2023. A second officer was also struck. A jury found both inmates guilty of attempted murder and aggravated assault.

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Judge gives 50 years to inmate who predicts more violence at state penitentiary

KELOLAND News has new details surrounding the shooting in Milbank earlier this week at a nursing home that landed one person in the hospital and another in jail.

Alleged shooter in Milbank nursing home was in training

A frigid forecast is ahead this weekend as the coldest air of the winter season arrives in the region. Strong winds are gusting from the northwest at 20-40 mph and we expect more wind this weekend.

Storm Center Update: Coldest air of the winter arrives this weekend

You dont typically think of mid-winter being prime rummage sale season but a longtime business in Tea is opening its doors to rummagers this weekend.

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Tea rummage sale features treasures & Tupperware

Check out our Boredom Busters!

Saturday Boredom Busters: January 18th

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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO/AP)  Steps away from the U.S. Capitol where she once served as South Dakotas congresswoman, and halfway across the country from Pierre where she still holds office as governor, Kristi Noem looked ahead to her next role Friday when she appeared before the Senates Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington.

What 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, the South Dakota governor said.

Noem pledges transparency in DHS confirmation hearing

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The Homeland Security secretary leads a department which includes Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service and much more. But Noem is not exactly full of praise for the department at the moment.

This has been a big topic of conversation in most of the meetings that Ive had with the members of this committee, was how do we fix this agency, which the reputation is is that its broken and dysfunctional, Noem said. I think that was the question I get asked the most, is why would you want to head up such a dysfunctional department. And I would say that because the mission of the department is to secure the homeland.

And she reiterates that leading this department is something she specifically sought.

People, I think when they first heard my name being mentioned and nominated for the Department of Homeland Security, maybe thought it was a little bit of a surprise, like, Oh, I didnt think about Kristi doing that job,' Noem said. But I tell people the reason that I asked for it is because I knew it was the presidents number one priority.

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President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to undertake mass deportations. Noem says the deportation of criminals will be a priority.

Beyond that, his next priority is going to be those with final removal orders and focus on those individuals who have long overstayed, and that there is a consequence for ignoring our federal laws, Noem said.

Noems eventually becoming Homeland Security secretary still hinges on Senate confirmation. Just a simple majority is needed, and the GOP holds a majority of the chambers seats.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
First came the fires. Then, there was ash and contaminated water. Now, some survivors of the Southern California wildfires are dealing with outbreaks of norovirus and other stomach ailments at a shelter set up to help evacuees.

The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed Friday that three people tested positive for norovirus among a cluster of 28 people who had acute gastrointestinal illness at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter.

Norovirus can cause stomach cramps and severe vomiting and diarrhea, possibly leading to dehydration. Most people will get better without treatment in one to three days, but the disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly and easily, usually through contaminated surfaces, food and water. Some groups, like people who are older or who have weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe illness.

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The Pasadena Public Health Department said in an email that it was providing guidance and support to the American Red Cross, which is managing the shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The Red Cross said its doing everything it can to keep residents safe.

The health and well-being of residents in our care is a top priority, said Stephanie Fox, media relations lead with the American Red Cross national headquarters.

Fox says health care workers are available for on-site care for anyone who feels sick. Kaiser Permanente confirmed that it has set up a health care clinic at the evacuation center, and AltaMed Health Services is also providing medical care there.

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The spread of illness in congregate living situations, including shelters, is unfortunately common given the close quarters and communal spaces, Pasadena Public Health said in an email. This year, the community has experienced higher than normal levels of Norovirus.

Surveillance data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are worse than theyve been in more than a decade.

Nearly 500 outbreaks were reported between August and mid-December, according to CDC data, a third more than at the same time in the previous season.

California is not part of the National Outbreak Reporting System that the CDC uses for norovirus surveillance, but wastewater surveillance data from another program, WastewaterSCAN, shows that norovirus levels are higher than the national average in many testing locations in the state.

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When a resident at the Pasadena shelter becomes sick, the Red Cross said, it does whatever it can to limit exposure by isolating them in an area that is separate from where the healthy residents are staying.

Right now, our partners with LA County Department of Health and Kaiser Permanente are providing around-the-clock medical care for affected residents in our shelters, and those exhibiting symptoms are resting in another part of the facility away from the general population. Because of these efforts, spread of the illness has been minimal, Fox said.

The shelter has also taken safety precautions including making hand sanitizer readily available. Volunteers who handle food are required to wear gloves, and there are cleaning supplies on-site for staff.

Pasadena Public Health said additional control measures include the presence of handwashing stations, frequent restroom cleaning and the use of disinfectants strong enough to kill norovirus.

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The [health department] team will continue to meet with onsite health services partners and monitor the situation to prevent any further spread, the department said.

CNNs Deidre Philips contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Jan. 17Met up with Scioto County juvenile

A North Carolina man is in the Scioto County jail after he traveled by to Scioto County to meet up with a with a minor and then allegedly took videos of them participating in sexual acts.

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said in a press release that his office was contacted on Jan. 13 by a female wanting to report a juvenile runaway. A deputy responded and obtained information and the preliminary investigation revealed the juvenile had been in contact with Braceon Madison, 18, of Laurinburg, North Carolina.

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Two days later, deputies got information that the runaway juvenile and Madison were seen at Burger King in Wheelersburg. Deputies found them and the juvenile female was taken to the Southern Ohio Medical Center for evaluation. The initial contact with Madison revealed no probable cause for an arrest.

Deputies obtained all the needed information to continue their investigation and released Madison. The investigation was then turned over to detectives.

As this was occurring, the detectives were contacted and advised that the Madison had shown up at the hospital requesting to see the juvenile. Detectives responded to the hospital and observed Madison walking away as they were nearing the hospital and he was detained.

Detectives interviewed the juvenile and her guardians and they learned that Madison and juvenile met through Facebook on Dec. 24, 2024.

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The two remained in contact and Madison traveled by bus from North Carolina to Portsmouth.

Upon his arrival, he obtained a ride to Wheelersburg and was snuck into the juvenile's residence. The two then took off on foot and they located a building on Ohio River Road where they stayed for a few nights before being found.

Thoroughman said the detectives learned through the investigation that Madison had taken videos and pictures on his phone of a juvenile participating in sexual acts.

On Jan. 15, deputies arrested was Madison and charged him with eight counts of second-degree felony pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

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Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation that will result in more charges being presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury on a later date.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
A North Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on child sex assault charges, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas.

Lukumond Adebola Olatunji, 46, kidnapped a 14-year-old girl in October 2021 and raped her while his friend filmed the assault, according to the statement.

Olatunji and 42-year-old Vincent Jerome Thompson were indicted in January 2022, and Thompson pleaded guilty last June to production of child pornography and aiding and abetting, officials said.

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The two men admitted to approaching the victim and offering her a ride home, at which point they drove to an alleyway and sexually assaulted the girl.

Olatunji and Thompson then took the girl to a nearby motel and continued to assault her for five hours until she ran out of the room with her backpack and shoes, officials said.

Both men admitted to raping the girl, according to the statement.

Thompson received the same sentence in October 2024, officials said.
Editors note: At around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, the Lodi Police Department reported the missing woman was found safe.

(FOX40.COM)  The Lodi Police Department is asking for the publics help to find a woman who was reported missing after leaving a local tattoo shop.

The woman is described as being 5 foot 7 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds, with black hair and green eyes. According to LPD, she was last seen wearing a white beanie, black leather jacket, and black pants while walking from Pine/Sacramento tattoo shop around 4 p.m. on Friday. The woman also has a 1979 tattooed on the side of her face.

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LPD said she is at risk and anyone with information on her whereabouts can call 209-333-6728.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Norwich  Valeria Yraita-Zevallos returned to Norwich Free Academy on Friday, four years after graduating with the prestigious Martin Luther King Scholarship, to bring to current students the lessons she learned from the Civil Rights icon.

What are you most afraid of? Yraita-Zevallos began, addressing young students in the audience. An undergraduate senior at Boston University majoring in political science and international relations, Yraita-Zevallos offered examples, such as students fearful of upcoming tests or anyone fearing for the future of the country.

She then asked them to turn it around and think about hope instead, as King had looked to the future with optimism.

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Hope will always prevail, Yraita-Zevallos said. Fear makes us human, but hope makes us special. There is no talking about Dr. Martin Luther King without talking about hope.

More than 100 people gathered in the NFA cafeteria Friday to celebrate Kings birthday by highlighting youth achievements in academics, arts and leadership at the annual Norwich NAACP Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon.

Leo Butler, director of diversity at NFA, invited the audience to enjoy the event, laugh and share conversation. But he reminded them to remember the serious aspects of King commemorations.

Remember, he gave his life for the better cause, Butler said.

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The Norwich NAACP for the past several years have focused the luncheon on honoring youth achievement. Several youth awards were announced, and high school and middle school students took the podium to address the audience or to give musical performances.

Oliver Aubin, 17, an NFA senior and recipient of the King scholarship, recalled how his parents came to the United States from Haiti with nothing. Now, his mother owns a business, and his father is a minister. Aubin offered advice to fellow NFA students and middle school students in attendance at the luncheon.

What is your inspiration? What motivates you? Aubin asked, And once you find it, dont forget it.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, congratulated the Norwich NAACP for ensuring that todays youth understand the profound meanings of Kings speeches and teachings. Recalling Kings famous letter from the Birmingham City Jail, Courtney quoted the line, an audacious faith in the future.

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Courtney also noted that keynote speaker Yraita-Zevallos served as an intern in his office. He praised her handling of difficult situations in working with people experiencing difficult times.

Yraita-Zevallos urged the younger students in the audience to take on roles of leadership and take charge of their lives and surroundings.

It starts in our homes, at the community level, by being involved in organizations like the NAACP and embarking on their mission to achieve equity, political rights and social inclusion, she said.

She also urged students to get involved by attending City Council meetings and in their schools.

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No matter how easy it is to fall into the chaos of life, there is always room to work for that better tomorrow that Dr. King achieved, Yraita-Zevallos said.

Five middle school students from the Norwich area were honored and received certificates as future MLK scholarship candidates. The students also received citations from local state legislators and from Courtneys congressional office. Each offered brief reflections on what Kings messages meant to them.

Austin Barboza, an eighth grader at the Integrated Day Charter School in Norwich, said no matter what people end up doing in life, they will have to interact with people of diverse backgrounds. He cited his own schools diversity and noted how firefighters from across the country and Mexico are working together to fight the wildfires in California.

Inaya Wade Santo-Tomas, eighth grader at Integrated Day, echoed what her classmate said.

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If we cant work together, the world will remain in fear, and people will grow up being afraid of one another, Santo-Tomas said. Lets be where we stand together as one. We can build a better world for everyone.

Gaby Desir and Divine Anighoro received the eighth-grade awards from the Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School in Norwich, and Kaeloni Clark received the award from Teachers Memorial Global Studies Magnet Middle School.

Clark said she did not prepare a speech but wanted to speak from her heart. Clark, daughter of a white mother and Black father, said as a younger child, she was always asked or teased about her appearance. She grew up with her mothers white culture, she said, but the questions persisted.

Other children would say to her You look so exotic. You are the whitest Black girl Ive ever met. What kind of black are you?

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Ive never known the answers to that question, Clark said. Ive only known I am an American.

Clark thanked her mom for raising her to celebrate who she is.

The color of someones skin and country where they came from shouldnt matter to anyone, Clark said. With the stigma of racism cultures, it causes more hate than there should be.

Along with honoring youths at Fridays luncheon, the Norwich NAACP presented the Robertsine Duncan Memorial annual award for youth service to Mohegan Tribal Council member Mark Brown, a former Norwich police officer, for his decades of support to local youth and the NAACP youth council. Brown also received citations from Courtney and from the city, read by Mayor Peter Nystrom.

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Brown talked about growing up on North Cliff Street in downtown Norwich and that his father served in the Army, including the Korean War. He recalled not having much growing up but learning from his mother to support those in need. He said he and his family never forgot those lessons.

We do the things we do not for recognition, even though this is great, Brown said. We do them because they are the right thing to do. This room is full of people who do things for others. If we all stick together, we can get anything done.

c.bessette@theday.com
CHEYENNE  Wyoming has underfunded school facilities maintenance for about a decade, as the states formula for calculating routine and major maintenance has been pushed lower and lower, according to testimony Friday in a state Senate committee.

To address crumbling school buildings, the Senate Education Committee voted unanimously in favor of Senate File 34, School finance-routine and major maintenance calculations, which would increase the formula for paying for school building repairs.

Bill Landen

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Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, listens during the Wyoming Legislatures Joint Judiciary Committee meeting in the Historic Supreme Court Chamber in the state Capitol on Sept. 19, 2024.

Frankly, we have not been taking care of our buildings out there, Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, told the committee. We have over 25 million square feet of school facilities buildings across our state, and we need to maintain them.  You either pay now, or you are going to pay a lot later.

Nearly every session, the Select Committee on School Facilities has warned lawmakers that school maintenance is underfunded, Landen said. SF 34 would increase the allowable square footage utilized to calculate routine and major maintenance for school districts, and increase the percentage utilized to calculate major maintenance payments to school districts.

Currently, the formula considers 115% of educational space capacity for the prescribed per-student gross square footage, and the bill would increase that to 135% for the 2025-26 school year. It would also increase the multiplier for the amount of adjusted square footage from 2% to 2.5%.

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We stopped spending very much money on school buildings in about 2015 due to an economic downturn, Landen said. We ratcheted down on what we paid on routine maintenance and major maintenance. This ratchets it back up.

Some people question whether school districts are appropriately using the existing maintenance funding they receive. Landen said he is confident they are.

Where you come into question marks is when you have very old buildings, and sometimes our districts are criticized for not taking care of old buildings, Landen said. Sometimes that is a building that is targeted to be replaced. At that point in time, there are decisions to be made regarding how much more you want to put into a building like that.

Del McOmie, director of the Wyoming State Construction Department, said that if the state continues to defer maintenance using the 2% multiplier in current law, the life expectancy of school buildings will be cut by about 20 years.

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On top of that, that lifespan shortening increases the capital construction budget, because you are going to be building more schools sooner, McOmie said, adding the state could face an increased cost of $3 billion over 50 years.

SF 34 contains an appropriation of $38.1 million from the public School Foundation Program account to the State Construction Department, as well as an additional $5.5 million from that same account to the Wyoming Department of Education. That appropriation would cover only the first year of increased funding, and an additional appropriation would be required in a future state budget cycle.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie

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Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, said that the increase to 135% is not a magical number and probably wont cover all major and routine maintenance needs across the state. During the interim, lawmakers considered an increase as high as 200%.

(Weve) picked a point of compromise, Rothfuss said.
"The majority of the population in the state comprises people from North India, with over 45 lakh individuals benefiting. In 45,501 Gram Panchayats, 45,35,000 houses in Uttar Pradesh have received the benefits of the scheme," he said.

He further added, "I extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister, officials, and volunteers who made this possible. I also congratulate the beneficiaries on receiving their property rights. Previously, in 37,800 villages of Uttar Pradesh, over 55.14 lakh property cards were distributed under the SVAMITVA scheme."

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards to property owners under the SVAMITVA scheme, across ten states and two union territories.

The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) initiative is making significant strides in transforming rural India.

Under the initiative, the Government is providing accurate property ownership data, with clear ownership records in hand, thereby, land disputes have reduced.

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.

A 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. (ANI)
Yet another Santa Ana wind event is set to descend upon the Los Angeles area to begin the week, leading weather officials to issue a Fire Weather Watch.

According to NWS, moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds are expected to develop Monday and last through at least Tuesday. Humidities will lower drastically at the same time, and the already extremely dry fuels will create an even higher risk for critical fire weather conditions.

The Fire Weather Watch has been put into effect for much of Ventura and L.A. counties through at least Tuesday; however, weather officials stated that the likely decision on converting the watch into a Red Flag Warning will come sometime this weekend.

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5 major lenders providing mortgage relief to residents affected by wildfires

With dry conditions lasting through Friday of next week and additional rounds of enhanced offshore flow likely, Red Flag Warnings may be needed beyond Tuesday, NWS officials said.

A Fire Weather Watch is an outlook statement for the potential of Red Flag Warnings several days away, according to the National Weather Service.

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By Nathan Layne

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (Reuters) - Democratic New York Mayor Eric Adams said he had a "productive" meeting with Republican President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Friday, including a discussion about how the federal government can help improve the lives of the city's residents and its economy.

Adams, who traveled to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach three days before Trump will assume the presidency, said the two did not discuss the mayor's federal indictment on corruption charges and upcoming trial.

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"President Trump and I had a productive conversation about New York's needs and what's best for our city," Adams said in a statement.

"To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, and those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldn't meet with the incoming president to discuss our city's priorities because ... we're from different parties clearly care more about politics than people."

Spokespeople for Trump did not respond to requests for comment.

Adams said they discussed federal investments in the city's infrastructure and ideas to encourage businesses to create manufacturing jobs in New York, with a focus on the Bronx, one of the city's five boroughs and the most ethnically diverse.

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Adams has made a series of overtures to Trump dating to well before the president-elect's election victory in November, expressing a desire to work with him on immigration and other issues that impact the country's most populous city.

The mayor's critics have speculated that he is warming up to Trump in the hopes that the incoming president will pardon him.

Adams, 64, was charged in September with accepting travel perks from Turkish officials and political donations from foreigners in exchange for taking actions to benefit Turkey. He pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, fraud and solicitation of a campaign contribution from a foreign national.

(Reporting by Nathan Layne in West Palm Beach, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Far-left City Comptroller Brad Lander took money for his mayoral campaign from a radical anti-Israel Columbia University professor whose hateful rhetoric got her booted from the college, according to campaign finance records.

Lander, who has dubbed himself both a socialist and progressive Zionist, received $500 in April from ex-Columbia law professor Katherine Franke, who has previously claimed the Jewish state is conducting genocide in Gaza and defended students anti-Israel hate.

Comptroller Brad Lander took campaign money from an anti-Israel Columbia University professor whose rhetoric got her booted from the university. Gabriella Bass

Columbia hired an outside law firm to investigate Franke over a claim she made in January 2024 to Democracy Now, that Israeli students at the Ivy were known to harass Palestinian and other students on our campus.

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The investigator found in November that the professors comments violated several university policies, including disclosing a complainants name to a reporter and targeting her accusers on social media, according to a copy of the probes findings obtained by The Times of Israel. Franke, who retired this month, said the move was essentially termination dressed up in more palatable terms.

Sara Forman, executive director of the pro-Israel New York Solidarity Network, demanded Lander return Frankes donation. His accepting the cash tells us how deeply unserious and uncommitted he is to being an honest representative of New Yorks Jewish community, she charged.

An outside law firm hired by Columbia found Franke discriminated against Israelis with her comments in a January 2024 interview. Columbia University

Franke initially denied making the contribution, but later claimed she had donated to a joint fundraiser event in May for Brad Lander and then-Rep. Jamaal Bowman in support of both of them calling for a ceasefire.

Lander did not respond to a request for comment.
NEW YORK (AP)  New York City's Democratic mayor, who faces federal bribery charges, is defending his private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump as the Republican prepares to retake the White House on Monday.

Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday brushed off questions that his criminal case  or the possibility of a presidential pardon if he is convicted  came up during the Friday sit-down near Trump's Florida estate, saying the case is something his legal team is handling.

I made this clear a few days earlier that I was seeking to sit down and talk to the president about the issues concerning the city infrastructure, the migrant asylum-seeker issues, the settlement of the crisis in the Middle East, he said.

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Im the mayor of the biggest city in America," Adams added, following remarks about the citys preparations for a weekend snowstorm. "Im supposed to speak with the president, like I spoke with President Biden.

Adams issued a statement Friday night in which he stated the two did not discuss my legal case but instead focused on topics such as bringing manufacturing jobs back to the city and the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Trump has criticized the case against Adams and said he is open to giving the mayor, who had been a registered Republican in the 1990s, a pardon.

Adams 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 political favors, including helping the Turkish officials resolve city approvals for a diplomatic building in Manhattan.

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Adams stressed Saturday that he does not intend to be warring with the Trump administration on immigration and other critical issues.

Donald Trump received the popular vote. Donald Trump received the electoral vote, he said. "America has communicated in a very loud and clear voice that we need to do something about our borders. America has communicated about how we need to build our economy and make sure jobs stay here. They have communicated around affordability.

He also declined to say what role if any police and other city agencies would have as the Trump administration is expected to begin large-scale deportations, including immigration enforcement raids targeting the Chicago area as soon as Tuesday.

Im not gonna keep doing the same questions over and over again about the cooperation of city agencies, Adams said. The law is the law. Next question.

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The Brooklyn Democrat and former police captain also took jabs his own party and the outgoing Biden administration, which he has criticized over its response to the migrant surge in recent years.

The party thats in office took $6.9 billion out of our city he said, referring to the amount of money his administration says it has spent to care for the roughly 250,000 asylum seekers who have arrived in the city since the spring of 2022. "That went away from our children, our families, our streets, our security."

Adams said his face-to-face with Trump was about ensuring that this city gets what it deserves," an appeal he believes will be heard given the incoming president's New York City roots.

Im looking forward to the next four years of having a president that loves the city like I love this city, he said. Were gonna do whats needed to move the city forward for everyday New Yorkers.
(KRON)  The United States Attorney for the Northern District of California Department of Justice announced Friday that an Oakland man who operated a money wire transfer business has been sentenced for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Redwood City street racer gets 90 day sentence in deaths of twins parents

Jose Luis Garcia, 57, co-owner of Envios Express on the 3500 block of International Boulevard, was sentenced on Wednesday to 12 months in federal prison. Garcia was indicted in July 2023 and pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, said the DOJ.

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Garcia and his wife, Silvana Jorge de Oliveira aka Dianne Johnson, also charged in this case, operated the business under several names, according to court documents and Garcias plea agreement. The DOJ said Garcia had access to wire services that handled the transfer of funds from Oakland to other parts of the U.S., Mexico, Honduras, and other foreign countries.

The DOJ said Garcia admitted to using fake sender names and IDs to process multiple structured wires to hide that a single sender was wiring amounts greater than $3,000, which he knew would have triggered mandatory federal reporting requirements.

The DOJ said Garcia also accepted up to $9,000 from unidentified customers, who asked that the cash be wired to well-known drug trafficking areas of Mexico or to persons in Honduras, without recording the true identity of the sender. In order to dodge reporting requirements, the DOJ alleged that Garcia misused the names and IDs of real customers to wire money for fake customers.

According to the DOJ, Garcia also kept about 15,000 digital images of California drivers licenses and Honduran, Mexican, and other national ID cards on cell phones, which he used to meet the wire companies ID standards.

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The DOJ also alleges in August 2022 that Garcia agreed to a request by an unknown source to wire $9,200 in cash to recipients in Mexico without providing an ID or using the senders real name, which is mandated by federal law. Garcia distributed the $9,200 among four wires, using fake names as the sender on the receipts, and charged $50 under-the-table fee for each of the wires, said the Department of Justice.

In addition to the one-year prison sentence, Garcia was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, said the DOJ.

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RIVER RIDGE, La. (AP)  A Louisiana man killed his wife and toddler, and wounded his two other children Saturday morning before responding law enforcement entered his home and fatally shot him, the sheriff said.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call from a 13-year-old girl who said her father had shot and killed her mother and younger sibling around 4 a.m. on Saturday morning, Sheriff Joseph P. Lopinto III said in a press conference.

Hearing the child make that 911 call is pretty devastating right now to be honest with you, Lopinto said.

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Deputies discovered the body of a 40-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child when they arrived at the residence in River Ridge, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans, Lopinto said. Officers then found the man armed in a bedroom in the back of the house. Multiple officers opened fire, killing the man.

Lopinto didn't identify anyone in the family.

There was also a 9-year-old girl in critical condition who was transported to the children's hospital where she received emergency surgery. The eldest daughter in the residence had a minor wound on her ankle.

The deceased man's motives were unknown.

It's certainly a tragic situation but we're looking to what could have brought it to this point, Lopinto said.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  As troopers hit the highway this month, distracted drivers beware because the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is putting a special emphasis on catching them for the rest of January.

Its a mobilization dedicated to a trooper that was killed by a distracted driver 10 years ago.

Its got to stop, said Lt. Chris Arnell with the OHP. So please make a strong effort to put the phone down and constantly decide not to drive distracted.

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The mobilization honors the life of Trooper Nicholas Dees. He was killed in 2015 when a distracted driver slammed into the scene where he and another trooper were investigating a crash on I-40. The other trooper, Keith Burch, was seriously injured.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Oklahoma Highway Patrol remembers Trooper killed by distracted driver

Dees now-teenage daughter spoke at a news conference Friday.

My life changed forever when I lost my father, a dedicated state trooper to preventable tragedy, Claire Dees said. Every driver has the power to prevent these senseless deaths. Let my father sacrifice be a reminder. No distraction is worth a life.

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Dees death eventually led to the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015, which states no one can text and drive in the state.

Oklahoma ranks number 10 in the United States, having 11.6 percent more distraction than the US average, Arnell said.

Now, troopers, in partnership with other agencies, want to do whatever they can to stop.

With distracted driving, we have to do more, Arnell said.

An investigation into that crash from 2015 found that Steven Wayne Clark was sending and receiving messages in the miles leading up to that crash.

Clark was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. He is currently out on probation.

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Oklahoma women demonstrated at the state Capitol Saturday in advance of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Mizoram Police, recovered narcotics 'Heroin' worth Rs 34.50 lakhs in Champhai district of Mizoram, according to an official press release. The consignment weighing 46 grams was recovered in the general area of PVCP Melbuk Road Junction, Champhai district, on January 17. The entire consignment has been handed over to the Police Department Zokhawthar for further legal proceedings, the release said. Earlier on January 17, in a significant blow to the illicit drug trade, Assam Rifles deployed at Headquarters Veng, Churachandpur District successfully intercepted and recovered a massive cache of banned Yaba tablets and Brown Sugar worth approximately Rs 62 crores in general area Mata Village, Churachandpur District on January 16, Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) said in a press release. 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)
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  While the murder of Terri McCauley is closer to a resolution, local indigenous leaders say theres a larger issue at hand.

Murder is the third-leading cause of death for native women, Trisha Rivers with Great Plains Action Society said. Native men experience psychological and emotional abuse through intimate partner violence. Our indigenous two-spirits are subjected to sexual and physical assault simply because of who they are. This narrative needs to change, and it starts by raising and continuing to push for justice.

Suspect in Bloomfield homicide case requests that jury trial be moved

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On Friday, members of local tribes addressed the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) crisis. Omaha Tribe of Nebraska council member Galen Aldrich says he can experience the pain of McCauleys family, as he says his daughter Ashlea Aldrich was murdered in 2020. That case has not been investigated and remains open.

I and my wife are living this nightmare every day, Galen Aldrich said. There are so many unanswered questions that we need closure for. I and my family will continue to fight for these answers, along with guidance from MMIR advocacy.

Rivers says that these unsolved cases require deliberate cooperation.

We need to have more conversations, she said. We need to learn how to work with each other, whether its with our own native communities or with non-native allies. There needs to be an intentional approach to solving some of these cases that go unresolved for quite some time.

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New Sioux City Art Center exhibit honors women in the arts

Rivers also said that lawmakers should be part of the equation as well.

I would love for our local legislators to start showing up and start educating themselves about the crisis and see where they can really push that power through, she said. This case means so much to everybody in Indian country because I feel like all of us can relate to it in some kind of way.

For more information about issues facing the indigenous community and how to help, you can visit the Great Plains Action Societys website by clicking here.

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XENIA, Ohio (WDTN)  There was a fatal three-vehicle crash on Saturday, Jan. 18, on US-35 in Greene County.

The crash happened at approximately 10:27 am on US 35 West, east of Alpha Road, in Beavercreek Township.

Police search for man who broke into Brookville high school

Xenia Posts preliminary investigation found a 2004 Honda Odyssey, driven by a 36-year-old, was heading west US 35 and hit the back of a 2025 Nissan Kicks driven by a 66-year-old.

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The Nissan went right off the roadway. The Honda kept going west and hit the back of a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox driven by a 54-year-old woman.

The Nissan driver, identified as Robin Phillips, age 66 of Xenia, died in the crash. The Honda driver suffered mild injuries, and the Chevrolet driver was also injured.



Xenia Post said drug use is suspected, and the crash is still being investigated.

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DENVER (KDVR)  One of the worlds rarest equids was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of the Critically Endangered species.

The baby, born on Jan. 14 to mom Daisy (12) and dad Kamowa (16), is the zoos first Somali wild-ass foal.

Free days at Denver museums, zoo, parks and more in 2025

Somali wild ass are among the worlds rarest wild equids, with fewer than 150 believed to remain in their native eastern African habitats, the zoo said.

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Somali wild ass face threats like habitat loss and competition with livestock, and the zoo said the foals birth is a critical step toward safeguarding the species future.

DZCA shared photos of baby Bulletin and mom Daisy with FOX31:

A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. Baby Bulletin, a Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world, was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species. A Somali wild ass and one of the rarest equids in the world was born at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this week, marking a critical step for the future of Critically Endangered species.

A video posted by the zoo on Facebook shows Daisy and the foal trotting around their enclosure, rubbing on each other and rolling on the ground.

We are beyond thrilled to welcome the newest member of our herd. She has already shown that she is bright and confident, with a little sass thrown in for good measure. All births are a big deal, but theres something a little extra special when its a Critically Endangered species like Somali wild ass. We are excited to start building relationships and training with this new little lady and are inspired by all the opportunities she represents for our program, Lead Animal Care Specialist Megan Grady said.

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The Denver Zoo said in a press release that it is one of 11 institutions in North America to house Somali wild ass. Their herd of four is part of an effort to boost the species population and raise awareness.

The zoo said visitors may be able to see the foal for their next visit, weather permitting. In fact, shes already made her outdoor debut. The zoo described her as spunky, curious and full of energy and said she has been exploring with her mom close by.

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The president is not a dictator, not on day one (as Donald Trump has proclaimed) or on any other day.

And voters did not elect Trump to be a dictator. He does not have a mandate to change the Constitution and override the other branches of government to pursue his agenda.

In the coming months and years, there is no doubt our governments system of checks and balances will be tested. But the system can withstand, so long as those who have the duty to check presidential overreach do their jobs.

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They must remember that the voters want a government of, by and for the people  one that is responsive to their needs and preserves their freedoms  not government by any one official or wealthy supporter.

Upon swearing in, members of Congress take an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

This oath is a promise to prioritize the Constitution and defend our government from attempted power grabs even in the face of partisan loyalties. Whether the Senate keeps that promise will be seen first in how the body scrutinizes Trumps Cabinet nominees.

Trump is attempting to reward his top loyalists and donors with powerful  and potentially self-serving  positions in his administration, despite their lack of qualifications.

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A key check to this abuse of power is through the Senate, which is constitutionally mandated to provide advice and consent on nominees. The Senate should thoroughly vet Trumps nominees and not bend to the will of Trumps demands for recess appointments to avoid Senate scrutiny.

Furthermore, a party majority in the Senate doesnt mean one-party rule. The filibuster raises the vote minimum to 60 to advance most legislation. With the current makeup of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, compromise will be necessary.

The U.S. Supreme Court is the final arbiter of matters involving the U.S. Constitution. It establishes precedent, interprets the law and checks attempts to grab power by the executive or legislative branch.

One of the most important checks the Supreme Court can provide against presidential overreach is judicial review. When the constitutionality of an executive action is challenged in court, for example, the court can declare it unconstitutional, which it has done numerous times throughout history.

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The federal judiciarys power goes beyond our nations capital. All federal courts have the power to rule on matters related to the Constitution. For example, federal courts served as a vital check on the 2020 Trump presidential campaign. Federal judges  even some appointed by Trump  consistently delivered pro-voter rulings that rejected Trumps legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election result.

Nonpartisan legal and advocacy groups will uncover and expose government actions that are corrupt or weaken the rule of law; this includes stopping any action that could threaten Americans freedom to vote or to have their votes fairly counted in 2026, 2028 or beyond.

They will continue to advance solutions that give every American a real voice in decisions made by elected officials. These solutions include advancing fair voting maps to end gerrymandering, providing information that voters have a right to know  such as who is spending huge sums to influence their votes  and expanding the freedom to vote for all Americans.

Addressing these issues head on is how Americans can make sure they will continue to have the freedom to speak out, the freedom to lobby their representatives, and the freedom to support the Constitutions limits on presidential power.

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As Ronald Reagan said in his inaugural speech as governor of California in 1967: Freedom is a fragile thing and its never more than one generation from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. And those in world history who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.

Trevor Potter is the founder and president of Campaign Legal Center.

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It is no secret that American democracy is in crisis. From the 2020 flood of actions and disinformation that culminated in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, to the repeated threats to weaponize the rule of law and fire civil servants to replace them with loyalists, we are clearly in a renewed moment of democracy crisis. We are in danger of losing our rights and freedoms unless we act boldly and swiftly. Unfortunately, too many are sleepwalking through our present moment and not understanding or doing anything about this threat to America.

Fortunately, political science research and the lived experience of other backsliding democracies  and how they reversed course  offer solutions. Our organization, the Brookings Institution, conceptualized and published the original Marshall Plan. One of its main goals was to secure democracy in Europe against autocratic threats after World War II. That legacy inspired us and our colleagues to formulate a new Marshall Plan to meet this dire moment: the Democracy Playbook.

In this document, we survey the political science data and current events landscape, pull tactics and lessons learned from global democracies  both those that are backsliding and those holding strong. Out of all that effort emerged a set of specific steps and recommendations, including seven pillars to save democracy. These pillars can be a guide for pro-democracy actors in the U.S. to prevent backsliding and, when possible, go on the offensive to strengthen democratic institutions. We pull from scholarship and practice to capture the lived experiences that are sometimes overlooked by engaging with political scientists, government officials, activists and practitioners. And we use the examples of Poland, Brazil and the Czech Republic, all of which successfully ousted their undemocratic regimes.

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Perhaps most important of these steps is that American elections and their outcomes must be protected. That is because free, fair and transparent elections are the way out of backsliding. But that system has been pressured, as is happening right now in a state Supreme Court election in North Carolina, where the losing candidate is currently contesting to overturn his electoral loss by citing baseless allegations of voter fraud.

Would anyone be surprised if we see moves to undermine the bedrock of our democracy this year in Virginia and New Jerseys gubernatorial races? Or in the critical races in 2026 to determine control of Congress and other midterm-year contests that will shape how American elections are adjudicated and our nation governed going forward? Will elections continue to be free, fair and transparent, like the one that delivered Donald Trump to the White House? Or will future American elections mirror the facades of electoral autocracy like in Hungary?

Equally important to preserving democracy is vigorous action to protect the rule of law and guard against the dangerous erosion of checks and balances. Our research shows that the path to autocracy is paved with examples of abuse of legalism, prosecutorial and judicial capture and weaponization of the state. Using the government as a cudgel to go after political opponents is never acceptable in a thriving democracy  look at how state power is bluntly wielded against citizens in Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

When undemocratic candidates gain power, sometimes through elections, there must be a fail-safe that protects against autocracy: the law. We highlight the current threat environment, including to the U.S. judiciary and its independence. Even conservative Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who has joined numerous deeply troubling opinions, has nevertheless echoed these concerns. The American democratic framework is built to bend but not break under bouts of irresponsible governance  with critical checks and balances by way of constitutional norms that leverage courts, legislatures, civil society and media to establish anti-autocracy guardrails. But it will be tested as never before.

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Protecting our democracy does not stop there. The forces that support autocracy feast on corruption and efforts to dim the lights of transparency and accountability.

That is why we raised combating corruption to be the third of our seven pillars. We saw this challenge in Trumps first administration, and America is heading further toward oligarchy. For example, Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest individual, contributed $277 million to Donald Trumps campaign and the races of other Republican candidates. Musk has been rewarded with a semi-official position in Trumps government with questionable oversight or accountability. His supposed role gives him the chance to pressure or cut funding to agencies that regulate his commercial industries. With over a dozen billionaires lined up for senior positions, Trumps second administration will be the wealthiest in American history, featuring secretaries in the top 0.0001% who may share a steadfast allegiance to Trump rather than to the Constitution.

Of course, there is much more than just those three steps to saving a democracy. In the Democracy Playbook, we lay out four more main pillars: reinforce civic and media space, protect pluralistic governance, counter disinformation, and make democracy deliver.

You might well ask, why only seven? Part of the challenge of dealing with autocracy is autocrats take a flood-the-zone approach that shocks people and quickly overwhelms the system. It is therefore important to not only be reactive, but also to be proactive to figure out what actions pose the greatest risks to democracy  and vigorously respond to them. Responding to flood-the-zone tactics in this fashion is among the reasons that Poland, the Czech Republic and Brazil restored democracy while Hungary did not.

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Where do we go from here? Every sector of American life must get its act together, and fast, if democracy is to be saved. Media cant engage in false equivalences or burnish dangerous disinformation. Civic society needs to activate. Big tent coalitions will be necessary, as was the case in those countries where backslide was reversed. Labor has an essential and foundational role to play, as does business, including the tech and media sectors.

But above all, its up to the American people. Across party lines, the majority of Americans agree democracy is the best form of government. While Trump and his supporters insist the election was a sweeping mandate, it was an extremely close contest in which the opposition of many Americans to deeply controversial plans associated with Donald Trumps campaign contributed to him receiving less than 50% of votes cast.

Since the time of the Marshall Plan, America has succeeded in meeting enormous challenges. We are at another one of those moments in which the outcome of our actions will have a generational impact. As we point out in our playbook, those who count America out prematurely have learned from their mistakes, and we certainly do not believe the American people are prepared to abandon freedoms.

Using the Democracy Playbook as a guide, we envision a modern version of a Marshall Plan that can restore democracy to the country that has been, in the words of former President Ronald Reagan, a shining city on a hill for over two centuries  but only if we all work together.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
I am old enough to remember when the Democratic Party and its leadership loved Tulsi Gabbard.

I remember when many seemingly common-sense, pragmatic Democratic voters lined up behind her during the 2020 Democratic primary because her voice was beginning to resonate with them as they searched for a younger and more populist standard-bearer. Remember, it was Gabbard who single-handedly dismantled Kamala Harris in a debate and knocked her out of the primary season before the first nominating contest.

She was a congresswoman and a Democrat, and also a tough, intelligent, highly experienced military officer with proven moral character who was connecting with the American people on multiple levels. What was not to like or admire if you were a Democratic leader looking toward the future?

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But Gabbard suddenly decided that the Democratic Party no longer had the best interests of the American people and the working class at heart and was instead spot-welding itself to Big Tech, far-left multi-billionaires, and anarchists whose policies would dismantle the U.S. from within.

In October 2022, Gabbard announcemed she was leaving the Democratic Party. She stressed that the party stands for oligarchy  a government of, by and for the powerful elite. She further accused the party of seeking to divide the country by by racializing every issue.

In cutting to the heart of the matter as to why she was leaving, Gabbard said, The Democrats of today are hostile to people of faith and spirituality. They demonize the police and protect criminals at the expense of law-abiding Americans. The Democrats of today believe in open borders and weaponize the national security state to go after political opponents. Above all else, the Democrats of today are dragging us ever closer to nuclear war.

Flash ahead to today, and tens of millions of Americans agree with Gabbard. Including, seemingly, millions of Democrats who chose to vote for Republican Donald Trump in November 2024.

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Not surprisingly, but still quite disappointingly, the Democratic leadership  which has learned nothing from its shellacking at Trumps hands  is now ferociously anti-Gabbard and is even now maneuvering to slow-walk her confirmation as director of national intelligence. Democrats seeking to pull this clearly partisan stunt seem to have very short memories.

Back in January 2021, Avril Haines, then President-elect Joe Bidens pick to be the director of national intelligence, was the first of Bidens cabinet nominees to be confirmed in a strongly bipartisan 84-10 vote. Trump and Gabbard deserve the same consideration from Senate Democrats today.

Those Democrats should pause their petty partisan politics long enough to recall that Gabbard has served our nation for more than 20 years in uniform and is now a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve with three deployments overseas, including to Iraq. She rightfully put her personal political beliefs aside while in uniform, just as she will as director of national intelligence. The same Gabbard was their colleague in Congress for eight years while serving on the prestigious House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.

As for the baggage that Gabbard was repeating Russian propaganda, let us remember that it was Hillary Clinton who was behind much of that ugly smear after Gabbard spoke out about how disastrous a Clinton presidency would be for our nation.

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As for Gabbards propaganda about Ukraine, let us also remember it is the same propaganda being offered up by the likes of President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and HHS nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is a message propaganda just because it seeks to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and bring peace to the region.

On Ukraine and other controversial issues, Gabbard is in lockstep with Trump and unafraid to take on the conventional wisdom of the entrenched elites or their insatiable desire to drain the Treasury  and American taxpayers  by continually putting America last as they seek to engage in armed conflict around the world. A strategy which, as Trump has continually and rightfully pointed out, has led us to the edge of World War III.

Gabbard is an exceptional nominee who does not deserve to be slow-rolled by Democrats on the path to her confirmation. The people have spoken, and Trump deserves his nominees to be put in place as soon as possible.

And every day that Democrats slow-roll Trumps national security nominees is another day that puts our nation at greater risk. Its time for Democrats to step out of the sand box, dust themselves off, listen to the voters voices and do the right thing. America must come first again.

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Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Corn isnt just a crop  it is a cornerstone of U.S.-Mexico trade and North American economic integration. But recent actions by Mexico are putting this relationship to the test, with consequences that could ripple across borders.

Corn is quintessentially Mexican, a staple crop deeply rooted in the countrys cultural and culinary identity. While Mexico is self-sufficient in white corn used for tortillas, its livestock sector relies heavily on imported yellow corn, the majority of which is genetically modified.

Nearly 99 percent of Mexicos yellow corn imports come from the United States, a trade valued at $5.3 billion in 2023. These imports feed Mexicos agribusiness and sustain affordable meat, eggs, and dairy for its families.

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On the flip side, Mexico is a lifeline for U.S. farmers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Missouri. The country accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. yellow corn exports, supporting over 130,000 U.S. jobs. Last year, Mexico overtook China as Americas largest agricultural export market.

Despite this interdependence, Mexicos policies under former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and now President Claudia Sheinbaum are jeopardizing this trade. Decrees banning genetically modified corn for human consumption, and a push to phase it out for animal feed, have already led the U.S. and Canada to file a dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

In December, a USMCA dispute panel ruled that Mexicos restrictions on genetically modified corn violate market access and food safety rules. The ruling underscored that Mexicos measures lacked scientific evidence and disrupted trade flows, hurting U.S. and Canadian farmers, and creating uncertainty for exporters.

Now Sheinbaum faces a pivotal choice: either to comply with the ruling or to risk economic and strategic fallout. So far, she has announced her intention to ban the cultivation and human consumption of yellow corn at the constitutional level, a move that would fail to bring Mexico into compliance with the trade agreement.

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Mexicos response to the panels ruling will shape the trajectory of U.S.-Mexico relations under a second Trump administration.

Noncompliance carries three significant risks. The first is that the Trump administration could retaliate with tariffs targeting $5 billion in Mexican exports, from autos to avocados and tequila. Such tariffs would hammer Mexicos economy while raising prices for U.S. families. Meanwhile, the restrictions on yellow corn imports could disrupt Mexicos food supply, inflating prices for staples like chicken, pork and milk  hitting its most vulnerable households the hardest.

Second, noncompliance would weaken Mexicos position ahead of the critical 2026 review of the USMCA trade agreement. The U.S. could demand concessions on auto trade, labor standards or energy policy. Worse, it risks unraveling 30 years of trade integration that supports 17 million North American jobs.

Importantly, the U.S. has also failed to comply with a key USMCA ruling on automotive rules of origin for more than two years. Washingtons inaction sets a bad precedent, but a doubling down on noncompliance by Mexico would further undermine the agreements credibility.

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Third, failure to resolve the corn dispute would weaken North Americas ability to present a united economic front against rising global competition, particularly from China and Russia. Without USMCA compliance, the continent risks forfeiting its competitive edge in trade, and investment, and risking regional food security.

President Sheinbaums handling of this issue will define her legacy and Mexicos role in the region. Her administration must recognize that protecting economic integration is as critical as preserving Mexicos cultural heritage.

The path forward is clear. Mexico should repeal its 2020 and 2023 decrees to restore compliance with the agreement and drop the proposed ban on genetically modified corn to avoid escalating trade tensions. It should then partner with U.S. counterparts to explore sustainable agriculture and technological innovation in order to rebuild trust.

As the Mexican saying goes, sin maiz no hay pais  without corn, there is no country. But without economic integration, there is no prosperity. Mexico and the U.S. must safeguard the hard-won gains of North American trade for the benefit of all.

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Diego Marroquin Bitar is the North America scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Your credibility with me  is about none.

Those words to CNN counsel by Judge William Henry also clearly spoke for the Florida jury which, on Friday, awarded $5 million for Navy veteran Zachary Young and approved an additional amount, still to be determined, for punitive damages.

The CNN loss is only the latest in a series of media cases that have reversed decades of case law where the media largely prevailed under highly protective legal standards. It says a great deal about the state of modern journalism and its unrelenting efforts at self-destruction.

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In The Indispensable Right, I discuss the radical shift in American journalism that occurred with the rejection of neutrality and objectivity in favor of advocacy journalism. J-schools now teach that objectivity is a dated concept. As former New York Times writer (and now Howard University journalism professor) Nikole Hannah-Jones has explained, All journalism is activism.

After interviewing more than 75 media leaders, Leonard Downie Jr., former Washington Post executive editor, and Andrew Heyward, former CBS News president, detailed how media leaders view neutrality and objectivity as dated concepts that inhibit social and political agendas.

The publics response to this trend has been both predictable and pronounced. The famous Lets Go, Brandon incident after a NASCAR race, after all, was more of a criticism of the media than of Joe Biden  a Yankee Doodling of the press for its distortion of facts.

Revenue and ratings for media outlets have plummeted, although there are other contributing factors. During the trial, CNN host Jake Tapper was challenged for his testimony that he doesnt pay attention to ratings. That does not appear to be the case at the network, which is cratering and desperately trying to reverse the ratings plunge. CNN has reportedly lost half of its viewership, hitting lows not seen in three decades.

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The jury clearly believed, as the networks slogan claims, that This is CNN. That is probably the reason it will soon award punitive damages. However, this is not just CNN. The case itself highlighted everything wrong with modern media.

The segment aired on CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper on Nov. 11, 2021, and trashed Young in a story about Afghans being preyed upon by groups promising to get them out of the country amid the disastrous withdrawal of U.S. forces. Tapper told his audience ominously how CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt discovered that 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 detailed how desperate Afghans are being exploited and need to pay exorbitant, often impossible amounts and then named Young and his company as examples.

The trial revealed internal messages from Marquardt that he wanted to nail this Zachary Young motherf and thought the story would be Youngs funeral. After promising to nail Young, CNN editor Matthew Philips responded that he was gonna hold you to that cowboy! CNN senior editor Fuzz Hogan described Young as a s.

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As often occurs today, CNN allegedly gave Young only two hours to respond before the story ran. It is a typical ploy of the press to claim that they gave someone a chance to respond. The call often comes at the end of the day to create the appearance of fairness. Nevertheless, Young did respond to the chagrin of CNN producers and made clear that key elements of the story were untrue.

CNNs defense in court was a case study in how not to defend a defamation lawsuit. It included a series of self-inflicted wounds, delivered in front of the jury. However, it is only the latest loss for major media, given recent courthouse setbacks for the New York Times, NBC, and Deadspin. ABC News recently settled its own defamation case out of court, and previously Fox News paid a massive settlement.

Nevertheless, some outlets appear to be doubling down in the hope that they can ride anti-Trump coverage back to robust ratings. Last week, NBC announced that it was bringing Yamiche Alcindor to the White House press corps. Alcindon, who also worked for PBS, was widely criticized for often preceding questions with attacks on conservatives or over-the-top praise for Joe Biden or Democrats. While others saw raw political bias, Alcindor explained that it was her job to use journalism to bend the moral arc toward justice.

For decades, the media found ample protection within the protective shell created by the Supreme Court after New York Times v. Sullivan. The Court sought to create breathing space for the media by articulating a standard that now applies to both public officials and public figures. The demanding standard requires a showing of actual malice, where the media had actual knowledge of a statements falsity or showed reckless disregard for whether it was true or false.

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The string of media losses reflects a change not in the law but in the media itself. As the press increasingly engages in advocacy journalism, reckless disregard for the truth is becoming the norm, as shown in the CNN case. It could get worse.

Some have questioned the extension of this protective standard to cases involving public figures, which encompasses anyone who has achieved a modicum of fame in business, sports, or other pursuits. A couple of justices have also expressed skepticism about why non-public figures should shoulder such a burden when people lie about them.

Meanwhile, the public is abandoning legacy media at a run, turning to new media in the form of blogs and citizen journalists. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of such a citizen journalist in a criminal case  a woman known as La Gordiloca (loosely translated as fat, crazy lady). Describing her as a swearing muckraker who is upending border journalism, the New York Times admitted that La Gordiloca reflects how many people on the border now prefer to get their news.

The rise in citizen journalists in new media and advocacy journalism in legacy media will only likely increase the number of such cases in the coming years. For mainstream media, the skepticism that they are facing in society is now becoming equally evident in courts. To paraphrase Judge Henry, their credibility with the public is about none.

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Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and the author of The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Accusations that the prominent author Neil Gaiman forced women into painful and unwanted sex were a harrowing read in this weeks New York magazine. The cover story addressed a lot of the same ground as the 2024 Slow Tortoise podcast, Master, while adding claims from additional alleged victims and another layer of reporting and legal fact checking.

Gaimans estranged-wife Amanda Palmer also features in the article: Scarlett Pavlovich, a 22-year-old woman in dire financial straits, recounts instigating a friendship with Palmer, who then asked her to babysit for the son she and Gaiman share. On her first day of work, Pavlovich claims Gaiman, 61, joined her in an outdoors bath (that he had encouraged her to take) and then sexually assaulted her. When she later informed Palmer that Gaiman had made a pass, Pavlovich told the magazine Palmers response was to say that this was not a one-off. Fourteen women have come to me about this, she allegedly told Pavlovich.

Though an outspoken performer, Palmer refused to be interviewed or provide a statement to New York magazine. Two days after the story dropped, and presumably under pressure from her devoted fans, Palmer explained her silence on Instagram : As there are ongoing custody and divorce proceedings, I am not able to offer public comment, she wrote. Please understand that I am first and foremost a parent. I ask for privacy at this time.

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On his website , meanwhile, Gaiman wrote this week that he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. While his statement acknowledges that he could have and should have done so much better in relationships, he refutes the allegations of abuse and assault.

Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality, his statement concludes. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. Im not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I cant accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didnt do.

The roles or experiences of women married to abusive men are not uniform: wives can serve as enablers or silent colluders or the last-to-know or victims themselves. Where Palmer might fall on this spectrum, if the allegations against Gaiman are true, is unclear. Still, a plea for privacy is out-of-character for Palmer who once described herself as built to overshare. Now the author of The Art of Asking, doesnt want anyone asking questions.

While lawyers may have stopped Palmer from speaking to the press on this topic, she hasnt entirely stepped back from airing her views in public. On Dec. 31, she shared a 30-minute holiday greeting card video for her Patreon subscribers. (Patreon has been a source of both community and revenue for Palmer, who joined the platform in 2015. According to Hypebot, at one point, Palmer raked in more than $37,000 for each post or video.)

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In the lengthy message, Palmer sits at a low table covered in candles. She lights each candle while addressing a series of wishes scrawled on scraps of paper11 wishes total for moving forward into the new year, including that you find the truth, even if that truth is really horrific to come to terms with.

Thats certainly an interesting choice of words.

Amanda Palmer prepares to light an array of candles in a video message. / Amanda Palmer/Patreon

Watching the video in light of the horrific allegations against her husband raises many questions. Is Palmers message driven by deep denial? By consciousness of guilt? By utter cluelessness? Is she offering a veiled message to Gaimans victims? To her ex? Is it none of the above? All of the above? Consider her wishes and judge for yourself:

1. A wish for safety.

If you have feelings of not being safe or being terrified of whats happening around you or what might have happened to you or to the people you love, I hope you feel safe, Palmer says.

2. A wish for clarity.

The world is confusing, says Palmer. Its hard to know which way is up. Its hard to know what to believe.

3. and 4. Wishes for moments of extreme joyand for financial prosperity.

Money is energy. I wrote a book about it, she says, plugging her own product, while commiserating with all the people she knows who are struggling to pay their rent, make car payments, and afford medical treatment.

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You know someone whos likely been in that position? Scarlett Pavlovich. According to New York magazine, Palmer did not pay Pavlovich for the babysitting work she took on, treating childcare as a favor not labor. If this is true, its cringe-y to hear Palmer add: If youre having a hard time financially. I hope things show up to help you and the opportunities come to help you out. The people who have more, let their abundance spill over into your world.

Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls performs on Nov. 1, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts. / Natasha Moustache / Getty Images

5. That wish to find the truth.

Its hard not to raise an eyebrow as Palmer explains, Ive been hanging out with a lot of people who have been uncovering truths about their past, about their DNA, about their partners So lets just leave that there.

6. and 7. Wishes for creativity and reconciliation.

At first, a wish for creativity seems unrelated to the Gaiman saga until Palmer says, Whatever creative act you think might help you, might take you out of suffering into more happiness. I hope you find it, and I hope you do it, and I hope you stick with it, and I hope you dont shut up about it to your friends.

A wish for reconciliation, in this context, cant help but seem like a hint to her husbands lawyers that shes eager to finalize the divorce.

8. A wish for many meals in peace and food that you love and can thoroughly enjoy without guilt, without shame, without complication.

Palmers plea for shame-free food brings to mind two sadistic stories from the Gaiman expose. Therein, Pavlovich recounted Gaiman using butter as a lubricant to assault her anally in a twisted re-enactment of Last Tango in Paris. After Gaiman pulled his penis out, she claims he told her to clean him up, forcing her, as Pavlovich alleged, to lick my own shit.

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Pavlovich also states that, on another occasion, Gaiman thrust his penis into Pavlovichs mouth with such force that she vomited on him. Then he told her to eat the vomit off his lap and lick it up from the couch.

9. and 10. Wishes for affection and ease.

May you not be beset with difficulties and trauma and drama and more unexpected pain, says Palmer.

11. Lastly, A wish for peace.

Palmers final wish is self-admittedly hokey as she pleads for peace then blows each of the candles out.

She then concludes her half-hour video with a walk to her homes front door She opens the door to reveal a serene, woodsy view, then holds a candle up to the sky in an evocative moment of beauty and hope.

Its a beautiful message. After all, who doesnt want peace and ease and safetyespecially for the alleged victims of Neil Gaiman.
Not once but twice during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, attorney general nominee Pam Bondi interrupted a Republican questioning her to emphasize Donald Trumps margin of victory last November. When Sen. Ted Cruz noted that Trump won the election, Bondi added, By 77.3%  77.3 million Americans. Later, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, mentioned that Trump won, and Bondi piped up to say 312 electoral votes, senator, to which he replied, A landslide.

It was a reminder that even Trumps choices for the most ostensibly nonpartisan Cabinet positions act like cultists eager to massage Trumps tender ego. But the Republicans reminders of Trumps victory obscures an important weakness and Democrats should be paying close attention.

Republicans are more desperate than ever to convince the public that Trump is hugely popular  and that opposing him and his policies will be politically disastrous for Democrats. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trump was a historically unpopular president the first time around, and so far it looks as though hell face the same widespread public opposition in his second term.

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Exaggerating the size of a presidents victory is not new. After George W. Bush won re-election in 2004, for instance, he bragged about spending his new political capital. But this time, the scale of the hyperbole is classically Trumpian. As much as Republicans want to throw around words such as landslide and mandate, 2024 was one of the closest elections in American history. Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the popular vote by less than 1.5%; only one election in the last half-century (in 2000) was closer. And the razor-thin margins by which Republicans control both the House and the Senate testify to how closely the electorate is divided.

Still, most new presidents typically enjoy a honeymoon period: Fresh from their election victory, the public invests them with hopes for positive change and gives them the benefit of the doubt. Joe Biden, for instance, had 57% approval in the first Gallup poll of his presidency; Barack Obama came in at 67% approval. Even Bush, who like Trump lost the popular vote in his first victory, started at 57%. In fact, Trump was the only president in the Gallup polls history  going all the way back to Harry Truman  who entered office with an approval rating under 50%. He was also the only one to never crack 50% approval for a single day of an entire term.

On the verge of his second term, even after his first popular vote victory in three tries, Trumps approval is weak. A new Marist/NPR poll puts it at just 44%; 49% say they disapprove of him. The Economist/YouGov poll gives him a similar 45/51 split, while a USA Today/Suffolk University survey has his favorability/unfavorability at 47% each.

The reasons Trump remains unpopular are, at this point in his career, both obvious to anyone and unlikely to change. No wonder then, that Republicans are so eager to inflate the size of Trumps victory: its their best hope that Democrats will be scared away from being too full-throated in their opposition to Trumps nominees and policy agenda.

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Unfortunately, it has never been too hard to scare Democrats, many of whom always worry that a misplaced word or insufficiently focus-grouped proposal will doom them to defeat. And it sometimes appears that they are fooled by his incessant bragging and the intensity of his supporters devotion into thinking those supporters are more numerous than they are.

Since the election, too many Democrats have been shaky in their opposition. Some of them have granted the legitimacy of Elon Musks absurd effort to slash government, saying they look forward to working with him. Dozens of House and Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to pass the Laken Riley Act, an anti-immigrant measure that will put troubling powers in the hands of reckless red-state officials. Sen. John Fetterman even went to Mar-a-Lago to hang out with Trump and signal his openness to working together.

Democrats who are feeling fearful should take a cue from Republicans, who like Trump believe in a kind of fake-it-till-you-make-it approach to politics: Act as though everyone loves you and cant wait for you to implement your agenda, and victory might just follow. The opposition version of this strategy is much more realistic: Assume that the public is, if not outright opposed to the president and what he does, at least skeptical enough to hear arguments about why it should be mad at the White House. Then act accordingly.

Even the best presidential honeymoons  which Trump is unlikely to get  are short-lived. Before long the public starts blaming the president for everything that goes wrong; theres a reason almost every presidents party suffers defeats in midterm elections.

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But not all voters are that attentive, so they need the opposition party to tell them everything the president is screwing up and why his administration is dragging the country to disaster. On this score, Trump and his administration will offer no shortage of material. When Trump takes the oath of office, Democrats need to treat him as a weak and reviled executive. And from then on, they should never let up the pressure.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, lauded the SVAMITVA scheme for empowering rural citizens in the state, and said it is laying a foundation of "strong and prosperous" rural India He said that out of 65 lakh property cards, 45 lakh were received by the people of Uttar Pradesh. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "Under the successful leadership of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the resolution of a strong and prosperous rural India is being realized through the Swamitva Yojana," CM Yogi said in a post on X. "In the same sequence, today more than 65 lakh property cards (residential records) were made available to rural citizens by the Prime Minister, in which the maximum of more than 45 lakh Gharauni were received by the people of Uttar Pradesh. This property card is succeeding in bringing a new change in the lives of the beneficiaries," he added. The UP CM further said, "Heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for this gift which has brought about a positive change in the lives of crores of citizens and heartiest congratulations to the beneficiaries!" Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards to property owners under the SVAMITVA scheme, across ten states and two union territories. During the programme, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the initiative said, "Today is a very historic day for the villages of the country, for the rural economy. The ownership scheme was started 5 years ago so that people living in villages can be given their legal proof. In the last 5 years, these ownership cards have been given to about 1.5 crore people. Today, more than 65 lakh families have received these ownership cards under this programme." The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) initiative is making significant strides in transforming rural India. Under the initiative, the Government is providing accurate property ownership data, with clear ownership records in hand, thereby, land disputes have reduced. The scheme has marked a milestone in India's rural empowerment and governance journey. (ANI)
The Panama Canal Repurchase Act, introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in Congress, has brought renewed attention to the Panama Canals status. The proposed legislation, supported by President-elect Donald Trump and several Republican representatives, seeks to authorize the purchase of the Canal, citing national and economic security concerns.

Such proposals are legally impossible and operationally unnecessary. Examining the reality of this vital artery of global trade makes this very clear.

The Canal primarily serves U.S. maritime traffic, with 74.7 percent of vessels either originating from or heading to ports in the U.S. Other major users include Japan, China, South Korea, Chile, the European Union, Mexico, Colombia and Peru.

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The Canal handles diverse vessel types, including container ships, bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas carriers, vehicle carriers, tankers, refrigerated cargo vessels and cruise ships. This global traffic of more than 10,000 ships annually demonstrates the Canals critical role in international maritime trade, saving vessels from having to make an 8,000-mile detour around South America.

But the Canal represents much more than a strategic maritime route. To visualize its importance, imagine the Cocoli Locks, where enormous container ships wait their turn to transit. Panamanian workers, heirs to generations of canal operators, guide each movement with precision in an operation demonstrating the efficiency of Panamanian administration and the culmination of a long struggle for national sovereignty.

The Canals history is fundamental to understanding its present status. Built in the early 20th century by the U.S., it was for almost a century an American enclave that literally divided the country of Panama in two. The Canal Zone, a 10-mile-wide corridor, became the symbol of Panamas incomplete sovereignty. The events of Jan. 9, 1964, when Panamanian students defended with their lives the right to raise the national flag in the Canal Zone, marked a turning point that eventually led to the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

When the U.S. transferred total control of the Canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, it was not a simple administrative act. This transfer represented the implementation of a sophisticated legal framework that makes any attempt at reversion virtually impossible, through three levels of legal protection:

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First, Panamas constitution declares the Canal an inalienable heritage of the nation, meaning it cannot be sold, transferred or ceded under any circumstances. Modifying this provision would therefore require a constitutional change.

Second, the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal  signed by Panama and the U.S. and endorsed by 40 countries, in force in perpetuity  establishes Panama as the sole guarantor of the Canals neutrality and operation. This international treaty, to which the U.S. is a party, does not contemplate mechanisms to transfer administration to third countries. As a signatory to this treaty, the U.S. is legally bound to respect Panamas role as the sole administrator of the Canal.

Third, the Panamanian law contains an operational framework that ensures its autonomous operation under Panamanian control, creating an administrative structure that has proven remarkably successful.

While proponents of a repurchase cite concerns about Chinas influence in the region, particularly noting Panamas 2018 joining of the Belt and Road Initiative and Chinese companies management rights for ports on either side of the Canal, it is crucial to understand that the Panama Canal Authority operates with total autonomy. The Authoritys board of directors, composed of 11 members, all Panamanian citizens, is appointed following a strict process established by law: nine directors are appointed by the executive with National Assembly ratification, one is designated by the legislative branch and the minister for canal affairs completes the team.

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The numbers support this administrations efficiency. Since Panama assumed control, the Canal has experienced significant improvements. The expansion completed in 2016, a $5.25 billion project under Panamanian administration, allowed the transit of larger vessels and significantly increased the waterways capacity. The Canal generates more than $5 billion annually in tolls and maintains international standards of efficiency and safety.

The Canals decision-making process is transparent and subject to regular audits. Service and supply contracts are awarded through international public bids, following globally recognized transparency standards. This process is supervised by multiple control entities, including Panamas General Comptrollers Office and independent international auditors.

At a time when global trade route stability is more important than ever, proposals to repurchase the Canal not only ignore insurmountable legal barriers but also disregard a fundamental reality: The Panama Canal functions efficiently under its current administration, serving as a neutral point for global maritime transit. The concern over Chinese influence, while legitimate in the broader geopolitical context, does not affect the Canals operational independence and neutrality.

Examine the evidence: a robust legal framework, efficient and transparent operation and an autonomous administration that has demonstrated its capacity to serve world trade. The Canal is Panamanian. Its sovereignty is non-negotiable, and its operational success under Panamanian administration is an irrefutable fact, even as it continues to serve as a crucial artery for American and global commerce.

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Nivia Rossana Castrellon is the former deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Panama.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Greenland is in the headlines as President-elect Trump threatens to buy or simply take the territory  perhaps along with Canada and Panama.

Some media outlets have suggested this is no mere empty threat. For countries neighboring the U.S., this may sound like a renewed Manifest Destiny. For many, this is just ridiculous posturing by a leader craving the spotlight.

This surreal moment does, however, provide an opportunity to better understand Greenlands unique status, if only to put to rest Trumps misplaced ambitions.

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Often described as the worlds largest island, Greenland is immediately to the east of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, with whom it shares cultural and historical links. Colonized by the Kingdom of Denmark in the 18th century, it retains an Indigenous majority. Inuit peoples constitute about 90 percent of the territorys 56,000 residents, with the others mostly being Danes concentrated in the capital city of Nuuk.

Although part of Denmark, Greenland is also partially independent from it. In 1979, Greenland was granted autonomous status. In 2008, 75 percent of Greenlanders voted to expand self-government powers. Today, Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) has its own parliament, flag, language policy, control over education, resource management and even membership in international organizations.

In a highly fragmented political party system, Greenlands parliament (Inatsisartut) has long been ruled by Siumut, a left-wing social democratic party. In 2021, the left-leaning separatist party Inuit Ataqatigiit won a plurality of seats, allowing its leader, Mute Bourup Egede, to become prime minister. This means that Greenland is currently led by a separatist, although in coalition with other parties. The ruling party focuses a great deal on Greenlandic sovereignty, including rejecting rare earth mining projects that favor foreign companies and endanger the local environment.

The barriers to Greenland becoming independent are considerable. Its fragmented legislature has no single dominant party, which undermines any sense of the island having a single voice. The territory has important regional divisions, as one might expect in a sparsely populated region, especially as the countryside resists centralization from Nuuk. Greenland has rich natural resources, namely fisheries and mining, but it remains dependent on economic transfers from Denmark.

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Perhaps the primary factor limiting the likelihood of independence is that the territory enjoys real autonomy, with the potential for more. While hardly impossible, the world has yet to see a special region gain considerable autonomy, and use this as a stepping-stone to independence. This is because meaningful self-government is often considered superior to independence or incorporation.

It also makes the host country seem less threatening, since minorities are recognized by national leaders and are ruled by their own group. Separatists who are forced to govern must also make compromises and sometimes see their policies fall short. All told, regions such as Greenland with real self-government are not likely to gain independence.

This brings us back to Trumps threat to annex Greenland. To purchase the island makes no sense, as it is not Denmarks to sell. Nor would Inuit peoples sell their homeland. It is true that Greenland wants the U.S. to be an ally and a trading partner, but joining the U.S. would run counter to its quest for self-rule. As Greenlands leaders have made clear, there is no logic in trading one Western colonial power for another.

Greenland is open for business, but it is not for sale. Inuit peoples in Greenland also understand the limited nature of self-rule for Puerto Rico and Native Americans. The U.S. has a poor track record in sharing power with minority nations, and it would be no different for Greenland under President Trump. And as for the threat of invasion, this would involve one NATO member attacking another, theoretically triggering a war between the U.S. and its allies.

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An American Greenland is little more than bluster. Greenland is enjoying a growing sense of self-government in association with Denmark. It seeks to diversify its foreign relations and trading partners, seeking better terms with mining companies, as well as with Canada, including deepening ties with Inuit in Nunavut.

Threats of annexation run contrary to the potential partnerships that would best serve the interests of the people in Greenland and the U.S.

Shane Barter is a professor of comparative politics at Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Calif.

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Something remarkable is happening in Washington. Tech executives who once shunned the political spotlight now make regular pilgrimages to Capitol Hill, and artificial intelligence  a field that traces back to the 1950s  has become the talk of the town.

The reason? AI is no longer a niche field pursued by academics and Silicon Valley scientists. Its reshaping our economy, redefining global power dynamics and consuming an ever-increasing share of our energy grid.

While no politician has ever won or lost an election on AI policy alone, the incoming administrations decisions will echo through decades of American economy and global competition.

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Take the energy problem. As President-elect Donald Trump put it in his August 2024 interview with Elon Musk, Youre gonna need tremendous electricity, like almost double what we produce now for the whole country.

AIs appetite for electricity is staggering  its already gobbling up 2% of Americas power supply, and that thirst could triple before the decade is out. Trumps solution is bold: Open the doors to energy production by lifting the ban on offshore drilling and green-lighting major energy projects. His plan would reverse President Joe Bidens policy and unlock an estimated 625 million acres of offshore reserves worth $50-60 trillion. Utilities are already responding by keeping coal plants open longer and doubling down on natural gas to meet demand.

The Biden administration has touted AI as a solution to Americas energy problem. Will Trumps policy push AI to the problem side? Its a puzzle the incoming administration cant afford to ignore, especially as AI creates an ironic twist  helping us optimize energy use while demanding more power than ever. Tech firms are already abandoning their environmental goals, caught between surging AI-driven demand and the pressure to keep the lights on.

The energy challenge is just one piece of a larger chess game. For years, Washington has worked to keep advanced technology out of Beijings hands through export controls on crucial components like semiconductors. The next administration looks set to tighten these restrictions further, targeting loopholes that let Chinese firms tap into U.S. cloud services for AI development. This could prove particularly complex given figures like Elon Musk, who straddle both worlds with significant business interests in China.

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Yet the global AI landscape isnt as simple as the U.S. vs. China. When Dubais Hussain Sajwani stood next to Trump and pledged $20 billion to build data centers on American soil, it raised thorny questions about foreign investment in critical infrastructure. Who really controls these AI capabilities if foreign capital is building the foundation? For an administration focused on American dominance, these arent academic questions.

On the home front, the push for deregulation could supercharge AI innovation. Cutting red tape for approvals and supporting startups could spark fierce competition and faster breakthroughs. But theres a catch. Trump and Musks shared critique of woke AI signals a shift toward focusing on risks and national security. However, this anti-woke stance could also become a constraint of its own, limiting AIs potential and progress.

Smart partnerships remain critical. Take Canada, with its abundant hydroelectricity and growing nuclear capacity. Our northern neighbor already supplies more than 50 TWh of electricity to the U.S., earning a record $5.8 billion in 2022. Theyre also investing heavily in small modular reactors that could help power Americas AI ambitions sustainably. But recent political tensions  including provocative proposals for Canadian statehood and discussions about expanding U.S. territory into regions like Greenland and the Panama Canal  threaten this vital relationship.

Each path forward involves tough trade-offs. Boosting energy production could accelerate AI development, but at what environmental cost? Tighter export controls could slow Chinas progress, but could fracture global cooperation on AI governance. Deregulation could accelerate innovation but leave dangerous blind spots. While international partnerships offer diplomatic finesse, they are increasingly met with  rightly so  cynicism and skepticism about the outcomes of global cooperation.

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The incoming administrations approach to AI will reveal more than policy preferences  it will show whether America can still approach global challenges with wisdom and foresight. Will we find the sweet spot between growth and sustainability, innovation and accountability, competition and collaboration? Or will we chase quick wins at the expense of long-term stability?

AI transcends ongoing politics. Larry Summers recently noted that years from now, Russia and Ukraine and Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will be secondary stories, with AI potentially becoming the most important technology ever invented. As Washington prepares for this transition, the stakes couldnt be higher. AI is not just another policy issue; its a force that will define our era. As Matt Pottinger and Mike Gallagher stressed, there is no substitute for victory in this global race. But true leadership means more than winning the AI race  it means doing so in a way that reflects our most cherished values.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  An Oregon man has been sentenced to life in federal prison after being convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women in separate instances, including locking one in a cinder block cell.

Negasi Zuberi, 31, was sentenced Friday in federal court in Medford, Portland television station KGW reported. A federal jury convicted him in October on charges of kidnapping, transportation for criminal sexual activity, being a felon in possession of a weapon and attempting to break out of jail when he tried to smash through his cell window in August 2023.

This is not a man who deserves to be around others," a victim said at the hearing. He shows blatant disregard and lack of care for human life.

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The Associated Press does not usually name people who have been sexually assaulted.

Negasi Zuberi is a serial predator who committed acts of evil. He hunted women, assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Sweet said before Zuberi was sentenced.

In July 2023, Zuberi solicited a woman to engage in prostitution along Aurora Avenue in Seattle, authorities said. He told the woman he was an undercover officer, showed her a badge, pointed a Taser at her and placed her in handcuffs and leg irons before putting her in the back of his vehicle.

He then drove hundreds of miles to his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and locked the woman in a cinder block cell in his garage, according to the FBI. After the woman escaped after repeatedly banging on the cell door until it broke open, Zuberi fled and was arrested in Reno, Nevada.

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Federal authorities later linked him to a second kidnapping in May 2023, in which he was convicted of abducting a woman outside a Klamath Falls bar. Prosecutors said he threatened her with a Taser, handcuffed her in the back of his vehicle and sexually assaulted her.

Zuberi had pleaded not guilty and continued to claim he was innocent during the sentencing hearing.

He waived his right to testify during the 11-day trial. He attempted to testify on the trial's last day but was denied because he earlier waived that right.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As a historic Providence strike entered its eighth day Friday, physicians and doctors on the picket line were joined by Oregon state representative Maxine Dexter.

A former physician, Dexter has voiced support for the needs of members with the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association union as they continue to bargain with the Providence Medical Group.

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Providence Portland is already struggling to care for the patients at the level that they need, Rep. Maxine Dexter said. And without the ability to retain and attract nurses, everyone in this community is going to have a lower level of health care than they deserve.

Dexter said it is important that she and her office continue to encourage both sides to come to the negotiation table to ensure the health care the community needs.

On Wednesday, Providence announced that all hospital ministries were ready to discuss resuming mediated negotiations with the nurses associations teams. According to a statement from Providence sent Thursday, these bargaining sessions could begin as early as Friday morning.

Following our presenting proposals at all bargaining tables Thursday and offering potential dates for negotiations, we have been in contact with federal mediators [Friday] morning, Providence spokesperson Gary Walker said.

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Providence Medical Group recently filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association claiming they were delaying bargaining by refusing to meet at reasonable times and intervals.

Only union leaders can end the strike against Providence, and doing so would be in the best interest of our nurses, providers, patients and community, Providence said. In response to multiple requests to return to work, Providence is offering acute care nurses an opportunity to return to work by reporting this Sunday.

However, ONA shared the following statement with KOIN 6 News earlier this week:

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After illegally refusing to bargain during the 10-day notice period, Providence has shifted its position on negotiations dramatically over the last few days. As we move back into negotiations, we call on Providence to take this process seriously, come to the table with substantive offers to address the systemic issues that impact hospitals and clinics across Oregon and reach a fair contract that prioritizes patients and frontline caregivers instead of profits.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon researchers have uncovered a water reservoir beneath the Cascades that is estimated to be three times the capacity of Lake Mead.

University of Oregon revealed its scientists were among the group that discovered a massive aquifer, described by National Geographic as a body of rock and/or sediment that holds groundwater, below volcanic rocks at the Central Oregon Cascades.

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The university reported that the water totals to at least 81 cubic kilometers, tripling Lake Meads maximum capacity. The reservoir along the Colorado River has long been considered as the biggest in the U.S.

UO worked alongside Oregon State University, the U.S. Forest Service, and other schools and agencies for its research on the Oregon Cascades volcanic landscape. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday.

According to Leif Karlstrom, the UO earth scientist who spearheaded the study, the recently discovered aquifer could point to an even larger reservoir in the area.

It is a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, like a big water tower, Karlstrom told the university. That there are similar large volcanic aquifers north of the Columbia Gorge and near Mount Shasta likely make the Cascade Range the largest aquifer of its kind in the world.

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USFS Geologist Gordon Grant said researchers originally aimed to learn how the Oregon Cascades have evolved, but the new findings also showed how the movement of water is connected to the dangers volcanoes cause.

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However, scientists said the size of the aquifer is dependent on snowpack  which is projected to decline significantly within the next several decades.

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? Grant said. Those are the key questions were now having to focus on.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill on Friday, aiming to protect American consumers and small business owners from rising prices caused by tariffs on goods imported to the United States.

Wyden introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act alongside Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).

The bill would limit the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act  which allows a president to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency.

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The bill comes as President-elect Donald Trump has proposed tariffs on goods imported to the United States, including a universal tariff against all countries, as reported by The Washington Post.

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act was never intended to serve as a blank check for the president to levy unlimited tariffs on allies and trading partners around the world. Congress has given the president other powerful tools to confront China and other nations that cheat on trade or pose national security threats. Donald Trump should use those tools in a targeted way to help American workers and businesses get ahead, not abuse IEEPA as a pretense to impose sweeping tariffs that will raise prices for working families with massive blanket taxes on the things they buy every day, Wyden said in a statement.

Broad tariffs could cause a typical American Familys annual costs to increase by $3,900, Wydens office said, citing a report from The Budget Lab at Yale.

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Wyden also warned these tariffs would severely raise prices on imported goods from Mexico, China, and Oregon, which are Oregons top trading partners.

Sen. Shaheen added, in part, Our bill would help ensure that households across the country do not face immediate tax hikes on everyday goods like coffee and fresh vegetables.

The bill clarifies that the IEEPA cannot be used to increase costs on American consumers by placing tariffs on imported goods.

Additionally, the bill would maintain national security tools granted to the president under the IEEPA to impose sanctions or block imported goods that are dangerous to national security. The bill also preserves the ability to push back on unfair trade practices of the Peoples Republic of China, Wydens office explained.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The U.S. Supreme Court is upholding the upcoming ban on TikTok amid national security concerns, and the move could cost local businesses and content creators.

Starting Sunday, new users wont be able to download the widely popular short-form video app and updates wont be available, making the app inoperable.

The Supreme Courts ruling comes after the apps China-based parent company failed to sell it.

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Attorney and technologist Robert Brownstone says the algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese leadership.



The system can push desired information to certain targets so they can manipulate all kinds of things, explained Brownstone. You add to that, deep fakes that are so readily created these days by anyone, let alone a powerful enemy such as China.

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TikTok has contributed to the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Kelsey Campion, the owner of the New Orleans boutique and event space Fringe and Company, says most of their sales are generated through social media, including TikTok.



Losing TikTok is really scary, especially for many small businesses. I have other small business friends who are nervous about it as well, because it is a significant source of traction, said Campion. Its a significant source of traffic to our websites. Its also a significant source of just community building that we see within the social media platform.



Campion understands the criticism of TikTok but believes a ban is extreme. However, shes using the momentary setback as a time to re-focus.



Go back to the basics. Do what you know best. Find the community, said Campion. Find your people where theyre at, and then also be open to whats around the corner because theres always something new going on.

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According to Brownstone, a compromise was unlikely, making the ban inevitable. He does hope the country will look at the bigger picture.

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Unfortunately, in this particular setting, [it] was really the only way to go, said Brownstone. But I think the big concern here that I have is that were not targeting having a national, federal privacy law that would impact all the other ways that information is gathered on all of us, not just through TikTok.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who sued TikTok last year, released the following statement about the impending ban:

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The bipartisan ban on TikTok was passed by Congress and signed by the President. Congress has every right to protect American privacy rights from foreign adversaries who may conduct espionage and surveillance. If TikTok wants to continue in the United States, it can be sold to an American company with a different algorithm. President Donald Trump has voiced his support for this strategy.

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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TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  As scenes of devastation from the California wildfires unfold, Big Country Fire Chiefs Gary Young of ECCA VFD and Derrick Sowell of Buffalo Gap FD are raising awareness about critical issues in rural county subdivisions. The chiefs are bringing their concerns to the Taylor County Commissioners Court to address these challenges and ensure responders are better equipped to handle any possible disasters.

Maybe we hadnt paid as much attention to it as we should have, but with the recent California disaster, it has really become a priority for a lot of people, Young told KTAB/KRBC during a Tuesday ride-along.

The issues Young and Sowell have identified are three-fold. From those issues, they have developed suggestions to bring to Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley at the next Commissioners court meeting on January 28, 2025.

Jump to the following sections:

Lack of access to water in rural subdivisions

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Narrow roads and single access points hinder navigability

Drawing a line between properties and potential fire fuel

What needs to happen to make these suggestions a reality?

Lack of access to water in rural subdivisions

On Tuesday, KTAB/KRBC joined the fire chiefs on a tour of various county subdivisions to get a firsthand look at the issues theyve identified. The first stop was a neighborhood northeast of Buffalo Gap, where Young pointed out an area that once had a fire hydrant but now only features a flush valve.

This subdivision, when it was put in, engineered, platted and everything. They had fire hydrants here. As soon as that was handed over to our local water supply district, they came in and pulled the fire hydrants up and replaced them with flush valves, which are way less capable as far as water delivery than the fire hydrants are, Young explained.

Flush Valve

Sowell and Young shared that an average fire hydrant can deliver anywhere from 500 to 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM), whereas a flush valve usually provides far less, closer to 100 GPM. That drop in readily available water makes the task of fighting a house or wildfire much more difficult.

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Weve lost 90% of our flow capacity right here by going from a fire hydrant to a flush valve We would like to see these subdivisions, the new ones that are coming in, if theres any way to do it, to require the developer to place these fire hydrants no more than 1,600 feet apart, Young said.

Its an issue that neighborhood resident Sherri Golden has tried to remedy in the past, to no avail. Golden shared that her insurance agency told her that her home insurance rates were increasing because the area did not have a fire hydrant. Despite making the necessary calls to request its installation, her efforts ultimately fell short.

My insurance agent called me and said they decided not to do it because If they do it for you, they have to do it for other neighborhoods. I dont think thats a good enough reason. To say well, if we do it for you, we have to do it for everyone else. I mean, honestly, why are we not doing it for everyone? Golden remarked.

EXPLAINED: How lightning caused the 400 acre Hill Top Fire in Taylor County

Narrow roads and single access points hinder navigability

Weve found that many subdivisions have only one way in and one way out. Thats part of the problem they found in California, Young said.

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Most subdivisions have only one entry and exit point, which Fire Chiefs Young and Sewell say makes congestion and bottlenecking inevitable during an emergency. Combined with narrow roadways, this creates a perfect storm of challenges: traffic jams caused by evacuating residents and incoming emergency vehicles, along with the added difficulty of maneuvering fire engines and other large response vehicles.

If the roadway is wide enough, thats not as big an issue. If its a pretty narrow road in and out and there is no place to turn the emergency equipment around or maneuver, it becomes a real problem quickly. Youve seen examples of that with them having to push cars out of the road with dozers and all that stuff, said Young.

Sowell shows an example of narrow roads in a local subdivision

Golden recalled the chaotic scene in 2022 when her neighborhood was on the pre-evacuation list during the Mesquite Heat Fire. She remarked on the single access point and how quickly it became clogged with her evacuating neighbors.

Cars were lined up to get out; people were grabbing a suitcase. But I dont know if that fire would come. If we could have got out, we might have had to flee our cars If something happened and we couldnt go that way. We would have to be like in the Sound of Music, crawling over the hills and climbing those mountains to get out of here, Golden expressed. An ounce of prevention is way better than a pound of cure. I feel like we really need to plan for that, and I think the residents really deserve it. [The neighborhood] has changed, and were not upgrading with the change, with how many people live out here.

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Sowell added that their suggestions, while aimed at wildfire prevention, would also benefit access and operation during other incidents, such as house fires and medical or law enforcement calls.

Disaster declared in Taylor County as Mesquite Heat Fire continues to burn, evacuates town of Buffalo Gap

Drawing a line between properties and potential fire fuel

Looking outside the confines of the subdivisions themselves, the chiefs say wildfire survivability would be dramatically improved if the outer edges of the subdivisions did not have brush and growth sitting so close to the property line.

We are going to try to see if we can suggest having a dedicated perimeter around these subdivisions to fight an incoming wildfire and have a decent chance of stopping it before it gets into the houses, said Young.

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Cedar and Juniper trees are plentiful in the area, and Young warns they could burn like gasoline if a stray ember ignites them during a dry season.

Especially if youve got low humidity and high winds like theyve had out there [in California]. Youve got a recipe for disaster, Young shared.

Abilene Fire Departments ambulance bus assists in natural disasters across Texas

What needs to happen to make these suggestions a reality?

Sowell and Young are already discussing their concerns with Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley. As previously mentioned, they will discuss the topic with the Taylor County Commissioners Court at its next meeting on January 28, 2025.

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Judge Crowley issued the following statement on the issues at hand, sharing, Im always interested in having discussions about how we can potentially improve public safety. Chief Young and I had a meeting on 1-10-25, where he expressed some concerns. It was too late to get a discussion on the January 14th Commissioners Court Agenda, but I do plan on all of us having a discussion on the January 28th Agenda where we can see if we have public safety issues and work collaboratively to address them if we do.

Even if the County and the fire chiefs reach an agreement, it remains uncertain what they could actually implement. Sowell and Young say they may be constrained by state law, which often limits what a county governing body can do.

Believe it or not, the state will grant authority to cities that they do not extend the same privilege to counties, Young explained. The cities have much broader authority granted by the state that they can do with ordinances and things that the counties dont have.

Whether or not legislation can be enacted, Sowell and Young hope to raise awareness about the dangers these issues pose, encouraging developers and residents to work together to ensure their neighborhoods are as prepared as possible for any emergency.

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Congress candidate from New Delhi Assembly Constituency, Sandeep Dikshit on Saturday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi Government has done nothing to resolve the issue of pollution in the national capital. Blaming the AAP for the pollution, Dikshit asserted that the stubble burning is not the only issue for the pollution. "If we see air pollution and water pollution, they have done nothing in 10 years. I believe that they are to be blamed. We have been campaigning for past 10-15 days and people have asked me when the political parties will talk about the air pollution and water pollution. I visited a 'Basti' a few days ago and a person told me that this poisonous air has ruined his life," Dikshit said. "The burning of stubble is not new in Delhi. The stubble has been burning since the paddy came into Haryana. How the stubble burning become the main issue in the past 6-8 years? Unfortunately, the people who spread information have also bought the issue of stubble burning. Today there's no stubble burning, yet the pollution is there." Dikshit added. Delhi's AQI continues to be 'very poor' in several areas, including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, and other parts of the capital. On Friday, the Commission for Air Quality Management decided to revoke curbs under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the AQI improved from "Severe" to "Very Poor." Additionally, speaking about AAP's documentary 'Unbreakable', Sandeep Dikshit said, "Anything that you run during elections that has propaganda value has to be passed by the Election Commission first." "If it has not been passed, then it should not be screened and if it has been passed, then it should definitely be screened," he told ANI. The AAP's documentary is based on the time when AAP leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and others, went to jail. Earlier in the day, AAP announced the screening of it to which Delhi police said that "no permission" was taken for the screening of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) documentary 'Unbreakable' and hence its screening would have been a 'violation of guidelines'. The police emphasised that the political parties have to apply for permission for such events through a single window system at the District Election Officer's (DEO) office, adding that the police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time. Following a police statement, the ruling AAP alleged that the Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the "behest" of its primary opponent, BJP. The AAP sources said that theatre owners across Delhi have been threatened not to screen the documentary. "Screening of AAP's documentary 'Unbreakable', Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the behest of the BJP. This documentary is made on AAP leaders going to jail and was to be screened today at 11:30 AM. Theatre owners across Delhi have been threatened not to screen the documentary," said AAP sources. Delhi will go for polls on February 5 while the counting of votes will take place on February 8. (ANI)
A reward of more than $24,000 has been offered in support of a police department's investigation into three siblings who were each abandoned as babies.

It has been one year since the third sibling, whom authorities named Elsa, was found abandoned in London, and officials are still investigating her abandonment and attempting to locate her parents, Metropolitan Police announced in a Jan. 18 press release.

Elsa was found after someone reported that they had found a newborn baby wrapped in a towel in a shopping bag in East London at 9:13 p.m. local time on Jan. 18, 2024, exactly one year before the latest press release, London police said.

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After police located the newborn, who was thankfully uninjured, she was taken to hospital, where she was later discharged and placed into the appropriate care, according to police.

Metropolitan Police The bag that Baby Elsa was abandoned in The bag that Baby Elsa was abandoned in

Investigators later discovered that Elsas case was not only related to two other cases of newborn abandonment, but that the infant was biologically related to the other two babies, who were found under similar circumstances years earlier, in 2017 and 2019.

Her brother, named "Baby Harry," was found abandoned in a park area in Newham on Sept. 17, 2017, and another child, called "Baby Roman," was found abandoned by dog walkers in a children's play park on Jan. 31, 2019, Metropolitan Police previously said. DNA tests had established the three babies were siblings in April 2024.

Authorities are still searching for the childrens parents. To support their investigation, Crimestoppers  a charity that is independent of the police  is offering a reward for information provided anonymously, Metropolitan Police announced on Jan. 18.

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We have carried out extensive inquiries over the past year to try and locate Elsas parents, Detective Inspector Jamie Humm with Metropolitan Polices Child Abuse Investigation Team said in a statement.

The investigation has been ongoing for six years, however  since Baby Roman was first found  and has involved reviewing over 450 hours of CCTV and completing a full DNA structure of the mother, according to Humm.

Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images The area in London where three siblings were abandoned as newborn babies The area in London where three siblings were abandoned as newborn babies

Some specialists who have aided in the investigation believe that they have narrowed the area in which the mother and possibly also the father of the abandoned infants live: the Plaistow or East Ham area.

We have serious concerns for the well-being of the parents, especially the mother, and are continuing to work closely with Newham Council and appeal for the publics help for information, Humm stated, urging the public to come forward with any information about the kids or their parents.

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"I believe that someone in the area will have been aware of the mothers pregnancies and that within the community there [may] have been concerns for this mothers welfare. I share these concerns with you so if you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact us, he continued, noting that authorities will be able to eliminate any unconnected person quickly and easily, as such I would ask you to contact police with confidence.

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In particular, Humm said, Professionals in the area, such as those in health, care, education or the charitable sector, should consider whether they may have encountered the mother without realizing it at the time.

The detective inspector concluded this latest update in the investigation by sharing that Baby Elsa, Harry and Roman are healthy and well, and we are continuing momentum behind this investigation to identify the parents.

Read the original article on People
Jan. 17Palestine's Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities will be held Monday, Jan. 20.

According to Mayor Mitchell Jordan, the community action organization he founded known as L.E.A.D., which stands for Leadership, Education, Achievements and Dreams, is hosting this year's activities.

Mitchell said this year's theme for the MLK Jr. Day event is "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy In The Spirit Of Nonviolence365."

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MLK Day commemorates the life and work of the civil rights activist, a key figure in the American Civil Right Movements of the mid-20th century.

Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. Monday with a parade starting at the Anderson County Courthouse. The parade will travel down Avenue A to Oak Street before dispersing at the Palestine Farmers Market.

With proof of insurance, residents may sign up to participate in the parade the morning of the event.

Following the parade, Mitchell said a reception with special guest speakers honoring King will take place at the Palestine Senior Center, 200 N. Church St. in Palestine.

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Ernie Williams, founder of Community Mpact, is serving as emcee for this year's program.

"I always get excited at this time of year because it's extremely important, and a lot of times we only recognize Dr. King on his birthday," Williams said. "But as an American, and especially as an African-American, I try to think about Dr. King as often as I can, because he was one of the people who promoted nonviolence. I love Malcolm, and all the things that he did, but he was not a man of peace. I would say, Dr. King was more like Gandhi, and they got us so much further along, than meeting violence with violence. As Dr. King said, 'You have to meet violence with love.'"

Guest speakers for this year's ceremony include Jordan, New Fellowship Christian Church Pastor Johnathan Strange, Evangelistic Temple Pastor Jason Harris, Anderson County Commissioner Rashad Mims and The Rev. Roy Duncan of Antioch Church.

This is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. A hamburger luncheon is being provided for those in attendance by L.E.A.D. and other community organizations.

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King, born Jan. 15, 1929, was a Baptist minister who became the most visible spokesman and leader in the American civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

President Ronald Reagan signed a bill on Nov. 2, 1983, creating a federal holiday to honor King. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, near the time of King's birthday.
A committee of Palestinian notables on Saturday said that an agreement had been reached to end fighting in the West Bank between security forces from the Palestinian Authority (PA) and extremists in the city of Jenin.

The deal was announced by community leaders in Jenin but has not been confirmed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Jenin, in the north of the West Bank, has seen clashes in recent months between PA forces and fighters from the so-called Jenin Battalion, consisting of members of the Islamist militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

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The deal to end the fighting in Jenin follows the reported resumption of Israeli airstrikes in the city earlier this week, with the Palestinian Health Ministry recording 12 people killed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It comes one day before a ceasefire is set to take effect between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The PA, which was expelled from the Gaza Strip by Hamas two decades ago, is seeking to take over the territory's administration following the end of the conflict.

The tense situation in the West Bank has significantly worsened since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which sparked the conflict in Gaza.

Since then, at least 816 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank in Israeli military operations and armed clashes, according to the Health Ministry in Ramallah.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  A lifelong Panama City resident is looking to make history as Panama Citys youngest commissioner.

21-year-old Daniel Schultz launched his campaign for Ward 1 Commissioner on Friday.

Schultz graduated from Florida State University in December, receiving his bachelors degree in political science.

Schultz says his advocacy overturned the proposed downtown paid parking ordinance last summer.

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Unique event raises money for several groups supporting veterans

Schultz wants to reassure the community that his age is not a concern.

I completely understand anyone that has concerns. Dont listen to what I say, look at what I have accomplished. At 21, I have a bachelors; at 21, I was able to push for community involvement, to stop paid parking, something that no one thought was possible. I plan to do the exact same, I plan to win something that no one thinks is possible, Panama City Ward 1 Commissioner Candidate Daniel Schultz said.

He says his top priorities are reducing the citys spending, reopening the marina, and continuing the progress Commissioner Jenna Haligas has made while prioritizing the citizens wants.

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For more details on Schultzs campaign, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
DE SOTO, Kan.  The four-billion dollar Panasonic EV Battery Plant in De Soto, Kansas is nearly ready to start production after more than two years of rapid construction.

Leaders say the site has already maxed out with roughly 3,800 construction workers on site putting the 300-acre building together. It takes up a relatively small piece in the corner of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant that made a younger De Soto Mayor Rick Walker curious.

I never came on the plant because at every fence there was a marker that said, Federal Property: Do Not Cross, said Walker.

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It kept me out but it kept me wondering.

Two separate Jackson County votes possible for Chiefs, Royals

The plant officially closed in the 1990s, but Walker said it had been losing jobs long before that. It made Walker and other residents wonder if there would ever be a new development on the land that needed significant remediation after years of ammunition production.

Two years after the Panasonic plant started construction, Walker says its bringing nearly $250 million worth of infrastructure upgrades like new roads and sewer lines for much less money to the city and much faster than if De Soto had to do the work itself.

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The scope of the project allowed for those community benefits to happen and be covered in the cost of the project, said Walker.

He says upgrades to other roads and traffic patterns are trying to mitigate the negative impacts of what will be a massive workforce once the plant hires the 4,000 workers when its at full capacity.

Right now, there are 400 Panasonic employees hired and going through training or installing equipment with that number expected to grow to 1,000 by the summer, and 2,000 by early 2026.

KC TikTok creators on potential ban: A big step backwards

Its not going to be just the 4,000 jobs that Panasonic will have, said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

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It is going to be a whole host of other entities that will come here and fill up all this empty land.

Panasonic is hiring for hundreds of positions right now. You can find more information about those here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Executives at Paramount Global are discussing, internally and informally, what it might take to settle a lawsuit by incoming President Donald Trump against CBS News centered around a 60 Minutes interview with his then rival Kamala Harris, Deadline has confirmed.

Trump claimed the interview had been deceitfully edited to her benefit, filing the suit in late October in the Northern District of Texas.

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CBS attorneys say Trumps attempts to punish the network for its editorial judgments is barred by the First Amendment.

CBS filed a motion to dismiss. The federal judge there has given Trump until Jan. 24 to respond.

Will it be moot? Settlements with Trump are flowing and capitulation in the air for executives of media (and tech) companies that will have business before the new administration. Disneys ABC recently agreed to pay $15 million to Trumps presidential foundation and library and $1 million in legal fees to settle a libel lawsuit over comments that George Stephanopoulos made on This Week in March.

It would be unusual if Paramount Global execs were not discussing options.

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CBS parent Paramount Global has a very big bit of business pending  selling itself to Skydance, a deal that requires the transfer of broadcast licenses from one to the other. The transfers must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission. Brendan Carr, Trumps pick for Commissioner, has said publicly the FCC will give the proposed merger a closer look, indicating that editorial fairness would be considered.

Meanwhile, a conservative group called the Center for American Rights filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission objecting to the transfers for, among other things, CBS track record of ideological bias and news manipulation. Paramount Global shot back, saying the filing are procedurally defective, seek relief that raises constitutional concerns, and/or otherwise lack merit.

Trump himself has called for the broadcast licenses to be revoked, something departing FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel condemned in final remarks as she dismissed a series of complaints.

The action we take makes clear two things. First, the FCC should not be the Presidents speech police. Second, the FCC should not be journalisms censor-in-chief, she said.

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CBS insisted it had not edited the interview deceitfully, explaining pretty clearly why. 60 Minutes, it said, gave an excerpt of our interview to Face the Nation that used a longer section of her answer than that on 60 Minutes. Same question. Same answer. But a different portion of the response. When we edit any interview, whether a politician, an athlete, or movie star, we strive to be clear, accurate and on point. The portion of her answer on 60 Minutes was more succinct, which allows time for other subjects in a wide ranging 21-minute-long segment.

Shari Redstone-controlled Paramount Global and David Ellisons Skydance have a lot riding on the merger, the result of painfully long and twisting negotiations over a big chunk of 20204. Executives have realized that they may need to offer concessions to get it across the finish line, said the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the internal talks around a settlement.

Paramount and Skydance executives have considered a number of possible changes the company could make to shore up CBS News editorial operations while reassuring Trumps camp, the WSJ said today, including adding new processes around programming and possibly releasing the transcript of its 60 Minutes interview with Harris, which it has so far refused to do.

So far the talks at Paramount have remained internal.

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ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP)  Route 5 is temporarily closed due to a car accident on South Road in Enfield.

The Enfield Police Chief told 22News the collision caused the suspects vehicle to catch on fire and land on Post Office Road.

Only minor injuries were reported and the driver responsible for the accident is in custody.

We will provide any new updates as we get them.

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.
Jan. 18ANNAPOLIS  The importance of partnerships among local, state and federal leaders was highlighted Friday at the annual Mountain Maryland PACE breakfast in Annapolis.

Roughly 300 people, including commissioners from Allegany and Garrett counties, attended the event, which was sponsored by the Cumberland/Allegany County Industrial Foundation and Garrett County Development Corp. A reception Thursday evening was also part of the event.

PACE, an acronym for Positive Attitudes Change Everything, began with a reception at the Hilton Inn in Annapolis in 1977.

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Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, was keynote speaker at Friday's breakfast, where he praised several local Republican leaders, including his "cigar buddy" Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss and Garrett County Commissioners Chairman Paul Edwards, a fellow bald man, who has the "best haircut" and is an avid Baltimore Ravens fan.

Moore said he's visited Western Maryland roughly a dozen times and thanked area officials for prioritizing outdoor recreation.

"We vacation in Western Maryland," he said of his family.

Moore said his daughter and son have enjoyed experiences in the mountains, including the state's black bear cub tagging program.

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"You've changed the way that my kids view the state," he said of Western Maryland's diversity and history.

Moore talked of his support for the Senator George C. Edwards Fund, which was included in his state budget proposal made public earlier this week.

"It's works," he said of the fund's goal to further economic growth.

Moore highlighted projects, including Frostburg State University's relatively new Education and Health Sciences Center, the recently renovated Baltimore Street in Cumberland and the state's $8.7 million purchase of Savage River Lodge in Garrett County.

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"Partnership produces progress," the governor said.

He addressed the state's $3 billion "fiscal crisis," and said his proposed budget is geared to build an economy that "grows the middle class."

Moore said infrastructure priorities include improvements for interstates 81 and 68.

"It matters ... how we are spending taxpayer dollars," he said.

The proposed budget will "double the standard deduction" that is widely applied in Allegany and Garrett counties, Moore said.

The financial plan, which requires approval by state lawmakers, will lead Maryland "into a brighter future" but "will not be simple" to pass, he said.

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Republican state Sen. Mike McKay, R-Allegany, Garrett, Washington, said Moore looks at Western Maryland "through the eyes of a trusted friend."

Other speakers at the breakfast included U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney and Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, all Democrats.

Despite political differences, local, state and federal leaders have a lot in common "that brings us together," Van Hollen said.

Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.
Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), in Haryana's Sonipat, launched India's first-ever Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Law. The announcement was made during a seminar on "Artificial Intelligence and Law," which brought together legal scholars, jurists, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the evolving intersection of AI and the legal profession. The event's Chief Guest, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, praised the initiative as a significant milestone. In his address, he emphasised that the 21st century demands embracing technology to tackle challenges while maintaining the human element at its core. He highlighted how AI could enhance the legal field, particularly in areas such as resolving pending court cases and improving translation services, but also addressed the ethical concerns surrounding AI, urging attention to data privacy and protection. In his address, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, Prof C. Raj Kumar, outlined five major global implications of AI on the legal field, including advancements in legal analytics, the challenge of bias and discrimination in AI systems, AI's role in cross-border dispute resolution, the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI-driven law enforcement. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that AI does not exacerbate societal inequities, particularly by addressing the digital divide that could exclude marginalized groups. Justice Dipankar Dutta, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, remarked that the multitude of opinions surrounding AI's impact on the legal profession makes it challenging to predict its eventual transformation of legal services. He acknowledged that such uncertainty is typical when revolutionary technologies emerge, as they often bring profound changes. While there are varied opinions on the direction AI will take, Justice Dutta emphasized that there is no doubt AI will reshape academia, legal practice, and the delivery of justice. Senior Advocate R Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, pointed out that the traditional relationship between law and technology must evolve to accommodate the fundamental shift that technology is undergoing. This transformation will change how we engage with technology, moving from using it merely as a tool to actively interacting with it in increasingly complex ways. Echoing these sentiments, Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, discussed how AI has become a global phenomenon, drawing significant legislative attention, with around 33 laws passed worldwide in 2022 alone. While acknowledging AI's remarkable advancements, he emphasized that its limitations must be recognized, especially in legal adjudication, where human judgment is irreplaceable. Legal decision-making is not a mechanical or purely algorithmic process, he argued; it involves nuanced understanding, empathy, and discretion, which algorithms cannot replicate. For example, judges may intervene in cases where technicalities suggest otherwise, guided by fairness and compassion--qualities that algorithms lack. This underscores the irreplaceable value of human insight in the legal system, even as AI continues to advance. Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, addressed the future of legal professionals in an AI-driven world. He emphasized that AI should never replace lawyers. While it can automate routine tasks, it cannot replicate the complex judgment or ethical considerations human lawyers and judges bring to the table. AI must remain a servant, not a master, and should always be viewed as a tool that enhances human capabilities, allowing legal professionals to focus on more strategic and complex aspects of their work. While AI presents challenges, Dr. Singhvi affirmed these are not insurmountable. By fostering transparency, addressing bias, and implementing robust regulations, AI can be integrated into the legal system as a complementary tool, ultimately advancing justice. (ANI)
Jan. 17CUMBERLAND  The importance of partnerships among local, state and federal leaders was highlighted Friday at the annual Mountain Maryland PACE breakfast in Annapolis.

Roughly 300 people, including commissioners from Allegany and Garrett counties, attended the event, which was sponsored by the Cumberland/Allegany County Industrial Foundation and Garrett County Development Corp. A reception Thursday evening was also part of the event.

PACE, an acronym for Positive Attitudes Change Everything, began with a reception at the Hilton Inn in Annapolis in 1977.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, was keynote speaker at Friday's breakfast, where he praised several local Republican leaders, including his "cigar buddy" Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss and Garrett County Commissioners Chairman Paul Edwards, a fellow bald man, who has the "best haircut" and is an avid Baltimore Ravens fan.

Moore said he's visited Western Maryland roughly a dozen times and thanked area officials for prioritizing outdoor recreation.

"We vacation in Western Maryland," he said of his family.

Moore said his daughter and son have enjoyed experiences in the mountains, including the state's black bear cub tagging program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"You've changed the way that my kids view the state," he said of Western Maryland's diversity and history.

Moore talked of his support for the Senator George C. Edwards Fund, which was included in his state budget proposal made public earlier this week.

"It's works," he said of the fund's goal to further economic growth.

Moore highlighted projects, including Frostburg State University's relatively new Education and Health Sciences Center, the recently renovated Baltimore Street in Cumberland and the state's $8.7 million purchase of Savage River Lodge in Garrett County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Partnership produces progress," the governor said.

He addressed the state's $3 billion "fiscal crisis," and said his proposed budget is geared to build an economy that "grows the middle class."

Moore said infrastructure priorities include improvements for interstates 81 and 68.

"It matters ... how we are spending taxpayer dollars," he said.

The proposed budget will "double the standard deduction" that is widely applied in Allegany and Garrett counties, Moore said.

The financial plan, which requires approval by state lawmakers, will lead Maryland "into a brighter future" but "will not be simple" to pass, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Republican state Sen. Mike McKay (R-Allegany, Garrett, Washington) said Moore looks at Western Maryland "through the eyes of a trusted friend."

Other speakers at the breakfast included U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney and Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, all Democrats.

Despite political differences, local, state and federal leaders have a lot in common "that brings us together," Van Hollen said.

Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is planning to attend President-elect Trumps inauguration on Monday, a source familiar with his plans told The Hill.

Pence will likely be one of many current and former high-ranking officials to attend the inauguration ceremony, alongside President Biden, former President Obama and former President Bush.

The event ended up being moved inside the Capitol because of a projected snowstorm and freezing temperatures expected in Washington.

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Pence had to escape the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, as he was presiding over the joint session to certify President Bidens victory in the 2020 election when a mob of pro-Trump backers stormed the building.

The relationship between the two men soured then. The former vice president ran in the 2024 GOP presidential primary before ending it in late October 2023, months before the Iowa Republican presidential caucuses.

In July last year, Trump selected JD Vance as his next vice president.

Trump and Pence saw each other for the first time since the insurrection at the funeral for former President Carter that was held at the Washington National Cathedral just over a week ago. The two shook hands.

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The New York Times first reported on Pences possible attendance.

The Hill has reached out to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for comment.

Alex Gangitano contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  When Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office in 2017, he was met by angry protests of more than 4 million people across the country, a sustained movement that dedicated itself to resisting his administration in the name of womens rights and civil rights.

When hes sworn in for his second term on Monday, Trump will find no such mass demonstrations or vocal opposition on the streets of the nations capital or elsewhere. The huge Womens March protest of 2017, which has now been rebranded as the Peoples March, is still expected to draw thousands to downtown Washington on Saturday, but the number of protesters is unlikely to match the historic turnout eight years ago.

The lack of a new Trump resistance movement is a reflection of the fatigue many on the left feel in the wake of his 2024 presidential election victory, as well as a new strategy from Democrats and activists that ditches knee-jerk hostility and outrage toward Trump for a more toned-down approach that aims to home in on the effects of his policies on working-class people.

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People in 2017 were deeply uncertain about what a Trump presidency would mean and wanted to raise their voices to try to influence them, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) explained to HuffPost. This time, Trump and his tight band of billionaires have made pretty clear what the fights will be, and thats less about protests in the streets and more about the hard, inch-by-inch fighting over tax policy and environmental regulations and building permits.

Already Democrats are warning the public about Trumps plans to cut social safety net programs in order to pay for another round of tax cuts, his proposed across-the-board tariffs that could severely hit pocketbooks, and the many conflicts of interest in his billionaire Cabinet and among wealthy allies like Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

They see calling attention to bread-and-butter issues that directly affect voters as a more effective way to go about handling Trumps second term rather than, say, screaming about his proposal to acquire Greenland or his latest outburst online.

Its like, mid-December, and Im getting ready to get on the elevator, and, oh, Donald Trump just said he wants to, you know, he might invade Greenland, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) recalled of learning about the president-elects idea last month to buy the Arctic territory from Denmark. And I could feel myself like starting to spin again, like, OK, what do I need to respond to? What do I need to say about this?

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I think that outrage machine is something that he drives, hoping that were all going to get on it, and were just not going to get on that machine anymore, she added. Were still actively fighting them when they are doing things that we think are going to hurt people, [but] were not going to get pulled into that machine anymore. We need to be focused on what they are doing that is going to hurt people.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), shown her at a Senate hearing in September 2019, predicts people will become more engaged as they see what actions come from the White House. Susan Walsh/Associated Press

The Minnesota Democrat said that people are exhausted by the daily Trump news cycle, but she predicted that they would tune back in once Trump begins executing his agenda.

The president-elect is reportedly planning to issue about 100 executive orders on Day 1 of his presidency, including a flood of immigration policy changes, such as mass deportations. Hes also expected to soon pardon hundreds of people convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, including possibly violent Trump supporters who assaulted police officers that day.

I think when they start to do the things that were fearful that theyre going to do, youre going to see us fighting, Smith said.

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In a sign of the Democrats changed posture toward Trump, the Senate on Friday advanced a major immigration bill aiming to crack down on immigrants lacking permanent legal status who commit crimes, clearing the way for Trump to sign it into law as early as next week. Ten Senate Democrats supported the measure, helping to hand Trump what is expected to be his first legislative victory.

But Democrats arent planning to help Trump on every issue. And theyre hoping that the public will eventually reengage and turn against Republicans agenda, starting with their grilling of his Cabinet nominees. (A nonprofit affiliated with House Democrats has already begun running ads attacking health secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for raising the cost of meat and produce.)

Its just going to take a little bit of time for all of their positions to be completely understood, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said of Trumps top administrative picks. The [confirmation] hearings are the education that the American people get, which will then lead to the activation.

Each of those actions that are about to unfold are going to be what then draws peoples attention to become active, to do something politically, Markey added. The more it becomes clear how it impacts ordinary people, the more activation youre going to see.

Related...
FOLEY SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11)  Around two thousand people gathered at Foley Square for the annual Peoples March in New York City.

Demonstrators say they are marching to demand racial justice, reproductive freedom, womens rights and more.

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The Peoples March originally started as the Womens March in 2017 with a grassroots group.

More than five hundred thousand marchers took to Washington D.C. seven years ago, in response to the inauguration of then-President Donald Trump.

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Millions more showed their support by demonstrating in cities across the country.

While the march initially focused on womens rights, organizers say their demands have expanded to include climate action, to end gun violence and police brutality, and to stand in solidarity with trans and queer youth.

This march kicked off at 10 a.m. with opening speeches and will wrap up in the afternoon at Washington Square Park where organizers will host networking events with different community groups.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Jan. 18Cold weather doesn't stop the need for work outdoors, and utility company employees, emergency personnel and retail store workers all have to deal with the temperatures.

Whether pushing shopping carts or braving cold weather in a utility trucks working in cold, windy weather is not for the faint of heart. Making sure people are dressed in the warmest clothes possible must also be a priority for those who keep the rest of us safe.

Often fires, car crashes and other dangerous events occur amidst the extreme cold that northeastern Ohio has to offer and emergency workers must be ready for the challenge.

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Utility workers in bucket trucks also have a challenging job, trying to restore power lines in the midst of temperatures dipping into dangerously cold levels.

The jobs can be even more challenging when temperatures drop into the low single digit range as predicted for parts of the next five days by the National Weather Service.
Frigid temperatures Saturday didnt stop more than 100 people from marching in Milwaukees iteration of the Peoples March ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday.

The local rally, dubbed The Peoples Rights and Progressive Policies March, kicked off at noon in Cathedral Square Park.

Groups of protesters, bundled in preparation for the freezing temperatures, held posters with their reasons for marching, some coming from a makeshift poster-making stand on Jefferson Street.

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No counterprotesters were observed at the start of the march.

Candi Martin, 63, and Margaret Wilber, 65, came from Slinger to Milwaukee. Asked why she was participating, Wilber said she was "so disappointed with how the election turned out," adding that the 2021 repeal of Roe v. Wade is "a travesty."

"(There's) a fear of what our future is going to look like," Martin said.

Jeanne Medina, 71, said she attended Saturday's march because she believes in what the march "is trying to stand up for."

"I just hope that people continue to stay aware of what's going on in politics and don't become too discouraged or apathetic," she said.

Participants in the People's March walk toward Milwaukee Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Saturday.

Constance Lancelle, one of the organizers, told the Journal Sentinel "around 400" people were expected to attend Saturday's march, adding that roughly 200 people signed up online and another 200 signed up via a Facebook group. About 150 appeared to be present at the start of the march.

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Several community organizations, including Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee and Milwaukee Anti-War Committee, aided with the demonstration, Lancelle said.

A dozen volunteers signed up as of Friday to act as street marshals, chant leaders and more, Lancelle said.

Lancelle began planning Saturday's march almost immediately after Novembers election in which Trump sealed his victory with a narrow win in Wisconsin. I just felt like I had to do something, she said.

Its a very vital time for people to get together and actually make an impact, Lancelle said. I know that always is a good time, but right after (the election) I was very scared, and I knew a lot of other people were scared too.

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Hataya Johnson and Tracie Miller aided Lancelle in planning Saturday's march. All three had several causes that hit close to home and inspired them to get involved.

"Theres more than one issue I have to be passionate about not only for me but everyone around me who I hold dear that shares similar identities," Johnson, who is a person of color and identifies as queer, told the Journal Sentinel in an email.

Miller, who is a Navy veteran, cited the city's unhoused population as one of her important causes.

"I think the city needs to do more for the homeless population," she said. "So, I want to bring more awareness to our homeless veterans, our homeless friends and family that might be on the street struggling."

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Lancelle named abortion rights as the biggest issue driving her involvement.

"We cant only stand for one issue when theres simultaneously so many rights being threatened at the same time," Johnson added.

Nearly a dozen causes were at the heart of Saturday's march, including climate change and the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, access to gender-affirming care and immigration, according to a press release.

"Our communities deserve positive progressive change that establishes a healthy and positive outlook to life," the press release said.

Milwaukee's march was one of more than 350 across the country and internationally over the weekend, according to USA TODAY. A march to the state Capitol in Madison was also planned.

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With hundreds of planned demonstrations, more than 100,000 people pledged to march locally," the Womens March, one of the sponsors behind the weekend's marches, told the Journal Sentinel in an email.

The Womens March has hosted several demonstrations in Wisconsin since its inception in 2017.

Most occurred on Saturday, though the organization noted that some were scheduled through the inauguration on Monday.

For Milwaukee in particular, organizers hope to keep building on the momentum of Saturday's event throughout Trump's administration and "even longer than that," according to Miller.

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Johnson said they hope the group can serve as a resource to Milwaukee's community.

"Activism isnt a one-time feel-good moment, its a lifetime of defending what we deserve as human beings," Johnson said in an email.

For more information on the People's March, click here.

USA TODAY reporters Erin Mansfield and Sarah D. Wire contributed.

More: Liberal groups plan to protest in the days before Donald Trump is inaugurated

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: People's March Milwaukee: Over 100 rally before Trump inauguration
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  What was initially reported to police as a shooting at the Walmart on East Platte Avenue in Colorado Springs resulted in one person being taken to the hospital with serious injuries from a stabbing.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), dispatch received a call shortly after 2:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 reporting that someone was firing a gun inside the Walmart. An extra duty officer who was on scene quickly refuted that claim, though the officer confirmed that there was a disturbance between two people.

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean Scott Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean Scott Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean Scott

CSPD said the disturbance resulted in one of the people suffering an apparent stab wound. More officers responded and detained a person on the scene. The person who was stabbed was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, though CSPD said it is unknown if those injuries are life-threatening.

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The disturbance appears to have been an isolated incident, and CSPD said there is no threat to the community or anyone else in the store.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
There have been many titles and roles assigned to Jimmy Carter  39th president of the United States, commander in chief, governor, senator, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, farmer, Navy veteran, Democrat.

Also, Sunday school teacher, peacemaker, carpenter, homebuilder, champion of human rights, politician. And author, nuclear engineer and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The title and role that may best characterize his lifetime contributions, however, is servant.

His accomplishments, which include establishing the federal education and energy departments, facilitating the Israel and Egypt peace agreement and signing a resolution for the Equal Rights Amendment, transcended that of many presidents in modern history. Later, as founder of the Carter Center, he consistently worked for global justice and diplomacy, an equitable society and a better life for all people.

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While history records his presidency as one term, it was his second act and post-presidential endeavors that most deeply impacted humanity. As a servant and volunteer, Carter raised millions of dollars, helped to build more than 4,400 homes in 14 countries and inspired more than 100,000 volunteers to contribute service to Habitat for Humanity. His life was a profile in service  giving back, paying it forward and helping others.

Carter had a very respectful relationship with the African American community. His presidency inherited the unsettled arguments, unhealed wounds and unfulfilled promises from the Civil Rights Movement. He appointed Andrew Young as ambassador to the United Nations. The struggles of the African American community resonated with him because he witnessed the harsh impact of segregation and discrimination in his home state of Georgia. His appointments and partnerships were emblematic of his respect for the African American community and his acknowledgment of the systemic obstacles and struggles. He was the first president to denounce apartheid in Africa. He also worked with Nelson Mandela in South Africa on peace and human rights concerns. And after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Habitat for Humanity team that he led built 60 homes and framed another 48 in one week.

Carter demonstrated how important it is to render service to others, asking nothing in return. He showed the significance of meeting people where they are in seasons of homelessness, hollowness and hopelessness. His rules of engagement were listening, accessibility, humility, empathy and action. His tools of engagement included a hammer, nails, a smile, scripture, Southern values, and hospitality and prayer.

If anyone wonders how they can make a difference in this world, they need not look far, because there is a model, an example, a template, that Jimmy Carter left for us. The model includes attributes such as compassion, resiliency, grace, selflessness, willingness, humanity and time.

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His 77-year marriage to Rosalynn, who preceded him in death, underscored the fidelity to marital vows, the sanctity of marriage and the presence of Gods enduring love. Their conjoined life of service was inseparable, inerasable and admirable.

The Bible records the Lord using unlikely, uncommon and unpopular people to do extraordinary works. In 1 Samuel 16-17, David, a shepherd boy initially overlooked and dismissed, was eventually selected for his heart and potential and became king. We see a similar example with Gideon, who was full of doubt, fear, insecurity and hesitation, when an angel of the Lord called him mighty warrior. It is not unlike God to choose a humble, unpretentious, plain-spoken man to lead peace talks, reconciliation and medical cures around the world. In the Bible and through our life, we realize that many are called to their purpose, but not all accept the invitation. Jimmy Carter accepted his calling, fulfilled his purpose and pleased his God.

While the annuals and archives may not associate Carter with befitting descriptions like icon or luminary, especially with the backdrop of other presidential scandals, he will be remembered as a gentle giant who made an indelible imprint on the soul and conscience of humanity. He will be remembered as a centenarian, as his love for humanity was rewarded with longevity. A world that benefited from his leadership, borrowed from his playbook and built upon his legacy, rightfully said thank you. And a celestial congregation of Sunday school students and a chorus of angels said, Well done.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The national animal advocacy organization, PETA, is petitioning a federal court to ask for major revisions to the settlement agreement reached between SeaWorld and the city of San Diego over $12 million in unpaid rent and fees on the parks lease.

In a court filing, the organization condemned the agreement, which would recoup $8.8 million directly from SeaWorld over a multi-year period and allow for it to make up the rest of the cost through free or discounted tickets, as a bail out of the theme park at the expense of taxpayers.

They argued San Diego leaders should press SeaWorld for the full amount owed by the theme park on its lease or allow for public input on the settlement, especially as the city is preparing to make potentially difficult cuts to city services in order to close a $258 million budget deficit.

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Gloria delivers frank State of the City: Today will be a true test of our resolve

Rather than hold it accountable, the city is proposing that it lets this amusement park off the hook for more than $3 million, Emily Lively, counsel for The PETA Foundation, told FOX 5/KUSI. Its even going so far as to actually help prop up SeaWorld by handing it free advertisement and an influx of visitors.

A spokesperson for current City Attorney Heather Ferberts office declined to comment on the objection as the settlement is still pending. FOX 5/KUSI also reached out to SeaWorld, but did not hear back prior to publication.

Both sides will be meeting again later this month to discuss the deal further before a court signs off on its terms.

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The deal marked a breakthrough following three years of back-and-forth between the city and SeaWorld over rent for the land where the park is located that went unpaid during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was closed to the public.

As the terms were confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI in December, SeaWorld agreed to pay $8.8 million of the $12.23 million in back rent and fees  the sum the city was originally seeking when it first sent a notice of default to the parks parent company back in 2022.

The terms also included what then-City Attorney Mara Elliott described as lease sweeteners to the San Diego Union-Tribune, including:

Complimentary season passes to county teachers for a five-year period.

One free ticket for any active-duty military and veterans for each year in a five-year period.

Provision of 1,000 free tickets to the city for distribution among school districts in the city of San Diego.

Although the deal comes at a time of financial straits for the city as it heads into the annual budgeting process with a projected $258 million structural deficit.

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San Diegans can receive discounted flood insurance, thanks to federal program

In addition to looking at ways to close the gap with cuts to non-essential spending that avoid sacrifices to core services, city leaders have stated a need to look at new avenues for boosting revenues from sources like parking meters and trash collection.

PETA argues the remaining $3 million owed on SeaWorlds lease should be another revenue stream city officials turn to in order to forestall deep cuts to essential programs.

Amid these severe budget cuts, the city should be focusing on paying its own bills, rather than lining SeaWorlds pockets with public funds, Lively said.

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It is unclear though how much sway PETAs objection will have on a courts certification of the settlement agreement. It will be ultimately be up to the judge to decide whether or not to take the organizations argument in to account as the deal goes through the final approval 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Commentary: Geopolitical calculations threaten global renewable energy transition

Xinhua) 10:05, January 18, 2025

CAIRO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Transition to renewable energy, a global imperative driven by the urgent need to combat climate change, requires unprecedented international cooperation and the abandonment of geopolitical calculations.

The Abu Dhabi World Future Energy Summit this week brought together world leaders and more than 50,000 energy industry insiders to discuss the transition to renewable energy. At the same time, California is burning -- yet again. The raging wildfires underscores a glaring truth: climate change is a reality, a destructive force that is wreaking havoc on the planet.

The world is already seeing the damage. From wildfires to floods, climate-related disasters are remarkably more frequent these years, impacting more population across the globe.

Driven by this urgency, many countries are accelerating the shift to clean energy sources to cut carbon emissions. Even in the Middle East, fuel energy powerhouses like the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in clean energy.

Al Dhafra Solar PV Power Plant is a good example. Built in partnership with China, it is the world's largest single-site solar farm, generating enough electricity to power 200,000 homes while significantly cutting carbon emissions. It is a giant leap for a country synonymous with oil, and it is part of a broader shift in the region.

Across the Middle East and beyond, Chinese-backed renewable projects are providing solutions where they are needed most. In Egypt, Morocco and Jordan, for example, Chinese solar and wind initiatives are not only reducing carbon footprints but also helping save precious water resources.

China is also conducting cooperation with partners in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South America and Africa. By mid-2024, China had signed over 50 South-South climate cooperation agreements with 42 developing countries, sharing technology, training local talent and building expertise. This cooperation model goes beyond aid. It is empowerment that will enable countries to take control of their energy future.

China is also making renewable energy more accessible. China's innovation, backed by massive investments, has reduced the costs of renewables to a mere fraction. Over the past decade, the price of solar power has dropped by 90 percent. Clean energy is no longer a luxury for the rich -- it is becoming accessible to everyone.

Ironically, certain industrialized countries, which bear the greatest historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, are obstructing China's efforts -- often through protectionism out of geopolitical calculations.

The United States, a self-claimed leader in climate action, has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese solar panels and electric vehicles, labeling them as "unfair competition." In doing so, the United States is not only violating international trade rules but also undermining the collective fight against climate change.

If the climate crisis has taught the world anything, it is that no country is immune and no country can solve the issue alone. The real challenge now is for all countries to set aside zero-sum thinking and political rivalries.

The stakes are too high for anything less than full-throttle global cooperation, because, in the end, climate change does not recognize borders.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
A construction worker builds out the roof of a house in the Bison Ridge neighborhood on the far West Side. The San Antonio metro area came in at No. 26 on Milkens index, with housing affordability accounting for its second-lowest score. Despite that, San Antonio moved up in the rankings this year. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Housing affordability is weighing on the economic performance of large metros in Texas and across the nation, according to the Milken Institutes 2025 Best-Performing Cities index.

The Austin metro area topped the indexs list of large metro areas in 2024 but fell five places, in part because of housing costs. Of the 13 metrics comprising the index, housing affordability was Austins lowest ranking and the worst among the top large cities. It was the only Texas metro to make the indexs list of top large cities this year.

2025 Best-Performing Cities Milken Institutes 2025 Best-Performing Cities index ranked 403 metropolitan areas, 200 large cities (populations larger than 275,000) and 203 small ones. Large metros 1. Raleigh, N.C. 2. Ogden-Clearfield, Utah 3. Salt Lake City 4. Huntsville, Ala. 5. Colorado Springs, Colo. 6. Austin-Round Rock 19. Dallas-Plano-Irving 26. San Antonio-New Braunfels 27. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land 30. Fort Worth-Arlington 37. College Station-Bryan 55. Brownsville-Harlingen 80. El Paso 84. Waco 94. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission 102. Corpus Christi 120. Killeen-Temple 155. Beaumont-Port Arthur 160. Lubbock Small cities 1. Gainesville, Ga. 2. St. George, Utah 3. Idaho Falls, Idaho 4. Bend-Redmond, Ore. 5. Midland 18. Sherman-Denison 26. Abilene 39. Tyler 52. Amarillo 70. San Angelo 96. Laredo 98. Longview 109. Odessa 113. Wichita Falls 158. Victoria 188. Texarkana Source: Milken Institute

Austin wasnt the only metro area that was weighed down by high housing costs, according to Milken. Dallas dropped out of the top 10, falling from No. 8 to No. 19 while San Francisco, which had been a top performer from 2016-20, plunged from No. 27 to No. 126.

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The San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area came in at No. 26 on Milkens index, with housing affordability accounting for its second-lowest score. Despite that, San Antonio moved up in the rankings this year. It was No. 35 in 2024 and No. 65 in 2023.

The annual ranking by the nonprofit nonpartisan think tank based in Santa Monica, Calif., looks at 403 metropolitan areas  200 large metro areas with populations of more than 275,000 and 203 smaller cities. Each group is divided into five tiers, with the top cities comprising Tier 1.

Milkens index uses 13 metrics that look at job and wage growth, high-tech industry growth and access to economic opportunities to evaluate the economic performance of U.S. cities. Housing affordability, which measures what percentage of the metro areas residents spend less than 30% of their income on housing, is one of the metrics used to determine access to economic opportunities, along with the income inequality and broadband access.

A construction crew lays out a foundation for a house this summer in the Bison Ridge neighborhood on the far West Side. The San Antonio metro area came in at No. 26 on Milkens index, with housing affordability accounting for its second-lowest score. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

But Milken gives the labor market metrics greater weight than the other categories because its goal is to benchmark cities economic advancement.

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One-year (2022-23) and five-year (2018-23) job growth metrics stand out among the main components of the index, Milken said, showing the important role the labor market plays in cities economic performance. That especially could be seen with the extraordinary job growth in a few small cities, including Midland, helping small Tier 1 cities turn in faster employment growth than their larger peers from 2022 to 2023.

Midland came in at No. 5 on the list of small cities, jumping 11 places with growth driven by increased productivity in the oil sector and advances in fracking technology, according to the report. It ranked No. 1 among small cities in both one-year job growth and one-year wage growth. Although its robust labor market and two No. 1 rankings in the high-tech metrics helped propel it into the top 10, Midland came in at No. 200 in the Gini index metric, which measures income inequality, and No. 70 in housing affordability among small cities.

The lack of affordable housing is an issue widely felt throughout the US, Milken states in its report, pointing out that median home prices were nearly six times median income and that renters pay a significant portion of their income on housing.

Many large metros face severe housing affordability challenges, the report said, pointing out that metros with populations larger than 1 million were not as well represented in the top 10 large cities this year. This year, only three of the top 10 had at least 1 million residents; in previous indexes, half or more of them did.

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Unlike others in the top 10 list of large metros, the No. 1 city, Raleigh, N.C., has preserved its overall housing affordability, coming in at No. 30 for that metric, the report states.

It also pointed out that small cities tend to have lower housing prices, which has helped them attract those moving away from larger metros and their higher home costs.

AFFORDABLE HOMES: National organization wants to work with San Antonio churches on using land for affordable housing

San Antonios ranking puts it in the top half of the Tier 2 large metros, which was the group with least-affordable housing costs. San Antonios housing affordability ranking was No. 129, better than Austin at 143, Houston at 145, Dallas at 152, Fort Worth at 154 and El Paso at 155. Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth also are large Tier 2 metros; El Paso is in Tier 3.

Despite their housing cost challenges, Houston, Fort Worth and El Paso like San Antonio saw their overall rankings improve this year. Houston had the biggest jump, rising from No. 62 to No. 27 while Fort Worth and El Paso each rose two places, to No. 30 and No. 80, respectively.

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A newer neighborhood borders a more established neighborhood in San Antonio. The metro area came in at No. 26 on Milkens index, with housing affordability accounting for its second-lowest score. Despite that, San Antonio moved up in the rankings this year. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

In terms of the overall ranking, San Antonio outperformed all but two of Texas large metros, Austin and Dallas.

Its top performance came in the one-year and five-year job growth metrics, with the city ranking No. 26 and No. 39, respectively, and two of the indexs high-tech industry metrics, No. 31 in the one-year growth (2022-23) of the sectors gross domestic product and No. 36 in the LQ count ranking, which looks at how many industries in the high-tech sector have a higher proportion of the metros GDP than they do of the nations GDP.

Its worst ranking, No. 163, came in the community resilience metric, which is based on Census Bureau data that determines the ability of a metro areas residents to absorb the external stresses caused by a disaster.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Raj Bhavan on Saturday to convey birthday greetings to Governor Acharya Devvrat, a release said. Marking this special occasion, the Raj Bhavan family organised a blood donation camp on the premises, starting at 8:00 AM. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation, showcasing people's admiration for the governor and their commitment to humanitarian service. The Chief Minister and the Governor visited the camp, joined by Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, who also extended the birthday wishes to the Governor. Chief Secretary Raj Kumar later visited Raj Bhavan to offer his warm greetings. Earlier in the day, Governor Acharya Devvrat, accompanied by 'Lady Governor' Darshanadevi and family, performed a havan at the Yagna Shala within the Raj Bhavan premises, as per the release. Earlier on Friday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the fintech institute GIFT International FinTech Institute and International Hub at Gandhinagar. CM Bhupendra Patel said, "Yesterday, we celebrated National Startup Day. This event today is a good step in order to encourage startups and FinTech startups. Through the fintech institute GIFT International FinTech Institute & International Hub, which has been launched today, a new chapter on FinTech startups will begin in GIFT City. I am confident that this initiative will establish Gujarat as a global destination in the FinTech innovation sector." "In the last decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire country has experienced the fintech revolution. Fintech has become an integral part of the daily lives of people. This has increased the ease of living in the lives of common citizens of the country and many major social changes have been made possible. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, there are many examples of the fintech sector, including UPI digital currency, which has given India a new identity in the world. With the fintech revolution, financial activities in India are going to become completely digitised," he said. CM Patel said that this one idea of the Prime Minister has shown the whole world that if India makes an intention, it can do anything. (ANI)
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named the City of Pittsfield a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, marking the second time the city has received this recognition for its efforts to close the digital divide.

Pittsfield is one of 60 awardees this year, representing municipal, county, and regional governments that have prioritized digital inclusion. The designation highlights the citys dedication to ensuring residents have access to affordable high-speed internet, digital services, and skills training.

The City of Pittsfield is honored to be recognized as a Digital Equity Trailblazer for the second consecutive year, said Michael Obasohan, Pittsfields chief diversity officer. This acknowledgment underscores our city departments commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital resources for all residents. We remain dedicated to closing the digital divide and fostering inclusive digital opportunities that empower our entire community.

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Digital inclusion has become increasingly critical in todays connected society, providing individuals with the tools and confidence to navigate online opportunities and thrive in a digital-first world.

Angela Siefer, executive director of NDIA, praised local governments for their role in building digital inclusion ecosystems.

NDIAs Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents, Siefer said.

Pittsfield earned its Trailblazer status through initiatives that prioritize digital equity, including:

Securing an implementation grant to launch the first phase of the citys Digital Equity Plan.

Hosting Tech Talks in collaboration with the Council on Aging.

Organizing a Technology Resource Fair at the Berkshire Athenaeum to connect residents with digital resources.

As a Trailblazer, Pittsfield sets a model for other communities seeking to bridge the digital divide. The citys efforts aim to ensure that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background, have the resources to access and benefit from digital technology.

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.
Everyone's talking about it on social media: A great planetary alignment that's coming sometime this month  there are a few different dates being thrown around. Rumor has it that as many as six planets will be in a line and visible in the night sky.

Unfortunately, this cosmic event may be a cosmic letdown if you're not informed of what you'll actually see when you look to the stars.

While the planets won't align in the sky  from our perspective, at least  they will offer quite the sight at the end of January. Here's what to know.

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Full moon calendar: When every full moon shines in 2025 in Texas

What day do the planets align in 2025? Are planets aligning tonight?

Despite what some reports suggest, the upcoming planetary alignment won't be all that special. The planets will appear to line up  but no more than usual.

The planets in our solar system orbit the sun in more or less the same flat plane as the Earth, according to EarthSky.org, called the ecliptic. The celestial bodies near us, the sun and the moon and the planets, all seem to arc across the sky every day and night from east to west on that same imaginary track.

From the Earth's surface, the planets always appear somewhere along that line, the same one the sun and moon follow, if not a ruler-straight one.

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But there will be a lot of them visible at the same time this month.

When is daylight saving time 2025? See dates for time change and summer, winter solstices

Sky full of planets in January

In mid-January 2025, skywatchers will be able to see four planets at the same time with the naked eye.

In January 2025, six planets will be visible in the night sky, four of them with the naked eye. They will not be in a straight line; two will be on one side of the sky, and the others will be on the opposite side.

In the first few hours after dark all month, you'll be able to see Venus and Saturn in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead, and Mars in the east, according to NASA. If you have a telescope and an app to help find them, you can also see Uranus and Neptune.

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Nothing special is happening on Jan. 25, but Venus and Saturn will be getting closer in January, called a "conjunction." On the nights of Jan. 17 and 18, they'll appear within a couple of finger widths of each other, according to NASA. They'll still be hundreds of millions of miles apart, of course, but they'll look very close.

How to view Venus-Saturn conjunction

Venus and Saturn will appear very close to each other in the night sky on Jan. 17 and 18, 2025.

To spot Venus and Saturn appear to close the distance between them in the night sky, follow these steps on the nights of Jan. 17 and 18:

Look to the southwest around an hour after sunset, around 6:45 p.m. CT.

Venus will be the brightest object in the sky tonight, aside from the moon.

To the left of Venus, brighter than the stars but not at the same level as Venus, you'll find Saturn.

The two planets will remain visible to the naked eye for about three and a half hours.

2025 calendar: See dates of celestial events

Here are some of the other celestial phenomena happening this year, according to Smithsonian Magazine:

Jan. 15-16 : Mars reached opposition, a point of peak viewing in which Mars, Earth and the Sun align so the side of Mars facing Earth is completely illuminated by the Sun.

Feb. 28 : All seven planets will appear to align in the sky in what's known as a "planetary parade."

March 14 : A total lunar eclipse will cast a deep red color over the full moon as it passes through Earth's shadow. Totality will last for just over one hour. March's full moon will also be a micromoon, appearing smaller and dimmer than usual as it reaches the point in its orbit farthest from Earth.

March 29 : In a partial solar eclipse, the moon will partly block the Sun. Canada will get some of the best views, with up to 93% coverage of the Sun.

April 21-22 : The annual Lyrid meteor shower will peak, offering views of 10 to 15 meteors per hour.

Aug. 12-13 : Another annual phenomenon, the Perseid meteor shower will peak. Though it typically offers views of 100 meteors or more per hour, 2025's shower occurs days after the full moon and will likely affect visibility of the fainter meteors.

Sept. 21 : Saturn will reach opposition, making its viewing the biggest and brightest of the year. The ringed planet will align with Earth and the Sun, and the side of Saturn facing Earth will be completely illuminated by the Sun.

Oct. 8 : Though the annual Draconid meteor shower tends to be a relatively smaller one, with a maximum of 10 meteors per hour, experts predict 2025 could see heightened activity with a meteor outburst.

Oct. 22 : The annual Orionid meteor shower has a longer duration of nearly two months. Its peak will see 10 to 20 meteors per hour, with the coinciding new moon producing dark skies and optimal viewing conditions.

Nov. 5 : The closest supermoon of the year will appear in the sky, only 221,965 miles from Earth.

Dec. 13: Peak viewing of the annual Geminid meteor shower will offer views of a staggering 120 meteors per hour. Although a waning crescent moon may wash out the meteors a bit, viewing is expected to be better than last year's  which almost completely lined up with a full moon.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Planets align 2025: See Venus-Saturn conjunction, planetary alignment
Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland's Minister of Digital Affairs, has stated that Russian secret services are trying to recruit Poles to destabilise the country before the elections.

Source: Gawkowski on Polish radio station RMF FM, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Gawkowski noted that Russian intelligence aims to exploit Poles, particularly to spread disinformation on the Polish Internet.

"Russian [secret] services have started looking for Poles to destabilise the situation in the country. I'd like to warn everyone against actions against their own country," Gawkowski said.

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He added that Europe needs to stay on guard regarding the cyber war with Russia.

"Id like to remind everyone that anyone who enters into any kind of relationship with foreign intelligence is subject to Article 130 of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of imprisonment.

Even minimal contact with Russian services constitutes espionage, and since January, Russian military intelligence has been actively seeking Poles to participate in this. This situation is unprecedented," said Gawkowski.

"We're seeing information in cyberspace, especially in the dark web, the Darknet, that there are proposals from APT [Advanced Persistent Threat] groups or groups approached by Russia that are directly intended to support Russian intelligence services in paying Poles for actions against their state," he added.

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He promised to announce a plan to protect the elections in cyberspace soon.

Background:

Voting in the first round of the Polish presidential election is to take place on 18 May 2025.

Recently, opposition-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki said that he did not see Ukraine "in the EU or NATO", a comment that sparked criticism both domestically, including from Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and from Kyiv.

The Polish opposition described the reaction of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to Nawrocki's statement as "interference in the elections".

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THE LATEST: 2 arrested for murder after 17-year-old girl chased down, killed in Cedar City

Update:

CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4)  Several suspects have been arrested in connection to the shooting death of a teenager in southern Utah.

According to Sheriff Kenneth Carpenter with the Iron County Sheriffs Office, three males were taken into custody on Saturday afternoon, with a fourth arrest expected.

We feel pretty good that we have our suspects in custody at this time, Carpenter told ABC4.com.

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Officials executed a search warrant on an apartment on Saturday before the three individuals were arrested. Carpenter said there was no resistance to the arrests.

This is a homicide investigation, Carpenter said.

Carpenter said the arrests were made near the area where the victim first realized she was being followed. Carpenter said there was another passenger in the car at the time of the incident.

Further details about the suspects  including names and ages  have not yet been released.

Original story: 17-year-old girl chased down, killed by driver in Cedar City

CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4)  A 17-year-old girl was chased down in a vehicle and shot in Cedar City Friday night, resulting in her death, according to the Iron County Sheriffs Office. Authorities are actively looking for a suspect in the case.

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At around 10:40 p.m. on Jan. 17, Iron County Sheriffs deputies responded to a 911 call regarding gunfire aimed at a vehicle, causing injuries. Police and medical personnel responded to the scene at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West in Cedar City.

Upon arrival, deputies began life-saving efforts on a 17-year-old female driver while medical personnel prepared to transport her to Cedar City Hospital.

USU student in custody after hours-long dorm evacuation

Courtesy of Iron County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy of Iron County Sheriffs Office

The girl died on scene shortly after police arrival, according to the sheriffs office.

After processing the scene, investigators said the victim was being followed by an unknown person for several miles. During the chase, the suspect allegedly pulled alongside the victims vehicle and opened fire, shooting her.

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The victim then lost control of her vehicle and went off-road, crashing through a vinyl fence before coming to a stop around 100 feet northwest of the intersection. Police are now seeking the publics help in identifying a suspect.

Between 10:15 PM and 11:00 PM, we urge anyone who may have witnessed a small red pickup truck being closely followed by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway between 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road towards the Three Peaks Campground area to come forward, a press release from the Iron County Sheriffs Office states. Any information could be crucial to the ongoing investigation.

Police are also asking anyone with a residence or business on Lund Highway or Midvalley Road in the area described above to check surveillance camera footage. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to come forward.

Please call us at 435-867-7500 or Cedar Dispatch non-emergency number at 435-586-9445, the release states. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life during this tragic act of violence. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Cedar City Police, Enoch City Police, the Department of Public Safety, the Cedar City Fire Department, and the responding personnel of Gold Cross Ambulance for their assistance.

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No further information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Jan. 17A domestic dispute earlier this week in Penasco escalated to arson, prompting a homeowner to fatally shoot his son-in-law, New Mexico State Police said Friday.

No charges have been filed in the death of 32-year-old Jeremy Garcia, state police wrote in a statement. Garcia is accused of trying to burn down the home of his wife's parents after he and his wife had a violent fight at the residence.

The State Fire Marshal's Office and state police are investigating the incident. State police declined to answer questions about the investigation or provide details about any evidence found at the scene.

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Taos County sheriff's deputies were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. Monday to the home on N.M. 75 in Penasco in response to reports of arson and domestic violence that "resulted in a shooting," state police wrote in the statement issued Friday morning.

A man and woman told dispatchers Garcia, their daughter's husband, had been trying to set the home on fire with the three family members inside, police wrote.

When officers arrived at the scene, the statement says, witnesses told them Garcia and his wife had "gotten into a physical altercation, with Garcia holding his wife down on her knees by her hair."

"Garcia's wife was able to get free and close the door, locking Garcia out of the house," police wrote. "A short time later, flames were observed on the porch of the residence. The wife's father confronted Garcia through a window of the residence while the fire was still active, and fired at least one round from a firearm, striking Garcia."

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Police wrote Garcia's father-in-law extinguished the flames, and Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene by the state Office of the Medical Investigator.

Attempts to reach Garcia's family members were unsuccessful Friday.

Because neither Garcia's wife nor her parents have been charged with any crimes in connection with his death, The New Mexican is not publishing their names.

The couple posted a photo on a Facebook account in February 2024 in which they are holding what appears to be a marriage license.

However, court records indicate the pair  who have addresses listed in Albuquerque and Penasco  had a tumultuous relationship over the past year, with accusations of physical abuse against each other that led to calls for police service and criminal charges in both places.

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Garcia filed a domestic violence petition against his wife in June alleging physical abuse, but he dismissed the case about one week later. He wrote in the petition there had been physical altercations between the two that had escalated to violence. He also alleged she "has pulled a gun on me."

Garcia wrote in the complaint his wife had "called the cops saying I hit her and that she was sending me back to prison."

Garcia's criminal record includes numerous charges and convictions for violent crimes.

He pleaded guilty in 2020 to charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated fleeing of police and battery  in cases involving several incidents over two years  and he spent several months in prison in 2021. He was then sentenced to several years of probation, which he completed Dec. 31.

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Garcia called 911 in Albuquerque to report a fight with his wife in October after she had picked him up from a probation appointment. He told police she had spat on him and told him to get out of the car, according to a criminal complaint.

Garcia's wife told police at the time "she was hesitant to pick him up because he had gotten physical the night prior and had hit her multiple times ... at their home in Penasco," police wrote.

Garcia told police "he was angry when he called, but he was not angry anymore," the complaint states. Still, officers filed a charge of battery against a household member against his wife. An arrest warrant was filed against her in December, after Bernalillo Metropolitan Court alleged she failed to show up for her arraignment.

Garcia has not faced any allegations of violent crimes since 2020, but he was charged in December with felony reckless driving that caused "great bodily harm." There were no records in the case with details about the allegations.
Police officers fear they are gambling with their future when they use force to tackle criminals, the head of the Police Superintendents Association has warned.

Nick Smart said his colleagues had so little faith in the misconduct system that they were losing confidence out on the streets and were becoming increasingly risk averse.

He said the pressure and scrutiny on new recruits or junior officers was immense and they were not allowed to make honest mistakes without being punished or subjected to lengthy disciplinary investigations.

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Mr Smart, who represents more than 1,500 senior operational leaders across England and Wales, said the misconduct system should focus on rooting out corrupt and criminal officers rather than punishing those who made genuine errors in stressful situations.

Nick Smart, president of the Police Superintendents Association, says too many police officers face punitive action despite acting in good faith

He told The Telegraph: What has happened is there is now a culture of risk aversion because nobody wants to gamble their career, liberty, mortgage and family over a decision, because in the current climate there is no faith in the system.

Officers feel if they make a genuine mistake, they may get punished and if we want an ethical service, then we have got to create an environment where officers know that if they make a mistake, when they admit it, and where appropriate, they will get reflective practice.

We are not talking about sexual offences or drugs or corruption but for officers doing their best, day in, day out, policing risk if they have done it in good faith in accordance with their training in accordance with the College of Policing risk principles. They should not always face discipline but all too often they do.

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He went on: Criminal acts should always be dealt with as criminal acts but mistakes all too often will result in police officers feeling they are being criminalised for doing their jobs in extremely difficult circumstances.

His comments come after a number of high-profile cases which have seen police officers investigated and in some cases even prosecuted for actions carried out in the line of duty.

In November last year, an armed officer went on trial at Southwark Crown Court charged with dangerous driving after crashing his car while speeding towards a terror attack four years earlier.

Pc Paul Fisher was cleared of the charge following a six-day trial prompting Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to describe the decision to prosecute him as appalling.

The case of shot gangster Chris Kaba saw a firearms officer face trial - PA

In October, Martyn Blake, a firearms officer, went on trial for the murder of gangster Chris Kaba, who was shot dead after trying to ram his way out of a police road block.

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The jury in that case took just three hours to clear Mr Blake of the charge but he still faces the possibility of a gross misconduct investigation.

And in May, two police marksmen who shot and wounded a dangerous armed robber in 2018 were cleared of gross misconduct after being under investigation for more than five years.

Mr Smart said policing could learn from the way the NHS and other public bodies dealt with cases that went wrong.

He said when clinicians made mistakes, they were more likely to undergo learning and reflective practice rather than losing their jobs or even being prosecuted.

We accept that in the NHS, mistakes will be made. In the police, we police risk and risk is ambiguous. Mistakes are going to be made but in the police service we are treated differently.

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When mistakes are made, rather than it being a reflective learning culture which we want there is almost a desire to punish and be punitive.

Tough working environment

He said policing was inherently dangerous and fast moving, but the actions of officers were too often examined at leisure by those who had little understanding of the pressures faced by those on the front line.

Unless you have walked in an officers shoes, it is a really difficult tough working environment for cops on the front line.

The pressure and scrutiny on them is immense and they are often our youngest in service, our least experienced officers on the frontline day in day out facing the most dynamic risk that the country has to offer.

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People judge them months down the line in a room at leisure and hold officers to account and place them on a disciplinary trail that ultimately leads to no further action anyway.

He went on: The culture is not a learning culture but a punitive one and we need to change that.

If we do, we will have a more open, transparent and ethical police service where we acknowledge that mistakes can be made, apologies can be made and a situation can be more speedily rectified.

Policing comes with massive responsibility and we should be held to the highest standard but there has to be a common sense approach to how we deal with incidents and mistakes.

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Mr Smart said such an approach would also reduce the demand on professional standards departments so they could focus on rooting out corrupt officers and sexual predators.

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CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  A man wanted on homicide charges for a Friday evening shooting in Franklin County was taken into custody Saturday in Virginia.

According to Chambersburg Police, Kelsey Girard Myles, 36, of Clarksdale, Miss., was taken into custody by Virginia State Police.

He was charged Friday by borough police with criminal homicide and reckless endangerment.

Police say they were called to 231 Walker Road around 5 p.m. Friday for a reported shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and found one male with a single gunshot wound.

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Police say the male was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Officers said Myles had shot the victim and then fled the scene. Myles was detained and is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
DENVER (KDVR)  A man was shot and killed at a hotel in Westminster Friday night.

The Westminster Police Department said it first responded to a reported shooting at the La Quinta Inn near 120th Ave. and Delaware St. just after 9 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a deceased man with a gunshot wound inside a room.

Officers on Saturday took a man into custody after obtaining a search warrant, but the man was later released based on the statement provided and the facts of the scene, according to a press release posted on X.

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New information was revealed about the shooting, and further discussions with the district attorneys office led to the mans release, according to the statement, but police are not searching for any additional suspects at this time.

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According to a press release, investigators determined that the victim and the suspect knew each other and police said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident.

An investigation is underway and no further information was immediately available. The police department said it will release information when it becomes available.

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The victims identity will be released by the Adams County Coroners Office. Police ask anyone with information to contact WPD at 303-658-4360.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge in his meeting on Saturday with the Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan made key submissions and requests for guidelines relaxations and approvals under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). https://x.com/PriyankKharge/status/1880561397811064951?t=PSb3LTxlwFZ_tkuRBBGSyQ&s=08 The submissions made included the proposal for the construction of compound walls for Angwanwadi and government buildings, restructuring of the permissible works list under MGNREGA to include essential maintenance tasks, an increase in the current MGNREGA person-day limit from 100 to 150 days and a request for the government of India to cover 50 per cent of the five year- operation and maintenance costs. Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a discussion on Saturday with the Karnataka Agriculture Minister Chaluvaryaswamy regarding the development of Karnataka's agricultural sector. Kharge and the state's top officials were present in the meeting. After the meeting Shivraj Singh Chouhan, told ANI that the State had asked for more Central funds for mechanisation schemes in agricultural sector. "More than 4 lakh houses are being allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana... This financial year, we have given about 7.5 lakh houses to Karnataka under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana... Karnataka has asked for more funds for mechanisation schemes in which farmers are given subsidies for agricultural mechanization," Chouhan said. "I have asked them to utilise the funds that were released earlier, and we will work to release additional funds. Karnataka also asked about staff under the ATMA scheme, so we will work to increase it... Today, we also released Rs 97 crore for watershed, because earlier funds have been used," he added. Priyank Kharge told ANI that the State has given suggestions concerning "necessary" tweaking of the rules of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). "We have given certain suggestion with respect to necessary tweaking of the MGNREGA rules because it has been more than ten years. We have also requested certain technical correction with the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other issues relating to Panchayati raj and rural development. He has assured that he will look into it," he said. (ANI)
ST. LOUIS  Two former St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers were caught by their own department ignoring their call of duty.

It involves a supervisors review of bodycam video that revealed the actions of former officers Ty Warren and Austin Fraser. Theyve been stripped of their police licenses because of it.

The pair were responding to a 911 call from a man saying he was about to shoot himself in Forest Park, just after 6 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2023.

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They quickly find the man, shot.

You can hear one of the officers say, Right theresomebody right there, swear to God.

The victim was breathing.

He aint dead; hes alive, one of the officers said.

Instead of trying to helpor even calling it inone of them instead said, Lets cruise around and come back.

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They leave him. Court records say they drove around the park and returned eight minutes later.

Other officers had arrived, unaware that Warren and Fraser had already responded. No one tells them otherwise. Keep in mind, the officers you can see on the video are not accused of any wrongdoing, and they notice another problem.

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An officer asks, Wheres the gun at?

They dont find the gun. The victim, meanwhile, is still alive as the other officers take action.

An officer says into his radio, Have ETU respond and have them respond priority with privacy curtains. Were in a very exposed area of Forest Park.

The victim, who was 29 years old, died.

SLMPD declined an interview but wrote in a statement:

The two individuals are no longer employed by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. While we are unable to comment on specific personnel matters, SLMPD holds its officers to the highest of standards.

As of this week, Ty Warren and Austin Frasers police licenses are now revoked. The Department of Public Safety adds that there is no process in Missouri to have a police license reinstated and that the actions against these officers have been reported to the National Decertification Index.

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The department adds that theyre still trying to find that gun and are actively monitoring a national firearm database to see if it pops up in a future crime.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
UPDATE: Sunday, Jan. 19

BROOKVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  The person of interest was apprehended by the City of Brookville Police Department on Saturday, Jan. 18, at approximately 5 p.m.

In an update to the BPDs Facebook post, it thanked the public for their help in finding the suspect.

The Brookville Local School District posted an announcement letter written by Superintendent Jason Wood.

We want to inform you that the Brookville Police Department has apprehended the person of interest involved in last nights incident at Brookville High School. We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued community members for stepping up and providing critical tips that aided in the resolution of this matter. Additionally, we commend the Brookville Police Department for their diligence, professionalism, and swift action in ensuring the safety of our schools and community, said Superintendent Wood.

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BROOKVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Police are asking for the publics help to identify a man who broke into Brookville High School on Saturday morning.

Brookville Police believe this is the same individual who previously broke into the Board of Education on Jan. 8.

One dead after early Saturday morning shooting in Dayton

Police say a man rode a bike to the high school building on Blue Pride Drive around 5 a.m. on Jan. 18. The man then gained entry into the building and forced entry into several rooms, causing damage.

Officers arrived on scene later that morning to conduct a sweep of the building.

We prioritize the safety of our students, athletes, and fans and want to assure you that there is no danger. Your safety is our top priority! said Brookville PD in a post.

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Police shared a few photos from surveillance footage. They are asking the public to help identify the man involved.

(Brookville PD)

(Brookville PD)

(Brookville PD)

If you have any information on either of these incidents, you can contact Officer Beaver or Major Simon, or call the City of Brookville Police Department at 937-833-2001 or the Englewood Communications Center at 937-833-4357.

Police are also asking residents to check their home security cameras for any footage of a man on a bike between the hours of 4 and 6:45 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
The Beavercreek police are searching for a man in connection to a public indecency case, according to a post on the departments social media.

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The public indecency happened at the Panera Bread on Fairfield Commons Blvd. on Jan. 16, police say.

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Officers ask anyone who recognizes the man to contact 937-426-1225 ext. 160 or email thomasn@beavercreekohio.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Prince Georges County Police Department said a 96-year-old man who disappeared Friday afternoon was found safe.

The police department posted about Clinton Lewis Sr.s, 96, disappearance on X just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 17.

Police said Lewis went missing around 1:30 p.m. and was last seen in the 200 block of Peppermill Drive, in Seat Pleasant.

2 dead after truck drove off Arlington Memorial Bridge, into Potomac river

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For more than 11 hours, Prince Georges County police officers searched for Lewis.

In an update just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, the police department announced that Lewis was found in good health.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Let the good times roll! Or as they say during Mardi Gras, laissez les bon temps rouler!

The 2nd Annual Krewe of Port Royal Mardi Gras is marching back into town!

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Town of Port Royal will turn into a lively festival of life, culture, and community, with music, floats, and beads, to celebrate Mardi Gras.

The parade starts at 4:00 p.m. and will follow the same route as 2024. Families can enjoy things like face painting, dancing, and food. Dine on jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, and more with local food truck vendors.

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Parade applications are open now. You can register online at the Old Village Associations Facebook page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Neighbors were stunned and confused after a 35-year-old woman was found shot to death early Thursday morning in the Portage Park neighborhood on the Far Northwest Side in what police described as a domestic-related incident.

A man described in a police report as the womans partner was charged Friday night. Robert Pasco, 42, faces one felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon and one misdemeanor charge of possessing a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card, according to Chicago police. A murder charge was not filed in the case, but Pasco was expected to appear before a judge at a detention hearing on Saturday.

Police found the pregnant woman lying in a pool of blood in the bedroom of an apartment on the 5800 block of West Newport Avenue with a gunshot wound to the chest, according to a police report.

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She was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and pronounced dead around 6:10 a.m., according to the Cook County medical examiners office. The womans identity hadnt been released as of Friday evening.

At the hospital, doctors removed her unborn child who was thought to have a roughly 1-in-4 chance of survival, police said.

After he was taken into custody, Pasco told officers he and the woman had reached for a gun under a pillow on the bed at the same time and the gun went off, according to the report. The man said he owned the gun that was later found on the top shelf of a closet.

According to the police report, he and the woman were in a relationship and the child belonged to him.

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Neighbors from their block said the couple had three other children  two daughters and a son  and that theyd see the man playing outside with them in the summer.

Cristina Garfias, who lived next door, described the man as a gentleman who had been friendly and kind to her following the death of her son over the summer.

Thats why its a shock, said Garfias, 50, adding that we still dont know exactly what happened.

Other neighbors said the man was outgoing and occasionally attended 30th Ward events. Ald. Ruth Cruz, 30th, said she remembered seeing the victim with a child at a police roll call event over the summer.

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Neighbor Janithza Guevara, 25, said shed seen the man now in custody a few days before the shooting and that her niece showed him a snowman shed made.

He was so friendly and very social with us, she said.
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.

Portland police said he was located safely Friday morning.

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EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) TikTok, owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, is now at risk of disappearing, now that the U.S. government moves to ban the platform. Users and content creators on the app are facing an uncertain future and question if the app will go in the dark for good.

Skaneateles High School alum Gabriella Whiting now has grown a huge following of over 400,000. Whiting believes that the federal law that the Supreme Court on Friday, January 17, upheld is taking away the American Dream from citizens.

TikTok provides a lot of jobs not just for influencers for people who work for the TikTok company, for people who use that for an income from small businesses, people who use it for TikTok shop for their products, the TikTok star said.

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Starting her career in musicals and making her way to Broadway, Whitings life changed the second she downloaded the app that 170 million American users have. When creating her profile at the beginning of the pandemic, Whiting focused the majority now on pop culture and diversity which has helped her secure a deal with Disney and Hulu.

All of these experiences that I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams started literally in my room back in Upstate New York with my phone pressing record, said Whiting.

While talking and connecting with other creators on the app, she highlighted that influencers like herself claim that its more than fast fame its the ability to not live paycheck to paycheck.

She also shared the app provides so many people including herself with a way to life not only beyond means but just basic necessities.

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The law allows a 90-day pause for restricting the app if theyre any progress towards a sale before it takes effect, Gabriella wants to remind all lawmakers involved that the app does not target one demographic.

Its people like me who are actors and theyre are so many actors and comedians and its so hard to make a living being an artist in America and social media provides an easier way, said Whiting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Were you a current or former student in the last few decades? Or a parent? Or an educator?

If so, your sensitive data  like Social Security numbers and medical records  may have fallen into the hands of cybercriminals. Their target was education technology behemoth PowerSchool, which provides a centralized system for reams of student data to damn near every school in America.

Given the cyberattacks high stakes and its potential to harm millions of current and former students, I teamed up Wednesday with Doug Levin of the K12 Security Information eXchange to moderate a timely webinar about what happened, who was affected  and the steps school districts must take to keep their communities safe.

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Concern about the PowerSchool breach is clearly high: Some 600 people tuned into the live event at one point and pummeled Levin and panelists Wesley Lombardo, technology director at Tennessees Maryville City Schools; Mark Racine, co-founder of RootED Solutions; and Amelia Vance, president of the Public Interest Privacy Center, with questions.

PowerSchool declined our invitation to participate but sent a statement, saying it is working to complete our investigation of the incident and [is] coordinating with districts and schools to provide more information and resources (including credit monitoring or identity protection services if applicable) as it becomes available.

The individual or group who hacked the ed tech giant has yet to be publicly identified.

Asked and answered: Why has the companys security safeguards faced widespread scrutiny? What steps should parents take to keep their kids data secure? Will anyone be held accountable?

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Watch the webinar here.

In the news

Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, who says undocumented immigrants have placed severe financial and operational strain on schools in his state, proposed rules requiring parents to show proof of citizenship or legal immigration status when enrolling their kids  a proposal that not only violates federal law, but is likely to keep some parents from sending their children to school. | The 74

Not playing along: Leaders of the states two largest school districts  Oklahoma City and Tulsa  rebuked the proposal and said they would not collect students immigration information. Educators nationwide fear the incoming Trump administration could carry out arrests on campuses. | Oklahoma Watch



Walters filed a $474 million federal lawsuit this week alleging immigration enforcement officials mismanaged the U.S.-Mexico border, leading to skyrocketing costs for Oklahoma schools required to accommodate an influx of non-citizen students. | The Oklahoman



Timely resource guide: With ramped-up immigration enforcement on the horizon  and with many schools already sharing student information with ICE  here are the steps school administrators must take to comply with longstanding privacy and civil rights laws. | Center for Democracy & Technology



A federal judge in Kentucky struck down the Biden administrations Title IX rules that enshrined civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ students in schools, siding with several conservative state attorneys general who argued that harassment of transgender students based on their gender identity doesnt constitute sex discrimination. Mother Jones

Fires throw L.A. schools into chaos: As fatal wildfires rage in California, the students and families of Americas second-largest school district have had their lives thrown into disarray. Schools serving thousands of students were badly damaged or destroyed. Many children have lost their homes. Hundreds of kids whose schools burned down returned to makeshift classrooms Wednesday after losing their whole lifestyle in a matter of hours. | The Washington Post

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At least seven public schools in Los Angeles that were destroyed, damaged or threatened by flames will remain closed, along with campuses in other districts. | The 74

Has TikToks time run out? With a national ban looming for the popular social media app, many teens say theyre ready to move on (and have already flocked to a replacement). | Business Insider

Instagram and Facebook parent company Meta restricted LGBTQ+-related content from teens accounts for months under its so-called sensitive content policy until the effort was exposed by journalist Taylor Lorenz. | Fast Company

Students lunch boxes sit in a locker at Californias Marquez Charter Elementary School, which was destroyed by the Palisades fire on Jan. 7. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday announced the participants in a $200 million pilot program to help schools and libraries bolster their cybersecurity defenses. They include 645 schools and districts and 50 libraries. | FCC



Scholastic falls to furry hackers: The education and publishing giant that brought us Harry Potter has fallen victim to a cyberattacker, who reportedly stole the records of some 8 million people. In an added twist, the culprit gave a shout-out to the puppygirl hacker polycule, an apparent reference to a hacker dating group interested in human-like animal characters. | Daily Dot

Dig deeper: Heres how AI is being used by cybercriminals to rob schools. | Government Technology

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Not just in New Jersey: In a new survey, nearly a quarter of teachers said their schools are patrolled by drones and a third said their schools have surveillance cameras with facial recognition capabilities. | Center for Democracy & Technology

The number of teens abstaining from drugs, alcohol and tobacco use has hit record highs, with experts calling the latest data unprecedented and unexpected. | Ars Technica

ICYMI @The74

Librarians Gain Protections in Some States as Book Bans Soar

RFK Jr. Could Pull Many Levers to Hinder Childhood Immunization as HHS Head

Feds: Philadelphia Schools Failed to Address Antisemitism in School, Online

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New pup just dropped.

Meet Woodford, who, at just 9 weeks, has already aged like a fine bourbon. Im told that Woody  and the duck, obviously  have come under the good care of 74 reporter Linda Jacobsons daughter.
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Sub-zero temperatures making their way into Central Pennsylvania can wreak havoc on a homes plumbing and heating system.

Jason Smithmyer, the lead technician at Smithmyer Plumbing and Heating and Heating in Altoona said temperatures like the ones the region is expecting to see next week can cause freezing in a homes pipes and put a lot of strain on a heating system.

Pipes are likely to freeze if they are on the exterior of the house or if they are not properly insulated, according to Smithmyer. He said that while freezing water can damage the pipe itself, its when pipes thaw out and water starts moving again that is really cause for concern.

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Warming centers across Central Pennsylvania

The best thing to do is shut your water off at the house where it comes in. That way, you can minimize that collateral damage that comes with the water because eventually the house will warm up and you may have a problem, Smithmyer said.

Turning off the water to your house should not impact baseboard heating or radiators, according to Smithmyer. He said those systems do not consume the water in their boiler.

But to help prevent water in pipes from freezing, theres a few steps you can take:

Have water drip from the faucet. Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom to make it easier for warm air to get to the pipes. Double check to make sure all pipes in your home are properly insulated.

While many people may reach to turn their thermostat up as the cold winter months go on, it may only help so much.

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By design, criteria for our area, your heating equipment is going to be designed to keep your house at 72 when its about 5 outside, Smithmyer said. That means that every temp, every degree below five that it is outside, the heating equipments ability to maintain 72 is going to be diminished.

Smithmyer said during the coldest of winter days, as temperatures dip below zero, homes may only heat to temperatures in the upper 60s. The best thing to do to keep your home warm is to close blinds and curtains, minimizing heat loss through windows while keeping the cold air out.

Supplemental heat can be used to help stay warm if needed, but Smithmyer said to use caution.

You dont want to be using any type of fuel burning device in the house because of carbon monoxide problems, and you dont want to be using any type of propane diesel heater or anything like that. When it comes to electric heaters, you do want to make sure that they are in good, working order, that the cords are not damaged. Do not run them off an extension cord, Smithmyer said.

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It is not recommended to use a gas or electric stove as a source of heat, but if you do, be aware of the risks.

If you use an electric oven to heat the house, you will eventually damage it. Its not designed for long-term space heating. A gas oven, you do have to start to worry about getting enough fresh air into the building because carbon monoxide becomes an issue, Smithmyer said.

Stick with WTAJ Your Weather Authority for all severe weather alerts and updates.

Before the worst of the cold sets in, Smithmyer advises having your heater serviced. He also recommends having a number of a plumber or heating professional on hand to get ahold of them quickly in case pipes are damaged from freezing or your heater goes down during 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday congratulated 10,850 people from 128 villages in the state who received Svamitva cards. These cards were distributed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to over 65 lakh people across 50,000 villages, enabling them to access bank loans and resolving long-standing disputes. Speaking to the media persons, Deo Sai said, "Today Prime Minister Modi distributed Svamitva cards to more than 65 lakh people in 50,000 villages... Due to a lack of Svamitva cards, people used to face problems; many times there was a situation of dispute and they could never take loans, but now after getting the Svamitva card, people will be able to take loans from banks." He further added, " It is our good fortune that today we came to this Svamitva card distribution program... Today Svamitva cards have been distributed among 10,850 people from 128 villages here. I congratulate them very much." In his social media post on X, Deo emphasised how PM Narendra Modi empowers rural India by distributing more than 65 million property cards to PM Swamitva Yojana recipients. https://x.com/vishnudsai/status/1880561979380900224 Deo said, "Today, through video conferencing, the successful Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, distributed property cards to more than 65 lakh beneficiaries of the "PM Swamitva Yojana" and had a virtual interaction with the beneficiary cardholders. He added, On this occasion, by participating in the program organised in Mahasamund, he distributed property cards to the beneficiaries and congratulated and wished everyone well." "Through the Svamtiva Yojana, villagers are getting ownership rights over their land, thereby empowering them," Deo said. The 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 SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) initiative is making significant strides in transforming rural India. Under the initiative, the government is providing accurate property ownership data, with clear ownership records in hand; thereby, land disputes have been reduced. The scheme has marked a milestone in India's rural empowerment and governance journey. The scheme also helps facilitate the monetisation 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. 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. (ANI)
Nick Tilsen

Founder and CEO, NDN Collective



At the age of 9, Leonard Peltier was sent to a federally funded boarding school where he endured years of physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse sanctioned by the United States government. Years later, the federal government repeated this atrocity by unjustly incarcerating Peltier for a crime no one can prove he committed, and for which he has maintained his innocence for five decades. President Joe Biden has an opportunity to end Peltiers lifetime endurance of injustice by granting him executive clemency.



Leonard Peltier is the longest-incarcerated Native political prisoner in American history, and one of the oldest people currently in federal prison.



Among the voices urging clemency for Leonard Peltier are national and international leaders who have made the request over the decades, including Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond, Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and Pope Francis, among others. Just this week, over 120 tribal leaders sent a letter calling for President Biden to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier.



Biden has the ability to let our elder return home and heal from the traumas of the federal systems he was unjustly shuffled through over his whole life  systems that were designed to remove his identity, culture, and humanity.



At an early age, Peltier was taken from his grandmothers house and shipped off to Wahpeton Indian School over 300 miles away. Upon arrival, Peltier was stripped, his head was shaved, and he was forced into a scalding shower. During his years at this place, he was beaten, demeaned, and humiliated daily.

Related: Leonard Peltier: This is what mercy is for

In a 2022 letter sent to Native News Online, Peltier recalls, Our memories from those vulnerable, formative years are harsh and violent. The horrendous conditions Peltier recollected and survived at the federally operated and funded boarding school are the same conditions Biden made a historic apology for in November 2024.



As an adult, Peltier was forced to navigate the same carceral institutions that targeted him as a child  this time in the form of the legal system. Peltier, a member of the American Indian Movement, was arrested in 1976 in connection with a shootout at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota that was the culmination of years of conflict between vigilantes armed by the U.S. government, law enforcement, and Native people protecting their land. The confrontation occurred between AIM members and FBI agents, leading to the tragic deaths of two agents and one Native man. The racism and FBI misconduct in his prosecution is now widely acknowledged, yet Peltier remains behind bars.



The two men principally charged were found not guilty on the grounds of self-defense. In stark contrast, Peltier endured a deeply flawed trial marred by constitutional violations and prosecutorial misconduct  issues later acknowledged by the prosecuting office itself. Despite the governments own admission they could not prove Mr. Peltier committed a crime that day, Peltier continues to serve a sentence of two consecutive life terms in maximum-security prison. For nearly 50 years, he has endured inhumane incarceration in what has become a de facto death sentence.



The potential of Peltiers freedom has the power to mobilize people throughout Indian Country. On Peltiers 79th birthday last year, NDN Collective organized a 1,600 mile caravan from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to the nations capital, where hundreds rallied outside the White House to demand executive clemency and dozens were arrested. This action was one of countless grassroots rallies and protests stemming from the same demand over the last 50 years. Peltiers freedom is more than a legal matter; its a profound call to action that resonates throughout Indian Country.



Despite the incredibly difficult circumstances he has navigated his whole life, and with his health in rapid decline, Peltier is full of hope, compassion, and love. At the age of 80, he dreams of going home to meet his grandkids and great grandkids, spend time with his family, be part of the effort to prevent youth suicide, and make art in the time he has left on this planet.



The people of the Pine Ridge Reservation see Peltier as our respected elder, and we have purchased and prepared a house for him on his homelands in Turtle Mountain. We are ready to welcome him home with open arms, to show him the care and support he deserved for his whole life. He deserves to live out his last days with dignity and surrounded by loved ones.



President Biden, we implore you one last time: please have mercy. Please let Leonard Peltier come home and heal from the systems that stole his innocence as a young boy and lasted a lifetime.



Nick Tilsen (he/him), is a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation. Nick has over 20 years of experience building place-based innovations that have the ability to inform systems change solutions around climate resiliency, sustainable housing and equitable community development. He founded NDN Collective to scale these place-based solutions while building needed philanthropic, social impact investment, capacity and advocacy infrastructure geared towards building the collective power of Indigenous Peoples. Tilsen has received numerous fellowships and awards from Ashoka, Rockefeller Foundation, Bush Foundation and the Social Impact Award from Claremont-Lincoln University. He has an honorary doctorate degree from Sinte Gleska University.

This opinion-editorial essay does not reflect the views of ICT; voices in our opinion section represent a variety of reader points of view. If you would like to contribute an essay to ICT, email opinion@ictnews.org.



More information about our guidelines: Submission guidelines.
It isn't often that Prince William changes his plans at the last minute, but that's exactly what happened on January 16, when the Prince of Wales was scheduled to visit the Army Air Corps (AAC) regiment in Wattisham, Suffolk. Ahead of the outing, Kensington Palace released a statement, per People, noting that Will had to postpone his engagement and offering "sincere apologies to those who he had been due to meet."

The reason why he unexpectedly canceled the visit, you ask? Apparently, it was due to the weather. In the statement, Kensington Palace said the poor weather would have "significantly restricted the planned program." Oh, and for the record: Will had been scheduled to arrive at the AAC regiment in a Wildcat helicopter so...the delay makes sense!

UPDATE: Prince William has postponed this engagement due to poor weather which would have significantly restricted the planned programme.



Kensington Palace said Prince William sends his sincere apologies to those who he had been due to meet and hopes to reschedule his visit https://t.co/hvNn9TjTCP  Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) January 16, 2025

If you haven't noticed, Will has been pretty busy as of late. Just the day before on January 15, he paid a visit to the College of Paramedics in Birmingham for its inaugural Emergency and Critical Care Conference...and on his way home, he stopped by a pub in London to hang out with some fellow Aston Villa fans.

Prince William surprised pub-goers when he popped into a Wetherspoons at the train station in Birmingham today. He arranged a meet-up with a group of @AVFCOfficial regulars while he was in the city to speak at the College of Paramedics conference and bought them a round  pic.twitter.com/m4WMLmiNmH  Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) January 15, 2025

While no one can deny that the Prince of Wales works hard, it seems like he also makes work a bit...difficult. As royal expert Ian Pelham Turner recently told Fox News, "I talk to people close to him who say he is very tough to work with and relentless in his desires to achieve. He does not suffer fools gladly." Well then!

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The expert continued, "It has often been said that King Charles finds it very hard to make decisions, especially about his two sons and how to deal with Harry. William is far more forthright, like his grandfather Prince Philip, who would push people out of the way if they stood in front of him... He is extremely ambitious.

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Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap Roki Sasakis spring ball debut for the Los Angeles dodgers in which he threw three shutout innings. Jake and Jordan then bring on Mike Rooney of D1baseball.com to preview the upcoming college baseball season including the newest crop of prospects to look for. Later, Jake and Jordan break down what this could mean for the remaining big name free agents out there and who should end up signing major league deals before opening day.
The post Prolific Indie Producer James Ford Diagnosed with Leukemia appeared first on Consequence.

The prolific producer, James Ford, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with acute leukemia, and began aggressive chemo to treat it this week.

Sharing news of the diagnosis on Instagram, the 2023 Producer of the Year wrote that he felt pretty rough in the run up to Christmas, but only considered it a symptom of burnout. After his condition worsened, though, he sought medical attention, and received the diagnosis.

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Its a huge shock and while its very clear in my mind how serious this is, it is curable, and as of today Im starting pretty aggressive chemo to treat it, Ford wrote. Im very aware that its gonna be a bumpy road ahead but Im confident, upbeat, and ready to fight and I hope to be out the other side of the initial treatment in 6-8 months time.

Ford also acknowledged that he was forced to pull out of several upcoming production commitments. Needless to say, Ive had to clear my work diary which has meant putting on hold a lot of very exciting musical projects I was eager to get stuck into, he wrote. Whilst this is a massive shame, I know they will go on to deliver great records with whoever takes the reins, and I wish them all the best.

Ford first rose to prominence as a member of Simian and its spinoff, Simian Mobile Disco, and has producer credits on iconic albums like Florence + the Machines Lungs, Arctic Monkeys AM, HAIMs Days Are Gone, Depeche Modes Memento Mori, Blurs The Ballad of Darren, Fontaines D.C.s Romance, and many, many more.

Now, he is at St Bartholomews Hospital in London, and is really looking forward to getting back into the studio in my own time so that I can once again work on the music that is dear to me.

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He concluded his Instagram post by expressing his gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues who have been so supportive at this difficult time, particularly my wife Sereen and all the NHS staff whove looked me so brilliantly. Read his full post below.

In the comments, artists like Jessie Ware, Carly Rae Jepson, Pet Shop Boys, Mystery Jets, and more expressed their support.

Prolific Indie Producer James Ford Diagnosed with Leukemia

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PayPal has admitted that a prominent childrens rights campaigner was debanked during the pandemic after speaking out against school closures and mandatory vaccines.

The US online payments giant told Molly Kingsley, founder of the parent campaign group UsForThem, that her account had been terminated in September 2022 owing to the nature of its activities.

Hers was one of a handful of accounts that were frozen by PayPal, all of which belonged to individuals or organisations that questioned the Governments policies during the pandemic.

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Now PayPal has admitted for the first time that Ms Kingleys account was frozen owing to content published by UsForThem relating to mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations and school closures.

The firm said that since UsForThem was receiving donations via PayPal, this contravened its acceptable use policy.

Ms Kingsley set up the parent group UsForThem, which campaigned during the pandemic against school closures as well as other government policies such as forcing pupils to wear face masks and a mass vaccine rollout for children.

In documents disclosed during pre-action correspondence, PayPal also revealed that from May to September 2022, it compiled a dossier of information on Ms Kingsley, including excerpts from a book she co-authored called The Childrens Inquiry.

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One quote the dossier cited from Ms Kingleys book said: Some may maintain that restrictions applied to children were a necessary evil. We say that a public health paradigm which strives to protect adults without weighing up the costs to children is the very antithesis of public health.

Another said: In our new world, children with mask exemptions were often forced to wear a lanyard or other symbol, signalling their disability to the rest of their cohort.

Mr Kingsleys PayPal account was one of a number to be frozen during the pandemic. It was reinstated 22 days later, following an intervention from the Financial Conduct Authority, which requested an urgent explanation from PayPal for its actions.

Blatant assault on free speech

Law or Fiction, a group of lawyers against lockdown, was also hit with a PayPal account closure and described the move as a blatant assault on free speech as practised in China.

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Toby Young, the free speech campaigner, who had set up a blog called the Daily Sceptic in 2020 to scrutinise lockdown, had his account frozen too.

At the time, the US payments firm was accused of failing to explain why the accounts were cancelled and not specifying what each of the organisations has done wrong.

The move prompted a backlash from PayPal users as hundreds announced they would be boycotting the company and cancelling their accounts as a sign of solidarity.

During the pandemic, Ms Kingsley also had her social activity monitored by the Counter Disinformation Unit, a government team which worked with social media companies in an attempt to curtail discussion of controversial lockdown policies.

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Ms Kinglsey said: PayPal appears to have admitted what we had suspected all along: that it was engaged in politically motivated de-bankings of those of us who criticised the Governments response to Covid, and the lockdown narrative in particular. For more than two years PayPal has resisted my efforts to uncover what happened.

Mr Young said: Ive long suspected that the reason PayPal closed the accounts of UsForThem as well as the account of my lockdown sceptics website is because it wanted to shut down criticism of our governments pandemic response.

A PayPal spokesman said: We are not able to comment on individual customer accounts, however we base all reviews of our customers use of PayPal services on their compliance with our policies. We apply an objective approach to these reviews, one that is not driven by politics.

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After last year's passage of Proposition 36  a ballot measure that allows more theft and drug crimes to be charged as felonies  some opponents warned it would trigger steep funding cuts to both reentry programs that help state prisoners and services for crime victims.

But a new spending plan from the governor's office for the upcoming fiscal year projects a relatively minimal impact to key programs  at least initially.

Today, it costs $133,000 a year to incarcerate a person in California, a figure that has gone up dramatically in recent years. When voters passed Proposition 47 in 2014, fewer people were serving prison time for low-level, nonviolent theft and drug crimes, and as a result, the state saved more than $100 million a year. Those savings were distributed to counties for prisoner reentry and victim support  the same programs now on the chopping block.

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Read more: Cannabis cafes, AI and parking: How new California laws could affect you in 2025

The passage of Proposition 36  a sweeping overhaul of Proposition 47  has been projected to lengthen prison sentences, and, consequentially, money for programs the older measure created is expected to dwindle.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget calls for $88 million allocated to mental health and reentry programs for victims and former prisoners this fiscal year, according to records reviewed by The Times. That figure is $6 million less than the governor's office initially projected last year.

Proposition 36, which took effect in December, received overwhelming voter support despite warnings from opponents that it would reignite mass incarceration that began in the 1980s as the government declared a war on drugs.

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While some counties have already begun prosecuting more theft and drug cases as felonies rather than misdemeanors under Proposition 36, experts and advocates believe the long-term effects won't be felt for at least a year.

The governor's projection shows that money previously saved under Proposition 47's reduced burden on the prison system might shrink to $24 million by the 2026-27 fiscal year  the result of an estimated 2,700 inmates coming into state custody under the stiff new penalties.

Those figures by the governor's office show a much larger slashing of state savings than nonpartisan legislative analysts, who projected before the election that programs would be cut by "the low tens of millions of dollars annually."

Read more: Nevada just banned 'slavery and involuntary servitude' in prisons. Why didn't California?

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Caitlin O'Neil, a representative from the legislative analyst's office, said the full extent of the new law's impact remains difficult to gauge since Proposition 36 is only a month into implementation.

"The administration appears to be currently projecting a somewhat larger reduction," O'Neil said in an email to The Times. "Any projections at this time will likely be subject to significant uncertainty due to the limited amount of actual data. Additionally, the projections are normally revised by the administration in May."

The Chief Executive Office of Los Angeles County similarly told The Times that the county is in the early stages of the annual budget process and "it is far too soon to tell what the impacts will be."

Tinisch Hollins, the executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice who opposed Proposition 36, said she is deeply concerned the measure will erode crime prevention programs for years to come.

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Read more: California voters wanted stricter penalties for crime. Can reformers find a new message?

That sentiment was echoed by Isa Borgeson, campaign manager at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.

"We knew Prop. 36 would strip funding for critical programs, and we're already seeing it play out," said Borgeson. "California is on track to locking more of our neighbors up for low-level drug and theft crimes, and we'll be stripping money for those same people to get back on their feet or avoid the criminal legal system to begin with."

Newsom's office estimates that despite sentences now becoming longer for some crimes, other reforms enacted by the state in recent years will still lead to overall declines in the prison population.

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"Even with the expected increase from Proposition 36," the budget states, "the population is still projected to continue its overall long-term downward trend."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The United States Attorneys Office has charged 22 people in southern Arizona with crimes involving child porn since October 2023, according to a U.S. Justice Department news release.

Some recent local cases include:

Baron Martin, 20, was arrested and accused of producing child porn and cyberstalking. Officials say the man was involved with violent online terror networks called 764 and CVLT.

The 764 network targets vulnerable, underage people around the world and tries to desensitize them to violence. Members groom young girls, extort them and force them to mutilate themselves or others for an audience, according to the Justice Department.

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The government's complaint said Martin shared on Discord two minors who mutilated themselves for him. Martin got a 13-year-old girl to cut his name in "every possible place" on her body, along with swastikas and satanic symbols, according to the complaint.

The complaint also said Martin directed a 16-year-old to scratch herself with her nails and pour rubbing alcohol over her wounds. Martin also told a 13-year-old girl that he put a "hit" out on her grandmother, agreeing to pay someone $3,000 to kidnap and murder the woman, according to the complaint.

Martin had a hearing on Jan. 10 and is detained pending trial.

David Berry Garmanik, 46, was indicted on 20 counts of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor and five counts of receipt of child pornography. Officers said they found evidence that the man used Skype to livestream child porn happening in the Phillippines.

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Nathan Dean Hinte was indicted on one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. An investigation showed he contacted an undercover special agent posing as a mother aiming to exploit her kid. Hinte showed the agent sexually explicit images of children, according to the Justice Department.

Eric Lavon Williams, 36, was sentenced to 97 months in prison last year after pleading guilty to having child porn. According to the Justice Department, Williams' wife, Cori, also was charged after obtaining child porn for him.

These cases are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse that launched in 2006.

Prison time: 'We know this man attacked children at least twice': Peoria man sentenced to 150 years

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 22 people charged with child porn crimes in southern Arizona
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi continued his attack on the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's reported remarks about not considering August 15, 1947, as the day of independence. The Congress MP accused the RSS chief of downplaying the ideology of BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi from every institution in India. He also advocated for the ideology of the Constitution. Speaking at the 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan' in Patna the Congress MP said on Saturday,"...We wanted that just like the water of Ganga flows everywhere, the ideology of the Constitution should also reach every person, every institution of the nation." "Some days ago, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said that India did not get independence on 15th Aug 1947. If RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is saying that India did not get independence on 15th August 1947, then he is rejecting the Constitution of India...He (RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat) is erasing the ideology of Dr BR Ambedkar, Lord Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi from every institution in India...," the Rae Bareli MP said. He also said that the Constitution does not allow the concentration of wealth in the hands of a minority of people. "Where is it written in this book (Constitution of India) that all of the wealth of India should only go into the hands of two to three people...," he said. Targeting the BJP, Rahul Gandhi said, "In today's India, the MLAs and MPs have no power. When I meet the BJP MPs who belong to the backward community, Dalits, and tribals, they say that we have been put in a cage." Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state comes at a time when the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants' protests are in full swing. On Monday, Mohan Bhagwat said that India witnessed true independence on the day of Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. The remarks sparked a swift response from the opposition leaders. (ANI)
Some 3,500 people protested on Saturday in the western city of Karlsruhe against a far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) election campaign that sent "deportation tickets" for "illegal immigrants" to mailboxes around the city.

According to police, the demonstration proceeded peacefully.

The AfD election flyers, which sparked outrage across the country earlier this week, were designed to look like airline tickets, with the departure date listed as February 23, the same day as Germany's upcoming general election.

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The itinerary is listed as "From: Germany - To: Safe country of origin."

Migrants led the protest under the slogan "With us instead of against us." Banners displayed messages such as "Voting AfD is so 1933" and "No cuddling with Nazis!"

The Baden-Wurttemberg branch of the AfD stated that the campaign was organized by its Karlsruhe district branch.

Left-wing groups have claimed the flyers were distributed to individuals with migration backgrounds.

Police in the south-western city have launched an investigation into the campaign stunt on suspicion of incitement to hatred.

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The AfD was founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party and first entered parliament in 2017. Its tone became increasingly more extreme as it shifted its focus to immigration and Islam.

The party is being monitored by domestic intelligence services as a suspected right-wing extremist organization.

For months, the AfD has been in second place in voter polls ahead of the February election.

People take part in a demonstration on the Karlsruhe market square under the motto "With us instead of against us", in response to an election campaign of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) with self-made "deportation tickets". Uli Deck/dpa
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Urban Forestry Commission has expressed disapproval with an electric utilitys proposal to remove a portion of mature trees in a beloved city park, to make way for new and upgraded transmission lines.

City officials are set to hold a public hearing about Portland General Electrics Harborton Reliability Project later this month. Urban Forestry commissioners have already drafted a letter of opposition against one phase of the project, which entails the removal of 376 trees within five acres of the 5,200-acre Forest Park.

City of Portland may need to slash over $100M in spending amid budget shortfall: Memo

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But at the commission meeting on Thursday, members discussed meeting with PGE to gather information one final time before presenting the letter to an environmental planner.

The current letter states the electric utilitys proposal goes against a 1995 management plan that called for protection of the parks plants, animal communities and natural resources.

PGE plans to install a quarter-mile transmission line, in addition to replacing some pre-existing lines. Although the company has said the new line will increase reliability, Urban Forestry commissioners believe it would increase harm.

Transmission line failures in the recent past are known causes of several devastating wildfires throughout Oregon and California, causing millions of dollars of property damage and loss of lives, Commission Co-chairs Adrianne Feldstein and Leah Plack wrote. We believe that the likelihood of fires in Forest Park is greatly increased by the presence of more transmission lines and that adding more lines is the status-quo alternative for developing new infrastructure.

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Negasi Zuberi faces life sentence for kidnapping, sex assault in Operation Take Over

On the contrary, PGE claimed it is only removing certain trees to avoid safety hazards. The company said it tapped a board-certified master arborist to assess the urban park and determine the minimum amount of trees to remove. The utility also said working in the proposed area would not affect old growth habitat.

The public hearing on the project is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark.  The Pulaski County Prosecutors Office has cleared an Arkansas State Police trooper in his use of deadly force during an August incident.

ASP officials said Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones concluded that the trooper acted justifiably in using deadly force to stop a bus during a pursuit.

Arkansas State Police confirms stolen charter bus leads to chase, arrest in North Little Rock

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On Aug. 29, 2024, authorities said ASP troopers began pursuing 29-year-old Elvin Richard after they said he fled in a stolen bus.

According to officials, Richard drove the bust into Union Pacific Rail Yard Terminal at 1020 West Bethany in North Little Rock before a trooper disabled the bus by shooting its tires. Richard was not injured in the incident and was taken into custody.

Man steals American Airlines bus at JFK airport, drives it through NYC: police

State police said the Little Rock Police Department is investigating the initial theft of the bus.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
From the G-File on The Dispatch

Dear Reader (including those of you with varied interests),

Greetings from I-70.

I had all sorts of plans for todays G-File, though none particularly good. When youre basically spending all day driving, you take inspiration where you can find it. This morning, before the Fair Jessica took the wheel, we passed a whole bunch of billboards in Indiana for the Uranus Fudge Factory. I giggled. The day before, in Illinois, we passed signs for the Bong Recreation Area. More giggling.

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Lets just pretend I made all the obvious jokes about getting high and pulling things out of your ass.

Speaking of obvious jokes about such things, when I got into the co-pilot seat, I saw the news that Joe Biden believes that the Equal Rights Amendment is the law of the land.

Say what you will about Biden, the man can keep a secret. In his statement, Biden says that it became the 28th Amendment almost exactly five years ago when the Commonwealth of Virginia ratified it on January 27, 2020.

From that time until now, Biden has said pretty much nothing about this belief. Thats kind of a weird conviction to keep under your hat all this time.

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That is, unless, like almost everybody else, he didnt think Virginias ratification of the ERA was anything other than symbolic until recently. Heck, the New York Times story on Virginias symbolic ratification of the ERA uses the word symbolic in the subhead and the first sentence. If the Times thought there was a shot at the ratification being something other than symbolic at the time, it would have flooded the zone with lets make this happen coverage. Again, if they thought this was possible, the newspaper might even have asked Joe Biden what he thought about it, given that he was running for president at the time.

Among the reasons nobody but a handful of activists even bothered claiming that Virginias ratification of the amendment was anything other than symbolic is that the deadline for the amendments ratification expired nearly two decades earlier. Again, dont take my word for it. Heres the NPR headline at the time, Virginia Ratifies The Equal Rights Amendment, Decades After The Deadline.

Now, its true there are lawyers, including at the American Bar Association, who argue that there was no deadline for the amendment approved by Congress in 1972 because the seven-year time-limit for ratification was only in the amendments preamble not the actual text. But it was put there expressly to keep the text clean if ratified. The Justice Department, including under Joe Biden, has long held that the deadline is binding.

You know who else thought that the window closed on the Equal Rights Amendment? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Of course she wasnt a Supreme Court Justice then, she was just one of the countrys most famous feminist lawyers and law professors. But then in 2020, as a Supreme Court justice, she explainedagainthat the deadline had passed for the ERA. Sorry, she said that the allegedly extended deadline had passed, in 1982. Among the reasons she thought it was a dead letter: Several states had withdrawn their ratification. As she put it at an event co-sponsored by the American Bar Association:

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I would like to start over. There is too much controversy about latecomers [like] Virginia long after the deadline passed. Plus, a number of states have withdrawn their ratification. So if you count a latecomer on the plus side, how can you disregard states that said, We have changed our minds?

Pretty good point there, I think.

In response to Ginsburgs comments, even Ian Millhiser, one of the most partisan legal analysts in the English language, lamented that the comments from the most important feminist lawyer in American history were likely to be the death knell for the ERA.

And now, I have to offer you an apology. Because I am taking Joe Bidens opinion more seriously than he is. Indeed, Im taking the presidency itself more seriously than he is, but lets stay with the ERA stuff.

If you havent been paying attention, you need a little backstory. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has been pushing a dippy theory that all Biden needs to do is order the archivist of the United States to declare the ERA ratified. Heres how Gillibrand began her December 15 New York Times op-ed:

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With Republicans set to take unified control of government, Americans are facing the further degradation of reproductive freedom. Fortunately, Mr. Biden has the power to enshrine reproductive rights in the Constitution right now. He can direct the national archivist to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment. This would mean that the amendment has been officially ratified and that the archivist has declared it part of the Constitution.

Now, I dont think this is correct. But, again, who cares about my legal opinion? Fortunately someone else agrees with me: The archivist of the United States. Two days after Gillibrands op-ed, Colleen Shogan and Deputy Archivist William J. Bosanko released a joint statement declaring:

As Archivist and Deputy Archivist of the United States, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of the constitutional amendment process and ensure that changes to the Constitution are carried out in accordance with the law. At this time, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) cannot be certified as part of the Constitution due to established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions. In 2020 and again in 2022, the Office of Legal Counsel of the U.S. Department of Justice affirmed that the ratification deadline established by Congress for the ERA is valid and enforceable. The OLC concluded that extending or removing the deadline requires new action by Congress or the courts..As the leaders of the National Archives, we will abide by these legal precedents and support the constitutional framework in which we operate.

This was Shogans position during her confirmation hearings, by the way. Every voting Democrat chose to confirm her.

But Im doing it again. Here I am, the guy who wants to make Uranus fudge and bong recreation jokes taking this so much more seriously than Joe Biden does. Because, you see, while the president has declared his belief that the ERA is the law of the land, he has not actually ordered the archivist to act accordingly. Hes just got this feeling like its the law of the land and agrees with the American Bar Associations position, just not enough to do more than pay it lip service.

A senior Biden administration official told CNN that the president is not taking executive action, but is stating an opinion that it is ratified.

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If thats not unclear enough, the official added, 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.

As the guy said when he saw the billboard that declared, The best fudge comes from Uranus, are you kidding me?

Now presidents do issue legal opinions, sort of. The Justice Department works for the president and derives all of its constitutional authority from the executive. And it issues opinions all the timelike the one that says the ERAs deadline lapsed the same year Joanie Loves Chachi debuted.

But Biden is ignoring that opinion and siding with the American Bar Association, which says that the archivist doesnt need to certify and publish the amendment and all that is required is for Virginia to ratify itdecades past the deadline. The ABA is entitled to its opinioneven if it took four years after Virginias symbolic ratification to express it. In other words, the president is ignoring his own Justice Department on the way out the door, to sorta declareMichael-Scott-declaring-bankruptcy stylethat he just believes it, but not strongly enough to do more than that.

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Again, I dont think the ERA becomes an amendment even if Biden tells the archivist to certify it. But the fact that he wont instruct her to do that means  something. Perhaps he knows shell resign if ordered to. Maybe hes afraid to do something that makes him seem too responsible for the consequences. Maybe he doesnt even know exactly what hes doing because Matlock is on. Its virtue-signaling and base-pandering on an epic scale. Its also utterly contemptuous of constitutional norms, particularly as the Biden administration declares it wont enforce the TikTok ban, which was just upheld by the Supreme Courtand which Biden signed into law.

Vaporous constitutional gasbaggery, yes. Faithfully executing the law? Thats malarkey, man. We gotta pay for a presidential library.

I dont know what happens next. Well, thats not quite right. I know what happens next as much as Biden does: needless legal, political, and constitutional drama. Activists will take what is in effect a presidential fatwah as gospel and start filing lawsuits based upon the 28th Amendment being a thing. Opponents will say its not a thing. The Jen Rubin crowd will accuse the Trump administration of violating the Constitution for not recognizing the 28th Amendment. MSNBC will devote countless hoursuntil its soldto this historic victory and its consequences. Fox will devote countless hours to Bidens lawless gambit and the hypocrisy of liberals who claim to be in favor of constitutional norms. And theyll have a point.

And the Supreme Court, which Biden and this crowd have worked assiduously to discredit, will be left with a huge burning bag of Uranus finest to deal with.

Various & Sundry

Canine Update: Its hard to know whether the beasts are sad to leave Wisconsin or if theyre just sad to be back in the van. Either way, theyre a bit pouty. This morning after an excellent walk along the perimeter of the Iron Works hotel in Indiana, I rode the elevator up with another hotel guest whod been getting an early morning smoke. I had Zoe on a leash but not Pip who is better behaved off-leash than on. The man in the elevator said hi to the dogs and we got off on the same floor. As I walked down the hall, the guy asked, So is this dog just the mascot of the hotel? I turned around and saw that Pippa was just walking with him. And was expecting to go into his room. I had to explain to the man that Pippa loves everybody, and I had to explain to Pippa she needed to say goodbye to her new friend. Zoe definitely liked Door County more than Pippa. She has better fur for it, and she likes investigating and chasing critters more than Pip. But they both really liked it there. I think they will be very excited to be home, though. My daughter has been home with Gracie for a couple days, and reports from home are that Gracie feels she is short-staffed.

The Dispawtch

Owners Name: Charles Holmes

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Why Im a Dispatch Member: I dont have a specific reason other than  I enjoy reading The Dispatch.

Pets Name: Coco

Pets Breed: Mix, but mainly an Australian Shepherd

Pets Age: 14

Gotcha Story: Coco is a true rescue dog. At my better halfs work, someone found a litter of puppies from a stray that had been hanging around. An email was sent out asking if anyone wanted a puppy. By the time my wife replied, they were all gone. The next day, one puppy showed up by itself, she heard about it, and went right away to claim it. She made an appointment at a vet that afternoon, and the puppy now named Coco, fortunately for us, was in great shape and has been a part of the family ever since. She was found 14 years ago this month.

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Pets Likes: Coco loves treats, walks, smelling what every other dog is up to, squirrels, and causing grief for the one family member who is not the biggest dog lover.

Pets Dislikes: Coco struggles with some computer beeps and dings and is very particular about what other dogs she tolerates.

Pets Proudest Moment: Coco came inches from actually catching a squirrel. I am not sure what she would have done, yet she almost got one after numerous attempts. She still makes half-hearted attempts even as she has slowed down.

Moment Someone (Wrongly) Said Pet Was a Bad Dog: Coco has been blessed. She pretty much behaves herself in public.

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Do you have a quadruped youd like to nominate for Dispawtcher of the Week and catapult to stardom? Let us know about your pet by clicking here. Reminder: You must be a Dispatch member to participate.

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Facts on fire

Youre hot and youre cold!

Farewell, Joe

Grabbing for green

Now for the weird stuff 

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The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip agreed by Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement is set to come into effect at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) on Sunday morning, mediator Qatar announced on Saturday.

"As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari wrote on the social media platform X.

The official advised inhabitants of the coastal territory to "take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources."

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Al-Ansari had previously announced that the ceasefire would start a little later, at 12:15 pm.

The first release of hostages held in Gaza is nonetheless expected at 4 pm on Sunday, according to the Israeli news portal Ynet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government approved the ceasefire and hostage deal early on Saturday after long deliberations, following earlier backing from the security Cabinet.

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had threatened to leave Netanyahu's coalition government if it approved the deal, according to media reports. Israeli media reported that 24 ministers ultimately backed the deal and eight opposed it.

Hope for hostages

The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts from the United States, Egypt and Qatar through indirect negotiations to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding.

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The three-phase agreement 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 set free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The first three hostages are due to be handed over on Sunday, with media reporting that Hamas is due to name them on Saturday. All three are expected to be civilians.

In return, Israel's Justice Ministry has published a list with the names of more than 90 prisoners who are to be exchanged for the first hostages on Sunday.

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Under Israeli law, relatives of terrorism victims can appeal the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. The government decision gives them 24 hours to file a petition to the Supreme Court.

However, the judges are not expected to have any reason to thwart the agreement.

Next steps

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is due to reopen under the agreement, with humanitarian aid deliveries for the Palestinians to be significantly ramped up.

The Israeli military is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. Those who fled to the south of the sealed-off coastal strip should be able to move freely again and return to their former homes in northern Gaza, under international supervision.

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The warring parties intend to clarify the details of the second and third phases of the agreement - aiming for a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - during the first phase of the ceasefire.

However, it is unclear whether the deal will hold, given the deep mutual suspicion on both sides of the conflict, with many details of the agreement still to be resolved.

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.
Jan. 17RACELAND, Ky.  An investigation into the fire that destroyed the clubhouse at the former Raceland horse track continues.

Around 2 a.m. on Jan. 2, the Raceland Fire Department, Russell Fire Department and the Flatwoods Fire Department were called to the former track property at Legion Drive and U.S. 23 and found the clubhouse totally engulfed in flames.

Since then, detective/fire investigator Brett Ritchie has been on the case and is now seeking help from the public about the fire.

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"At this time, not many details can be released about the fire as it is still an ongoing investigation," Ritchie said. "We have obtained enough knowledge to know that an unknown loud vehicle was in the area of the incident more specifically described to be on Highland Avenue in the Wurtland community of Greenup County (Also known as Poplar Highlands)."

He said the vehicle was known to be in the area at around 1:50 a.m. just before the fire department was alerted of the fire.

"We would ask that anyone in this area, or alongside Greenup Avenue, who has any video footage of vehicles possibly caught on your security camera footage around this time, be forward it to the fire investigator who is working on this investigation," Ritchie said. "As always, we appreciate the community's help with this matter as we want just as many answers as you do."

Anyone with any information on this case can reach out to Ritchie at office phone (606) 836-8189, by calling dispatch at (606) 473-1411 or on his cell phone, 606-465-4185.

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Dan Howell, one of the property's owners, said there was no electric or gas hooked up to the clubhouse, so he suspects the fire was started by a homeless person trying to stay warm.

He added there was no insurance on the clubhouse because insurance companies are reluctant to insure vacant buildings and the premium is so high that it wasn't affordable.

Howell said he had been working with the City of Raceland to get a grant to turn the clubhouse into a community center. Part of the property had recently been sold to Southern Ohio Medical Center to build a new medical facility.

In 1924, John Oliver "Jack" Keene opened "Raceland Park" in Chinnville in Greenup County where the city of Raceland is now.

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Known as the "Million Dollar Oval," the newest track in the U.S. then was "picturesque," per a 1924 Chicago's Daily Racing Form.

"Raceland sets a picture that is refreshing to the view. The new Kentucky racetrack is a modern one in every detail and rivals the massive tracks of the East. The main racing strip is wide and thoroughly safe; the turns banked in the most approved fashion give evidence of safety for the flying thoroughbreds. The stands and other buildings, the secretary's office and jockey enclosure are of brick construction," the article continues.

The track operated from 1924 to 1929. Chinnville changed its name to Raceland for consistency after the post office changed its name due to the volume of mail for the track. It is a misconception the Great Depression ended the track, according to Raceland Police Chief Donald Sammons in 2009.

"The state of Kentucky had a fee in the 1920s that required the track to pay $2,500 per day to race," Sammons said. "That's what closed the track."

 Terry L. Hapney, Jr. contributed to this story.
Alternative indie band Rainbow Kitten Surprise is performing in Waite Park later this year.

The North Carolina-based band will play at The Ledge Amphitheater on Aug. 3. as part of the "Thank For Coming" tour. Fans can get presale access by visiting the band's website.

Pre-sale tickets are available as soon as Tuesday at 10 a.m. and go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. Medium Build has been booked as the opener.

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They are the latest band booked for The Ledge this coming summer, following Chicago, Allison Krauss & Union Station, and the Goo Goo Dolls'.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise.Rainbow Kitten Surprise/Wikimedia Commons

Rainbow Kitten Surprise is partnering with the nonprofit PLUS1, with $1 per ticket going towards supporting organizations providing mental health treatment and access to care for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund, to help provide resources to organizations helping those affected by the recent Los Angeles fires.

The band last played in Minnesota on its "Love Hate Music Box" tour at The Armory in Minneapolis last year.

Best known for "It's Called: Freefall," "Cocaine Jesus," "Devil Like Me," and "First Class," the band is comprised of lead vocalist Ela Melo, Darrick "Bozzy" Keller (guitar, backup vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (electric guitar) and Jess Haney (drums).

The band is also slated to perform at this year's Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee in June.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) criticized the looming TikTok ban as a violation of the First Amendment, arguing that its based on accusations, a day after the Supreme Court opted to uphold the law that will force the app to go dark unless its China-based parent company sells it.

I do believe that banning a social media app like TikTok is a violation of the First Amendment, Paul told reporters on Friday, adding that he is disappointed by the ruling.

The nations high court on Friday sided with the Biden administration days before President-elect Trumps inauguration, finding the divest-or-ban law does not violate the First Amendment and teeing up a ban set to take effect Sunday.

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One hundred seventy million Americans express themselves on TikTok on a daily basis, and its just wrong for the government to ban it, Paul continued. Most of the reasons the government banned it were based on accusations, not proof.

Theyve never been tried and found guilty of sharing information with the communist government or any of that, he added.

The Kentucky Republican also noted that President Biden left the door open for Trump to act and that he is hopeful Trump can do something. The White House on Friday said the TikTok ban will fall to the Trump administration, when the president-elect is sworn in on Monday, and Trump said he would weigh the future of the app when hes in office.

Biden signed the bipartisan bill passed by Congress last April, which gave TikToks parent company ByteDance 270 days to divest from the app or face a ban from U.S. app stores. The company said it intends to go dark on Jan. 19, unless the president steps in.

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Like Paul, Trump has in the past year become an outspoken fan of TikTok, citing his popularity on the app during his campaign.

Trump signed an executive order in 2020, during his first term, effectively banning the app over data privacy concerns because of its Chinese parent company. Now, some of the president-elects top advisers in recent days said he will act upon taking office next week to preserve access to the video-sharing platform while addressing data privacy concerns.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who has thanked Trump for his effort to preserve the app in the U.S., will attend the inauguration and sit on the dais with other tech leaders.

Other Republicans have cited concerns about the national security implications of Americans using the app, like Sen. Tom Cotton, (R-Ark.). Cotton said Friday in a post on social platform X that the Supreme Court was right to reject TikTok and called the app a communist spy app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
HONG KONG  For most people in the U.S. and China, what they hear about each others countries comes mostly from their governments and the media. Now they are learning directly from each other, at least for now.

The excitement is palpable on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, or Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) as its known in Chinese, after a wave of American users set up accounts in recent days. The self-described TikTok refugees are seeking a replacement for the short-form video app as it faces a U.S. ban stemming from concerns over ties between TikToks owner, Beijing-based ByteDance, and the Chinese government.

TikTok says it will go dark when the ban takes effect Sunday unless it receives definitive assurances from the Biden administration, which has been exploring options for how to keep the app available, NBC News reported.

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In protest of the looming ban, TikTok users have joined Shanghai-based RedNote, sending it to the top of Apples App Store and mocking U.S. security concerns as they try to navigate the Chinese-language app.

Their arrival has brought instant online connection between Americans and Chinese even as academic and other exchanges have been dampened in recent years by pandemic border restrictions and tensions between the worlds two biggest economies.

I feel very touched to see all of the friendly American people coming here, and see we are getting to know each other and learning from each other, said Eric Wang, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Chinas Shandong province. It makes me feel that were never really far away from each other.

On RedNote, Americans and Chinese can communicate in a way they are mostly unable to on Western social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X, all of which are inaccessible in China without VPNs. TikTok is also not available in China, although it does have a version there called Douyin.

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Its very moving to see people who have never met, and who may have been misinformed about each other in the past, now engaging on equal terms and eager to learn about each other, said Jia Yuxuan, a research associate at the Center for China and Globalization, a think tank in Beijing.

The trust that is being established through these connections has already led to a wave of fact-checking that traditional diplomacy hasnt been able to achieve in years, she said.

For example, Americans on RedNote have been asking if people in China really live under a social credit system that scores individuals based on their behavior and blacklists them if their scores are too low.

The Chinese netizens in the comments section are simply astonished and say, This is not true, Jia said.

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In just one day this week, the number of U.S. iPhone users on RedNote increased from about 400,000 to 1.8 million, according to data from analytics firm Similarweb, and it has since gone even higher. That is still a tiny portion of the 170 million American users on TikTok and 300 million users on Xiaohongshu overall.

The new American users could create problems for the app, which like other Chinese social media platforms is strictly controlled by government censors and is not well equipped to moderate English-language content. The situation has drawn comparisons to the Clubhouse app, which China blocked in 2021 after a brief period in which Chinese users freely discussed politically taboo topics in its chat rooms.

Xiaohongshu has not publicly commented on the influx of new users. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

Americans, meanwhile, may chafe under Chinas online censorship.

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There is a very naive base of users in America, who dont understand any of this. Theyre just upset that TikTok is going to be banned, said Christine Lu, 48, a Los Angeles-based Taiwanese American who lived in China for a decade.

Advertising for Chinese social networking app RedNote at a shopping center in Beijing on Wednesday.

It took all of five hours for Lus RedNote account to be banned after she signed up on Tuesday, after she purposely posted hashtags and pictures related to topics deemed sensitive in China. She said she began testing the app after seeing some American users complain that some of their posts, including ones showing cleavage or the flags of Taiwan and Tibet, were getting blocked.

Theyre posts that otherwise in free societies are very normal conversation topics, she said.

Not all Chinese users are thrilled with the Americans piling into their online community. Some who depend on RedNote as a source of income say they may face unfair competition from their American counterparts, whose TikTok-length videos are far shorter than what is typical for the Chinese app.

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It only takes like two seconds and theyre getting hundreds, thousands and even tens of thousands of likes, said Becca Wang, a lifestyle vlogger in Beijing.

Others say the new American users need to learn to play by the rules of the Chinese-language app and should respect the culture of its existing users, including by using the apps Chinese name of Xiaohongshu.

If they cant pronounce it, they should learn, one comment read.

Yolanda Ma, a journalism lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, said it was unclear how the app would handle the influx of American users. For example, live broadcasts are required to be in Chinese, with English and other languages considered inappropriate and subject to warnings.

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If the company decides to broaden its user base, she said in an email, then the best approach would be a separate app for international users, to both ensure the content on the platform is under control, and to keep the new users on the platform after the initial few days of excitement.

The discussion between American and Chinese users on RedNote revolves around what they had for breakfast, how they make their morning coffee, what their front yards look like and how they make a living. Jia saw one American fisherman ask if there are fishermen in China.

In the comment section, everybody is sharing their catch and fishing equipment, she said.

Users are also going deeper, asking one another about salaries, debt and health care systems to compare how well theyre living under Americas capitalist system and Chinas socialist system.

A smartphone displays the app Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, in Beijing on Wednesday.

The conclusion is that the ordinary workers are basically the same, Jia said. Theyre both struggling for life, and theyre also aspiring for a better life.

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Diego Obando, a new RedNote user who lives in Pasadena, California, says the app is fairly easy to use and has a nicer community than TikTok. Obando, 19, said he isnt really concerned about security, because theres always someone spying on you on any app youre on.

Beijing has so far appeared open to the idea of Americans on RedNote.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that we believe that the use of social media is a personal choice.

As a matter of principle, China has always supported and encouraged strengthening people-to-people exchanges and the promotion of people-to-people bonds with all countries, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular briefing in Beijing.

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Chinese state media coverage has also been positive.

Moving to RedNote can be seen as an act of defiance against the U.S. governments narrative that Chinese apps are security threats, read a commentary Wednesday in the Peoples Daily newspaper. By embracing RedNote, users challenge the assumption that Chinese platforms are inherently dangerous.

Jia said Beijings openness to the new RedNote users was in line with its efforts to draw more foreign tourists as its economy struggles to recover from the pandemic. Since 2023, China has introduced visa-free policies for visitors from countries around the world, though not yet the United States.

Others were more skeptical, saying the Chinese government was bound to step in.

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I dont think this is going to last forever, said Wang, the lifestyle blogger. Its going to be short.

Mithil Aggarwal and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong, Larissa Gao from London and Janis Mackey Frayer from Beijing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh welcomed the Sealdah court judgement in the RG Kar rape-murder case, and said that the ruling "proves" that the arrest and investigation made by the Kolkata Police was "accurate." Meanwhile, Union Minister Sukanto Majumdar alleged that the evidence was "tampered with" by the Kolkata Police, upon which the CBI investigated the case. He also said that the victim might have known something that, would have caused problems for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "The Court has pronounced him guilty. The punishment is yet to be announced. Commenting on it right now is not appropriate but it is proven that the arrest that the Kolkata Police made within 24 hours, their focus and investigation was accurate," Kunal Ghosh told ANI. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed the victim knew something, which would have "caused problems" for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He also said that the people of the state believe that more than one person are involved in the case. "Investigation depends on available evidence. Sanjay Roy has been convicted based on whatever evidence has been found. Kolkata Police had investigated this case for 5 days... The questions raised by the victim's family are justified...I think the victim knew something that, if revealed, would have caused problems for CM Mamata Banerjee... We will hold our protest in front of Shastri Bhavan on the 20th regarding this case and the Saline case," Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said. "The court has convicted him (Sanjay Roy), but the people of West Bengal believe that more than one person may have been involved in the incident. When the case was being investigated for five days by the Kolkata Police, evidence was tampered with in those five days...We want strict punishment to be given...The RG Kar incident has exposed that the law and order situation in the state of West Bengal is not good," he added. Notably, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court on Saturday found accused Sanjay Roy guilty of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Justice Anirban Das pronounced the verdict. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced by the court on Monday (January 20). The court said that Sections 64,66, 103/1 of BNS have been framed against the accused. "There is a complaint against the accused that he went to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and went to the seminar room, assaulted and murdered the lady doctor taking rest there," the court said. The case, which involves the rape and murder of a trainee doctor whose body was found on August 9 in the hospital's seminar room, sparked widespread protests. After the incident, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested in connection with the crime. Meanwhile, A junior doctor at RG Kar College and Hospital said that evidence had been tampered. with. "What we have been saying since day one is that this man is a civic volunteer and how did he enter the medical college and commit this kind of crime? Evidence was tampered with, destruction has been done, and it is mentioned in the CBI chargesheet. For whom was this done? To save Sanjay Roy? How can we believe this? We still believe that there are more culprits involved in this case who are roaming around freely. So, please arrest all and punish them... Our fight will continue because more than one person is involved in this crime... Justice has not been delivered yet; this is just a first step..." said the junior doctor. (ANI)
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

Re: "Trump Canada insults mean I won't be coming to Tennessee for the next four years," by Chris Winters, Jan. 9.

Counterpoint: These readers support Canadian's boycott of Tennessee over Trump election

Trump is the peoples president

Well, we're full anyway.

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No big loss.

Trump is the people's president and God Bless him an God Bless America!

Joann Skee, Hendersonville 37075

If you dont like USA, dont come back

As a proud citizen and full time resident of the United States of America for 64 years, Tennessee for 29, and in full time service of our country for over 35 of those years, I can tell you with all certainty:

You are a visitor in Tennessee (our state)

You are not a citizen of the United States (our country)

You cannot vote here

Your opinion does not matter here

You bring no significant value to our state our state

Its our chaos, worry about your own

We dont care what you think of us or our processes

We will not miss you or anything about you. Not even for a minute.

Please, dont make it just four years. Dont come back  ever.

Dean Nash, Johnson City 37615

Stay in Canada close to Justin Trudeau

I've been to Ontario on business many times before I retired.

In fact, our company had a wholly owned subsidiary there in Toronto, for which I had a fiduciary responsibility.

Our U.S. company kept the Canada subsidiary afloat. I couldn't care less if you want to boycott Tennessee.

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Please stay home with your outgoing liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Franklin Miller, Talbott 37877

Letters: Readers react to Canadian who boycotts Tennessee over Trump's election

I fled to Tennessee from New York to escape liberalism

Tennessee is a great place to live because of the hardworking, conservative, Christian values of the people who live here.

Having Chris Winters stay in Canada because the majority of Tennessee voters overwhelmingly supported President Trump in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections will only make the fine people of Tennessee happy that he winters this year in Canada with liberal ideals and outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau!

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I love the irony in that the author likes Tennessee so much, dislikes President Trump yet the overwhelming majority of the people who live here believe wholeheartedly in President Trump and his agenda.

My husband and I arrived in Tennessee almost five years ago from liberal New York state.

We would have escaped sooner but could not sell our house in upstate New York, far from New York City, where there is very little industry, sky-high taxes and people were leaving the state in droves.

The area we moved from in the Catskill Mountains saw property, school and state income taxes skyrocket by thousands of dollars per year over the past 10 years.

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Our ideas, values, desire for our freedoms and quiet, Christian way of life were buried by the liberal vote of the big cities.

We were so grateful that we were finally able to sell our house and escape New York and move to Tennessee.

We have had some people ask us if we left our liberal ideas in New York when we moved. We then explain that a large part of New York does not believe in the liberal nonsense and we left New York and sought Tennessee because our values align with the majority of the people in East Tennessee.

Kathleen Wenck, Dayton 37321

Youve got it all wrong about Trump and Canada

I truly believe Trump is going to strengthen our country and make it better.

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If that other candidate would have gotten in, that would have been lunacy.

Canada is another country and I don't believe he would try to take it over.

I agree their prime minister is a bad one, but it has nothing to do with The USA. He ought to be taken out of office just to save his own country.

Sherry Gilbert, Fairview 37062

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Canadian's boycott of Tennessee over Trump draws criticism | Letter
Hochul ignored our best prospect for progress

Brooklyn: In your coverage of Gov. Hochuls 2025 State of the State speech, you focused solely on public safety (Everything but new bail reform, Jan. 15). But you missed one of the biggest threats to our safety, as well as to health and affordability: extreme weather.

In 2023, Hochul promised us a cap-and-invest program in which corporate greenhouse gas emitters would be required to pay to pollute, and the revenue from those payments would be invested in climate solutions. Such investments would lower utility bills, protect people and property from flooding, improve air quality and much more. But on Tuesday, the governor put off the program for yet another year.

In 2019, New York State passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to put us on a path to a renewable energy future that ensured that every New Yorker would reap its benefits. We are not yet close to meeting its 2030 mandates. Responsibility for this looming failure lies with Hochul.

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A cap-and-invest program this year could generate revenue that could be invested in, for example, weatherizing buildings like homes, schools and small businesses, and adding solar and heat pumps to reduce utility bills and give us cleaner air  and get us closer to a safer, healthier, more affordable future.

Hochul should keep her promises and act on cap-and-invest. Sara S. Gronim

Options lost

Manhattan: What happened to user-friendliness for the subway? No debit cards accepted? Exact amounts only! No cash! No change! Single rides only. Whatever happened to going your way? Fuhgeddaboudit. Aydin Torun

Renovate & repurpose

Pearl River, N.Y.: We all agree that mentally ill homeless people need to be removed from the streets of NYC right away. I dont agree that we need to spend billions of dollars on new facilities when we have facilities already. Why cant the mentally ill people be held at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens or the Willowbrook facility on Staten Island, just to name two. Spend the money on cleaning up these existing facilities and updating them for use. Ill tell you why: because Democratic politicians need to grease the palms of their lobbyists and political backers who poured thousands of dollars into their campaigns with bloated budgets, where not only do they make thousands but so do these Democrats. The quid pro quo needs to stop, and we citizens need to end this corruption with our votes. Lets make our politicians work for us and not for their personal gain. Robert Brennan

Heal the hate

Providence, R.I.: Re Tentative end to fighting in Gaza (Jan. 16): A ceasefires better than war / But still, there is much to deplore / Its time to get over the hates / And work to develop two states. Felicia Nimue Ackerman

Example set

Brooklyn: Leonard Greenes column Not friendship, civility (Jan. 12) was right on point. Those who could not stand the sight of President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama getting along at former President Jimmy Carters funeral need to grow up  or, as Greene put it, suck it up and act like adults. Carter was not our best president but he certainly was a man of peace and humanity. Im sure he was smiling down from the heavens above knowing it was because of him that we got to see two people who said nasty things about each other getting along at his funeral. If only every politician can follow their lead and put egos and parties aside, maybe we can get our country back to where it should be. John De Angelo

Breaking bank and norms

Edgewater, N.J.: So far this century, both Republican administrations have ended in economic shambles while all three Democratic administrations have ended in relative prosperity. What do you think this portends for those of us, four years from now, who are neither locked up nor deported? And speaking of coronations, the sovereigns vanity wouldve been bigly offended by having to take the oath of office while flags were flying at half-staff honoring the passing of President Carter. So how did he express his extreme displeasure? Youll be shocked  he told us an outright lie that this has never happened before (of course it has; see Richard Nixons second inauguration in 1973 re Harry Truman). Then Trump colluded with his fellow leaders of the Party of Law and Order to defy U.S. Code by proclaiming that flags shall fly at full-staff for his special day. Fasten your seatbelts, folks. Jay K. Egelberg

Signal flags

North Branford, Conn.: On Trumps Inauguration Day, all flags should be hung upside down. I hope he knows what that means. Stephen Syrotiak

Hypocrites

East Meadow, L.I.: Do you notice that the people having fits about former First Lady Michelle Obama not attending Trumps inauguration are the same people who had no problems with Trump and his family refusing to attend Bidens inauguration after Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 election, caused an insurrection at the Capitol and tried to stage a coup through frivolous lawsuits? Richard Skibins

Effective deterrent

Stockholm, N.J.: I took that hard-faced picture of Trump  you know the one, where hes trying to look all bad and such  and I rested it on my floor. I dont know what happened but I havent seen a mouse in a week! Nat Saraceni

Restoration agenda

Ormond Beach, Fla.: I voted for Trump because he promised to once again make us energy-independent, make our southern border secure, make our country safer and to keep men out of womens sports, bathrooms and locker rooms. I expect a stronger stand against terrorism and those who wish to destroy Israel, and I believe he will deal more firmly with Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. I want him to push back on the censorship and biased coverage we have seen from social and news media over the past four years and to eliminate the hateful, divisive and dangerous political rhetoric we saw from an administration that called its political opponents Hitler and threats to democracy. I expect less wokeness, fewer DEI appointments and less anti-white, anti-male and anti-America identity politics. I want America the way it should be, not the way some zealots with dystopian dreams want it. Charles Michael Sitero

Family amnesty

Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J.: To Voicer Vincent Sgroi: Considering what you wrote about Trump having no punishment for his felony conviction, what about Hunter Biden, who received a blanket pardon for all of his federal criminal convictions? Both are demeaning to our citizens, yet you say nothing about Bidens amnesty program. Why? Robert Stiloski

Another way to say it

Manalapan, N.J.: When they didnt like hearing the truth, it became fake news. When that wore thin, it became alternative facts. Now anonymous smears is the phrase of the day. What will the next version of reality become? Joe Fontanelli

False charges

Staten Island: To Voicer Gregory Topliff: Thank you for your wartime service in the Marines. However, I fail to see how that service qualifies you to interpret the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. Codes 1028 and 1038 do not apply to Adam Schiff, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi or Jerry Nadler, as you claim. Code 1028 has to do with using false identification, stealing someone elses identity or possessing a machine to make false identifications. Code 1038 has to do with making anonymous phone calls to report bombs planted in schools, posting information on social media that could cause mass panic, and disseminating false information or creating a hoax that could result in death. If Schiff, Schumer, Pelosi and Nadler were miscreants, they would never have been elected to the positions they hold. So isnt it you whos guilty of slander? Eileen Zanelli

Not laughing

Brooklyn: Re the new Between the Lines: Max Garcia is not funny! He cant draw, his pictures make no sense and I am going to miss Rapunzel, which was clever. Please bring back the former artist. Martin Selbst

Cliffhanger

Melville, L.I.: I have been watching The Pretender on Amazon Prime. After viewing 85 episodes, Amazon has informed me that they dont have the rights to the final three episodes. Is there any other option to view them? Larry Leiner
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

Re: "Trump Canada insults mean I won't be coming to Tennessee for the next four years," by Chris Winters, Jan. 9.

Counterpoint: These readers criticize Canadian's boycott of Tennessee over Trump election

If I were Canadian, Id boycott the USA too

Good for you, my fellow human!

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If I were in Canada I too would boycott the U.S. until that fool leaves office, but alas I live here in Tennessee and have to put up with all these MAGA people who voted him in office again.

They'll never learn. Tsk, tsk.

Richard Smith, Spring Hill 37174

I love Tennessee, but I dont love hatred politics engenders

In response to the Canadian boycott of Tennessee, just as we do not travel to countries where unsafe loathing of Americans exists, Canadians have every right to stay away from my home state, Tennessee, where hatred has become astonishingly normalized.

Abhorrence of fellow citizens is un-American, period. Too many external forces work against the U.S. and its citizens every day, yet many of us have allowed ourselves to fall into the trap of following haters, instead of uniters.

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I have seen coworker relationships, friends, and families torn apart by differing political views. All the while, our adversaries are watching and interfering, while they twirl their mustaches. How did we become so naive?

If someone came into my family and began to tear us apart, I would detect that immediately. For someone to come in and tell me that this family member or that neighbor is my enemy, why would I jump on that bandwagon?

I dont understand the mindset of blindly following politicians who have more concerned about me hating someone to obtain my vote than actually doing the work to which they were elected.

We have critical infrastructure, education, and national security vulnerability gaps that are now inherently prescient, but we ignore those issues which can truly destroy us as the United States. We absolutely must hold our political leaders to the responsibilities of fixing our problems and representing all the people in this nation. I love my country and Tennessee, but not hatred.

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Lord, help us all.

Douglas Scott Iles, Sevierville 37876

Letters: Readers react to Canadian who boycotts Tennessee over Trump's election

Trumps rhetoric is bad, but his promises are empty

To be fair, if Greg Abbott came to Tennessee and said he was going to make Tennessee part of Texas through economic pressure, tariffs, and sanctions, you'd probably want to boycott Texas.

As to Trump, I don't trust he'll fulfill his promises any more than I thought Harris would fulfill hers.

At some point, people will realize most politicians are bought and sold, and we're all being conned. It's up to us to make this a better country.

Craig Anderton, Old Hickory 37138

USA is headed toward doomsday

I feel very much the way our Canadian neighbors feel towards the current crisis the United States faces.

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I wish they could adopt me for at least the next four years, which is if the president-elect that's about to take office doesn't blow up the world.

Impending doom and it is speeding towards America.

How I wish I could have made it to Canada over the past administration that he held forth on. I do think that America is in a better economic state, but for the little people, that is about to end.

He will not improve their well-being and will likely harm a lot of us, me included.

He uses people and if they dare disagree with him, he tries to destroy them.

Marion Barber, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Canadian's boycott of Tennessee over Trump draws support | Letter
I no longer live in Oklahoma City, but did for over 25 years. I was involved in prison and re-entry ministries and advocacy for criminal justice reform.

The apparent disclaimer of responsibility for a new jail by Oklahoma City governance is disappointing to me. The attitude seems to see the county and city as separate silos, yet most county citizens are also city citizens. Many of the same people will pay for new facilities.

Online sources report Oklahoma City population as 709,330 and Oklahoma County as 808,866. Although some of the Citys population live in another county, Oklahoma City residents are most of the jail population. The city needs the jail.

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No one wants the jail near them. County Commissioners have made a time-consuming, exhaustive search for the location. The new jail needs to be done sooner than later. The current building is unsafe for staff and inmates alike. It is a money pit that is constantly found to be deficient in security and health standards.

More: Is the idea of a new Oklahoma County jail just a pipe dream? What about the health center?

The proposed mental health center is a necessary ingredient of a new jail. One that would enhance its effectiveness. The current jail is the largest mental health facility in the state, the last I knew.

The Citys failure to cooperate with the County on that structure will ultimately cost its own constituents money. The City, in my opinion, should participate in the funding of a new jail, maybe as part of the next MAPS initiative. I find the Citys recent posture to be irresponsible. I hope it is not too late to change course.

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 Stan Basler, Galesburg, Kansas

Inclusion works best in classroom

To include or not, that is the question. The number of students who are diagnosed with a disability has increased over time. Many teachers feel overwhelmed with the possibility of teaching a class with such diverse needs. One of the federal regulations for students with disabilities is that they receive education in the least restrictive environment. This means that students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers in public schools to the maximum extent possible.

More: Students with disabilities are spending more time in general education. Are teachers prepared?

Although this is a regulation, many teachers today feel unprepared to meet this task. Many teachers think the best place to meet the needs of students with disabilities is in the special education classroom. However, studies have shown that inclusion can actually improve the academic performance of students with disabilities, as it provides them with more opportunities for learning and social interaction. Inclusion also promotes teacher collaboration, acceptance, and social integration of students, prepares students for the real world, and encourages high expectations and achievement.

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Students must have an opportunity to learn and grow alongside their peers. So much can be gained for all students. It gives non-disabled students a chance to learn compassion and tolerance for students who may learn or look differently  at the same time, giving those with disabilities a chance to be included and welcomed into the classroom.

Something has to be done to help teachers feel more comfortable and prepared to provide differentiated instruction to all students. The best alternative is to require new teachers to take some basic special education classes as a part of their education. These classes could offer the necessary exposure to increase their confidence and willingness to teach in this environment. Career teachers could benefit from co-teaching or collaborating with special education teachers to learn the best strategies for teaching students with special needs. All students deserve a chance to learn.

 Danita Hollins, Norman

Money for Bibles in schools is wasteful spending

How can legislators justify giving Walters' another $3 million to buy books (Bibles) that are already available for free on the devices issued to each student? If this is not wasteful enough, the request includes an additional $5 million (as just a start) for legal costs for the lawsuits that will definitely result.

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If approved, this will definitely send a message that legislators do not care about wasteful spending OR public education. If that is not bad enough, they can't seem to understand what message this is sending to people and/or companies that are looking to relocate to Oklahoma.

If Oklahoma has any hopes of getting out of the bottom of most all metrics, it needs decision makers with the integrity to make wise decisions.

 Janis Blevins, Oklahoma City

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC needs new jail, and disabled students need inclusion | Letters
When Speaker Mike Johnson summarily fired House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner this week, everyone assumed it was about Donald Trump.

Actually, it was about power  not the incoming presidents, but Johnsons.

After spending more than a year tiptoeing around a Republican Conference where intervening in even miniscule factional disputes could risk his gavel, the speakers intel machinations this week represented an uncharacteristic  and messy  show of political muscle.

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Out went Turner (R-Ohio), a brash, prickly defense hawk who had been elevated by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and had become an internal headache for Johnson due to what many saw as his hamfisted handling of a divisive intraparty debate over surveillance powers.

In came Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), a more MAGA-friendly, America First type who, crucially, had better relationships with the House GOPs hard right  the fractious bloc that Johnson needs to keep happy as he tries to pass Trumps agenda with a razor-thin majority in the coming months.

In, too, came a new crop of rank-and-file Intel members  each of whom helped Johnson with parochial political problems in the House. He rewarded Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), who helped run his speaker vote whip operation, and found a consolation prize for Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), who lost out on the Foreign Affairs Committee gavel.

Problems solved. But, also, problems created.

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The easygoing, always smiling Johnson is quickly learning that wielding power means making enemies  especially when you bungle the execution.

Johnson entered his private meeting with Turner armed with a host of internal conference reasons for firing him, but the speakers decision to briefly cite concerns from Mar-a-Lago as a justification for his decision vexed Trumps inner circle, who said that the president-elect had nothing to do with the matter and accused Johnson of trying to paper over his own political considerations.

Perhaps more importantly, he has made a new enemy in Turner, who declined to comment.

The former chair is not exactly a beloved figure on Capitol Hill. He can be brusque, even condescending, some say. But he has a close group of allies on national security issues who are now aghast at Johnsons move  especially, they say, after the Intel chair had played a key role in brokering a deal with Democrats to reject a far-right putsch against Johnson.



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Many House Republicans think Johnson might come to regret the choice given his slim margin.

Mike Turner is not going to go gently into that good night, said one incensed senior GOP aide who isnt necessarily a Turner fan. It is frustrating when we have a two-seat majority, one-seat majority, but youre angering and embarrassing a very volatile member for what appears to be minimal gain.

From the perspective of Johnson and his allies, he had good reason to let Turner loose  dating back to what they describe as a pattern of bad behavior during the heated internal debate over reauthorizing so-called Section 702 powers that intelligence agencies had used to spy on Americans.

For some House conservatives, their spat with Turner was about policy: They wanted those powers reined in, and Turner did not. Johnsons concern was about the chairs tactics.

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The speaker tried to settle intra-GOP tensions by proposing that the hard-right members pushing for reforms  Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio)  get votes on floor amendments they supported. But Turner refused to allow it, threatening to tank the entire bill in an echo of the ultimatums that ultraconservatives frequently deploy.

That alone would justify a speaker ousting one of his chairs, many lawmakers say. Then, just hours after Johnson told Turner he didnt get to decide on amendments, the rebuffed chair cryptically warned of a serious national security threat  later reported to be Russian plans for a space-based nuclear weapon.

The news forced White House and congressional leaders to scramble and infuriated Turners opponents on Section 702, who viewed his move as a heavy-handed attempt at bulldozing them.

He called a national security emergency to prove a point about why something shouldnt get a vote on the floor, one senior GOP aide said. Completely out of bounds.

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Turner would later alienate a fellow Republican on the committee  its future chair. Crawford bristled at what he believed were Turners attempts to curb his investigation of Havana syndrome, the mysterious affliction reported by some U.S. government personnel abroad that has been dismissed by intelligence agencies, as the Washington Examiner first reported (and as Turner allies dispute).

Late last year, Crawford and fellow Intel member Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) went to Johnson to express concerns about Turners leadership, Ive learned from two knowledgeable officials. In Caesar-like fashion, they later pitched themselves for promotions if Turner went down: Crawford for chair, and Kelly for vice chair. (Kellys office denied this; Crawfords did not comment but sent a statement praising Turner.)

Weeks later, Johnson made his move.

Now hes facing major sour grapes from Turners allies, who hail from the old-school Reaganite wing of the party. They argue Turner was sacrificed to placate the hard right even after he showed himself willing to be a team player.



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Turner wasnt happy, one said, when Johnson blindsided him by putting two close Trump allies on the committee  Reps. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.)  but worked hard anyway to bring them into the fold. When Perry asked for an endorsement in a close reelection battle last year, Turner gave it.

Even more exasperating, Turners allies say, is that he played a key role in saving Johnsons speakership. At last years Munich Security Conference, Turner worked with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to broker a smoke signal  if Johnson got Ukraine aid through the House, Democrats would make sure the attempt from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to remove him wouldnt succeed.

And when reports emerged last year that conservatives would threaten Turners gavel over his firm support for Ukraine aid, they said Johnson assured him, Youve got nothing to worry about, Mike. (People familiar with Johnson's conversations said the speaker made no such assurance.)

All this would add up to your standard internecine Capitol Hill political dispute  until Johnson invoked Mar-a-Lago in explaining his decision to Turner, which Turner then publicly disclosed.

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It makes sense that Trump might want him out: While Turner vocally defended Trump during his 2019 impeachment, hes also been critical on occasion  saying Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents was of grave concern, for instance, and blasting Trumps unfounded allegations about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, in his district.

And there is certainly skepticism in Trumps orbit about Turners relationship with the intelligence community. According to three people who spoke to my colleague Robbie Gramer, plans to have a top Turner aide, Adam Howard, assume a senior role at the National Security Council went awry after a conservative online platform framed the move as a win for the deep state.

But Turner had taken steps to firm up his relationship with Trump  and the incoming president had taken note.The president-elect texted to thank Turner for supportive TV appearances during the campaign and even brought him a birthday cake when Turner was in Palm Beach with other chairmen last weekend.

Put another way, either Trump insiders really did give a quiet nudge for Turners dismissal or  as many Republicans are speculating right now  Johnson used concerns at Mar-a-Lago to give himself cover for a difficult decision.

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Hes not the kind of guy who would relish firing somebody, as one GOP member told me.

Needless to say, such a move would not go over well with the president-elect, and after Turner disclosed the comment, Johnson quickly launched into clean-up mode and told reporters the decision was his alone and not about Donald Trump.

Inside the House GOP, though, the damage has been done. Among Turners allies  a leadership-friendly cadre that tends to be part of any speakers bulwark against the fiery demands of the hard right  there are new doubts about Johnsons judgment.

Its a shame, the GOP member said. Politics trumps substance, work ethic and experience.

And common sense, another added: You have a two-seat majority, and you shot one of your members.
Every other day, Joseph McKinney, Joseph Sevilla and Sal Almanza wake up around 4 a.m. and eat breakfast at their base camp at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena before heading up the San Gabriel Mountains to do battle with one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles County history.

Their firefighting tasks, which are assigned each day by their captains, could include containment work, structure defense or removing dry vegetation to try and stop the spread of the blaze. The men work either 12- or 24-hour shifts and if they work the latter, they get the next day off to recuperate at base camp.

While McKinney, Sevilla and Almanza perform all the same duties as the other first responders, they're not professional firefighters. The trio are incarcerated at Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp 41, a medium-security level prison in Valyermo, an unincorporated part of L.A. County in the Antelope Valley.

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The men are part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Conservation Fire Camps Program, which operates 35 fire camps throughout the state. Participants respond to natural disasters such as wildfires and floods. When they aren't tending to emergencies, they help maintain parks and assist with sand-bagging.

As of Friday, more than 1,100 incarcerated firefighters were battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and are shaping up to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Historically, incarcerated firefighters have comprised up to 30% of the California wildfire force.

A California Department of Corrections hand crew works containment lines ahead of the Palisades fire. (Ethan Swope/AP)

"We're not used to seeing damage on this scale," McKinney said. "We're not used to seeing that, because we're usually out in wildfire situations where the mountains are burning. But this has been really devastating to see because there's been so much loss here."

The men initially joined the program to shave some time off of their sentences  they either earn one or two days of credit for every day of work, depending on their sentence. But some of them said that after they joined, they found the job rewarding and a chance to pursue a potential career path for after they're released.

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Almanza originally tried to pursue firefighting about a decade ago, but it didn't pan out for him.

"I just thought, how funny is it that I ended up in the situation that I really wanted to be in a long time ago," the 42-year-old said. "It's come back full circle."

Before Sevilla, 23, was incarcerated, he was job hopping, from working at a biotech company to fast food restaurants. He plans to pursue a career in wildland firefighting after he's released.

"I ended up falling in love with it," he said. "You get to be out here in the wilderness. You get to be outdoors, moving around. So on top of being healthy, and getting that physical exercise, you get a mental exercise in knowing you're providing for the community and doing something good for the people."

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Read more: Opinion: California's inmate firefighters deserve more than a raise. Make them employees

Working on the front lines has hit close to home for McKinney. The 44-year-old used to live in Old Town Pasadena, above the Crown City pawn shop. He remembers a moment when they were battling the blaze at the Mt. Wilson Observatory and he looked out over all of the black smoke and wondered if the fire would ever stop.

The men say that more than anything else, they're grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

"It has been so psychologically positive to us," McKinney said. "At times when you're incarcerated, you might feel alone, might feel like you're left out of community or out of society. This has shown that we can still have a great impact, even from this position where we're at."

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In order to qualify for the program, participants must have eight years or less of their sentence remaining, be physically and mentally fit enough for the required duties and not be convicted for certain charges, such as arson, rape and an escape history.

The program has faced criticism, primarily for the wages that incarcerated firefighters earn  between $5.80 and $10.24 a day, plus $1 an hour from Cal Fire during active emergencies. The program has also be criticized for the associated health risks and the notion that the program exploits the firefighters for "forced labor."

Incarcerated workers are more prone to being injured than professional firefighters, according to research from the ACLU and the University of Chicago Law School. At least four incarcerated firefighters have died on the front lines and, during a five-year period, more than 1,000 needed hospital care, according to the ACLU report.

The pathway to becoming a firefighter after prison isn't clear-cut. It can be difficult to get municipal firefighting jobs, for instance, because they require EMT certification  something felons are barred from getting under California law.

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In 2020, Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2147 in order to help get criminal records expunged for nonviolent offenders who participated in the firefighting program. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) also recently introduced AB 247, which would give incarcerated firefighters a pay bump, by giving them the same wages as the lowest nonincarcerated firefighters.

Read more: Kim Kardashian wants higher pay rate for inmate firefighters: 'I see them as heroes'

Proponents of the program stress that participation is voluntary and that it provides future career opportunities for inmates. Incarcerated firefighters have gone on work with Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and other hotshot crews, according to the corrections department. Cal Fire has also partnered with the corrections department, the California Conservation Corps and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to develop an 18-month training and certification program at the Ventura Training Center.

When they're not battling the blaze, the men spend their downtime resting, eating, showering and doing laundry at the base camp. They're also able to make phone calls to their friends and family from a shared phone  something that isn't yet possible when they're on the front lines of the fire.

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But corrections officials say they are evaluating new technology to allow the men to bring mobile devices to make calls while fighting fires.

Firefighters can be at out at the fire for weeks at a time, making it difficult to communicate with their loved ones. Almanza said he recently was able to call his 12-year-old son, whose birthday is in two days.

"I got to tell him before I left that I love him and that I might not be able to wish him a happy birthday," he said.

The L.A.-based Anti-Recidivism Coalition has started a fundraiser to try to support the incarcerated firefighters and has raised more than $40,000 as of Friday, according to executive director Sam Lewis.

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"The beautiful thing about this horrible tragedy is the unity that it has created across the county of Los Angeles," Lewis said. "People have lost so much because of these two fires."

The money is going toward meals, toiletries, gear and replacing a shower facility at one of the camps, Lewis said. The leftover money will either go toward the inmates' commissary accounts or scholarship funds for formerly incarcerated firefighters.

"It's a way for the public to be able to say we appreciate you putting yourself in harm's way to save our property," Lewis said. "Literally, they are fighting this fire that has taken so much from so many."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DENVER (KDVR)  The family of one of the 16th Street Mall stabbing victims is speaking out about the tragedy.

The family of 34-year-old Nick Burkett started a memorial of candles, flowers and pictures near 16th Street and Wazee Street in downtown Denver on Friday, just days after his death. He and 71-year-old Celinda Levno were killed in two of the four random stabbings along the 16th Street Mall last weekend.

Denver officials say shovel snow only when you feel safe during arctic blast

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They come down here because they feel safe. Theres other people around and it just feels like a safe place, said Nicks father Wayne Burkett.

The suspect, 24-year-old Elijah Caudill, was arrested after Burketts incident on Sunday night. Caudill was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault on Friday. The Denver District Attorneys office declined an interview with FOX31, but said they will prosecute this case to the full extent of the law.

Its terrifying just to think about what had happened and what he went through in his last moments, said Wayne. We wanted to see where he was and just get a feel for what happened.

Burketts family said Nick struggled with drug abuse and lived on the streets of Denver. They believe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time but was possibly seen as an easy target.

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I do believe my son looked pretty frail from the drug abuse and I know he was pretty weak looking and probably wasnt moving very well, Burketts mother Carol Cortez. He meant a lot to us. He was important. He wasnt just a throwaway person. He was loved by a lot of people.

The family said they found out about Burketts death from the news, two days after it happened but they are grateful the suspect was caught.

We were thinking that he ODd so finding out that he was murdered was just shocking, said Cortez. Apparently my son and the killer were pretty much the same type of people both needed help.

3 drivers crash into separate buildings within 14 hours

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Unfortunately, the family knows what the other victims families are also going through as well.

Were all in this together and we really have to fight for our city to be safe, said Nicks younger sister Maxine Burkett. I guarantee you every single person out here on these streets has somebody that loves and cares about them and wishes that they could take the right steps.

The family has set up a GoFundMe.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A reckless driver was arrested for almost striking a Jackson County deputy before fleeing into Houston County on Thursday.

According to the news release, deputies were patrolling the Malone area when a car driving north in the southbound lane almost hit a patrol vehicle. When the officer attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver made a U-turn and began to accelerate.

Bay County jury finds against CNN in defamation lawsuit

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The pursuit crossed into Houston County and the vehicle eventually came to a stop, authorities wrote.

The driver identified as Jimmy Dixon, exited the vehicle and was arrested. When Houston County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived on the scene, they assisted the Jackson County Sheriffs Office in taking Dixon into custody.

Dixon was charged with Reckless Driving, Fleeing and Eluding, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked Knowingly and is currently housed at the Houston County jail.

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More than 167,000 Minnesotans signed up for 2025 health plans through the states official health insurance marketplace, officials announced Friday.

That number, 167,163, is the highest number of people to sign up for private health insurance plans since MNsure began more than a decade ago.

It is also a 14 percent increase over 2024 sign-ups, according to a news release Friday.

I am extraordinarily proud of our work, together with our broker, navigator, and certified application counselor partners, to serve Minnesotans and help a record number find health insurance that meets their needs and budget, said Libby Caulum, MNsures chief executive officer, noting that the state legislation to establish MNsure passed 12 years ago. Im so pleased to say that, since we were established, MNsure has helped tens of thousands of Minnesotans get comprehensive health insurance and save more than twice the amount state leaders had hoped for  over $2.3 billion in savings, to date.

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Although the open-enrollment period has ended, Minnesotans without health insurance who experience a major life event, such as getting married, having a baby or losing employer insurance can still be eligible, the news release noted. In addition, the deadline doesnt apply to residents who qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, or members of federally recognized tribes, who can enroll in health insurance through MNsure any time of year.

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ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Red Cross volunteers and community partners are offering free smoke alarm installations for Odessa residents in need during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety event.

Through the Sound the Alarm campaign, we directly assist local families by installing smoke alarms, which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half, said Tracy Austin, Executive Director of the Permian Basin Chapter. Our mission is to help people prepare for, respond to, and recover from home fires, which remain the most frequent disaster the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes across the U.S.

The Red Cross said the initiative is part of its national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more than 2,212 lives since its inception in October 2014.

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If you would like to schedule a free smoke alarm installation, please call Red Cross at 210-582-1962 or visit its website here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Member of Waqf bill JPC and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should clarify his stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and say whether he supports the bill or not. "Bihar CM Nitish Kumar should clear its stand on it (the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024). He should tell whether he supports the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 or not. Interestingly, he remains silent... If he says anything, he will not be the chief minister... People are saying that he (Bihar CM Nitish Kumar) is the most opportunistic politician in the country itself..." said TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. Meanwhile, Waqf Amendment Bill JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said, "We held meetings with advocates, journalists, the Shia Waqf Board, the Sunni Waqf Board, and the Secretary of the Minority Department of the state government... They put forth their views... Tomorrow we will hold a meeting in Kolkata and on January 21 we will hold a meeting in Lucknow..." Notably, the budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the union budget to be presented on February 1. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to submit its report during the budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is conducting extensive consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation. (ANI)
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Many groups and organizations are pausing to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Luzerne County Branch of the NAACP and the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association hosted their annual program at the Luzerne County Courthouse.

It was a day filled with music and inspirational messages surrounding Dr. Kings message.

Pipe-replacing project underway in Luzerne County

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The event celebrated the life of dr. King, and focused on his relationship with U.S. presidents and the role of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

[The] program is important so it can remind us about what history has taught us, and if we dont learn from history, we are bound to repeat it, explained Kas Williams, of Misericordia University.

Melissa Rivers, the new president of the Luzerne County Branch of of the NAACP, noted that they are always looking for new members to keep the organizations work alive in our community.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Jan. 17A 15-page report released by a University of New Hampshire working group concludes that police likely violated students' free speech rights during their response to campus protests last spring that resulted in a dozen arrests.

The report compiled by the President's Working Group on Free Speech and Expression Policies and Communication concludes that the response by police to the pro-Palestinian protest should be investigated by an independent body.

Twelve people  10 students and two people unaffiliated with the school  were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after demonstrators attempted to set up an encampment in front of the university's Thompson Hall. Criminal charges against at least four of the students involved were later dropped after the students reportedly reached plea deals.

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The working group comprised faculty; professional, administrative and technical staff; operational staff; and student leaders representing the Durham, Manchester and Concord areas.

"Many members of the working group believe the students' freedom of speech rights were likely violated because of institutional action taken on May 1, 2024," the report found.

"The working group agreed that elements of the UNH response on May 1, 2024, did not align with its espoused values, namely that freedom of speech and free expression is fundamental to our identity as an institution of higher learning," the report states. "Trained student affairs professionals seeking to de-escalate should be the default first response to a student demonstration. Law enforcement intervention should be reserved for matters where there is an urgent safety concern, destruction of property, disruption of the educational mission of the University, or when attempts to de-escalate have failed

" the report says.

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It goes on to say that Durham's police chief should solicit an "independent and thorough investigation into the conduct and statements, sworn and otherwise, of the members of the UNH police department involved in the events of May 1."

"The investigators should consult directly with UNH students harmed by the actions and publish a report that addresses accountability for police action, both on the day and in subsequent statements," the report says.

The working group's review was conducted at the request of UNH's new president, Elizabeth Chilton.

"In the coming days, I will work with my executive team and leaders of key campus units, including the Division of Student Life and the UNH Police Department, to evaluate the recommendations and propose specific actions for strengthening our commitment to free speech, expression, and campus safety," Chilton said in a statement after the report's release.

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The report directly criticizes the decision by university officials to involve State Police, some in riot gear.

"The working group also unequivocally states that it was an institutional mistake to rely on the state police in this instance as this decision resulted in an excessive use of force against student protesters who did not represent an immediate safety risk or threat," the report states.

The report also mentions former UNH police chief Paul Dean, who this month accepted a job in Gov. Kelly Ayotte's administration.

"Chief Dean's actions amid the protestors where he can be seen on video tussling with a small group over a tent flap objectively escalated the tension, emotion, and stakes," the report says.

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The report states "decision-making by only a few individuals in isolation not only escalated the May 1 events" but is also "emblematic of the resilient systemic and cultural problems at UNH."

"For the institution and its members to mutually agree to move forward and begin repairing damaged relationships, there must be accountability and acknowledgment of the harm caused to all who have been impacted," the report found.
Hunter Biden received a full and unconditional pardon from his dad, President Joe Biden in December. But this gesture of love, one of President Joe Bidens final acts while in office, came before Special Counsel Davis Weiss released the final report on his investigation into the presidents son.

As Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the chairman of the oversight committee, released a statement that said Special Counsel David Weiss six-year-long case into the presidents son came to an abrupt end and he was forced to release an incomplete 27-page report because of the unprecedented pardon. The pardon prevents Weiss from holding Hunter Biden accountable for international influence peddling while President Biden served as vice president, Comer said.

Lets be clear: the Biden DOJ was never going to prosecute the Biden Crime Family. The House Oversight Committees investigation of the Bidens influence peddling schemes revealed how Joe Biden knew about, participated in, and benefited from his family cashing in on the Biden name, Comer continued.

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Joe Biden will be remembered for using his last few weeks in office to shield his son from the law and protect himself. The presidents legacy is the same as his familys business dealings: corrupt, he said.

STATEMENT ON SPECIAL COUNSEL WEISS REPORT ON HUNTER BIDEN



Special Counsel David Weiss just released an incomplete 27-page report because President Joe Biden issued his son an unprecedented pardon. This sweeping pardon prevents the Special Counsel from holding Hunter Biden  Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) January 14, 2025

Hunter Biden was convicted in two cases last year. His pardon came ahead of sentencing hearings.

He was convicted of buying a gun while lying about using drugs. He also pled guilty to committing tax fraud and failing to pay $1.4 million in federal taxes.

Ahead of the trials, President Biden maintained he would not pardon his son, but went against his promise at the last minute in a move that protects Hunter Biden for any crimes he may have committed from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024.

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At the time, the president indicated his son was unfairly targeted because of his position in office.

No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son  and that is wrong, Biden said.

Whats in the report

But Weiss rejected the presidents assertion in the report and defended the thorough, impartial investigations into the presidents son.

Other presidents have pardoned family members, but in doing so, none have taken the occasion as an opportunity to malign the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations, the report said.

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Weiss, who took on the role of special counsel in 2023, said, Politicians who attack the decisions of career prosecutors as politically motivated when they disagree with the outcome of a case undermine the publics confidence in our criminal justice system. The report argued President Bidens statements impugn the integrity not only of Department of Justice personnel, but all of the public servants making these difficult decisions in good faith.

Heres what else the report found:

Hunter Biden, a lawyer and businessman, willfully failed to pay his taxes in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 despite living an extravagant lifestyle.

He earned more than $7 million in total gross income, including approximately $1.5 million in 2016, $2.3 million in 2017, $2.1 million in 2018, $1 million in 2019 and $188,000 from January through October 15, 2020.

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(Hunter) Biden made this money by using his last name and connections to secure lucrative business opportunities, such as a board seat at a Ukrainian industrial conglomerate, Burisma Holdings Limited, and a joint venture with individuals associated with a Chinese energy conglomerate, the report said. He negotiated and executed contracts and agreements that paid him millions of dollars for limited work.

Hunter Bidens lawyer reacts

Abbe Lowell, left, an attorney for Hunter Biden, makes a statement after Biden pled guilty to federal tax charges, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. | Eric Thayer

As CNN reported, Hunter Bidens lawyer, Abbe Lowell in a statement said the report omits the plea deal Weiss struck with the presidents son in 2023, which came recommended by a career prosecutor.

Mr. Weiss also fails to explain why he reneged on his own agreement, a reversal that came at the 11th hour in court as he and his office faced blistering attacks from Republicans and his then filing unprecedented charges for someone with no aggravating gun factors who had paid his taxes in full years before the charges were filed, Lowell sad. Finally, and most curious, Mr. Weiss fails to clarify why he and his prosecutors pursued wild  and debunked  conspiracies about Mr. Biden by a Russian agent that prolonged this investigation and ultimately cost taxpayers millions of dollars. What is clear from this report is that the investigation into Hunter Biden is a cautionary tale of the abuse of prosecutorial power.

Biden, in an interview with USA Today, said he hoped the pardon wouldnt set a bad precedent. He said he pardoned his son for two reasons. First, he paid his share in taxes, albeit late. Second, the president claimed that no ones ever been tried for lying on a form before purchasing a firearm.

And they potentially put him in jail for X number of years for that. He had (the gun) for 10 days. Two days in his possession. No weapon, no bullets, no movement, no leave. And it got returned, Biden said.
In his first term as president, Donald Trump appointed three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. But Trump, who takes the oath of office for a second term Jan. 20, 2025, has said he will leave abortion policy to the states. But the reality is the Trump administration will likely have to take some federal action, including on litigation that has major implications for access to abortion drugs and emergency health care. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

In the days following President-elect Donald Trumps win last November, a national abortion-assistance hotline was being inundated with calls.

They were confused about whether abortion was even still legal in the country, because they have heard the rhetoric around Trumps position on abortion, said Brittany Fonteno, the president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation.

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The association of abortion providers runs what Fonteno says is the largest financial assistance program for people seeking abortions and is among the many groups preparing for another potentially destabilizing shift in U.S. reproductive health policy after Trump takes office Monday. The Republican who appointed, in his first term, three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, has said he will leave abortion policy to the states. But the reality is the Trump administration will likely have to take some federal action on abortion, including on several pending federal lawsuits that have major implications for access to abortion drugs and emergency health care.

Many activists that spent the last year trying to fight off a subsequent Trump term are now focused on how to maintain and expand access to abortion and birth control but also maternal and prenatal care. All has been affected in states with abortion bans, but activists fear people in states with liberal abortion policies could soon be impacted.

Everything has changed, Fonteno told States Newsroom. We are heading into absolutely the most hostile landscape for abortion access in 50 years in this country, without the legal protection of Roe and with the most hostile administration to abortion access.

Maintaining access abortion and miscarriage drugs

As legal confusion over abortion persists across the country, the Abortion Defense Network is going into its third year providing free legal advice to abortion providers.

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Right now, we are readying ourselves for whatever may come and getting ready to respond to any changes and understand those changes so that we can best serve our clients, said Cassie Ehrenberg, senior counsel for pro bono initiatives for the Lawyering Project, which manages the intake calls and operations of the network.

Ehrenberg would not specify how many clients the network serves, but said they field a lot of provider questions about medical licensing and what different state laws allow. She said that November 2024 saw more than three times as many inquiries to the hotline as the year before.

Many of the ongoing federal abortion fights involve two medications approved in 2000 by the Food and Drug Administration for first-trimester abortions but also used for miscarriage management and other health conditions: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs and their loosened restrictions under the Biden administration have made it possible for more people, including those living in states with abortion bans, to terminate pregnancies. They accounted for an estimated 63% of all abortions in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, up from 53% in 2020.

However, states such as Texas and Louisiana have begun cracking down on the mailing of these drugs and restricting their use even for non-abortion purposes. And many anti-abortion activists are lobbying the new Trump administration to ban telehealth abortions and reinstate other old FDA restrictions, or to enforce the 1800s-era Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion drugs and information. During his campaign, Trump said he would not order the U.S. Justice Department to enforce Comstock. But after the election, he gave TIME Magazine conflicting statements about whether his administration would try to restrict access to medication abortion, saying both that he was open to the FDA reversing the approval of abortion pills and committed to maintaining access to abortion drugs.

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Fonteno said the National Abortion Federation has prepared for different contingency plans, including giving clinics guidelines to administer medication abortions without mifepristone, were the drug to become unavailable.

Abortion rights and anti-abortion rights activists demonstrated outside the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2024 to mark two years since the courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling, which reversed federal protections for access to abortions. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Helping patients finance abortions with dwindling resources

As the director of case management at Tampa Bay Abortion Fund in Florida, Bree Wallace said a big part of what her organization does is not just help people pay for abortions they cant afford, but also teach them how to fly.

Many of the people who call in, Wallace said, are really young or poor or on the verge of being unhoused and have never been on a plane before.

Its a lot of having to explain, like, heres how you get to the airport and get your boarding pass; this is how you get off and get a ride share; this is how you check into a hotel, Wallace told States Newsroom. Its definitely really scary for them, and were not next to them to really help, so were just kind of helping through the phone.

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In addition to the logistical and informational support, these patients depend on the money to be able to take a short-notice plane ride or to pay for lodging or child care or the abortion itself. Most abortion are not covered under public insurance in about half the country.

Like many independent abortion funds across the country, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund is struggling to meet the rising patient need as ballooning abortion and travel costs outpace donations to these independent funds. Wallace told States Newsroom that the average pledge for appointment costs per caller grew from $340 to $430 between 2023 and 2024. The increase in patient need is partly because many abortion clinics have had to increase their prices to stay open but also because national organizations like Planned Parenthood and NAF cut their patient funding last summer. NAF reduced its patient grants from 50% of the cost of care to 30%, which abortion funds leaders told States Newsroom has put major strains on their budgets.

Wallace said that Tampa Bay Abortion Fund assisted nearly 2,000 people in 2024 and spent nearly $700,000. But the situation has also shifted in Florida, which had been a major abortion access point for the Southeast until last May, when the state began enforcing a 6-week abortion ban, a law that was ultimately not overturned by a much anticipated citizen-led ballot initiative that narrowly missed the 60% required approval. As of Dec. 31, more than 60,000 abortions happened in Florida in 2024, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, down from around 84,000 in 2023.

Floridas law limits abortion before many people even know they are pregnant. Wallace said the fund is now serving fewer out-of-state patients but receives many calls from Floridians who are around five weeks pregnant and racing against the clock to come up with $500. She said the fund also helps people travel outside of Florida.

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Less than three weeks into 2025, Wallace said things are incredibly busy at the fund.

I think Ive talked to over 70 people in the past three days, she said, noting that her organization is working hard to raise more money. No matter whos president, I think abortion funds and organizations are going to help people get abortions as long as they possibly can.

Some states with liberal abortion policies, like California and Illinois, have started allocating funding to some abortion funds. But Chicago Abortion Fund executive director Megan Jeyifo said that even with $1 million annually from the city along with county and state funding for wraparound services like transportation, lodging, child care, and meal stipends, shes constantly worried about her organizations budget. Illinois has become a major access point serving people from the Midwest and South, where abortion has been largely restricted or banned.

Jeyifo said CAF supported around 15,000 people last year, compared to around 800 in 2019, many of them coming from Indiana and Missouri, but also from nearly all 50 states. In response to greater patient need, Jeyifo said new clinics have opened in the state and many have increased capacity. She said CAFs helpline budget for appointment costs rose by more than 93% in November 2024 compared to the previous year.

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For five years  we funded every single person that reached out to us, Jeyifo told States Newsroom. And we just cant guarantee that anymore because of the constraints on our budget.

Fonteno said NAFs decision to cut patient grants last year was necessary to keep pace with their growing need  more than 100,000 patients last year, many of whom had to travel out of state  despite having the largest budget in the programs history. She said NAF has the same $55 million budget for this year, which will allow them to bump up some of the funding they cut and restore what Fonteno calls the exception budget, which before last summer would help fund later abortions (which can cost as much as $10,000) as well as help patients weather extreme circumstances like intimate partner violence.

We anticipate that the need for practical and financial support for abortion care is only going to increase with this incoming administration, with the potential for additional threats to abortion access, Fonteno said. So were going to be really doubling down on our patient support.

Advocates on edge over Trumps deportation pledge

While playing coy about his abortion policy intentions, Trump has been firm on immigration, pledging to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, which has put reproductive health and justice advocates on edge.

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Were seeing that, for immigrants specifically, the [abortion] bans have created impossible situations, said Lupe M. Rodriguez, executive director of the advocacy group National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. She said undocumented immigrants are scared of traveling even within border states like Texas, noting there are internal immigration checkpoints. She said those who live in areas without affordable reproductive health clinics may not be able to access prenatal, contraceptive or wellness care.

But even for people without immigration status concerns, Rodriguez said the Latinx community is disproportionately impacted by abortion bans. In addition to policy advocacy, Rodriguez said her organization is focused on informing people how and where to access abortion and reproductive health services.

Fonteno said NAFs member clinics have been advised not to ask questions about a persons immigration status when it comes to providing funding.

Pushing for broader reproductive justice

On Saturday, two days ahead of Trumps second presidential inauguration, thousands of progressive advocates will march in Washington, D.C., at an event organized by the Womens March, now called the Peoples March to signify a more inclusive and expansive civil rights movement focused on democracy, immigration and climate issues in addition to gender and reproductive justice.

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Juxtaposing Trumps Make America Great Again message, the marchs theme is We Are Not Going Backwards, or as is relayed in a promotional video, Erew ton gniog sdrawkcab. Womens March managing director Tamika Middleton said about 40,000 people RSVPd to rally and march from Franklin Park to the Lincoln Memorial. The event will also include informational sessions on bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, the principle that people have the right to control their reproductive health care, including the ability to birth and parent safely.

Regina Davis Moss, a reproductive justice advocate and public health expert, told States Newsroom that the legal abortion framework enshrined in Roe v. Wade, which marks its 52nd anniversary on Jan. 22, was not enough to guarantee abortion access especially for people of color and those living in poverty. But more crucially, Roe did not address high poverty and infant and maternal mortality rates among Black women, which Moss said her group, In Our Own Voice: National Black Womens Reproductive Justice Agenda, is focused on.

This week, Moss said she met in Las Vegas with some of the original founders of the reproductive justice movement, looking for insight on how to move forward with Trump and the Republican majority in Congress that could limit reproductive health access further and fail to address the impacts of state abortion bans.

This is a time that we can really spend on education, Moss said. Im more than certain that were going to see the unintended impact of some of these [abortion bans] in real time.  We are going to continue to see  people having to be brought to the brink of death before hospitals will intervene, and more and more health care providers leaving rural areas. And so hopefully that helps people understand, on both sides of the aisle, why its important.
Abortion rights and anti-abortion rights activists demonstrated outside the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2024 to mark two years since the court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, which reversed federal protections for access to abortions. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In the days following President-elect Donald Trumps win last November, a national abortion-assistance hotline was being inundated with calls.

They were confused about whether abortion was even still legal in the country, because they have heard the rhetoric around Trumps position on abortion, said Brittany Fonteno, the president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation.

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The association of abortion providers runs what Fonteno says is the largest financial assistance program for people seeking abortions and is among the many groups preparing for another potentially destabilizing shift in U.S. reproductive health policy after Trump takes office Monday.

The Republican who appointed, in his first term, three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, has said he will leave abortion policy to the states. But the reality is the Trump administration will likely have to take some federal action on abortion, including on several pending federal lawsuits that have major implications for access to abortion drugs and emergency health care.

Many activists that spent the last year trying to fight off a subsequent Trump term are now focused on how to maintain and expand access to abortion and birth control but also maternal and prenatal care. All has been affected in states with abortion bans, but activists fear people in states with liberal abortion policies could soon be impacted.

Everything has changed, Fonteno told States Newsroom. We are heading into absolutely the most hostile landscape for abortion access in 50 years in this country, without the legal protection of Roe and with the most hostile administration to abortion access.

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Maintaining access abortion and miscarriage drugs

As legal confusion over abortion persists across the country, the Abortion Defense Network is going into its third year providing free legal advice to abortion providers.

Right now, we are readying ourselves for whatever may come and getting ready to respond to any changes and understand those changes so that we can best serve our clients, said Cassie Ehrenberg, senior counsel for pro bono initiatives for the Lawyering Project, which manages the intake calls and operations of the network.

Ehrenberg would not specify how many clients the network serves, but said they field a lot of provider questions about medical licensing and what different state laws allow. She said that November 2024 saw more than three times as many inquiries to the hotline as the year before.

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Many of the ongoing federal abortion fights involve two medications approved in 2000 by the Food and Drug Administration for first-trimester abortions but also used for miscarriage management and other health conditions: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs and their loosened restrictions under the Biden administration have made it possible for more people, including those living in states with abortion bans, to terminate pregnancies. They accounted for an estimated 63% of all abortions in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, up from 53% in 2020.

However, states such as Texas and Louisiana have begun cracking down on the mailing of these drugs and restricting their use even for non-abortion purposes. And many anti-abortion activists are lobbying the new Trump administration to ban telehealth abortions and reinstate other old FDA restrictions, or to enforce the 1800s-era Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion drugs and information. During his campaign, Trump said he would not order the U.S. Justice Department to enforce Comstock. But after the election, he gave TIME Magazine conflicting statements about whether his administration would try to restrict access to medication abortion, saying both that he was open to the FDA reversing the approval of abortion pills and committed to maintaining access to abortion drugs.

Fonteno said the National Abortion Federation has prepared for different contingency plans, including giving clinics guidelines to administer medication abortions without mifepristone, were the drug to become unavailable.

In his first term as president, Donald Trump appointed three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. But Trump, who takes the oath of office for a second term Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, has said he will leave abortion policy to the states. But the reality is the Trump administration will likely have to take some federal action, including on litigation that has major implications for access to abortion drugs and emergency health care. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Helping patients finance abortions with dwindling resources

As the director of case management at Tampa Bay Abortion Fund in Florida, Bree Wallace said a big part of what her organization does is not just help people pay for abortions they cant afford, but also teach them how to fly.

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Many of the people who call in, Wallace said, are really young or poor or on the verge of being unhoused and have never been on a plane before.

Its a lot of having to explain, like, heres how you get to the airport and get your boarding pass; this is how you get off and get a ride share; this is how you check into a hotel, Wallace told States Newsroom. Its definitely really scary for them, and were not next to them to really help, so were just kind of helping through the phone.

In addition to the logistical and informational support, these patients depend on the money to be able to take a short-notice plane ride or to pay for lodging or child care or the abortion itself. Most abortion are not covered under public insurance in about half the country.

Like many independent abortion funds across the country, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund is struggling to meet the rising patient need as ballooning abortion and travel costs outpace donations to these independent funds. Wallace told States Newsroom that the average pledge for appointment costs per caller grew from $340 to $430 between 2023 and 2024.

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The increase in patient need is partly because many abortion clinics have had to increase their prices to stay open but also because national organizations like Planned Parenthood and NAF cut their patient funding last summer. NAF reduced its patient grants from 50% of the cost of care to 30%, which abortion funds leaders told States Newsroom has put major strains on their budgets.

Wallace said that Tampa Bay Abortion Fund assisted nearly 2,000 people in 2024 and spent nearly $700,000. But the situation has also shifted in Florida, which had been a major abortion access point for the Southeast until last May, when the state began enforcing a 6-week abortion ban, a law that was ultimately not overturned by a much anticipated citizen-led ballot initiative that narrowly missed the 60% required approval. As of Dec. 31, more than 60,000 abortions happened in Florida in 2024, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, down from around 84,000 in 2023.

Floridas law limits abortion before many people even know they are pregnant. Wallace said the fund is now serving fewer out-of-state patients but receives many calls from Floridians who are around five weeks pregnant and racing against the clock to come up with $500. She said the fund also helps people travel outside of Florida.

Less than three weeks into 2025, Wallace said things are incredibly busy at the fund.

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I think Ive talked to over 70 people in the past three days, she said, noting that her organization is working hard to raise more money. No matter whos president, I think abortion funds and organizations are going to help people get abortions as long as they possibly can.

Some states with liberal abortion policies, like California and Illinois, have started allocating funding to some abortion funds. But Chicago Abortion Fund executive director Megan Jeyifo said that even with $1 million annually from the city along with county and state funding for wraparound services like transportation, lodging, child care, and meal stipends, shes constantly worried about her organizations budget. Illinois has become a major access point serving people from the Midwest and South, where abortion has been largely restricted or banned.

Jeyifo said CAF supported around 15,000 people last year, compared to around 800 in 2019, many of them coming from Indiana and Missouri, but also from nearly all 50 states. In response to greater patient need, Jeyifo said new clinics have opened in the state and many have increased capacity. She said CAFs helpline budget for appointment costs rose by more than 93% in November 2024 compared to the previous year.

For five years  we funded every single person that reached out to us, Jeyifo told States Newsroom. And we just cant guarantee that anymore because of the constraints on our budget.

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Fonteno said NAFs decision to cut patient grants last year was necessary to keep pace with their growing need  more than 100,000 patients last year, many of whom had to travel out of state  despite having the largest budget in the programs history. She said NAF has the same $55 million budget for this year, which will allow them to bump up some of the funding they cut and restore what Fonteno calls the exception budget, which before last summer would help fund later abortions (which can cost as much as $10,000) as well as help patients weather extreme circumstances like intimate partner violence.

We anticipate that the need for practical and financial support for abortion care is only going to increase with this incoming administration, with the potential for additional threats to abortion access, Fonteno said. So were going to be really doubling down on our patient support.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Advocates on edge over Trumps deportation pledge

While playing coy about his abortion policy intentions, Trump has been firm on immigration, pledging to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, which has put reproductive health and justice advocates on edge.

Were seeing that, for immigrants specifically, the [abortion] bans have created impossible situations, said Lupe M. Rodriguez, executive director of the advocacy group National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. She said undocumented immigrants are scared of traveling even within border states like Texas, noting there are internal immigration checkpoints. She said those who live in areas without affordable reproductive health clinics may not be able to access prenatal, contraceptive or wellness care.

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But even for people without immigration status concerns, Rodriguez said the Latinx community is disproportionately impacted by abortion bans. In addition to policy advocacy, Rodriguez said her organization is focused on informing people how and where to access abortion and reproductive health services.

Fonteno said NAFs member clinics have been advised not to ask questions about a persons immigration status when it comes to providing funding.

Pushing for broader reproductive justice

On Saturday, two days ahead of Trumps second presidential inauguration, thousands of progressive advocates will march in Washington, D.C., at an event organized by the Womens March, now called the Peoples March to signify a more inclusive and expansive civil rights movement focused on democracy, immigration and climate issues in addition to gender and reproductive justice.

Juxtaposing Trumps Make America Great Again message, the marchs theme is We Are Not Going Backwards, or as is relayed in a promotional video, Erew ton gniog sdrawkcab. Womens March managing director Tamika Middleton said about 40,000 people RSVPd to rally and march from Franklin Park to the Lincoln Memorial. The event will also include informational sessions on bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, the principle that people have the right to control their reproductive health care, including the ability to birth and parent safely.

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Regina Davis Moss, a reproductive justice advocate and public health expert, told States Newsroom that the legal abortion framework enshrined in Roe v. Wade, which marks its 52nd anniversary on Jan. 22, was not enough to guarantee abortion access especially for people of color and those living in poverty. But more crucially, Roe did not address high poverty and infant and maternal mortality rates among Black women, which Moss said her group, In Our Own Voice: National Black Womens Reproductive Justice Agenda, is focused on.

This week, Moss said she met in Las Vegas with some of the original founders of the reproductive justice movement, looking for insight on how to move forward with Trump and the Republican majority in Congress that could limit reproductive health access further and fail to address the impacts of state abortion bans.

This is a time that we can really spend on education, Moss said.Im more than certain that were going to see the unintended impact of some of these [abortion bans] in real time.  We are going to continue to see  people having to be brought to the brink of death before hospitals will intervene, and more and more health care providers leaving rural areas. And so hopefully that helps people understand, on both sides of the aisle, why its important.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Emergency crews responded to a rescue at Ko Olina Lagoon 4 on Thursday morning after two men were found in distress in the water.

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At around 9:45 a.m., Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene after one man, identified as a 33-year-old male, was found unresponsive in the ocean near the rocks.

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A second man in his 70s witnessed the situation and entered the water to assist in bringing the unresponsive man to shore.

Mokulele aims to resume flight operations within next 48 hours

First responders immediately began performing CPR on the 33-year-old, who was critically injured.

The second man who attempted the rescue sustained minor injuries including abrasions and lacerations.

He was also treated on-site by EMS and transported to the hospital.

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The incident is still under investigation.

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The Madeira River is the largest tributary flowing into the Amazon River and is home to many people living on the banks. These residents drink and eat fish from the river, so its water quality directly impacts them, as well as the many people living downstream. Sadly, a recent expedition discovered high levels of mercury in the water, boding ill for future generations, Mongabay reports.

What's happening?

Researchers from Harvard and Amazonas State University teamed up to monitor the water quality of the Madeira River, starting over nine miles upstream from Humaita municipality. They used an aluminum speedboat to collect water samples and tested them for a range of factors including pH, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature. They also collected sediment and soil and examined multiple species of fish.

"We are concerned about the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem, so we have two goals here," explained biologist Adriano Nobre, per Mongabay. "The creation of a water quality index for whitewater rivers and understanding the effects on environmental and public health regarding the presence of illegal miners and, consequently, the mercury contamination in the water and in the fish that the population consumes."

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According to Mongabay, the researchers found high levels of mercury  not high enough to exceed the limits set by Brazil's authorities, but still high enough to be of concern, as it ranks among the top third of rivers globally.

"So it's in the range of what we would consider elevated," said biochemist Evan Routhier, per Mongabay.

The excess mercury comes at least in part from illegal gold mining operations along the Madeira. Miners use the mercury to extract gold from the river sediment, and then simply let the contaminant flow away into the water.

Thanks to the higher levels of mercury in the water, researchers also found higher levels in the fish. The species that residents generally eat were below legal thresholds, but the carnivorous species  which tend to accumulate the largest amount of a variety of pollutants  showed elevated mercury levels that would put them above the legal limit.

Why are these findings important?

Mercury is a dangerous pollutant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages. High levels of methylmercury in the bloodstream of babies developing in the womb and young children may harm their developing nervous systems, affecting their ability to think and learn."

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This isn't just a threat to people living along the Madeira, but potentially to everyone downstream, which includes much of the Amazon Basin and the Atlantic Ocean. It also affects the Amazon ecosystem, including both plants and animals  and that ecosystem holds an irreplaceable part of the world's biodiversity. Among other effects, it impacts the population of fish that local residents rely on for food.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

What's being done about the elevated mercury?

Monitoring the situation is the first step in resolving it. This is the second expedition by Harvard and Amazonas State University to test the Amazon's tributaries, after the first in September 2023 to examine the Negro River. The work will continue with a third expedition during the dry season, Mongabay revealed.

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NEW MILFORD, Conn. (AP)  Rogers Lopez knows just how lucky his family is as they settle into their furnished two-bedroom apartment in suburban Connecticut, just before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Lopez, his wife Karina Canizarez and their 5-year-old son Jesus are refugees from Venezuela and Colombia who were embraced by a team of supportive volunteers when they arrived in December. Similar encounters happened nationwide as resettlement groups scrambled in the final days of President Joe Biden's administration to find homes for refugees before Trump sharply limits, if not closes, this path to safety and citizenship.

Always, the refugee process is very difficult, said Lopez, 29, who said "political problems" forced him from Venezuela. But it will be more difficult in the future.

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The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has brought in more than 3 million people since Congress created it in 1980 for refugees fearing persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinion.

Trump, who put tight limits on refugees in his first term, has vowed to suspend refugee resettlement as part of a broader effort to immediately end the migrant invasion of America.

Presidents set targets and Biden ramped them up, citing the generosity that has always been at the core of the American spirit, and the billions of dollars refugees have contributed to the U.S. economy.

Nearly 30,000 refugees arrived during the final three months of 2024, coming close to meeting Biden's annual cap of 125,000. Trump admitted about 11,000 during the final year of his first term, the fewest since the U.S. began resettlements.

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People are desperate to do the work right now because we have a pretty good idea that all immigration is going to cease, at least for a while, when he takes office, said Michele Shackelford, president of the New Milford Refugee Resettlement group that's helping Lopez and his family.

Often conflated with asylum-seekers who come directly to the U.S.-Mexico border, these refugees face a much more rigorous process. If the U.N. refugee agency determines they qualify, they are interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and must pass criminal background checks and medical screening. It can take years.

Aware that Trump can close the doors almost immediately, Maria Mostajo, a former Manhattan prosecutor, and Carolyn Setlow, a retired business executive, have been working furiously to settle families in Connecticut through a project they founded in their small town of Washington.

If Trump comes in and either puts the kibosh on these entries or, as hes done in the past, reduces the number of people that can enter per year, then that basically means all these people that are in the pipeline, fewer and fewer of them are actually going to get in, Mostajo said.

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During the fall of the U.S.-supported government in Afghanistan, Mostajo and Setlow held a community meeting, appealing for volunteers and funds to help settle one Afghan family of six. Through various fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign and a party donated by a local distillery, they raised $80,000, as well as donations of furniture, and clothing, free legal help, English tutoring and other assistance.

She and Setlow realized that their Washington Resettlement Project could leverage support for more refugees by providing grants of up to $10,000 to other volunteers. Since the election, they have awarded grants to the New Milford group and three others, with two more in the pipeline, Mostajo said.

After Trump's victory, global charities such as Church World Service urged volunteers across the U.S. to quickly create more private sponsorship groups as part of Welcome Corps, a U.S. State Department initiative launched in 2023 to encourage teams of citizens to take responsibility for incoming refugees. Groups need to raise a minimum of $2,425 per refugee to cover their initial 90 days of living expenses.

Larger resettlement organizations make the matches. For Connecticut, federal officials told Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services in New Haven to expect about 130 arrivals between late November and January. IRIS, which receives $3,000 per refugee from the State Department, reached out to around 50 community groups to resettle as many as possible before Inauguration Day, according to Mohammad Daad Serweri, who manages the sponsorships at IRIS.

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In just two weeks, the New Milford volunteers managed to find an apartment and fill it with food, toys and thrift store furniture. They hope the Lopez-Canizarez family will be integrated into the community, find jobs and be ready to fully take over their living expenses within a year.

The couple didn't realize they'd receive such help, and never dreamed they could live in a place where they would feel so safe.

We had no idea," Canizarez said in Spanish. "This has been marvelous for us because these are excellent people ... they took us in like we are family.

__

This story corrects the amount of federal funding Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services receives per immigrant from $2,425 per refugee to $3,000 per refugee for fiscal year 2025.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday said that the suspect in Sail Ali Khan's stabbing case had been caught from Durg by the RPF. Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said, "Actor Saif Ali Khan's suspect who had stabbed him with a knife had been caught from Durg by the RPF. The Mumbai Police is coming and the suspect will be handed over to them." The suspect has been identified as Aakash Kanojia and was travelling from the Jnaneswari Express train when he was nabbed. The actor was stabbed multiple times at his Mumbai residence in the early hours of Thursday, which left him with severe injuries. According to the IG of RPF SECR Zone Bilaspur, Munawar Khursheed, information about the suspect, was received from the Assistant Police Inspector at Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police. It was said that the suspect was travelling aboard the Jnaneswari Express train. A photo of the suspect was shared, after which the individual was brought to the Durg RPF post, and Mumbai Police officials were contacted through a video call. A team from Mumbai Police is expected to arrive in Raipur today to take custody of the suspect, the police said. The incident, which left the actor with stab wounds to his thoracic spine, occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid in the early hours of Thursday. Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is doing well and has been moved from the ICU to a normal room. The surgery, which involved removing a 2.5-inch-long blade, was successful, and while Saif is currently "out of danger," medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely. In a related development, Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams as part of an extensive investigation. Additionally, police are examining CCTV footage and questioning over 30 individuals, including the actor's staff and people seen in the vicinity of his residence that night. Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor also recorded her statement in the case with Bandra Police on Friday. (ANI)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Crews with the Rochester Fire Department were called to a structure fire early Saturday morning in Rochester on Emerson Street near Sawdey Way. When firefighters arrived to the scene they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor of a vacant 2.5 wood-frame structure at around 6 a.m.

The structure sustained significant fire damage to the second floor and the attic. No one was injured during the fire.

The fire was under control shortly before 6:50 a.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.  President-elect Donald Trumps choice to Make America Healthy Again as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services  petitioned the government to stop use of all Covid-19 vaccines in the heart of the pandemic. Kennedy petitioned the Food and Drug Administration in May 2021, asking that the agency revoke authorization for Covid vaccines, The New York Times reported Friday.

Kennedy has a long history of spreading vaccine conspiracy theories, and was a vocal opponent of preventative measures during the pandemic. In 2022, at a rally organized by his group Childrens Health Defense, he compared measures around Covid to circumstances during the Holocaust. Even in Hitlers Germany, you could cross the Alps to Switzerland. You could hide in an attic like Anne Frank did, he said. He later apologized.

The petition to stop Covid vaccinations was filed on behalf of Childrens Health Defense, theanti-vaccine nonprofit that Kennedy founded. The organization has also filed more than two dozen lawsuits about vaccines and public health. In November, the Supreme Court rejected an attempt by the group to shield doctors in Washington state who were under investigation for spreading misinformation about Covid.

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Acting on this Citizen Petition will enhance the FDAs credibility with the public, Kennedy and Meryl Nass, at the time a physician, wrote in their petition about the Covid vaccine. In 2023, a regulatory board in Maine suspended Nass license and fined her $10,000 for her treatment of three patients diagnosed with Covid. She is alleged to have improperly prescribed the antiparasitic drugs ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to these patients.

The petition also falsely argues that ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are treatments for Covid  a claim that has been discredited.

In August, the FDA denied the petition. FDA has a stringent regulatory process for licensing vaccines, the organization wrote in its denial. Experts estimate that the Covid vaccine prevented up to 140,000 deaths in the U.S.

Kennedy told NBC News in November that he would not ban vaccines in his role in the Trump administration. If vaccines are working for somebody, Im not going to take them away, he said. People ought to have choice, and that choice ought to be informed by the best information So Im going to make sure scientific safety studies and efficacy are out there, and people can make individual assessments about whether that product is going to be good for them.

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Trump defended Kennedy last month. I think hes going to be much less radical than you would think, he said.

That hasnt stopped concerns, though. Experts are now worried about how he would handle an outbreak of H5N1, or bird flu. Kennedy posted on X last June that there is no evidence that bird flu vaccines will work. Last week, over 17,000 doctors signed a letter urging senators to reject his nomination to lead HHS.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  This winter, Hawaii is seeing a dangerous surge in respiratory viruses. Health officials said these increases may be tied to a troubling trend  declining vaccination rates across the islands, especially among students.

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Its likely you, or someone you know, has come down with something. Physicians said its that time of the year.

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Cats can get sick with bird flu. Heres how to protect them

You might remember a couple of years ago, RSV was particularly bad and landed lots of people in the hospital. It seems like this winter, its looking like its going to be flu, said Dr. Phillip Verhoef, John A Burns School of Medicine professor and ICU physician.

This year, there are multiple viruses circulating: RSV, flu, COVID and Norovirus. Health officials say one of the reasons for the uptick may be the low vaccination rates, particularly amongst children.

According to Department of Health data, of 382 schools reporting in the 2023-2024 school year, 282 schools, or nearly 75%, have more than 5% of their students not up to date on vaccines. Alarmingly, 36 schools reported that over half of their student population are missing required immunizations.

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Weve just gone through a pandemic, and we asked the public to really do a lot of things in terms of the public health. And I think there was a lot of fatigue from that. Thats understandable, said Dr. Nathan Tan, Hawaii Department of Health State Deputy Epidemiologist.

Health officials also point to misinformation about vaccinations and access challenges as other reasons for the decline in immunizations. The CDC confirms an upward trend in Hawaiis religious exemption rates over the last few years.

We know that not very many people have gotten the COVID vaccine, not very many people have gotten the flu vaccine, and especially with the flu numbers that were seeing now that really worries us, Verhoef said.

An uptick in unvaccinated students could leave schools vulnerable to potentially dangerous outbreaks.

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Now were seeing fewer and fewer people getting the the immunizations for measles, and we worry that it really is a ticking time bomb before we get our next measles outbreak, Verhoef said.

The John H Burns School of Medicine is educating med students on how to talk with patients about immunization. The State Department of Health is taking action, working with schools and healthcare providers to improve vaccine access and educate families about their importance.

I think its really important in that we want to get that message out. Its a good reminder, good time to take a pause and remember how important vaccines are, Tan said.

If you do get sick from one of the many viruses out there, doctors recommend you stay home. If youre at risk of complications for respiratory viruses, consider getting tested.

For more information about respiratory viruses and noroviruses, visit the DOH website.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  The City of Greenville will close most of its office in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, but one park will be open.

River Park North is welcoming people to the MLK Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those looking to celebrate the meaning behind the holiday, giving back to the community.

During this, they will help clean the park and get to interact with others in the community while also giving back. Parks Program Assistant Andrew Wimsatt said its a great chance to learn, explore and meet others.

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And we are offering opportunities for volunteers within the community to come out in observance of the day and everything that Martin Luther King represents to come out and assist us with doing some trail maintenance and cleaning up our park and having a little bit of fun, as well as, learning about the environment and getting outside and meeting new people, Wimsatt said.

If you visit River Park North on Monday you can help with the trail clean-up and earn a free coupon for the nature center.

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ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  On Friday, January 17, the US Department of Justice Attorneys Office of the Western District of Virginia announced a man has pleaded guilty to real estate and tax fraud in a $1.3 million scheme in Roanoke County.

According to the DOJ, 41-year-old Herman Lee Estes Jr. has pled guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and filing false claims against the United States.

ORIGINAL REPORTING: Roanoke Grand Jury indicts man in connection to $1.3M in real estate scheme

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Court records and statements made during the trial reveal that in 2021, Estes submitted fraudulent income tax returns claiming he was entitled to a $18.3 million refund. Then in March 2023, Estes offered to buy a property on Old Mill Plantation Road in Roanoke County with a $1.3 million cash offer.

As part of the scheme, Estes also submitted a fraudulent proof of funds letter created using an online form. Estes then sought the help of a co-conspirator claiming to be a trust manager who purportedly approved the use of trust funds for the transaction to the real estate agent.

A fraudulent cashiers check was then signed by Estes for $1,307,199.43, purportedly drawn by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and then debited to the settlement companys trust account.

Man guilty of 2023 killing, then burning body in Bedford County

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Estes then filed another false tax, again in March of 2023, this time claiming he was owed a refund of $2.9 Million.

Estes is scheduled for sentencing at a later date. He faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and mail fraud counts, up to 30 years for bank fraud, up to five years for false claim counts, the possibility of additional penalties for the commission of these offenses while released on bond, supervision upon his release, as well as restitution and monetary penalties.

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Boulders spread underneath overpasses and bridges throughout Oklahoma City are stirring up debate online about the best strategies to tackle homelessness.

Large rocks have been placed on both sides of the sidewalk underneath the Oklahoma City Boulevard bridge crossing Western Avenue. Officials said the rocks are meant to prevent people from sleeping under the bridge or setting up tents at the location.

Many critics have blasted the move as anti-homeless and an example of what is sometimes called "hostile architecture," a design strategy meant to limit the use of public spaces. Other terms used by critics include "defensive architecture" or "exclusionary design," which detractors say targets the homeless population specifically.

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But staff with the local Key to Home program, a public-private partnership working to dramatically reduce unsheltered homelessness in Oklahoma City, said the decision stemmed from concerns about safety.

Why is Oklahoma City using large rocks underneath bridges?

Jamie Caves, the city's homeless strategy implementation manager, said Key to Home moved 27 people from the site into supportive housing.

We dont ever take any measures like that without housing people first, Caves said. Additionally, this location is particularly dangerous because its really close to a busy street, and theres just not much in the way of that grassy area and the street.

Related: Oklahoma City initiative gaining ground as dozens of homeless housed, camps cleared

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Since launching in 2023, Key to Home has worked to coordinate resources from over 50 agencies to address the growing homelessness crisis in the city. So far, the public-private partnership has housed 333 people toward a 500-person goal by the end of 2025.

Really, we believe that everyone deserves safe housing and that nobody should have to sleep under a bridge," Caves said. "Were working to move through the city one camp at a time to close locations, move people into housing, provide stabilization support that they need, and then move onto the next site so that people can have their basic needs met.

Has OKC used rocks under bridges as a deterrent before?

This is not the first time the use of large rocks as a deterrent has been seen in OKC. In late 2023, the open bridge space under Interstate 44 crossing Pennsylvania Avenue was cleared of campers, and concrete barriers and rocks were then placed there to prevent further camping.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation also placed concrete blocks on abutments at Interstate 35 over SE 44 and under Interstate 40 crossing Eastern Avenue, as well.

Large rocks fill an underpass Nov. 25 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City.

More: Homeless camps disappearing from some highways, but not due to new state ban

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Most bridges are state-owned, but the major difference this time, Caves explained, is that the Oklahoma City Boulevard bridge over Western Avenue is owned by the city. Caves was unsure of the final cost for placement of the large rocks, believing that the work was not 100% complete, but told The Oklahoman she would see if an estimate could be provided.

In the meantime, potential plans for artwork, additional lighting and other beautification efforts at the bridge site have been discussed, but have not yet been officially slated.

I appreciate all of the opinions and understanding different peoples perspectives, Caves said. Were just trying to balance the needs of the community and ensure that we are always focusing all services on people that are unhoused and especially vulnerable in our community.

Oklahoma City homelessness: 2024 Point in Time count shows 28% increase, yet progress made

How have homeless advocates responded?

In a statement shared with The Oklahoman, the local Homeless Alliance, a "proud partner" with Key to Home, praised the public-private partnership's work in rehousing the people previously experiencing homelessness under the bridge.

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"However, the use of boulders and other hostile architecture that seek to prevent their return only shifts the problem without addressing its root causes," said Meghan Mueller, CEO of the Homeless Alliance. "Our focus remains connecting people to stable housing and long-term support, not just pushing them out of sight. Every person deserves the dignity and opportunity to build a future in a safe home, and thankfully the 27 people who were living under this bridge now have that."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 'Hostile architecture' in OKC stirs debate: What to know
BURTON, S.C. (WSAV)  A Burton Fire District (BFD) rookie firefighter made his first rescue on Friday, right out of a cartoon.

Burton Fire District Burton Fire District

According to BFD, Burton firefighters responded to a residence on Hampton Drive in Grays Hill just past 9:30 a.m., for a report of a kitten stuck in a tree. The crew arrived on scene and located the female kitten, named Zara, who had been out all night, and was now approximately 25 feet in a tree and refusing to come down.

Burton Fire District probationary firefighter Marek Malinowski grabbed a ladder and made

the climb, reaching Zara and safely returning her to the ground and to her thankful human.



As BFD put it: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Michael Simmons was quick to remind Firefighter Malinowski that Zara still had eight lives left, but I guess well let you have a moment.

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A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv killed three people on the morning of Saturday, 18 January. Three more people sustained injuries. Fires, falling debris and damage to infrastructure facilities, including the Lukianivska metro station, were reported in the city.

Source: Air Force of Ukraine; Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko; Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: At 05:50, an air-raid warning was issued in the city.

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Klitschko stressed that the attack caused a fire in a non-residential building and damage to residential buildings in Kyivs Shevchenkivskyi district. Debris was also recorded falling in the Desnianskyi district.

Quote from Tkachenko: "Operational reports indicate that one person was killed in the Shevchenkivskyi district as a result of the enemy attack."

Details: Later, Tkachenko said that the death toll had risen to three.

Quote from Klitschko: "In addition, windows were smashed and there is smoke in the entrance of a residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district.

The glass elements of the entrance to the Lukianivska metro station were also damaged. It is currently closed to entry and exit. Trains are running without stopping at the station.

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The water supply pipeline in the Shevchenkivskyi district is also damaged."

The aftrmath of the Russian attack.

Photo: social media

The aftrmath of the Russian attack.

Photo: social media

Update: At 07:05, Tkachenko reported that the death toll had risen again.

Quote from Tkachenko: "Sadly, we have four people confirmed dead in the Shevchenkivskyi district. Three more people sustained injuries."



Update from 11:58: Later, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Head of Kyiv City Military Administration Tymur Tkachenko reported that the information about the fourth person killed in Kyiv turned out to be false.

The aftrmath of the Russian attack.

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Photo: social media

Background: An air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv at 04:57, and the all-clear was given at 05:46  it was issued because of Russian attack drones. The missile attack occurred a few minutes after the all-clear was given.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to investigate the causes of unexplained deaths in three incidents reported over the past six weeks in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. As per Shah's direction, the team will visit the affected village to ascertain the causes of death. "The team will consist of experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Ministry of Water Resources. It will also be assisted by experts from animal husbandry, food safety and forensic science labs," a Home Ministry statement said. The team would proceed on January 19 and in collaboration with the local administration would work on providing immediate relief as well as taking precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in future, it further said. "Experts from some of the most reputed institutions of the country have been arranged to manage the situation and understand the causative factors of deaths," it added. This comes after the mysterious deaths continued in the Pir Panjal Valley's Rajouri on January 17 as the death toll touched 16 with three more deaths reported in the past three days. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also chaired a high-level meeting to address the "alarming situation" on Friday. The latest victim, Jatti Begum, 60, wife of Mohammad Yousuf, succumbed within 12 hours of admission at the Government Medical College, Rajouri. Since December 7 last year, three major waves of deaths struck Badhal village and left 16 dead and at least 28 affected by unknown causes. All the deaths were reported within three families. Among the deceased were 11 children and a pregnant woman. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising police and medical experts, has also been constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after several national-level testing centres ruled out any spread of disease among those found dead so far. (ANI)
Russia is believed to be behind dozens of hybrid attacks on NATO going back years.

These incidents  part of a so-called shadow war  have escalated since the invasion of Ukraine.

NATO is now surging its efforts to respond to the attacks and monitor threats to infrastructure.

Far beyond the front lines in Ukraine, Russia is waging a different kind of warfare against NATO. It is a covert, low-intensity conflict with serious consequences.

Moscow has long been waging a shadow war against the military alliance, but the war in Ukraine has led to an escalation of hybrid, or gray-zone, attacks on NATO since the conflict began.

"It's definitely escalating from where it started and where we are now," Gabrielius Landsbergis, who recently stepped down after four years as Lithuania's foreign minister, told Business Insider. A longtime critic of Russia's destabilizing hybrid warfare activities, he said that Moscow's ambition has grown, and its approach has become increasingly more aggressive.

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The uptick in gray-zone attacks has raised concerns among current and former NATO and European officials that these activities could trigger more catastrophic outcomes, especially if deterrence efforts are insufficient.

"I believe they are accelerating," Philip Breedlove, a retired US Air Force general and a former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told BI. "As long as they are working and there is little or no consequence to the antagonist, why would they not?"

'There's no incentive for them to stop'

Russia's hybrid warfare tactics emerged years ago, but they have become significantly more common occurrences since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022. Since then, European countries have experienced many attacks and sabotage attributed to Moscow. These range from arson and signal jamming to assassination attempts and hacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during a videoconference with government members at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow in January. Alexander KAZAKOV/POOL/AFP

The US Helsinki Commission, an independent government agency, has identified some 150 hybrid operations on NATO territory over the past three years that have been linked to Russia. These acts include critical infrastructure attacks, campaigns of violence, election interference, and weaponized migration.

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The commission said in a report released last month that Russia is carrying out a shadow war on NATO in tandem with its war in Ukraine to "destabilize, distress, and deter" the alliance in order to negatively impact support for Kyiv.

But Russian activities are about more than Ukraine. James Appathurai, NATO's deputy assistant secretary general for innovation, hybrid, and cyber, said the Russian hybrid tactics and strategy predate the war and will continue long after it ends because Moscow views the West as an unacceptable obstacle to its great-power ambitions.

"It is an inherent part of Russian strategic thinking. The military is only part of it," Appathurai, the NATO secretary general's primary advisor on hybrid threats, told BI. "Their aim is to achieve political victory using the full spectrum of tools."

Not only are hybrid attacks on the rise, but Russia is also showing an increasing appetite to risk the lives of civilians in NATO countries, Appathurai said. A mass-casualty incident is among his biggest fears.

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The most recent high-profile incident occurred just a few weeks ago, in late December, when several underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea. Authorities suspect an oil tanker dragged its anchor along the seabed to damage a Finnish-Estonian power line and four telecom cables.

A Ukrainian soldier fires a 122-mm howitzer at Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia region in January. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Finland seized the Eagle S tanker and prohibited the crew from leaving its territory. The vessel, flying the Cook Islands flag, is believed to be part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," a collection of hundreds of ships that Moscow uses to move oil and circumvent sanctions on its energy exports.

Critical undersea infrastructure, like the underwater cables facilitating massive amounts of global data transmission, is especially vulnerable to sabotage. There have been several incidents in recent months, as well as others in the past, and military leaders have long worried about the threats to these lines.

James Foggo, a retired US Navy admiral who previously served as the commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, told BI that Finland acted in defense of its sovereignty by detaining the ship accused of damaging the cables. He said responses to future assaults on critical undersea infrastructure "must be bold and have consequences for the perpetrator."

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He wasn't alone on that point. Gray-zone tactics below the threshold of armed conflict can be difficult to respond to, but there's an argument that NATO needs to be more aggressive in punishing the Kremlin because it operates under the assumption that the alliance is too passive.

"We already know that Russia is taking these actions on us in hybrid space," Breedlove said, adding that NATO needs to take actions in response and "increase the cost on Russia, or else there's no incentive for them to stop."

'They control the escalation'

Beyond the physical damage some of the hybrid attacks have caused, there's a psychological element at play. Russia's actions have stoked anxiety, particularly among the front-line NATO countries which long warned of Moscow's malign activity, that the alliance could fail to deliver a sufficient response.

A Finnish Coast Guard vessel (right) keeps watch on the Eagle S in December. Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva/AFP

In the aftermath of the Eagle S incident, NATO countries have taken various steps to address hybrid attacks and the threats to critical infrastructure.

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The British government said earlier this month that it deployed a UK-led reaction system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the shadow fleet. Last week, the White House announced sanctions on more than 180 vessels in the fleet. (The European Union had already blacklisted some 80 ships.)

On Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the start of a new operation that will see the alliance enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea with warships, patrol aircraft, and naval drones.

Speaking to reporters, Rutte said, "We are also working with allies to integrate their national surveillance assets with NATO, ensuring comprehensive threat detection."

But these increased patrols may not be enough to eliminate the threat entirely, and they're not cheap. Foggo said bad actors wield a "cost-imposing strategy" on NATO by raising the price of protecting undersea infrastructure.

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Still, the sweeping new measures appear to signal a new and more thorough approach from NATO as the Russian threat grows amid the grinding Ukraine war, nearing the start of its fourth year.

Appathurai said "time will tell" whether efforts like increased patrols and sanctions on the shadow fleet will be enough to protect NATO from Russian activities. However, he emphasized that these steps are significantly more robust than what the alliance has done in the past, thanks to political will and new technology. He also said member states would be firmer in their response to attacks, as Finland showed by seizing the Eagle S.

An Estonian naval ship sails in the Baltic Sea in January as part of an increased NATO presence in the region. AP Photo/Hendrik Osula

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"We're satisfied that these are sufficient steps for now," he said. NATO also has other lines of efforts; for instance, it turned to special operations divers to test new protections just last fall.

NATO has also been strengthening its defenses against more conventional threats, beefing up its military presence throughout the eastern alliance members, specifically the Baltic states, which are considered to be the most vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the hybrid campaign shows no signs of slowing down as Russia looks to exert its influence over the continent. Landsbergis warned that in doing so, Moscow is "recreating the geopolitical environment" in which it operates.

"Now, they control the escalation in Ukraine  in the West  with everything that they do," he said. "As long as we stay silent and quiet and timid, not wanting to react, not wanting to escalate, and talking about de-escalation, this is the perfect environment for the Russians."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russia has lost 1,340 Russian soldiers killed and wounded, 21 artillery systems and 13 armoured combat vehicles over 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 18 January 2025 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 817,160 (+1,340) military personnel;

9,803 (+0) tanks;

20,394 (+13) armoured combat vehicles;

22,040 (+21) artillery systems;

1,262 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

1,046 (+0) air defence systems;

369 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

331 (+0) helicopters;

22,579 (+13) tactical and strategic UAVs;

3,049 (+0) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships/boats;

1 (+0) submarine;

34,325 (+69) vehicles and fuel tankers;

3,699 (+0) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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Background: The previous day, 17 January, it was reported that Russia had lost 1,670 Russian soldiers killed and wounded and over 200 pieces of Russian weapons and military equipment.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday Ukraine and Britain "had no room" for cooperation in the Sea of Azov, commenting on a new 100-year partnership agreement between Kyiv and London the two countries' leaders announced on Thursday.

The Kremlin said on Friday that any placement of British military assets in Ukraine under the new agreement would be of concern to Moscow, in particular in the Sea of Azov, which Russia considers its own, and the ministry echoed those remarks.

"Any claims to this water area are a gross interference in the internal affairs of our country and will be firmly resisted," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a comment posted on the ministry's website.

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The Azov Sea is bordered by southwest Russia, parts of southern Ukraine that Russia has seized in the war, and the Crimean peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Zakharova said the agreement itself was "worthless" for Russia, calling it "just another PR campaign" of Ukraine. Zakharova described the Sea of Azov as Russia's "internal sea".

British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer pledged on Thursday to work with Ukraine and allies on robust security guarantees if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia, offering more support to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with a 100-year partnership deal.

The agreement, announced in Kyiv during Starmer's first visit as prime minister, covered several areas, including boosting military cooperation to strengthen security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian forces took control of two more settlements in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday, the latest in a series of gains it has reported in its steady advance westward.

The ministry statement said Russian forces were now in control of Petropavlivka, a village between the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, focal points in fighting in recent months in the area.

It also noted the capture of Vremivka, one of a cluster of small towns further south in the Donetsk region.

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The ministry also said Russian forces hit Ukraine's military facilities with high-precision weapons in response to an Ukrainian attack on Russia's southern Belgorod region with U.S.-made ATACMS missiles.

Reuters could not independently verify battlefield reports from either side in the 34-month-old conflict.

Ukrainian military statements made no mention of either of the two villages changing hands, but referred to heavy fighting near the key city of Pokrovsk.

Ukraine's popular Deep State blog, which documents changes in the positions held by both sides using open source materials, placed both Petropavlivka and Vremivka in Russian hands.

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The spokesperson for the Ukrainian military's Khortytsya, or eastern, group of forces dismissed for the second day running any notion that Russian forces had entered Pokrovsk.

"There have been no developments in Pokrovsk, things are stable," Viktor Trehubov told national television. "The enemy is not there."

The city is a transport hub and site of Ukraine's only coking coal pit, where work was suspended this week.

Russia's military, after failing to advance on the capital Kyiv in the weeks following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has since focused its efforts of capturing all of the Donbas - made up of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

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It now holds about 20% of Ukraine's territory.

The Ukrainian military's General Staff, in a late night report, said Russian forces trying to pierce Ukrainian defences had launched 84 attacks in the Pokrovsk sector. Fourteen battles were still raging in the area.

The report listed a series of villages in the sector which it said had come under Russian attack -- including three which Russia's military said it secured in the past week and another where Russia said it took control last month.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Mark Heinrich, Ron Popeski and Deepa Babington)
Three people were killed and three others were injured in an attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Saturday, according to officials, in a move Russia said was in retaliation for Ukraine using US-made ATACMS missiles.

The deaths and injuries occurred in the citys central Shevchenkivskyi district, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X that residential buildings, a metro station, businesses, and other civilian infrastructure were damaged in the strike.

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All those who help the Russian state in this war must be under such pressure that it is no less noticeable than these strikes, Zelensky said. We can do this only in unity with the entire world.

Kyiv has regularly been targeted in the conflict but deadly attacks are rare. The attack comes as the war reaches a critical point, with both sides seeking to gain an advantage ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration for a second term as US president.

Videos from the scene, verified and geolocated by CNN, show a large crater in the middle of the road next to the metro station. The station itself is also damaged.

The attack on Kyiv was carried out in response to Ukrainian forces using US-made ATACMS missiles in Russias Belgorod region, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

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The strike targeted facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial sector, the defense ministry wrote, adding that the targets of the strike were achieved and all objects were hit.

A view shows a site of the Russian missile strike. - Vlad Smilianets/Reuters

Police officers collect evidence following the Russian missile attack in Kyiv. - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

A total of 39 drones and four missiles were launched by Russia into Ukraine from Friday evening to Saturday morning, Ukraines Air Force Command wrote on Telegram.

Also on Saturday, ten people were injured following missile strikes in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia with two more reported missing, a Telegram post by Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia regional military administration, said.

Two of the injured were treated on the spot while the others have been hospitalized. A 48-year-old woman is in serious condition, Fedorov added.

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Russian forces used chemical weapons on the battlefield 434 times in December 2024, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Jan. 18.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine's radiation, chemical, and biological intelligence units have been monitoring and recording the use of hazardous chemicals in attacks. The military has recorded 5,389 cases since February 2023.

Russian forces used K-51 and RG-VO munitions, anti-riot weapons that are prohibited for use in warfare, the General Staff said in their report.

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Russia has also used ammunition loaded with dangerous chemicals of "unspecified type."

The use of such weapons "grossly violates the rules of warfare," the General Staff said. The report noted that chemical weapons attacks have "become systemic" since February 2023.

Russia has been intensifying its use of chemical agents on the battlefield in Ukraine. A Kyiv Independent investigation from August 2024 showed that instances of gas attacks are rising, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed on Nov. 18 that a riot control agent known as CS has been used in Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been hospitalized with chemical poisoning, and three have died, Ukrainian Colonel Artem Vlasiuk said on Dec. 13.

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Ukraine struck back at Russia's use of illegal chemical weapons on Dec. 17, when the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) assassinated Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops.

The previous day, Ukrainain prosecutors charged Kirillov in absentia for the use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia, Iran sign strategic partnership deal; Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 radar equipment

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A Russian missile strike on Kyiv killed three people on Saturday in what Ukrainian leaders called a heinous attack.

Russia said the rare deadly aerial assault on the Ukrainian capital, which has much better air defences than elsewhere in the country, was retaliation for bombardments on its territory.

City officials said the victims were two men, aged 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman. Another three people were wounded in Kyivs Shevchenkivskyi district.

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The strike comes as Ukraine and Russia vie for the upper hand in the war before US president-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday.

Mr Trump has vowed to end the war soon and there are fears he could cut off US support for Kyiv or strong-arm Ukraine into an unjust peace.

Volodymyr Zelensky said the world had to make Vladimir Putin end an illegal invasion that had lasted nearly three years.

Everyone who is helping the Russian state in this war must be put under such pressure that it is felt no less than these strikes. We can only do this in unity with the whole world, he said.

Damaged buildings in Kyiv following the attack - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

Andriy Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, said the heinous Russian ballistic attack was yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace.

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The Russian president must be forced to accept a just peace through strength  maximum economic and military pressure, he added.

Russias defence ministry said the strike had hit a rocket maker based in the Ukrainian capital.

The Russian Armed Forces carried out a group strike with precision-guided weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, including the Luch Design Bureau that develops and manufactures long-range guided missiles, it said.

The ministry called the attack retaliation for Ukraines use of US-supplied Atacms missiles in strikes on Russian territory.

A woman cleans up glass from a broken window at a dental clinic in Kyiv following the Russian ballistic missile attack - Andriy Zhyhaylo/Oboz.ua/Global Images Ukraine via Getty

Overnight, air raid sirens and the sounds of Ukrainian air defence systems had rung out across the capital.

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Ukraines Air Force said it had downed two Iskander ballistic missiles, as well as 24 Russian attack drones, overnight. It said Russia had fired four ballistic missiles and launched 39 drones towards Ukraine.

It said the downed missiles fell on Kyivs central Shevchenkivsky district, damaging an industrial building, a subway to the metro and residential buildings, and temporarily knocking out local water supplies.

A multi-storey building had its windows blown out and debris was strewn across the street, according to AFP journalists in Kyiv, who also reported localised flooding and a McDonalds restaurant with a damaged facade.

A policeman guards the damaged entrances to a metro station and McDonalds restaurant in Kyiv - Yevhenii Zavhorodnii/Global Images Ukraine via Getty

Ten people were also wounded in a Russian strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia.

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Ivan Fedorov, the governor of Zaporizhzhia, called it a cynical attack on the centre of the city while everyone was sleeping.

Russia on Saturday claimed its forces had captured two villages  Vremivka and Petropavlivka  in the eastern Donetsk region, where its troops have been grinding forwards for months.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a wave of strikes against Russian energy and military facilities, including sites hundreds of miles behind the front lines.

Its GUR military intelligence unit said Ukrainian drones had hit an oil depot in Russias Tula region in the early hours of Saturday.

The Russian governor of the region had earlier reported a fuel tank fire at an industrial site in the region after a Ukrainian drone attack.

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In the neighbouring Kaluga region, officials also reported a fire at an industrial site, reported to be another oil depot, after a Ukrainian drone attack.

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with a barrage of drones and missiles Saturday, leaving at least three people dead, while industrial sites in Russia were set ablaze by Ukrainian strikes.

Russia launched 39 Shahed drones, other simulator drones and four ballistic missiles in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to Ukraines Air Force. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down two missiles and 24 drones. A further 14 drone simulators were lost in location, the statement said.

The Kyiv City Military Administration said three people were killed and three more injured in the attack. A fourth victim had been assumed dead but the administration said later the case has yet to be confirmed. The known victims are two men aged 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman, officials said.

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The office of Ukraines general prosecutor said in a statement that the casualties included a security guard at a food establishment and people who were in a minibus on the street.

AP journalists at the scene saw a man lying dead amid the debris in a pool of blood. Water flooded the streets as firefighters put out the blaze from the attack.

Kyivs mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said windows were broken in the city's Shevchenkivskyi district, and there was smoke at the entrance of a residential building. A water supply pipeline was also damaged, he added. The Lukyanivska metro station was closed after the attacks damaged its glass entrance, but was later reopened.

Drones and missiles were also shot down across numerous regions in Ukraine, including Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Donetsk.

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Ten people were injured when a Russian missile struck the regional center of Zaporizhzhia, damaging residential buildings and private vehicles, local governor Ivan Fedorov said. Eight people aged between 28 to 69 were hospitalised, including a 48-year-old woman in a serious condition, he wrote in a statement.

Elsewhere, industrial sites in Russias Kaluga and Tula regions were set ablaze by Ukrainian drone attacks, local officials said Saturday.

Russias Defense Ministry said that 46 Ukrainian drones had been destroyed across the country overnight.

In the Kaluga region, a drone strike sparked a fire in the town of Lyudinovo, Gov. Vladislav Shapsha wrote on Telegram. Residents said on social media that the attack had targeted a local oil depot.

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A fire was also reported in Tula region, where Gov. Dmitry Milyaev said a fuel storage tank had been set alight. He warned residents to stay away from fallen drone debris.

No casualties were reported in either case.
The Air Force of Ukraine reported a threat of Russian attack UAVs in the city of Kyiv at 02:00, 18 January. The residents of the capital have been urged to take shelter.

Source: The Air Force; Kyiv City Military Administration

Quote Air Force: "Attention! The city of Kyiv! Russian attack UAVs are flying in your direction from the north and the south."

Details: Kyiv City Military Administrations asked everyone to proceed to the shelters.

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The all-clear was given at 02:07. An air-raid warning in Kyiv Oblast remains in effect.

An air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv at 04:24, marking the second time that night.

Update: The all-clear was given at 05:46.

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Prem Shukla lashed out at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah and the Congress party after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached 142 immovable properties worth over Rs 300 crore in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. Speaking to ANI, the BIP leader said "Congress is the synonym for corruption. Even after this, Siddaramiah is not ready to tender his resignation. .... for the last 11 years, Congress has not been in power in the central government but still, they keep doing corruption in various states..." Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that nobody was above the law and the agencies are doing what they are supposed to do. "Nobody is above the law. Agencies work independently and are doing what they are supposed to do," Chouhan told ANI on Saturday. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge however said that the law will take its own course in the case and the state was not stalling any investigation. "This has been going on for a very long time even during the BJP tenure is what everyone is alleging. Whatever is happening is as per law. Let the law take its own course. The CM is very clear that whatever investigation is happening, let it happen. No one is stalling the investigation," Kharge said. ED's Bangalore Zonal Office attached these properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. As per the ED, these properties are registered in the name of various individuals who are working as real estate businessmen and agents. ED initiated the investigation on the basis of a First Information Report registered by the Lokayuktha Police Mysore under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 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 BM Parvathi in lieu of three acres 16 guntas of land acquired by MUDA. The land was originally acquired by MUDA for Rs 3,24,700. The compensation in the form of 14 sites at Posh locality is worth Rs 56 Crore (approx). (ANI)
Editor's Note: The number of casualties was changed after local authorities published an update, saying there were three killed people in Kyiv, not four.

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed nine people and injured at least 38 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Jan. 17.

Ukrainian forces downed 24 out of the 39 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

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Another 14 drones disappeared from radars without causing any damage, according to the statement. Drones that disappear from radars before reaching their targets are usually decoys. Russia launches them alongside real drones to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense.

Russia also launched four ballistic missiles of either the Iskander-M or the North Korean KN-23 model in the early hours of Jan. 18, with two of them downed by Ukraine's Air Force.

Fallen wreckage from the downed missiles killed three people and injured at least three others in Kyiv, according to local authorities.

The attack damaged a water pipeline, an administrative building, a business center, a store, and cars, the State Emergency Service said. The glass entrance to the Lukianivska metro station and the neighboring McDonald's building were also damaged.

Russia also attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia, partially destroying the building of an industrial facility, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. At least 10 people suffered injuries, he added.

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The attack also damaged St. Andrew's Cathedral in the city, RIA-Pivden media outlet reported.

A Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed five people and injured 19 others, including four children, said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's military administration.

Among the victims are four women aged 61, 50, 43, and 22, as well as a 20-year-old man.

The attack damaged four high-rise buildings, houses and an educational institution, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

One person was also injured in the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 31 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. One person was killed, and five others were injured over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

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Search and rescue operations continue at the site of a Russian missile strike on the city of Zaporizhzhia. The body of a man has been retrieved from under the rubble. Another person is still trapped under the collapsed building.

Source: a statement from Ukraine's State Emergency Service in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Facebook

Quote: "Emergency workers have retrieved the body of a dead man from under the rubble. As of 18:00, 10 people are known to have been injured in the enemy attack on critical infrastructure in the regional centre [Zaporizhzhia]."

Photo: Ukraine's State Emergency Service

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Details: A search dog team from the State Emergency Services Interregional Rapid Response Centre, based in Romny, Sumy Oblast, has been brought in to help with the rescue operation.

Photo: Ukraine's State Emergency Service

"Information is being gathered about people affected by the attack. One person is known to be trapped under the rubble. There are 28 emergency workers and 6 appliances at the scene," the statement said.

Photo: Ukraine's State Emergency Service

Update: Ivan Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, later reported that the number of people injured has risen to 11.

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Quote: "Eleven injured and one dead  the number of victims of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia is increasing. Three people are currently in hospital  two women and one man. Rescue workers have pulled the body of a 63-year-old man out from under the rubble. A 27-year-old man is believed missing."

Background: Earlier reports indicated that ten people had been injured in the Russian attack on an infrastructure facility in Zaporizhzhia. The attack caused damage to residential buildings, an administrative building, and several cars.

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The Russian morning missile attack on Ukraine, which targeted Kyiv among other areas, is a clear sign that Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin does not seek peace.

Source: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Details: Sybiha called on the world community to put maximum economic and military pressure on Russia in order to achieve peace through strength.

Quote: "A very loud night across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, where at least three people were killed in a heinous Russian ballistic attack. Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace. He must be forced to accept a just peace through strength  maximum economic and military pressure."

A very loud night across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, where at least three people were killed in a heinous Russian ballistic attack. Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace. He must be forced to accept a just peace through strengthmaximum economic and military pressure. pic.twitter.com/mryw3jGrZy  Andrii Sybiha  (@andrii_sybiha) January 18, 2025

Background:

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On the morning of 18 January, Russia attacked Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles. Early reports indicate that four people have been killed and three others injured in the capital. Fires, falling debris and damage to infrastructure, including the Lukianivska metro station, were reported in the city.

Ukraines Air Force reported that Russia had fired four Iskander-M or North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles from Russias Voronezh and Bryansk oblasts. Two of the four missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defence.

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(FOX40.COM)  For more than a decade, the city of Sacramento has been talking about building a bridge connecting South Natomas to downtown.

At Thursday nights Active Transportation Commission meeting, the commissioners voted to move forward with a design for the Truxel Road bridge to not include vehicle- access.

Sacramento kidnapper who abducted 6-year-old child to Peru pleads guilty

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This decision came after the City Public Works Department presented three different design plans to the commission that included cars, bikers, pedestrians, and even the light rail.

Concerns about greenhouse emissions from cars, the cost to build infrastructure to support cars, and pedestrian safety were all brought up as reasons to not allow cars on the bridge.

Nearly 50 people participated in public comments at Thursday nights meeting, between in-person and online comments.

One man raised the concern about cars driving over the speed limit next to people walking, I know if we use one of the options with people biking next to traffic, and you post the speed limit to 30, people are going to automatically go 10 over, and that alongside people biking is just untenable.

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Every single public comment was in favor of not allowing cars on the yet-to-be-built bridge.

Ultimately, the commission agreed with the public comment and rejected the plans from the city.

Per the commissions vote, the Principal Planner for the city, Fedolia Harris, will go back to the city council and present the recommendations made Thursday night.

Harris will then work with other planners to come up with a new staff report and design plans for the Truxel Road bridge to only accommodate bikers, pedestrians, and maybe eventually light rail.

If all goes according to plan, the earliest construction would start is 2035.

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(FOX40.COM)  Emergency crews responded to a shooting incident near Foothill Farms in northern Sacramento on Friday night.

According to the Sacramento Sheriffs Office, the incident occurred on the 7100 block of Heather Tree Drive around 7:15 p.m.

Sacramento starts implementing new daylighting law that impacts street parking

Officials reported that two people had sustained gunshot wounds but when officers arrived at the scene only one victim had suffered a gunshot to the neck.

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A spokesperson from the Sacramento Sheriffs Office said that the victim was a passenger in a white SUV.

The driver and victim then drove down the street and eventually knocked on someones door to ask for help, officials said.

Officials are saying that the victim may be a young man or a juvenile and that they are expected to survive.

Sacramento Sheriff Deputies have recovered at least 10 shell casings and are working to search for 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 FOX40 News.
An advisory body has urged the Sacramento City Council to consider making a new bridge across the American River car-free, citing the capitals climate goals and the potential cost savings as well as the high rate of cyclist and pedestrian deaths on city streets.

Nine of 10 members of the Active Transportation Commission voted at their Thursday meeting to ask the council to demand that the Department of Public Works study a car-free Truxel Bridge; the 10th member abstained. Public works officials presented four alternatives for the planned bridge, which would connect the River District with South Natomas and provide a crossing for a future Sacramento Regional light-rail line to the airport.

There was no car-free alternative in the plan.

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The projects planner, Fedolia Sparky Harris, explained that when a report was prepared 12 years ago, a bridge that accommodated only pedestrians, cyclists and transit was rejected. Because of that policy decision from 2013 as well as other planning documents, Harris said, the department could only consider building the bridge with cars.

You talk about documents that say we have to prioritize other things, or plans that say this is in compliance, said Active Transportation Commission Vice Chair Isaac Gonzalez from the dais. There are many documents that have been created for decades that result in built environments that are dangerous for people. ... We have to be brave enough to abandon a rationale that says because a piece of paper says we shouldnt, we shouldnt.

Thursdays Active Transportation meeting drew unusually large audience, largely because of the bridge project. Sixteen people made public comments, and 15 criticized cars on the bridge.

The city has said that one point of the Truxel project would be to increase the number of emergency evacuation routes over the American River in the event of a flood. In 2013 documents, two potential goals of the bridge were to provide an alternative to the bridges carrying Highway 160 and Interstate 5; the nearby Jibboom Street Bridge, for example, is subject to flooding.

A rendering from a 2013 city of Sacramento report on an American River bridge at Truxel Road shows a multimodal bridge with cars and light rail sharing travel lanes, and pedestrians and bikes sharing barrier-protected lanes on either side.

The city now intends to build the bridge about half a mile from the onramp to I-5.

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Car access is already abundant near the project, with Interstate 5 having 10 car travel lanes, wrote Don Gibson, a member of the Active Transportation Commission, in a draft letter to the council. Adding more car lanes only further accommodates personal vehicle travel as the primary and often the only form of transportation, going against many of the citys plans.

Since the initial Truxel Bridge plan was adopted in 2013, Sacramento leaders declared a climate emergency; finalized the 2040 General Plan that prioritized pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders over personal vehicle users; and set a Vision Zero goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2027. Commissioners said the bridge would undermine all three plans.

Do any other bridges ban drivers?

A bridge that accommodated multiple modes of transportation but barred personal vehicle traffic is not unprecedented in the U.S. In 2015, Tilikum Crossing opened in Portland, Oregon, a span over the Willamette River that does not include space for drivers. The transit agency, TriMet, says that the project came in under budget, and the city built electricity-generating wind turbines on the bridge using the extra money.

Dave Unsworth, a TriMet director at the time who oversaw the project, told The Oregonian newspaper in 2011 that the agency considered having cars on the bridge but dismissed the idea, in part because it would create more traffic on feeder streets (Harris said at the Thursday meeting that the Truxel bridge would generally create more traffic on feeder streets, too).

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Unsworth said that if cars were using the space as well, the Portland bridge would have needed to be about twice as big. A slimmer, auto-free bridge was cheaper and quicker to build.

Guenevere Millius, who served on an advisory commission for the Portland bridge for several years, said this month that the project did not meet much opposition over its lack of space for personal vehicles. The bridge, she said, is in line with the car-free wave of the future.

Harris said that under the most favorable circumstances, the planned Sacramento bridge would begin construction in about a decade.

The bridge would go from Sequoia Pacific Boulevard on the south side of the river to Truxel Road in South Natomas. I-5 is currently the closest nearby route for vehicle traffic between the city center and neighborhoods in Natomas. Two options in the feasibility study included bike and pedestrian lanes that were separated from car traffic with physical barriers; one option only separated cyclists from cars with paint. City staff recommend the option that places light rail trains, as well as a physical barrier, between cars and people walking and biking.

A cyclist rides north on the shoulder of Interstate 5 in 2006 due to flooding in Discovery Park. The citys Active Transportation Commission is urging the city to consider making a new bridge across the American River car-free but past decisions only allow the citys Public Works Department to consider building a new bridge with cars.

Current options for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the river are limited. The Sacramento Northern Bikeway offers a car-free passage that lines up with North 18th Street in the River District and lets out near Del Paso Boulevard. To the west, the Jibboom Street Bridge just west of I-5 is open to vehicle traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The Truxel Road Bridge would be situated a half-mile upstream from the freeway and cut through Discovery Park.

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In 2024, 20 cyclists and pedestrians were fatally struck by drivers on Sacramento city streets; two young women were killed while riding electric scooters. Gibson pointed out that Truxel Road is on the citys high-injury network  those city streets where the highest numbers of fatal and severe crashes occur. He argued that the bridge would prompt more people to drive  a phenomenon called induced demand that has been verified by decades of research  and thus increase dangers to pedestrians and cyclists.

The Truxel proposals will next go before City Council  along with the commissions recommendation to at least consider a bridge without cars  though a date for discussion has not been set.
The body of a six-year-old girl with autism was found in a river near her Norton home about an hour after a frantic search began Friday afternoon.

A parent called police to report the child, who was non-verbal, was missing from her home which abuts the river that feeds into nearby Barrowsville Pond.

Multiple local police departments assisted Norton, along with the fire department, State Police Air Wing and State Police K9s, among other agencies.

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Within 12 minutes of entering the water in survival floatation suits, firefighters located the childs body, Norton Deputy Fire Chief Jason Robbins said. They immediately began CPR and rushed her to an ambulance.

We did the best we could with life saving measures, Robbins said. She was transported to Sturdy Hospital and pronounced deceased.

Norton Police Chief Brian Clark explained that first responders didnt spare a moment, given the known tendency of many children with autism to be drawn to water.

We had every available police officer, quickly called the fire department. I think this is one of the things that you push the button as soon as you can. I mean, we wanted as many resources there as possible, Clark said. Its cold out, the waters cold, we dont know exactly where she went. Certainly a time that I think everybodys hearts pumping. Where can we look? What can we do?

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An emotional Clark told reporters his department shares in the familys unimaginable heartache.

Today is a sad day in Norton. Certainly not the outcome we were looking for, Clark said in a news conference Friday night. Its just  shes a little girl. Everybody has children  a lot of police officers, firefighters that responded have children.

While no criminal activity is suspected, the investigation by police and the Bristol County District Attorneys Office continues.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  New restrictions on cell phone use in the classroom are just days away from going into effect within San Marcos Unified School District.

It comes after the Board of Trustees voted Thursday to update its policy based on months of feedback from staff, students and parents.

School districts throughout the state have been rolling out these policies in order to align with a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September requiring them to comply by July 2026.

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Many already have policies in place and are using this as an opportunity to update existing rules, including San Marcos Unified.

I think its good because as a parent I want my child to have a distraction free learning environment, said Lisa Sinnott, parent of a senior at San Marcos High School and substitute teacher for the district.

Policy revisions adopted by the Board of Trustees will now restrict the use of earbuds during school hours.

I think its going to be hard for them to adjust especially the ones who listen to music as a way to block out other distractions, Sinnott said.

Restrictions on cell phone use in the classroom have been in place in the district since 2019. However, starting Jan.21 all mobile communication devices at the high school level must be kept out of sight during instructional hours. Students can use them before and after school and during breaks.

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At the elementary and middle school level, the change will be more drastic.

Theyre going for an Away for the Day policy, Sinnott explained.

Our childrens mental health is kind of going off a cliff, said Clayton Cranford, former school resource officer and founder of cybersafetycop.com. He added, parents are giving children phones at earlier ages because they think this is making them safer when in fact its doing the opposite.

Oftentimes, students have their devices out at the wrong time.

I see a lot of my peers on their phone in class, said San Marcos High School senior Mark Sinnott.

He also supports the restrictions and noted there are exceptions.

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I occasionally use it with permission, but other than that, I am off my phone during classes, Mark Sinnott said.

Students will be allowed to use their cell phone in the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger. Also, when a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device. Cell phone use will also be allowed when a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the students health and well-being, and when the possession or use is required by the students individualized education program.

The San Marcos Unified policy largely mirrors restrictions set by San Diego Unified and Poway Unified, the first and third largest districts in San Diego County. Neither of which are as strict as Californias largest district, Los Angeles Unified.

Some of their schools are testing out the pockets that lock and our school district isnt looking into that right now, Lisa Sinnott said.

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San Marcos Unified School District will be monitoring the new policy implementation and report back to the board at the end of the school year, potentially making recommendations for future changes that could be implemented in the fall.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD)  Sangamon County, its sheriffs office and its central dispatch system on Thursday announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve an investigation spurred by the shooting of Sonya Massey.

Massey, an unarmed Black woman who was experiencing a mental health crisis, was shot in her kitchen by Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson who responded to Masseys 911 call about a prowler outside her home near Springfield.

The death of Sonya Massey was a terrible tragedy for a woman experiencing a mental health crisis, her family, and the entire Sangamon County community, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. 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.

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In recent weeks, the DOJ Civil Rights Division announced the conclusion of investigations not only in Sangamon County, but also of police departments in Trenton, New Jersey; Memphis, Tennessee; Worcester, Massachusetts; and Mount Vernon, New York, as well as the Louisiana State Police.

Read more: In wake of Massey shooting, Sangamon County target of DOJ Investigation

The agreement resolves the investigation into Sangamon County and its sheriffs office and dispatch system that was officially launched by DOJ in November into alleged discriminatory practices on the basis of race and disability by police and dispatching services.

It specifically states the DOJ did not find evidence that the county, the sheriffs department or central dispatch discriminated in providing services, and the county did not admit any liability by entering into the agreement.

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The agreement states the sheriffs office will continue to work with Memorial Behavioral Health Center in Springfield to provide mobile crisis team services, including sending teams to mental health calls either with police or on their own, depending on the call circumstances.

The sheriffs department agreed to review the accuracy and reliability of the current process for collecting and analyzing demographic data and make any necessary improvements.

Under the agreement, dispatchers and deputies will receive training to identify people experiencing a behavioral health crisis and how to relay that to the responder. The training will also include suicide intervention and de-escalation techniques.

The county also agreed to designate a person to review citizen complaints within 90 days. The Justice Department also requested it receive information on those citizen complaints as well as the status of the training within 90 days.

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Sangamon County formed the Massey Commission made up of local residents after the shooting to address inequities in policing and other county services. The agreement states that the county, the dispatch system and sheriffs department will review recommendations made by the commission.

We are pleased that there has been swift action and we look forward to reviewing the details of the agreement, Massey Commission Chair Jo Ann Johnson said in a news release following the announcement. The agreement does acknowledge the work of the Massey Commission and asks the county to work collaboratively with us to incorporate our recommendations.

Under Sangamon Countys agreement with the DOJ, the county has one year to implement the necessary changes.

Read more: Grayson to remain jailed as state Supreme Court considers release request

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Grayson was fired after he was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct charges. He remains in Macon County Jail, awaiting word on whether the Illinois Supreme Court will decide, based on the states new SAFE-T Act, to release him until trial.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

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The Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Power and Housing Manohar Lal to discuss the "Implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)". Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik, was also present during the meeting that was held on Thursday, January 16. The meeting was attended by the Members of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power) and other officers of the Ministry of Power, Chairperson CEA and CMDs of REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation Ltd. Union Minister emphasized the pivotal role the power sector plays in industrial growth and economic development in the country. He highlighted the necessity to add additional generation and transmission capacities for meeting the ever-growing demand in the country. The union minister also shared that every census village in the country is now electrified, and the aim is now to enhance the quality of services being offered to promote the ease of living for consumers. He pointed out that, over the past decade, power availability in the urban areas has improved from 22 hours to 23.4 hours, while in rural areas, it has increased significantly from 12.5 hours to 22.4 hours. Discussing the implementation of smart meters installations, the Minister stated that smart meters benefit both consumer and distribution companies by reducing billing errors, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing greater convenience for users and help DISCOMs in reducing losses, optimisation of power purchase cost, integration of renewable energy among others. The union minister also informed that the Ministry of Power, in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has undertaken several measures to alleviate the difficulties consumers faced while installing RTS systems under PM Surya Ghar. These measures include waiving the requirement for Technical Feasibility Study for connections up to 10 kW, implementing deemed load enhancement for RTS installations up to 10 kW, etc. In view of these measures taken by the Union Government, he called upon the State Governments to take initiatives to promote Rooftop Solar Schemes for the benefit of consumers. Naik highlighted the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in improving service quality and building consumer trust. He stated that the effective implementation of projects under RDSS would strengthen the financial sustainability of DISCOMs while ensuring the delivery of reliable and high-quality power to the consumers. He also underscored the importance of promptly executing the sanctioned projects under the scheme to achieve its objectives. Members of the Consultative Committee for Ministry of Power offered several valuable suggestions regarding various initiatives and schemes. They praised the scheme and especially the role of smart meters in improving the services and reducing the losses. They also praised the role of scheme in providing quality power to consumers through execution of distribution infrastructure works. Further, the members lauded Union Minister Manohar Lal for organizing the Consultative Committee meeting. The Union Minister instructed officials to take necessary steps to incorporate the suggestions provided by the Members of the Consultative Committee and emphasized the importance of ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply for consumers. (ANI)
Jan. 17SKOWHEGAN  Millwrights, machinists and mechanics at the Sappi Somerset Mill "overwhelmingly" rejected the latest contract offer from company management the union representing the workers said Friday.

The members of Local 2740 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM, also authorized a strike in a vote Dec. 16, 2024, according to an IAM spokesperson, DeLane Adams.

"IAM Local 2740 members at Sappi voted loud and clear, and now we welcome the opportunity to sit down at the table next Tuesday with management to get an offer that includes fair wages, work-life balance and the dignity our members deserve," IAM District 4 Business Representative Chris Wiers said in a statement issued Friday. "This is about valuing their hard work, which keeps this mill running and helps make this company successful."

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The local, which has 71 members, has a contract expiring Jan. 31. It is one of four unions at the mill, which Sappi says employs 754 workers.

Adams, IAM's assistant communications director, declined to offer specifics of what the machinists union is asking of the company.

In a statement to the Morning Sentinel, Sappi officials said the company was "disappointed" in the union's rejection of the latest offer.

"We have presented a highly competitive offer, already accepted by other Sappi unions, featuring industry-leading wage increases on top of wages that are already among the best in both the industry and the region," the company's statement said. "We remain hopeful that we will reach an agreement."

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Sappi North America, a Boston-headquartered subsidiary of an international company, employs about 2,100 people at its four mills, technology center, service center and sheeting facilities in the U.S. and Quebec, according to its website. In addition to the Somerset Mill, Sappi operates mills in Westbrook; Cloquet, Minnesota; and Matane, Quebec.

The Somerset Mill produces 1 million metric tons a year of coated woodfree paper, paperboard and label papers, and 525,000 metric tons of bleached chemical pulp, the company says.

Sappi is currently investing $418 million at the mill, including the conversion of its No. 2 paper machine to make a packaging product and increase production capacity. The company said in a social media post earlier this month that the new machine is set to come online in April.

Wiers, the IAM district business representative, alluded to that investment in his statement Friday.

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"We want Sappi management to invest in its workforce, just as the company invested in the Skowhegan mill and other facilities," Wiers said. "Our members are hard-working and highly skilled millwrights, machinists, and mechanics who deserve a fair contract that respects their craft. We look forward to coming to a deal that reflects the value that our members bring to Sappi."

Members of the IAM Local 2740 previously threatened a strike in 2019 amid negotiations, the Morning Sentinel reported then. Union and company officials ultimately celebrated the contract that was ratified.

The largest union of workers at the mill, United Steelworkers Local 4-9, authorized a strike amid negotiations in October and held a rally.

A spokesperson for the Maine AFL-CIO, with which the union is affiliated, said in a December email that the steelworkers ratified a contract later in October, though he did not have details.

A regional staff representative for the USW did not return a message Friday afternoon.

Kennebec Journal reporter Emily Duggan contributed to this report.

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A Kyiv Metro engineer allegedly let a network of agents who helped direct Russian missile and drone attacks against the capital and Kharkiv Oblast, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Jan. 18.

The agents tracked the movement and positions of Ukrainian troops in order to coordinate Russian aerial attacks, the SBU said.

Russia's Federal Security Service recruited the network leader, a Kyiv Metro engineer, during a meeting in Moscow in 2015, according to the SBU. After the full-scale invasion in 2022, he was instructed to create a network of agents who would monitor the activitiy of Ukrainian troops and cargo.

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The engineer allegedly recruited acquaintances into the network, including a Kharkiv resident who deserted the Ukrainian military and previously worked for Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) for 10 years. This agent tracked and reported on the movements of Ukraine's military.

Another agent, an international road transport driver, identified and shared the coordinates of military checkpoints.

The ringleader then passed this intelligence on to the FSB, the SBU claimed.

The leader also personally directed Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, according to intercepted conversations.

SBU officers have detained the alleged leader in Kyiv and another suspected agent in Kharkiv. During the investigation, officers seized cell phones that they said contain evidence of collaboration with Russia, along with four firearms.

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Both suspects have been charged with high treason in conjunction with the Prosecutor General's Office. A third suspect, currently in hiding abroad, may also be charged.

The suspects face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, along with confiscation of property.

Read also: Ex-MP, leader of Russia-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church charged with treason

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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)  SC Beach Advocates held a panel with the states lawmakers involving questions about funding for future beach management projects on Friday.

The last day of the conference provided sessions about water and policy challenges, economic benefits of South Carolinas beaches, the governors address, and coastal resilience. As speakers presented evidence of sea level rise and beach erosion, local leaders look for ways to find funding to take proactive measures like beach renourishment projects.

Well were hoping were going to get a way forward with our legislature on beach nourishment, taking care of our beaches from our tourism and everything that the coastal communities provide for the state. So, just communicating the necessity of taking care of our beaches, Crawford Moore, mayor of Edisto Beach, said.

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State senators and representatives proposed a possible dedicated funding source or statewide impact fee that they could bring attention to during the legislative session. However, they said it may not be accomplished this year.

We know theres going to be some obstacles to some of that because its not a statewide thing. But then again we do feel like theres a way forward with that. Not necessarily right now for long-term, but short-term funding, Crawford said.

Gov. Henry McMaster made an address where he emphasized that the states beaches and recreation remain a large draw for visitors and those moving here. He said he plans to find a solution to help the coastal communities retain their environments.

We got to be careful, very careful with our beaches, with our waters, with our forests. We take great, great care to provide money for our beach renourishment, for the marsh islands, for the barrier islands. We got a lot of studying going on. The recreation and the health value is really outstanding to our state. We work hard on those things and its paid off, McMaster said.

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In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday, Jan. 20, most banks, mail centers and administrative offices will be closed throughout Beaufort County.

Most administrative and government offices will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, January 21. Emergency services will remain operational during the holiday.

The Beaufort County Convenience Center at 26 Summit Road on Hilton Head Island will be closed on Monday. Regular operating hours will resume at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21.

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Most grocery stores, chain restaurants and retail stores remain open.

In recognition of this federal holiday, many events and parades will take place to remember the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Here is a breakdown of the events throughout the Lowcountry over the coming days.

Hilton Head

MLK Community Service Project: Saturday, January 18

Participate in the cleanup of the historical Gullah cemeteries throughout the community. Locations are still being determined, but this event is set to start at 9 a.m. Check back here for event updates.

Poster Making for the MLK Parade: Sunday, January 19

Get your markers and creativity ready with this poster-making event. Located at 39 Persimmon Street, Suite 201, you can craft and get posters ready for the MLK Parade. 6-8 p.m.

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Hilton Head MLK Day Parade: Monday, January 20

Starting at 10 a.m., the MLK Parade is starting at Hilton Head High School and will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Bluffton

Old Time Gospel Camp Meeting: Saturday, January 18

Held at Campbell Chapel A.M.E Church of Bluffton, 25 Boundary Street, this service begins at 3 p.m. and features a variety of musicians, choirs and faith leaders. This event is free and open to the public.

Memorial Program and Youth Day: Monday, January 20

Held at the May River Theatre located at Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge Street, this program will feature performances from local youth groups, commentary from local leaders and a visual presentation.

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Bluffton MLK Day March: Monday, January 20

Beginning at 2 p.m., the Bluffton MLK Day March will start at Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge Street. Before the march, the Bluffton MLK Observance Committees program in Dr. Kings honor will be shown in the Town Hall from 12-2 p.m. This event ends with a free community meal at the Oyster Factory Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring supplies for Backpack Buddies.

Dine & Dance Sneaker Ball: Saturday, January 25

Join the Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice with the Dine and Dance Sneaker Ball. This event includes dinner, music, a raffle and a silent auction. Just dont forget to wear your best sneakers to dance the night away. This event is from 5-10 p.m. at the Port Royal Beach House, 45 South Port Royal Drive. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased here.

Beaufort

MLK Day Parade: Monday, January 20

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The Beaufort MLK Parade is happening at 10 a.m. Starting at Beaufort National Cemetery, this parade will also honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Charleston

The Charleston Museum: Monday, January 20

If youre looking for something a bit more educational, The Charleston Museum and its historic houses are open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can visit the Heyward-Washington House or the Joseph Manigault House. Tickets can be found on their website. Prices vary based on age and events.
DIXON, Ill. (WTVO)  Former Dixon comptroller and convicted embezzler Rita Crundwell is again making headlines.

This time, Crundwell is the subject of the first episode of Scam Goddess, a series that premiered Jan. 15 on Freeform and is now streaming on Hulu.

The episode, The Horseplay Heist, follows Crundwells rise from small-town farm girl girl with a love for horses to Dixons comptroller and how she began stealing what would be $53.7 million from the city over 22 years.

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Hosted by podcaster and comedian Laci Mosely, The Horseplay Heist, takes a slightly tongue-and-cheek look at Crundwells criminal enterprise and how simple it was for the now 72-year-old to pull off the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history.

Mosley includes extended interviews with Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss, townspeople who arent afraid to admit that Rita Crundwell is a sore subject and former Deputy Treasurer Kathe Swanson, who discovered her crimes.

I would go in early, Swanson explains about how she worked with law enforcement for six months in 2011 and 2012 to help build a case against Crundwell. I had to put a big smile on. It really took a toll on me.

The scam began in December 1990, when Crundwell opened a secret bank account she called Reserve Sewer Capital Development Account (RSCDA). Crundwell was the only signatory; it appeared to be regular city account so nobody questioned it.

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Crundwell deposited city dollars into the legitimate Capital Development Fund. To steal those funds, she created fake invoices for various projects the city had no connections to and wrote checks for them, payable to Treasurer. Those checks were deposited into the secret RSCDA account.

Swanson noticed the secret accountand large amounts of cash that were moving in and out of itwhen Crundwell was on vacation.

Stealing an average of $2.5 million per year from the city, Crundwell bilked $5.8 million in 2008 alone.She used the cash to buy homes, vehicles and bankroll a multi-million-dollar quarter horse operation that had a reputation as one of the best in the country.

In 2013, Crundwell was ordered to serve 19 years and 7 months in federal prison, a sentence that would have kept her behind bars until 2029, when she was eligible for early release. Instead, Crundwell was released on home confinement in 2021, citing health problems during the pandemic.

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On Dec. 12, 2024, President Joe Biden commuted her sentenced, freeing Crundwell from any further obligation to the justice system.

After auctioning off Crundwells assets, Dixon recovered more about $9 million in what she stole. The city reached a settlement of more than $40 million in a lawsuit against Fifth Third Bank and auditing firm Clifton Gunderson.

Crundwell is also subject of the Kartemquin Films documentary, All the Queens Horses.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  South Carolinas transportation officials are preparing for potential winter weather impacts throughout the state this coming week.

As confidence in winter precipitation becomes clearer, the South Carolina Department of Transportation said its crews will begin spraying salt brine or salting roadways ahead of any wintry weather conditions where needed.

Crews will begin with interstates and primary routes before working their way to secondary roads.

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Please slow down and leave room between your vehicle and the salt truck, said SCDOT. This increases safety and protects your vehicle from damage caused by salt or salt brine.

SCDOT will shift to monitoring roadways and de-icing efforts once they see impacts.

Bitterly cold temperatures will move into southeast South Carolina next week, and forecasters are monitoring an increasing chance for some winter weather in the Lowcountry area.

The probabilities for accumulating winter precipitation impacting the area continue to increase, but it is still too soon to pin down specific impacts and amounts, said Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler. The window of greatest impacts looks to be Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

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Fowler said some travel issues could continue into Wednesday night and Thursday as wet roads could refreeze.

Count on News 2 and Storm Team 2 for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Area schools and businesses are assessing the incoming frigid weather and making operating determinations.

Gov. Landry issues State of Emergency ahead of statewide extreme cold forecast

Bossier Parish Community College Campuses will close on Tuesday, January 21. However, the Natchitoches and Sabine Valley (Many) campuses will remain closed due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. These campuses are scheduled to reopen on Thursday, January 23rd. Virtual classes will still meet and student services will be available virtually for those campuses.

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Northwestern State University announced on Saturday that the campus will close on Tuesday, January 21, in anticipation of winter precipitation. Updates will be available on nsula.edu

Natchitoches Parish Public Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, January 22.

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DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  School administrators are keeping an eye on the incoming arctic blast that is expected to hit the area early next week.

The cold air is expected to enter the region Sunday night, and the area could see some wintry precipitation, including snow, sleet, or freezing rain, sometime between Tuesday morning and Wednesday night.

Threat of snow increasing for the Wiregrass

In preparation for this freezing and possibly snowy weather, Dothan City Schools announced that the administration is monitoring the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service and is keeping in contact with the Dothan-Houston County EMA.

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A weather event may occur next week which could impact travel and DCS transportation services. As always, the safety and well-being of students and staff are always top priority, DCS officials said on Facebook Friday afternoon.

One dead in Dale County crash

Officials also said Superintendent Dr. Dennis Coe is in contact with surrounding school districts.

The school system is expected to announce whether they will change school schedules on Sunday.

A warming shelter will open on Sunday at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center to prepare for the incoming weather.

Warming shelter opening in Dothan

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Stay with WDHN for updates.

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The Anne Frank Experience

You're probably familiar with Anne Frank, a European Jewish girl whose posthumously-published diary documents her time hiding from Nazi persecution, before being apprehended and killed in a concentration camp at age 15.

Unfortunately for humanity, a Utah-based tech startup called SchoolAI has summoned up an AI-generated version of Frank that feels like both an affront to her memory and a grim sign of things to come in the world of education.

While there's a veneer of the historical character, it also shows all the flaws of OpenAI-style chatbots: overly courteous, unhelpfully vague, and so uplifting that it borders on wax museum-creepy.

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What's worse, as Berlin historian Henrik Schonemann discovered while experimenting with the bot, is that it seems trained to avoid pinning blame for Frank's death on the actual Nazis responsible for her death, instead redirecting the conversation in a positive light.

"Instead of focusing on blame, let's remember the importance of learning from the past," the bot told Schonemann. "How do you think understanding history can help us build a more tolerant and peaceful world today?"

Crash Course

It's true that the real Frank expressed a certain commitment to forgiveness  "in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart," goes one famous passage from her diary  it's puzzling to see such an iconic account of genocide twisted into such a balmy sentiment.

"It's a kind of grave-digging and incredibly disrespectful to the real Anne Frank and her family," Schonemann wrote. "She, her memory and the things she wrote get abused for our enjoyment, with no regard or care for the real person. How anyone thinks this is even remotely appropriate is beyond me." In addition, he added, the bot "violates every premise of Holocaust-education."

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As Miles Klee wrote for Rolling Stone when similar bots started to hit the web in 2023, the ersatz historical figures are often wrong about basic biographical details, and show the same bowdlerized unwillingness to grapple with the type of incisive questions that real students might pose about difficult topics.

Needless to say, school administrators who've thrown caution to the wind to deploy this type of software are failing to ask important questions, from the practical to the philosophical: what does it mean to interact with a chatbot based on Anne Frank, how will it affect the education of actual kids, and what level of control do educators, administrators and state regulators have over the kind of content these things pump out? And above all, how did anyone think this was in good taste?

More on AI in classrooms: University Enrolling AI-Powered "Students" Who Will Turn in Assignments, Participate in Class Discussions
When four Eurasian lynx were released illegally into the Scottish Highlands this month, it reignited a long-running debate: should these large cats, extinct in the British Isles for hundreds of years, be reintroduced?

Rewilding advocates have long pushed for the return of the lynx and other lost species to Britain. But Texan businessman Ben Lamm wants to take the concept to the extreme. His start-up, Colossal Biosciences, has billed itself as the worlds first de-extinction company. Among its first rewilding goals: bringing back the woolly mammoth.

The last, isolated mammoth populations died out 4,000 years ago, with their extinction blamed on hunting by humans and climate change. They last set foot in Britain around 12,000 BC. But by studying ancient DNA and using modern gene-editing techniques, Colossal believes it may just be a few years away from creating the first mammoth embryos. Believe it or not, we occasionally get the Jurassic Park reference, says Lamm.

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Along with the eight-ton mammoth, Colossal is exploring reviving the Dodo, a flightless bird from Mauritius that died out in the 1600s, and the Tasmanian Tiger, a carnivorous marsupial that was hunted to extinction in the 1930s.

This may all sound like something out of a Steven Spielberg film, but Colossal has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for its project. Last week, it raised another $200m (163m), bringing its total funding to $435m and increasing its valuation to $10.2bn.

Its shareholder register includes Hollywood royalty such as Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings director, and Paris Hilton. It has also attracted cash from In-Q-Tel, a venture fund backed by the CIA, and US Innovative Technology, a defence-focused fund led by billionaire Thomas Tull, who founded the production company behind The Dark Knight.

Lamm, a bearded, enthusiastic Texan, has emerged as the start-ups unlikely champion. At 43, he is a serial entrepreneur with a background in start-ups ranging from e-learning to gaming, artificial intelligence and satellites.

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While researching the possibilities of launching a business focused on biology or the climate, Lamm contacted George Church, a pre-eminent Harvard expert on genetics to help co-found Colossal.

In 2015, Church conducted the first genetic splicing of frozen mammoth DNA onto elephant genes, using a cutting-edge gene-editing technique known as CRISPR.

However, he also gained prominence for his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, who he maintained contact with even after he was convicted of sex offences in 2008. The professor, who also accepted donations from Epstein, issued a public apology in 2019 and said he had suffered from nerd tunnel vision.

In 2015, George Church conducted the first genetic splicing of frozen mammoth DNA onto elephant genes - Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

I asked George, if you had unlimited capital, what project would you be working on, says Lamm. Without skipping a beat, he said hed work to bring back the woolly mammoth.

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Changes in genetic editing technology, where DNA molecules can be sliced and manipulated, with new characteristics inserted or flaws removed, have made a future where the mammoth lives again possible, according to Churchs work.

These technologies are advancing very rapidly, Lamm adds. A few years ago people made one [genetic] edit and thought it was like discovering fire. Today, were at 300 edits. Tomorrow, itll be 3,000 edits.

Jurassic Park in reverse

Bringing a species back to life may seem far-fetched. But in fact, it has been done once before. In 2003, Spanish scientists revived the recently extinct Iberian Ibex using cloned DNA inserted into a host.

The baby Ibex lived only a few minutes, although Church and Ed Regis, a science author, wrote in their book Regenesis: Those scant minutes were proof that an extinct species could be resurrected, not by magic or miracles, but by science.

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Genomic technologies will permit us to replay scenes from our evolutionary past and take evolution to places where it has never gone before.

Colossal is pursuing a somewhat different method to what would be commonly understood as cloning. In Jurassic Park, scientists cloned dinosaur DNA and filled it in with genes from living creatures, such as frogs. In reality, preserved ancient DNA is unviable for cloning.

Lamm says Colossals process is like Jurassic Park in reverse. An Asian elephant has DNA that is 99.6pc similar to that of an ancient mammoth, Lamm says, meaning that by editing its genes and inserting new ones, scientists can create a kind of proxy mammoth.

Weve already done the computational biology, weve already established cells, weve already done the ancient DNA work, says Lamm. Its a 22-month gestation  were in the editing phase.

Ben Lamm says his company is on track for late 2028 for our first mammoth calves - John Davidson/Colossal

While the project, if it succeeds, would make history, it is less obvious how it would make money. However, Lamm says the start-up has been able to attract hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to the potential of its technology.

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When we find opportunities to build technology, to take those out of the company and monetise it, we do, he says. Think of it like the Apollo programme  trillions of dollars of economic value have been created based on the innovations required to go to the Moon.

To this end, the company has spun out Form Bio, a gene therapy development company, which has independently raised more than $60m. It has also launched Breaking, a start-up that last year raised $10m after discovering a microbe called X-32, which can break down plastic.

Lamm says investors such as In-Q-Tel, which is closely linked to the US government, have invested because they are excited about the capabilities we are building from a technology perspective as it relates to everything from agriculture to human healthcare.

As for the mammoth project, this could be a moneymaker on its own. The company is working on a five-year film that will document its genesis, while it also enjoyed viral success on social media.

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If the business succeeds in breeding mammoths, they could form part of an unprecedented rewilding project in the Arctic.

A question of bioethics

Still, with its bold claims and ambitious promises, Colossal has been met with scepticism by some scientists and researchers. According to one critic, Colossal will end up creating more of a hairy elephant than a true woolly mammoth. Lamm says the company has never claimed its creatures would be an identical copy of prehistoric life.

Meanwhile, multiple climate and conservation groups have also suggested the companys focus on de-extinction risks diverting attention from truly at-risk animals today. Scientists at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimate more than 46,000 known species are currently threatened with extinction.

To ease scrutiny, Colossal last year set up a $50m non-profit foundation aimed at at-risk species. Its current projects range from working on vaccines for deadly diseases for elephants to AI tools that track wild populations.

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The money that is going into Colossals work is not money that would otherwise have gone into conservation efforts. Lamm says: We are not suggesting that our work should be done instead of more traditional approaches to conservation but we do argue that this is a yes and situation.

However, there are also obvious ethical and practical questions about reintroducing animals into the wild. For example, the rogue rewilding attempt of the lynx earlier this month led to the death of one of the animals.

Four Eurasian lynx were released illegally into the Scottish Highlands this month - Royal Zoological Society of Scotland/AP

Lamm says the company has been working with some of the top bioethicists and top conservation partners in the world, who he has tasked with carrying out studies on the potential impact of his creatures on the local environment.

And while some in Silicon Valley advocate for so-called transhumanism  which means augmenting mankind with technology or genetic engineering  Lamm says the company is steering clear of human DNA.

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Colossal is not going to work on humans, he says. Given that In-Q-Tel, the CIAs venture capital arm, has invested in us ... we never want the lab working on human cells and elephant cells, right? People would go crazy.

However, he says that a more open stance is needed when it comes to genetically modified organisms.

Governments have to start looking at this because not all look at it the same way, says Lamm. In many parts of Asia, they let people do whatever they want. While thats not the right approach, he says, the genie is out of the bottle.

Colossal now plans to put years of synthetic biology theory into practice. In October, it claimed to have recreated the DNA of a Thylacine with 99.9pc accuracy. Were on track for late 2028 for our first mammoth calves, adds Lamm.

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Will these de-extinct creatures survive and thrive? If we are to believe Jurassic Park: Life finds a way.

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STARBASE  Keith Reynolds heard a bang, his TV blew out, the power went off and he knew whatever just happened was somehow related to his neighbor.

He eventually found out that heavy equipment working along Texas 4 near SpaceXs rocket launch facility struck power lines and knocked out electricity for more than 1,300 people  but the private space company, local utility and government officials stayed mum.

Reynolds knew this much: The surge fried his electric meter, leaving him without power for two days.

Nobody ever came to see if I might have been blown up or electrocuted or needed help, he said. Its like, Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate that.

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Keith Reynolds, owner and operator of Raptor Roost who bought the property before SpaceX arrived, interacts with guests while waiting for a test launch of a mega-rocket Thursday. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Less than 4 miles from his neighbors twin Starship launch towers, Reynolds property sits amid a swirling swath of borderland outside Brownsville that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wants to incorporate into a new city named Starbase.

Carlo Delgado, 8, a boy from Monterrey, Mexico, plays under a Tesla Cybertruck wrapped in the Doge meme dog that was driven by Chris Li, a crypto investor from Irvine, Calif., to Raptor Roost, a viewing and camping area operated by Keith Reynolds who bought the property before SpaceX arrived. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

For Reynolds, the power surge in May was just another chapter in what he sees as the commercial space companys indifference to its neighbors.

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If SpaceX would acknowledge and respect the residents who are already there, it would go a long way, he said. But I get a strong feeling that they dont want any of us there.

Hes among the few remaining residents whove owned property here since before 2012, when Musk chose the area to begin developing his Starship mega-rocket.

The company was enticed with $20 million in giveaways, including a 10-year property tax break and state laws that allow it to shut off access to nearby state park beaches, close roads and limits the companys legal liabilities for the sorts of accidents that might happen around a rocket test site.

Since breaking ground in 2014, SpaceX has built a rocket factory and launch complex in a fraction of the time it would take elsewhere. Its done so without the insulation of a military bases perimeter, which has left the private company to deal with neighboring residents and the growing numbers of visitors headed to Boca Chica Beach in its own way.

SpaceX Starbase is seen from Raptor Roost on Thursday through the vegetation of the nature preserve that the space operation shares space with near Boca Chica Beach. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Transformation

The transformation of the Gulf Coast wildland into a sprawling industrial site has brought more power outages, highway-busting traffic, road closures, dust and noise to the lives of SpaceXs neighbors. Its increasingly injecting the disruptive realities of the space business  test flight explosions, evacuations, launches and foundation-jarring sonic booms.

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On top of all that, there are the oddities of a privately owned company that likes to keep to itself, flies drones across the area for security and has a giant fan base. Its led by a mercurial boss who now wants to rename the area and its streets for his business and personal interests and isnt afraid to use his increasing political influence to make it happen.

Knowing whats in the plans is sometimes difficult. The company rarely responds to media inquiries and muzzles employees, contractors and local governments with nondisclosure agreements. It pressures its neighbors to avoid the media, too, a trait that often appears to extend to county officials.

But some speak out and more than two dozen lawsuits shed light on concerns about the companys environmental impacts, public beach restrictions and alleged disregard for property and privacy.

Among the suits is one filed by the owners of game maker Cards Against Humanity, who own a nearby plot of land. It says SpaceX has been trespassing on their property for months, disregarding property rights and the safety of those on what has become a worksite.

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The disputes have emerged as the companys work in South Texas is accelerating. Its setting up giant buildings to build Starships, the largest and most powerful rocket system ever, and preparing facilities for dozens of launches each year.

For those living amid all that, lofty talk of saving humanity with space exploration and colonizing Mars and the benefits of billions infused into the local economy often falls flat.

Despite donating $30 million to the community in 2021 after a Starship prototype exploded and rained tons of debris on the tidal flats hugging Starbase, increasing public interactions and and hosting community events, the companys closest neighbors dont always feel the love.

You know, if they were curing cancer, or educating the uneducable, it would be important, but theyre building a  rocket, Reynolds said. Its not that big a deal.

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Now, as it awaits FAA approval to launch and land as many as 25 Starships a year, its also looking to incorporate and provide services to a city, a new endeavor for the company that relocated its headquarters to Texas in 2024.

A utilities surveyor walks across the lawn as people awaiting Thursdays Starship launch pass the time at Raptor Roost, a viewing and camping site owned by Keith Reynolds who bought the land before the arrival of SpaceX. The site sits next to new housing for SpaceX employees. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Keith Reynolds displays a picture of a power meter that was damaged because of an power outage allegedly caused by SpaceX employees. He was out of power for two days. Reynolds says hes a SpaceX fan who wants to see the company succeed, but each time that they kind of disrespect me, it kind of erodes my enthusiasm for them. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer A view of SpaceX Starbases parking lot on a rainy morning Wednesday in Brownsville. Since the construction of the Space X project in South Texas, the road leading to Boca Chica Beach have been riddled with potholes and heavy traffic. Locals have complained that the once quiet area outside of Brownsville has gotten much more hectic. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer New palm trees, a signature marker of the area, are seen Wednesday against the backdrop of houses in Boca Chica Village, which has been transforming into a company town for SpaceX employees. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Temporary SpaceX housing in the form of trailers sit in the shadow of the newly expanded SpaceX complex. Local residents who still live in the area say they are often left out of the conversation when continuing or new developments take place in the neighborhood. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer A view of Starbase on a rainy morning Wednesday in Brownsville. The weather caused SpaceX to push back its seventh test launch to Thursday. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Power problems

Despite its successes building rockets and satellite constellations, some of its closest neighbors are worried about the idea of it managing a city.

SpaceXs growth has required steady upgrades in the power lines running along Texas 4 to deliver electricity to the company and area residents. The work has caused headaches for SpaceX neighbors for years. An April 2022 complaint filed with the Public Utilities Commission, which regulates Texas utilities, shows the outages have become commonplace.

For the past six months we have been experiencing power outages on a too frequent basis. This is due to activity from SpaceX and the moving of lines, the unidentified customer wrote to commissioners. On one day in April 2022, they wrote, the area had 20 short outages and one lasting close to three hours.

I dont know of any other company that is permitted to cut the power to residents for the purpose of a private business entitys activities, the complaint said.

Reynolds said such outages are typical, but most have paled in comparison to the May 1 outage, which hit while he was listening to news on his 60-inch television.

All of a sudden, boom, it sounded like somebody outside fired a shotgun, he said. Of course, the TV went off and smoke went up. I went outside and looked at my (electric) meter, and it was black.

He later learned that a SpaceX subcontractor operating a crane at a company heavy equipment yard a few miles from the rocket factory hit power lines.

It blew out air conditioners and electric meters all up and down Highway 4, Reynolds said. I was without power for two days.

SpaceX hasnt commented. But Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, the areas power provider, said that day via social media it was experiencing an outage in Brownsville and the surrounding area. A map showed the outage area, which ran from the east side of Brownsville along Texas 4 all the way to the coast.

Later, Magic Valley Central Division Manager Abraham Quiroga said only that an equipment operator caused the outage. He declined to say exactly where the accident occurred, the entity responsible or any recourse the utility might be taking.

It was a private firm, he said.

The outage also knocked out power to the Boca Chica Village area, where a few pre-SpaceX residents still live among an increasing population of company employees.

Rosemarie Workman, whos lived in the village seasonally since 2004, said the surge blew out her homes breaker box. Within hours, she said, SpaceX employees had repaired it and were connecting her home and others to truck-size generators they brought to the neighborhood. The generators ran for about three days before power was restored.

Clockwise from top left, industrial power lines providing power to SpaceX line Boca Chica Boulevard; warning flags remind trucks of the low overhead power lines, which have been hit several times; an original house from the old Boca Chica Village sits next to empty lots and other recently built SpaceX housing; and a water truck delivers potable water to new housing built for SpaceX employees near Raptor Roost, a privately owned piece of land. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Water woes

The company also is seeking state approval to extend water and sewer services to the area.

For years, Cameron County has trucked in water, but SpaceX wants to build a water system and treatment plant, according to a draft agreement between the company and residents reviewed by the San Antonio Express-News. It also muzzles neighbors.

In exchange for access to the Starbase water system, they would have to sign the unconditional and perpetual agreement, which requires them to leave the area for any and all launch, testing and other operational activities.

It also says that SpaceX has no obligation to provide resident with access to SpaceXs water and wastewater treatment, does not guarantee the quality or volume of water and that residents shall have no legal or monetary recourse against SpaceX. The deal would give the company the unrestricted right to terminate (the agreement) at its sole discretion, though.

It also includes a confidentiality clause requiring residents to keep the terms and existence of this Agreement confidential and shall not disclose, distribute or publish this Agreement for any reason.

In Octber, SpaceX submitted a proposal to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for an extension of the existing distribution system from the Starbase Water System along Boca Chica Boulevard between San Martin Boulevard and to the SpaceX Starship Orbital Launch Pad.

The plan specified that the new line will provide drinking water to Cameron County customers.

The proposed waterline was conditionally approved for construction if project plans and specifications meet regulatory requirements, TCEQ said this month. An appointed engineer must notify the TCEQs Region 15 Office in Harlingen when construction will start and when work is completed.

For their part, locals say water now is delivered monthly at a reasonable price and theyre fine with that.

Only pumped our septic 2 times in the last 20 years, one homeowner wrote in comments to TCEQ. SpaceX has pumped it often because they are flooding our property.

Carlo Delgado, 8, a boy from Monterrey, Mexico, plays near the temporary fence built to separate Raptor Roost, a viewing and camping area operated by Keith Reynolds, from new housing developments for SpaceX employees. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

By any other name

Since SpaceX began buying up the property, the old Boca Chica Village has been transformed into a SpaceX company town. At the center is a street thats come to represent Musks reimagining of the area and his influence on local governments.

The story began more than two years ago, when the company began lobbying to change the streets name from Weems Street to Memes Street, apparently to satisfy Musks social media proclivities.

Cameron County documents show how it came to be  and that the story told to support the move wasnt completely accurate.

Back in August 2022, Shyamal Patel, Starbases first leader, sent a letter to the county requesting the change due to memes having a significant impact to todays culture and society, leading to collective coping. Memes, he wrote, serve as an expression of peoples opinions, emotions and make you see the humorous side of a stressful situation.

There was no other reasoning or acknowledgement that residents might not support the companys desire to rename the street.

More than a year later, in October 2023, Kathryn Lueders, Starbases current general manager, officially requested the change. Cameron County commissioners unanimously approved it at a meeting the next month.

According to minutes of that meeting, county road engineer Carlos Sanchez advised the court that SpaceX is the owner of most of the properties on the street and Public Works did gather additional signatures of support from other property owners as well.

The county has declined to provide those signatures.

In an email Sanchez later wrote to Dylbia Jefferies, a county attorney responsible for public information requests, he said: The minutes state that Public Works gathered additional signatures. This is not accurate. I recall stating that there was no opposition received by our offices in regards to the name change.

As it turns out, there was no opposition because non-SpaceX residents apparently didnt know the change was being pitched.

None of the property owners knew about it until after the county approved it, and their paperwork was actually in error, Workman, the Boca Chica Village resident, said later.

The approval also surprised Thomas Gerleman, a Wisconsin lawyer whose family owns property on the street. He wrote a complaint to Commissioner Sofia Benavides about the action.

The alleged name change to Memes St appears to have a number of issues, Gerleman wrote in his January complaint. The filing appears faulty, the basis for the petition seems unclear, and it appears you were presented with incomplete and incorrect information.

But the change became official with the U.S. Postal Service in April, and, for a time, SpaceX was selling Memes Street sign replicas for $69 on its website. Despite the issues, Memes Street endures, although the company website no longer peddles the replicas.

It allowed Musk to tweet this in December 2023, though: I live on Memes St. (literally).

Left, houses in Boca Chica Village sit on Memes Street. The street, originally called Weems Street, was renamed at the request of Starbase leader Shyamal Patel as a nod to what he and Elon Musk consider to be the significance of internet culture. Right, SpaceX employees are seen against the backdrop of their neighbor Raptor Roost, a viewing and camping area operated by Keith Reynolds who bought the property before SpaceX. Christopher Lee/Staff photographer Top, houses in Boca Chica Village sit on Memes Street. The street, originally called Weems Street, was renamed at the request of Starbase leader Shyamal Patel as a nod to what he and Elon Musk consider to be the significance of internet culture. Above, SpaceX employees are seen against the backdrop of their neighbor Raptor Roost, a viewing and camping area operated by Keith Reynolds who bought the property before SpaceX. Christopher Lee/Staff photographer

SpaceX city

After years of discussion and amid a continuing attempt to get the U.S. Geological Survey to designate Starbase as an official place, SpaceX asked for a county election to let voters determine whether Starbase, Texas, should be incorporated as a city.

News of the request surprised everyone except the SpaceXers who signed a petition to request the referendum.

According to the petition released by Cameron County under state open records law, the company wants to create a Type C municipality with between 201 and 4,999 residents and encompassing 1.45 square miles.

Seventy people signed the petition, which, according to Moriah Nagy, a Starbase employee who served as circulator of the document, exceeded 10% of the qualified voters in the area.

It named Gunnar Milburn, Starbase security manager, as a candidate for mayor. City commissioner candidates include Jordan Buss, Starbases environmental, health and safety site manager, and Jenna Petrzelka, a Starbase resident related to Joe Petrzelka, SpaceXs vice president of spacecraft engineering.

According to an affidavit signed by Richard Cardile, SpaceX senior manager of spaceport operations, only 10 of Starbases existing 247 residential lots arent owned by SpaceX employees. The accompanying spreadsheet, he wrote, contains virtually all of the inhabitants of the proposed Starbase, Texas, area.

Addresses of non-SpaceX property owners did not appear on the spreadsheet that accompanied the affidavit.

An email from Cardile to residents said the company wants to have an election in February or March, and that residents can participate in the special election so long as they are registered to vote in the state of Texas, with their local Starbase address.

Despite living within the boundaries of the proposed Starbase, Reynolds said he hasnt been included in the discussions.

Spectators for the seventh test launch of the Starship mega-rocket pass the time Thursday at Raptor Roost, a viewing and camping area operated by Keith Reynolds. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

New challenges

He said he wasnt surprised the company didnt include him or other holdouts in discussions of the plans. Though hes stayed quiet about SpaceXs impact on its neighbors, he said, thats changing.

Ive been quiet about that, he said, and I still want to kind of be quiet, but Im becoming less so.

As Starbase matures, the challenges it brings its neighbors continue to change.

As more visitors flock to the Boca Chica Beach area for a glimpse of a rocket or a launch, the area still lacks basic services such as public restrooms, access to food or water, or accommodations for disabled people. The visitors also create more traffic on Texas 4, which already is jammed with industrial traffic around the clock. The Texas Department of Transportation is working on several projects to expand the thoroughfare, which means more construction is in the offing.

More launches also mean more landing attempts and sonic booms. Despite official pronouncements the booms are not a concern, Brigham Young University researchers found that sonic booms from the Oct. 13 landing of the Super Heavy booster generated pressures exceeding the FAAs predictions in its environmental assessments. More study is needed to understand the long-term effects.

Some of the seven launches so far have also created reports of broken windows in nearby communities, but those around Starbase havent complained about such issues.

Amanda Delgado, an Air Force veteran who owns a house in Port Isabel, said after Thursdays launch she has to readjust pictures on her wall after each liftoff.

Every time one happens, I have to straighten the pictures, she said. Lets just hope thats the worst.

Reynolds, whos built a business providing a spot for tourists to watch Starship launches, said hes a SpaceX fan who wants to see the company succeed. Hes learned to live with SpaceX employees zipping by his place, road damage, hassles at checkpoints, random visits from corporate officials, company drones flying over his property and round-the-clock construction noise from neighboring lots.

But hes tired of the company trying to bully everybody.

Each time that they kind of disrespect me, it kind of erodes my enthusiasm for them, Reynolds said. Its OK, they have a lot of work to do, and Ive never seen construction go as fast as they are. Its amazing.




Himachal Pradesh Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan has dismissed the allegations of former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, and said the charges were made only to gain publicity. This comes after Jairam Thakur called the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government a "failure" and criticised the healthcare system and fulfilment of guarantees. Chauhan countered these claims, asserting that Thakur's statements were unfounded and intended solely to gain publicity. "Jairam Thakur's allegations are baseless. As the Leader of the Opposition, it is his moral responsibility to criticise the government; he will never appreciate our efforts. His accusations are merely a way to stay in the headlines," Chauhan said. Talking about the healthcare sector, Chauhan highlighted the 'achievements' of the Congress-led government: "Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has established model hospitals in all 68 assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh. Every hospital now has five specialist posts filled, including gynaecologists, orthopaedists, and specialists in other fields. Moreover, there is no shortage of medicines in the state," the Minister said. He added, "The minister elaborated on the state's contributions to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, stating, 'Under Ayushman Bharat, treatment is being provided in our hospitals as well as private institutions. While Ayushman Bharat is a central government scheme, the Himachal government spends Rs125 crore annually, whereas the central government provides only Rs55 crore. This shows our commitment to ensuring healthcare for all." The Himachal Minister further said that the cement prices are under control as compared to BJP's tenure. He also clarified that neither the central nor the state government controls cement prices, as they fall under free-market regulations. "During the BJP's tenure from 2017 to 2022, cement prices increased by Rs130 per bag. In contrast, under our government, the price hike has been limited to Rs25 in two years. We will investigate the reasons behind this hike and make efforts to stabilise prices," he said. He said that efforts are being made to boost the revenue of the state through a new mining policy. Chauhan highlighted the government's success in increasing revenue through a revised mining policy: "Our mining policy has been instrumental in boosting revenue. In 2022-23, the revenue from mining was Rs200 crore, but under our policy, it has increased to Rs350 crore in just two years. We are also making efforts to curb illegal mining. A task force has been formed, and mining activities in the Una district have been suspended due to complaints of illegal operations," Chauhan said. He added that the government is developing an online system to ensure transparency in mining operations, stating, "This system will not only streamline applications but also prevent revenue leakage and curb illegal mining." He also addressed major infrastructure and industrial projects, including the Medical Device Park and the Bulk Drug Park. "Both projects, which existed only on paper during the BJP's tenure, are now progressing under the Congress government. Land acquisition and environmental clearances have been secured, and work on land development will commence soon. These projects are expected to attract Rs15,000 crore in investment and provide significant employment opportunities in Himachal Pradesh," Chauhan added. The Himachal Minister also refuted claims that the state government was unable to pay employees, saying, "It is misleading to say that treasury funds are not being disbursed. Just recently, Rs550 crore was released. Whether it's salaries, pensions, or funds for tourists, the government is ensuring timely payments," Chauhan said. "Baseless criticism won't deter us." Chauhan emphasised the government's focus on self-reliance and sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh, stating, "Despite baseless allegations, our government is committed to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant. We are working tirelessly to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and industry," he added. (ANI)
Jan. 17NEW BOSTON  A Scioto County woman was arrested last week and charged with endangering children.

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said his office was contacted by Scioto County Children Services, along with the New Boston Police Department, on Friday at 5:54 p.m., requesting assistance.

The call came in that a 9-month-old was being transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital for injuries which included broken bones, a black eye and other unexplained injuries.

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Thoroughman said that the child was transported by ambulance to Southern Ohio Medical Center. The child was later transferred and admitted to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus to be seen by a team of doctors on their child abuse team.

Thoroughman said detectives responded to 3621 Rhodes Ave. in New Boston, making contact with the mother and others. Detectives interviewed individuals on scene and concluded their investigation at that location while awaiting the report from Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Detectives received the report on Saturday and responded back to the residence and transported the mother to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office for further investigation.

Detectives were able to determine a timeline of the injuries to the child. The oldest injury occurred approximately 10 days ago and the most recent injuring occurred 4 days ago. Detectives learned that the child was seen earlier on Friday at King's Daughter Medical Center. Upon dismissal of the child the mother was given instructions to take the child straight to Nationwide Hospital. Children Services were later contacted when the child never showed up to Nationwide Hospital. Children Services removed the child and had the child transported to SOMC for treatment. Two other children were removed from the residence.

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Arrested was Kayla Siearra Williams, 30. Williams has been charged with two counts of endangering children, a second degree felony, and five counts of endangering children, a third degree felony. Williams is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $350,000 bond.

Thoroughman would like to thank the Scioto County Prosecutor's Office Special Victim's Unit, Nationwide Children's Hospital, the New Boston Police Department and the Scioto County Children Services for their assistance in this investigation.

This is still an ongoing investigation, anyone with information should contact Det. Sgt Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Residents in Scripps Ranch are raising a red flag over fire risks in their community, pointing to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles as a wake-up call. Their concern centers on large open spaces in the area that have not undergone annual brush management, leaving the areas vulnerable to devastating fires.

City contractors are currently conducting habitat restoration along a popular Scripps Ranch trail south of Pomerado Road. The work, which involves removing invasive palm trees, is not part of a formal brush management program but does help reduce dense vegetation in some areas.

You will get there: Camp Fire survivors offer advice for Los Angeles County

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Its scary to think that a fire here could cause your home to burn down, said Bob Ilko, president of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association. We dont want to go through what we did during the Cedar Fire.

Ilko and other residents are particularly concerned about a four-mile stretch from Interstate 15 east along Pomerado Road, where thick brush and dense trees, including flammable eucalyptus, remain unmanaged.

Its unmanaged open space, Ilko said, adding that past efforts to coordinate brush management among the areas eight property owners  including the military and UC San Diego  have faced challenges.

UCSD has an ecological preserve theyre studying, Ilko said. They dont want to go in and have it disturbed by us.

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Cocos Fire evacuees share concerns amid LA fires

Resident Kelly Meier echoed the concerns, noting the fire risks posed by eucalyptus trees. They go up fast, she said.

Ilko believes a potential solution lies in building a second fire station in Scripps Ranch, which was previously planned at the intersection of Avenida Magnifica and Pomerado Road. However, that project stalled and was never completed.

The fire station is across the street from all these thousands of acres of open space that people want managed, Ilko said.

L.A. fire victims find refuge in San Diego

With the city facing a $250 million budget deficit, Ilko acknowledged that building a new fire station may be unlikely. If it was a simple fix, we would have done it, he said.

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He is urging local, state, and federal officials, along with private property owners, to work together on a brush management plan to protect the community from future fire threats.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police in Minnesota have launched a search for a Dominos driver who disappeared while out delivering pizzas.

Shuefaub Xiong arrived for work on January 14 but did not return home, according to the Apple Valley Police Department.

The 42-year-old did not make four deliveries that were scheduled around 6 p.m. that evening. Officers who later checked the areas of the missed deliveries could not locate his vehicle.

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Xiong is described as an Asian male, 58 inches tall and weighing 215 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was driving a red Toyota Camry with a Minnesota plate at the time of his disappearance.

Shuefaub Xiong, 42, disappeared while out ordering pizzas for Dominos in Apple Valley, Minnesota (Apple Valley Police Department)

In an updated press release on Thursday, Apple Valley police said the last confirmed sighting of Xiong had been in a Target in nearby Richfield on Tuesday.

The force previously said they believed he had attempted to use another persons phone to call his family.

Investigations into his phone location, bank records, and known social media accounts have not provided any new information, police said, and no further reports of sightings of Xiong or his vehicle have been made since he was last seen in Richfield.

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A search party gathered in Apple Valley on Thursday morning to check the area where Xiong was last seen.

Volunteers were given fliers with Xiongs photo to distribute around Richfield and neighboring communities.

I feel the urge to get out and go help. volunteer Chris Axelson told Fox 9. Theres a lot of parks in Richfield. Theres bodies of water. So, just go check them out and drive around, see if theres anything unusual.

Xiongs family is particuarly concerned about plunging temperatures expected in Richfield this weekend.

Were lost, were confused, said Nischa Xiong, his sister, per Fox 9. You know, were scared. We hope that hes okay.

Police investigations continue and members of the public are urged to call (952) 953-2700 if they have information.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  More than 30 search warrants were executed in relation to the arrest of Diana Cojocari and Christopher Palmiter, court records show.

They were carried out in December 2022, when the couples then-11-year-old daughter Madalina was reported missing, and throughout 2023. Items seized included a notebook, folder, jail belongings and communication on a phone app. But the records indicate a startling revelation about the familys property.

Man with violent criminal history on the loose after Iredell County shooting

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When the Cornelius detective arrived at the home the day of missing-persons report  Dec. 15, 2022  he spoke to Dianas husband and Madalinas stepfather, Christopher Palmiter. The warrant says that Palmiter told him multiple items had been burned in a fire pit on the property, including Madalinas mattress, clothing, a Halloween costume and family photos. Carpet also had been removed from the home and burned in the pit.

The warrant states that officers located where dirt had been dug up and recently removed.

In October 2023, a warrant was issued for the WhatsApp app used by Diana Cojocari. It states that through phone records, officers determined that she recieved a WhatsApp message from a number based in St. Cloud, Florida, where Cojocari has an associate. The person reportedly asked her for assistance in helping Diana and Madalina Cojocari leave North Carolina.

Both Palmiter and and Cojocari were charged with failure to report a missing person, and a week later, another warrant was issued to seize the contents of bags the couple had taken with them to the Mecklenburg County jail. The warrant noted that upon their arrest, both Palmiter and Cojocari had personal belongings including wallets, credit cards and jewelry that were not previously seized.

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Cojocari pled guilty on the charge, and after being released on time served, has left the country. Palmiter was found guilty in a jury trail last June.

In interrogation tapes released after the trail, Palmiter told police that he did not fully realize Madalina was missing until Dec. 15, 2022.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  People say TikTok was fun, interesting, and educational. Fridays news of Supreme Court justices unanimously upholding the ban shocked the video apps users.

Yall better not ban TikTok, Manning Bennett said in uptown Friday. Im going to have a problem because yall might as well. Im going to lie down too! Im going to go ahead, lay down to go cause yall bury TikTok? Take me with you!

Romare Bearden Park wasnt pouring with people camera-ready. We searched high and low and walked and ran people down looking for people to get their thoughts.

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TikTok is like the new Google. Right? We all know that Google is basically inoperable. Right? In this version of the web So Tic Tok was good for finding out about anything and kind of getting like a quick summary of anything or tutorials or Im going to miss it, said Makallay.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

TIKTOK BAN SET TO BEGIN

But she says Congress should look at all apps not just TikTok.

I feel like if were going to have conversations about like data and privacy and stuff, we need to look into everything, right? he posed. Not just TikTok because its happening all the time, your data, your kids data is being saved, right? Were being targeted all the time. So I feel like this is good, a good start.

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Those people we spoke to werent the norm. More than 10 people told us, they barely used TikTok. But to them, barely meant a rabbit hole.

Im pretty bad about it. I dont really go on TikTok too much, but I mean when I have its obviously I find myself in like a rabbit hole so I can see why a lot of people would be frustrated, especially if its with business really just building up their brand itself, Lauren White said.

Catherine Berry says her business may not survive without TikTok.

During the search, we found Catherine D. Berry. She started a business that features Charlotte businesses through the app.

I would say there is a special connection thats made on TikTok, Berry said.

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Now she has more than 8,000 followers. She says while she understands lawmakers and Supreme Court justices reasoning, it still frustrates her.

I could go to a social media platform, but TikTok as well for those bite-sized videos and it really helps to get the point out without having a long-style video like YouTube or Instagram, Berry said.

And Bennett says he might not make it without the app. He also believes the nations leaders should focus on other things.

For me, the ban, I dont like it at all. I feel like there are other things that Congress should be worrying about right now. I mean, we got wars, Ukraine, we got so much. We got the wildfires. So it just like so much going on and worry about. TikTok. Come on, Bennett said.

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Users tell me theyll spend the weekend downloading their favorite videos and writing down recipes they havent tried yet. They hope that President-elect Donald Trump does what he can to save the app.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Jan. 17GRAND FORKS  The second public forum on proposed new boundaries for Grand Forks' schools drew a larger crowd and stronger feelings.

Several dozen people were on hand in a Red River High School auditorium for Superintendent Terry Brenner and demographer Rob Schwarz's presentation of a set of proposed boundary lines for the city's elementary, middle and high schools.

An administrative committee and a task force principally composed of district employees have been working on the boundary lines since the fall.

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The new boundaries are

intended to address capacity concerns at some district schools as the city's population grows,

and would go into effect sometime in the next few years.

Thursday evening was a more charged environment than the night before, beginning from the tail end of the presentation by Brenner and Schwarz. That's when a handful of residents rose to demand the opportunity to air their concerns with the proposed maps publicly, as opposed to in conversation after the event as the organizers had intended.

A few leveled pointed attacks at Brenner as the crowd was ushered outside for the discussion period.

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"Why don't we write our ideas on a piece of paper and throw it in the trash for you?" asked one resident.

"I think they were hoping for a different type of forum, and that's not how we structured it," Brenner observed later. "I fully recognize some weren't happy it wasn't an open mic night."

What do you think of the proposed school boundaries?

Let us know in our online reader survey.

Brenner and Schwarz spent much of the evening fielding questions outside the auditorium while residents and administrators looked at the maps in small groups.

Attorney Lucas Wynne had particularly harsh words for the map's southeast corner.

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He pointed to a proposed 47th Avenue South boundary between Central and Red River High School as well as an arch-shaped boundary for Viking Middle School that placed students on either side of Belmont Road in different elementary schools, charging the two boundaries separated wealthier kids to the south and east from lower-income students.

"You are creating two economic classes in this town, and I don't think you care," Wynne told Schwarz shortly after the presentation ended.

Other residents had more nuanced views of the proposed maps.

Maura Ferguson, a youth therapist who works in district schools during the year, said she felt the maps were thoughtfully put together and meant to address the district's needs.

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"There's no easy way to do this," Ferguson said.

Chris and Sam McEntee, who live just north of Century Elementary, were concerned how the proposed boundaries would affect their kids. Under the current maps, their kids would lose most of their peer group twice in a matter of years, as they moved from Century to Valley Middle to Red River.

"It's a small group of kids it's going to affect, but it's a big deal to say goodbye to all your friends once, then do it again, and now you're back in high school with kids you haven't seen in years," Chris McEntee said.

Erik Fabian noted that Red River's boundaries included most of the areas where Grand Forks was expected to grow in the future, while Central would continue drawing students from established neighborhoods.

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"I don't think we want to be doing this again in five years," he said.

Brian Bergner thought there were too many variables to form an opinion of the maps after one night.

Clark Piepkorn, one of the two non-district staff members who consulted on the proposed boundaries, said he felt residents were overstating the class divides between schools.

"People need to remember that our schools are way above average," said Piepkorn, whose children graduated from both Central and Red River.

"I do wish we'd had more community input tonight, because a lot of us have the same questions, and I, as part of the committee, have some questions," he added, saying the committee had a ways to go to gain the public's support.

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Schwarz said some residents' passionate responses were ultimately a sign they cared about their schools.

He doubled down on his request to share their concerns through a digital Social Pinpoint survey, the results of which will go back to the district committees charged with redrawing boundaries.

Brenner also said he is waiting to see people's response from the survey.

He said he understands residents' concerns about how the proposed boundaries could affect their families, but emphasized the district was facing pressing capacity concerns.

He said he'd had some "productive conversations" with residents after the presentation and felt residents were more receptive to the maps when they were told there was no hard or fast timeline for the new boundaries to go into effect.

Residents can access the Social Pinpoint survey

here.
FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  According to the Indiana State Police Department (ISP), a second individual has been charged in connection to the Orange County Deputy shot earlier this year.

On January 3, ISP said Orange County Deputy Sheriff Zac Andry stopped to check on a disabled vehicle in the U.S. Highway 150 and State Road 56 roadway. During the interaction, ISP said, the driver, Austin Schepers allegedly shot Deputy Andry multiple times and fled the scene. Hours later, Schepers fled to a residence in the 1800 block of Market Street in New Albany.

A two-day manhunt ensued until it ended when Austin Schepers, 33, was confronted by police and killed in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, Jan. 4.

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Throughout the investigation, officials believed 37-year-old James Adams had arrived at the apartment on Market Street on January 3, at the request of Schepers. Officials also believed that Adams was of full knowledge of the situation that Schepers was in, and that he was instrumental in helping Schepers get to Craig Street in Louisville

Adams was charged with the following:

Assisting a Criminal, a Level 5 Felony

False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
Senate confirmation hearings began on Jan. 14, 2025, for Pete Hegseth, whom President-elect Donald Trump has chosen to serve as the next secretary of defense. Its a massive job, broadly affecting Americans security at home and abroad and overseeing huge numbers of people and immense amounts of money.

The Conversation U.S. asked Evelyn Farkas, a longtime Defense Department leader who is now executive director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, to explain what the secretary of defenses job entails and what makes a person effective at that job. During the Obama administration, Farkas was a deputy assistant secretary of defense with a focus on Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia. Prior to that, she was a civilian adviser to the top military officer in NATO, and earlier still she was a senior staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the military. She also served as a professor at the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

What does the secretary of defense do?

Theyre responsible for about 3.4 million people, including 1.2 million active duty service members and 1.3 million reservists, as well as about 900,000 civilian employees. The secretary is responsible for making sure those people are able to do their jobs  which, collectively, is to defend the United States, the American people and U.S. interests.

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Theyre responsible for defense policy, spending and operations, which includes the people, property and equipment at about 500 military bases across all 50 states and another 750 or so bases in 80 countries around the world. Theyre responsible for budgeting and spending almost US$2 trillion a year in federal funds, which is about 16% of the overall federal budget.

The Pentagon is the headquarters for the U.S. Defense Department. AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

What is the secretarys role in commanding the nations military forces?

The president is the commander in chief and decides when and how to use the military. But the presidents decision to use force relies on advice and recommendations from the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The president orders the secretary to carry out military operations, and the orders pass down from the secretary to the relevant commanders from there.

What is an average day or week for the secretary of defense?

The secretary sets the vision and tone for the Department of Defense and helps the president develop his or her defense strategy, and then implements that strategy. The secretary also designs and implements policies to advance the strategy and the overall national security objectives of the president.

The Defense Departments responsibility is focused on the use of the military, whether its to deter attacks or defend American interests. The secretary must make sure the military is equipped and trained  ready  to fight and win the nations wars and to conduct any other operations, such as humanitarian, counterterrorism or peace operations.

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The secretary sets priorities, which are reflected in the departments budget. The budget has to be negotiated with Congress, of course. Day to day, the secretary is holding meetings with people who are charged with managing different aspects of the departments activity. This happens regularly in the Pentagon or when the secretary visits military units and installations in the U.S. or around the world.

There are undersecretaries for policy and the budget and other functions such as personnel and readiness. Then there are service secretaries, who look at all of those issues but only for one specific service  the Army, the Navy, which includes the Marine Corps, and the Air Force, which includes the Space Force.

Prospective soldiers stand in a training formation. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Does the president talk to the secretary of defense regularly?

It depends on the president. Most presidents have regular meetings with their top officials as a Cabinet, as a group, and then, of course, individually. Some presidents will have a standing lunch with their Cabinet members, or just a formal meeting.

Generally speaking, most presidents would seek to have a meeting at least once a week that involves their secretary of defense. Theres a lot going on in the world, and most of the events or crises involve some decision about the use of military force or some effect on defense capabilities.

How does the secretary of defense affect regular Americans lives?

The secretarys involvement in a decision to use nuclear weapons would certainly affect almost every American. So thats one way, and any decisions involving war could potentially affect any given American.

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Short of that, the economic ripple effects of decisions the secretary makes could be national. The defense budget is large, but not enough to affect everyone all at the same time. But for example, if the secretary of defense decides to close a base, that would have impact on most people in that community, if not all of them, at least indirectly. Businesses would have to adjust or close, and the military personnel and their families would have to move. And the political leadership of the community would be empowered to make decisions about the civilian use of properties previously owned by the Department of Defense.

Almost every kind of company does business with the Department of Defense, either directly or indirectly. The commissaries stock food and medicine and all sorts of regular items that the military buys, in addition to equipment for fighting.

And then theres research and development. Historically, the Defense Department has put a lot of money into those efforts, which has had a lot of effect on consumers lives. Its not just the internet, although thats one example of something that was invented for military purposes and then translated into civilian use. A lot of smaller developments happen, too, because when a lot of money is being poured into innovation, they discover things along the way that can be commercialized.

Nowadays the civilian sector has outpaced the Defense Department in terms of research and development and innovation, but the defense dollars still make a big difference.

What personal or professional attributes make for an effective defense secretary?

I worked for four of them, three directly. Robert Gates had a high sense of empathy and lots of prior government experience. Leon Panetta had an acute sense of humor and a direct but funny way of interacting. He also had the advantage of having held multiple high-level jobs in other parts of the government. Chuck Hagel had a direct line to the Senate, and Ashton Carter was a hard-driven expert.

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The most useful attributes include honesty, empathy, a sense of humor, a sharp intellect, the ability to learn quickly and the skill to determine what is important quickly. Of course, prior government experience working with the department is invaluable. Its helpful to have an understanding of how the Defense Department works, with all its components, and its strengths and weaknesses, before you get into the job. The department has a military and civilian bureaucracy, and it takes some savvy work to get it to move quickly to implement the presidents strategy.

During the confirmation process, like all nominees, the secretary is required to attest in writing and sometimes verbally that they will provide truthful answers to Congress and that they will be responsive when Congress has questions.

Different secretaries do a better job at that than others. Secretary Donald Rumsfeld often would annoy members of Congress because he knew there was a time limit on his ability to speak and on each senators ability to speak. So he would just speak until the clock ran out, and that made them mad. He wouldnt always answer questions directly and sometimes came off as arrogant.

The interactions with Congress are this delicate dance, because a secretary wants to protect the prerogatives of the president and the executive branch. But Congress pays the bills, provides any new authorities the secretary might be seeking and can curtail both the authority and the budget. A secretary wants to defend the policies, the budget and the actions of the Department of Defense. But they also want to be respectful of Congress role and responsibilities and the individual members of Congress.

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Sometimes that balance is hard to strike. Theyre in a really demanding job, and they get called to testify in front of Congress, usually with the TV cameras on. Members of Congress arent always polite, so it takes a lot of patience and self control on the part of the secretary of defense to successfully maintain good relations, public and private, with members of Congress.

What do the American people deserve from a defense secretary?

The secretary should be someone who will stand up for the military and civilians in the department and demand from the president and Congress the resources needed to execute their mission and to provide for the well-being of the personnel, who are, after all, Americans.

I would also say a secretary should interact with the media in a way that strikes the right balance between informing the American public about what the department and the military are doing in the name of the American people and protecting national security secrets. At the end of the day, the secretary of defense is working for the American people in their interest and that of the nation.

This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

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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: Evelyn Farkas, Arizona State University

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Evelyn Farkas 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.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements applauding the U.S. Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation aimed at improving health care for expectant mothers. The bicameral Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act now awaits action in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Maternal mortality is preventable and far too common in Louisiana today, said Dr. Cassidy. Passing this bill through the Senate is one step closer to providing high-risk moms the comfort to stay in their homes while her physician remotely monitors her and her babys health.

Republican representatives introduce bill targeting womens healthcare

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Too many women across New Hampshire and our country face significant barriers to accessing regular prenatal and postpartum care  whether they live in rural communities, struggle with childcare, or juggle demanding work and family responsibilities, said Senator Hassan. Our bipartisan legislation recognizes how medical technology can help bridge these gaps, making it easier for women to access remote monitoring tools that can help detect potential pregnancy complications early. I will continue working across the aisle to address our maternal health crisis and ensure that every woman receives the health care she needs.

This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Thune (R-SD), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The Connected MOM Act requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide coverage recommendations for remote devices such as those that can check for irregularities in blood pressure, blood glucose, and pulse rates which can be indicators of potential pregnancy complications. It also requires CMS to update state resources, such as state Medicaid telehealth toolkits, to correspond with the recommendations provided. The goal is to improve maternal and infant outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.

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ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  Governor Josh Shapiro was in the Lehigh Valley Friday highlighting investments in schools statewide.

Over the past two years, the Shapiro Administration secured more than $2 Billion in funding for schools.

That money has been used to upgrade school buildings, make student-based mental health services available, and universal breakfast for 1.7 million students.

Were solving problems again in Pennsylvania, we are getting stuff done in Pennsylvania, to me it starts in our classrooms by giving all Gods children opportunity for success, thats what were doing here, Shapiro said at an Allentown School District middle school.

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Shapiro also highlighted the new adequacy formula to give funding to the schools that need it most.

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Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendra Jain criticised Delhi Police for not granting them permission to screen the documentary 'Unbreakable' and said no permission was needed as it was not a public screening. Jain, who is an AAP candidate from the Shakur Basti Assembly seat, said the screening was only for the journalists. "It was not a public function or an appeal for the vote. It was just a screening for the journalists. There is no need for permission for it," Satyendra Jain said. This comes after Delhi police said that "no permission" was taken for the screening of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) documentary 'Unbreakable' and hence its screening would have been a 'violation of guidelines'. The police emphasised that the political parties have to apply for permission for such events through a single window system at the District Election Officer's (DEO) office, adding that the police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time. Following a police statement, the ruling AAP alleged that the Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the "behest" of its primary opponent, BJP. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal clarified that this film screening was not an election event rather it was a private event. Addressing a press conference today, Kejriwal said that the movie wasn't an election campaign and there was no election flag, speech or election propaganda present at the movie screening site. Reiterating his claim that the BJP is "scared" of this film as it exposes "illegal and unconstitutional actions" of the BJP government, Kejriwal condemned the way film screening was stopped. AAP's documentary titled 'Unbreakable' is based on the time when AAP leaders including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and others, went to jail. (ANI)
After a 15-year career as a staffer on the Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives, Shalanda Young became President Joe Bidens director of the Office of Management and Budget, the first Black woman to serve in this role. She formally took office in March 2022, after serving on an interim basis for a year. Young spoke to The 19th at the end of her historic tenure about her accomplishments, how she brought her lived experience to her leadership, and her departing concerns.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Errin Haines: As your pioneering term comes to an end, what are you most proud of accomplishing as director of the Office of Management and Budget?

Shalanda Young: First of all, Errin, I will still not get comfortable with words like pioneering and historic A lot of my career ended up with me being in the right place at the right time, and a lot of hard work and finding the niche where I felt like I contributed to this country. I found the Appropriations Committee and realized the impact budgets have on peoples lives. You know, it just heartens my soul to think some family got a Head Start slot. Theyve been on the list all year, and then Mom can go get a part-time job, contribute to the family, pay down a bill, or to hopefully start a college fund, get the bills under control. They will never know me, I will never meet them, but that is okay. So whatever contributions I was able to make by fighting back efforts to cut women and childrens nutrition programs, making sure we paid our Head Start teachers more, but also making sure we had enough slots for kids and families being involved from my time on the Appropriations Committee to here and doubling the child care Block Grant.

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Also, you know, OMB is one of those places I get to do domestic and international. Being able to secure Ukraine funding, to me, thats no less than defending democracy. Id been to Ukraine three times before Russias latest incursion, and I met kids there in child care centers like here. You see people and you realize people arent different. Doesnt matter the country or the language, something doesnt sit right with your soul if you dont do something to help defend the country and their children from hostilities.

And looking at what we do from a budget standpoint, through that value lens, I mean, I dont think I stray too far from how I was raised in this job.

I want to ask you about your approach to this role because one of the things I remember you talking about in your nomination hearing is this idea that a budget is a reflection of your values. And even just listening to you right now, a budget being a reflection of a healthy democracy is really what it sounds like your approach is, in part, and that a federal budget can and should help to make the promise of America real for families and communities. Can you just talk a little bit more about that philosophy and how you brought that philosophy to this role?

We all come from different points of view. I come from a little small town in Louisiana. I know the rural experience when you talk about communities left behind, where were losing our young people like myself. We should have some minimums in this country, I think, about education. Communities who may not have a tax base  meaning people who may not have the best-paying jobs  their schools are going to suffer because of their tax base. The federal government should be that backstop so that every kid gets a basic education that can set them on their way to sit in chairs like this.

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It still amazes me that Im the first Black woman to sit in this chair and do budgets. I dont want to be the last. And I think about these investments in education that ensure I wont be the last. Im a product of public education. Im a product of magnet schools, people thinking outside of the box of how we bring kids together from across communities  thats what magnet schools do. So all of those decision points by people like me determine what little girls a generation later do and what seats they get to sit in.

Shalanda Young and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre hold a briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, on May 30, 2023. (Cameron Smith/The White House)

Can you elaborate on how your lived experiences factored into how you did this work, how you were thinking about people like you, people who grew up the way that you grew up and what their needs are?

I think most Americans are like me. I choose to believe that the boy from Scranton, Pennsylvania, with his budget director from Clinton, Louisiana, those towns probably have more in common than not, except for the weather.

Ive also tried to make a career out of finding commonalities amongst people; no matter race, no matter gender, no matter where you grew up, there are basic things people want for their kids and their families. I can take my ball and go home if I want perfection. I have chosen a career where I have had to work across the aisle and I have found more similarities than not with people once you got to know them  and we need a little more of that in this town where people have a little dinner diplomacy because you cant work with people you dont know.

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Its easy to stand behind the talking points. If you know somebody, you have to give them a chance to make their case. And Ive enjoyed doing that work, and Ive enjoyed its ugly, its rough. You dont have to compromise your values. But Im a big believer in taking incremental wins when you get them.

That is, frankly, something that is rare in Washington, right? And yet you have earned this reputation as a Republican whisperer. How is that possible in our seemingly deeply divided right-partisan political climate?

Well, one, Im from the rural South. My grandmother, who just passed away, always had friends of different races in our town. It was built into me, the idea that our differences are fewer than what connects us, and trying to look for a human element. If someone tells me Im a horrible human being all the time, not going to really listen to what they have to say. I try to show respect for people who might have different ideas about how to advance this country. If you ask, What is the ultimate goal for families in this country? Democrats and Republicans tend to say the same thing. They want families to have a better economic outlook, to have their kids do better than the next generation. That is always how we judge our society, and its worked for us. There are big disagreements in that, but there is something about keeping the thread about the end goal, reminding ourselves that we all want the best for Americans.

Can you think of an example during your tenure of how you responded when partisan politics might have been getting in the way when you did have to?

We were at risk of breaching the debt ceiling, which every economist told us could mean 8 million Americans jobs with the global economy quickly tumbling after, so the stakes could not have been higher. But the idea of people asking for cuts to programs like biomedical research  people like to say non-defense discretionary. Well, if you just say that to Americans, theyre like, Okay, you can probably cut some of that.

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And then you remind them, thats Head Start. Thats the National Institutes of Health. Thats the Center for Disease Control. People usually say we should be doing that. As a matter of fact, we should be doing more things, like food inspections. We should have more of that, not less. Thats a hard pill to swallow, to think about negotiating with someone to just do their basic job of lifting the debt ceiling and making sure Americans dont suffer insisting on cuts that would also hurt Americans. That was a hard thing to wrap ones brain around. And for the longest, you know, we said we would not negotiate in that way. Its Congress job to lift the debt ceiling, but when one side is intransigent and just refuses to do it, whats best for the country? Sit down and talk.

I will still say the Congress should have done it without conditions. It was divided government. The realities were, we had to sit down and find a solution, and I think we came to a fair solution and averted a crisis.

You are someone the American people did get to see, maybe more than they have traditionally seen someone who was the head of the Office of Management and Budget. Was being somewhat public-facing, trying to explain to people the consequences of budget decisions, something that was important to you in this role?

I think an essential part of my job is explaining what were doing. I think the president would say that the highest compliment hes ever given me is, You speak like regular people. If were doing stuff and we cannot communicate that to people, were not doing our full job.

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When you lay down the facts of what something is, these very government-heavy acronyms and ways we talk about federal budgets can sound extremely complicated. Most Americans are familiar with programs that have helped their families or they know a cousin who needed this or that. When you speak to it in words people can relate to, you draw them into the conversation. And an American people, an electorate, who are more involved in the conversation, I think, leads to better policy outcomes, because people arent going to stand for it if they really understand what is happening in the halls of Congress and whats happening in a White House.

And frankly, in a divided government, the only things that were getting passed were funding bills. So its not just important values-wise  its the only piece of legislation moving and when you think about that, its the one place we can still make a huge impact in this country.

Youve had a lot of priorities to juggle during your tenure, from disaster relief for hurricanes and wildfires, the COVID-19 response, you mentioned the debt ceiling and Ukraine funding. What would you say were probably among the more challenging issues that you had to try to navigate during your tenure?

If its worth doing, its hard, right? You cant be afraid to go into complicated things and find a solution. Lots of people in this town have an opinion and you should hear all viewpoints. But at the end of the day, the key is action. Dont get so stuck that you forget that people are waiting for assistance. Youve got to keep the process moving forward to actually get something done and we also have to work with Congress to get something done. Ive seen so many ideas meant to help people that dont make it because both sides of Pennsylvania [Avenue] either dont talk or talk past each other.

We are in a moment of transition where so many things are political, including this office. I wonder how youre thinking about the potential for the politicization or even the weaponization of the Office of Management and Budget and if you are concerned that that is where things could be headed.

One: Politics isnt a bad word. I hope good people continue to run for office. Ive always been on the policy side, but Ive worked with elected officials and I hope people dont get so down on the process that good people choose to sit out. Its okay to have a political process in this country we always have, and good and decent people need to keep running for office, and people like me will help them implement policy when they get into office.

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But there is a difference between a political process and one that seeks to break everything down that this country has historically stood for, norms that would be thrown out that developed over time because we did see overreach. You know, one extremely boring budget law that came around in the 1970s is a great example, the Empowerment and Control Act that came out of Nixons overreach. Ive heard lots of things that concern me about efforts to weaken that law or ignore that law. The majority, I believe, of policymakers in this town know right from wrong, and that they will come together and push back on the most extreme. There comes a tipping point where people will no longer stand by.

President-elect Trump has nominated Russell Vought to lead the OMB after you are gone, somebody who has helped to shape Project 2025 in his role at the Heritage Foundation, and he does have a vision that sounds like its a clear departure from everything that we are talking about and what you have tried to accomplish here. What thoughts do you have about what his plans might be for the office and how that could impact your legacy?

Elections have consequences. Like all of us, you know, hes being brought on to do what his elected president asked him to do. The problem and concerns I talked about earlier are when laws arent being followed, when norms are turned on their heads, when America walks away from 50 years of precedent and policy on the national security front. What does that say if youre an ally of this country, when you cant count on America to speak with one foreign policy voice?

I suspect this OMB is going to look very different than our OMB as far as policy and that was hashed out in November, that is what it is, and that is what elections and politics are for to determine. But we all have to keep our eye out and make sure that people are following the law and not doing things that just change the fabric of our country.

What is next for you? Is there anything youre leaving undone that you wish that you had time to get to?

If you are not leaving in your mind, like, so disappointed about the stuff you didnt get to, then your vision wasnt big enough. Sometimes I rack my brain for successes because they always lead me back to, If I had more time, I would have done this, this and this, and thats speaking with someone who has 23 years of government service. And so some of these things, you know, you do run out, run out of field, and you just arent able to finish some of the stuff that you would have loved to have done.

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What Ill do next is sleep, spend more time with the 3-year-old without two phones on my ear. Id like to reset, recharge and think about what voice I have that will help this country and contribute to the conversations that we should all be having.

The post She was the first Black woman to run the U.S. budget. She doesnt want to be the last. appeared first on The 19th.

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SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is behind bars after authorities said he traveled with the intent to engage in sexual activities with someone he believed to be a 10-year-old girl.

The Shelbyville Police Department arrested James Howard Reed, Jr. of Crewe, Virginia Friday. Reed, a military contractor, traveled to Shelbyville from Fort Campbell allegedly to engage in sexual activities with the child.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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Shelbyville police said Reed was booked on a $200,000 bond and, as of publication, is being held at Bedford County Jail.

We encourage anyone with information regarding suspicious activities to report them to the Shelbyville Police Department, the department said in a Facebook post.

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Rapid City, S.D. (KELO)  With both a cold weather advisory and wind advisory in effect area shelters are gearing up to help people stay warm.

When Rapid City temperatures start falling on Saturday night, people in need will have plenty of places to turn for help.

We are ready. We have extra coffee, extra food on hand, and we are ready to put people on the floor on cots and mats for overflow. Were working very very closely with Care Campus, Cornerstone Mission Executive Director Lysa Allison said.

Wyotan Lutheran Church also plans to offer a shelter on wheels.

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Noem pledges transparency in DHS confirmation hearing

With our warming bus, we got warm drinks and hand warmers and thick socks, powder. Just to make sure to check for hypothermia and frostbite and things like that. Just having them be prepared, making sure maybe they got some bread bags and some water proof bags to protect themselves, Wyotan Lutheran Church Pastor Jonathan Old Horse said.

The church also has donated clothes on hand to help people keep warm.

And its just letting the relatives know that cold weather is coming and make sure youre prepared in cold weather clothes and the people that are coming out are coming out to help and not hinder. So we try to be really empathetic of the people that are out there. Old Horse Said

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People will also be able to turn to the Cornerstone Mission 24 hours a day to warm up.

During the really cold weather, well be opening up as a warming center so people can just come and hang out, drink coffee, watch tv, play games, and visit. Well have coffee and snacks and of course, well have the noon and evening meals, Allison said.

Other agencies people can turn to in the coming days include the Care Campus, Health & Human Services and Journey On.

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Citing airborne contaminants and a lack of running water, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department temporarily shut down the Altadena sheriffs station Thursday in the aftermath of the Eaton fire.

A day earlier, sheriffs officials sent an urgent message out to patrol cars, saying the air had become so toxic after days of wildfires that deputies should wear masks on the job and decontaminate their uniforms before stepping foot in their homes.

Then on Thursday, according to sheriffs officials, the department received a letter from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health regarding a complaint about contamination.

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"Employees are going back to work at the station and are worried about airborne contaminants from wildfire smoke," the letter said, adding that regulators had not yet determined whether that was true and did not plan to conduct at inspection at this time. Late Friday, Cal/OSHA told The Times that it had received a complaint, but said it could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

The department said it is investigating the complaint and will report back to state regulators, which it has two weeks to do, according to the letter.

In the interim, the station captain decided to shutter the station as the department worked to get air purifiers, running water and other necessities.

The closure came a little more than a week after deputies first responded to reports of a Jan. 7 wildfire in Eaton Canyon, which killed at least 17 people and chewed through thousands of homes, businesses and historic buildings in unincorporated Altadena and nearby Pasadena.

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Even in forested areas, wildfires create a wide array of pollutants that can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory issues and other health problems. But when blazes tear through certain other buildings  such as the local hardware store with its buckets of paint and chemicals  the smoke contains additional toxins, including the lead and asbestos that sheriff's officials warned of in Wednesday's message.

A day after it began, 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.

The park across the street, the shrubs around the station and even the California flag flying overhead all burned in the heat and flames.

But, after initially relocating to the nearby Crescenta Valley sheriffs station, deputies soon returned to the station, even though the lack of running water meant they had to use portable toilets set up in the parking lot.

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As someone who worked at the Altadena sheriff's station for years, I can tell you the deputies assigned there are emotionally invested in the community and heartbroken over the devastation they've witnessed, Richard Pippin, president of the Assn. of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, said Friday afternoon. They will continue working tirelessly to serve the community in terrible conditions, whether or not they have access to things like running water and electricity.

But, the union president continued, the sheriff's station  along with the fire station and schools  should be one of the first things to be repaired.

I sincerely hope our elected officials realize the importance of investing in these critical pieces of infrastructure and the public's safety, he added.

The Sheriff's Department said it has supplied masks to all staff working near wildfires and that there are goggles available for eye protection.

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"In addition, personnel were authorized to wear their cotton-based cloth uniforms to facilitate easier cleaning and minimize the risk of contamination," sheriff's officials said Friday. "The department continues to explore resources and equipment to ensure the safety of our personnel working on these devastating wildfires."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The impending ban on TikTok has local small businesses rethinking their marketing tactics.

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News Center 7s Malik Patterson speaks with workers from Coffee Expressions, a local coffee shop that used TikTok to grow their audience around the Miami Valley.

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Personally, I feel as though by banning the app, its shutting down a lot of possibilities and a lot of revenue for us and other businesses, Liv Farmer, a shift supervisor at Coffee Expressions, said.

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Coffee Expressions started making TikToks after the Covid-19 pandemic, as businesses were working to rebuild their consistent customer bases.

It started out as an experiment, just something to try, Jessica Steele, a manager at Coffee Expressions, said. But it grew from there.

It allows businesses who maybe dont have much of a marketing budget to edit these videos and make posts for free, Steele said.

Friday, the US Supreme Court decided to uphold its ruling to ban the app, citing national security concerns. The ban is set to go into effect Monday.

People who use the app daily, like Farmer, have questions about the ruling and want the app to stay.

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[It] treads in the area where its infringing on our freedom of speech and our freedom of being able to express our thoughts and be able to market as well, Farmer said.

Businesses like Coffee Expressions are working on transitioning their content to other platforms, like Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, but creators say it isnt the same.

Its more an unserious form of content on TikTok, because we can be a little bit more humorous and kind of connect with our customers, Farmer said.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Art Center is encouraging the public to come and view its new exhibit that celebrates women in the arts.

The Close to Me exhibition features portraits by some of the upper Midwest regions most innovative female artists, according to a release. The exhibit is photo-based and highlights a wide range of portrait formats.

Baby boy surrendered through Iowas Safe Haven Law in December

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The public is invited to attend a free opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., including a 6 p.m. presentation with the artists.

The exhibit will remain on display until May.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Siouxland Habitat for Humanity hosted a Stud Finder Open House on Friday.

Three selected families were able to get a tour of their new homes located on Myrtle Street and see what all has been done. Siouxland Habitat for Humanitys executive director Shayla Becker says they are almost done and are excited to present these families a new home.

Former American Idol winner coming to WinnaVegas

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Not only for myself and for Habitat, but for the families, its really important that they get out of the living situations that theyre in right now and they get to have a place to call their own thats safe and affordable Becker said.

While there is no set date for when these houses will be complete, Siouxland Habitat for Humanity says they hope to get them done by this summer.



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37,094 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

37,094 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
Joe Bidens inner circle noticed the signs of his aging, and worked tirelessly to manage his challenges and fend off the perception that he had declined, according to a new report.

The president was protected by six key people, all of whom thought that he could and should lead the country for a second term, The New York Times reported on Friday, based on dozens of interviews with Biden world insiders.

Two of the six were Bidens own family membershis wife Jill Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who both strongly believed he could beat Donald Trump.

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The other four were top advisers.

Bidens top aides worked around his age-related challenges. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Longtime strategist Mike Donilon and counselor Steve Ricchetti handled the delivery of information to the president, at times delaying the sharing of bad polling numbers with him.

Meanwhile, Annie Tomasini, Bidens deputy chief of staff, and Anthony Bernal, the first ladys top aide, kept a tight rein on the presidents schedule.

Collectively, the goal was to convince America that Biden was fit for another term, even as his signs of age showed both publicly and privately, according to the Times.

Three unnamed aides interviewed by the paper said they overheard Donilon tell Biden in mid-2022, Your biggest issue is the perception of age.

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Those close to Biden had observed that he spoke more slowly than he had just a few years before, and struggled to lift himself out of the presidential limousine, the Times reported. Some thought he seemed, at times, disoriented or in a fog.

Bidens family believed he was the right candidate to take on Trump. / Pool / Getty Images

The effort to work around Bidens decline was a tightly coordinated affair, based on the report.

Aides had Biden use a teleprompter all the timeeven for small fundraisers in donors' homes. They also shortened the steps the president used to board Air Force One.

At the same time, Bidens team scolded reporters for coverage of the presidents age-related challenges, and convinced allies to write articles and social media posts pushing back on the negative press.

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All the while, Bidens own pride fueled a mission to prove his vitality.

Sometimes his efforts backfired. For instance, after breaking his foot shortly before his inauguration, Biden declined to wear an orthopedic boot, fearing it would make him look weak. The Times reported that the injury, which never healed correctly, caused a shuffling gait that persisted throughout his presidency.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment on the Times report.

As recently as earlier this month, Biden maintained that he could have beaten Trump. / MANDEL NGAN / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Biden only dropped out of the race for the presidency in July, after a disastrous debate performance against Trump. In the wake of Kamala Harris loss to Trump in November, many observers suggested that the outcome might have been different had Biden stepped aside sooner.

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In an interview with USA Today earlier this month, Biden maintained that he could have beaten Trump, even as he acknowledged that his age was an issue.

Its presumptuous to say that, but I think yes, he said.
A ski lift that collapsed at a resort in the Pyrenees mountains in Spain left dozens of people injured and more skiers trapped in chairlifts, according to Spains Civil Guard.

The law enforcement agency shared in an X post that it was coordinating rescue efforts with other agencies, including Mountain Rescue, at the Astun ski resort in the Aragon region of Spain on Saturday, Jan. 18, after a 15-meter high chairlift line fell.

Alongside the post, the Civil Guard shared a video of Civil Guard members getting into a helicopter and flying to the resort. One clip showed a large group of people gathered in the snow below a section of the ski lifts, which were immobile. Another scene appeared to show crowds of people gathered outside the resort as the ski lift was being fixed.

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About 30 people were injured in the incident, though no fatalities were reported, regional emergency services told The Guardian and CNN. Ten people were transported to the hospital  two of whom were transported with maximum priority and another two who required urgent attention, according to the outlets.

Colaboramos en las tareas de auxilio tras un accidente en la estacion de esqui de Astun (Huesca) donde se ha descolgado una linea de telesilla de 15 metros de altura. Participan guardias civiles del Grupo de Rescate e Intervencion en Montana, Servicio Aereo y Seguridad Ciudadana pic.twitter.com/weioCLGGOc  Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) January 18, 2025

Related: More Than 170 Snowboarders and Skiers Rescued After Colorado Ski Lift Breaks Down

About 80 others remained hanging on the chairlifts as emergency services got to the scene, according to Reuters.

Miguel Angel Clavero, the head of Aragons emergency services, told Aragon TV, per The Guardian, that the incident caused the closure of the ski station and people there were asked to leave so that the parking lot could be cleared.

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He also said that the accident appeared to have been caused by a failure in the ski lift return system, which produced a breakdown in tension.

Veronica Lacasa/Europa Press via Getty Emergency services personnel at the Astun ski resort on Jan. 18 in Spain Emergency services personnel at the Astun ski resort on Jan. 18 in Spain

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In the first instance, as people are still on the lift, Guardia Civil officers, firefighters and ski station workers are trying to get them down and to safety, he added.

One witness told local station TVE, per Reuters and CNN: "It's like a cable has come off, the chairs have bounced and people have been thrown off."

Veronica Lacasa/Europa Press via Getty Ambulances at the Astun ski resort on Jan. 18 in Spain Ambulances at the Astun ski resort on Jan. 18 in Spain

Related: 8-Year-Old Girl Recovering After Plunging Nearly 25 Feet from Maine Ski Lift: 'A Scary Incident'

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Suddenly we heard a sound and we fell straight to the ground, inside the chair, another skier, Maria Moreno, told TVE, per The Guardian. We bounced up and down about five times and our backs were quite sore or we were hurt, but there were people who fell out of the chairs.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reacted to the news of the incident in a post on X, writing, per a translation, Shocked by the news of the accident at the #Astun station, I have spoken to the President of Aragon @Jorge_Azcon to offer him the governments full support.

We send all our love to the injured and to their families, he added.



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The School of Artillery, Devlali, is set to conduct the annual firepower exercise, Topchi, at Devlali Field Firing Ranges on 18 and 21 January 2025. The exercise promises to showcase the unmatched prowess and technological advancements of modern artillery systems, offering a unique glimpse into the employment of artillery in envisaged battlefield operations, said a press release from the defence wing. Lieutenant General Navneet Singh Sarna, Commandant School of Artillery, serving officers, members of the civil administration, cadets and officers from other prestigious training academies will be witnessing the exercise, the release added. Key highlights of Exercise TOPCHI include an integrated firepower display involving guns, mortars, rockets, drones and aviation assets. The display of cutting-edge surveillance technologies in action, emphasising real-time battlefield awareness, will also be a major highlight. It will also showcase India's strides toward indigenisation in defence manufacturing, the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the release mentioned. The Firepower Exercise is a unique opportunity for the public, defence enthusiasts and media to witness the lethal precision, power and coordination of India's artillery forces. It is expected to draw widespread attention and inspire pride in the nation's defence capabilities, the release stated. The final rehearsal for the Firepower Demonstration--Exercise Topchi was conducted on 18 Jan 2025 at the School of Artillery, Nashik. The event, attended by senior military officials, showcased the precision and lethality of modern artillery systems in action, ensuring seamless execution for the main demonstration on 21 Jan 2025, the release added. (ANI)
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A Slidell man was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 16, following an investigation by the Louisiana State Police, working with the FBI, into alleged sexual crimes.

According to the LSP, 23-year-old Caden Rampino allegedly left his home in Slidell to meet with a minor elsewhere in St. Tammany Parish, intending to engage in sexual acts.

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Two arrested in nearly 6-month long drug investigation

Officials say Rampino was then arrested and charged with computer aided-solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with juveniles. He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

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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As communities work to recover and rebuild from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, many business owners have been stripped of their livelihood, unsure whether theyll ever get back on their feet.

Nuccios Nursery in Altadena has operated for 90 years. After the Eaton Fire destroyed critical structures on the property, owner Jim Nuccio said closure is likely the only option.

Were very possibly getting close to retiring earlier than we thought, Nuccio said. Most of the buildings are gone. The equipment is gone, but quite a few plants are still alive.

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Nuccio has only visited his property twice since evacuating after officials sealed off access to burn areas. While many of his plants survived the fire, without water, proper care, or utilities to keep them alive, the nurserys future is bleak.

We have no water, he told KTLAs Shelby Nelson. Im looking at different ways to get the plants water.

The nursery specializes in breeding rare azaleas and camellias. By Nuccios estimation, he had around 200,000 plants on the property before the Eaton Fire burned through.

Plants and equipment were destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccios Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) Jim Nuccio, owner of Nuccios Nursery in Altadena, will close his business at the end of 2025 following the devastating Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Equipment destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccios Nursery in Altadena. (KTLA) Plants and equipment were destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccios Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) Plants and equipment were destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccios Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) A small business destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) A small business destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) A street full of small businesses destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (KTLA)

However, many of his plants are on their last leg. Unless he can access water in the next few days, they wont survive. Nuccio estimates the impending loss at more than $1 million.

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Domenicos Italian Kitchen in Pasadena has served the community for over 60 years. When the wildfires encroached, owner Donnie Bitonti said he wouldnt let the family business go down without a fight. He hosed down the roof and did whatever he could before evacuating.

It was raining embers, Bitonti recalled. Honestly, I didnt think the building would be standing when morning came.

When evacuation orders were lifted, Bitonti returned and was beyond relieved to find his restaurant still standing.

Fire crews work to prevent flames from engulfing Domenicos Italian Kitchen in Pasadena during the Eaton Fire. (Donnie Bitonti) Fire crews work to prevent flames from engulfing Domenicos Italian Kitchen in Pasadena during the Eaton Fire. (Donnie Bitonti)

But now, like many other business owners, the aftermath presents new struggles, made worse by an ongoing lack of power or utilities.

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Ive already filled up the dumpster four times with food Ive had to throw away, Bitonti said. So just the amount, Im over $10,000 in food products that went into the trash.

The City of Pasadenas Economic Development Division is offering support to business owners and food and beverage employees who are out of work, with available grants from $350 to $1,500.

A $10 million grant was also given to the L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity to support displaced workers and affected businesses.

Meanwhile, many small business owners are slowly picking up the pieces and coming to terms with their losses. Bitonti said hes grateful his restaurant is still standing. Once hes up and running, he wants to serve his community and give back to those in need.

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I want to feed the people who have lost everything, Bitonti said. I have friends who need a hot meal.

A Disaster Loan Outreach Center for small business owners seeking help and resources is available at Pasadena City Colleges Continuing Education Center. More information is available here.

Additional support and resource options for residents can be found here or at L.A. Countys Emergency Resources 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 KTLA.
Some of President-elect Donald Trumps cabinet picks struggled to answer basic questions during their Senate confirmation hearings this week.

There was litany of obfuscation and waffling across the board, and such evasive action in response to gotcha questions is par for the course. But many non-answersor outright wrong answerscame when befuddled nominees were asked about the departments and agencies they hope to oversee.

A trio of Trumps nominees especially fell flat with their responses, but can you do better? Here are the five questions they failed to answer correctly:

1. Can you name a country in ASEAN?

Pete Hegseth was the first to flunk a pop quiz during his confirmation hearing.

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Sen. Tammy Duckworth asked Hegseth, who hopes to soon lead the Pentagon, how many countries are in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and if he could share what type of agreement we have with at least one of those nations?

Duckworth: How many nations are in ASEAN?



Hegseth: We have allies in South Korea, Japan, and Australia



Duckworth: None of those countries are in ASEAN pic.twitter.com/ZlbjthS4wQ  Acyn (@Acyn) January 14, 2025

Hegseth, 44, quickly conceded he did not know how many countries were in the association. More unfortunate, however, was what he said next: I know we have allies in South Korea, in Japan, and in Australia.

Duckworth immediately cut Hegseth off to point out that none of the countries he mentioned are actually in ASEAN. I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations, she said.

(ASEAN comprises 10 nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.)

2. As a matter of law, is carbon dioxide a pollutant?

Next up was Lee Zeldin, Trumps pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Zeldin, 44, is a former congressman from New York and member of the Army Reserve who has no environmental background. Perhaps that is why Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse lined up really basic, no tricks questions about climate change for him to answer.

SHELDON WHITEHOUSE: Is carbon dioxide a pollutant?



LEE ZELDIN: As far as carbon dioxide emitted by you during that question, I would say no. pic.twitter.com/XPnv1aPHWQ  Rowan Saydlowski (@rsaydlowski) January 16, 2025

As a matter of law, is carbon dioxide a pollutant? Whitehouse asked to start.

Zeldin gave a convolutedand sassyresponse: As far as carbon dioxide emitted from you during that question, I would say no. As far as carbon dioxide that is emitted in larger masses, that we hear concern about from scientists, as well as from Congress, thats something that certainly needs to be focused on for the EPA.

Whitehouse was not satisfied. As a matter of law, [carbon dioxide] is a designated pollutant, correct? he asked again.

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Senator, while carbon dioxide is not named as one of the six in the Clean Air Act, the EPA has been treating it as such, Zeldin incorrectly responded.

Whitehouse then informed Zeldin the Supreme Court had ruled in 2007 that carbon dioxide is a pollutant as a matter of law.

3. How does car pollution affect the atmosphere?

Zeldins pop quiz did not get much better from there.

What effect are carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion having in the atmosphere? Whitehouse asked next.

Zeldin did not answer the question head on, instead saying he is someone who believes strongly that we should work with the scientists, leaving the science to the scientist, the policy to the policymakers, and that we all work together.

Lee Zeldin at his confirmation hearing Thursday. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Zeldin added that he is not there as a scientist.

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Fortunately, at EPA we do have many talented scientists who provide that research, he said. They have that talent to be able to tell us exactly what the metrics are of their research

Whitehouse cut him off, pointing out that he asked a simple science question. He requested a straightforward answer.

Uh, trappingtrapping heat, senator, Zeldin responded, stuttering.

That answer wasnt particularly nuanced for someone hoping to lead a federal agency tasked with protecting the environment and human health. However, carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles does contribute to the buildup of greenhouse gasesor as Zeldin put it, trapping heatthat is believed to accelerate climate change.

4. Whats the 1.5 degree risk threshold and its importance?

Perhaps its best for you to quit your confirmation hearing out of sheer awkwardness at this point? No one actually said this to Zeldin, but Whitehouse might have been thinking it as he hit the nominee with more climate questions.

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Next up, he asked Zeldin if Earth had hit the 1.5 degree risk threshold and why that threshold is important.

Zeldin again wiggled his way out of a straight answer, saying he would defer to the talented scientists to be able to provide that advice on an ongoing basis.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) during a confirmation hearing this week. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

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The correct answer would have been: Yes. The world briefly hit that warming threshold last year. (PBS reported that remaining at or above this threshold will lead to increased deaths, destruction, species loss, and sea level rise.)

Whitehouse did not press for a better answer on the threshold, but did ask Zeldin if he could name any key climate tipping points. The EPA appointee was unable to offer up a single one.

5. Did Trump lose to Joe Biden in the 2020 election?

Its the MAGA worlds least favorite question: Did President Joe Biden actually defeat Trump in the 2020 presidential election?

Despite the president-elects years of objections, the resounding answerbacked by election agencies across the countryis in the affirmative.

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Even more than four years later, however, Trumps attorney general nominee Pam Bondi was visibly uncomfortable giving a straight answer when Sen. Dick Durbin flat out asked her: Are you prepared to say today, under oath, without reservation, that Donald Trump lost the presidential contest to Joe Biden in 2020?

Pam Bondi REFUSES to admit that Donald Trump LOST the 2020 election.



"I think that question deserved a yes or no, and I think the length of your answer is an indication that you weren't prepared to answer yes." pic.twitter.com/VlL0NWoBza  American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) January 15, 2025

Instead, Bondi responded: President Biden is the president of the United States. He was duly sworn in, and he is the president of the United States. There was a peaceful transition of power. President Trump left office and was overwhelmingly elected in 2024.

The 59-year-old former Florida attorney general continued by suggesting she witnessed voter fraud in Pennsylvaniaa swing state that famously broke Bidens way in 2020.

When I went to Pennsylvania as an advocate for the campaign I saw many things there, Bondi claimed. But do I accept the results? Of course, I do.

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Durbin was not impressed with her answer, suggesting her word salad of a response to a simple question revealed how she truly felt.

I think that question deserved yes or no, and I think the length of your answer is an indication that you werent prepared to answer yes, he said.

Now the question is: Were you as flummoxed as these nominees?
NOLENSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  While most Tennesseans were hunkering down last weekend following Fridays snowstorm, several people were out slipping, sliding, smashing, and stealing in Nolensville.

The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at at the Exxon convenience store in the 7100 block of Nolensville Road.

Surveillance footage from the store shows a white, four-door Honda Civic with no tag pull up before four men jumped out, including one holding an axe. The Nolensville Police Department (NPD) said he used that axe to break out the glass before the masked men rushed inside.

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2 sought after fires set near Nashville Planned Parenthood

Cameras inside captured the suspects scattering across the store.

One man started kicking the vape case. He wasnt carrying a bag, so he loaded his arms with vapes, but he ended up losing as many vapes as he stole. Meanwhile, another individual went to the beer box and took multiple cases of beer, dumping them by the door.

Before leaving, several suspects took turns grabbing  and dropping  vapes on the floor. They also stole Red Bull on the way out the door. Once they exited, the men slipped and slid on the black ice in the parking lot

As the thieves drove off, a Nolensville officer spotted and pursued them. However, the suspects reportedly tossed beer cases out the window, forcing authorities to drive around them. When the Honda Civic drove into other lanes of traffic in the frozen conditions, police ended the chase.

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CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

It did not fit the typical [modus operandi] of the smash-and-grabs that were normally investigatingIt felt different, NPD Lt. Josh Combs said.

It was organized because everybody had a job and they all went to different quadrants, but then theyre dropping stuff, they dont have bags. I mean, they left as many vapes on the floor, it seems, as they took, News 2s Andy Cordan summarized.

And theyre taking things like Red Bull and beer, which are typically theyre not taking items like that. Its typically for vapes, cash, and theyre in and out, Combs added.

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Who throws cases of beer at cops in pursuit? Cordan asked.

I dont know. You typically only see that made up in a movie or something, Combs replied.

Man chases tow truck driver across Nashville following repo attempt: police

Police said the suspects not only stole $3,000 worth of vapes and $1,100 in cash, but they also caused thousands of dollars in damages.

News 2 also spoke with the store manager, Tony Patel, asking him if he felt violated after the thieves broke in.

Oh yeah, they broke that door glass, Patel responded as he pointed to the boarded up door.

What do you want to say to these bad guys? Cordan inquired.

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Patel laughed before saying, Speaking bad words, sir.

Authorities said the Honda Civic used in the incident could be the best clue. If you have any information about Saturdays smash-and-grab, youre asked to call the NPD at 615-776-3640.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Orange County prosecutors and the Orange County Sheriff's Department have reached a settlement with federal officials over their illegal use of informants in county jails, which was blamed for a years-long scandal that upended the justice system in the county.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it reached an agreement with the Sheriff's Department that requires training, policy changes, documentation and audits to continue oversight over the use of snitches in jails. Federal prosecutors will also have access to the data to confirm whether the department has performed the required reforms.

The agreement with the Sheriff's Department would seemingly bring an end to a years-long scandal that has plagued the county's justice system, and tainted some of the most high-profile prosecutions.

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Details of the illegal use of informants first came to light during the trial of Scott Dekraai, who killed his ex-wife and seven others during a mass shooting in Seal Beach in 2011. Dekraai had admitted to being the gunman, but officials still placed an informant in a neighboring cell.

Dekraai's attorney at the time, Orange County Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders, accused the Sheriff's Department of placing informants near defendants to solicit confessions even after the defendants were represented by attorneys. Prosecutors were also accused of hiding evidence of the use of informants during trial, keeping the practice secret, and keeping exculpatory information from reaching defense attorneys.

Orange County's public defender's office estimated more than 50 felony trials, most of them homicide cases, were tainted and affected by the snitch scandal.

Read more: Orange County supervisor accepted over $550,000 in bribes, will plead guilty to conspiracy charge, feds say

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The U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the use of jail informants in 2016, and said it's investigation found that informants were used as "agents of law enforcement to elicit incriminating statements."

For years, deputies maintained and concealed records that tracked and managed the jailhouse informants, and prosecutors "failed to seek out and disclose exculpatory information regarding custodial informants to defense counsel," according to a statement from the Department of Justice when they announced their findings.

In a statement, Sanders said he hoped the agreement will mean better practices in the future, but said numerous criminal defendants in Orange County are still unclear about how the use of informants might have affected their trials.

"This is the largest and longest-running informant scandal in U.S. history  and yet so many defendants remain in the dark about egregious misconduct that unfairly tilted the scales of justice," he said.

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When the scandal came to light, then-Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and then-Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas denied the allegations. When Rackauckas ran for reelection, the scandal was a main point of contention. He lost to now-Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer, who was sworn in in 2019.

"I made it unequivocally clear when I ran for Orange County District Attorney in 2019 that I would not tolerate the 'win at all costs' mentality of the prior administration," Spitzer said in a statement. "Under my direction, OCDA has made a broad series of additional proactive reformative measures to improve OCDA operations, including changes to its management structure, policies, training, supervision, and staffing."

In a statement, the Sheriff's Department said it was pleased the investigation was now closed.

"Since 2016, we have worked diligently to implement comprehensive reforms regarding custodial informants," Sheriff Don Barnes said in a statement. "This Agreement provides a framework for the DOJ to validate those efforts and establish our policies and practices to be among the best in the nation."

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Read more: O.C. sheriff's employee lived lavished lifestyle by stealing from her grandma. She now faces prison

Under the agreement, the Sheriff's Department will need to publish information about its reforms involving the use of informants and solicit feedback.

"The robust and transparent validation measures in today's agreement will strengthen the public's trust in the Sheriff's Department and uphold the constitutional rights of criminal defendants in custody," said Assistant Atty. Gen. Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "We applaud the sheriff for his proactive efforts instituting key improvements to prevent the misuse of custodial informants at the Orange County jails."

The agreement with the Orange County Sheriff's Department came just days after the Department of Justice announced it had also reached an agreement with the Orange County district attorney's office.

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That agreement also requires prosecutors to implement new policies to prevent the misuse of informants, maintain records and audits, and to disclose exculpatory evidence to criminal defendants involving snitches.

Among the new policies implemented, jail informants must now be approved by the sheriff, and informants used in prosecutions have to be vetted by an internal review committee in the district attorney's office.

"I hope these procedures will provide the type of oversight and accountability necessary to prevent future issues," said Martin F. Schwarz, Orange County Public Defender.

Schwarz said the agreement requires a "historical case review" of affected cases, and noted that the use of informants in investigations has repeatedly proved problematic.

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"Custodial informants are inherently unreliable, their testimony is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions, and their use as witnesses in criminal cases should be evaluated at the highest levels," he said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In February of 2021, our lives were shattered when our beloved 16-year-old son, Sammy, died from fentanyl poisoning. Like so many teenagers, Sammy was full of promise, curiosity and a deep love for life. But one afternoon, he made the tragic mistake of connecting with a drug dealer on the social media app Snapchat  a dealer who delivered a counterfeit drug laced with fentanyl to our house in Santa Monica like a pizza after we were asleep. That single dose took his life and left our family forever changed.

As parents, our mission now is to ensure that no other family has to endure the devastating loss that we live with every day. This tragedy has become a rallying cry for reform, accountability and awareness, culminating in our advocacy for Sammys Law (H.R. 5778) and our fight against tech companies like Snap Inc., whose platforms have become accomplices to the fentanyl epidemic.

Sammys Law: Protecting our children online

Sammys Law, currently pending in Congress, seeks to introduce much-needed safeguards for children and teenagers on social media. If passed, it would require platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Discord to open a link to third party safety software which would give parents a warning if something dangerous or illegal happened on their childrens devices.

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Opinion

Social media platforms are not neutral bystanders; they actively design systems that promote engagement at any cost, even if it means exposing children to harmful content. We urge Congress to prioritize this legislation  its a matter of life and death.

In our efforts to mobilize support for the bill, weve connected with countless families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl and other dangers linked to social media. Their stories fuel our determination to turn our grief into meaningful change.

Holding Snap Inc. accountable

Social media companies have long hidden behind the First Amendment and the Communications Decency Act, which shields them from liability for content posted by users. While the act was designed to foster free expression, it has also allowed platforms to avoid responsibility for the real-world harm they facilitate.

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We are among families advancing a lawsuit in California (Neville et al v. Snap Inc) seeking justice for children lost to fentanyl poisoning via Snapchat. Our case argues that Snap Inc.s features  such as disappearing messages and untraceable usernames  create a fertile ground for illicit activity. These design choices are not accidental, they are part of a business model that prioritizes user retention over safety.

While no legal outcome can bring Sammy back, we believe that holding Snap Inc. accountable is a critical step toward systemic change. Social media companies must prioritize safety over profits or they will continue to play a role in the senseless deaths of young people like our son.

The Peoples Bid for TikTok

We helped create a coalition of angel parents like ourselves to support the purchase TikTok by billionaire investor Frank McCourt, know as The Peoples Bid for TikTok. This effort seeks to transform TikTok into a public trust dedicated to safe and ethical digital engagement. Social media platforms wield enormous influence over young peoples lives, and its time for that influence to be used responsibly. By removing data scraping and profit-driven engagement, The Peoples Bid aims to create a platform that prioritizes mental health, safety and community over addictive algorithms, giving control back to the user and protecting children online.

A call to action

Our familys journey from profound loss to activism is one we never wanted to take. But if our pain can help prevent even one more family from experiencing this nightmare, then Sammys legacy will live on in the most meaningful way possible.

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We ask parents, lawmakers and tech leaders to join us in this fight. Support Sammys Law by contacting your representatives. Demand accountability from social media companies. Talk to your children about the dangers lurking online. Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate digital world for future generations.

Dr. Laura Berman and Samuel P. Chapman manage Parent Collection , a California non-profit focused on advocating and educating about the fentanyl crisis in the United States. The collective provides free grief healing for families.
Socialist City Councilwoman Tiffany Caban (D-Queens) is pushing a resolution to excoriate President-elect Donald Trump for promising to deport undocumented immigrants.

The proposed legislation slams the incoming commander-in-chief for planning to use the military to potentially remove millions of illegal migrants, claiming their deportation could potentially devastate the nations economy and would be inhumane.

Councilwoman Tiffany Caban introduced a resolution slamming President-elect Donald Trump for promising to deport undocumented immigrants. REUTERS

The legislation criticizes Trumps plan to deport illiegal migrants as a threat to the nations economy and inhumane. Getty Images

This resolution reaffirms our commitment to protecting our immigrant neighbors and rejecting policies that harm families, communities and our city, Caban said last week when introducing her legislation, which has so far only mustered a single co-sponsor, fellow far-left Councilwoman Alexa Aviles (D-Brooklyn).

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Cabans criticism flies in the face of a recent survey that found 54% of New Yorkers believe the Empire State should back Trumps efforts, including 30% of liberals and 47% of Latinos.

Trump promised to launch the largest deportation operation in American history after returning to the White House this coming Sunday, having tapped Tom Homan to oversee the immigration crackdown.
Another political row started between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party after former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's car was allegedly attacked on Saturday during election campaigning in the New Delhi Assembly constituency. AAP accused the BJP "goons" of attacking its national convenor, by sharing a video on their official X handle purportedly showing a stone being thrown at Kejriwal's car. The party claimed that Kejriwal was attacked by the "people" of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma who was also campaigning at that time. "Fearing defeat, BJP panicked, got its goons to attack Arvind Kejriwal While BJP candidate Pravesh Verma was campaigning, goons of BJP candidate Pravesh Verma attacked Arvind Kejriwal with bricks and stones and tried to hurt him so that he could not campaign. BJP people, Kejriwal ji is not going to be scared of your cowardly attack, the people of Delhi will give you a befitting reply," AAP wrote on X. On the other hand, countering AAP's claims, BJP candidate from New Delhi seat-Parvesh Verma alleged that the former Chief Minister's vehicle "ran over" BJP workers. He alleged that Kejriwal's car ran over three youths, in what, he called an "attempt to murder" BJP candidate from the New Delhi assembly seat, Verma, also alleged that Punjab Police assaulted three unemployed youths, who were asking questions from Kejriwal. "When AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal was campaigning door-to-door near Lal Bahadur Sadan, people of New Delhi Assembly constituency were asking questions to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal about employment etc," Verma told reporters. "When three residents named Vishal, Abhishek and Rohit who are unemployed tried to ask questions to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Police beat them up and a worker's phone was broken," he added. The former BJP MP further alleged that Kejriwal "signalled" his driver to "crush" the three youths. Verma added that he, as well as the three victims will file an FIR for 'attempt to murder' case' against Kejriwal. "AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's car hit the three youths and the driver of the car applied brakes after seeing the three youths but Arvind Kejriwal signaled the driver to crush them...They have been injured... This is an attempt to murder and I am going to the police station...The three youths will also file an FIR and a case of attempt to murder will also be registered," Verma added. Later, Verma also visited Lady Hardinge Medical College to meet the injured persons. Meanwhile, Congress candidate from New Delhi Assembly Sandeep Dikshit on Saturday condemned the alleged incident and said there is "no place" for violence in a democracy. Speaking with ANI about the incident, Dikshit said, "We condemn this, violence has no place in democracy. I hope the police will investigate and only then will it be known what kind of attack it was." Dikshit urged Delhi Police to provide more security to Arvind Kejriwal and further attacked both AAP and BJP for deviating from 'real' issues. "Violence should not happen. I hope the police will give him more security. Both the parties (AAP and BJP) do not talk about the real issues. Both parties are not getting any votes, We fight with civility, talk with civility, our weapons are thoughts not stones," Dikshit said. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh slammed the BJP calling the incident a "cowardly act" and said they want to win the elections by "hooliganism". "They are attacking Arvind Kejriwal with stones. Parvesh Verma's people attacked him with stones. You want to win the elections by hooliganism. The workers of Aam Aadmi Party, the leaders of Aam Aadmi Party, have never bowed down before you. Why do they do such cowardly acts, what will they achieve by this? BJP is a party of cowards, I strongly condemn it," he said. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also visited those injured in the incident and said, "They are undergoing treatment... All three injured were sitting in wheelchairs. AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal hit them with his car with ruthlessness and cruelty." The BJP MP alleged that Kejriwal is backtracking on his promises and threatened that the party is mulling criminal action. "This is an example of petty politics. This shows that he is afraid of his defeat... Arvind Kejriwal is running away from his promises...How can the VVIP (AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal) who is always guarded by Punjab Police get frightened by three youths?... The party (BJP) will take whatever criminal action that needs to be taken," she said. Delhi will go to the polls on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The New Delhi Assembly seat will see a triangular contest between Kejriwal, BJP's Parvesh Verma and Congress' Sandeep Dikshit. 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)
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The second edition of Sotheby's Visions of America exhibition opened in New York on Friday, once again featuring a selection of American art, objects and innovation, including a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence.

The week-long event includes seven live and online auctions showcasing over 500 works, curated by renowned designer Ken Falk.

The auction house's aim with the event is to present the "legacy of America" and showcase "the heights of American craftsmanship."

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The collection includes 10 paintings, including a 19th-century work by Martin Johnson Heade depicting hummingbirds and gold and purple orchids which is expected to fetch between $1.2 and $1.8 million.

Also among the works is a sculpture of Benjamin Franklin from the workshop of Jean-Antoine Houdon; antique wood furniture such as a "Nantucket" low Windsor armchair from the late 1700s; and a Norman Rockwell painting of presidential candidate George McGovern and his wife, Eleanor.

A 1934 Cadillac V-16 aerodynamic coupe is on display collection at Sotheby's on Friday in New York City as part of its Visions of American exhibition and auction series. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In the "innovation" category is the "highly anticipated" Cadillac CELESTIQ, touted as "the next generation of all-electric, hand-crafted luxury," which is displayed alongside the iconic 1934 V16 Aerodynamic Coupe and 1957 Eldorado Brougham.

Another highlight of this year's exhibition is a collection of silverware created by Paul Revere II, the son of the Revolutionary War hero, who, himself, was a silversmith. The items include a teapot, coffee pot, a punch bowl and a creamer.

Two Chinese Blue and White Venetian Glass-Form vases, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period is on display as part of the Americana collection at Sotheby's on Friday in New York City. Sotheby's will offer the rare copy of the Declaration of Independence: The July 1776 Essex Broadside, one of the earliest printings of America's founding text, is expected to fetch approximately $2-4 million. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The week's activities will be capped on Jan. 24 with an auction of the "exceedingly rare" July 1776 Exeter Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence. The opening bid is set for $1.4 million and the item could bring up to $4 million, Sotheby's estimates.

Antique wood furniture is on display as part of the Important Americana collection at Sotheby's on Friday in New York City. Sotheby's will offer the rare copy of the Declaration of Independence: The July 1776 Essex Broadside, one of the earliest printings of America's founding text, is expected to fetch approximately $2-4 million. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

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Works by Norman Rockwell are on display as part of the Art of the Americas, Featuring the American West collection at Sotheby's on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The Declaration was originally printed quickly by John Dunlap, Congress's official printer, and then distributed throughout the 13 colonies where local printers made their own copies. The item on auction is one of just 10 known copies printed by Robert Luist Fowle in Exeter, N.H., in July 1776.
Red wave

On Nov. 5, 2024, the American people chose the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate, and the White House to be under Republican control. The Democrats and the media failed miserably.

No thanks

The Mississippi House passed legislation to eliminate the income tax and increase our gas tax. Grocery tax will be decreased but not the local sales tax on it?

He did that

With the recent drill, baby, drill announcement by the incoming president, gas prices have already risen 20 cents a gallon. Why? Because big oil futurists, who set pricing, know offshore exploration will be subsidized by price increases and the new administration using your money. Did you really think big oil would pay for it? Billionaires now own us.

Rejects

I think Sen. Marco Rubio would make a decent Secretary of State, but these other nominations, not so much. Im sure President-elect Trump could find other qualified Republican cabinet nominees. Only a very insecure leader would require loyalty as the sole denominator.

Health care cost

I was denied dental care this week in Gautier. The U.S. leads in medical innovation, yet we are the worst in access to that health care due to our for-profit system.

Raising the flag

President-elect Trump doesnt want to be disrespected by having the flag at half staff during his inauguration, but he wants the nation to disrespect President Carter by raising the flag back up.

Amnesia

All the media hype over whos not attending President-elect Trumps inauguration is rich. He didnt attend Bidens inauguration.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.
Jan. 17A South Carolina man pleaded guilty Friday to gunning down a New Mexico State Police officer who had stopped to help him with a flat tire last year.

The plea deal, offered to Jaremy Smith by the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico, took the death penalty off the table  in lieu of life in prison.

The family of officer Justin Hare, 35, told the Journal that they had wanted Smith put to death for killing their son, a father of two, and stealing his police SUV and leaving him on the side of the highway.

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"I still wish he was dead," Jim Hare said outside the U.S. District Courthouse in Downtown Albuquerque. "My wish is to watch them put him on a chair, or something, and we look in his eyes while he dies."

Smith pleaded guilty Friday to carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm in a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm in the March 15, 2023, incident.

The minimum and maximum penalty, according to the plea agreement, were the same: to never again be a free man. Smith's sentencing hearing is set for 90 days from Friday.

The death penalty is still an option for the 34-year-old elsewhere, as he faces possible state and federal charges in Marion, S.C., in the kidnapping and death of Phonesia Machado-Fore, 52, a paramedic.

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The Marion County Sheriff's Office, in a statement Friday, called the plea an "incredible step forward" and said "charges are still pending" against Smith in Machado-Fore's death.

Authorities say Smith killed Machado-Fore and took her BMW cross-country to see a former girlfriend in Albuquerque, ending with a flat tire on Interstate 40, near Tucumcari. After killing Hare, stealing his police SUV and crashing it, Smith broke into a cabin and stole a truck to drive to Albuquerque.

The Bernalillo County deputies shot Smith the next day during a foot chase through a West Side neighborhood.

State Police Chief Troy Weisler said that Smith "will never take another breath as a free man, and rightfully so."

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"There is no place in our society for cold-blooded killers, which is exactly what he is, a ruthless murderer who took the lives of two of this country's finest servants," he said.

'Guilty'

On Friday, the courtroom seating was overflowing with fully-uniformed State Police officers and, amid the sea of black and silver, Jim and Terry Hare sat between Alexander Uballez, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Jason Bowie, Cabinet Secretary for the state's Department of Public Safety.

Smith, sporting a scraggly beard and short dreadlocks, stood beside defense attorney Devon Fooks in a yellow jumpsuit with his hands and feet shackled. For the most part, Smith only said, "Yes, sir," in a deep Southern drawl when asked questions about his understanding of the plea.

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"What does he get out of this?" U.S. District Judge James Browning asked Fooks, referring to the plea agreement. Fooks replied that the possibility of the death penalty for Smith had been squashed.

Uballez said several things are considered in taking away the death penalty: consultation with the families and survivors and analysis of the facts and law, among other factors. Uballez indicated that there was a driving reason behind Smith's case but that it is confidential. The final decision was made by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Hare's mother, Terry Hare, said she was told a big reason was that Smith was a special needs student and, as a child, on an Individualized Education Program. Hare, a special education teacher herself, said she didn't feel the U.S. Attorney's Office "took into an account of what an IEP is" and it shouldn't have been a factor.

Hare said she wished they made a different choice, adding "we were upset."

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Federal prosecutor Jack Burkhead read Smith's admission of facts from the plea agreement, tracing his path from South Carolina to New Mexico. As he detailed Hare being shot, carjacked and left to die  Terry Hare wiped away tears, her lips pursed, eyes staring ahead.

Uballez put his hand on Hare's shoulder at one point, while she looked at Smith across the room. During the formulaic retelling of his crimes, Smith appeared to close his eyes or stare down at the table. Smith looked up once, with fervor, when Burkhead read, "all of which I inflicted," detailing the gunshot wounds to Hare's head and neck.

Afterward, Browning asked Smith how he pleaded to the crimes. "Guilty," Smith said in the same drawl heard in officer Hare's lapel video, asking "I got a flat tire, you can help me?"

Outside the courthouse, law enforcement leaders thanked authorities locally and in South Carolina for their work on the case, the Bernalillo County deputies who captured Smith and the West Side gas station clerk who recognized him and called 911.

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But Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge of the Albuquerque FBI office, lamented that any of it had to happen.

"I wish that we weren't here today. I wish that such evil would not exist in our world, and yet it does," he said. "I wish I could have met Justin and Phoenicia. I wish I could have warned them about Jaremy Smith."
By Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park

SEOUL (Reuters) -Hundreds of supporters of South Korea's arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early on Sunday after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside, an attack the country's acting leader called "unimaginable".

Yoon on Wednesday became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces allegations of insurrection related to his stunning, short-lived Dec. 3 declaration of martial law that has plunged the country into political turmoil.

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Shortly after the court announced its decision around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT) on Sunday, Yoon's supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police trying to keep them at bay.

Protesters blasted fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, then flooded inside, destroying office equipment, fittings and furniture, footage showed.

Police restored order a few hours later, saying they had arrested 46 protesters and vowing to track down others involved.

"The government expresses strong regret over the illegal violence... which is unimaginable in a democratic society," acting President Choi Sang-mok said in a statement, adding that the authorities would step up safety measures around gatherings.

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Nine police officers were injured in the chaos, Yonhap news agency reported. Police were not immediately available for comment on the injured officers.

About 40 people suffered minor injuries, said an emergency responder near the Seoul Western District Court.

Several of those involved live-streamed the intrusion on YouTube, showing protesters trashing the court and chanting Yoon's name. Some streamers were caught by police during their broadcasts.

CONCERN YOON MAY DESTROY EVIDENCE

With Yoon refusing to be questioned, investigators facing a deadline on detaining the impeached president asked the court on Friday to extend his custody.

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After a five-hour hearing on Saturday, which Yoon attended, a judge granted a new warrant extending Yoon's detention for up to 20 days, due to "concern that the suspect may destroy evidence".

South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform.

The leader is being held in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Centre.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is leading the probe, said it had called Yoon in for further questioning on Sunday afternoon but the prosecutor-turned-president again did not show up.

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The CIO said it would ask Yoon to come in for questioning on Monday, and forbade anyone from visiting him at the detention centre apart from his lawyers.

His lawyers have argued the arrest is illegal because the warrant was issued in the wrong jurisdiction and the investigating team had no mandate for their probe.

Insurrection, the crime that Yoon may be charged with, is one of the few that a South Korean president does not have immunity from and is technically punishable by death. South Korea, however, has not executed anyone in nearly 30 years.

Yoon said through his lawyers he found the violent incident at court "shocking and unfortunate", calling on people to express their opinions peacefully.

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"The president said... he wouldn't give up and would correct the wrong, even if it took time," the lawyers said in a statement. Saying he understands many are feeling "rage and unfairness", Yoon asked police to take a "tolerant position".

Separate to the criminal probe that sparked Sunday's chaos, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to permanently remove him from office, in line with parliament's Dec. 14 impeachment, or restore his presidential powers.

However, about a thousand supporters marched toward the constitutional court later on Sunday and police arrested three of them, one of whom attempted to scale the court's wall, local media said.

POLITICAL PARTIES WEIGH IN

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Yoon's conservative People Power Party called the court's decision to extend his detention on Sunday a "great pity".

"There's a question whether repercussions of detaining a sitting president were sufficiently considered," the party said.

The main opposition Democratic Party said the decision was a "cornerstone" for rebuilding order and that "riots" by "far-right" groups would only deepen the national crisis.

Support for the PPP collapsed after his martial law declaration, which he rescinded hours later in the face of a unanimous vote in parliament rejecting it.

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But in the turmoil since - in which the opposition-majority parliament also impeached his first replacement and investigators botched an initial attempt to arrest Yoon - the PPP's support has sharply rebounded.

His party has edged ahead of the opposition Democratic Party in support - 39% to 36% - for the first time since August, a Gallup Korea poll showed on Friday.

Thousands gathered for an orderly rally in support of Yoon in downtown Seoul on Sunday morning. Anti-Yoon demonstrations have also taken place across the city in recent days.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee, Hyunsu Yim and Ju-min Park; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Susan Fenton, Cynthia Osterman, Diane Craft, Deepa Babington, William Mallard and Bernadette Baum)
Jan. 18BYRON, Minn.  If you're looking for housing outside of Rochester  something affordable in a different school district  Al Roder says Byron has an option for you.

"We have been very proactive on housing development in particular," said Roder, Byron's city administrator. "We're focused on providing workforce for Olmsted County in general. It is one of our strategic initiatives to build out our housing stock."

Roder said Byron hopes to offer a little something for everyone. Lots available and other projects under construction show just that. Drive along Fourth Street Northeast in the west Olmsted County city and you'll see a 52-unit apartment complex going up across the street from the Fareway grocery store. Behind that to the north, the Stone Haven Townhomes subdivision continues to grow.

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Single-family home lots are available in East Village, Timberview and Somberby subdivisions at various price points.

With housing at all levels being needed in the Rochester area, Byron is certainly doing its part.

According to the Minnesota Department of Housing's 2023 report, the state is short about 50,000 homes thanks to underproduction from 2006-2016.

"Until Minnesota has completely filled the production hole created from 2006 through 2016, the state will have an overall housing shortage, which will put upward pressure on rents and home prices," according to the "Key Housing Needs and Issues" report. That shortage means one in four Minnesota households are cost-burdened by their housing payments.

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Olmsted County is listed as one of the worst counties in Minnesota when it comes to the cost burden for lower-income households paying for their housing costs, the report states.

Within Rochester, new subdivisions and new apartment complexes try to keep up with the demand. For example, in July 2024, the Rochester City Council approved $4 million of sales tax support to help build 201 homes by 2027. All of this is part of the effort to make up for the shortage of housing.

According to Rochester Community Development, the market needs 5,600 new housing units constructed between 2020 and 2030, which comes to an average of 560 a year.

Rochester met that quota in 2024. The city issued 196 permits for 193 single-family housing units in 2024. Add to that three permits for six duplex units and 25 permits for multi-family permits for 689 units, or a total of 888 new housing units. Rochester issued permits for a total of 793 housing units in 2023, and added another 990 in 2022.

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But not every community in the region is adding housing at such a booming rate.

Stewartville City Administrator Bill Schimmel said the city has had "a little slower 2024 year for housing" compared to previous years. The city issued permits for six single-family homes and no permits for duplexes, townhomes or apartments.

Michele Peterson, city administrator in Chatfield, said that the city issued eight single-family construction permits in 2024, and approved a subdivision with eight single-family lots. But the city also did not add any multi-family housing.

North of Rochester, Pine Island issued 14 single-family construction permits, according to City Administrator Elizabeth Howard. As for available lots, the city approved 52 lots in 2022  so there is room to grow  and many of those are still available. The city added 14 lots in 2024 zoned for townhomes.

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Farther from Rochester, Plainview issued permits for just two single-family houses in 2024, and the city added no new available lots to its stock.

With the need for housing high, some local leaders are eager to get new development projects started in their cities. But not everyone is ready to accept major deals.

Jim Phillips, a member of the Oronoco City Council, said he voted against the 136-unit Cedar Crest Pointe development near Minnesota Avenue at Second Avenue and Cedar Pointe Road Southeast because  despite wanting to see Oronoco grow  the development was wrong for the city.

The mixed-use commercial and residential project would have included both medium-density  R2  housing and low-density  R1  housing along with some commercial lots in a project named Cedar Crest Pointe.

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It was the four-unit R2 housing units in an area currently zoned for R1 that brought opposition from many neighbors.

Phillips said 219 people signed a petition against the development, and about a dozen showed up to planning commission and city council meetings in July 2024 to express their opposition.

"When people respond that way in the community, you listen," Phillips said. He added that if people want senior housing or high-density housing, Rochester is 2 miles down the road. But people move to Oronoco for what it is  a community where people are spread out.

The R2 housing, he said back in July, did not fit into the character of the neighborhood that currently exists. Two separate surveys, Phillips said, have shown residents don't want apartments in Oronoco.

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That's not to say he doesn't want to see the 43-acre plot developed into housing in the future.

"We're not against the Hamilton deal (Hamilton is the name of the current property owner) at all," Phillips said. "It was zoned for what it was zoned for at R1, and that's what the people wanted to have it, and that's it."

Phillips said since the property was bought by Hamilton when it was already zoned R1, the developer shouldn't have been surprised by the opposition to the proposed changes.

Oronoco isn't the only area town that has said no to large development proposals. The city of Kasson has passed on two deals  both by the same developer, Troy Schrom of Schrom Real Estate  in 2024.

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In December, Kasson City Hall was packed with neighbors who opposed a zoning change  again, from R1 to R2  for a proposed 121-unit Reagan Addition development  which would have included 13 single-family homes and 108 townhomes, in a combination of four and eight-unit buildings  north of 12th Street Northwest and east of Eighth Avenue, which is Dodge County Highway 21.

Kasson Mayor Dan Eggler, who was a member of the city council last year, said, "We need to increase housing, but we need to increase so it works for everybody. We need to grow responsibly."

Eggler said there were some things to like about the project. The townhomes would have been rental units going for anywhere from $1,350 to $1,900 a month.

"People who will work in town, teachers for example, we're trying to attract more housing for them," Eggler said. "Not everyone can afford a single-family home, and not everyone knows where their career is taking them. So you need variety."

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Kasson does have some variety in its housing stock. A 47-unit apartment built in 2023 on the city's southwest side will soon be joined by another 50-unit apartment complex next door.

Kasson resident Christina Screeden, who lives right next to the proposed development, said she was concerned about the traffic along Fifth Avenue, 12th Street and "the dump road," or Highway 21/Eighth Avenue.

Screeden said she thought the rent values were too high for the area  Kasson being nearly 15 miles from Rochester  and the developer would have been adding well over 100 vehicles to the daily traffic count in what is already a too-busy area for a residential neighborhood.

And like residents in Oronoco, Screeden said she felt like a zoning change amounted to a bait-and-switch.

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"When we moved here, we'd done our due diligence," she said. "We knew that would be low density. Now they're trying to reclassify that as medium density, it very much feels like a slap in the face."

She added that she doesn't trust traffic studies the city has cited. She works from home and looks out over Fifth Avenue, which can get busy during morning and evening commute times, as well as when school lets out at nearby Kasson-Mantorville High School.

Screeden said she was present last April when developer Troy Schrom again asked for a zoning change  this time in northeast Kasson  to build 84 townhomes and 34 duplexes for rent on about 40 acres of land east of 12th Avenue Northeast in Kasson.

That development, as well, did not receive the planning commission's endorsement nor an upvote by the Kasson City Council.

The fact that Schrom is so interested in Kasson  and that other developments such as the southeast apartments have been built  shows that better proposals are likely, Screeden said.

"Developers are interested in Kasson for sure," she said. "Every town needs to grow. I just don't think it needs to grow exponentially."
Another round of extreme fire weather is expected next week with gusts of up to 80 mph in Southern California, bringing new dangers as Pacific Palisades, Altadena and surrounding communities struggle to assess the damage of devastating wildfires earlier this month,

"The bottom line is: we're in uncharted territories this deep into the winter, or rainy season," in having barely any rain, said Alex Tardy, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego.

After mostly calm winds over the weekend, fire weather is expected to return Monday, with the peak threat arriving that night through Tuesday morning, but it could persist through Thursday, forecasters said. Red flag fire weather warnings are expected for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, said Rose Schoenfeld, a weather service meteorologist in Oxnard.

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"We're looking at another period of long-duration fire weather concerns here," Schoenfeld said.

All this fire weather comes amid a continuing record-setting dry spell, which could break Jan. 25 to Feb. 1 when there is a 20% to 30% chance of rain. That potential rain, Schoenfeld said, is expected to be on the lighter side and "doesnt look like the kind of rain that would really put a complete end to fire weather season."

The last day downtown Los Angeles saw more than one-tenth of an inch of rain on a single day was May 5. Since May 6, there hasn't been a single day with one-tenth of an inch of rain or more, for 257 days and counting.

Read more: Some residents allowed to return to devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena neighborhoods

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That's a record for downtown  the previous mark was 253 consecutive days, from Feb. 25, 2008, to Nov. 3, 2008.

And across Southern California, this has been the driest start to the water year on record. For the 3 1/2-month period that began Oct. 1, so little rain has fallen that it is the driest period for this time frame for Los Angeles International Airport, UCLA, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills and Camarillo.

For downtown L.A., only 0.16 inches of rain has fallen since Oct. 1. The average annual rainfall for downtown L.A. over the same time period is 5.78 inches, meaning downtown L.A. has received only 3% of the rainfall the city gets on average by this time in the water year.

Read more: L.A.'s 'off the charts' dryness keeps risk of new fires high. Rain is desperately needed

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The severe dryness, combined with week after week of Santa Ana winds, is unusual.

Strong Santa Ana winds are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, particularly 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with sustained gusts of 45 mph to 65 mph expected across Santa Ana wind corridors of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Wind speeds as high as 80 mph are forecast in the mountains and foothills.

Read more: Firefighters boost containment of Palisades and Eaton fires amid break from destructive winds

The Santa Ana winds, Schoenfeld said, are expected to come from the northeast to east, predominantly affecting Ventura County and higher-elevation areas of western Los Angeles County," Schoenfeld said.

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The air is also expected to be very dry. Relatively humidity on Tuesday could hit as low as 5% in Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Canoga Park, Fillmore, Santa Clarita, Acton and Pyramid Lake.

Given the potential effects of the strong winds and extreme fire weather, Schoenfeld urged residents to plan ahead, ensuring medication is packed, vehicles are ready and evacuation routes are planned.

"And then when wind does start, stay away from trees, windows and use extreme caution again with anything that could start a fire," Schoenfeld said.

The Palisades and Eaton fires have burned more than 11,000 structures and killed at least 27 people. As of Sunday morning, the Palisades fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 52% contained, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton fire, which has charred14,117 acres, was 81% contained.

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Meanwhile, the search for missing fire victims continues.

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.
Two years ago, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department internal investigators learned about a group of Lakewood station deputies who shared a common tattoo of a spade, with the number 13.

Internal affairs officials told the station brass, who sent surveys to a few dozen deputies asking whether the image was the symbol of a deputy gang or subgroup  and the deputies all said no.

At that point, as The Times reported last year , the department stopped investigating.

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But this week, federal court filings in an unrelated case renewed questions about the tattoo and the departments inquiry into it.

In a plea agreement filed late Thursday, Deputy Eric Chase Saavedra admitted to conspiring with a crypto mogul who paid $100,000 per month for Saavedra to provide deputies to serve as his round-the-clock bodyguards and sometimes also commit crimes. Over the course of 49 pages, the plea agreement describes an array of criminal acts involving Saavedra and other unnamed sheriffs deputies, who allegedly harassed and threatened people to intimidate the crypto moguls enemies and further his criminal aims.

The deputy, who has since been relieved of duty, also admitted to lying on a search warrant, writing a fake search warrant and using confidential law enforcement databases to find information about the crypto moguls foes.

And in a single paragraph tucked in the middle of the agreement, Saavedra admitted to having a Lakewood station tattoo  which he said he received only after other tattooed deputies voted to decide whether he should be allowed to get it.

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Read more: 'A thief and a crooked cop': L.A. deputy committed crimes for crypto mogul, feds say

The plea agreement does not call the group a deputy gang or subgroup. But oversight officials have long said that exclusionary behaviors  such as voting on which deputies are allowed to have a tattoo  are hallmarks of the controversial groups.

Secrecy and exclusivity are prima facie evidence of gang activity in the tattooed groups, said Inspector General Max Huntsman. When the department validates this code of silence, we have repeatedly seen gang-like activity such as that discovered in this federal case.

Last year, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department defended its probe into the Lakewood group, saying there was no evidence to support the allegations of a gang at the Lakewood station.

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As we actively work with our federal partners, we have advised them of the law enforcement gang issue and requested that they review any nexus of law enforcement gang activity associated with this ongoing criminal investigation, the department said in a statement this week. The Sheriff is using and will continue to utilize all available tools, including law enforcement partners, to identify and remove any personnel that are involved in such behavior.

On the steps of the federal courthouse Friday morning, U.S. Atty. E. Martin Estrada said that, while court filings note that Saavedra has a station tattoo, prosecutors are not alleging that he is necessarily part of any deputy gang or that his conduct was linked to gang activity. But, he added, the investigation is ongoing.

Brian Gurwitz, the attorney representing Saavedra, did not address the tattoo in a comment Friday but said his client recognizes the breach of trust his actions represent and deeply regrets the harm they have caused to the community he dedicated decades to serving.

For half a century, the department has been plagued by allegations about tattooed groups of deputies who run roughshod over certain sheriffs stations and promote a culture of violence. The rogue groups are commonly known by names such as the Executioners, the Banditos, the Regulators and the Little Devils, and their members typically have matching, sequentially numbered tattoos featuring lurid imagery.

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Early last year, a highly critical Office of Inspector General report faulted the department for failing to thoroughly investigate the groups, saying officials still minimize evidence of gang activity and allow cursory inquiries that fail to identify suspected gang members. In September, Sheriff Robert Luna unveiled a new anti-gang policy that banned being in a deputy gang or hate group and required department employees to participate in investigations into them.

Read more: Cursory deputy gang probes at Lakewood, Industry stations criticized in watchdog report

Until he was relieved of duty, Saavedra worked as a detective in the departments anti-gang unit . In his capacity there, court records show he testified as a gang expert, describing what bad acts would help criminals move up in a gang, including committing robberies, thefts and shootings.

Though the unit  which has long battled its own allegations of a secretive tattooed subgroup known as the Jump-Out Boys  is its own bureau, the detectives within it are assigned to different stations across the county. For several years, Saavedra was assigned to the Lakewood station.

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While there, Saavedra admitted in his plea agreement, he got a tattoo on his left ankle of the unofficial logo of the Lakewood station: a spade with the number 13 inside of it.

Defendant got the tattoo after a panel of tattooed Lakewood station members voted to approve defendants tattoo, the agreement continued. Defendant was the 55th person to get that tattoo.

The Lakewood group first came to light in the course of an investigation into possible members of a suspected deputy gang  the Industry station Indians  whod been fired after allegedly getting into a boozy brawl with some teenagers in a parking lot, according to the OIG report and sources familiar with the case.

Four deputies were fired in connection with the incident and, according to The Times investigation and the later oversight report, two admitted to having Industry Indians tattoos. The fired deputies all appealed to the countys Civil Service Commission, according to a county source who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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Once internal affairs investigators learned about the City of Industry group, they asked the deputies involved whether they knew of anyone else with that tattoo. But because investigators did not press for names, the OIG report said, they were able to identify only two other possible members.

However, the OIG report said one of the deputies told investigators hed seen a lot of deputies at the Lakewood station with spade tattoos. The deputy said he wasnt sure whether the tattoos were the sign of a subgroup or gang  so supervisors surveyed 69 deputies at the station to find out more.

Of the 64 who responded, the report said 13% reported knowing of a Lakewood station tattoo and 100% said they were not aware of any gang or subgroup at the station.

Based on my inquiry, I did not find any potential violations or evidence to indicate we have deputy sub-groups, cliques, or deputy gangs, a lieutenant later wrote in a memo quoted in the oversight report. The morale of Lakewood station personnel is positive, inclusive, and promotes a family atmosphere.

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In its report last year, OIG took a dim view of the adequacy of that response, and this week Huntsman criticized the department's "refusal" to investigate the Lakewood group last year.

"Perhaps the sheriff will now identify the members to determine if PC 13670 applies," he said, referring to the state statute that bans law enforcement gangs. "We thank the FBI and the U.S. attorney's office for their anti-corruption work."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The State of Georgia hosted on Jan. 16 the 40th annual event honoring the holiday of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. The keynote address was delivered by Omotayo Alli, executive director of the Georgia Public Defender Council. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

On Friday, Georgias top public defender encouraged government officials and the community to continue supporting programs that transform lives during the states 40th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

Federal and Georgia governments will be closed on Monday in observance of the Kings birthday, celebrated every third Monday in January. In 1968, King was slain at the age of 39 after becoming the leading face of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement fighting the systemic racism Black people faced across the deep South and other parts of America.

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Omotayo Alli, executive director of the Georgia Public Defender Council, was the keynote speaker as more than 150 people attended the celebration held at the state Capitol.

During the ceremony, the Georgia Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Council recognized this years winners of awards named after five former longtime Georgia residents who worked closely with King during the Civil Rights Era. King family members were presented a proclamation from the state honoring the civil rights icons holiday.

The event is organized by the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus and the state Department of Community Affairs.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp emphasized Kings commitment to non-violence while confronting the injustices of racial prejudice and segregation.

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He called for continued efforts to promote unity and opportunity for all Georgians, urging personal actions aligned with Kings principles.

From his early life, growing up in Atlanta throughout his travels across the country fighting injustice, was never content to look the other way when he came to confronting the problems of his days, Kemp said.

Alli, who is the first Black woman to serve as the public defender councils executive director, discussed her four-decade journey as a public defender, emphasizing her efforts to improve juvenile justice by creating educational opportunities for children in the system.

Alli spoke about establishing a public defender program that provides opportunities for people who have gone through the criminal justice system to help them reintegrate into the community.

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She described her transition to working with juvenile cases, which she said led to her realizing the high number of children in the justice system.

Alli said she took a personal interest in bettering the lives of young people in the justice system, by providing educational opportunities and other resources that are critical in their rehabilitation. Young people obtaining their GED and learning job skills at a technical school opens opportunities to end a cycle of poverty, she said.

A number of events celebrating the legacy of King will continue on Monday across Georgia. The annual holiday event at the Atlanta church where King preached will be led by a different religious leader than in recent years. Ebenezer Baptist Church church pastor and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock will not attend Mondays celebration of King since the Atlanta Democrat will be in Washington for the inauguration of Republican President Donald Trump.

The Ebenezer churchs keynote sermon will be delivered by North Carolinas Bishop William J. Barber II, who serves as president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach. Barber will reflect upon a critical moment for people of faith and to the injustices plaguing the nation, according to a news release.

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Former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer predicted that President-elect Trump will sign over 100 executive orders on a range of topics early next week.

My guess is that by the time we wake up Wednesday morning, theres over 100 executive orders in action, signed by this president, Spicer said during his Thursday appearance on NewsNations show The Hill.

Spicer said it is imperative for Trumps team to be able to explain all of the proposed executive orders.

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And so the question is, how much time do you have to not just sign them? Because its not just a signature, right? Youve got to explain them, he added. Theyve got to sell them. And thats sort of been my counsel.

Trump is expected to work immediately after taking office on Monday, bringing changes to various areas, including energy, foreign policy and immigration. The president-elect has consistently said during his 2024 campaign that he would launch the largest deportation program in American history once he enters the White House.

He also said throughout the entire last year that he would drill, baby, drill, on Day 1 in office, a vague slogan that indicates he would increase oil production that is already on record-high levels while also indicating he would reverse some environmental regulations enacted by President Biden.

While campaigning in New Jersey last year, Trump said to his supporters that he would pen an executive order on his first day in office that would pause windmill projects.

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Mick Mulvaney, Trumps ex-White House chief of staff, echoed Spicers assessment on Thursday, saying the president-elects team this time around has more experience working in the executive branch and that will translate into more action.

Mulvaney, a NewsNation contributor, told NewsNations Blake Burman that Stephen Miller, who Trump tapped to be his deputy chief of staff for policy, has been writing his executive orders for the last 18 months.

He added that some executive orders might be signed next week, but may take effect months later, but I think youre going to see more than you expect on Monday or Tuesday.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group which also owns The Hill.

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Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has condemned the "attack" on former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said violence has no place in a democracy. "We condemn this, violence has no place in democracy. I hope the police will investigate and only then will it be known what kind of attack it was," Dikshit told ANI. "Violence should not happen. I hope the police will give him more security. Both the parties (AAP and BJP) do not talk about the real issues. Both parties are not getting any votes, We fight with civility, talk with civility, our weapons are thoughts not stones," he added. Dikshit is contesting against Kejriwal from New Delhi. AAP has accused BJP "goons" of attacking its national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal. A video shared by the party on its X handle, shows a stone being thrown at the Arvind Kejriwal's car. AAP claimed that Kejriwal was attacked by the "people" of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma who was also campaigning at that time. "Fearing defeat, BJP panicked, got its goons to attack Arvind Kejriwal While BJP candidate Pravesh Verma was campaigning, goons of BJP candidate Pravesh Verma attacked Arvind Kejriwal and tried to hurt him so that he could not campaign. BJP people, Kejriwal ji is not going to be scared of your cowardly attack, the people of Delhi will give you a befitting reply," AAP wrote on X. Parvesh Verma also attacked AAP and said alleged that three youths, who wanted to ask Kejriwal about jobs, were beaten by police personnel who have come from Punjab and were accompanying him. (ANI)
Woman found dead in Springdale yard

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Springdale couple woke up to an unresponsive female in their yard Friday morning around 7 a.m.

Springdale Police Department said officers arrived and found Amanda Dowell, 45, of Springdale, dead.

Department of Public Safety & Arkansas State Police launch statewide webpage to provide resources for human trafficking victims

The residence does not belong to Dowell, and it is unknown at this time how or why she went to this residence, police said.

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Residents in the neighborhood tell KNWA/FOX24 that they heard someone knocking on doors and ringing doorbells around 1:30-2 a.m. But they said when they went to the door no one was there. Police found a footprint in a nearby yard around six homes down from where the woman was found dead.

One of many footprints found in a nearby yard that investigators were focused on. It was found at least six homes down from where the woman was found dead around 7 a.m.

The couple said they found Dowell in their yard around 7 a.m. and called the police.

Dowells body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected. This is an active investigation and more information will be released.

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ST. LOUIS  A 36-year-old St. Louis-area woman visiting the island of Puerto Rico on vacation damaged and set fire to multiple family-owned businesses.

Federal investigators say her motive was because they wouldnt serve her alcohol.

St. Peters resident Danielle Bertothy, was caught on surveillance cameras carrying a container of gasoline and setting a bar, restaurant, store and hotel ablaze just after midnight on Jan. 2, endangering the lives of 20 guests.

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After being interviewed by police, Bertothy cut her vacation short and fled the island.

PR hotel owner reacts after woman arrested for setting business on fire

She was arrested here in St. Louis on Thursday. Puerto Ricans here in St. Louis are disturbed and angered by Bertothys actions.

Hector Vega of the Puerto Rican Society of St. Louis said, We all have drinks, but I dont know. I never had thoughts of, after drinks, going to do something like this.

The society has been pushing for her arrest and communicating with the owners of the impacted businesses back in Puerto Rico.

We feel very relieved that justice is starting to be served, Vega said.

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Jan. 17Amanda Brown was planning to leave her boyfriend in 2018 until she learned they were expecting another baby.

Their relationship was unhealthy, Brown's mother said. But she wanted her children to know their father. Her dad died when she was 7 years old.

"Family was important to her and she desperately wanted that for her children," Jeanine Brown tearfully told a judge Friday as Brown's boyfriend was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for her death.

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Brandon Libby, 37, likely will be released sooner because he has already served more than three years in jail waiting for trial. He was also ordered to pay $22,000 in restitution to the two young children he shared with Brown, who was 30 when prosecutors say he shot her the night of June 14, 2021.

Libby was originally charged with murder in Brown's death. He pleaded to the lesser charge, still a Class A crime, in December after his murder trial ended in a hung jury.

He has said he was trying to wrestle the gun away from Brown during an argument when it went off, shooting her in the stomach. He later told detectives he slept in the bed beside her body before leaving with their kids the next morning. It wasn't until two days later, after an hours-long police standoff, that he told this to detectives.

During his sentencing hearing Friday in Cumberland County Superior Court, Brown's family described Libby as a dishonest partner to Brown, with whom he fought often. A state prosecutor said they consider this a domestic violence homicide.

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"You killed Amanda," her mother Jeanine Brown said in court. "It doesn't matter that you feel bad, it doesn't matter that you called it an accident. What matters is that you killed Amanda."

When it was his turn to speak, Libby apologized to Brown's family.

"I just want to say I'm sorry to everyone," he said, taking a long pause before returning to his seat.

Jeanine Brown now has custody of the couple's children, who were 4 and 2 years old when Brown died. Libby's parental rights were terminated, his lawyers said.

Their oldest child was less than 20 feet from where Brown was killed, her mother said.

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"Anytime somebody gets a gun in a family quarrel, this is what happens," said Superior Court Justice Thomas McKeon, who sentenced Libby. "This is why the state tries so hard to prosecute domestic violence. ... No one will ever know what happened in that bedroom that day, but ... his decisions that day have had an enormous impact, and did in fact take Amanda away."

A LOVING MOM

Brown was a children's social worker. Even after long and difficult workdays, her family said, she would go home and remain upbeat for her children.

"She's the bar I hold myself to for being a mom," said long-time friend Mindy Servello. "They won't understand how caring she was, or how she lived for being a mother."

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Brown had a big heart and protected those she loved  Jeanine Brown said her daughter promised to be her caretaker after working in a nursing home.

Friends who Brown knew since grade school said she regularly consoled them during their worst times, and celebrated with them at their best.

And it wasn't just people  Brown loved animals. Melissa Corrigan, a longtime family friend, remembered when Brown took in a stray cat when she was already caring for several other pets. She knew she could care for that one, too.

Brown's death, the news coverage and gruesome circumstances around it, weigh heavily on her loved ones. In court, they described struggles with debilitating anxiety and days when they can't stop crying.

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It is her children who will suffer the most, Jeanine Brown said.

"You have forever taken  you have forever altered the lives of so many," she told Libby.

RESTITUTION

Assistant Attorney General Lisa Marchese asked that Libby be ordered to pay more than $165,000 in restitution to Jeanine Brown to care for her grandchildren.

"I would suggest to you it's actually a modest figure," Marchese said.

McKeon didn't disagree that there's an enormous impact to Brown's children, financial and otherwise. But, he said, he also had to take into account what Libby can actually pay. He likely will spend the rest of his working life behind bars.

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Libby's attorneys pointed out that even if their client secures a job at the state prison, he's probably not going to make much.

"He really does have an inability to pay either now or in the future," his attorney, Daniel Wentworth, said.

Wentworth said the defense was caught off-guard by the state's restitution request, and that civil court would have been a more appropriate place to argue this.

Libby had already agreed to his prison sentence before coming to court. But before the sentence was finalized, his parents slowly approached the stand with one request  that Brown's death be considered an accident.

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"I'm not here to make words up for Brandon or the situation, other than, it takes two," said Libby's stepfather, Daniel Hodgkin, who said he has known Libby for more than 15 years to be a gentle person. "... I ask that, in your hearts, you look at this as a horrible accident."

He and Libby's mother, Lilo Hodgkin, said they also miss Brown and the grandchildren they can no longer see. Both families were in court every day of Libby's trial, sitting quietly on opposite sides of the same gallery.

"He has admitted his guilt in her death," said Lilo Hodgkin. "But he did not murder her."

------

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HOW TO GET HELP

IF YOU or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, you can call the statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline at 1-866-834-4357 to talk to someone who can help. You can learn more online here.

FOR OTHER support or referrals, call the NAMI Maine Help Line at 800-464-5767 or email helpline@namimaine.org.

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Jan. 17Having already been ravaged by fire and flood, residents of the tiny Mora County community of Cleveland now say they are being subjected to environmental threats from a gravel processing facility which has since sprung up in their village without, they say, proper permitting or review.

The state Environmental Improvement Board heard about eight hours of testimony at the Roundhouse Friday regarding the Rancho Escondido Quarry's operations, permits  or lack thereof  and concerns about harm it could to the water and air in its area.

The testimony was part of a hearing on petitions challenging the New Mexico Environment Department's approval of the operators' relocation of an Air Quality Permit for the facility from Rio Rancho to Cleveland. Opponents of the gravel plant told the board the permitting process has been marked by "deception" and "confusion," that public notice has been inadequate and that the operators of the facility  a local family with deep roots in the area  skirted regulatory processes by using a permit granted to a different company for a different location after their own application was denied.

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The petitioners  longtime residents Rowan Stanland and Fion D Cleugh Sinclair and the Acequia de Alto Y Los Martinez, which runs along one side of the quarry  say the facility has been operating for about a year without a permit or business license from Mora County and without its environmental impacts having been thoroughly considered.

"My concern is the impact on our water and our air," acequia commissioner Henry Sanchez said. "Our community is served by a water association, and from the hydrology report I read it seems that it would impact our wells, some sooner than others. And it seems to me I can protect myself from the plume of dust I see but not from particles I do not see."

Elizabeth Blackwell  who said he lives "less than a mile from where the crusher is as the crow flies" on property inhabited by her family since 1929  said the noise from the facility is "horrendous." Stanland testified about visible dust plumes and the operations proximity to area businesses and homes.

Environment Department opposes petitioners

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The board  which has the authority to reverse the approval  didn't get through all the testimony and didn't take action, instead planning to continue taking testimony next month.

The state Environment Department argued Friday and in written response to the petitions that many of the issues raised aren't relevant, are based on misinterpretations of the law or aren't within the purview of the Environmental Improvement Board to address.

"Petitioners raise no grounds on which the Environmental Improvement Board ("EIB") could reasonably reverse the Department's decision to approve a relocation," New Mexico Environmental Department lawyers Chris Vigil and and Josh Hirsh wrote in the reply.

Asked to address residents concerns about the regulatory process, a spokesperson for the state agency pointed to the written response and hearing testimony but declined to elaborate.

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"As this is technically a legal proceeding, it would be inappropriate for us to comment outside of that at this point," spokesperson Drew Goretzka wrote.

Willie Olivas  who operates the quarry along with his brother Salomon Olivas  could not be reached for comment Friday after the hearing.

County issues cease-and-desist

More than 120 of Cleveland's approximately 500 residents have signed a petition in opposition to the operation, according to evidence presented Friday.

Mora County issued a cease-and-desist letter to the facility in November citing it for operating without a business license. Opponents say the project also needs a conditional use permit, something not mentioned in the letter.

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Interim Mora County Manager Joseph Weathers  who has been on the job for about three months  said in a phone interview Friday he didn't know how long the facility had been operating without a permit, how the lack of a permit came to the county's attention or whether the facility has ceased operations in response to the letter.

"I personally have not gone to the site," he said. "As of this point we haven't gone through the process of the public hearings and that so we are waiting to have that done, it's scheduled for next week I believe."

Opponents dominate hearing

The majority of Friday's hearing consisted of testimony from opponents to the gravel operation, among them Acequia de Alto Y Los Martinez treasurer Ed Martinez, who testified the quarry's owners had diverted the ditch through two culverts in order to build a road to the facility without asking the mayordomo of the irrigation system for permission.

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At one point, Martinez said, the water stopped flowing through the culverts after a portion of earth between them had collapsed.

Martinez said he's worried debris from the facility will contaminate the ditch and other water sources in the area.

"My concern is that if dust is being generated, or particulate of crushing and they fall in on the acequia, the acequia will actually carry the water downstream into the valley were we live," he said.

He's also concerned, Martinez said about the pit being created by the excavation of the gravel and what might happen if the area floods as it has in the past. He worries this could contaminate the drinking water. Martinez said he has raised the issue with the county multiple times and "they have been inactive in doing anything for us."

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John Bloch, an area resident who said he has Ph.D. in geochemistry, testified his research shows particulates released by the facility are likely thousands of times higher than allowable limits, a comment which the Environment Department's attorney objected to as an unsubstantiated legal conclusion.

While most of the approximately dozen people who commented during the hearing spoke in opposition, three relatives of the Olivas family spoke in support of the gravel operation, saying they family is committed to following the correct processes and is also concerned about the environmental impacts.

"We are not here to take from anybody. We live in this community too," said Gabrielle Olivas, noting the operation will create jobs and provide revenue for the county.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on Friday announced two funding opportunities are available to support New Yorks county and local fairs.

According to a news release from Ball's office, the states Transportation for Youth to New York State County and Local Fairs Competitive Grants Program will provide $350,000 for transportation and related costs to bring participating youth groups, who may otherwise not be able to, to their county and local fairs during the 2025 fair season.

Also open for applications, the second round of the Agricultural Fairgrounds Advertising, Promotion, and Education Program "will support marketing projects at eligible fairs to further increase visitors and connect New Yorkers to agriculture," the release stated, with $500,000 in total funding available for 50 fairs.

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Our county and local fairs are so important to New Yorks agricultural industry, serving as community centerpieces that educate the public about the importance of this critical industry," Ball said. "This is a fantastic way to make sure that our New Yorkers young and old can visit their local fairs to experience all that these exciting, educational events have to offer. I encourage all eligible entities to take a look at these opportunities and consider applying.

The Transportation for Youth to New York State County and Local Fairs Competitive Grants Program follows a pilot program at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair in July 2024, helping young people from Utica to access the fair. The pilot program helped 800 students travel to the fair and "learn about the agricultural industries that are the backbone of New York State," the release stated.

Funds can be used for transportation costs, the cost of entry to the fairs if applicable, providing lunch to participants, developing and delivering agricultural educational programming to participants, and marketing activities that are directly related to the program.

Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System Grants Management System to be considered for funding. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/28rsyt8r

The Agricultural Fairgrounds Advertising, Promotion, and Education Program will provide funding to agricultural and horticultural corporations and county extension service associations that sponsor an annual fair or exposition for the promotion of agriculture and domestic arts, the release stated. In the second round, each eligible fair sponsor in New York State has been awarded $10,000 in funding under this program, with a total of 50 projects and $500,000 awarded.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Democratic Governor Maura Healeys State of the Commonwealth address focused primarily on her administrations successes, but did announce a few new policies.

From housing policy to transportation to economic development, Governor Healey took a victory lap in her annual speech.

As for new initiatives, Healey called for an increased primary care workforce in the statean issue that heavily affects rural areas like western Massachusetts.

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She also addressed high school graduation requirements just months after Massachusetts voters got rid of MCAS standardized testing. The governor says a new universal standard will be put in place. We need a high, statewide standard. Students, families, and employers need to know what a diploma represents, said Healey.

The Governor announced a new initiative for renters. She says she intends to outlaw brokers feescommissions brokers charge regardless of whether their services were used.

Im calling to abolish tenant brokers fees in MassachusettsI believe it is the right thing to do, said Healey. The Republican party shared their response to the address at their Boston headquarters and they say her speech fell short.

Folks are not buying what Governor Healey is selling, and the proof is in the lived experiences of the residents of Massachusetts, said Marcus Vaughn, a Republican representative. This minority party rebuttal is delivered just after the speech each year and is part of the evenings traditions.

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The first round of bills for this session is due Friday, and 22News will keep you informed on any Healey or GOP bills that will affect western Massachusetts.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  This week at the State House in Boston, lawmakers looked ahead to Massachusetts future under the incoming Trump administration.

Most of the week was spent in preparation for the governors annual State of the Commonwealth address which was delivered on Thursday evening.

On Tuesday, the Republican caucus held a press conference to announce plans to address the states migrant crisis ahead of the governors remarks.

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The message that we have portrayed throughout the country and the world is if you come to Massachusetts, we will take care of you. And now weve realized that that is not feasible, said western Massachusetts Senator Ryan Fattman.

The governor vowed to end hotel stays as part of the emergency shelter system but spent most of her speech reflecting on the first half of her terms accomplishments. She also laid out expectations for her leadership under Trump, saying she will ensure Massachusetts continues to receive federal funding.

And I also promise you we will not change who we are, said Governor Healey in her speech. The Republican party delivered its rebuttal just after the speech, and they say it fell short of what Massachusetts residents need.

Her narrative fell far short of reality, obscuring critical challenges and ignoring pressing issues, said Republican Representative Marcus Vaughn. The first round of bills for the session is due on Friday, and both Healey and the GOP are expected to have priority issues in the mix.

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Looking ahead to next week, regular business will be paused on Monday to recognize MLK Day and the second inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  During a press conference on Friday, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety made a plea to lawmakers to strengthen the criminal justice system. Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie said more needs to be done on the state level to keep violent repeat offenders behind bars.

New Mexico Department of Justice proposes legislation on hazing and cyberbullying

He said around 60 law enforcement officers are killed annually across the country. He urged New Mexico state lawmakers to find meaningful solutions this next legislative session to stop the revolving door in the criminal justice system. I cant understand why we need to, again, rely on the U.S. Attorneys Office in order to have firm strong legislation so that criminals in New Mexico can stay behind bars. I think every community is fed up with it and theyd like to see more, said Bowie.

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Bowie did note that he is not criticizing any one area of the criminal justice system. The legislative session starts Tuesday.

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New London  Leaders of the Connecticut Education Association are preparing to lobby state lawmakers this legislative session for $560 million in new grants aimed at increasing educators salaries and reducing class sizes.

In addition, they said they are bracing for the uncertainty of Donald Trumps second term and its possible effect on school funding, the federal education department and immigrant students.

During a Day editorial board meeting on Friday, Association President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn Delancey said addressing low teacher pay and frequently overcrowded classrooms are two of the teachers advocacy group's top legislative priorities.

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Dias said Connecticut school districts are attempting to fill roughly 1,300 teacher vacancies, with some urban districts operating with up to 150 unfilled teacher slots and class sizes upwards of 30 students.

Dias said when a school district is understaffed, it leads to a trickle-down effect in which current employees begin eyeing the exit doors.

Delancey said finding and keeping teachers can be a challenge for districts that are often competing with private companies  which pay more money  for the same candidates.

We lose a lot of people who would love to keep teaching, but for who a starting salary of under $60,000 doesnt cut it, Delancey said. These are teachers and graduates with unique skill sets and a work ethic. If theyre offered $80,000 in salary, as well as travel opportunities, theyre going to leave education.

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Dias is proposing a series of grants totaling $500 million to be paid by the state to qualifying districts over a period of three years specifically for raising teacher salary levels.

A second round of $60 million grants, to be funded separately from typical state Education Cost Sharing monies, would be directed to fund individual district programs dedicated to decreasing class sizes.

Dias said she envisions the grants to be funneled to school districts on a needs-basis and not simply divided up equally across the state. She noted Connecticut is a wealthy state, one in which $340 million in COVID-19 related revenue was just seemingly discovered this week.

The (states) rhetoric is beautiful, but doesnt always translate into action, Dias said. Were not trying to drive anyone into financial distress, but the state is not necessarily lacking in resources.

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Dias and Delancey said their push for more state resources doesn't absolve municipalities of their financial obligations to their school districts. They said too often school budgets are short changed as municipalities look to keep taxes from increasing.

The association is also pushing lawmakers to pony up and help offset the frequently crippling  and many times impossible to anticipate  special education costs that eat up millions in district dollars annually.

Bracing for Trump 2.0

With just days until President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in for a second term on Monday, Dias and Delancey expressed concern over some of Trumps campaign vows, including his apparent willingness to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education.

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Delancey said states dont possess the administrative infrastructure to fill the gap left by a dismantled federal education department.

Dias said one overarching worry about a new Trump administration is that federal funding typically earmarked for state use will soon become a transactional process.

Connecticut gets roughly $350 million in education funding direct from the federal government, she said. And the question becomes, how conditional is that money then? So, if were willing to turn over our immigrant students, then you can have your money? Thats where the real pit of my stomach goes. Now we dont get money for school lunches or for students with disabilities unless they agree to conditions. These are real dollars for our most vulnerable students.

Both Delancey and Dias said its impossible right now to predict what Trump, who they said frequently promises massive upheavals to government institutions without follow-through, will actually do once back in office.

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We dont know what itll look like, Delancey said. And thats terrifying.

Dias said shes already heard from prospective college students from immigrant families  Trump has promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and others  who are worried about filing for college aid and their status being notated in an accessible database.

Theyre saying, I dont know if I should apply to college because of my familys immigration status, Dias said. You dont want to say you want to go to Central (Connecticut State University) and now your familys being deported.

j.penney@theday.com
The event brought together participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, academia and maritime experts, to discuss strategies for boosting coastal shipping in Gujarat and integrating it into the national logistics framework.

The workshop, inaugurated by Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Vice Chairman and CEO of GMB, aimed to gather insights and recommendations from a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from State Maritime Boards, Major Port Authorities, Government of India agencies and prominent private players.

Prominent organizations such as DG Shipping, Deendayal Port Authority, Shipping Corporation of India, Kerala Maritime Board, Maharashtra Maritime Board, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZL), DP World, Ultratech Cement Ltd and Segal Group of Companies contributed valuable inputs to address challenges and shape the future of coastal shipping.

The workshop highlighted Gujarat's significant role in India's coastal shipping sector. With 49 ports along its 1,600 km coastline, Gujarat accounts for 19% of India's coastal cargo, handling 47.67 MMT of coastal cargo in FY 2023-24 and is targeting 140 MMT by 2047.

Speakers emphasised the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of coastal shipping compared to road and rail transportation. Drawing parallels with China and the EU, they showcased how coastal shipping can lower logistics costs and carbon emissions.

The challenges discussed included high last-mile logistics costs, infrastructural gaps, and regulatory hurdles.

Proposed solutions included the development of dedicated coastal berths, enhanced port and hinterland connectivity, integration of inland waterways, implementation of a carbon credit system and collaboration with other coastal states for sustainable growth.

The Coastal Shipping Bill 2024, introduced by the Government of India, was recognised as a critical step toward addressing industry issues and fostering growth.

The workshop reaffirmed Gujarat's commitment to becoming a regional maritime hub by enhancing infrastructure, reducing logistics costs and promoting eco-friendly cargo movement. This initiative aligns with the state's long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. (ANI)
Senate Democrats appear to be warming up to Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), President-elect Trumps combative and confrontational nominee for envoy to the United Nations, encouraged by commitments shell engage with the global body rather than seek to burn it down.

Stefanik, who served as the third-ranking Republican leader in the House, has carved out a reputation as a bullish fighter, particularly on confronting instances of antisemitism, and is expected to make calling out anti-Israel bias at the UN a major focus of her posting.

She made it very clear that she was accessible and she wasnt walking away from the United Nations, said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who will question Stefanik during her confirmation hearing on Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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I thought it was good she said she would engage with the U.N. and really take on the role, the senator told The Hill following a meeting with Stefanik on Thursday morning. Duckworth said the congresswoman did very well today with me.

Stefanik has frequented Senate offices in recent weeks to discuss how shell approach the global diplomatic body, which Democrats view as an imperfect but important venue for engagement.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), another member of the foreign relations panel, said he had a good, substantive meeting with Stefanik last week, but said whether Democrats get on board with greenlighting a quick path to confirmation depends on her hearing.

Im nervous a little bit about how [President-elect Trump] would approach some of these international organizations. Can they be frustrating? Yes. But when the U.S. disengages, it gets worse, not better for us. So Im nervous about that, Kaine said.

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Trump took aim at the United Nations during his first term, withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council; cutting funding for UNRWA, the Palestinian Refugee organization; withholding funding for the World Health Organization and restricting support to UN entities the administration viewed as providing information or access on abortions.

Republicans are largely united on many of those issues and overwhelming critical of the body as bias against Israel, a view shared by some Democrats.

The U.N. has proven again and again that it is a cesspool of antisemitism that has completely turned against Israel in its darkest hour, Stefanik wrote in an op-ed for the Washington Examiner published in September.

Stefanik took aim at U.N. entities she said failed to hold enemies of Israel accountable  Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist group in the Gaza Strip; and its main backer, Iran  following Hamass Oct. 7 terrorist attack against the country. She lambasted the WHO, U.N. women, U.N. office for humanitarian affairs, the Human Rights Council, and UNRWA as failing to adequately condemn Hamas.

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As the largest financial contributor to the U.N., the U.S. must present the U.N. with a choice: reform this broken system and return it to the beacon of peace and freedom the world needs it to be, or continue down this antisemitic path without the support of American taxpayers, Stefanik wrote.

Stefanik is not likely to face any Republican opposition on her way to confirmation, but receiving backing from Senate Democrats can help the process move faster. Trump is likely to have only one Cabinet nominee confirmed by the time he takes office on Jan. 20  Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), his nominee for secretary of State, who has garnered key Democrat backing.

Stefaniks Tuesday hearing isnt likely to be as smooth sailing as Rubios, which took place on Jan 15, given his collegial relations throughout the committee he once served on.

He came so prepared it was really quite impressive, Duckworth said.

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Stefanik, a member of the House since 2015, is a lesser known quantity among Democratic senators, who are concerned over whether Trumps America First agenda will result in the U.S. abdicating its seat in the international arena, and allowing Russia and China to fill the void.

I had a frank discussion today with Rep. Elise Stefanik about my concerns with President-elect Trumps disdain for participating in important  albeit imperfect  international institutions, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said following a meeting with the congresswoman last week.

If we want to compete with countries like China, we have to be engaged, because when the United States voluntarily gives up our seat at the table, its Beijing who writes the rules.

Stefanik also met with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in mid-December, and the two women smiled in photos marking the meeting.

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Shaheen will likely to be a determining factor in clearing the way for a swift confirmation. The chair and ranking member of the committee traditionally adhere to comity when scheduling business meetings to advance nominees or legislation, in a show of bipartisan cooperation.

In our meeting today, Congresswoman Stefanik and I spoke about the importance of bringing allies and like-minded countries together through the United Nations to address global crises and achieve outcomes that are beneficial to Americas national security, Shaheen said in a statement.

I expressed my deeply held belief that, when the U.S. has a meaningful seat at the table, we can accomplish shared priorities like promoting democratic values, countering Russia and Chinas malign influence and combatting anti-Semitism. I look forward to discussing these topics further in the Congresswomans confirmation hearing.

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Jan. 17DIXON  A Sterling man has been sentenced to seven years in state prison after pleading guilty in Lee County to felony criminal sexual assault using force.

Brett E. Benters, 41, pleaded guilty to the 2022 charge Thursday in Lee County Circuit Court. One count each of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a weapon and aggravated domestic battery/strangulation were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

The initial charges, filed Aug. 26, 2022, accused Benters of using a knife to force a woman to perform a sex act, raping and strangling her.

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In pleading guilty, Benters acknowledged that on July 5 and 6, 2022, he threatened a woman by telling her he would choke her until she passed out if she did not have sex with him.

Benters, who faced up to a 15-year sentence on the criminal sexual assault with force charge, will be sent to Stateville Correctional Center. He must serve 85% of his seven-year sentence, according to court records. He will be given credit for 874 days already served in custody.

If convicted of all three original charges, he would have also faced 16 to 40 years in prison for criminal sexual assault using a dangerous weapon and anywhere from three to seven years on the battery charge.

Benters' criminal record also includes a four-year prison sentence handed down Oct. 29, 2008, for selling narcotics in a park, five years for burglary in 2003, and four years' probation for burglary and making meth in 2002, all in Whiteside County.

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In another Whiteside County case, Benters was charged July 7, 2022, with home invasion causing an injury, aggravated battery and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

In that case, sheriff's deputies serving Benters a Lee County warrant July 6, 2022, for violating a court order found him that afternoon at a home in rural Sterling, where a resident who knew Benters said he forced his way inside.

The two got into a fight, and Benters fired a handgun several times inside and outside the home, Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker said. No one was hit, but both men were slightly injured in the scuffle.

All three of those charges were dismissed Aug. 21, 2024, on a motion from the prosecution.
BAZETTA, Ohio (WKBN)  Many people were freezing for a reason Saturday afternoon as they took a dip into Mosquito Lake.

The Polar Plunge is the largest community fundraiser in Bazetta. The event raised $18,000 for Special Olympics Ohio.

Organizers say 80 people participated. Plungers needed to raise at least $100 to go in the water.

Id like to do at least $15,000. Thatll put us up three grand from last year and I think we have a pretty good chance of hitting it this Plunge. Years ago, we did $30,000 so, eventually, I hope we get back to that, said Shawn Harris, with the Cortland Moose Lodge.

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Some participants even dressed up in costume to add an extra splash of fun.

Tino DiCenso contributed to this report.

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NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  A man from Windsor, Conn. has been taken into custody after attempting to conduct motor vehicle stops using a stolen fire vehicle in Northampton, in addition to allegedly stealing tools and starting a fire at the Windsor firehouse.

Three Lowell men arrested as suspects in Billerica VFW break-in and theft

The Windsor Police Department said that on Saturday at around 3:39 a.m., officers received a call from the Hayden Station Firehouse regarding a burglary. When they arrived at the firehouse, they found that the suspect had broken a television, stolen tools from a fire truck, turned on the gas stove, started a small fire in the garage, and stolen a Windsor Fire Department Ford Expedition from the garage bay.

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Shortly after this discovery, multiple 911 calls were made to the Massachusetts State Police about a fire vehicle trying to conduct motor vehicle stops on Route 91 in Northampton. The operator attempted to flee, but officers successfully stopped the vehicle and took the suspect into custody shortly before 5:00 a.m.

The suspect has been identified as Kristian Avery, 46, of Windsor. Avery will face charges in Massachusetts, which include receiving stolen property, impersonating a police officer, failure to stop for police negligent operation, and improper use of emergency lights.

The Windsor Police Department and Massachusetts State Police are currently investigating this incident.

Local News Headlines

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SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  Well get right to it and address the elephant in the room: Its going to be dangerously cold at times as we head through the short-term portion of the forecast.

While temperatures today may get into the teens above zero today in many locations, thats as good as it getsand even thats a good deal below average for this time of year.

The cold really settles in tonight into Sunday and Monday before easing on Tuesday, with arctic air covering not just KELOLAND but a good portion of the continental United States. What will make things even worse will be the wind chill.

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Cold weather advisories are in place across KELOLAND beginning tonight and going through midday on Sunday. Wind chill values will likely drop below -30 to -35 at times, causing frost bite to occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Please bundle up and take all necessary precautions if you must head out.

These dangerous wind chills are expected to flare up again on Sunday night and Monday night with frigid conditions not going anywhere through early Tuesday.

Speaking of Tuesday, that will be a transition day for all the right reasons. While itll be cold again, well be trending upward as we head into the second half of the week. Near to above average temperatures return by Wednesday and stick around as we head into the end of next week. Though odds for near to below average temperatures are favored as we head into the start of February, I do think we get more near/above average days to enjoy.

Heres a look at your extended forecast:

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  A manufacturing company has announced they are spreading their roots to Holyoke.

It is not just any manufacturing company, but it is a clean energy manufacturing company making plans to create a production facility in Holyoke. Sublime Systems is a company focused on cement production and they say cement is the second most used material on Earth behind water.

Federal funding to accelerate construction of Holyoke low-carbon cement plant

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However, being one of the most used materials comes with a problem, the U.S. is a net importer of cement meaning the U.S. needs to import cement from other countries and cement is used for basically any construction project.

But there is also an environmental impact from the production, Cement production has a pollution problem. Eight percent of global emissions can be traced back to the cement industry and Sublime has set out to produce low-carbon cement that foregoes the fossil fuel fires kiln, said Sublime Systems Project Development and Community Relations Pat Beaudry.

In support of clean energy, Congressman Richard Neal helped Sublime Systems secure upwards of $46 million as part of a Tax Credit Program. Once complete, the production facility will create more than 70 jobs in Holyoke, not to mention all of the jobs created for the construction of the facility on 16 acres of land.

Sublime Systems is still in the planning process ensuring a production facility with the most clean energy possible, but it is targeted to open in 2027 or 2028.

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This is a big deal for the City of Holyoke, as the realization of reimagined manufacturing in the Paper City starts to take shape. Thanks to tax credits that were ushered through the Ways and Means Committee during my time as Chairman, Holyoke will soon reap the benefits of our historic legislative achievement, said Congressman Neal. Our position was clear from the start  these programs ought not to be punitive, but rather a means for communities across the country to reinvigorate their manufacturing sector. As a result, more than forty states will see funding in the form of tax credits under the 48C program. In Holyoke, that means the creation of more than 70 permanent jobs, not to mention the construction jobs this project will soon support.

I have long been a champion of utilizing the tax code to effect real change in our local economies. The Sublime Systems story exemplifies what that looks like, continued Congressman Neal. I take great satisfaction knowing that communities in my district, including Holyoke, will greatly benefit from our work in the Ways and Means Committee.

Local News Headlines

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Summerset woman was convicted of seven federal criminal offenses for sexual exploitation of multiple minors in multiple states.

Emily Nicole Yeary, 26, was sentenced to a total of 40 years in federal prison. She is charged with several charges, including Enticement to Travel for Illegal Sexual Activity, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity, Possession of Child Pornography, Obstruction of Justice, Tampering with a Witness and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor. The sentencing took place on January 3, 2025.

Yeary will also pay $700 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $3,000 in restitution to one of her victims and a restitution to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

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This is among the most heinous cases of child exploitation our office has prosecuted, said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell in a press release. The lengths to which Emily Yeary went to groom and then manipulate these young girls is reprehensible, and the use of these minor victims as pawns in a game of sexual abuse and terror is unforgivable. Yeary earned herself every month of todays federal sentence. Let us all be grateful for the expertise of DCIs Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies throughout South Dakota and other jurisdictions. Law enforcements thorough investigation exposed Yearys criminal activity and allowed the U.S. Attorneys Office to seek justice in federal court.

Alleged shooter in Milbank nursing home was in training

I commend the State Trooper, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and South Dakota law enforcement for working with law enforcement across state lines to protect a young victim and hold a serious offender accountable. Human trafficking and its young victims remain a national concern that we unfortunately are not immune from in South Dakota, said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley in a press release.

In July of 2022, Yeary was charged with multiple crimes from her criminal conduct with minors. The multistate investigation revealed that Yeary had exploited multiple victims from multiple states, including Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida and Missouri.

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On June 25, 2022, Yeary was pulled over for speeding. At the time, Yeary had a 14-year-old female in her vehicle that had been reported missing from Mississippi. This led to her arrest. Days after Yeary was bonded out of jail, she immediately contacted the same minor, spray painted her truck to avoid detection and returned to Mississippi, where Yeary removed the child from her home a second time and took her to Kansas.

The investigation revealed that Yeary routinely presented herself to be an underage male named Riley and used TikTok and other cell phone apps to obtain access to minor females. Over the course of three years, Yeary traveled to multiple states to meet her victims and convince them to run away with her. Yeary crossed state lines intending to engage in sex with her victims, and then took her victims across state lines with similar intentions.

Yeary sexually abused at least one of her victims, using a prosthetic penis, after giving alcohol to the minor. Yeary possessed sexually explicit photos of another minor female from Kentucky, with whom Yeary had an illegal sexual relationship with and to whom Yeary sent sexually explicit photos of a prosthetic penis. Yeary had another illegal relationship with a minor from Missouri, whom Yeary hid from police in a college fraternity house.

After Yeary was arrested in Rapid City and while she was in custody at the Pennington County Jail, she attempted to persuade one of her victims not to testify against her and used the same victim to try to persuade the Missouri victim to similarly not cooperate with the prosecution.

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On Sunday, Jan. 19, the state of Florida officially honors the birth of a man who led armies to fight against the United States of America.

Robert E. Lee's birthday is one of three Confederate holidays still on the books for Florida after well over a century, despite numerous attempts to remove them.

The holidays were adopted by states across the South during the years after Reconstruction, historians say, when Confederate supporters were promoting the false "Lost Cause" mythology to downplay the causes of the Civil War and the evils of slavery and cast the leaders of the Confederacy as inspirational heroes.

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Southern textbooks altered historical facts in lessons about the "War Between the States," cities and counties were named or renamed, and Confederate monuments were erected in Southern public squares. Supporters say that the monuments, names, holidays and flag honored Southern ancestors who fought to defend states' rights and their way of life. There was another surge in response to civil rights expansion in the 1950s and 60s.

In the last couple of decades, there has been a push to remove public commemoration of the Confederate states and move it to museums and history books. Confederate monuments have been removed, nine military bases named for Confederate generals were renamed, schools have been renamed (including Robert E. Lee High in Duval County), Confederate flags have been removed from state buildings, and Confederate holidays have been quietly removed, renamed, or dropped from "paid day off" status around the country.

The effort picked up steam after the murder of George Floyd and the rise in Black Lives Matter protests around the country calling attention to the disproportionate killing of Black people by law enforcement. But there has been pushback against further Confederacy removal.

Backlash to Confederate backlash

A Virginia school board voted to restore the names of Confederate leaders to two schools four years after they were changed. A bill in last year's Florida Legislative Session would have punished not only anyone removing Florida's Confederate memorials but would have been retroactive back to January 2017, had it not died in committee.

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While talking about Fort Bragg, named for an ineffective Confederate general which was renamed Fort Victory in 2023, National Guard veteran and former Fox host Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for secretary of defense, said "We should change it back, because legacy matters.

"My uncle served at Bragg. I served at Bragg. It breaks a generational link, Hegseth said on a podcast last year while promoting his book "The War on Warriors." He has also called the efforts "a sham" and "garbage."

At campaign rallies, Trump promised to restore the name of Fort Bragg.

We did win two world wars from Fort Bragg, right?" Trump asked a crowd in Fayetteville, North Carolina, less than 10 miles away from the new Fort Liberty. "So, this is not a time to be changing names, and were going to do that. Were going to do everything we can, and were going to get it back.

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During his first term as president, Trump defended the Confederate flag as a freedom of speech issue and condemned NASCAR for banning it at events. When the Pentagon banned the flag on military installations in 2020, officials said the order was carefully worded so as not to anger the president.

What Confederate holidays does Florida observe?

Robert E. Lee's birthday, Jan. 19

Confederate Memorial Day, Apr. 26

Confederate President Jefferson Davis' birthday, June 3

Who is Robert E. Lee?

Portrait of Robert E. Lee by Adam B, Walter, from the National Portrait Gallery in the Smithsonian Institution.

West Point graduate Robert E. Lee of Virginia was such a celebrated warrior during the U.S.-Mexico War that his former mentor, Gen. Winfield Scott, asked him to lead Union forces against the South as tensions rose around Southern secession. Lee declined, saying he could not fight against his home state, and he resigned from the U.S. Army.

Instead, Lee commanded the Virginia state forces and became a general in the Confederate army, praised as a tactician who led his men to a mixed record of wins against vastly superior forces largely due to his aggressiveness on the field, according to historians.

But while he won major victories, he was often stalled by Union forces and was famously defeated at Gettysburg by Union Maj. Gen. George Meade. A few weeks after becoming general-in-chief of the Confederate states, Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9, 1865, to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, against whom he had fought in several battles including the Siege of Petersburg which eventually destroyed most of Lee's army.

Oil painting of "Lee Surrendering to Grant at Appomattox" by Alonzo Chappel, from the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Lee resisted efforts to build monuments in his honor after the war, preferring to move on, but after his death he was lionized into a cultural icon and the central figure of "The Lost Cause," an effort to romanticize the war into a revisionist narrative that suggested the Civil War was just and inspiring.

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Among the many statues and plaques erected after his death, there are 12 counties in the U.S. named "Lee," all in Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Lee County in Florida formed in 1887 from Monroe County with Fort Myers, the site of the Civil War Battle of Fort Myers, as its county seat.

What is Confederate Memorial Day?

Confederate Memorial Day was started in Georgia in April 1866 to commemorate the deaths of Confederate soldiers on the first anniversary of the day that Confederate Gen. Joseph Johnson surrendered the Army of Tennessee to Union Gen. William Sherman in Bennett Place, North Carolina, which many in the Confederacy felt marked the end of the Civil War. Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant two weeks earlier.

The holiday spread to the other 10 Confederate states, with some changing it to locally important dates.

When did Florida add Confederate holidays to state law?

Confederate Memorial Day and Lee's birthday were enshrined in Florida law in 1895, 30 years after the end of the Civil War. Jefferson Davis Day was added in 1905.

Does Florida recognize Robert E. Lee's birthday and other Confederate holidays as paid holidays?

No. The three Confederate holidays are legal holidays but not official state ones. Other legal holidays in Florida include Susan B. Anthonys birthday, Good Friday, Pascua Florida Day (which marks the discovery of Florida in 1513 by Juan Ponce de Leon) and Flag Day.

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Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, observed on the fourth Thursday in March, was added last year to honor the country's first Black military pilots, many of whom were from Florida.

What states celebrate Robert E. Lee's birthday?

Alabama and Mississippi still recognize all three days as paid holidays for state employees.

North Carolina lists Lee's birthday and Confederate Memorial Day. Arkansas has a Robert E. Lee Day on the second Saturday in October, along with Davis' birthday.

After Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday became a federal holiday in 1983, several states combined MLK and Lee celebrations out of convenience to create "King-Lee Day" or "MLK-Lee Day." All but Alabama and Mississippi later separated them again. Virginia, Lee's home state, added King to their existing Lee-Jackson Day, which also honored Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson, until it was split up in 2000. Virginia continued to observe Lee-Jackson Day until 2021.

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In the same year (2000) that South Carolina finally recognized King with a state holiday, the state also added Confederate Memorial Day.

Tennesee observed Lee's birthday from 1917 to 1969 when it was changed to a "special day of observance," but state law requires the governor to proclaim Jan. 19 as Robert E. Lee Day, along with Confederate Decoration Day (June 3), Nathan Bedford Forrest Day (July 13) and Davis' birthday.

Lousiana honored Lee's birthday until 2022 when it was successfully removed from the state holiday calendar. Texas has celebrated "Lee Day" since 1931 but changed it to Confederate Heroes Day in 1973. Georgia commemorated Lee in November and Confederate Memorial Day in April but in 2015 both holidays were replaced with unnamed "State Holidays."

Why does Florida still have Confederate holidays?

Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie, has tried three times to have Confederate holidays stricken from Florida Statutes, starting in 2017 after the deadly rallies in Charlottesville, North Carolina. The first bill she filed took aim at Confederate Memorial Day but it was withdrawn and another was introduced to remove all three.

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Bills she filed in 2021 and 2022 not only sought to remove the holidays but attempted to strike Florida Statutes 256.051 and 256.10, which protect "the flags of the Confederacy" from being mutilated.

"As a State, we must underscore diversity and undercut tributes to Confederacy, which upheld the institution of slavery," Book said in a statement in 2021. "With the hate and divisiveness we're seeing today, it is more important than ever to condemn racism and reaffirm that we are indeed 'one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all  not just for some."

The bills have faced intense opposition in the Florida Legislature from lawmakers who say that Confederate holidays and memorials represent history and heritage, and they object to what they call the erasure of history and the rise of "cancel culture."

'I always have a bit of pain in my heart when I realize people dont want to respect each other's history, former Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, whose great, great, great grandfather fought for the Confederacy, said about the 2022 bill. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

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All of Book's bills died in committee.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Robert E. Lee Day first of 3 Confederate holidays observed in Florida
The U.S. Supreme Court, where justices said Friday said they will hear an appeal from Montgonery County parents upset by the school system's inclusion of LGBTQ+ books in lower grades. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear an appeal from a group of Montgomery County parents challenging a school system policy that does not let them opt their lower elementary school children out of classes that use LGBTQ+ books.

Parents, who have lost repeatedly in lower courts, have argued that the books interfere with their religious liberty rights by exposing their young children to gender and sexuality norms that conflict with their religion.

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Their Supreme Court appeal has drawn supportive legal filings from a range of religious groups and conservative legal scholars.

But the county said in filings with the court that the books were not part 0f a coercive effort, but were merely available in the reading materials available to children in lower grades.

The lower courts that sided with the school system were simply upholding 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, the county said.

The court, without comment, said in an order released Friday afternoon that it would hear the case, Mahmoud v. Taylor. No hearing date has been set, but arguments are likely to be scheduled for later this spring with a decision before the justices recess this summer.

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A Montgomery County schools spokesperson said Friday the system would not comnent on the courts decision to take the case. But in a statement from the Becket Fund, the law firm representing the parents, opponents of the policy hailed the chance to make their case again, after more than two years of futility.

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, said Eric Baxter, a vice president and senior counsel at Becket.

The dispute began almost three years ago,in the 2022-23 school year, when the county unveiled a list of LGBTQ+-inclusive texts for use in the classroom, including books for grades as low as kindergarten and pre-K.

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Title challenged by the parent include My Rainbow, abouta mother who creates a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender child; Uncle Bobbys Wedding, about a girl worried that an uncles wedding means she will lose time with him, until his boyfriend befriends her; and Pride Puppy, about a puppy lost at a Pride parade. The book, for pre-K and kindergarten, goes through each letter of the alphabet, describing people the puppy might have met at the parade, inviting student to search for drag kings and queens, lip rings, leather, underwear and other items, according to court documents.

School officials said in court filings in lower courts that the books were not part of explicit instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in elementary school, and that no student or adult is asked to change how they feel about these issues. The books were merely added to the countys list of reading materials to better represent the countys entire population and to include characters, families, and historical figures from a range of cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, documents say.

School system officials have said that teachers are expected to make the books available in the classroom, recommend them as appropriate for particular students or offer them as an option for literature circles, book clubs, or paired reading groups; or to use them as a read aloud in class.

Parents who objected were originally allowed to opt their children out of lessons that included the books. But the school system in March 2023 said opt-outs would not be allowed, beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Parents are allowed to opt their children out of parts of sex education, but not other parts of the curriculum, like language arts.

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The parents sued, arguing that refusing to let them take their kids out of the classes infringed on their First Amendment freedom of religion rights.

In their petition to the Supreme Court, they said the policy exposed the children to gender and sexuality norms that contradict their religious beliefs. The policy gives parents  who include Muslim, Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox families  no protection against forced participation in ideological instruction by government schools, the petition said.

The parents said they are not trying to ban the books in Montgomery County schools, but merely seeking the ability to keep their children out from being exposed to ideas that conflicted with their firmly held religious beliefs.

So far, the underlying elements of the case have not been heard, merely the parents request for a preliminary injunction of the school systems opt-out policy, which the parents have repeatedly lost. That fact was noted by the county, which said there is no pressing issue here that cant be worked out by letting the case proceed in regular course through the lower courts.

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A federal district judge in August 2023 denied the parents request for a preliminary injunction and a divided panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling in May 2024, writing that the parents had not met the high burden of showing that they were likely to win on their claim that the lack of an opt-out policy was actually coercing them to abandon part of their faith.

The majority opinion, written by Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee, said that because the record in preliminary injunction hearings was extremely sparse, the parents had not been able to connect the requisite dots to show that a burden on their First Amendment rights existed.

While the parents had shown that the books could be used in ways that would confuse or mislead children and, in particular, that discussions relating to their contents could be used to indoctrinate their children into espousing views that are contrary to their religious faith.  none of that is verified by the limited record that is before us, Agee wrote.

Should the Parents in this case or other plaintiffs in other challenges to the Storybooks use come forward with proof that a teacher or school administrator is using the Storybooks in a manner that directly or indirectly coerces children into changing their religious views or practices, then the analysis would shift in light of that record, Agee wrote.

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The fact that parents might feel forced to forgo a public school education and pay for private school was not sufficiently coercive to be a burden on the parents First Amendment rights, based on the record so far, he wrote.

In a dissent, Circuit Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. said parents had met their burden for a preliminary injunction while the case was heard.

Both sides of the issue advance passionate arguments. Some insist diversity and inclusion should be prioritized over the religious rights of parents and children. Others argue the opposite, Quattlebaum wrote.

But the parents have made the case for an injunction of the opt-out policy for now, he wrote.

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The parents have shown the boards 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, Quattlebaum wrote. I would  enjoin the Montgomery County School Board of Education from denying religious opt-outs for instruction to K-5 children involving the texts.

Grace Morrison, a board member of Kids First, an organization of parents and teachers fighting for an opt-out policy, said the current system has pushed inappropriate gender indoctrination on our children. She welcomed the high courts decision to take up the case.

I pray the Supreme Court will stop this injustice, allow parents to raise their children according to their faith, and restore common sense in Maryland once again, Morrison said in the Becket Fund statement.
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Friday sided with Republicans in ruling Gov. Tim Walz prematurely ordered a Jan. 28 special election in the Roseville-area House District 40B.



The writ of special election Walz issued on Dec. 27 is now quashed and the election must be canceled, the court ruled.



Any ballots specifically for the now-cancelled Jan. 28 election, whether already cast or mailed or delivered to Ramsey County, must not be counted, the order states.

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Democrat Curtis Johnson was elected to deeply-blue House District 40B in November, but subsequently faced an election contest lawsuit.

Johnson resigned in late December after a judge found he failed to meet candidate residency requirements.

Minnesota Voters Alliance and the Republican Party of Minnesota petitioned the court after Walz issued the writ of special election, contending he did so too quickly in violation of state law.

The case before the Minnesota Supreme Court asked whether or not the issuance of the writ of special election is governed by Minn. Stat. 204D.19, subd. 4, which reads:

If a vacancy results from a successful election contest, the governor shall issue 22 days after the first day of the legislative session a writ calling for a special election unless the house in which the contest may be tried has passed a resolution which states that it will or will not review the courts determination of the contest. If the resolution states that the house will not review the courts determination, the writ shall be issued within five days of the passage of the resolution.

Walz's legal team argued, among other things, that the writ was not issued prematurely as Johnson's Dec. 27 resignation letter made the statute "irrelevant".

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In the order, the Minnesota Supreme Court stated the statute is not irrelevant and controls the issuance of a writ of special election in this case.

The Dec. 27 writ, the order reads, "was issued prematurely and therefore must be quashed."

The Minnesota State Capitol. File photo by Christine Schuster | Bring Me The News.

Another twist in turbulent start to legislative session

Friday's order is the latest development in the unprecedented chaos in the Minnesota House.

Republicans currently hold a one-seat advantage with a 67-66 split in the chamber.

The now-canceled special election was expected to return the House to a 67-67 tie, likely ending the Democratic caucus' boycott aimed at denying quorum to Republicans over concerns that Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, could be refused his seat.

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This week, House Republicans carried out business, including electing Rep. Lisa Demuth as speaker and holding House sessions, however, these actions are being disputed as illegitimate by Secretary of State Steve Simon and Democrats, who claim Republicans lacked quorum.

In a statement Friday, Demuth said she's pleased with the Minnesota Supreme Court's ruling regarding the special election and said the court "correctly ruled that the Governor failed [to] follow the law in his attempt to speed up the special election to help the political fortunes of the Democrat party."

Also in a statement Friday, Rep. Melissa Hortman, the Democrat party leader, maintained her resolve to reach a power-sharing agreement with Republicans.

Attempts by Minnesota Republicans to delay this election are an attempt to delay the inevitable: Democrat David Gottfried will win this election and the Minnesota House of Representatives will return to a 67-67 tie," Hortman stated. When that happens, Democrats and Republicans must have a plan to govern together."

No date has been set for the House 40B special election as of Friday night.
The Centre for Management of Health Services (CMHS) and the Alumni & External Relations Office at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), in collaboration with the IIMA Healthcare Alumni Special Interest Group (ASIG), organised the second edition of the IIMA Healthcare Summit today on the theme of "Advancing Healthcare for India at 2047". Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers J. P. Nadda graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered an insightful keynote address providing an all-round view of India's position in the healthcare sector and the way forward. Addressing the audience at the IIMA Healthcare Summit 2025, comprising of leaders, researchers, and innovators from the healthcare ecosystem of the country, Nadda said, "India's remarkable healthcare evolution over the past decade is marked by significant achievements such as expanding medical infrastructure, including significant growth in the number of AIIMS and medical colleges; strengthening of public healthcare with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush, which are improving health outcomes for millions; implementation of robust disease control measures that is exemplified by a substantial dip in malaria cases and the COVID-19 pandemic response, and so on." "Our commitment to accessible healthcare has led to transformative change. By fulfilling about 20% of the global generic drug supply by volume and producing 60% of the world's vaccines, India now stands as a global leader in affordable medicines and vaccines," he added. Underlining the significance of technology integration into healthcare delivery and efforts being made by the government in this direction, Nadda further added, "The MedTech sector is rapidly growing, and it is expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2030. With the expansion of digital health infrastructure, like Ayushman Bharat Health Account IDs, telemedicine, and AI integration, we are enhancing healthcare access, fostering a compassionate and quality workforce, and making strides towards self-reliance and affordability in medical solutions for all." "As we aim for Viksit Bharat 2047, let us foster innovation and collaboration across sectors, be it management, medicine, engineering, or social sciences, ensuring a people-centric approach in delivering quality healthcare to every citizen," he further added. In his concluding remarks, the Union Minister exhorted the industry and academia to contribute to policy interventions with their research and said, "Research work of the industry and academia is meant to be implemented in policy and we as policymakers are ready to do it. You suggest to us the roadmap for policy interventions, innovations, and joint collaborations, and we will support you in every way to build that road." Later, he also interacted with the students of IIMA and motivated them to think big and work towards building futuristic healthcare for billions. Presenting the opening remarks, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, said, "In the past few decades, India has made significant strides in the healthcare sector. We are proud to host this conference as it aligns with our core values. IIMA as an institute not only creates corporate leaders, but the output that we have been producing has made an impact in various fields of managing the public systems. We are committed to leveraging its strengths in research and management to nurture future healthcare leaders and managers who can drive innovation and optimise healthcare delivery." Highlighting the important work carried out by IIMA's Centre for Management of Health Services (CMHS), Professor Bhasker added, "Lately CMHS has been focusing on managing challenges related to non-communicable diseases as we find that nearly 60% of deaths in India are caused by non-communicable diseases. In the past decade, the CMHS has produced more than 20 research papers in top journals and created six case studies." Talking about significant milestones in the healthcare sector in his inaugural address, Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of IIMA Board of Governors and Chairperson of Zydus Lifesciences, said, "As a nation, we have made tremendous strides in healthcare over the last few years. There has been significant growth in healthcare reach and a large part of our population today in tier 2 and tier 3 cities are able to avail healthcare services of excellent quality. It is a matter of great pride for India as we are one of the top producers of generic drugs and rank third globally in pharmaceutical production by volume. This healthcare summit is an opportunity to look at what India's healthcare scenario would be like in the next two decades." Patel stressed the importance of having a 'patient-first' approach and encouraged the audience and panel members to deliberate on creating a healthcare system that is more focused on the patient. "As we move towards Viksit Bharat, an equitable healthcare system which can cater to the large population of India, is going to be important and we have immense potential to make it happen. We therefore need to continuously work towards improving quality, affordability, and accessibility to all," he added. Dr. Rajeev Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India and Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals also addressed the audience and gave a comprehensive view of the current drug delivery and regulatory system in the country and future potential. Recognizing the potential of youth to drive healthcare innovation, IIMA also organized a Healthcare Hackathon as a pre-summit event for students and startups which received innovative ideas on the theme of Digital Strategies for Universal Health Coverage by 2047 and Managing Non-communicable Diseases by 2047. The winner and first runner-up of the Hackathon made presentations during the event and were presented with awards by J. P. Nadda. He also released a research report by IIMA titled "From Labs to Jabs - Management Lessons from Scale-up of Covid-19 Vaccination in India". With nearly 600 registrations from professionals in the healthcare sector, the Healthcare Summit 2025 served as a significant platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable insights. The day-long event featured two-panel discussions, including "Advancing Healthcare for India at 2047" and "Transforming Healthcare - Insights from India's Emerging Companies", where industry leaders engaged in thoughtful discussions about future opportunities in the sector and what can be the roadmap to attain the healthcare goals. The event also witnessed a Fireside Chat with Dilip Sanghavi, Chairperson of Sun Pharma; and Samir Mehta, Chairperson of Torrent Group; and Emerging Healthcare Start-ups Showcase. The IIMA Centre for Management of Health Services, known for its impactful healthcare research, also highlighted its work done until now and outlined pathways for further research to advance inclusive healthcare by 2047. (ANI)
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up a culture wars dispute and decide whether parents have a religious liberty right to have their children "opt out" of using school textbooks and lesson plans with LGBTQ+ themes.

The court voted to hear an appeal from a group of Muslim, Jewish and Christian parents in Montgomery County, Md., who objected to new storybooks for elementary school children that they said "celebrate gender transitioning, pride parades, and pronoun preferences with kids as young as three and four."

At first, the school board reacted to the complaints by saying parents could have their children excused from the class when the new textbooks were being used or discussed.

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But after seeing a "growing number of opt out requests," the school district reversed course in 2023 and said no opt-outs would be granted "for any reason."

The parents then sued in federal court, citing the 1st Amendment's protection for the free exercise of religion.

They were represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. After failing to win a court order in favor of the parents, they urged the Supreme Court to hear the case and to give parents an "opt out" right for books that they say offend their religious beliefs.

They argued many of the new "inclusivity" books for students from kindergarten to fifth grade champion a progressive ideology about gender and sexuality.

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They cited one book that told 3- and 4-year-olds to search for images from a word list that includes intersex flag, drag queen, underwear, leather." Another book advocated a child-knows-best approach to gender transitioning, they said.

Eric Baxter, senior counsel at Becket, welcomed the court's intervention.

Cramming down controversial gender ideology on three-year-olds without their parents permission is an affront to our nations traditions, parental rights, and basic human decency, he 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.

Last month, the school district's lawyers said there was no reason for the justices to take up the case.

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"Every court of appeals that has considered the question has held that mere exposure to controversial issues in a public-school curriculum does not burden the free religious exercise of parents or students," they said. "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."

The justices are likely to schedule the case of Mahmoud vs. Taylor for arguments in late April.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The days of countless scrolling could come to an end on Sunday.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app in the U.S. Their unanimous ruling claims the ban law does not violate the First Amendment. This means 170 million TikTok users could be at risk of having access to the app. President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to save the app once he enters office.

New strain of Norovirus spreading throughout Massachusetts

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However, he first wants to review the situation. TikToks CEO says he plans to attend the inauguration Monday. He is among many tech CEOs planning to attend.

The White House says President Biden does not have plans to save the app. However, he does have the power to invoke a one-time 90-day delay under the law. If the app is banned, experts say new users would not be able to download it. It will no longer be available on the Apple or Google store.

Those who currently have TikTok will no longer have access to security updates which could cause it to glitch or no longer work properly.

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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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CHICOPEE, Mass (WWLP)  The US Supreme Court unanimously upheld the federal law that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok if the ownership is not changed from a China-based owner.

TikTok is a space for creativity, a space for people to express themselves and its a space for others to laugh at after a long day, said TikTok Creator, Kadyn Darrow.

But that creativity could be threatened. On Friday, The US Supreme Court announced that they unanimously decided to uphold a law that could potentially lead to the ban of TikTok

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According to the Supreme Court case, TikTok v. Garland, As of January 19, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act will make it unlawful for companies in the United States to provide services to distribute, maintain, or update the social media platform TikTok, unless U. S. operation of the platform is severed from Chinese control.

Congressman Richard Neal said, Bytedance is clearly an arm of the communist Chinese government and I think people unnecessarily volunteer information and it makes it a security issue for America.

US Senator Ed Markey has proposed extending the deadline for the ban, saying, A TikTok ban would impose serious consequences on millions of Americans who depend upon the app for social connections and their economic livelihood.

Since the app was launched in 2017, the platform has over 170 million users in the United States alone and over one billion worldwide.

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Darrow makes videos every morning while making her coffee.

She said she has gained a lot of followers in the past couple of months and Ive had people reach out via DM being like youre my source of happiness after like a really bad day and to me thats so special.

The ban on TikTok comes from a concern over personal information and national security given the relationship between China and TikTok

It is important to note that the app will disappear from the app stores, but it wont just disappear from users phones, however, it is unknown how it will operate if it is banned.

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 number of super-sized salaries in the charity sector has surged, with some bosses earning millions of pounds, Telegraph analysis has found.

Analysis of Charity Commission data shows a 35.7 per cent increase in the number of charitable organisations paying their employees more than 400,000 in the past five years.

Meanwhile, the number of people working for charities earning more than 400,000 has increased by 42.2 per cent.

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On Saturday night, the Charity Commission said it would take action if a line is crossed by charities paying executives more than is considered reasonable.

David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission chief executive, said: Large and complex charities must attract talented people to run them, but the public rightly expects the demands of executive jobs in charities to be balanced with the selflessness that underpins what it means to be charitable. So do we.

David Holdsworth says the public expects the demands of executive charity jobs to be balanced what it means to be charitable - Peter Byrne/PA

Mr Holdsworth continued: Careful decisions about pay foster public trust and confidence in the sector as well as best serve the charitys beneficiaries now and into the future. Trustees are legally bound to make prudent decisions on all charity spending, including pay, and if this line is crossed, we will take action.

In a sector that contributes almost 100 billion to our country, less than 5 per cent of charities pay anyone a salary above 60,000. Many charities run only on volunteers.

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In 2019, when it was revealed that MSI Reproductive Choices or Marie Stopes had paid 430,000 to Simon Cooke, its chief executive, the Charity Commission publicly condemned the paycheque at the time and promised a wider investigation of executive pay in the sector.

Since then, to increase public accountability, it said it had introduced greater transparency on every charitys entry on the commissions public register.

The most generous charity in Britain in terms of salaries is the Wellcome Trust, the health and life sciences foundation which runs the Wellcome Collection museum and library.

The group pays 20 employees a salary of over 400,000, analysis shows.

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The highest-paid person in the UK charity sector is thought to be Nick Moakes, the Wellcome Trusts chief investment officer, who makes over 5 million a year according to the Trusts latest accounts. This represents an uplift in his pay of over half a million pounds since 2023.

Mr Moakes, who is due to step down in March, is credited with a huge expansion of the groups investment portfolio.

In total there are 44 charity workers in Britain earning above the figure, spread across 19 different charities.

Five years ago the tally was 27 people spread across 14 charities.

The highest-paid person in the UK charity sector is thought to be Nick Moakes, who makes over 5 million a year - Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

Other high-paying charities include the Church Commission for England, which looks after the property assets of the Church of England, and Nuffield Health, the countrys biggest healthcare charity.

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Two major private schools, Highgate and Roedean, are among the highest-paying charitable organisations in the UK.

Employees in the sector earning more than 100,000 have also ballooned in the past five years.

The number of charities paying employees over 100,000 has increased by 22 per cent since 2019. The number of charity employees earning above the figure has increased by 63 per cent.

Some 5,608 charity workers across 1,581 organisations enjoy these wages, up from 4,000 people at 1,288 charities five years ago.

Just five percent of charities in Britain have an annual income over 1 million.

Around 75 per cent have an income less than 100,000 a year and 45 per cent take less than 10,000.

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Defenders of the sector note that registered charities spend 20 billion more today on charitable activity than they did in 2018  a 30 per cent increase.

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OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  On Friday, authorities announced that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Oceanside over the weekend.

On Thursday, Oceanside police arrested Pele Fuifui, 51, for the murder of Justin Bazan, 34, according to a news release.

Bazan, a resident of Vista, was found with a gunshot wound at the intersection of College Boulevard and Olive Drive around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

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Woman found dead at Motel 6 in suspected domestic violence incident: police

Fuifui was taken into custody without incident in Placentia, Calif., following a thorough investigation by detectives. He has been booked into the Vista Detention Facility for murder, the release said.

In 2019, Fuifui was on parole after serving 23 years in prison for a murder that took place in San Diego.

According to OPD, the shooting may have stemmed from a road rage incident. The investigation into the incident remains active.

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CENTER, Neb. (KCAU)  One of the suspects in the double homicide case in Bloomfield, Nebraska is asking for a change in venue and for certain evidence to be excluded from being presented at a trial.

On Wednesday, Sweazys attorney filed a motion to move the trial out of Knox County to another county due to the pretrial publicity of this case making it challenging to have a fair and impartial jury.

Sioux City man accused of creating porn using faces of coworkers, underage relatives

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Court documents indicate that Kaylyne Sweazys attorney also filed a motion to have specific evidence not be shown at the trial, such as the autopsies of victims Curt Strom and William Reffett.

The judge is set to rule on both motions on Jan. 28.

Sweazy has pleaded not guilty to accessory to a felony and tampering with evidence. The other suspect in the case, Alias Reed, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of using a firearm to commit a felony. His arraignment is also scheduled for Jan. 28.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  According to a press release from the Topeka Police Department (TPD), an individual was taken to a local hospital after an officer-involved shooting Friday evening in Topeka.

Just before 9 p.m., in the area of Southwest 21st and Southwest Buchanan, an officer from the TPD stopped an individual on a bicycle.

At approximately 8:59 p.m., the suspect initiated a foot pursuit and then, shortly after, displayed a firearm. The officer then discharged their weapon, striking the suspect. A firearm was located at the scene.

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The suspect, an adult male, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. No TPD officer or other citizens were injured in this incident.

Per policy, the involved TPD officer has been placed on administrative leave.

TPD has requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigate the incident. As the KBI is investigating, any additional information will come from them.

As this is an ongoing investigation, we will keep you updated as we learn more.

People who have any information to share with police regarding this investigation are encouraged to reach out to law enforcement by emailing telltpd@topeka.org or by calling 785-368-9400. You can leave anonymous tips with Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here.

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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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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A trial date was set in March for the man authorities say hit and killed Kern High School District police chief Steve Alvidrez in a 2011 vehicle crash on Highway 99, and authorities released more details about his capture.

Judge Chad Louie, at a hearing Friday packed with Alvidrezs family and law enforcement, ordered David Lopez Lilly held without bail, saying hes a danger to the community and a flight risk. He has two prior drunken driving convictions, according to California Highway Patrol.

Lilly, 37, was indicted in 2012 but fled the country. He was brought back to Kern County from Mexico this week.

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A public defender entered not guilty pleas on his behalf to charges including murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. A trial date was scheduled March 3.

California Highway Patrol said in a news release Friday afternoon they received information in the first half of 2024 that Lilly was living near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was arrested Wednesday by the FBI and flown to Los Angeles International Airport, where CHP investigators took him into custody.

The arrest represents the culmination of over a decade of investigative efforts by the CHP, FBI and international law enforcement partners, the release says.

Prosecutor Gina Pearl said Lilly faces a life term if convicted.

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Alvidrezs son, an officer with KHSD whos also named Steve, said outside the courthouse he and the rest of his family think about his father every day.

He was one of the best leaders this community has ever had, and to lose him was a big loss, he said. But were just trying to honor his memory the best that we can, and this is one more step of that.

Alvidrez, 52, was killed shortly before midnight on June 17, 2011, when a car slammed into the Harley-Davidson motorcycle he and his wife Ramona were riding on Highway 99, just south of Delano. Ramona Alvidrez survived the crash.

Lilly had a gold Chevy Cavalier  which matched the description of the suspect vehicle. The car had front end damage and, more significantly, an imprint from Alvidrezs motorcycle on its front license plate, according to a court filing.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office is seeking a suspect after a chase near Gardere Lane.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, deputies were chasing a reportedly stolen burgundy Ram 1500 before it crashed into a home on Elvin Drive.

The driver crashed into an electrical box, leaving over 100 customers without power in the area, before fleeing the area.

According to the sheriffs office, the suspect is now in custody.

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Further information about the crash was not immediately available. This is a developing story.

Baton Rouge Police: 1 arrested, 1 hurt after gun accidentally goes off

If anyone has information that can help deputies, contact the sheriffs office at 225-389-5000.

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(KRON)  A suspected thief gave police officers his brothers name during arrest, according to the Colma Police Department.

At 4:35 p.m. on Jan. 10, Colma police officers responded to a store on Colma Boulevard for the report of a theft. Police dispatch was informed that a man took multiple items and fled the store on foot.

Responding officers detained a man who matched the suspects description. The man was later identified as San Francisco resident Marcus Montalvo. After store employees identified the suspect, he was arrested.

Photo: Colma PD

According to police, Montalvo, 38, gave his brothers name as identification.

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Police learned Montalvos actual name, officers discovered he has a $40,000 misdemeanor warrant for his arrest from a neighboring agency. Montalvo also has two prior theft convictions that occurred more than 16 years prior to this theft.

Colma PD said Montalvo shoplifted approximately $217.02 worth of merchandise. In searching Montalvo, officers said they found a California license not belonging to Montalvo.

Montalvo was arrested and booked in the San Mateo County Jail for felony theft with priors, shoplifting, giving false identification to police officers, misappropriation of found property, and his warrant.

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Responding to a post by the Indian Embassy in Srilanka handle on X, PM Modi wrote: "Welcome the naming of the iconic Cultural Center in Jaffna built with Indian assistance, as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center'. In addition to paying homage to the great Thiruvalluvar, it is also a testament to the deep cultural, linguistic, historical and civilisational bonds between the people of India and Sri Lanka."

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1880640158829363288

Indian Embassy in Srilanka posted that the Cultural Center in Jaffna was today renamed as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center' in the honour of Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar.

"In honor of great Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Cultural Center in Jaffna was today renamed as 'Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center' in a ceremony attended by HC @santjha, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs Hon. Sunil Senevi & Governor Northern Province," Indian Embassy in Srilanka posted on X.

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1880488505627099424

On January 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered iconic Tamil philosopher, poet and thinker Thiruvalluvar on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, saying his verses reflect the essence of Tamil culture and the nation's philosophical heritage.

"On Thiruvalluvar Day, we remember one of our land's greatest philosophers, poets, and thinkers, the great Thiruvalluvar. His verses reflect the essence of Tamil culture and our philosophical heritage. His teachings emphasize righteousness, compassion, and justice. His timeless work, the Tirukkural, stands as a beacon of inspiration, offering profound insights on a wide range of issues. We will continue to work hard to fulfil his vision for our society," PM Modi posted on social media platform X. (ANI)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  The Syracuse Academy of Science High School says it will reopen for in-person classes on Wednesday, January 22 after code violations forced it to be shut down.

Students were taking classes online for a week and a half after a janitor was found dead in the cafeteria earlier this month, followed by the Syracuse Fire Marshal shutting down the building.

On January 7, the Syracuse Firefighters who responded to the Syracuse Academy of Science High School detected dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide that were blamed on a kitchen appliance not properly ventilated.

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The school employee found dead, Brian Deforge, had been working at the school as a janitor for a little over three years. The mans autopsy is still pending and no cause of death has been determined.

The Syracuse Academy of Science admitted what it thought was a combination carbon monoxide/smoke detector unit in the buildings cafeteria was just a smoke detector, in a statement released to NewsChannel 9.

The Syracuse Fire Department had previously cleared the building in an annual inspection.

The Syracuse Police Department has since said claims by the school have not been verified, but the department hasnt clarified what is and isnt accurate.

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In a statement sent to parents and guardians on January 17, the High School administration announced that the inspection and certification processes for reopening the High School building were completed.

This included the reinspection of the kitchen equipment, ventilation system, and fire alarm system. In addition, a new hardwired carbon monoxide detection system was installed, school administrators said.

Syracuse Academy of Science High School parents and students are invited to visit the school on Tuesday, January 21, between noon and 3:00 p.m. to see the completed work.

Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and staff remains paramount. To support our community during this challenging time, counselors will be available to provide assistance to any students or staff in need, school administrators said in the statement.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka locals are mourning the loss of a man who served in Vietnam and spent decades providing dental care out of his practice in the Capital City.

27 News spoke with Suzanne Seawel, daughter of Dr. Charles Edward Ed Webber, about the impact her father had on the Topeka community prior to his passing on Jan. 14, 2025. Born in Topeka in 1942, Webber spent his life serving in the military, making music and running a local dental practice.

Webber previously served with the Navy in its Third Marine Division in Vietnam for a year before returning home to open his dental practice in 1969. His duties overseas involved helping to identify those who fell in combat through the examination of their teeth.

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Honestly I dont know how to feel, I cant imagine life without him, Seawel said. This is new to me.

Seawel said her father ran a dental practice in Topeka for more than 50 years after receiving his education from dental school in Missouri, later having two children. He would often help provide dental care to those staying at the Methodist Home which is now owned by the Topeka Bible Church.

He cant be gone yet, Seawel said.

Joan Stephens told 27 News she has many fond memories of Webber. She said he was a fine musician who spent many hours helping people at his church get the dental care they needed.

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He was a fine musician himself, Stephens said. Were just all very sad hes not here anymore.

Webber was a graduate of Topeka High School and Washburn University, according to his obituary. He was also a member of many different local groups such as the Topeka Symphony, VFW Philip Billard Post #1650, Topeka Dental Society and more.

As his daughter I was very proud of him, Seawel said. I felt special being with him, because he had so many friends. He didnt know a stranger and I really looked up to him for that.

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Seawel asks that people make donations to the Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (S.C.A.R.S.), Topeka Symphony or Westminster Presbyterian Church to honor her fathers memory. Dove Cremations & Funerals will hold a memorial service for Webber at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1275 Southwest Boswell Avenue.

Hotel built in 1887 set to reopen in northeast Kansas

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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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was in Washington D.C. this weekend for the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting. Its a time when hundreds of city leaders unite to discuss challenges and solutions involving affordable housing, infrastructure, immigration, and the climate.

Castor spent a portion of the first day of the conference Friday morning listening to a panel about hurricane preparedness and recovery. This happened at the same time Republican lawmakers nearby on Capitol Hill were proposing conditions on disaster aid to California amid the wildfires.

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That does not have a place or shouldnt have a place in politics, Castor said.

Even though the discussion involving disasters in the yearly gathering of mayors in D.C. is different than the conversations in the halls of Congress, the mayor answered questions about the intense topic.

Thats one of the beautiful things of the U.S. Conference of Mayors is that were addressing issues as they matter to our constituents and as they matter to our community, Castor said.

In November, FEMA announced it had given Tampa nearly $30 million as a reimbursement following emergency clean-up work.

Now, lawmakers are considering putting conditions on states and cities in California to get aid in hopes theyll change some regulations.

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Speaker Mike Johnson denied its political.

No flood zones: Coastal residents moving inland post hurricanes, realtor says

This is not politics. We need sound public policy, Johnson said.

Democratic Rep. Alex Padilla in California accused Republicans of playing politics as wildfires continue to displace livelihoods.

Responding to disasters and helping families in need should not be political, Padilla said.

Castor doesnt think Florida will ever be a target of an idea involving conditions on disaster aid.

Its not a concern for me, Castor said. Its very positive weve got so many representatives in D.C. under this administration that come from the Tampa Bay region.

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The mayor is likely referring to Tampa Bay natives like Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and incoming Senator Ashley Moody being national advocates for the area. The next mayoral conference is scheduled to be held in Tampa this summer.

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Senior police officers failed to protect girls from grooming gangs in Rotherham because they prioritised other crimes to hit Home Office targets, a leaked report has revealed.

South Yorkshire Police (SYP) focused on vehicle, burglary and robbery crimes as these were Home Office targets during the 2000s, according to an investigation by the police watchdog.

The findings are contained in a damning report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that was completed in June 2022, but never published.

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They are likely to raise fresh calls for a national inquiry into grooming that would shine a light on the historic failings.

The report, seen by The Telegraph, explains that: Throughout the 2000s, Home Office performance targets were very prescriptive and constabularies were mandated to deal with vehicle, burglary and robbery crimes as priority which they were subsequently assessed upon.

Report followed complaint

It said that officers cited the national key performance indicator targets as being one reason that CSE was never a high priority, as it was not something that they were assessed upon in terms of performance.

The IOPC report followed a complaint by Jayne Senior, a youth services manager who was instrumental in publicising the plight of young white girls who were the victims of sexual grooming by men of mainly Pakistani heritage in Rotherham.

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Her complaint  that senior officers failed in their statutory duty to protect children over a two-decade period from grooming gangs  was upheld by the police watchdog.

However, when South Yorkshire Police was presented with the findings of the report, it rejected them and no further action was taken.

Call for national inquiry

Last week, the Government announced plans for nationally backed local inquiries into grooming gangs, with the first due to be in Oldham, reversing an earlier Home Office decision not to back such an inquiry.

But Ms Senior said that the Governments plans do not go far enough. Instead, she called for a full-scale national inquiry, as she believes senior officers and other professionals who failed grooming victims have never been properly held to account.

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She told The Telegraph: A national inquiry needs to go further  it needs to look at which professionals knew about this, who was complicit, who covered it up.

Many of these senior officers have now retired or are now doing other jobs  they have never been held to account.

The IOPC report, titled Operation Amazon, says that former SYP officers claimed that the issue of child sexual exploitation was never brought to their attention and they reject any assertion that national policing performance targets were a barrier to tackling the issue.

But the report found that some of the high-profile figures who went on to receive lengthy prison sentences for grooming girls, were known to South Yorkshire Police.

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The report says that from as early as 2001, named perpetrators of CSE and their victims were discussed at meetings.

Officers failed to act on the information, the report says, adding that some named perpetrators were discussed in 2001-2 but seemingly dismissed. Those same individuals went on to continue to abuse young girls until they were convicted some 15 years later in 2016, it added.

They wanted to silence me

Ms Senior said that when she was shown the findings of Operation Amazon in 2022, she felt under pressure from the IOPC not to talk publicly about its findings, including being told that senior police officers may sue her if she did.

I think they wanted to silence me, which is what they have been trying to do from day one. They didnt want any more reputational damage to South Yorkshire Police, she added.

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A source at the police watchdog said that their conversations with Ms Senior about publishing the report were aimed at conveying the legal difficulties she may face and the impact this may have on her.

Ms Senior said that when she submitted a complaint to South Yorkshire Police, she was initially turned down and was told that if she continued to make complaints she would be marked as a vexatious complainant.

Industrial scale abuse

Georgina Halford-Hall, chief executive of Whistleblowers UK, said: This landmark IOPC report only goes part of the way to providing answers. It fails to hold anyone to account for failures that undoubtedly allowed the industrial scale abuse of children.

She said that a national inquiry should be carried out by a new, independent body, the Office of the Whistleblower, which would protect whistleblowers like Ms Senior from being scapegoated for doing the right thing.

Georgina Halford-Hall says the report fails to hold anyone to account for failures

On Saturday night, Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire, urged the police watchdog to publish the findings of Operation Amazon.

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My job is to make sure that people in South Yorkshire have confidence in the work of the police force of South Yorkshire and until and unless we know exactly what has gone on, that is incredibly difficult for me to reassure them on, he told Channel 4 News.

Asked why Operation Amazon was never published, an IOPC spokesman pointed to Operation Linden, a separate inquiry carried out into grooming in Rotherham, which was published in 2022.

The welfare of survivors was our top priority throughout Operation Linden, they said. Any release of information into the public domain was painstakingly co-ordinated so as to not unduly or adversely impact their well-being and safeguarding.

Similarly to the other investigation reports, the report from our dedicated investigation which focused on senior officers within the force could not be published due to the very personal information and data included within it, the spokesman added.

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That is why we produced one overarching report for Operation Linden, which involved 91 separate investigations, detailing our findings and recommendations.



In publishing our findings in 2022 we made clear that South Yorkshire Police failed to protect vulnerable children and young people at that time and should have done better in responding to reports of child sexual abuse. The force acknowledged those failings and the focus remains on learning from those mistakes.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: The Terms of Reference for any IOPC investigation is set by them.The decision on whether to publish the report is entirely a matter for the IOPC.

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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  Video released to the FOX 8 I-Team shows Brooklyn Heights police questioning a suspected wrong-way driver on Interstate 480, and what she said may leave you stunned.

A police report shows officers found a wrong-way driver on I-480 drunk  really drunk.

How to protect your water pipes from severe cold

Last week, we showed you video from the Ohio Department of Transportation with a driver going eastbound in the westbound lanes. Somehow, no one crashed.

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Brooklyn Heights police arrested Colleen Patterson. Police video shows officers stopped her after she drove into a grassy area in the middle of the highway.

Body camera video shows what that driver told an officer.

What in the world is going on? the officer asked.

I just got lost, she replied.

How many beers do you think youve had? the officer asked.

The driver then said, 12. The officer reacted with, 12? He also asked, Do you know who the president is?

After a pause, the suspect laughs and says, Thats funny.

We also hear the officer ask, You had 12 beers in how long of a time frame about?

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To that, the driver responds, Im gonna say an hour.

The officer reacted to that with, An hour?

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A report shows Patterson refused tests to show her blood-alcohol level.

Police filed charges for OVI, reckless operation and driving on the wrong side of the highway.

The police report shows Patterson gets a chance to start fighting her charges in court next week.

The report also says she described herself as a functioning alcoholic.

Her driving record shows a prior conviction for driving while impaired, but way back in 1993.

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ROBERTSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Deputies in Robertson County arrested a teen who is believed to be connected to several vehicle burglaries that occurred in the White House area.

The Robertson County Sheriffs Office said they began investigating reports of several vehicle burglaries at different homes in the White House area on Jan. 10.

Man chases tow truck driver across Nashville following repo attempt: police

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Amid the investigation, deputies reportedly identified 18-year-old Noor Ahmed from Antioch as a suspect. Officials added Ahmed was arrested for a stolen vehicle on Distillery Road.

Deputies said they later determined that Ahmed and two other individuals were involved in multiple vehicle burglaries in White House.

Ahmed faces a long list of charges, which include: ten counts of burglary, evading arrest, felony evading arrest, reckless driving, theft of property over $10,000, two counts of theft of property over $500 and theft of property over $1,000.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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Meanwhile, investigators said they are still working to identify the other suspects involved. If you have any information about the case, you are asked to call the sheriffs office tip line at 615-382-6600.

No other information was immediately released.

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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A teen is dead after a Thursday night crash in Schuylkill County.

According to a Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) press release, 18-year-old Robert Miller, from Pine Grove, was traveling west just before midnight on Sweet Arrow Lake Road on Thursday.

Man dead after Tioga County barn fire

Troopers say Miller crossed into the eastbound lane, back into the westbound lane before striking an embankment and then a tree.

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Miller was pronounced dead at the scene and was not wearing his seatbelt, according to a PSP release.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A newly-introduced bill would change the way Tennesseans are able to give their input on proposed developments.

The bill, introduced in the Senate by Senator Richard Briggs, would amend the states zoning and open meetings acts. It reads as follows:

As introduced, requires a local legislative body to approve an application for a proposed development without allowing public comment, if the legislative body determines that the proposed development is in substantial compliance with the zoning regulations or map that was previously made available for public review and comment.

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Residents weigh in on Northshore Drive-area projects as rapid growth continues

Briggs said the bill is meant to make the process of development less chaotic.

The purpose of this is to take a lot of the politics out of land use, whether its the developers trying to put so many units per acre or whether its a neighborhood group trying to stop a development, but to take the politics out of it, he said.

Briggs said the Advance Knox plan serves as an example. The plan outlines where in Knox County development is appropriate based on factors like schools. Public comment was a part of the process of creating the Advance Knox plan. Briggs said if a development is proposed in Knox County, and it meets the guidelines set by Advance Knox, theres no need for additional public comment.

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Why TN leads the nation in VPN searches this week

If a piece of property has already been determined that its going to be a low density, residential with two units per acre, three units per acre, this has already been vetted by everyone, theres already been public input, everybodys already decided that this is the most appropriate use, we dont go through that again, he explained.

Regardless, the bill has caused concern for the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government (TCOG).

Sometimes what Ive seen happen, is people will hear about something at a planning commission, but maybe not everybody knows the details about whats going on until its already through the process, TCOG Executive Director Deborah Fisher said. If you eliminate that last chance to give public comment, what youre doing is eliminating the chance for people to address their elected officials. The planning commission, theyre not elected, the zoning people, theyre not elected.

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Knoxville becomes first Tennessee city to join Charging Smart

With rapid growth across Tennessee, Briggs said a plan to keep up with that growth is needed. However, opponent say eliminating public comment from the final stage of approval is not the answer.

The one thing that people most want to discuss with their elected officials is when theres something that is affecting their property value like a new development. To cut that off, seems like you would end up with citizens who feel like they were cheated out of an opportunity to speak directly in a county commission meeting or a city council meeting to their elected officials about this, Fisher said.

If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1.

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Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail site on Saturday. During his visit, the minister inspected a very unique 21 km long underground/undersea tunnel, which is under construction between the Mumbai bullet train underground station at the Bandra-Kurla Complex and Shilphata in Maharashtra. Out of 21 km of tunnelling works, 16 km is through tunnel boring machines, and the remaining 5 km is through NATM. This also includes 7 km of undersea tunnel at Thane Creek. On this occasion, talking to the media, Vaishnaw said that there is very good progress and a lot of attention has been paid to safety. Ventilation, lighting, all these things have been taken care of. The construction of the tunnel is going on at a good pace and overall, about 340 km of work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail is already in very good progress. The bridges over all the rivers are in very good progress and the progress of all the stations is very good. The official of National High-Speed Rail Corridor Ltd. (NHSRCL) informed us that construction work has already begun at several locations. A 394-meter-long ADIT (Additionally Driven Intermediate Tunnel) was already completed in May 2024 in a record time of 6 months. This has facilitated two additional NATM faces for the excavation work in addition to Shilphata. Due to this additional access, 1,111 meters (622 meters towards BKC/N1TM out of 1562 m and 489 meters towards Ahmedabad/N2TA out of 1628 m) of tunnelling work has been achieved. The ADIT of dimensions 11 meters x 6.4 meters will give direct vehicular access to the main tunnel during construction and operations and may also be used for the evacuation process in an emergency. It is also informed that Shaft 1 is 36 meters deep at the Mumbai HSR station construction site excavation work, which is currently underway. Shaft 2 at Vikhroli, at a depth of 56 meters, is completed. This shaft will be used to lower two tunnel boring machines in two different directions, one towards BKC and another one towards Ahmedabad. Shaft 3, with a depth of 39 meters, in Savli, has been completed. Officials informed that the tunnel portal at Shilphata, which is the NATM end of the tunnel, has had portal work that is already completed and 602 meters of tunnel work out of 1628m (N3TM) has been achieved so far. During the presentation, officials said that all precautionary measures had also been taken to avoid any accidents. They said that sufficient ventilation is being ensured inside the tunnel, ensuring a safe and ventilated workforce inside the tunnel sites. All excavated material is being disposed of as per the state government's direction. Structures/buildings around the tunnel sites are continuously monitored. Various types of geotechnical instruments, like inclinometers, vibration monitors, ground settlement markers, tilt meters, etc., have been installed at and around construction sites for monitoring tilt, settlement, vibration, cracks and deformation. These instruments play a crucial role in making sure that there is no risk to ongoing underground works like excavation and tunnelling or to the structures surrounding the site. It is also pertinent to note that a dedicated casting yard for casting tunnel lining for the 16 km TBM portion is already operational in Mahape. 77,000 segments will be cast to form 7,700 rings. Special ring segments are being cast for the tunnel lining, each ring comprising nine curved segments and one key segment, with each segment being 2 meters wide and 0.5 meters (500 mm) thick. High-strength M70-grade concrete is being used to ensure superior structural integrity and long-term durability. The casting and stacking yard covers an area of 11.17 ha in Mahape, Thane district, Maharashtra. The yard will feature nine sets of moulds, each containing ten pieces. The yard is equipped with various cranes, gantries, and machines to automate and mechanise the casting operations, ensuring high-quality assurance during the casting and stacking of the segments. Additionally, the facility will include casting sheds, a stacking area, a batching plant, and a steam curing area. (ANI)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Thousands of people from around the United States rallied in the nation's capital Saturday for women's reproductive rights and other causes they believe are under threat from the incoming Trump administration, reprising the original Women's March days before President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration.

Eight years after the first historic Women's March at the start of Trump's first term, marchers said they were caught off guard by Trumps victory and are determined now to show that support remains strong for womens access to abortion, for transgender people, for combating climate change and other issues.

The march is just one of several protests, rallies and vigils focused on abortion, rights, immigration rights and the Israel-Hamas war planned in advance of inauguration Monday. Around the country, over 350 similar marches are taking place in every state.

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Jill Parrish of Austin, Texas, said she initially bought a plane ticket to Washington for what she expected to be Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris's inauguration. She wound up changing the dates to march in protest ahead of Trump's swearing-in instead, saying the world should know that half of U.S. voters didn't support Trump.

Most importantly, Im here to demonstrate my fear, about the state of our democracy," Parrish said.

Demonstrators staged in squares around Washington ahead of the march, pounding drums and yelling chants under a slate-gray sky and in a chilly wind. Protesters then marched to the Lincoln Memorial for larger rally and fair, where organizations at the local, state and national level will host information tables.

They held signs with slogans including, Save America and Against abortions? Then dont have one and Hate wont win.

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There were brief moments of tension between protesters and Trump supporters. The march paused briefly when a man in a red Make America Great Again hat and a green camo backpack walked into a line of demonstrators at the front. Police intervened and separated him from the group peacefully as marchers chanted We wont take the bait.

As the protesters approached the Washington Monument, a small group of men in MAGA hats walking in the opposite direction appeared to draw the attention of a protest leader with a megaphone. The leader veered closer to the group and began chanting No Trump, no KKK through the megaphone. The groups were separated by high black fencing and police officers eventually gathered around.

Rick Glatz, of Manchester, New Hampshire, said he came to Washington for the sake of his four granddaughters:  Im a grandpa. And thats why Im marching.

Minnesota high school teacher Anna Bergman wore her original pink pussy hat from her time in the 2017 Women's March, a moment that captured the shock and anger of progressives and moderates at Trump's first win.

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With Trump coming back now, I just wanted to be surrounded by likeminded people on a day like today, Bergman said.

Rebranded and reorganized, the rally has a new name  the People's March  as a means to broaden support, especially during a reflective moment for progressive organizing after Trump's decisive win in November. The Republican takes the oath of office Monday.

Women outraged over Trump's 2016 presidential win flocked to Washington in 2017 and organized large rallies in cities throughout the country, building the base of a grassroots movement that became known as the Women's March. The Washington rally alone attracted over 500,000 marchers, and millions more participated in local marches around the country, marking one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history.

This year, the crowd was far fewer than the expected 50,000 participants, already just one-tenth the size of the first march. The demonstration comes amid a restrained moment of reflection as many progressive voters navigate feelings of exhaustion, disappointment and despair after Harris loss.

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Before we do anything about democracy, we have to fight our own despair, said one of the events first speakers, Rachel OLeary Carmona, executive director of Womens March.

The comparative quiet contrasts sharply with the white-knuckled fury of the inaugural rally as massive crowds shouted demands over megaphones and marched in pink pussyhats in response to Trump's first election win.

The reality is that its just hard to capture lightning in a bottle," said Tamika Middleton, managing director at the Womens March. It was a really particular moment. In 2017, we had not seen a Trump presidency and the kind of vitriol that that represented.

The movement fractured after that hugely successful day of protests over accusations that it was not diverse enough. This year's rebrand as a People's March is the result of an overhaul intended to broaden the group's appeal. Saturday's demonstration promoted themes related to feminism, racial justice, anti-militarization and other issues and ended with discussions hosted by various social justice organizations.

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The Peoples March is unusual in the vast array of issues brought together under one umbrella, said Jo Reger, a sociology professor who researches social movements at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Womens suffrage marches, for example, were focused on a specific goal of voting rights.

For a broad-based social justice movement such as the march, conflicting visions are impossible to avoid and there is immense pressure for organizers to meet everyones needs, Reger said. But she also said some discord isnt necessarily a bad thing.

Often what it does is bring change and bring in new perspectives, especially of underrepresented voices, Reger said.

Middleton, of the Women's March, said a massive demonstration like the one in 2017 was not the goal of Saturday's event. Instead, its goal was focusing attention on a broader set of issues  womens and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, immigration, climate and democracy  rather than centering it more narrowly around Trump.

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Were not thinking about the march as the endgame, Middleton said. How do we get those folks who show up into organizations and into their political homes so they can keep fighting in their communities long term?

___

Associated Press writers Gary Fields, Ellen Knickmeyer and Mike Pesoli contributed to this report.
The days leading up to Donald Trumps inauguration, which featured multiple terrorist attacks and apocalyptic wildfires across Los Angeles, wont be remembered as an especially hopeful time.

However, theres still plenty of technological growth to look forward to in the coming years, according to Joe Jefferson, president of the Tesla Owners Club of NorCal-Reno.

Last month, we cruised through traffic in Los Gatos, California, in the custom white and carbon-fiber interior of his all-black Tesla Cybertruck, letting the EVs Full Self-Driving mode handle the controls.

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To me its like experiencing the age of going from trains to automobiles, he said. That whole revolution, were in that now.

Just minutes earlier, hed punched our destination, a nearby Target, into the cars computer. Then off we went, no humans required. As we chatted, he virtually never touched the wheel, gesticulating with a full cup of coffee instead. At first it felt uncanny, but soon totally normal.

His source of optimism is the man who helped create this space-age vehicle: Elon Musk. The recent election marked the moment that Musk, already the richest man in the world, became the most powerful private citizen in America.

First, he was a key Trump campaign surrogate, crisscrossing the country as part of a personal $277 million commitment to elect Trump and his fellow GOP candidates. Now, with his much-hyped Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, Musk could have major influence on federal spending and regulatory priorities for years to come, even if the DOGE is technically a non-government advisory body.

Tesla owners like Joe Jefferson are excited for how Elon Musk might advance sustainable transit and space exploration under the new presidential administration (Josh Marcus / The Independent)

For the Tesla owners clubs of California, its a good time to be a Musk fan, even if their heros new allies are somewhat unexpected.

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How can a group of climate-conscious, high-tech, EV-loving, liberal-leaning Californians feel so good as their hero aligns with an anachronistic, 78-year-old climate-denying Republican who wants to increase fossil fuel production ? Actually, its pretty simple.

The Republicans campaign made great efforts to seem tech-friendly , choosing a former venture capitalist as vice-president, promising to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world, and courting support in Silicon Valley. Club members want the same things Musk doesself-driving electric cars, cutting-edge AI made in America, space explorationand believe Trump will leave Musk alone to achieve this.

Elon Musk is in a historically unique position as both a billionaire businessman and a key White House ally advising on the federal budget (AP)

Kelvin Gee, vice-president of Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley, the largest Tesla club in North America, said it was initially disappointing as a Democrat to see Musk back Trump. Still, he sees the logic behind Musks strategy to try and influence a politician who basically doesnt stand for much, who flip flops like a fish out of water.

I think he is playing chess while everyone is playing checkers, Gee told The Independent. If you have trust in Elon, this is probably going to be a very positive outcome, both financially and in other ways.

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Gee, like many in the drivers club, owns Tesla stock, which has surged since the election , helping make Musk the first human being in modern economic history worth over $400 billion. He said Musk is not always popular when he first says or does things, but history usually ends up validating him.

Some Tesla owners are unhappy Musk allied with Trump, given his plans to ramp up fossil fuel production (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Hes almost always right, Gee added.

Musk does have a habit of over-promising, at least on timelines . He suggested in 2014 we might have people on Mars in a decade, and said Tesla would for sure have over a million robotaxis on the road by 2020 .

He also has a record of helping create things people assumed would be impossible, like a booming American electric car company, or a successful private space start-up. In a particularly symbolic moment, a SpaceX mission has been tasked with rescuing NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams , who got stuck on the International Space Station in June after riding up in Boeings Starliner.

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For club members, the billionaires appeal goes beyond his companies. Theres a feeling, similar to MAGA supporters feelings towards Trump, that Musk, despite his wealth, is actually an underdog.

John Stringer, founder of Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley, argued that Musk probably wouldnt have defected to Trump had California and national Democrats stopped snubbing him at every turn.

There is no other company that has done more for the climate than Tesla, Stringer told me.

Musk backers argue the Biden administration and California Democrats alike singled Musk out for unique insults, despite being aligned on climate priorities (AP)

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Its very clear, if you peel back the onion a little bit, why Elon has gone the other way, he added. Its completely the Democrats fault.

For instance, there was Joe Bidens decision to leave Tesla out of a 2021 White House EV summit while inviting and lavishing praise on legacy Detroit automakers, despite Tesla being (and remaining) the dominant U.S. EV-maker .

The snub seemed shocking on the surface, but there were always going to be some friction points. The Biden agenda featured a mix of pro-union labor goals and racial justice priorities. Tesla is the only major non-union U.S. automaker, and has faced persistent allegations , which it denies, of racism at its factories.

Tesla owners believe the Trump administration might be more supportive of Elon Musks plans to advance renewable vehicles and self-driving cars (Josh Marcus / The Independent)

There were more recent insults this year, too, like California regulators limiting SpaceX launches in Santa Barbara and potential state EV subsidies excluding Tesla. One of the regulators involved in the launch decision recently accused Musk of spewing and tweeting political falsehoods. Musk has sued , alleging political bias.

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Some Democratic politicians appear to be taking a different approach. Congressman Ro Khanna, a progressive whose Northern California district includes a Tesla factory, warned that the state shouldnt play politics with Tesla.

Tesla makes over 550,000 vehicles in Fremont in my district & employs over 20,000, Khanna wrote on X in November, adding, It would be foolish to exclude Tesla. Have we learned nothing from snubbing @elonmusk at the Biden EV summit?

Theres also a widespread feeling among Musk fans that mainstream journalists and politicians are out to get him no matter what.

Fans of Musk feel hes often treated unfairly in the press (REUTERS)

They point to the way media outlets seem eager to report on Tesla crashes, in a way they feel is unique compared to other automakers.

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Its not just the media thats interested though: In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation after four Teslas using full self-driving were involved in collisions.

And even outside of crashes, Teslas have made their way into the news. On New Years Day, an Army special forces member drove a Cybertruck outside of a Trump hotel in Vegas, setting off explosives in the trunk and dying by suicide because he said the country was terminally ill and headed towards collapse  although the man expressed support for Trump and Musk.

The Silicon Valley Tesla club, which bills itself as the most notorious Tesla club in the world, seeks to spread the good word on Musk and his ventures. They host in-person meet-ups and events, have over a million followers on X, and conduct interviews and podcasts on all things Tesla, including in-depth conversations with Musk himself .

Sometimes that means joining in on Musks many public battles these days, whether its branding California Gavin Newsom a clown over the EV subsidies, or bashing the media.

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 is the most trusted app, reads one recent post from the Silicon Valley club. Legacy media lies and works for maximum clicks.

(Speaking as a member of said legacy media, the club members were all unfailingly kind and helpful during our interviews. They even gave me a latte on my ride-along.)

For all their support, the Tesla owners say they dont blindly follow everything Musk does.

Gee argues that aligning with Trump is against the clubs support for renewable energy, given the Republicans calls to drill, baby, drill for new oil.

Jefferson, meanwhile, doesnt go along with Musks aggressive stance towards transgender people.

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You just never know what somebodys going through, Jefferson said.

Cybertruck drivers are more obsessed with their vehicles than most (Josh Marcus / The Independent)

Its a far cry from Musk, who frequently misgenders his estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, who is transgender , and has described her as being essentially dead to him and killed by the woke mind virus.

Asked to describe the roots of their support, none of the members cited parts of Musks worldview like his embrace of Great Replacement-style thinking , which many view as a racist conspiracy theory, or the entrepreneurs growing pro- natalism .

Tesla owners clubs are a key node in the Musk media ecosystem (Josh Marcus / The Independent)

After driving around Los Gatos for about half an hour, Jefferson steered the Cybertruck back into the parking lot where we met, tapping a digital map to make the truck park itself automatically, in reverse.

As we said our goodbyes, I noticed a white Tesla had pulled up, unplanned, and parked next to our party, which included Jeffersons rig and Springers customized Cybertruck, which has a camouflage paint job and a license plate with the tagline Mars Rover underneath.

Nobody in this Silicon Valley town would blink an eye to see a Tesla squadron like this. Even before the election, it was already Elons world in many ways, and we were just living in it.

Were not here to worship the guy, Stringer said, but is the guy doing a lot of damn good? Yes, sir.
A suspicious fire destroyed a northside home early Friday morning, Terre Haute Fire Department Public Information Officer Nick Arnold reported.

Firefighters were dispatched to a call concerning a structure fire at 1413 Plum St. around 2:45 a.m. Flames were heavy when the units arrived at the residence. The building was unoccupied and no utilities were turned on.

Arnold deemed the house "a total loss," and said an adjacent home received minimal damage, but residents there were able to remain in place.

No injuries were reported and the Red Cross did not need to be summoned.

Arnold said the fire appeared suspicious and an investigation has begun.
By Vladyslav Smilianets and Gleb Garanich

KYIV (Reuters) -Russian forces unleashed a combined drone and missile strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Saturday, killing three people, while two other attacks in the country's south killed three more, officials said.

In Kyiv, explosions boomed across the pre-dawn sky as air defences activated against the attack, which also wounded three others, according to city military administration chief Timur Tkachenko.

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A shopping mall, business centre, metro station and water pipe were damaged in the assault, he said.

"Russian forces initially launched drones and then a ballistic-missile strike," parliamentary ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets wrote on social media. "These acts merely underscore the enemy's ruthlessness and barbarity."

Rescue workers plodded through a flooded street as they sifted through debris. The charred remains of a van were visible in front of the station, whose facade was marked by twisted metal and blown-out windows.

As daylight broke, they could be seen examining missile fragments and loading a body bag into a truck.

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Air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told Ukrainian media that both missiles aimed at Kyiv were destroyed, but that one of them was shot down at a low altitude, resulting in heavy damage.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow, which has denied deliberately targeting civilians.

Another Russian missile attack killed one person and wounded 11 in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said.

The governor of the adjacent southern region of Kherson, Oleksandr Prokudin, said Russian shelling killed two people in a town north of the regional centre, also called Kherson.

The Ukrainian military said it had destroyed 24 of 39 drones and two of four missiles launched by Russia across various parts of Ukraine during the overnight attack.

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On Friday, a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown, killed five people and partially destroyed an educational facility, officials said. One woman wounded in the attack died in hospital on Saturday.

"All those who assist the Russian state in this war must face pressure as impactful as these strikes," Zelenskiy wrote on social media in response to Saturday's attack.

Russia has carried out regular air strikes on towns and cities far behind the front line since the start of its almost three-year-old invasion of Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure in particular.

(Additional reporting by Ron Popeski and Dan Peleschuk; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by William Mallard, Kim Coghill, David Evans, Timothy Heritage and Cynthia Osterman)
Three people have been killed and three others injured in a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kiev, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

"My condolences to their families and loved ones," Zelensky wrote on X. The death toll had initially been estimated at four.

Unlike during previous attacks on Kiev, no air raid alarm was issued beforehand, with the warning only sounding after multiple explosions.

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According to official reports, ballistic missiles were used in the attack.

Military authorities said the Lukianivska metro station near the city centre was closed due to the extent of the damage.

The station is located next to an arms factory which has been targeted multiple times by Russian missile strikes.

The Russian Defence Ministry announced that a production facility for long-range Neptune missiles had been destroyed with high-precision strikes.

It said the attack was retaliation after Ukraine fired at the Russian region of Belgorod with US-made ATACMS missiles.

According to the Ukrainian air defence system, two out of four ballistic missiles were shot down, with debris reportedly falling over the city.

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Images circulating on social media showed damaged cars and flooding caused by a burst water pipe at the station.

In parts of Kiev, home to a population of 3 million, water supplies were temporarily disrupted.

The information provided by the warring parties cannot be independently verified.

Elsewhere, Zelensky said 10 people were injured in a Russian attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia, with others potentially still under the rubble.

"All those who assist the Russian state in this war must face pressure as impactful as these strikes. We can achieve this only through unity with the entire world," said Zelensky.

Fire at Russian fuel depot

Earlier, Russian authorities said a fuel depot in the Tula region, south of Moscow, had caught fire after a Ukrainian drone attack.

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The region's governor, Dmitry Milyaev, wrote on the Telegram messaging service that there had been no injuries in the attack, with five drones destroyed.

Tula, located 160 kilometres south of Moscow, was targeted hours after a similar drone attack in the Kaluga region, south-west of the capital, which also caused a fire at a fuel storage facility, local authorities said.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-blown Russian invasion for almost three years, with the help of Western allies.

Kiev has repeatedly attacked refineries and fuel depots deep in the Russian hinterland in an attempt to disrupt the Russian military's fuel supply.
BILLERICA, Mass. (WWLP)  The Billerica Police Department has arrested three men from Lowell in connection with a break-in and safe theft at the Solomon VFW Post.

Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost said that on Monday around 8:00 a.m., officers received a call regarding a break-in and stolen safe at the VFW Post on Phiney Street. Reports from a bartender stated the safe was present the previous night, but a janitor working Monday morning noticed the safe was missing.

New Bedford man sentenced to prison for stealing veterans disability benefits

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Billerica police investigated the post and looked at surveillance footage in the area to gather information about the pickup truck that was allegedly seen driving away with the stolen safe. Police found the discarded safe in Lowell during the investigation.

(Courtesy of the Billerica Police Department.)

On Wednesday, Billerica Police, Lowell Police, Chelmsford Police, and members of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council searched a home on Wright Street in Lowell and located cash and evidence related to the break-in and safe theft. Officers arrested Christopher John Silva, 53, of Lowell, and San Sin, 47, of Lowell.

On Friday at around 8:30 a.m., Billerica Police and Lowell Police found their third suspect at the address they had previously searched. Peter George Poulakos, 32, of Lowell, was taken into custody. A fourth suspect, a 49-year-old man from Lowell, is also allegedly connected to the crime and will be summoned to court at a later date.

Silva, Sin, and Poulakos have each been charged with:

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Breaking & Entering Nighttime for Felony

Conspiracy

Larceny Over $1,200

Break Into Depository

Larceny from a Building

Silva and Sin were arraigned on Thursday and Poulakos was arraigned on Friday. Their cases are currently pending.

Local News Headlines

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Following the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, President Mahmoud Abbas called for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, stating that Palestine is ready to "assume full responsibility" in Gaza. Emphasising Gaza as an integral part of Palestine, the Palestinian President in a statement said, "The Presidency affirmed its firm position of the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in and full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Presidency reiterated that it was necessary to establish an immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and pave the way for the State of Palestine to assume full responsibility for the Gaza Strip as an integral part of the occupied territory. The State of Palestine has legal and political jurisdiction over the Strip as it is the case with the rest of the occupied territory of the West Bank and Jerusalem, while affirming rejection of any carving up of the Gaza Strip and forced expulsion of any Palestinian from their homeland." It added, "The Palestinian government has completed all preparations to assume full responsibilities in the Strip and that the government administrative and security personnel were fully prepared to carry out their tasks in order to alleviate the suffering inflicted on the Gaza population, allow displaced persons to return to their houses, restore essential services to the Strip, assume responsibility for the border crossings and help commence Gaza reconstruction." It also urged international support for humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and a political resolution aligned with UN resolutions. "The Presidency urges the international community along with neighbouring and donor countries to offer urgent humanitarian aid to enable the government to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people, whether in the Gaza Strip which has been subjected to a genocidal war or in the West Bank and Jerusalem which have been subjected to grave Israeli violations," the Palestinian Presidency said. It added, "The Presidency reiterates the urgent need for a political solution based on the United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative by holding an international peace conference to mobilize international recognition of the State of Palestine and support its quest for full membership of the United Nations in order to bring about regional security and stability conducive to ending the occupation and realise the establishment of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the 1967 borders, in line with international law and the relevant UN resolutions." 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. 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 and the return of any deceased hostages' remains. (ANI)
(WJET/WFXP)  Three Pennsylvania men appeared in court this month charged with varying sex crimes.

According to the McKean County District Attorneys office:

Daniel Merrick, of Smethport, pled guilty on Jan. 16 to owning 698 images of child pornography of prepubescent children  499 of which depicted indecent contact. Merricks sentencing is scheduled for May 29.

In another appearance on Jan. 10, John Hodgdon, of Wilcox, was sentenced to 13-26 years in state prison with three years of probation. He was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and child pornography/sexual abuse of children.

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Hodgdon is not eligible for any early parole programs and must register as a sex offender among other terms.

In the last appearance, Harold Kagarise, of Bradford, was sentenced on Jan. 9, to 15-30 years with three years probation for charges of rape of a child and aggravated indecent assault of a child.

Additionally, Kagarise is not eligible for any early reentry program and must register as a sex offender.

Sex offenses against children are the most horrific cases police and prosecutors handle and I applaud the officers for their investigations into these cases. Most importantly, we must always recognize the bravery of the children involved in bringing the crime to the attention of police, said DA Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer.

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No other details were given at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The Supreme Court ruled Friday that a law requiring TikToks parent company to divest from the popular video-sharing platform or face a ban was constitutional, siding with the government in a battle over free speech and national security.

The decision marks a sharp loss for TikTok, although the apps fate is still undecided.

The ban is slated to take effect Jan. 19, the final full day of President Bidens term. But the Biden administration has indicated it will leave enforcement to the incoming Trump administration, which will take over the White House on Monday.

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Here are the main takeaways from Fridays decision:

The future of TikTok is in Trumps hands

The future of TikTok seemingly now rests I President-elect Trumps hands after the Biden administration said it would not enforce the law, which was set to go into effect the day before Trump took office.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday the Biden administration recognizes that implementation simply must fall to the incoming administration, given the sheer fact of timing.

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.

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Trump, who during his campaign vowed to save TikTok, had urged the Supreme Court to delay the ban so he could take office and negotiate a deal to keep the app available to American users.

While the courts decision and its speed is a blow to Trump, the Biden administrations choice not to enforce the ban gives him more flexibility.

The president-elect is reportedly considering issuing an executive order to suspend enforcement of the law for two to three months while he attempts to reach a deal, according to The Washington Post.

The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it, Trump said Friday in a Truth Social post. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!

Tech companies face decision on compliance

While neither Biden nor Trump seem keen to enforce the ban, it remains unclear how the tech companies subject to the law will respond when it goes into effect Sunday.

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The law bars companies from distributing, maintaining, updating, or providing internet hosting services for apps, like TikTok, that are under the control of a foreign adversary.

App store providers such as Apple and Google and Oracle  the cloud-computing firm that hosts TikTok  could face hefty fines from the Justice Department for defying the law if an administration eventually opts to enforce it.

Companies are subject to fines of up to $5,000 per user. With TikToks more than 170 million American users, they could face some $850 billion in fines.

Apple, Google and Oracle have not responded to questions about how they plan to handle TikTok on Sunday and beyond.

TikToks data collection practices  not content  drove the courts decision

The court determined that the governments national security concerns about TikTok were justified, and the law does not burden substantially more speech than necessary to address its concerns.

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However, the justices based their decision on only one of the governments two concerns about TikToks Chinese ownership. The Biden administration had raised alarm about Chinas access to American user data, as well as the potential for the Chinese government to covertly manipulate TikToks algorithm.

The court agreed with the administration on data collection, rejecting TikToks argument that it is unlikely China would leverage its relationship with the platform to access U.S. user data.

Here, the Governments TikTok-related data collection concerns do not exist in isolation, the majority opinion said, noting Chinas extensive efforts to obtain U.S. data through various means.

On content manipulation, though, the court seemingly brushed the issue aside, finding the law was justified solely based on the data collection argument.

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The record before us adequately supports the conclusion that Congress would have passed the challenged provisions based on the data collection justification alone, it wrote.

In a separate concurrence, Justice Neil Gorsuch splashed cold water on the argument.

One mans covert content manipulation is anothers editorial discretion. Journalists, publishers, and speakers of all kinds routinely make less-than-transparent judgments about what stories to tell and how to tell them, Gorsuch wrote.

Gorsuch warns about other apps

At last weeks oral arguments, Gorsuch expressed more sympathy with TikTok than perhaps any other justice.

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Though Gorsuch ultimately voted with his eight colleagues that the law should be upheld, he did not join the courts unsigned opinion. In his solo concurrence, the conservative justice expressed some hesitation, noting the constraints of hearing the case on an expedited schedule.

The justice, Trumps first appointee to the court, also raised the possibility of another platform taking TikToks place.

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.  But the question we face today is not the laws wisdom, only its constitutionality.

The court assumed the First Amendment applied

At the heart of TikToks legal challenge was what level of First Amendment scrutiny applies.

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The Biden administration contended free speech rights werent implicated at all because ByteDance, TikToks Chinese-based parent company, has no First Amendment protections. The Justice Department has cast the law as merely regulating a foreign adversarys control of a company, not speech itself.

The Supreme Courts decision doesnt put the issue to rest.

This Court has not articulated a clear framework for determining whether a regulation of non-expressive activity that disproportionately burdens those engaged in expressive activity triggers heightened review. We need not do so here, read the courts unsigned opinion.

We assume without deciding that the challenged provisions fall within this category and are subject to First Amendment scrutiny, it continued.

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor, an appointee of former President Obama, agreed with her colleagues the ban should be upheld even if the First Amendment does apply, but she wrote a brief concurrence taking issue with the courts mere assumption.

I see no reason to assume without deciding that the Act implicates the First Amendment because our precedent leaves no doubt that it does, Sotomayor wrote.

Though the court didnt firmly rule what level of scrutiny applies, the decision did, however, close off the idea that the strictest tier applies.

At most, the court said only an intermediate test applies. And the law would easily pass given the governments important interest in protecting national security, the court ruled.

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On this record, Congress was justified in specifically addressing its TikTok-related national security concerns, the opinion reads.

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PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD)  With the ban on Tiktok ban just two days away, officials on Capitol Hill are standing by the decision to ban the app in the United States.

The CCP is using TikTok as a spyware tool on Americans. Theyre weaponizing our kids. They have spread misinformation, said U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson.

However, others disagree with those on Capitol Hill, and people are starting to voice their frustrations. For content creators and small businesses, losing TikTok could mean losing business.

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To lose a whole social media platform we use to promote these animals is definitely going to negatively impact us said Emily Barnes with TAPS No Kill Shelter.

TAPS No Kill Shelter in Pekin uses its TikTok page to showcase pets for adoption. Since starting an account, theyve gained more than 160,000 followers and have more than 40 million views.

Well lose a lot of out-of-state people that come in just because, like I said, everybodys got TikTok. So everybody in different states are going to see it and then theyre going to be like Oh my gosh, this dogs been here for over a year. Im going to apply and Im going to go all the way to Illinois, adopt a dog, and let I have a great life. And now were kind of losing that, said Barnes.

For TikTok users, mourning, frustration and clinging to hope as TikTok ban looms

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Ashley Alderson is an avid TikTok user. Shes criticizing those in power making the decision.

If they are too old to understand how the internet works, then theyre too old to make decisions about the internet, she said.

Like many TikTok users, Alderson has downloaded the Chinese app Rednote. Rednote was listed as Apples number one downloaded free iPhone app for the last four days.

I think its hilarious that everybody is going out and being like, were going to learn Mandarin just to stick it to the government. Thats hilarious to me and I love it, said Alderson.

TikToks CEO Shou Zi Chew will be in attendance at President-Elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, one day after the ban goes into effect.

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The Supreme Court upheld the ruling to ban TikTok, and if the owners dont sell by Sunday, Americans wont be able to access it. But with TikTok potentially leaving another app from China may be stepping into its place.

The name of the app translates to Red Note in English. The Apple App Store shows that its currently the number one social networking app.

USA today said Duolingo is also getting a boost. The amount of people learning Mandarin is up over 200% as people try to communicate overseas.

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Red Note is called Xiaohongshu in Chinese, said longtime Red Note user Siyu Wu. And I usually tell my friends that its kind of like a combination of Pinterest and Instagram.

New glaucoma treatments available for patients

This Chinese social media app is taking the country by storm. Its gotten millions of downloads in the past week as people prepare for TikTok to be banned in the U.S. Wu however has already been on the app for around 10 years.

We see a lot of foreigners, a lot of hashtag TikTok refugees on the app, Wu said.

This wave of new American users has given birth to new types of content as well.

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There are Chinese people who are making skits of like TikTok refugees being on Red Note, and thats like a whole other kind of like chain reaction, Wu said.

As the two cultures collide, Wu said there are those who are very welcoming to Americans.

But there are also voices saying that Xiaohongshu is a really Chinese central kind of platform, Wu said. Some Chinese people were afraid that this is just not going to be like Chinese anymore.

Central IL cities to honor Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the weekend

But Wu has seen an effort from new users to not take over and change Red Note.

Some Americans are genuinely trying to speak, learn some Chinese, she said.

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This is what has led to the more than 200% increase in people trying to pick up Mandarin on Duolingo.

This is a super cool way for them to get to know the Chinese culture a little bit, Wu said.

But it might not be the full picture.

Its kind of like Chinese [people] learning American culture through memes, if that makes sense, Wu said.

Red Note is very similar to TikTok, its got videos you can scroll through and even a shop. The future state of TikTok will have a big role in deciding if Red Notes popularity will continue.

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With a 9-0 decision on Friday, Jan. 17, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a nationwide ban on the social media platform TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells the app by Sunday, Jan. 19. The ban, approved by Congress in March, was signed into law in April.

It stems from concerns that Chinas national security laws allow the countrys government to pressure ByteDance, which is based in China, to hand over the personal information of its users.

The Supreme Courts 9-0 decision confirmed that theres a real there there when it comes to foreign agents influence on TikTok and the threat to national security, Maria Cantwell, one of Washingtons two senators, said in a statement after the decision.

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Cantwell, along with her fellow senator Patty Murray and eight of the states ten congresspeople, voted in favor of the ban. But with the deadline just two days away, Washington is more concerned about the looming ban than any other state, according to a new report.

WA searching TikTok ban more than other states

Document processing software company Apryse analyzed Google search data to find which states are asking questions about the upcoming ban. According to the report, Washingtonians searched for information on the ban at a rate of 1,816 times for every 100,000 residents. That was over 400 searches per 100,000 higher than the median rate for all 50 states.

The study found that the most-searched term related to the ban in the state was TikTok ban explained. Google Trends data indicates that searches for TikTok ban have increased by over twenty times in Washington since early January.

In other states, New York came in second place at 1,770 searches per 100,000 people. No other state broke the 1,700 search per 100,000 threshold. Virginia and Oregon took third and fourth place at 1,695 and 1,680 searches per 100,000.

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On the other end of the spectrum, Montana searched for the ban the least, at 1,014 searches per 100,000, followed by New Mexico at 1,129.

The study was conducted by analyzing thousands of search terms, such as TikTok ban, TikTok ban explained, when will TikTok be banned? and why is TikTok getting banned? Searches for TikTok alternatives, including apps like TikTok, rednote download and lemon8 download, were included as well.

What a Washington-based TikTok creator had to say

Christopher Watson, better known as @Catluminati on TikTok, expressed his concern over the possibility of the app being banned in the coming days in an interview with McClatchy.

Watson, who is based in Tacoma, has been on TikTok since 2020 and has over 2 million followers, said he is unhappy that the government wants to shut the app down because he believes they are crushing peoples freedom of speech.

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Watson added that the TikTok ban could be financially catastrophic for creators and small businesses who rely on the income it brings them.

The TikTok ban would probably impact my income and I dont know what I would do to supplement it, because it is a pretty good piece of it, but there are some people I know that its literally their only source of income, Watson said. They created their own careers off of TikTok, doing things like TikTok shop and coming out with their own products.

Aside from the financial benefits and stability for many TikTok creators, Watson said he is sad to know that if the app is banned, all of the communities that have been built over time will likely not exist anymore.
Apple, Google and Oracle  a trio of the worlds biggest tech firms that are cultivating ties to the incoming Republican government in Washington  are facing their own set of difficult questions after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law forcing TikTok to be sold from Beijing-based ByteDance or banned in the U.S.

When the laws deadline kicks in Sunday  barring any last-minute sale or surprise move from the Biden administration  it doesnt technically ban the app, or turn its feed off. Instead, the law punishes any companies that distribute, maintain or update TikTok.

That means Apple and Google must take it off their app stores or be slapped with enormous fines. Oracle, which provides cloud services and was part of a scheme to fend off anxiety in Washington over the Chinese Communist Partys potential to control TikTok by onshoring its U.S. user data, would also be fined if it continued to provide services.

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Jeffrey Fisher, a lawyer who represented a group of creators at the Supreme Court, pointed to the stakes for a host of affluent companies when he and TikTok attempted to pressure President Joe Biden Friday into promising they would not be punished.

[It] 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, he told the outgoing president in a letter shared with POLITICO. There is no compelling need to risk that result.

The Biden White House has repeatedly indicated he wont enforce the law on his last day in office, and Donald Trump  who will be sworn in on Monday  has vowed to save TikTok by working out a political deal and may not enforce it either.

President-elect Donald Trump was still deliberating Saturday but said that he'd "most likely" give TikTok a three-month lifeline from a U.S. ban, possibly as soon as his first day in office. I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate, Trump told NBC News Kristen Welker in a phone interview. If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday.

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However, it remains to be seen if those promises will be enough for companies to expose themselves to major financial liability by keeping the app up and running. The extension is a one-time option that the law grants the president, though it requires certification to Congress of "significant progress" toward divestiture, complete with the "relevant binding legal agreements"  none of which appears to be true, as ByteDance has refused to sell.

App stores and service providers face a daily $5,000 fine for every user who can still access TikTok, and those penalties easily add up to billions of dollars.

Apple, Google and Oracle have not publicly shared if they will comply with the law or flout it on Jan. 19. All three did not respond to questions from POLITICO regarding their plans.

Whether Google and Apple would be protected in a scenario where the president vows to spare them  but then later reneges  was debated at the Supreme Court last week. The justices questioned whether a pledge to not enforce the law is legally reliable.

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It's purely a business decision, not a legal decision, University of Pennsylvania law professor Gus Hurwitz told POLITICO. Trump's message to them is going to be: Keep serving Tiktok, keep this app available, keep it running. Don't worry, I'm not going to mess with you.

But theres also a political dimension to it. Hurwitz warned many of the companies have such an adversarial relationship with the [Trump] administration that it would be really, truly hard to trust the administration, even when you're trying to cozy up to it.

The legal ambiguity is what motivated TikTok to demand an explicit guarantee from Biden Friday night for the other companies involved in its fate. The company issued a statement saying the Biden White House and Justice Department 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, leaving it no choice but to go dark on Jan. 19.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused TikTok of staging a "stunt." She said in a statement Saturday that the administration sees "no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday."

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The question of whether to service TikTok during a ban comes down to companies appetite for risk, and theres reason to think Oracle may be more willing to trust the Trump administration.

The company provides cloud infrastructure for TikTok and has been described as Trumps favorite tech company. Its top brass bankrolled his reelection bid, and reportedly helped the Heritage Foundation vet thousands of party loyalists to carry out the Project 2025 agenda.

Oracle also won a billion-dollar contract in 2020 to host all of the apps U.S. user data via an initiative called Project Texas. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, who has a long history of openly supporting Trump, got that lucrative partnership across the finish line.

TikTok agreed to that plan to address the U.S. governments national security concerns, only to be blindsided when lawmakers declared it was not good enough and followed through with the law.

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More than a few members of Congress say they will be watching the app stores closely.

Sen. Mike Rounds (S.D.) said Thursday that TikTok should receive no more time. The leaders of the House Select Committee on China preemptively sent Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook, compelling them to take the necessary steps to ensure their companies are fully in compliance with the law by Jan. 19.

After the ruling Friday, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told reporters that U.S. app store providers like Google and Apple need to comply with the law and its requirement that they immediately revoke access to TikTok.

Scott also left little wiggle room for Trumps nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, who refused to commit to enforcing the ban during her confirmation hearing.

When asked about her reluctance, he said I expect the laws to be enforced.
HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH)  The fate of the TikTok app has been sealed: the Supreme Court upheld the ban, meaning the app will be unavailable in the U.S. starting on Sunday.

Lawmakers say that the China-based company is data harvesting the personal information on your phone at a phenomenal rate.

For TikTok users, mourning, frustration and clinging to hope as TikTok ban looms

TikTok is a threat to national security and ought to be sold, not banned but sold by the Chinese so they stop surveillance and illegal collection of information about Americans, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

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Will the app still work on Sunday? That is unclear.

We can expect many companies that service U.S. operations, in some way to essentially hit the kill switch, Wayne Uger, a professor at Quinnipiac University, said. So, first and foremost, we would expect Apple and Google as the key leaders in the App Store to remove the app from their App Store.

Uger said that Congress is playing a game of wack-a-mole, where theyre getting rid of one app just for others to pop up in its place. He said that the true underlying issue is the data collection of Americans information.

President-elect Donald Trump said that he might want to save the app. But can he?

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It was passed by both the Senate and the House and signed into law by President Biden, so the incoming president cannot unilaterally undo that, Uger said.

Blumenthal said that Congress is not looking to completely get rid of TikTok, just to have it sold to an American company.

Watch the full video in the player above.



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Following the Supreme Courts decision to uphold a federal law that effectively bans TikTok, the social media platforms CEO is trying to butter up Donald Trump.

Shou Zi Chew posted a video to the platform Friday thanking the president-elect 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 platformone 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.

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By specifically mentioning Trump and his fan base on the app, Chew appears to be making a last-ditch effort to save TikTok in the U.S., with the service scheduled to shut down on Sunday if the platforms China-based company does not divest. The actual language of the law technically just requires the platform to be removed from app stores so new users cant download it.

President Biden said Thursday that he wouldnt enforce the ban during the last few days of his presidency, leaving its interpretation and implementation to Trump. The president-elect has said in recent months that he opposes a ban, going against his own previous position and what used to be near-universal opposition to TikTok on the right.

A ban on TikTok may not even be effective in deterring China from collecting the personal data of Americans, and conservative Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, while voting to uphold the ban, questioned its wisdom. But right now, the app may be functionally useless by Sunday, unless its sold to an American owner in the eleventh hour. Perhaps Trump has his own plans for TikTok that involve its CEO pledging allegiance to him like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.


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.

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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.

TikTok says it will 'go dark' unless Biden intervenes

Meanwhile, TikTok announced late on Friday that it would shut down in the US unless the government provides clearer assurances by the Sunday deadline.

"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," TikTok said in a statement posted on X.

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"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 statement added.

Trump tried to ban TikTok in his first presidency

Former and soon-to-be president Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first presidency by issuing an executive order in 2020 that would have had that effect, saying TikTok's "risks are real."

That attempt was thwarted by a US federal judge, who said the then president did not have the authority to ban the app.

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But Trump's had a change of heart.

He now credits TikTok with helping him connect with young voters during his election campaign.

"I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok," Trump said at a press conference in December.
Welcome back, Deadline: Legal Newsletter readers. And thanks to Jessica Levinson for guest writing last weeks recap on Donald Trumps New York sentencing. This week was packed with legal news ahead of Trumps inauguration Monday  so lets jump right in.

TikTok lost its Supreme Court battle against a U.S. ban thats set to start Sunday, but it still might win the political war. The justices rejected a First Amendment challenge from the popular social media app, citing national security fears of Chinese control. But the apps fate is unclear as Trump returns to the White House with an apparent openness to keeping TikTok alive. In a video posted to the app after the ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Chew  whos expected to attend Trumps inauguration as an honored guest  praised the president-elect for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States.

The First Amendment also featured in a SCOTUS hearing this week involving pornography. Texas is defending a state law requiring age verification to access sexual content online, and the adult industry raised a free-speech challenge. One of the more memorable lines from the hearing was Justice Samuel Alito asking how the popular website Pornhub compares to the old Playboy magazine. We expect a ruling by July in the case with vast implications for constitutional rights.

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The justices added a new batch of appeals to review, including a case about LGBTQ-themed books. The case brought by a religious rights group asks the court to resolve a contentious question: Do public schools burden parents religious exercise when they compel elementary school children to participate in instruction on gender and sexuality against their parents religious convictions and without notice or opportunity to opt out?

And we finally got to see Jack Smiths report  the volume on the federal election interference case, anyway. Attorney General Merrick Garland released that part of the special counsels report, and one interesting aspect was Smiths explanation for not alleging insurrection. A conviction under that charge could have disqualified Trump from office. But of course, the Supreme Courts immunity ruling, which Smith subtly critiqued in his report, would have blocked a trial on any charges before the election.

Smiths classified documents volume is still secret. Thats partly because Garland agreed to shelve it while the Justice Department tries to revive charges against former Trump co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. The legal concern is that it could unduly prejudice defendants who might still face a jury trial. Recall that Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the documents case last year, and DOJ withdrew its appeal to revive Trumps charges after the election, due to a federal policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. While public release of the report isnt imminent, Cannon presided over litigation this week about whether Garland can share it secretly with select members of Congress, a matter that prosecutors argued is none of the judges business. Nonetheless, she held a hearing Friday and was reportedly skeptical of DOJs urgency to share the report with Congress.

Meanwhile, congressional Democrats urged Garland to drop the case against Nauta and De Oliveira, so that the public can see the full documents report. In the likely event that Garland doesnt do that, Trumps DOJ will start off in the awkward position of pressing an appeal that, if successful, would restore charges for the purpose of moving toward a trial that would center on the presidents alleged criminality surrounding national defense information and obstructing justice. (He pleaded not guilty in all four of his criminal cases, with the only one of them that went to trial, in New York state court, resulting in a conviction.)

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.

So dont be surprised if the Trump DOJ withdraws the classified documents appeal. Department leadership is set to be stacked with his personal lawyers, as attorney general pick Pam Bondi faced questions at her confirmation hearing this week about her independence (or lack thereof) from Trump. Among other things, she had trouble conceding directly that Trump lost the 2020 election. Republicans appear poised to confirm her to the top cop post.

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However compliant Trumps DOJ would be in the Nauta/De Oliveira matter (among others), he could also kill the case himself with pardons. As President Joe Biden this week set a clemency record for nonviolent drug offenders, the pardon gap between Biden and Trump grew starker ahead of Trumps return. One of the many outstanding clemency questions is what hell do with the Jan. 6 cases, in which he has vowed widespread relief.

But how many Jan. 6 defendants (if any) will Trump pardon? And how quickly? Well revisit those and other clemency questions as Trumps second term gets underway, with New York Citys indicted Democratic mayor, Eric Adams, flying to meet Trump in Florida on Friday.

Speaking of Trump and pardons, a huge story in the legal community this week was the indictment of legendary lawyer and SCOTUSblog publisher Tom Goldstein. The federal tax indictment in Maryland tells a cinematic story of the renowned attorney playing high-stakes poker around the globe and failing to pay taxes back home.

And what, you might wonder, does that have to do with Trump and pardons? Back in November  right after Trumps election win  Goldstein wrote a New York Times op-ed arguing for abandon[ing] the president-elects criminal cases. I thought it was an odd piece at the time, and I wrote my own response explaining why I thought so. But in retrospect, was the lawyer positioning himself for clemency?

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Thats just one data point supporting the possibility, but here are two more. Goldstein is represented by lawyers whove also represented Trump, John Lauro and Christopher Kise (in a statement, they said theyre 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). And finally, theres the timing of the charges. Is it a coincidence that the indictment came just days before the Trump DOJ takes over? Stay tuned.

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
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.
The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, according to a report by Times of Israel. By a vote of 24-8, the cabinet approved the deal, which is set to take effect on Sunday. The deal was approved in the early hours of Saturday. The agreement will initiate the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The Times of Israel further reported that as the government has now approved the agreement, opponents of the deal can petition the High Court of Justice against the release of Palestinian security prisoners who are set to be freed, though the court is unlikely to intervene. On Friday, the Israeli security cabinet had approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it. 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. 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. 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. 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' October 7, 2023, attack, 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 response, 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, with half of whom are women and children. (ANI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY)  TikTok said it would go dark Sunday in the U.S. unless it gets more clarity from outgoing President Joe Biden and the Department of Justice regarding a ban scheduled to take effect.

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, the company said Friday in a post on X.

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.

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Norfolk ad agency says TikTok ban limits creative expression

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Friday in upholding a law that requires TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app or else face a ban set to take effect Sunday.

supreme-court-tiktok-opinion-1-17-25Download

The court found that the divest-or-ban law is not a First Amendment violation. It comes just days before President-elect Trump is set to take office. Trump had asked for a delay in the deadline in order to negotiate a deal, but the court went ahead and issued its ruling.

Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

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In a video response to the Supreme Court decision earlier Friday, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said it had been fighting to protect free speech rights for the more than 170 million use the platform daily in the U.S.

He had seemed hopeful of working with the incoming Trump administration on preserving access to TikTok for its U.S. users.

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.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said he was pleased with the Supreme Courts ruling, though he said he did not want to see TikTok banned.

Glad to see the Supreme Court confirm that its legal to compel a sale of TikTok. Let me be clear  I dont want to see TikTok banned either, but we cant allow it to continue under its current adversarial ownership. It must be sold to protect our data and national security.  Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) January 17, 2025

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced Friday he plans to sue TikTok for allegedly misrepresenting harmful content and allowing the Chinese government access to its data.

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The lawsuit alleges that the TikTok app was designed intentionally to make young people addicted to it, and that the companies deceived parents and Virginians about TikToks content, including by claiming the app is appropriate for children over the age of 12 or rated T for Teen, in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.

Miyares lawsuit also aims to hold TikTok accountable for what he said is ByteDances misleading the public on the apps connection to the Chinese government and Communist Party.

For years, TikTok has marketed itself to Virginians and Americans alike as a harmless, safe, and enjoyable social media app, Miyares said in a statement. Yet the facts of the matter are that TikTok harms our kids and exposes them to severe profanity, sexually explicit material, violence, mature themes and drug and alcohol content.

Making matters worse, TikTok continues to misrepresent the potential for the Chinese government to access and exploit Virginians data. As the Peoples Protector, I will use the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to shield all Virginians, and especially our children, from this deceptive and harmful conduct. TikTok has crossed a line, and today will be asked to pay a price.

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Miyares applauded the Supreme Courts decision Friday. He had filed an amicus brief with the court in support of a federal statute to address what he said are the national security and data privacy threats TikTok poses.

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TikTok said Friday that the app will go dark on Sunday after not receiving enough assurance from outgoing President Joe Biden about his plans for enforcing a scheduled ban.

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 an emailed statement Friday night.

TikTok called on Biden to immediately provide a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement. Otherwise, it will be forced to go dark on January 19, the company said.

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Its making the request hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law on Friday forcing TikTok to sever ties from Beijing-based ByteDance, or face a ban from U.S. app stores.

The White House press office didnt immediately reply to a question about whether Biden would consider the request.

The law is written to punish app stores, not TikTok, if they choose to carry the popular video-sharing app past the Sunday deadline. TikToks demand was written to include the full range of companies that might be implicated.

A White House official has already said Biden is unlikely to give the app more time in his last two days in office. The president does not have the statutory authority to trigger a reprieve without a credible plan from the company on how they will divest, the official told POLITICO Thursday.

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However, his administration later said he wouldnt enforce the law in that time. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that given the laws timing, actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration.

The White House statement sounded like Biden was choosing to make Sunday a punishment-free period for app stores. But others werent so sure: Jeffrey Fischer, a lawyer who represented a group of TikTok creators before the Supreme Court, also urged Biden to clarify the matter.

In light of the interests involved, we respectfully request that you direct the Justice Department to pause enforcement until there is further definitive guidance, he wrote in a Friday letter shared with POLITICO. 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.

If TikTok and the creators are successful in squeezing that guidance out of the White House, app stores may feel more comfortable risking the penalties and keep TikTok accessible in the U.S.

Trump, on the other hand, reacted to the courts decision on Friday by saying everyone must respect it, while leaving the door open to take matters into his own hands. 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 posted on Truth Social.
Duolingo shares have jumped this week, as the number of Americans learning Mandarin on the app has soared 216%. That's as China's RedNote is now the most downloaded free app on Apple's App Store ahead of the TikTok ban.

Duolingo shares climbed 10% this week as Americans turn to Chinese-language social media app RedNote and rush to learn Mandarin ahead of TikTok's ban slated for Sunday.

Duolingo told Fortune that Mandarin learners on the app have jumped 216% so far this year to 11.3 million. Thats no accident as Duolingo is on the TikTok rival as well.

Our marketing team is forward-thinking and already has a presence on Red, a Duolingo spokesperson told Fortune. Active since May of last year, Duolingos RedNote account has more than 400,000 followers.

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By comparison, Spanish saw a 40% increase over the course of the same timeframe but remains the most popular language on Duolingo with 48.8 million learners, CNBC reported.

On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the U.S. law banning TikTok unless its sold by its China-based parent company due to national security risks, related to the ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government.

President Joe Biden has signaled he won't enforce the ban, and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to find a way to save the app. But until there's a solution, third-party platforms may not want to risk violating the law by supporting TikTok, and ByteDance has threatened to shut it down.

With just a few days left before the law goes into effect on Sunday, TikTok devotees are rushing to the next closest thing.

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Xiaohongshu, known in the U.S. as RedNote, holds the top spot as the most downloaded free application on Apples app store. According to Sensor Tower, the platform has seen a 194% weekly jump in downloads and a 200% year-over-year increase.

A person close to the company told Reuters on Wednesday that in a two-day period, RedNote had more than 700,000 new users.

But as former TikTok users post videos on the app that have gone viral with the term TikTok refugees, RedNote may be banned under the same law that is hitting TikTok.

This appears to be the kind of app that the statute would apply to and could face the same restrictions as TikTok if it's not divested, a U.S. official told CBS News.

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Signed April 2024 by Biden, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act allows the federal government to restrict use of foreign social media platforms.

The law allows Congress to strip a platforms foreign ownership within its U.S. operations; it can also be nationally terminated if deemed as a threat. The law is applicable to platforms that allow collaborative content sharing with more than 1 million monthly users, the parent company is located in a foreign country, and the president deems the platform poses a threat to national security.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Lawmakers have fought to end the reign of TikTok due to ties they say it has with the Chinese Communist Party. But they may have made things much worse.

The Chinese apps RedNote and Lemon8 have exploded in popularity as TikTok faces an imminent ban and the Supreme Court upheld the law forcing its sale.

The rise of the apps shows TikToks U.S. users are rejecting American platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts that were expected to be the beneficiaries of a ban. Instead, theyve moved to alternatives that have even closer ties to China than TikTok, a Beijing-based company with a U.S. subsidiary and many Western investors.

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Now, those alternative video-sharing apps have ignited a new challenge for lawmakers worried about foreign influence via social media.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, pointed to just such a possibility of other apps taking TikToks place and undermining the aims of the law in his concurring opinion Friday.

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, he wrote.

RedNote in particular  whose official Chinese name translates to Little Red Book, a reference to the late Communist leader Mao Zedongs signature text  has surged to become the most-downloaded app in recent days, according to the Google Play and App Store rankings. ByteDance-owned is Lemon8 right behind it.

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This migration towards RedNote is a very good example of the law of unintended consequences, which the Congress right now doesnt know anything about, said Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), an outspoken proponent of extending the deadline for divestment.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House China Select Committee, said the TikTok law gives the president the power to deem any app owned by a foreign adversary a threat to national security and force it to divest under the threat of another ban. In particular, the law calls out TikTok and ByteDance, putting Lemon8 directly in the spotlight.



The good news is that President Trump has the authority under the TikTok bill to force divestment of other [Chinese Communist Party] controlled applications that pose national security risks as well, Moolenaar said in an email Wednesday.

Unlike TikTok, which saw more political candidates embrace the platform heading into last years elections, it doesnt appear that any lawmakers have joined RedNote. But a look through the app showed several accounts impersonating President Joe Biden, Trump and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)  and only some marked as parody.

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Bidens White House and the Trump transition team did not immediately respond to questions about the Chinese alternative apps.

The impending ban on TikTok is set to take effect over inauguration weekend and has thrust the issue into uncharted legal territory. The outgoing White House has indicated Biden will neither grant TikTok an extension nor enforce the bans giant fees on companies like Google and Apple for hosting it.

Trump said Friday that everyone must respect the Supreme Courts decision, but he has vowed to strike a deal that saves the app and is expecting TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to attend his inauguration. In his first term, Trump tried to ban both TikTok and the Chinese app WeChat.

In a TikTok posted after the Friday court ruling, Chew made a direct appeal to Trump, while pledging that TikTok would do everything in our power to ensure our platform thrives for years to come and previewing more to come.

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Chinas embassy in the U.S. celebrated the arrival of American users to RedNote.

The platform opened a window for cross-cultural communication, and for both #Chinese and #American people to learn more about each other, spokesperson Liu Pengyu wrote on X Thursday.

RedNote is one of the few social media apps available both inside and outside China. TikTok is unavailable in the country, and Beijing has long implemented a Great Firewall that bans U.S.-owned platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X.

The popularity of Chinese TikTok alternatives may take U.S. social media companies that expected to gain from the ban of the wildly popular video-sharing app by surprise.



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I know that there are plenty of alternatives by great American companies like Meta, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube, where consumers can migrate to continue to have expression, said Carl Holshouser, head of government relations at the TechNet group that counts Meta and Google  but not TikTok  as members.

Meanwhile in Congress, while lawmakers agreed RedNote and Lemon8 are a problem, few had ideas for how to solve it. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told POLITICO he imagined the law to force the sale of TikTok was a special case and hadnt thought about the possibility of using it to knock down others.

Any of them which have an ownership interest with the Chinese Communist Party or where they control it, we have concerns about, said Rounds Thursday. I would hope that we dont have to do this to other organizations. This is a very serious one. Weve not done this like this in the past.

Multiple lawmakers struggled to articulate a more comprehensive approach to foreign-owned apps would look like even as they expressed alarm at the rise of platforms like RedNote.

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You cannot have a site-by-site or app-by-app approach to the Chinese strategy to infiltrate American homes with their technology, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). So youre going to have to make a broader decision about how comfortable we are with China penetrating into the lives of Americans.

They likened the current situation to a game of Whac-A-Mole, but indicated Congress had little choice but to continue playing it.

Just keep knocking them down, deadpanned Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

Other Republicans said they had to deal with TikTok first, before turning their attention to the apps that could take its place.

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Right now, were taking it one at a time, and TikTok is the issue for us, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said Thursday.

Its unclear if apps RedNote and Lemon8 are here to stay  especially with the slim chance that TikTok gets an eleventh-hour reprieve. University of Pennsylvania law professor Gus Hurwitz said app stores would likely be wary of Chinese alternatives becoming liabilities under the TikTok law.

Theyre not going to be allowed any more than TikTok is, he said. The companies  the Googles and Apples  theyre going to be vigilant looking for these non-TikTok apps that also need to be removed.

Alfred Ng contributed to this report.
Unless the Biden administration is able to step in to block the enforcement of a federal ban, TikTok said that the app will go dark in the United States on Sunday.

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, the company said. 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.

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States on Sunday if it does not divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The justices ruled that the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is constitutional, rejecting an appeal from the apps owners that argued the law violated the First Amendment.

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The court wrote that while the platform offers a distinctive and expansive outlets for expression, means of engagement, and source of community for its users, Congress had determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

In a response to Fridays decision, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden believes TikTok should remain available to Americans but under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. Jean-Pierre said that the implementation of the law will fall to the next administration.

Trump has urged the Supreme Court to let him save TikTok, but said on Friday that he needs time to review the situation. The president-elect has invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to sit on the dais at his inauguration on Monday.

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TikTok said it would "go dark" for American users on January 19 unless Biden intervened.

A White House spokesperson called TikTok's statement a "stunt."

The Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok's US operations to be sold by Sunday or face a ban.

TikTok said Friday it would be forced to go dark on Sunday, the day a ban on the platform is set to take effect, unless the Biden administration intervenes.

On Saturday, the Biden administration called TikTok's statement a "stunt."

"It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told Reuters. "We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up concerns with them."

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TikTok said on Friday that it would be forced to turn off its app unless the Biden administration assured service providers it wouldn't enforce the ban.

"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 statement continued.

The law, which was passed by Congress and signed by Biden last spring, requires ByteDance, its China-based parent company, to sell the app's US operations by January 19 or be banned.

The law specifically bans US app stores, like Apple's and Google's, from carrying or updating the app. Companies that violate the law could face fines of up to $5,000 per user who accesses TikTok.

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The Biden administration said this week it does not plan to enforce the ban since it is set to take effect one day before President Joe Biden leaves office and President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in.

"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," Jean-Pierre said.

The Justice Department, meanwhile, issued a statement on Friday supporting the Supreme Court's decision, adding: "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."

Trump has said he does not support banning TikTok and will work on finding a solution.

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During a phone interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker on Saturday, Trump said he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day extension after Monday. However, he told Welker he hasn't made a final decision on the potential ban yet.

"I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. You know, it's appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It's a very big situation," Trump said.

"If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday," he told Welker.

In a video on Friday, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked Trump for his commitment to saving the app.

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On Truth Social, Trump said he had spoken with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the phone and said the call was a "very good one" and that they discussed "balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects."

It's unclear what TikTok will look like on users' phones come Sunday if the app goes "dark" and whether the video platform's fate in the US will be permanent.

Some workarounds could bring the app back to life, including brokering a deal to sell it to a US buyer.

Figures from Kevin O'Leary of Shark Tank to YouTuber MrBeast have expressed interest in buying the app.

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BI's Peter Kafka reported that Bytedance hasn't publicly shown interest in selling TikTok or indicated any progress in a deal with a non-Chinese buyer so far.

There's also the possibility that the Trump administration could issue an executive order reversing the ban under the argument that the move is related to foreign affairs and national security interests.

A spokesperson for Trump did not respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
We're getting closer and closer to a ban of the popular app TikTok in the US.

Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

Let's recap how we got here: In April of this year, the US Senate passed a bill stating that TikTok would be banned across the country due to national security concerns  unless the Chinese company ByteDance sold its stake in the app. Current US President Joe Biden swiftly signed it into law the day after.

Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Last month, an appeals court upheld the ruling, which sent the dispute all the way to the US Supreme Court. Yesterday, they, too, ruled that the ban could be upheld.

Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images

What will happen next is still very unclear. Earlier this week, President Biden's administration signaled that, despite literally signing the bill into law, he would be effectively punting a decision as to whether the ban is enacted to...

Ting Shen / AFP via Getty Images

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Incoming US President Donald Trump, who'll be inaugurated on Monday, Jan. 20. Trump himself has suggested that he'll try to "save" the app from being banned once he's taken office again, and has even floated a 90-day grace period once he's in.

Rebecca Noble / Getty Images

Following the Supreme Court's decision, TikTok issued their own statement yesterday claiming that the app will effectively "go dark" for US users starting Jan. 19.

Statement on Possible ShutdownThe 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  TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 18, 2025

@TikTokPolicy / Via x.com

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, the statement read.

Sean Gallup / Getty Images

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.

Jaap Arriens / NuPhoto / Getty Images

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OK! Well, who knows what's gonna happen next. See you on RedNote, maybe? Stay tuned either way...
TikTok said it would go dark on Sunday unless President Joe Bidens administration offered assurance that it would not enforce a ban upheld Friday by the Supreme Court for the apps U.S. operations to be sold or booted over national security concerns.

In a Friday night post on X, the short-form video giant wrote, 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.

Statement on Possible Shutdown



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  TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 18, 2025

In accordance with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, TikTok wont be available for download in app stores unless its Chinese parent company is sold to an American owner.

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The White House said on Friday that it would not attempt to enforce the law, given that President-elect Donald Trumps will be inaugurated Monday and has promised to save the app.

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, according to NBC News.

Also on Friday, however, the Justice Department, released a statement praising the Supreme Courts ruling.

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. Authoritarian regimes should not have unfettered access to millions of Americans sensitive data.

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Given the conflicting statements, TikTok said it did not feel assured enough to continue its operations.

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, it said in the X post.

Trump has expressed his commitment to keeping TikTok from going dark. / Scott Olson / Getty Images

Earlier on Friday, before the statement confirming the platform would go dark, TikToks CEO, Shou Chew, made an appeal to Trumps ego in a video statement.

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.

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On Saturday, Trump said on NBCs Meet the Press that he was likely to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban once he takes office.

I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at, he said. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation.

If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday, he said.

During his first term, Trump tried to ban TikTok. Over the summer, however, he switched up his stance and has since sought to keep the platform going, reportedly due to his large fan base on the app.
(NewsNation)  The United States Supreme Court on Friday upheld the decision to ban TikTok, leaving users questioning the governments true intentions behind banning the platform altogether. Anesthesiologist Dr. Tiffany Moon, who appears on The Real Housewives of Dallas and has millions of TikTok followers, joins On Balance with Leland Vittert to discuss the apps future.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
China on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relations with Bangladesh, ahead of the visit of Bangladesh's Interim Government's Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain from January 20 to 24. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed China's readiness to enhance political mutual trust, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and expand people-to-people exchanges with Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs earlier had said that India opposes China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was proposed in 2013, as it passes through "parts of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan, and ... reflects lack of appreciation of India's concerns on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Government has conveyed to the Chinese side its concerns about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and asked them to cease these activities." During a press briefing on Friday, Guo told the reporters, "China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbours. 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," Guo added. On Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's state visit to China from January 14 to 17, Guo said that the meeting between Dissanayake and President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, including those related to the Belt and Road initiative, agricultural exports, and people's welfare. "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 Dissanayake's 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, people's livelihood, and news and broadcasting, among others," Guo said. He added, "China attaches high importance to its ties with Sri Lanka in the neighbourhood 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." (ANI)
Unless TikTok severs ties with China-based parent company Byte Dance, TikTok is expected to go dark Sunday for more than 170 million Americans.

This is after the Supreme Court upheld the federal law that would ban the app in the U.S.

Millions of Americans go to this app for a source of community, expression, and for some, its their livelihood.

For some, its their only source of income, but already, people are switching to another app with Chinese ties.

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Read: Trump says he will most likely give TikTok a 90-day extension

They picked up some kid in Orlando. And now Im Bryan the Diamond, and I have a big business and I have brands, my partners, said Bryan Whitman.

Bryan the Diamond is just one of the local Tik Tok success stories. Practically overnight, he went from an uber driver to an influencer. Now, he has more than 6.7 million followers.

He says TikTok opened doors he never knew were possible. I wouldnt even say doors. I would say it opens a building just doors all in the building just stayed open because the algorithm and just the opportunities, Whitman said. They pay you for your content. They like to give back to their creators.

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However, the app, along with all of its perks, will end for Americans on Sunday when a federal law takes effect.

Read: TikTok refugees are pouring to Xiaohongshu. Heres what you need to know about the RedNote app

The Supreme Court essentially sided with national security concerns about TikTok collecting data over First Amendment rights.

Youre showing Americans that you youre not really caring about what they have to say. So what are they going to do as gen-z theyre going to go to a different app, Whitman said.

I have already moved on to RedNote, said Deb Durdin.

She is one of thousands of Americans whos already signed up for another Chinese app, RedNote.

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Read: What will happen to TikTok on Apple and Googles app store on Sunday?

She started a TikTok for fun to promote her DJ company. She often shares her DJing live on the weekends. One of the videos has received more than 17 thousand views. Now, shes posting her content to RedNote.

Just to grow your fan base and, you know, if Im not in the club, then I want to show my talent and what Ive been working on, Durdin said.

Lawyer Tom Julin with the Gunster Firm says this migration to RedNote is a classic First Amendment problem.

When you whack down one mole, then something else pops up somewhere else. You. You really just cant effectively regulate speech of this sort, Julin said.

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Now, the real question is if this ban will stick. There are a couple of different scenarios here.

If TikTok severs ties with its Chinese-based company then it could potentially end the ban.

Also, theres questions on if President-elect Donald Trump once sworn in will sign an executive order ending the ban. He posted on Truth Social, saying he will make a decision in the not far distant future.

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On Friday evening, TikTok livestreamer and former CNN anchor Don Lemon brought up an idea that a lot of us are discussing among ourselves: That Dems need to go hard, real hard. He was talking to the shows head writer, Peter Rothpletz, whose article in The Guardian about Democrats suggests that to combat the stranglehold hold Republicans, particularly the MAGA movement, has on the federal government is to become mean - ruthlessly, bitterly mean.

They questioned the Dems approach and overall their collegial, be the bigger person approach to the gladiator arena that is American politics. Both men felt that the Obama era of virtuous political behavior is over and its time for an approach that matches GOP vitriol.



I tend to agree in principle, but my method might be different. Ive been in a number of conflicts, both verbal and physical. Ive learned that winning a fight begins before the first punch is thrown. Your opponent should know engaging you in battle will most certainly mean cuts, bruises and maybe sacrifice of blood if not worse.



Looking at how MAGA has attacked not only Democrats, but all liberals since Obama won the presidency  its been a seven-headed monster. They couldnt scandalize Obama, so instead of a close range bullet, they chose to use a hollow point to do maximum damage.

They waited until Trump got in and all but ignored the COVID-19 pandemic. which killed 1 million Americans. When he lost the 2020 election, they denied it and attacked the U.S. Capitol. As President Joe Biden settled in, they tripled down on his son, Hunter. During the 2024 campaign they used social media and podcasts to spread every lie they could.



Should Democrats do exactly these things to get power back? Nope, because people would be able to read it. But they should become extremely aggressive. For right now, Trump is guarded by a steel cage of his sycophants. But Democrats can go after the MAGA movement itself by keeping politicians from town councils to Congress under constant scrutiny.

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The amount of mainstream media they can use is limited, but they can use the steadily growing universe of non-profit news organizations to inform people about Trumps supporters and even their slightest mistakes. Gone are the days of the celebrity national Democrat sitting on a multimillion dollar war chest. They must get state reps and aldermen into crevices where Republicans fear to tread. Barack won the first time with an effective ground game. That can work again.

In 2016, during the Democratic National Convention, former First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged people to take the when they go low, we go high perspective. But she wasnt suggesting that Democrats just smile when muck is thrown at them by MAGA cultists. She was really saying not to pick up the debris and broken glass from the alley and try to fight with it. There is better, smarter strategy.

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36,706 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  The Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) has opened up a family resource center as a new way to ensure every student has the chance to succeed.

We know that students dont live their lives in a bubble. says Project Director, Rebekah Wagner, And so when they come to school, theyre not in this bubble of academia, everything in their life affects them.

Which is exactly why the TISDs new family resource center is trying to promote student success by ensuring every family is equipped with the tools to be successful.

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You can kind of think of it as a wrap around service for families. So we know that the stronger families are, that the stronger our kids will be too. says TISD Superintendent, Doug Brubaker.

Resources like food and clothing are available at the center but they are also there to work one on one with families to find any way to help.

Same goals, new branding for Mission Texarkana

The number one service is case management and resource connection. So other entities that already exist, we help you organize that so that its easy to connect to those things. says Wagner.

Those supplementary resources could include things like job training, navigating applying for benefits or English language classes.

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And then whatever we see the needs are we intend to kind of grow with that. So were flexible in what we provide based on the needs of our families. says Wagner.

The resource center is possible because Texarkana is one of 40 Texas school districts selected to receive a Stronger Connections Grant.

Its a pilot program to see if its something that would have a lasting impact, and its meant to hit the non-academic needs of students. says Wagner.

The grant runs for the next two years and they believe the results will be apparent.

By helping the whole family we help the student to be able to achieve their dreams and we help the community as a whole too. says Wagner.

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They have plans to relocate the center sometime soon, from the current location that is being rented at 520 Texas Blvd., to a building that would be already owned by TISD. They wanted to be able to get the program up and running as soon as possible but they ultimately want to use the roughly $1,000,000 in grant funding as wisely as possible. They did not specify where the new location would be or when they would move but they did say it would still be away from campus so that families can maintain privacy.

The center will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is open to appointments or walk-ins. For more information contact Rebekah Wagner at 903-794-8473 or by email at rebekah.wagner@txkisd.net.

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DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  A train station in Damascus was once the pride of the Syrian capital, an essential link between Europe and the Arabian Peninsula during the Ottoman Empire and then a national transit hub. But more than a decade of war left it a wasteland of bullet-scarred walls and twisted steel.

The Qadam station's remaining staff say they still have an attachment to the railway and hope that it, like the country, can be revived after the swift and stunning downfall of leader Bashar Assad last month.

On a recent day, train operator Mazen Malla led The Associated Press through the landscape of charred train cars and workshops damaged by artillery fire. Bullet casings littered the ground.

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Malla grew up near the station. His father, uncles and grandfather all worked there. Eventually he was driving trains himself, spending more than 12 hours a day at work.

The train is a part of us," he said with a deep, nostalgic sigh, as he picked up what appeared to be a spent artillery shell and tossed it aside. I wouldnt see my kids as much as I would see the train.

The Qadam station was the workhorse of the iconic Hejaz Railway that was built under the Ottoman Empires Sultan Abdulhamid II in the early 1900s, linking Muslim pilgrims from Europe and Asia via what is now Turkey to the holy city of Medina in present-day Saudi Arabia. The line also transported troops and equipment for the empire that controlled large swaths of the Arabian Peninsula.

That glory was short-lived. The railway soon became a target of Arab fighters in an armed uprising during World War I backed by Britain, France and other Allied forces that eventually took down the Ottoman Empire.

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In the following decades, Syria used its section of the railway to transport people between Damascus and its second city of Aleppo, along with several towns and neighboring Jordan. While the main station, still intact a few miles away, later became a historical site and events hall, Qadam remained the busy home of the workshops and people making the railway run.

As train cars were upgraded, the old wooden ones were placed in a museum. The Qadam station, however, retained its structure of Ottoman stone and French bricks from Marseille.

But war tore it apart after Assad's crackdown on protesters demanding greater freedoms.

The army turned this into a military base, Malla said. Workers like him were sent away.

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Qadam station was too strategic for soldiers to ignore. It gave Assad's forces a vantage point on key rebel strongholds in Damascus. Up a flight of stairs, an office became a sniper's nest.

Slogans praising Assad and the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group, a key ally of the ousted leader, can still be seen on the walls.

We will kneel and kiss wherever Assad walks, one says.

The nearby neighborhood of Al-Assali is now mostly in ruins after becoming a no mans land between the station and the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk that became a rebel stronghold and was besieged and bombarded for years by government forces.

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The fighting entered the railway station at least once, in 2013. Footage widely circulated online showed rebels firing assault rifles and taking cover behind trains.

Malla and his family fled their home near the station to a nearby neighborhood. He heard the fighting but prayed that the station that had long been his family's livelihood would be left unscathed.

Assad's forces cleared the rebels from Damascus in 2018. The train station, though badly wrecked, was opened again, briefly, as a symbol of triumph and revival. Syrian state media reported that trains would take passengers to the annual Damascus International Fair. It broadcast images of happy passengers by the entrance and at the destination, but not of the station's vast damage.

Syrias railway never returned to its former prosperity under Assad, and Malla stayed away as the military maintained control of much of Qadam. After Assad was ousted and the insurgents who forced him out became the interim administration, Malla returned.

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He found his home destroyed. The station, which he described as part of my soul, was badly damaged.

What we saw was tragic, he said. "It was unbelievable. It was heartbreaking.

The train cars were battered and burned. Some were piles of scrap. The museum had been looted and the old trains had been stripped for sale on Syrias black market.

Everything was stolen. Copper, electric cables and tools  they were all gone, Malla said.

The trains' distinctive wooden panels had disappeared. Malla and others believe that Assad's fighters used them as firewood during the harsh winters.

In the former no man's land, packs of stray dogs barked and searched for food. Railway workers and families living at the train station say an urban legend spread that the dogs ate the bodies of captives that Assads notorious web of intelligence agencies killed and dumped late at night.

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Now Malla and others hope the railway can be cleared of its rubble and its dark past and become a central part of Syria's economic revival after war and international isolation. They dream of the railway helping to return the country to its former status as a key link between Europe and the Middle East.

There is much work to be done. About 90% of Syria's population of over 23 million people live in poverty, according to the United Nations. Infrastructure is widely damaged. Western sanctions, imposed during the war, continue.

But already, neighboring Turkey has expressed interest in restoring the railway line to Damascus as part of efforts to boost trade and investment.

That prospect excites Malla, whose son Malek spent much of his teenage years surviving the war. At his age, his father and uncle were already learning how to operate a steam engine.

I hope there will soon be job opportunities, so my son can be employed, Malla said. That way he can revive the lineage of his grandfather, and the grandfather of his grandfather."
AUSTIN (KXAN)  As devastating wildfires keep ripping through the Los Angeles area, fire crews from across the country are joining in the fight, including some from right here in Central Texas. Firefighters with Travis County Emergency Service Services District No. 2 are in California right now, specifically working to stop the Palisades fire that is about more than 23,000 acres burned.

Travis County ESD No. 2 Chief Nick Perkins spoke with KXANs Avery Travis and Will DuPree on Friday to give some insight into what the experience has been like since the crew has been in California.

Read a transcription of the interview below or watch in the video player above. Some responses have been edited for clarity.

Avery Travis: We know crews like yours helped make significant progress to contain these fires, really just in the last 24 hours. So what are you hearing from your folks today?

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Nick Perkins: Yes, all reports are coming out, like you guys are seeing that were making good progress on those fires and definitely things are starting to look towards improvement. So, the reports were getting back the crew that our firefighters deployed with are participating in patrolling structure protection and mopping up fires.

Will DuPree: Remind us about what day your crews from Pflugerville went to California, and also what they saw initially when they got there.

Perkins: So crews left during the weekend, and obviously thats a two-day trip. So driving consistently for two days and then stopping that night when they arrived in California, and then getting an immediate assignment the next morning and going straight to work.

Travis: Give our folks at home a bit of a sense of what your crews were seeing and feeling in those first few days before containment was where it is at now.

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Perkins: So obviously, the conditions there are somewhat unprecedented. Obviously, for crews that are used to operating in Central Texas, we just dont see conditions like that, but even from firefighters were talking to on the West Coast, this is just a significant event, even for the folks that fight and work in those environments regularly.

DuPree: And this is such a physically taxing and emotionally taxing one for any crews, including the ones that you all sent to California there, how much do you all prepare for something like this that could happen in our area?

Perkins: So, the great thing about Central Texas, and here in Travis County specifically, is all of the emergency services firefighters are trained to deal with wildfires. Weve been doing it for many decades, so we have that training. Its the same training we see across the country. So, were prepared for that, and obviously we deal with that here locally, and because we do that, were able to offer help to other areas. When those calls go out.

Travis: I want to take us back to California. I know folks here have been seeing videos coming out and watching this coverage. Are there any personal stories that your crew has seen, that theyve relayed to you that have stuck with you or jumped out, especially as your crews are interfacing with people there and not just the fires themselves?

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Perkins: You know, so limited reports on that. But what we have heard is, obviously the firefighters are grateful. Theres just a great sense of camaraderie across the country and the firefighters who have showed up to help. Its well received. Its well appreciated by the firefighters, and then obviously by the public there. They know that there are people coming to help them, and theres people from all over the country and outside the country helping as well.

DuPree: Chief Perkins, is it known how long your crews will remain out there in California?

Perkins: This is kind of standard deployment rule. So its up to 21 days, and that can involve even swapping out crews depending on their workload in the situation and the conditions. But right now, its as long as 21 days.

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The trial for a Rogers man accused of supplying a man with fentanyl who later died of an overdose has been set, according to court documents.

Enrique De Jesus Valdez, 23, was arrested on May 9 by Benton County Drug Units during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Enrique De Jesus Valdez, 23, (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center)

He was booked on aggravated assault, drug possession, intent to deliver, trafficking a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm charges. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

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Valdez has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 16 and his jury trial is set to begin on June 3.

On May 13, Valdez was additionally charged with aggravated death by delivery for his alleged involvement in the death of 19-year-old Charles Gephart.

A news release from the Rogers Police Department said the department started an investigation on November 11, 2023, into Gepharts death.

The Benton County Coroners Office originally listed Gepharts death as an accidental overdose and it was later confirmed as fentanyl intoxication.

Rogers man arrested in connection with fentanyl death pleads not guilty

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RPD said the investigation revealed that Valdez supplied the fentanyl to Gephart.

Aggravated death by delivery is a new charge that was created by the passage of Act 584 in April 2023, also known as the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act, by the Arkansas House of Representatives.

The charge is applied when a person gives fentanyl or another controlled substance to someone who dies from it, according to the law.

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Robinson said in the release that this is the first prosecution of the newly codified crime in the county.

This drug has caused tremendous damage to families across this region and this county, and my office will aggressively prosecute individuals accused of distributing and profiting from the addiction of others, Robinson said. We will not abide nor turn a blind eye to this business in our county; rather, we will actively investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations that choose to distribute this poison.

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The release said if convicted, the aggravated death by delivery charge can carry a sentence of 20 to 60 years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
India and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to fostering secure, reliable, and interoperable digital connectivity and ICT infrastructure during the US-India Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working Group meeting. The discussions held in New Delhi on Friday highlighted areas of collaboration, including advancements in 5G and 6G networks, artificial intelligence, cross-border data flows, and the promotion of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). The US Department of State in a joint statement said, "The United States and India renewed our shared commitment to open, interoperable, reliable, and secure digital connectivity and ICT infrastructure to support the growth of the digital economy during a meeting of the US-India Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working Group in New Delhi on October 17, 2024." "The 2024 ICT Working Group included discussions with private sector representatives from both countries on the promotion of secure and resilient 5G and 6G wireless networks, including through open and interoperable approaches like Open RAN and quantum communications; digital talent, collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), expanding opportunities for Indian and US Information Technology, telecommunications, electronics manufacturing, and semiconductor companies in both countries; and support for trustworthy cross-border data flows, data protection, and data privacy measures," it added. The US State Department further said that the two governments concurred on collaborating in eight areas. Recognising that fostering telecommunications supplier diversity has the potential to lower costs, improve flexibility, spur innovation, and increase options for trusted ICT suppliers, the United States and India intend to continue to promote the adoption of Open RAN at scale, including through continued discussions for the establishment of an Open RAN Academy in India. Joint efforts to promote trusted and resilient undersea cables and satellite systems, with the aim of enhancing global connectivity and supporting secure networks. Developing general principles, standards, and supporting research and development efforts for open and interoperable 6G networks. Affirming the importance of trustworthy cross-border data flows and data privacy protections to a strong digital economy and as an area for enhanced cooperation, including in fora such as the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum. Continuing cooperation to address potential obstacles to further expansion of trade and investment in the ICT sector, such as testing and certification requirements as well as restrictions on permanent roaming for Internet of Things devices. Both India and the United States noted that the cross-border movement of professionals has effectively contributed to the economic and technological partnerships between the two nations and in this context the importance of efficient visa processing. Continuing to coordinate efforts in multilateral fora and multistakeholder settings, including on the responsible use of trustworthy AI technologies and in promoting AI safety. To operationalise the US-India Global Digital Development Partnership, collaborate to facilitate and undertake joint development work in third countries in Africa and Asia focusing on emerging technologies from the Indian and the US public and private sectors and reiterated their support for the establishment of the Social Impact Fund for DPI implementation in the Global South. (ANI)
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A trial date has been specially set for an Army veteran accused of opening fire on multiple Wichita County deputies outside his home on Turkey Ranch Road in October 2021.

PREVIOUS STORY: Anthony Kienlens bonds reinstated, allowed to continue treatment

Anthony Michael Kienlen, 38, of Wichita Falls, is currently being held in the Wichita County Jail on bonds totaling more than $7 million for multiple first-degree felony counts of attempted capital murder of a peace officer.

Anthony Kienlen in the 78th District Court on Friday, Jan. 17 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

During a pre-trial hearing in the 78th District Court on Friday morning, January 17, 2025, Judge Meredith Kennedy, who has been presiding over the case, set Kienlens trial to begin on May 19, 2025, specially setting the case to take top priority.

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The charges against Kienlen stem from a standoff with the Wichita County Sheriffs Office in October 2021, in which Kienlen fired multiple shots at deputies while wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet. After around 90 minutes, Kienlen ultimately surrendered to authorities.

While no deputies were injured during the standoff, many reported hearing bullets fly by them. A neighbor reported that multiple bullets struck their home as a result of the incident.

READ MORE: Family seeks mental health care as Kienlen remains jailed

Members of Kienlens family have previously testified that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his time serving in the infantry of the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and that the events of October 13, 2021, were an attempt by Kienlen to commit suicide by police.

Anthony Kienlen in the 78th District Court on Friday, Jan. 17 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

After spending over a year behind bars, Kienlen was freed on bond in November 2022 after his initial multi-million dollar bond was reduced to around $1.6 million.

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Following a reported suicide attempt by Kienlen on September 1, 2024, in which alcohol and THC were discovered to have been in his system, Judge Kennedy ordered his bonds be declared insufficient, setting them back to their original amount, which totaled over $7 million.

READ MORE: Family, friends of Kienlen testify on events leading to standoff

Judge Kennedy allowed Kienlen to continue treatment at Red River Hospital. After his treatment was completed, he was booked back into the Wichita County Jail on September 27, 2024.

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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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Three people from Shreveport were sentenced in federal court on Friday for their involvement in a drug trafficking case.

According to the United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, the three defendants were sentenced related to an alleged drug conspiracy that resulted in the death of a man from Shreveport.

Martin William Thompson, 53; Rachel Ann Hassell, 47; and Courtney Renee Cox, 41, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and using or maintaining drug premises and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking in April 2022.

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The investigation dates back to 2021 when agents with the DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office were notified of fentanyl distribution and other illegal drugs in the Shreveport area.

On July 24, 2021, agents instructed Louisiana State Police to stop a vehicle driven by two individuals on Jewella Avenue. A search of the vehicle turned up 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl in brick form, and 639.9 grams of fentanyl pills (5,000+). These individuals reportedly made several trips to El Paso, Texas, to purchase drugs, and agents were informed that Martin Thompson had purchased the fentanyl pills.

A car crash on May 29, 2021, was reported in Greenwood, the driver was found unconscious and not breathing but did not have signs of any other injuries. The drivers son was also inside the vehicle and unharmed; however the driver died that day and the medical examiner determined the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose.

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DEA agents proved that Courtney Cox provided the fentanyl to the driver which she got from Thompson who prosecutors called her local supplier. Cox confessed to providing the fentanyl to the deceased victim and she admitted that Thompson warned her that the pills were very strong and advised her to only snort a half pill, a warning Cox said she shared with her customers, including the deceased in Greenwood.

Rachel Hassell was arrested in Shreveport in September 2021 for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, later determined to be heroin. A search warrant for Hassells phone turned up numerous messages between her and Thompson, and agents learned that Thompson was receiving large shipments of fentanyl through another co-conspirator and showed the two were working together to distribute fentanyl, heroin, meth, and marijuana. They were storing drugs at his place of business on Williamson Way in Shreveport.

Hassell also admitted that she and Thompson discussed the strength of the fentanyl and that he should tell his customers to use only a half pill at a time.

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This is the first distribution of fentanyl resulting in death conviction obtained in the Western District of Louisiana, said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Fentanyl is a hazardous drug, and just a few grains of the substance can have deadly consequences, which is, unfortunately, what happened in this case. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who possess this drug and any other illegal controlled substances and will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to disrupt these traffickers, stopping them in their tracks.

Thompson and Cox pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death and serious bodily injury. Hassell pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging her with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and using or maintaining drug premises to distribute and use fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

Thompson will serve 20 years, followed by five years of supervised release; Hassell will serve 10 years and one month, followed by five years of supervised release; Cox will serve 10 years and 1 month in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Additionally, Thompson and Cox were ordered to pay $13,234.73 in restitution to the family of the deceased victim.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (PIX11)  A truck crashed into a Target store in North Bergen, New Jersey, on Friday, injuring five people, police said.

The truck was traveling on 71st Street on the opposite side of Tonnelle Avenue when the driver either lost control or lost his brakes, police said. The truck careened across Tonnelle Avenue and slammed into the Target.

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Six people, including the driver of the truck, were injured, police said. A woman who was in the bathroom of Target was seriously injured, authorities said.

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Tonnelle Avenue was closed between 70th Street and 76th Street due to the accident.

Significant traffic delays are anticipated, and we advise the public to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes, said a spokesperson for the North Begen Police Department.

A Target spokesperson said in a statement: Were grateful for the quick response of local authorities and our thoughts are with those who were injured. Our team is safe and our store will remain closed as we assess the damage.

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.

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A pro forma session of the Maryland House of Delegates on Friday. Some Republicans claim the meetings violate the Maryland Constitution. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

A group of hardline conservatives in the House continued their campaign to end pro forma sessions for a second day Friday, and for a second day their arguments got nowhere.

Members of the Freedom Caucus  a seven-delegate subset of the House Republican Caucus  attended a scheduled pro forma session of the House Friday morning. At the end of the session, which took less than two minutes, the group attempted to question the constitutionality of such meetings but was essentially ignored.

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Del. Mark N. Fisher (R-Calvert) told a reporter Friday that the meetings violate a section of the state constitution that requires a quorum of the majority of members of the House of Delegates in order to hold a floor session.

They dont have a quorum, Fisher said, referring to the Maryland Constitution. Thats crystal clear. The question is, are Democrats violating the constitution. I think the answer is clear. At the very least, are they violating the trust of the public?

Rules for pro forma sessions were first enacted during the COVID-19 session in 2021. Pro forma meetings survive as part of the post-pandemic rules of the House and Senate. Each chamber adopts those rules at the start of each 90-day session.

Both the House and Senate have scheduled two pro forma days a week during the slow-business early weeks of the General Assembly session, though that is likely to change as the pace of work picks up. Republicans in the Senate are not challenging the sessions.

Maryland House of Delegates rule book. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Under the rules, the House and Senate can meet with three people  the presiding officer and the majority and minority leader of each party, or their designees. The trio are limited in the business that can be conducted during the abbreviated sessions and cannot pass bills.

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Under House rules adopted last week, a quorum is deemed present for a pro forma session when speaker and party leaders are present.

But Fisher said the Maryland Constitution overrides House rules. On Thursday, members of the Freedom Caucus pushed unsuccessfully to get a vote by the full House on a motion to block the scaled-back session Friday.

Fridays meeting lasted just 92 seconds, long enough to introduce legislative bond initiatives and assign them to the House Appropriations Committee and reassign one bill.

Just as House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) was about to gavel the brief session to a close, Fisher tried to raise question on whether a quorum was present.

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Instead of recognizing Fisher, Jones ended the meeting.

The video for the floor session continues for another 19 seconds, but the chambers microphones were turned off at that point, so the exchange between Jones and Fisher was only audible to reporters, delegates and staff on the floor.

You didnt recognize me, Fisher called from the floor.

Jones acknowledged that she had not.

Fisher then began to raise the constitutional issue, holding up a printed copy with the passage highlighted in yellow.

Its in the House rules, Jones said.

Fisher responded that the rules do not supersede the state constitution. Jones left the rostrum for her office.

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Afterward, Fisher said the Freedom Caucus is asking for a legal opinion about the constitutionality of pro forma sessions from both the attorney generals office as well as outside counsel. But he said he and other Freedom Caucus members are not yet contemplating legal action.

Were hoping that by pointing out the concerns some corrections are made, Fisher said.

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President-elect Trumps border czar Tom Homan said the incoming administration is going to take handcuffs off of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the inauguration next week, allowing the agency to do their job.

ICE is finally going to go out and do their job. Were going to take the handcuffs off ICE and let them go arrest criminal aliens. Thats whats going to happen, Homan said during his Friday night appearance on Fox News Jesse Watters Primetime.

Homan argued that during the previous four years, under the President Biden administration, ICE was not able to do much due to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas leadership.

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Secretary of Homeland Security has told ICE that you cant arrest an illegal alien if hes just here illegally. Hes got to be convicted of a serious crime or be a national security threat. He told immigration officers not to enforce immigration law, Homan said Well, were telling ICE youre going to enforce immigration law without apology.

ICEs first action under the new administration is reportedly coming on Tuesday.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday night that Trumps team is planning an immigration raid in Chicago to begin on Tuesday morning, citing four sources familiar with the planning. Between 100 and 200 officers will be there to carry out the operation which will last all week, the Journal reported.

There going to be big raids all across the country, Homan said on Fox News. Chicago is just one in many places. If we got 24 field offices across the country on Tuesday, you can expect ICE.

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Homan has had a contentious relationship with Chicagos Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), calling out both him and the states Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) last month.

Chicago is in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks, Homan said during the Northwest Side GOP holiday party, warning that he would prosecute Johnson if he impedes ICEs operations.

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BERLIN (Reuters) - Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor, said the second presidency of Donald Trump would bring clarity for the European Union as he hosted conservative EU heavyweights in Berlin.

"I think Trump is very predictable," Merz said at a press conference alongside Manfred Weber, head of the conservative European People's Party (EPP), the biggest lawmaker group in the European Parliament.

"In this respect, I think we can prepare ourselves for the fact that there will be a lot more clarity in the coming weeks and months and that there will of course also be many challenges," he added.

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Merz, the head of Germany's CDU/CSU conservative bloc, is in line to succeed Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose fractious coalition with the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats collapsed in November over contradictory plans to revive the nation's ailing economy.

Merz said Europe needed to unite in order to be respected in the world, especially in the United States, and that Trump's inauguration on Monday would "speed up our efforts to bring our power together and to act together."

Trump's hawkish stance should be seen as an opportunity, also in terms of joint European military procurement, he added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and conservative heads of state and government from countries including Sweden, Finland and Austria were among those attending the two-day gathering in the German capital.

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In a joint declaration, the EPP said its priorities for 2025 were for Europe to regain its competitiveness, to reduce irregular migration and to ramp up security in the face of "disinformation campaigns by foreign autocrats, terrorist attacks, organised crime and hybrid warfare at our borders."

According to a Yougov poll released this week, Merz's conservative bloc will capture 30% of the vote in the German election on Feb. 23, making it by far the most likely to lead any future coalition. Scholz's SPD is lagging behind at 18% of the vote, according to the poll.

(Reporting by Friederike Heine and Andreas Rinke; Editing by Susan Fenton)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  President-elect Donald Trump announced Penny Schwinn as his pick for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education on Saturday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced his reasonings for appointing Schwinn to the position.

Tennessee AG leading 14-state lawsuit against HIPAA rule

Trumps statement read, in part:

Penny has a strong record of delivering results for children and families. She previously served as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education and, at the Texas Education Agency, as the Deputy Commissioner of Standards and Engagement, Deputy Commissioner of Special Populations and Monitoring, and Chief Deputy Commissioner of Academics. She was also the Assistant Secretary of Education of Delaware, and holds a masters degree from Johns Hopkins, as well as a Ph.D. from Claremont.



A former teacher herself, Penny became the founding principal of a charter school, because she believes in the power of School Choice, and is committed to delivering the American Dream to the next Generation by returning Education BACK TO THE STATES.

Very disappointing news: Stewarts Creek High School band no longer performing at Presidential Inaugural Parade

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Schwinn previously worked under Gov. Bill Lee as the Tennessee Commissioner of Education from 2019 to 2023. Her role included overseeing the departments response to the coronavirus pandemic, implementing the governors controversial school voucher program and overhauling the states school funding formula.

Lee responded to the announcement in a statement on Facebook:

Donald J. Trump has made another strong choice to further his education agenda delivering school choice & finally returning power back to the states. Penny is a true conservative with a brilliant mind for education. Tennessee benefited from her service & now our country will. Gov. Bill Lee

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to the Department of Education, the position of Deputy Secretary focuses on the development and implementation of policies, programs, and activities relating to elementary and secondary education matters.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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(The Texas Tribune and ProPublica)  When President Donald Trump appeared in a New York courtroom last spring to face a slew of criminal charges, he was joined by a rotating cadre of lawyers, campaign aides, his family  and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Paxton had traveled to be with Trump for what he described on social media as a sham of a trial and a travesty of justice. Trump was facing 34 counts of falsifying records in the case, which focused on hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep her from disclosing their sexual relationship.

Its just sad that were at this place in our country where the left uses the court system not to promote justice, not to enforce the rule of law, but to try to take out political opponents, and thats exactly what theyre doing to him, Paxton said on a conservative podcast at the time.

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Theyve done it to me.

A year earlier, the Republican-led Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach Paxton over allegations, made by senior officials in his office, that he had misused his position to help a political donor. Trump was not physically by Paxtons side but weighed in repeatedly on social media, calling the process unfair and warning lawmakers that they would have to contend with him if they persisted.

When the Texas Senate in September 2023 acquitted Paxton of the impeachment charges against him, Trump claimed credit. Yes, it is true that my intervention through TRUTH SOCIAL saved Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from going down at the hands of Democrats and some Republicans  Trump posted on the social media platform he founded.

The acquittal, however, did not wholly absolve Paxton of the allegations brought by his former employees. The FBI has been investigating the same accusations since at least November 2020. And come Monday, when Trump is inaugurated for his second term, that investigation will be in the hands of his Department of Justice.

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Paxton and Trump have forged a friendship over the years, one that has been cemented in their shared political and legal struggles and their willingness to come to each others aid at times of upheaval. Both have been the subjects of federal investigations, have been impeached by lawmakers and have faced lawsuits related to questions about their conduct.

If theres one thing both guys share in common, people have been after them for a while in a big way. Theyve been under the gun. Theyve shared duress in a political setting, said Bill Miller, a longtime Austin lobbyist and Paxton friend. Theyve both been through the wringer, if you will. And I think theres a kinship there.

Neither Trump nor Paxton responded to requests for comment or to written questions. Both men have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming that they have been the targets of witch hunts by their political enemies, including fellow Republicans.

Their relationship is so cozy that Trump said hed consider naming Paxton as his U.S. attorney general pick. He ultimately chose another political ally, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

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Although Trump did not select Paxton, the two men will get yet another opportunity to have each others backs now that he has returned to office, both when it comes to the federal investigation into Paxton and pushing forward the presidents agenda.

Before and during Trumps first term, Paxton filed multiple lawsuits challenging policies passed under former President Barack Obama. He then aggressively pursued cases against President Joe Bidens administration after Trump lost reelection. Such lawsuits included efforts to stop vaccine mandates, to expedite the deportation of migrants and to block federal protections for transgender workers.

[Ken Paxton files second lawsuit against TikTok for exposing minors to explicit content]

Trump has supported Paxton over and over, not only as the Texas politician sought reelection but also as he faced various political and legal scandals. The president-elects promises to exert more control over the Justice Department, which has traditionally operated with greater independence from the White House, could mark an end to the long-running investigation into Paxton, several attorneys said.

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Justice Department and FBI officials declined to comment on the story and the status of the investigation, but as recently as August, a former attorney general staffer testified before a grand jury about the case, Bloomberg Law reported. Paxton also referenced the FBIs four-year investigation of him during a speech in late December without mentioning any resolution on the case. The fact that Paxton hasnt been indicted could signal that investigators dont have a smoking gun, one political science professor told ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, but a former federal prosecutor said cases can take years and still result in charges being filed.

As far as Im aware, this is pretty unprecedented, this level of alliance and association between those two figures, said Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Paxton walks onstage at a rally in Robstown on Oct. 22, 2022. Credit: Go Nakamura/REUTERS

Dont Count Me Out

In 2020, when then-U.S. Attorney General William Barr found no evidence to support Trumps claims that voter fraud turned the election results in his opponents favor, Paxton emerged to take up the argument.

He became the first state attorney general to challenge Bidens win in court, claiming in a December 2020 lawsuit that the increased use of mail ballots in four battleground states had resulted in voter fraud and cost Trump the election.

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Trump eagerly supported the move on social media, writing, We will be INTERVENING in the Texas (plus many other states) case. This is the big one. Our Country needs a victory!

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take the case, ruling that Texas had no legal interest in how other states conduct their elections. Trump, however, didnt forget Paxtons loyalty.

He offered Paxton his full-throated endorsement during the 2022 primary race for attorney general against then-Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush. His decision to back Paxton, who was under federal criminal investigation at the time and had been indicted on state securities fraud charges, was a major blow to Bush, the grandson and nephew of two former Republican presidents. Bush had endorsed Trump for president even though Trump defeated his father, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, in the Republican primary and repeatedly disparaged his family.

Trump properties in Florida and New Jersey served as locations for at least two Paxton campaign fundraisers over the course of that campaign. And at a rally in Robstown in South Texas, Trump repeated debunked claims that the election was stolen and said he wished Paxton had been with him at the White House at the time. He wouldve figured out that voter fraud in two minutes, Trump said.

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While Paxton pursued reelection, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort as part of an investigation into how his administration handled thousands of government documents, many of them classified. Paxton led 10 other Republican state attorneys general in intervening in court on Trumps behalf, arguing in a legal filing that the Biden administration could not be trusted to act properly in the case.

Paxton won another term in office in November 2022, but the celebration was short-lived. Six months later, the Texas House of Representatives considered impeaching him over misconduct allegations including bribery, abuse of office and obstruction related to his dealings with Nate Paul, a real estate developer and political donor. Paxton has denied any wrongdoing.

Hours before the House voted on whether to impeach Paxton, Trump weighed in on social media.

I love Texas, won it twice in landslides, and watched as many other friends, including Ken Paxton, came along with me, he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. Hopefully Republicans in the Texas House will agree that this is a very unfair process that should not be allowed to happen or proceed  I will fight you if it does. It is the Radical Left Democrats, RINOS, and Criminals that never stop. ELECTION INTERFERENCE! Free Ken Paxton, let them wait for the next election!

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Despite Trumps threat, the House voted 121-23 in May 2023 to impeach Paxton. The Senate then held a trial that September to determine Paxtons fate. Who would replace Paxton, one of the TOUGHEST & BEST Attorney Generals in the Country? Trump posted before the Senate acquitted Paxton.

Trump is among the few people who understand what its like to be under the kind of scrutiny Paxton has faced and how to survive it, Miller said.

There is that quality [they share] of, Dont count me out, he said. If youre counting me out, youre making a mistake.

On Monday, Trump will become the first president also to be a convicted felon. A jury found Trump guilty on all counts of falsifying records in the hush money case. A judge, however, ruled that he will not serve jail time in light of his election to the nations highest office.

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Trump has repeatedly decried the case, as well as the Justice Departments investigations that resulted in him being charged in June 2023 with withholding classified documents and later with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election by knowingly pushing lies that the race was stolen. Jack Smith, the special counsel who led the DOJ investigations, dropped both cases after Trumps reelection. A Justice Department policy forbids prosecutions against sitting presidents, but in a DOJ report about the 2020 election released days before the inauguration, Smith asserted that his investigators had enough evidence to convict Trump had the case gone to trial.

Not only have Paxton and Trump supported each other through turmoil that could have affected their political ambitions, they have taken similar tacks against those who have crossed them.

After surviving his impeachment trial in 2023, Paxton promised revenge against Republicans who did not stand by him. He had help from Trump, who last year endorsed a challenger to Republican Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, calling Paxtons impeachment fraudulent and an absolute embarrassment. Phelan, who has defended the Houses decision to impeach Paxton, won reelection but resigned from his speaker post.

For his part, Trump has tried a legal strategy that Paxton has employed many times, using consumer protection laws to go after perceived political adversaries. In October, Trump sued CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, saying the news organizations edits misled the public. Instead of accusing CBS of defamation, which is harder to prove, his lawsuit argues that the media company violated Texas consumer protection act, which is supposed to protect people from fraud. The case is ongoing. In moving to dismiss the case, CBS attorneys have said the Texas law was designed to safeguard people from deceptive business practices, not to police editorial decisions made by news organizations with which one disagrees. (Marc Fuller, one of the CBS attorneys, is representing ProPublica and the Tribune in an unrelated business disparagement case.)

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The move indicates a broader, more aggressive approach that the Justice Department may pursue under the Trump administration, said Paul Nolette, director of the Les Aspin Center for Government at Marquette University, who researches attorneys general.

Its a signal to me that, yes, the federal DOJ is going to follow the path of Paxton, and perhaps some other like-minded Republican AGs who have been using their office to also go after perceived enemies, Nolette said.

Paxton speaks during the AmericaFest 2024 conference, hosted by conservative group Turning Point, in Phoenix on Dec. 21. Credit: Cheney Orr/REUTERS

Cleaning House

On Dec. 21, six weeks after Trump won reelection, Paxton stepped onstage in a Phoenix convention center at the AmericaFest conference, hosted by the conservative organization Turning Point USA.

The event followed Trumps comeback win. It also represented a triumphant moment for Paxton: Hed not only survived impeachment, but prosecutors agreed earlier in the year to drop long-standing state securities fraud charges against him if he paid about $270,000 in restitution and performed community service.

But Paxton spent much of his 15-minute speech ticking off the grievances about what he claimed had been attacks on him throughout his career, including impeachment by supposed Republicans and the FBI case.

He praised Trumps selection of Bondi to run the DOJ. It was time to clean house in a federal agency that had become focused on political witch hunts and taking out people that they disagree with, Paxton said.

Before taking office, Trump threatened to fire and punish those within the Justice Department who were involved in investigations that targeted him. FBI director Christopher Wray, a Republican whom Trump appointed during his first term in office, announced in December that he would resign after the president-elect signaled that he planned to fire him. After facing similar threats, Smith, the special prosecutor who led the DOJ investigations, stepped down this month.

In his speech, Paxton made no mention of the agencys investigations into Trump, nor did he connect the DOJ to his own case. But a Justice Department that Trump oversees with a heavy-handed approach could benefit the embattled attorney general, several attorneys told ProPublica and the Tribune.

Trump could choose to pardon Paxton before the case is officially concluded. He used pardons during his first presidency, including issuing one to his longtime strategist Steve Bannon and to Charles Kushner, his son-in-laws father. Hes been vocal about his plans to pardon many of the Jan. 6 rioters on his first day in office.

More concerning, however, is if Trump takes the unusual approach of personally intervening in the federal investigation, something presidents have historically avoided because it is not a political branch of government, said Mike Golden, who directs the Advocacy Program at the University of Texas School of Law.

Any Trump involvement would be more problematic because it would happen behind closed doors, while a pardon is public, Golden said.

If the president pressures the Department of Justice to drop an investigation, a meritorious investigation against a political ally, that weakens the overall strength of the system of justice in the way a one-off pardon really doesnt, Golden said.

Michael McCrum, a former federal prosecutor in Texas who did not work on the Paxton case, said wed be fools to think that Mr. Paxtons relationship with the Trump folks and Mr. Trump personally wouldnt play some factor in it.

I think that the case is going to die on the vine, McCrum said.

Miller, Paxtons friend, agreed.

I would expect his troubles are behind him.

Disclosure: Southern Methodist University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/17/trump-ken-paxton-doj-investigation/.

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.

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Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 17 aircraft and six naval vessels of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating around the island as of 6 am (UTC+8) today. Among them, 13 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, "17 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today." The post added, "13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1880419836930720102 MND on Friday detected 13 PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). Among the detected aircraft, 11 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In recent weeks, China has been visibly boosting its ability to invade Taiwanese beaches with innovative new naval equipment. This includes the formal launching of an enormous landing helicopter assault (LHA) vessel, the likes of which no other navy in the world possesses, and mass production of floating bridge docks to assist the unloading of ships during beach landings. Both type of equipment are strong indications that China is serious about one day invading Taiwan. The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. (ANI)
President-elect Donald Trump probably will visit the Los Angeles area this week to view the wildfire damage, he said Saturday. The trip is expected to be his first outside the nation's capital after being inaugurated Monday.

I will be, probably, at the end of the week. I was going to go, actually yesterday, but I thought it would be better if I went as president, Trump told NBCs Kristen Welker in a phone interview. Its a little bit more appropriate, I suspect.

Representatives for Trump did not respond to requests for comment Saturday.

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At least 27 people have died and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed during the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and surrounding communities. Asked whether he would sign disaster relief for the region after being inaugurated, Trump said his response will include conditions such as policy changes in California.

We're going to be [looking] at it from a lot of standpoints, he said. We're going to be demanding that the water be released from the north into the lower parts of California.

Asked whether he has spoken with Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom Trump has called on to resign over his wildfire response, the president-elect said he had not.

Newsoms office invited Trump on Jan. 10 to view the devastation.

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The governor's office said that the president-elects transition team acknowledged receipt of the invitation but had not otherwise responded.

As our invitation says, we hope Trump comes to California to see the devastation, to meet firefighters and survivors, and to get the facts instead of sniping from the sidelines, the governors office said in a statement Saturday.

Times staff writer Taryn Luna in Sacramento contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has sharply criticized California's response to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, on Saturday said he would most likely pay a visit to the area next week after his inauguration.

The fires have killed at least 27 people as of Friday and destroyed more than 10,000 structures in the residential enclaves of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

"I will be (going), probably, at the end of the week," Trump, a Republican who will be inaugurated on Monday, told NBC in an interview.

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"I was going to go ... yesterday but I thought it would be better if I went as president. It's a little bit more appropriate, I suspect."

California Governor Gavin Newsom last week invited Trump to visit the area, saying people should not "politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines".

As the blaze raged, Trump demanded that Newsom, a Democrat, resign, claiming his policies caused a water shortages that hampered fire-fighting efforts. Newsom said the charges were groundless.

Trump also accused Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of incompetence and said President Joe Biden had left him no money in the Federal Emergency Management Agency budget.

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The wildfires, which began on Jan. 7, spread quickly under dry conditions and extremely strong Santa Ana winds. Los Angeles officials told most evacuees on Thursday to stay away from their homes at least another week.

Estimates of the damage range anywhere from $20 billion to $45 billion. Rents have surged and uncertainty over insurance settlements has left some of the displaced in limbo.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Donald Trumps supporters were feeling a little left out in the cold Friday after the president-elect announced his inauguration ceremony was moving indoors due to predictions of severely low temperatures.

In two interviews Friday, MSNBC spoke with a few disappointed MAGA fans on the streets of Washington, D.C., who were coming to terms with the fact that they would not be able to watch Trump be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

I mean, we came all the way to Washington from Oklahoma, and you know, now were not going to see it? said one man. We might as well have stayed home and watched it on TV!

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Its actually something weve been looking forward to for historical purposes, and being a part of it, thats once in a lifetime, a different man said. Another man with him chimed in, Absolutely!

Made all the plans, all the arrangements to come up and be a part of this event, the first man continued. And all of a sudden to hear that its being indoors, thats

Were prepared for the weather! interjected the second man.

While Trumps fans arent pleased, everyone else just thinks its funny that the man obsessed with crowd size might have a severely underwhelming turnout.

Dans Cafe, a local Washington bar, noted on X that for Trumps fans, the walls of the U.S. Capitol never presented much of a barrier to entry.

Screenshot of a tweet

Others were shocked by Trumps apparent lack of resilience.

Screenshot of a tweet

While others thought it seemed very unpresidential to avoid the cold.
The Trump administration is reportedly planning to begin its promised campaign of unprecedented mass deportations with a series of raids in Chicago.

The raids will begin the day after the Republican is inaugurated, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The operation will include as many as 200 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and will target scores of migrants, including those with low-level criminal histories that wouldve been deemed low priority by the Biden administration.

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Chicago was chosen because of its large immigration population and because of the incoming administrations public feud with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, sources told the paper.

The Independent has contacted the Trump transition team and ICE for comment.

An estimated 18 percent of Chicagos more than 2.6 million residents are foreign-born.

Trump administration reportedly singled out Chicago for raids because of its high immigrant popularity and past spat with Trump immigration czar (Getty Images)

In December, incoming immigration czar Tom Homan told a group of local Republicans that the Trump administration deportation program was going to start right here in Chicago, and threatened to prosecute Johnson.

If your Chicago mayor doesnt want to help, he can step aside, he reportedly said. But if he impedes us  if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien  I will prosecute him.

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Johnson, in response, noted that Chicago is a sanctuary city which limits the ability of local police to be enlisted to carry out federal immigration enforcement.

What the Trump administration has called for is for local police departments around the country to behave as ICE agents. In sanctuary cities, that is not permissible, Johnson told CNN.

If there is someone here in this country that commits a violent crime and they are undocumented, they are in the hands of the law, he added. That is clear.

Conservatives have long singled out Chicago as a target of criticism over what they see as emblematic issues in large liberal cities, and Texas has sent over 50,000 migrants on buses from the border to the city in protest of the Biden administrations immigration policies.

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At the peak, around 15,000 migrants were living in city shelters, though numbers have since fallen considerably.

As The Independent has reported, civil rights and immigrant advocates are warning that the Trump administration plans to flood the zone with unprecedented immigration actions, including ending birthright citizenship, restarting family separation, and relying on spurious public health groups to drastically cut asylum.
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump headed to Washington on Saturday ahead of his inauguration on a U.S. military airplane supplied by U.S. President Joe Biden, as the outgoing president emphasized sticking with traditional transition norms.

Trump will arrive in Washington on Saturday evening for celebrations to mark his return to office on Monday.

For the occasion, he is ditching his navy and crimson "Trump Force One" he often flies in favor of a government plane Biden sent to Florida. Biden has stressed to his officials that they must work with Trump's transition team, a sharp contrast to the last transition when Trump refused to attend the inauguration or acknowledge Biden's win.

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Both planes sat on the tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport before Trump's departure Saturday. Trump's son Eric and Eric's wife Lara boarded the private plane.

For his less than three-hour flight to Washington Dulles International Airport, Trump will fly aboard a specially configured Boeing 757-200 in trademark blue and white colors and bearing the words "United States of America."

His daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were spotted boarding that aircraft Saturday afternoon.

It is the same model aircraft that's called Air Force Two when flown by the vice president but is also used by the first lady, cabinet members and other high-ranking officials.

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It is the norm for presidents-elect to take such a government-provided plane to their inauguration, though Biden did not.

In 2021, Biden had planned to arrive by train but the plan was canceled after the Secret Service raised security concerns after thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a bid to overturn his election defeat.

The Trump administration offered no plane and Biden ended up taking a private jet to Washington, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Photographs from Trump's 2017 arrival in the Washington area to take office for his first term showed that he used a similar U.S. aircraft then.

The White House and the U.S. Air Force could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Nathan Layne, Trevor Hunnicutt and David Shepardson; Editing by Heather Timmons and Deepa Babington)
President-elect Donald Trump on Friday used his Truth Social platform to reveal that he wants Peggy Schwinn to serve as the deputy secretary of education in his new administration.

But his announcement didnt get a passing grade, as he misstated the name of his own pick, former Tennessee Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn.

Trump, who praised Schwinns strong record of delivering results for children and families and pointed to her resume, repeatedly referred to his pick as Peggy in the post.

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A former teacher herself, Peggy became the founding principal of a charter school, because she believes in the power of School Choice, and is committed to delivering the American Dream to the next Generation by returning Education BACK TO THE STATES, Trump wrote.

Congratulations to Peggy and her wonderful family!

The post with the Peggy error remained on Truth Social as of early Saturday morning.

Trump has a history of fumbling or outright forgetting names, once misspelling his own name on social media.

Last year, after questioning President Joe Bidens mental acuity and urging him to take a cognitive test, Trump referred to Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas)  a White House physician for part of his own first term in the Oval Office  as Ronny Johnson.

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Trump, while on the 2024 campaign trail, memorably mixed up the names of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) and ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) before suggesting that he purposely meant to interpose their names. (Criticsnoted that he didnt accurately use the word interpose at the time).

Trump has also called officials by the wrong name as they sat next to him, referred to his future vice presidential running mate JD Vance as JP and JD Mandel, called former President Jimmy Carter Jimmy Connors and used the name Rick Gates while talking about then-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).

Related...
Donald Trump will launch the largest migrant deportation operation in US history with post-inauguration immigration raids in a Democrat-led sanctuary city next week.

Operation Safeguard, the first step in the president-elects crackdown, will begin in Chicago on Tuesday, which is the day after Mr Trump is inaugurated, and end on the following Monday.

Hundreds of federal agents were asked to volunteer to take part in the post-inauguration operation in a message sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency staff.

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About 150 agents are being sent to Left-leaning Chicago, which has refused to hand over detained migrants to federal immigration authorities because it is a sanctuary city, the New York Times reported.

Chicago is a sanctuary city for migrants - Armando L Sanchez/Shutterstock

Don Terry, the Chicago police spokesman, said officers would not intervene or interfere with any other government agencies performing their duties.

But he added that it does not document immigration status and will not share information with federal immigration authorities.

The incoming Trump administration wants to send a signal that it is coming down hard on undocumented migrants and to punish the sanctuary cities. It will first target those with a criminal record.

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The planned raids were first reported by the Wall Street Journal. A source told the newspaper that there would be raids all across the United States, and not just in Chicago.

Were going to be doing operations all across the country, the source said. Youre going to see arrests in New York. Youre going to see arrests in Miami.

At an event in Chicago, Tom Homan, Trumps border tsar, said: If the Chicago mayor doesnt want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us, if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien, I will prosecute him.

Mr Homan has said the public should expect shock and awe in the early days of the new presidency after Mr Trump vowed to deport millions of illegal immigrants.

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The border tsar has promised that the administration will even deport undocumented parents of US-born children, who qualify as citizens.

Mr Homan said: New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the major cities in this country are still sanctuary cities.

If theyre not going to help us, then well just double the manpower in those cities.

Migrants turn themselves in to US Customs and Border Patrol officers - Brandon Bell/Getty

Republican-run states are expected to volunteer National Guard members to help with the mass deportation. Mr Trumps team also plans to reassign other federal agents and deputise local police officers to aid with the crackdown.

Within moments of my inauguration, we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, Mr Trump said earlier this month.

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The mass deportation operation will still face financial and logistical hurdles, according to the New York Times.

In his first term, Mr Trump often threatened US-wide deportation raids. In 2019, he pushed a plan targeting about 2,000 illegal migrants but only 35 were detained.

That year, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported more than 267,000 people, which was the highest annual total in the first Trump term.

Barack Obama deported more than 400,000 people in one year during his administration.

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President-elect Trump will be inaugurated inside the Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20 among a crowd of lawmakers, world leaders and allies. The decision to move the event inside the walls of Congress comes as a snowstorm and frigid temperatures are expected to envelop Washington over the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to rally at 22 degrees Fahrenheit during Trump and Vice President-elect Vances Monday oath of office. President Obama was sworn in outside amid a cold front with temperatures at 28 degrees for his 2009 inauguration.

President Ronald Reagan was the last commander-in-chief to be inaugurated indoors 40 years ago when he began his second term.

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Various celebrities and business moguls are expected to be in attendance at the 2025 inaugural events including performers Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and the Village People. Mark Zuckerburg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are also slated to attend the weeks festivities.

Trumps restructured ceremony will be closed to the public but available for viewing online. NewsNation will air the event on cable channels, their website and streaming platforms.

C-Span will also offer live coverage as will NBC News.

A full list of Mondays events can be found below:

St. Johns Church Service

Tea at the White House

Swearing-In Ceremony at US Capitol

Farewell to the Former President and Vice President

US Capitol Departure Ceremony

The Presidents Signing Room Ceremony

JCCIC Congressional Luncheon

The Presidents Review of the Troops

Presidential Parade

Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House

Commander in Chief Ball

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks

Liberty Inaugural Ball

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks

Starlight Ball

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

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Updated at 8:27 p.m. EST.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Protesters are set to descend on Washington, D.C., on Saturday ahead of President-elect Trumps inauguration, an event that will lay bare how the resistance has changed in the eight years since he first took office.

Organizers of the Peoples March, which is being put together by a diverse coalition of groups including the Womens March, expect roughly 50,000 attendees Saturday  a stark contrast to the 500,000 that marched on Washington in 2017.

Experts say the difference reflects a shift in strategy in how they oppose Trump, as well fatigue among some advocates. But the numbers also point to how things have changed on the grassroots level as Trump returns to the White House.

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A lot of things are different, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of the Womens March.

Middleton said the reaction to Trumps second win feels different from 2017, with emotions ranging from outrage to grief and feelings of isolation.

Our work as organizations this time around has been not to capture the energy of all these people who are being activated, but this time actually, our work has been to keep people from being demobilized, to keep people engaged and to give people something to hope for, she said.

Protesters are set to gather at different kickoff locations in D.C. this weekend and will ultimately converge on the Lincoln Memorial in what organizers have described as a day of joyful resistance, community building, and powerful action. Other cities are planning similar demonstrations.

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But Saturdays march isnt expected to have the same fervor that galvanized the party in 2017 when more than a million people took to the streets in Washington and elsewhere to protest his 2016 victory.

That election shook many women in particular who had hoped to elect their first female president and who loathed Trump for comments he made about groping women following a leaked Access Hollywood tape.

Democratic operatives and advocates alike attributed the difference in numbers to a variety of factors, with some noting that organizers are adopting a whole host of strategies to counter Trump, with protests being just one part of that.

Keya Chatterjee, a co-founder and executive director of a group called Free DC thats launching at the Peoples March, said her organization has been offering orientations since November where hundreds of people are showing up.

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I see, actually, more energy than Ive ever seen, she said. But its not just to do the same thing again that took us to where we were. Its actually to learn and do better, and this time, I think that we know what it takes, which is, frankly, you know  it is, yes, to gather at protests sometimes, but it makes more sense for us to do that in ways that build our community and that are focused on our community.

Chatterjee said organizing takes different shapes, such as having conversations with neighbors about political issues.

Kelly Dittmar, director of research and scholar at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, suggested were not likely to see the same level of unity around gender that we saw in 2017 in part because weve seen persistent divisions among women.

The idea that theres not one singular womens movement or set of agendas  a set of priorities among all women, so it makes it hard to engage in collective action among all women as an entity or as an identity, Dittmar said. And so I think that you know that that complexity is probably reflected in the Peoples March, right, vs. the Womens March, and also, more generally, just kind of how women will organize.

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She also suggested some advocates might have different views on the best way to counter Trump at this point and noted that a lot of advocates and activists are already exhausted.

I think there are activists and advocates who, you know, might be mobilized by Donald Trumps election, but dont see this particular march  as the most effective way to push back, she said.

Some experts also see the changing numbers as indicative of the fact that some people are waiting to see how Trumps second term in office unfolds.

But organizers are quick to dispute the idea that a smaller attendance this weekend represents any kind of setback to the broader resistance movement to Trump.

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Seeing a smaller turnout than the largest single-day protest in this countrys history would not signify a downturn or weakness of the movement, according to one of the coalitions answers to a question on its FAQ page about what marches accomplish.

As advocates have navigated the changing political landscape over the last eight years, some have also grappled with turmoil within their own ranks. The Womens March over the years has been rocked by allegations of antisemitism and concerns over inclusivity, and three of its leaders have stepped down.

While the Womens March has handled the logistics of this years event, the Peoples March also includes a number of other groups like Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club and Popular Democracy in Action, according to the coalition.

We are sharper about our political values, and even with that, have been able to, with this march, build a coalition that is broad, Middleton said about this years event, noting it includes both centrist and progressive groups.

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The Peoples March and its starkly different presence in Washington this time around come amid a broader mix of reactions to how Democrats and advocates alike are handling Trumps returns to the White House.

Several prominent members of the party, including former first lady Michelle Obama and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), are expected to skip the president-elects second inauguration. Some Democrats, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), are already positioning themselves as a bulwark against Trump.

But other Democrats have suggested theyre willing to work with the Trump administration but wont be afraid to fight back when needed, including Govs. Gretchen Whitmer (D) of Michigan and Wes Moore (D) of Maryland.

I think its a fairly meaningless thing to say, since we have no idea what Trumps going to do, said Democratic pollster Anna Greenberg, speaking about some of Democrats messaging on working with Trump.

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I do think that for the next two years in particular, what we need is actually a lot of party unity, and, in particular, in the House, she said. And so far Ive seen it.

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Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has alleged that there was a conspiracy to kill her and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, the moment she was ousted from power. "Rehana and I survived - just 20-25 minutes apart we escaped death", Sheikh Hasina said on an audio speech posted on the Facebook page of her Bangladesh Awami League party late on Friday. In August last year, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. Hasina, 76, fled to India and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. Sheikh Hasina recalled that there were conspiracies to kill her at various times. "I just feel that surviving the killings on August 21, or surviving the huge bomb in Kotalipara, surviving on this time August 5, 2024, there must be a will of Allah, a hand of Allah", she said. "Otherwise, I'm not going to survive this time!" she added. "You later saw how they planned to kill me", Hasina said. "However, it seems to be a mercy of Allah that I am still alive because Allah wants me to do something more", she said. "Although I am suffering, I am without my country, without my home, everything has been burned", she said in an emotionally tearful voice. Sheikh Hasina's security was very high as she escaped several assassination plots. The 2004 Dhaka grenade attack took place at an anti-terrorism rally organized by Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004. The attack left 24 dead and more than 500 injured. The attack was carried out at 5:22 pm after Sheikh Hasina, the then leader of opposition had finished addressing a crowd of 20,000 people from the back of a truck. Hasina also sustained some injuries in the attack. The Kotalipara bomb was another plot to kill Sheikh Hasina that she referred to in her audio message. The 76kg bomb was recovered on July 21, 2000, and two days later, the 40 kg bomb was recovered at Sheikh Lutfor Rahman Ideal College in Kotalipara, where Awami League President and the then leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina was supposed to address the rally on July 22, 2000. (ANI)
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, expected to begin its first phase Sunday, has brought relief to the international community but questions about whether the truce will hold  an issue that President-elect Trump will have to oversee when he takes office next week.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a fragile three-phase agreement to return hostages and prisoners, and establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Trump, who took credit for the ceasefire deal, as did President Biden, appears to have wanted to take office with the conflict behind him, but he will now have to manage the details of a tense pact that could take months to resolve. He will also have to work closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a complicated domestic situation in Israel.

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John Hannah, senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), said Trump may have to take interest in fully implementing the plan.

Now he inherits the deal, which has still yet to be executed and implemented in all its different phases, and so my guess is hes going to now be invested in seeing this deal succeed all the way through Phase 2, Hannah said in a Thursday webinar. Hes not going to want to see a restart of this war on his watch.

Trump could also be persuaded to show interest if its tied to an incentive, such as Israel normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, a process that was halted by the war and would be a huge diplomatic success for his administration.

If this gets wrapped into broader normalization, then theres a possibility that he will maintain interest, said Osamah Khalil, chair of the international relations program at Syracuse University. But if it doesnt look like the Saudis are going to move forward, or that the price is too high for them to put significant pressure on Netanyahu, then you can see him losing interest.

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The outgoing Biden administration is hoping that Trump will continue the work done this week and in November, when a similar fragile ceasefire was reached with Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that the Trump administration must ensure there is a lasting peace in the region.

For the incoming administration, I think it will be important to continue to show here is one path, and what can be achieved by following that path, and then theres another, which is perpetual violence, destruction, terrorism, despair for people, he said in his final press conference.

Thats the choice. I think weve 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.

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The deal was confirmed by Netanyahus full Cabinet late Friday.

The agreement comes after 15 months of brutal fighting between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Palestinian militant groups deadly attacks on southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages.

Since then, more than 46,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to the health ministry, and much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble. Palestinians in Gaza are also struggling with a humanitarian aid crisis.

Democrats with concerns about the toll of the war on Gaza have urged all parties to uphold the agreement and are likely to try to pressure Trump to see the agreement through.

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Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, had serious concerns about the ceasefire holding.

I sincerely hope that it does, he said. The U.S. must work very hard to make sure that it does.

Trumps Republican allies are equally cautious about any ceasefire lasting.

As Reagan said, trust but verify, said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Theres some cautious optimism.

The contours of the ceasefire deal struck this week were largely the same as those Biden announced in May 2024, after months of haggling between and Israel and Hamas over reaching another deal following a brief November 2023 truce that freed some 100 hostages.

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After Trump won election in early November, his team became directly involved in helping to reach another truce. Trumps strong rhetoric also seemed to move things along, as he warned of all hell to pay if the hostages were not returned.

Trump dispatched his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to the region to help with ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, along with Biden official Amos Hochstein. Experts interviewed in this story said Trump appeared to be the dominant factor in getting the deal over the finish line, along with his willingness to exercise leverage that Biden never did.

In the months ahead, however, the U.S.-Israeli relationship is likely to be tested as Netanyahu weighs implementing the deal fully against his far-right coalition. It has largely opposed executing the agreement and wants to destroy Hamas, the other war objective besides freeing the hostages.

Annelle Sheline, a research fellow in the Middle East program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Trumps influence could be decisive in pressuring Netanyahu, whose country relies on U.S. military aid, should he choose to exercise that power.

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My concern  was that Trumps interest in the deal only extends as far as inauguration, that it would not outlast Monday, she said. I hope that Im wrong and that Trump actually is interested in achieving a deal. Hes talked about the possibility of winning a Nobel Peace Prize for this, but for that, he would need the ceasefire to actually hold.

About 94 hostages are expected to still be held in Gaza. In the agreement, the first phase will last some six weeks and see the return of 33 of the most vulnerable hostages, including women, children and the elderly, in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The second phase includes the release of the next round of hostages, likely men and male soldiers, along with a permanent end to the war. A ceasefire holds if negotiations continue.

This second phase will be crucial and could easily fracture during the talks. Experts are extremely pessimistic that a deal can be carried out until the end.

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Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, said the agreement was an initial, fragile step in a complex and volatile process, predicting tensions around hostage and prisoner exchanges.

Both sides will likely face significant internal pressures to advance to the next phase, even as the risk of hostilities reigniting remains high, he said in an email. Both Israel and Hamas will maintain military presence in Gaza throughout the first phase of the agreement, leaving open the strong possibility that fighting could resume.

The third phase will also be tricky, as Hamas will return the bodies of deceased hostages in return for a postwar Gaza reconstruction plan.

The question of how Gaza should be handled after the war has vexed Netanyahu, and he has repeatedly pledged to retain indefinite security control over the coastal strip.

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Under the preliminary agreement, Israel is expected to withdraw from most parts of Gaza but maintain some buffer zone for security. The critical Philadelphi Corridor at the Gaza-Egypt border and the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza are only expected to be Israeli-held during negotiations.

Its unclear how the final security agreements will look, including if an international coalition is needed to keep the peace and rule Gaza. And its unclear who will carry out and pay for reconstruction in Gaza.

The ceasefire deals vagueness has frustrated both Israelis and Palestinians, who both see the reached agreement as failing to address their most serious concerns.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian American and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the deal does nothing for Palestinian freedom and fails to create an effective day-after plan for Gaza that would rid it of Hamas. He argued it was dire for Palestinians in Gaza to secure a new government and political structure that involves the Palestinian Authority that governs the West Bank, with help from an international Arab-led coalition.

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Alkhatib said he has little confidence in Trump but hopes there will be enough pressure to not entirely forget about the Gaza Strip and to remain engaged.

My concern is that Trumps team will forget about Gaza and move on to the regional aspects, he said. As long as this is out of the headlines, as long as the hostages have been returned, they will absolutely potentially move on from this, and that concerns me greatly and immensely, not because theyre incapable of doing something, but because they will not prioritize the Gaza Strip in this way.

Ruth Wasserman Lande, a former member of Knesset who lives in Israel, also said the deal was not good because it allows Hamas to continue threatening Israel. She said at the very least there must be a buffer zone to protect Israeli citizens after the war.

Lande said there is little choice but to trust Trump.

He said he will help Israel. I put my full trust in him, hoping that he would do what I feel is necessary. And he did say that Hamas should not be in existence, she said. What they will do remains to be seen, and I hope they will do the right things.

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President-elect Trump is expected to make good on his promises to pardon at least some Jan. 6 rioters on Monday once he assumes the presidency and kicks off his second term in the White House.

Though Trump and his top deputies have kept it vague on which rioters he intends to grant clemency, theyve insisted he plans to take a case-by-case approach to reviewing the files of nearly 1,600 defendants accused of storming the Capitol while Congress certified the presidential election win of his Democratic opponent, President Biden, in 2020.

The rioters, whom Trump has claimed are political prisoners, span nonviolent misdemeanor offenders to extremist group leaders convicted of plotting to forcibly oppose the governments authority.

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Heres what to know about the potential pardons to come.

Who could be pardoned?

Presidents are granted broad authority to issue pardons and other clemency, meaning that Trump faces little restriction in issuing pardons to his supporters who played a role in the Capitol attack.

Though Jan. 6 defendants who only faced misdemeanor charges are the likeliest recipients of a pardon, the Justice Department has not stated exactly how many of those defendants exist. Somewhat clarifying is the DOJs statistic that 682 of the 1,009 people who have pleaded guilty only pleaded out to misdemeanors.

Rioters were commonly charged with only misdemeanors if they trespassed in the Capitol but did not engage in violence or destruction.

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Pardons get more complicated for rioters who were charged with violence. More than 600 Jan. 6 defendants have been charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding police, including nearly 200 who carried dangerous or deadly weapons, from tasers and pepper spray to firearms, axes and makeshift weapons.

Pam Bondi, Trumps pick for attorney general, said during her confirmation hearing Wednesday that she would review each case individually if asked by Trump to consult but condemned the rioters who attacked law enforcement.

Let me be very clear in speaking to you: I condemn any violence on a law enforcement officer in this country, Bondi said.

Extremist group leaders in the mix

Most unclear is whether leaders of extremist groups convicted of seditious conspiracy, or plotting to forcibly oppose the authority of the government, will be granted any clemency.

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Ten people, all members of the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers, were convicted of sedition  the tour de force of the Justice Departments wide-sweeping Jan. 6 prosecution.

The convictions marked the first time since 1995 that federal prosecutors won a guilty verdict on the rare Civil War-era charge, when they convicted Islamic militants who schemed to bomb New York City landmarks.

Ex-Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio and a top deputy, Joe Biggs, have formally requested pardons from the president-elect. Tarrio is serving 22 years in prison, while Biggs was sentenced to 17 years.

Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, wrote in a Thursday op-ed for the right-wing blog Gateway Pundit that Trump should pardon all Jan. 6 defendants  even the violent ones.

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All were denied a fair trial, so all should be pardoned and made whole, he argued.

On social media, rioters and their political allies have similarly urged no man left behind. An advocacy group for Jan. 6 defendants, founded by rioter Jake Lang, held a conference on the anniversary of the attack which featured prominent right-wing figures and spread the same message.

What Trump, Vance have said

Trump and his allies have stayed relatively mum about which rioters will be granted clemency, but a blanket pardon for everyone who participated in the attack seems less and less likely.

The president-elect has said he intends to pardon most rioters but that there could be some exceptions  though he has not publicly ruled any out, including for more serious offenders.

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However, Vice President-elect Vance last week said that people who committed violence on Jan. 6, should obviously not receive pardons.

And theres a little bit of a gray area there, he said.

However, following outrage from some Jan. 6 supporters, he added that he and Trump care about people unjustly locked up.

Yes, that includes people provoked and it includes people who got a garbage trial, he wrote on the social media platform X.

Future prosecutions in question

Even if Trumps Jan. 6 pardon plan becomes apparent on Day One, questions will remain about the future of the Justice Departments prosecution of the Capitol attack.

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Hundreds of Jan. 6 cases are still pending in federal court, and the government is also mulling bringing charges against as many as 200 more people for their roles in the Capitol attack, including for some 60 individuals suspected of assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

Trumps Justice Department could decide to halt all remaining prosecutions or drop charges for some defendants who have not yet gone to trial. Or it could decide to let some cases move forward.

But either way, the rhetoric espoused in court filings and courtrooms by Bidens Justice Department will likely shift once Trump takes over.

While federal prosecutors under Biden have described the Capitol attack as a crime of historic magnitude, the president-elect has called rioters political prisoners, and Jan. 6, a day of love.

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(Bloomberg) -- Hours before a deadline that would require TikTok to be divested or shut down, the incoming White House administration offered a lifeline to the widely used video-sharing app  in contrast to last-minute criticism from the outgoing Biden administration.

Most Read from Bloomberg

President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the law, giving Chinese-owned parent company Bytedance Ltd. more time to find a buyer. Trump also told NBC in an exclusive interview that hed probably announce it on Monday, after he is sworn in.

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The law passed in April gives ByteDance until Jan. 19 to divest TikTok or be shut down. After the Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, TikTok warned it would go dark on Sunday without any clear signals from the current White House occupant, President Joe Biden.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who on Friday said that the timing of the Supreme Court ruling dictates that they leave this decision to their successor, called TikToks threat to shut itself off a stunt in a statement on Saturday.

But Trump has said he doesnt want to shut down the app, which he credits with helping him improve his standing with young voters, and is working to figure out a way around the law. The law passed with broad Republican support and was designed to address national security concerns.

I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate, Trump said, according to NBC. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation.

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ByteDance can agree to sell the apps US operations  a path the company has rejected  or wait to see if Trump indeed gives them a reprieve.

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.

The platform was among the topics Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed during a pre-inauguration conversation on Friday, Trump officials said.

Finding a buyer for TikTok would be a challenge, not just because ByteDance has balked at the idea of selling but because of the expected price tag. Few companies or individuals could likely afford TikTok, which is estimated to be worth as much as $50 billion.

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Perplexity Bid

Perplexity AI submitted a bid to ByteDance Ltd., to merge with its US operations and create a new entity, a person with knowledge of the matter said Saturday. The structure would allow most of ByteDances existing investors to retain their stakes, according to CNBC, citing a person familiar.

Perplexity AI, an artificial-intelligence search-engine startup, started 2024 with a roughly $500 million valuation and ended the year worth about $9 billion, CNBC said.

A merger with TikTok could give Perplexity access to a vast user base and a wealth of data that could feed its AI-driven search engine. TikToks burgeoning e-commerce operations would also be a potential complement to Perplexitys efforts to get people to shop on its platform.

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Even so, the deal would be unusual  and very difficult to pull off  for a business of Perplexitys age and size. Funders typically back startups like Perplexity with an eye to an exit, such as a sale or an initial public offeringrather than the kind of complex financial maneuvers that a merger with TikTok would entail.

Another possibility is a billionaire acquirer, such as 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 publicly trumpeted 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.

Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew posted a video to the service a few hours after the Supreme Court ruling.

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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.

--With assistance from Rachel Metz.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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The four years between Donald Trumps first term in office and his second were marked by an extraordinary political shift in Florida.

In January 2021, President Joe Biden entered the White House with Florida ostensibly still on the map of battleground states. Republicans held power in Tallahassee, but by simple majorities in the state House and Senate.

Republican state officials were openly antagonistic toward the Biden presidency, fighting the federal government on immigration policy, health care, COVID-19 vaccines and a slew of other issues.

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Voters approved of the states conservative direction and disapproved of Democrats' vision for the country. By 2024, Florida had Republican supermajorities in the Legislature and a voting population that went to Trump by 13 points.

With Trump set to retake the presidency Monday, the MAGA politics of Washington will again be aligned with Tallahassee.

There will be a much higher level of collaboration between state and federal government these next four years, said U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee, a Republican who represents a congressional district that covers part of Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties.

But what does a second Trump administration mean for Florida? The returning president has already signaled hell be making some big moves that could have outsized effects on the Sunshine State.

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Here are four key areas to watch.

Immigration

As a candidate, Trump vowed to enact the largest deportation program in American history.

Florida is among the states with the largest population of immigrants living in the country illegally.

This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans for a special session in which he called for state laws requiring local officials to participate in deportations under penalty of suspension from office. DeSantis also wants the Legislature to create a statewide immigration officer to oversee collaboration between the state and the feds.

We must seize the opportunity to work with the new Trump Administration and to hit the ground running and end the illegal immigration crisis, DeSantis posted to X Wednesday.

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That collaboration stands in contrast to how the state and federal government handled the immigration issue under Biden. DeSantis routinely criticized Biden for the spike in crossings at Americas southern border under his watch. He sent state law enforcement to help federal agents apprehend thousands of migrants at the border.

In 2022, the governor made national news when an initiative used state taxpayer money to fly migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts. (Some of the migrants said they were convinced to take the flight under false pretenses; DeSantis' office has denied that claim.)

With a federal administration that supports the same approach on the border as he does, DeSantis wont have to go his own way on immigration.

Health care

Health care was another area in which the Republicans in Tallahassee repeatedly butted heads with the Biden administration.

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Top federal officials urged Americans to get vaccinated for COVID-19, while DeSantis' surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, warned about what he described as the dangers of the vaccines. DeSantis pushed for a state grand jury investigation into vaccine manufacturers. (The investigation, which wrapped earlier this month, resulted in no charges.)

There was a stalemate over prescription drug shipments from Canada. Florida officials applied to import the drugs, and Biden administration officials spent years considering the proposal before ultimately approving it in January. As of November, state officials had not activated the program.

The DeSantis and Biden administrations also fought over access to KidCare, a joint state and federal program that gives discounted health care to kids whose families make a bit too much money to qualify for traditional Medicaid.

In 2024, the Biden administration finalized a rule requiring states to keep kids enrolled in KidCare even if their families cant pay for premiums. Florida officials challenged this rule in a case that is ongoing. Its not clear how the incoming Trump administration will handle the KidCare dispute.

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But in general, the Trump administration is expected to take a much more Republican-friendly approach to health care.

For instance, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, whos close to the president-elect, said he expects the federal government to allow for Medicaid work requirements  long a policy goal of conservatives. (Those opposed to a work requirement say such a policy is unnecessary because most Floridians on Medicaid are either already working or too sick or disabled to gain employment.)

In general, Gaetz said if Trump likes what Florida proposes, he can make his administration prioritize the states policy requests.

When the president says do it, it can cut like a hot knife through butter, Gaetz said.

Environment

On his way out of office, Biden issued a series of environmental orders that have been criticized by Republicans. He moved to ban offshore drilling in more than 625 million acres of coastal waters. Trump has pledged to undo that ban.

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The Biden administration also moved to limit red snapper fishing off Floridas waters  a move that has drawn DeSantis' ire. Trump could also reverse that proposed rule.

Generally, DeSantis has asked Trump for more leeway from the federal government to manage environmental projects. In particular, he wants the state to be in charge of a key Everglades restoration project. Such work would be more efficient if done without so much bureaucratic red tape, DeSantis has said.

Send us the funds, give us the authority, and let us get to work, DeSantis said at a news conference earlier this month.

Some environmental advocates say thats a bad idea because the federal government should closely supervise such projects. But its possible Trump could delegate the authority for environmental projects to friendly governors like DeSantis.

Political questions remain

During Trumps first presidency, DeSantis was a key ally. This time, its more complicated.

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DeSantis challenged Trump for the presidency in 2024, and Trumps chief of staff, Susie Wiles, is a DeSantis enemy. Wiles once worked for DeSantis, but her 2019 ouster from his orbit left bruised egos on both sides.

Its far from certain that the Trump administration and state officials will remain in lockstep on every policy area.

For example, billionaire and Trump booster Elon Musk has defended corporations for using H-1B visas to hire skilled immigrant workers. DeSantis has said the program has big problems.

Its not clear where Trump will come down on the issue.

But there are signs that the Trump-DeSantis relationship is strengthening. When DeSantis called for the special session on immigration and other issues for later this month, Republican state leaders quickly panned the idea, arguing in a letter that such a call was premature.

But Trump praised DeSantis for calling the session. It starts Jan. 27, a week from Inauguration Day.
On Friday, the Senate voted to advance the Laken Riley Act, legislation that would allow for the deportation of migrants who are arrested for theft, burglary, or shoplifting. The biggest surprise? Ten Democrats joined along.

That vote came after 48 Democrats joined Republicans in the House of Representatives to advance the bill, despite civil rights groups warning that the legislation could grease the skids for Donald Trumps proposed mass deportation push.

As if that werent enough, 61 Democrats joined House Republicans on Thursday to advance legislation by Nancy Mace that would make sex crimes like rape a deportable offense, even though sex crimes are already subject to the punishment.

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All of this comes as Trump prepares to return to the White House. The Republican has promised to enact mass deportations of immigrants living in the United States illegally, and polling shows that a large slice of American voters support Trumps plans. A decade after his rhetoric was slammed as xenophobic, racist, and out of step with much of the American public, it seems a significant number of Americans are in line with where Trump is.

It signifies a shift in the politics of immigration since Trump announced his first candidacy for president. Back then, his calling Mexicans rapists, drug dealers and criminals lost him multiple brand endorsements from Macys and ESPN. NBC stopped broadcasting The Apprentice in response.

President-elect Donald Trumps made the US-Mexico border a centerpiece of his presidential campaigns and public opinion. (REUTERS)

In 2013, Marco Rubio, an up-and-coming freshman Republican from Florida, co-authored an immigration bill with Republicans like John McCain and Lindsey Graham to offer a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

But even though it passed the Senate, Republican voters loathed the legislation and out of fear of his right flank, then-House Speaker John Boehner refused to put the bill up for a vote. Republicans faced a predicament: They needed to appeal to a broader swath of the country that was becoming browner, but their largely white GOP base did not want the party to take any steps to fix the problem.

Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida represented competing visions about immigration and the Republican Party. Now, Rubio will be Trumps Secretary of State. (AP)

In response, Hillary Clintons campaign adopted slogans like stronger together, and love trumps hate. When Trump won in 2016, Democrats put signs in their front yard proclaiming no human is illegal. During the 2019 Democratic presidential primary debates, almost all of the candidates supported decriminalizing crossing the border. Joe Biden was one of two who didnt, insisting, If you cross the border illegally, you should be able to be sent back. It's a crime.

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Biden would later become the 2020 nominee, and eventually president. But there were signs of cracks when Hispanics in Miami and the Rio Grande Valley shifted to the right in 2020. When he entered the White House, an influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border led to voter discontent.

As White House sources told The Independent last week, some in the administration believed that Democratic opposition to Trumps immigration policies in his first term made it nearly impossible for Biden to take a tougher approach when migrant numbers increased.

However, the increase in immigration led to public opinion shifting. The number of Americans in favor of less immigration spiked. Even Latino support for a wall along the border and mass deportations increased, as immigration emerged as a top issue for the group.

Much of the coarse rhetoric Trump used about invasion has now pervaded the rest of the Republican political discourse. Democrats, in desperation, hoped to tie border security provisions to aid Ukraine and Israel to stave off critiques they were soft on the border.

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Not only that, Trump has been rewarded for all his tough talk. Far from alienating Latino voters, he flipped numerous majority-Hispanic areas in Texas and won over younger Hispanic men, which proved crucial to winning states like Arizona and Nevada.

In short, Republicans got the best of both worlds. They won over Hispanic voters while not having to alienate their core base of largely white voters without college degrees. Moreover, Trump won over his Republican critics like Graham and Rubio, who is set to be his secretary of state.

This means Trump will likely face less opposition to his agenda on immigration in the way he did in 2018, during the height of family separation at the border. Moreover, rather than being the loyal opposition, Democrats will feel compelled to show voters they side with Trump on border security and vote along with these provisions.

None of this is to say that Trumps policies will be the consensus permanently. It could be, just like in 2018, that many people see his policies as too draconian or too cruel. They could fail to pass Congress or people simply forget about immigration altogether.

But the fact remains that Trump moved the Overton window of what was politically palatable for a nation that sees itself as welcoming toward immigrants. They might still be welcome, but it will come with stipulations.
President-elect Donald Trump has named former Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn to serve as Deputy Secretary of Education in his new administration, a move that surprised some hardline conservatives in Tennessee.

Trump announced the pick on Truth Social late Friday evening, initially misspelling Schwinn's first name as "Peggy." The spelling was corrected Saturday morning.

Penny has a strong record of delivering results for children and families, Trump wrote. A former teacher herself, Penny became the founding principal of a charter school, because she believes in the power of School Choice, and is committed to delivering the American Dream to the next Generation by returning Education BACK TO THE STATES.

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If confirmed, Schwinn would serve directly under Trump's Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon.

Schwinn announced her resignation as Tennessee Education Commissioner in 2023. Since her departure, she has served as vice president for K-12 education at the University of Florida.

Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn reacts as Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his State of the State Address in the House Chamber of the Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

Gov. Bill Lee praised Trumps decision as another strong choice to further his education agenda  delivering school choice & finally returning power back to the states.

Schwinn, a Sacramento native, was an early appointment in Gov. Bill Lee's administration and took the post in 2019.

Before coming to Tennessee, Schwinn held several top roles at the Texas Education Agency, and before that, served as Assistant Secretary of Education in Delaware and on the board of education for Sacramento County. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkley, a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from Claremont University.

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During her five-year tenure leading Tennessee's Education Department, Schwinn led the department through floods, tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic, championing policies aimed at combatting learning loss. She also helped resolve five troubled years of technology issues with the state's TNReady testing system, established the early literacy Reading 360 program, established permanent summer school options, implemented the state's first school choice program, and oversaw a radical restructuring of the state's K-12 education funding formula.

But it wasn't always smooth sailing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schwinn backed a policy of initiating wellbeing checks for school aged children in collaboration with the Tennessee Dept. of Health, seeking to send government workers to homes to check on children during the coronavirus pandemic. Reports of the policy sparked outrage among lawmakers and residents at the time  and even talks of a "no confidence" letter. The policy was terminated before it began.

Schwinn approved an $8 million state contract in 2021 with a New York-based company her husband worked for, drawing criticism from lawmakers who said the contract constituted a conflict of interest. Schwinn had disclosed the conflict, and the contract was approved through the state's central procurement office.

Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn observes students working on a math assignment during a summer learning program at Parsons Elementary School on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. The stop in Decatur County was the first one of the day during the commissioner's statewide "Accelerating TN 2021" bus tour.

The department also saw a 33% turnover during the early years of her tenure, which had a negative effect on the agency's ability to serve constituents  or even return phone calls  at the time.

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The prominent J.C. Bowman, director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, called her rise to prominence an example of the Peter Principle, where individuals are promoted until they reach a position in which they struggle to perform.

Throughout her K-12 career, her tenure has been marked by significant challenges, Bowman told The Tennessean. For those advocating for the dismantling of the US Department of Education, she may be the ideal candidate to facilitate that outcome.

Hardline conservatives also criticized the pick. In a social media post on Saturday, Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson  a Trump supporter  called the pick a bad one.

Hiring Penny Schwinn? We agree. https://t.co/k7KZitbWQ9  State Rep. Jody Barrett (TN69) (@Jodyforstaterep) January 18, 2025

Conservative education commentator Dr. Carol Swain called Schwinn a woke nominee.

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This does not bode well for educational reform, Swain said in a social media post. Who is advising the president?

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump picks Penny Schwinn as Deputy Secretary of Education
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump's incoming U.S. presidential administration plans to intensify immigration enforcement nationwide soon after he takes office on Monday, a person with knowledge of the plans said.

"Were going to be doing operations all across the country," the person told Reuters on Friday. "Youre going to see arrests in New York. Youre going to see arrests in Miami."

The source was responding to a Wall Street Journal report that the administration plans to launch a large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday.

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Citing four people familiar with the planning, the newspaper said the Chicago operation would last all week, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sending between 100 and 200 officers to carry out the operation.

The source who spoke with Reuters denied that there was a special effort to move personnel to Chicago.

Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Immigration was at the center of Trump's campaign in the lead-up to the Nov. 5 presidential election.

"Within moments of my inauguration, we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history," Trump said in January 2024.

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Trump is expected to mobilize agencies across the U.S. government to help him deport record numbers of immigrants, Reuters has reported, building on efforts in his first term to tap all available resources and pressure so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions to cooperate.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Ted Hesson; Editing by William Mallard)
By James Oliphant, Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President-elect Donald Trump is poised to seize greater control of the federal government than any modern president before him when he takes office on Monday, charging ahead with plans to dismantle what he and his allies call the "deep state," according to two sources familiar with transition discussions.

The effort could get underway as early as Trump's first day as president, according to one of the sources, with an executive order aimed at stripping job protections from an estimated 50,000 career federal employees, allowing their replacement by handpicked loyalist appointees.

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The Trump administration will also push to fill the thousands of political appointments across government as soon as possible, another source told Reuters.

The goal is to inject political loyalists deep into the workings of government, perhaps more so that any other recent president.

In a harbinger of what may lie ahead, Trump's team has requested the resignation of three senior career diplomats who oversee the U.S. State Department's workforce and internal coordination, Reuters reported this week.

Trump allies blame bureaucrats they deem disloyal for thwarting his agenda during his first term in the White House by slow-walking initiatives in the Justice Department, the Department of Education and other agencies.

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Nearly a dozen of Trump's top appointees for his second term have been given an explicit mandate to shake up the federal workforce or expressed support for those plans, according to personnel announcements and media interviews reviewed by Reuters.

Russell Vought, nominated by Trump to return as director of the Office of Management and Budget, played a central role in crafting an earlier version of the reclassification order, known as Schedule F, as Trump was leaving office in 2020.

The revived executive order on Schedule F would allow agency officials to reclassify positions from career posts to political appointments, one of the sources familiar with transition planning said.

That would enable the agencies to fire career employees without cause and replace them.

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Vought will be aided during Trump's second term by Sergio Gor, who was nominated to head the White House personnel office, and James Sherk, another Schedule F architect who Trump on Saturday named as a special assistant to the president.

In 2021, Sherk prepared a report for the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank, that detailed episodes in which he argues the federal bureaucracy intentionally frustrated Trumps policy goals during his first term.

FIRING LINES

Others tasked with eradicating the "deep state" include Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, the possible next FBI director, Kash Patel, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, national security adviser, Mike Waltz, education nominee Linda McMahon, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will head up Trump's government efficiency effort, the Reuters review found.

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When asked, Trump's transition team would not provide details on a timeline for the planned shakeup, which could take months due to federal rule-making procedures.

"The Trump Administration will have a place for people serving in government who are committed to defending the rights of the American people, putting America first, and ensuring the best use of working men and women's tax dollars," said spokesperson Brian Hughes.

Critics and the unions that represent federal workers say there is no such thing as a "deep state," and that Trump and his allies are trafficking in a conspiracy theory to justify an executive-branch power grab.

James Eisenmann, a lawyer and expert on federal workforce policy, said in an interview that Trump is mistaken that most government employees harbor an ideological agenda and noted that under current law, underperforming or insubordinate workers can be fired.

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Schedule F, he said, would create a culture of silence and fear that could affect job performance.

"People are going to be afraid to speak up or even suggest something helpful out of fear of getting fired," Eisenmann said. "When people are afraid, it's not easy to get them to do stuff."

Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Workers, said in an interview that the new classification was aimed at creating "a secret police" within the federal government.

"The incoming administration admits they will use Schedule F to subject professional employees to professional or to political loyalty tests and will get rid of the undesirables," he said.

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Hughes, the Trump transition spokesperson, did not respond to questions about what role individual nominees would play in carrying out Trump's agenda, or to the "secret police" allegation.

FINDING TARGETS

During Senate confirmation hearings on Wednesday, Vought and Bondi expressed support for the policies behind Schedule F.

Vought testified that he believes portions of the federal government have been "weaponized."

He declined to answer questions about whether he had advised Trump to conduct mass firings, but said reclassifying career employees would ensure the president has individuals in a policy-making role "who are responding to his views, his agenda."

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Bondi, during her hearing, said Special Counsel Jack Smith's probe of Trump was evidence of partisanship within the Justice Department.

She vowed not to use the department to target people based on their politics, but dodged direct questions about investigating Trump's political adversaries.

The Biden Justice Department has long denied that it pursued criminal cases against Trump for political reasons. It did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

The process of identifying members of the federal bureaucracy whose views could be at odds with the incoming administration has already begun.

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In December, the American Accountability Foundation, which operates with support from the conservative Heritage Foundation, sent a letter to Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth naming 20 leaders across the U.S. military whom it deemed to be overly focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has defended such efforts, saying the diverse military reflects the diversity of the United States.

The Pentagon referred a request for comment to the Trump transition team.

The American Accountability Foundation also published a "Top 10 Targets" list on its website of career employees at the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department it claims are resistant to increased border-security efforts.

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There are more names to come, said Yitz Friedman, a spokesperson for the group.

(Reporting by James Oliphant and Steve Holland Additional reporting by Nandita Bose and Gram Slattery; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Suzanne Goldenberg)
Civil rights groups and immigration attorneys are preparing for what they expect will be a flood of actions from Donald Trump within his first days in office, laying the groundwork for his mass deportation operation that could impact millions of immigrants and their families.

Trump is expected to swiftly announce plans to gut legal immigration pathways while reinstating policies reversed under Joe Biden and demanding members of Congress approve billions of dollars in new funding to arrest and detain people living in the country illegally, along with their citizen children.

Following his inauguration on January 20, Trump is widely expected to flood the zone with anti-immigration actions, according to Naureen Shah, deputy director for government affairs at ACLU.

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Advocacy groups anticipate a combination of executive orders, agency actions and requests to Congress for funding and immigration bills to enlarge its authority and intimidate all elected officials across the country into going along with his mass deportation agenda, Shah told reporters Friday.

Trump is expected to expand the use of 287(g) agreements under the Immigration and Nationality Act and boost funding for the program, which effectively deputizes local law enforcement to work with federal agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.

Migrants turn themselves in to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers after crossing over a section of border wall on January 5. (Getty Images)

His administration is expected to compel state and local governments to embrace his plans by threatening to withhold federal funding  an attempt to hold communities hostage that will embolden him to do it again and again when it comes to legal battles over local policies on LGBT+ rights and other hot-button issues, Shah said.

Civil rights groups also anticipate Trump pushing for the quick approval of billions of dollars from Congress to expand the nations detention system to house tens of thousands of people targeted for deportation proceedings.

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His incoming border czar Tom Homan has said he needs a minimum of 100,000 beds to detain undocumented immigrants  more than double the 40,000 beds under current funding levels.

Trumps Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristi Noem could oversee a sprawling cabinet-level agency overseeing immigration authorities (REUTERS)

Trump also is expected to reinstate Title 42 expulsion, relying on a public health emergency mechanism to deny people seeking asylum from entering the U.S. Trump previously invoked Title 42 to broadly deny entry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He is also expected to test the scope of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the president broad authority to suspend the entry of certain immigrants into the United States.

During her Senate confirmation hearing on Friday, Trumps nominee for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration will revive the so-called Remain in Mexico program  which forces immigrants to stay on the other side of the southern border while their legal asylum claims are being processed.

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She said the administration will also eliminate the CBP One app, which allowed people living outside the country to request an appointment at an official port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border to begin their asylum claims.

More than 930,000 people have used the CBP One app to schedule appointments since it was introduced in January 2023.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan, center, is expected to implement the president-elects mass deportation operation (AP)

Trump is also expected to issue an executive order that will terminate the humanitarian parole program for some immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, which opened a legal pathway for more than 500,000 people from those countries to remain in the United States in an attempt to discourage illegal immigration.

The president-elect is also expected to end a similar program for Afghans.

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The actions will end up bringing an even greater strain on the US-Mexico border, Shah said.

Some of Trumps actions are expected to happen swiftly and furiously, while others may be constrained by anticipated legal battles and constitutional tests, or until they get a rubber stamp of approval in Trump-friendly courts, according to Shah.

But his overall message creates a climate of fear, according to Wendy Cervantes, director of immigration and immigrant families at the Center for Law and Social Policy.

Homan has repeatedly said that U.S. citizen children could end up being detained and deported alongside their noncitizen parents, while families have asked for clarity from advocates and legal groups about the specter of immigration raids that could target workplaces, schools, and places of worship.

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There is simply no safe way to detain a child, Cervantes said.

Trump has separately announced plans for ending birthright citizenship, declaring a national emergency to deploy U.S. military assets for immigration enforcement, and invoking the long-dormant Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which would give him the unprecedented authority to target foreigners for removal, without due process, based solely on their place of birth or citizenship.

Homan, meanwhile, has been meeting with members of Congress to introduce Trumps agenda  and reportedly tempering their expectations for what Trump can do with the resources at the governments disposal.

Pressed on Friday whether it would be Noem or Homan in charge of border policy, Noem said: The president will be in charge of the border.

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Its a national security issue, and the president is in charge of this country and has made a promise to the American people, and we will fulfill his agenda, she said.

She called Homan an incredible human being.

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 in the actions that we take, she said.

If he is going to be making decisions, Democratic Senator Andy Kim said, then he should come before this committee as well.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) shared on Friday details of two children who were forcibly disappeared at the hands of Pakistani state authorities. Condemning the action in the strongest terms, the BYC noted that the abduction of minors shows the grave escalation of the oppression of the Baloch people. In a post on X it shared the details, stating that the kids, Shahnawaz and Yousaf were on their way to collect food when they were abducted. While one kid was released, who endured severe "physical and mental torture", the other child continues to remain in the illegal custody of the Pakistani forces. BYC condemned the actions and said that abducting minors is a violation of several international and humanitarian laws and a "blatant disregard for human rights and the safety of children". in the strongest terms the alarming and unlawful enforced disappearances of two Baloch children, Shahnawaz (son of Habib) and Yousaf (son of Qasim), from Gomazi, District Kech, on January 16, 2025. This heinous act by Pakistani forces represents a clear violation of numerous humanitarian and international laws, including those specifically designed to protect children, who are exempt from harm under any circumstances of conflict or war. The two minors were abducted while on their way to gather food for their brother. Yousaf Baloch was later released after enduring severe physical and mental torture, while Shahnawaz remains in the illegal custody of the forces. This blatant disregard for human rights and the safety of children is a grave escalation in the ongoing oppression of the Baloch people. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1880278388494979392 Earlier, in a video message from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee's head, Mahrang Baloch addressed the people ahead of the Baloch National Gathering on January 25, marked as the "Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day". In her message, Mahrang Baloch underscored the need of the day, where the Baloch people come and unite to honour their fallen heroes. "Their memories and sacrifices serve as the cornerstone of our ongoing struggle for survival", the post said. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1880234816857387042 (ANI)
On a Monday evening in January, South Brooklyn Sanctuary is crowded with dozens of volunteers, translators and migrants. The migrants ask a range of urgent questions  What does the incoming Trump administration mean for their pending asylum cases? How do you fight a deportation order? And, in the worst-case scenario, how do you prepare for family separation?

Theyre fearful that as soon as President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Monday, he will fulfill his campaign promise by ordering sweeping deportations across the country. The 210,000 undocumented people who have arrived in New York City since 2022 are also facing Mayor Eric Adams closure of the Floyd Bennett Field shelter, which houses 1,800 people, and his threats to roll back the citys sanctuary policies by overriding the City Councils opposition with an executive order. Incoming Trump administration officials and Adams have met to discuss deporting migrants who have committed crimes.

Emily Shectman, South Brooklyn Sanctuary director, said the organization is doing what it can to prepare for the uncertainty ahead. In recent weeks, it has had 150 new volunteer sign-ups and expects more after the inauguration. Were predicting that well be doing a lot more deportation defense, ICE watch and anti-family separation work, she said.

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South Brooklyn Sanctuary is one of dozens of groups across the country that operates as a pro se community, teaching migrants to represent themselves on their own behalf in the legal system with volunteer support. The nonprofit has worked with over 5,000 migrants since opening in 2022 with a pool of over 100 trained and active volunteers. Last year alone, they helped 715 migrants file change-of-address forms so they dont miss their court dates and risk deportation.

South Brooklyn Sanctuary originally opened as a walk-in program at Good Shepherd Church in 2022.

Once in office, Trump has promised to launch the largest deportation program in American history, send Congress a bill to ban sanctuary cities and request funding to hire and retain 10,000 new border agents. He has also said he will restrict federally funded benefits to only American citizens and reinstate and expand a travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries. During a December interview with NBCs Meet the Press, Trump claimed that he had no choice but to deport millions of people, and that theyre costing us a fortune, a claim that has been disputed by economists.

To prepare for the work ahead, South Brooklyn Sanctuary is fundraising for a full-time staff attorney and building a new program to help migrants file motions to reopen their asylum cases, which can combat removal orders. Its also expanding into a new space this month, where itll train a new cohort of French and Arabic-speaking volunteers to accommodate the growing number of migrants from African countries.

Our promise to the community is that we will remain knowledgeable and be prepared for any policy changes that will happen, she said.

Training volunteers to support migrants

Emelis, who asked that her last name not be used for fear of deportation, said she left Venezuela after being targeted by the military for her high school protests against authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro.

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The 26-year-old was almost out of time to apply for asylum when she attended South Brooklyn Sanctuarys walk-in migration program at Good Shepherd Church in Bay Ridge; asylum applications need to be submitted within a year of an applicants arrival date in the United States. With the help of volunteers, she filled out her asylum and work permit forms just in time.

I felt scared when I first arrived, but I received my work permit after only about a month, Emelis said.

South Brooklyn Sanctuary was founded in the wake of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts decision to bus over 27,300 migrants to New York, citing the need for border security. Over 8 million migrants have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border since 2020 because of political suppression, gang violence, poverty and natural disasters, many settling in immigrant hubs in large cities that struggled to rapidly expand their safety net. As of 2024, border crossing numbers and new migrant arrivals to New York City and other major metropolitan hubs have declined.

Volunteers and translators help asylum applicants with forms and paperwork.

In Brooklyn, Juan Carlos Ruiz, pastor of the Good Shepherd Church, and residents welcomed their new neighbors to a weekly walk-in program with immigration information, hot food and clothes. They soon realized what migrants also needed was knowledge about their rights.

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At the time, legal clinics in New York City were overwhelmed by the influx of migrants struggling to find free legal representation. Other cities saw the same. The Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network in Washington, D.C., and Mountain Dreamers in Frisco, Colorado, were just two of the many organizations formed in the absence of local government and nonprofit services helping migrants fill out asylum and employment authorization applications.

In New York, the citys official asylum center places strict restrictions on who can schedule an asylum application appointment: Migrants must be in the citys shelter system, eligible for work authorization and not have been in the country for more than 11 months. Meanwhile, many migrants who do get their day in immigration court are unprepared and often appear without legal representation. Nearly 44% of immigrants in New York state are battling their cases alone, Shectman said, and many dont speak English, know their rights or have any legal training.

In the absence of attorney capacity, we want a robust pro se community that can fill that justice gap, Shectman said.

Preparing for the policy changes ahead

Maria Meneses, 45, is an asylum recipient herself and began volunteering with South Brooklyn Sanctuary last summer to share the advice that had once benefited her.

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She sits with asylum applicants and tells them that she understands the traumas they carry with them. Meneses asks them for any proof of violence or abuse to make their case stronger. I tell them, it might feel embarrassing, but its important to show what happened to you, she said.

Meneses emphasized the importance of asylum-seekers naming the specific gang that threatened them and the towns it operates in. Because of high corruption levels, many of these gangs are serious economic and political operations embedded in the government, she said. You can make the case that resisting them leads to government persecution.

A volunteer and a South Brooklyn Sanctuary intern at the end of a Monday night asylum clinic.

Meneses said that though her personal experience makes her an effective volunteer, it can take a toll on her, too. These families put all their dreams into the asylum process, she said. Theyre forced to recount the most terrible things that have happened to them and the reason why they left everything behind.

But seeing South Brooklyn Sanctuarys volunteer pool more than doubled during the past three months gives her hope. Its inspiring to see how New York City people show up to support their community, she said.

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For now, Emelis is building her life in New York. After she was granted a work permit in 2023, she found home attendant work with a temp agency. Shes able to spend time with her son and brothers after her evening shifts. All I want is to give my son a better future here, she said.

CORRECTION (Feb. 28, 2025, 5:15 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the last name of the director for the South Brooklyn Sanctuary. She is Emily Shectman, not Schectman.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President-elect Donald Trump said he may gave TikTok a 90-day extension.

In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve.

I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation, Trump said in the phone interview.

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The Supreme Court upheld the ban on Friday.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

The app started displaying a message saying it was unavailable to users Saturday night.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> TikTok unavailable for millions of users in the United States, reports say

The app will shut down because it was not sold by its owner, ByteDance. United States lawmakers are arguing the algorithm that makes the app so successful can be manipulated by Chinese officials. TikTok has said there is no evidence that the Chinese government has tried to manipulate the content or used it to gather data on millions of Americans.

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RELATED COVERAGE >>> How to prepare for a TikTok ban, including how to save your content

The law that would enforce the TikTok ban has a 90-day pause written into it.

The 90-day pause could be enacted if progress is made in finding a buyer. During his interview with NBC, Trump did not say whether he was aware of any recent progress toward a sale.

President Joe Biden said he will not enforce a ban on the app before he leaves office, putting the ball in Trumps court.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Biden wont enforce TikTok ban, official says, leaving fate of app to Trump

The decision to support TikTok is a sharp reversal from Trumps previous stances. During his first term in office, Trump issued an executive order that banned U.S. companies from doing business with TikToks parent company, ByteDance, because of its ties to the Chinese government, NBC reports. Similarly, he issued an executive order that targeted WeChat, owned by Tencent - a large Chinese technology company.

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TikToks CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trumps inauguration, NBC reports.

Trump said he will likely make an announcement on the decision on Monday.

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TikTok went offline in the United States Saturday night, less than two hours before a ban was slated to go into effect. The extraordinary blackout prevents access to one of the worlds most popular social media apps  one tha t had been used by 170 million Americans.

Visitors to the app were met with a message reading: Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now.

TikToks action comes after the Supreme Court on Friday upheld a ban that was passed with broad bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law in April by President Joe Biden. The law prevents American companies from hosting or serving content for the Chinese-owned social media platform unless it sells itself to a buyer from the United States or one of its allies.

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But TikTok may not be gone for long. The company suggested it could be back soon  perhaps as early as Monday.

We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office, the company posted in its pop-up message to users who opened the app beginning late Saturday night. Please stay tuned!

President-elect Trump said he will most likely delay a ban on TikTok for 90 days after he takes office on Monday, adding that he has not made a final decision in a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday.

I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation, Trump said in the interview.

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If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday, he added.

The blackout from TikTok  and the suggestion that it could soon restore its service  is the latest twist in a saga thats dragged on for months, leaving the fate of the app in limbo.

The app also has disappeared from Apples App Store and the Google Play store. And other apps owned by TikToks parent company, ByteDance  including CapCut  also displayed a similar message Saturday night.

Lawmakers said TikToks ties to China and its access to reams of data posed a threat to national security.

Many US users told CNN they were bracing for an end to the app, including influencers and other small businesses that said they depended on the platform for a living. Still, they said, they held out hope the app would somehow be saved.

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But the Supreme Courts decision dashed hopes of a last-second judicial assist.

Some of the companies that operate app stores and run computer servers are said to be concerned that they will be held liable for violating terms of the ban. Those service providers pledged to stop carrying the app to avoid legal consequences, a person familiar with companies discussions told CNN.

Meanwhile, Trump  who first warned of TikToks dangers five years ago  is now casting himself as the apps savior. Earlier this month, on his Truth Social account, he posted stats about his own popularity on TikTok and asked, Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?

TikToks CEO Shou Chew has met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago home in the weeks leading up to the ban taking effect and is expected to attend Trumps inauguration on Monday.

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TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Saturday.

A 90-day extension?

The law passed last year allows the president to delay the ban from going into effect by 90 days but requires evidence that parties working to arrange a sale of TikTok to a US-owned company have made significant progress.

But TikToks owner, ByteDance, has rejected would-be buyers. The company has cited its popularity among American users, and its value to small businesses across the country, as it fights to stay online without any change in ownership.

After the Supreme Court ruled, 9-0, to uphold the ban, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre signaled the administration wouldnt enforce the law on Bidens final day in office.

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Due to the federal holiday weekend and the inauguration, actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, she said.

But TikTok wasnt satisfied by that statement. According to a person familiar with the matter, some service providers  companies like Google and Apple that would face exorbitant fines for allowing US access to TikTok once the ban takes effect  told TikTok they believed they were vulnerable under the law starting Sunday.

A person close to TikTok says multiple critical service providers indicated to TikTok that they would no longer carry the app or its data, which forced the app offline. The service providers cited fears that the ban might be enforced starting Sunday, despite the Biden administrations signals to the contrary.

So TikTok took action to take the app down  at least for now.

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The move, and the pop-up naming Trump, could put even more pressure on the president-elect to negotiate a solution in the days or weeks to come.

TikTok employees were also told by the company on Saturday that the situation was disappointing but that the company was working on a solution.

We know this is disappointing for you not only as employees, but as users. However, 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 know our teams are working tirelessly to bring our app back to the U.S. as soon as possible, read the message to employees.

A White House source reiterated to CNN that there will not be any fines by the Biden administration associated with keeping TikTok active on Sunday.

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At the same time, however, some Biden officials are content with TikTok going dark for a day, since the law was passed with strong support from both parties.

The decision is going to be made by the next president anyway, Biden told reporters Friday.

TikToks final minute

On Saturday, the White House called TikToks warning about going dark a stunt.

We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday, Jean-Pierre said. We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them.

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A TikTok spokesperson had no immediate reaction to the statement from the White House.

The company said it expected service providers  like companies that operate servers full of videos  to restrict access to the app at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday.

On Apple and Googles app stores, the most popular free apps for the past week have been TikTok-like apps, including two that are also owned by Chinese companies. One of them, photo-sharing app Lemon8, is owned by ByteDance, just like TikTok. But Lemon8 may have the same fate as TikTok in the future.

Given Trumps public remarks about TikTok any blackout may not last long.

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Trump is said to be considering issuing an executive order that could effectively pause the ban and provide some time to sort out a long-term solution.

But he will face pressure from multiple directions. Some Republican senators, like Josh Hawley of Missouri and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, remain strongly supportive of the ban.

ByteDance and its Chinese Communist masters had nine months to sell TikTok before the Sunday deadline, Cotton wrote on X. The very fact that Communist China refuses to permit its sale reveals exactly what TikTok is: a communist spy app.

Analyst Richard Greenfield of LightShed Partners, who has long followed the TikTok saga, anticipates that TikTok will ultimately stay online in the United States.

On Saturday, Perplexity AI, a San Francisco-based AI search-engine startup, confirmed to CNN that it submitted a bid to ByteDance to merge with TikTok.

CNNs Auzinea Bacon contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional content.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(The Hill)  President-elect Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he is likely to give TikTok a 90-day extension while his incoming administration assesses the situation following the Supreme Court decision to uphold a federal ban.

The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully, Trump said in a call with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker. Its a very big situation.

He said he will probably announce a decision on Monday, when he is sworn into office for a second term in the White House.

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A 90-day extension is allowed as part of bipartisan bill passed by Congress last April, which gave TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance 270 days to divest from the app or face a ban from U.S. app stores.

TikTok warned in a statement that it will go dark on Sunday unless President Biden steps in. But, the White House called that statement a stunt, arguing the app doesnt have to take action before Trump is sworn in.

We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre wrote in a statement Saturday. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday.

The president-elect on Friday said he would weigh the future of the app once hes officially in office. And, the White House had said at the time that the TikTok ban will fall to the Trump administration.

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President-elect Donald Trump will probably travel to Southern California next week, he told NBC News, making the likely first trip of his second term to the liberal stronghold still reeling from some of the worst wildfires in its history.

In a wide-ranging phone interview on Saturday with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, Trump said he was going to go, actually yesterday, to the Golden State, but decided it would be better if I went as president.

The wildfires have been raging in and around Los Angeles since Jan. 7, killing dozens and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, according to the Associated Press, as they ravaged the countrys second-largest city.

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Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom  who has been criticized by Trump and Republicans for his handling of the fires  invited Trump to visit California last week. President Joe Biden was in Los Angeles when the fires started earlier this month, and Vice President Kamala Harris, whose primary residence is in Los Angeles, canceled her final foreign trip as vice president due to the fires.

Tensions have flared in recent weeks between Trump and Newsom, and in the interview, Trump said he had not yet spoken to the governor about the fires. Trump also discussed a number of other issues, including his plans to ramp up mass deportations very early, very quickly, but said he didnt want to reveal which cities the operation would begin in because youll see it firsthand.

Trump said he believes he and his team made the right decision to move Mondays inauguration ceremony into the Capitol due to freezing temperatures, and added that he aims to sign a record-setting number of documents  right after this [inauguration] speech.

When discussing TikTok  which said it would go dark on Sunday after the Supreme Court ruled the app must be sold to a non-Chinese buyer  the president-elect said a 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done.

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If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday, he added.

And on the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that Israel agreed to earlier Saturday, Trump pledged to ensure the deal would hold via good government. He said he would meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an ally, fairly soon.
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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What did Donald Trump say over the phone to Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, on Wednesday? I dont know which precise words he used, but I witnessed their impact. I arrived in Copenhagen the day after the callthe subject, of course, was the future of Greenland, which Denmark owns and which Trump wantsand discovered that appointments I had with Danish politicians were suddenly in danger of being canceled. Amid Frederiksens emergency meeting with business leaders, her foreign ministers emergency meeting with party leaders, and an additional emergency meeting of the foreign-affairs committee in Parliament, everything, all of a sudden, was in complete flux.

The result: Mid-morning, I found myself standing on the Knippel Bridge between the Danish foreign ministry and the Danish Parliament, holding a phone, waiting to be told which direction to walk. Denmark in January is not warm; I went to the Parliament and waited there. The meeting was canceled anyway. After that, nobody wanted to say anything on the record at all. Thus have Americans who voted for Trump because of the putatively high price of eggs now precipitated a political crisis in Scandinavia.

[Read: The intellectual rationalization for annexing Greenland]

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In private discussions, the adjective that was most frequently used to describe the Trump phone call was rough. The verb most frequently used was threaten. The reaction most frequently expressed was confusion. Trump made it clear to Frederiksen that he is serious about Greenland: He sees it, apparently, as a real-estate deal. But Greenland is not a beachfront property. The worlds largest island is an autonomous territory of Denmark, inhabited by people who are Danish citizens, vote in Danish elections, and have representatives in the Danish Parliament. Denmark also has politics, and a Danish prime minister cannot sell Greenland any more than an American president can sell Florida.

At the same time, Denmark is also a country whose global companiesamong them Lego, the shipping giant Maersk, and Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempicdo billions of dollars worth of trade with the United States, and have major American investments too. They thought these were positive aspects of the Danish-American relationship. Denmark and the United States are also founding members of NATO, and Danish leaders would be forgiven for believing that this matters in Washington too. Instead, these links turn out to be a vulnerability. On Thursday afternoon Frederiksen emerged and, flanked by her foreign minister and her defense minister, made a statement. It has been suggested from the American side, she said, that unfortunately a situation may arise where we work less together than we do today in the economic area.

Still, the most difficult aspect of the crisis is not the need to prepare for an unspecified economic threat from a close ally, but the need to cope with a sudden sense of almost Kafkaesque absurdity. In truth, Trumps demands are illogical. Anything that the U.S. theoretically might want to do in Greenland is already possible, right now. Denmark has never stopped the U.S. military from building bases, searching for minerals, or stationing troops in Greenland, or from patrolling sea lanes nearby. In the past, the Danes have even let Americans defy Danish policy in Greenland. Over lunch, one former Danish diplomat told me a Cold War story, which unfolded not long after Denmark had formally declared itself to be a nuclear-free country. In 1957, the U.S. ambassador nevertheless approached Denmarks thenprime minister, H. C. Hansen, with a request. The United States was interested in storing some nuclear weapons at an American base in Greenland. Would Denmark like to be notified?

[Read: Trump is thinking of buying a giant socialist island]

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Hansen responded with a cryptic note, which he characterized, according to diplomatic records, as informal, personal, highly secret and limited to one copy each on the Danish and American side. In the note, which was not shared with the Danish Parliament or the Danish press, and indeed was not made public at all until the 1990s, Hansen said that since the U.S. ambassador had not mentioned specific plans or made a concrete request, I do not think your remarks give rise to any comment from my side. In other words, If you dont tell us that you are keeping nuclear weapons in Greenland, then we wont have to object.

The Danes were loyal U.S. allies then, and remain so now. During the Cold War, they were central to NATOs planning. After the Soviet Union dissolved, they reformed their military, creating expeditionary forces specifically meant to be useful to their American allies. After 9/11, when the mutual-defense provision of the NATO treaty was activated for the first timeon behalf of the U.S.Denmark sent troops to Afghanistan, where 43 Danish soldiers died. As a proportion of their population, then about 5 million, this is a higher mortality rate than the U.S. suffered. The Danes also sent troops to Iraq, and joined NATO teams in the Balkans. They thought they were part of the web of relationships that have made American power and influence over the past half century so unique. Because U.S. alliances were based on shared values, not merely transactional interests, the level of cooperation was different. Denmark helped the U.S., when asked, or volunteered without being asked. So what did we do wrong? one Danish official asked me.

Obviously, they did nothing wrongbut thats part of the crisis too. Trump himself cannot articulate, either at press conferences or, apparently, over the telephone, why exactly he needs to own Greenland, or how Denmark can give American companies and soldiers more access to Greenland than they already have. Plenty of others will try to rationalize his statements anyway. The Economist has declared the existence of a Trump doctrine, and a million articles have solemnly debated Greenlands strategic importance. But in Copenhagen (and not only in Copenhagen), people suspect a far more irrational explanation: Trump just wants the U.S. to look larger on a map.

This instinctto ignore existing borders, laws, and treaties; to treat other countries as artificial; to break up trade links and destroy friendships, all because the Leader wants to look powerfulis one that Trump shares with imperialists of the past. The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, has also crowed over the alleged similarity between the U.S. desire for Greenland and the Russian desire for territory in Ukraine. Lavrov suggested a referendum might be held in Greenland, comparing that possibility to the fake referenda, held under duress, that Russia staged in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

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Of course, Trump might forget about Greenland. But also, he might not. Nobody knows. He operates on whims, sometimes picking up ideas from the last person he met, sometimes returning to obsessions he had apparently abandoned: windmills, sharks, Hannibal Lecter, and now Greenland. To Danes and pretty much anyone else who makes plans, signs treaties, or creates long-term strategies using rational arguments, this way of making policy feels arbitrary, pointless, even surreal. But it is also now permanent, and there is no going back.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
A new official portrait for President-elect Donald Trumps second term has arrived, just days before his inauguration  and body language experts said the image conveys quite a lot.

On Thursday, Trumps website posted his portrait, as well as a portrait of Vice President-elect JD Vance, with the headline: Official Portraits Released  And They Go Hard???? People swiftly took to social media shortly after to remark on how his noticeably stern expression in the new photo looked, among other things, awfully similar to his mug shot.

Some commenters on X, formerly Twitter, thought the photo did not look presidential, that Trump appeared angry and insecure, and that he seemed as though he was trying to exude toughness or masculine energy  a concept that became a large theme of Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. Many of his supporters described the photo as badass and powerful.

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When asked to interpret Trumps expression, his press secretary Karoline Leavitt told The New York Times: America. Is. Back.

The last time Trump made headlines for displaying such a grim look was after he turned himself in at the Fulton County jail in 2023 on charges related to efforts to overturn Georgias 2020 election results. It marked the first time a mug shot was taken of a U.S. president. Now, his new portrait looks eerily similar.

Trump's 2025 official portrait. Donald J. Trump 2025 Presidential Campaign

Body language experts think Trumps new portrait, his mug shot and his 2017 presidential portrait, all together, could reveal something about his current frame of mind and how its possibly shifted over the years. Read on to hear their takeaways:

What does Trumps 2025 portrait convey?

Mark Bowden, body language expert and author, said that he believes Trumps new photo carries an air of defiance and control.

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Trumps expression, with the downward tilt of his chin and forehead and the knitted eyebrows, conveys a sense of aggression and focus, he told HuffPost. Theres a notable asymmetry in his face  one eye slightly more closed than the other  which gives the impression of intense targeting or scrutiny, as if hes locking onto a subject.

While analyzing the entire setting of the portrait, Bowden said that the stripes of the American flag positioned behind the president-elect seemed to be pointed toward Trumps frown lines, reinforcing a sense of determination and authority.

He also noted that the lighting, and how it reflected off Trumps hair, presented a halo-like glow which contrasts with his asymmetrical and confrontational expression.

This blend of aggression and symbolic light projects both power and intimidation, depending on how one interprets it, he said.

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Janine Driver, author and CEO of the Body Language Institute, told HuffPost that she thinks Trumps 2025 photo shows a calculated shift in presentation.

His expression, featuring a stern gaze and furrowed brow, conveys authority and determination, she said. The absence of a smile signals seriousness, perhaps an effort to project strength.

Driver explained that in body language terms, direct gazes with a neutral or stern expression are often interpreted as confidence or dominance. Trumps slightly tilted chin and firm set of his jaw could reinforce a tough guy image, she said.

Psychologically, these traits can indicate someone positioning themselves as unyielding and focused, a shift from the more congenial vibe of earlier portraits, she said.

Donald Trump's mug shot. Fulton County Sheriff's Office

How does Trumps new portrait compare to his 2023 mug shot?

Driver thinks Trumps new official portrait and his 2023 mug shot have striking similarities.

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Both feature a piercing stare, tight lips, and a furrowed brow, signaling defiance and confidence, she said.

But Driver thinks there are some differences between the two images. Trumps gaze in his mug shot read as confrontational, whereas she sees his new portrait as more refined and less reactive and more deliberate.

Bowden thinks his new portrait echoes the defiance shown in his mug shot but the overall setting of his new photo works to transform the narrative.

Its as if the portrait satirizes or reclaims the narrative of the mug shot, turning it into a statement of power and control, he said.

Official portrait of President Donald J. Trump in 2017. Library of Congress

Whats significant about the differences between his new portrait and his 2017 photo?

Bowden said there is a significant shift in tone in his new portrait, and while his 2017 photo exhibited composure, formality and approachability, the new photo feels far more assertive and confrontational.

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The 2017 portrait seemed to lean into projecting traditional presidential decorum and approachability, while the 2025 portrait appears crafted to embody strength, defiance, and a direct challenge to the viewer, he said.

Driver said that Trumps new photo, compared to his 2017 portrait, has done away with any hint of levity.

She said that the significant shift suggests a strategic rebranding and that it could be an intentional move to prioritize authority over relatability.

What might this shift in expression shown in his 2025 portrait reveal?

Bowden said that the shift in portraits suggests a deliberate attempt to project defiance, control and power, and that his expression and intense gaze indicates a readiness to confront and dominate.

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The downward tilt of his head adds to the impression of focused determination, as if hes looking at a specific adversary or target, he said.

He added, This portrait seems to reveal a mindset of defiance and a need to assert authority, framing Trump as someone who positions himself as both protector and aggressor, depending on the viewers perspective.

From a psychological perspective, this portrait seems to communicate: Ive learned, Ive adapted, and Im ready for whatever comes next, Driver said.

She added, Whether one admires or critiques him, its hard to deny the intentionality behind every element of this new portrayal, she said.

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EBENSBURG, Pa.  Interim leaders for the Cambria County Prison and the countys probation department were selected Thursday.

Craig Descavish, first deputy warden at the prison, was chosen to serve as interim warden. Deputy chief probation officer Corey Hale was picked as acting probation chief.

The interim positions were created during the countys salary board meeting Thursday, and Descavish and Hale were placed in the roles during the regular commissioners meeting right afterward.

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Neither one of these were planned  neither one, Commissioner Keith Rager said while shaking his head and voting to create the temporary jobs.

The interim probation chief job was created after Tuesdays announcement that the countys chief probation officer, Mylenea A.L. Toni White, 47, was charged with theft for allegedly stealing more than $40,000 from Greater Johnstown High School booster club accounts over multiple years.

Cambria County Solicitor Ronald Repak confirmed Thursday that Whites leave from her position is unpaid in compliance with county policies.

It is our understanding that this issue is unrelated to the county itself, Repak said. Nevertheless, we do appreciate that ... the controllers office, I think, had said they are going to be conducting an audit.

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He added that although, as far as they understand, the allegations against White do not involve Cambria County operations, county officials are going to double down and do our due diligence.

Controller Ed Cernic Jr. told The Tribune-Democrat Tuesday that his office keeps a close eye on all county finances and will reevaluate the probation accounts to ensure there was no opportunity for nefarious actions.

As for the warden position, Warden Christian Smith announced his retirement during a private executive session just before the prison boards Jan. 8 reorganization meeting, a move that prison board members said was unexpected.

Upon accepting Smiths retirement, the prison board selected Descavish to serve in his stead while a new warden is identified, a move the commissioners finalized Thursday.

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We are starting the search immediately, President Commissioner Scott Hunt said Thursday.

Hunt said the first deputy warden is also interested in retiring in the future. Thats why the salary board created the interim position until a replacement is named.

We want to make sure we have the right candidate moving forward, he added.

The full-time interim prison warden role carries a salary of $83,183.36. The acting probation chief position comes with a salary of $75,721.62.

Medical transportation

In other business, the commissioners approved a new Medical Assistance Transportation Program for the county, to be carried out through a partnership between rabbittransit and the Cambria County Transit Authority.

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Through this program, rabbittransit will provide program administration guidance, while CamTran will oversee local operations and service delivery, according to county officials.

This innovative approach will advance mobility solutions in Cambria County, ultimately creating a more accessible and efficient transportation system for our community members who rely on public transportation services, the commissioners said in a release.

CamTrain Executive Director Rose Lucey-Noll described the partnership as an innovative opportunity for Cambria County.

Rabbittransit is the mass transit service for York and Adams counties and serves several other counties in east-central Pennsylvania. The contract with rabbittransit will run from April to June 30, 2026.
The US House of Representatives passed a bill on January 15 that aims to reduce tax payments, prevent double taxations and provide tax exemptions for Taiwanese businesses, residents and employees in the US, Central News Agency Taiwan reported. As per Focus Taiwan, titled The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act, the act was passed in the House by 423-1 vote. It will now be sent to the US Senate for a vote, and if approved, will be sent to the American president to be signed into law. The main aim of the bill is to prevent double taxation between the US and Taiwan. It seeks to amend the current US tax laws to provide tax exemptions for eligible Taiwanese residents in the US and to lower the withholding tax rates on income from specific sources in the US, such as dividends and interest, according to a report by Focus Taiwan. In a significant development, the Bill would seek to enact the United States-Taiwan Tax Agreement Authorization Act, which would authorize the U.S. president "to negotiate and enter into a tax agreement relative to Taiwan", Focus Taiwan said. Representative Judy Chu said that the current laws require Americans doing business in Taiwan to pay income tax in both places on the same earnings, and vice versa, which has "hurt businesses of all sizes." She noted that among the US ' top 10 trading partners, "only Taiwan lacks a double tax agreement." She also referred to a survey conducted by the American Institute in Taiwan, which showed that for 79 per cent of Taiwan companies, the double taxation of income requirement was "a considerable factor" that prevented them from "investing more in the US". Referring to Representative Jason Smith, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee in the House, Focus Taiwan noted that he said before the vote that while Taiwan is America's eighth largest trading partner, it has remained "conspicuously absent" from the list of 66 countries with which that the US has income tax treaties. The new bill "promotes economic efficiency and integration, strengthens our strategic partnership with Taiwan, and reinforces the long-term economic stability American businesses and our trusted allies need to invest for the future and combat the influence of bad actors," Smith said. (ANI)
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka police, alongside federal law enforcement partners, have arrested two people in connection to a December 2024 shooting.

Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release that officers were called to reports of a shooting on Dec. 18 at a hotel in the 2900 block of Southwest Topeka Boulevard. Officers were told shots were fired into a hotel room containing two people. Law enforcement found one person in another room who was injured in the shooting and transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Nichols said police arrested a 31-year-old Topeka man around 8 p.m. on Jan. 15 in the 700 block of Southeast 34th Street in connection to the shooting. He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the following charges:

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Battery.

Criminal discharge of firearm.

Criminal discharge of firearm.

Criminal damage to property.

Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits.

Assault.

Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Possession of marijuana.

Interference with a law enforcement officer.

Driver busted going 165 mph in Kansas by state troopers in biggest speeding violation of 2024

Police also arrested a 29-year-old Topeka man in connection to the shooting around 6 p.m. on Jan. 16 in the 5800 block of Southwest Topeka Boulevard. His charges included:

Criminal possession of a weapon by felon.

Battery.

Criminal discharge of firearm.

Criminal discharge of firearm.

Criminal damage to property.

Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits.

Assault.

People who have any information to share with police regarding this investigation are encouraged to reach out to law enforcement by emailing telltpd@topeka.org or by calling 785-368-9400. You can leave anonymous tips with Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here.

One dead after semi-truck crashes into bridge pillar on I-70 in Shawnee County

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For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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FLORISSANT, Mo.  A man and a woman face felony charges in connection with a child abuse investigation in Florissant.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Nathan Breeden, 30, and Kalina Vanderbos, 30, each with charges of endangering the welfare of a child, child abuse, and harassment.

Draft and develop: DeWitts say Cardinals cant just spend way into future

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Florissant police recently followed up on a child welfare referral from the Missouri Childrens Division, which led them to a home Breeden and Vanderbos share.

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When police arrived, they noticed visible injuries to the victims head. Court documents allege that the victim was beaten with belts and deprived of food. The victim was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities served warrants leading to the arrests of Breeden and Vanderbos on Friday, according to online Missouri court records.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, did not answer questions from members of a Senate ethics committee on May 7, 2024. Her attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Jr., said Mitchell was pleading the Fifth Amendment. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

A pair of high-stakes judicial decisions will shape the next few weeks of the already messy Minnesota legislative session, including a delayed special election to determine control of the House, and a delayed criminal trial that threatens to dominate the proceedings of the Senate.

The Minnesota Supreme Court canceled a special election in House District 40B that had been called by Gov. Tim Walz for Jan. 28, ruling that Walz wrongly called for the election on Dec. 27 even though the law required him to wait until until after the beginning of the legislative session on Tuesday.

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Walz called the election after Democrat Curtis Johnson resigned the seat when a judge ruled he didnt live in the district he sought to represent.

The outcome is significant because Republicans currently hold a 1-vote advantage in the House, 67-66, and the special election in the heavily Democratic north metro district is expected to bring the House to 67-67, necessitating a power-sharing agreement.

Democrats have thus far boycotted GOP-led House proceedings in an effort to deny a quorum, which is the minimum number of members that must be present to conduct business. The two sides will make oral arguments at the Supreme Court next week.

The delayed special election will force Democrats to hold out longer, exposing them to attacks from Republicans that they arent showing up for work.

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Separately, a judge granted state Sen. Nicole Mitchells request to delay her criminal trial until after the legislative session. The Woodbury Democrat pleaded not guilty in August after she was charged with felony burglary for allegedly breaking into her stepmothers Detroit Lakes home in April.

Her lawyers cited a Minnesota law and 2007 appellate ruling stating that legal proceedings involving legislators should be delayed until after the legislative session.

Becker County District Judge Michael Fritz granted the motion, ruling that if a legislator is forced to stand trial during the legislative session, their constituents would be without a voice during that session.

Republicans signaled they will turn up the heat on Democrats if they continue to allow Mitchell to vote.

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Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, called Mitchells request an abuse of her status as a senator. The Republican leader added: This is not a victimless crime; this delay revictimized those involved, and Senate Republicans will not stand idly by while Sen. Mitchell abuses her position to deny justice.

The Senate is currently tied 33-33, but a special election Jan. 28 in a northeast Minneapolis district is expected to give Democrats a one-seat majority. The two parties have worked out a power-sharing agreement until then.

Democrats have sought to isolate Mitchell, stripping her of committee assignments and barring her from their caucus meetings. Leading Democrats, including Walz, have encouraged her to resign. Thus far, Senate Democratic leader Sen. Erin Murphy has argued Mitchell deserves due process before the Senate considers expulsion.

The trial delay may have Democrats reconsidering.
GALION, Ohio (WCMH)  A shooting and a hostage negotiation ended with two people injured and an arrest in Crawford County.

According to the Galion Police Department, a 911 emergency call was received at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday regarding a shooting in the 900 block of East Walnut Street, east of the city.

Officers arrived and found two people outside who had been shot. The victims, each with non-life-threatening injuries, identified the shooter as Jerold Frazier II before they were taken to a hospital.

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The victims said Frazier was inside and armed, along with another man. Frazier then called the Crawford County Sheriffs Office and said he shot at least one person and had a hostage inside.

Frazier threatened to shoot the hostage if anyone came inside the home, prompting a standoff for several hours. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the negotiations that followed.

Just before 6:30 p.m., Frazier and the hostage came outside. Police arrested Frazier without further incident, and the victim was unharmed.

Police took Frazier to the Crawford County Justice Center, and charges are pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
An armed assailant fatally shot two notorious Iranian judges inside the Islamic Republics supreme court on Saturday.

Judges Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini were known for ordering harsh sentences, including executions, during their decades-long careers. Such judges are known as judges of death and executioners in Iran.

Irans judiciary said a planned assassination was carried out by an armed infiltrator inside the supreme court building in Tehran, the capital.

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Based on preliminary investigations, the individual in question neither had a case in the supreme court nor was a visitor to its branches, the judiciary said in a report.

The assailant shot the supreme court judges before quickly committing suicide.

Foreign involvement not ruled out

Asghar Jahangir, a spokesman for Irans judiciary, told state television that the assailant was armed with a handgun.

At around 10 to 10.45 this morning, the assailant entered the offices of two brave and experienced judges of the judiciary inside the supreme court, he said.

We dont know the motive behind the assassination, as the assailant killed himself while fleeing the scene, but we are investigating, he added.

While no group has claimed responsibility, Irans judiciary did not rule out foreign involvement.

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It is worth noting that over the past year, the judiciary has carried out extensive actions to identify, pursue, arrest, and prosecute individuals and elements affiliated with the evil Zionist regime, Americas allies, spies, and terrorist groups.

The building was evacuated following the shooting.

Directly involved in crimes against humanity

The shooting marks one of the most significant attacks on Irans judiciary in recent years.

Both Ayatollahs held high-ranking positions in Irans judicial system.

Moghiseh, who faced sanctions from the United States and European Union for human rights violations, had issued more than 1,600 years in combined prison sentences across 335 cases in recent years, according to human rights groups.

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He was particularly known for prosecuting political prisoners following Irans 2009 presidential election protests.

Razini, who headed Branch 41 of the supreme court, had previously survived a car bombing attempt in 1999.

His career included serving as Tehrans Revolutionary Prosecutor and holding various high-ranking judicial positions.

He was also involved in trials related to the 1988 mass executions in Iran when thousands of political prisoners were sent to the gallows.

Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini were directly involved in crimes against humanity and continued their atrocities until the last days of their lives by approving the execution sentences of [the regime] opponents, said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Norway-based Iran human rights organisation.

We should put explosives in your mouth

Former Iranian prisoners whose cases were overseen by the judges took to social media to share their experiences following the shooting.

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Judge Moghiseh sentenced me to nine years in prison in a court session that lasted less than nine minutes, one former prisoner said.

On the day of the trial, when I came out of his office, I saw two young men in the worst possible condition ... I asked the guard why they were tied up like that, with an ugly smile, he replied, Judge Moghiseh has sentenced them to death.

Another former prisoner said, Moghiseh was the judge in my case. He said, We should put explosives in your mouth and blow it up.

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Seattle police (SPD) arrested two men Thursday, suspected of stealing more than $50,000 worth of merchandise from local retailers, including multiple REI stores and a Lululemon store.

Police have been searching for the suspects since January 12 after 185 pairs of pants and leggings were stolen from the Alderwood Mall Lululemon.

Lynnwood police, who reached out to SPD after those thefts, say approximately $20,000 of merchandise was stolen over the course of two days.

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Lynnwood police say they have been in constant contact with officers in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Tukwila, as well as loss prevention officials at multiple stores and shopping centers, looking for the suspects.

On Thursday, loss prevention officers contacted Lynnwood police after a theft at the REI in Bellevue. Lynnwood police, in turn, reached out to Seattle police.

The suspects were believed to be driving a blue minivan with a California license plate; it was seen driving around downtown Seattle and the Chinatown-International District.

After searching the areas, officers found the van at 12th Avenue South and South Weller Street. They followed the van to a nearby convenience store on Rainier Avenue South.

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Officers say they found new North Face jackets, with the tags still on, inside the van. One of the suspects was allegedly wearing a North Face jacket, with the tags still attached.

The men, ages 25 and 35, were arrested. Officers also found a stolen bank card, drugs, and cash inside the van.

Both were booked into jail.
Two men have been formally charged in a racketeering conspiracy case, according to the US Attorneys Office for the southern district of Ohio.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Charles Jones, 69 and Michael Dowling, 60, were executives for FirstEnergy. According to the indictment, Jones and Dowling used FirstEnergy for bribery, money laundering and obstruction in order to make more money for themselves and the company.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Jones was president and CEO from 2015 to 2020, the indictment says. During that time, Jones and Dowlings income were tied to stock prices and company financial growth, according to the indictment.

The indictment details how the two men allegedly supported the RICO conspiracy, including schemes to bribe Ohio House Representative Larry Householder and a PUCO chairman.

The indictment states that FirstEnergy paid $59 million to Householders Generation Now. The indictment claims that the money helped Householder become Speaker of the House, which allowed him to pass House Bill 6 that bailed out a billion-dollar nuclear plant that benefitted FirstEnergy.

This alleged $60 million racketeering conspiracy defrauded Ohioans to enrich the defendants, stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Latarola. 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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The RICO conspiracy charges could send Jones and Dowling to prison for 20 years.

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An unidentified man assassinated two influential judges before killing himself outside the Supreme Court in Tehran, the judiciary portal Mizan reported on Saturday.

The victims were the renowned clerics Ali Razini and Mohammed Moghiseh, who were responsible at the Islamic Revolutionary Court for convicting dissidents and alleged traitors.

Another judge and his bodyguard were seriously injured in the attack. Security authorities are investigating the identity and motive of the assailant. According to unconfirmed reports, the attacker is said to have been a member of the courthouse kitchen staff.

State media described the incident as a "terrorist act" against two judges. Observers suggested the attack could have been politically motivated because the two clerics were responsible for numerous verdicts against dissidents.
(Reuters) -Two senior Iranian Supreme Court judges involved in handling espionage and terrorism cases were shot dead in the capital Tehran on Saturday, Iran's judiciary said.

It said the attacker killed himself after opening fire at the judges inside the Supreme Court, and that a bodyguard of one of the judges was wounded.

The judiciary identified the judges who were killed as mid-ranking Shi'ite Muslim clerics Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.

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While the motive for the assassination was still unclear, judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir told state television that the two judges had long been involved in "national security cases, including espionage and terrorism".

"In the past year, the judiciary has undertaken extensive efforts to identify spies and terrorist groups, a move that has sparked anger and resentment among the enemies," he said.

State TV said these cases were related to individuals linked to Israel and the Iranian opposition supported by the United States. It did not elaborate.

Opposition websites have in the past said Moghiseh was involved in trials of people they described as political prisoners.

Razini was a target of an assassination attempt in 1998.

(Editing by Timothy Heritage and Mark Heinrich)
Three lawyers, who represented opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who died last year in an Arctic prison, were found guilty by a Russian court of being part of an extremist group and sentenced for several years, CNN reported. Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser and Vadim Kobzev were tried behind closed doors in Petushki and sentenced to three-and-a-half, five and five-and-a-half years respectively. Prosecutors accused the lawyers of "using their status" to give letters written by Navalny during his time in prison to his associates, enabling him to continue to lead an "extremist organisation", CNN reported, citing independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. In February last year, Navalny died suddenly while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges he denied. According to Russian prison service, Navalny "felt unwell after a walk" and the Kremlin denied involvement in his death. However, many Western nations and allies of Navalny blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for his death. Human rights groups said the sentencing of Navalny's lawyers demonstrates that Kremlin is carrying out crackdown on opposition to Putin's rule and war in Ukraine. In a statement, Amnesty International said, "By targeting lawyers for merely doing their job, the Russian authorities are dismantling what remains of the right to legal defense and abusing what is a criminal justice system only in name." The group called the sentencing a "shameful attempt to silence those who dared to defend Navalny" and demanded the unconditional release of lawyers, CNN reported. The US condemned the sentencing of lawyers and said they were arrested for "simply doing their jobs." and called it yet another example of the prosecution of defence lawyers by the Kremlin. In a statement, the US State Department said, "This is 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." On Friday, Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, called the lawyers "political prisoners" and demanded their imeediate release. The lawyers of Navalny were first arrested in 2023 on charges of being part of an "extremist organization." Amnesty had called it an "arbitrary designation" which the Kremlin applied to Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, CNN reported. The lawyers join a string of Russians related to Navalny who have faced prosecution since the death of opposition leader. In April last year, two Russian journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin, were accused of creating content for Navalny's YouTube channel, which shares videos investigating corruption in the Kremlin that have received millions of views. Opposition leader, Navalny was arrested after he returned to Russia in 2021. He arrived from Germany, where he had undergone treatment after being poisoned with Novichok. Navalny died just over a month before Putin was re-elected as Russia's President in March last year. (ANI)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Over 20 El Paso employees with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are heading to Houston to aid with winter preparations on Interstate 10, the department said on Saturday, Jan. 18.

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The El Paso team is made up of 24 employees, 10 dump trucks, four pickup trucks, two transports with 10 plows and two mechanic road trucks, TxDOT said.

TxDOT said the team will help with winter preparations and responses on I-10 and where needed.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced on Jan. 18 that they will begin mobilizing state emergency responses ahead of the winter weather starting Sunday, Jan. 19 and lasting through midweek.

According to the National Weather Service, a powerful winter storm is expected to bring snow and icy conditions to portions of South, Central, and Southeast Texas. Freezing rain could also pose problems along the southern half of the state, especially near the coast. Freezing and below-freezing temperatures are expected across large areas of the state.

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TDEM will be increasing the readiness level to Level II (Escalated Response) on Monday morning and request state help from local officials so that communities have the resources to respond to winter weather impacts.

TDEM and our state agency partners are prepared for upcoming winter weather impacts and Texans are urged to take personal preparedness measures ahead of time, Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said. I urge all Texans to stay informed, take proactive measures to protect their families, and follow guidance from local authorities as this winter weather event approaches.

The following agencies will be assisting in providing winter prep and other resources:

Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures

Texas Division of Emergency Management: Incident Management Teams; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Public Works Response Teams

Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews; motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance

Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Winter Weather Packages including medics and ambulances

Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network; Coordinating with long-term care providers across the threat area

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and recovery agents

Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating animal resource needs

Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordinating agricultural resource needs

Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area

Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the states natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry

Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol Texas roadways

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists

Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists

Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure

Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state

Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD): Coordinating volunteer organizations across the state

To find more information on winter weather resources, safety tips and current road conditions, you can visit the Texas Disaster Portals website.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
This article is adapted from the afterword in the paperback edition of Norman Solomons latest book, War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine (The New Press) and was first published by MediaNorth.

A few days before the end of 2024, the independent magazine +972 reported that Israeli army forces stormed the Kamal Adwan Hospital compound in Beit Lahiya, culminating a nearly week-long siege of the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza. While fire spread through the hospital, its staff issued a statement saying that surgical departments, laboratory, maintenance, and emergency units have been completely burned, and patients were at risk of dying at any moment.

The magazine explained that the assault on medical facilities in Beit Lahiya is the latest escalation in Israels brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, which over the last three months forcibly displaced the vast majority of Palestinians living in the area. The journalism from +972  in sharp contrast to the dominant coverage of the Gaza war from U.S. media  has provided clarity about real-time events, putting them in overall context rather than episodic snippets.

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+972 Magazine is the work of Palestinian and Israeli journalists who describe their core values as a commitment to equity, justice, and freedom of information  which necessarily means accurate and fair journalism that spotlights the people and communities working to oppose occupation and apartheid. But the operative values of mainstream U.S. news outlets have been very different.

Key aspects of how the U.S. establishment has narrated the war on terror for more than two decades were standard in American media and politics from the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023. For instance:

Routine discourse avoided voices condemning the U.S. government for its role in the slaughter of civilians.

The U.S. ally usually eluded accountability for its high-tech atrocities committed from the air.

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Civilian deaths in Gaza were habitually portrayed as unintended.

Claims that Israel was aiming to minimize civilian casualties were normally taken at face value.

Media coverage and political rhetoric stayed away from acknowledging that Israels actions might fit into such categories as mass murder or terrorism.

Overall, news media and U.S. government officials emitted a mindset that Israeli lives really mattered a lot more than Palestinian lives.

The Gaza war has received a vast amount of U.S. media attention, but how much it actually communicated about the human realities was a whole other matter. The belief or unconscious notion that news media were conveying wars realities ended up obscuring those realities all the more. And journalisms inherent limitations were compounded by media biases.

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During the first five months of the war, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post applied the word brutal or its variants far more often to Palestinians (77 percent) than to Israelis (23 percent). The findings, in a study by Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR), pointed to an imbalance that occurred even though Israeli violence was responsible for more than 20 times as much loss of life. News articles and opinion pieces were remarkably in the same groove; the lopsided rate at which brutal was used in op-eds to characterize Palestinians over Israelis was exactly the same as the supposedly straight news stories.

Despite exceptional coverage at times, what was most profoundly important about war in Gaza  what it was like to be terrorized, massacred, maimed and traumatized  remained almost entirely out of view. Gradually, surface accounts reaching the American public came to seem repetitious and normal. As death numbers kept rising and months went by, the Gaza war diminished as a news topic, while most talk shows seldom discussed it.

As with the slaughter via bombardment, the Israeli-U.S. alliance treated the increasing onset of starvation, dehydration, and fatal disease as a public-relations problem. Along the way, official pronouncements  and the policies they tried to justify  were deeply anchored in the unspoken premise that some lives really matter and some really dont.

The propaganda approach was foreshadowed on October 8, 2023, with Israel in shock from the atrocities that Hamas had committed the previous day. This is Israels 9/11, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations told reporters in New York, and he repeated: This is Israels 9/11. Meanwhile, in a PBS News Weekend interview, Israels ambassador to the United States declared: This is, as someone said, our 9/11.

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What was sinister about proclaiming Israels 9/11 was what happened after Americas 9/11. Wearing the cloak of victim, the United States proceeded to use the horrible tragedy that occurred inside its borders as an open-ended reason to kill in the name of retaliation, self-protection, and, of course, the war on terror.

As Israels war on Gaza persisted, the explanations often echoed the post-9/11 rationales for the war on terror from the U.S. government: authorizing future crimes against humanity as necessary in the light of certain prior events. Reverberation was in the air from late 2001, when the Pentagons leader Donald Rumsfeld asserted that responsibility for every single casualty in this war, whether theyre innocent Afghans or innocent Americans, rests at the feet of the al Qaeda and the Taliban. After five weeks of massacring Palestinian people, Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that any civilian loss is a tragedy  and quickly added that the blame should be placed squarely on Hamas.

The licenses to kill were self-justifying. And they had no expiration date.

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NEW YORK (AP)  U.S. prosecutors drop bribery charges against New York's former lieutenant governor, citing the death of a key witness.
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine on Saturday claimed a pair of attacks on oil depots in western Russia, the latest salvo in Kyiv's air campaign against strategic targets on Russian soil.

Kyiv's General Staff said its forces had struck storage facilities overnight in the Kaluga and Tula regions. Damages were still being assessed, it said in statements on each attack, adding that the depots supported Moscow's war effort in Ukraine.

Kaluga's regional governor, Vladislav Shapsha, said on Telegram that a fire had broken out after an industrial site was hit in the city of Lyudinovo.

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He later said seven drones had been downed, with one landing in a "non-residential area".

Tula's regional governor, Dmitry Milyaev, said on Telegram that a fuel and lubricant tank had caught fire at a facility in the region as result of a Ukrainian drone attack.

Ukrainian forces have stepped up strikes inside Russia, primarily oil depots and military production facilities, as they struggle to hold back steady Russian advances on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has also carried out regular air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities, killing four people on Saturday in a missile attack on central Kyiv.

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Both sides in Russia's almost three-year-old invasion of Ukraine have sought to improve their positions ahead of Monday's inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he would seek a swift end to the war.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; editing by Mark Heinrich and Susan Fenton)
Britains medics are rewriting their plans for a full-scale war as they learn lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, a leading NHS trauma surgeon has said.

Evolutions in drone warfare and a return of First World War-style superbugs have presented new challenges as Western countries take steps to put their health systems on a war-footing, according to Dr Shehan Hettiaratchy.

Dr Hettiaratchy, the lead trauma surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare, suggested the NHS would have to be all but shut down to only deal with war casualties if Britain was to be dragged into a full-scale conflict.

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He warned the health service would also be worse off compared to its European counterparts because it lacks the same headroom to expand, unlike France and Germany.

Last year, General Sir Roland Walker, the head of the Army, warned Britain must be ready to fight a war against Russia in three years.

I think its really hard to prepare Im going to say its not possible to prepare, because the Ukrainians werent prepared and the Ukrainian military clearly had spent a lot of time thinking hard about if there was to be an invasion from Belarus, from Russia, Dr Hettiaratchy said on the fringes of a DGA Group event with the UK and Ukrainian governments in support of Kyivs healthcare system.

If we get to a scenario where we are having that level of casualties and that kind of war-fighting, the health system would be only doing that. Thats where were scaled at now, he added.

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If you look at us compared to other European countries  Covid showed it  we have less capacity, less redundancy in our health system compared to other European partners.

Injured soldiers are treated in a hospital bus in Donetsk. Experts say Ukraine was not ready to handle the number of casualties despite having time to prepare - Anadolu/Getty

The event held at the British ambassadors residence called for governments to do more work with private businesses to support Ukraines war-stricken healthcare system.

Dr Hettiaratchy has been working to train Ukrainian surgeons since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

He said the challenges faced by his Ukrainian counterparts were entirely different to those faced by Western medics in Afghanistan, where he served as a combat surgeon with the British military.

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The sheer number of Russian drones and Ukraines lack of air superiority means Kyivs combat medics dont enjoy the same luxuries experienced by Nato armies in the Middle East.

Western troops knew that in order to save as many of the injured as possible they had to get the casualties back to the field hospital at Camp Bastion within the Golden Hour.

That is great if youve got a helicopter which can fly you back to a hospital, back to a surgeon, back to someone like me, Dr Hettiaratchy said.

The problem you have in Ukraine is you dont have that scenario because of the lack of air superiority, because of drone warfare.

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The number of drones and a lack of armoured personnel carriers mean Ukrainian medics are often unable to evacuate wounded troops from the frontlines for hours.

This has led to a rise in the number of amputations carried out on casualties who were strapped up with tourniquets, which are used to stop life-threatening bleeding.

These people have tourniquets on for five, 12, 24 hours, because they cant be moved back to the next line of medical support, which means they are having a high level of amputation, Dr Hettiaratchy said.

Health risks change in line with new weapons

The use of tourniquets has triggered a long-term challenge for Ukrainians who survive an initial attack. This is because when the blood circulation is cut off by the medical device, the wounded muscle starts to die and releases poison into the rest of the body.

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Theyre having a much higher rate than we would have seen before of kidney injuries, and this is how warfare changes, the surgeon added.

Keir Starmer visits a hospital in Ukraine in January to shore up support for Kyiv three years after the war started - CARL COURT/AFP

Dr Hettiaratchy has been training Ukrainian surgeons in London as well as travelling to Western Ukraine to help improve their skills.

Its amazing to see how they have responded and developed and grown their capabilities and their capacity to meet the challenge, he said.

The number of casualties theyve got coming through, the types of casualties, the challenges they are facing are things weve not seen  because we havent had this kind of peer-on-peer fighting between two equally matched military powers going at it  since the Second World War.

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Despite offering his contemporaries high praise, Dr Hettiaratchy said Ukraines healthcare system has critical gaps which need addressing, including a lack of types of surgeons, nurses, therapists and infection control.

Antibiotic-resistant superbugs

He said Western planners would have to consult First World War history books to adapt to the emergence of superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics.

Theyve got bugs that are not cured by antibiotics. What they are describing is going back almost to the First World War, pre-antibiotic-era of surgery, he added.

These people now have wounds that are uncontrolled, infections are uncontrolled and uncontrollable with antibiotics, and you have to revert to First World War techniques.

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Speaking before Britain unveiled 100 million in funding for Ukraines health system, Dr Hettiaratchy urged Western governments to improve their offerings of non-lethal aid for Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, revealed in December that almost 400,000 Ukrainian troops had been wounded since the start of the war.

The surgeon warned these would become a generational burden on the Ukrainian state if more isnt done to pick up the mantle of almost three years of brutal conflict.

There is an absolute economic society component to make sure society functions afterwards, because the volume is so high, he said.

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Its really important that Ukrainian society picks up the mantle of dealing with the consequences of their years of war, fighting, which are going to be human costs as well as other infrastructure costs the human cost is the one that kind of almost endures and probably has the most consequence, because its a lifetime burden.

This support must come from foreign governments and private companies, Dr Hettiaratchy said.

One of the ways businesses could help is by innovating production techniques of creating prosthetics with 3D printers to manufacture them much faster to meet demand, he added.

At least 50,000 Ukrainians have lost limbs in nearly three years of war according to the countrys health ministry.

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Dr Hettiaratchy concluded: Clearly, no one has the experience that Ukraine has in terms of volume and how wide its affected, but there are things we can do to help them understand how to tackle the problem. In many ways, they cant afford to mess this up, because the scale is so large if they get it wrong.

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Forcing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia before it regains the advantage on the battlefield would be a catastrophic mistake, officials in Kyiv have warned ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration.

Fearing that the new US administration could reduce military aid if he refuses talks, Volodymyr Zelensky is scrambling to make the case that Ukraine first needs time and support to escalate its campaign deep inside Russia.

A failure to make Vladimir Putin feel pain before negotiating would would embolden the Russian president, weaken Ukraine and ultimately damage the Wests reputation and interests, according to Mr Zelenskys aides.

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Eager for a rapid replication of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Mr Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail that he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours.

While the incoming presidents team concedes that will not happen, Keith Kellogg, the retired general who is Mr Trumps Ukraine envoy, has given himself 100 days to bring the conflict to a close.

Volodymyr Zelensky has engaged in energetic diplomacy since Donald Trump won the US election - Sergey Dolzhenko/Shutterstock

Such self-imposed deadlines have caused deep concern in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, where officials warn that rushing into talks would simply play into Putins hands.

The bottom line is that there are no simple, quick decisions to be made here, says Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Mr Zelensky. The initiative has to be controlled. It must not be given away to Russia.

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Although Russia is advancing slowly but steadily, notably by gaining ground around the important logistics hub of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian officials say they are making important headway far beyond the front lines.

In the past week, Ukraine has carried out some of its biggest strikes on Russian territory yet. Using homemade drones, US-supplied Atacms and Storm Shadow missiles provided by Britain.

Ukraine struck multiple targets in four Russian regions, hitting oil facilities, industrial plants and military production sites more than 700 miles from the border.

The attacks are having a significant impact on the Russian economy, Putins greatest vulnerability, and it is vital that Ukraine is given support to compel the Kremlin to enter negotiations from necessity rather than choice, Mr Podolyak said.

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At the moment, 46 per cent of the Russian refinery sector is under attack or within range of Ukrainian weaponry, he added. This means that Russia is gradually losing a large part of this key sector of its economy.

In addition we are also hitting key military infrastructure across the European region of Russia.

We need to be able to keep up this kind of pressure if we are to enter negotiations from a position of strength. Only if Russia is suffering losses will it be willing to negotiate meaningfully.

After a year of strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure, Ukraine has stepped up attacks after receiving permission from Britain and the US to use their missiles against targets inside Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine has increased domestic drone manufacturing, with record production levels expected in 2025.

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In theory, targeting Russian refineries, which cost tens of billions of pounds, is effective because energy is the mainstay of the countrys economy. It is unclear how much damage Ukraine has inflicted, as Russia has classified most of its oil production data.

Last month a Ukrainian drone attack forced Russia to shut down the primary oil refining units at the Novoshakhtinsk processing plant, its largest, for the third time in a year.

Meanwhile, Russias seaborne fuel shipments fell 9 per cent in 2024, suggesting the attacks have forced Russia to cut down on exports and shore up its domestic capacity.

An explosion at the Saratov oil refinery in Russia during a Ukrainian attack - Reuters

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However, a Ukrainian intelligence source said Russia has mostly been able to repair oil facilities within a week and only additional Western missiles, coupled with more robust energy sanctions, would force Putin to recalculate.

It is doubtful that Ukraines pleas will have much traction with the new US administration.

In a much-read report he co-wrote in April last year, Gen Kellogg argued that the prospect of a Ukrainian military victory over Russia had evaporated and there was little possibility of recovering lost territory.

Claiming that the US was drawing down a stockpile of advanced weaponry that might be needed if China invaded Taiwan, he maintained that continuing to arm Ukraine amounted to expensive virtue-signalling. Future American military aid, he insisted, would require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia.

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If such talk has contributed to a feeling of bleakness in Ukraine, Mr Zelenskys government is doing its best to put on a brave face.

The mood is bleak in Ukraine, with fears of abandonment by the US - Carl Court/Getty

The Ukrainian leader has engaged in endless energetic lobbying since Mr Trumps election victory in November, sending delegations to Washington to meet the president-elects aides as well as his allies in Congress.

Seeking to combine flattery with persuasion, the head of the foreign affairs committee in the Ukrainian parliament even nominated Mr Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

For Ukrainian officials, the chief hope is that if the incoming president cannot be persuaded to offer the support needed on the battlefield, he can at least be convinced not to abandon Ukraine entirely.

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While Mr Trump may hope to negotiate directly with Putin, alpha male to alpha male, the president-elect risks repeating Joe Bidens hapless departure from Afghanistan if Russia is allowed to dismember Ukraine, they warn.

Donald Trump is said to be keen to hold face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin - Evan Vucci/AP

Some even draw parallels with Neville Chamberlains sacrifice of Czech territory in the Sudetenland under the Munich Agreement of 1938, arguing that territorial concessions to Putin would be seen as similar appeasement.

Just as these agreements contributed to, rather than prevented, the Second World War, we really want to prevent a third one, said Maria Mezentseva, a Ukrainian MP at the forefront of Ukraines diplomatic strategy in Europe.

Ukrainian officials believe progress has been made in convincing the incoming administration that Russian aggression is less about the acquisition of Ukrainian territory than it is about the reallocation of influence, Mr Podolyak says  in other words that Putins ultimate aim is as much the destruction of the West as the conquest of Ukraine.

Russian troops firing on Ukrainians. Russia has made slow and steady progress in recent months - AP

Mr Trump has gone quiet on the suggestion that he could solve the Ukraine crisis on his first day in office. He still wants a quick end to the war, but is reported to have acknowledged it will take up to six months.

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One factor in the president-elects decision-making is his desire to win a Nobel peace prize, according to The Times, a prize he feels he should have won during his first stint in the White House.

I saved a big war, I saved a couple of them, he said in 2020.

Mr Trump feels he could secure the Nobel Peace Prize with a lasting deal for Ukraine, and therefore will not let the country capitulate, one report suggested.

Despite the guarded optimism, Ukrainian officials are quietly bracing themselves for the possibility they may have to negotiate from a less-than-ideal position if Mr Trump remains obdurate  assuming that Putin is willing to negotiate at all.

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If they do go ahead, says Olena Sotnyk, an adviser to the deputy prime minister, it is vital that talks are not simply between Russia and the US but that Ukraine and its European partners, particularly Britain, are also at the table.

Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv last week with a promise to ensure robust security guarantees if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia. During talks with Mr Zelensky, the Prime Minister pledged he would work towards a just and lasting peace that would guarantee Ukraines security and independence.

Britain is discussing sending troops to join a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but Ukrainian officials warn any ceasefire could only be enforced if Western forces were willing to strike hard at Russia if it violated the truce.

St Andrews cathedral in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, after a Russian air strike - Reuters

This would mean enforcing a no-fly zone for Russian aircraft over Ukraine, training missiles on targets in Russia, ready to retaliate instantly to a breach of the ceasefire, and training and bolstering Ukraines exhausted army, Mr Podolyak said.

Even that might not be enough for the Zelensky government.

The only real way to deter Russia, Ms Sotnyk said, was to take a step to which the US and some of its European allies remain firmly opposed.

The only really sustainable security guarantee is Nato membership for Ukraine, she said.

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Ukraine's Defence Ministry has emphasised that all official interactions within its structure are strictly professional, stating that Defence Minister Rustem Umierovs working relationships with department heads, including the Defence Procurement Agency director, are not influenced by personal matters.

Source: press service for Ukraine's Ministry of Defence in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The comment was issued in response to a remark by Maryna Bezrukova, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency, who claimed her relationship with Umierov had "begun to deteriorate" following controversy over the supply of low-quality 120mm mortar bombs to Ukraine's defence forces.

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The Defence Ministry emphasised that Umierov "is guided solely by the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the effectiveness of the Ministry's units".

Quote: "Any speculation or claims about relations between the heads deteriorating are inappropriate.

Each employees performance is assessed according to clear criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) that determine their ability to perform their duties and achieve specific results.

The primary performance indicator is the timely delivery of high-quality weapons and equipment to the military. The minister's focus is on results that strengthen the country's defence capabilities, not on personal relationships."

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The oldest McDonald's in Ukraine was damaged in a Russian missile attack on 18 January.

Source: press service of McDonald's Ukraine

Quote: "Today, during an aerial attack on Kyiv, a McDonald's restaurant near the Lukianivska metro station was damaged. Open since 1997, this was our chain's first restaurant in Ukraine. Our staff were able to evacuate to a shelter in time thanks to our safety protocols."

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Details: The restaurant is closed, but McDonald's noted that they have already begun to repair the damage and promised they would "definitely restore the restaurant at Lukianivska metro station".

For reference: The first McDonald's restaurant in Ukraine opened in 1997 in Kyiv, near the Lukianivska metro station.

Background: On the morning of 18 January, Russia attacked Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles. Early reports indicate that four people have been killed and three others injured in the capital. Fires, falling debris and damage to infrastructure, including the Lukianivska metro station, were reported in the city.

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The Security Service of Ukraine has searched the home of Maks Nazarov, who is a former TV host at the channel that belonged to Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian businessman and pro-Russian politician so close to the Kremlin that Putin is his daughters godfather.

Source: A Ukrainian Pravda source in law enforcement

Details: The Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches at Maks Nazarov's home (real name: Nazar Diorditsa) on the morning of Saturday, 18 January.

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He is suspected of justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Searches at Nazarovs home

Photo: Ukrainska Pravda source

The Security Service of Ukraine officially reported that it had collected a large amount of evidence and received independent expert opinions confirming the anti-Ukrainian activities of Maks Nazarov, the former host of the sanctioned Nash and NewsOne TV channels owned by Viktor Medvedchuk, a close associate of Putin, and another pro-Russian Ukrainian politician, Yevhen Muraiev.

According to the case, after the outbreak of the full-scale war, Nazarov created his own channel on YouTube, where he continued to spread the Kremlin's narratives.

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To do this, he regularly invited pro-Russian "political experts" to join his broadcasts, many of whom are currently hiding in Russia.

During the interviews, both Nazarov and his studio guests repeatedly tried to justify Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, as well as war crimes committed by the Russians, including missile attacks on the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine.

The defendant's frequent guest was another pro-Kremlin blogger, Dmytro Korniichuk, who was served with a notice of suspicion by Security Service investigators in February 2024.

The court then imposed house arrest as a measure of restraint, but Korniichuk later continued his subversive activities in Moscow's interest.

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Both defendants publicly tried to discredit Ukraine in the international discourse and undermine the socio-political situation in Ukraine.

The forensic linguistic examination initiated by the Security Service confirmed the facts of committing crimes by both bloggers. The investigators have now served them with a notice of suspicion under Parts 2 and 3 of Art. 436.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification, recognition of the lawfulness, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The issue of choosing custody as a form of detention is being decided.

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The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have destroyed a Russian oil depot in Russias Kaluga Oblast.

Source: press service for the Special Operations Forces

Details: On the night of 17-18 January, units of the Special Operations Forces successfully struck the Rosneft [Russian state-run oil company  ed.] oil depot in the village of Lyudinovo, Kaluga Oblast of the Russian Federation.

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This oil depot is part of Kaluganefteprodukt JSC and is a logistics centre that supplies units of the Russian Armed Forces directly involved in the war against Ukraine.

The attack caused a fire to break out on the depots territory. More detailed information on the attack's results is being confirmed.

Background:

On the night of 17-18 January, drones attacked several military facilities in the Russian Federation.

An Ukrainska Pravda source said that Defence Intelligence of Ukraine attacked an oil depot which supplies the Russian occupation forces and is located in Russias Tula Oblast.

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Outgoing US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin highlighted the strides made by the US under the Biden administration, during his farewell speech delivered on Friday. He noted that the US made sweeping upgrades to its position in the Indo-Pacific, intensely focussed on the challenge posed by China, prevented an all-out war in the Middle East and rallied the world towards the cause for Ukraine. Referring to the incoming Trump administration, Austin said, "American democracy is not a sprint but a relay race. And as we pass the baton, I am very proud of what we've achieved over the past four years." "We have intensely focused the Department of Defense on the "pacing challenge" from the People's Republic of China. We've made sweeping upgrades to our posture in the Indo-Pacific", he noted. The US strengthened its defence ties across several fronts under the Biden administration. This included the rekindling the QUAD Alliance which comprises of India, the US, Japan and Australia and deepening engagements with ASEAN and Taiwan. Austin added, "We've rallied the free world to help Ukraine fight for its freedom against Putin's imperial aggression. We've led a NATO alliance that is stronger, larger, and more united than ever." Speaking about the Middle East, he said, "We've prevented an all-out war in the Middle East, seen Iran's proxies gutted across the region, and worked tirelessly to save Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We've also secured a ceasefire that will halt the fighting in Gaza, reunite hostages with their families, and surge much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza." Speaking on the other aspects of the American military, Austin informed of the hike brought into the defence budget. "We've invested deeply in the future of our military, including a defense budget that is set to increase in Fiscal Year 2025 by more than USD 100 billion from where we started in 2021", he said. "For the past four years, we've stood up to our rivals, we've weakened our foes, strengthened our friends, invested in our future, and done right by our people", Austin remarked. He said that serving as Secretary of Defence has been the highest honour and the heaviest responsibility of his life. "I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together at this hinge in history", he said in his concluding remarks. (ANI)
Ukrainian defenders have destroyed two out of the four ballistic missiles and 24 out of 39 drones launched by Russia on the night of 17-18 January.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: Four Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles were launched from Russias Voronezh and Bryansk oblasts.

Two of them were confirmed to have been downed in Kyiv Oblast. Wreckage from the missiles that fell in the Shevchenkivskyi district of the capital caused fatalities. The Air Force reported partial destruction of "a production building at a factory and damage to residential buildings, a metro entrance, cars and a main water pipeline".

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The Air Force also said the Russians struck a business in the city of Zaporizhzhia with a ballistic missile, damaging residential buildings and cars. No fatalities have been reported so far.

It was noted that 39 attack drones had been launched from the Russian cities of Millerovo, Bryansk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk over the night.

The downing of 24 Shahed attack drones was confirmed in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Donetsk oblasts.

In addition, 14 Russian decoy drones disappeared from radar.

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Maryna Bezrukova, Director of Ukraine's Defence Procurement Agency, has said that her relationship with Defence Minister Rustem Umierov "began to deteriorate" following controversy over the supply of low-quality 120mm mortar bombs to Ukraine's defence forces.

Source: Bezrukova in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Bezrukova said she had signed the contract for the supply of the mortar bombs early in her tenure, noting "there was no way she could not do so". In the summer, when it became clear that the plant could not meet the production deadline, Deputy Minister Dmytro Klimenkov requested an extension for the delivery. Bezrukova refused.

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It was after that, she says, that her relationship with Umierov "began to deteriorate".

The Agency succeeded in securing refunds for the faulty ammunition and procured it from other manufacturers.

Quote from Bezrukova: "We were able to get the money back for the disrupted bomb supply programme, but we lost valuable time."

Background:

Bezrukova's contract as director of the Defence Procurement Agency expires at the end of the week.

In November, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence announced it was "actively investigating" the reasons for the supply of low-quality 120mm mortar bombs to the front line.

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Editor's Note: The story was updated with information about an attack on an oil depot in Russia's Kaluga Oblast, reported by Ukraine's General Staff.

Ukrainian forces attacked oil depots in Russia's Tula and Kaluga oblasts overnight on Jan. 18, according to the General Staff and the Kyiv Independent's source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR).

The attack came amid an uptick in Ukraines drone attacks on Russia, as Kyiv aims at damaging Russia's oil industry, which is crucial for sustaining Moscow's war effort, as well as its military hardware.

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The drones operated by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) hit the oil depot in Tula Oblast at least 10 times in this attack, a HUR source claimed.

Tula Oblast, located south of Moscow, has regularly come under attack by Ukrainian drones.

Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev said that a fuel storage tank caught fire at "one of the enterprises in the region." No casualties were reported.

Videos posted on social media and shared by residents appear to show a large fire at an oil depot in the town of Uzlovaya in the region.

Ukrainian soldiers also hit an oil depot in the Russian town of Lyudinovo in Kaluga Oblast overnight, causing a fire, Ukraine's General Staff reported.

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Lyudinovo lies around 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

The oil depot is owned by Kaluganefteprodukt, a subsidiary of Russia's state-controlled oil company Rosneft, according to the statement.

"(This is) a logistics center that supplies units of the Russian armed forces directly involved in the war against Ukraine," the military said.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

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.
Defence Intelligence of Ukraine used drones to attack an oil depot which supplies the Russian occupation forces and is located in Russias Tula Oblast on the night of 17-18 January, causing a fire to break out there.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda source in Defence Intelligence

Details: At least ten accurate drone strikes were carried out on the oil depot in Tula Oblast on the night of 17-18 January. The source stressed that the Ukrainian-made drones hit the Russian facility thanks to the work of operatives from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

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Despite the fact that Russian media outlets reported on the supposedly successful work of Russian air defence, a large-scale fire broke out at the oil depot.

      

    pic.twitter.com/SwV9B31OoD     (@ukrpravda_news) January 18, 2025

Eyewitnesses have posted videos of UAVs hitting the Russian facility.

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Ukrainian troops from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade have captured six Russian soldiers after repelling a Russian assault on the Vovchansk front.

Source: press service for the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces; press service for the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces Command

Details: Russian soldiers, backed by armoured vehicles, attempted to breach Ukrainian defences, but a Ukrainian trooper struck a Russian MT-LB armoured personnel carrier (APC) with a grenade launcher.

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The surviving Russian troops disembarked from the APC and attempted to storm the building where the 71st Brigade soldiers were holding their defence.

Ukrainian soldiers called for reinforcements and continued the fight, which lasted around three hours. With support from an assault team of a friendly unit, the Ukrainians cleared the building and captured six Russian soldiers.

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Ukrainian forces launched an aerial attack against a Russian-occupied refractory plant in the embattled city of Chasiv Yar, Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Zaporozhets, spokesperson for the Operational Tactical Group Luhansk, said on Jan. 18.

The attack confirms earlier reports that Ukrainian troops had withdrawn from the plant.

"On the territory of the refractory plant, the enemy tried to gain a foothold, attacking in small and medium groups," Zaporozhets said during a television broadcast.

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"Thanks to coordinated actions ... (occupying Russian troops) were discovered in one of the premises on the territory of the refractory plant and an air strike was carried out. The enemy suffered losses."

The Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda posted a video, obtained from the Operational Tactical Group Luhansk, depicting the strike against the plant.

In the past week, Russian military bloggers alleged that Russian forces had pushed Ukrainian troops out of the refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. The crowd-sourced monitoring website Deep State also reported on Jan. 12 that Russia had occupied the site.

The plant served as reliable fortification for Ukrainian forces, who must now shelter in residential buildings weakened by constant shelling.

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The front-line city of Chasiv Yar has become one of the hottest spots in Donetsk Oblast in recent months as Russian troops continue advancing in eastern Ukraine. The city has been partially under Russian control since Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern Kanal neighborhood in July.

Fighting has recently intensified near the city, with Russian forces reportedly using armored combat vehicles in their assault for the first time in late December.

Read also: Ukraine hits 2 oil depots in Russia overnight

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
On Jan. 15, the Forum on Black Affairs (FOBA) celebrated Rev. Martin Luther Kings birthday with the 50th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet at the Bryce Jordan Center. Presided over by Stephanie Danette Preston, the immediate past president of FOBA, nearly 1,000 people attended.

Interim Vice President and Provost Tracy Langkilde greeted everyone on behalf of the university. Seria Chatters, interim vice provost for educational equity; Levon T. Esters, vice provost and dean, J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School; and Evan Williams, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, also spoke. Gary Abdullah Jr., the assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, Bellisario College of Communications, gave the benediction. Musical performances featured Jayden Nathaniel Adkins, Anisa Adkins, Naiby Perez, Ralph Real and Evan Buckner.

The Humanitarian Award was presented to Pamela Robb, a distinguished local leader and chair of the Patton Township Board of Supervisors. Robb was one of the 22 female veterans from across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania recently honored by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Earl Merritt, director of the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in the College of Liberal Arts, presented Fannie Lou Hamer-W.E.B. DuBois Service Scholarships to PSU students Breneil Malcolm and Keia Jones.

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One of the most spirit filled and touching moments of the evening came at the end. Darrin Thornton, associate dean for undergraduate education and teaching professor of music in the College of Arts and Architecture, presented a beautiful tribute to Anthony (Tony) Leach, founder of Essence of Joy Choir. Tony recently joined the ancestors. Essence came about 30 years ago, when organizers of the banquet asked then-graduate student Leach to put together a music program. He gathered together some of his colleagues to sing freedom songs which were adapted African American gospel hymns. After Tony was invited to join the School of Music faculty, he incorporated the process into a class and a permanent choir, Essence of Joy, which became internationally known, touring and performing on five continents.

The Africana Research Center held an open house in its new offices in the Sparks Building. Sherita Johnson, ARCs new director, welcomed visitors and introduced the current postdoctoral fellows: Allison Mashell Mitchell, Lara-Stephanie Krause-Alzaidi and Phoebe Quaynor.

The Ziegler Preservation Awards of the Centre County Historical Society will be presented Sunday at the PA Match Factory in Bellefonte at 3 p.m. This year, according to a press release, recipients include: Liz Grove, Preservation and Restoration, for the restoration and reuse of the historic Old Oak Tavern, originally the Odd Fellows Lodge, in Pine Grove Mills built in 1900.

Potter Township Heritage Days Committee, History and Heritage, for planning and hosting a township-wide celebration for the 250th founding of Potter Township.

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Bellefonte Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Education and Advocacy, for their notable contribution to research, compile, and publish an extensive index to raise awareness of Centre County Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution.

Renea Nichols, Support and Volunteerism, for significant contributions to historic preservation in Centre County through her gifts of time, talent, and project leadership to numerous county historical organizations and efforts including the Bellefonte Union Cemetery, and Black History in Centre County.

Phillip Ruth, Jacqueline J. Melander Award, for the outstanding and long-term commitment to historic preservation activities in Centre County as an architectural and public historian through his leadership in several county historical organizations such as Bellefontes Historical Architectural Review Board, the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association, and the Roland Curtin Foundation.

Penn State Alumni Association, Presidents Award, Penn State Historical Marker Program, for the preservation and interpretation of Centre County and Penn State history through the Penn State historical marker program totaling 68 historical markers on the University Park campus, and 17 at commonwealth campuses and other locations.

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Stay strong, Sisters and Brothers.

Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Partys nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He was the 2022 Lions Paw Awardee and Living Legend honoree of the National Black Theatre Festival. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
DENVER  Around 10,000 King Soopers employees are getting ready to vote on a potential strike following failed contract negotiations with the grocer.

The previous contract expired at midnight. Jan. 17, 2025. According to the union, the non-strike clause is no longer in effect and leadership is currently scheduling strike votes.

Votes have not yet been held to authorize a strike, but those votes could be announced as early as Monday, UFCW Local 7 said in a statement.

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We really have to fight for our city to be safe. Family of 16th Street Mall stabbing victim speaks out about tragedy

Contract negotiations began back in October. Since then, the two sides have met 13 times but have been unable to reach a deal.

Thursday night, King Soopers offered up its last, best and final terms.

Its a very rich offer. Its over $4.50 over the course of the contract. Its a best-in-class healthcare package as well as a strong pension, King Soopers president Joe Kelley said.

However, union leaders are calling the proposal disrespectful to workers. It is unclear exactly what terms the union is seeking for its members.

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The company clearly has the money to pay workers what they deserve and to address safety problems. Disappointingly, the company is just unwilling, so far, to do the right thing, UFCW Local 7 president Kim Cordova said.

The offer from King Soopers is valid until Jan. 31.

If they like it, theyll approve it. If they dont like it they wont approve it, Kelley said. If they do decline it certainly well have to have some more conversation but the whole point of the last best and final offer is just that. All the money is on the table.

It is possible union workers could vote to strike before the Jan. 31 deadline. They spent 10 days on the picket line after failed contract negotiations in 2022.

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Nobody wins in a strike. As a matter of fact Im more concerned for our associates because when they take them out on strike a lot of them it causes a hardship because they dont get paid, Kelley said.

Metro State University Denver economics professor, Alexandre Padilla, said a strike has a negative impact on companies, employees and consumers.

As a consumer, you should be concerned because of grocery store owners, the shareholders, the leadership know that consumers still need to buy goods so therefore they are more likely to pass that increase in cost onto the consumers, Padilla said.

Xcel Energy announces natural gas price increase ahead of arctic blast in Colorado

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According to Padilla, retail strikes can also mean empty store shelves and poor customer service. However, Kelley maintains King Soopers is equipped to handle a looming strike with minimal impact on customers.

We will keep our stores open. Unfortunately, the disruption the picket lines cause in front of our stores, its a distraction to our customers and we feel bad about that, Kelley said.

When asked if the cost of increased wages would be passed on to customers, Kelley responded.

Absolutely not, Kelley said. We actually make less money today than we did ten years ago based on the prices that we have lowered, Kelley said.

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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 FOX31 Denver.
NEWARK, New Jersey (PIX11)  A United Airlines flight bound for Puerto Rico made an emergency stop at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

United Airlines Flight 2143 landed at Newark Airport at 11:40 a.m. after the pilot reported a possible mechanical issue, a representative for the FAA said in a statement.

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The Boeing 767-400 had taken off from the same airport at 9:48 a.m and was heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico before it was forced to turn around, a Port Authority spokesperson told PIX11.

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The flight landed without incident and taxied to the gate under its own power, according to the Port Authority.

After returning to the airport, 230 passengers and 9 crew members deplaned safely, a spokesperson for United Airlines said. The FAA is continuing to investigate the incident.

In a statement, United Airlines said the following:

United flight 2143 from New York/Newark to San Juan, Puerto Rico returned to New York/Newark due to a mechanical issue. The aircraft landed safely and customers deplaned normally at the gate. Weve arranged for a new aircraft to fly customers to their destination later today. United Airlines Spokesperson

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Jan. 17LUBBOCK  On Friday, The United Family joined its parent company Albertsons Companies Inc. to launch a donate-at-the-register campaign to raise funds to support the many communities affected by the ongoing Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires. From January 17 to February 2, guests can donate any dollar amount when checking out at United Family grocery stores.

In addition to running the campaign across all locations, The United Family will also match the first $10,000 raised during this campaign in support of its sister stores and team members in the fire's path.

Donations will benefit several non-profit organizations dedicated to emergency relief in impacted areas including food banks, food pantries, and other local entities. These donations will provide food and nutrition assistance for affected individuals and families; shelter provisions for both people and animals displaced by the fires; and financial assistance for organizations that provide crucial aid to those impacted.

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"We continue to pray for all of those who have been impacted," Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family, said in a news release. "We have sister grocery stores in California and want to support our team members and their communities. If guests are looking for a way to help, we encourage them to donate while shopping with us."

The fundraising campaign will run in all United Supermarkets, Market Street, Albertsons Market, and Amigos locations across Texas and New Mexico. As with past donate-at-the-register campaigns, guests across the region can add any dollar amount to their grocery bill at checkout. If not prompted by a cashier, guests can always ask to donate.
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the court's verdict in the Al Qadir Trust case, calling it "mockery" of justice and pledged to fight till the last ball and refuse any deals, The Express Tribune reported. In a statement shared on social media platforms Facebook and X, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan condemned court's decision in the Al Qadir Trust case, calling it a premeditated move with the verdict and sentencing already leaked to the media before the official announcement. Khan called the judicial process a "mockery" of justice and said that the individuals who wrote the judgement leaked it to the media, undermining the integrity of the legal system, according to The Express Tribune report. PTI founder reiterated his stance against the "military-backed regime" and vowed to never accept it. He said, "I will continue my struggle for true freedom and democracy, even if it means spending more time in jail," while emphasising that he will make no compromise on his principles or the fight for Pakistan's true independence, The Express Tribune reported. Imran Khan pledged to continue fighting for democracy, the rule of law, and true freedom for the people of Pakistan. He said, "We will fight till the last ball, and I will not make any deals. I will face all the false cases brought against me." He called on people of Pakistan to read the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and compare it to the actions of General Yahya Khan, who he claimed similarly caused the downfall of Pakistan. He said that the current rulers were following the same path, acting in their personal interests and pushing Pakistan towards destruction. On Al-Qadir Trust case, PTI founder accused the judiciary of causing further damaging to its credibility and added that judges who backed "military rule" and acted as per their instructions were given rewards. He said that the case should have been focused on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and his son for allegedly selling their property worth 9 billion pound to a business tycoon for 18 billion pound, raising questions on the source of their wealth and why they had not given the requested receipts in the Panama Papers case. He accused Pakistan's former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of facilitating money laundering in the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case, where billions of rupees were forgiven. On Al-Qadir University, Khan called the institution as non-profit, welfare-focused project like other educational ventures like Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Namal University. PTI founder said that he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, did not gain any financial benefit from the university. He called the decision a deliberate attempt to target his wife, Bushra Bibi, who he said has faced repeated false charges and her punishment was part of a broader attempt to pressure him by hurting his family, The Express Tribune reported. He said, "My wife is a housewife with no connection to politics. She has always stood by me, considering these challenges as tests from Allah." On negotiations with government, Khan warned that if no progress was made on establishing a judicial commission for May 9 and November 26 incidents, the discussions would be pointless and accused the government of evading accountability. Imran Khan made the remarks after an accountability court in Rawalpindi sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to 7 years in the 190 million pound Al-Qadir Trust case. After the verdict, Imran Khan's wife was arrested in the court. In addition, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were asked to pay a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1 million and PKR 500,000 respectively. Failure to pay the fines would result in additional six months jail time for Khan and three months for his wife. (ANI)
HIGH POINT  The African American Initiative of the United Way of Greater High Point, the nonprofit group High Point LEAP and Life on Lexington Church on Monday are collecting and packing items to provide winter care kits for the homeless for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The kits will include rain ponchos, cough drops, lotion, gloves, socks, lip balm, nail clippers, travel wipes, tissues, Band-Aids and granola bars. Packing of the kits will start at 10:30 a.m. at Centennial Station Arts Center at 121 S. Centennial St. downtown.

The winter care kits campaign comes during a week when frigid temperatures are expected to grip the area, with highs Monday through Wednesday in the 20s and overnight lows in the teens. The stretch of weather may be the coldest in a decade or more for this time of year.

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Latoya Bullock, vice president of community impact at United Way, said the winter care kits campaign reflects the message and example of King.

MLK Day has always been a day of service in our community, honoring Dr. Kings legacy of giving back, Bullock said. Our goal is to provide hope and demonstrate that we care about the well-being of every individual in our community.

For more information email Bullock at latoya.bullock@unitedwayhp.org.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Bank Of Oklahoma customers say theyve been left in the dark for days after a major outage impacted one of BOKs service providers in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Steve Carter is a customer with BOK, saying he called Wednesday after noticing his debit card declining at a gas station.

Bank Of Oklahoma courtesy KFOR

I immediately called the Express My 800 number and only to find out that they were having some kind of a technical issue, that there was no one to talk to. They just said call back later, Carter said.

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The financial institution took to Facebook, saying the outage is impacting 26 other banks.

Carter said hes been with BOK for more than 30 years, never experiencing anything like this.

Unless you could get your hands on cash at a local bank, it certainly puts people in a bad situation, Carter said.

Carter also said he considered going to his local branch, closing his accounts and asking for cash, but decided not to.

LOCAL NEWS: Tax filing season begins January 27, say OK Tax Commission

We reached out to Bank Of Oklahoma Friday for an update on the outage. They sent a statement to News 4:

Bank of Oklahoma digital platforms are fully back online. Client balances should be displaying correctly although some transactions, including some direct deposits, are lagging as processing occurs. We understand this has inconvenienced our clients and our team has been working diligently to get everything caught up. Clients can be assured that we will reimburse all fees resulting from this outage. Debit cards should be working now but there may still be a few issues related to the delay in direct deposit processing. If clients have concerns, our ExpressBank customer service center is available but call times may be long due to the volume of inquiries coming in. Megan Ryan, SVP, Director of Content Strategy

Despite all digital platforms being back online, customers say theyre frustrated with the lack of communication.

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The first time I called, I was on hold for about 35 minutes. Unfortunately, when disconnected, I called back. I waited for 45 to 50 minutes, and I did get ahold of somebody live at their corporate call center who basically shared with me the same information I was getting out of my local branch, said Carter.

Going forward, Carter said he wont always depend on his debit card for daily purchases.

Carter said, People just dont use cash much anymore. We all use our bank cards. And and I think its probably a good reminder to carry some cash with you, you know, and in other situations that might arise.

News 4 attempted to ask the corporate office what caused the outage but they did not answer the question.

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News 4 also checked back with Steve later Friday afternoon and his direct deposit did post to his account.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks with a constituent at the state Capitol on Jan. 13, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Sometime this month Gov. Kristi Noem will get her seal of approval from the U.S. Senate to become the nations next secretary of Homeland Security. That paves the way for Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden to be the next governor of South Dakota.

With Rhodens experience as a legislator and his six years as president of the Senate, he has a firm grip on how things work in the state Capitol. During her tenure, it often seemed like Noem was more concerned about where her next job was coming from than she was in learning how to do the job that she had.

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All of Rhodens legislative and political know-how will be needed as he takes on the role of governor during a legislative session that includes an influx of lawmakers who are most kindly described as non-traditional Republicans. Given his experience, Rhoden may be the best choice to step into an ongoing legislative session and navigate what are sure to be some choppy political waters.

Anyone going into a new job, even a seasoned veteran of the Legislature like Rhoden, could use some guidance. Heres some unsolicited advice for the man who will be South Dakotas 34th governor.

Make peace with the states Indian tribes.

Its best to let the tribes know early and often that theres a new governor in town who doesnt think that theyre collaborating with drug cartels and who would like to be welcome on the reservations. If you do believe theyre allied with the cartels, make sure you have some proof before you start making allegations. Even though the tribes are sovereign nations, they should be treated with the respect and courtesy due any other South Dakotans.

Dont try to solve national problems with state dollars.

With the state budget youve inherited, there likely wont be enough money for any more grand gestures. Even so, please resist the temptation to use taxpayer dollars on National Guard deployments to the Texas border. Theres plenty for you to spend those dollars on here at home.

Embrace the traditional forms of communication.

Sure, you can copy the social media apparatus created by your predecessor. But keep in mind theres a significant portion of the population that still gets its information from legacy media. To communicate with those people, that means having regular news conferences during the legislative session. That means having a communications staff that answers media questions readily and fully. That means not wasting your time, and the medias, by howling fake news when you dont like whats written about you and then calling regular press conferences to update the public during a disaster.

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If you want to show that youve got a better grip than your predecessor on the importance of transparency, throw your support to Senate Bill 9. That bill calls for making public the calendars and appointment logs of statewide elected officials and department heads. Currently those documents can be, and the governors currently is, closed to public scrutiny. Backing SB 9 would show that youre all for letting the public know how their elected officials are spending their time.

Its possible to be a Republican without going full-MAGA.

You can have deep feelings about border security without investing South Dakotas tax dollars in another state. You can hold on to your GOP bonafides without embracing popular conservative causes like Noems call for crippling budget cuts for public broadcasting or her plan to spend $4 million in taxpayer dollars on tuition for private school students.

Time is short, but dont be afraid to take on a big project.

The next election for governor takes place in 2026 and while no announcements have been made, the field of candidates for the Republican primary already looks crowded. Youll be the incumbent, likely pitted against U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, Attorney General Marty Jackley and a player to be named later from the less-than-traditional wing of the Republican Party. Theres still time to offer a big idea about how to handle property tax reform or how to get teacher pay out of the basement of national rankings. Even with two years as governor to bolster your name recognition, youre going to need to accomplish something big that sets you apart from the crowd.

Its probably best if you dont follow Noems example.

Noem was always shooting for higher office  when she wasnt shooting pets or farm animals. Those national ambitions have paid off for her. Now its time for South Dakota to have a leader intent on leading the state rather than using the time in office to buff up a resume.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Four University of Rochester students accused of taking part in the distribution of Wanted posters that authorities said targeted Jewish faculty members have been expelled, according to a student protest group. The posters were found hanging around the River Campus in early November.

4 UR students plead not guilty in wanted posters case

Rochester Students for Justice in Palestine, a UR student advocacy group that raises awareness about the war in Gaza, announced via social media on Friday that four students were expelled amid the ongoing investigation into these posters. Students Samantha Escobar, Jonathan Bermudez, Naomi Gutierrez, and Jefferson Turcios were charged in relation to the incident. They pleaded not guilty to felony criminal mischief back in November.

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The group has since opened a petition, urging the university to reverse course, calling the universitys action authoritarian overreach.

As the death toll in Palestine soars to over 47,000 killed and over 110,000 Palestinians injured, advocacy for justice and liberation has never been more critical. Silencing students who stand against oppression not only denies them their right to free speech but a shameful betrayal of the fight for human rights. These expulsions echo broader efforts to suppress conversations about the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the right to challenge injustices worldwide, students announced.

What does the ceasefire agreement mean for Israel, Hamas and the wider Middle East?

News 8 reached out to the group for comment Saturday afternoon but has yet to receive a response.

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When asked to confirm the expulsions Saturday, University of Rochester leadership was unable to do so citing FERPA.

As a University, we recognize the heightened public attention and concern that has arisen over the past several weeks regarding the posters incident and vandalism on River Campus. However, the Universitys obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which provides protection of privacy rights of all of our students, prevents disclosure of information about any specific student conduct case that may relate to the incident. The results of all student conduct cases are confidential to the extent required by federal law and are handled consistent with published processes meeting the institutions obligation of fundamental fairness while effectively addressing actions found to violate applicable policy and preserving a safe campus environment, a spokesperson announced.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
President-elect Trump has warned he may try to withdraw the US from NATO.

Any attempt would counter Congress and venture into uncharted legal waters.

A legislative expert saw signs that could favor Congress in this largely untested area.

In 2018, President Donald Trump privately warned that he might withdraw the US from NATO. He complained that other alliance members weren't contributing their fair share of defense spending, which left American taxpayers to pick up the tab.

Congress thought otherwise. It added a special provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets funding for the US military. Section 1250A specifies that the president cannot unilaterally withdraw America from NATO without an act of Congress, or unless two-thirds of the Senate concur.

Should Trump follow through during his second term, which starts Monday, the withdrawal would fall into a legal gray area likely to be settled in court and that may favor Congress. The problem is that while the Constitution specifies that the president has the power to negotiate treaties, it doesn't say whether he has the power to break them.

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"Although Congress has to some extent regulated the President's withdrawal from a treaty in the past, Section 1250A is the first statute in which Congress has prohibited unilateral presidential withdrawal from a treaty," according to a report by Karen Sokol, a legislative attorney for the Congressional Research Service, which analyzes issues for Congress.

The Founding Fathers were rightly proud that they created a government of checks and balances, where neither the executive, legislative or judicial branches could monopolize power. But they probably would be less than thrilled with the dispute over NATO, which America was instrumental in forming 75 years ago, when a devastated Europe appeared easy prey for Soviet conquest.

Normally, the executive branch handles most foreign policy and national security matters such as negotiating treaties, though Congress exercises considerable clout through defense budgets, ratifying treaties, and approving arms sales. Powers between the executive and legislative branches are delineated clearly enough that for the most part, the system works.

When the executive and legislature can't agree, the courts are supposed to step in. Yet of all the myriad issues that end up in American courts, foreign policy is the area that judges are most reluctant to touch. In the case of withdrawing from NATO, the courts will search for legal precedents in an area that lacks them.

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The White House has long maintained that it can withdraw from treaties absent Congressional opposition, such as when the Carter Administration withdrew from a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan, which Senator Barry Goldwater and other members of Congress then appealed to the courts. "Ultimately, the Supreme Court declined to weigh in on the dispute," Sokol noted. "With a plurality of the Justices concurring in the judgment to dismiss the complaint, concluding that the case presented a political question that was properly addressed by the political branches rather than the judiciary  a determination that is not uncommon in cases involving separation- of-powers disputes in areas of foreign policy."

US special operators skydive from an MC-130J Commando II aircraft during a December exercise with a NATO ally. US Air Force

In 2020, at the end of Trump's first term, the Department of Justice published an opinion that asserted treaty withdrawal is an exclusive presidential power that Congress cannot restrict. And the Supreme Court has ruled that the executive branch has the authority to recognize foreign governments, even though that power is not specified in the Constitution.

Yet past cases suggest that the courts may reject this argument. Sokol points to the 1952 Youngstown Steel case, when the Supreme Court ruled against President Harry S. Truman's attempt to seize steel mills during the Korean War, on the ground that this violated the intent of Congress.

"Under the Youngstown framework, courts assess presidential claims of authority based on what Congress hasor has notsaid about the matter," Sokol wrote. By that standard, Congress has expressed its intent that the US remain in NATO by passing Section 1250A.

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Sokol also believes that the courts may reject the Trump administration's assertion that the executive branch alone can decide to withdraw from treaties. "A court may find a President's claim of exclusive constitutional power to withdraw from a treaty to be unpersuasive given that the Constitution is silent about treaty withdrawal powers and that Article II makes treaty entry a power shared between the President and the Senate."

Either way, the question of whether Trump has the power to withdraw from NATO means venturing into largely uncharted legal waters. "Ultimately, it is uncertain how a court would rule on the constitutional distribution of treaty withdrawal power based on its analysis of the Constitution's text and structure, relevant Supreme Court precedent, and historical interbranch practice," Sokol concluded.

Trump may not need to formally withdraw from NATO to damage it. For example, a wargame run by British experts last year found that Trump could sabotage the alliance simply by having America do less. This could include minimizing US participation in NATO exercises or restricting American officers serving as NATO commanders. The effects of a US pullback would be global and hard to predict.

Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Read the original article on Business Insider
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Right now, U.S. farmers looking to fertilize their plants rely on imports for fertilizer ingredient potash, but a $1.3 billion loan guarantee to a Michigan company could change that.

Potash is an essential plant nutrient, according to the Michigan Potash and Salt Company. The company says it lowers costs for grocery store customers by saving water and improves crop yields.

Most potash is imported from other countries, including Russia, Belarus and Canada. Back in 2022, a local farmer told News 8 that fertilizer costs were rising and that customers would see those rising costs on their grocery receipts.

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Mine near Evart will help offset dependence on Russian potash

Our costs on these fertilizer ingredients and our chemistries and our fuel have gone up 100, 200, 250 percent, Kent City farmer Tim Kruithoff said at the time.

To respond to that need, Michigan Potash is working to start up a potash mine in Osceola County. Citing geological studies, the company says Michigan has the worlds purest reserve of potash.

The facility is expected to create 200 full-time jobs and help improve food security in the U.S. It would produce around 800,000 tons of potash a year, along with about 1 million tons of salt a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energys Loan Programs Office.

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Inside WOODTV.com: Building West Michigan

The U.S. Department of Energys Loan Programs Office on Friday announced a conditional commitment to a $1.26 billion loan guarantee for the project.

We are truly excited and grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Energy to help us strengthen our farmers, the noblest of professions, Ted Pagano, Michigan Potash founder and CEO, said in a release. The initial phase of the U.S. Potash Project is just scratching the surface of the full potential of potash in Michigan. This is a win for farmers, for consumers, and for the United States as we strive to reduce our reliance on foreign countries for this critical mineral.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
The nation will hit its roughly $36 trillion debt limit on Tuesday, when the Treasury Department will start taking extraordinary measures to allow the government to pay its bills, outgoing Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a letter to congressional leaders on Friday. The notice comes just three days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Reaching the cap ramps up pressure on congressional Republicans, but lawmakers have a little time before they must act to avoid a first-ever default, which would likely cause global economic upheaval. The extraordinary measures, which are mainly behind-the-scenes accounting maneuvers, will continue through March 14, Yellen wrote.

Although Republicans control Capitol Hill, they remain divided over how to address the debt ceiling. They have several major agenda items they want to push through Congress along party lines, including border security, energy and tax cuts, possibly in one package or two. Plus, lawmakers still must pass a government funding bill for fiscal year 2025, which began October 1. (A temporary spending measure expires on March 14.)

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A bill to increase or suspend the debt ceiling could be included in one of these packages, though addressing the cap has been a bipartisan effort in recent years.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is already running up against resistance from some of his fiscally conservative members, who want to decrease the debt, not increase it. His super-slim majority will make it even more difficult for him to find a compromise  and he may need Democratic support in order to pass an increase to the limit.

The issue has already brought to light fissures within the party. In December, Trump demanded that lawmakers address the limit as part of a temporary spending bill. However, the GOP-led package, which included suspending the cap into January 2027, failed amid opposition that included a significant number of Republicans.

GOP leaders in the House in December floated an idea to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion as part of a first reconciliation package in 2025. The legislation would also include $2.5 trillion in cuts to net mandatory spending, aimed at satisfying conservative members. But that would buy the caucus only limited time before they face the cap again, experts said.

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The debt ceiling had been suspended until January 2 as part of the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act, which Congress approved in June 2023 after months of contentious debate between the GOP-led House and Democrats who controlled the Senate and White House. The cap at the time was $31.4 trillion.

In a technical quirk, the US didnt actually hit the limit on January 2 because the debt level was projected to dip that day due to the scheduled redemption of certain securities, Yellen told Congress in late December. At the time, she forecast the cap would be reached between January 14 and January 23.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A U.S. deputy marshal was shot and injured, and a person was arrested after an officer-involved shooting on Wednesday evening, Jan 15, in San Elizario, a spokesman with the U.S. Marshals said.

FBI El Paso: US Marshals deputy hurt, 1 in custody after shooting in San Elizario

The spokesman said the shooting resulted from the execution of a felony arrest warrant.

One person was arrested. However, the spokesman could not confirm if it was the person who shot the deputy.

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As we previously reported, a shooting call came in just before 5 p.m. on Jan. 15, at 11860 Socorro Road in San Elizario, according to fire dispatch.

Fire dispatch said a person, later identified as a deputy marshals with U.S. Marshals Service, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries (Code 3).

The Texas Rangers are conducting the criminal investigation into the shooting, the spokesman said.

This is a developing story and we will update once we learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
NICOSIA (Reuters) - U.S. officials will visit Cyprus soon to discuss upgrading military infrastructure, Cyprus' president said on Saturday, days after a landmark decision by Washington to bolster military cooperation with the island.

Strategically perched on the edge of the volatile Middle East, European Union member Cyprus has played a key role in evacuating civilians from the region during the many flare-ups in tensions, and has established a humanitarian aid corridor to war-ravaged Gaza, where a ceasefire deal was reached this week.

U.S. officials will visit an air base on the western coast of the island as part of upgrade discussions, President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Berlin.

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"Our objectives coincide, within the framework of strengthening transatlantic relations," he was quoted as saying in an official news release.

Authorities are also upgrading a naval base in the south of the island which could be used by Cyprus' European allies, Christodoulides added. Cyprus is not a member of NATO.

Split since a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup, Cyprus' attempts to upgrade its modest defence capabilities are closely monitored by Turkey, which has criticised the defence deal with the U.S.

(Reporting by Michele Kambas; editing by David Evans)
Two men have been sentenced for smuggling AR-15 parts from the United States into Mexico. James C Hooper/Getty Images

Two Mexican nationals have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle AR-15 parts from the United States into Mexico.

Jose Francisco Garcia-Cervantes was sentenced to 57 months in prison on Friday, while Ricardo Rodriguez-Sotelo was sentenced to 78 months on Oct. 24, 2024, for the same crime.

Court documents reveal the men trafficked firearm parts from the Western and Southern Districts of Texas into Mexico. Garcia-Cervantes smuggled the parts, and Rodriguez-Sotelo packaged them in Laredo for transport.

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Three co-defendants are awaiting trial. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas said the pair played a significant role in the operation and pledged continued efforts to combat weapons trafficking.

Rodriguez-Sotelo and Garcia-Cervantes played significant roles in an operation that moved a vast number of gun parts from the United States to Mexico, he said in a news release. We will continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners to combat weapons trafficking and the illegal flow of guns to Mexico.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and Department of Commerce Export Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Calve prosecuted the case.
India and the US have agreed to enhance cooperation and information sharing on cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on Saturday. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cybercrime investigations was signed by India's Ambassador to US, Vinay Kwatra and Acting US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo in Washington, DC. In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, "An MoU on cybercrime investigations was signed by @AmbVMKwatra, Amb. of India to the U.S. & Ms. Kristie Canegallo @DHS_DepSec, the Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security in Washington DC." On Friday, India and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to fostering secure, reliable, and interoperable digital connectivity and ICT infrastructure during the US-India Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working Group meeting. The discussions held in New Delhi on Friday highlighted areas of collaboration, including advancements in 5G and 6G networks, artificial intelligence, cross-border data flows, and the promotion of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). The US Department of State in a joint statement said, "The United States and India renewed our shared commitment to open, interoperable, reliable, and secure digital connectivity and ICT infrastructure to support the growth of the digital economy during a meeting of the US-India Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working Group in New Delhi on October 17, 2024." "The 2024 ICT Working Group included discussions with private sector representatives from both countries on the promotion of secure and resilient 5G and 6G wireless networks, including through open and interoperable approaches like Open RAN and quantum communications; digital talent, collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), expanding opportunities for Indian and US Information Technology, telecommunications, electronics manufacturing, and semiconductor companies in both countries; and support for trustworthy cross-border data flows, data protection, and data privacy measures," it added. The US State Department further said that the two governments concurred on collaborating in eight areas. Recognising that fostering telecommunications supplier diversity has the potential to lower costs, improve flexibility, spur innovation, and increase options for trusted ICT suppliers, the US and India intend to continue to promote the adoption of Open RAN at scale, including through continued discussions for the establishment of an Open RAN Academy in India. Joint efforts to promote trusted and resilient undersea cables and satellite systems, with the aim of enhancing global connectivity and supporting secure networks. Developing general principles, standards, and supporting research and development efforts for open and interoperable 6G networks.Affirming the importance of trustworthy cross-border data flows and data privacy protections to a strong digital economy and as an area for enhanced cooperation, including in fora such as the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum. Both India and the United States noted that the cross-border movement of professionals has effectively contributed to the economic and technological partnerships between the two nations and in this context the importance of efficient visa processing. Continuing to coordinate efforts in multilateral fora and multistakeholder settings, including on the responsible use of trustworthy AI technologies and in promoting AI safety. (ANI)
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The fatal 2019 arrest of unarmed Black motorist Ronald Greene and its aftermath demonstrated serious failures at Louisiana State Police like the use of excessive force and breakdowns in accountability, the U.S. Justice Department said in a report dated Thursday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Greene, 49, died in May 2019 on a roadside in rural northern Louisiana after a violent confrontation with officers that followed a high-speed car chase. His death further fueled a national debate over police brutality, especially against Black men.

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Officials initially said Greene had died driving his car but body-camera footage that was eventually made public revealed the white officers dragging and beating Greene who was screaming in fear.

KEY QUOTES

"Mr. Greene's death and its aftermath demonstrated serious failures at LSP  excessive force, improper supervision, ineffective training, and breakdowns in accountability," the Justice Department said.

"These failures 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 32-page report added.

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The report said the Justice Department "has reasonable cause to believe that the Louisiana State Police engage in a statewide pattern or practice of using excessive force."

Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized the report saying it attempted to "diminish the service and exceptionality of LSP."

Robert Hodges, the state police superintendent, said in an internal email reported by the Associated Press that the report highlighted "isolated incidents" that were "not a fair assessment" of the police.

CONTEXT

The Justice Department report did not say whether it would take any action.

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The report said the Justice Department looked into whether the police engaged in racial discrimination but at this time it made findings only as to excessive force.

Greene's family said on Tuesday they were told federal prosecutors would not bring charges in his death.

The Justice Department report acknowledged that police had made some reforms after Greene's death that led to improvements but urged more reforms like improved training, particularly on use of force to lay emphasis on less intrusive alternatives before employing force.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; editing by Diane Craft and Kim Coghill)
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The US has spoken with Indian leaders across the political spectrum to get them to review the South Asian nations strict regulations for makers of nuclear reactors, the outgoing US ambassador to India said.

In an interview in New Delhi on Thursday, Ambassador Eric Garcetti said leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, as well as opposition parties were interested in looking for a way forward on the matter.

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Currently, India has some of the worlds strictest nuclear liability laws, under which not just the plant operators, but also makers of reactors can be held responsible in the event of an accident. These regulations have impeded several proposed projects in India, including one with France to construct the worlds largest nuclear power plant in the western Maharashtra state.

Garcettis remarks come just days after President Joe Bidens National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US is finalizing steps to remove longstanding barriers to civil nuclear cooperation with India.

Formal paperwork will be done soon to scrap regulations that prevented Indian entities and American companies from cooperating on nuclear energy projects, Sullivan said during his last official visit to New Delhi.

President-elect Donald Trumps administration is also focused and excited about making progress on the India-US civil nuclear deal, which was announced nearly two decades ago, Garcetti said. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Biden had discussed ways to revive the nuclear trade, he said.

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The discussions come amid major breakthroughs in civil nuclear technology. Garcetti cited the example of US-made small nuclear reactors that can operate in places where traditional power plants cannot. The combination of Indias cheap and trained workforce and American technology could hold a huge opportunity for the South Asian nation, provided the laws are relaxed, he added.

India, one of the worlds biggest carbon dioxide emitters, is seeking to rapidly expand use of nuclear power to both decarbonize and meet rising energy demand. Currently, there are 22 nuclear reactors in the country that are run by the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India.

Lifting sanctions on Indian atomic research institutions by the US is a welcome step, said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Indias Ministry External Affairs on Friday. It will lead to greater collaboration and hopefully issues like the liability clause will also be discussed and taken forward.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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By John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - During his four years as president, Democrat Joe Biden experienced a sustained series of defeats at the U.S. Supreme Court, whose ascendant conservative majority blew holes in his agenda and dashed precedents long cherished by American liberals.

Despite the Biden administration's efforts to preserve it, the court - which has six conservative justices and three liberals - in 2022 overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that had recognized a constitutional right to abortion.

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The court in 2023 rejected race-conscious admissions policies defended by his administration that long had been used by colleges and universities to increase their numbers of Black, Hispanic and other minority students. In 2022, it expanded gun rights, rejecting his administration's position, and similarly in 2024 it invalidated a federal ban on "bump stock" devices that enable semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns.

The justices blocked Biden's $430 billion student loan relief plan in 2023. They also limited the Environmental Protection Agency's reach as part of a series of rulings curbing the power federal regulatory agencies.

"I think it is the toughest series of defeats since Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s had many New Deal programs declared unconstitutional," said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California Berkeley Law School, referring to another conservative court that frustrated a Democratic president.

John Yoo, who served as a Justice Department lawyer under Republican former President George W. Bush, said Biden experienced "an amazing number of defeats" in his biggest cases as president.

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"It's hard to think of another president in our lifetimes who lost so many high-profile cases on issues so near and dear to his constitutional agenda," said Yoo, now a professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.

Biden began his presidency three months after the U.S. Senate confirmed his Republican predecessor Donald Trump's third appointee to the court, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, creating a 6-3 conservative majority. Trump in his first term also appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to lifetime posts on the court alongside fellow conservatives John Roberts, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

Biden appointed just a single justice. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the court. Because Jackson replaced a retiring fellow liberal justice, Stephen Breyer, her confirmation did not change the court's ideological breakdown.

Biden's presidency ends on Monday with Trump's inauguration for a second term.

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Trump may get a chance to rejuvenate the court's conservative majority by replacing some or all of its three most senior conservatives with younger jurists - and perhaps even expand it if a liberal justice leaves during his term.

Biden's painful record in major cases was to be expected, Chemerinsky said, thanks to "the ideological difference between the Supreme Court's majority and the Biden administration."

Biden expressed frustration after some of his most searing defeats, at one point describing the top U.S. judicial body as "not a normal court." In his last year in office, Biden proposed major changes including term limits of 18 years and binding and enforceable ethics rules.

In making the proposal, Biden said that "extreme opinions that the Supreme Court has handed down have undermined long-established civil rights principles and protections."

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His proposal went nowhere, given opposition by Republicans in Congress.

'RECIPE FOR DEFEAT'

According to Yoo, Biden's administration failed to adapt when the court made clear it would interpret the Constitution using methods favored by conservatives based on the document's "original understanding, history and tradition."

By refusing to accept this change, the administration "rendered itself irrelevant on the most important constitutional questions of the day," said Yoo, a former law clerk to Thomas. "That is a recipe for defeat."

Conservatives have waged what is sometimes called a "war on the administrative state" - aiming to rein in federal agencies that regulate many aspects of American business and life - and have found a receptive audience with this court, as Biden learned in several high-profile cases.

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Presidents, particularly Democratic ones, in recent decades increasingly have relied upon federal regulatory agencies to advance their policy goals due to the decreasing productivity of a U.S. Congress often deadlocked along partisan lines.

During Biden's term, the court formalized a conservative legal principle, called the major questions doctrine, that gives judges broad discretion to invalidate executive agency actions of "vast economic and political significance" unless it is deemed that Congress clearly authorized them.

The court invoked this doctrine to block the student debt relief plan that Biden had promised as a candidate in 2020 and to roll back the EPA's authority to regulate carbon pollution from power plants.

"The environmental law and student loan cases show how disdainful the court is of Democratic executive action, precisely because the lack of congressional movement means that executive action remains the only avenue for any kind of policy progress in the U.S.," Cornell Law School professor Gautam Hans said.

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In another blow to federal regulatory power, the court in 2024 overturned a landmark 1984 precedent that had given deference to U.S. agencies in interpreting laws they administer, again ruling against Biden's administration. This doctrine, known as "Chevron deference," had been long opposed by conservatives and business interests.

Biden did secure some wins.

In their last ruling during his presidency, the justices upheld on Friday a law signed by Biden and defended by his administration requiring the popular app TikTok to be sold by its Chinese parent company or be banned in the United States on national security grounds.

The court in 2024 upheld a federal law that Biden's administration defended that makes it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to have guns. It also preserved the funding structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency created under Democratic-backed 2010 Wall Street reform legislation.

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But some other victories were based on the court's finding that challengers to Biden administration-backed policies lacked the necessary legal standing to sue, meaning the underlying legal issues were not resolved and the matters could return in the future. These cases involved: access to the abortion pill mifepristone; Biden's immigration enforcement priorities; and the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.

These cases "didn't really resound to validate political goals of the Biden administration," Hans said.

These victories may prove to have "forestalled even bigger losses" if the court addresses these issues again in a more fulsome way and reaches different outcomes, Hans added.

TRUMP IMMUNITY

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Even as Biden often experienced disappointment at the court, Trump while out of office racked up victories - particularly in three cases decided last year.

In the biggest of those, the court embraced Trump's request for immunity after he was indicted on federal criminal charges involving his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss to Biden - the first time it recognized any degree of presidential immunity from prosecution. The ruling stated that former presidents have broad immunity for official acts taken in office.

Biden called the ruling "a dangerous precedent."

University of Illinois Chicago law professor Steve Schwinn said the Biden administration found itself in the middle of longer-term trends in which the court has curtailed the power of federal agencies and enhanced the power of the presidency.

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These shifts "will have dramatic impacts on the enforcement of federal law across the board," Schwinn said. "We'll see this immediately in the second Trump administration, with a president who has promised to take full advantage of these trends."

(Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham)
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  After a holdup Thursday with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a senior Israeli official now says Israels cabinet will meet Friday to discuss and ratify the deal.

The hope is this deal will put an end to fighting between Israel and Hamas which began 15 months ago when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking nearly 200 hostages.

Dr. Trent Engbers from USI  who studied in Israel just months before the war in Gaza  believes this ceasefire provides an optimistic opportunity for peace in this conflict.

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He says theres public intent on both sides to go through with peace. First, theres policy procedures necessary.

I dont think its a done deal. The Knesset  the Israeli Congress  needs to vote on it. There will be political opposition, but its hopeful, Dr. Engbers says.

Meanwhile he says the state of the hostages comes up when he talks with his friends back in Israel.

He says freeing the hostages and achieving sustainable peace should be the goal were all working toward.

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Davis County Clerk Brian McKenzie poses for a photo in a ballot processing center at the Davis County Administrative Building in Farmington on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Even though election season is over, pressure on Utah election officials isnt about to let up.

In the wake of a contentious election that sowed more scrutiny on voting, Utah lawmakers are gearing up to consider changes to the states election system, including possible limitations to voting by mail and whether the lieutenant governor should continue to oversee elections.

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Ahead of the Utah Legislatures 2025 general session set to convene Tuesday, the conservative think tank Sutherland Institute hosted a panel discussion this week focused on election policy and possible reforms lawmakers are expected to consider.

During that panel discussion Wednesday, the Sutherland Institute published new poll numbers showing Utahns continue to be overwhelmingly confident in their elections  but also explored a handful of proposals being discussed and what would help or hurt voter confidence.

That poll showed eliminating early voting and requiring voters to cast ballots on Election Day would be the least popular proposal, while requiring photo identification (as opposed to just a signature) when voting by mail would create the biggest boost in net voter confidence.

More on that poll later. While lawmakers are exploring changes, its also important to put the issue into context.

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A recent legislative audit found no significant fraud in Utahs election system (which currently sends by-mail ballots to all of the states active registered voters), but it also found some errors, including 1,400 likely deceased voters who hadnt been removed from voter rolls. Of those, 700 were marked as active voters, and in 2023 two ballots were cast in the names of voters classified as deceased.

Out of 2 million registered voters, thats a small number. But its still too many for House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, who raised questions about the security of Utahs vote-by-mail system, which heavily relies on signature verification, after the audit was released.

A clerk weighs in

When that audit came out, Davis County Clerk Brian McKenzie said his first gut reaction was, Holy crap, how in the world did we screw up this badly?

However, McKenzie also kept in mind that since a preceding audit released in 2022 prompted a wave of legislative changes in 2023, clerks have also been adjusting to an onslaught of new requirements since then, with funding, training programs and mandates not taking full effect until late 2023 and early 2024.

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So, McKenzie said a crucial question to ask is are we making improvements now that we have those resources in place?

Taking a closer look at legislative auditors findings, McKenzie said he noticed a pattern. He said the number of concerns that auditors have flagged were higher during the November 2023 election, but incrementally decreased from the 2024 Democratic presidential primary to the 2024 state primary to the 2024 general election.

So  are we improving? Yes we are, McKenzie said. The data tells us we are improving.

Importantly, the most concerning findings that lawmakers have raised concerns about  including the two ballots that were cast in the names of voters classified as likely deceased  took place in November 2023, before the 2023 Utah Legislatures reforms took full effect.

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So while McKenzie acknowledged there is always room for improvement within Utahs election system, he also urged critics and lawmakers to keep the issue in perspective  and be patient.

My message to the Legislature is, good grief, give us a little bit of a break, he said. Because it feels, as an election officer, that Im stuck in the surf. And this wave has crashed over me, with new mandates, new requirements.

McKenzie added: Thats OK, Im not complaining about that. But its knocked me off my feet a little bit and Ive rolled around in the sand. And just as Im about ready to stand back up, guess what? We have another legislative session. And another 30, 40, 50, 60 bills are proposed that modify elections. And that wave crashes over us again.

McKenzie emphasized that hes not criticizing lawmakers because they have a mandate from the people to make improvements. But he urged legislators to remember the new requirements and resources they implemented back in 2023 are only just being fully implemented.

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Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner (a former Utah County Clerk who also participated in Wednesdays discussion), agreed with McKenzie, and added that given todays political climate and added pressures on clerks, its no wonder why we have election officials that are quitting left, right and center.

Do we have a voter fraud problem in Utah? The answer is no. We really dont, Powers Gardner said. Are elections perfect? Of course not. Is there room for improvement? Always. Im a huge advocate of continuous process improvement. But do we have a major voter fraud issue? The answer simply is no.

However, Powers Gardner said there is one area she thinks is the biggest weakness in our entire system, and thats keeping the voter rolls up-to-date  an issue that was a clear contributor to the legislative auditors findings. If lawmakers focus on anything, she said it should be on voter roll security and transparency of changes.

How confident are Utahns in their elections?

The Sutherland Institutes poll results came from a survey conducted by the Salt Lake City-based research firm Y2 Analytics during the 2024 election cycle on how confident Utah voters are in Utahs elections and what potential election reforms they may or may not prefer.

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Even as lawmakers consider changes, the poll found an overwhelming majority of Utah voters are confident that ballots in Utah are being counted accurately, with 83% of Utah voters saying they were very or somewhat confident, while only 17% said they werent.

The poll of 993 registered 2024 general election voters was conducted Oct. 26 to Nov. 20. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, according to a report written by Derek Monson, chief growth officer for the Sutherland Institute.

Clearly, Utah does not seem to be starting from a crisis of confidence in elections. To the contrary, voter confidence in Utah appears to be quite high, Monson wrote, though he noted the poll also shows there does appear to be a difference in voter confidence driven by political party affiliation and the results on Election Day 2024.

The poll results showed that voter confidence in the accuracy of ballot counting visibly increased from before Election Day to after Election Day for Utah Republicans, while the opposite was true for Utah Democrats, Monson wrote.

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In fact, Democrats had higher confidence before Election Day about their individual ballots, while Republicans had higher confidence after Election Day, he continued. And after Election Day, the confidence gap between the two parties was almost entirely eliminated for ballots in Utah generally and the nation as a whole.

Given President-elect Donald Trumps win, Monson concluded the survey results add to academic research that shows public trust in elections can be significantly influenced by non-policy factors, such as whether ones preferred candidate(s) won or lost the election.

What do Utahns think about proposed election reforms?

The poll also unpacked what Utah voters think about possible changes that have been discussed for consideration during the 2025 session. The proposals and the polls results included:

Requiring photo identification (as opposed to just a signature) when voting by mail would create the biggest boost in net voter confidence, the poll showed, with 51% saying that would make them more confident while 20% said that would decrease their confidence.

Requiring mail-in ballots be received (not just postmarked) by Election Day would also result in a net confidence increase, according to the poll, with 49% saying it would increase their confidence while 28% said it would decrease their confidence.

Knowing election results by the end of Election Day would make 44% of voters more confident while decreasing confidence for 26%.

Election officials emailing or texting voters to tell them the results of the election had the smallest net confidence increase, with 30% saying it would increase their confidence while 25% said it would decrease their confidence.

Removing election oversight from the Utah Lieutenant Governors Office would result in a net confidence decrease, with 35% saying it would hurt their confidence while 27% said it would help their confidence.

Eliminating voting by mail and ballot drop boxes while requiring all voters to cast ballots in person would also result in a net decrease in confidence, with 51% saying it would hurt their confidence while 33% said it would help.

Using artificial intelligence to help election officials verify voter signatures would result in the second-highest decrease in net voter confidence, according to the poll, with 57% saying it would hurt their confidence while 20% said it would help.

Eliminating early voting and requiring voters to cast ballots on Election Day was the least popular with poll respondents and would result in the biggest net decrease in confidence, with 60% saying it would hurt their confidence and 19% saying it would help.

The poll also zeroed in on whether Utah voters would prefer to have their elections chief be elected or appointed.

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Last year, Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, introduced a bill that would have stripped the lieutenant governor of those oversight responsibilities and created a separate elections office with a director appointed by a committee that consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, Senate president, House speaker, auditor, treasurer and attorney general. However, that bill, HB490, didnt progress during the 2024 session, with Wilcox saying at the time he tabled it for more discussion.

Let us know what you think...

House Speaker Mike Schultz has said hes supportive of removing election oversight responsibilities from the lieutenant governor, but its not yet clear what lawmakers will debate as an alternative proposal.

The Y2 Analytics poll showed one thing is clear: Utah voters want their election chief to be elected  not appointed. A vast majority, 74%, said the person overseeing elections should be elected by voters, while 26% said they should be appointed by elected officials.

If Utah lawmakers opted to go with an appointed elections chief, the poll showed 45% of voters confidence would decrease while 15% said it would improve their confidence. However, 39% said it would not change.

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Read the full Sutherland Institute report on the poll here:

IssueBrief_ElectionReform_PublicTrust_2025

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Utah Rep. Burgess Owens has been selected by Chairman Tim Walberg, R-Mich., to serve as vice chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee and as chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee for the 119th Congress.

Were in a fight to bring common sense back to our schools  restoring merit, holding failing institutions accountable, exposing the antisemitism on campuses, reversing top-down DEI mandates, and disrupting a broken system thats failing too many Americans, Owens said in a press release.

Owens previously endorsed President-elect Donald Trumps choice for Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon.

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In an article to the Daily Caller, Owens, who represents Utahs 4th District, described McMahon as a talented leader who has proven herself in both the private sector and public service to create real educational opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.

Owens also voiced his support for McMahon on X: For decades, Americas education system has been on a downward spiral, overrun by top-down policy mandates, wasteful spending, radical ideology, and a complete disregard for academic excellence.

What other leadership roles do Utah congressmen have in the 119th Congress?

In the Senate, Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. John Curtis serve on a number of committees. Lee serves as chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and is a member of three others, including the Judiciary Committee.

Curtis serves on four committees, including the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

In the House, 1st District Rep. Blake Moore serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and is part of GOP House leadership, 2nd District Rep. Celeste Maloy serves on the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Natural Resources, and Rep. Mike Kennedy, who will represent the 3rd District, will serves on three committees, including the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WBTW)  There are more than 1,700 miles separating Dillon County from New Mexicos capital city, but officials in both communities have been side-by-side for nearly a year in the wake of a brutal cross-country crime spree that took the lives of first responders in both.

On Friday, the man responsible for one the killings and accused in the other pleaded guilty in U.S. District Courts New Mexico division, assuring hell never get out of prison.

Jaremy Smith, 33, of Marion, admitted to five charges connected to the March roadside ambush of New Mexico State Police Ofc. Justin Hare. Smith is also accused of kidnapping and murdering Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore.

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Timeline: Whats happened so far in the case of Jaremy Smith, the man accused of killing Pee Dee paramedic, New Mexico officer

I wish I could have met Justin and Phonesia. I wish I could have warned them about Jaremy Smith, Raul Bujanda, a New Mexico FBI Special Agent in Charge, said at a Friday news conference following Smiths plea. If Im completely honest, I wish we were not here today. I wish such evil would not exist in the world, and yet it does.

Despite facing multiple life sentences in federal prison, officials on Friday acknowledged that Smith still needs to answer for his crimes in South Carolina.

To the family of Phonesia Machado-Fore, we understand this is one step in the entire process. We hope that this one step is a positive outcome for you all, New Mexico Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Jason R. Bowie said.

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The Marion County Sheriffs Office in April issued 17 warrants tied to Machado-Fore, 52, whose body was found March 15 outside of Lake View in Dillon County.

South Carolina charges are still pending in the death of our local paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. However, today was an incredible step forward for the family (both blood and blue) of slain New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare, the agency wrote on its Facebook page. It is always appreciated when Phonesia is mentioned and honored during New Mexico authorities press conference.

Terry Hare, Justins mother, said the 10-month journey to get justice for her son doesnt mean the fight is over.

No family should have to go through this, especially the family of a first responder of any kind, she said. Weve got your back, you guys. Weve got your back, and were going to fight for all law enforcement officers and first responders. This isnt over yet, she said.

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* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WBTW)  There are more than 1,700 miles separating Dillon County from New Mexicos capital city, but officials in both communities have been side-by-side for nearly a year in the wake of a brutal cross-country crime spree that took the lives of first responders in both.

On Friday, the man responsible for one the killings and accused in the other pleaded guilty in U.S. District Courts New Mexico division, assuring hell never get out of prison.

Jaremy Smith, 33, of Marion, admitted to five charges connected to the March roadside ambush of New Mexico State Police Ofc. Justin Hare. Smith is also accused of kidnapping and murdering Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore.

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Timeline: Whats happened so far in the case of Jaremy Smith, the man accused of killing Pee Dee paramedic, New Mexico officer

I wish I could have met Justin and Phonesia. I wish I could have warned them about Jaremy Smith, Raul Bujanda, a New Mexico FBI Special Agent in Charge, said at a Friday news conference following Smiths plea. If Im completely honest, I wish we were not here today. I wish such evil would not exist in the world, and yet it does.

Despite facing multiple life sentences in federal prison, officials on Friday acknowledged that Smith still needs to answer for his crimes in South Carolina.

To the family of Phonesia Machado-Fore, we understand this is one step in the entire process. We hope that this one step is a positive outcome for you all, New Mexico Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Jason R. Bowie said.

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The Marion County Sheriffs Office in April issued 17 warrants tied to Machado-Fore, 52, whose body was found March 15 outside of Lake View in Dillon County.

South Carolina charges are still pending in the death of our local paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. However, today was an incredible step forward for the family (both blood and blue) of slain New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare, the agency wrote on its Facebook page. It is always appreciated when Phonesia is mentioned and honored during New Mexico authorities press conference.

Terry Hare, Justins mother, said the 10-month journey to get justice for her son doesnt mean the fight is over.

No family should have to go through this, especially the family of a first responder of any kind, she said. Weve got your back, you guys. Weve got your back, and were going to fight for all law enforcement officers and first responders. This isnt over yet, she said.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  With President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration being moved indoors due to frigid temperatures forecasted, the Stewarts Creek High School (SCHS) band will no longer perform in the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C.

SCHS principal Dr. Clark Harrell shared an update that the Presidential Inaugural Committee notified him Friday night that due to weather and the movement of events, the invited high school bands will not be able to participate.

PREVIOUS: Stewarts Creek High School band selected to perform at inauguration parade

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This is very disappointing news, as we know that our students and staff have spent countless hours working and preparing for the parade, Harrell said.

On Thursday, Tractor Supply Company surprised 160 SCHS band students by donating the final $40,000 needed to reach their $120,000 fundraising goal ahead of their trip.

We are very thankful for the overwhelming support we have received from our community, Harrell said. The financial contributions from individuals and businesses from all across the Volunteer State have been truly humbling.

Harrell said in the spirit of resilience and because a vast majority of the travel expenses are non-refundable, the band will still travel to Washington, D.C.

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PREVIOUS: Stewarts Creek High School band receives funding to perform at presidential inauguration parade

The band was set to perform a patriotic medley of two songs, including My Country Tis of Thee and Youre a Grand Old Flag.

We are working with members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation on details for a public performance in honor of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Harrell said. While we are not able to perform in the parade, we are still proud to represent the great State of Tennessee in Washington and in our performance honoring this historic occasion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A Myrtle Beach man and father of an Israeli soldier on Friday reacted to the recent ceasefire developments between Israel and Hamas.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Don Habibi of Myrtle Beach believes that even if the 33 hostages were to be released in phase one of the three-phase hostage and Hamas prisoner deal, the conflict in the Middle East will still remain.

Were in a vicious circle and its going to keep going until something changes, Habibi said.

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With it being the longest war in Israels history, Habibi believes the war has gone on for 15 months due to a large portion taking place in hidden tunnels. He said he thinks neither the Israel defense forces nor Hamas are sure if all of the hostages are alive.

Habibi said he thinks the hostages are only being released due to President-elect Donald Trump making a claim that all hell will break out in the Middle East if the hostages werent released by his inauguration on Monday.

The threat that thered be very serious consequences, I took that to mean Iran would get attacked. Iran is essentially the puppet master here as far as what has sort of financed and motivated Hamas, Habibi said. That led to pressure on Hamas to finally, you know, come to the table and make a deal.

But with the trade of prisoners for hostages, Habibi says it poses a risk for the released Hamas prisoners to become the next generation of leaders for Hamas. Even if the war were to end, Habibi doesnt think there will ever fully be peace in the Middle East.

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My assumption is this will simply continue a pattern of war that gets hot and then it simmers for years or for a period of time, and then it flares up again, he said. So in other words, if we go back to the status quo, then Israel will be back fighting in Gaza in a matter of years, if not months.

Habibi believes there will be surprises that come with the deal as there are many moving parts when it comes to political negotiations. He hopes the hostages freed will finally find some peace within themselves.

Its very tragic, he said. Im sure some of the hostages who will be released will be kind of messed up from living in an underground tunnel with scabies and all kinds of health issues just from not seeing the light of day.

As for the rest of the deal, in phase two, if negotiations take longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue as long as negotiations continue. During phase three, any final remains of hostages who have been killed will be returned to their families and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin.

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* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Protests erupted worldwide as the World Uyghur Congress, its affiliate organizations, and other Uyghur groups rallied in front of Thai embassies, urging the Thai government not to repatriate 48 Uyghur refugees to China, where they face severe persecution and torture. In a post on X, the World Uyghur Congress stated, "Today, the World Uyghur Congress, its affiliate organizations, and other Uyghur groups around the globe staged protests in front of Thai embassies worldwide. They urged the Thai government not to repatriate 48 Uyghur refugees to China, where they face a severe risk of persecution." The demonstrations were held in various cities across the globe, as part of a growing international call for action to protect the rights of Uyghur detainees. Uyghur organizations submitted formal letters to the Thai embassies. The letters urged Thailand to respect its international obligations and prevent the deportation of the Uyghur refugees, who are at grave risk of torture, forced labour, and even death if returned to China. The World Uyghur Congress called on international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to take stronger action to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis. These Uyghur refugees are among many who have fled China's ongoing repression of the Uyghurs, where reports of mass detention, forced labour, sterilization, and cultural erasure have sparked global condemnation. China has been increasingly exerting pressure on countries around the world to deport Uyghur refugees back to China, where they face grave human rights violations. They are at risk of torture, forced labour, and even death if returned. On January 15, U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi also weighed in, urging the Thai government to halt the deportation of 43 Uyghur refugees currently detained in Thailand. He warned of the dire consequences they would face upon return to China, including torture and ethnic cleansing. Suozzi reminded Thailand of its obligations under the Convention Against Torture, a treaty that prohibits deporting individuals to countries where they are at risk of such mistreatment, as reported by the World Uyghur Congress. In a post on X, Tom Suozzi stated, "If the Thai government forces them back to China, these innocent people face torture, ethnic cleansing, or death in forced labour camps." China's increasing pressure on Thailand to repatriate these refugees highlights the ongoing plight of the Uyghur population, whose fundamental rights continue to be violated by the Chinese government. Activists around the world are calling for greater international intervention to end the systemic injustice faced by Uyghurs. (ANI)
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares issued a statement in reference to President Biden granting clemency for Ferrone Claiborne and Terrence Richardson, two men who were acquitted of the 1998 murder of a Sussex County police officer and yet were still sentenced to life

Not Guilty, Sentenced to Life: Waverly Two gets to go home after decades as Biden grants clemency

If the Democrats intend to build their vision of social justice on a pile of dead law enforcement officers, they could send no stronger message than the one they sent today, said Attorney General Jason Miyares. The decision not to pardon but merely commute the sentence of Terence Richardson only supports our position that he is in fact guilty of manslaughter. This office will continue to exhaust itself in seeking justice for the family of Officer Allen Gibson and ensuring that those involved are held to account.

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Yesterday, Joe Biden woke up and decided that these two violent criminals deserve clemency, continued Miyares. Joe Biden should be ashamed, but we know that he probably doesnt even know what he signed. Biden and his staff deserve scorn, shame, and derision for this despicable act. Shame on you, Joe Biden and your enabling staff. May the memory of Officer Allen Gibson and his family haunt each of you forever.

Jarrett Adams, Richardsons attorney, made the following statement directly to WAVY 10 in response to Miyares:

Governor Youngkin and Jason Miyares are unfortunately using the daughter of Officer Gibson as a political pawn to shield the public from the fact that there is zero evidence of guilt, and they are using the commonwealths resources and energy to obstruct justice by maintaining a bogus guilty plea, instead of finding out the truth of what really happened to Officer Gibson.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Jan. 17AUSTIN  Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is proud to introduce the next installment of the series highlighting the VLB's Voices of Veterans oral history program. This week, they highlight the service of Staff Sergeant Harvey Gann, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Gann was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1920. His brother served as a Captain in the Navy in the South Pacific, and his father served in WWI. Before the war, Gann worked to help build Bergstrom Air Force Base. He recalled that he was out in the front yard of the family home when he heard about Pearl Harbor being bombed.

He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and attended boot camp at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Later, he attended mechanics school in Detroit and aero-gunner school in Tucson, Arizona. He then went to Miami, Florida, where he shipped out to fight in World War II.

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After arriving in Europe, he served in Italy with the 15th Air Force's 47th Wing, 449th Bomb Group. On January 20, 1944, he was the top turret gunner on a B-24 when it was shot down over Italy.

"I was shot down on my fourteenth mission. We had been bombing an airfield and oil refinery near Hungary [...] at that time it was the biggest air-raid, about 500 planes all together. In my crew, there were three of us riding together, and we all got shot down simultaneously. The plane was on fire, and a German bomber was attacking us. One of them came straight in shooting and my turret was hit and blew the dome off of it. My head was bleeding, and my nose was bleeding, and I fell out of my top turret. The number two engine was on fire. I went to go get the pilot to tell him we better get out because I smelled gasoline. Of course, they were still shooting and hit the inside area and it blew up."

The pilot and the co-pilot were in the bomb bay and Gann signaled to them he was about to jump. He said, "They were ready to jump when I got out of the way." He leaped from the plane and deployed his parachute. Unfortunately, Gann was the only one to survive.

"I was on the way down and couldn't hear anything for a few seconds. I turned around, and there were two German fighter planes coming toward me. I started wiggling my shoot from one side to the other and it popped a couple times. I knew I better quit that because I'd make a streamer out of it. So, I just hung there and figured, 'Well, if you're gonna shoot me, go ahead.' They didn't. They gave me a highball and went on."

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He encountered German forces after landing and became a Prisoner of War (POW). They went to Germany, and Gann was put into Dulag Luft, a transition camp for newly captured aircrews. They put him and other POWs into cells for solitary confinement. After being interrogated by the Germans, Gann was assigned to an official POW camp where he recognized a ball turret gunner who was shot down before him.

"Of course, we had a lot of conversations about how we got where we were. I wasn't there but a few days and we started talking about how we were gonna escape from here. While we were trying to figure out how we were gonna get away, two of the other guys wanted to go with us. We wound up escaping together on March 11th."

Gann was given a stolen pair of wire cutters and cut the barbed wire fence during their escape. He got caught on the wire twice, and the second time he became ensnared, a guard was coming toward him. "I couldn't get out without making a bunch of noise, so I had to just lay there, and I just knew I was a dead duck. I just curled up in the snow. All I could do was wait and dawg gon' it, they walked on by and went on."

He and the other men escaped the camp and were gone for seven days before they were recaptured. He made three escape attempts and was recaptured each time until his fourth attempt, which was successful in May 1945.

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Gann reminisced about taking a ship back to the United States after the War ended. He talked about a party thrown on the boat in honor of the service members where they were treated like "kings," and everyone wanted to buy a war hero a drink.

After the war, Gann didn't have enough service time to be discharged. So, he did a tour with the Air Transport Command, where they stored and disassembled old war planes. He also got an opportunity to fly a B-29 as a flight engineer.

He met his wife, Evelyn, after he was discharged in 1945 while her sister stayed in one of the rooms in a boardinghouse run by Gann's mother. Gann and Evelyn got married the next year, a fact Evelyn herself chimed in to provide, which earned a soft chuckle from her beloved husband.

When Gann began working for the Austin Police Department (APD), he was among the first group to be hired after the war and to attend school provided by the department. He worked with APD for thirty-eight years in the Narcotics Division. In 1996, Gann wrote his book, Escape I Must, about his time living in and escaping from POW camps in Germany.

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When asked about the secret to his longevity and his philosophy on life, Gann laughed warmly saying, "Be positive and not only positive, be optimistic, I think. You've gotta be a real force to make one hundred."

Click here to listen to Staff Sergeant Harvey Gann tell his story.
Jamie Sullivan became the first person to receive a Hope Card from Washington state on Thursday. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)

Jamie Sullivan became the first person to receive a Hope Card from Washington state on Thursday.

In 2016, a former dating partner began stalking her using GPS trackers, surveillance video, disguises, and home break-ins. This ended after a physical confrontation with her stalker in the middle of the night when she found him tampering with her car. Sullivan says she only survived because she was underestimated and armed.

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Since then, Sullivan was issued a protection order that expires in 2099 and was told to keep it with her at all times. These bulky documents can have anywhere from 10 to 20 pages, with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking often carrying multiple copies.

Sullivan found this impractical, degrading, indiscrete and outdated.

Scott Ahlf, chief legal counsel at the Administrative Office of the Courts said that when he first started issuing protection orders, they typically fit onto one sheet of paper. You cant do that any longer. Through legislation and case law, orders are now more than 10 pages long, he said.

In 2023, Sullivan reached out to Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, who sponsored House Bill 1766, to create a Hope Card program to offer wallet-sized cards with information about a protection order.

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These cards contain the restrained persons name and description along with the protected individuals name, birth date, and some basic information about their case.

Protection orders are a safety tool for law enforcement and survivors. But when survivors dont carry them, it prevents police from effectively using them. Hope cards are intended as a fix.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said passage of House Bill 1310 in 2021 restricted police from using force unless they had probable cause. Sanders said it also limited law enforcements ability to deal with protection order violations because they had to call dispatch to confirm the orders to gain probable cause.

I do think that this provides a lot more context and better information, a lot quicker for law enforcement officers who are needing to make really quick decisions on the go, Sanders said.

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Survivors pushed for the bill in 2023 and it won unanimous approval from lawmakers. It became effective on Jan. 1 of this year. In the two weeks since the program launched, its website has received more than 1,800 visits and 60 Hope Card requests.

This legislation was inspired by the Crow Tribe in Montana, which started the Purple Feather Campaign and Hope Card initiative to address domestic violence. Washington now joins 10 other states with Hope Card programs.

Hope Cards are available free of charge to anyone, including minors, who have a full civil protection order. They can be used until the protection order expires, is dismissed, or is modified.

Im a teacher, and I see kids backpacks and they are incapable of carrying paperwork for any length of time, Sullivan said. So having a card they can keep in a pocket, backpack, or wallet makes a lot more sense when were talking about minors having to carry an order as well.

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Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, became the second person in Washington state to be issued a Hope Card, following her domestic violence protection order against her former partner in 2022.

This card represents the day that I was believed, and I want to thank the state of Washington for affirming that belief today, Davis said.
Jan. 17It's not clear yet what the future holds for our local JCPenney store, but something is happening that might put the company in a better retail position in terms of appealing to a broader market by creating a broader portfolio of brands.

On Jan. 8, JCPenney, based in Plano, Texas, announced that it and SPARC Group had combined to form a new organization, Catalyst Brands. The announcement said the new organization "would create an unmatched portfolio of six iconic retail banners that celebrate the essence of American style."

SPARC Group's brands include Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica. This will add business and formal fashion from Brooks Brothers, casual apparel for teenagers and young adults from Aeropostale, and outdoor recreation clothing and gear from Eddie Bauer to JCPenney's lineup of private everyday brands, including Stafford, Arizona and Liz Claiborne.

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I spoke with the manager of the Joplin store at Northpark Mall about this development, but she could not make any comments for JCPenney, referring inquiries to the corporate headquarters. JCPenney has operated a store in Joplin for decades. Before moving to Northpark Mall, it was located at the northeast corner of Fifth and Main streets.

Catalyst Brands is headquartered at the current corporate location of JCPenney in Plano. JCPenney, founded in 1904 with more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, filed for bankruptcy protection at the height of the pandemic in 2020. It was bought in a $1.75 billion deal.

Catalyst Brands is launching with $9 billion in revenue, 1,800 stores, 60,000 employees and $1 billion in liquidity.

This is happening while some major retail players, like Kohl's and Macy's, are shutting down stores nationwide. Kohl's, with 1,150 retail locations, recently announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores. The Joplin store is not among those on the closure list.

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Opening soon

Comeau Jewelry, located for 10 years in the Bel-Aire Shopping Center at 20th Street and Range Line Road, will relocate this month to a new stand-alone property in the 3400 block of North Range Line Road. This is the former North Office of Schuber-Mitchell.

Chris Keller, manager of the Joplin store, said the 2,500-square-foot property has been converted from offices into a retail venue. Some new signage will complete the conversion that began in October.

The last day for operations of the store in the Bel-Aire Shopping Center will be Jan. 24. The new store will open by the end of the month.

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Comeau's first location in Joplin was in Northpark Crossing, near Chico's Clothing, where it operated for eight years before moving to the Bel-Aire center. Its first store opened in October 2001 in downtown Pittsburg, Kansas.

More sushi, ramen and pho

Tatsuki Ramen & Sushi has opened in the South Pointe shopping center at 1901 E. 32nd St. This site is the former location of Han the Sushi Man, which relocated last year to the Landmark Center, 2640 E. 32nd St. The restaurant has been completely remodeled with a bright and colorful new look.

Tatsuki has all of the staples when it comes to Asian appetizers and variations of sushi at reasonable prices, ranging from $5 to about $8. Special rolls cost a few dollars more. There's even a Joplin roll, featuring shrimp tempura in a spicy crab and scallop sauce. There are eight ramen versions. Plain ramen starts at $7.50. Most versions cost $15. And, you can order a bento box for $14.50.

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Hours are from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Opening soon will be the Queen of Pho Asian Cuisine in the former location of the Ichiban Japanese Restaurant, located in the Southside Shopping Center at 2914 E. 32nd St. Ichiban closed in 2022 after a 19-year run. The Queen of Pho is under construction. Details to come.

Contact Wally Kennedy at wkennedy@joplinglobe.com.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter Friday to President-elect Trumps Defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, asking for his wife to divest from thousands of dollars worth of stock she holds in defense company stocks, calling it a conflict of interest.

Warren said she found Hegseths wife, Jennifer Rauchet, holds stock in top defense contractors like Northrop Grumman Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., Honeywell International, IBM, and Microsoft, along with smaller contractors and also large companies like Oracle, Google, Thermo Fisher Scientific, T-Mobile, Mastercard, Danaher Corp., and Pepsi.

In the letter, obtained exclusively by The Hill, Warren noted Defense Department policy prohibits certain stock investments for appointed roles.

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The threshold for divestment is when it exceeds $15,000, according to the Office of Government Ethics.

Rauchet owns $15,000 in the largest defense contractors and more than $15,000 in other companies like Google, Oracle and T-Mobile, according to Warren, who said Hegseths household should divest from both investments.

These holdings reasonably raise doubts about whether you may be making decisions at least in part to protect your households stock holdings, rather than purely in the interest of the American people, she wrote. The risk of a conflict is not theoretical; some of these contractors have settled allegations that they overbilled DoD to the tune of millions of dollars.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.

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Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News personality, is one of Trumps most controversial picks and is deeply opposed by Democrats, including Warren. But after his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday, Hegseth appears to have the GOP votes needed to be confirmed, and a vote could come Wednesday or Thursday next week.

Hegseth has battled accusations of financial mismanagement at two veterans groups he once led, a 2017 sexual assault allegation and accusations of heavy drinking on the job. Hegseth has denied all the charges against him.

Warren and other Democrats at the Tuesday hearing also hammered him on inexperience, infidelity and what they consider extreme views he has espoused in the past, like banning women from combat roles. Hegseth said Tuesday he is focused not on banning women from combat but on raising standards.

Hegseth this week pitched himself as a change agent with no conflicts of interest, but Warren appears to be pushing him to meet that standard.

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In the Friday letter, Warren said Hegseth must commit to not working for a defense contractor for 10 years after leaving the Pentagon if hes confirmed for the job, pointing to it as a good standard of ethics and one that outgoing Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said he will uphold.

The senator added that it would align with the same standard you have urged for the generals you would supervise in Hegseths 2024 book War on Warriors.

Warren also requested Hegseth recuse himself from any particular matters involving Fox News and other former employers and not to engage in lobbying efforts after leaving the Pentagon for four years.

The senator wrote the rampant revolving door of former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, while their government relationships remain fresh, erodes Americans faith in the federal government.

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I urge you to voluntarily commit to steps to mitigate your conflicts of interest to assure the American people that you will serve at DoD in their interest, she added.

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WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  As Warwick Public Schools face a surprise midyear $9 million deficit, Mayor Frank Picozzi is looking to form a budget commission to help the school department make cuts.

I want to have confidence that they can get done, Picozzi said. So under existing general state laws, I want to appoint a budget committee to see them and help them with this.

The City Council is scheduled to hold a special public meeting Wednesday to vote on whether to send a request to the General Assembly to create the commission.

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Theres already a statutory process when a municipality has a deficit, Warwick Teachers Union President Darlene Netcoh told 12 News off-camera Friday. I want to see how the process prescribed by law plays out.

WATCH: Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi on Newsmakers 1/3/25

Picozzi said he would want to appoint three out of the commissions five proposed members to help the school department through a process he said could take five years to fix.

On Friday, a closed-door meeting was held in the citys annex building involving members of the City Council and Superintendent Lynn Dambruch.

However, City Council President Anthony Sinapi told 12 News and other media outlets the meeting was private, and asked reporters to leave.

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Picozzi denied the meeting was private and spoke with reporters after. Dambruch walked away when 12 News asked questions about the deficit.

Both city and school leaders have been asking how the $9 million problem came to be, since it was announced late last year, nearly six months into the fiscal year.

I have to say in my eight-plus years here, this hit me in the face like a two-by-four, School Committee Member David Testa said during a meeting earlier this week.

The committee approved Dambruchs proposed $2.9 million in cuts that night, a set of measures that would include lunch bills, pension contributions, and building improvements.

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But Dambruch also vowed to figure out what caused the $9 million deficit.

I understand the concern surrounding how this deficit arose, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover its root cause, she said. While we have some hypotheses, it is too early to share the specifics.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  With temperatures expected to drop below freezing overnight, two Oregon counties are preparing their setups for severe weather shelters.

Washington County will have two shelters open Saturday at 5 p.m. in Beaverton Community Center and Blanton Street Building.

Will Portland see snow in late January? NOAA weather outlook released

The county added hot meals will be provided, no one will be turned away and pets are allowed  although people are encouraged to check with their shelters on their own individual pet policies. Further, the shelters will stay open until conditions improve.

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In Clackamas County, one overnight shelter will open Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Fathers Heart Street Ministry in Oregon City.

Additionally, there are 21 daytime warming centers open, with locations including various public libraries, community centers and the Canby Dennys.

Meanwhile, severe weather shelters in Multnomah County are not currently open.

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Some Airbnb hosts decided not to welcome guests during Donald Trump's inauguration weekend.

They worried about safety or supporting a political agenda. Others, though, had no issues hosting.

Demand for DC-area short-term rentals in 2025 is on par with Trump's 2017 inauguration, AirDNA said.

Washington DC Airbnb host Stacy Kane blocked her calendar for president-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration.

Kane and two friends contacted community members and city councilors urging other hosts to join in, saying in an email that it would "show Trump supporters who are coming into the DMV that we do not welcome hate, misogyny, or intentions to take over DC," according to the Washington Post.

A handful of other hosts have removed their short-term rentals from the market. One Airbnb owner  who lives in the same property as the apartment she rents out about three miles from the Capitol  told Business Insider that she was concerned for her own safety given the language and actions of Trump supporters on January 6.

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Other people who have said they run Airbnbs have posted on Facebook and Reddit forums for hosts that they not only kept their homes open to book  but added premiums to their rates.

"I'm charging $1,200 a night with a four-night minimum," one Redditor posted in November.

It appears that the conflicting opinions over how to treat inauguration weekend have had little effect. Demand from guests looking to stay in short-term rentals in the DC area this year is similar to Trump's first inauguration in 2017, according to Bram Gallagher, the director of economics and forecasting at AirDNA.

"In the DC metro area, the number of available listings has remained stable, and search trends and average nightly rates are typical for periods of increased demand," an Airbnb spokesperson said in a statement.

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The spokesperson also said that the company "connects guests and hosts of all political perspectives" and is "committed to ensuring that this is their experience on the platform. Our policies and Terms of Service make this clear, and if we learn of instances where these are violated, we take action."

Are you a Washington DC Airbnb host renting  or not renting  your home this weekend? Email Hana Alberts at halberts@businessinsider.com to share your thoughts for a future story.

DC's rule that Airbnb hosts rent out their primary residence made one feel at risk

The Airbnb host worried about her safety, who asked to remain anonymous due to the same concerns, said DC's rule that short-term rentals for stays under 30 days must also be the owner's primary residence makes her feel more vulnerable.

"If something happens, these people can forever just target me," she told Business Insider. "It opens you up to way more than what it's worth for a few nights of rental income. I just could never see myself putting myself out there for that."

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Because of the law, many Washington DC hosts live in the homes they rent out and have strong connections to their neighborhoods.

"From my perspective, it's not about the money," she added. "I love hosting. I love meeting people and helping people enjoy my city, but I couldn't possibly be somewhere where people are using hate speech and targeting people and being violent. Those aren't the kind of folks that I want to host, and I would just rather be safe than take that risk."

Bookings for inauguration weekend are close to 2017 figures

Every four years on January 20, people from all over the country regularly stream into Washington and brave inclement weather to see the president get sworn in outside the Capitol. Trump announced Friday that his 2025 inauguration would be held inside the Capitol Rotunda instead due to expected freezing temperatures.

Gallagher, of AirDNA, broke down how short-term-rental demand in 2025 is on par with 2017's.

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AirDNA data shows that the peak day for short-term rental demand for the 2017 inauguration  as measured by the total number of nights booked  was 6,796 as of January 13, 2017. As of the same date in 2025, the total number of nights booked was 8,100.

Gallagher noted that AirDNA did not start tracking Vrbo data until later in 2017; the 2025 figures reflect Airbnbs and Vrbos booked.

In the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where the Capitol is located, demand was 1,191 nights booked in 2017 and 1,189 in 2025  almost the same.

"I was surprised by how close these demand figures are  it was a pretty big event in 2017," Gallagher said.

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So far, the data also suggests that major price hikes haven't occurred. The highest average daily rate in 2017 during the inauguration was about $363 a night. In 2025, it's about $304.

"I think people just became very, very cost-conscious in 2023, and that's still sort of going on," Gallagher said. "We saw prices decline all through 2023 on average nationwide. It might just be kind of a hangover from that."

He added that some hosts care more about getting bookings than about securing the most profitable rate.

"It may be also too that the short-term-rental operators just prefer to fill up rather than have the highest possible price," he said. "I can imagine if you're a management company or if you're a small manager, you go to your owner and say, 'Well, I've got this DC apartment in Capitol Hill, but we couldn't rent it out on inauguration,' they'll be pretty mad."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Washington state law has recognized pharmacists as health care providers since 1979, allowing them to prescribe many medications approved by the FDA. (Photo by Wichayada Suwanachun/Getty Images)

A Washington state-based nonprofit has launched a program training pharmacists to prescribe abortion medications via telehealth, a model that organizers hope other states will adopt to expand abortion access.

Abortion is broadly legal in Washington state up to the point of fetal viability, which is generally considered to be between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. But Dr. Beth Rivin, president and CEO of nonprofit Uplift International, said there are still many individuals who face barriers to abortion access in Washington because of where they live, how much money they make and other factors. Those people can benefit most from having access to telehealth, Rivin said, and having pharmacists available helps increase that availability.

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The nonprofit partnered with an online pharmacy called Honeybee Health to launch what theyre calling the Pharmacist Abortion Access Project. Ten pharmacists were recruited and trained to prescribe mifepristone and misoprostol, the standard U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medication abortion regimen, to patients in Washington up to 10 weeks gestation.

Rivin said the team created its training protocol with Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington. The program also has a list of clinics where patients can be referred if any in-person follow-up care is necessary, including ultrasounds, blood tests or other exams.

If (patients) had questions, the platform allowed for messaging between the pharmacist and the individual, and patients were followed up with at one week and four to five weeks after prescriptions were written, Rivin said.

Over the past two years, anti-abortion groups have increasingly called for more state legislation targeting abortion drugs, alleging telemedicine for abortion pills is dangerous to a pregnant persons health. Research has repeatedly shown that telehealth prescriptions are just as safe as in-person treatment, with one recent study showing 99.7% of patients out of a sample of 6,000 did not experience any serious complications. Similarly, 97.7% didnt need any form of additional follow-up care.

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Research confirms that medication abortion can be prescribed through telehealth just as safely as in person, and it confirms that pharmacists can specifically prescribe medication abortion, Rivin told States Newsroom. The training they undergo through (the project) mirrors the training that other providers receive.

The Heritage Foundation, the conservative group behind a set of policies known as Project 2025, has gathered several examples of abortion pills given to pregnant women without their consent. Using those examples, the organization recommends states ban telemedicine and mail-order abortion pills and strengthen or enact laws targeting abortion coercion. There have also been calls to use a dormant federal law called the Comstock Act to ban abortion pills from being sent by mail altogether.

Proof of residency not required to obtain pills by mail

By the end of the Washington pilot program, which took place between Oct. 31 and Nov. 26, 2024, the pharmacists successfully prescribed medication abortion to 43 people who were deemed eligible. To qualify, aside from the applicable medical protocol, the patient needed to be 18 or older and have a Washington address where the medication could be mailed. The recipient of the medication does not need to prove they are a Washington resident, but a valid Washington address must be provided. Washington has shield laws preventing states where abortion is illegal from investigating medical providers if a resident of that state obtains an abortion in Washington.

Following the success of the pilot, Uplift International said it plans to expand the program across Washington and explore pharmacists prescribing medication abortion in person from brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

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Rivin said the hope is that the project paves the way for other states to implement the same model, especially as President-elect Donald Trump takes office and Republicans in Congress may eye more federal abortion restrictions.

It is the first step toward mainstreaming pharmacists as prescribers of medication abortion in person, Rivin said.

Don Downing, a clinical pharmacy professor emeritus at the University of Washington and co-director of the project, said Washington has one of the most progressive pharmacy laws in the country. State law has recognized pharmacists as health care providers since 1979, allowing them to prescribe many medications approved by the FDA.

Washington shares that progressive pharmacy law status with one of its border states, Idaho, where pharmacists can also prescribe medications for minor ailments such as cold sores and allergies, as well as drugs for treatment of illnesses such as flu and strep throat. Downing said Idahos pharmacy laws are actually even more progressive than Washingtons.

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However, Idaho has an abortion policy that could hardly be more different. It is the only state in the Northwest with a near-total abortion ban, a civil enforcement law allowing family members to sue medical providers who perform an abortion, and a so-called abortion trafficking law making it a felony to take a minor to a state with legal abortion access without parental permission.

Ironically, Downing said the pilot team announced the project in Idaho during an annual pharmacy meeting held at a resort in Coeur dAlene with pharmacists from Montana, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska.

We presented the idea of pharmacists becoming much more involved in medication abortion access at that meeting, and it was surreal because Idaho at that time was just pouncing on womens access to abortion, Downing said.

Providing prescriptions via telehealth first was the priority, he said, because after conducting several listening sessions before launching the pilot, the consensus among women interviewed was that they preferred the privacy of an online experience.

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If youre in a small town, if you go to the doctors office, you go to the school nurse, a pharmacy, theres a good chance youre going to see a neighbor, a relative, and someone is for sure going to ask you what youre doing there today, Downing said. Women nationwide are increasingly saying, if I can get it online the same way we buy from Amazon, if I can do this without running into my aunt, so much the better.

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Indo-Canadian political leader Chandra Arya's family expressed delight on his decision to run for the post of Prime Minister of Canada. Noting his exceptional achievements, the family said that Arya continues to stay connected to his roots, despite the distance between them. The family highlighted his career trajectory and the various professions Arya was associated with before becoming a political leader. Govindiah, father of Chandra Arya told ANI, "There are no words to express my happiness". He highlighted how Arya who was born in a village made his way to Canada, with the path involving several career paths before he rounded up as the Member of Parliament for Nepean, Canada. Govindiah told ANI that Chandra had been a bright student in his school days and after his studies, he was selected for the Indian Army and subsequently for the DRDO. "You see, soon after he completed his MBA, he went for an interview for the Army. He was selected as second lieutenant. But by that time, he got another interview from Delhi, DRDO and joined there as a junior scientist. But he was not happy with the atmosphere there. So he came back. Here, he joined, Karnataka State Financial Corporation, as deputy manager". In his early years, Chandra Arya donned several hats. Govindiah told ANI that after his stint at KSFC, Chandra Arya resigned and started his own project consultancy, later moving to granite cutting and polishing unit. He spent some time in Oman and Qatar and eventually moved to Canada to work in a financial company, "He came into contact with an Indian-origin business man, who invited him to be the Vice President in the company", Govindiah said. Later on in Canada, Arya associated himself with 7-8 voluntary organizations in several roles, as per his father, where he eventually came into contact with many people. With his wife, he brought out a monthly journal and as per Govindiah this helped Chandra come into contact with high profile people from all walks of life. After this he subsequently joined the Liberal Party in Canada and won the election from Nepean, "So that's how he entered parliament", his father said. Chandra Arya's brother, Srinivas told ANI that being elected as an MP alone was a "very big thing" for the family. "We never expected such a time would come where we will be bidding for the Prime Minister post for Canada", Srinivas expressed joy. He added, "Everyone are proud of him. Not only as a brother, as an Indian we are very much proud of him. Speaking about Arya's connect to India, Srinivas told ANI, "He doesn't forget his roots. Even though after becoming MP, he used to come very frequently to Bengaluru, to his village. He used to go there and meet all the relatives, go around, meet everyone. He didn't want to disconnect with his roots". On January 9 in a video statement, Chandra Arya had announced that he would be running for the post of the Prime Minister of Canada. "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. I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold decisions that are absolutely necessary," he said. (ANI)
INDIAN LAKE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  People are warned of the dangers of falling through ice on a frozen lake, but did you know animals can fall victim to falling through ice too?

Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECO) and DEC civilian staff from Indian Lake rescued a moose from Lake Abanakee on Thursday, Jan.16. Around 11:41 a.m., the ECO was called to Lake Abanakee off Chain Lakes Road for a report of a moose through the ice.

Probably 20 minutes or a half hour later, we arrived at Lake Abanakee and met with DEC civilian staff. They had been notified about the moose going through at about 11 a.m., said Robert Higgins, Environmental Conservation Police. There was a civilian there who saw it walking on the lake and go through around 11 oclock in the morning.

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With no training on how to rescue a moose, police said they quickly came up with a plan and went out on the ice.

Theres no training manual on how to get a moose out of the ice, Higgins said. Officer Brassard, Ranger Nahor and I came up with a game plan to say, Hey, lets see if we can start cutting channel, and lets see if we can get this moose out of there.'

According to a release from the DEC, Ranger Nahor started cutting a channel with his chainsaw as Lt. Higgins cleared the ice blocks by pushing them under the ice.

Trying to work safely and efficiently. Good that we knew when the moose went in. We knew time wasnt on our side, but it wasnt going to take forever for us to do what we had to do, said Evan Nahor, Forest Ranger.

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While they were cutting through the ice, Rangers Savarie and Baldwin also arrived to assist them.

Our ice rescue training to safely get out there and check. We used a spud bar to go out and figure out the correct path where we could be on safe ice while using the chainsaw to cut a path, Nahor said.

Officers say the moose was around 200 feet off the town beach. Once the channel was completed, Rangers Savarie and Nahor guided the moose into shore.

Ranger Savarie called me and had the good idea to bring some jet sleds and we were able to work out of those, so that really helped when we got out to the moose, said Nahor.

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We were able to get around behind the hole where the moose had fallen through and we tried poking it with a couple of different things, but it didnt seem afraid of them. We pushed the jet sleds we had up close to it and for whatever reason, it was scared, said Matt Savarie, Forest Ranger. So once we got behind it, we were able to direct it to the path, it actually swam out pretty quickly to shore.

Officer Higgins said once the moose was able to get in shallow enough, it was then able to climb out onto the ice and it stayed on the ice, shivering.

Pictures can be found of the moose rescue in progress below.

Courtesy of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

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It was amazing. I was really surprised it was able to climb itself out onto the ice after being in the water for two hours, said Higgins. It was shivering and you know, didnt have much energy left, so it was a big deal when that thing came out and plopped itself onto the ice.

Police say the moose was a bull moose that had dropped its antlers.

We didnt know if it was going to be able to stand up or not, but it tried a few times and eventually stood up, and it was an amazing sight to see that huge moose stand up right in front of us, said Higgins. And just to see it eventually get its footing. And wander off into the woods, it was great to see.

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OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  Okaloosa County is preparing for cold weather expected to arrive this weekend, including shutting off water at county parks and coordinating with state and national agencies.

Santa Rosa County deputies warn of potential unsafe driving conditions due to freezing temps

Water at county parks, including restrooms, water fountains, and showers, is turned off to prevent freezing and damage. The parks will remain open, but water services will not return until at least Tuesday, Jan. 16, when conditions are reassessed after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

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Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox said the county is ready to address icy road conditions.

The county is preparing for if the roads are affected by rain, sleet, or snow. FDOT is ready to do the same for state roads if they are affected, Maddox said.

Okaloosa County is working with the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to monitor weather conditions. Maddox urged residents to seek updates from trustworthy sources.

The public should only listen to credible sources, Maddox said.

Cold weather shelters are being activated. The Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless opens Thursday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. at 120 Duggan Ave., Crestview. One Hopeful Place in South Okaloosa County is prepared but not open at this time.

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Maddox said the potential for winter precipitation Tuesday or Wednesday is minimal but still being monitored.

Cold weather preparations underway in Escambia County

For updates and a list of affected parks, visit the Okaloosa County website.

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As experts continue monitoring and surveying the environment and the nation's food supply for H5N1 bird flu, a rash of dead cats has many officials on edge.

From pet cats in Los Angeles County and Oregon to captive wild cats in Washington and Colorado, dozens of felines have died as a result of consuming H5N1-infected raw pet food and raw milk.

Although the products carrying the virus were largely marketed for animals  with the exception of raw milk  experts say the presence of the virus in commercial meat and dairy highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. food chain to this virus.

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"With multiple diagnosed cases of H5N1 mortalities, can we in good conscience fail to provide widespread public warnings that raw meat... has been linked to multiple big cat mortalities," said John Korslund, a retired U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian epidemiologist, in an email.

The deaths prompted policy changes announced Friday by the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration, which focus on pre-slaughter rules for select poultry farms in Minnesota and South Dakota, as well as changes in food safety risk assessments for raw pet food producers.

And they underscore the murky and largely unregulated industry of raw pet-food manufacturing.

Although the FDA offers guidance on best practices for raw pet food producers, there are few rules, if any, regarding how raw meat is sourced for pet food; industrious entrepreneurs can source meat and protein from wild game, non-USDA inspected backyard flocks and farms, as well as meat not considered fit or appetizing for human consumption  as long as "it is safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled," according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the law that governs pet food.

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The agency will also investigate companies if animals have become sickened from eating pet food. And birds affected by the virus are not allowed to enter the food supply, per USDA regulations.

"Obviously, a great deal of protein that is produced outside of [the USDA's] Food Safety and Inspection Services inspected facilities is never intended for human consumption," said Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA, at a press conference on Thursday. But H5N1-infected birds "are not permitted in any food product at all. They are most frequently composted on site as part of the efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus."

Read more: A lack of wastewater testing is blinding the Central Valley to its bird flu problem

In L.A. County alone, nine cats have been sickened or died from eating raw milk, raw pet food or both containing the H5N1 bird flu. On Monday, county public health officials said five indoor cats in one household were sickened after eating Monarch Raw Pet Food (based in San Jacinto, Calif.); two died.

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In December, 20 captive wild cats  including four cougars and a half-Bengal/half-Siberian tiger  died after eating H5N1-contaminated raw pet food at an animal sanctuary in Shelton, Wash. An additional five animals at a private animal sanctuary in Colorado  two tigers, one lion, a mountain lion and a fox  also perished from eating the food. So, too, did two house cats  one in Oregon, another in Colorado.

In all but nine of the Washington cats, the genetic sequencing of their H5N1 virus matched up with samples taken from frozen turkey packaged in May and June by Oregon-based Northwest Naturals pet food, according to data published by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, GISAID (a public genetic database focused on influenza viruses), the National Institutes of Health's GenBank, and the World Organization for Animal Health, an international organization dedicated to the investigation and surveillance of animal diseases. The meat was raw when frozen.

According to evolutionary molecular biologist Henry Niman, in each case, there is a signature mutation on one segment of the virus  a switch at position 52 on the NP protein  in both the food samples and dead animals, providing an unmistakable link between them.

Only the Oregon house cat has been positively linked by state and federal agencies to the Northwest Naturals brand name. Although the other cats were killed by a virus genetically identical to the one found in the Oregon cat and the samples of Northwest Naturals food, it is possible those animals were given food sourced from the same meat or outbreak but under a different brand name.

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Questions sent to Northwest Naturals went unanswered.

Northwest Naturals has voluntarily recalled the suspect batch: two-pound plastic bags with Best if used by dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. And on its website, the company suggests the sample was contaminated after packaging and production.

"Testing an open bag of pet food leaves open the possibility that the virus may have entered the bag after it was opened," wrote the company on an FAQ page about the recall.

The change observed in the genetic sequences, said Niman, "is exceedingly rare. And other than Northwest Naturals samples and the animals that ate it," the only three other animals to have shown that change in this latest H5N1 outbreak were three Minnesota commercial turkeys that were culled in June as a result of infection  the same month the raw pet food was processed and packaged.

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Niman said there's no way to show from the genomic sequencing that it was turkeys from that Minnesota farm that got into the pet food, but the virus was likely moving around the region at that time. And somehow, he said, infected birds must have gotten into the slaughterhouse without anyone noticing  an occurrence that most researchers say should be extremely rare. Commercial poultry generally show symptoms within hours of H5N1 infection, and die almost immediately.

Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor who researches poultry health and food safety epidemiology at UC Davis, agreed. "Not sure but maybe the birds got infected right before slaughter?," he said in an email, adding that "he was not aware that there are companies that sell raw poultry with the intent of consumption by pets."

But if infected turkeys made it to slaughter without being identified, it suggests there may be more infected meat out there, said Korslund, the former USDA veterinarian epidemiologist.

And that's what has researchers and health authorities at the USDA and FDA concerned.

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Read more: Owner of two cats that died after drinking H5N1 recalled milk threatens to sue

On Friday, the USDA announced that it was launching a new policy for turkey operations in Minnesota and South Dakota that have more than 500 birds  birds will be required to have a pre-slaughter inspection and isolation 72 hours before slaughter. The agency noted the link between the infected turkeys and the Oregon house cat as the reason for the new program.

Meanwhile, the FDA cited the "cases of H5N1 in domestic and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State that are associated with eating contaminated food products" as its reason to call for raw pet food processors to reanalyze their food safety systems, and incorporate H5N1 into their analyses.

"The FDA has determined that it is necessary for cat and dog food manufacturers... who are using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle... in cat or dog food, to reanalyze their food safety plans to include H5N1 as a new known or reasonably foreseeable hazard."

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It will likely continue to fall on cats to signal the virus' presence in food and in the environment.

Scientists say that cats are extraordinarily susceptible to H5N1 infection. Since the outbreak was first reported in a Texas dairy herd last March, dead barn cats have served as sentinel warnings to veterinarians and investigators of the virus' presence on a farm.

In cats, the virus can affect the brain and nervous system. Many suffer blindness, seizures and abnormal behavior. Necropsies often show large amounts of the virus in their brains.

And while the deaths of these cats are alarming in terms of conservation and protecting animals whose habitats are being destroyed and whose populations are increasingly marginalized, it's the deaths of the captive cats, say scientists, that should concern public health authorities. It's a sign that the virus is getting into the commercial meat and milk supply  a worrisome, but not surprising, development considering the virus' presence in dairy cattle and commercial poultry farms.

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Health officials say the best way to avoid infection is to cook meat thoroughly and consume only pasteurized dairy products  and to stop feeding raw meat and dairy  commercial or otherwise  to pets.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lansing, MICH. (WLNS)  It was a mild finish to the work week across Mid-Michigan, with high temperatures reaching the low 40s and upper 30s. However, we have big changes moving in. A blast of arctic air will move into the area over the weekend, along with several chances for lake-effect snow, prompting a Weather Aware Day for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.

Dry conditions will continue as we move throughout the rest of our Friday, with cloud cover increasing across the area. A cold front moves through overnight, bringing a quick round of precipitation to the area. Temperatures around midnight will be above freezing. So, we will start with a few light rain showers and transition into snow by early Saturday morning. Precipitation exits around 9 or 10 am, leaving us with dry and mostly cloudy conditions for most of our Saturday  which is great news for anyone planning on traveling to Detroit for the Lions vs Commanders game. Snowfall totals will be minimal across the area, with a trace amount  1.5 inches of snow accumulating by Saturday afternoon.

An arctic air mass will begin to move into Mid-Michigan by Sunday, with high temperatures only in the mid-teens across the area. In addition to the cooler temperatures, winds will increase, with winds gusting between 20-25 miles per hour. These breezy conditions will drop wind chill temperatures below zero starting Sunday afternoon. Wind chill temperatures will remain around 10-30 degrees below zero until improvements finally begin to move in late Wednesday evening.

Weather Aware Days have been issued for Monday and Tuesday, as well as for Wednesday morning  due to the dangerously cold temperatures expected and the chance for snow across the area.

Our StormTracker 6 Weather Team will continue to provide updates on-air, online, and through our StormTracker 6 Weather App.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
One week after retaining a bankruptcy lawyer, troubled pop-up Christmas village Jingle! Kansas City has released a portion of missing funds to some employees whose final paychecks were never sent.

Jingle took place at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas  home of the Kansas City Monarchs  between Nov. 29, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025. The holiday popup opened to poor reviews despite the success of a similar event at Legends Field during the 2023 holiday season. On Jan. 3, the winter event space, helmed by former Monarchs CEO Mark McKee, emailed some employees with news that Jingle was unable to meet its payroll obligations.

The initial email, though widely circulated on social media, was only sent to a handful of salaried employees. On Jan. 9, another small group of now-former Jingle employees were issued a second statement saying they would be paid in full by Jan. 31.

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Only employees on Jingles payroll appear to have received Fridays partial payment, with dozens of contractors still waiting on December invoices to be fulfilled.

Some workers are out hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The Monarchs also allege that the team has not been paid for the use of Legends Field.

Hanah Glimpse, who worked as an assistant stage manager at Jingle, was among those to receive about a quarter of her outstanding $800 paycheck. Jingle still has not contacted Glimpse directly, she said.

I did not know I was getting any money till I got my Gusto email informing me, Glimpse said Friday.

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Jingle retained Kansas City bankruptcy law firm The Wagoner Group last week to manage the wrap-up of its business operations, according to a Jan. 10 letter. The Wagoner Group was unavailable to comment on Fridays partial payments.

In previous statements issued through Will Gregory Public Relations  which no longer represents Jingle  McKee alleged that missing funds at Jingle were largely attributable to a three-week delay in the arrival of a portable ice rink, one of the Christmas villages main features.

Will Gregory has said that McKee and the Jingle team plan to seek damages payments from the ice rink vendor to put toward paying employees. The payroll and contractor payment deficiencies at Jingle have also been reported to the Department of Labor, according to Gregory.

Similar payroll issues have been reported at the St. Louis location of Jingle. Some employees at both locations have been considering legal action, with a St. Louis employee gauging interest through an online form last week.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the federal law banning the the social media app TikTok beginning Sunday. That is, unless if its sold by its China-based parent company.

The Supreme Court said the risk to national security posed by its ties to China overcome concerns about limiting free speech in the app.

The app has also made many famous, including right here in Central Texas.

Will TikTok survive a ban?

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Im pretty shocked, Jane Ko said. I havent really accepted the reality.

Ko has amassed more than 168,000 followers on TikTok with people following her adventures as a food blogger in the Austin restaurant scene.

It was such a great platform for small businesses and local restaurants, Ko added. I had so many videos go viral on the platform on our local mom and pop restaurants and theyd just be flooded with business. Its going to be devastating to see that taken away.

With more than 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok gained popularity quickly, especially among teens.

TikTok released the following statement Friday night:

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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

News of the Supreme Courts decision pushed the companys CEO, Shou Chew, to post on the platform Friday saying he was hopeful of what President-elect Trump can do to keep the app from going dark.

TikTok fights to stop U.S. ban

To all our American users thank you for making the TikTok community a rich and vibrant space for surprising and delighting us every day, Chew said in his post.

Austin is home to two offices of the company. One is located in the Chase building at 6th and Lavaca streets, while the other is in the 300 Colorado building, located at 3rd and Colorado. Those offices are where most of its local employees work.

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KXAN reached out to TikTok to see how many people are employed in Austin, but has not heard back.

According to the companys career page, there are currently 33 open positions in Austin.

In the meantime, Ko said the writing is on the wall for fellow creators.

Because they are doing a lot of projects on that platform and with that going away, I think a lot of them will lose some work, she said.

Whats TikToks business presence like in Austin?

As the clock tick-tocks for the future of TikTok.

As of now, no new downloads of the app will be allowed after Sunday, January 19.

President-elect Trump has said he will save the company, but has not yet released how that might happen.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The clock is ticking for CNN anchor and Donald Trump target Jim Acosta.

According to a report from Status News, Acosta's network is looking to shuffle the daytime newsman into a midnight slot in anticipation of Trump's second term. Former CNN reporter and current Status editor Oliver Darcy broke the news of a phone call between Acosta and CNN CEO Mark Thompson, saying that Thompson pitched Acosta on a move to "the Siberia of television news."

The move would be part of a larger shake-up jumbling several veteran anchors' time slots. Long-time evening anchor Wolf Blitzer was also asked to move to the mornings and, in a certain light, Acosta's potential bump to the graveyard shift can be seen as an accommodation of that. However, many media figures and insiders at CNN see the move as anticipatory obedience with the Trump administration.

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Acosta and Trump have a history. After the then-White House correspondent pressed Trump on questions about Russia, Trump revoked Acosta's press credentials and called the reporter an "enemy of the people." His access was eventually restored after CNN filed a lawsuit. Given that bad blood, it's easy to see why CNN might not want Acosta out in front for Trump's second term.

"They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump," an unnamed media exec told Status. "Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network."

CNN staffers who spoke to Mediaite seemed concerned that the move might cause a "chilling effect" around critical coverage of Trump.

Jim made a career and name for himself by asking tough questions and holding power to account. That included Trump. So it will be interesting to see if this kind of move has some sort of chilling effect or sends a message to other shows and EPs about how the network wants to engage with this new administration, an anonymous staffer shared.

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Others worried about the optics of moving one of the network's foremost Trump critics to the middle of the night as Trump begins his second term.

"People are upset, are just concerned about how it looks," one unnamed staffer told Mediaite. Were being weak against the incoming president."

A CNN spokesperson declined to comment on the rumors when reached by Salon.
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In today's edition, we have an in-depth look at the presidents closing days in office and the legacy he leaves behind. As for the incoming president, the team lays out the key storylines to watch after he is inaugurated on Monday. And now that a ban on TikTok is looming this weekend, some in Washington are changing their tune on the apps future.

 Adam Wollner

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Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

What we're watching for in Trump's first week

We are now less than 72 hours away from Donald Trump taking the oath of office for the second time. Mother Nature is already playing a role: Trump announced that the inauguration ceremony is moving indoors to the Capitol rotunda because of a frigid weather forecast in Washington.

(Side note: The last time the ceremony was held indoors? Ronald Reagans second inauguration in 1985, when it was 7 degrees.)

Regardless of where it takes place, Trump will have a lengthy to-do list and series of challenges awaiting him once hes sworn in as the 47th president.

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Theres a lot to sort through, so we asked our NBC News colleagues for what they will be watching for in Trumps first week back in the White House.

Heres what they said:

Kelly ODonnell: For Trump, his return to the presidency offers him a fresh start wrapped in a second term. It will be new and yet familiar, wielding his authority to sign executive orders on a range of core issues involving border security and deportations, while using his pen to issue pardons.

I expect he will use the megaphone of the office to reinforce his view that Novembers votes give him a broad mandate. The challenge is that expectations among his supporters are high and outside events like the California fires and overseas conflicts will demand his attention. After years of holding a campaign posture, he faces the day-to-day burden of delivering on promises and needs while responding to crises.

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Peter Alexander: Beyond the executive orders and his promise to begin mass deportations on Day One, Ill be watching Trumps tone. His Republican National Convention speech last summer began with a unifying message before it quickly degenerated. Hes promised his inaugural address will be unifying as well. But eight years removed from his American carnage speech, well get our first taste of his tone minutes after hes sworn in.

Kristen Welker: I will be watching what happens with the war in Ukraine. One of Trumps most ambitious campaign promises was that he would end the war in the early days of his administration. He told me in December that he was actively working on that effort. But Trump has more recently said that he thinks six months is a realistic timetable and that it would be inappropriate to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the issue ahead of his inauguration. So will there be any progress in the first week?

Andrea Mitchell: The Middle East will also be a major foreign policy hot spot in Trumps first week. One issue is whether the Gaza ceasefire holds, especially because none of the American hostages are scheduled to be released until at least the second week of the agreement. Related to that is whether the U.S. can get the two-monthlong ceasefire in Lebanon extended, since it expires at the end of next week. And Trump will have to decide whether to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria as he has suggested in the past, despite the new threat of an ISIS resurgence there after the collapse of the Assad regime.

Garrett Haake: Trump and congressional Republicans have taken great pains in the new year to always appear to be singing from the same hymnal. But the December debt and spending debacle underscores how fragile the crosstown alliance between GOP-controlled branches really is. Trumps first week will be well choreographed on Capitol Hill, but for how long can tiny majorities withstand the tension between Trumps expensive promises, rising debt and vows to cut costs via outside muscle from DOGE? And what will Trump do when these priorities all begin to come into conflict?

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Vaughn Hillyard: Speaking of DOGE, Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, has struck a uniquely powerful relationship with the incoming president  one that Trump has historically been uncomfortable with his closest aides or Cabinet members (or even vice president) taking up themselves.

Are his grand plans to upend the machinations of governance in Washington able to be realized? He has already backpedaled on his promise to cut one-third of the annual federal budget, and consequential restructuring of federal departments and agencies is going to require significant buy-in from lawmakers. Is this a power dynamic that can create lasting change, or will the pressures of the promises made lead this relationship to fracture?

What swing voters are saying: We also spoke to 18 voters who didnt back Trump in 2020 but did last November. They are largely hopeful about the next administration, though some are skeptical he can fulfill his promises. Read more 

Supreme Court's ruling causes some leaders in Washington to backpedal on TikTok ban

By Scott Wong and Sahil Kapur

In the middle of a fiercely fought presidential campaign last year, Democratic and Republican lawmakers banded together to pass a bill that could lead to the ban of the popular social media app TikTok in the United States. President Joe Biden signed it into law with little objection.

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Now, with the Supreme Courts ruling upholding that law Friday and the TikTok ban set to go into effect Sunday, neither party wants to take credit for that bipartisan legislative win.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that implementation of the TikTok law simply must fall to the next administration. 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.

We know a lot of things are up in the air, with the TikTok ban scheduled to go into effect this weekend, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Friday before the courts decision.

But everyone  the Biden administration, the incoming Trump administration, even the Supreme Court  should continue working to find a way [to get] an American buyer for TikTok, so we can both free the app from any influence and control from the Chinese Communist Party, and keep TikTok going, which will preserve the jobs of millions of creators.

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During his first term as president, Trump attempted to ban TikTok over national security concerns. But last month, he said he now has a warm spot for TikTok, met with its CEO, Shou Chew  whom he has invited to his inauguration  and he had called on the Supreme Court to halt implementation of the TikTok ban as he tries to negotiate a deal.

In a Truth Social post Friday, Trump said that TikTok was one of the topics he discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone call earlier in the day.

Read more from Scott and Sahil 

After 5 decades in public life, Biden's career reaches an inglorious coda

Natasha Korecki, Carol E. Lee and Jonathan Allen have a must-read dive into President Joe Bidens final weeks in the White House. He initially ascended to the office with a pledge to unite the country, strengthen his party and defend democracy. But he leaves it with a nation divided, a party in tatters and the American people questioning the self-described institutionalists respect for the rule of law.

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Here are some of the highlights:

After the November election, Biden privately mused about the idea of pardoning Donald Trump as a magnanimous move, according to a person directly familiar with his comments, though its not clear he seriously considered it.

Biden plans to write another book.

Biden does not plan to hold the traditional final formal news conference.

In the White House, the mood feels like a morgue, according to a person who recently met with officials there. Privately, Biden has vacillated from feeling melancholy to resigned to angry to wistful as he reflects on his legacy, two people close to him said.

Biden hasnt spoken in months to Anita Dunn, a former top adviser, according to multiple people familiar with the dynamic. Bidens relationship with Bob Bauer, his longtime personal lawyer who is married to Dunn, also has deteriorated. Bauer will no longer represent Biden once he leaves office, three people familiar with the decision said.

Read the full story 

More on Bidens last days in office:

Biden has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any other president in history after a new round of clemency for nonviolent drug offenders.

Biden said in an interview with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell that red states really screwed up in handling their economies during the Covid pandemic years.





 Todays top stories

Another day, another confirmation hearing: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, faced questions from senators about the president-elects planned border and immigration crackdown and whether she would allow politics to influence federal disaster relief efforts. Read more 

 A diplomatic workaround: After sparring with the State Department in his first term, Trump may have come up with a way to circumvent the diplomatic corps, empowering a series of special envoys whose main responsibilities are whatever missions he gives them to carry out. Read more 

 Promoted: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed his lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, to the Senate seat recently vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. The move also eases the path for Vivek Ramaswamy to potentially run for governor of Ohio in 2026. Read more 

 Picking battles: Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., the first openly transgender member of Congress, said she remains focused on her job, refusing to take the bait from Republicans over a policy that bars her from womens restrooms in the House. Read more 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner and Faith Wardwell.

If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
West High School students, parents and alums are ardently speaking out about the Salt Lake City School Districts recent decision to place the schools principal on administrative leave.

And they are demanding answers.

On Friday, nearly 200 students at West High participated in a walkout to protest the districts actions to remove principal Jared Wright from his duties at the school.

And more than 1,200 signatures and dozens of comments have been collected in an online petition over the past two days.

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As parents of students, current students, alumni and concerned community members of West High School, we are calling for the Salt Lake School District to reinstate Dr. Jared Wright as the principal of West High School, the petition states.

As of Monday, Jan. 13th, Dr. Wright was placed on leave. Typical of the Salt Lake City School District, they did not notify the parents or give the community a reason why. They have not stated whether it was voluntary or mandatory, permanent or temporary.

Meanwhile, West High students who participated in Fridays walkout hope to see Wright return to his position soon.

I want to see him back at this school, student Emmett Black told KSL NewsRadio. I want to be able to get my diploma from him when I walk at graduation.

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Catherine Garff, a West High parent who initiated the online petition, is frustrated with what she calls a lack of information being provided regarding the districts actions against Wright.

(Wright) is a phenomenal administrator. He listens to parents, and he tries to advocate for students, whether that aligns with what the district wants or not, she told KSL NewsRadio.

West High School assistant principal Wayne Culley is now serving as acting principal at the school.

How is the district responding?

The districts choice to place Wright on leave is happening about a month after a group of West High School faculty and staff members rallied outside the school to call for increased security following a Nov. 7 shooting of a 15-year-old boy in the schools parking lot.

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The December rally was designed to keep school safety improvement discussions at the forefront, while ensuring a safe learning environment for all at West High School.

But the two issues  school safety and Wrights suspension  are not connected, according to a statement released by the Salt Lake City School District:

We have heard speculation that Dr. Jared Wrights leave is related to the concerns he and others have shared related to school safety at West High. While we cannot discuss details surrounding personnel matters, we want to dispel any misinformation related to this topic and state clearly that the two are unrelated.

We take the safety of our West High School community  and of all our school communities  very seriously. 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 district continues to work alongside the West High School administration and staff to address the safety concerns that have been raised.

The districts statement did not offer details on the decision to place Wright on leave.

In handling personnel matters, we are required not only by our board policies but also by state and federal laws to provide every employee with due process and to protect the integrity of those processes.

Further discussion of the reasons behind Dr. Wrights leave would be inappropriate. For additional information regarding the reasons for which we cannot comment further, please visit our website, the districts statement reads.

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KSLTV reported that a district spokesperson was not able to elaborate on whether Wrights leave is temporary or permanent  but did confirm there is no crime involved.

Rallying support for Wright

The online petition encourages people to reach out to members of the Salt Lake City School Districts Board of Education and district superintendent Elizabeth Grant, posting contact information.

The site is quickly filling with messages of support from many in the West High School community.

Im a West High student, everyone is wondering what happened to our principal, read one post. We want him to come back, I signed this petition to show my support for him. Bring him back!

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Added another: In the decades Ive been involved in this district, as a student, a parent, a volunteer and an employee, I can say that Dr Jared Wright is one of the very best administrators Salt Lake District has ever had.

Wrights suspension comes about five years after a previous West High School principal, Ford White, was fired after he reportedly drove students home after he found them drinking on campus.
Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has submitted compliance deposit of 50,000 Canadian dollars to the Liberal Party for the leadership contest. Arya noted that he has received over 1000 endorsements from across Canada and secured more than 200 endorsements from each of three different provinces. In a post on X, Chandra Arya stated, "Today, we submitted the $50,000 compliance deposit to the Liberal Party for the leadership contest (the deadline is January 23). We have received more than 1,000 endorsements (well above the required 300) from across Canada. Additionally, we have secured over 200 endorsements from each of three different provinces (exceeding the requirement of 100 endorsements per province)." https://x.com/AryaCanada/status/1880444209691344912 On January 13, Chandra Arya said that he is running for the position of Canada's PM and said that the nations faces structural challenges that need toguh solutions. He stressed that bold decisions need to be made to secure prosperity for children and grandchildren of Canada. "I am running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada. Our nation faces structural challenges that require tough solutions. We must make bold political decisions to secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. I have outlined everything in the statement provided here," Arya posted on X. In a video statement on January 9, Arya emphasised that he would lead an efficient government to rebuild the nation. He said, "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. I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold decisions that are absolutely necessary." He stated that Canada's economic growth and fiscal strength is not benefiting many Canadians and many people, particulary younger generations, in the country, face affordability issues. "If elected, as the next leader of the Liberal Party, I offer my knowledge and expertise to do so. We are facing significant structural problems that haven't been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices. Our economic growth and fiscal strength are not benefiting many Canadians. Today, many Canadians, especially younger generations, face significant affordability issues," he said. Pledging to revitalise Canada's economy if elected, Arya said, "The working middle class is struggling today and many working families are retiring directly into poverty. We must make tough decisions now, not only to revitalize our economy but also to ensure a stable society. I have the solutions and the real determination to make it happen. With prudence and pragmatism as my guiding principles, I will make the big and bold decisions needed to rebuild our economy and foster prosperity for all generations." His announcement came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on January 7 said that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister as soon as a new candidate is found for the post. He said that the Canadian Parliament would be prorogued or suspended until March 24. (ANI)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Every year on the third Monday of January, people from around the world come together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day which honors the birthday of the Civil Rights icon.

With Dr. Kings birthday falling on January 15, Arkansans have been celebrating all week as part of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissions King Week Celebration 2025, which culminates with several events on Monday.

First United Methodist Church of Little Rock will be holding their MLK Day of Service Monday beginning at 9 a.m. with coffee and donuts and participants will then leave at 9:30 a.m. to work on different projects around the community.

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As part of a partnership with the MLK Commission, Rock Region Metro is offering free bus rides all day Monday along Rock Region bus routes.

Local organizations to hold events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Commission will be celebrating on Monday night with its 2025 Night of Unity, beginning with a Candlelight Vigil at North Shore Riverwalk Park in North Little Rock at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. they will hold the MLK Unity Fireworks Spectacular, which is free to the public.

Also happening Monday, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will be holding their MLK Challenge 2025, which serves as a day of service for students ages 12 to 18. From 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. there will be service projects and activities that challenge students mentally and socially. Participants are encouraged to come wearing casual and comfortable clothing.

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The Little Rock Zoo is also getting in on the celebration with Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the zoo. Participants can take part in an MLK Day-themed scavenger hunt for a prize and the zoo will also be supporting Jericho Way by taking donations of new socks to help those in need at the zoos entrance.

City Year Little Rock will be hosting an Equity Summit from noon until 4:30 p.m. at Henderson Middle School at 401 John Barrow Road. The summit will include presentations and panels from thought leaders, educators, and changemakers, as well as a spotlight on emerging practices in education.

City Year to host Equality Summit on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday morning, the Pine Bluff NAACP branch will hold a Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. The event will be held at 8 a.m. at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church at 2507 West Hill Street. Rev. Kevin Crumpton will serve as the guest speaker.

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The city will also host the 41st annual Original KingFest marade/parade Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. with Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers as the grand marshal. The route will start at 3rd Avenue at Walnut Street; proceeding east on 3rd Avenue to Convention Center Drive; and south on Convention Center Drive to the Pine Bluff Civic Center, north steps.

Jacksonvilles NAACP branch will also be holding a celebration beginning at 11 a.m. There will be speakers including Pastor Miller, Holly Dickson from ACLU Arkansas, and the NAACP Arkansas State Conference. They will also be collecting unused socks for those in need.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also announced that they will be waiving day use fees at recreation areas nationwide in observance of MLK Day. The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swim beaches but does not apply to camping and camping-related services or fees.

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After 13 years serving the Twin Cities, whimsical boutique clothing retailer Poppy will close its doors at the end of the month.

First known as Poppy Togs and Clogs when it opened on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul in 2011, Poppy grew to three locations at its height and will say goodbye to its last remaining storefront at 867 Grand Ave. on Jan. 30.

In deciding to close the final location, Poppy owner Jill Henderson said she has only two years left to spend with her teenage children; she also has parents in their mid-80s whom she wants to care for.

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Family first! This is truly why Poppy is closing, Henderson said in a statement.

Poppys Minneapolis location closed its doors in 2019, and just a few years later in 2022, the boutiques flagship storefront at 251 Snelling Ave. closed due to obstacles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Henderson said.

After COVID, it would have made more sense to close like millions of other businesses did, but I didnt want to be 10 years in and defeated by COVID, she said.

If Poppy was to go forward, I could only afford to do it with one store and that location was Grand Avenue, she said, adding that nearby businesses like Anthropologie, Lululemon and Pottery Barn brought more people to the area.

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In addition to family obligations, Henderson said there is an elephant in the room, or along the avenue rather, that is contributing to the struggle of local small businesses.

New management

In a Facebook post announcing the closure, Henderson called out the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, a Columbus-based pension fund that owns buildings along the avenue, including Poppys.

The State Of Ohio Teachers Retirement Union has gutted the storefronts on OUR BLOVED Grand Avenue & made it really, really, really HARD to be a small business on Grand, Henderson wrote on Facebook.

Earlier: Prominent St. Paul corners  some with notable vacancies  are owned by an out-of-state pension fund

Recent closures along the avenue include Salut, Pottery Barn, Lululemon, J. Crew, J.W. Hulme and Anthropologie, which were all in buildings owned by STRS Ohio.

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Grand has been fantastic, the neighbors, the community, its all fantastic, Henderson said. Grand only has one problem and thats STRS Ohio.

Henderson said the vacant storefronts in STRS Ohio-owned buildings made her 13th year in business harder than her first.

You need the synergy of multiple retailers to bring people in, Henderson said, emphasizing the shoppers she used to attract from nearby suburbs like Woodbury and Eagan.

Representatives from STRS Ohio declined to comment, but the fund has new, local management that is helping improve relations on the avenue.

Were sorry to see Jill go, but shes made a decision not to renew her lease, said Martha Anderson, president of Anderson Property Management in Edina, which took over managing the STRS Ohio properties in May. Anderson said the management company became aware of Poppys closing after seeing signs in the window.

Thank God they took over

Since Anderson Management took over for Escom Properties, the avenues relationship with STRS Ohio has seen a major shift, said Chris Jensen, president of the Grand Avenue Business Association.

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As opposed to the previous building managers, Jensen said the communication and collaboration with Anderson Management has gone smoothly.

In one such collaboration this past year, the youth circus school Circus Juventas displayed more than 30 costumes from past shows in the windows of the former Pottery Barn space along the corner of Grand and Victoria Street.

For the upcoming St. Paul Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade, STRS Ohio again donated the former Pottery Barn space to be used for a winter display, Jensen said, a deal that he credits to Anderson Management for making happen.

Thank God they took over because we dont know where we would be without them, he said of the management company.

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The change occurred when we came on as management. We got the requests and filtered everything to STRS Ohio, Anderson said, adding that before her company took over, STRS Ohio hadnt received previous requests.

Every time theres an opportunity to promote this neighborhood, we are 100% behind it, Anderson said. (STRS Ohio and Anderson Management) want to do anything we can to promote these corners while (real estate broker) JLL is in the process of re-tenanting the corners.

New business on the avenue

While there are noticeable vacancies along the avenue, Grand has also welcomed more than a few new businesses in the last year, including gourmet cookie shop Baking Bettys, Grey Area dispensary and Music on Grand, a music school for students of all ages.

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Just this month, Catzen Coffee, a cat cafe that serves up specialty coffee alongside four-legged company, celebrated its grand opening with a line out the door and down the block.

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Also new to the avenue is bakery Razava Bread Co., which offers a variety of styles, from the house razava loaf to sourdough to New York- and Jerusalem-style bagels.

Want to visit Poppy?
Editor's Note: This interview is part of an ongoing Star series highlighting Kansas Citians from historically under-represented communities and their impact on our region. The series builds on The Star's efforts to improve coverage of local communities. Do you know someone we should interview? Share ideas with our reporter J.M. Banks.

Earl Martin Phalen, a Black man, grew up in an all white family in a small town outside of Boston. His biological mom was a kid when she gave up her baby for adoption.

His adoptive parents, who were inspired by the strength of people participating in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, like the Freedom Riders, wanted to do something to make a difference, something life changing.

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After his adoptive mother read an article about the plight of Black boys left in the foster-care system, she decided this was how they would make their stand. This act of love from his adoptive parents, changed the life trajectory of Phalen, who was raised in a house of love where he was taught the responsibility of service to the community. Growing up he always knew that some how his life would be tied to service.

Fitting that since his parents were so moved by the civil rights cause and the leaders of that movement, they would bestow upon Phalen the middle name Martin, in honor of The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Their son did not disappoint. Phalen sought the place where he could be most at service and went first into education and later nonprofit work. Today he runs a non-profit with a mission of service and changing lives.

His journey brought him to Kansas City three years ago to serve as CEO of Great Jobs KC. In that position Phalen has concentrated on empowering metro residents with well-paying jobs in an effort to help them avoid poverty.

Banks: Can you begin by telling me about your early life and upbringing?

Phalen: I was born to a teen mom who realized she was not able to raise me so she placed me into foster care. I went into my first foster home in 1967 and my second in 1968. There was a front page article in The Boston Globe that said that 70% of Black boys in the Massachusetts foster care system would end up in the prison system before they were 20 years old. So my adopted family George and Veronica Phalen had seven children and my mom had wanted to go and be a Freedom Rider to address the social injustices happening.

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My mom and dad spoke and being a Freedom Rider was dangerous and he told her he didnt want her to do that. When she read that article she said she wanted to adopt because we have a lot of love in the family and in our heart so lets adopt a Black boy and address this issue. So, I was adopted by the Phalen family at age two and grew up in an all white family in a small working class town called Noland right outside of Boston. That experience really shaped my values and my life was completely changed.

Can you tell me about the work your organization does?

Our work here is really focused on helping adults in KC realize their economic potential. Great Jobs KC has a scholarship program that awards $50,000 college scholarships to 1000 young people every year. We also provide support through our scholar advocates who help our scholars choose the right school and the right major. All of our kids go to schools in Kansas and Missouri and have 23 different campuses.

Our scholars are graduating at a 70% rate from college and most are first generation low income students. Then there is our Great Jobs KC program for anybody 17 or older who wants to get short term training that will lead to a better paying job and we generally define that as $45,000 to $125,000 a year plus benefits in that program.

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That program started only two years ago and we have over 7,000 people enrolled and over 2,000 of our graduates have secured better jobs, making about $24,000 more plus benefits.

What made you want to go into this particular areas for a career?

I have been in this role for three years and there are two things that made me want to work with this organization. First when I arrived we just had a scholarship program and I felt like in my 30 years of education that was one of the best scholarship models I have ever seen. I felt like I could help expand the program.

We saw that 50% of the high school graduates are choosing to go right into careers so they asked me to build a program. I was excited at the opportunity to make a program that didnt require a college degree but still allowed for individuals to get a good paying job.

How do you feel that the Great Jobs KC organization builds on the dream of Dr. King (Martin Luther King, Jr.)?

As you look at the end of Kings life he launched the Poor Peoples Campaign. The goal of it, among many things, was fair wages for Black individuals, women and other immigrant groups. The second part was to help a million Americans move from poverty or unemployment into jobs that allow them the dignity of work and the ability to take care of themselves and their families.

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So Great Jobs KC is directly aligned with Dr. Kings Poor Peoples Campaign and we work with folks who are either underemployed or unemployed by helping them get a family-sustaining job.

How do you feel the legacy of Dr. King has most inspired you?

My birth mother named me Earl and I was adopted into the Phalen family, but my parents gave me the middle name Martin. Kings life of being a servant, leader, a drum major for justice and a voice for those who are voiceless has always been my North Star which I aspire to. To have this deep commitment to justice, equity and fair treatment of all.

What are the biggest challenges that you face in your career?

One of the biggest challenges we have right now is raising more resources. We are helping a thousand adults per month sign up for the Great Jobs program. So the biggest barrier for us is making sure we have the resources to change their lives economically and to empower them.

How do you feel your work impacts the community around you?

Every negative outcome in life is associated with poverty. Someone who is raised in poverty will generally have a worse education, child mortality rates, health outcomes, obesity, shorter life spans and generally this is in the communities where violence is most prevalent.

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The Great Jobs program gives folks the power to choose. They now have a choice in the school their children go to and the quality of education that child gets. They will have access to more nutritious food and live in safer neighborhoods. Giving economic freedom to parents allows them to transform all of those outcomes that I talked about before. When parents have the dignity of work it has an impact on them and an impact on the next generation.

Do you have a personal motto or philosophy that guides you?

I grew up Roman Catholic, I am not any longer but we would go to church every Sunday and the story that my mother would lean into was the story of a Good Samaritan. The short version of the story is there is somebody on the side of the road, theyre clearly disabled or injured and one person thought If I go and help that person, maybe theyll try to jump me or maybe theyll try to steal my money. But the Good Samaritan asked if I dont help what will happen to that person. So that is the mantra that my parents instilled in me, that it was my duty to help.

What are your organizations goals for the future?

I would like to help a hundred thousand adults in the next seven years and move them from economic insecurity to prosperity.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to follow the same career path as yourself?

Know your why. Because the work is incredibly hard, there are setbacks like in anything and obstacles that you have to overcome and you have to be grounded in a strong reason of why you do this work. Then you can fight through and persist and organize. I think the second piece is for those going into this line of work is figure out your revenue model and how to scale your work in a way that is consistently funded to meet the demand that the community has for the work that were trying to do.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver the annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 26., according to a release from her office.

The address will be held in the Michigan House Chambers in front of a joint session of both chambers of the state legislature. According to a press release, Whitmer will discuss the creation of new jobs, lowering costs, and investing in education.

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. 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. By working across the aisle, we have cut taxes by a $1 billion for seniors and working families, fed every student free school meals, build a ton of housing, and fixed a lot of roads. We still face big challenges, but I know that if we all play on the same teamTeam Michiganwe can win. I look forward to sharing my vision with my Republican and Democratic partners in the legislature. Lets roll up our sleeves and keep getting things done. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Jan. 17, 2024

6 News will cover the address on-air and online, including a live stream. A stream will also be available online at this link, as well as on Facebook and YouTube.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer added her signature to dozens of bills this week, but she vetoed 13 bills passed last year in the Democratically-controlled Legislature.

Here's a look at the legislation she rejected.

Drivers' licensees and IDs for parolees

Whitmer vetoed House Bills 4191, 4192, 4193 and 4194 which would have set up a system to ensure those released from prison have access to a driver's license and state identification cards.

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"I full support the policy behind these bills," Whitmer wrote in a letter to the Michigan House of Representatives Friday. But she said she chose not to sign them because they would have amended the same section in the law recently changed to update Michigan's automatic voter registration process, thus overriding those changes. She described it as an avoidable technical error on the part of lawmakers. "I look forward to working with the current Legislature on passing this important criminal justice reform in the near future," she said.

Call centers

Whitmer also vetoed two bills  House Bills 5164 and 5165  to require businesses to alert the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity before relocating a call center outside the country. Federal law already has a similar notification requirement, Whitmer noted. "Accordingly, these bills would likely result in the unnecessary use of the department's time and resources," she wrote in a letter Friday to the Michigan House of Representatives. "I look forward to working with the legislature to craft solutions that help jobs stay in Michigan without unnecessary redundancy in government resources."

Election petitions

Whitmer vetoed House Bills 5571, 5572, 5573, 5575 and 5576  a legislative package that would have allowed the state's elections panel to use a statistical random sampling methodology to review signatures on election petitions, including petitions proposing a constitutional amendment and nominating candidates to qualify for the ballot.

"In 2022, our state was rocked by record levels of signature fraud in our petition initiative process," Whitmer wrote in a letter to the Michigan House of Representatives Friday. That year, signature fraud wiped out half of the GOP gubernatorial candidates off the ballot.

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"Unfortunately, these bills fall far short of the serious need to address this fraud, to restore public trust in our nomination petition process, and to protect voters and our state constitution. Namely, these bills move Michigan in the wrong direction by authorizing sampling procedures instead of requiring exhaustive review of signatures to ensure no fraud exists," Whitmer wrote.

Michigan Politics: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to deliver 2025 State of the State speech Feb. 26

Unemployment

Whitmer vetoed House Bill 5827 and Senate Bill 976 which would have made changes to Michigan's unemployment system.

House Bill 5827 is similar to another bill Whitmer already signed into law late last year increasing unemployment benefits in Michigan, boosting the weekly benefit amount and expanding the time Michigan workers without a job could collect unemployment from 20 to 26 weeks. She said in a letter to the Michigan House of Representatives Friday that because the House Bill was presented to her after she signed the unemployment expansion, the House legislation would have negated those changes.

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Senate Bill 976 would have exempted from public records requests disclosure of the state Unemployment Insurance Agency's methods for probing fraudulent unemployment claims. Whitmer said in a letter to the Michigan Senate that she supports the intent of the bill, but she expressed concerns about the proposal because it would allow licensed attorneys to obtain the information. Whitmer said that could violate federal regulations. "Additionally, such an exemption is entirely unnecessary given that attorneys can receive information through the discovery process in court and administrative proceedings," Whitmer wrote.

In response to Whitmer's veto, House Democratic caucus spokesperson Jess Travers said in a statement: "We're all experiencing the Schoolhouse Rock live and in action." Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, did not immediately respond to a request for comment through her spokesperson Rosie Jones.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer vetoes bills sponsored by Democratic lawmakers
Dr Peter Prinsley, a Labour MP, has indignantly told the Tories to stop calling Rachel Reeves Rachel from accounts. He thinks its sexist and belittling.

Is it, though? If anything, its generous. After all, it exaggerates the depth of her economic experience. In her career before entering Parliament, she didnt work in accounts. According to recent reports, she worked in customer complaints.

Then again, the Tories really shouldnt make fun of her over that. It sounds like the perfect preparation for her current role. Because now shes having to handle complaints from pensioners, parents, farmers, businesses

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Anyway, even if Dr Prinsley finds the nickname Rachel from accounts offensive, he was unwise to say so, because his protest will simply encourage her opponents to use it all the more. Only last week, Liz Truss made the very same mistake, by sending Sir Keir Starmer a legal letter that haughtily ordered him to stop saying she crashed the economy.

Better to rise above it. Besides, Ms Truss shouldnt be cross with Sir Keir. She should be grateful to him  because hes doing such a bang-up job of rehabilitating her. After she was forced out of No 10, she was widely held to be the worst prime minister of all time. Next to Sir Keir, however, she looks like Churchill. And thanks to Ms Reeves, her period in office increasingly resembles an oasis of financial stability. So forget legal letters. She should be sending them both flowers and champagne.

At the very least, both Labour and Tories need to accept that, if youre going to dish it out, you have to take it, and not start hypocritically squealing the second someone on your own side comes in for a bit of teasing. Also, make your insults more varied, so we dont have to hear the same ones again and again. In Ms Reevess case, theres plenty of material to draw on. For example: in her room at university in the 1990s, she kept a framed photo of Gordon Brown.

What a mind-boggling image. Every other student of that era had posters of the Trainspotting cast, Kurt Cobain from Nirvana and Gillian Anderson from The X Files. Apparently, however, the teenage Ms Reeves preferred to adorn her wall with the sullen visage of the then Labour chancellor.

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I wonder whether there are currently any teenage boys with pictures of Rachel Reeves on their walls. If so, the young men of today are in even greater crisis than we thought.

How to change the Lefts minds on migration

No doubt about the weeks most entertaining story. Last month in Paris, a Left-wing theatre group decided to host a special conference entitled Reinventing the Welcome for Refugees in France. And, in a noble demonstration of solidarity, the group offered free tickets to 250 mostly African migrants.

After the conference had ended, however, the migrants point-blank refused to leave. They occupied the theatre  and five weeks later, theyre still in there. Indeed, their numbers have now swollen to over 300, as more and more migrants rush to join them, undeterred by the overcrowding and increasingly unsanitary conditions. As a result, the theatre now faces financial ruin.

Perfect. Aesop himself could not have written a more exquisite fable.

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Having said this, I cant help but feel that these migrants have made a mistake. In any Western European society, the demographic that has the most delusionally gooey view of uncontrolled immigration is the cultural elite. And an experience like this, which for once puts their own livelihoods at risk, might finally cause the scales to fall from their eyes. Which in turn might cause Western European governments to do something about uncontrolled immigration, rather than just make endless empty promises.

Come to think of it, this gives me an idea. If any Calais-based people smugglers happen to be reading this column, I urge them to inform their customers that, once they have successfully crossed the Channel, there is a beautiful and spacious building, slap-bang in the middle of London, where they will all find free accommodation. Its address is Portland Place, W1A 1AA, and its name is Broadcasting House.

If that doesnt cause BBC journalists to take a more sceptical view of uncontrolled immigration, and stop labelling all those who oppose it as far-Right, I dont know what will.

Two-faced Tories

Kemi Badenoch has conceded that, in office, the Tories talked Right but governed Left. Her point was perfectly illustrated this week by the following story. While Tory ministers were loudly proclaiming their loathing of wokery, elderly party members were being ordered to undergo diversity training.

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So says the former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns (now with Nigel Farages Reform UK). In 2020, she reveals, her septuagenarian mother was suspended as a member after clicking like on a supposedly offensive tweet  and told that she would only be readmitted if she passed a test designed to check that she was up-to-date with the latest progressive jargon. Sample question: What is a pansexual? (Someone who becomes aroused in the presence of cookware? Nigella Lawson?)

During last years general election campaign, strikingly few Tory party members were seen out canvassing. Perhaps they were all stuck at home, boning up on Pink News.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 7am every Tuesday and Saturday

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DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of a Lithonia man this week after he shot his wife in the face after she filed for divorce.

Dmante Dontrell Anderson, 33, was found guilty by jurors on two counts of aggravated assaultfamily violence, false imprisonment, simple Batteryfamily violence, two counts of cruelty to children in the third Degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and use of a firearm by a convicted felon during the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting of his wife on June 14, 2019.

Officials say they responded to an apartment complex on Concepts 21 Drive in Lithonia.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When they arrived, they found a woman sitting on the ground in front of her apartment building bleeding heavily.

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Instead of telling police he shot his wife, Anderson told them his wife had shot herself.

Police arrested Anderson and paramedics rushed his wife to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.

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At the hospital, Andersons wife told police she filed for divorce and that he had been served the papers earlier in the day. When she got home, he was asleep, but later awoke after he heard his wife on the phone and became angry.

Police say Anderson grabbed a gun, forced his wife in the bedroom and shot her in the cheek.

The couples children were home and witnessed the abuse, officials say.

On Monday, jurors found Anderson guilty and he was sentenced to 70 years to serve 63 in confinement with the balance on probation.

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Rachel Wald always has a bit of a cold. Thats life when you have two kids younger than 5, she says. Youre always a little sick. But it wasnt until after Wald and her family voluntarily fled the fires in Los Angeles that she realized the cough, sore throat, and itchy eyes she couldnt shake were being exacerbated by the fires plaguing the city. I dont think I was really recognizing how much of it was not the cold, but the smoke, she said.

Wald, who is a director at a health and environment center at the University of Southern California, is among the lucky ones. Her neighborhood in central L.A. was never directly threatened. Her house is intact; her children, husband, and all they own are safe. Nevertheless, Wald, like millions of other Angelenos, cant escape the health effects of the blazes. Experts expect those impacts to linger.

The wind-driven fires that have leveled a broad swath of Los Angeles have killed at least 25 people, consumed approximately 12,000 homes, schools, and other structures, and burned more than 40,000 acres since January 7. In the aftermath of such disasters, the focus is rightfully on treating the injured, mourning the dead, and beginning the long process of recovery. In time, though, attention shifts to the health consequences that reverberate days, weeks, even years after the danger has passed.

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Wildfires, a natural part of many ecosystems, particularly in the West, typically occur in forests or where wildlands meet communities. It is extraordinarily rare to see them penetrate an American city, but thats exactly what happened in the nations second-largest metropolis.

As state and federal agencies assess the damage, researchers say the health effects of the wildfires must be tallied just as meticulously.

These fires are different from previous quote-unquote wildfires, because there are so many structures that burned, said Yifang Zhu, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles. Everything in the households got burned  cars, metal pipes, plastics.

Wildfire smoke is toxic. Burning trees and shrubs produce very fine particulate matter, known by the shorthand PM 2.5, which burrow deep into the lungs and can even infiltrate the bloodstream, causing cold- and flu-like symptoms in the short term, and heart disease, lung cancer, and other chronic issues over time.

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But the fires that raced through Los Angeles burned thousands of homes, schools, historic buildings, and even medical clinics, blanketing the city in thick smoke. For several days after the first fire started, the citys air quality index, or AQI, exceeded 100, the threshold, typically seen during wildfires, at which air becomes unhealthy to breathe for children, the elderly, and those with asthma. In some parts of the city, the AQI reached 500, a number rarely seen and always hazardous for everyone.

At the moment, air pollution experts know how much smoke fills the air. Thats shown improvement in recent days. But they dont know whats in it. What are the chemical mixtures in this smoke? asked Kai Chen, an environmental scientist at the Yale School of Public Health. In addition to fine particulate matter, there are potentially other hazardous and carcinogenic organic compounds  gas pollutants, trace metals, and microplastics.

Previous research shows that the spikes in unhealthy air quality seen during such events lead to higher rates of hospitalizations for issues like asthma, and even contribute to heart attacks among those with that chronic disease. A 2024 study on the long-term effects of smoke exposure in California showed that particulate matter from wildfires in the state from 2008 to 2018 contributed to anywhere from 52,000 to 56,000 premature deaths. A health assessment of 148 firefighters who worked the Tubbs Fire, which burned more than 36,000 acres in Northern California in 2017 and destroyed an unusually high number of structures, found elevated levels of the PFAS known as forever chemicals, heavy metals, and flame retardants in their blood and urine.

The L.A. County Department of Public Health has formally urged people to stay inside and wear masks to protect themselves from windblown toxic dust and ash. Air quality measurements dont take these particles into account, which means the air quality index doesnt reveal the extent of contaminants in the air.

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Zhu and her colleagues have been collecting samples of wildfire smoke in neighborhoods near the fires. Itll be months before that data is fully analyzed, but Zhu suspects she will find a dangerous mix of chemicals, including, potentially, asbestos and lead  materials used in many buildings constructed before the 1970s.

The risk will linger even after the smoke clears. The plumes that wafted over the landscape will deposit chemicals into drinking water supplies and contaminate soil. When rains do come, theyll wash toxic ash into streams and across the land, said Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, an environmental engineer and interim dean of the University of Colorado Boulder environmental engineering program. Theres a lot of manmade materials that are now being combusted. The potential is there for contamination, he said, noting that little research on how toxic ash and other byproducts of wildfires in urban areas currently exists. What we dont have a lot of information on is what happens now.

After the Camp Fire razed Paradise, California, in 2018, water utilities found high levels of volatile organic compounds in drinking water. Similar issues have arisen in places like Boulder County, Colorado, where the Marshall Fire destroyed nearly 1,000 structures in 2021, Rosario-Ortiz said, though the presence of a contaminant in a home doesnt necessarily mean it will be present in high levels in the water. Still, several municipal water agencies in Los Angeles issued preemptive advisories urging residents not to drink tap water in neighborhoods near the Palisades and Eaton fires. Itll be weeks before they know exactly whats in the water.

As wildfires grow ever more intense and encroach upon urban areas, cities and counties must be prepared to monitor the health impacts and respond to them. This is the first time Ive ever even witnessed or heard anything like this, said Zhu, who raised her daughter in Los Angeles and has lived there for decades, said. Even being in the field studying wildfires and air quality impacts, I never imagined that a whole neighborhood, a whole community in Palisades, would burn down.

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Wald is back home. Shes still got a nasty cough, but her other symptoms are starting to subside as the smoke in her neighborhood clears. The fires gave her a scare, but shes not making long-term plans to move on. I wouldnt say that here where I am right now, Im that worried, she said. But, I mean, its not great.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Wildfire smoke is always toxic. LAs is even worse. on Jan 17, 2025.
As the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires began last week, Jo-Marie Lawrence was watching a movie in Burbank with her friend when the mall lost power.

That meant Lawrence, 32, a quadriplegic actor and wheelchair user, and her friend, who also uses a wheelchair, could not use the elevators. They were atop a flight of about 70 steps and the manager didnt have a plan to get them to safety.

People were offering to carry us, but it was pretty steep. And we were like, We dont really know who you are or trust you,  Lawrence said. The manager and other employees waited with Lawrence and her friend until firefighters arrived to carry them down.

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It was one moment that highlights the challenges people with disabilities face in a fast-moving emergency that may limit their choices or even keep them from evacuating to safety. They might have trouble navigating their homes, especially in multi-level buildings, or workplaces and public spaces. Some people require medications, specialized medical equipment that needs power to charge and specially prepared foods that require refrigeration.

It can also be difficult to find safe and accessible spaces to evacuate to; not every shelter can meet a persons specific accessibility needs. Some people with disabilities might also have trouble navigating difficult landscapes, struggle with air quality and need help caring for their service animals.

Lawrence has been disabled for six years, and she said this was her first emergency of this magnitude. She and her friend made it home safely that night, but she said it was unsettling that the only help movie employees could provide was to wait with them until first responders arrived.

Her experience shows how important it is for people with disabilities to have individual emergency plans for a variety of potential difficult situations.

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When wildfires are encroaching on homes and public spaces, waiting for help to arrive may not suffice.

Jo-Marie Lawrence lives alone. An aide helped her pack an emergency bag as wildfires grew. - Courtesy James Lawrence

The next morning, Lawrence, who lives alone, said the aide who helps her start her day arrived in a panic, and insisted that she pack an emergency bag in case she had to evacuate. After helping Lawrence pack essential supplies like medication and catheters, the aide left because her own house was in danger.

Lawrence said she spent the rest of the day feeling anxious. That night, when her apartment was on the edge of an evacuation zone, she called her boyfriend in Culver City to help her leave.

I cant just get up and run. I cant just grab my favorite items. I need to get my medical supplies that are very necessary for me to function throughout the night, Lawrence said. She said shes fortunate; some of the other people with disabilities in her building live alone and rely on part-time caregivers, but dont have partners to call to help them evacuate.

Facing greater risk during a disaster

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the mortality rate for disabled people during a natural disaster is two to four times higher than the general population.

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Among 27 people confirmed dead in the wildfires so far, several were known to have disabilities or mobility issues.

Anthony Mitchell, 67, was an amputee and wheelchair user who lived with his son Justin in Altadena. Justin had cerebral palsy. Anthonys daughter, Hajime White, who lives in Arkansas, told The Washington Post that authorities told her that her fathers body was found by Justins bed.

Rory Callum Sykes, 32, a former child star from Australia, died January 8 on the familys Mount Malibu TV Studios estate, his mother Shelley Sykes wrote on X January 9. Rory was born blind and with cerebral palsy and had difficulty walking.

In her post, Shelly Sykes said she was trying to put out the cinders on the roof of the cottage that he lived in, but the water had been switched off. She told Australias 10 News First that she couldnt get through to 911 when she tried to call for help and had a broken arm so she couldnt lift Rory or physically help him evacuate.

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Altadena resident Carolyn Burns, 56, died in her home from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, according to a medical examiners report. In an earlier missing persons notice, Burns family said she was bedridden.

Another Altadena resident who died at his residence, Zhi Feng Zhao, 84, had mobility and vision issues. He was identified by the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.

Marcie Roth, executive director and CEO of the disability advocacy organization World Institute on Disability, told CNN on Sunday that horrific tragedies happen during natural disasters. But the disproportionate impact that they have on people with disabilities, including during the Los Angeles wildfires, is unacceptable, Roth said.

An aerial view of the Palisades Fire as it burns toward the San Fernando Valley. - Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

There is an ongoing failure (in the US) to center the need for not leaving people with disabilities behind, said Roth, who established the US Federal Emergency Management Agencys Office of Disability Integration and Coordination and served as the director until 2017.

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Theres work underway to harness technology and artificial intelligence, or AI, to help share information with people with disabilities, she said. But theres also a need to draw on the expertise of people in the community.

Roth is disabled and said that the reality of living with a disability makes her and many other people in the community natural problem solvers in a crisis.

And yet there is an assumption that people with disabilities are a liability in disasters, she said. We need to build the leadership of disabled people to shift that equation from being a liability to being an asset.

June Kailes, Los Angeles-based disability policy consultant and member of the federal governments Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response advisory committee focusing on disability and disasters, told CNN that governments at all levels need to do a better job explaining the emergency response gap to the public.

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The idea that the government is going to come, the first responders are going to come, well, thats fine for a house fire but not a catastrophic event, said Kailes, who is disabled. A disabled person without loved ones living with them might have to rely on a neighbor or friend to help them evacuate and in a life-or-death emergency, may need to leave medical equipment behind.

Kailes said one way the response gap could be shortened and lives potentially saved is if first responders and government officials gave callers a potential estimated time to evacuate or direct orders to evacuate with just the clothes on their backs if they dont think theyll be alive by the time help can arrive.

We as a disability (community) can blame the government, can blame the plan, can blame everybody, but what about ourselves? she said, noting that in a crisis, factors like gridlock are impossible for emergency responders to predict.

Shes working on a checklist for people with disabilities who need help with long-term planning in case of a catastrophe  it starts with asking a trusted neighbor to help you evacuate if needed.

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Kristen Lopez, an author with a disability, lives in North Hollywood with her mother, who is also her caretaker. They decided last week that if the Sunset Fire reached a certain point on the wildfire-tracking Watch Duty app, they were leaving, even if they werent in an evacuation zone.

Lopez, who collects movie memorabilia, told CNN they packed everything except the art on the walls. They were ready to go if they had to. That time never came and by Thursday, they were unpacking.

Kristen Lopez said she and her mother packed everything they could in case they had to evacuate. - Courtesy Kristen Lopez

Lopez knows shes fortunate to have her apartment and her mother to help her flee if necessary.

If she lived alone, she said, No ones coming to save me. Im well aware of that.

Resources to help people with disabilities

There are some resources already in place to help people with disabilities.

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Disabled survivors of the California wildfires or any other national emergency can call the disabled-led Disability and Disaster Hotline at 1-800-626-4959 for help.

While its recommended that people call 911 for medical emergencies, disabled people at the hotline, run by The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, known as PIDS, a national nonprofit dedicated to serving and maintaining the rights of disabled people during crisis, help their peers access information and make actionable plans based on their needs.

The organizations co-executive director, German Parodi, told CNN that the hotline is currently helping disabled Los Angelenos make informed decisions about related to whether its safe to return home after theyve been evacuated, navigating the air quality with their respective disabilities, and coordinating the transfer of cumbersome medical equipment between shelters.

The hotline can also help connect disabled people to emergency management if their access needs prevent them from directly calling or theyre having trouble getting through.

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PIDS also coordinates its efforts with various California Independent Living Centers and other organizations to help disabled people get non-emergent needs met within one to two days.

For legal help, contact Disability Rights California.

To find a nearby shelter, visit the American Red Cross shelter locator or the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

For more information on disaster preparedness visit Disability Disaster Access and Resources.

Donate to or pick up disability specific medical supplies to the Moss Donation Center, 1285 Electric Avenue, Venice, CA 90291.

Esme Mazzeo is a New York-based freelance entertainment and disability culture journalist.

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IOWA COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  Officials are addressing an incident that occurred on Thursday regarding a Wisconsin man who reportedly attacked a corrections officer while being booked into jail.

According to the Iowa County Sheriffs Office, 30-year-old Niles Cox of North Freedom was being booked into the Iowa County Jail on Thursday when he suddenly attacked a female corrections officer unprovoked.

Marinette County Sheriffs Office quickly locates missing elderly man using drone tech

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The incident added additional charges of battery against law enforcement and attempted escape against Cox. The officer involved was treated and released from a local medical center on the same day.

Cox was arrested originally after multiple incidents over the prior days where he had numerous contacts with law enforcement. According to the release, they are as follows:

January 15, 3:15 a.m.  First offense OWI arrest, but released in the early evening hours on the same day.

January 16, 7:22 a.m.  Criminal charges from the Dodgeville Police Department for operating a motor vehicle without owner consent, criminal property damage and attempted motor vehicle theft, that occurred on Thursday.

January 16, 8:01 a.m.  Additional charge from Barneveld Police Department for the operation of a motor vehicle without owners consent and criminal property damage, also on Thursday.

Cox was arrested at 8:35 a.m. on Thursday in the Township of Arena by Iowa County Sheriffs Deputies based on the charges from Dodgeville and Barneveld. Additional charges could be brought forth by the Iowa County District Attorneys Office.

Drug discovery and impaired driving lead to arrest during Crawford County traffic stop

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Cox was given a $60,000 cash bond in a hearing in the Iowa County Circuit Court on Friday. His initial court appearance will be on January 23 at 1:30 p.m.

No more details were provided.

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Pakistani authorities have imposed several restrictions ahead of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) planned national gathering on January 25 in Dalbandin to commemorate "Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day." Citing the Balochistan Government Servants (Conduct) Rules of 1979, the Deputy Commissioner of Chaghi, Ata ul Munim, issued a directive cautioning government employees against participating in political rallies or organisations. The directive ordered department heads to report violations for disciplinary action under the BEED Act 2011. Moreover, the Balochistan government has declared Section 144 for a month, prohibiting gathering of five or more people and the public display of weapons, The Balochistan Post reported. Transport companies have been advised to suspend services for an entire week in Dalbadin. While formal notices have allegedly been issued, no official confirmation has been provided. Simultaneously, an FIR was registered in Mastung against the BYC's central organiser, Mahrang Baloch and and other members of the organisation. The BYC termed the charges "baseless" and stressed that they were part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent and peaceful political exercise. Locals arranged stones on a mountainside to spell out "Bakhairat Mahran" (Welcome Mahrang) in Brahui in Dalbandin's Charsar area, in appreciation for her efforts. The BYC denounced the FIRs and the limitations, claiming they were part of a larger effort to muzzle views of Baloch people, The Balochistan Post reported. The group asserted that the state abuses the law to target the Baloch people due to their identity and resistance to continuous repression, and accused authorities of selectively implementing laws such as Section 144 to suppress nonviolent protest. Since last year, hundreds of FIRs have been filed against the BYC's leaders and members, the organisation said in a statement, many of which have been rejected by courts as baseless. Despite this, fresh cases keep coming up. The BYC stressed that such actions will not impair the Baloch people's determination or leadership. The group appealed for intervention from human rights organisations and the international community, calling these measures "colonial" and "apartheid-like." (ANI)
***Warning: Details in this story are disturbing.***

NEW YORK CITY (WJW)  A New York City woman faces murder charges after investigators say the body of an apartment building superintendent was found underneath her bed this week.

According to the Queens District Attorneys Office, Sandra Coto-Navarro, 48, was arraigned Thursday night for the death of 55-year-old Jose Portillo.

Prosecutors said Portillo, the building superintendent, showed up at her door to collect overdue rent around 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday.

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Flight attendant stabbed, killed on layover in Denver, suspect arrested

Coworkers reportedly became concerned when Portillo didnt answer his phone for hours, so they called 911 around 5 p.m. for officers to help search for him, prosecutors said.

Officers spoke with Coto-Navarro, who allegedly told them that Portillo stopped by earlier and she paid him $23,000 before he left.

Investigators said police reviewed surveillance video, which never showed the victim leaving the apartment.

Officers then returned to the apartment and during a search, they found Portillos body wrapped up in black garbage bags and clothes under the bed, prosecutors said.

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Police also reported smelling bleach and observed a mop and what appeared to be blood near the bottom of the bed and by a dresser in the bedroom, the attorneys office said.

Coto-Navarro was arrested and taken into custody.

Video: Suspects snowy footprints led to arrest after Ohio Turnpike chase

According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Portillo died from multiple blunt force injuries to the head and a bag being placed over his head.

The victim further sustained post-mortem sharp force injuries to his neck and left leg near the knee, the attorneys office said.

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Coto-Navarro is charged with murder, two counts of tampering with evidence and criminal possession of a weapon.

If convicted of murder, Coto-Navarro could face up to 25 years to life in prison, the attorneys office said.

This was a gruesome murder, said District Attorney Melinda Katz. As alleged, the defendant not only murdered the superintendent trying to collect rent, but attempted to dismember the lifeless victim, wrapped his body in black garbage bags and tried bleaching the area. Now, a life has been lost and a family is in upheaval because the defendant allegedly chose to resolve a rent dispute with violence. This is not the way a civilized society operates. The defendant will face justice for this heinous murder.

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A woman was found dead inside a smoldering Deerfield Beach duplex early Friday morning after BSO firefighters extinguished a fire they think may have been deliberately set.

The fire was reported around 4:40 a.m. at the duplex located in the 4300 block of Fourth Avenue, said Claudinne Caro, a Broward Sheriffs Office spokeswoman.

When deputies and BSO firefighters arrived, the duplex was engulfed in flames, Caro said in a statement. When the fire was out, first responders found 54-year-old Ana De Souza dead inside, Caro said.

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Sheriffs office homicide detectives are investigating the womans death, as is the State Fire Marshal, Caro said.

The duplex housed two families, one on each side of the building, said BSO Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane.

Fire burning a while before firefighters

Firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 20 minutes, but Kane noted the fire had likely been burning for a significant time before their arrival.

The family living in the apartment next door escaped unharmed. Firefighters rescued their dog, which had been trapped inside, and reunited the pet with the family. However, their apartment sustained extensive smoke damage.

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In the fire-damaged apartment, several occupants escaped unharmed, but De Souza died inside the duplex.

Fire set outside: BSO

Kane noted that much of the fire appeared to originate on the exterior of the building, raising questions about its cause.

There wasnt any electrical, you know, components that we know were readily recognizable outside..that we could think ignited that he said.  A lot of the fire was on the exterior of the building too. So that, in itself, you know, raises some suspicion.

The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents from both apartments.

No hospitalizations were reported at the scene, although Kane acknowledged that individuals could have sought medical attention independently after the incident.
GAITHERSBERG, Md. (WFLA)  A Maryland womans life was turned upside down after a simple typo led to her being declared legally dead.

Nicole Paulino discovered she was dead when she tried to renew her drivers license.

Fugitive in gruesome home invasion case arrested in Florida

It then appears that I am deceased, Paulino told NBC Washington. I got a little frightened, Im not gonna lie, and surprised, because I am alive. Im here.

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Paulino was not allowed to renew her license, but her problems were just beginning. Health insurance was cancelled for Paulino and her three children. She said she couldnt get the inhaler she needed for her asthma amid mounting medical bills.

She also received a letter from the IRS stating she was a deceased taxpayer.

This really, really messes up my life, Paulino said.

Paulino said that when she got a call from the Social Security Administration, she learned her life was upended was due to a typo. A funeral home was trying to declare someone else dead and mistyped a digit in the Social Security number.

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The SSA told NBC Washington that less than one-third of one percent of the 3 million deaths reported each year are erroneous, but that means around 10,000 people are mistakenly reported dead.

After contacting the media outlet, Paulino received a letter from the SSA saying she had officially been brought back to life.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A woman who sued New Mexico State Police after being shot in a case of mistaken identity will get more than a million dollars in her settlement. In 2014, NMSP were trying to serve an arrest warrant on Kayenta Jackson at an apartment complex near I-25 and San Mateo Blvd. but instead made contact with Roxanne Torres.

Rio Rancho man accused of firing gun hundreds of times in the air indicted on charges

According to court documents, Torres claimed she didnt know the two men in dark tactical gear were officers and thought they were trying to carjack her. Torres got into the car and sped away, but thats when the officers fired multiple rounds hitting Torres. She later sued NMSP claiming excessive force.

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Her case was settled for $1.8 million.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Evereve  a Minnesota-based womens clothing store  has closed its location on Kansas Citys Country Club Plaza after 10 years.

The company was told in November that the Plazas new owners would not be renewing its lease, said the stores visual merchandiser Paige Habinger.

Its last day in the shopping center was Dec. 29. It held a space at 225 W. 47th St.

Evereve still has a location in Leawood at 4319 W. 119th St.

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Several other stores have been leaving the Plaza. Mattress and bedding store Casper will soon add another vacant space when it shuts down Wednesday.

Including Evereve, at least 10 stores closed on the Plaza in 2024.

The shopping center was purchased by HP Village Partners last year, which owns Dallas luxury shopping center, Highland Park Village.

Ray Washburne, principal of HP Village, discussed with The Star in October his plans for the district, including a $100 million revamp and addition through subtraction by removing some tenants.

It will keep its Spanish-style look. A timeline for Plaza construction has not been announced.
The Womens March has lost its luster.

The day after Donald Trump was sworn in for the first time, more than a million people took to the streets in one of the largest single-day protests in American history. It was a show of force and a rejection of what many felt was brazen toxic masculinity ascending to the Oval Office and the women-led protests came to define the early portion of Trumps first days in office. But with his second inauguration in two days, this years demonstration is shaping up to be a diminished shadow of its former self.

The smaller, quieter march is a reflection of the muted exasperation and a likely symptom of political fatigue that has settled in among anti-Trump forces that were once the driving force of American politics. Democrats are wondering how to reassemble a winning coalition that was once organized around opposition, with many pondering if they should just find a way to work with the figure they once called a threat to democracy itself.

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The time to express outrage in that way has passed, said Vanessa Wruble, who was one of the original organizers of the 2017 protest. She doesn't plan to march this year, and spoke to POLITICO from the animal sanctuary she now operates in Joshua Tree, California, where a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot named Hot Pants squawked in the background.

When asked why shes forgoing protesting this time around, Wruble said she's "not that type of progressive anymore frustrated at what she views as a political left that is completely cannibalizing itself.

Organizers for the marquee Womens March in Washington secured a permit for a crowd up to 50,000 people, though few expect Saturday's protest to draw even that many  especially with temperatures plunging over the weekend and some local residents opting to skip town for the federal holiday. The crowds will be far short of the more than 1 million people who protested Trump's inauguration across the country eight years ago.

Aside from the crowds, the mission of the march has shifted, too. While it still bills itself as a feminist-led organization, it rebranded the planned demonstration The Peoples March. They are hoping that the 350 marches across the nation act as a trigger event to reignite a measure of political activism thats waned in the weeks since Trumps election.



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Tamika Middleton, the current managing director of the Womens March, understands how many progressive activists are feeling distraught at this moment in American politics.

I think that's a thing that is important, to visibilize the dissent, she said, hoping the march will reignite the lefts tried and true tactic, with roots in the civil rights movements, to gear up for what is in store for the next four years.

Middleton has been with the organization since 2021, joining the group years after it became engulfed in infighting, including some of the original organizers pushed out over accusations that they tolerated antisemitic views and refused to disavow ties to Louis Farrakhan, the controversial leader of the Nation of Islam.

Legal woes also beset the organization, with some in the leadership moving to trademark the name Womens March, sparking fears local chapters would be forced to pay fees to organize under its banner along with allegations of financial mismanagement.

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That troubled history, coupled with acknowledgment that many activists are taking a break from politics after Vice President Kamala Harris loss to Trump, are dual challenges Middleton said are facing organizers this time around.

When we lose [typically] people get really riled up, because now they are ready for the fight, she said, adding that this has been a really interesting dynamic in that some people are electing to protest by tuning out politics altogether.

But organizers know they cant allow Trump to enact policies with no grassroots resistance, even if it's with far less ground support.

I think a lot of people are somewhat tired, maybe a little bit demoralized, said Krista Suh, a co-founder of the Pussyhat Project that visually punctuated the 2017 marches with knitted pink hats with pointed ears.

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Suh, an Hollywood screenwriter and activist, was drawn to activism following Trumps victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016  one that happened even after footage surfaced of him making lewd comments about groping women on the Access Hollywood tape. (Trump denied that he acted this way and that it was "locker room talk.")

She does not see a groundswell of anti-Trump energy ahead of his second term and doesn't plan to march herself. When he was first elected, I think the shock of it was so galvanizing. I think him being elected a second time  its just like a different zeitgeist.

In conversations with more than a dozen Democratic officials and progressive activists, the muted response to the march appears to be a ripple effect from the frustration many feel about the direction of the party. Trump returns to Washington with a governing trifecta and the conservative bent of the Supreme Court has imploded whatever energy remained on the political left to mount resistance.



Its also taking place as the party is at a crossroads. President Joe Biden exits office with an abysmal approval rating. Theres no consensus on who will lead the Democratic National Committee, which will pick a new leader in two weeks. And among those looking to lead the party, none appear able to articulate the cause for why they got trounced in last year's election.

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We have to have a very real awakening," said Alencia Johnson, a political commentator who worked on Bidens 2020 campaign. "Some of the frustrations that we have [are] with privilege and old guards.

Its present in the activist movement too, says Wruble, the co-founder of the original Womens March. She said she was pushed out by the same group of leaders who met the same fate over their antisemitic views. She went on to start March On, which had a similar mission to the Womens March.

She draws parallels between the bifurcation at the Womens March to what she sees happening with the political left overall.

We 100 percent lost the information war, and we have been completely splintered," she said. She went on to blame the conservative media that has "pitted [us] against one another, and everyone is just falling for it.

The organizers of this year's march know trying to build back a movement that had so much promise, will not be an easy task. Middleton acknowledges there is no expectation to match the magnitude of the original Womens March adding, How do you capture lightning in a bottle twice?
Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, has raised serious concerns about the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances by the Pakistan security forces. The body highlighted an alleged instance, where Saeed Ahmed, son of Abdul Samad Bangulzai, and Ali Muhammad, son of Abdul Ghafoor Lehri, were taken from the Bardi area in Kachi district on January 16. The following day, Aslam Baloch, son of Kanar Khan, was abducted in Hazar Ganji, Quetta. In another troubling incident, Ismail Baloch, son of Pir Mohammad, along with his teenage son Noor ul Salam and Rozi, son of Dil Murad, were forcibly disappeared from Bundeki, a village in Mashkai tehsil, Awaran district on January 17. In a post on X, Paank stated," The recent cases reported on January 16 and 17, 2025, highlight a deeply disturbing pattern of human rights violations in the region." Paank said that enforced disappearances are a grave violations of human rights, as they deny individuals their basic rights to liberty, security, and protection from torture. These actions contradict Pakistan's international commitments under agreements like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The human rights group has called for immediate action, urging Pakistani authorities to reveal the whereabouts of those abducted and ensure their safe return. They also demanded accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes, including members of security forces and an end to the practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan and across the country. Paank further called for the establishment of a transparent investigation system and compensation for the victims and their families. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1880528694625579258 Paank stressed, "The continued silence and lack of accountability regarding enforced disappearances foster a culture of impunity and deepen the grievances of the affected communities. Paank reiterates its commitment to stand with the victims and their families and urges the international community to press the Pakistani government to uphold its human rights obligations. Enforced disappearances must not be tolerated, and the rights of every individual to life, liberty, and dignity must be protected without exception." (ANI)
Corporal Avery Claude Ramsey was honored at New Perspective Senior Living Center Thursday for both his upcoming 100th birthday and his service during World War II.

(Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

Ramsey served as a Marine in the Pacific Theater, fighting in the Battle of Tinian and the Battle of Iwo Jima. One man considers Ramsey a father figure.

30 years ago, there was a brand new housing development addition, and I built the first house in it, and he built the second house right next to me, said Mark Granbois, a friend of Ramsey. My parents were down in Tucson, Arizona, so I kind of adopted Claude and his wife June as my second set of parents.

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Granbois asked his brother, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War, to help.

He asked me if I could put something together for Claudes 100th birthday, and in recognition of his time and service with the Marine Corps, said Roger Granbois, Mark Granbois brother and a member of the Friends of Davenport Veterans Memorial Park. I was a Marine also, so I jumped on it.

The Granbois wanted to make sure Ramsey knew how much his service was appreciated, so they gave Ramsey mementos he thought he would never have again.

All my military stuff I lost, after I came back from the service, said Ramsey. I didnt have anything of my military service left there, which I was kind of sad about.

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Ramsey had all of his military belongings thrown out while he was working at a job away from home when he came back to the country. During the ceremony Thursday, Ramsey was given a Thank You for Your Service coin, a hat detailing the division he served in, an antique p-38 can opener and a brick at the Davenport Veterans Memorial Park commemorative wall. Most of all, Ramsey got to meet new friends in the Marines that came to honor him.

(Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

They sat down and talked to him, every single one, and he just smiled, said Mark Granbois.

I wasnt sure I wanted that much attention, said Ramsey. I didnt feel that I was any more special than all the other people, but I think it was very nice. I did enjoy it and I was glad I came.

Ramsey turns 100 on April 3rd.

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CHEYENNE  Neighboring states and countries have been sending additional resources to help contain several fires in the Los Angeles area, including Wyoming.

The fires began on Jan. 7, destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 27 people, with more than 30 missing. The blaze has burned dozens of square miles, forced thousands from their homes and stretched firefighting resources thin.

While resources from the Wyoming State Forestry Division that were meant to be dispatched Tuesday are on hold at the request of California, three Wyoming Air National Guard C-130s from the 153rd Airlift Wing were activated Jan. 10 to support firefighting efforts in the Golden State.

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The C-130s are equipped with the U.S. Forest Services Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, or MAFFS, and associated personnel were activated by U.S. Northern Command, according to a Wyoming Air National Guard news release.

There are 145 people currently assigned to a Wyoming National Guard mission to support California in combating the fires. Of those, 138 are in California.

Lt. Col. Laura Jeffrey, a C-130 instructor navigator for the Wyoming Air National Guard, is among them. Back in Cheyenne, Jeffrey teaches her peers the basics of aviation and navigation, as well as any additional skills needed to upgrade their certifications. Right now, her primary job is serving in California, assisting with the fires.

We received some discussion about a possible activation on the ninth of January, and they said we need to get our MAFFS units loaded, and that they needed us to go to California, Jeffrey said. In 48 hours, we identified the air crews, the maintenance package, got the aircraft loaded with the MAFFS units, and we headed out to California.

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Since their arrival on Jan. 11, 16,000 gallons of retardant has been dropped on the fires, the largest of which, the Eaton and Palisades fires, are not yet contained.

Jeffrey and her peers are currently on standby, ready for launch orders. There are several fires still burning, and all of their assets are available to combat the fires.

When theyre not flying, airmen are helping on the ground in any way they can.

This is what we do as citizen airmen, Jeffrey said. We're here to support those who are in need, and we all embrace this opportunity to be here to help folks.

While the aircraft and personnel are ready, airmen have to be cognizant of the weather and its effects. Red flag wind warnings in the area could create a dangerous environment for aircraft.

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To be airborne in those types of wind conditions, which also changes fire behavior, could put the aircraft in an unsafe state, Jeffrey said.

Dry Santa Ana winds have worsened the fire's effects. Air conditions have also complicated firefighting efforts.

It's a very robust situation when it comes to firefighting, and there are a lot of considerations, Jeffrey said.

Wyomings participation is part of a more significant effort spearheaded by the U.S. Northern Command, working with the U.S. Forest Service, and Air National Guard aircraft and crews from Nevada, Colorado and California.

It has been difficult to watch the absolute devastation of the wildfires in California, said Col. Brian Diehl, the Wyoming Air National Guards 153rd Airlift Wing commander. Were honored to be able to participate in our nations efforts to combat these fires and return normalcy to the people and communities of Southern California, and as soon as possible.

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This mission is largely supported by citizen airmen who left their civilian lives in a time of need, including Jeffrey.

We are always ready for the call, no matter what it might be, Jeffrey said. If it's a natural disaster, we're here to assist those who are in need.

Eight MAFFS-equipped aircraft have come from the 146th Airlift Wing in California (Air National Guard); 152nd Airlift Wing and 192nd Airlift Squadron in Nevada (Air National Guard); 153rd Airlift Wing and 187th Airlift Squadron in Wyoming (Air National Guard); and the 302nd Airlift Wing and 731st Airlift Squadron in Colorado (Air Force Reserve), according to the release.

MAFFS are the U.S. Forest Services portable fire-retardant delivery systems, which can be inserted into military C-130 aircraft without major structural modifications to convert them into air tankers when needed, according to the release.

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They can discharge their entire load of up to 3,000 gallons of retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area a quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide, or they can make variable drops. Once a load is discharged from a MAFFS-equipped aircraft, and the aircraft lands at a tanker base, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes, according to the release.

It is unclear how long Jeffrey and her peers will be in California.
CHEYENNE  The third item of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus Five and Dime Plan is moving forward after a bill prohibiting DEI practices in state institutions passed unanimously Wednesday in the House Education Committee and on first reading in the full House on Thursday.

House Bill 147, Prohibition of institutional discrimination, is sponsored by Freedom Caucus Chairwoman Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, and, as she put it, restores the state government to a colorblind approach.

The Biden administration sold DEI, known as diversity, equity and inclusion, as a benign way to address inequalities, Rodriguez-Williams said. But the words for which these letters stand have been twisted beyond all recognition to now mean the exact opposite of what most Americans and Wyomingites believe are meant by diversity, equity and inclusion.

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The bill defines DEI as any program, activity or policy that promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals or classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin.

It applies to the University of Wyoming, public community colleges and school districts, as well as local governments and political subdivisions or corporations of the state.

Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan, asked the sponsor if any public schools, which are a state institution, would be prohibited from having open discussions related to institutional racism.

Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan

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Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan

As an educator myself, and a college professor, I would not want the state telling me what I can and cannot talk about in my classroom, Kelly said.

Rodriguez-Williams answered the intent of the bill is to prevent DEI practices, not open discussions. Her goal is not to impede anyones free speech, she said.

In May, the UW Board of Trustees voted to eliminate the universitys DEI Office. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, who is also a UW trustee, was instrumental in that process and is in full support of the bill, said Chief of Staff Dicky Shanor.

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Chilling effect

Public testimony from education stakeholders against the bill argued it created a chilling effect in the classroom. Wyoming School Boards Association Executive Director Brian Farmer said the way the bill was written, teachers wouldnt be able to teach Supreme Court cases like Brown v. Board of Education.

Brian Farmer

Wyoming School Boards Association Executive Director Brian Farmer testifies during a meeting of the Senate Education Committee at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne on Jan. 25, 2023.

The bill would benefit from clarity that says Nothing within this section would prohibit students from engaging in discussion on these topics, Farmer said.

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Wyoming Education Association spokesman Tate Mullen told committee members the bill disproportionately impacts social studies and history teachers in public schools.

Tate Mullen

Wyoming Education Association Government Relations Director Tate Mullen testifies during a meeting of the Senate Education Committee regarding Senate File 130, the Educational Freedom Act, at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne on Jan. 25, 2023.

It also potentially hampers those education efforts that are required in our Constitution, Mullen said. If we have that chilling effect in classrooms, we are not providing a modern education that prepares our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

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Moms for Liberty of Laramie County spokesperson Patricia McCoy said she was in support of the bill, arguing there was a way to teach slavery without saying it was the result of white supremacy. McCoy said children are being taught from an early age they are either oppressors or victims, based on the color of their skin.

It was not just the result of white supremacy, McCoy said. You can do it without making people the aggressor or the oppressor in certain situations, and have those conversations without pushing certain ideologies.

Rep. Daniel Singh, R-Cheyenne, successfully added an amendment to the bill to clarify that teaching about institutional racism in the public classroom would be prohibited. Two other technical amendments, including one from Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, to specify the phrase promoting institutional discrimination, were also successfully added to the bill.
CHEYENNE  State senators have thrown their support behind two measures designed to incentivize enhanced oil recovery production in Wyoming.

On Friday, the Senate Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee approved both Senate File 17, Carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery stimulus, and Senate File 18, Enhanced oil recovery-severance tax exemption."

SF 17 would appropriate $10 million from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account (LSRA, also known as the state's "rainy-day fund") for the use of carbon dioxide in enhanced oil recovery. SF 18 would provide a tax exemption for the crude oil and natural gas produced through enhanced oil recovery techniques using Wyoming carbon dioxide.

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(These bills) get at trying to bolster our EOR production in Wyoming, and they each get at it from a different way, Pete Obermueller, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, told the committee Friday.

Pete Obermueller

Pete Obermueller is president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming.

SF 17 takes severance tax money earned from the incremental production of enhanced oil recovery and reinvests it as a payment to CO2 owners, not to enhanced oil producers, Obermueller said. Currently, the federal 45Q tax credit program provides monetary credit for carbon dioxide used in enhanced oil recovery, available to companies that can demonstrate emissions reductions. The idea proposed in SF 17 would be to equalize the 45Q credit so that permanent sequestration and enhanced oil recovery have similar appeal.

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"Why do we want to do that? Because the way the federal government has imposed itself on capturing and distribution of CO2 has tipped the scales in favor of permanent sequestration," Obermueller said. "For Wyomings purposes and Wyomings enhanced oil recovery producers, we would prefer to level the playing field for CO2 to be sent for enhanced oil recovery."

Rather than a reinvestment of funds, SF 18 includes a simple 3% severance tax reduction on crude oil and natural gas production resulting from oil and gas produced by means of enhanced oil and gas recovery.

In either case, the general idea is to try to reduce the price of CO2 in order to stimulate more EOR production in Wyoming, Obermueller said.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, said that SF 17 emerged at the recommendation of the University of Wyomings Center for Economic Analysis. Under SF 17, the state would initially go into a deficit, but the return on investment would be 30%.

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Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie

It is important to realize we are not spending $10 million, but we are committing $10 million that will come back to state coffers in about seven years, Rothfuss said, adding that he favors SF 17 over SF 18. He called the latter a "blunt instrument" while the other more appropriately addresses issues facing the industry.

"I am not convinced (SF 18) leads to new projects ... in the same way the other does," Rothfuss said.
CHEYENNE  Communities across the state are lacking in workforce housing, defined as homes affordable to middle-income people.

Experts cite many reasons for Wyomings housing crisis, and an overregulated environment for builders is among them. In 2023, local residents protested and ultimately derailed a plan by a Cheyenne developer who wanted to build an apartment complex with exercise facilities, a swimming pool and up to 195 units as workforce housing. Following a zoning protest that spurred a required supermajority City Council vote, those apartments were never built.

County pocket annexed

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A plot of land along Ridge Road near Harvey Street was annexed by the city of Cheyenne in February 2023, but a zoning change for an apartment complex at the site was later rejected by City Council after local residents protested.

Current state law requires that only 20% of owners in the area sign a protest petition to a local development that could include apartment complexes, but on Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed Senate File 40, Zoning protest petition-amendments.

SF 40 would increase the number of neighboring residents who must sign a protest petition from 20% to 50%, and would also require those neighbors to demonstrate a concrete and particularized harm from a proposed development. The bill would also change the requirement that, upon receipt of a protest petition, a governing body like a local city council would have to pass the zoning change by a three-quarters vote to a simple majority.

Last year in Laramie, a planned development smaller than the one in Cheyenne, but that still would have provided workforce housing, stalled because of a similar zoning protest.

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This past summer, a small number of landowners were objecting to a zoning change for a multi-unit apartment building in downtown, Mike Martin with the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) said. A very small number had brought the protest, which met the statute.

The Laramie City Council was not able to pass the zoning change by a supermajority, meaning the project did not move forward. Despite sometimes local opposition to apartment complexes, WCDA says multi-family units and apartments are one proposed solution for creating more stock in Wyomings affordable housing market.

In public testimony Thursday, Renny McKay, who has served as president of the Wyoming Business Alliance for just under a year, said the focus on housing this session is so important. McKay previously served as a policy director for Gov. Mark Gordon.

As Ive talked to our members and businesses across the state, their biggest challenge is workforce, McKay said. The worst stories that we hear are when a business offers someone a job  and this has happened in this county  weve had businesses offer people jobs, those people accept the salary and they love that opportunity to come here. But then they cannot find a house, so they turn the job down.

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Sen. Mike Gierau, D-Jackson, said SF 40 originated within the Regulatory Reduction Task Force, which cannot sponsor legislation, but was created by Gordon in 2023 to root out overregulation from state law.

Sen. Mike Gierau, D-Jackson

Sen. Mike Gierau, D-Jackson

The thought was that one large landowner could stymie a subdivision, and this is trying to ease that regulation, Gierau said.

According to WCDA, current production rates leave the state 389 to 2,179 housing units short of projected needs per year. WCDA, which released a statewide strategic plan this month, says that 20,000-38,000 units need to be produced across Wyoming in the next 10 years based on anticipated population changes.

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Reducing regulatory barriers to development has been discussed at nearly every WCDA meeting on the statewide strategic plan since last summer.

This bill is  a balance of everyones property rights, said Cindy DeLancey, who sat on the Regulatory Reduction Task Force. She added that the bill would only apply to protests filed past July 1.

We are in a housing crisis in Wyoming, and we are trying to find some avenues to address the concerns as we grapple with some of our land-use issues, DeLancey said.

Dan Dorsch with the Southeast Wyoming Builders Association told senators that his organization supports SF 40.

There have been projects shut down by this protest petition, Dorsch said. The one here in Cheyenne, a SWBA member was going to build a 200-apartment luxury apartment complex, a petition was filed and moved forward to city council and it lost 7-3. Had it not been for the supermajority requirement, it would have passed.
DENVER (KDVR)  Xcel Energy, a major energy provider for Colorado, announced Friday that it will raise prices for natural gas as the state braces for an arctic blast bringing days of freezing and subzero temperatures.

Xcel Energy said in a press release that the price of wholesale natural gas will be increased for a few days.

Temperatures will reach below zero this weekend. Wind chill will make it worse

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The company said it passes the wholesale cost of natural gas along to customers and does not make a profit. Xcel said the increase is due to cold weather across much of the U.S. affecting production and demand for natural gas.

We are taking steps to minimize the impact of natural gas price fluctuations on customer bills, including purchasing and storing a portion of its expected natural gas needs for the winter heating season before winter, when prices are lower. For our electric customers, we use a broad range of electricity sources to help minimize the effect of natural gas price increases on electric bills, Xcel Energy said in the press release.

How will this impact bills?

The company said the increase is significantly smaller than the increase that happened during a winter storm four years ago, but did not put a number to it. The price increase primarily impacts bills for natural gas customers, but Xcel said electric customers may also be impacted as the company buys natural gas to generate electricity.

Customer bill impacts from the higher natural gas prices over the next few days are not expected to be significant and will be spread out over the coming year, the company said.

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Xcel said the increased prices will not affect bills for at least a few months and said that customers can potentially mitigate the future impact of the higher prices on future bills by conserving natural gas now.

Arctic blast preparations include ensuring car batteries, furnaces are good to go

Because the cost of natural gas changes regularly, adjustments are made quarterly to reflect the actual cost of natural gas we purchased for our customers. The actual cost during a three-month quarter is then applied to bills over the course of the next quarter, beginning the first day of January, April, July, and October. Moving forward, we will study whether customers reduce their natural gas usage when we notify them that wholesale natural gas prices are high, Xcel Energy said.

Xcel added that customers can set up payment plans and assistance programs on the websites Energy Assistance page or by calling 1-800-895-4999.

Xcel Energy tips on how to conserve natural gas

Experts give advice about preparing homes for incoming hard freeze

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Xcel said customers may want to conserve energy and natural gas for the next few days, and recommended these methods:

Lower the thermostat to 65-70 degrees while home, and 58 degrees when away Invest in a programmable thermostat

Open blinds to let sunlight in during the day and close them at night for insulation

Ensure exterior doors are fully closed and not left cracked open

Run ceiling fans clockwise to force warm air from the ceiling down

Use a light or timer to avoid opening the oven while cooking

Lower water heater temperature 10 degrees to save 3-5% on water heating costs

Insulate water heater to maximize efficiency

Keep air filters clean and change them monthly during the winter

Seal windows and dont let heat escape

Improve insulation in walls, crawl spaces, floors and heating ducts to save up to 10% monthly

Pinpoint Weather Alert Days have been issued through Tuesday as cold temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Wednesday, and a couple of rounds of snow are expected in areas across the state.

Denver, Colorado weather resources

Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information:

The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing is ready to work with Hanoi to build a community with a shared future of strategic significance, China's official Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.

The remark came in a congratulatory message by Xi to Vietnam's ruling Communist Party chief To Lam and President Luong Cuong to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

China's concept of building a "community with a shared future" is extended to countries with which it desires to build a long term relationship based on strong alignment of goals, interests and even ideology. Describing this relationship to be "of strategic significance" is an emphasis on the value that China ascribes to its ties with Vietnam.

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Xi said that in the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the countries had struggled side by side and supported each other during the years of striving for national independence and people's liberation, describing the nations as "comrades and brothers", according to Xinhua.

(Reporting by Colleen Howe; Editing by William Mallard and Kim Coghill)
Southern Living magazine once described yall as the quintessential Southern pronoun. Its as iconically Southern as sweet tea and grits.

While yall is considered slang, its a useful word nonetheless. The English language doesnt have a good second person plural pronoun; you can be both singular and plural, but its sometimes awkward to use as a plural. Its almost like theres a pronoun missing. Yall fills that second person plural slot  as does you guys, youse, you-uns and a few others.

Im interested in yall because I was born in North Carolina and grew up saying it. I still do, probably a couple dozen times a day, usually without intention or even awareness. As a historian who has researched the early history of the word, Im also interested in how the words use has changed over the years.

Like something a hillbilly redneck would say

Yall might serve an important function, but it has acquired negative connotations.

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Back in 1886, The New York Times ran a piece titled Odd Southernisms that described yall as one of the most ridiculous of all the Southernisms.

That perception has persisted. Like the Southern dialect in general, the use of yall has often been seen as vulgar, low-class, uncultured and uneducated. As someone noted in Urban Dictionary, Whoever uses [yall] sounds like a hillbilly redneck.

In a more recent New York Times essay, writer Maud Newton said that she associated the word with her father, who defended slavery, demanded the subservience of women and adhered to spare the rod and spoil the child. He also demanded that his children say yall rather than you guys. She grew up hating the word.

A water tower in Florence, Ky., proudly displays the collective form of address long associated with the U.S. South. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

At a time when many Americans are calling for the removal of Confederate monuments and opposing the Lost Cause mythology, yall, with its Southern overtones, might make some people uncomfortable  a misguided reaction, perhaps, but one that has been felt by both those who hear it and those who say it.

Imagine yall with a British accent

The word has not always had such negative connotations.

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The etymology of yall is murky. Some linguists trace it back to the Scots-Irish phrase ye aw; others suggest an African American origin, perhaps from the Igbo word for you brought over by Nigerian-born slaves. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word first appeared in print in 1856, and all of its examples are sources connected to the American South. Michael Montgomery, a noted linguist, said that early use of the word is unknown in the British Isles.

But recently I used some of the new digital literary databases to search for older uses of the word, and I found over a dozen examples. They were all in dramatic or poetic works dating back to the 17th century and published in London. The earliest yall that I uncovered was in William Lisles The Faire thiopian, published in 1631  and this y'all know is true.

My examples push yall back 225 years before the citation in the Oxford English Dictionary, and they show that the word appeared first in England rather than the United States.

I think its important to point out that it originated in a more formal context than whats commonly assumed. There are none of the class or cultural connotations of the later American examples.

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I should also note that there is almost a centurylong gap between the last known usage of this British version of yall and the first known usage of the American version. Scholars may well decide that these versions of yall are essentially two different words.

Still, there it is, in an English poem written in 1631.

Y'all means all

Ironically, at the same time that some people have shied away from using yall, the word seems to have grown in popularity. An article on exactly this topic, published in the Journal of English Linguistics in 2000, was titled The Nationalization of a Southernism; based on scientific polling, the authors suggested that yall will soon be seen as an American, rather than Southern, word.

There might be several reasons for this. One is that African American use of the word in music and other forms of popular culture has made it more familiar  and, therefore, acceptable  to those who didnt grow up with it.

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Second, you guys, another common alternative for the second-person plural pronoun, is losing support because of its sexist connotations. Are females included in you guys? How about those who identify as nonbinary?

Maud Newton eventually came to embrace yall. When she moved to Tallahassee, Florida, after law school, she found that in grocery stores and coffee shops, on the street and in the library, everyone  Black and white, queer and straight, working-class and wealthy  used yall, and soon I did, too.

Yall means all  thats a wonderful phrase that seems to be popping up everywhere, from T-shirts and book titles to memes and music. A song written by Miranda Lambert for Netflixs Queer Eye beautifully captures the spirit of the phrase:

You can be born in Tyler, Texas, Raised with the Bible Belt; If youre torn between the Ys and Xs, You aint gotta play with the hand youre dealt ... Honey, yall means all.

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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: David B. Parker, Kennesaw State University

Read more:



David B. Parker 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.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Friday the nation will hit its debt ceiling the day after President Trump is inaugurated and that the agency will begin extraordinary measures to stave off the threat of a national default.

Yellen told congressional leadership in a letter that the Treasury Department will begin the measures Tuesday after a previous roughly 20-month suspension of the debt limit expired earlier this month.

The Treasury Department can use the measures to allow the government to meet its obligations for a period of time once the debt ceiling deadline has been hit. Its unclear when the use of the measures will be fruitless, though there had previously been speculation that lawmakers would have a matter of months to actually raise the debt ceiling.

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Yellen said she will be unable to fully invest the portion of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) not immediately required to pay beneficiaries.

She also said a debt issuance suspension period will begin on next Tuesday and last through March 14.

My predecessors have declared debt issuance suspension periods under similar circumstances, she wrote. With these determinations, the Treasury Department will suspend additional investments of amounts credited to, and redeem a portion of the investments held by, the CSRDF, as expressly authorized by law.

She said the investments in the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund will be made in the same manner as those for the CSRDF, but noted that both accounts will be made whole once the debt limit is increased or suspended.

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Federal retirees and employees will be unaffected by these actions, she added.

The debt ceiling caps how much money the Treasury Department can owe to pay the countrys bills.

Congress last agreed to suspend the debt ceiling for roughly a year and a half as part of a bipartisan deal struck between President Biden and House GOP leadership in 2023 that also included limits on the spending subject to lawmakers annual funding process.

That deal has since drawn criticism from Trump, however, now that the debt limit has been placed in his lap to handle as he returns to the White House.

Yellen said Friday that the period of time that extraordinary measures may last is subject to considerable uncertainty, while underlining the challenges of forecasting the payments and receipts of the U.S. Government months into the future.

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The debt limit does not authorize new spending, but it creates a risk that the federal government might not be able to finance its existing legal obligations that Congresses and Presidents of both parties have made in the past, she said, urging Congress to act promptly to protect the full faith and credit of the United States.

The national debt currently stands at more than $36 trillion.

With Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress and the White House, various corners of the party are weighing how best to tackle the debt limit, particularly as some fiscal hawks press for steep spending cuts and action on the debt ceiling to go hand in hand.

Updated at 6:06 p.m. EST.

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LONGVIEW, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  An east Texas organization is hosting an event for moms and their sons.

The Young Mens Service League of Longview is hosting a member meeting for moms of 8th and 9th grade sons who would like to volunteer in service projects for their community. The meeting will be Sunday, January 26 and Thursday, January 30 at 6 p.m. at Alpine Church of Christ.

The organizer said its a wonderful way to spend quality time with your teenage son while giving back.

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More information about YMSL-Longview can be found at https://chapters.ymsl.org/chapter/longview/ or by emailing vpmembership@ymsllongview.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 KTALnews.com.
Conservative UK MP Bob Blackman tabled a motion in the UK Parliament to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 'genocide' and exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir in 1990. The motion states that the House with sadness marks the 35th anniversary of the coordinated attacks by cross-border Islamic terrorists and their supporters on the minority Hindu population of Kashmir valley in 1990. The motion condemned the "desecration" of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir and vowed to protect the rights of Hindus in the UK. The motion noted that "properties belonging to the minority Hindu community in Kashmir continue to be occupied." It called on the Indian government to enact the proposed "Panun Kashmir Genocide Crime Punishment and Atrocities Prevention Bill in the Indian Parliament" and urged the UK Government to commemorate 19 January as "Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Day." "That this House commemorates with deep sadness and disappointment the 35th anniversary of the coordinated attacks in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic terrorists and their supporters on the minority Hindu population of Kashmir valley; expresses its condolences to its British Hindu citizens, whose friends and family were killed, raped, injured and who were displaced by force in this planned massacre; condemns the desecration of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir," the motion read. It further "vows to protect the rights of Hindus in the UK, including the right to demand justice; is concerned that Kashmiri Hindu minority that fled persecution have still not seen justice or recognition of the atrocities committed against them in 35 years; deplores those sponsoring such cross-border terrorist attacks; is concerned that organisations supporting terror are thriving in the UK; notes that the international principle of responsibility to protect obliges individual States and the international community to take effective measures to prevent the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity as suffered by Kashmiri Hindus; urges the Government of India to fulfil its long-standing international commitment to recognise and acknowledge the genocide of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir." (ANI)
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The clock is ticking on the social media app TikTok. The Supreme Court rejected an appeal to a nationwide ban set to go into place on Sunday.

Ross Smith and his grandmother are Youngstown natives. Theyve built a following of more than 25 million on the social media platform. TikTokers have viewed their videos millions of times.

TikTok could be banned. Heres what users can do

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Ross and Granny are two of the countless others who are thankful for what the app has provided and theyre still hopeful the ban will be lifted before the app goes dark.

Its given us a lot. I think, besides 25 million followers, I think its given a lot of people smiles, and given us a great voice out there to spread happiness, and laughter, and joy and connect with a lot of amazing people  not just in America, but all around the entire world, Smith said.

President Joe Biden signed a bill in April that required the platform to be sold to a non-Chinese owner or be banned in the United States.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about the possibility of meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Davos.

Source: Zelenskyy in a comment for Bloomberg News, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Fico announced on the evening of Friday, 17 January that he had offered to meet Zelenskyy on Tuesday in Davos, where both would be attending the World Economic Forum.

Zelenskyy told Bloomberg News that he cannot make any plans with Fico, as the Slovak leader "may go to Davos but end up somewhere in Sochi", referring to the seaside resort city in Russia.

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"We dont know who buys his tickets, as he constantly misses his destinations," Zelenskyy said.

Background:

On 13 January, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico signed an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, inviting him to a meeting to resolve the gas transit issues.

Fico stated he had no intention of "further escalating tensions" and wished to focus entirely on resolving the issue related to the suspension of transit.

In response to the Slovak prime ministers invitation, Zelenskyy suggested that Fico come to Kyiv himself. Fico called this invitation "childish".

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BOGOTA (Reuters) - Zijin Mining has paused production at its Buritica gold mine in Colombia after assailants armed with homemade bombs damaged a key power source, the company said on Saturday.

The attack occurred early Friday when the armed group broke into the site, which is the largest gold mine in Colombia, located in a rural area of the Antioquia province where road blocks and attacks by illegal miners are frequent.

No injuries were reported. Zijin attributed the incident to illegal miners who it said sought to obtain gold from the mine.

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"High-powered homemade bombs were thrown at our underground facilities, causing severe destruction of the electrical substation and rendering the backup power source unusable," Zijin Continental Gold, the local unit of China-based Zijin, said in a statement released on Saturday.

The attack also disrupted ventilation and drainage systems, Zijin said.

Buritica produced 8.3 tons of gold in 2023, according to the company. Previous attacks by illegal miners have also affected operations at the mine.

Colombia's Mining Association said the attack was not an isolated incident, and pointed to three other attacks at mines in various parts of Colombia in the last month.

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"This is evidence of a pattern of systematic violence to control resources and perpetuate illegality," the group said in a statement.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta, Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; editing by Diane Craft)
Zooey and Emily Deschanel are amid the hundreds of residents impacted by the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires.

Zooey revealed in an Instagram post on Friday, Jan. 17, that her and Emilys childhood home in the Pacific Palisades, Calif., was burned down by the destructive Palisades Fire.

The New Girl star, who turned 45 on Friday, Jan. 17, penned a heartfelt tribute to the marvel of her home, which was a 1920s Spanish revival and one of the oldest homes in the Palisades. The actress reflected how the spectacularly beautiful home was full of too many incredible memories to count.

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It was not a mansion but it was cozy and lovely and unique and perfect to me. One of my friends growing up called it The Church because the 14 foot ceilings with stained glass windows in the living room cast colorful shadows at the end of the day. And to me, it was holy, a sanctuary where we felt most safe, she wrote. She also recalled their family's Christmas dinners, Easter egg hunts, trick or treating, weddings, birthdays and baby showers at the home. We celebrated the best moments of our lives there.

The family photos that lined the hallways, the artwork, the piano I learned to play on, the wedding china, the furniture my great great grandfather built the reminders of generations past: All have vanished into thin air, she wrote.

Zooey Deschanel/Instagram Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel's childhood home Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel's childhood home

Related: Zooey and Emily Deschanel: All About the Sisters and Their Family

The actress continued by acknowledging their home is one of 12,300 structures that were destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Along with another beautiful LA neighborhood, Altadena, the streets of my childhood in Pacific Palisades have been all but erased as we knew them. So many people have lost so much.

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The 500 Days of Summer actress thanked those who supported the communities and L.A.: To the firefighters who have been working around the clock to keep everyone safe: You are our true heroes.

Zooey Deschanel/Instagram Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel's childhood home Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel's childhood home

She also thanked her friends who have supported their family. "You have sent clothes to my parents who left with nothing, you have distracted us with humor and you have cried with us when we needed. She continued, Your kindness is the salve that has made this bearable.

Zooey expressed her gratitude to the strangers who have lifted our spirits with kind gestures: you are the true meaning of community. Adding, Thank you all for showing us the goodness in your hearts. You have no idea how much it means to us.

Zooey Deschanel/Instagram Caleb Deschanel, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Jo Deschanel and Emily Deschanel at their childhood home Caleb Deschanel, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Jo Deschanel and Emily Deschanel at their childhood home

The actress continued her tribute in her comment section, noting that although it is her birthday, she feels kind of weird celebrating. She suggested that those reading could text or call someone who has lost their home, and shed be honored if people supported the LA Firefighters Relief Association or Baby2Baby.

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Along with sharing the personal history of her home, Zooey posted photos of the home before and after it was destroyed. She included a photo of her and her sister Emily with their parents, Caleb and Mary Jo Deschanel.

Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said

Zooey added a photo of herself and Emily eating together in the family kitchen and concluded the carousel with a photo of her daughter, Elsie, with Emily.

Representatives for Zooey and Emily Deschanel did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for a comment on Friday.

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Zooey Deschanel/Instagram Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel in their childhood home Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel in their childhood home

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The destructive Palisades Fire first began in the L.A. neighborhood of Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and has since burned more than 23,700 acres with 31% containment, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

On the other side of L.A. County, the Eaton Fire also began on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and has already burned more than 14,000 acres and is now 65% contained. Additional fires have also sprung up around the Southern California region, challenging responders.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Dubai [UAE], January 18 (ANI/WAM): Dubai Municipality has launched the second edition of the Hatta Farming Festival as part of the 'Dubai Farms' programme, an initiative spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs. The festival kicked off today at Leem Lake and will continue until 22nd January. Featuring 25 Emirati farmers, homesteaders, and local agricultural companies, the event is designed to showcase agricultural products and services, foster collaboration, and support the UAE's growing agricultural market. The Hatta Farming Festival is being held under the umbrella of the Hatta Winter initiative launched under the directives and patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. Organised under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, and implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Hatta Winter invites residents and visitors to explore the unique experiences offered by the mountainous region during the cooler months of the year. The Hatta Farming Festival highlights the region's potential as a premier agri-tourism destination, leveraging its unique environmental, social, and heritage diversity. The initiative aligns with Dubai's vision to support national farmers, promote sustainable practices, and enhance Hatta's role as a leading agricultural and tourism hub. The festival also supports the objectives of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan and the initiatives of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, which seek to boost economic and tourism opportunities, encourage local enterprises, and celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the event is aligned with the UAE's efforts to advance sustainable national food security, which is among the country's top priorities for the UAE and plays a key role in driving comprehensive development in all sectors. She highlighted the significant role of agriculture and the importance of increasing local production of strategic crops and reducing reliance on food imports. "As part of our efforts to bolster agriculture and foster local food production, we launched the Plant the Emirates National Programme. The initiative aims to expand agricultural practices across the country and engage all segments of the society in promoting sustainable farming. The Hatta Farming Festival plays a crucial role in establishing agriculture as an important activity, embedding it as an integral cultural value in the community. The Festival aligns with the agenda of the 'Dubai Farms' programme launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai," she added. She highlighted the special significance of Hatta as a key component of Dubai and the UAE's agricultural heritage. She emphasised that its ongoing agricultural development contributes significantly to the UAE's broader efforts to advance sustainable agricultural to shape a brighter future for upcoming generations. She added, "In addition to the Hatta Farming Festival, this year will see a number of pioneering projects and initiatives under the umbrella of the Plant the Emirates National Programme and the National Agriculture Centre. These efforts aim to provide world-class services and support to Emirati farmers and local farms, driving a true transformation in the sector." Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the Hatta Farming Festival is being held in one of Dubai's oldest and most prominent agricultural regions. He highlighted the festival's central role within the 'Dubai Farms' programme, an initiative dedicated to supporting Emirati farmers and advancing sustainable local agriculture. This effort complements the national 'Grow UAE' programme, which seeks to drive agricultural development and establish the UAE as a leader in the agricultural sector. "We aim to transform the Hatta Farming Festival into a comprehensive platform that empowers local farmers, bolsters the agricultural ecosystem of the emirate, and fosters sustainable development. Our goal is to assist Emirati farmers in achieving self-sufficiency, contribute to Dubai's food security strategy, and enhance quality of life within the emirate," he added. Dubai Municipality provides extensive support to Hatta farmers, including agricultural guidance, fertiliser and seed distribution, pest control programmes, and modern agricultural techniques, fostering sustainable farming and increased productivity. This year's festival features a diverse programme, including exhibitions of agricultural and livestock products from Hatta farms, educational workshops, and dialogue sessions with agricultural experts. Visitors can explore modern farming techniques and hear success stories from local farmers and entrepreneurs, inspiring younger generations to enter the agricultural sector. Competitions such as public livestock auctions and awards for outstanding farmers will highlight the best agricultural practices, while marketing companies will share insights into sustainable farming and market trends focused on helping improve the value and quality of local agricultural products. Interactive sessions will feature success stories from Hatta's agricultural history, inspiring dialogues with young farm owners, and discussions on entrepreneurship in modern agriculture to motivate the next generation of farmers. Dubai Municipality will also provide an agricultural extension platform, offering farmers free guidance and information. Visitors can benefit from services provided by the Dubai Smart Mobile Laboratory, which offers testing for vegetables, fruits, groundwater, and irrigation. A mobile public health service will also provide veterinary consultations and Brucella antibody detection for participating farm owners. Dubai Municipality has played a key role in supporting Hatta farmers throughout the 2024 agricultural season by providing vital resources and training. Farmers received 24,550 bags of organic and chemical fertilisers, 2,440 bags of seeds, and 1,350 light and pheromone traps as part of pest control initiatives. The municipality conducted over 1,250 field visits, held 12 training courses, and organised four agricultural forums to improve farming practices. The Municipality also established the region's first tourist farm, the Strawberry Model Farm, which serves as a showcase for sustainable farming practices. These initiatives have empowered Hatta's farmers to adopt modern practices, improve productivity, and support Dubai's Food Security Strategy. By enhancing local agricultural systems and promoting Hatta's unique agricultural identity, the festival underscores Dubai Municipality's commitment to sustainability and community development. (ANI/WAM)
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Saturday that air defences intercepted one ballistic missile launched at Israel from Yemen, The Times of Israel reported. Sirens had sounded in central Israel and Jerusalem over fears of falling fragments after the interception of missile. The IDF said that ballistic missile that was intercepted was launched by Ansarullah from Yemen, The Times of Israel reported. According to IDF, there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage. In a post on X, IDF stated, "Sirens sounding across central Israel and Jerusalem following a projectile that was launched from Yemen." https://x.com/IDF/status/1880531181089026063 Police said that they have received reports of debris and shrapnel from the intercepted missile launched from Yemen that fell in Jerusalem, The Times of Israel reported. According to police, some pieces fell in an open area near Moshav Bar Giora, while other fragments fell near a gas station next to Mevo Beitar. A large part of the missile fell in a field near Beitar llit, The Times of Israel reported, citing Hebrew media. Police asked people not to touch the fragments. It further said that sappers were working at the site to remove them. In addition, police is also conducting searches for further debris. Earlier this week, a large chunk of a Houthi missile fell at a house in Mevo Beitar, the report said. Meanwhile, IDF announced that it is making preparations for the ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, which was given approval by the government overnight and is scheduled to begin on Sunday. In the statement posted on X, the Israeli military said that IDF has been preparing to receive the hostages after they get released from the Hamas captivity. In a post on X, IDF stated, "The IDF is preparing to implement the agreement for the return of the hostages that was approved by the political echelon overnight (Saturday). The agreement will take effect on Sunday, January 19th, at 08:30, and as part of it, IDF troops will implement the operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements." "The IDF has been preparing to receive the hostages after their release from Hamas captivity and is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail. Alongside the agreement and our commitment to bringing home all the hostages, the IDF will continue to operate in order to ensure the security of all Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near Gaza," it added. By a vote of 24-8, the Israeli cabinet approved the deal, which is set to take effect on Sunday. The deal was approved in the early hours of Saturday. The agreement will initiate the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. (ANI)
Today

Overcast with showers. Becoming windy for the afternoon. High 66F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Windy this evening. Low 48F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Cloudy skies. High 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Chhattisgarh Naxal Attack: Bodies of at least 12 Naxals were recovered following the encounter between security forces and Naxals on Thursday, the Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh, P Sundarraj, said on Friday.

Speaking to ANI about the South Bastar naxal encounter, IG Bastar P Sundarraj said, "Bodies of 12 Naxalites, including 5 women, were recovered in the encounter that took place at 9 pm between security forces and Naxalites on January 16." "A large number of arms and ammunition were also recovered. We are moving ahead in our goal of taking action against Naxalism," said P. Sundarraj.

Speaking at a press conference in Bijapur, IG Bastar P. Sundarraj earlier in the day said, "Yesterday, in Bijapur, after receiving information about the movements of Naxalites, our security forces went for the operation. At 9 pm, the encounter took place between security forces and Naxalites. 5 women and 7 men Naxalites' bodies were recovered in the encounter. The Naxalites were forced to flee in a jungle car during the encounter. This shows that their base has been weakened and they have lost their strength to a large extent."

As many as 12 naxals were killed during an encounter in Chhattisgarh's South Bastar area on Thursday, officials said. Earlier in the day, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that the two jawans injured in the 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 communicated with their families and that he has also spoken to them. Earlier on Thursday, he 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.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the formation of an inter-ministerial team to investigate recent deaths in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. Three incidents in the past six weeks have raised concerns.

A senior Union home ministry officer will lead the team. According to PTI, experts from the ministries of health, agriculture, chemicals, water resources, and animal husbandry will be part of it. Forensic and food safety specialists will also assist.

The team is set to visit Budhal village on Sunday. It will work with local authorities to provide immediate relief and implement precautionary measures, the official statement said.

At least 16 villagers have died from a mysterious illness over 45 days. Victims reported fever, pain, nausea, and loss of consciousness. A girl remains critical.

A Jammu and Kashmir government spokesperson earlier stated that preliminary investigations ruled out a bacterial or viral communicable disease. There is no public health angle, PTI quoted the spokesperson.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting of health and police officials to discuss the alarming situation in Budhal village of Rajouri district.

Health department teams surveyed over 3,000 residents in the affected area, conducting door-to-door inspections. They collected and tested water, food, and other materials. All test results, including checks for influenza and contaminants, came back negative.

Officials revealed that premier institutes, including ICMR, National Institute of Virology, National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER Chandigarh, conducted further testing. However, no definite cause for the deaths was identified.

Abdullah stressed the urgency of the situation. He directed health and police departments to fast-track 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.
RG Kar Rape-Murder Incident: A local court is set to deliver verdict on the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College on Saturday. The rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengals capital city Kolkata led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests.

The incident took place last year on August 9 at the state-run hospital in north Kolkata.

Sanjay Roy, who was a civic volunteer with the city police, was charged for the henious crime. The judgment will be delivered on Saturday, 57 days after the trial commenced before the court of additional district and sessions judge, Sealdah court, Anirban Das.

The Kolkata Police, which was investigating the case, initially arrested Roy on August 10, a day after the medic's body was recovered from the seminar room of the hospital. The Calcutta High Court later transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the agency has sought the death penalty for the accused. The in-camera trial in the rape and murder of the doctor commenced on November 12, and 50 witnesses were examined. Hearing in the trial of Roy was concluded on January 9.

The parents of the trainee victim doctor maintained that other persons were also involved in the crime and said that they expect that they will also be arrested and tried before the court. They have also filed an application before the court seeking further investigation into the case. The horrific incident led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests by junior doctors in Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim and stronger security arrangements in state-run hospitals.

Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal faced the heat over the rape and murder incident. Opposition parties, including the BJP and the CPI(M), protested the gruesome crime. However, apolitical movements demanding justice for the victim were more visible, with members of the civil society being at the forefront.

Protests Across Kolkata

Members of the civil society in Kolkata and some other cities of the state took out midnight rallies, terming those as "Reclaim the Night," to demand justice for the victim doctor, whom some named "Abhaya," while others called her "Tilottama."

Disclosing the identity of a rape victim is prohibited by the law. Supporters of archrival clubs of KolkataEast Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sportingalso took to the streets of the metropolis demanding justice for the victim.

The Supreme Court, which suo motu took up the matter concerning the rape and murder at R G Kar hospital, had formed a National Task Force (NTF) for suggesting a protocol for the safety of doctors and other medical professionals across the country. The NTF filed a report before the apex court in November last year.

(With PTI Inputs)
AAP News: Terming the screening of Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) documentary unbreakable a violation of guidelines, the Delhi Police claimed that "no permission" was taken for it. This follows the AAP announcement of the screening of the documentary 'Unbreakable,' based on the time when the AAP leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and others, went to jail.

Reacting to Delhi Polices action against the screening of the documentary, AAP national convener and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that this film screening was not an election event; rather, it was a private event. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kejriwal said that the movie wasn't an election campaign and there was no election flag, speech, or election propaganda present at the movie screening site.

Slamming the BJP over the Delhi Polices action, the AAP chief reiterated his claim that the saffron party is "scared" of this film as it exposes "illegal and unconstitutional actions" of the Central government. He also condemned the way film screening was stopped.

"A film has been made on AAP. Today we had a special screening for journalists, but the Delhi police in the morning reached there and stopped the screening of the film. It was a private screening. It was not an election campaign; there was no election flag, election speech, or election propaganda. Why is the BJP scared of this film? It was a private screening of the film. I haven't seen this film, but I was told that this shows the story when AAP leaders were sent to jail, and it exposes illegal and unconstitutional actions of the BJP government. That's why BJP is scared. We condemn the way film screening was stopped. We hope we will get the permission to screen this film," Kejriwal said.

"This is not an election event. It has nothing to do with the election. This is not any party symbol or flag. We tried to make the police understand. This is hooliganism and dictatorship," he added. Earlier in the day, the Delhi Police said that "no permission" was taken for the screening of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) documentary 'Unbreakable,' and hence its screening would have been a 'violation of guidelines.'.

The police emphasized that the political parties have to apply for permission for such events through a single-window system at the District Election Officer's (DEO) office, adding that the police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time. They urged the political parties to follow the election rules and regulations at the time of the election.

"For the said event, no such permission was taken, and hence it would have been a violation of guidelines. We urge all parties to follow the election rules and regulations at this time. As elections have been declared, political parties have to apply for permission through a single-window system at the DEO office. This is a standard process during elections," the Delhi Police said.

"Further, it is clarified that Delhi Police can neither grant nor reject such permission at this time, as all permissions for political activity are granted through a single-window system in the concerned DEO office," it further stated.

Following this statement, the ruling AAP alleged that the Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the "behest" of its primary opponent, BJP. The AAP sources told news agency ANI that theatre owners across Delhi have been threatened not to screen the documentary.

"Screening of AAP's documentary 'Unbreakable' | Delhi Police banned the screening of the documentary at the behest of the BJP. This documentary is made on AAP leaders going to jail and was to be screened today at 11:30 AM. Theatre owners across Delhi have been threatened not to screen the documentary," ANI quoted AAP sources as saying. Delhi will go for polls on February 5, while the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

(With ANI Inputs)
Indian Navy's mission deployed indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai, has arrived at Indonesia's Jakarta, to participate in multi-national exercise La Perouse. Navies from India, France, Indonesia, Australia, US, UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada will participate in this exercise. The exercise aims to develop common maritime situational awareness by enhancing the cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction operations and air operations along with the conduct of progressive training and information sharing, according to Ministry of Defence press release. The exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer links in planning, coordination and information sharing for enhanced tactical interoperability. In a press release, Ministry of Defence stated, "The indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai is participating in the fourth edition of the Multinational Exercise LA PEROUSE. This edition will witness participation of personnel/ surface and sub-surface assets from various maritime partners including Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Canadian Navy." The exercise will witness complex and advanced multi-domain exercises including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air-defence, cross deck landings and tactical manoeuvres, as also the constabulary missions such as VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations, according to Ministry of Defence press release. In a post on X, Indian Navy spokesperson stated, "IndianNavy's mission deployed indigenous guided missile destroyer #INSMumbai arrived at Jakarta, #Indonesia on #15Jan 25 to participate in multi-national exercise #LAPEROUSE25. Exercise #LAPEROUSE would witness navies from France, Indonesia, India, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada engaging in advanced level exercises in all three domains of maritime warfare. The exercise provides an opportunity for the participating navies to exchange best practices and further the long standing cooperation among the like-minded nations enhancing collaboration towards safer and secure maritime domain." https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1880519896393785523 Participation of Indian Navy in the exercise showcases the high levels of synergy, coordination and interoperability between the like-minded navies and their commitment to a rules-based international order in the maritime domain, according to the press release. In a press release, Ministry of Defence noted, "This visit is in consonance with India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to enhance maritime cooperation and collaboration for safer and secure Indo-Pacific Region." (ANI)
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident: As Mumbai Police's investigation into the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case continues, actress and wife of the actor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, has recorded the statement with the police. The police are making all-out efforts to nab the accused man, who is still absconding even after 50 hours of the incident.

A senior police official said on Saturday that Kareena Kapoor Khan informed them that the intruder who entered their house in Mumbai got aggressive during the scuffle but did not touch jewellery kept in the open, as reported by news agency PTI. The police recorded the actress's statement following the attack at the Bollywood star couple's apartment in Bandra in the early hours of Thursday, the official said.

An intruder attacked Khan (54) after entering his 12th-floor apartment in the Satguru Sharan building. The actor sustained multiple stab wounds, including on his neck, and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The intruder still remains at large despite more than 30 teams on the lookout for him on Friday.

According to the official, Kareena, in her statement, said the intruder got very aggressive during the scuffle with Saif, stabbing him multiple times. He, however, did not touch the jewellery kept in the open, PTI reported.

He said the police are yet to record Khan's statement. After the incident, Kareena's sister, actress Karishma Kapoor, took her to her residence in Khar, the official said. The police have formed more than 30 teams to trace the attacker, who remains at large more than 48 hours after the incident.

Meanwhile, autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana, in whose vehicle the actor was rushed to the hospital, is hogging media limelight and is being hailed as a hero. Rana said he was not aware that the passenger with the blood-soaked kurta he ferried to Lilavati Hospital was popular actor Khan, a Padma Shri awardee. It was only when we reached the hospital gate that he called the guard to fetch a stretcher, saying he was Saif Ali Khan, he told reporters.

Rana said when he was passing by the building where the actor stayed, a woman and a few others asked him to stop the rickshaw. Then the person whose white kurta was soaked in blood got in the auto. I noticed he had neck and back injuries, but did not notice the hand injury, he said. He (Saif) walked into the auto. There was a seven or eight-year-old boy who also boarded the rickshaw, he said when asked if the actors son Taimur accompanied him to the hospital. When we reached the hospital, he called out to the guard at the gate and told him, 'Please bring a stretcher. I am Saif Ali Khan', he said.

(With agency Inputs)
Kerala Lottery Results Saturday 18-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "KARUNYA KR-689" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya Kr-689, January 11, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KR-689" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KR-689 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-689 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 18-01-2025 Jan: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-689 Draw

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: KR 584474

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: KN 686700

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: 1) KN 153932 2) KO 771118 3) KP 349920 4) KR 836509 5) KS 336989 6) KT 603255 7) KU 389225 8) KV 305830 9) KW 926225 10) KX 770600 11) KY 615575 12) KZ 295299

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: KN 584474 KO 584474 KP 584474 KS 584474 KT 584474 KU 584474 KV 584474 KW 584474 KX 584474 KY 584474 KZ 584474

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0564 1792 2294 2357 2406 3135 3140 3400 3416 4038 4786 5169 6377 7082 7369 9129 9182 9929

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0525 0656 5017 5039 5373 5466 5981 7327 8959 9120

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0174 3247 3890 3903 4068 5260 5542 6200 6620 6878 7586 7955 8194 9984

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0016 0056 0194 0250 0419 0533 0749 0934 1110 1206 1326 1358 1527 1539 1640 1721 1788 1866 2074 2203 2378 2629 2703 2755 2879 3108 3361 3535 3773 3808 3874 3924 3945 3973 4464 4475 4563 4744 4984 5074 5092 5148 5356 5432 5814 5967 6022 6096 6136 6423 6798 7148 7166 7234 7411 7432 7450 7565 7573 7693 7704 7758 7916 7979 8053 8129 8386 8394 8420 8692 8863 9148 9150 9332 9474 9695 9761 9780 9807 9921

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 6594 7561 6981 7826 0842 5278 7044 2764 5107 6822 1196 3756 5942 1830 9193 5630 6372 3875 3672 6502 6893 3923 0035 5868 6839 7828 9663 9423 5164 2218 5977 5236 6823 0317 3848 6213 6975 0815 9059 4041 4466 3191 1752 4684 5304 0024 2596 4815 3518 2409 8807 3217 5564 7599 7633 3345 7045 3268 3472 6800 8685 4204 2897 1890 4262 2186 6593 4249 0675 9089 2562 1006 3004 6189 1962 4853 0126 5324 3553 7305 0364 5257 2470 7780 3591 4345 4700 3039 5828 3839 6965 1058 2278 1224 9713 7297 4627 8374 3934 5825 8981 7411 4358 6781 6800 6822 6823 6839 6893 6965 6975 6981 7044 7045 7109 7297 7305 7459 7561 7599 7605 7633 7780 7826 7828 8374 8685 8728 8807 8851 8981 9059 9089 9193 9329 9423 9436 9600 9663 9713

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 18-01-2024 January TODAY: KARUNYA KR-689 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote the lottery in any way.)
The Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced in Prayagraj with an atmosphere reverberating with bhajans and devotional slogans on Paush Poornima. January 14 marked a significant milestone as the Akharas of Sanatan Dharma performed the grand festival's first 'Amrit Snan' (royal bath). On the second day, more than 3.5 crore devotees took a holy dip in the sacred Sangam, creating a spiritual spectacle unmatched in scale and devotion.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday instructed officials to implement comprehensive arrangements for managing the influx of 8-10 crore devotees expected to gather at the Sangam for the sacred Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual during the Maha Kumbh on January 29. In a review meeting with senior officials covering the past three days' preparations, the chief minister highlighted that over six crore pilgrims had already participated in holy dips during the Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti festivities.

The second 'Amrit Snan' of the Mahakumbh will take place on January 29, coinciding with Mauni Amavasya, also known as Maghi Amavasya. On this day, millions of devotees will gather to take a holy dip. There is a religious belief that on Mauni Amavasya, Amrit (nectar) rains from the sky, making the water spiritually significant. Therefore, the Amrit Snan on this day holds special importance in the Mahakumbh.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has levelled fresh allegations against Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi. This time the Congress leader is accused of disrespecting National Anthem during a party event in Patna, Bihar.

The now viral clip shared by the BJP is from Saturdays 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan' wherein Congress MP Rahul Gandhi can be seen waving and greeting party workers while the National Anthem played in the background. However, moments later, Gandhi was seen standing straight and gesturing to the audience to follow protocol. LoPs gesture, even if inadvertent, has given the saffron party a fresh angle to criticise him.

BJP spokespersons accused Rahul Gandhi of mocking the National Anthem at a Constitution protection event. They claimed the incident was ironic, given the event's theme. "This is not an isolated incident but reflects the Congress party's mindset," they stated.

The Congress party rejected the BJPs accusations, calling them "concocted and manufactured."

Congress leader Ajay Rai defended Rahul Gandhi, saying he has always shown deep respect for the country and the Constitution.

BJP has a habit of spreading lies to defame him. There is no truth in the video, Rai told reporters.
A Kolkata court on Saturday pronounced accused Sanjay Roy guilty of rape-murder of a junior doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar hospital last year. The court also stated that the sentencing for Sanjay Roy will be announced on Monday.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das delivered the verdict after a 57-day in-camera trial.

"The accused will be heard on Monday. Now he is being sent to judicial custody. His punishment will be announced on Monday. I have fixed the time at 12:30 to hear the case," Judge said.

Additional District Judge Sealdah Court finds accused Sanjay Roy guilty in the RG Kar rape-murder case. The court says the quantum will be given on Monday.



Accused Sanjay says to the judge, "I have been falsely implicated. I have not done this. Those who have done so are being https://t.co/OBMM51azZU January 18, 2025

After the verdict was delivered, Accused Sanjay said, "I have been falsely implicated. I have not done this. Those who have done so are being let go. One IPS involved."

"I always wear a chain of rudraksh on my neck. If I commited the crime my chain would have been broken in place of occurrence. I can't commit this crime," accused Roy added.

However, Justice Das stated that the accused will be next heard on Monday.

"You will be heard on Monday. Now, I am sending you to judicial custody. Your punishment will be announced on Monday. I have fixed the time at 12:30 to hear. Then will announce the punishment," he said.

The case, involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor found dead on August 9 in the hospital's seminar room, triggered widespread protests. Following the incident, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested in connection with the crime.

(With ANI inputs)
The father of the 31-year-old victim in the Kolkata rape and murder case broke down as the court found the main accused, Sanjay Roy, guilty. The verdict, delivered more than five months after the tragic incident, has provided some sense of closure to the family, though the emotional toll remains immense.

Accused Convicted of Rape and Murder

Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was convicted of the rape and murder of the victim under sections 64 and 66 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 103(1).

The victim, a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was found lifeless and partially clothed on the third floor of the institution on August 9 last year. Roy was arrested the following day.

As the court session concluded, the father of the deceased expressed gratitude to the judge for upholding justice. He was seen overwhelmed with emotion, thankful that his belief in the judicial system had been reinforced. The sentencing of Sanjay Roy is set to take place on Monday.

Defendant's Plea of Innocence

Sanjay Roy, however, continues to maintain his innocence. He claimed that he had been falsely implicated in the crime, stating that those truly responsible for the heinous act were free. I have not done this. Those who have done this are being let go, Roy told the court during the hearing.

In his defense, Roy also pointed to a rudraksh chain he wore, asserting that if he were the perpetrator, his chain would have been broken at the crime scene. Despite his plea, the judge confirmed that Roy would remain in judicial custody until Monday when the court will announce his punishment.

Ongoing Investigations and CBI's Role

In addition to the criminal case, a corruption probe into RG Kar Medical College and Hospital had been launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI filed a chargesheet in November, which named the ex-principal of the institution, Sandip Ghosh, along with several others, for their involvement in financial irregularities.

Sandip Ghosh, who was also questioned in relation to the murder, faced polygraph tests as part of the investigation. The delay in filing the chargesheet in the financial misconduct case had led to bail being granted to several accused individuals, including Ghosh.

Victim's Father Voices Discontent

On Saturday, the victim's father spoke out against the CBIs handling of the case. He expressed frustration over the lack of satisfactory progress, stating that despite raising several questions before the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, the CBI had failed to provide adequate answers.

However, he emphasized that he placed his trust in the judiciary to decide the appropriate punishment for Roy.

The CBI has done nothing in this matter. There is no question of satisfaction here. We have raised several questions before the (Calcutta) High Court and the Supreme Court, the victim's father said. Despite his discontent with the investigative agency, he reiterated that he trusted the court to deliver justice.
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident: In the latest revelations in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing incident case, fresh visuals of the actors suspected attacker from a day after the incident surfaced in which he was seen wearing a blue shirt, according to media reports. In the first visual, the intruder was seen wearing a black t-shirt. He was seen near the Bandra railway station, which is not very far from the actor's home.

The fresh visual of the suspected attacker is from the morning after the attack, showing the suspect with his arms crossed, carrying a backpack, as per the reports. According to police, the suspect, who is yet to be caught, was in Bandra until 8 am the next morning following the attack. Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by an intruder who entered his house in Bandra on Wednesday night. The actor is recovering after being stabbed in his neck, stomach, and back.

The first visual of the attacker was from inside the building in Bandra where Saif Ali Khan was attacked. In the visual, the attacker was seen climbing down the stairs with a quick glance at the CCTV installed. One thing that was common in both visuals was that the suspect was seen carrying a backpack.

Here Are 10 Updates

1. The intruder still remains at large despite more than 30 teams on the lookout for him on Friday, while Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam ruled out an underworld link to the brutal attack. Briefing about the investigation, police said that the attacker was not working for any criminal gang and probably was not even aware whose house he had entered.

2. Police picked up a carpenter in connection with the attack on Khan (54) at his apartment in the wee hours of Thursday as he resembled the intruder and brought him to the Bandra police station for questioning on Friday morning but released him later. A senior police official clarified the man was not related to the attack on Khan, and no one has been arrested so far.

3. "The person detained in the morning has been released. He was picked up as he looked like the intruder captured in the CCTV footage. But he had an alibi that was verified by the police. Based on that, the detained person has been released. Our probe is still on. We are looking from all angles," said the senior official, as quoted by PTI. "This seems to be a stray incident. The alleged intruder was not working for any gang as per prima facie investigation. He probably was not even aware whose house he had entered," he added.

4. The official also said that more than 30 teams have been formed to track down and nab the attacker, who stabbed Khan in his 12th-floor apartment during a robbery attempt.

5. The attacker's face was captured in CCTV footage. The video showed the 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, at around 2:30 am.

6. Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam said robbery was the motive behind the incident and clarified no underworld gang was involved in the knife attack. The Bollywood actor is recovering well at Lilavati Hospital, where he was taken after the brutal attack by an intruder in the early hours of Thursday that left him with multiple wounds, and is expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors treating him said.

7. The actor, who suffered multiple stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital, where he was rushed in an autorickshaw. "We are observing his progress, and he is doing excellently well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest, and if he is comfortable, then in two to three days we will discharge him," said Dr. Nitin Dange, neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital, as quoted by PTI.

8. He said a team of doctors checked on him and made him walk. "Khan had four main wounds, which were a little deep: two in the hand, one on the neck, and the most deep and dangerous was in the spine," said the neurosurgeon, who led the team of doctors who operated on the actor.

9. During surgery, the doctors removed a 2.5-inch knife fragment lodged in his spine. They noted that if the knife had gone just 2 mm deeper, it could have caused a severe injury. "So, we operated and removed it. But from there, the spinal fluid was leaking. Due to that repair, we are keeping him under observation. Today he is doing excellently. Wounds are healing, and he has no neurological deficit," Dr. Dange informed. His health parameters have improved, and he has been shifted from the ICU to a special room, he said.

10. The doctor said Khan was soaked in blood but walked into the hospital, also located in Bandra, "like a lion." "When sir Wali sahib (referring to Khan) came to the hospital, he was covered in blood, but he walked in like a lion with his small child, that is, his 6- to 7-year-old son, Taimur," Dr. Dange said.

Autorickshaw Driver, Who Took Saif To Hospital, Says Actors Kurta Was Soaked In Blood

Meanwhile, autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana, in whose vehicle the actor was rushed to the hospital, is hogging media limelight and is being hailed as a hero.

Rana said he was not aware that the passenger with the blood-soaked kurta he ferried to Lilavati Hospital was popular actor Khan, a Padma Shri awardee. It was only when we reached the hospital gate that he called the guard to fetch a stretcher, saying he was Saif Ali Khan, he told reporters.

Rana said when he was passing by the building where the actor stayed, a woman and a few others asked him to stop the rickshaw. Then the person whose white kurta was soaked in blood got in the auto. I noticed he had neck and back injuries, but did not notice the hand injury, he said.

He (Saif) walked into the auto. There was a seven or eight-year-old boy who also boarded the rickshaw, he said when asked if the actors son Taimur accompanied him to the hospital. When we reached the hospital, he called out to the guard at the gate and told him, 'Please bring a stretcher. I am Saif Ali Khan', he said.
New Delhi: A suspect identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia (31), as reported by PTI, has been detained in Durg, Chhattisgarh, in connection with the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, as per Mumbai Police. The information about the suspect was shared by the Assistant Police Inspector at Juhu Police Station, Mumbai. Two days after the shocking incident, authorities received intelligence that the suspect was travelling aboard the Jnaneswari Express, and a photo of the suspect was circulated. The suspect was apprehended at the Durg RPF post, and Mumbai Police officials were contacted through a video call to verify his identity.

A team of Mumbai Police officers is set to arrive in Raipur today to take custody of the suspect, according to Munawar Khursheed, IG RPF SECR Zone, Bilaspur, as per ANI report.

Actor Saif Ali Khan attack case: A suspect Aakash Kanojia has been detained from Durg, Chhattisgarh. Information about this suspect was received from Assistant Police Inspector Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police that a suspect is travelling by Jnaneswari Express train and he  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025

Earlier, CCTV footage had shown the suspect wearing a yellow t-shirt, and police confirmed that the suspect had changed his clothes several times in an attempt to evade identification. Investigators further revealed that the assailant likely fled from the scene in Bandra by train, making a stop in Dadar, where he purchased headphones from a mobile shop.

The violent attack on Saif Ali Khan took place in the wee hours of Thursday at his flat in Bandra, Mumbai. Reports indicate that the intruder initially confronted the actor's maid at his residence. When Saif tried to intervene, the situation escalated into a violent altercation. The assailant allegedly stabbed the actor multiple times, resulting in serious injuries.

Saif Ali Khan was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The surgery, which involved the removal of a 2.5-inch-long knife blade, was successful in preventing further damage to Saifs spinal cord. Although Saif is reportedly "out of danger," medical professionals continue to monitor his condition closely.





(With Agency Inputs)
New Delhi: Delhi Police Crime Branch has apprehended Chanderkant Jha, a "serial killer" who had terrorised the national capital between 2006 and 2007 and evaded arrest for more than a year, an official said on Saturday.

"Jha was on the run after jumping parole in October 2023. The 57-year-old was arrested from Old Delhi Railway Station on Friday following an intensive operation," Additional Commissioner of Police (crime branch) Sanjay Kumar Sain said.

Jha, who had been serving a life sentence for three murders, carried a bounty of Rs 50,000 for his capture, he said.

The officer further said that the Crime Branch formed a team which included senior police officers to locate Jha.

"Over six months, the team traced Jha's network of family, friends, and associates. They conducted reconnaissance at his previous crime spots and interrogated individuals in fruit and vegetable mandis across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where Jha had once worked," said the Additional CP.

Analysing voluminous call data records, the team identified a suspicious mobile number that ultimately led them to Jha's location.

Acting on a lead, the team arrested Jha on January 17 as he attempted to flee to Bihar from Old Delhi Railway Station, he said.

Police said that a history of gruesome crimes between 2006 and 2007, Jha's modus operandi left Delhi shaken.

Originally from Bihar, Jha resided near Azadpur Mandi in Delhi and befriended young men, often migrants, by helping them find jobs and offering them meals.

However, minor disagreements or perceived infractions would trigger his homicidal rage.

"Jha would tie his victims hands, claiming he would punish them, and then strangle them with a locally made nunchaku. He would dismember the bodies meticulously, ensuring minimal blood splatter. The remains were then packed in plastic bags and transported using his modified cycle-rickshaw before being dumped at pre-determined locations, often near Tihar Jail," Sain added.

He said that adding to the horror, Jha would leave handwritten notes with the dismembered bodies, taunting the police and challenging them to catch him.

Jha's first recorded murder dates back to 1998 when he killed Mangal alias Aurangzeb in Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, dismembering the body and scattering its parts.

Arrested in 1998, he was released in 2002. After his release, he resumed killing, police said.

In June 2003, Jha murdered his associate Shekhar in Haiderpur for being a drunkard and liar, disposing of the body in Alipur.

In November 2003, Umesh, a migrant from Bihar, was killed for alleged betrayal, and his body was dumped near Tihar Jail.In November 2005, Jha killed Guddu for his habits, including smoking marijuana and disposed of his body in Mangolpuri, police said.

In October 2006, Amit, accused of womanizing, met a similar fate, with his body left outside Tihar Jail.

In another case Upender was murdered in April 2007 for a love affair deemed inappropriate, his remains left near Tihar's Gate No 3.

In May 2007, Dilip, who ate non-vegetarian food, was killed and dumped near Tihar's Gate No. 1.

Jha was convicted of three murders, earning two death sentences in 2013.

These were commuted to life imprisonment without remission in 2016.

In October 2023, Jha was granted parole for 90 days but failed to surrender, choosing instead to go underground.

"His evasion prompted the Delhi Police to issue a reward for his capture. Despite his efforts to remain hidden, including staying in various parts of Bihar and Delhi and maintaining minimal contact with known associates, Jha was apprehended as he attempted to flee Delhi," said the officer.

Jha, who studied up to the eighth grade, migrated to Delhi in 1990 and worked in various low-income jobs. He was married twice and fathered five daughters.

Jha's seemingly kind demeanour masked a savage killer, who viewed minor infractions by his victims as justification for extreme punishment, police added.

His case received a significant media attention and was the subject of an OTT platform documentary "Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards to property owners under the SVAMITVA scheme, across ten states and two union territories.

BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda also attended the PM SVAMITVA Scheme Program in Ahmedabad.

JP Nadda emphasized the importance of empowering the common man under PM Modi's leadership. He highlighted that the government's focus has been on marginalized communities and key sections of society, including villages, the poor, Dalits, women, youth, and farmers.

"Before discussing the SVAMITVA plan, we should keep one thing in mind in a holistic approach under the leadership of PM Modi, the program of empowerment of the common man has been given great importance.

When we talk about empowerment, our focus has been on villages, the poor, the Dalits, the exploited, the afflicted, the deprived, the youth, women, farmers etc... All programmes have been planned to keep all these in mind. Under the leadership of Modi ji, work has been done keeping in mind the mantra of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'," he said.

He further said "If we talk about the SVAMITVA scheme, more than 3 lakh villages have been covered using technology. Under this, today people of thousands of villages will be given property rights."

BJP President JP Nadda highlighted the government's efforts under PM Modi's leadership to uplift the poor. He stated that the initiative to provide 5 kg of free food grains to 80 crore people is a key step in ensuring food security.

"Under the leadership of Modi Ji, work is being done to provide 5 kg of free foodgrains to 80 crore people. Today, 25 crore people have come out of the poverty line."

Meanwhile, the 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 SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) initiative is making significant strides in transforming rural India.

Under the initiative, the Government is providing accurate property ownership data, with clear ownership records in hand, thereby, land disputes have reduced.

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.

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.
Student team finalists show off their proposal at the 2018 SA Smart Challenge. Photo courtesy of SA Smart Mayor Mayor Ron Nirenberg stands with a team from Harlandale Middle School during the 2022 SA Smart Challenge. Photo courtesy of SA Smart Mayor

For the past several years, local middle-school and high-school students have teamed up to try and make San Antonio a more sustainable city through SA Smart, the mayors K-12 Smart City Challenge.

The students have tackled a range of specific challenges, such as the digital divide, transportation and water systems.

The program is a collaboration by the mayors office and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) organizations and nonprofits.

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The program allows youth to have a voice and learn in real ways, said Cliff Zintgraff, founder and chair of the challenge. Zintgraff is chief learning officer for the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology.

More than 400 students will gather Jan. 23 at the University of Texas at San Antonio's downtown campus for a competition clinic, focusing on the theme, Quality of Life for the City. Student teams will train with mentors and develop pitches over a seven-week period.

On March 28, organizers will announce the 12 finalists. The Mayors Cup and other awards will be presented May 15 at the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology's Area 21 inside the Boeing Center at Tech Port San Antonio.

Now in its eighth year, the student competition will revisit past topics to celebrate Mayor Ron Nirenbergs last term as the event's sponsor.

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The six topics are:

Digital inclusion

Food

Water

Transportation

Environment

Sustainability

Finalists from 2024 recommended two additional issues: mental health and housing.

The competition has two brackets, middle school and high school, made of four to six member teams. A teacher or responsible adult will mentor student teams which will research a specific problem in the city and offer a solution through a strategy, product or service.

Last year, Samuel Clemens High School won the Mayor's Cup in the high school category for their entry, "Vertigrow." In the middle school bracket, STEM Academy won for their entry, "Concrete for Green Roots."

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SA Smart Challenge alum Defranco Sarabia participated in 2018 and 2019 challenges.

"I strongly believe that the skills learned in these competitions has excelled me in my professional life," Sarabia said, in a 2022 SA Smart video. "From giving a pitch deck to an array of professionals to developing solutions with fellow students."

Zintgraff said the program is inspired by the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, which is the citys official sustainability program to help San Antonio prepare for an additional 1.1 million residents projected to live in Bexar County by the year 2040. The plan is divided into three parts: comprehensive planning, multimodal transportation and sustainability.

Zintgraff, who has a background as a computer scientist and software developer, said he was always interested in STEM education for students. In 2000, he was invited to be part of starting the Information Technology and Security Academy. The school is one of the programs at Alamo Academies, where high school students can earn industry certifications and college credits.

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The competition founder said the idea for the project came while he was on an international trip to Delhi and could only see about five blocks because of the amount of air pollution. That scene ignited thoughts of how to create a program for students where theyd learn in ways that would engage them.

Zintgraff discussed the idea with Nirenberg, who at the time was a city council member. Several months later, Nirenberg began sponsoring the project during his first term as mayor.

On the SA Smart Challenge website, Nirenberg said it had been a privilege to work with educators, community leaders and non-profits on the platform for K-12 education experiences. He said the challenge is a chance to see what ideas young people have to help take on future challenges.

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The city we deserve is one that encourages our children to learn, work, play and live in San Antonio, Nirenberg said. This program is one more step toward building that city, where todays students are tomorrows future leaders.
Paris [France], January 18 (ANI/WAM): A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), visited Paris to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organised crimes and strengthening international economic security. The mission aimed to present the UAE's National Strategy 2024-2027 in combating financial crimes, reflecting the UAE's proactive efforts to strengthen international partnerships and exchange expertise in this field. The visit highlights the UAE's commitment to activating effective communication channels to reduce financial crimes in alignment with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards. Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman of NAMLCFTC, emphasised the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling financial crime, stating, "France is one of the UAE's largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France's primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise. "Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries." Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commended the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the French Republic, saying, "This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges." He added, "The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities." He also highlighted the UAE's active role on the global scale to address financial crime, emphasising the country's commitment to implementing the best international practices in the field of AML/CFT, while maintaining economic growth. He said, "The UAE adopts economic strategic approaches based on economic diversity, and aims to create a knowledge-based diversified economy, reinforced by scientific and technological advancements. In this regard, the UAE is distinguished by an active and prosperous economic environment that is also attractive to direct foreign investment." The delegation included representatives from the UAE Ministry of Interior, Federal Public Prosecution, Central Bank, Financial Intelligence Unit, and Dubai's Center for Economic Security. In recent months, the UAE and France have strengthened bilateral relations through formal and informational cooperation. In November 2024, UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi met Jean-Francois Bohnert, Head of the French National Financial Prosecutor's Office, in Abu Dhabi to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in legal and judicial matters. Earlier, in February 2024, the UAE and France's Financial Intelligence Units signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the exchange of financial data, reflecting both nations' commitment to deepening cooperation in combating financial crimes and promoting financial transparency. (ANI/WAM)
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Saif Ali Khan and his family recently went through a lot after they were attacked at their Bandra house. However, as the investigation in the case is underway, Kareena Kapoor and her children Taimur and Jeh's whereabouts after the incident have been revealed.

Narrating her ordeal to the police, Kareena Kapoor revealed that she and her sons Taimur and Jeh went to Karishma Kapoor's house after the attack.

According to the sources Kareena along with her chidren have been staying at her sister Karisma Kapoor's house ever since.

She was quoted saying, After the attack, I was terrified, so Karisma took me to her house." The two sisters stay close to each other in Mumbai.

Kareena Kapoor further revealed in her statement that as soon as the attack took place, she sent her children and their domestic help to the 12th floor for safety. The actress also stated that the attacker did not steal anything from their home. She added that the attacker was extremely aggressive though, and repeatedly tried to harm Saif Ali Khan as he attempted to defend himself.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan is admitted to the Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed multiple times. Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, filmmaker Jay Shewakramani, and Maddock Films head Dinesh Vijan were recently captured outside the Lilavati Hospital as they visited the actor.

A recent report claims that the attacker went to Dadar after the incident. He reportedly purchased a pair of headphones from a mobile shop in the Kaptan Khana area. Members of the crime branch and police force paid a visit to the shop, checking the CCTV footage, and questioning the shopkeeper. However, the shopkeeper said that he was not aware of the attack at the actor's house.

Meanwhile, the police also found the auto-rickshaw driver, Bhajan Singh Rana, who drove Saif Ali Khan to the Lilavati Hospital after the attack. His statement was also recorded at the Bandra police station.
New Delhi: The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. BlinkIt, grocery delivery service has set up a temporary store to meet the unique needs of the event's visitors.

Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Today, we've opened a temporary Blinkit store in Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, to serve pilgrims and tourists.

Today we've 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

The 100-square-foot store is strategically located to serve key spots like Arail Tent City, Dome City, ITDC Luxury Camp, and Devrakh. It offers a thoughtfully selected range of products, including puja essentials such as milk, curd, fruits, and vegetables. Visitors can also find items like chargers, power banks, towels, blankets, bedsheets, and Triveni Sangam Jal bottles to enhance their comfort throughout the event.

The post received over 300K views with many users applauding it as an amazing initiative. Others have praised Blinkit for its thoughtful effort in supporting pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh.

One user remarked, What a thoughtful initiative! Pilgrims now have one less thing to worry about with Blinkit delivering all the essentials, right where they need it.

The second user praised, A very good initiative. Kudos to the team Blinkit.

A third user commented, This is fantastic!!! Its great that Blinkit is providing essential items to pilgrims and tourists at the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Plus Discount India Price: The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event is set to take place on January 22, 2025, in San Jose, California which means that the new generation Galaxy S series models will debut just in a few days. Hence, the company is set to mesmerize its fans with the flagship S series smartphones this time and with a few leaks of design and specs here and there fans can expect an upgrade in both design and features.

As we wait for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series models, the prices for older generation S series models have experienced a major price drop on the e-commerce platforms.

Now, the Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Plus (256 GB Storage Model) is available at a hefty discount price on the e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart amid the Republic Day sale, allowing buyers to get the flagship model at a reasonable price. Notably, this price drop comes just one week before the Galaxy S25 series launch.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G (256GB) Discount In India On Amazon:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G, originally priced at Rs 99,999, is now available at a massive 35% discount during the Republic Day Sale. This brings the price of the 256GB variant down to just Rs 64,999.

On top of this, Amazon is offering a cashback of Rs 1,949 when you pay using Amazon Pay balance. Buyers can also opt for an EMI plan starting at Rs 2,296 using an Amazon Pay ICICI credit card. Adding further, if you have an old smartphone, you can exchange it for a value of up to Rs 53,200, making this deal even more affordable.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G (256GB) Discount In India On Flipkart

The Samsung Galaxy S24 5G 256GB, originally priced at Rs 99,999, is now available on Flipkart at a discounted price of Rs 59,999 during the Republic Day Salea massive 40 per cent price drop.

Adding further, Flipkart is offering 5 per cent cashback on purchases made with the Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card. To sweeten the deal further, you can trade in your old smartphone for an exchange value of up to Rs 38,150, making it even more affordable.
Following the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, President Mahmoud Abbas called for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, stating that Palestine is ready to "assume full responsibility" in Gaza.

Emphasising Gaza as an integral part of Palestine, the Palestinian President in a statement said, "The Presidency affirmed its firm position of the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in and full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Presidency reiterated that it was necessary to establish an immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and pave the way for the State of Palestine to assume full responsibility for the Gaza Strip as an integral part of the occupied territory. The State of Palestine has legal and political jurisdiction over the Strip as it is the case with the rest of the occupied territory of the West Bank and Jerusalem, while affirming rejection of any carving up of the Gaza Strip and forced expulsion of any Palestinian from their homeland."

It added, "The Palestinian government has completed all preparations to assume full responsibilities in the Strip and that the government administrative and security personnel were fully prepared to carry out their tasks in order to alleviate the suffering inflicted on the Gaza population, allow displaced persons to return to their houses, restore essential services to the Strip, assume responsibility for the border crossings and help commence Gaza reconstruction."

It also urged international support for humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and a political resolution aligned with UN resolutions.

"The Presidency urges the international community along with neighbouring and donor countries to offer urgent humanitarian aid to enable the government to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people, whether in the Gaza Strip which has been subjected to a genocidal war or in the West Bank and Jerusalem which have been subjected to grave Israeli violations," the Palestinian Presidency said.

It added, "The Presidency reiterates the urgent need for a political solution based on the United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative by holding an international peace conference to mobilize international recognition of the State of Palestine and support its quest for full membership of the United Nations in order to bring about regional security and stability conducive to ending the occupation and realise the establishment of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the 1967 borders, in line with international law and the relevant UN resolutions."

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.

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 and the return of any deceased hostages' remains.
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina claimed that a conspiracy aimed to assassinate her and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, shortly after she was removed from power. In an audio message, Hasina recounted their narrow escape and stated they survived just 20-25 minutes apart.

Hasina, shared an audio message on the Awami League's Facebook, Sheikh Hasina said.

"Rehana and I survived - just 20-25 minutes apart we escaped death", Sheikh Hasina said on an audio speech posted on the Facebook page of her Bangladesh Awami League party late on Friday," Sheikh Hasina said

Sheikh Hasina recalled that there were conspiracies to kill her at various times.

"I just feel that surviving the killings on August 21, or surviving the huge bomb in Kotalipara, surviving on this time August 5, 2024, there must be a will of Allah, a hand of Allah. Otherwise, I'm not going to survive this time!", she said.

In August last year, a student-led movement forced Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, out of power after weeks of protests and clashes that left over 600 people dead. Hasina, 76, fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was established.

"However, it seems to be a mercy of Allah that I am still alive because Allah wants me to do something more", she added.

"Although I am suffering, I am without my country, without my home, everything has been burned", she said in an emotionally tearful voice.

Sheikh Hasina faced heightened security due to multiple assassination attempts. One such incident was the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack, which occurred during an anti-terrorism rally organized by the Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004. The attack, which happened at 5:22 pm after Sheikh Hasina, then the Leader of the Opposition, had addressed a crowd of 20,000 from the back of a truck, resulted in 24 deaths and over 500 injuries. Hasina herself sustained injuries in the attack.

(With ANI Inputs)
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced that preparations have begun for the implementation of the hostages' return agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, after the ceasefire deal was approved by the Israeli security cabinet on Friday. The deal is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 (local time), the IDF stated. Taking to X, the IDF said that its troops would carry out operational procedures on the ground in the region in line with the established terms of the deal. The military is preparing to receive the hostages after their release from Hamas captivity and is working to provide necessary physical and psychological support, it further stated. "The IDF is preparing to implement the agreement for the return of the hostages that was approved by the political echelon overnight (Saturday). The agreement will take effect on Sunday, January 19th, at 08:30, and as part of it, IDF troops will implement the operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements. The IDF has been preparing to receive the hostages after their release from Hamas captivity and is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail," the IDF said. The IDF emphasised its continued commitment to securing the safe return of all hostages while also ensuring the security of Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near Gaza. "Alongside the agreement and our commitment to bringing home all the hostages, the IDF will continue to operate in order to ensure the security of all Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near Gaza," it further added. Earlier on Friday, 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. The government later approved the deal by a vote of 24-8 during the early hours on Saturday. The agreement will initiate the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. According to the agreement, 33 hostages are set to be released in phase one of the 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 the 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. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a horrific terror attack on Israel, 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 response, 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, with half of whom are women and children. (ANI)
India on Saturday sent humanitarian assistance to the central African nation of Sao Tome & Principe, reaffirming its commitment to the global south. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the assistance comprises medical supplies, including lifesaving, essential medicines like insulin and blood glucose monitors and strips, human albumin, and ORS. "India reaffirms its commitment to the Global South. Humanitarian assistance of medical supplies comprising life-saving & essential medicines including insulin, blood glucose monitors & strips, human albumin, ORS, etc has been dispatched to Sao Tome & Principe. This assistance will help strengthen the public health services of Sao Tome & Principe," the MEA stated on X. Earlier in 2019, India gifted 150 computers to the Central African nation towards the IT upgrade of the ministries and secondary schools. A donation of medicines worth Euro 95,000 (approx. USD 111,150) from the Government of India was also handed over to the Sao Tome Health Minister, Edgar Neves, in 2021. A donation of life-saving drugs as well as generic medicines to the tune of USD 25,000 was handed over to Sao Tome in June 2023 as per their requirement. India and Sao Tome and Principe have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since their independence in 1975. Leaders of both countries have been meeting on the sidelines of some of the international fora, such as the UN, NAM, etc. Dr. Carlos Alberto Pires Tiny, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation & Communities, visited India from November 29 to December 2, 2009. This was the first high-level visit on either side since the island nation got its independence from Portugal in 1975. Recognising the pioneering role played by India in promoting South-South Cooperation and its significant contribution to international peacekeeping, Sao Tome and Principe announced its support for India to become a Permanent Member of an expanded UN Security Council. It also assured India of its support for a Non-Permanent seat for the term 2011-2012. (ANI)
The Telangana Government on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STTDGC) India to establish a state-of-the-art data centre campus in Hyderabad's Meerkhanpet, the Chief Minister's Office said, taking to X. The delegation from the Telangana Government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with Telangana Minister for IT and Industries Sridhar Babu, signed the MoU, which involves an investment of Rs 3,500 crore for the "AI-ready campus." The campus is expected to have a capacity of up to 100 MW, making it one of India's largest data centre projects, the CMO stated. "Telangana strengthens its position as a global tech hub. ST Telemedia Global Data Centres India has signed an MoU with the Telangana Government to establish a state-of-the-art data centre campus in Hyderabad's Meerkhanpet. With an investment of Rs3,500 crore, the AI-ready campus will have a capacity of up to 100 MW, becoming one of India's largest data centre projects," the CMO said on X. Following the deal, Telangana CM Reddy said, "I congratulate STT Global for taking this decision. Hyderabad will soon emerge as the capital of data centres." Meanwhile, State IT and Industries Minister Sridhar Babu described this deal as a milestone and a testament to Telangana's robust ecosystem and progressive policies. According to the CMO, the expansion will accelerate India's digital transformation and AI-led growth, with STT GDC's vision for the next decade, which includes a 1GW design capacity across India and an investment of USD 3.2 billion. This development took place during Reddy's visit to Singapore for the "Telangana Rising" initiative. During his visit, Reddy met with Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and Environment and in-charge Minister for Trade, Grace Fu Hai Yien, where the two sides held wide-ranging discussions on potential partnerships in several areas. The delegation showcased the investment opportunities in Telangana in sectors including urban planning and infrastructure, water management, skills development, sports, semiconductors, manufacturing, and environmental and sustainability sciences and technology, the CMO stated. Reddy also addressed the Indian diaspora gathering of the Telangana Cultural Society of Singapore. Meanwhile, Minister Sridhar Babu held a roundtable interaction with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA). Chairman of SSIA and Regional President of Applied Materials, Inc., Brian Tan; Vice Chairman of SSIA and Senior VP of GlobalFoundries Singapore, Tan Yew Kong; Secretary of SSIA and President and MD of Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte., CS Chua, were present at the roundtable. During the talks, Sridhar Babu showcased opportunities for global investors and invited the Singapore industry to invest heavily in Telangana while expounding on the salient features of the Telangana Rising initiative. (ANI)
While preparations for the Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is set to take effect on Sunday, Kfir Bibas, celebrated his second birthday in Hamas captivity after he was abducted by Hamas following the October 7 attack. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday marking the second birthday of Kfir Bibas, who has been held hostage since his abduction at just nine months old. Taking to X, the ministry called for the safe return of Kfir, who was abducted along with his brother Ariel, mother Shiri, and father Yarden, emphasising the need for their release. "Today, Kfir Bibas marks his second birthday as a hostage in Gaza. Kfir was kidnapped when he was just nine months old. We pray for the safe return of Kfir, his brother Ariel, his mother Shiri, and father Yarden. Let them go now," the Israel Foreign Ministry said. https://x.com/IsraelMFA/status/1880517602780541082 Kfir, along with his family, was one of the 250 hostages who were taken in captivity following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Earlier on Friday, 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. 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. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced that preparations have begun for the implementation of the hostages' return agreement. The deal is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 (local time), the IDF stated. According to the agreement, 33 hostages are set to be released in phase one of the deal. The 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. (ANI)
Highlighting India's emergence as a key player in the global economy, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that India aspires to be a significant player in a multipolar world and this is also reflected in the evolving ties of the two nations. While addressing the media during his visit to Odisha on Saturday, Tharman emphasised that India is poised to move up the ladder of skills and value, and has significant potential as an export economy, driven by demographics, ongoing development, and growing potential as an export economy. "Singapore and India are now on a new plane of cooperation. It reflects India's aspirations. It also reflects the fact that we are now in a world where we have to work harder at collaboration with each other...India aspires to be a pole in its own right in a multipolar world. That's true geopolitically, but it's also true economically," President Tharman told reporters on Saturday. He added, "India is emerging as a major pole over the global economy. If you look at the next 10 to 20 years, India, because of its demographics, because of the stage it is at in its own development process, and the fact that it's poised now to move up the ladder of skills and value, and because it has significant potential as an export economy." President Tharman is on a four-day state visit to India from January 14-18. He arrived in Odisha along with his wife on Friday. The Singaporean President further emphasised the alignment between India's and Singapore's priorities, pointing out that both countries are collaborating under the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) to develop the semiconductor ecosystem in India. He added that Singapore is exploring ways to contribute to this sector, including the development of new-generation industrial parks, with Sembcorp, a Singaporean state-owned energy and urban development company, exploring possible sites for a new industrial park in India. "India is a nation that we would like to collaborate with. India's priorities and Singapore's priorities also join very well. If you look at the priorities that have been established under the ISMR, the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, we are now working together; the two governments are working together to develop the semiconductor ecosystem in India...Singapore is seeing how it can contribute to that ecosystem. We're also looking at new-generation industrial parks. Sembcorp, in particular, is very actively exploring possible sites for a new industrial park that will have Singaporean characteristics," he said. President Tharman also spoke about green energy development, noting India's significant potential in solar and wind energy, positioning the country to be a major producer of green ammonia. Singapore is interested in collaborating with India on this development and establishing a green energy corridor leading to Southeast Asia over time, he stated. He also referred to the growing cooperation between the two countries in the IT sector, specifically in areas like digital technology and finance, and mentioned the discussions around expanding data flows between financial institutions in both countries, ensuring secure and trusted exchanges. "India is fortunate to have both solar and wind energy and is going to be a significant producer of green ammonia. Singapore is keen to engage with India in this development and hopefully, over time, develop a green corridor leading to Southeast Asia. That may take some time, but it's a very important aspiration," he said. "Prime Minister Modi raised IT in Singapore last September when he was visiting India. And it's an area where Singapore has particular strengths...The digital space, including fintech and everything to do with finance, is another area in which we are working closely together to see what we can do to expand the flow of data, the trusted and safe flow of data, between financial institutions in India and Singapore," the President added. The Singapore President further noted that the two countries are working on projects that strengthen mutual trust, which is increasingly rare in today's global environment. "Prime Minister Modi raised IT in Singapore last September when he was visiting India. And it's an area where Singapore has particular strengths...The digital space, including fintech and everything to do with finance, is another area in which we are working closely together to see what we can do to expand the flow of data, the trusted and safe flow of data, between financial institutions in India and Singapore," he further said. (ANI)
Showcasing Odisha's potential for growth and development, Singapore President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Saturday highlighted the importance of working on the "enablers," such as vaccine manufacturers like Bharat Biotech, that would drive the state's progress. Addressing the media during his visit to the Bharat Biotech plant in Odisha, Singapore President noted that Odisha is well-placed to develop large-scale industrial parks in sectors like petrochemicals and mentioned that there could be opportunities for smaller-scale industrial parks. He further emphasised the importance of developing capabilities and building a track record to enable scaling up, expressing confidence that Odisha can achieve this. "Odisha is poised for a new stage in development and it starts with working on the enablers. The enablers are capabilities, skills, and bringing in a few large companies like Bharat Biotech, which I just visited, a very impressive new plant," he said. "In some areas, like petrochemicals, Odisha is already very well placed to embark on a large-scale industrial park. In some other areas of manufacturing, there may be opportunities for smaller-scale industrial parks, but it's critical to develop the enablers at the same time. You have to develop the capabilities and the track record that enables you to scale up, and I'm confident Odisha can do that," he added. President Tharman is on a four-day state visit to India from January 14-18. He arrived in Odisha along with his wife on Friday. He also touched upon other priorities identified by Odisha, including petrochemicals, sustainability, particularly green hydrogen and ammonia, and skills development, which he said are crucial for all sectors. The Singapore President further expressed interest in engaging in those areas, noting the optimism and hope demonstrated by the young people he met at the World Skill Centre. "Some of the other priorities that Odisha has identified are petrochemical sustainability, particularly green hydrogen and ammonia, and skilling, which is an underpinning for all the sectors. These are important areas that we are keen to engage in. The young people that I met at the World Skill Centre were just so full of hope and optimism that they inspired me. So I come away feeling optimistic about Odisha," the Singaporean President said. Meanwhile, taking to X, the Ministry of External Affairs said this visit of President Tharman to get a first-hand experience of Odisha's growth in biotechnology would bring "immense value" to the people of both countries. "Getting a first-hand experience of Odisha's growth in biotechnology. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore visited the vaccine manufacturing plant of Bharat Biotech in Odisha. India-Singapore collaboration in the health field will bring immense value to the people of both countries," the MEA said. Following his visit, Shanmugaratnam departed for Delhi from Odisha after concluding his two-day visit to the state. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was also present at the airport to see the Singaporean President and his convoy off. (ANI)
The Department of Defense is the largest employer in the United States, sending out paychecks to 2.1 million service members and more than 770,000 civilians. Its annual budget  $900 billion dollars  is larger than the GDP of Switzerland. With an estimated 750 bases in at least 80 countries, it is sprawling, extraordinarily complex organization. And, to run it, Donald Trump picked a Fox News haircut with (an alleged) drinking problem.

Its hard to emphasize just how wildly unqualified Pete Hegseth is for the top job at the Pentagon  but at his Senate Armed Services committee hearing on Tuesday, Hegseth did a pretty good job of making the argument himself. Over and over again, he said, Oh, Im not that experienced, but Im going to hire people smarter than myself to do this, says Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a member of the committee. And that the whole day, I was thinking, Then why dont we just hire somebody smarter than you for the job?

Asked by Duckworth to name the three international security negotiations that the Secretary of Defense personally leads on behalf of the United States, Hegseth balked. NATO? he offered, lamely. In case youre curious, they are: a Status of Forces Agreement, which delineates how military personnel can operate inside another county (Korea, for instance); an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, a type of treaty that pertains to shared logistics (a security agreement the U.S. has with countries like Latvia); and a Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties, which relates to moving or sharing equipment (like the nuclear submarine deal hatched by the U.S., U.K. and Australia).

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In his opening statement, Hegseth spoke about the importance of deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the Trump administrations strategy in the Indo-Pacific was a reliance on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. Duckworth recalled, I thought, okay, great Im going to lob him some softballs, right? She went on to ask if he could name the countries in ASEAN, or even how many there were.

I know we have allies in South Korea and Japan, and in AUKUS with Australia, Hegseth offered  none of which are members of association. (For the record, ASEAN is made up of 10 South Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.)

The man is absolutely clueless, Duckworth assesses bluntly to Rolling Stone. A woman and a combat veteran who lost both legs in Iraq, Duckworth voted to confirm both Mark Esper and James Mattis, Trumps nominees for Secretary of Defense in his first term. Even as she disagreed politically with Esper, Duckworth says, He was competent and he could do his job, and he could go to Singapore, to [the Asian Defense Summit], the Shangri-La Dialogue, and go toe-to-toe with the Chinese defense secretary  and, Im sorry, but Hegseth is not going to be able to go toe-to-toe with the Chinese defense secretary, and think that hes going to gee-shucks smile his way out of that type of a situation.

Duckworth will not be supporting Hegseths nomination, which she says sends a chilling message not just to men and women in the U.S. military, but to other nations as well.

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It says that we dont care about their lives, Duckworth says. We ask our servicemen and women to be tactically proficient, technically proficient, so that they can do their jobs under any conditions  even under fire, even as youre dying and bleeding to death, our troops are going to fight back, because they are trained to carry out the mission. And yet to have a secretary of defense thats going to make decisions that will commit their lives to defending America, who doesnt understand how to negotiate the best deal? It is really scary.

At the same time that Hegseth was displaying a woefully inadequate grasp of the basic contours of the job he wants, he was also blithely threatening to fire the admirals and generals currently serving in the Pentagon. If that happens, Duckworth says, service members will be the ones who bear the burden: All of the top leadership  with the experience, who can tactically plan a combat operation  are going to be gone, and youre gonna have a bunch of hacks who have never commanded anything more than 200 personnel, who are gonna decide whether or not you go fight in Greenland or Panama, wherever. Its really demoralizing.

Her Republican colleagues appear, nonetheless, ready to confirm Hegseth, she says. We have a Republican Party in the Senate that is on its knees in front of Donald Trump, and not a single one of them are willing to stand up  at least not on the Armed Services Committee.

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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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Amid heightened security concerns, the San Antonio Police Department plans to boost security, restrict drones, at MLK March. John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News

Amid heightened security concerns, the San Antonio Police Department plans to bolster security  including banning drones  at the citys annual Martin Luther King Jr. March on Monday.

The 38th Martin Luther King, Jr. March begins at 10 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King Drive, and concludes 3 miles down the road at Pittman-Sullivan Park, 1110 Iowa St.

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Despite impending icy weather conditions, organizers said Saturday the march would go on.

I can share that the plan to march, as usual, is on!, District 2 Council Member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez said Saturday.

The most recent forecast calls for temperatures in the low 30s Monday morning, but conditions are likely to stay dry.

Dwayne Robinson, chairman of the San Antonio MLK Commission, said last Thursday that organizers do have a backup plan if weather conditions change for Monday morning.

We do have a Plan B in placethat is at the Alamodome, Robinson said. If its just coldwere marching.

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McKee-Rodriguez said if things change, a public announcement will be made by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Considered the largest MLK March in the nation, the San Antonio procession draws more than 300,000 participants.

In a brief video posted on Facebook Friday, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said ensuring safety and security at the MLK March is a top priority, especially after the recent tragedy in New Orleans.

On New Years Day, 14 people were killed and dozens were injured on Bourbon Street in New Orleans when a driver intentionally slammed his truck into a crowd. Police shot and killed the attacker.

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MLK MARCH HISTORY: How San Antonios MLK March got its start

McManus said that SAPD and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will take every precaution to ensure a safe and secure event.

Weve enhanced our security measures, increased personnel presence, and deployed specialized units to monitor every aspect of the march, McManus said. From traffic management to crowd safety, we are prepared.

Earlier this week, SAPD announced that it would temporarily restrict the use of drones during the march.

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SAPD officials said the restriction would enhance public safety and support police operations during the special event.

Any drone use at the event is prohibited and the temporary restriction will be enforced, SAPD wrote on Facebook.

An SAPD spokesperson told the Express-News the department submitted an application to the Federal Aviation Administration for a Temporary Flight Restriction for this event as required by the Texas statute, Government Code, Section 423.009, which gives the department the authority to regulate unmanned aircraft.

In the video, Robinson, the MLK Commission chair, expressed appreciation for SAPD.

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We appreciate all of the efforts of the chief, SAPD, and all of law enforcement to secure your safety, Robinson said. We look forward to seeing you.

McManus also urged MLK March attendees to speak up if they notice anything unusual.
Novembers election was a pretty much a disaster for Democrats nationwide, but North Carolina Democrats can take some comfort in retaining their longstanding tradition of winning the governors race, four other Council of State elections, the contested Supreme Court race and in reinstating a veto-proof majority in the legislature - by one vote.

But beyond those victories there is little for North Carolina Democrats to celebrate. Skip Stam, the former Republican majority leader for the North Carolina House, pointed out the sharp decline of the Democratic Party in a recent op-ed.

With apologies in advance for so many numbers, allow me to paint a fuller picture.

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The last time a Democrat won our states presidential election was 2008, when Barack Obama squeezed out a victory of less than one-half of a percent. Before that, the last Democrat to win was Carter in 1976. Republican margins of victory in presidential elections were not in the landslide range (no more than 3.6 percent), but they are consistent. And Trumps 3.2 percent win in November would likely have been larger had Republicans fielded better statewide candidates down ballot.

More from Tom Campbell: NC Supreme Court race demonstrates why electing judges is bad practice | Opinion

Our congressional contests had only one real close election, Democrat Don Davis re-election. The Washington delegation swung from seven Democrats and seven Republicans to 10 Republicans and four Democrats. To be sure extreme gerrymandering had a major impact, but those three lost seats would have all but erased the four seat margin Republicans hold in the 119th national congress.

The GOP Council of State candidates were notably weak, headed by the clown Mark Robinson. The superintendent of public Instruction candidate was almost as preposterous, and lets not forget the Republican candidate for attorney general sponsored the infamous HB2 bill. Even so, four of the 10 Council of State elections were won by Republicans.

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Until 2010, Democrats had controlled both houses of the General Assembly since 1900, with a couple of exceptions. That changed in the 2010 elections. Republicans won control and have kept it. The GOP now holds 71 of the 120 House seats and 30 of the 50 Senate seats, numbers which have been pretty consistent. They control legislative leadership. The outgoing Republican House Speaker had the longest tenure in our history, and the Republican Senate leader almost has squatter rights, having already served 13 years and elected to another two.

The first year that North Carolina counties elected Commissions controlled by Republicans was 2012. By 2018, the GOP controlled 59 of the 100 county boards. They now hold 71. Democrats still control the largest counties, but they are losing ground.

Also note that 64 of our sheriffs are Republicans, 54 clerks of court and, of the 170 partisan school board races, Republicans won 138 seats and Democrats 26. Our State Supreme Court has a 5-2 Republican plurality, and our 15-member Court of Appeals has 12 to 3 Republican majority. Before 1994 there was just one Republican Superior Court Judge. In November, Republicans won 21 judgeships and Democrats won 12.

More from Tom Campbell: NC lawmakers should know 'what's good for the goose is good for the gander' | Opinion

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Putting all the pieces of this puzzle together the picture becomes clear: Democrats have lost and continue to lose ground statewide.

I have been reading extensively about the subject and have a few conclusions. Democrats have become a national party which isnt in touch with the voting majority. They once proudly boasted they were solidly in support of the middle class, but Democrats today consist largely of well-to-do, more highly educated and affluent leaders who dont relate well to the working class, especially Black and brown voters.

Democrats misread the angry mood of voters, trying to convince them of how well the economy was performing. But those with weekly paychecks were encountering real time price increases and didnt care about the national picture; they just saw how they were affected. As James Carville, the Democratic election guru said, the economy was, is, and will forever be the single biggest campaign issue.

Carville believes there are three issues Democrats should harp on to win nationally. First, he says two-thirds of people believe that Roe v. Wade protections need to be codified nationally. Democrats should also strongly advocate for a $15 per hour minimum wage and insist on tax increases for those earning more than $400k per year. The Ragin Cajun says Republicans cant and wont support any of these issues.

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What are some issues North Carolina Democrats can own that Republicans wont support? They can focus on the out-of-control power hungry legislature that is destroying the balance of power, inserting itself in everyday life, cutting taxes to the point where lower state revenues will reduce our rainy-day funds and threatening valuable services. They have gerrymandered themselves into lifetime officeholding and are dismantling public education in favor of giving wealthy white parents vouchers to attend private school.

A day of reckoning has arrived if North Carolina Democrats wish to regain control of our state.

Tom Campbell is a Hall of Fame North Carolina broadcaster and columnist who has covered North Carolina public policy issues since 1965. Contact him at tomcamp@carolinabroadcasting.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Democrats need to refocus in order to win national races | Opinion
One stray dog in Thailand experienced a cozier night than usual thanks to two locals.

The convenience store workers just couldnt leave the dog alone on the chilly stoop during a cold spell in Nakhon Ratchasima on Jan. 13. They brought a blanket and some teddy bears to help keep the dog cozy and warm.

The pup, named Moo Dang, was orphaned after his owner died and is cared for by people in the neighborhood.

(MORE: Blue Van Goes Viral As Symbol Of Hope In Palisades Fire Aftermath)

Video footage shows the storekeepers tucking the pooch in for the night as the animal dozed off near the shop entrance.

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The area saw a low of 55 degrees that day, nearly 10 degrees cooler than average lows for January in the region.

Thailand entered La Nina last month, according to NOAA, which brought cool weather to the country, and the temperatures are forecast to continue through mid-February, VietnamPlus reported.
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?
PROVIDENCE, R.I.  A Milford police officer entered no plea and is due back in court in April to appear before Rhode Island's Superior Court on drug charges, according to the Sixth District Court clerk's office.

Officer Mark Castiglione, 36, of Milford, appeared Friday in the Sixth District Court in Providence. He and and Renee E. Deans, 48, also of Milford, were each arrested on Dec. 28 by Rhode Island State Police on drug charges.

The two entered no pleas and were released on their own recognizance. Their next court date is April 18 for a pre-arraignment conference at the Rhode Island Superior Court.

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Earlier: Milford police officer among two facing drug charges after Rhode Island arrest

According to a press release from Rhode Island State Police, troopers on Dec. 28 were monitoring a park on Admiral Street in Providence due to several reports of suspicious drug activity. During their investigation, troopers arrested Castiglione and Deans and charged each with possession of less than 10 grams of fentanyl; and possession of less than 10 grams of cocaine.

The two are represented by William Devine Jr., who could not be reached for comment.

Milford officer awarded for saving three from burning car

Castiglione is a U.S. Air Force veteran. According to the Cape Cod Times, in 2015 he received the Lt. Col. Farris Posey Life Saving Hero Award from the American Red Cross of Cape, Islands and Southern Massachusetts. According to Capecod.com, he received the award after rescuing three people from a burning car in 2014 while on vacation in Cape Cod prior to a six-month deployment to Kuwait.

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Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino previously told the Daily News that he was aware of the arrest but could not comment. He said Castiglione has been out on medical leave since September.

Earlier: POST Commission suspends Milford officer facing drug charges

The Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission, a Massachusetts agency that collects police misconduct reports from every department throughout the state, has suspended Castiglione due to his arrest.

It's unclear how long Castiglione has been a police officer in Milford; salary records show he has worked for the town since at least 2017.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Milford police officer facing drug charges has April court date
CHICAGO  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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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 migrants received their work permit within months.

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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 now with listening to this mass deportation and all my employees and family friends that are scared.

____
Were watching the development of a significant winter storm thats likely to affect communities across Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec through the latter half of this weekend.

Several systems will move through the area into early next week, but the most impactful could bring heavy snows and gusty winds to a wide swath of the region.

Stay up-to-date with the latest warnings in your area, and keep an eye on road conditions if you have to head out during or after the storm.

DONT MISS: Mild so far, but turning frigid: Canadas mid-winter report card

First system arrives Sunday morning

The first system will push into Atlantic Canada through Sunday morning, bringing mostly rain to the Maritimes and Newfoundland.

Atlantic Canada Model Trends

10-20 mm of rain is expected along the southern coast of Nova Scotia with this initial system moving into the region, with heavier totals expected for folks along Newfoundlands southern shores.

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Higher elevations across northern New Brunswick and the Gaspe Peninsula will see 5-10 cm of snow from this system.

Major system arrives Sunday night

All eyes then turn toward the main act arriving Sunday night and lingering into Monday.

A large winter storm will bring a swath of heavy snow from much of central and northern New Brunswick, including Fredericton, as well as the Gaspe Peninsula. Amounts here could reach 20-30 cm.

Atlantic Canada Precip Monday

MUST SEE: Polar vortex to plunge towns wind chills to -50 for several days

Moderate snows are in the forecast for portions of eastern Quebec, where communities east of Sherbrooke could see 10-15+ cm of accumulation from this system.

Atlantic Canada Snowfall Outlook

Wind gusts of 50+ km/h across the Maritimes could lead to reduced visibility during periods of moderate to heavy snowfall.

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Well see a sharp cutoff in snowfall totals farther to the south where warm air will battle with the cold air pushing into the region. As a result, there remains a fair bit of uncertainty surrounding totals near the Bay of Fundy and across Nova Scotia.

A significant cooldown will follow this latter system as we begin to feel the influence of the polar vortex across the region.

Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Atlantic Canada.

WATCH: This Canadian town will experience days of consistent -50 windchills

Click here to view the video
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.
Scott Huddleston is a veteran staff writer, covering education, local history, preservation and the Alamo. He can be reached at shuddleston@express-news.net.

He has been reporting for the Express-News since 1985, covering local government, public safety, criminal justice, flooding, transportation, military, water and the environment. He is a native Texan and a longtime San Antonian.
By Doina Chiacu, Michael Martina and Yukun Zhang

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed issues including TikTok, trade and Taiwan in a phone call on Friday, just days before Trump takes office again promising tariffs that could ratchet up tensions between the world's two biggest economies.

Both leaders were upbeat about the call, with Trump calling it "a very good one" and Xi saying he and Trump both hoped for a positive start to U.S.-China relations, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

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It was the first known phone call between the pair after Trump's election in November.

The U.S. and China are embroiled in an array of diplomatic and economic disagreements, including an accelerating technological and military rivalry and bitter trade disputes. Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee to be his secretary of state, has defined China as the gravest threat facing the U.S. and warned about the risks of possible military conflict between the two countries.

The call came shortly before U.S. Supreme Court on Friday announced a ruling upholding a law that mandates TikTok owner ByteDance divest TikTok's U.S. assets by Sunday to a non-Chinese buyer, or be banned on national security concerns.

"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," Trump wrote on his social media platform.

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"President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!"

Xi raised China's concerns about Taiwan, which Beijing maintains is part of its territory, and said he hoped the U.S. would treat the matter with great care.

"The Taiwan issue concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and he hopes the U.S. side will handle it with caution," he said according to Chinese state television.

Xi said the United States and China can have their differences but must respect each other's core interests, and that trade relations can be mutually beneficial without confrontation and conflict, comments similar to those he made during Trump's first term.

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The Chinese readout of the call said the two leaders agreed to set up a "channel of strategic communication to keep in regular touch on major issues of shared interest."

Trump offered strong support to Taiwan, including regularizing arms sales, in his first term. But during the campaign last year, he said Taiwan should pay the U.S. to be defended.

The Republican president-elect, who upended trade relations in his first term, is about to embark on an even more aggressive effort in his second term. He has pledged to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl, and he threatened tariffs in excess of 60% on Chinese goods while on the campaign trail.

Trump said on Jan. 6 that he and Xi have been communicating through representatives, expressing optimism about their relationship.

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Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think tank, said whether Trump in coming days would permit TikTok to operate without a qualified divestment and whether he applied tariffs on China quickly or first began negotiations with Beijing would be early indicators of how confrontational his stance toward China would be.

Trump posted online later that his decision on TikTok would be coming soon, and that "everyone must respect" the Supreme Court ruling.

Breaking with tradition, Trump had invited Xi and other foreign leaders to his Jan. 20 inauguration, but China is sending Vice President Han Zheng, a move signaling Beijing's desire to step up communication with the incoming administration.

Still, any "grand bargain" between the two sides over trade, Taiwan and other strategic issues would be difficult to reach, said Scott Kennedy, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington.

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"There's an immense amount of distance between what one can imagine and actually achieving such an outcome. The interests between the U.S. and China on many of these issues are different and the views of key advisors to both are quite hawkish," Kennedy said.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu, Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Yukun Zhang and Ryan Woo in Beijing; editing by Susan Heavey, Caitlin Webber and Alistair Bell)
TOKYO, Jan 19 (News On Japan) - Cedar pollen dispersal in Tokyo began on January 8th, marking the earliest start since monitoring began in 1985, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The definition of the start of cedar pollen dispersal is when more than one cedar pollen grain per square centimeter is observed for two consecutive days. This year, the start was confirmed at a monitoring site in Ota Ward.

This years record broke the previous earliest start, January 31st, 2007, by over 20 days.

Although weather conditions may temporarily reduce pollen levels after dispersal begins, temperatures are expected to rise after January 21st, potentially increasing the pollen spread.

The Tokyo government advises, "Start preventive measures against hay fever early."

Source: TBS
BRICS

By Ayobami Okerinde

The Brazilian government has announced the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country in the multinational bloc known as BRICS.

This was contained in a statement by the Brazil Foreign Ministry on Friday.

According to Brazil, BRICS and Nigeria share common interests, as both actively strive to enhance cooperation among Global South countries and advocate for the reform of international organisations.

With the worlds sixth-largest populationand Africas largestas well as being one of the continents major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS. It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governanceissues that are top priorities during Brazils current presidency, the statement said.

Brazil currently holds the BRICS presidency for 2025, having taken over from Russia on January 1.

Nigeria has joined Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as the ninth partner country of BRICS, a category established at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, October 2024.
Gov Adeleke

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has commended operatives of the Department of Security Services, DSS, for its proactive efforts to arrest suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.

The Governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Saturday, saluted the alertness of the operatives in eliminating the terrorist threat in the state.

According to him, the intelligence-gathering machinery of the DSS that led to the arrest of the suspected terrorist is a testament to the fact that security agencies in the country are up to the task of securing the populace.

The Governor assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.

This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence-driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us.

As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support the efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state, he said.

Governor Adeleke also enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods to the relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
By Seun Opejobi

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State on Saturday disclosed that arrested Finland-based self-acclaimed Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa has continued kidnapping for ransom.

Soludo said kidnapping is currently a business that is more lucrative than drugs and oil.

The governor who spoke in Awka, the state capital, said before he became governor, eight local government areas in the state were being controlled by gunmen.

Soludo also recalled how his father was kidnapped in 2009.

He said: Kidnapping is not new, my father had been kidnapped as far back as 2009. GU Okeke, Pokobros and many others have fallen victim too.

Before I assumed office, about eight local government areas were being controlled by gunmen.

They killed policemen and collected guns, attacked and burnt down police stations and went into the bush to label themselves liberators.

We came in and went to work and cleared them and we recovered the eight local government areas that were under siege. These gangs claim to be Biafra freedom fighters. IPOB has dissociated themselves from it, but one Simon Ekpa has continued kidnapping for ransom.

Kidnapping for ransom is now the most lucrative enterprise, even more lucrative than drugs and oil. For every one naira reported as payment for ransom, five to six naira was not reported.

With a culture that celebrates wealth without craft, even the kidnappers amongst us are now celebrated. Idolatry which these criminals have converted to have become the fastest growing religion in the South-East. Nothing is sacred to them anymore.
Parts of South, Central and Southeast Texas will have a chance at accumulating snow, from Monday evening through midday Tuesday. John Weast/Getty Images

It doesnt take a meteorologist to tell you that San Antonio doesnt see snow very often. In fact, since San Antonios official weather records began in 1885, only 19 winters have brought at least an inch of snow to the city. Thats an average occurrence of about once every seven years.

That being said, chances are rising that South Texas could see light, accumulating snow early next week. The snow may fall along with a combination of rain, freezing rain and sleet. Lets be clear  this is not going to be a repeat of the historic February 2021 freeze  but the Alamo City could encounter moderate travel hazards.

Cold front incoming

Today: An arctic cold front will move through during the morning, but the cold air will be slightly delayed as high temps are still expected to reach the lower to mid-60s Saturday afternoon. Colder air will move in from the north throughout the evening, sending temps into the 40s by 9 p.m.

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The seven-day forecast for San Antonio shows freezing low temperatures on a few nights but also thawing afternoon high temperatures every day. San Antonio Express-News

Sunday: Temps will plummet overnight as lows reach between 30 and 32 degrees across the San Antonio metro area. Gusty winds will make temperatures feel even colder, sending wind chill temps into the low 20s early Sunday morning.

The front will initially bring dry air into the region, so well have no chance of rain or snow throughout the entire day on Sunday. Instead, skies will be sunny and temperatures will rise into the mid-40s by the afternoon.

Monday: Bitterly cold temperatures are expected on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. San Antonio will start the morning with a hard freeze as temps fall into the mid-20s. Wind speeds around 10 mph will produce wind chill values between 15 and 20 degrees at times.

Shown are the potential wind chill temperatures Monday morning for parts of Central and South Texas. Pivotal Weather

Temperatures will warm slightly throughout the day, reaching the upper 30s in the afternoon. After a clear morning, clouds will also be increasing by the afternoon.

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Snow and ice chances

By late Monday afternoon and into the evening, atmospheric moisture will be increasing across South Texas, thanks to a developing low pressure system out of the Gulf of Mexico. Light rain or drizzle may develop at first, then transition to a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet by Monday night. Some roadways could start to become slick by late Monday, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Shown is the future radar, according to the ECMWF weather model, at 12am (left) and 6am (right) on Tuesday. Precipitation may start as freezing rain and sleet in San Antonio, but transition to snow Tuesday morning. Pivotal Weather

Moisture will continue to rise overnight, leading to higher precipitation chances. Temperatures also will fall a few degrees into the 20s, which may help South Texas to transition from freezing rain into snow through early Tuesday.

Precipitation is expected to end by the mid- to late morning, potentially giving way to sunshine by the afternoon. Temperatures will obviously be cold, but daytime temps are likely to rise above freezing, helping to alleviate any ice-related travel hazards.

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How much snow?

A lot of uncertainty remains about how much snow South Texas could see. Snowfall accumulations, if any, will likely be low across Bexar County. Most locations in the San Antonio metro area will likely see less than an inch of snow, but isolated spots could see over an inch. Light snow is also possible up the Interstate 35 corridor towards New Braunfels and Austin.

The San Antonio area may also pick up light accumulations of sleet and freezing rain. Hazardous travel conditions are possible Tuesday morning.

Shown are potential snowfall totals, according to the National Blend of Models. The highest snowfall is expected in Southeast Texas. Pivotal Weather

Weather models are indicating that potentially heavier snowfall is possible in areas to the east, towards Houston, Huntsville, Lufkin, and Beaumont. It's very possible these areas in Southeast Texas could receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts of up to 5 inches.

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The government of Eastern Equatoria, a state in South Sudan, has deployed armed forces along its border with Uganda to deter disputes that arose following alleged livestock theft and encroachment by Ugandan forces into South Sudan territory.

According to Eastern Equatoria state minister of local government and law enforcement, Peter Lokeng, the deployment of the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) along the border with Uganda aims at protecting communities and their properties in the region. He, however, decried the lack of water points for the recently deployed SSPDF forces, urging the government to intervene. The reason for putting them there is the raiders who disturb the border people and their properties, Lokeng said, adding that this is the time for cultivation and they have to cultivate without criminals disturbing them. The forces along the corridor need water.

Last September, local authorities in Pogee, Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State reported significant encroachments by the Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF). The tensions further escalated when a local chief was killed, his head cut off and body burnt to ashes by suspected Uganda forces as well as raiding unspecified number of cattle from South Sudan. The situation has alarmed the South Sudan residents and raised serious concerns about Jubas silence. The silence on this issue could be seen as a tactical decision to preserve vital trade relations and avoid provoking Uganda, which has historically been involved in South Sudanese affairs, said Abraham Kuol Nyuon, political scientist at the University of Juba.
2025 will be a critical juncture for Africas trajectory, with new political leadership in both the African Union and the United States, which will coincide with a number of challenges, including the urgent need for the implementation of the AfCFTA, modernization and renewal of the AGOA, all of this happening amid the escalating climate crisis and growing insecurity across the continent, says a new report by Brookings Institution.

The Brookings new report, titled Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for Africa 2025-2030, says that Africa plays a role often overlooked in global conversations regarding important issues, such as economic shifts, geopolitical instability, climate disruptions, emerging technologies, political polarization, and societal inequalities. Therefore, Africa Growth Initiative (AGI), a think tank based at this nonprofit public policy organization in Washington, D.C., recognizes the significance of Africa in a complex and interconnected world, in light of the continents growing role in shaping inclusive global prosperity.

By the year 2100, the continent will be home to nearly 40% of the worlds population, up from 18.3% in 2025 and 25% in 2050, the report says. This demographic shift makes Africas sustainable development a priority not just for Africans, but for the entire global community, since the continents sustainable development has direct implications for global stability and prosperity. Against the backdrop of an escalating climate crisis and the reverberations of conflict and global economic instability, the authors call for a bold and coordinated action by policymakers across Africa to address the continents unique challenges while leveraging its vast potential.

Together, the reports six chapters  focusing on Africas inner strength, the sustainable development goals, women and youth, effective governance, AI and emerging technologies, and global partnerships  offer a comprehensive vision for Africas future.
The latest World Report 2025 of the Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that governments across Africa continue to crack down and wrongly arrest political opponents, critics, activists and journalists.

The annual HRWs World Report, released this week, reviewed human rights records of more than 100 countries, including 25 in Africa. The conflicts in Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, junta-ruled Sahel countries, as well as, for example, the recent alleged abductions of anti-government protesters and activists in Kenya, feature prominently in the report. The US-based democracy and human rights advocacy group also draws attention to armed forces and armed groups in some African countries that have with impunity targeted civilians, killing them and driving them from their homes.

In Sudan, the rights group investigators found that the war between the armed forces and the rebel RSF in the north-east African nation has displaced millions and destroyed infrastructure and blocked humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, government forces in the Amhara region are reported to have committed widespread attacks against medical professionals, patients and health facilities. The HRW report also puts a spotlight on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where civilians are killed, women raped, and attacks on camps for the internally displaced push more people into neighboring countries.

HRWs findings also highlight the growing trend of authoritarianism in Southern Africa, with governments employing heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent and curb civic freedoms. The report specifically notes the ongoing crisis in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, and the political tensions in Angola where journalists and activists faced harassment, while laws that violated human rights were introduced. Despite these challenges, the rights groups report highlighted some positive developments, including the African Unions efforts on migration and the recent adoption of protocols to combat statelessness and protect the rights of older persons.
Liberia and Cote dIvoire have reiterated their constant position on Moroccos territorial integrity and support to its sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region.

The stand was reiterated in separate statements by the Liberian and Ivorian Foreign Ministers Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Leon Kacou Adom following the holding of the Morocco-Liberia and Morocco-Cote dIvoire Joint Cooperation Commissions Friday in the Saharan city of Laayoune.

Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the constant position of their respective countries in favor of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara region.

They also expressed their countries support for the autonomy plan put forward by Morocco, as the only credible and realistic solution for resolving this regional dispute, and praised the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive framework to achieve a realistic, practical, and lasting solution to the Sahara dispute.

The Liberian and Ivorian officials seized the opportunity to pay tribute to King Mohammed VI for his vision of peace, stability and socio-economic development in Africa.

They also hailed the momentum generated by the Atlantic African States Process, which aims to make the Atlantic African space an area of co-emergence and stability, as well as a geostrategic framework that harbors major opportunities for synergy and cooperation between its member countries in strategic areas such as environment, food safety, health, energy, logistical interconnection, pooling of resources and exchange of experience.

They underlined that the Royal Atlantic Initiative will not only strengthen relations between Atlantic African states but will also make of this space a geostrategic framework for intra-African cooperation and the promotion of stability and prosperity.

They also lauded the opportunity provided by the Royal Initiative to enable Sahel States have access to the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region and ensuring stability and prosperity in Africa.

The support of Liberia and Cote dIvoire to Moroccos territorial integrity was materialized by the opening in 2020 of a Liberian General Consulate in Dakhla and a Consulate General of Cote dIvoire in Laayoune.

The Morocco-Liberia Joint Cooperation Commission highlighted by the signing of several legal instruments in the fields of industry, trade cooperation, mining exploration and research, justice and the rule of law, integrated water resource management, social development, crafts and social and solidarity economy, tourism, youth, healthcare professional training, education, vocational training, and the granting of scholarships, internships, and expertise sharing.
-Voters in the producers' and directors' branches admire Clint Eastwood's "Juror No. 2" Nicholas Hoult was great but the movie was nothing special, are they serious?

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Right?? I enjoyed it to an extent - it gave me 90s vibes, but only so much. Wish there was more Cedric Yarbrough. He really brought something.

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It felt like a well done TV movie

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That is a good way of explaining it!

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Someone tell these losers to get better standards. Its TNT cinema. Three stars at best in 1994!

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They want to give something to a conservative.

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I've seen so many people praising that movie and I agree Nicholas Hoult was great but the story felt so absurd to me.

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Felicity deserves better.

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] to be a voice over for the whole first act, never speaking english, yet being such a dominating force. truly her most impressive performance (and just the strength of the writing in general) her best performance by far.

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Guy Pearce is the only person from The Brutalist I care about and he probably won't be nominated.



I'm okay with Ariana being in the supporting category. Wicked is focused on Elphaba and I feel like the story would still move forward even without Glinda.

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I agree. Glinda is an important character but it's Elphaba's movie. I don't think it's fraud.

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I def think theyre co-leads BUT this is a reasonable take, especially compared to a couple other category frauds

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Im so sick of JLC. Please no.

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Just watched A Real Pain and yeah, Kieran should be submitted in the lead category instead lol

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They are def co-leads

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i agree he was 100% the lead, i don't even think they were co-leads in this to be honest, like by design. the melodrama, fun, depression, cringe, and anxiety were all tonal beats set by kieran's character with everyone forced to live through them. jesse's character is a great way to show living through all the emotions you have to deal with by watching kieran's character... but this also makes him a supporting and kieran the lead. sometimes i'm shocked by the category distinction 

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The film is ultimately from Jesse's character's POV though so I don't think Kieran is THE lead. He's just the more active character.

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Zoe was absolutely lead in Emilia, I really dont get how she made supporting

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When a character name is the title of the movie, theyll pull this even though its wrong. Happened with Carol too.

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So silly. Karla was great in it, but she was not the lead

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Theres no doubt Zoe was the lead in Emilia, and the only reason Karla is getting a nod is because the academy wants praise for being ~inclusive. Shes charming af but that performance is not award worthy, nothing about that movie is except Zoes performance.



Im pissed I need to watch The brutalist for work but there are only cam versions and none of the fuckers I work with can get an official copy.





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Nah, Karla is amazing in the film. She adds all sorts of subtleties that elevate the material.

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I agree she adds some very charming nuances to the character, the scene where she meets Rita for the first time after Emilia's transition is on point, but amazing? Not even close. I have no doubt she could do amazing with better material tho.

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Adrien going for an oscar playing tortured genius holocaust survivor? What is it, 2002?

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I mean the Brutalist is about an immigrants experience in the US. His character being a Holocaust survivor is the only thing in common with The Pianist.

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isn't the brutalist zionist propaganda? (haven't watched it, just going by letterboxd reviews and what my friends who did watch it said) if it is, i hope it falls into oblivion

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It is not

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no. last week, director brady corbet closed his best director speech at nyffc by encouraging the industry officials in the room to distribute palestinian documentary no other land.

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Having read the plot summary on wiki, it covers. A lot of ground. But from what I can see Zionism isnt in there.

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Brady Corbet recently spoke in favor of a Palestinian documentary (No Other Land), so I doubt he's a zionist.



The movie mentions Israel, but do people really think a movie set during the 40-50's about an holocaust survivor wouldn't mention Israel? And for some just the mention was enough to call it zionist, which is ridiculous.



To me, the film was very much about immigration and the need people have to feel safe and part of a community which most of the times isn't granted by the new nation, but quite the opposite. There's an universal feeling about being an immigrant that the film captures very well. There are dozens things that can happen in a day (from subtle to very violent) that remind you that you are not welcome, you are not home and there's no protection for you.



So when some characters (who have been through war, famine, a holocaust, abuse, xenophobia) express a desire to go to Israel, it's because the need to find some refuge. And the film makes it clear that eventually people found refuge in America as well. It's not trying to say "Israel was the only way".



It's more of an observation of that time, than propaganda.









Edited at 2025-01-18 04:08 pm (UTC)

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That, and the fact that the Nazis went after Weimer Republic/Bauhaus folks in particular because Hitler had a particular hard-on for what he called "degenerate art and architecture" and a lot of them left for safer passage in different hotspots; some went to Paris, some like Moholy-Nagy and Van Der Rohe ended up in Chicago, while others like Man Ray and Laszlo Toth ended up on the east coast. It's very much a turn of the century immigrant story where the protagonist is seeking a home and a place of belonging; to say it's Zionist is a big ass reach and I can't help but think not-so-charitable reasons why someone would come to that conclusion.

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thank you for the thoughtful reply!

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i really hate the flattening of context in the world right now where a character in a movie can't even say the word "israel" without the whole movie getting written off as zionist

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Id be happy if Wicked takes Best Picture. A big, entertaining, colourful movie that did amazingly at the box office, especially with it being a musical (and a girly film)

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I don't like "voters"

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As an American I can agree

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-Voters are praising Jamie Lee Curtis' charisma. "After securing SAG and BAFTA nominations, Curtis is well-positioned for her second Oscar nod," Variety said.



not again

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lol she made SAG and BAFTA so it may very well happen. Nuts

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Maybe unpopular opinion (and maybe its because I am old) I do not understand why so many want Challengers to make Best Picture and I will not be upset if it doesnt. I think it deserves to be considered for tech nominations but I just do not get the love for the film itself.

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Yeah, it was fun and entertaining. But I wasnt exactly wowed.

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It is a technically innovative film but it's not a good movie at all!

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I just feel like a good movie or a project considered original or interesting in the sea of stale releases doesn't always need to be nominated for anything and Challengers is a good example of that.

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All the characters were just whiny and annoying to me, so I didn't really care about them. I kept going on my phone during the movie and felt like it was so long.

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These voters need to master the art of multitasking: watch the movie and play Subway Surfer, simple as that! And they better sit down to watch Im Still Here, or else!

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Or take up knitting and bring their WIP with them to the theater. I do it all the time if I know Im not gonna want popcorn!

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So disrespectful to not watch/finish watching one of the front-runners to be honest. I hate hearing that every year, though usually it's about animated feature or foreign films (which is still terrible!). Crazy they're not even watching the big ones now.

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Ikr? If you are not gonna watch the nominees, then don't vote.

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Exactly. How can you vote fairly if you dont watch them all???

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Sometimes I wish they'd drop the best animated category because it's clear that they have near zero respect for it (and frankly their fear that an animated movie would steal best picture is unfounded, it's never going to happen) as a medium. Tbh I think if it weren't for Disney they would have by now. I remember when the criticism over their attitude was starting to get vocal and then the next year they had the announcers basically say that all animation is for children so fuck you and fuck this category.

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Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico are some of the U.S. states and territories most affected by climate change, and they have all launched lawsuits against either the U.S. government or oil companies over the last year due to climate change challenges. This month, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected appeals from several oil companies attempting to quash a lawsuit from Hawaii that aims to hold firms accountable for climate change. The oil firms in question say that climate change is a federal issue and should, therefore, not be addressed at the state level. The municipality of Honolulu is now permitted to continue with its lawsuit against several oil firms, including Sunoco, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP and 10 other companies, according to Hawaii state law.

The lawsuit focuses on what the claimants call deceptive marketing and public statements by oil companies. In 2020, the city and county of Honolulu and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply sued oil firms on the grounds that they violated state law for creating a public nuisance and failing to warn the public about the risks posed by their products. The Hawaii Supreme Court approved the lawsuit in 2023 saying that because it does not seek to regulate emissions and does not seek damages for interstate emissions, it does not fall under federal law.

In response to the Supreme Court decision, Ben Sullivan, the executive director and chief resilience officer for the city and county of Honolulus office of climate change, sustainability and resiliency, stated, This landmark decision upholds our right to enforce Hawaii laws in Hawaii courts, ensuring the protection of Hawaii taxpayers and communities from the immense costs and consequences of the climate crisis caused by the defendants misconduct.

In response, Ryan Meyers, a spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute, said, This ongoing, coordinated campaign to wage meritless lawsuits against companies providing affordable, reliable and cleaner energy is nothing more than a distraction from these important issues and waste of taxpayer resources.

The U.S. Supreme Court has also seen legal action from the oil-rich state of Alaska, which is under severe threat of climate change. In 2024, a group of eight young Alaskans between the ages of 11 and 22 brought a lawsuit against the government claiming a new fossil fuel project violated their state constitutional rights. The lawsuit was filed by the non-profit organisation Our Childrens Trust. The rights in question are the right to protected natural resources for current and future generations and the right to be free from government infringement on life, liberty and property.

State-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation has proposed a $38.7 billion gas export project, which is expected to triple Alaskas greenhouse gas emissions for several decades if approved, according to the lawsuit. The project includes the development of a gas treatment plant on Alaskas North Slope and an 800-mile pipeline and liquefaction plant on the Kenai Peninsula to export LNG to Asia.

The lawsuit states that global warming is negatively affecting Native Alaskan youth by interfering with their natural development, disrupting their cultural traditions and identities, and limiting their access to the natural resources on which they rely. Some of the risks of climate change in the regions in question include climate-induced flooding, rapid permafrost thawing, and severe coastal erosion.

Earlier in 2024, Montanas supreme court upheld a milestone decision in a legal case filed by Our Childrens Trust that required state regulators to consider the climate crisis before approving permits for new oil and gas projects. That case has since been appealed and is waiting for a verdict, pending a court case in July.

Also in 2024, Puerto Rico filed a $1 billion climate lawsuit against oil companies. The lawsuit accuses oil and gas companies of continuing to promote their products using unfair and deceptive trade practices when they knew they would pollute the island and contribute to warming temperatures. The lawsuit says that the firms failed to give warnings about the environmental risks linked with fossil fuel production. Exxon Mobil, BP and Chevron are some of the companies involved in the legal case.

Justice Secretary Domingo Emanuelli Hernandez said when announcing the lawsuit, These companies have known internally for decades that greenhouse gas pollution from fossil fuel products would have adverse impacts on the global climate and sea levels.

Over two dozen U.S. cities, counties, and states are currently seeking compensation for the effects of climate change. Several non-profit organisations and state actors have launched lawsuits to bring awareness to the issue of climate change and accuse fossil fuel companies of directly exacerbating the problem through their actions. Depending on the outcomes of these lawsuits, it could set the precedent for future legal action to be taken at the state, rather than the federal, level.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Marriott International has announced the opening of Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch.

The opening marks the debut of Marriott Executive Apartments in South Africa and the first purpose-built Marriott Hotel in the country. Owned and developed by the Amdec Group, the hotel and apartments are situated in the bustling Melrose Arch Precinct and provide a premium destination for business travelers and a fully serviced extended stay destination.

We are thrilled to open Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch, further strengthening our relationship with the Amdec Group in South Africa. The openings are part of Marriott Internationals commitment to expand our footprint in Africa and deepen our brand portfolio in South Africa. The property is a strong representation of two brands which will deliver tailored services, sophisticated spaces and enriching experiences, said Sandra SchulzePotgieter, Vice President Premium & Select Brands, Marriott International Middle East and Africa.

Commenting on the opening, James Wilson, CEO for the Amdec Group, said: The opening of Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch marks the continuation of a long-standing relationship between Marriott International and the Amdec Group. We are proud to play a part in paving the way for Marriott Internationals expansion into Africa. Melrose Arch is one of three Amdec Group developments to accommodate Marriott branded hotels. The Yacht Club in Cape Town is home to Africas first AC Hotel by Marriott, while Harbour Arch which is currently under construction will house a second 5-star Marriott Hotel along with a Residence Inn.

Marriott Hotels began a worldwide transformation six years ago featuring a new design including locally-inspired accents, open closets and a flexible work surface which allow guests to freely move and use technology however they desire. To celebrate the transformational journey, Marriott Hotels launched the Let Your Mind Travel campaign and led meaningful conversations through a first-of-its-kind partnership with TED.

Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch is the first Marriott Hotel in South Africa to showcase the brands new design touchpoints. The property features 306 guest rooms, including 10 Junior Suites. Each of the spacious rooms are thoughtfully designed with a balance of tailored utility and contemporary style for the traveler who believes that form is just as important as function. Local accents add a sense of place to the sleek aesthetic, while open workspaces allow for flexibility to connect anytime.

Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch is home to spaces that spark brilliance and seamlessly blend work and play with state-of-the-art business facilities, such as the Greatroom  a contemporary space located in the hotel lobby designed for socializing, relaxing and working. Guests can enjoy an elevated experience through the Mobile Guest Services, delivered with the warm and professional service for which the brand is globally renowned.

Access to the M Club Lounge, an exclusive space reserved for Marriott Bonvoy Elite loyalty members and Club paying members, provides complimentary breakfast, evening drinks, hors doeuvres and premium beverages. The M Club Lounge also offers the brands signature Mind Menu, a collection of delicious snacks and beverages infused with active ingredients to enhance the mind and body. Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the M Club Lounge provides free wi-fi, printing and power supplies to ensure uninterrupted productivity for business travelers.

The hotel features two dining venues, Archer Bar and Eatery  a charismatic social space, part bar and part coffee hangout, serving local craft beers, specialty coffee and creative mixology, and Keystone Bistro  a stylish restaurant serving international cuisine with a South African flair. The hotel offers seven meeting rooms, a ballroom, pre-function space including The Green Room for hosting VIP dignitaries and speakers. Other facilities include 24-hour fitness center, outdoor heated swimming pool and pool bar.

On the upper floors of the new build, Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch features 84 fully sized and equipped apartments, ranging from one-, two- and three-bedroom units, for travelers seeking a trusted, longer stay. Personalized service ensures a seamless and sophisticated experience, while local textures and flavors add to the overall ambience.

Marriott International currently operates 61 hotels in South Africa and have 8 hotels in the pipeline.
An unidentified Police Inspector was on Thursday arrested at a hotel in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for aiding some people to paint a fake Police patrol vehicle for use by politicians in Saturdays presidential and National Assembly elections.

It was learnt that two of the vehicles (Volvo V70), which was one of the types procured by the state government for the state Command of the Nigeria Police Force, were brand new cars ostensibly bought for the purpose of aiding electoral fraud.

A source, who was privy to the development, disclosed to The Punch that the Police intercepted the thugs and the policeman at the hotel while they were branding the vehicles.

He said, There was information that some men suspected to be political thugs working for a political party were branding the type of Volvo V70 which the state government donated to the Police.

The rebranding was being done ahead of Saturdays elections. The vehicles already had the siren installed and the Police inscription also on it, as well as the identification numbers.

When the Police got to the hotel, the suspects had already relocated one of the vehicles, while the second vehicle was being branded with the assistance of the Police Inspector.

He (the Inspector) was taken to the Police station and the vehicle was recovered. The Police suspect was taken to the station for investigation and he has made useful statements.

He mentioned some persons who engaged him in the services he was rendering. Investigation is ongoing. The Inspector is serving in one of the intelligence departments in the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Odiko MacDon, said he had yet to be briefed on the development.

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Governor Nyesom Wike says shame on Rotimi Amaechi and other political appointees who are working with President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for what he described as deliberate marginalization of Rivers State in the recent release of N148billion for roads construction across the country.

Wike is angry that his predecessor, Amaechi who is the Minister of Transportation since Buharis first term, and others from the state, working with the current government, could not supposedly protect the interest of Rivers.

While commissioning the new Rivers State Civil Servants Quarters at Amassoma Street in Port Harcourt on Thursday, September 19, 2019, Governor Wike berated the Federal Government for the action he declared that as the most shameful act of deliberate marginalization in a Federation where Rivers State contributes to the financial sustenance of the country. He said:
A Lady Said I Was Sexually Harassing Her Because I Wore Short  Uber Driver

A Nigerian Uber Driver shares one of his escapade with a lady who said he was sexually harassing her because he was wearing a short. Gistvic Reports.





The Man said the Uber hustle comes with a lot of insults.





Uber Driver wrote:

This Uber hustle comes with a lot of insults. I picked a lady up today and she complained about the fact that I was wearing shorts (in my own car oh) she said its sexual harassment and she will report me to Uber. I honestly dont think its a big deal if am wear shorts.





SOURCE: GISTVIC.COM

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By Lars Larson

NW and national radio host,

The Northwest Nonsense

Frankly, Im glad the Supreme court has upheld the ban on the Chinese Communist spy app called TikTok.

The justices call it an espionage tool of China

More than 100 million Americans use this Trojan Horse disguised as social media.

Bytedance, the owner of TikTok then reports all the information it gathers straight back to the Chinese dictatorship.

China wont even allow Tiktok to operate at homeonly here in America where it both gathers information and spreads propaganda.

So, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok to cut its ties to Beijing or get shut down.

Our laws already strictly limit foreign ownership of radio and tv. This should be the same.

The Chinese company then went to the American courts and demanded its First Amendment Freedoms: I know, it sounds crazy.

Our Supreme Court disagreed today, ruling that theres enough concern for American national security to outlaw Chinese ownership: sell it to someone else or shut it

down.

I sincerely hope Shark Tanks Kevin OLeary puts together the deal hes touted to buy the spy app and run it right, as an American.

The deadline arrives Sunday. Feckless Joe Biden is too busy pardoning thousands of convicted criminals so the White House declares it wont enforce the law.

Like every other problem in this great country, its up to Donald Trump to solve it.
Inmate Jacob Castro cuts firebreaks in the hills around Los Angeles. It's hard work, but having been in prison for 29 years, it is a chance for redemption.

"It's the first thing I've done in my life that I'm proud of," Castro told AFP during a short break from work.

He is one of more than 900 inmates working alongside firefighters on containment or operational support in the complicated battle against fires that have ripped through Los Angeles, killing at least two dozen people and destroying homes.

Firefighters say the teams are invaluable -- but not everyone is happy they are there.

Billionaire reality star Kim Kardashian last week lashed out at the scant wages they earn, in a practice some have likened to slavery.

"There are hundreds of incarcerated firefighters, risking their lives to save us," the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star wrote on social media.

"They are on the Palisades fire and Eaton fire in Pasadena working 24 hour shifts. They get paid almost nothing, risk their lives... I see them as heroes."

Inmates who work in firefighting earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, plus an additional $1 per hour when dealing with emergencies, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

The pay is set by legislation that allows prisoners to receive wages well below state minimums.

Liberal California had the opportunity to change this rule in a referendum in November, but voters rejected the proposal.

The practice is popular with inmates, who told AFP they see it as a chance to help society -- as well as to shave time off their sentences.

"I love doing this, helping the community by making up for the bad decisions I made in life," said Castro, who has a coveted spot in one of the fire training camps operated by the CDCR.

"It's a chance to redeem myself."

The inmate crews are distinguished only by their orange uniforms.

Deployed to perform manual labor, they can work shifts of up to 24 hours, just like firefighters.

They clear vegetation with axes, chainsaws and shovels, climbing up and down steep hills, removing dry fuels that spread the flames.

"This is definitely some of the hardest work I've done," said Maurice Griffin, who has already been in the service for three seasons.

"It really has made a difference in my life.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to not be in prison and be out changing lives and saving lives."

For Santana Felix Nolasco, 28, the skills and the discipline he has learned have been invaluable.

"It's a big opportunity for every single one of us here," he said. "They give us a second chance for those that actually really want to change," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

The inmates are among thousands of firefighters from all over the United States, as well as from Mexico, who have been fighting the flames that forced tens of thousands of people from their homes and scorched 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares).

"These guys put a lot of hard work in," said Captain Joseph Cruz, who oversees a team working in the Palisades fire zone. "It's a huge contribution."

Firefighters and prisoners talk, laugh, eat and work together.

It's a "life-changing experience for me," said Nolasco, who wants to change his orange prisoner's uniform for the yellow uniform of the California firefighters when he gets out.

Cruz says seeing the positive effect on the men in his charge is "very rewarding."

"The goal is to get a change of behavior, change of lifestyle, change of previous habits that unfortunately landed in them there in the first place," he said.

"If I retired today, and I knew that I had a couple of guys that were able to get career paths after it, after leaving here... I would be happy.

"It's a great thing, and that's what I do it for."
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The size of the Antarctic ice sheet can be hard to comprehend. Two kilometers thick on average and covering nearly twice the area of Australia, the ice sheet holds enough freshwater to raise global sea levels by 58 meters.

Ice loss from this sheet is projected to be the leading driver of sea level rise by 2100, yet its contribution remains highly uncertain. While sea levels are certain to rise this century, projections of the contribution from Antarctic ice vary from a 44 cm rise to a 22 cm fall.

Much of this uncertainty is because the ocean processes that control the fate of the sheet occur on an incredibly small scale and are very difficult to measure and model.

But recently scientists have made significant progress in understanding this "ice-ocean boundary layer." This progress is the subject of our new review paper, published today in Annual Reviews.

Shrinking, thinning and retreating

At the margins of the Antarctic ice sheet, glaciers flow into the Southern Ocean, forming floating ice shelves. These ice shelves act as keystones, stabilizing the ice sheet. They're also shrinking.

The ocean melts ice shelves from belowa process known as "basal melting." Increased basal melting has led to the thinning and retreat of the ice sheet in some regions, raising global sea levels.

It has also slowed the deepest current in the global overturning circulation, a system of ocean currents that circulates water around the globe.

Like the glaciers that feed them, ice shelves are immense. Yet the ocean processes that control basal melting, and the fate of the entire Antarctic ice sheet, occur on the scale of millimeters. They happen in a thin layer of ocean, just beneath the ice.

The boundary layer between the ice shelf and the ocean is cold, miles from anywhere, and beneath very thick ice, so it's no wonder it has hardly been measured at all.

Studying this layer with other techniques such as computer simulations is also a huge challenge. Until recently, the tiny motions within the ice-ocean boundary layer put accurate modeling of ice melt out of reach.

These twin challenges have long stymied efforts to answer the deceptively simple question: "How does the ocean melt Antarctic ice shelves?"

Modeling the micro-scale

Computer simulations of ocean processes aren't new.

But only recently have simulations of the ice-ocean boundary layer become feasible, as computing resources grow and the cost of using them shrinks.

Several research groups around the world have taken on this problem, modeling the micro-scale ocean flow that supplies heat to the ice for melting.

Researchers are looking for a relationship between what the ocean is doing, and how quickly the ice melts. So far, they've uncovered not just one relationship but several, each indicating a different melt "regime." Ocean conditions (temperature, salt content and the speed of ocean currents) and the shape of the ice determine which melting regime applies.

Ice sheet shape is key because meltwater is fresh and lighter than the surrounding ocean. Like hot air collecting at the top of a room, fresh, cold meltwater collects in hollows in the lower surface of the ice sheet, insulating the ice from the ocean water below and slowing melting.

For steeply sloping ice, the insulating effect is much less. The energetic flow of meltwater as it rises under steep ice leads to mixing with the warmer ocean waters. This increases melting.

Fast ocean currents have a similar effect, as they transfer heat to the ice.

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Sonar-fitted robots

Recently, ocean robots, including autonomous underwater vehicles and tethered probes deployed by drilling through the ice, have provided unprecedented amounts of data on the environment beneath ice shelves.

Using sonar and cameras, these robots have revealed a weird and wonderful "icescape" on the underside of ice shelves.

This icescape is made of many different ice features, ranging from centimeters to kilometers in size. Some, like steep-sided crevasses, are formed by ice fracturing. Others, like dimpled depressions in the ice (often called "scallops"), stair-like "terraces," mussel-shaped "scoops," and larger basal channels, are thought to be formed by melt processes.

Our new knowledge of melting from computer simulations and robots sheds light on these features and how they form. The existence of melt regimes helps explain the evolution of steep-sided terraces, or why different features appear in distinct parts of an ice shelf.

For instance, in the warm, calm eastern part of the Dotson ice shelf in west Antarctica, an autonomous robot observed basal terraces. In the west of Dotsonwhich experiences cold, fast currentslarge mussel-shaped scoops were discovered.

Uncertainties remain

Exactly how some of these features form is still unknown.

New simulations that allow the ice-water boundary to move in time show the "self-sculpting" behavior of ice melt. This is similar to how dunes form and move in a desert.

However, new computer models are needed to simulate the formation and evolution of the whole icescape.

Some of the recent advances highlighted here are helping to reduce the uncertainty in our understanding of the contribution of the Antarctic ice sheet to global sea level rise.

However, incorporating our new understanding of basal melt, and the dynamic icescape it forms, into climate and ice sheet models still presents a huge challenge.

Overcoming this challenge is urgent. Accurate representation of melt in climate and ice sheet models will reduce the deep uncertainty in sea level rise projections, especially as ocean conditionsand ice shelf melt regimesshift into the future.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing at rates that are incompatible with staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of global warming, a Met Office study warns.

Concentrations of the key greenhouse gas rose at their fastest annual levels in 2024 in the long-running record of measurements taken at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, stretching back to 1958, and exceeding Met Office predictions for the year.

The rise of 3.58 parts per million (ppm) recorded at Mauna Loa was above the predicted 2.84ppm from Britain's Met Office, while satellite measurements also showed large rises worldwide.

The Met Office said the increase was due to record high emissions from fossil fuel burning, natural "sinks" such as tropical forests capturing less carbon, and wildfires.

The reduction in carbon absorbed by forests and the wildfires were driven by hot conditions linked to the El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific, which pushes up global temperatures, and climate change.

The Met Office, which has produced forecasts for carbon dioxide since 2016, predicts rises between 2024 and 2025 will be less extreme than last year, at around 2.26ppm.

But even this slower rise will be too fast to stay on track for pathways laid out by the U.N.'s climate body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that see temperatures remain below 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming from preindustrial levels with no or little overshoot, the Met Office warned.

The IPCC also has pathways that see temperatures overshooting 1.5 degrees Celsius temporarily for a few decades before returning below the threshold by the end of this century.

But they will require greater reliance on technologies or approaches, such as planting more forests that reduce the overall level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Pursuing efforts to prevent the world warming more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures is one of the key commitments of the global Paris treaty that countries agreed to in 2015, in a bid to avert the most dangerous impacts of climate change.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat, and higher levels of the gas trap more heat, pushing up global temperatures over time, which causes worsening impacts including sea level rises, more extreme droughts, storms, floods and harm to wildlife and critical natural systems.

If global warming is to be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere needs to already be slowing to a rise of 1.8ppm per year this decade, before halting and starting to decline, according to IPCC calculations, the Met Office said.

But increases are averaging around 2.5ppm so far this decade, the Met Office's Professor Richard Betts, who leads the production of the forecast, said.

"Last week, it was confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with annual average temperatures higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels for the first time," he said.

"While this does not represent a failure to achieve the Paris Agreement target, as that would require breaching warming 1.5 degrees Celsius over a longer period and we may see a slightly cooler year in 2025, the long-term warming trend will continue because carbon dioxide is still building up in the atmosphere."

He said that a switch from El Nino to its opposite, La Ninawhich creates cooler, wetter conditions, particularly in the tropicswould mean forests and other natural systems soak up more carbon than last year, temporarily slowing the rise in levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

"However, stopping global warming needs the buildup 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 1.5 degrees Celsiusbut this needs urgent action internationally," he said.

2025 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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The photo provided by the University of Alberta Meteorite Collection shows fragments collected from a meteorite which fell in front of a resident's home in Marshfield, P.E.I., Canada, in July 2024. Credit: University of Alberta Meteorite Collection/The Canadian Press via AP

A doorbell camera on a Canadian home captured rare video and sound of a meteorite striking Earth as it crashed into a couple's walkway.

When Laura Kelly and her partner returned home after an evening walk in July, they were surprised to find their walkway littered with dust and strange debris, according to the Meteoritical Society, which posted the video with its report.

They checked their security camera and saw something slamming against their entranceway, producing a cloud of smoke and a crackle.

The pair reported what they found to the University of Alberta's Meteorite Reporting System and the curator, Chris Herd, examined samples of the debris to confirm its interstellar origins.

Credit: University of Alberta

Meteorites are bits of space rock that hit Earth after surviving a trip through its scorching atmosphere. About 48 tons (43,500 kilograms) of similar debris strikes Earth every day, according to NASA, but is much more likely to plunge into an ocean than onto someone's front stoop.

The space rocks also streak the night sky as shooting stars during meteor showers which happen several times a year.

The footage is believed to be a first. While cameras have captured meteors streaking through the sky, it's rare to capture the sound of a complete meteorite strike on video.

The space rock, officially registered Monday, was named Charlottetown after the city on Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada where it struck.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Environmental Science and Ecotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2025.100525

A team of chemical, industrial and biotechnical engineers affiliated with several institutions in China has developed a dual-reactor system that can be used to convert CO 2 to a consumable single-cell protein. In their paper published in the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, the group describes how they designed, built and tested their dual reactor system and its possible uses.

Scientists note two major impediments to the continued practical existence of mankind: climate change and food production. In this new effort, the team in China developed a dual-reactor system that tackles both problems at onceit uses carbon dioxide in the air to produce a type of protein that can be consumed as food.

The new system has two stages. The first uses microbial electrosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into acetate, which then serves as an intermediary. The second stage involves feeding the acetate produced in the first stage into a reactor, where it is mixed with aerobic bacteria, which uses the acetate to produce a single-cell protein.

The system, the researchers note, was found to be quite efficient at 17.4 g/L of dry cell weight. They also note that the process created a product with a protein concentration of 74%, which they note is higher than both soybean and fish meal. They also note that the protein produced could be used for both animal feed and human consumption.

The researchers also point out that their dual-reactor system requires very little pH adjusting as it runs, easing the process and reducing costsit also produces less wastewater than other protein production methods, which makes it both cleaner and cheaper to run due to minimal cleanup costs. Together these factors, they suggest, make their system more sustainable.

The researchers note that their new system could have a major impact on the future because it provides a way to create food for a growing global population while also reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They conclude by noting that the protein produced by the system is highly nutritious for both humans and animals.

More information: Zeyan Pan et al, Single-Cell Protein Production from CO 2 and Electricity with A Recirculating Anaerobic-Aerobic Bioprocess, Environmental Science and Ecotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2025.100525

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Estimation of external treatments placement by multispectral imaging, with examples of interpolation of multi-technique study. Credit: PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315188

In 333 BCE, near the small Pinarus River along the modern-day borders of Turkey and Syria, a fierce battle took place between the forces of Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius III. Here, in the Battle of Issus, Alexander's army of 75,000 Greeks faced Darius' vastly superior force of approximately 600,000 Persian troops.

These ancient written sourced troop numbers are likely greatly exaggerated as more modern accounting of the battle puts the numbers much lower, but it is how the story was told for the better part of 2,300 years.

The victory marked a pivotal accomplishment in Alexander's campaign, cementing his reputation as one of history's greatest military commanders. Approximately 200 years after the Battle of Issus, the Alexander Mosaic was created for the floor of the House of the Faun in Pompeii, either in admiration and commemoration of the historical event or just in keeping with the Roman style of adapting Greek art as part of elite decor. It is now housed in the Museo Nazionale Archeologico in Naples (MANN), Italy.

Likely a Roman copy of an earlier (~300 BCE) Hellenistic painting by Philoxenus of Eretria, the mosaic is a scene of chaos, terror, and victory. It portrays a climactic moment in which Alexander is leading a final charge. With his spear piercing a Persian defender, Alexander stares down a desperate Darius III, whose charioteer is commanding the horses into a full retreat.

The Alexander Mosaic (MANN, Naples, Italy) and in situ analyses. Credit: PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315188

Measuring 5.82 x 3.13 meters and composed of over 1.9 million individual tiles, none larger than 4 mm, the mosaic was constructed using the opus vermiculatum technique, creating a highly detailed representation. Given its intricate craftsmanship, ancient age, and prompted by conservation needs, researchers from the University of Naples Federico II, in collaboration with MANN, have employed non-invasive techniques to investigate the mosaic.

In the study "From tiny to immense: Geological spotlight on the Alexander Mosaic (National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy) using non-invasive in situ analyses," published in PLOS ONE, researchers used non-destructive analytical methods to assess the mosaic's state of preservation, investigate its construction materials, and hypothesize about the geological origins of its tiles. The study's findings detail the mosaic's intricate composition and susceptibility to degradation while offering evidence-based data for restoration.

Multispectral imaging illuminated the artwork by capturing reflected and luminescent images across 64 areas, uncovering the intricate colors of the tiles, signs of surface degradation, and evidence of past treatments. Portable X-ray fluorescence provided a closer look at the mosaic's chemistry, with 144 precise point analyses mapping the elemental composition of tiles.

Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy were employed to understand the mineral content for identifying the materials used. Infrared thermography offered a thermal perspective, scanning six key sections to detect temperature anomalies that hinted at underlying conservation challenges.

Representative OM images of colored tesserae. Credit: PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315188

Optical microscopy zoomed in further, capturing detailed imagery of tiles and the mortar binding them together. Finally, an endoscopic examination allowed researchers to venture behind the mosaic's surface, revealing the structural features and materials introduced during past restoration efforts.

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Surfaces showed evidence of gypsum, wax coatings, and calcium oxalate traces. Wax was most likely applied during 19th-century restorations, and gypsum was possibly transferred from protective layers used during transport in the 1843 relocation to MANN. Multispectral imaging highlighted additional surface materials, including organic coatings, while infrared thermography detected areas of thermal instability unrelated to previously treated sections.

Tiles were grouped into four categories based on differing compositions chosen for color. Carbonate-based tiles (white, pink, red, yellow, green, light blue) were likely sourced from Italian and Mediterranean marbles such as Marmor Lunensis and Marmor Numidicum.

Silicate-based (black, gray, green) tiles were potentially derived from volcanic or metamorphic rocks. Intermediate/vitreous material (yellow, green, brown, red), including some with glass compositions. Black and red tiles containing elevated levels of Fe and Mn may have been sourced from Roman-era black stones like Nero Antico.

Backside endoscopic inspections revealed voids and evidence of past adhesive applications. Thermal imaging indicated deformations and mortar instability, giving conservation artists insights needed for successful structural reinforcement in future restoration efforts. Additional analyses of mortar samples and imaging are planned to complement these findings.

More information: Giuseppina Balassone et al, From tiny to immense: Geological spotlight on the Alexander Mosaic (National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy) using non-invasive in situ analyses, PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315188 Journal information: PLoS ONE

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Touching the Arc of Spacetaken at the Paranal Observatory. The dark skies above ESOs Paranal Observatory, home to ESOs Very Large Telescope (VLT), yield breathtaking views so clear and so full of stars that you could almost touch them. Standing atop a platform at VLT, ESO Photo Ambassador Petr Horalek reaches towards a standout object in the sky. You may assume this bright body, like many others in the sky, to be a star, but it is in fact a planet in our solar system: the gas giant Jupiter. Closer to Earth, the four Unit Telescopes (UTs) that comprise the VLT can be seen in the background. Credit: ESO / P. Horalek

Astronomers have been battling threats to their clear skies on all fronts lately. One of the most notable battles, which we have reported on repeatedly, is the one against Starlink and other mega-constellations of satellites, which, while they offer high-speed internet in the most far-flung places, also disrupt observations by sensitive telescopes due to their reflectivity and fast movement speed.

They also pose a global problem, whereas a more down-to-earth issue is cropping up at one very special observatory. A vast industrial plant threatens the European Southern Observatory's Paranal telescope planned only a few kilometers from the site.

The ESO recently released a statement calling on the government of Chile, where Paranal is located, to consider moving the project elsewhere. Currently, AES Andes, a subsidiary of AES Corporation, an American power utility, recently submitted a proposal for an environmental review of a 3,000-hectare industrial area that includes hydrogen and ammonium factories, electricity-generating machinery, and, importantly, a lot of lights.

Lights are part and parcel of any large industrial project, but they pose a particular threat to Paranal. In a recent study, it was found to be the observational site with the least amount of light pollution. Any significant increase to that baseline over only about 0.1% of the generic background level could have a massive negative impact on the capabilities of the telescope located there.

Levels of light pollution at observatories around the world. Credit: ESO, modified from Falchi et al

That telescope has been an essential part of the astronomical community and contributed to research such as the Nobel Prize-winning 2020 studies into the Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. It also represents billions of dollars of investment from the European Southern Observatory member states.

When thinking about natural resources, a clear sky might not come to someone's mind, but it certainly is for Chile. In addition to Paranal, two other Chilean observatories are in the top three least light-polluted major astronomical observatoriesArmazones and Tokyo Atacama. It also has four more in the top 15, making it one of the best contributors in the world to this type of astronomy.

That contribution is planned to grow with the ESO's ongoing development of the Extremely Large Telescope not far from the Paranal site. While the light pollution from the planned industrial facility might not reach as far as what will be the biggest telescope of its kind in the world, any precedent by the Chilean government to approve projects that would undercut investment by ESO and other astronomical bodies would be detrimental to the long-term outlook of observations in the country.

The night sky over Paranal. Credit: ESO YouTube Channel

Since the AES Andes proposal is still in the environmental impact assessment phase, it's still early enough to provide feedback for a potential alternative. ESO's letter shows support for the project in concept but suggests moving it to a different location so as not to negatively affect the telescope. Whether or not that is feasible and whether or not the Chilean government will support it at all remains to be seen. But this threat to one of the world's great observatories shouldn't be ignored.
Chinese mainland to resume group tour services to Taiwan for Fujian, Shanghai residents

Xinhua) 10:07, January 18, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
The US Trade Representative said Thursday that its probe into China's practices in the shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors found that Beijing's undermining of fair competition warranted "urgent action."

The conclusion comes after the USTR launched an investigation last year, responding to a petition by five unions.

"Beijing's targeted dominance of these sectors undermines fair, market-oriented competition, increases economic security risks, and is the greatest barrier to revitalization of US industries," USTR Katherine Tai said in a statement.

Tai added that the findings, under Section 301 of the Trade Act, "set the stage for urgent action to invest in America and strengthen our supply chains."

Beijing's commerce ministry hit back Friday, saying it was "strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes" the probe, adding that its conclusions were "full of false accusations against China."

A Section 301 investigation was a key tool President-elect Donald Trump's first administration used to justify tariff hikes on Chinese goods.

Tai said Thursday that the United States builds fewer than five ships each year -- a sharp decline from in the 1970s -- while China builds more than 1,700.

The USTR investigation found China's efforts to dominate the sector "unreasonable" as they displace foreign firms and create dependencies on the world's second biggest economy.

The USTR added that Beijing also has "extraordinary control over its economic actors and these sectors."

In its Friday response, Beijing's commerce ministry said that "historically, the decline of the US shipbuilding industry has had nothing to do with China."

"China's shipping market has always been open to the world and has never adopted discriminatory policies against foreign ships and foreign companies," it said in a statement.

It added that "China's industrial policy is mainly guiding rather than mandatory and treats Chinese and foreign companies equally."

"The US 301 investigation is based on domestic political needs and the aim to suppress China's development," it said.

A decision on what actions to take would be considered in the next stage of the US probe.

On Thursday, Alliance for American Manufacturing president Scott Paul applauded the pursuit of the investigation.

"Failing to take decisive action will leave our shipbuilding capabilities at the mercy of Beijing's persistent predatory market distortions," Paul said.
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Destroyed homes from the Palisades Fire are visible on Jan. 15, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File

Two wildfires still burning in Los Angeles have torched more urban area than any other fire in the state since at least the mid-1980s, an Associated Press analysis shows.

The Eaton and Palisades fires that erupted last week have collectively burned almost 4 square miles of highly dense parts of Los Angeles, more than double the urban acreage consumed by the region's Woolsey Fire in 2018, according to the AP's analysis of data from the Silvis Lab at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Experts say several factors could lead to wildfires reaching cities more often. Urban areas continue to sprawl into wildland. Climate change is raising global temperatures that lead to more severe weather, including droughts, especially in the western United States.

"If these conditions get worse or more frequent in the future, it wouldn't be surprising, in my opinion, if there were more events that threaten densely populated places," said Franz Schug, a researcher studying the boundaries between the wildland and urban areas at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Eaton and Palisades fires' rampage through Los Angeles has killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and put more than 80,000 under evacuation orders. The fires are likely to be among the most destructive in California history, according to the state agency CalFire.

A small fire burns on the ruins of a house after it was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File

The Woolsey Fire eventually grew to about twice the current size of the Eaton and Palisades fires but most of the area it burned was uninhabitated.

Silvis, and AP, defined urban areas as those that are "high density," where the land has at least 3 housing units for every acre, calculated with U.S. Census data.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned about 3.3 square miles of the downtown area of the city, according to the Chicago Architecture Center. San Francisco's Great Fire of 1906 destroyed 4 square miles of the city, according to the Museum of the City of San Francisco.

Besides burning the most urban area, the Eaton and Palisades fires are the largest ever for California in January. Alexandra Syphard, a senior research scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute, said their timing and path through the city "may have no precedent in history."

Kenneth Snowden, left, surveys the damage to his fire-ravaged property with his brother Ronnie in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Jan. 10, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File

Authorities haven't determined a cause for the major blazes in California. But experts have noted the extreme weather that created more favorable conditions: heavy rains that drove vegetation growth, then extreme drought that turned much of that vegetation into good fire fuel. Scientists say such extreme weather events are a hallmark of climate change.

Then there's the human element.

Across California, about 1.4 million homes were built in areas where residential areas and vegetation intermingle between 1990 and 2020, a 40% increase, the Silvis Lab found.

Fires that begin close to populated areas are often caused by people, and their proximity to people means they are usually extinguished sooner. As David Helmers, a data scientist and geographer at the Silvis Lab, put it, "Humans tend to ignite fires, but they also fight fires."

Trees sway in high winds as the Eaton Fire burns structures Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File

Smoke lingers over a neighborhood devastated by the Eaton Fire, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher, File

But that wasn't the case with the Eaton and Palisades fires, which were whipped by fierce Santa Ana winds to overwhelm fire crews.

The 2017 Tubbs Fire in northern California's wine country came under similar high winds. That blaze, sparked by a residential electrical system, tore through suburban areas of Santa Rosa, killing 22 people and destroying more than 5,600 homes, businesses and other structures. Overnight, the rubble of the Coffey Park neighborhood became a symbol for how quickly a wildfire can reach a populated area.

Some 53 years prior, another firethe Hanly Fireburned through almost the exact same area. Winds helped it spread with furious speed. But with little development at the time, nobody died and only 100 homes were lost.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Reconstruction of Tameryraptor markgrafi. Credit: Joshua Knuppe

This week, scientists with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute reported that a key current, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, has not declined over the last 60 years. An international team of geneticists found evidence of Iron Age social and political empowerment of women. And quantum engineers demonstrated a famous cat-related thought experiment in a silicon chip. Additionally, astronomers speculated on neutron star land forms, paleontologists reported a previously unknown Cretaceous-era predator and a tech start-up is building a living seawall in Florida:

Topology dense

Massive supergiant stars collapse into neutron stars composed entirely of neutrons, supported against further gravitational collapse by neutron degeneracy pressure. They are 1 trillion times denser than lead and once they form, no longer produce heat and ultimately cool over time. Astronomers have fun speculating on the weight of tiny amounts of neutron star material, like "one dishwasher soap receptacle full of neutron star material would weigh about 15 billion tons."

Though the surface features of neutron stars are unknown, based on the formation of mountains on planets and moons, researchers have long theorized that neutron stars likely have mountains, or in the plain language of the ordinary working man, "nonaxisymmetric deformations." These mountains would be so massive that they would radiate gravity waves.

A new study by nuclear physicists at Indiana University considers possible features of neutron star mountains that could be analogous to terrain on Europa, Enceladus and other known solar system bodies. Mercury, for example, has thin sheets of crust over a large metallic core, and the mountainous deformations that occur in thin sheets, observed on the planet, could be universal. The researchers propose that these types of features could be inferred by studying the continuous gravitational wave signals of neutron stars; the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory is now searching for the gravitational ripples created by neutron star mountains.

New guy discovered

In a remarkable feat of archival scholarship, a group of paleontologists identified a previously unknown species of predatory dinosaur from the Cretaceous period from photographs of Egyptian fossils that were destroyed during World War II. They were excavated in 1914 in the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt and sent to paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach in Munich. The fossils were destroyed with others when the storage site was hit by an allied air raid, and the finds were forgotten.

But a master's student at LMU Munchen recently found archived photos of the fossil showing the skull, spine and hind limbs as they appeared in an exhibition. Paleontologists analyzed the photo and determined that the remains were an undocumented Cretaceous species. Called Tameryraptor, the dinosaur was 10 meters long and featured a prominent nasal horn.

Maximilian Kellermann, first author of the corresponding paper, says, "What we saw in the historical images surprised us all. The Egyptian dinosaur fossil depicted there differs significantly from more recent Carcharodontosaurus finds in Morocco. Stromer's original classification was thus incorrect. We identified a completely different, previously unknown predatory dinosaur species here and named it Tameryraptor markgrafi."

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Wall clever

Sea walls along coastlines are becoming essential for climate resilience as climate change melts ice caps and raises sea levels globally. In Florida, where salt water has started infiltrating freshwater in the ground and beach erosion threatens buildings, contractors are now building the next generation of ecology-minded sea wall, and its fabrication is as advanced as its design. The company KindDesigns uses additive manufacturing equipment to 3D-print sections of the wall at a site near Miami Beach.

An example of bio-inspired design, the wall is fabricated with raised areas inspired by mangrove roots, providing crevices for marine life to thrive, and which absorb some of the impact of storm surges and waves. Additionally, these benefits don't come at a higher costthe expense of fabricating and building the wall is equivalent to conventional sea walls, according to the developers.

 2025 Science X Network
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Michigan State University

The sun, a searing hot sphere of gas primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, boasts surface and outer atmospheric temperatures ranging from 10,000 to 3.6 million degrees Fahrenheit on its surface and its atmosphere's outermost layer. This intense heat causes the sun to continuously emit a stream of plasma, made up of charged subatomic particlesmainly protons and electrons. These particles, possessing significant energy, escape the sun's gravitational pull and drift into space as solar wind. Understanding how charged particles interact with other transient eruptions of energy from the sun can help scientists study cosmic rays emitted in supernova explosions.

Thomas Do, an astronomy graduate student at Michigan State University, published a paper predicting how particles accelerate under a wider net of circumstances than previous models. His model could be applied to solar storms that impact technology in space.

Do started working on charged particles three years ago during an undergraduate research project at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Massachusetts. His research aimed to illuminate how charged particles accelerate when they're swept along by powerful ejections of mass from the sun. Those explosions are called coronal mass ejections, and when they're fast enough, they can create shock waves.

"As they fly out from the sun, they interact with charged particles along the way. During those interactions, particles gain energy from the shock wave," Do said.

As the particles gain energy, they hurtle faster and faster into space and toward Earth. Sometimes, particles gain so much speed that they catapult past the crest of the shock wave, escaping from behind it and into the cosmos.

To understand how charged particles escape, Do expanded on a model developed in 2021 by Federico Fraschetti, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics. Fraschetti and Do's updated model predicts how particles accelerate and escape under a wider range of energies than previous models. In particular, their model accounts for the escape from the accelerating region of particles over a range of higher and lower energies. That's important, Fraschetti said, because previously only high-energy particles were thought to break free from riding a shock wave.

The previous model scientists used to make predictions about charged particlesdeveloped around 50 years agodidn't include low-energy particles. Using multiple energy levels in their updated model, the team created a set of equations that predict how particles accelerate over time and how many particles escape at each energy level.

"We're trying to allow for more particles to escape because we believe that's more physically realistic," Do said.

After expanding the model, he and Fraschetti wanted to compare it to an actual solar event.

They knew it was only a matter of time before they would have a chance, Fraschetti said. That's because the sun reaches its solar maximum when solar activity is at its highest in its 11-year cycle. During a solar maximum, the massive explosions needed to generate shock waves are more frequent and more intense.

The team didn't have to wait long for such an event. On Sept. 5, 2022, the sun spat a huge wad of energy into space just as NASA's Parker Solar Probe took one of its closest dives toward the star. The probe recorded data such as particle speed and temperature as the explosion's shock wave smashed into it.

"We were so lucky in September 2022 to see the very beginning of this process," Fraschetti said. "This is one of the events that Parker Solar Probe was designed to measure."

They found that their model's prediction matched what the Parker Solar Probe reported: particle acceleration and escape across a range of energy levels. The probe was very close to the sunfor scale, if the Earth and sun were a meter apart, the probe would only have been about 7 centimeters away. That proximity meant that the particles it passed had recently crossed paths with the shock wave, so the team could see data on particles that hadn't gained much speed yet.

"The model showed an excellent agreement with the data and confirmed that our physical expectation of what happens to young shock waves close to the sun is correct," Fraschetti said. "We had never tested this expectation, and it did not have to be this way."

"This model can be used in other areas of space research that involve charged particles," Do said.

More information: Thomas M. Do et al, Time-dependent Acceleration and Escape of Charged Particles at Traveling Shocks in the Near-Sun Environment, The Astrophysical Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad93b2 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal
Lamar High School students wear clear backpacks after school ends, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Families at Houston ISDs Sharpstown International School begged for security upgrades after around 200 parents waited anxiously to pick up their children during a lockdown Sept. 13.

Although the lockdown was incited by a false report of a gun on campus, Sharpstowns Parent-Teacher Organization rekindled calls for metal detectors at the school of around 1,300 secondary students in southwest Houston. After facing a semester of increased school threats and confiscated weapons, HISD Police Chief Shamara Garner announced plans to install weapons detection systems at every high school by May.

I know a lot of times, parents just didnt send their kids to school because they were scared for their safety, PTO member Ana Gonzales said. Were glad were getting this, because I know a lot of parents are going to be happy about it.

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Families leave Sharpstown International School, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

More than 10 guns have been confiscated at HISD schools this academic year amid a widespread rise in school threats, putting the district on track to exceed previous levels, Garner said in December. Seven students were arrested and charged in September in connection to threats.

HISD announced it would begin limiting entrances at high schools in early January and introduce the first weapons detection systems at Lamar High School, which enrolls around 3,100 students in River Oaks. The school will reduce the number of entries from five to two, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Monday.

Student feedback

Students at Lamar and three other high schools that faced recent safety incidents were mostly neutral or supportive of the security upgrades. Most students said they already felt safe at school, while some worried about delays and other potential drawbacks.

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"I believe it'll lead to more positive outcomes and help students feel safer," Lamar student Yasmin Bensahraoui said Wednesday. "Me, personally, my safety has been in question, with other people bringing in weapons. So I believe that it will lead to a safer environment. And if it is done correctly and efficiently, I don't have a problem with it, and I'm in full support of anything for school to be safer."

Students were subject to metal detector wands on and off throughout the academic year after threats occurred, Bensahraoui said. She ended up missing first period a couple of times after wands, but she noted this upcoming system seems like it will be more efficient.

Sophomore Brandon Wade said that administrators could ensure the line does not get backed up near the front of school as it did with the wands, which can create a hazard.

Lamar High School students are seen after school ends, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

"I feel like it's necessary for the safety of the children and stuff," cheer team member Samantha Milligan said of the new system. "But I also feel like I really don't want to do it. Like standing in that big line, and the first time we did it (scanned with wands)  I mean, I waited like two hours to get inside the school, missed half my first period. It was crazy and stuff. But for the safety for everyone... I feel like it's necessary."

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Some Bellaire High School parents called for increased safety measures earlier this academic year after two notices of weapons on campus occurred in the same week.

Bellaire sophomore Jennifer Navarrete was not familiar with the planned installation of metal detectors but said she thinks it will make her feel safer and that some people come to school carrying a weapon, referencing a recent incident at another high school. Freshman Alaya Gaj felt similarly that the upcoming system would improve safety for the around 3,100 students.

Avery Tanzil, a Bellaire junior, said he thought the upcoming system was a good idea. He noted a shooting in the past when his sister attended the school and its effect on the community.

Limited effectiveness

Around 6% of high schools nationwide  including nearby Aldine ISD  have implemented weapons detection systems, while Conroe ISD is currently weighing plans to introduce the technology. But research on their effectiveness has been decidedly mixed, said Nikita Ermolaev, a researcher for weapons and surveillance technology trade publication IVPM.

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Weapons detection systems can often be set to different sensitivity levels, with the potential to either overlook smaller weapons or trigger false alarms more often, Ermolaev said.

There's not a lot of concrete scientific proof that implementing these is going to reduce the number of weapons that are brought into schools, Ermolaev said. (If they are set) extremely sensitive in a way that will detect even a smaller knife, I think we can all agree that this will increase security of a school because less weapons are going to be brought to school. But it comes with a significant disadvantage of creating this unwelcoming environment. So these schools  have to kind of juggle between security and student experience.

The efficacy of a system depends heavily on trained and experienced staff and preventing alarm fatigue, which may cause staffers to eventually assume every flagged item is a false alarm, Ermolaev said.

Students will walk through the portable OpenGate systems without removing their bags but hand laptops and other devices to nearby staff. If the light at the top of the system turns red, students will be searched by staff members for further inspection. Two employees will staff each lane, and HISD police will provide assistance if a threat is detected but will not assist in staffing, HISD said in the December announcement.

Garner said the new detectors will not affect officers' staffing or schedules and that school administrators and staff will operate each system.

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Jackie Anderson, president of local teachers' union Houston Federation of Teachers, said it remains unclear whether teachers will operate each entry point but said she supports the new measure over past school safety proposals, such as arming teachers with guns.

"If this is the alternative to that then I'm good, because that's not the teachers job," Anderson said. "This will make for safer working conditions if they are properly manned and whoever is doing it is doing so with fidelity."

Lamar High School students Andreas Javi and Andres Laberne cross Westheimer Road after school ends, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Potential drawbacks

Although Texas-based school safety consultant Jeff Sellers said he generally approves of the use of weapons detection systems in schools, he said the systems can also potentially create bottlenecks, causing delays and new potential safety risks.

Sharpstown juniors Joyce Chen and Loyao Ren said weapons detectors could be a pain to their everyday schedules and said funds could be redirected to much-needed repairs at their campus. Sterling High School freshman Miracle Mitchell was skeptical of the new systems' ability to improve student safety and said the school had already begun scanning students for weapons after a student stabbing in September.

"I really don't care for it, because it just won't be the same," Mitchell said. "They were already wanding us down before and people were still doing stuff."

The district said it would create one lane for every 600 students enrolled and that the new systems were mostly funded through a new Safety and Facilities Enhancement grant. Garner and Miles said that weapons detection systems are not a panacea and will serve as an additional layer to preexisting safety measures.

"They will not replace anything. We'll still remain vigilant as it pertains to See Something, Say Something, our visitor safety protocols, the relationships that students have with either staff or law enforcement," Garner told the Chronicle Thursday. "Weapons detection will be, if nothing else, a deterrent for weapons and contraband being brought on campus."

Still, those truly committed to violence may not be set back by metal detectors or other security measures, said Trevor Fronius, director of the Justice and Prevention Research Center at education research nonprofit WestEd. And while the visual nature of weapons detection systems could provide an impression of increased security, Fronius said it could also unintentionally increase the perceived risk of violence or more negatively impact certain student groups.

The potential downside is significant  both from needing to show up to school earlier as well as the potential emotional toll that it takes on students at the start of the day, when they should be feeling most engaged and welcomed, Fronius said. I think being there with open arms and ensuring that the climate and culture of the school is one that is supportive of students and that encourages active participation in the school community may help buffer those effects.
At the The Sweet Life Confectionery in League City, the recent FDA ban on Red 3 presents a mixed bag. The shop specializes in old fashioned candies and the store depends on outside manufacturers for its product. The Sweet Life Confectionery

The ban on Red 3, a colorant used in certain food products, has some Houston area candy shops asking why it took so long, and others waiting to see how consumers will respond.

Under the new ban issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, food manufacturers have until Jan. 15, 2027, to reformulate products. Drug manufacturers will have until January 2028.

The National Confectioners Association released a statement Thursday in response to the ban.

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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, the statement read. 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 the FDA is the rightful national regulatory decision maker and leader in food safety.

At The Sweet Life Confectionery in League City, the ban presents a mixed bag, said Hope Gensener, an assistant manager at the shop, which opened in the fall and specializes in old fashioned candies.

The independently-owned candy emporium depends on manufacturers for inventory and chances are good, Gensener said, that the now-banned additive will be sprinkled throughout somebut not allbubble gum machines and shelves until the changes take effect.

While some of Genseners family members restrict their kids access to all-dye-free candy, she would rather give the shop's customers a choice.

I get it, and I see both sides, but I also personally believe people should have options, she said.

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The shop does carry dye-free items, following a trend toward more organic and synthetic-free offerings, but its bread-and-butter big sellers are the often hard-to-find oversized lollipops and assorted hard candies that make the shop unique, Gensener said.

"I think people are going to continue to eat their favorite candies as long as they are available, she said.

For other candy shops, the more natural, organic items have been edging out the more traditional candies in sales for years.

At the Lolli & Pops candy shop in Memorial City Mall, the organic, dye-free items are front and center, with the more traditional candies occupying a smaller space.

According to shop employee David Tee, the shops clientele already leans toward more health-conscious food alternatives.

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To candy-maker Michelle Melbourne of Houston's family-owned Sweet Taste of Texas, which has been crafting dye-free southern-style pralines and candied treats in-house for more than 30 years, the ban is a logical step in a new direction for food manufacturers and consumers.

I think if its bad for you then you probably shouldnt have it, she said. "Then again you think: Im 65 years old and it hasnt bothered me  but the ban is a good thing. I dont know why it took so long."

At The Sweet Life Confectionery, where the theme is traditional, Gensener wonders how the FDA-mandated reformulated sweets will change the flavor and old-school vibe of the shop's appeal.

Theres a real nostalgia for a lot of our customers with some of these candies, and some of the no-dye organic things dont taste or look the same, said Gensener. As for us, were doing our studies and learning as we go."

Here are six types of products and brands known to contain Red 3

Not all red-hued food products contain Red 3. Items such as Swedish Fish, Wild Cherry Lifesavers, and drinks like Hawaiian Punch and Kool-Aid made the switch to an alternate dye, Red 40, years ago, according to the Association Press.

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The following is a list of products still known to use Red 3 as an colorant, per the AP.
The staff of Westbury Animal Hospital with Rocky. U.S. Marshals Service / Contributed photo Rocky, the U.S. Marshals Office K-9 shot Jan. 15, 2024, as police searched for a man connected to the deadly shooting of a Brazoria County deputy, is pictured in a file photo. Courtesy Rocky, the U.S. Marshals Service K-9 in an undated photo. U.S. Marshals Service / Contributed photo

Rocky, the U.S. Marshals Service K-9 that was shot Wednesday by the man police said killed a Brazoria County Sheriff's Deputy, has been released from the Westbury Animal Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, the agency said Friday.

Rocky was shot by 56-year-old Robert Lee Davis, also known as Sean Christopher Davis, who police said killed Brazoria County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jesus Vargas. Davis shot Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the office, while he was attempting to arrest him in southeast Houston as part of an initiative targeting repeat violent offenders with open warrants, according to police.

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JUST IN: K9 Rocky, the brave U.S. Marshals Service dog who was shot during a manhunt in Houston, Texas, has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.  pic.twitter.com/jY4ob8QVJX  LivePDDave  (@LivePDDave1) January 18, 2025

Rocky located Davis hiding in a dumpster not far from the scene of the shooting, police said. Davis was killed by police shortly after he shot Rocky. Veterinary personnel said the bullets narrowly missed Rocky's spinal cord and that the K-9 was lucky to be alive.

"He's the luckiest dog I've seen," said Jeff Chalkley, a veterinarian at Westbury Animal Hospital. "That bullet could've ended his life instantly. He's a hero."

Rocky was life-flighted from the scene of the shooting, located at a shopping center in the 9300 block of Stella Link, via a DPS helicopter. Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman said a friend of his, Red Duke, was "instrumental" in getting Rocky airlifted from the area to the Westbury Animal Hospital.

We are all extremely grateful to the staff at Westbury for the fact that Rocky is still with us, said T. Michael OConnor, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas in a statement released Friday. While Wednesday was a tragedy for all of us in law enforcement with the loss of Deputy Vargas, it likely could have gone worse had Rocky not been there. He is a hero. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

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The 18-month-old Belgian Malinois, who has been on the job for six months, is already up and walking, eating and drinking, according to the statement. Rocky is now back with his handler and is expected to make a full recovery and return to the job in the near future.
For die-hards, no horror movie can be too scary. But for you, a wimp, the wrong one can leave you miserable. Never fear, scaredies, because Slates Scaredy Scale is here to help. Weve put together a highly scientific and mostly spoiler-free system for rating new horror movies, comparing them with classics along a 10-point scale. And because not everyone is scared by the same thingssome viewers cant stand jump scares, while others are haunted by more psychological terrors or cant stomach arterial spurtsit breaks down each movies scares across three criteria: suspense, spookiness, and gore.

If youre heading in packs to the theater this weekend, you might be intrigued by Wolf Man, a reboot of the 1941 film The Wolf Man. The latest title from the storied horror production company Blumhouse was written and directed by frequent James Wan collaborator Leigh Whannell, the writer behind plenty of popular horror films (Saw, Insidious, etc.) and the director of the 2020 sci-fi horror stand out The Invisible Man. Originally, Wolf Man was intended to be a starring vehicle for Ryan Gosling, as news outlets reported in 2020. But, after many production changes spurred by scheduling conflicts and the COVID pandemic, the film is finally here in a different form. Now, it stars Christopher Abbott (The Sinner, Poor Things) and Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) as Blake and Charlotte, a married couple who hope that a family visit with their daughter to Blakes empty childhood home in Oregon will salvage their struggling relationship. But nothing is ever that easy, or that benign, in a Blumhouse film. Whannell has successfully scared us for years as the orchestrator of plenty of our most beloved horror films, but how does Wolf Man measure up to the hailed frights in the writer-directors resume? Lets sniff this out.

Wolf Mans first scenea prologue in which young Blake goes into the woods with his father to hunt deerhandles suspense fairly well, using the viewpoint of the scope on a hunting rifle to limit the audiences vision and enhance the element of surprise. Nature is beautiful and essential, the film highlights, but it can also be creepy and dangerous, as best illustrated by the dilapidated house by the forestthe perfect setting to exploit viewers nervous systems. As Blakes father reminds him while they hunt, youre always an inch away from death. Luckily, youre further than a mere inch away from jump scares with this lupine story. After the opening scene, the jolts are definitely present, but not too frequent. Whats more, you can see most of them coming. While this only makes the shocks more effective, in my opinion, it also makes them easier to avoid. All in all, even the more frightful among us will make it out of this movie just fine.

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As is practically requisite for any tale of lycanthropy, there will be blood; there will be viscera! Wolf Man can be forgiving in this department, however, with the gore happening less often than you might otherwise expect. With that said, when it does happen, its still pretty frickin gross! What starts with a gnarly gash turns into watching a human body deform before your very eyes. Not to mention, theres the gnawing of limbs (plural). Though Wolf Man tries to focus more on upsetting you emotionally than physically, it certainly has its fair share of fun in the yuck department. Consider yourself warned: Whether or not youre biting your arm off to see this movie, arms will be chomped on.

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Wolf Man tries to rank higher on this haunting scale, but it never quite gets there. I felt thrown out of the movie on a few occasions, whether because of stilted dialogue, questionable plot developments, or a general sense of what is this movie trying to be about? Unfortunately, these moments kept me from feeling appropriately terrified throughout. This is disappointing, because, on paper, Wolf Man does bring up interesting and legitimately bone-chilling questions: At what point do you decide that the developing danger inside is more dangerous than what you know lurks outside? At what point do you give up on saving someone you love? Or, as the one changing into a beast, what does humanity even amount to, when it comes to fatherhood and family? The idea that you could watch your father or husband turn into an unrecognizable thing right before your eyes is particularly devastating, and a good metaphor for plenty of heartwrenching real-life predicaments. But the movie doesnt try to extend this idea as a metaphor, or even focus on this one idea throughouta surprising miss, given that Whannells The Invisible Man was praised specifically for how it handled themes of domestic abuse. Despite claiming to be about pandemic-inspired metaphors of isolation, confinement, and grief, Wolf Mans main message is muddy at best, resulting in a movie thats thematically confusing, moderately entertaining, and only a little scary.

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While Wolf Man had a lot of squandered potential, its still a fairly serviceable horror flick! Christopher Abbott delivers a great performance, and all the classic horror techniques are certainly employed. Though you wont feel petrified, you will feel, on occasion, nauseated or exhilarated. You may even be touched by the movies more heartwarming depictions of a strong father-daughter relationship. Im sure 2025 has spookier movies still in the chamber, even if this first major horror release leaves plenty to be desired.
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Congress overwhelmingly passed the Equal Rights Amendment, which would enshrine gender equality into the Constitution, way back in 1972. But the requisite 38 states did not ratify the amendment until 2020, when the Virginia Legislature became the last to approve it. By that point, however, five other states had rescinded their ratificationsand the congressional deadline for approval had long since expired. Feminist advocates have nonetheless pressured President Joe Biden to declare that the ERA is now a formal part of the Constitution, especially after the fall of Roe v. Wade and a climate of revanchist anti-women legislation. On Friday, with two days left in his term, Biden finally did so, albeit without any executive action to back it up.

On this weeks Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed Bidens move and its legal force (or lack thereof). Their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: On Friday morning at 10 a.m., we got a mysterious announcement from President Joe Biden. Ill just quote him: 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.

So we have President Biden affirming that the ERA is the law of the land because, he says, it has been correctly ratified. I dont know what that means exactly. Mark, you and I did a show on this, and I think we both felt pretty strongly that there just wasnt a sound legal or constitutional basis from which to force the national archivist to publish the amendment, as advocates demanded. And, regardless, Biden has not, in fact, directed the national archivist to publish the ERA. So I guess my first question for you is: Does President Bidens eleventh-hour announcement have any legal force at all? Is this going to change the legal landscape? Is this just symbolic? My follow-up question is: Oh my God, why did he wait until two days before the end of his presidency to do this thing?

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Related From Slate Why the Supreme Court Refused to Bail Out Trump This Time Read More

Mark Joseph Stern: I think anything Joe Biden did on the Equal Rights Amendment was going to be symbolic. Activists were pressuring him to tell the national archivist to simply decree that this has been ratified and is part of the Constitution. But that really would not have any true legal effect; it would be challenged and blocked in the courts. The Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel, under both Biden and Trump, separately looked at this issue, and said that the president cannot just make the ERA law. Thats because, as much as we wish otherwise, Congress set a deadline for ratification. It then extended the deadline. But that second deadline is long passed. We are beyond the time range when Congress allowed states to ratify this amendment. Unfortunately, I think Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was correct when she said, before she passed, that the deadline is expired, and this has to start over.

What Bidens doing is expressing a personal view. I respect that view, even if I disagree with it. Hes saying he thinks the ERA is part of the Constitution, but hes not even attempting to back that up with any legal force. I think thats because the very smart lawyers around him have explained that if he does try to give it legal force, it will be defeated in courtand thats if Donald Trump doesnt get into office and reverse it first. So we have a president saying he loves the ERA and believes it is real, but that doesnt give anybody any more rights than they had yesterday.

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Ive been thinking about this a lot since we did our show about it, and my overwhelming sense is: I cannot believe that 1972 is the high-water mark for womens rights in America. We are so deep in this crazy conversation about manliness and masculinity and Pete Hegseth saying that women cant serve in combat in the military because theyre too distracting, and also that but for the love of a good woman, theres nothing to redeem rape-y men. We are in such a dire, dire moment when it comes to how we think about masculinity and what it is to be a man, and what we think about equality, and what Mark Zuckerberg thinks about Sheryl Sandberg. It is just so shocking to me that the high-water mark for womens equality in this country happened at a time when we were singing Peter, Paul, and Mary songs. Its incredibly depressing.
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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.

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.)

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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.

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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.

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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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Related From Slate TikTok Refugees Are Fleeing to Other Chinese Apps. But Will They Face the Same Fate? Read More

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.

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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.)

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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.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/2014-coup-allowed-cia-to-tap-into-vast-troves-of-russian-intel-turn-ukraine-into-proxy-shadow-army-1121456500.html

2014 Coup Allowed CIA to Tap Into Vast Troves of Russian Intel, Turn Ukraine Into Proxy Shadow Army

2014 Coup Allowed CIA to Tap Into Vast Troves of Russian Intel, Turn Ukraine Into Proxy Shadow Army

Sputnik International

As the second-largest republic of the former USSR, possessing everything from tank and rocket factories and top research institutes and engaging in intimately close intelligence cooperation with Russia, Ukraine became a virtual goldmine for NATOs intelligence services after USSRs collapse in 1991.

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russia's special operation in ukraine

valentyn nalyvaichenko

ukraine

russia

ussr

cia

main intelligence directorate

intelligence

secrets

central intelligence agency (cia)

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But a trickle of leaked military and intelligence secrets turned into a flood after the 2014 Euromaidan coup detat, with current and former US and Ukrainian officials revealing to US media that Kievs post-coup authorities gave away key intelligence to the CIA literally by the suitcase-full, and turned Ukraine's intelligence services into a shadow proxy army against Russia.We Have a GiftIn 2015, Valeriy Kondratyuk, a career spy then working as chief of the Ukrainian military's Main Intelligence Directorate, visited Washington to meet with senior American intelligence officials with luggage stuffed with top-secret Russian military documents.The docs were said to include info on top-secret Russian weapons and military capabilities. Further gifts, from classified Russian weapons and electronic warfare tech to the Russian militarys order of battle and decision-making, would come later.They went from being zero to one of our most important partners, up in the realm of the Brits, another ex-US official said.One former official said the information received was worth hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars.Something to ExploitUkraines Security Service, the SBU, was also quickly compromised after the coup, with its new chief Valentyn Nalivaychenko inviting the US and British to help rebuild the agency.Officials said the CIA helped rebuild Ukraines intelligence services from the ground up as an anti-Russian proxy army, spending millions on training and equipment, new facilities, including around a dozen secret forward-operating bases on the border with Russia, as reported on earlier, and conducting joint operations together around the world.In 2016, the CIA launched a training program known as Operation Goldfish, providing Ukraine with secure communications tech, combat and espionage training with the CIA and MI6, for operations in Russia and abroad posing as Russians.It was a magical time, a former US official said of the program, saying joint operations began in one year, rather than the ten years it reportedly normally takes to establish such close cooperation.Terror Ops Inside RussiaKondratyuk admitted to lobbying Kievs newfound American partners to conduct sabotage operations in Crimea and elsewhere in Russia, including by pre-positioning explosives, long-before the 2022 escalation. This reportedly included a disastrous 2016 attack on a Russian Army base that triggered a shooting battle with Russian special forces.That attack was carried out by Unit 2245, a group of US-trained commandos made up of officers under 30 with no memories of the Soviet period or sympathies related to Ukraines centuries-long history of close cooperation with Russia. Among these officers was Kyrylo Budanov, the current chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate who has bragged openly about the assassination of Russian public figures, and reportedly forged contacts with terrorist actors in Syria.Preparations for Proxy WarUS officials confirmed that the CIA actively trained Ukrainian special forces for the proxy conflict that began in 2022, with one official boasting that the Main Intelligence Directorate was able to hit the Russians hard andin ways that they didnt expect thanks to years of investment from US intelligence.Officials further revealed that the CIA had lifted restrictions on operations inside Ukraine after the conflict started, with officers providing assistance with targeting on the ground, and CIA-trained Ukrainian special forces engaging Russian troops from the first day, including by detonated pre-planted explosives on rail and logistical lines in eastern Ukraine, and inside Russia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240916/cia-veteran-ukrainian-connection-in-trumps-assassination-attempt-cannot-be-ignored-1120170439.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241218/kiev-killed-kirillov-for-exposing-wests-hand-dirty-money-in-ukraine-biolab-scheme---ex-cia-officer-1121202983.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/300-million-cubic-meters-a-day-russia-iran-pipeline-promises-major-energy-boost---1121458061.html

300 Million Cubic Meters a Day? Russia-Iran Pipeline Promises Major Energy Boost

300 Million Cubic Meters a Day? Russia-Iran Pipeline Promises Major Energy Boost

Sputnik International

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty signed between Moscow and Tehran on January 17 shed light on a new project to deliver Russian gas to Iran.

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The gas pipelines route has been agreed on, it will pass through Azerbaijan, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev confirmed. Negotiations are in the final stages, volumes have already been agreed, and the sides are developing an approach to pricing, Tsivilev added. Russia will cover the infrastructure costs.VolumesThe project is expected to start with deliveries of up to two billion cubic meters annually, with the prospect of increasing to 55 billion cubic meters. When Gazprom and the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) signed a strategic memorandum on Russian gas supplies in June 2024, the Iranian side noted that about 300 million cubic meters of gas per day will be supplied daily (109 billion m3/year) via the Caspian Sea for domestic consumption and supplies to neighboring countries.The declared volume of 55 billion cubic meters annually is comparable to the capacity of the Nord Stream twin undersea pipeline system to Europe, sabotaged in 2022. The 30-year deal will supply Russian gas to Iran both for domestic consumption and for neighboring countries. Why Does Iran Need Russian Gas? Despite holding the worlds second-largest natural gas reserves (34 trillion cubic meters, after Russia), Iran is facing a fuel shortage as demand for natural gas exceeds production. 1. Most of these reserves are untapped due to US-led sanctions that stall investment and technology improvement. Irans main gas fields are concentrated in the south, and large consumers are in the north, in a region with a fairly harsh climate. In winter, Iran faces a daily shortfall of at least 260 million cubic meters of gas, straining the electricity supply.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/inside-the-russia-iran-comprehensive-partnership-treaty-whats-in-it-and-why-it-matters-1121451067.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/egypt-palestine-qatar-us-israel-to-monitor-compliance-with-agreement-on-gaza---reports-1121453336.html

Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, US, Israel to Monitor Compliance With Agreement on Gaza - Reports

Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, US, Israel to Monitor Compliance With Agreement on Gaza - Reports

Sputnik International

Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, the United States and Israel will coordinate, monitor compliance with agreement on Gaza, Al Qahera News channel reported, citing an Egyptian source.

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"The meeting in Cairo has ended to discuss the mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. An agreement has been reached on all necessary measures to implement the agreement, including the formation of an operational headquarters in Cairo to monitor the implementation of measures," the source said. The operational headquarters, which will coordinate and monitor compliance with the points of the agreement, will include representatives of Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, the United States and Israel, the broadcaster reported.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.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/israeli-cabinet-approves-ceasefire-deal-with-hamas-for-gaza-1121448073.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/france-plans-to-close-permanent-military-bases-in-senegal-by-summer---reports-1121453983.html

France Plans to Close Permanent Military Bases in Senegal by Summer - Reports

France Plans to Close Permanent Military Bases in Senegal by Summer - Reports

Sputnik International

France plans to close its permanent military bases in Senegal, as well as in other countries in West and Central Africa, by the summer of 2025, Senegalese news agency APS reported on Friday, citing a French military source.

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military

france

senegal

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"Today we are in a phase of dialogue for the implementation of the withdrawal of French forces from Senegal. What I can say is that there will no longer be a permanent French military base in Senegal in the summer of 2025," the source said, as quoted by APS. In late December, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye confirmed that the country intends to get rid of the foreign military presence as early as 2025. In 2022, the French military, which had been present in Africa's Sahel region since 2014 as part of the anti-terrorism Operation Barkhane, was forced to leave Mali. In 2023, France also withdrew its troops from Burkina Faso and Niger at the request of the countries' authorities. In late November 2024, the Chadian Foreign Ministry announced the termination of defense cooperation with France, and France already started the withdrawal of its troops from Chad.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/frozen-future-europes-energy-crisis-worsens-amid-gas-war-1121458303.html

Frozen Future? Europes Energy Crisis Worsens Amid Gas War

Frozen Future? Europes Energy Crisis Worsens Amid Gas War

Sputnik International

Ukraines halt to the transit of Russian gas, combined with sanctions imposed by the US on Russian oil and gas companies, pose a significant risk of plunging Europe into a new energy crisis.

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economy

viktor orban

aleksandar vucic

russia

hungary

serbia

gazprom

novatek

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban raised these concerns during his visit to Belgrade, where he held talks focused on energy challenges with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. "Recent developments in Europes energy supply are alarming," Orban said in a video message aired on Hungarian television. The outgoing US government imposed sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sector on January 10, targeting companies like Gazprom, Neft and Novatek, 183 tanker vessels and top executives. Serbias NIS, partly owned by Gazprom, was also affected, with the US demanding the cancellation of Russian investments by February 25. Combined with Ukraines block on Russian gas transit on January 1, the actions have disrupted supplies to Austria, Italy and Central Europe, raising energy prices and prompting regional efforts to minimize the impact.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/gaza-ceasefire-to-begin-on-january-19-at-530-am-gmt---qatars-foreign-ministry-1121455133.html

Gaza Ceasefire to Begin on January 19 at 5.30 A.M. GMT - Qatar's Foreign Ministry

Gaza Ceasefire to Begin on January 19 at 5.30 A.M. GMT - Qatar's Foreign Ministry

Sputnik International

A ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip will enter into force at 8.30 local time (5.30 a.m. GMT) on January 19, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on Saturday.

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world

palestinians

middle east

gaza strip

israel

qatar

hamas

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In the early hours of Saturday, the Israeli government approved the agreement with the Palestinian movement Hamas on a 42-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the return of hostages. The authorities urge the residents to be cautious and wait for official instructions, the statement added.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.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/israeli-government-reaffirms-implementation-of-gaza-ceasefire-deal-will-begin-january-19-1121452937.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/natos-spending-reality-check-5-is-a-long-shot-1121458423.html

NATOs Spending Reality Check: 5% is a Long Shot

NATOs Spending Reality Check: 5% is a Long Shot

Sputnik International

NATO members wont be able to meet US president-elect Donald Trumps demand to raise military spending to 5% of GDP in the near future, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said.

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military

donald trump

olaf scholz

portugal

montenegro

nato

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Montenegro told the Lusa news agency that Portugal is focused on reaching a target of 2% of GDP for defense spending before even considering a higher percentage. He also criticized European leaders comments on statements by the incoming US president.I think its pointless for European leaders to constantly respond to every remark by the president-elect of the United States, Montenegro said. Trump previously announced his intention to push NATO members to increase military budgets to 5% of GDP. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has already rejected this demand, and Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested that it might take a decade for NATO-member states to achieve it.

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Bar 7 Ranch content creators Cody and Erika Archie and children Kylee and Clancy. Submitted by Bar 7 Ranch

As a TikTok ban looms this weekend, a family that has one of Texas' most well-known accounts on the app said they "aren't losing sleep over it" but they're frustrated by what's to come.

"Its not the end of the world for us but we dont want it to go, said Cody Archie, runs the Bar 7 Ranch account along with his wife, Erika Archie. Number one, we think its an infringement on our freedom of speech that we have.

Americans could see the app disappear in U.S. app stores on Sunday, after the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that forces TikTok to cut ties with its China-based parent company, according to Associated Press.

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The Archies are content creators and first-generation ranchers located in Gatesville, Texas. They've been farming for 10-12 years and make family-friendly agriculture and lifestyle videos on TikTok and other apps, featuring their two kids, Kylee and Clancy.

One day about three years ago we kind of posted a funny TikTok on our way to work some cows and it kind of went viral on TikTok, Erika said.

She said Bar 7 Ranch is on other social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, but TikTok is where they started to gain a bigger following. Bar 7 Ranch has a following of 1.3 million people on TikTok and their most popular video on the platform has 13 million views.

The family became even more famous when they were featured in a Super Bowl commercial for TikTok, but they got some backlash, too.

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"We never thought that was going to play during the Super Bowl, we thought it was going to be just on TikTok," Cody said during an appearance on the Like A Farmer podcast.

Cody said the family received death threats from some anti-TikTok commenters over the commercial. "Really the whole basis of that video was to say that you can develop a community on social media, you know, and that good things come from TikTok," he said on the podcast.

Bar 7 Ranch's TikTok following helped the ranch launch a direct-to-consumer beef business that allows customers to buy live steers from Bar 7 Ranch at butcher shops.

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Cody told the Chronicle his family never set out to be famous on TikTok, but it has allowed them to educate others and launch successful businesses.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/russia-warns-against-uk-ukraine-claims-to-azov-sea-1121457649.html

Russia Warns Against UK-Ukraine Claims to Azov Sea

Russia Warns Against UK-Ukraine Claims to Azov Sea

Sputnik International

Russia will firmly suppress any attempts to lay claims to the Sea of Azov after it became its internal sea, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday.

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"Neither Ukraine nor the UK has any room for cooperation in the Azov Sea. After the Donetsk People's Republic and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions joined Russia in September 2022, the Azov Sea became Russia's internal sea. Any claims to its waters are gross interference in the internal affairs of our country and will be severely suppressed," Zakharova said. Moscow considers this agreement to be nothing more than a PR stunt, she added. On Thursday, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a "One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement," pledging to enhance maritime cooperation in the Baltic, Black and Azov seas.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241130/uk-intel-chief-admits-mi6s-role-in-covert-operations-in-ukraine-1121045260.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/russian-forces-strike-ukrainian-defense-sites-in-response-to-atacms-attacks-free-two-villages-1121455742.html

Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Defense Sites in Response to ATACMS Attacks, Free Two Villages

Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Defense Sites in Response to ATACMS Attacks, Free Two Villages

Sputnik International

On Saturday morning, in response to Ukrainian forces firing ATACMS missiles at Russias Belgorod region, the Russian military launched a coordinated strike with high-precision weaponry on Ukraines defense industry facilities.

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Among the targets was the Luch Design Bureau, which produces long-range Neptune missiles and Olkha multiple-launch rocket system munitions.All designated targets were successfully hit, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated in its daily briefing.Russian forces also took control of the villages of Petropavlovka and Vremevka in the Donetsk region.The MoD noted that the battlegroups troops cleared about 600 buildings in the settlement, breaking the fortified positions prepared by the Ukrainian Armed Forces 110th Mechanized Brigade. They raised the Russian flag over one of the towns building.The confident advancement of the Vostok Battlegroup units in the Neskuchnoye-Vremevka agglomeration was made possible by skilled leadership, dedication and the coordinated efforts of assault groups, artillery crews, FPV drones and unmanned aviation, the ministry stressed.The group also inflicted losses on Ukrainian mechanized and airborne assault brigades in the Konstantinovka and Velikaya Novosyolka areas. The Ukrainian army suffered the following losses:The Tsentr Battlegroup liberated the village of Petropavlovka, the MoD said.Troops of the Tsentr battlegroup struck seven Ukrainian mechanized brigades in the areas of Petrovka, Dzerzhinsk, Solenoye, Petropavlovka, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka and Slavyanka. The Ukrainian armys losses in the Tsentr groups zone over the past day were:Other DevelopmentsSever BattlegroupYug BattlegroupZapad BattlegroupDnepr Battlegroup

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250113/ukraine-loses-over-230-soldiers-in-kursk-region-in-past-day-1121420903.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/uk-and-france-treat-ukrainians-as-second-class-citizens---pow-1121454279.html

UK and France Treat Ukrainians as Second-Class Citizens - PoW

UK and France Treat Ukrainians as Second-Class Citizens - PoW

Sputnik International

Residents of Britain and France consider Ukrainian citizens to be inferior people, a captured Ukrainian border guard, inspector of the State Border Service Alexander Bychko, who personally faced such an attitude to himself, told the Russian security forces.

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One of the captives, Alexander Bychko, an inspector with the State Border Service, stated that Ukrainians are perceived as inferior by the British and French  a prejudice he experienced firsthand during his training.Bychko underwent military training at the UK's Warcop base in Cumbria and the French Army's main training center in La Courtine.It's difficult to find a common language with these countries, he added. NATO instructors at the Warcop and La Courtine bases, which train Ukrainian military personnel, are using old methods that do not correspond to the realities of modern military conflicts  especially the use of drones, Bychko pointed out.Europeans do not understand how to operate in the new conditions, the PoW noted. The training at Warcop is simply a course for young fighters, he explained.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250104/mercenary-internationale-assembled-in-ukraine-to-fight-russia-polish-pow-reveals-1121350013.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/us-national-debt-reaches-36174-trillion-ahead-of-trumps-inauguration-1121454452.html

US National Debt Reaches $36.174 Trillion Ahead of Trump's Inauguration

US National Debt Reaches $36.174 Trillion Ahead of Trump's Inauguration

Sputnik International

In mid-January, the US national debt reached $36.174 trillion, or $106.4 thousand per American, Sputnik calculated according to the US Treasury Department.

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On January 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated, returning to the White House as the 47th president of the United States after four years of Democrat Joe Biden. Trump will take office amid problematic conditions. In 2024, the US national debt increased by seven percent, or $2.4 trillion. This is 8.3 times more than the entire Russian national debt of 286.3 billion.For example, the US share of the global economy fell below 15 percent for the first time under Biden, and at the end of his term will be the lowest in modern history  14.76 percent, Sputnik calculated, according to World Bank and IMF figures. The national debt during Joe Biden's presidency has grown from $28 trillion in 2021 to the current record of more than $36 trillion. One of the main reasons is chronic budget deficits. In 2002, the US budget fell back into deficit to the tune of $158 billion. Seven years later, the deficit exceeded one trillion dollars for the first time, and in 2020 it reached an absolute record of 3.13 trillion dollars, although it has since returned to more moderate levels. For the past two years, the deficit has been rising again, reaching $1.8 trillion at the end of last year. According to the US Congressional Budget Office, the national debt will reach 100 percent of GDP in 2025, 101.7 percent in 2026, and 118.5 percent of GDP in 2035, exceeding the $52 trillion mark.

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Pacing stallion Getitoffyourchest has a new base of operations for the 2025 breeding season.

Winbak Farm of Maryland is proud to announce the addition of Getitoffyourchest, p, 2, 1:56.3h; 3, 1:54.3h; 1:49.2f ($216,565), to its 2025 stallion lineup.

Getitoffyourchest has a great temperament, is fast to learn and good-gaited with great conformation, said the stallion's owner, David Banks. He showed great gate speed with multiple first quarters in 25 seconds and was consistent throughout his career with 1:49 and 1:50 miles.

A son of Tell All, Getitoffyourchest won 19 times, setting a 1:50.2h track record for older pacing stallions at Harrington Raceway while taking his lifetime mark at Pocono Downs.

Getitoffyourchest impressively set his lifetime record, pulling out of the nine hole, three wide and coming home for the win in 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs, said Banks.

From limited breeding, Getitoffyourchest is the sire of Ragtime Red, p, 2, 1:52f -24 ($129,637). Ragtime Red won eight races in 2024 including Maryland Race Fund Stakes, four Maryland Sire Stakes legs and two finals.

Getitoffyourchest is the sire of Ragtime Red, who won the Maryland Sire Stakes Final for two-year-old fillies, said Banks. Her eight-win streak was completed when she won the Final in 1:52 at Rosecroft, which made her the fastest two-year-old pacing filly in the history of the program and tied her with Falcons Icon, who paced in 1:52 back in 1998, as the fastest two-year-old in the tracks history.

Getitoffyourchest will stand for $2,500 USD. Any questions about booking should be directed to Winbak Farm of Maryland by calling 410.885.3059 or emailing [email protected]. Visit winbakfarm.com for more information and easy online booking.

We believe Getitoffyourchest will be a great option for Maryland breeders, said Jack Burke, Winbak Farm General Manager. He provides an economical option for people wanting to invest in the promising Maryland program.

(with files from Winbak Farm)
Ayr Corleon GB made a name for himself overseas and will be looking to do the same now in North America.

A five-year-old male pacer bred in Great Britain and owned by Irelands Robert Barry, Ayr Corleon GB was a three-time Group 1 winner as a three-year-old, including a Breeders Crown, and British Harness Racing Club award recipient. Overall, the son of BHRC Hall of Fame stallion Hasty Hall out of the Western Ideal mare Sold Out had 10 victories, three seconds and a third in 19 races in Great Britain and Ireland.

Late last fall, Ayr Corleon GB landed in the U.S. and the stable of trainer Per Engblom. He won a qualifier in 1:56.1 on Dec. 21 at The Meadowlands and made his North American debut two weeks ago at The Big M, where he finished second by a neck in 1:52.2. He returns to action Saturday, Jan. 18 at The Meadowlands, where he is the 9-5 morning-line favourite in a $15,500 USD conditioned pace. He will leave from post eight with Jason Bartlett in the sulky.

He qualified OK and he raced really good his first time, Engblom said. He raced in (1):52 his first start and I hope he takes a step forward from that. It was a really good mile.

Engblom, who finished second in wins (357) and third in purses ($10 million) among trainers in North America last year, was contacted through Facebook to see if he was interested in training Ayr Corleon GB.

He won a lot of races and the people I spoke to said hes a nice horse, Engblom said about the gelding, who was bred by Ryan ONeil of esteemed Ayr Standardbreds in Scotland. We trained him for a month or so before we started to tighten him up, and hes responded well. Obviously, hes got to learn our types of tracks and our style of racing, but so far, hes been adapting very well.

Hes got a lot of strength and stamina. He lacked a little bit of speed, but I think that has been coming very well with our training and the faster miles hes been getting. Hes got a little bit of a mind of his own, but hes super nice to be around. Hes very pleasant.

Engblom will take his time with Ayr Corleon GB to give him the opportunity to transition into his career in the States.

Plan A was to get him to the races and see how he develops and adjusts to our style of racing, said Engblom, who set a career high for purses in 2024. I think were filling those shoes pretty good, but well see.

It feels like The Meadowlands is a really good place for him right now because it teaches him a little bit of speed. Then well see down the line where we take him and race him. Right now, Im really happy to race him at The Meadowlands. Hes a big, strong horse. With his size and his gait, there is no better place out here in the east than The Meadowlands to develop a horse, I think.

Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EST) at The Meadowlands. For a free Big M Saturday program, click here.

(USTA)
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.
Rapido announces its ambitious 500-city expansion plan at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, starting from January 17th. The companys presence at the expo will showcase its commitment to connecting communities and fostering economic empowerment through accessible and convenient transportation solutions.

Building on its current operations in over 120 cities and having facilitated over 200 crore rides, the expansion will roll out in phases. Beginning in February with Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Rajasthan, the initiative will progressively extend affordable mobility options to new states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others. This strategic approach aims to cater to the diverse transportation needs of a rapidly developing Bharat. Captains on the platform have earned a total of 15,111 crore since inception, and the platform facilitates 3.6 million rides daily.

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder, Rapido, said, The Bharat Mobility Expo provides a vital platform to discuss the future of transportation in India. Were excited to share our vision and demonstrate how technology can create positive social and economic impact. With over 1.3 crore Captains earning over 15,000 crore rupees on the platform, our expansion to 500 cities is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals and building a more connected India. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders at the expo and collaborating to shape a more accessible and sustainable future for urban mobility.
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:

Durov said Telegram had made 'progress' in monitoring illicit use of the platform.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has told investigating magistrates in France, where he is charged with multiple infractions linked to enabling organized crime, that he "realized the seriousness of all the allegations", according to a source close to the case.

Extracts from Durov's questioning in December through an interpreter after his August arrest, seen by AFP, show that he initially blamed French authorities for failing to alert Telegram to alleged criminal activity.

"My location and my personal Telegram account were known to the French authorities" including "the president's office and the French consul in Dubai", Durov said, also mentioning "an agent with the DGSI", France's domestic intelligence service.

He claimed that the agent said Paris was satisfied with Telegram's cooperation, but that other investigating services had used "the wrong email addresses" to report suspected crimes on the platform.

The 40-year-old added that he had done his "best" to take "appropriate" action to address such reports.

On December 6, during his first in-depth questioning, Durov nevertheless admitted that "it was while I was held in custody that I realized the seriousness of all the allegations".

Not created 'for criminals'

The messaging service Durov founded with his brother in 2013 "was not created to be a platform for criminals", he said.

"Its growing popularity, the overall increase in the number of our users, meant that the number using Telegram for criminal purposes also increased," added the Saint Petersburg-born billionaire.

Durov possesses multiple passports including a French one, although he does not speak the language, claiming to have been granted the nationality by President Emmanuel Macron.

When judges asked whether Telegram checked users' identities or documents, Durov responded: "No".

"I think that's the case for all messaging services," he added.

Durov also said that encryption of certain Telegram messages was "standard for the industry"adding that it was intended to prevent Telegram itself gaining access to users' messages and to prevent a data leak.

Investigators confronted Durov during his custody with more than a dozen specific cases, ranging from child abuse to drug trading, scams, arms sales and the hiring of hitmen.

It is these crimes, in some cases organized, that are at the root of the complicity charges against the platform boss.

Durov said that he "disagreed" with the judges' claim that Telegram's ease of use made it much more practical for organized criminals than alternatives such as the dark web.

'Effective' measures

Its "effective" measures against criminal abuse helped remove 15 to 20 million user accounts and up to two million channels or groups from the service each month, he said.

Instead, Durov again blamed legal authorities or associations for failing to correctly report alleged criminal activity.

One such association, the American National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), told investigators it had made 400 reports to Telegram in 2023 alone.

Durov acknowledged the contacts, saying Telegram had struck deals with both the US group and a British equivalent.

Mentioning both the direct reports and media reporting on abuse of the platform, investigators asked why Durov had not intervened before he was actually arrested.

He responded that there was "never anything solid" in the newspapers.

Magistrates especially pressed Durov on Telegram's "People Nearby" feature, which was disactivated following his arrest.

People were suspected of using it to provide illegal services using geolocalisation, such as supplying drugs or pimping.

"In most countries, this function is used for good purposes, not for illegal ones," Durov said.

One magistrate responded: "France might be unique in terms of gastronomy, but certainly not in matters of criminality."

Dubai-based Telegram announced its first-ever annual profit in December.

But Durov told investigators that it was laboring under a $2 billion load of debt.

Nevertheless, "we are committed to improving our moderation processes," he vowed, echoing a promise he made publicly in September to work more closely with authorities.

Data provided by Telegram suggest that it handed over vastly more data on users to national authorities in the third and fourth quarter of 2024covering the time of and the immediate aftermath of Durov's arrest.

"My teams have made a lot of progress," offering up identifying information about "more than 10,000 users" in the first six months of last year, Durov said. The platform claims to have 950 million registered accounts.

Durov is set to face further questioning by magistrates probing his claims about how moderation and content removal works on Telegram.

 2025 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

US President-elect Donald Trump has been supportive of TikTok, but it is unclear if he can find a way to avert a ban on the app before the Sunday deadline.

TikTok says it will "go dark" in the United States on Sunday, threatening access to the app for 170 million users, unless the government provides assurances that a law mandating its sale or ban won't be used to punish service providers.

After months of legal tussles, the US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that would ban the popular video-sharing platform in the name of national security, unless its Chinese owners reach an 11th-hour deal to sell it to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday.

Only months after overwhelmingly backing the law, lawmakers and officials were now fretting about the ban, with all eyes on whether US President-elect Donald Trump can swoop in and find a way to save the app.

From teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips, TikTok has been embraced for its ability to transform ordinary users into global celebrities when a video goes viral.

It is also appreciated by Trump, who has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters, contributing to his election victory in November.

Trump discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday and said he would need more time to find a solution.

"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 social media post.

Late on Friday, however, TikTok said its US services would "go dark" unless the Biden administration "immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement" of the law calling for the platform's ban.

The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden, who leaves office on Monday, has said it will leave the matter to Trump's incoming government.

After the court defeat, TikTok CEO Shou Chew appealed to Trump, thanking him 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.

Oracle, which hosts TikTok's servers, would also be under legal obligation to enforce the ban.

None of the companies responded to requests for comment.

Offers for TikTok

The law allows a 90-day delay if the White House can show progress toward a viable deal, but TikTok owner ByteDance has flatly refused any sale.

Frank McCourt, the former Los Angeles Dodgers owner, has made an offer to purchase TikTok's US activity and said he's "ready to work with the company and President Trump to complete a deal."

Canadian investor Kevin O'Leary, who is involved in that offer, told Fox News that ByteDance was offered $20 billion for TikTok's US operation.

He acknowledged the legal uncertainty over the case, with it remaining an open question whether an executive order by Trump to halt the ban would override the law.

"Congress wrote this law to be virtually president-proof," warned Adam Kovacevich, chief executive of industry trade group Chamber of Progress.

Sarah Kreps, professor of government and law at Cornell University, said, "If an executive order conflicts with an existing law, the law takes precedence, and the order can be struck down by the courts."

If TikTok is forced into a shutdown, its US-based rivals Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts would benefit.

Thousands of worried TikTok users have protectively turned to Xiaohongshu ("Little Red Book"), a Chinese social media network similar to Instagram.

Nicknamed "Red Note" by its American users, it was the most downloaded app on the US Apple Store this week.

 2025 AFP
AggieCon 54 will soon take over the top floor of the Memorial Student Center, bringing nerds and fans alike to one space for cosplay contests, panels, celebrity voice actors and more.

AggieCon, run by Cepheid Variable, might be one of the lesser-known traditions at Texas A&M University, but has been ongoing for 54 years. As a self-described congloma-con, AggieCon includes a wide variety of interests and events such as anime, comics, tabletop gaming, video games and more. The convention will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. Similar to past years, all events will be on the second floor of the MSC on the A&M campus.

Emma Tuttle, director of AggieCon 54, has been on the convention team for four years and takes pride in how much students are able to accomplish with the event each year.

I would describe AggieCon as an intimate and exciting time to get together with your friends, she said. We may not be the biggest convention around, but I would say that our main focus is building community and creating space for people to connect with each other, especially when it comes to games and pastimes.

A comic book convention, now colloquially called a comic con, is an event where fans of comic books and other pop culture elements can gather for panels, merchandise or to meet voice actors from beloved shows. Celebrity voice actors who will be guests at AggieCon include Barry Yandell, Emi Lo, Dani Chambers, Wendy Powell and Aaron Roberts, all known for their work in various anime series.

Alongside Tuttle, fellow student Jade Torres works as the Public Relations Officer for AggieCon and similarly feels passionate about giving niche interests a space on campus.

AggieCon was my first con and my cousin was involved in Cepheid during AggieCon 50. Ive been to my fair share of AggieCons, Torres said. When I was 16, I remember going in my little cosplay that I had made, it was all thrifted, and having this space where people recognized my character, that opened up a whole new world for me. It was like I realized there could be a space for me and all of these interests.

At comic conventions, people may recreate outfits in honor of the character. This is called cosplay and can be done competitively or casually. At AggieCon, cosplay is encouraged and, for those confident in their cosplay skills, they can enter a cosplay contest with cash prizes for best in show, best in show runner-up, best craftsmanship, best rookie and best wig work. All cosplays must be family friendly and must be 60% made. More information can be found through AggieCons website.

Definitely make sure to plan your day before you get there because we have a lot of stuff going on and you will want to be able to do everything that interests you, Torres said. Before coming, highlight what is important to you, what you want to do, and take care of yourself. Make sure youre hydrating and make sure youre eating food.

The COVID-19 lockdown greatly affected the convention because its was forced to skip a year and thus lost funds. Tuttle, who said she has worked with AggieCon ever since students first returned from lockdown, said they were surprised at the attendance numbers for that year and were reinvigorated to continue working to make the convention better each year.

When we moved to the Memorial Student Center, we got the whole second floor to ourselves, so thats nice. Since then, we have been growing consistently every year and, with that, our budget has been growing. Were nonprofit, so we spend whatever we get from the year before into the next year, she said. Weve basically gotten back up to what our attendance used to be before COVID, so we are expecting around 1,000 people this year, and hopefully well make all our money back.

Working as the public relations manager for AggieCon has allowed Torres to combine her major, communication, with her passions, something she is extremely grateful for.

A lot of my friends come from either working on a con board with them or working on stuff with them as well. Its definitely helped me find a community in college while also doing cool things in my major, she said. Im so thankful for the opportunity to be on the team this long and get all these amazing things out of it. Im very blessed to be on a team of such amazing and awesome people.

Tuttle said she also feels honored to continue working at AggieCon and contribute to the over 50-year-old event with her theme: Going Rogue.

We have traditions for every year, like we theme our cons, she said. We love theming it because each director gets to put their own little stamp on it.  To be able to be a part of this tradition that is so unique to us and unique to A&M is super special. Youll never experience this anywhere else in the world.

Tickets can be bought online: $20 for students and $25 for general admission, or at the door for $5 more. Students must present a valid college or high school ID for a discount and Texas A&M staff are also eligible for the discount. All surface parking is free on weekends.
U.S. Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban ahead of looming deadline

Xinhua) 10:18, January 18, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Home > 2025 > UGCs Draft Regulationsviolative of rules and anti-federal | P.S. (...)

January 16, 2025

The University Grants Commission ( UGC) recently came up with a draft regulation which covers many important aspects connected with higher education and its governance statures. Its key features need o be dissected.

At the outset, it must be underlined that the draft regulations are outside UGCs jurisdiction, especially in so far as the appointment of Vice Chancellors of public universities are concerned. These are matters which fall in the legislative domain of the Union and State Governments, as education is in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. UGC is only a regulatory body, which also should have been wound up by now going by the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines. That the same has not happened speaks volumes of the clout of the UGCs bureaucracy aided and abetted by the Central Government itself.

Let me first offer my comments on the draft regulations intention to make compliance by the universities with the NEP guidelines for eligibility for the Commissions support- financial and otherwise. This is a provision the Central Government may have forced the UGC to include to make the State Universities which have either rejected the NEP or made significant modifications to it to retain their autonomy in the framing and management of higher educations curricula and governance mechanisms. By indirectly inserting such provisions in the UGCS draft regulations, the Central Government is trying to belittle the States. No wonder, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal have registered their strong protests over such policy machinations.

The UGCs emphasis on NAAC accreditation with a specified grade is also not in the best of spirits given the differences in the grades obtained by higher educational institutions depending on factors like the absence of physical and human-resource infrastructures of institutions located in undeveloped and inaccessible parts of the country. In any case, UGCs thinking is not in conformity with the change NAAC has decided to bring about regarding accreditation. The Council is moving to descriptions like accredited and not accredited. The UGC, has of course, stated that it wants to strengthen the academic and managerial content of higher education by bringing in certain fresh norms for the evaluation of HEIs. Clearly, these are issues which call for wider debate in academia and not forced down the throats of States. Additionally, UGCs rule that universities which include Indian knowledge systems in their broader compass, while on its own may not be undesirable, points to the Central Governments goal of imposing its hidden agenda on the States. Quite unnecessarily, the UGC is getting into such areas which are beyond its domain.

It is however the ideas contained in UGCs draft regulations regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors which are outside the guidelines prescribed by the NEP 2020 and more importantly anti-federal as the non-BJP Chief Ministers have pointed out.

Let me elaborate the issues involved in some detail. The NEP has clearly mentioned in the section dealing with Governance Structures that the appointment of Vice Chancellors is to be done by the Board of Governors (BOGs) of the Central and State Universities, consisting of experts, stating clearly that the Central and State Governments should be kept out of VCs appointment process. This is a laudable position the NEP took. But, unfortunately, even the Central Universities are not following this norm. As is wel known, the Central Government is controlling the process of appointment of VCs through the Education ministry. As a result, by and large, persons who are palatable to the ruling government, ideologically and otherwise, are occupying such pivotal positions.

In so far as State Universities are concerned, governments are having their way as they constitute the Search cum Selection Committees, with the States nominee being made the Chairperson the Committee. The SSC has a Governor/ Chancellors nominee, the concerned Universitys nominee and a UGC nominee, with the Chancellor finally approving a name from a panel recommended by the SSC. Many State Governments have passed legislation taking away the role of the Chancellor from the appointment process. The UGCs draft regulations take away the role of the State Governments by vesting the power of appointment of VCs with the Chancellors, though of course keeping the university and UGC nominees as members. Here lies the catch, viz, the motive of the Central Government. If the regulations are approved, as apprehended by non-BJP-ruled States and many neutral and professional academicians, the Central Government will indirectly control the appointment of VCs in State Universities.

In the interests of maintaining the academic atmosphere free from political and ideological influences, it is best if the NEP 2020 guidelines are totally adhered to in the appointment of VCs. The million-dollar question is: will the the Central and State authorities agree to abide by such norms, especially the BJP-led coalition government, which brought out the NEP 2020, by keeping aside their own narrow Political and ideological interests in order to keep our higher educational flag flying high and to compete with global educational standards and vision?

(Author : Prof. P. S. Jayaramu is former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Bangalore University and former Senior Fellow, ICSSR, New Delhi)
(TBTCO) - So Giao dich Chung khoan TP. Ho Chi Minh (HoSE) a ban hanh quy tac moi cho bo chi so HOSE-Index, gioi han ty trong von hoa mot nhom nganh khong qua 40%, co hieu luc tu 30/12/2024. Cung voi trien vong nang hang thi truong chung khoan Viet Nam, nhung ieu chinh nay co the tac ong tich cuc en thanh khoan va vi the cua co phieu MSN cua Tap oan Masan.
Burgan Bank, a Kuwait-based conventional bank, has signed of a share purchase agreement (SPA) to acquire 100% stake in United Gulf Bank (UGB), a wholesale bank licensed and headquartered in Bahrain, from United Gulf Holding Company (UGH) for $190 million.

This transaction is in line with the banks strategy to diversify its asset portfolio by focusing on stable and less fluctuating markets, particularly Kuwait and the wider GCC region, the bank said.

The agreement follows Burgan Banks receipt of all required regulatory approvals in both Kuwait and in Bahrain. The two parties will commence the ownership transfer process, the last step in this transaction, with expectations to be completed within the first quarter of 2025, it said.

UGB has a wholesale banking license in Bahrain with an Islamic window and is supervised by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). It also owns a 60% stake in Kamco Investment Company (Kamco Invest), an investment company licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority - Kuwait (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK).

Tony Daher, Group CEO of Burgan Bank, said: The acquisition marks a significant milestone for our Group and is aligned with the Banks strategic pillars of diversifying its assets, enhancing its competitiveness and building new income streams. This acquisition provides Burgan with an opportunity to tap into key high-growth sectors of Islamic financing and investments, while creating significant cross-selling and up-selling opportunities, in addition to various integrational synergies.

Furthermore, the transaction will strengthen the banks offerings to its clients, providing them with access to the Kamco Invest platform. Kamco Invest currently offers a comprehensive range of investment solutions covering asset management, investment banking and brokerage. It is considered one of the largest asset managers in the region with AUM of ~$16 billion and has notable presence in key capital markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the UK.

The acquisition will solidify the business relationship between Burgan Bank and Kamco Invest, enabling both entities to deliver a seamless and integrated suite of financial services, leveraging their combined expertise to enhance client experiences and meet their diverse and evolving financial needs effectively, added Daher.

Daher explained that Burgan Bank continues to be driven by its vision to become the most modern and advanced bank in Kuwait in the ambitious steps it takes to achieve sustainable growth and expansion. The Banks confident strides are further supported and guided by its focus on strategic priorities  most notably the redistribution of assets  keeping pace with digital transformation, developing human capital, and achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence. Together, these efforts aim to provide a distinctive banking experience for Burgans customers that lives up to their aspirations and meets their needs. This latest acquisition comes following the sale of the Bank of Baghdad and the partial sale of Burgan Bank Turkey in 2023, which is a testament to Burgans commitment to deliver on its strategic pillars.

Daher concluded: The key priority for Burgan now is to deliver on its envisioned operating model for UGB, which would be focused on generating onshore client revenues and serving clients in Bahrain, as well as supporting the Banks existing clientele through enhanced product and services offerings.  TradeArabia News Service
Belgian infrastruture major Besix has announced that its consortium with Plenary, an independent investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure, specialising in public-private partnerships, has achieved financial close on the Khalifa City School project in Abu Dhabi.

The project was procured using an augmentation procurement framework within the existing Zayed City Schools public-private partnership (PPP) Project.

Led by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the design and use of this framework to procure school infrastructure marks another first for the region.

Due to significant demand, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) required Khalifa City School to be operational by August 2026, a timeline that could not be achieved via a traditional procurement process.

Through meticulous planning and implementation, ADIO developed a specific augmentation framework that enabled the schools infrastructure to be procured and awarded within a record timeframe of just 12 months, demonstrating ADIOs commitment to delivering critical infrastructure efficiently and on schedule.

This approach aligns with ADIOs broader efforts to attract and enable investments that support the emirates vision for world-class educational infrastructure, it stated.

The augmentation comprises the design, build, finance, and 18-year operation and maintenance of a new campus, which will accommodate 3,380 students in Khalifa City.

Early works commenced in July, with construction scheduled to begin shortly. The school is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 academic year, building on the success of the original Zayed City Schools project, which delivered three state-of-the-art schools on time earlier this year.

ADIO led the augmentation process in collaboration with the ADEK and the Besix-Plenary Group consortium. Besix-Plenary delivered a value-for-money solution, subsequently reaching commercial and financial close.

Equity financing is provided by Plenary (50%) and BESIX (50%), while debt is being provided by leading domestic and international banks Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, HSBC, Intesa Sanpaolo and Norinchukin.

Plenary Group Chief Investment Officer Paul Crowe said the augmentation deal underlines the flexibility of the PPP model and the ability to enhance value for money for the procurer.

"This project, and the underlying Zayed City Schools project, is a great demonstration of the strength and flexibility of the PPP model. The Khalifa City School is a brilliant result for ADEK and its future students and staff, and we are proud to have provided such a meaningful outcome for ADIO," he stated.

Peter Lembrechts, General Manager of Besix Middle East said: "Besixs strength lies in our unique combination of capabilities: equity investment, EPC expertise, and long-term operations and maintenance leadership."

"This integrated approach allows us to deliver successful projects at every stage, creating lasting value for all stakeholders," he added.

The Zayed City Schools project delivered three new state-of-the-art school campuses with a total capacity of 5,360 students earlier this year.

Elias Sfeir, the Head of Concessions & Assets, Besix Middle East, said: "Leveraging our combined financial strength, technical expertise, and a unified vision to deliver ADEK's and ADIO's goals for sustainability and innovation, this strong partnership will once more redefine possibilities and set new benchmarks in infrastructure development." -TradeArabia News Service
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites showcased its vision for a sustainable and innovative future at the fourth Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, featuring six sections highlighting its programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience and transforming Makkah into a smart and sustainable city.

The "Discover Makkah" section demonstrated the commission's efforts to revive and restore historical sites, spotlighting the evolution of pilgrim services since the reign of King Abdulaziz.

The "Between Past and Present" section illustrated the Kingdom's remarkable progress in developing the holy sites, transforming the pilgrim journey from one of hardship to an innovative and unforgettable experience.

The "Makkah Architecture" section emphasized the city's rich architectural heritage, showcasing traditional building techniques and the use of locally sourced materials.

The "Transportation and Mobility" section highlighted the commission's efforts to improve connectivity within Makkah, including the development of a comprehensive transportation network with eight intersections, 12 bridges, and 19 ramps.

The "Smart Makkah" section displayed the commission's adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and geospatial data, to enhance efficiency and improve the pilgrim experience.

The "Mega Projects and Investment Opportunities" section provided investors with insights into key projects like Jabal Omar, the Haramain High Speed Railway, and the Hira Cultural District, highlighting the commission's commitment to attracting investment and fostering sustainable development.

The participation of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites in the Hajj Conference and Exhibition underscores its commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

By focusing on sustainable projects, smart technologies, and comprehensive development, the commission aims to position Makkah as a global city and achieve the ambitious target of welcoming 30 million pilgrims by 2030.
Gulf Data Hub, one of the largest independent data center platforms in the Middle East, has announced that the funds affiliated with leading global investment firm KKR will acquire a stake in the Dubai-based group.

The investment, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is being made through KKRs Global Infrastructure strategy.

The transaction marks one of the largest international investments into a UAE-founded and managed business in a fast-growing sector that benefits from high demand and major competitive advantages, reaffirming the UAEs leadership in accelerating digital and AI capabilities.

Upon completion, KKR and GDH have committed to support over $5 billion of total investment to grow GDHs market leading position and to support its international growth plans through organic and inorganic strategies.

Commenting on the transaction, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, who witnessed the signing ceremony in Dubai, said: "The UAE exemplifies visionary leadership, driving digital and AI capabilities to new heights. By transforming ambitious visions into the achievements we are witnessing today, it sets a global benchmark for innovation and progress."

"Through groundbreaking initiatives and strategic investments, the UAE is shaping a future where technology enhances lives, fuels economic prosperity, and unlocks boundless opportunities," he stated.

Al Olama pointed out that this milestone underscores the strength of the UAEs digital economy, enhances the journey of growth, and aligns with the National Strategy for Digital Economy.

Building on the momentum of 2024, marked by the launch of numerous data centres, it represents a strong start to 2025 and reaffirms the UAEs dedication to strengthening its digital infrastructure. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the UAE continues to lead, inspiring the world by advancing human potential and creating a smarter, more connected tomorrow, he stated.

Tarek Al Ashram, Founder and CEO of Gulf Data Hub, said: "Today marks a milestone in our growth journey as we welcome KKR, a global leader in digital infrastructure investing, as a strategic partner in our business. Over the past 12 years, GDH has grown into one of the most successful data center platforms in the region, supporting the business needs of sophisticated cloud and enterprise software customers."

"The strategic partnership with KKR will enable us to leverage their deep expertise, positioning us to achieve our pan-regional ambitions and deliver on our mandate of being a partner and provider of choice," he noted.

Tara Davies, Co-Head of KKR (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Co-Head of European Infrastructure, said: "The Middle East is a fast-growing region for hyperscale deployment. With competitively priced and readily available sources of energy, an unmatched ability to serve as a gateway hub for Asia and Africa, and sustained government commitment to power the growth of the digital sector, we believe it is today one of the most attractive investment destinations for long-term capital."

She pointed out that the group's investment in GDH aligns with its conviction in digital infrastructure and enables the firm to leverage its global connectivity to drive value and accelerate the growth of a leading business in the region.

"It also reinforces KKRs continued commitment to the Middle East, following our landmark investment in Adnoc Oil Pipelines as well our work with Etihad alongside Altavair AirFinance," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
For the first time in its history, Air France has launched its signature home fragrance, AF001. To create this fragrance, the French flag carrier called on the talents of Francis Kurkdjian, master perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Starting this week, the home fragrance has been introduced at the entrance to certain Air France lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, as a welcome gesture at the start of a journey.

Customers will discover the fragrance in the lobby, the lounge and the La Premiere suites, as well as in the lounges located in terminals 2E halls L and M, 2F and 2G.

Created with hints of jasmine and rose, its delicate floral aura takes travellers on a real olfactory journey, capturing a specific moment in time.

Air France said it will gradually be using the fragrance in its other lounges in Paris and around the world over the coming months.

Evoking a feeling of space, calm and light, AF001 accompanies travellers in style. Its comforting musky

scent, combined with mimosa from the south of France, adds a sunny, natural vibrancy.

Created with hints of jasmine and rose, its delicate floral aura takes travellers on a real olfactory journey, capturing a specific moment in time, said the airline in a statement.

A reference to the legendary Concorde flights between New York and Paris in the late 1970s, the name

AF001 immediately evokes the world of Air France and the codes specific to air travel. It also reminds

travellers of their very first journey, it added.

On the new fragrance, Francis Kurkdjian said: "It was the illusion of a ray of sunshine on the wings of an aircraft that inspired me to create this light, fresh and comforting home fragrance."

Fabien Pelous, SVP Customer Experience at Air France, said: "The Air France travel experience now elevates all five senses: sight, with the haute couture uniforms of our staff, our cabin interiors and the meticulous design of our lounges, taste with the delicious dishes on the menu on board, touch with the soft fabrics of our seats, sound with our playlists on board, and now smell with this prestigious signature fragrance.''

The result of over two years' work, this fragrance reveals an additional sensorial experience that enhances the company's identity. It's the first part of a journey that celebrates the French art of living in its entirety, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
AN unused piece of equipment intended for NiQuan Energy Trinidad Ltds operations is among several assets now up for sale by the receiver, just after the seventh anniversary of the gas-to-liquid plants grand opening.

The unused FT Max Catalyst-T 2811, weighing 231,000 pounds and used in gas-to-liquids (GTL) processes, is being sold by receiver manager Varune Mungal.
FOR nearly two years, one of the chief financiers of the Seven gang based in the United King
Made backpay proposal: Members of the West Indies Group of University Teachers participate in a salary protest, Tempestuous Thursday, marching from the Learning Resource Centre greens to the principals office at The UWI, St Augustine, on Thursday. Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and UN aid coordination office, OCHA, have expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has displaced 237,000 people this year alone
We are ready to remodel our master bathroom and kitchen. Where should we start?

A: This seems like a simple enough question, but it is not so simple to answer.

Every situation and circumstance needs to be looked at on its own. Everyone has their own unique reasons for wanting to remodel, from simply wanting to upgrade a space to customizing a new home purchase. There may be other reasons as well.

Reasons for triggering a remodel could include appliances failing, aging plumbing, urgent issues that need to be addressed or quality-of-life upgrades. The reasons for the remodel and the scope of work will help determine the process.

What are some things to consider in making this very big decision?

A: It is important to define what you want from the project and what the likely return on investment (ROI) will be.

Determining what the return on investment will be for your project is a tricky topic and not as clear cut as one might expect.

Typically, if you remodel and sell your home within a couple of years, you are unlikely to recoup the full cost of the remodel. The Journal of Light Construction produces an annual Cost vs. Value chart. The report considers data from different regions across our country and drills into ROI for each region and its major cities.

Projects can be classified as upscale, mid-range, major or minor. Definitions are included in the report for you to better understand the concepts.

Here are some examples to consider.

Bathroom remodel, a mid-range project, has an ROI of approximately 82.6%.

Minor kitchen remodels can yield up to an ROI of 96%.

The ROI of a major kitchen remodel is typically 51.9%.

This information can be relevant information homeowners need to consider in their decision-making. If someone wants to upgrade an old bath or kitchen to sell their home, this report indicates that it may not be a great strategy.

Over longer periods of time, the increase in your homes overall evaluation from a remodel may fare better.

Who will help with the design of my project?

A: Once the scope of a project has been determined, the best thing for a homeowner to do is to find a remodeling contractor who will listen and work to understand them. Through the process of asking specific questions and getting more information about how clients live in their home, your contractor can become an informed resource to help you make informed decisions.

Often, emotional reasons weigh into the decision, and it helps to have a knowledgeable designer who can create a solution that fits the homeowner.

At what point do I set a budget?

A: Setting a budget early in the process is advised.

The cost of a remodel plays a major role in decision-making. Many homeowners are surprised at the cost of remodeling a home.

It is always a good plan to know how much you can spend and keep that number as a guideline as you choose the design and products.

A comprehensive bath or kitchen remodel that includes cabinet replacement, a layout change, new lighting, flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures and appliances can approach a six-figure range.

Points of consideration include:

Funding source. Will you need to borrow the funds? Are the funds readily available? This weighs in on overall costs as well.

If you are borrowing, the cost of a loan needs to be factored in. If funds are available, how you will convert long-term investments into cash also play a role in decision-making.

Create a payment plan. A design-build team should create a timeline that provides some notion of when funds will be needed. Timing is important.

Track your change orders. Be sure you know the price of change orders before you sign for them. They can really add up and bust right through your budget.

Should we do one project one at a time, or should we get them both done at the same time?

A: One overriding recommendation for people who want to do multiple projects is to plan both projects before embarking on either one. A master plan provides you a clear path forward and engages many facets of the construction process you will need to consider. Knowing the big picture, and all the details associated with projects, is a big part of the success of a project.

Other less obvious components of the plan revolve around the construction timeline in your home.

Do you plan to live in your home while work is being done?

Do you have alternatives for cooking or another bath to use during construction?

Are other living arrangements needed?

A comprehensive planning process will help sort out these considerations.

There is a good argument for doing both the kitchen and the bath at the same time. The biggest reason is economy of scale.

Starting costs: There are costs associated with starting a project. Starting two separate projects instead of one will cost more.

Purchasing power: Sometimes, buying all the material needed for both projects, such as flooring, can realize some savings.

If you are going to stay in the home during construction, choosing two phases might be helpful. Having workers in your home every day, even friendly ones like we have, can be stressful. Phasing can help. Here are some points to think about:

Clearly establish when workers will be there, and the time of day they will start and finish.

Outline the access pathways they will take.

Do you need to set up an alternative kitchen space? Where will it be located, and for how long?

Phasing the projects can help smooth out some of the interruptions to your lifestyle. Planning the phases is crucial before any work is commenced.

What comes first

Given all the information we just reviewed, the answer is as clear as mud. The hundreds of pieces that go into decision-making can be overwhelming for folks. It is important to find a contractor who is a trusted advisor who will engage with you. They can help you explore the hundreds of decisions and choices and help put together a plan that works for you.
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.
Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Mondays inauguration of Donald Trump will be Jenks resident Jerry Buchanans third time to witness the swearing-in of a United States president.

For Afghan native Najila Amini, it will be a first.

Its an incredible opportunity, said Amini, a University of Tulsa senior. It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the history of America made.

Amini and Buchanan are just two of dozens of Tulsans, young and old, who went to Washington this weekend prepared to brave the subfreezing temperatures that caused the ceremony to be moved into the Capitol.

No doubt most making the trip are Trump fans, or at least steadfast Republicans. Some likely are not. Amini is one of nearly 40 TU students making the trip, all of whom had to commit to go regardless of who won Novembers election.

The students are incredibly excited, said TU Arts and Sciences Dean Blaine Greteman. Quite a few have never been to Washington. Several have never been on a plane before.

The excursion was made possible by a gift from the late Jenkin Lloyd Jones Jr., editor and publisher of the Tulsa Tribune. At his death, Jones left TU money for such student experiences and specifically mentioned presidential inaugurations, Greteman said.

Another TU student, Lilah Jacobs, said the trip is a unique opportunity to see politics play out in real life.

Jacobs spent some of her early years in Virginia and has been to Washington before, but she said a school trip will be a different perspective. It will be an educational experience.

Perhaps especially for Amini. She has never been to Washington and is still sorting out the workings of American politics and government.

Amini said she would like to share what she learns with fellow Afghans trying to adapt to life in the United States.

I am eager to see democracy in action, she said.

Sounding very much like political science students, the two TU students said they intend to observe the messaging and tactics of Trump, his supporters and anti-Trump forces.

One of those enthusiastic Trump supporters will be Scott Pendleton. Hell be attending his first inauguration and returning to Washington for the first time in 50 years.

Hes also catching up with some old friends.

I feel strongly that this will be a turning point for the country, Pendleton said. There are a number of things where weve been going the wrong direction.

He said those include immigration and border security, public health, and weaponization of the justice system.

Jan. 6  were in for a good expose on that, Pendleton said. A lot of people should be released from prison immediately. Maybe not everyone, I dont know.

I do hope we move forward without too much rancor. I dont particularly want all the people I think should go to jail, to go to jail.

Pendleton is skeptical of vaccines, especially for COVID-19, and said he is particularly pleased Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run the Department of Health and Human Services.

Until about eight years ago, Pendleton said, he was almost in awe of elected officials, but that began to change after a brief encounter with the late U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn.

He was just so down to earth, Pendleton said. Im not saying I have less respect for people who serve our country. In some ways I have a lot more respect for them. But I understood this is a job that people have to do.

I appreciate Trump above all for caring so much.

Buchanan, an area businessman and longtime associate of the late U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, estimates hes visited the nations capital 40 or 50 times.

He previously attended President George W. Bushs second inauguration in 2005 and Trumps first in 2017.

Its such a patriotic feeling to be surrounded by strangers, all there to see the leader of our country sworn in, Buchanan said. Its a feeling like no other.

This year, Buchanan is making the trip with wife Velda, their son and three grandchildren  one teen and two younger.

Someone who will not be with Buchanan is his old friend Inhofe, who died of a stroke last summer. Buchanan said his most enduring inaugural memory involves Inhofe.

In 2017, it was pouring down rain. We were guests of Jim Inhofe, sitting very close to the front. I look up, and way at the back in the cheap seats, and there is Jim and (Vermont Senator) Bernie Sanders, sitting together and holding a raincoat over their heads.

To see them together was really, really fascinating, Buchanan said. On the Senate floor, they disagreed on almost everything. But they were part of an organization that worked together, trying to do whats good for the country.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives.
The development of an international financial center (IFC) in Ho Chi Minh City is a long-term journey. It is not impossible, but it requires a well-thought-out plan and must start with small steps, Dominic Scriven, chairman of Dragon Capital, which manages investments valued at a combined US$6 billion, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in a recent interview.

IFCs are not just a project, but a comprehensive ecosystem. They are formed from trust and interactions that create transactions and optimize capital with the effective support of technology.

Scriven did not describe himself as an expert on IFCs but as an individual working in the financial sector who has operated in various countries and understands Vietnam's development aspirations.

He said that developing an international financial center might be a bit ambitious for Ho Chi Minh City, though it should still focus on developing infrastructure, ports, human resources, and logistics to make individuals and organizations from everywhere willing to come and set up their operations in Vietnam.

He likened the citys potential transformation to creating a market, saying that If we want to establish a market, we first need to attract vendors.

The development history of IFCs in Singapore, Hong Kong, and even Dubai also began with ports and trade activities.

When there is a port for trade, ships will dock there. From that, warehouses, transactions, and companies protecting goods will be formed.

Then, there will be restaurants, markets, farmers, and cold storage facilities for supplying goods and banks.

Ho Chi Minh City already has many of these facilities, but still needs to supplement what it currently has with more as it continues to open up further.

He added that there are two groups of tasks required to build an IFC, including attracting foreign resources and adding functions to the existing financial sector.

Dominic Scriven, chairman of Dragon Capital. Photo: Hong Phuc / Tuoi Tre

IFCs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and even London were not financial centers at the beginning. They were international trading hubs where individuals and organizations from different sectors met, conversed, negotiated, and signed business contracts.

Once these cities became venues for business transactions, a financial center was formed.

As for adding functions to the local financial sector, Scriven said Vietnam currently has a commercial banking system and a capital market, but it should supplement these with functions such as raising capital for infrastructure, hi-tech enterprises, e-commerce, and green finance.

It is currently difficult to raise capital for these sectors, he said.

There are currently no e-commerce companies listed on the local stock market as companies must be profitable to list. If they cannot list, they cannot raise capital.

Asia is home to many multinational corporations. They place their financial units in Singapore, their largest factories in China, component factories in Vietnam, and regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

Given current trade activities, Vietnam could attempt to attract them to set up their regional headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City, where there are plenty of people proficient in foreign languages like English and Chinese.

Businesses that move to an IFC but are already taxed abroad should not be taxed again in Vietnam, the Dragon Capital chairman suggested,

It is also important to boost the operation of an international arbitration center in Vietnam, and consider issuing debt security.

He also called on local policymakers to remove obstacles to withdrawing money.

In reality, Vietnams banking system has become safer than many advanced countries after the State Bank of Vietnam required biometric verification for transfers. As a result, concerns about money laundering and fraud have significantly decreased.

Ho Chi Minh City can begin with playing a major role in economic, trade, and financial activities in Vietnam and in the region.

However, its success will depend on Vietnam's economy, population size and competitiveness to build trust and prestige, along with the government's policies, Scriven noted, saying that the country needs time to propose suitable suggestions.

Ho Chi Minh City is the only city in Vietnam listed in the Global Financial Centres Index. The first time it appeared on the list was in 2022 when it ranked 102nd out of 119 cities.

In the latest ranking, the southern Vietnamese metropolis is ranked 105th out of 121 cities. In the Asia-Pacific region, 30 cities are listed in the ranking, and Ho Chi Minh City is placed 29th, just above Manila.

In November of last year, the Politburo gave the green light for a project to develop a comprehensive international financial hub in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Administration Phan Van Mai earlier stated that the citys international financial center would be established by 2030.

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TikTok says it will "go dark" in the United States on Sunday unless the government provides assurances a new law calling for its ban won't be used to punish service providers.

"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 in a statement.

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 platform in the United States when the ban kicks in, as reported in US media.

TikTok's lawyer Noel Francisco had warned it 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."

Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt 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 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."
Marshal of the Polish Senate, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, affirmed the legislatures support for ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.

On Friday, as part of his official visit to Poland, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held meetings with leaders of the Polish Senate and Sejm (lower house).

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting, Marshal of the Polish Senate, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, affirmed that Vietnam remains a priority partner for Poland in Southeast Asia.

She also expressed the Senates support for the Polish governments efforts to elevate relations with Vietnam to new heights.

Agreeing with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs proposal, Marshal Kidawa-Blonska confirmed that the Senate supports the ratification of EVIPA, which will help facilitate economic cooperation between the two nations.

Believing there is significant untapped potential in bilateral relations, both sides agreed to increase high-level exchanges to foster political trust and further cooperation in fields such as education, health, culture, tourism, and labor.

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, both sides committed to continued coordination and support for each other in multilateral forums.

Prime Minister Chinh reaffirmed Vietnams support for Polands participation in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

Poland seeks to lift ties with Vietnam to highest possible level

In his meeting with Prime Minister Chinh, Marshal of the Polish Sejm, Szymon Holownia, expressed high regard for the positive and substantive developments in Poland-Vietnam relations.

He emphasized Polands desire to strengthen ties with Vietnam to the highest possible level, particularly in light of the unpredictable global challenges facing many countries.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R, 2nd) and his delegation meet Marshal of the Polish Sejm (lower house), Szymon Holownia (L, 2nd), in Warsaw, January 17, 2025. Photo: Doan Bac

Prime Minister Chinh thanked the Polish Parliament for establishing the Poland-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, which includes many parliamentarians, and reflects the strong affection of the Polish people for Vietnam.

The PM urged the Polish Sejm to support efforts to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level.

Highlighting the importance of EVIPA to economic cooperation, the Vietnamese leader requested that the Polish Sejm expedite the ratification of the agreement.

He also asked Poland, as President of the Council of the European Union, to support the European Commission in lifting the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) yellow card on Vietnams seafood exports.

Additionally, Prime Minister Chinh encouraged the Polish Parliament to back the extended cooperation in the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy.

Marshal of the Polish Sejm, Szymon Holownia, praised the Vietnamese community in Poland, noting their high prestige, diligence, and contributions to Polish society.

He emphasized that the community serves as an important bridge between the two countries.

In response, Prime Minister Chinh thanked the Polish Sejm for its recognition and expressed hope that the community would soon be considered an official Polish ethnic minority.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Chinh extended an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Marshal Szymon Holownia to visit Vietnam.

Marshal Holownia accepted the invitation with gratitude and expressed his eagerness to visit.

Meeting with Poland-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group

Also on Friday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with the Poland-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group.

During the meeting, representatives from the group shared that it is the largest such group in the Polish Parliament and includes members from all political parties.

Despite their diversity, the parliamentarians views on Vietnam are unified.

Agreeing with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs proposals, the parliamentarians expressed their commitment to advocating for the swift ratification of EVIPA.

They also pledged to support the European Commission in removing the IUU yellow card and to back the recognition of the Vietnamese community in Poland as an official Polish ethnic minority.

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Vietnam welcomes the U.S. governments January 14 decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and strongly advocates efforts to normalize relations between the two nations, including a complete lifting of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a press briefing in Hanoi on Friday.

She reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent stance of strongly supporting efforts to normalize the U.S.-Cuba ties, including a complete lifting of the embargo, in line with United Nations General Assembly resolutions.

Vietnam emphasized that such actions would benefit the Cuban people and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Americas and globally.

The White House stated that the decision followed a thorough review, which found no evidence that Cuba supports international terrorism.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called the Biden administrations decision to rescind Cubas designation as a state sponsor of terrorism a step in the right direction but expressed concern that the embargo remains in place.

Vietnam has consistently advocated for the end of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba in various forums, including United Nations meetings.

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Two Vietnamese women have been arrested for alleged impersonation during a Japanese language proficiency test, Osaka Prefectural Police announced on Friday.

The suspects, Nguyen Thi Dieu, 30, who is unemployed and of no fixed address, and Luong Thi Hue, 30, an unemployed resident of Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, were arrested on suspicion of offenses including the unauthorized creation and use of private electromagnetic records, according to Mainichi newspaper.

Police suspect the involvement of an organized impersonation scheme and are conducting further investigations.

Nguyen is accused of masquerading as Luong to take the Test for Basic Japanese in the city of Osaka in December 2024.

Police have not disclosed whether the two have admitted to the allegations.

According to the prefectural police's international investigation division, Nguyen had been previously arrested and indicted in December 2024 for violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act by attempting to take the exam using the residence card of another Vietnamese woman.

Nguyen reportedly admitted to taking the test multiple times on behalf of others since summer 2024, charging fees of several tens of thousands of yen (equivalent to several hundred U.S. dollars) per case.

"I wanted to help Vietnamese people," police quoted Nguyen as telling investigators.

Police believe an intermediary was involved in facilitating these deceptive test-taking practices.

The Test for Basic Japanese is a language proficiency exam that can be used to apply for the "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" residence status, which allows foreigners with skills deemed immediately applicable to industrial sectors to work in Japan.

Investigators suspect the impersonation was carried out to help individuals with insufficient Japanese language skills obtain the qualification, which is valuable for employment opportunities.

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News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnam welcomes the U.S. governments January 14 decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and strongly advocates efforts to normalize relations between the two nations, including a complete lifting of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a press briefing in Hanoi on Friday.

Society

-- Over 107,000 cubic meters of dioxin-contaminated soil across 13 hectares in and around Bien Hoa Airbase in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam have been excavated and treated since 2019, said a military official on Friday.

-- Police in suburban Hanois Phu Xuyen District are investigating the mysterious deaths of four family members, who were found dead inside their home by local residents on Friday afternoon.

-- Workers on Friday were putting the finishing touches on a temporary rest stop on the Phan Thiet-Dau Giay Expressway, near the border of south-central Binh Thuan Province and Dong Nai Province. The facility will officially open on Monday next week, just in time for the Lunar New Year travel rush.

-- Widespread traffic jams continued to plague large parts of Ho Chi Minh City beyond peak hours, with major routes, city center streets, and airport access points being heavily congested on Friday evening.

Business

-- China Eastern Airlines, one of Chinas aviation giants, has launched a direct flight route connecting Beijing to Phu Quoc, an island destination off the coast of Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, to meet the surging travel demand during the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Sports

-- The Vietnamese womens futsal team on Friday achieved a resounding 21-0 victory against Macau in Group D of the AFC Womens Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Myanmar.

World News

-- A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment on Friday in a land corruption case, a setback to nascent talks between his party and the government aimed at cooling political instability in the south Asian nation, Reuters reported.

-- Former Canadian finance minister Chrystia Freeland on Friday announced that she would take part in the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, according to Reuters.

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Widespread traffic jams continued to plague many parts of Ho Chi Minh City beyond peak hours, with major routes, city center streets, and airport access points being heavily congested on Friday evening.

From 5:00 pm, congestion spread across most streets and alleys, particularly in areas such as the city center, the gateway to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, routes to the Cat Lai Ferry, and National Highway 1.

At the busy My Thuy Roundabout in Thu Duc City, vehicles heading from Dong Van Cong Street to Cat Lai Ferry were backed up, with long lines of tractor trailers and buses clogging the overpass and underpass.

This gridlock extended to Vo Chi Cong Street and the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, causing vehicles to crawl.

The Tan Son Nhat airport vicinity saw heavy congestion early in the day, with traffic on Bach Dang Street slowing to a crawl.

Vehicles crawl near Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

Similarly, Nguyen Van Troi, Phan Dinh Phung, and Phan Dang Luu streets experienced jams near key intersections.

Motorcyclists, in a bid to escape the jams, resorted to pushing their vehicles onto sidewalks to bypass long queues.

By 7:00 pm the same day, widespread traffic snarl-ups continued to grip major roads and intersections in the city, despite being past rush hour.

The municipal Department of Transport attributed the recent surge in traffic to heightened travel demand ahead of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), combined with temporary road closures for festivals and events.

Increased traffic flow, up by 11 percent in the days leading to Tet, worsened the situation at key downtown intersections.

The department noted improvements in traffic violations, such as running red lights and driving on sidewalks, since the implementation of the central governments Decree 168, which imposes heftier penalties for bad driving habits.

However, the close proximity of intersections in the city center has made it challenging to manage traffic efficiently, causing vehicles to back up at red lights.

Authorities are collaborating to better organize traffic at key junctions, city gateways, and around the airport.

Plans are underway to add dedicated lanes and right-turn signals to alleviate pressure on major roads.

Below are some photos showing heavy traffic congestion across Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of January 17, 2025:

Motorcycles crowd onto Nguyen Van Troi Street. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

Riders push their motorcycles along sidewalks to escape traffic jams. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Riders push their motorcycles along sidewalks to escape traffic jams. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Congestion on Bach Dang Street toward Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

Traffic police at an intersection help manage the flow. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles weave through gaps in the gridlock. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

By 7:00 pm, traffic on Phan Dinh Phung Street remains heavy. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

An aerial view shows kilometers of congestion stretching toward Phu Nhuan District. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

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With joint efforts by Vietnam and the U.S. to address war-era contamination, over 107,000 cubic meters of dioxin-contaminated soil across 13 hectares in and around Bien Hoa Airbase in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam have been excavated and treated since 2019.

The figures were reported to a delegation comprising Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense, and U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper during their trip to the airbase area on Friday to inspect the Bien Hoa dioxin remediation projects phase one.

The delegation reviewed areas undergoing dioxin remediation and those planned for handover by 2025.

The deputy minister commended the collaborative efforts of the Vietnamese Air Defense-Air Force, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other stakeholders in implementing the clean-up project.

Significant milestones include the approval of a thermal treatment technology design in November 2024 as well as the on-schedule excavation and environmental monitoring activities.

Chien ordered close collaboration among involved parties to expedite the installation of the thermal treatment system; ensure health monitoring for workers and conduct regular environmental assessments; complete and submit feasibility studies to the Ministry of National Defense and the Vietnamese government for approval.

He urged thorough preparations for three key activities in April this year, including launching the thermal treatment system, finalizing a revised U.S. aid agreement to increase total non-refundable official development assistance (ODA) contributions to US$430 million, and handing over remediated land.

Staff are seen working on the dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa Airbase, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre

During a separate meeting earlier that day, Chien expressed condolences to Ambassador Knapper over the devastating California wildfires.

Chien emphasized that the Bien Hoa clean-up project sets a positive tone for 2025, a year marking 50 years since the end of the war in Vietnam and 30 years of the Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations.

The senior Vietnamese military official commended USAIDs efforts in securing funds and urged continued collaboration to ensure the projects success.

Since April 2019, USAID has worked with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense to remediate approximately 500,000 cubic meters of dioxin-contaminated soil and sediment in and around the airbase.

In 2022, USAID completed the remediation of an off-base lake and returned it to the community for use as a recreational area, finished the remediation of the first on-base area, commemorated this milestone with a U.S. government-funded park on the site, and completed the construction of a long-term storage facility for soil with low levels of contamination.

Dioxin is a highly toxic chemical compound which is known to cause serious problems with reproduction, development, and the immune system.

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Police in Lai Chau Province, northern Vietnam on Friday announced the arrest of Lo Thi Kem, a 38-year-old woman from Than Uyen District, for trafficking women and minors under 16.

Kem, who previously worked as a sex worker in Myanmar in 2021 under the control of a foreign boss, was recruited to lure Vietnamese women and girls to Myanmar with false promises of well-paying factory jobs.

She targeted women from impoverished rural communities, exploiting the victims' financial struggles.

Upon arrival in Myanmar, the victims were forced into prostitution, serving 510 clients daily while being monitored by criminal groups.

All earnings were confiscated by brothel operators.

Between March and October 2023, Kem trafficked seven Vietnamese women to Myanmar, receiving payments of 2,0003,000 Chinese yuan (US$270-410) per person from her employer.

Local authorities uncovered the scheme after gathering intelligence and encouraging the victims families to come forward.

The victims were gradually rescued and repatriated, filing formal complaints against Kem.

Kem was arrested upon re-entering Vietnam at the Tay Trang border gate in Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam.

Initially denying her crimes, she eventually confessed during police interrogation.

Lai Chau police are expanding their investigation to dismantle the trafficking network and press charges against all individuals involved.

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A South Korean appellate court has upheld a lower court's ruling requiring the South Korean government to compensate Nguyen Thi Thanh, a Vietnamese survivor of a massacre carried out by South Korean troops 57 years ago.

The Seoul Central District Court on Friday confirmed the original judgment ordering the South Korean government to pay 30 million won (approximately US$20,570) to Thanh, along with additional compensation for delays in payment.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, 64, initiated the lawsuit in 2020, seeking justice for the massacre in Phong Nhi Village, Dien An Ward, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province, in central Vietnam.

The massacre, conducted by South Korean troops in February 1968, claimed the lives of 74 villagers, including Thanhs family members.

Thanh herself sustained injuries in the incident, making her one of the few survivors.

The Korea Times reports that Thanh's lawsuit held the South Korean government accountable for the atrocities committed by their military forces during the war in Vietnam.

In February 2023, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in Thanhs favor, ordering 30 million won in compensation.

The decision considered the nature of the legal violation, the plaintiff's age, the severity of the damages, the degree of human rights infringement, and compensation standards established in similar cases across various courts

According to Yonhap News Agency, the court acknowledged that soldiers from the 1st Company, 2nd Marine Brigade of the South Korean military, were responsible for the massacre in Phong Nhi on February 12, 1968.

Witnesses, including veterans of the war in Vietnam and others present during the massacre, testified during the trial, providing critical evidence that supported Thanhs claims.

This appellate ruling marked the first time a South Korean court has acknowledged state liability for atrocities committed by its troops against Vietnamese civilians during the war in Vietnam.

Thanh expressed her appreciation for the appellate court's decision while urging greater attention to the plight of other victims of similar incidents.

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WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the Viet Nam-Poland business forum held in Warsaw on January 17 as part of his official visit to the European country.

At the forum, Polish Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien reviewed the status of economic cooperation, introduced the potential and needs for investment collaboration, and proposed measures to boost bilateral economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries.

In his remarks, PM Chinh said the countries had participated in the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), while making efforts to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to facilitate Poland's accession to ASEANs Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). He urged businesses to capitalise on these mechanisms to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties between the two nations and their regions.

He shared that during his visit, he had meetings with all high-ranking Polish leaders. Both sides expressed mutual trust and sincerity and agreed to foster cooperation and support each other. They held that bilateral economic ties had yet to match the nations relations, potential, unique advantages, opportunities, and competitive edges.

Urging Vietnamese and Polish businesses to enhance connectivity, exchange experiences, and identify priority areas for joint work, PM Chinh assured that the Vietnamese Government would serve as a facilitator and leader, establishing policies and creating a foundation of trust for them to collaborate and thrive.

He said Viet Nam would build an environment of peace, cooperation, stability and development; facilitate robust business operations; and issue preferential investment policies in high-tech industries, semiconductors, information technology, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and green energy transition, contributing to the countrys rapid and sustainable development.

Viet Nam is pursuing its aspirations and vision to become a developing country with modern industry and high average income by 2030, and a developed country with high income by 2045. In the immediate term, Viet Nam aims for a growth rate of at least 8 per cent by 2025, with double-digit figures in subsequent years. Therefore, alongside three strategic breakthroughs regarding institutions, infrastructure and human resources training, Viet Nam is focusing on renewing traditional growth drivers such as investment, export and consumption, while promoting new ones, especially in sectors with high intellectual content, he added.

The PM expressed a desire for businesses from both countries to strengthen their connections, building on their existing effectiveness and striving for even greater success. This should be achieved in the spirit of 'harmonised benefits, shared risks' and 'listening and understanding each other; sharing a common vision, awareness, and actions; working together, benefiting together, winning together, and growing together; sharing joy, happiness and pride.'

In a direct call to Polish companies, Chinh urged increased investment in Viet Nam, fostering a win-win partnership.  VNS
A NANG  A series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on co-operation in training programmes on semiconductors&AI, and five other investment certificates worth nearly US$300 million were signed by the central city and partners and investors at the City Partnership Forum-a Nang, Meet a Nang 2025, on January 17.

The beach city also officially inked deals on friendship and co-operation relations with Genoa City, Italy and Aktau City, Kazakhstan, bringing the number of friendship partners to 50 in 24 countries and territories.

Three biggest investment projects were granted to the Dentium Viet Nam, with a hi-tech investment project expected to 280 tonnes of fuel cells and 260 tonnes of artificial teeth annually, at a total investment of $177 million.

Heineken Vietnam Brewery Company was given certificate on the expansion of its project, increasing production capacity to 500 million litres per year, with a total investment of $77.5 million.

a Nang International Data Centre JSC (Viet Nam) got approval for its investment project, which involves the installation of 1,000 racks, including 10 racks for cloud computing services, with a total investment of $31.4 million.

The VMR High-Tech Molding Factory project by Viedam Joint Venture Company with an investment of $10 million, and the Aeon Mall a Nang with Thanh Khe shopping centre project worth $3 million were among the list of the latest investment projects in a Nang.

a Nang Semiconductor&AI for Research and Training and Centre (DSAC) and partners Synopsys, Gasa Holdings, TreSemi, Intel Viet Nam agreed on the implementation of educational programmes on semiconductor&AI industries.

Acting mayor of Genoa City, Italy, Pietro said a Nang and Genoa having a similar share of sustainable goals could co-operate in trade, tourism, shipping, sea connect, clean energy, education.

Looking back to history, the first charity cargo shipment left from a port of Genoa to support Vietnamese people 50 years ago, Vietnamese ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung shared.

Ambassador of Germany to Viet Nam, Helga Margarete Barth said Germany would continue supporting Viet Nam in sustainable development, energy transformation, vocational training programmes, and policy development.

Shantanu Chakraborty, country director of Asia Development Bank (ADB) in Viet Nam, said ADB had inked an MoU with a Nang, and the bank would be long standing backing behind a Nang.

He said ADB was a key supporter of the development of the East-West Economic Corridor.

Tom Tate, mayor of Gold Coast City, Australia, said an MoU on friendship and co-operation was signed by the two cities in 2020, even during the COVID-19.

He said this agreement opened the door for both cities to explore partnerships across a range of economic sectors.

Our landscape is very similar to a Nang  52km of coastline with beautiful beaches, a river flowing through the middle and mountain ranges to the west. The Gold Coast has come a long way in a short time - and like a Nang, we share the same foundation: our city's natural beauty, its people and attractions, he said.

a Nang is also known for its festivals and events, and I look forward to working with a Nang to see how we can support each other in this sector. We also share similar challenges in protecting our greatest tourism asset  our coastline and natural environment. I will be like a boomerang in a Nang  I will return.

Mayor of Kisarazu City, Watanabe Yoshikuni, said students from a Nang City came to Japan and experienced cultural exchange experiencing a traditional Japanese martial art, kendo, and calligraphy as well as eating school lunch together.

He said Viet Nam, which was ranked number one on the list of rapidly increasing popularity, is popular for its low prices and charm to enable you to enjoy travelling at a low cost.

Specifically for a Nang, you can enjoy beach resorts in the city, you can also go to the ancient town of Hoi An in about an hour, allowing you to enjoy two different atmospheres in one trip, he shared.

Mori Takero, Consul General of the Japanese consulate in a Nang, said four cities had inked friendship ties with a Nang including Kisarazu City, Sakai, Yokohama and Kawasaki.

A series of sustainable development, climate change, low-carbon and port co-operation projects had been carried out by Japanese partners in a Nang.

According to Chairman of a Nang Citys Peoples Committee Le Trung Chinh, the beach hub has inked 105 bilateral co-operation agreements with partners in the areas of economic development, science and technology, culture, education, and national defence and security.

a Nang had drawn more than 1,000 projects with total investment of $4.35 billion, and it hosted 10.3 million tourists in 2024.

The city has 15 international air routes with 52 flights each day, and it expects to expand to new destinations in Sydney, Gold Coast, Dubai, Qatar, China, the US and Europe.

The citys tourism department said the a Nang-Philippines air route would increase to three flights per week from March, while Indonesia had planned one chartered flight per week between March and August. VNS
Times Now News, January 9, 2025

By Namya Sinha

Ever since retaking power in 2021, the Taliban have ordered the most brutal reversal of women's rights. Women and girls have lost access to education, jobs, public spaces, and even basic rightsmany of which most of us would take for granted. Women around the world have been fighting for their rights, and this has dealt a grievous blow to all those efforts. Upon their return, the Taliban have established the most regressive government. Actor Meryl Streep, who attended an event in September last year as part of the UN General Assembly in New York, spoke about the situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan. She said, "A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today because the public parks have been closed to women and girls by the Taliban. A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not, and a woman may not in public."

So, how is the Taliban making life for women in Afghanistan a living hell?

No Right to Education and Jobs

Since coming to power, the Taliban's education ministry has banned girls and women from schools. Girls have been barred from studying beyond the sixth standard. Those who were attending universities and colleges were forced to leave, with many being sent back at gunpoint.

Women have also been banned from government and private jobs, which has severely impacted much-needed international aid work.

The Most Bizarre Ban on Hearing Their Voices

One of the most atrocious rules imposed by the Taliban is a ban on hearing women's voices. Women are forbidden from reading, singing, or speaking in public. According to the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia law, the voice of a woman is considered a source of temptation. Women face punishment if their voice is even heard within their own homes.

No Windows for Women

The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women.The Taliban government's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, wrote in a post on X, "Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts."

Closure of Midwifery and Nursing Programs for Women

In December last year, the Taliban issued a decree barring all female medical students from attending college. This led to the closure of critical midwifery and nursing programs in Afghanistan, cutting off the last lifeline for women and girls aspiring to pursue higher education.

In 2023, the Taliban decided to shut down hair and beauty salons for women. These salons had been allowed to operate for two years after the Taliban came to power, but the regime revoked this small freedom. According to their beliefs, several services, including eyebrow shaping, the use of other peoples hair, and the application of makeup, interfered with the pre-prayer ablutions required in Islam.
HCM CITY  The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced the decision to implement the mandatory transfer of DongA Bank to Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) under a plan approved by the Government on January 17.

This measure is part of the restructuring scheme for credit institutions, aimed at addressing shortcomings and strengthening the banking sector in line with the policies of the Party and the Government.

HDBank, with 35 years of experience, a strong financial foundation, solid reputation, and sound management capabilities, was entrusted by the Government and SBV to execute the mandatory transfer plan.

Following the transfer, DongA Bank will operate as a single-member limited liability bank fully owned by HDBank, ensuring all rights of depositors and customers are upheld.

DongA Bank will remain an independent legal entity and will not consolidate its financial reports with HDBank. It will be managed and supported by HDBank to gradually restore operations and improve its financial position.

The acquisition of DongA Bank provides HDBank with opportunities to expand its scale, grow credit portfolios, and develop new business models.

Both DongA Bank and HDBank will benefit from policies and mechanisms supported by the SBV to ensure an effective transfer process.

HDBank has successfully implemented several safe and effective restructuring and M&A projects, contributing to stability and growth for all parties involved.

HDBank will focus its resources and restructuring expertise to accompany and support DongA Bank in strengthening its operations, addressing issues, and aiming to build DongA Bank into a financially sound, secure, and sustainably growing bank. This effort ensures the rights of the banks employees and delivers enhanced benefits to customers and partners, according to the bank.  VNS
QUANG NINH  Two luxury cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Silver Whisper, docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port on January 17, bringing more than 1,200 international tourists to Quang Ninh Province, home to UNESCO-recognised natural heritage Ha Long Bay.

Visitors explored Ha Long Bay, toured the city, and visited cultural and historical sites despite the cool weather. Popular activities included cave visits, kayaking, and even beach outings, enhanced by the sunny conditions.

Seabourn Encore departed later the same day, while Silver Whisper is set to leave on January 18.

Ha Longs modern transportation infrastructure, including its specialised international cruise port, has made Quang Ninh a preferred destination for luxury cruise ships.

Since the start of 2025, the port has welcomed four cruise ships with nearly 6,000 passengers, primarily from Europe and the US.

This year, approximately 60 cruise ships carrying nearly 90,000 tourists are expected, a 30 per cent increase from 2024. These ships hail from countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and China, with new additions like Brilliant Lady and Luminara anticipated to dock.

November is projected to be a peak month, with up to three weekly visits from China's Beihai cruises, highlighting Quang Ninhs proactive efforts to attract international visitors.

Quang Ninh aims to welcome 20 million tourists in 2025, including 4.5 million international visitors, underscoring its growing prominence in global tourism.  VNA/VNS
Tuyet Vu, a seasoned advisor, investor, and entrepreneur deeply embedded in Viet Nams and the global innovation ecosystem, shares with Viet Nam News her insights on the countrys digital transformation journey. Drawing from her extensive experience across both the private and public sectorsserving as a Senior Advisor to Viet Nam's Minister of Planning and Investment and currently as a Senior Advisor at Vertex Ventures SEA & Indiashe offers valuable lessons for businesses and the government alike in fostering innovation and advancing Viet Nams tech ecosystem.

In your view, what are the biggest challenges Viet Nam faces in adopting digital transformation and developing high-tech industries? Conversely, what are the most promising opportunities for tech investors and founders?

Viet Nam has a strong foundation for high-tech investment. With its robust STEM education system, the country has, over the past few decades, produced generations of high-quality engineering graduates, some of whom have reached world-class standards. However, as a high-tech investment market, Viet Nam is still in an early, nascent stage. There are challenges inherent in the market's structure and readiness that can hinder digital transformation and the development of high-tech industries.

First, lets address digital transformation. We need the right mindset on digital transformation. It is not just about buying technology and certain software. Digital transformation involves the entire operation of an organisation, with technology and software as just one component. It begins with the willingness to adopt technology, followed by designing the organisation and processes to align with new operational standards, and finally integrating the technology into daily operations effectively. Moreover, selecting the right technology is critical. Organisations must invest in products that position them ahead of the curve rather than outdated software with limited scalability.

Second, in developing high-tech industries, we need strong clusters of technology players within a comprehensive ecosystem. Lessons from the historical development of high-tech industries in various countries show that an ecosystem approach offers the greatest chance of success. Diversity within the ecosystem is crucialit must include a mix of industry-leading companies alongside budding startups. Additionally, co-locating companies in a geographical area with a supporting supply chain is equally important. A successful high-tech ecosystem functions like a mini-city, with a blend of amenities and workspaces that allow high-tech professionals to work and live efficiently. This approach has been key to the success of tech hubs worldwide, from China and Taiwan to Korea, France, and Dubai, proving success outside of the Silicon Valley.

Third, for the high-tech sector to grow, there must be a willingness and an environment conducive to experimentation. This requires support systems, including physical infrastructure like labs and workshops, financial infrastructure such as venture capital and non-dilutive financing, and intellectual infrastructure like research facilities and robust IP protection.

Above all, intellectual integrity is paramount. In a borderless high-tech industry, competitiveness relies on genuine intellectual contributions. Only with intellectual integrity in research and development can we create competitive IPs to position ourselves at the forefront of innovation.

The world is evolving rapidly, and opportunities emerge daily. As venture capitalists, our role is to continually track and evaluate global developments, seeking opportunities that transcend the obvious. I encourage scientists, engineers, and prospective founders eager to create transformative companies to connect with us and begin the conversation.

From an investor's perspective, how do Viet Nams policies and business environment impact the decision-making process? What specific improvements could Viet Nam make to address challenges and better support investment and innovation?

I operate in a specific asset class where investment decisions hinge on two critical questions: "What is new?" and "How significant is it?" Policies and incentives that stimulate new inventionswhether in technology, products, or business modelsare crucial for attracting investors in this space.

For technological innovation, creating high-tech clusters and fostering an environment for intellectual discovery are vital. Unique IPs with global applicability are particularly valuable. However, from an investment standpoint, IP alone isnt enough. Unless the IP has the potential to revolutionise industriessuch as pharmaceuticals or ultra-high-tech innovations typically led by world-class researchers or Nobel laureatesinvestors will also consider commercial viability before committing.

Theres a growing perspective that business model innovation is increasingly critical in the high-tech sector. This is where IP ownership is combined with a strong go-to-market strategy to capture market share. Examples like DJI, which dominates over 50 per cent of the global drone market, highlight this point. While DJI has proprietary IP, its success also hinges on a strong supply base, manufacturing expertise, and effective market strategies, amongst other things. A solid business model behind robust IP is an important factor for investors.

For Viet Nam, its never too late to encourage startups in this space, supported by systems like venture capital, research labs, supply chains, and academic institutions. There are numerous global case studies that Viet Nam can learn from to accelerate its high-tech industry while avoiding common pitfalls.

As a venture capitalist, what do you consider the most critical factors for building and growing a successful high-tech company in Viet Nam?

If the measure of success in 510 years is for a high-tech company born in Viet Nam to make a global impact by commanding a significant market share, then several layers need to be considered.

First, before focusing on high-tech, its essential to think of it as a company. Building high-quality, globally competitive companies should be the starting point. As noted, this sector thrives on global competition, and success is measured by global standards. Strong governance, robust performance, and solid business foundations are non-negotiable metrics for such aspirations.

Second, in a fast-evolving space, the ability to think strategically about the global market is crucial. This involves understanding market shifts, identifying opportunities, addressing existing needs, and fostering technological innovation. The rapid rise of generative AI over the past two years has disrupted even established global unicorns and decacorns, underscoring the need to stay ahead of the curve. Complacency is not an option; constant vigilance and readiness to compete at the highest level are imperative.

Third, the focus must be on the product. Its important not to conflate having engineering talent with having the ability to create impactful technology companies. A strong engineering workforce alone does not guarantee success. A true product mindset involves building beyond mere codingits about creating value-driven, innovative solutions that resonate with global markets.

Fourth, its about the ecosystem. Each company is an ecosystem by itself. But its critical to not confuse having an ecosystem and having an ecosystem. Partnerships are crucial - and a company can be big without having everything in house. Mapping out the partnership network required for a company to thrive and marking out the boundary of where to inhouse and where to partner is important. Building everything in house kills the company and risks its resources spreading too thin that it cant do anything at world-class level. Partnering on everything risks the company of not having anything of substantial value under its ownership. This is an art by itself.

Finally, all of the above hinges on people. The right individualsthose with world-class capabilities, forward-thinking mindsets, relevant experiences, expansive networks, and unwavering driveare at the core of any successful venture. This is why founders and founding teams remain central to the investment decisions of early stage venture capitalists worldwide.

From your perspective, how does the current state of STEM education and digital skills training in Viet Nam impact the talent pool for startups and high-tech companies? What improvements would you suggest to strengthen Viet Nams workforce and support its growing innovation ecosystem?

Viet Nam is fortunate to have a strong STEM education system, which is a rare asset not easily found in many other countries. The governments vision to promote STEM education and advance science and technology is very encouraging for the investor community in this sector.

However, what I see missing is an innovative mindset. We need to encourage more young people to try building or working for startupseven though the failure rate is high. Without trying, success is not achievable. This is the nature of entrepreneurship and innovation. Developing a mindset that embraces experimentation is essential, not just for scientific discovery but also for fostering innovative companies.

Additionally, we need more training for our engineering talent pool to develop business and product mindsets. Encouraging engineers to learn beyond STEM and include subjects like humanities and social sciences is important. Not all of them will become foundersnor should theybut this kind of training provides fresh perspectives and new ways of problem-solving. It is critical to have more innovative thinkers and doers, whether they are creating their own companies or working within existing ones.

Based on your personal experience working with tech companies and innovation projects, what valuable lessons have you learned that could benefit both firms and the government in fostering innovation and driving the growth of Viet Nams tech ecosystem?

Viet Nam is in an exciting position right now, with multiple supportive factors creating a favourable environment for its innovation ecosystem to thrive. The key now is to systematically take advantage of these opportunities.

In my career, Ive had the chance to meet many unicorn and decacorn founders, as well as leaders of global multi-billion-dollar early-stage investment funds. Ive also studied dozens of world-class innovation hubs across the globe, and Ive noticed a few common threads:

First, there is always a strong drive for something beyond materialistic gains. Of course, financial metrics are important, but they are not the only nor the most critical measure of success. A deeper drive for a greater purpose often propels these leaders to achieve global success. I think it is crucial for both government and business leaders to articulate their why clearly and authentically. The Vietnamese government has done an excellent job of establishing The Era of Viet Nams Rise, but firms also need to define their unique purposes in alignment with their DNA.

Second, talent attraction is everything. As I mentioned earlier, its all about people. For the ecosystem to truly thrive, we need to look beyond just tech talent. Great companies are built by a diverse range of peoplethose skilled in product design, business, finance, operations, marketing, and more. Many tech companies fail because they focus solely on technology without considering other critical aspects. Successful high-tech companies pair strong technical foundations with robust go-to-market strategies. For example, one of the successful IPOs in healthcare in 2024 involved a Nobel Prize winner working alongside a venture capitalist. Even with a world-class scientist at the helm, the business expertise was essential for the company to succeed. Attracting top talent requires having a clear and compelling purpose that draws people towards world-class achievements.

Third, a strong global ecosystem is essential. Today, global collaboration is not optionalit is necessary. This is especially true in the high-tech sector. The Vietnamese governments efforts to foster international diplomacy in science, technology, and innovation hubs are critical for establishing Viet Nam as a global innovation hub. Companies should also prioritise creating and executing partnership strategies to stay aligned with global trends and remain competitive on the international stage. VNS
Thu Van

On September 2, 2024, Viet Nams National Day, a month after being elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), To Lam stated that Viet Nam would boldly step into a new era, with unwavering determination and a commitment to making greater contributions to maintaining peace, stability and sustainable development.

That statement underscored the nations resolve to achieve its development goals, marking a historic turning point and opening a new chapter of progress for the country. The message resonated widely, gaining support from the Vietnamese people and drawing international attention.

Viet Nam aims to transform into a modern, industrialised, upper-middle-income country by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving high-income status by 2045. The 14th National Congress of the CPV slated to open in January 2026 is set to provide the foundation for this ambitious new era, reflecting the countrys determination to elevate its global standing and national prosperity.

General Secretary Lam has outlined seven strategic priorities to guide Viet Nam towards these goals. Central to this vision is innovating the Partys leadership methods to ensure governance remains effective and forward-thinking. Strengthening Party-building efforts and refining the rule of law are also pivotal to fostering a stable and just society.

Streamlining organisational structures is crucial for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across all sectors. Driving digital transformation and technological development will further accelerate progress and modernisation. Efforts to combat waste and resource mismanagement are equally critical, ensuring sustainability and accountability.

Equally significant is reforming personnel policies and improving human resource management to build a skilled and dynamic workforce capable of meeting the demands of the new era. Finally, implementing robust economic strategies will help Viet Nam avoid the middle-income trap, setting the stage for sustained and inclusive growth.

Bridging vision and action

As Viet Nam embarks on its journey into a new era of development, expert perspectives highlight the profound significance of the nations vision and strategic direction under General Secretary Lams leadership. These insights underscore the collective determination to achieve ambitious goals while addressing the challenges of modernisation and innovation.

Nguyen Van ang, PhD, of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics explained why the term the era of the nation's rise and the associated political determination have been so enthusiastically received by the public.

It is because we have proactively identified a clear timeframe for future achievements, reflecting the Party and State leadership's resolute commitment to significant socioeconomic transformations. Over 40 years of reforms, Viet Nam has made substantial strides in economics, politics, society, foreign relations, and international trade. These achievements have fostered a collective mindset of urgency and aspiration among the Vietnamese people to elevate the nation to new heights. The public warmly welcomes General Secretary Lams vision and determination to transform Viet Nam into a high-income developed nation by the mid-21st century, aspiring to join the ranks of the world's leading countries, ang said.

Dr Tran inh Thien, an economist, former director of the Viet Nam Institute of Economics, said: "This new era is defined by extraordinary goalsachieving digital transformation, intelligence-driven development, and green growth, which are among humanity's highest aspirations.

These ambitious targets demand a truly exceptional era of action.

For his part, Professor Vu Minh Khuong at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore praised General Secretary Lams message as both strategic and groundbreaking.

Its strategic aspect lies in the courageous decision to propel the nation forward to an unprecedented level in the coming years. Clearly, the choices we make today will determine where we stand tomorrow. Leadership decisions are criticalthey will decide whether a nation rises or falls, how fast it rises, and how far it progresses. Poor decisions lead to decline, often rapid and far-reaching. This truth is evident in the lessons of human history as well as in our recent realities, Khuong said.

Khuong highlighted three remarkable attributes of the messages groundbreaking nature: firstly, its ability to resonate deeply with human emotions, stirring a collective national spirit; secondly, its alignment with the trends of the modern era; and thirdly, its emphasis on institutional choice, which creates a synergy of internal strengtha self-reinforcing power that grows stronger with every step forward.

"General Secretary To Lams message is exceptionally clear. Its distinctiveness lies not only in its content but also in the actions that follow. As a Vietnamese living abroad, I feel an immense sense of pride and renewed faith in our nations future, Khuong said.

According to Carl Thayer, an expert in Southeast Asian security and diplomacy, Viet Nam holds numerous advantages to forge ahead with determination.

Viet Nams advantages are manifold. It has a large population base, a global diaspora, untapped abundant natural resources, a strategic location in the heart of an economically vibrant region adjacent to global shipping lanes, a culture that prizes education, political stability, a substantial network of strategic partners, leadership with a long-term vision and determination to innovate, and growing prestige and influence in the international community, he noted.

However, challenges remain on the horizon.

Viet Nam must successfully implement an institutional revolution and streamline its political system to attract increased foreign investment, which is critical to propelling the country into the digital age. This will demand significant efforts to develop human resources. Additionally, Viet Nam must prepare to mitigate the adverse effects of a potential US-China trade war, which could be exacerbated by Donald Trumps threat to raise tariffs on Chinese exports to the US or impose punitive tariffs on Viet Nam, he explained.

Institutional reform: The core of development

Thayers assessment aligns with the views of General Secretary Lam, who has identified institutional reform as the most pressing priority for Viet Nams development. Speaking at a national conference in December 2024, General Secretary Lam described the restructuring of Viet Nams political system as a revolution in governance. This ambitious overhaul involves merging redundant agencies, reallocating responsibilities, and improving operational efficiency to enhance the effectiveness of state apparatus and governance.

By streamlining Party, State, and socio-political organisations, Viet Nam aims to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies and foster innovation.

This restructuring is essential for the nations rising era, said Gen Sec Lam. We must act with decisiveness and urgency.

Within just a few months of 2024, the groundwork for this systemic overhaul has been laid and implementation has commenced.

Taking August 3, 2024 as a starting pointwhen Lam was elected as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committeeit took just over a month for him to first address the initiative during the closing remarks of the 10th Plenum of the 13th Central Committee on 20 September. He stated: "We will continue to focus on building and streamlining the organisational structure of the Party, the National Assembly, the Government, the Motherland Front, and socio-political organisations to operate effectively and efficiently. Among these, the organisational apparatus of the Party must become the nucleus of intellectual leadership, serving as the 'general staff' and the vanguard leading the State agencies."

By 5 November, in an article titled "Streamlined, Strong, Efficient, and Effective", General Secretary Lam explored in depth the inefficiencies within Viet Nam's political system. For the first time, he characterised the restructuring initiative as a "revolution", stating: "The confluence of strategic opportunities after 40 years of reform presents a historic chance for the nation to enter an era of development and the rising era of the Vietnamese nation. This also necessitates an urgent and decisive revolution to build a truly streamlined, effective, and efficient political system that meets the demands of the new revolutionary phase."

This sentiment was reinforced in his closing speech at the 13th Central Committees plenum on 25 November, where he reiterated the utmost political determination: "Implementing the Central Committees directives on reviewing Resolution 18 of the Central Committee and optimising the organisational apparatus of the political system is of paramount importance. This is a revolutionary endeavour to streamline the organisational structure of our political system for effective and efficient operation."

What distinguishes this restructuring revolution is its decisiveness. The Central Committees plan leaves no institution untouched. From smaller entities such as organisational magazines to major bodies like ministries, National Assembly committees, and government agencies, all are under review for potential reorganisation. Specific proposals include reducing the number of government ministries by five and eliminating two subordinate agencies, while the National Assembly will see four of its committees merged or restructured.

Although the precise figures for staffing reductions and cost savings have yet to be calculated, the expected savings are anticipated to be substantial. More importantly, this reorganisation seeks to enhance the operational efficiency of Viet Nams entire political system. By unblocking critical bottlenecks that have hindered national development, it aims to catalyse the momentum of the rising era.

Digital transformation and technological innovation

Digital transformation and technological innovation lie at the heart of Viet Nam's strategy for its emerging era. On 22 December 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution 57, marking a significant milestone in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Resolution 57 sets an ambitious target for Viet Nam to rank among the top three Southeast Asian nations in AI research, digital competitiveness, and e-government by 2030. It provides a detailed roadmap for enhancing labour productivity and embedding innovation within the country's socio-economic framework.

The resolution tackles key policy and regulatory challenges in the science and technology sector by introducing a progressive approach that prioritises effective governance while encouraging innovation. It represents a clear shift from the previous restrictive mindset that favoured prohibition over control.

This resolution authorises the Politburo to pilot new initiatives, even those that involve risks, venture investments, or potential delays in scientific research. It supports research institutions in establishing mechanisms that allow organisations and scientists to commercialise their research findings by starting and managing businesses. Funding for scientific and technological research will be allocated through a fund-based model, supported by dedicated science and technology development funds.

Additionally, the resolution offers preferential policies that benefit businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), encouraging them to invest in digital transformation, scientific research, and technological innovation. These initiatives are designed to enhance operational efficiency, increase competitiveness, and promote a culture of innovation across all sectors.

Former Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan said that the implementation of Resolution 57 would significantly enhance Viet Nam's scientific and technological capacity, playing a crucial role in the nation's transformation during this dynamic era.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Phuong Tuan of the NAs Committee for Science-Technology and Environment said that Resolution 57 aims to remove all barriers, not just legal ones, that hinder businesses' participation in scientific research, technological development, and innovation. The resolution positions "people and businesses as central factors, driving forces, and primary resources, with scientists as key facilitators".

Prior to the adoption of Resolution 57, on 5 December 2024, NVIDIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to establish two state-of-the-art AI centres in Viet Nam: NVIDIAs third global AI research hubthe Viet Nam Research and Development Centre (VRDC)and an AI Data Centre.

The Vietnam AI Research and Development Centre (VRDC) and the AI Data Centre will serve as key platforms for NVIDIA and its domestic partners to advance the research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge AI technologies. These centres are expected to play a crucial role in supporting AI research initiatives, developing AI applications, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities for Viet Nam's talent pool.

Driving towards high-income status

Nguyen Van ang, PhD, of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics highlighted Viet Nam's remarkable transformation over nearly 40 years of economic reform. The country transitioned from being a low-income nation to joining the ranks of middle-income countries in 2008-2009. With GDP per capita rising from less than US$200 in the 1990s to approximately $4,300 today, this represents a convincing testament to Viet Nams economic progress.

In international trade, Viet Nam has shifted from near-isolation to becoming a proactive global participant. It has signed free trade agreements with nearly 20 countries, engaged with major international organisations, and established comprehensive strategic partnerships with global superpowers. This deep integration underscores Viet Nams proactive and successful engagement with the global economy.

International experts are optimistic about Viet Nams socioeconomic outlook for 2025. According to the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), Viet Nams GDP per capita is expected to reach $4,783, bringing the country closer to achieving upper-middle-income status. This would place Viet Nam 124th globally in per capita income, reflecting notable progress in enhancing living standards.

Similarly, both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) project positive growth for Viet Nam in 2025, with GDP growth estimates of 6.5 and 6.6 per cent, respectively, driven by a robust recovery in manufacturing, trade, and fiscal policies.

Looking ahead to 2045, the World Banks report "Vietnam 2045: Trading up in a Changing World  Pathways to a High-Income Future" emphasises the need for Viet Nam to shift from labour-intensive, low-value manufacturing to high-skill, technology-driven industries. This transformation necessitates investments in technology, workforce skills, and innovation to maintain competitiveness in a changing global trade environment.

Recommendations include reducing non-tariff trade barriers, enhancing education and vocational training for high-tech industries, strengthening connections between domestic firms and global value chains, and ensuring low-carbon, climate-resilient exports.

Andrea Coppola, World Bank Lead Country Economist for Viet Nam, acknowledged the country's progress in institutional reform but stressed the need for further adjustments to achieve its high-income ambitions.

Coppola praised Viet Nam's consensus-based decision-making system for avoiding hasty decisions but noted its tendency to delay necessary reforms. He called for a shift from a "prohibition" mindset to one of "facilitation", reducing unnecessary regulations to foster creativity and efficiency. This flexible approach, he argued, would empower civil servants to innovate and improve state efficiency.

Coppola also highlighted the importance of restructuring government operations to address inefficiencies, including duplicative roles and misaligned incentives. He recognised Viet Nams efforts in revising its Public Investment Law as a step forward but recommended additional improvements in budgeting processes and legal frameworks.

With sustained reforms and strategic investments, Viet Nam is well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income economy by 2045 while navigating a dynamic global trade landscape. VNS
WARSAW  Poland aims to elevate its relationship with Viet Nam to the highest possible level, particularly when global uncertainties are posing significant challenges to nations, Marshal of the Polish Sejm (lower house) Szymon Holownia stated during his meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Warsaw on January 17.

Holownia said the Vietnamese Government leaders official visit was a landmark in bilateral relations, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic ties (1950-2025). He also highlighted the practical and positive developments in the sides traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, especially in politics, diplomacy, economy, education, training, culture, and tourism.

PM Chinh affirmed that his visit sought to further strengthen the traditional friendship and sound multifaceted cooperation, while deepening the bonds between the two peoples. He expressed Viet Nams gratitude for Polands heartfelt support during her struggle for national liberation and ongoing nation-building efforts, with Polish medical and educational projects continuing to be present and contribute their value in Viet Nam.

Praising the positive developments of the countries joint work in various fields as well as the dynamic collaboration between their parliaments in recent years, Chinh called on the Sejm to support and actively work with Viet Nam toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic level, and to assist in promoting cooperation and in monitoring the implementation of agreements reached during this visit. The PM expressed his wish that the nations would step up their party-to-party and cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchange.

He urged the Polish lower house to swiftly ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and Poland, in its capacity as the presidency of the Council of the European Union, to advocate for the European Commission (EC)s prompt lifting of its IUU-related 'yellow card' warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.

Affirming trade and investment as a pillar of bilateral relations, host and guest agreed to enhance cooperation in this realm to match the countries strong political and cultural ties, setting a goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$5 billion. The PM also suggested the Polish Parliament support stronger collaboration in digital economy, green economy, and circular economy.

They concurred to maintain close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations, particularly in the United Nations and ASEAN-EU frameworks. Speaker Holownia said Poland sought Viet Nam's support for it to soon join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

Regarding security issues, including the East Sea, both sides underscored the necessity of resolving disputes through peaceful means, including diplomatic and legal processes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Holownia praised the Vietnamese community in Poland as a reputable, diligent, and industrious group that has made significant contributions to the host nation and serves as a vital bridge connecting the two countries. PM Chinh wished for the lower houses support in considering the community as an officially recognised ethnic minority group in Poland.

On this occasion, Chinh conveyed an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Holownia to visit Viet Nam, with the speaker gladly accepting.  VNS
WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Marshal of the Polish Senate Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska in Warsaw on January 17 (local time), reaffirming Viet Nam's commitment to strengthening ties with its traditional partners in Central and Eastern Europe, with Poland at the forefront.

Kidawa-Blonska hailed PM Chinhs visit as a pivotal milestone, laying a solid foundation for elevating the bilateral relationship to a new height. She commended Viet Nam's impressive socio-economic achievements and its growing influence on the global stage, stressing that Viet Nam remains a priority partner of Poland in the region. The Senate, she assured, fully supported the Polish Government in enhancing relations with Viet Nam.

Agreeing with PM Chinhs proposal, the Marshal confirmed that the Senate supported the ratification of the European Union-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would facilitate economic cooperation between the two countries.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral ties, noting that the Poland-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentary Group is the largest in the Polish Parliament. This reflects Poland's high regard for its relationship with Viet Nam. Recognising that there is great potential and room for further promoting ties, they agreed to facilitate delegation exchanges at all levels to consolidate political trust and bilateral relations.

Stressing the importance of parliamentary cooperation in bilateral relations, both sides said they supported delegation exchanges to share experience in policy and lawmaking. They pledged to strengthen close coordination and mutual support at global and regional inter-parliamentary forums, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the regions and the world at large.

Praising the outcomes of the talks between the two PMs, Kidawa-Blonska affirmed her support for the measures proposed to advance the bilateral friendship and cooperation. She welcomed Viet Nams decision to grant visa exemptions for Polish citizens in 2025 and agreed to push forward cooperation in education, health care, culture, tourism and labour.

The Marshal also lauded the dynamic and diligent Vietnamese community in Poland, acknowledging their significant contributions to her country's socio-economic development and their role as a bridge for friendship between the two nations.

On global and regional issues, both sides agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums. PM Chinh affirmed Viet Nam's support for Poland's entry into the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), with both sides emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability and settling disputes through peaceful means based on international law.

In a gesture of goodwill, the Vietnamese leader conveyed an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Kidawa-Blonska to visit Viet Nam, which she accepted with pleasure.  VNS
WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a delegation from the Poland-Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group in Warsaw on January 17 (local time), affirming that his visit aims to create a turning point in bilateral traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation across various areas.

PM Chinh expressed his gratitude for the invaluable support the Polish people extended to Viet Nam during its past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in the ongoing national construction and development. Most recently, Poland's supply of 1.4 million doses of vaccine and nearly 8 tonnes of medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic was a testament to this enduring friendship.

Briefing the parliamentarians on the outcomes of his discussions with Polish PM Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda during the visit, he urged continued support from the Polish parliamentarians and Parliament to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. He also called for their support for the effective implementation of agreements between the two governments, turning potential into concrete cooperation projects that benefit both nations, as well as a push to achieve the two-way trade target of US$5 billion.

PM Chinh also voiced Viet Nam's support for Poland in signing a cooperation agreement with ASEAN and encouraged the parliamentary group and Parliament of Poland to promote parliamentary cooperation and serve as a bridge between Viet Nam and the European Parliament.

Additionally, PM Chinh pushed for Polands ratification of the Viet Nam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and advocacy for the European Commissions removal of the yellow card warning on Viet Nam's seafood exports.

He suggested visa exemption for official passport holders and easier visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, along with the recognition of the Vietnamese community in Poland as a minority group.

The Vietnamese leader conveyed the invitation from the Chairman of the Viet Nam-Poland Friendship Parliamentary Group to the Poland-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentary Group to visit Viet Nam, and expressed his wish for the parliamentary groups of both countries to further strengthen their coordination.

Expressing their honour to meet the Vietnamese PM for the first time, the Polish parliamentarians praised Viet Nam's remarkable socio-economic achievements and its rising global stature. They highlighted the historical similarities and shared reform processes between the two nations, underscoring the strong bilateral cooperation, particularly in lawmaking and policy enforcement.

The Poland-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentary Group, the largest in the Polish Parliament and comprising representatives from all political parties, agreed with PM Chinh's proposals. They pledged to work toward the swift ratification of the EVIPA, and support the removal of the yellow card warning on Viet Nam's seafood exports and the recognition of the Vietnamese community in Poland as a minority group.

Both sides emphasised the importance of high-level delegation exchanges across Party, State, Government and National Assembly channels, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and leveraging the role of the Viet Nam-Poland and Poland-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentary Groups as bridges. They also committed to close collaboration at global and inter-regional parliamentary forums.  VNS
VINH LONG  A delegation of the Development Department under the Cambodian Defence Ministry led by its director Lieutenant General Ouk Hoeunpisey on Friday paid a pre-Tet (Lunar New Year) visit to the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long.

Welcoming the delegation, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Liet emphasised that with the traditional relationship and special solidarity between Viet Nam and Cambodia, Vinh Long Province and the Cambodian department had always maintained and strengthened a good friendship for many years.

Informing the guests about the provinces socio-economic situation, he said the province had consistently implemented the Party and State's ethnic policies, supporting the Khmer people in improving their material and spiritual lives.

Additionally, local authorities had actively coordinated to organise rituals and recreational activities during traditional festivals in line with the Khmer cultural identity.

For his part, Lieutenant General Ouk Hoeunpisey thanked Viet Nam for always caring for and supporting the unit over the past time.

He noted that in 2025, the department planned to build a training centre in the field of agriculture to improve the knowledge, techniques and human resources of the army to meet the requirements of the agricultural sector.

So, it wished to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Vinh Long in this field. VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh speaks to the Vietnam News Agencys correspondents in Beijing about the outstanding achievements in bilateral relations and expectations for future cooperation on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations (January 18, 1950 2025) and the 'Year of Viet Nam-China Humanistic Exchange'.

2025 marks a significant milestone as Viet Nam and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. What are the prominent achievements in the relationship between the two countries over the past 75 years?

China was the first country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) on January 18, 1950, marking an important milestone in the history of the two countries' relations.

Over the 75-year journey, the bilateral relationship has experienced ups and downs, but the two Parties, governments, and people of the two countries have stood shoulder to shoulder, offering immense and invaluable support to one another, contributing to the success of national liberation and construction and development of each country. The friendship of being both comrades and brothers, built and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong, along with generations of the two countries' leaders, has become a valuable asset of both nations.

Especially since the normalisation of relations in 1991, the relationship between the two Parties and two countries has been continuously promoted to new heights, obtaining important achievements and milestones.

On politics, the leaders of the Party, State, Government, National Assembly and Fatherland Front of the two countries regularly meet to promote traditional friendship, strengthen political trust and deepen cooperation across various fields while well controlling disagreements, orienting and promoting the healthy and long-term stable development of Viet Nam-China relations. The two sides have determined to develop bilateral relations with the motto of 'friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and looking toward the future' (1999) and the spirit of 'good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, good partners' (2005), and agreed to establish the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership (2008) - the highest cooperation framework in Viet Nam's relations with countries around the world.

Following General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong's official visit to China in October 2022, during the state visit to Viet Nam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in December 2023, both sides agreed to continue deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and building a Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. They outlined six major orientations comprising stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence-security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences, for the well-being of the people of both countries and for peace and progress of humankind.

During the successful state visit to China by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in August 2024, the two countries' leaders continued to affirm that developing bilateral relations is a priority in each country's foreign policy, and agreed to further strengthen the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The economic and trade ties between Viet Nam and China have seen robust development. China remains Viet Nam's largest trading partner, its top import market, and its second-largest export market. In 2024, the first year of the two countries implementing agreements and common perceptions after the upgrade of bilateral ties, bilateral trade surpassed US$200 billion. Viet Nam is currently Chinas fourth-largest trading partner globally.

Since the normalisation of relations in 1991, bilateral trade has increased more than 6,400 times, from $32 million to $200 billion. In terms of investment, China has become Viet Nam's third-largest foreign investor, with total registered capital amounting to $31.8 billion. This figure marks significant growth from 2014, when China ranked ninth, with cumulative registered capital of about $8 billion.

People-to-people, cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges between the two countries have also gained notable attainments. Over 23,000 Vietnamese students are currently living and studying in China. Chinese tourist arrivals to Viet Nam have been on a steady rise. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Viet Nam welcomed 5.8 million Chinese visitors, accounting for 30 per cent of all international tourist arrivals. In 2024, Viet Nam accommodated approximately 3.7 million Chinese tourists, up 214.4 per cent increase from 2023, making China Viet Nam's second-largest source of tourists after the Republic of Korea.

The two countries have resolved two of the three border and territorial issues with the signing of the Land Border Agreement in 1999 and completing the land border demarcation work in 2008, and signing the agreement on the demarcation of the Gulf of Tonkin in 2000.

Regarding maritime disputes, senior leaders of the two Parties and countries have reached significant common perceptions on well managing disagreements and maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.

The two sides signed an agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues between Viet Nam and China (2011), established and maintained the government-level negotiation mechanism on border and territorial issues as well as three expert-level mechanisms on the area off the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf and on cooperation in less sensitive areas at sea and cooperation for joint development at sea.

The valuable lessons learned from the negotiations to settle border issues on land and the delimitation of the Gulf of Tonkin, along with the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues and the common perceptions reached by the two countries senior leaders, will serve as a foundation and source of trust for both sides to continue negotiations for peaceful settlement of the East Sea issue, based on friendly relations, mutual respect for each other's legitimate rights and interests, and in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) signed between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China.

It can be said that the ongoing emphasis on fostering, expanding, and deepening bilateral relations reflects the strategic vision of leaders of both Parties and countries. This approach has brought significant practical benefits to both nations' people, while creating a peaceful and stable environment conducive to mutual development, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

In your opinion, where should Viet Nam and China focus their cooperation as they enter a new phase of development? What are your expectations for the future development of bilateral relations?

This is an opportune moment to advance the relations between the two countries to a higher, deeper, and more substantive level. Both sides should focus on implementing and concretising the high-level common perceptions aimed at deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership, and building the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance following the 'six major orientations,' focusing on the following specific tasks:

First, the two sides should coordinate effectively to prepare for future high-level exchanges and meetings.

Second, they should continue deepening cooperation across various sectors to achieve tangible results. This includes boosting investment, trade, and expanding the import of goods, especially Vietnamese agricultural products, along with implementing major projects that are the symbol of the growing Viet Nam-China cooperation, and broadening cooperation in areas that China has strength and Viet Nam has demand such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green growth, and clean energy.

Third, Viet Nam and China should enhance people-to-people exchange, reinforcing the social foundation for bilateral ties. The year 2025 has been chosen as the Year of Viet Nam  China Humanistic Exchange, and this should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people exchange and promote friendship, encourage tourism recovery, and make effective use of revolutionary landmarks to educate the younger generations in both countries about the traditional friendship between the two Parties and two nations. We should also effectively implement the Viet Nam-China Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Plan for the 2023-2027 period.

Fourth, the two countries should coordinate closely in managing the land border, enhance exchanges, and seek solutions to promote cooperation and development, while strengthening infrastructure connections, especially railway connections between the two countries, turning the border into an area of peace, stability, cooperation, and development. It is also essential to control maritime disagreements effectively, promote negotiation mechanisms, and respect each other's legitimate rights and interests in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982 and DOC.

I am confident that when both sides work together to implement the important common perceptions reached by the two countries' senior leaders, and focus on these key areas of cooperation, Viet Nam-China relations will continue to strengthen and develop comprehensively and practically, bringing tangible benefits to both countries' people.

Could you please outline activities and events that the Vietnamese Embassy in China plans to implement during the Year of Viet Nam  China Humanistic Exchange to promote friendship and enhance people-to-people exchange?

In 2025, both countries will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This year will also be designated the Year of Viet Nam  China Humanistic Exchange. It is an occasion for both sides to organise meaningful activities, including cultural, artistic, and people-to-people exchanges, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, fostering and promoting the traditional friendship between the people of our two countries, particularly among the younger generations.

Currently, the embassy is actively coordinating with relevant agencies from both sides to organise humanistic exchange activities as part of a banquet marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and China in the host country. The event is expected to feature distinguished individuals from various sectors in China, along with a variety of meaningful and special events, such as photo exhibitions promoting the image of Viet Nam and its people, presentations on Vietnamese culture and tourism, performances by artists from both countries, and stalls showcasing Vietnamese cuisine and agricultural products.

I am confident that these activities will further strengthen the friendship between our two countries and open up new opportunities for cooperation in the future.  VNS
HA NOI - Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyen Xuan Thang attended a banquet hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Viet Nam on January 17 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Viet Nam-China diplomatic relations (January 18, 1950-2025).

Addressing the event, Thang reflected on the history of Viet Nam-China relations, acknowledging periods of ups and downs but emphasising that solidarity, friendship, and cooperation remained the primary trajectory. He affirmed that developing ties with China was a strategic choice and a top priority in Viet Nams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification.

Stable and sustainable ties between the two nations, he noted, aligned with the interests of their people and contributed to regional and global development and prosperity.

Thang highlighted the achievements of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Viet Nam and China in 2024. He attributed the outcomes to the strategic orientation and close coordination between the two countries' Party and State leaders.

He noted progress in political trust, security and defence collaboration, robust economic, trade, and investment partnerships, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

The Politburo member expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the two countries leaders, along with efforts of ministries, sectors, localities and people, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations and the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance would thrive in a deep, stable and sustainable manner for the happiness of both countries' people as well as for peace and progress of humankind.

Thang extended wishes for the Lunar New Year of the Snake to the peoples of Viet Nam and China.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam He Wei praised the historic achievements of the Viet Nam-China relationship over the past 75 years. He highlighted the enduring friendship of being both comrades and brothers initiated by Chairman Mao Zedong and President Ho Chi Minh as the firm political foundation for the two countries strong ties.

He affirmed that the Party and Government of China attached great importance to developing relations with the Party and State of Viet Nam, and were ready to work with Viet Nam to build on past achievements, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries as well as the VViet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, making bilateral relationship a model for peaceful, friendly, and mutually beneficial neighbourly relations, advancing the well-being of both nations and contributing to regional and global stability, cooperation and development. VNA/VNS
Jurist News, January 9, 2025

By Pamel Kaur

The UK Independent Afghanistan Inquiry published Wednesday has shed light on allegations of unlawful killings carried out by British special forces in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. The inquiry, which examined classified military records, whistleblower accounts, and survivor testimonies, uncovered a disturbing pattern of behavior that raises serious questions about accountability and the rule of law in armed conflict.

According to a video statement released Wednesday by Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, the chair of the inquiry, seven special forces witnesses were questioned in secret, more than ten years after they voiced concerns about alleged purposeful detention activities in Afghanistan. In a decision last year, Haddon-Cave, a judge in the Court of Appeal, had said unequivocally that his investigation will provide open copies of exhibits and witness statements with the required redactions, together with summaries of oral testimony provided during closed hearings.

At the core of the inquiry is evidence suggesting that detainees were killed in suspicious circumstances during raids conducted by elite military units, including the Special Air Service (SAS). Whistleblower accounts, such as those of the former soldier identified as N1799, describe instances of detainees allegedly being executed in a manner euphemistically referred to as flat-packing. This was allegedly followed by efforts to falsify operational reports to disguise the unlawful nature of the acts.

Under the Geneva Conventions, the unlawful killing of detainees constitutes a war crime. The inquirys findings suggest that the UK may have breached its obligations to investigate and prosecute such crimes promptly and effectively. The principle of command responsibilityenshrined in both customary international law and statutes such as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Courtrequires senior officials to be held accountable for crimes committed by subordinates if they knew or should have known about such acts and failed to prevent them.

From a rule of law perspective, this inquiry underscores two critical principles: accountability and the protection of human rights. Accountability, a cornerstone of the rule of law, mandates that government officials and institutions act within the law and are held responsible for violations. The evidence of systematic obfuscation and cover-ups by high-ranking officials highlights a troubling failure to uphold this principle. Mechanisms such as public corruption investigations, ethics committees, and government watchdog agencies must be empowered to prevent and address such failures. Public trust in government institutions erodes without accountability, and the rule of law becomes a hollow ideal.

Equally significant is the protection of individual rights. The unlawful killing of detainees represents a grave violation of the right to life, a fundamental human right protected under both domestic and international law. Domestically, section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 protects individual rights against arbitrary and discriminatory actions, including those by state actors. The inquirys findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust legal protections and due process to uphold the dignity and autonomy of all individuals, even in the context of war.

As warfare increasingly involves asymmetrical conflicts where traditional rules of engagement are tested, adherence to international humanitarian law becomes even more critical. The inquirys findings highlight the necessity of robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the erosion of these standards.
HA NOI  Chairman of National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man and a delegation of incumbent and former Party and State leaders offered incense to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the late leaders temple in Ba Vi National Park in the outlying district of Ba Vi on January 18.

The visit was on the occasion of the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) (February 2, 1930-2025) and the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival.

The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh.

Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and former NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung sent flowers to pay their respect to President Ho Chi Minh.

Man and delegation members recalled the great contribution of President Ho Chi Minh, who founded and trained the Party, and devoted his life to the nation, the people, the ideals of communism, the independence and freedom of nations, and for peace and justice worldwide.

They pledged, together with the entire Party, people, and armed forces, to continuously study and follow President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality, and lifestyle. They committed to maximising the spirit of unity, responsibility, and innovation to realise goals set in the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress as well as make good preparations for the organisation of the 14th National Party Congress, ushering the country into a new era where Viet Nam stands shoulder to shoulder with developed nations across the globe, as per President Ho Chi Minhs aspirations.  VNS
GENEVA - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in 2025 for the second consecutive year shows Viet Nam's recognition of the forum as a global partner, and the country's commitment to promoting international cooperation, said Ambassador Phan Mai Dung, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, and other international organisation in Geneva.

In an interview granted to the Viet Nam News Agency ahead of the PM's Davos trip, the ambassador outlined major strategic goals for Viet Nams participation, including deepening ties with key partners, fostering collaboration between Government and private sectors, particularly in green energy, technology, and sustainable development.

WEF Davos provides a chance for Viet Nam to introduce its business-friendly environment, promote investment opportunities and growth potential, and position itself as an appealing destination for international trade and tourism.

It serves as a platform for Viet Nam to gain insights into global best practices in economic and sustainable development, helping the country brace for challenges such as climate change, energy transition, food security, and economic instability.

It also provides opportunities for Viet Nam to actively participate in global efforts on sustainable development, energy transition, and digital economy advancement. The country will also reaffirm its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to the diplomat.

Viet Nam can share its development vision, contributing perspectives and experiences in areas such as sustainable agriculture, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and human development.

Moreover, Viet Nams participation in the forum enhances its national standing and international reputation, demonstrating a strong commitment to contributing to global initiatives and solutions. It reaffirms Viet Nam as a reliable, proactive, and responsible partner within the international community.

Attending WEF Davos highlights Viet Nam's foreign policies and international integration. As part of its commitment to proactive international integration, Viet Nam seeks to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

Dung affirmed that Viet Nam's international integration policy stemmed from the country's external policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification of international relations, being a friend and trustworthy partner as well as an active and responsible member of the international community.

He noted that Viet Nam had so far shown a comprehensive integration into various aspects of international life, spanning security, politics, culture, economy, and society. The country had participated robustly in international and regional cooperation frameworks, holding membership in over 70 international organisations, including global multilateral institutions. Additionally, Viet Nam had undertaken significant international responsibilities, playing an active role in numerous key multilateral organisations and forums addressing global issues.

International integration has provided Viet Nam with access to valuable resources, knowledge, and technology, supporting its efforts to rebuild and develop comprehensively after decades of war. From being a poor, underdeveloped, and isolated nation under embargo, Viet Nam has transformed into a developing country with middle-income status. It is now among the worlds 40 largest economies and ranks in the top 20 for trade and foreign investment attraction.

The quality of life of Vietnamese people has seen significant improvements, with the poverty rate dropping sharply. The nation has also achieved many Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule.

Dung underlined that the countrys ongoing engagement with forums like WEF Davos demonstrated its commitment to addressing global challenges, promoting sustainable growth, and fostering international collaboration.

Today, Viet Nam had moved beyond simply learning from the international community. It now actively shared its experiences in sustainable development, poverty eradication, and climate change adaptation. This demonstrated Viet Nam's proactive role and responsibility within the global community, the ambassador underscored.

The countrys socio-economic achievements and international integration over nearly half a century represented a compelling success story. Participation in and collaboration at major global forums had further enabled Viet Nam to showcase itself as a stable, dynamic nation, ready to cooperate with the world, while contributing to enhancing Viet Nams image and prestige on the international stage, he said.

The ambassador said with the theme Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, this year's WEF Davos aimed to bridge divides caused by economic fragmentation, political polarisation, and cultural divisions. It also sought to leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology to drive sustainable growth. Key priorities would include reshaping global growth, adapting industries for the AI era, investing in human capital, protecting the planet, and rebuilding trust. VNS
WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Warsaw at noon on January 18 for Prague to begin an official visit to the Czech Republic at the invitation of his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala.

Earlier the same day, PM Chinh visited the ASG Trade Centre in Warsaw, as part of his official visit to Poland. The centre is considered one of the largest Vietnamese trade hubs in Europe alongside Sa Pa in the Czech Republic and ong Xuan in Germany.

According to Hoang Xuan Binh, Chairman of the ASG Board of Directors, the ASG is the first trade centre of the Vietnamese community and one of the largest centres managed by a Vietnamese-led board in Poland. It spans 120,000 square metres and features over 400 stores specialising in imports, exports, and wholesale.

Conveniently located on a key route connecting Warsaw and Krakow, it generates tens of millions of US dollars in annual taxes and provides thousands of jobs, primarily to the Vietnamese community. Businesses at the centre are now focusing on digital transformation and e-commerce expansion.

Prime Minister Chinh expressed his delight at the outcomes of the centre's activities as well as the success and development of the Vietnamese people in Poland, while praising the Vietnamese community's contributions, patriotism solidarity, especially in difficulties like the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent fire at a Warsaw trade centre. He emphasised the importance of leveraging trade hubs like the ASG to strengthen economic ties between Viet Nam and Poland.

Poland is currently Viet Nams largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe, while Viet Nam is Poland's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. However the economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries had yet to match with the good politic-diplomatic relations, Chinh said.

He expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in general and those doing business at the ASG in particular would continue to work and do business in accordance with the law for rapid, sustainable and effective development, contributing to connecting the two economies through supply chains, exploiting Viet Nam's strengths such as agricultural products, garments, electronics and footwear, and promoting the introduction of officially imported Vietnamese products in the Polish and European markets. These efforts would contribute to creating a breakthrough in economic, trade and investment cooperation, striving to soon achieve a bilateral trade turnover of US$5 billion a year.

The PM briefed the community on results of his talks and meeting with Polish leaders. He said Poland would soon ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement. He proposed Poland recognise the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority in the country.

He encouraged Vietnamese businesses to adopt sustainable practices, prioritise legal compliance, and foster innovation. He called for enhanced logistics and e-commerce capabilities while suggesting Vietnam Airlines collaborate with Poland's LOT Airlines to optimise transport costs.

This trip to the ASG marked the conclusion of Prime Minister Chinhs official visit to Poland.  VNS
PRAGUE  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam arrived in Prague on January 18 afternoon (local time), beginning an official visit to the Czech Republic from November 18-20 at the invitation of his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala.

PM Chinh and his entourage were welcomed at Vaclav Havel Airport by Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jiri Kozak, Czech Ambassador to Viet Nam Hynek Kmonicek, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam, staff of the Vietnamese embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in the European country.

During the visit, the Vietnamese government leader is scheduled to hold talks and meetings with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, President Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Senate Milos Vystrcil, and receive leaders of the Czech Communist Party and the Czech Republics friendship organisation.

In addition, he will visit the Vietnamese embassy, meet with representatives of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic; attend the 2025 Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) programme and extend New Year greetings to the Vietnamese community, visit outstanding Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic, work with outstanding Vietnamese businesses in the Czech Republic and Europe, and visit the Sapa Trade Centre - where many Vietnamese people do business. He is also scheduled to receive leaders of leading Czech businesses and attend the Viet Nam - Czech Business Forum.

Chinh's visit to the Czech Republic takes place in the context that the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic has been growing over the past seven decades.

Viet Nam always treasures the development of relations with traditional countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic - a priority partner.

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 for cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region.

Two-way trade reached US$2.9 billion 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.

This visit is of great significance. It aims to continue affirming Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and comprehensive international integration, contributing to deepening and elevating relations between the two countries to a new level of development.  VNS
HA NOI  Top Vietnamese and Chinese leaders have exchanged their messages of congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (January 18, 1950  2025).

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee o Van Chien exchanged congratulatory messages with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji and Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference National Committee Wang Huning.

In their messages, the Vietnamese leaders highlighted that over the past 75 years, the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and China has maintained stable development. Political trust has been increasingly consolidated, the bonds of friendship between both nations' people have been stronger, and cooperation in various fields has deepened and become more substantive, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries' people, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam value and remember the invaluable and effective cooperation and support given by the Party, State, and people of China in historical periods. Developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China remains a consistent policy and a top priority in Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification and multilateralisation of relations.

In the context of profound changes in the global and regional landscape, and as the socialist cause in each country enters a pivotal stage, the top leaders of the two Parties and nations have agreed to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, promote the building of the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, for the happiness of the people of both countries and for peace and progress for humanity. This is both a responsibility and an objective necessity, aligning with the aspirations and interests of the two Parties and peoples.

Meanwhile, the congratulatory messages from Chinese leaders said that China and Viet Nam, two friendly socialist neighbours, represent a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, the two sides have fought side by side and supported each other in their struggle for national independence and liberation. The Viet Nam-China friendship of being both comrades and brothers has become the most vivid symbol of the relations between the two parties and countries.

In advancing socialism, the two sides have learned from each other and forged ahead hand in hand, thereby deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation.

On this occasion, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of its Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son exchanged congratulatory messages with Head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Liu Jianchao and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.  VNA/VNS
WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse joined the Vietnamese community in Poland in the 'Homeland Spring 2025' celebration in Warsaw on the evening of January 17 (local time), marking the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival with approximately 300 attendees.

The event, part of the PM's official visit to Poland, featured leaders from both countries. Polish representatives included Marcin Kulacek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, and other key figures from Warsaw and the national government, as well as leaders of the Poland-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group and the Poland-Viet Nam Friendship Association.

Held at the Warsaw Presidential Hotel, the celebration brought together Vietnamese people and their families from across Poland, representing the nearly 30,000-strong Vietnamese community in the European country, dressed in traditional attire and enjoying cultural performances, festive Vietnamese dishes, and the warmth of community connections.

Tran Anh Tuan, a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee's Presidium and Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Poland, said that the community had maintained solidarity and national cultural identity, acting as a bridge of culture for Viet Nam and Poland, building an image of a well-integrated, united and identity-rich community.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland Ha Hoang Hai highlighted the community's contributions to the growth of Viet Nam-Poland relations in 2024. He pledged that the embassy would continue to accompany and support the community in integrating with the host society and make more contributions to the homeland.

PM Chinh expressed gratitude for the communitys contributions to Viet Nam and Poland. He highlighted their role as a cultural bridge between the two nations and commended their efforts in preserving Vietnamese traditions while integrating into Polish society.

He said that his visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of Viet Nam-Poland diplomatic relations, aiming to seek to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

Briefing the community on outcomes from his meetings with Polish leaders, he said that he asked for the Polish Governments continued support to the Vietnamese community to further integrate into the host society and make more contributions to Poland as well as ties between the two countries.

He called for Poland to officially recognise the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority group, granting them greater rights and visibility.

The PM expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in Poland would continue promoting solidarity and mutual support, while helping foster relations between the two nations.

PM Chinh extended New Year wishes for health, happiness, success and prosperity to the Vietnamese community and Polish friends.

At the event, PM Chinh presented the Third-Class Labour Order to the Vietnamese Association in Poland, acknowledging its significant contributions to the overseas Vietnamese community.  VNS
ONG NAI  Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien has praised the progress and efforts of units involved in the dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa air base area project.

A notable milestone has been the completion of the design for the first phase of the thermal treatment technology, he said during a site inspection on January 17. Chien was accompanied by officials from relevant Vietnamese agencies and US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper.

Since its commencement in 2019, the project has excavated over 100,000cu.m of soil and treated 13ha of dioxin-contaminated land at Bien Hoa Airport. Chien, who also heads the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for the Settlement of Post-War Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Steering Committee 701), emphasised the importance of close coordination among relevant units to expedite progress. He urged the prompt construction and installation of the thermal treatment system, alongside enhanced supervision of construction activities, environmental monitoring, and worker health tracking. These efforts, he stressed, must adhere to approved protocols to ensure environmental, health, security, and safety standards.

The Deputy Minister instructed units to quickly outline the scope of work within the allocated budget and accelerate the preparation of pre-feasibility and feasibility study reports for project adjustments. These reports are to be submitted to the Ministry of National Defence and the Prime Minister for evaluation and approval.

He also set a goal for the completion of certain tasks by this April to facilitate three major project-related events, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the thermal treatment system, an adjustment to the grant agreement to increase US government non-refundable Official Development Assistance (ODA) support to US$430 million and the handover of remediated land.

The same day, Chien held a meeting with Ambassador Marc Knapper, during which he expressed sympathy for the damage caused by the recent historic wildfires in California. He welcomed the diplomats visit to the project site, calling it a positive step that sets the stage for upcoming activities and events in 2025, including the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam-US diplomatic relations.

Chien reaffirmed that 2024 saw continued progress in joint efforts to address the aftermath of UXO and dioxin contamination. He expressed gratitude for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for securing increased funding, raising the total from $300 million to $430 million, and allocating an additional $140 million to expand support for dioxin victims in Viet Nam.

He encouraged Ambassador Knapper to maintain focus on the project and ensure close collaboration between USAID and Viet Nam's Ministry of National Defence in implementing cooperative initiatives.

Ambassador Knapper acknowledged the significant progress achieved in the project and reiterated the US's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Viet Nam in the field of national defence in the time to come.  VNA/VNS
The area earmarked for the project

At the meeting, a company representative proposed an investment plan for the green energy cluster, with the goal of supplementing clean energy sources, including solar and stored hydropower, to self-supply a system to produce hydrogen, and coordinate with partial solar storage during peak hours.

The total investment for the study is about VND28 trillion ($1.14 billion). Based on multidimensional assessments in terms of land, dam elevation, dam scale, and water flow potential, the investor suggested Quang Kim commune in Quang Trach district for the project, covering about 150 hectares of Vuc Tron Lake.

A solar power plant will also be built close to the north and south side of the lake with a total area of about 700ha, combined with floating solar panels on the lake, to generate 1,050MWp.

Mai Duy Thien, representative of Vietnam Clean Energy, presenting the cyclical green energy cluster

At the meeting, Tran Phong, Chairman of Quang Binh People's Committee, welcomed Vietnam Clean Energy Consulting and Investment and the proposed project. He asked the investor to coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade and related authorities to calculate and study in more detail the proposed scope of the project.

The provincial chairman assigned the Department of Industry and Trade to take the lead, preside over, and coordinate with the Department of Planning and Investment to guide and support investors to study, prepare documents and carry out investment procedures, and report to the committee.

Vietnam Clean Energy Consulting and Investment is located in Sai Dong New Urban Area, Phuc Dong ward, Long Bien district, Hanoi, with Mai Duy Thien as the legal representative. He is also chairman of the Vietnam Clean Energy Association.

Vietnam Clean Energy was granted a business registration certificate by Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment in 2018 with the following registered business lines: management consulting (main business line); crude oil and natural gas exploitation; production of motors, generators, electric transformers, electrical distribution and control equipment; installation of electrical systems; installation of water supply, drainage, heating and air conditioning systems; electricity production; electricity transmission and distribution.

A leader of Quang Binh Department of Planning and Investment said that this is a large project that may be relevant to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Therefore, the investor and relevant authorities will have to meet, check the field, and discuss more details for the project.

Quang Binh receives over 3.38 million USD from selling carbon credit The central province of Quang Binh got more than 82 billion VND (3.38 million USD) for its efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions in 2023, becoming the first locality in Vietnam to receive payment under the Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA).

Doosan wants to develop LNG project South Korea's Doosan Group is interested in working with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to develop the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Quang Trach 2 project and other renewable energy projects.
This measure is part of a restructuring scheme for credit institutions, aimed at addressing shortcomings and strengthening the banking sector in line with Party and government policies.

HDBank, with 35 years of experience, a strong financial foundation, solid reputation, and sound management capabilities, has been entrusted by the government and SBV to execute the mandatory transfer plan. Following the transfer, DongA Bank will operate as a single-member limited liability bank fully owned by HDBank, ensuring all rights of depositors and customers are upheld. DongA Bank will remain an independent legal entity and will not consolidate its financial reports with HDBank. It will be managed and supported by HDBank to gradually restore operations and improve its financial position.

The acquisition of DongA Bank provides HDBank with opportunities to expand its scale, grow credit portfolios, and develop new business models.

Both DongA Bank and HDBank will benefit from mechanisms supported by the SBV to ensure an effective transfer process. HDBank has successfully implemented several safe and effective restructuring and merger and acquisition projects, contributing to stability and growth for all parties involved.

HDBank will focus its resources and restructuring expertise to accompany and support DongA Bank in strengthening its operations and addressing issues, whil aiming to build DongA Bank into a financially sound, secure, and sustainably growing bank. This effort will ensure the rights of the banks employees and deliver enhanced benefits to customers and partners.

HDBank wins three titles at Vietnam Listed Company Awards HDBank won three prestigious titles at the Vietnam Listed Company Awards (VLCA) 2024 on November 16, reaffirming its position as one of the best in the banking and finance sector through its commitment to information transparency and professional governance.

HDBank and Proparco credit financing tops $100 million HDBank has strengthened its existing collaboration with Proparco by securing a new credit facility of $50 million towards its sustainable development targets.
The ACCA Approved Employer certification is awarded to organisations and enterprises that maintain policies and a work environment meeting high standards in human resource development and training in the fields of accounting, finance, and management. This scheme, designed by ACCA, evaluates and recognises businesses excelling in supporting their employees professional learning and development while fostering a professional and sustainable working environment.

PVI received ACCA Approved Employer certification on January 17. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Speaking at the ceremony, To Quoc Hung, country manager at ACCA Vietnam, highly praised PVI's efforts in building outstanding human resource development strategies, continuously enhancing employee competencies, and meeting the ever-increasing demands of the global economy.

In ACCA's 23 years of operation in Vietnam, only a limited number of organisations have achieved the certification for meeting ACCAs international standards in financial workforce training and development policies.

Hung emphasised that achieving ACCA Approved Employer certification is not only a proud milestone but also the beginning of a deeper collaboration between ACCA and PVI.

"With a global network of nearly 8,000 ACCA Approved Employers, this certification not only affirms a companys credibility but also expands its influence in domestic and international markets. The certification signifies PVI strategic commitment to fostering, developing, and enhancing its workforce while ensuring sustainable organisational growth," he stated.

"This recognition is particularly significant as Vietnam increasingly integrates into the global economy," added Hung.

To Quoc Hung, country manager at ACCA Vietnam, speaks at the ceremony. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

The ACCA Approved Employer certification acknowledges PVI as an ideal workplace while reaffirming its strong commitment to advancing human resources by supporting employees in enhancing their professional knowledge and skills through specialised training and career development programmes.

This certification stands as a testament to PVIs dedication to ensuring international standards and fostering sustainable development by providing career opportunities in a standardised environment aligned with global requirements for accounting and finance professionals.

By becoming an ACCA Approved Employer, PVI hopes to build a sustainable partnership that enables us to access high-quality financial, accounting, and management personnel while sharing and staying updated on global trends, said Nguyen Tuan Tu, vice chairman of the board of directors and general director of PVI.

Nguyen Tuan Tu, vice chairman of the board of directors and general director of PVI, shared his expectations as PVI received ACCA Approved Employer certification. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Additionally, PVI expects to receive many benefits and increased value for its members when sending employees to participate in ACCAs professional activities. PVI employees who are ACCA students or members will be given optimal conditions to meet ACCA training requirements, added Tu.

Both ACCA and PVI consider human resources the cornerstone of all success. ACCAs recognition of PVI as an ACCA Approved Employer not only validates PVIs extraordinary efforts in developing its workforce but also stands as proof of the strong and enduring partnership between the two organisations.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives from both sides said they looked forward to continued collaboration to develop high-quality professionals in accounting, finance, and management through a professional work environment, advanced training programmes, and skills development initiatives.

ACCA and Forvis Mazars Vietnam sign MoU The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Forvis Mazars Vietnam signed an MoU in Hanoi on December 3 on fostering a green workforce and advancing sustainable development in Vietnam's accounting, auditing, and finance sectors to support national environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

ACCA welcomes 116 new members in Vietnam The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) held a new member ceremony on October 23 and 24 themed Driving Progress - Leading Change in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Transforming accountancy with sustainability and ESG leadership ACCA and PwC Vietnam signed an MoU on November 22 in Hanoi to collaborate on implementing global standards in Vietnam.
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Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (from 11 to 17 January 2025)

From 11 to 17 January 2025, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out eight group strikes by high-precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles, which hit Ukraines crucial gas and energy infrastructure facilities that support the work of the Ukrainian defence industry. The strikes also engaged armament depots, a fuel base, and infrastructure of military airfields.

Moreover, the group strikes hit assembly facilities and storage areas for strike UAVs and uncrewed surface vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas for Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries.

The Sever Group of Forces continued fighting against the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the territory of Kursk region.

As a result of the active offensive operations, the settlements of Aleksandriya, Leonidovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kruglenkoye have been liberated.

In addition, aviation and drone strikes and artillery fire hit manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, four mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and two territorial defence brigades.

In Kharkov direction, Russian troops inflicted losses on units of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades over the past week.

In the area of responsibility of the Sever Group of Forces, the AFU losses amounted to over 2,225 troops, 10 tanks, and 71 armoured fighting vehicles. Seventy motor vehicles, 34 field artillery guns, including two manufactured by Western countries, were eliminated.

The Zapad Group of Forces has liberated Kalinovo (Kharkov region) and Terny (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The Group inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, three mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one air mobile brigade, and one assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine along with three territorial defence brigades and one National Guard brigade.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 3,300 troops, four tanks, 27 armoured fighting vehicles, including six U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, and one Turkish-made Kirpi armoured vehicle. Moreover, the enemy sustained losses of 72 motor vehicles, 44 field artillery guns, with eight of them manufactured by NATO countries, nine electronic warfare stations, and 15 ammunition depots.

As a result of decisive actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Yantarnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

They also hit six mechanised brigades, two motorised brigades, two assault brigades, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses in this direction during the week amounted to up to 1,655 troops, two tanks, 22 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers and one French-made VAB APC, 31 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, including two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers. Seven ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing into the depths of enemy defences and liberated Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Ukrainka, and Slavyanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The Group inflicted losses on eight mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, two National Guard brigades, and the Lyut Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian armed formations sustained losses of more than 3,770 troops, six tanks, including three German-made Leopard tanks, 29 armoured fighting vehicles, including five M113 APCs, one Bradley IFV, and two U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured vehicles, one French-made VAB APC, and one Turkish-made Cobra II armoured vehicle. Twenty-seven motor vehicles and 45 field artillery guns, including three manufactured by Western countries, were eliminated.

The Vostok Group of Forces liberated Neskuchnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) as a result of intensive operations.

The Group inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, one air assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, three territorial defence brigades, and one National Guard brigade.

The enemys losses amounted to more than 1,445 troops, four tanks, seven armoured fighting vehicles, including one HMMWV and one Stryker, 48 motor vehicles, and 18 field artillery guns, with five of them manufactured by NATO countries. Two ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, two coastal defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one National Guard brigade, and two territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 550 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 49 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, four electronic warfare stations, and five ammunition depots.

On 16 January 2025, Ukraine once again attempted to launch a missile strike against facilities in Belgorod region by six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles.

All the missiles were shot down by air defence systems. There were no casualties or destruction.

The Russian Defence Ministry will take measures to provide a retaliatory strike.

Over the past week, Russias air defence system have shot down 12 U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, eight UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, seven French-made Hammer aerial guided bombs, 48 U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles, and 747 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

Over the past week, 49 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered on the line of contact.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 40,643 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,650 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,510 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,742 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,433 units of support military vehicles of the enemy have been neutralised.

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Man jailed after violent assault on four North Wales hospital staff

The Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has condemned the actions of a man jailed for attacking four staff members at a North Wales hospital.

Jamie McAdam, from Colwyn Bay, was sentenced to 14 months in prison last week after a judge noted his intent to cause serious harm to health workers.

The assaults occurred on 6 December 2023, when McAdam, who was heavily intoxicated and had taken ketamine, became violent while receiving treatment at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

He had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

McAdams behaviour included spitting at, biting, and verbally abusing staff who were attempting to care for him.

He also bit through a cannula and attempted to smear his blood on nurses, claiming he had hepatitis.

One nurse sustained a painful bite to her forearm while trying to bandage McAdams arm after he had pulled out his cannula.

A hospital porter, who intervened to help restrain him, was also targeted, with McAdam attempting to bite his hand.

Even after being sedated for a CT scan, McAdam continued his aggression, lashing out at a security guard.

Once deemed fit to leave by a doctor, McAdam refused and caused further disruption until North Wales Police arrived to arrest him.

The court heard McAdam had 28 previous convictions for 53 offences.

Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, praised the courage of health workers and reaffirmed the health boards commitment to protecting staff from violence:

We understand some people are under extreme stress when they need our services, and some people come to us with difficulties.

However, there is no circumstance where staff in our emergency departments should have to contend with the behaviour we have seen in this case. No colleague should have to experience such aggression or violence in the course of their work.

She added: I have been clear, there are no excuses for threatening staff or visitors at any of our sites.

We will always prosecute abuse and aggression against our colleagues, where it is appropriate. I am fully aware of the incredible service they provide under immense pressures, and they quite rightly enjoy support from the majority of the public.

So, thankfully, these extreme incidents are rare.

I would also like to pay tribute to our partners within North Wales Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for bringing this individual to justice.

At Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Nicola Jones criticised McAdams actions, stating: All of these people were doing their best to assist you. There was an intention by you to cause serious harm.
Twelve jobs being lost as Global set to close Wrexham studio

Global are closing the North Wales studio in Wrexham, ending Welsh medium commercial broadcasting in North Wales, prompting a call for a review of devolution of broadcasting.

RadioToday reported on the new nations strategy from Global, noting the impact for Wales will be Capital North and Capital South will combine to have one national show, with Heart South and Heart North also doing the same, with just a single studio in south Wales being retained.

The Gwersyllt studio was previously the home of Marcher Sound radio group with famed MFM 97.1, then Heart and now run by Capital.

The issue has been raised twice in the Senedd, with calls for broadcasting laws to be devolved to allow Welsh Government freedom to intervene or create legislation to protect types of radio.

Pullback of media in Wales is nothing new, and so far, solutions or effective responses have evaded Cardiff Bay. ( See More: Six out of ten Newsquest newspapers in Wales would have been loss making last year without public notice revenue / It is not for local authorities to fund local or national print media, says Senedd committee as an example for print media).

On Wednesday Plaid Cymrus Heledd Fychan MS asked about the devolution of broadcasting, adding, Last week, we heard the news that Capital Cymru is bringing all of its Welsh programmes to an end. These changes are possible following the introduction of the new media Act last October, which eradicates any requirements in terms of stations formats. You will be aware of the work done through the co-operation agreement, that we want to see the devolution of broadcasting. In response to a question from Rhun ap Iorwerth in a committee at the end of November, you werent clear as to how this work would be progressed, stating: I dont think Im saying that Im against the devolution of broadcasting. I think Im saying Id like to do the piece of work around that to form my view and to see where we take this conversation next.

Fychan asked Minister Jack Sargeant, Have you now decided whether you support the devolution of broadcasting, and if so, when can we expect to see movement in terms of the work on this matter being progressed, because we cannot afford to wait a second longer?

Jack Sargeant MS replied, Im grateful to the Member for raising the situation around broadcasting in Wales. I too was very disappointed by Globals decision to end Capital Cymrus Welsh language programming. We very much recognise the importance of Welsh language programming on radio and all of the things that that offers to the Welsh language and to new learners, and the importance it places on audiences across Cymru.

While Im very clear on broadcasting and the position of that, broadcasting is of course, as the Member points out, a reserved matter. Im very open to exploring the options around broadcasting and devolution around this. I will form my view. Im still considering all of those options.

Where Im very clear is that we will continue to work with the UK Government, because the current situation isnt fit for purpose, and I will continue these conversations and look forward to the conversation Ill have with the Member on this issue as well.

Earlier this week the topic was raised by Llyr Gruffydd MS, who asked for a statement on the situation now facing commercial broadcasting on the radio waves in Wales, because last week Global radio announced that they were ceasing to broadcast much of their regional output, including the Capital Cymru station.

Now, that station, of course, is unique, because most of the output during the day is through the medium of Welsh. The company, as a result, is going to close the studio in Wrexham; there are 12 jobs being lost. But the implications, of course, are far-reaching, because this is an end to Welsh-medium commercial broadcasting in north Wales and that will be a blow not only for the Welsh language, but also for the Welsh music sector.

The decisions comes following the introduction of the new Media Act 2024 by the Westminster Government. Under the old system, Ofcom could insist that there was Welsh-medium output as part of the licensing conditions for some of these commercial companies. And although the Senedd culture committee called for that to be protected within the new legislation, that call was ignored. So, do you agree with me that the devolution of responsibilities for broadcasting is the only solution, ultimately, to protect Welsh language and Welsh broadcasting more generally? And can we have a statement from Government, explaining what you intend to do to try and safeguard the Welsh and Welsh-medium provision, which is becoming rarer on commercial stations?

Jane Hutt MS replied, thank you for drawing this again to our attention in the Senedd, the impact of changes on our commercial broadcasting, but particularly impacting on Welsh language, Welsh-medium broadcasting. Im sure that the culture committee has been addressing this. There are some aspects of this that wont be devolved, but thats where we need to look at where we are with our commitments to look at broadcasting. So, well seek to update you in terms of where we are now on the advisory work that has been undertaken. Diolch. 
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12 arrested in joint operation by Chinese, Thai police in actor's trafficking case

Xinhua) 10:21, January 18, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Rahul Karthikeyan, Chief Marketing Officer, InterviewBit and Scaler, has been shaping the future of tech education through impactful marketing strategies and brand innovation. With extensive expertise in driving growth and building global brands, Karthikeyan has been instrumental in growing Scaler into the largest player in the software upskilling sector in the country. His brings real-world marketing expertise to his teaching at Scaler School of Business, inspiring future leaders with actionable insights. With over a decade in edtech, Karthikeyan has achieved milestones like scaling Scalers batch sizes from 250 to 1,000 learners.

In conversation with Adgully, Rahul Karthikeyan, Chief Marketing Officer, InterviewBit and Scaler, speaks about his passion for leveraging technology and provides insights into creating meaningful connections with learners which has has set a benchmark in the edtech industry, empowering professionals to unlock their true potential.

You are now balancing a dual role as CMO of InterviewBit & Scaler and a teacher at Scaler School of Business. Can you share how you have integrated your industry expertise into your teaching to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders?

As the CMO of InterviewBit and Scaler and a Scaler School of Business (SSB) teacher, my industry expertise directly enriches my teaching. My approach is rooted in blending theoretical concepts with practical, real-world applications. For instance, when discussing marketing frameworks, I use case studies from my experience  scaling brands or designing impactful campaigns  to bring lessons to life. I focus on actionable insights, helping students understand what works, what doesnt, and why. This equips them with knowledge and a mindset to adapt and lead effectively in dynamic environments. Teaching, for me, is an extension of my mission to nurture and empower young talents.

What does a typical day look like for you? Could you walk us through the 57 key activities you prioritise to ensure productivity and alignment across your roles?

My day typically starts with reviewing key metrics from the previous day and aligning the team to our marketing goals. By noon, I engage deeply with my teams to tackle challenges and drive strategic discussions. Afternoons are often dedicated to the Scaler School of Business, refining strategies and creating aspirational content. Later in the day, I collaborate with the creative team on campaigns and messaging, ensuring alignment with our vision. Evenings usually involve working closely with product and sales teams to refine user journeys and forecast outcomes. Despite a usually packed schedule, I ensure evenings are reserved for family - my wife and my boy Togo - offering a much-needed balance.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in the edtech space, and how did you prepare to transition from your previous role at Upgrad to your current responsibilities?

My entry into edtech began with Career Forum in 2007, where counselling students and parents gave me a deep appreciation of the transformative power of education. This belief in democratising education aligns well with Scaler's mission, too. Transitioning from UpGrad to Scaler wasnt a shift but a conscious doubling down on a mission I deeply believe in. To prepare for this, I immersed myself in understanding learning journeys, focusing on impactful storytelling and marketing. Its been a natural and fulfilling journey of amplifying educational opportunities.

Throughout your journey, did you have any mentors or role models who played a pivotal role in shaping your career? How did their guidance influence your decisions and growth?

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. From Vishal Chinchankar, who shaped my leadership skills during my time at GroupM, to Anshuman Singh, our Co-founder at Scaler, whose visionary creativity has played a significant role in our growth, each mentor has profoundly influenced me. Ive drawn lessons on articulation, strategy, and resilience, which have been instrumental in my growth. Inspiration also comes from Sachin Tendulkars unmatched dedication and leadership under pressure. The 1998 Sharjah match during the Coca-Cola Cup, where Sachin played a legendary innings against Australia under immense pressure, left an indelible mark on me. It reminded me of the power of resilience and leading by example, lessons I strive to embody in my professional journey.

With such a dynamic career, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Could you share some of your go-to practices for managing stress and ensuring personal well-being?

Switching off after work is a non-negotiable for me. Evenings are dedicated to my wife - Karishma, and my boy, my dog - Togo, providing essential rejuvenation. Physical fitness also plays a pivotal role in managing stress. I work out five days a week with a trainer, ensuring consistency. Travel also gives me a mental reset, with annual breaks helping me return with clarity and focus. Typically, around October, I take a 10-15 day break regardless of my responsibilities, ensuring a complete disconnection to recharge and reflect. A combination of fitness, family time, and a long-term perspective energises me and balances me.

Could you highlight some of the key milestones or achievements in your career so far? How have these moments defined your professional growth and aspirations?

Leading Scalers evolution into a dominant force in tech upskilling has been a defining milestone for me. In this space, Scaler stands unmatched, particularly in the software upskilling sector, where weve grown batch sizes from 250 to 1,000 learners each. To put it into perspective, the second-best in the industry would be around 300-350, highlighting the significant edge in what we've built over the past 3-4 years.

This growth reaffirms the importance of perseverance and the power of building from scratch, which has been the core of my journey. Crafting and scaling brands from 0 to 1 is something Ive learned to master, and its become one of my greatest passions. For nearly a decade, I've embraced the journey of building and delivering long-term value from the ground up.

Another pivotal moment in my career was my transition into leadership at GroupM. This shift allowed me to take a more business-focused approach to marketing, further solidifying my belief in creating value and connecting with the audiences.

How do you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry like edtech? Are there specific resources, strategies, or habits you rely on to remain informed and relevant in your roles?

Staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry requires continuous learning and experimentation. My two-hour commute is a golden opportunity to consume diverse podcasts, from business to sports, extracting inspiration from varied fields. Networking with peers, attending industry forums, and reading trend analyses also keep me informed. Encouraging my teams to embrace failure fosters innovation and agility, ensuring we remain adaptable and forward-thinking.

What fuels your passion for empowering learners and professionals through platforms like InterviewBit and Scaler? How do you ensure you continue to grow and make an impact in such diverse and demanding roles?

The transformative power of education fuels my passion. Witnessing learners achieve breakthroughs, whether landing a dream job or mastering new skills, reaffirms my commitment to creating impactful platforms like Scaler and InterviewBit. Every effort, be it crafting relatable content, mentoring, or designing aspirational campaigns, is aligned with outcomes that empower individuals. Growth, for me, is about leaving a meaningful legacy that shapes careers and transforms lives.
WARCs latest forecasts show that global advertising spend surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in 2024, and is expected to grow 10.7% this year, to a total of $1.08 trillion. Global ad spend has more than doubled over the last decade, growing 2.8x faster than global economic output since 2014, with more media channels available to marketers than ever before.

The Future of Media 2025 report takes a look at how the endless optionality within the media ecosystem creates new opportunities for marketers to drive effectiveness and deliver growth. It looks at how Google search is being disrupted by social and retail platforms, as well as the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), and finally, the developments within the retail media and commerce sector and how advertisers can adjust to an environment where commerce is increasingly everywhere.

Paul Stringer, Managing Editor, Research & Insights, WARC, says: Today, media is so vast, so complex, and so changeable, that it can be difficult for brands to make sense of it all. As we reach the midpoint of the decade, this is also the most exciting time to be a media planner. Digital advertising has matured beyond direct-response to support brand-building and long-term effectiveness, advertisers are focusing more on quality over cost when deciding which media environments to advertise in, and signal fidelity is improving thanks to the growth of AI-powered media solutions and an influx of retail media and commerce media networks.

With this report we aim to help marketers navigate these challenges and opportunities as we explore the three key trends set to shape the media and advertising environment this year, Stringer adds.

The key trends outlined in The Future of Media 2025 are:

Planning in an era of abundance

Media diversity brings new opportunities for brands to drive growth over the short- and the long-term using smart combinations of different media channels.

Planning holistically and choosing the right combination will be different for every brand and vary by context and objective. Media quality, reach and price, will be critical in helping planners determine the optimum stack for brands.

As spend and sentiment shifts to channels like social, influencers, podcasts and gaming, new tactics for brand building are emerging. Advertisers are adapting campaigns for platforms where attention is more fleeting, and lots of little exposures need to work together to improve brand outcomes.

Across channels like search and social, advertisers will be required to adapt campaigns to fit the preferences of algorithms. This may mean adopting new methods and processes, or putting more trust in AI systems to automate parts of campaign management - even if this means sacrificing autonomy and control.

New challenges and opportunities in search

This year, more than $220bn will be spent on generic search globally, per WARC forecasts, with Google taking more than 80% of the share. However, social media is rivalling Google as the young peoples search platforms of choice for brand discovery.

The future of search appears to be about intent rather than information, supported by sophisticated uses of AI.

Developments in AI are leading traditional search providers and new entrants to compete to identify consumer intent in ever more granular ways. Access to these insights should help brands build a more sophisticated and nuanced understanding of audience behaviours, leading to more personalised and relevant communications.

AI-driven search requires a rethinking of search engine optimization (SEO). In the near future, brands may need to optimise messaging and content to ensure they are visible and represented favourably in AI-based search results.

This approach - which some are calling Large Language Model Optimisation (LLMO) - will require a different set of skills and processes compared to traditional SEO.

Brands may need to adopt more diverse search strategies to account for the growing fragmentation of search experiences across retail and social platforms and variables such as audience, type of search and category.

Retail growth fuels commerce media expansion

Commerce is increasingly everywhere. Retail media is expanding, reaching $154.8 billion in advertising spend globally in 2024 with a further 14.8% rise expected in 2025, per WARC Media. New commerce media platforms are launching, and social commerce is continuing to grow rapidly.

Commerce media is becoming the infrastructure that underpins the entire digital advertising ecosystem, and offers brand building potential. Many retail and commerce media platforms now sell ads that allow advertisers to reach consumers across the purchase journey, from awareness all the way through to conversion.

Advertisers will need to weigh up these opportunities carefully, supported by holistic measurement that allows them to show the impact of commerce on long-term brand and business metrics.

New entrants may struggle to win spend from incumbents. Advertisers already admit to feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available in the commerce space and highlight a lack of standardisation across platforms as their biggest challenge with retailers. In the short-term, this may curtail the growth of new entrants as advertisers prioritise working with just a few large and established networks.

Retail spending puts brand budgets at risk. Many advertisers appear to be divesting from traditional advertising channels to spend more on lower-funnel ads on retail media networks. Advertisers should protect traditional advertising budgets to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of weakening their brand, while raising the cost of driving performance on retail media properties.

The Future of Media 2025 is based on data and insights from WARC, including WARCs Marketers Toolkit global survey of 1000+ marketing executives, and external research. It is part of WARCs Evolution of Marketing programme helping marketers address major industry shifts to drive effective marketing, and follows the recent publication of WARCs The Voice of the Marketer 2025, The Marketers Toolkit 2025 and The GEISTE report.
John "JP" Petty III, a prominent figure in social media marketing and former head of Wieden+Kennedy's social media division, Bodega, has announced his departure to focus on his own agency, 14th and Market. Co-founded with his wife, 14th and Market is an emerging creative agency aimed at crafting culturally resonant campaigns.

Petty, a Philadelphia native, has been instrumental in leading Wieden+Kennedys Portland office alongside Managing Director Jess Monsey. During his tenure, he spearheaded groundbreaking social media initiatives for the agencys high-profile clients, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

Speaking about the move, Petty expressed his excitement to dedicate his efforts to building 14th and Market, describing it as a platform to amplify creativity and redefine the intersection of culture and marketing.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Petty serves on the boards of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and The One Club for Creativity, highlighting his commitment to education and nurturing new talent in the creative industry.

14th and Market is expected to focus on innovative approaches to storytelling and brand-building, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Pettys departure marks a significant shift for Wieden+Kennedy, which continues to adapt to an evolving digital marketing landscape.

This move reflects the broader trend of industry leaders branching out to establish their own ventures, underscoring the growing importance of agility and cultural connectivity in the ad world.
Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (Formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited)  one of Indias leading standalone health insurers, launched its latest campaign, #KaamMeinShaanHai, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of its advisors and agents. As part of this campaign, the advisors will be recognised as "Health Captains" since they play a pivotal role in protecting families and guiding customers through critical health decisions during times of medical need.

Individual agents continue to play a key role in increasing the penetration of health insurance in India. However, they are often underappreciated and seen as mere intermediaries or middlemen by most people. Niva Bupa conducted an internal dipstick amongst its advisors and found lack of acknowledgement and respect within their own family and society at large a key pain point. Advisors are involved at each stage of the health insurance journey, from guiding the right product to explaining the product benefits and then assisting with policy issuance to playing an extremely crucial role during a medical emergency. From arranging an ambulance and taking care of admission in the hospital to ensuring that all documentation is taken care of for the claims process, advisors go beyond their call of duty to help the customers and their family when they are most vulnerable. Their selfless acts during these crucial times often goes unnoticed and is not acknowledged enough.

To address this issue, Niva Bupa has launched a campaign titled #KaamMeinShaanHai which aims to instil a sense of pride amongst advisors and celebrate them as a hero who make a difference in the lives of the customers when it matters the most. Under the #KaamMeinShaanHai initiative comprehensive learning modules have been put together to empower agents to upskill themselves not just on health insurance but healthcare as well to help them become wellness consultants for their customers. This will help the advisors guide their customers to the right doctors, at the right healthcare setups and help them understand the diagnosis and treatment.

As part of the campaign two digital films have been created which showcases instances of how advisors manage customers anxiety and selflessly take care of them during hospitalisation. The films have been conceptualised by Leo Burnett India and is available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages.

In addition to these assets, a plan to shoot 1000 videos based on real life experience is planned under Stories of Pride initiative by the company.

The campaign was unveiled in the presence of the advisor community in Delhi and Mumbai. A series of events is scheduled in the coming days in eight major cities across India, including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Patna, Bangalore, Kanpur, and Pune. These events will serve as platforms to provide advisors with insights, training, and resources to excel in their new roles.

Speaking on the launch, Nimish Agarwal, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, said "Advisors are the cornerstone of Indias health insurance system, consistently going above and beyond to support families during their most vulnerable moments. The #KaamMeinShaanHai campaign is our heartfelt tribute to their indispensable contributions, celebrating their dedication and instilling a sense of pride in their crucial role. Through this initiative, we aim to empower our advisors with the tools, knowledge, and recognition they deserve and also upskilling them on the wellness front to ensure they play a more active, informed role as health captains. "

The campaign is underpinned by three pillars  empower, evangelize and engage. It will help the advisors confidently guide customers towards the best healthcare solutions and equip them with information which would make them trusted healthcare partners for their customers.
It is said that early birds catch worms. This is especially true when it comes to IPO investing. India's initial public offering (IPO) market seems to be thriving. It is attracting both seasoned investors and newcomers eager to participate in the growth stories of emerging businesses. However, navigating an upcoming IPO application process might seem daunting. This could happen especially for first-time investors.

Choosing the right broker can give you an advantage in IPO investing. It can significantly simplify this process and even enhance your chances of securing an allotment.

Here is a list of top brokers in India that offer a seamless IPO investing framework, ensuring a smooth and efficient investing experience.

Understanding the IPO Landscape

Before we explore the brokers, here is a brief recap of the IPO process. An IPO, or Initial Public Offering, is when a privately held company offers its shares to the public for the first time, raising capital for growth and expansion. During the IPO subscription period, investors can subscribe to these shares through their demat accounts or demat apps. The shares are then allotted to investors based on demand and availability.

What to Look for in an IPO?

Once you open free demat account, you can view the list of pre-open and open IPOs. So, what should you look for here?

IPO investing can be an enticing prospect for investors who want to become early birds and get higher returns. It offers the chance to purchase discounted shares of a potentially high-growth company.

However, IPO investing might not necessarily turn out well. Some companies dont offer investors access to past performance; news, research, and data on them might be limited. Therefore, it is crucial to approach IPOs with a critical and analytical mindset.

The IPO hype is such that investors might get swept up in market hype or herd mentality. Therefore, it becomes essential to look at the company's fundamentals. Investors can analyse its business model to assess its uniqueness, competitive advantages, and long-term sustainability. They can also scrutinise the company's financial performance by paying close attention to revenue growth, profitability, and debt levels.

Lastly, they can evaluate the management team's experience. They can refer to the management teams track record and alignment with shareholder interests. Understanding the industry dynamics, growth prospects, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment could be rewarding when investing in IPOs.

Investors must conduct thorough due diligence and form their own informed opinions. This will allow them to make investment decisions that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.

Decoding the IPO Prospectus and Valuations

The IPO prospectus is a treasure trove of information. The company files it with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It comprehensively overviews the company's business, financials, and risk factors.

Investors should pay close attention to the IPO offer price and evaluate whether it is justified based on the company's fundamentals and prospects.

They can analyse the proceeds, ensuring the funds will be utilised for productive purposes like expansion or debt reduction. It is also essential to understand the risk factors associated with the company and the industry and assess those risks. Prospective IPO investors can compare the company's valuations with its listed peers, considering metrics like Price-to-Earnings ratio (P/E), Price-to-Book ratio (P/B), and Price-to-Sales ratio (P/S).

Key Features of a Broker for Seamless IPO Applications

User-Friendly Interface

You can look for a simple and intuitive online trading app platform or a demat app. This platform can guide you through the IPO application process with clear instructions and less hassle.

ASBA Integration

ASBA (Applications Supported by Blocked Amount) is a mechanism that allows you to apply for IPOs without having to transfer funds upfront. Your funds can remain in your bank account until the shares are allotted. A reputed broker will seamlessly integrate ASBA into their platform. However, the blocked amount cannot be used for any purpose.

Real-time Status Tracking

You should be able to track the status of your IPO application in real time, from submission to allotment.

Comprehensive Information

You should be able to access comprehensive information about the IPO, including the prospectus, company financials, and expert analysis. This can help you make informed investment decisions.

Multiple Payment Options

The platform should support various payment methods, including net banking, UPI, and debit cards. Multiple payment options can facilitate application submissions.

Strong Customer Support

It is essential to have responsive customer support. This would help investors address any queries or issues during the application process.

Top Brokers for Seamless IPO Applications in India

Here are the top brokers for IPO investing in India based on their type and specialisation.

Sr. Broker Type Specialisation 1 HDFC SKY Full-service broker Trusted brand with a vast network, user-friendly online platform and mobile app (HDFC SKY App), strong customer support, research reports on IPOs 2 Zerodha Discount broker Largest broker in India, known for its technology-driven platform (Kite), seamless ASBA integration, extensive educational resources 3 Upstox Discount broker Competitive brokerage rates, user-friendly platform and mobile app, fast order execution, good customer support 4 Angel One Discount broker Wide range of investment options, research reports on IPOs, robust trading platform, personalised advisory services 5 Groww Discount broker Simple and intuitive interface, user-friendly mobile app, strong customer support, growing popularity among millennials 6 5paisa Discount broker Competitive brokerage rates, user-friendly platform and mobile app, diverse investment options 7 ICICI Direct Full-service broker 3-in-1 account (Demat, trading, and bank account), strong research and advisory, a wide range of investment products 8 Kotak Securities Full-service broker Strong online and offline presence, research reports, personalized advisory services, and a wide range of investment products 9 Motilal Oswal Full-service broker Strong research and advisory, personalised service, wide range of investment products, IPO-specific research reports 10 Mirae Asset Sharekhan Full-service broker Experienced broker with a vast network, research reports, online and offline presence, diverse investment options

Why a Seamless IPO Application Process Matters?

A smooth and efficient IPO application process can significantly enhance your investment experience. Here is how:

Increased Chances of Allotment

A user-friendly platform with quick and reliable order execution can improve your chances of securing an allotment, especially in popular IPOs that are oversubscribed.

Reduced Stress

A seamless process eliminates the stress and hassle of traditional paper-based applications or complex online forms.

Time-Saving

Applying for IPOs online through a user-friendly platform can save time and effort compared to traditional methods.

Informed Decision-Making

Access to comprehensive information and research reports can empower you to make informed investment decisions.

Conclusion

IPO investing can be an exciting opportunity to participate in the growth stories of promising businesses. Choosing the right broker with a seamless IPO application process can significantly enhance your investment experience and increase your chances of success. No matter which broker you prefer, you can ensure that the platform offers a user-friendly interface, ASBA integration, and comprehensive information.

The HDFC Sky App can help you with a smooth and efficient IPO application process. With this platform, you can confidently navigate the exciting world of IPO investing and potentially enhance your securities market returns through a strategic and well-researched allocation strategy.
Israel Approves Ceasefire Agreement: Hostage Release and Fragile Calm in Gaza Awaited 2

Israels Cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement early Saturday to halt the 15-month war with Hamas, aiming to release dozens of hostages from Gaza. The deal, mediated by Qatar and the United States, marks only the second ceasefire during the prolonged conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the agreement after resolving last-minute complications attributed to Hamas. The ceasefire is set to commence Sunday, starting with the release of 33 hostages during a six-week first phase. However, uncertainty persists over the list of hostages and their current status.

The Cabinet convened past the Jewish Sabbath, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Netanyahu has tasked a special committee with preparing for the return of hostages, informing their families about the deals progress.

As part of the agreement, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including younger prisoners and women. Israels Justice Ministry has published the names of 95 detainees to be freed in the initial phase, emphasizing their involvement in activities like incitement, vandalism, and terror-related charges. Unlike the first ceasefire, Israels Prison Services will oversee prisoner transfers to avoid celebratory displays during the process.

The deal also promises increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, with trucks already lined up at the Rafah border crossing from Egypt. Discussions between Israeli and Egyptian officials are underway regarding border reopening protocols.

Israeli forces plan to withdraw from key areas in Gaza, enabling hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their devastated homes. However, restrictions will remain in areas near Israeli troop presence or the Israel-Gaza border, with the military warning of forceful responses to any perceived threats.

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas cross-border assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Israels retaliatory campaign has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children reportedly making up more than half the casualties.

The fragile truce is set against a backdrop of escalating violence, with Gazas Health Ministry reporting 88 fatalities in the past 24 hours. Historically, both sides have ramped up military operations in the hours leading to ceasefires.

The ceasefire represents a tentative step toward de-escalation, though the road to lasting peace remains uncertain amid widespread destruction and profound mistrust.
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing: Suspect Nabbed at Chhattisgarh's Durg Railway Station 2

In a dramatic development, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained a 31-year-old man suspected of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during an attempted robbery at the actors Bandra residence in Mumbai. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, left Khan, 54, with multiple injuries. Doctors have since reported that the actor is recovering steadily.

The suspect, identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia, was apprehended at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh while traveling on the Jnaneshwari Express, which operates between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Kolkata Shalimar.

Mumbai Police, acting on mobile tower data and a photograph, alerted the RPF at around 12:30 pm, tracking the suspects movement on the train. Initial efforts to intercept him at Rajnandgaon station were unsuccessful. However, two teams were deployed at Durg station, where he was finally detained.

Sources revealed that Kannojia was traveling in the general class bogie just behind the engine. Following the detention, a Mumbai Police team flew to Chhattisgarh to take custody of the suspect. Both the Mumbai Police and RPF are now jointly interrogating him as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, with questions being raised about the security of high-profile individuals in their own homes. Khans fans and the film fraternity continue to express their support and relief at his recovery.
Representational Image

The dismembered body of woman was found on Friday in Maharashtras Satara district, a police official said, adding the angle of black magic was being probed.

A part of her head and lower limbs were found close to a sugarcane farm near Vidani village, while the torso is missing, Senior Inspector Sunil Mahadik of Phaltan police station said.

The police official said that an angle of black magic was being probed. The body parts are decomposed. All angles, including that of black magic and superstition, are being probed, the official said.
Alabama judges will be required to have written procedures in place to excuse nursing mothers from jury service under an order issued days after a Jefferson County mother said she was threatened by a judge when she reported for jury duty with her breastfed child.

The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday issued the unanimous administrative order stating that a nursing mother of an infant child clearly qualifies for the excuse from jury service under state judicial code.

That code states a person...may apply to be excused from jury service by the court only upon a showing of undue or extreme physical...hardship.

The definition of hardship includes circumstances in which an individual would... be required to abandon a person under his or her care or supervision due to the impossibility of obtaining an appropriate caregiver during the period of participation in the jury pool or on the jury.

The order states that it was created after the court was made aware of situations in Jefferson County, referring to several Alabama mothers who claim they were harassed and threatened by Jefferson County judges for bringing breastfeeding babies with them for jury duty.

Kandace Brown, who says she was threatened with DHR for bringing her three-month-old daughter with her to jury duty, told AL.com that she called and turned in forms to be excused prior to reporting to the courthouse but was refused.

This occurrence should be prevented under the new order.

All presiding circuit judges of this State shall ensure that appropriate procedures are in place for a prospective juror claiming an undue or extreme physical or financial hardship to be able to contact their courts and receive prompt responses from their courts before the prospective jurors summoned date and without the necessity of appearing in person to apply to be excused from jury service, it reads.

Within 30 days of the order, all presiding circuit judges in Alabama are required to provide a written report to the Administrative Director of Courts addressing their respective procedures for complying with this order, the document states.

Brown says she is overwhelmingly thankful to God for His people for the change.

I never imagined a single Facebook post would lead to a change in law just four days later.

Brown initially posted about her experience on Jan. 13.

The story gained national attention, and other local mothers came forward with their own stories about similar issues in Jefferson County court.

In a post this morning, Brown also thanked Alabama Reps. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover and April Weaver, R-Brierfield, who started working this week on legislation that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty for up to two years.

She also thanked State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, who sponsored legislation that would have established this law two years ago.

I just pray judges and court officials will no longer intimidate or berate mothers that have no childcare and no other choice who bring their children to jury duty, Brown wrote.

Breastfeeding moms are protected now. I pray the other moms are protected too ... I pray the hearts of the judges are softened and they can discern better for mothers that are just trying to care for their children.

Brown has claimed Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Shanta Owens threatened to call DHR on her. She added that Circuit Court Judges Elisabeth French and Marshell Jackson Hatcher also addressed the group.

Judges French and Hatcher have not commented on the situation.

Owens, in a statement to AL.com on Wednesday, said Brown was excused and called the situation a misunderstanding.

The juror was indeed excused a short time after arriving for jury service, as was any other similarly situated individual called for jury service, Owens statement read. I, too, am a mother and have been a breastfeeding mother previously and therefore, would excuse jury service for a period of time for any individual under the circumstances.

Owens added that under state law there are well-established mechanisms in place to excuse individuals from jury duty prior to service.

I take these procedures seriously to ensure that the jury selection process runs lawfully, smoothly, and efficiently. If any additional laws are enacted regarding jury service or any other matter, I would be delighted to follow those laws as well, Owens wrote.
A man died and another man and a woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries after three dozen shots rang out Friday night in southwest Birmingham, police said.

Around 7:13 p.m. Friday, West Precinct officers responded to two ShotSpotter notifications -- which indicate gunfire -- that registered about 36 rounds in the 600 block of 26th Street Southwest, said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade.

Officers arrived on the scene to find a man and a woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The man, who was lying in the middle of the roadway, was pronounced dead at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel.

The woman was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers then learned of a man who showed up to a hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, said Wade.

Police said they have a person of interest in custody.

The case is in the preliminary stages and details are limited, Wade said, but the sergeant said police believe at least two of the people involved were acquaintances.

Police also believe an argument preceded the gunfire.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764. Those who would like to share information anonymously were asked to call CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777.

Distraught family members showed up to the scene, pleading with officers to see the deceased victim. The family were told to stay behind yellow crime scene tape because of the active investigation.

Anytime a loved one has lost their life, not only does the family feel the pain but the community feels the pain as well, Wade said. We wish that some type of conflict resolution would come into play instead of gunfire.

The death is Birminghams fifth homicide this year and the second this week.

Nehemiah Williams Wren, 20, of Birmingham was shot to death Monday night inside a vehicle in a field in the Inglenook neighborhood.

In all of Jefferson County, there have been nine homicides, including the five in Birmingham, in 2025.
The Irondale man who detonated a shrapnel-filled bomb outside the Montgomery office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall was sentenced Friday to 10 years in state prison, two months after he was sentenced on federal charges.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Greg Griffin ordered Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calverts state sentence to run concurrently with the 9-year federal prison term handed down in November, meaning Calvert will spend a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Mr. Calvert did not simply set off an explosive device at an office buildinghe attacked the state of Alabama and the freedom, liberty, and rule of law that govern all Alabama citizens, Marshall said in a statement following the sentence.

The Attorney Generals Office is home to nearly two hundred dedicated employees who work tirelessly for this state. They deserve to perform their duties without fear for their safety. Todays sentencing sends a clear message: terrorism against the people of Alabama will not be tolerated.

The Irondale man pleaded guilty to arson and possession of an explosive device in connection with the Feb. 24 incident.

In federal court over the summer, Calvert, 27, pleaded guilty to malicious use of an explosive device.

He was sentenced to nine years in a federal lockup.

According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Calvert in the predawn hours of Feb. 24 detonated an explosive device outside of the AG Steve Marshalls office in downtown Montgomery.

No one was injured.

Calvert admitted during his plea hearing to manufacturing the device. He used, nails and screws as shrapnel and accelerants to cause an explosion.

Prior to planting the device, Calvert placed stickers on various downtown buildings.

The stickers had graphics advocating for various political ideologies. Some stickers included the phrase Support your local antifa.
I breathed for a bit before deciding how to respond to Sen. Tommy Tubervilles latest buffoonery.

Or even whether to.

His insipid heaves are long past so incessantly tedious to become unworthy of comment.

Just Tubs being Tubs, I typically say to myself.

Whats the underbelly of word salad? Alabamas senior U.S. Senator spews word chum, blood-red bait for the not-so-great white  sharks.

Ignore it. Until I cant.

Until his utterances become insanely inhumane. Insanely unchristian. Insanely un-American.

Tubs conquered the trifecta on Monday when he said the crestfallen victims of Californias devastating wildfires  those who lost their homes and their businesses, survivors of those who lost their lives  dont deserve federal relief because the states voters generally elect Democrats as their public officials.

They got 40 million people in that state and they voting these imbeciles in office, he said into a friendly Newsmax mic, and they continue to do it. And its just a very small part of them in that state thats doing it.

Very small, like, the majority? Since thats what it takes to win an election, Tubs. But keep finger-counting.

He offered a caveat, though, saying he wouldnt mind sending victims, sending Americans some money  it came a flimsy but. Unless they show that theyre gonna change their ways and get back to building dams and stormwater, doing the maintenance with the brush and the trees  everything that everybody else does in the country, and they refuse to do it  they dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us theyre gonna make some changes, he said.

Lets not even talk about building dams (which California does plenty of and which have exactly zero to with these fires), stormwater (huh? Is he blaming God?) or maintenance with the brush and the trees (See: Californias long-standing vegetation management program ).

You should already be used to headlines using this template: Heres what Tuberville said about [you name it]; here are the facts.

Therell be plenty more.

Comedian Jon Stewart termed Tubs wailings psychotic.

Even fellow Alabama Republican Sen Katie Britt was moved to a rare break from her party buddy  or buddies , I should say, since some congressional Republicans agreed that conditions should be placed on federal aid to California fire victims .

I think what we need to be doing right now is standing firmly with the people of California, Britt told Politicos Jonathan Martin the day after Tuberville did just the opposite , letting them know they have our prayers, they have our support and that we stand ready to be thoughtful about ways that we can help in making sure that they have the resources they need.

America, she added, stands with them.

America. Now theres a word well have to clutch onto for the next four years. Cling to as a reminder of who we are

Because what Tuberville said was insanely un-American.

We do not weaponize nor politicize aid to our fellow Americans when disaster yanks lives, livelihoods and all theyve known from beneath their feet. Whether washed away by flood or hurricane. Or reduced to ashes by fire.

Imagine if this happened:

In reaction to the $ 1 million-plus in losses inflicted last year on Florida farmers by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton , according to researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences , President Biden said, Which state was that? Florida? With that mean-mugged Republican governor? Nah, theyre on their own.

The GOP conniption would have reached Olympic proportions.

Justifiably so because painting federal disaster aid red or blue is loathsome. Indeed when a FEMA employee (not a public official) tried it in Florida last year  directing workers to avoid homes with Trump signs in their yard  they were quickly fired .

At the time, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slammed the blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy, on social media.

Of course, not a peep from DeSantis since Tuberville  and he deserves all this smoke  did the same.

Did what is beneath our humanity.

Did what is betrayal. Betrayal to our foundation. Betrayal of our Constitution.

Betrayal to We the people To our quest toward (some of us hope) a more perfect union.

Betrayal is treasonous to that quest  as quixotic as it may seem right now.

We must not, we cannot get used to that. Nor ignore it.

Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.
News stories of a China increasingly belligerent both at home and abroad are widespread. But in an attempt to understand how we have gotten into this position, many have assessed the growth of Beijing without fully examining the policies of previous U.S. presidential administrations.



Years of accommodation and so-called mutually beneficial bilateral agreements have all enabled the rise of China. Such is the dangerous legacy of the strikingly identical China policies under the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations that have left us with the short end of the stick and have made the international stage less stable, while presenting novel risks to the homeland.



In the 1990s, the Clinton administrations democratization project firmly held the belief that free trade with and the integration of China into the World Trade Organization (WTO) would bring about change inside the East Asian country, ushering in a period of democracy and international compliance. During this time, the Clinton administration resisted criticisms of the China-U.S. Relations Act of China of 2000, which granted China a place in the WTO.

Consequently, this trade deal lifted trade restrictions on China by granting it permanent normal trade relations, causing a sharp decrease in U.S. manufacturing jobs and putting American workers at a disadvantage. This outsourcing of jobs only increased rapidly thereafter and has contributed to the $1 trillion in trade surplus that China enjoys today.

All of this was done despite many warning signs of Chinas capabilities -- crackdowns on Uyghurs; the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners; and the CCPs intimidation of Taiwan days before its election by firing missiles across the northern portion of the island. Not to mention Chinas relentless covert operations and military/intellectual theft in the years prior.

The Bush administration followed suit, pursuing a policy of engagement even further. Following the 9/11 attacks, President Bush shifted his focus away from China and East Asia, refocusing on the Middle East and his regime-change ambitions, which proved to be unsuccessful and caustic. Meanwhile, the administration refused to label China a currency manipulator, formally issued the proclamation to grant China permanent normal trade status, and sat by as Confucius Institutes began to take root at U.S. universities (finally addressed by the first Trump administration).

Bush also announced a counter-terrorism partnership with China, which legitimized the Chinese Communist Partys violence against the Uyghur population on baseless claims of mass radicalization at the hands of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement -- a group whose exact coherence and capabilities have always been questioned, something that the first Trump administration acknowledged as well. This allowed the CCP to ramp up violence against this group, culminating in the ongoing genocide -- a designation rightly put in place by the first Trump administration.

The Bush administration even went as far as to allow Chinese authorities fairly open access to certain prisoners at Guantanamo Bay for a period of seven to 10 days and permitted Chinese intelligence officials to use U.S. military personnel in order to extract information.

The Obama administration likewise refused to label China a currency manipulator and impose tariffs, and neglected to address the ever-growing U.S.-China trade imbalance. In fact, his administration signed some of the most generous bilateral agreements with China, including an environmental agreement that imposed carbon emission regulations on U.S. -- thereby hurting the energy sector -- while placing nonbinding requirements on Chinese carbon emissions.

Similarly, in 2015, Obama and Xi Jinping entered into an agreement on the issue of conducting cyberattacks. Rather than placing sanctions and other restrictions on China, this agreement proved to be useless, as it was legally nonbinding and partially turned the blame on the U.S. -- with Chinese cybertactics only continuing to evolve. This comes in addition to Obamas other irresponsible decisions, like inviting the Peoples Liberation Army Navy to participate in maritime warfare exercises.

The last four years of the Biden administration have further put us at a disadvantage, from breaches of military bases and the inflow of Chinese-subsidized fentanyl to the CCPs appropriation of U.S. farmland, transnational repression carried out by United Front, the presence of sleeper cells that jeopardize our critical infrastructures, and increased exercises around Taiwan -- all in light of the Bidens dealings with Chinese officials.

These policies of accommodation and incompetence only enabled China to grow stronger and more assertive over the years, posing a direct danger to the U.S. In studying this timeline, it is important not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

As the second Trump administration takes power, we can be confident that a policy of containment and accountability will be adopted based on the foreign policy record of the first term as well as the positions of many well-qualified appointees. President Trump and those around him recognize the threat the CCP poses, from the economic aspect to the military and social-political dimensions, affecting our homeland, our immediate region (characterized by concerns over Greenland and the Panama Canal Zone), and beyond.

There is, however, also room to ramp up our pressure. For example, the Trump administration may consider not only reestablishing its China Initiative -- which Biden recklessly scrapped on grounds of identity politics -- but also extending it to apply to all instances of espionage and transnational repression, not just those cases related to economic and intellectual theft.

The incoming administration may also benefit from listening to the stories and voices of notable anti-CCP advocates and figures, especially those who have experienced the regime firsthand. These individuals could perhaps provide valuable insight into how the Chinese regime thinks and operates -- and any additional risks it may pose.

Make no mistake, an America First foreign policy includes a China Last strategy -- one where the U.S. addresses all of its concerns regarding the Chinese Communist Party. Anyone who tells you otherwise has not learned their lesson from history.

Image: AT via Magic Studio
Soon, open border advocates will step up their agitprop against the new Trump Administration for alleged migrant family separation at the U.S. border. A number of broader points about the family separation phenomenon are worth remembering.

The overwhelming majority of migrant family separation decisions are not made at the U.S. border by DHS. They are made by parents or others  including cartel criminals  in home countries. Daily, thousands of border violators abandon some or all of their children in their home countries to make the trek into the U.S. illegally to find work. Thousands of others send their children to the U.S. alone or with cartel coyotes, and follow them later. Daily, biological parents already illegally present in the U.S. refuse to come to the border to take custody of their children when the children are encountered at the border after illegal entry. To avoid immigration consequences to themselves, such parents would rather see their children turned over to shelters instead of meeting them at the border after their dangerous trek across Mexico alone or with a cartel coyote. Leading incentives for migrant family separation in the home country include the astonishing cornucopia of U.S. work permits available to border violators, and lawless programs established by U.S. executive fiat. Examples of the latter are CBP One and Biden/Mayorkas/Garland blanket schemes to terminate removal proceedings for tens of thousands of border violators. These and other incentives are powerful magnets that encourage border violations and migrant family separation in home countries. Congress enacted now fraud-riddled programs for border violator juveniles that promote migrant family separation long before the children reach our border. Cartels, foreign officials, and non-government organizations in source countries and along the way understand the programs and urge violators to leverage them upon arrival at our border. For example, cartels, non-government organizations, and foreign officials encourage parents to separate themselves from their children at the border and send their children into the U.S. alone to surrender to DHS and leverage U.S. legal advantages afforded to unaccompanied migrant children. Another contributor to migrant family separation in the home country is the border-killing non-return principle (also called non-refoulement) contained in the 1951 UN Refugee Convention (or treaty). The principle was imposed on our nation by our own government. The Senate accepted the principle in 1968 when it approved a 1967 amendment (now known as the 1967 Protocol) to the 1951 UN treaty. A decade later, President Jimmy Carter unwisely enshrined the non-return principle in a bill he signed on March 17, 1980, to incorporate the 1967 Protocol and the principle into our law. Thus, Carter opened the way for job-seeking migrants who boldly assert sham asylum claims at our border with no concern about immediate return to foreign territory. The non-return principle encourages migrant family separation by rewarding asylum cheaters with U.S. work permits and a place in eVerify, as they await removals that take years to accomplish, if ever. To stop incentivizing migrant family separation, our new president should denounce the 1967 Protocol and repudiate the non-return principle. Sham asylum claimants should be turned away at the border. Another enabler of family separation in home countries and here is U.S. failure to observe its obligations under another treaty  the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Some U.S. immigration judges forbid ICE lawyers from even attempting to determine whether a child in removal proceedings was unlawfully removed from the home country. Such inquiries should be mandatory and recorded in each transcript of proceedings. Today, our nations broken asylum and immigration systems have made U.S. immigration courts and state family courts silent partners in international child abduction and fraud. Finally, another family separation enabler is the lack of DNA testing. There is no general verification of biological links between purported family members in immigration or visa proceedings. This is because DNA testing is not yet part of U.S. biometrics protocols at Applicant Service Centers in the U.S. or at American visa posts abroad. This Biden/Mayorkas gap should be remedied.

The author, a Texas lawyer, was a Foreign Service officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico during the 1980s. He later served as Senate Foreign Relations Committee counsel for Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics. He is a Navy veteran of submarines and Iraq.

Image: Public domain.
H-1B visas are a special type of visa that allow American companies to easily bring in skilled workers from other countries. They were introduced in 1990, but since 2004, theyve been capped.

President Trump, who has historically been in favor of tighter immigration restrictions, has recently implied support for the program. Since then, there has been a fierce and unavoidable public debate about the issue.

But why is this seemingly small program so controversial, and whats really at the heart of this issue?

The Basics

H-1B visas were designed to help American companies hire employees of exceptional skill in certain occupations from other countries. In order to qualify for this type of visa, an American employer must sponsor a specific employee and take care of the necessary paperwork. The employee must have specialized knowledge and skills, requiring at least a bachelor's degree, and must hypothetically qualify for a skilled position.

Since there is a cap on the number of H-1B visas that can be distributed annually, there is a lottery system in place to facilitate excess demand. If there are more applications than are allowed, applications are randomly selected to move forward. This visa is active for three years initially, but it can be extended in many cases. Typically, people with this type of visa ultimately intend to immigrate permanently.

Immigration Anxiety

Immigration is a complex topic, in part because there are so many different types of immigration and so many diverse effects caused by it. General immigration anxiety, paired with the recent immigration crisis, has heightened feelings about the H1-B visa program, especially now that president-elect Trump has spoken favorably about it.

In many areas of the U.S., immigration rates have increased in recent years. In some areas, immigration rates have exploded, with both legal and illegal migrants flooding over the border. While many people welcome all types of people, no matter how they cross, immigration restrictionists have legitimate concerns about the downstream effects of the policies that allow this. Even people in favor of high rates of immigration would prefer a streamlined, legal system, rather than allowing illegal immigration to unfold at unlimited rates.

In many cases, people are primarily concerned about the following, but they aren't quite as relevant when it comes to H-1B visas.

Jobs and economics. Some people oppose immigration because they're concerned about migrants taking jobs and having a negative influence on the economy. Issues related to welfare consumption, crowding, and productivity are commonly discussed in these circles. However, as H-1B visa holders are highly skilled and sought after by American companies, it's unlikely that they're going to take American jobs, and it's likely that they'll be a net benefit for the American economy.

Some people oppose immigration because they're concerned about migrants taking jobs and having a negative influence on the economy. Issues related to welfare consumption, crowding, and productivity are commonly discussed in these circles. However, as H-1B visa holders are highly skilled and sought after by American companies, it's unlikely that they're going to take American jobs, and it's likely that they'll be a net benefit for the American economy. Culture and assimilation. Other people oppose immigration primarily because of culture and assimilation issues; they're afraid that too many immigrants will water down our culture or compromise American values eventually. However, because these types of visas are capped, and because qualifications are so strict, it's unlikely that H-1B immigrants will have a significant influence on our culture more broadly.

Other people oppose immigration primarily because of culture and assimilation issues; they're afraid that too many immigrants will water down our culture or compromise American values eventually. However, because these types of visas are capped, and because qualifications are so strict, it's unlikely that H-1B immigrants will have a significant influence on our culture more broadly. Crime, terrorism, and security. Some people have raised concerns about crime, terrorism, and national security, but there are a few issues with applying this concern to the H-1B visa issue. First, its simply not true that legal or illegal immigrants are a disproportionate source of crime. Second, highly-skilled workers here for a job are unlikely to commit acts of crime or terrorism.

Political Hypocrisy

Part of the controversy stems from the seeming hypocrisy of president-elect Trump and other political figures. This coalition has consistently spoken out about the immigration crisis, and now seems to be in favor of an open immigration program. However, as we've discussed, the H-1B visa program is unique in a number of ways, such that it's possible to be both opposed to high rates of illegal immigration and in favor of the program.

The Ambiguity of the Situation

And, of course, the ambiguity of this situation complicates matters.

What happens next. Will the forthcoming presidential administration increase the visa cap, or even remove it? Will there be new, distinctive systems put into place to supplement it? We simply don't know due to how ambiguously politicians have discussed it.

Will the forthcoming presidential administration increase the visa cap, or even remove it? Will there be new, distinctive systems put into place to supplement it? We simply don't know due to how ambiguously politicians have discussed it. How H-1B visas work. Its not hard to learn the basics about how H-1B visas work, but this is still unfamiliar territory for the majority of Americans. It sounds like a scary program if you don't know much about it and have general concerns about immigration.

Its not hard to learn the basics about how H-1B visas work, but this is still unfamiliar territory for the majority of Americans. It sounds like a scary program if you don't know much about it and have general concerns about immigration. What the impact will be. Even our best economists aren't able to make concrete predictions about the long-term impact of this type of visa program. Plenty have speculated, but experts seem divided on many key issues. For every point, there is a counterpoint.

Regardless of how you feel about H-1B visas or immigration, it's not hard to see why this issue is controversial. It's hard to make firm assumptions about what could happen next until we get more information.

Image: Pexels/Thirdman
In the past few weeks, following his pardon of his corrupt son, Hunter, Joe Biden has commuted and pardoned over 4,000 other people.

Here is his latest mass commutation:

Which is pretty unprecedented and extreme, and sure to unleash another crime wave upon America as President Trump takes office.

It also highlights the hypocrisy of the Democrats, who clap like seals to hear of criminals and predators being let out of prison.

Trump's attorney-general designate, Pam Bondi, who is now in Senate confirmation hearings, had the disgusting experience of having to enage a belligerent, congenital liar, Adam Schiff, who asked her if she would personally review all files before Trump issues pardons or commutations on J-6 trespassers, who were mostly peaceful.

Has Schiff asked Joe Biden's attorney general, Merrick Garland, the same question? I am sure he doesn't really give a rat's patootie.

Does anyone think Biden reviews the records of anyone before he signs the papers that someone shoves in front of his face? The other day, it didn't even appear he knew where to sign a document.

BIDEN DIDNT KNOW WHAT HE SIGNED, SAYS SPEAKER JOHNSON



Speaker Johnson told Bari Weiss that Biden was unaware of an executive order halting LNG exports to Europe, signed weeks earlier.



During a January 2024 Oval Office meeting, Biden denied issuing the pause. pic.twitter.com/cDQwwRt6lX  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 18, 2025

Biden has now reached the stage of cognitive and political decline in which he makes up constitutional amendments. pic.twitter.com/kS9AJFythv  Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) January 17, 2025

Are we really supposed to take the word that all these people are non-violent after seeing some of the previous pardons and commutations?

Get a load of this, from John J. DiIulio, writing for the leftist Brookings think tank in 2015

Swept entirely under the rug are all the more serious crimes that imprisoned drug offenders have plea-bargained away, not to mention all of the wholly undetected, unprosecuted and unpunished crimes they may have done. Also, the fact is that virtually all drug offenders behind bars are in for drug trafficking, not mere possession. In 1991, for example, only 703 (2 percent) of the 36,648 persons admitted to federal prisons were in for drug possession. Almost all imprisoned drug traffickers, federal and state, have long criminal records, adult and juvenile. Only their latest or most serious adult conviction is for a drug offense. There are exceptional cases of truly first-time, non-violent, low-level drug offenders who end up behind bars. But they are the exceptions that prove the rule: that anyone who thinks U.S. attorneys or big-city cops focus their enforcement energies against petty drug criminals must be either statistically illiterate or smoking something.

Or this, published in 2015 on left-wing Vox

The public believes that nonviolent drug offenders are just a different kind of person than real criminals, and politicians are playing into that to encourage criminal justice reforms that target nonviolent offenders and rely heavily on a treatment-heavy approach to drug prisoners. If you believe all that, its easy to believe that the prison problem is easy to fix. But it isnt  because there arent that many nonviolent drug offenders in the grand scheme of the criminal justice system, and because there isnt as firm a distinction between nonviolent drug offenders and everyone else as the public likes to believe. Only 20 percent of prisoners in the United States are serving time for drug offenses. The number of prisoners that politicians are willing to consider low-level, nonviolent drug offenders is far smaller. And those offenders often arent addicted to drugs, so drug treatment programs wont help them.

Of course they are violent, they get to prison by being violent. But Biden doesn't mind violent, he also released the terrorists from GITMO.

In 1999, Bill Clinton commuted the sentences of Puerto Rican terrorists as Hillary was getting ready to run for Senator of New York.

On August 11, 1999, Clinton commuted the sentences of 16 members of FALN, a Puerto Rican paramilitary organization that set off 120 bombs in the United States, mostly in New York City and Chicago.

Biden is carrying on the Democrat way.

Thank goodness he is focused like a laser beam on climate change, destroying drilling, and fictional fact checkers.
In one of his administrations last bomb-throwing acts before leaving the White House, Joe Biden announced via a tweet that he believes that Virginias decision to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in 2020 was sufficient to make it the law of the land. Hes wrong, of course, but the purpose is to force institutions to embrace the Amendment so that its incorporated into America even without force of law.

After the Civil War, the Constitution was ratified to make sure that all men of voting age, regardless of race, color, or prior status as a slave could vote. In 1920, the Constitution was ratified to remove limitations based on sex. In 1971, voting rights were further expanded by lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. In other words, all Americans, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, youth, etc., have equal voting rights.

Then, in 1972, Congress hopped on the feminist bandwagon and proposed the Equal Rights Amendment which, if passed, would become the 28th Amendment to the Constitution. The ERA, originally proposed in 1923, was intended to remove legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, contracting, employment, etc. However, the 1964 Civil Rights Act did away with most of these hindrances, although it did not interfere with divorce laws, which are usually written to favor women.

Image: Phyllis Schlafly. Public domain.

Phyllis Schlafly understood this fact. She further understood that the ERA would have significant consequences, including making women vulnerable to the draft and removing the protections available to them under divorce laws, among other things. In other words, the ERA was redundant and could only be used for nefarious purposes. (Presciently, she argued that it would eventually be used to justify gay marriagesomething we also got without the benefit of the ERA.)

Schlaflys opposition carried weight, and by 1979the original congressionally-set deadline for ratifying the amendmentonly 35 of the necessary 38 states had ratified the ERA. Moreover, several states eventually rescinded their support for the ERA. Congress voted to extend the deadline until 1982, but the ERAs proponents could not move the dial.

But leftists, as we know, are like the Borg in that they never give up. During Trumps presidency, they picked up the fight to ratify the ERA, even though any new ratifications would be void ab initio (that is, void from the get-go) because the deadline had passed.

We all know that feeling. We find a great coupon in our unread mail, only to discover that it expired a week before. Were disappointed, but we soldier on because a deadline is a deadline. Well, its a deadline for everyone other than leftists.

So it was that Democrat-controlled legislatures in Nevada (2017), Illinois (2018), and Virginia (2020) ratified the ERA. By the terms Congress imposed on the ERA, although these were symbolic acts, they were also legally meaningless.

That, however, did not stop Joe Biden from throwing a bomb right before Trumps inauguration:

Today I'm affirming what I have long believed 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. pic.twitter.com/oZtS6Q89zG  President Biden (@POTUS) January 17, 2025

Of course, a president affirming what I have long believed is as meaningless as a states ratifying a proposed constitutional amendment after the deadline has expired. (And Congress does have the authority to set such deadlines.) Bidens puppet masters know this. But they also know that leftists will respond by imposing the ERA on Americans consciousness and institutions. Thus, Wikipedia responded instantly by pretending that the Constitution now has 28 Amendments:

lol the lunatics at Wikipedia are trying to edit the ERA into existence. pic.twitter.com/rXGZ8waSx9  John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) January 17, 2025

Amusingly, the moment they did that, Wikipedias editors did exactly what Schlafly predicted, which was to bring in the LGBTQ+ agenda:

HAHAHAHA. Circular firing squad assemble. They can't help themselves. pic.twitter.com/8U5UGQhYvQ  John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) January 17, 2025

Meanwhile, at Georgetown Law, which once actually had a good reputation, Victoria F. Nourse, the Whitworth Professor of Law and the Director of the Center on Congress and Democracy, announced that President Bidens carefully considered decision to recognize the Equal Rights Amendments status as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution brings the White House in line with the legal academy and profession.

Sadly, shes right about the legal profession, but only because Americas legal institutions have swerved so hard to the left that they are no longer recognizable as entities teaching young lawyers through a constitutional prism (which is how I was taught). Even Ruth Bader Ginsburg recognized that the ERA was dead in the water.

Nevertheless, the American Bar Association (which was already so leftist in the 1990s that I, still a Democrat, dropped my membership) is on board with Bidens lie about the ERA. Indeed, in a longer statement about his belief, Biden specifically referenced the ABA as the progenitor of this ERA ratification idea:

NEW: President Biden, days before leaving office, is reaffirming his support for the Equal Rights Amendment, and saying he believes it is the law. But he also has no formal role in the process, and WH officials say he is not ordering the archivist to help ratify it. pic.twitter.com/gQItKHDT5X  Matt Viser (@mviser) January 17, 2025

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.

Again, no, it hasnt. The deal expired 38 years before the last faux ratification.

We are living in a very dangerous time. The left has been trying to destroy conservative lawyers by prosecuting them along with their clients. Shakespeare understood how dangerous this is, for he had one of his villains in Henry VI, Part 2, say, The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers.

Tyrants hate lawyers because they are the common mans bulwark against the state. As my criminal law professor said, every person, even if ultimately proven guilty, should have a knowledgeable friend at his side when he faces the awesome power of the state.

Meanwhile, leftists are steadily eroding the Constitution through institutions like law schools, which churn out a steady stream of Maoist activists. All of this has convinced me that we all should read Ilya Shapiros just-published Lawless: The Miseducation of Americas Elites.
Before hitting the exits, Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas had one last gift left for Americas large migrant population.

The Biden administration announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 850,000 foreign nationals from El Salvador and Venezuela. For the more than 230,000 migrants from El Salvador who first obtained temporary relief following an earthquake in their country in 2001, Mayorkas cited bad weather as a reason to prolong the program.

El Salvadors extension of TPS is based on geological and weather events, including significant storms and heavy rainfall in 2023 and 2024, that continue to affect areas heavily impacted by the earthquakes in 2001, the secretary wrote.

As if the people of Los Angeles, western North Carolina, and Florida have not also struggled with weather-related disasters. To hear Mayorkas tell it, El Salvador has uniquely bad weather, and thats why we must gives hundreds of thousands of their citizens amnesty in perpetuity. Never mind the millions of El Salvadorans who seem to be able to persist in their home country despite the apparently insurmountable weather-related challenges.

The case for allowing these Salvadorans to remain in the U.S. is also weakened by the fact that El Salvador is now one of the continents safest countries, with crime rates collapsing in recent years to a level far below those in the U.S.

Put simply, the conditions in El Salvador are mostly fine, and the rationale for expanding TPS protections for these migrants is flimsy at best.

Nevertheless, these migrants, along with the more than 600,000 from Venezuela, will now have their work permits extended until 2026, allowing them to compete with American workers for critical job opportunities.

Mayorkas rationale for extending TPS for the Venezuelan migrants will likely garner more sympathy given the unrest fueled by the nations communist government. The ongoing political crisis in Venezuela has led to an outpouring of international condemnation of President Nicolas Maduros authoritarian regime and will almost certainly be used as a pretext to import more Venezuelan migrants to the U.S.

There has been unrest, poverty, and chaos in Venezuela for decades, and this will likely continue for the foreseeable future. By Mayorkas logic, this means the temporary amnesty granted to foreign nationals from that country would be extended in perpetuity, and perhaps thats exactly his intention. Just because a country is struggling politically and economically does not mean the U.S. has an obligation to open the floodgates to its people.

Many of the Venezuelans who are benefitting from the TPS program could use their experience in the U.S. to improve the conditions and raise the expectations in their home country, so it does not serve American interests to allow them to remain here indefinitely.

There is also the issue of crime which has been rampant among foreign nationals from Venezuela.

Major American cities have been terrorized by the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has been busted hundreds of times in New York City alone and hijacked apartment complexes in Colorado, among other crimes. This is not to suggest all Venezuelan TPS recipients are violent or bad people, but is this really an appropriate time for the U.S. to be expanding migration from that country?

TPS has always been abused by bad actors to grant de facto amnesty to foreign nationals without having to go through Congress.

This is just another example of the programs abuse, and the timing was no accident. Extending TPS protections at this time was done primarily as a last act by the Biden administration to frustrate the Trump administrations attempts to restore law and order to our immigration system.

Donald Trumps team will almost certainly revoke this latest TPS giveaway, but the hope of the Biden administration is that through this last act they will be able to get the new administrations agenda bogged down in the bureaucracy and the courts.

Trump won a decisive victory in the 2024 election campaigning on border security and a return to the rule of law, but much like his first term, the plan of anti-borders activists is to rely on internal resistance and activist judges to thwart the new administrations plans to restore American sovereignty.

The Biden administrations dubious decision to extend TPS protections for these foreign nationals is primarily about setting the stage for such subversion. Our organization, the Immigration Reform Law Institute, stands ready to defend the new administrations policies, just as we did last time.

The Biden administration is leaving its successor a mess, one that it has actively worked to make worse on its way out the door. Their latest executive amnesty is the cherry on top of a shameful legacy of lawlessness and decay.

William J. Davis is a communications associate for the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of mass migration.

Image: Screen shot from CRUX video, via YouTube


I write this in sarcasm:

The recent deal with the principled, high-minded leaders of Hamas and their negotiating partners in Qatar should reassure citizens and leaders throughout the world that moderation and wisdom are at the heart of human affairs.

Under the terms of this deal, many more terrorist prisoners in Israel will be released than hostages held by Hamas. Dead hostages will also be returned, but the exact number of dead bodies to be returned has not been published. Not one of the hostages has been seen by even the Red Cross during the entire time from Oct. 7, 2023 until the present.

Many of the prisoners to be swapped by Israel are guilty of murders, torture, and kidnapping, but that is O.K. because they are sincere.

They believe they are helping their people. They collaborated in building tunnels in Gaza for years and for smuggling in weapons of mass destruction to use against Israel.

The building of hospitals, expansion of healthcare, and quality education for children and young adults in Gaza under Hamas is legendary. Of course, they are legendary because they have been so neglected. A physician friend of mine who visited Israel told me that since 2005 when Gaza became 100% Arab and self-governing, Gazans overwhelmingly go to Israeli hospitals when they need medical attention.

Gaza, with its emphasis on terrorism, has been a true hellhole under Hamas rule.

This was them putting on their best religious face and showing gratitude to the Israeli government under Ariel Sharon for turning over Gaza to them in 2005. We kill, kill, kill, and torture, the Hamastians and their supporters believe, because we are a grateful and humble people.

If asked why they consistently resort to murder, torture, and kidnapping, they would answer that these behaviors are necessary when dealing with enemies of Allah. And if Arabs show themselves to be enemies of Hamas they too must be murdered, tortured, and kidnapped. Their gratitude to Allah trumps any normal non-Islamic compassion.

For supporters of Hamas, Oct. 7, 2023 was just an unpleasant blip in the course of history. Legitimate grievances escalated to some unwanted behaviors, but who can blame Arabs for getting carried away sometimes in frustration?

Although the economic opportunities afforded Arabs have only increased a hundredfold or more since the end of the 19th century and the development of Zionism, this should not be understood by either the Jews or the world as the Jews having any rightful claim to the land.

The Jews are haram [forbidden], and once the Jews and the other non-Arab, non-Muslim ethnicities in the world realize this, the entire narrative of Jewish/Israeli progress will come to an end.

You see: most of the Arabs in the Middle East as well as the non-Arab leadership and many citizens of Muslim Iran cannot understand why any Jews should be allowed to exist anywhere in the world let alone in their own neighborhood. They believe the Jews want to drive Muslims off the face of the Earth, and that Jews are existential trash based on certain verses of the Quran. That is why Israel has experienced five all-out war initiatives by its neighbors as well as countless terrorist attacks and missile attacks.

This perpetual accusation of the Jews as anti-Muslim is a perennial gaslighting to deflect from the reverse reality to eliminate Jews from the river to the sea. Jews are portrayed as foul beings in the Quran.

It's great to see another Israel-Arab dispute resolution. Its so satisfying to see that people want peace more than they want truth, justice, respect, enlightened governance, and recognition of Israels sovereignty. Israel was founded more than 3,000 years ago, and after many occasions of being conquered and/or dissolved over that 3,000 year period was officially re-established by the United Nations after World War II. Gaza and Palestine have never existed as countries for even one day in world history.

Image: Wikimedia Commons // logo CC0 1.0 universal public domain
With three days left to his term, Joe Biden Friday declared that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) had been ratified and is now the 28th Amendment to the Constitution.

The Archivist of the United States did not concur, since the amendment was not published. Joe knows that his opinion and $2.50 will get you a D.C. Metro subway ride, so whyd he do it?

Three probable reasons:

(1) hes still beholden to the radical feminist wing of the Democrat party and threw them a bone in his final 72 hours in the White House, something he avoided for years;

(2) he wants to pump up the Womens March planned for Washington tomorrow to demand abortion on demand; and

(3) on the principle throw it up and see if it sticks, he hopes he can wedge something in the Constitution to attempt to hang a new abortion right on.

The only problem is this: the ERA is not the 28th Amendment.

Congress proposed the ERA to the states for ratification in 1972. The joint resolution said clearly that the amendment had to be ratified within seven years  i.e., by March 1979.

It was not. After an initial flurry of ratifications, the process slowed down after Roe v. Wade and ground to a halt within two years. Some states even rescinded their previous ratifications. Only two states ratified after 1974. By 1979, the amendment lacked 38 state ratifications.

Seeing that the ERA was dying, Jimmy Carter and the Democrat Congress put it on life support: they passed a bill (by a simple majority, not the two-thirds vote required for constitutional amendments) saying the ratification period was extended to 1982. Despite that, no additional state ratified the ERA after 1977.

So how does Joe Biden claim that the ERA is ratified? Two shaky arguments:

 Congress put the seven-year limit in the joint resolution proposing the ERA, not the amendment itself (as it had in the 18th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd Amendments), largely because Congress assumed that it could set the terms of ratification upon proposal and should not clutter the Constitution itself with administrative language. Because the limit is in the bill proposing the Amendment and not written into the ERA itself, Biden et al. pretend the language of the law does not apply. They also have to pretend that because every attempt theyve made explicitly to repeal that limit has failed.

 The Hotel California argument  you can never leave your ratification. States supposedly cannot rescind their ratifications, even before the process is completed. So the five states that have ratified and later rescinded (before 1979) those ratifications are forcibly counted as approving the ERA. Then, after a 40-year gap (the last ratification was in 1977), Biden would count four post-2017 ratifications as making the magic 38.

A constitutional amendment is supposed to reflect a broad and deep consensus at a given historical moment. That is clearly not the case behind the ERA.

Theres also one other angle that many commentators pay insufficient attention to: words.

The ERA says no denying or abridging rights because of sex. But sex in 1972 meant something different from 2025.

In 1972, almost every congressman and senator who voted for the ERA, if asked how many sexes there are, would have answered (after looking at you to see if you werent crazy): two. There were men and women and nothing else.

At least thirty states ratified the ERA on that understanding of sex. Its not how sex is understood by our elites  including our legal elites  today.

Today, there are more sexes than Baskin Robbins flavor choices. Indeed, we now have a dichotomy between sex and gender, the latter term not used in 1972 except as a fancier word for sex. So when it comes to the ERA, does sex mean what it meant in 1972  i.e., two sexes? Or will we have some linguistic legerdemain that smuggles gender into the Constitution?

We saw this in the Bostock decision, where prohibitions on sex discrimination in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were magically transformed into gender restrictions. Whats to say that wouldnt happen to the ERA?

Indeed, its proponents are betting for that to happen. They want and need a hook to ensconce the Sexual Revolution in the Constitution. Roe v. Wade pretended to do that by hanging it all on the right to privacy, that gaseous ghost emanating from various penumbras and between-the-lines places but amazingly specific enough to ban almost any abortion restriction practically through birth. When Dobbs overturned Roe, it made clear that the ambiguous right to privacy was an unstable platform on which to secure so many items in the Sexual Revolutions agenda. Thats why abortionists have been busy cobbling very broad reproductive freedom amendments into state constitutions, many likely to ground not just abortion on demand, but all the works and pomps of the gender ideology/trans movements. Thats why Democrats in the Senate fear-monger about interracial marriage in order to guarantee homosexual marriage; about in vitro fertilization; and about the dangers and risks of attempting motherhood in 21st-century America absent abortion on demand through the birth canal. The party of fighting disinformation has spread it thick and heavy in its slavish defense of the Sexual Revolution.

This is why Joe Biden left us this parting gift. I have no doubt that, eventually, the Supreme Court may have to recognize that valid ratification has not occurred. But that then allows Democrats to tar opponents of the Sexual Revolution and proponents of rule of law as anti-woman (might be helpful to the state abortion constitutional amendment in Virginia and Governor-Wannabe Abigail Spanberger this fall). And who knows? Maybe some of the radicals with whom Biden has stuffed the federal bench these past four years will succumb to ideology over law and pretend the ERA was validly adopted. It wouldnt be beneath the left, which constantly cites the Colorado Supreme Courts declaration that Donald Trump is a constitutionally barred insurrectionist...while leaving out the salient fact that a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court rejected that ruling.

Bidens ERA proclamation most likely is intended to stir confusion and make an unnecessary legal mess  in other words, to continue the Biden-Harris legacy.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
These are turbulent times in the US telecom industry. Security agencies have been working with carriers and ISPs to stop the hacking carried out by Salt Typhoon, a group linked to China. This has made US authorities more wary of Chinese firms than ever. In line with that, the FBI has started investigating Baicells Technologies, a Huawei-linked company.

The FBI and US Commerce Department launch investigation against Baicells, a Huawei-linked company

Former Huawei executives founded Baicells in 2014, and it has been operating in the US since 2015. It is a supplier of telecom equipmentincluding routers and base stations. Its technology is present in 700 commercial mobile networks across the United States. Now, the FBI and the US Commerce Department have started investigating the firm for potential risks to national security.

As reported by Reuters, US officials continue to fear that China is using telecommunications equipment from companies with whom it has ties to spy on Americans. In fact, Baicells was just added by the Pentagon to a list of 134 companies that are thought to have ties to Chinas military. Representatives of the firm confirmed that they plan to appeal the designation, which they consider baseless.

The FBI has been warning Baicells clients about the use of its network equipment for years. The agency managed to cancel a contract in Las Vegas in 2023. In addition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a warning in 2023 about vulnerabilities in Baicells Nova base stations. Such vulnerabilities could allow attackers to hijack the devices remotely. A Censys study from September 2024 found that between 28 and 186 Baicells base stations were still using the vulnerable firmware.

Baicells says it has no ties to China; customs data shows otherwise

Meanwhile, Baicells claims to have no current ties to China. The company says this has been the case since 2019 and that its products have been manufactured in Taiwan for years. However, customs data shows that most of its imports to the US92%come from China or Hong Kong.

US officials do not want to give Beijing any ease in breaching its telecom networks. Especially in the middle of the Salt Typhoon incident. A recent bill could even make it even more difficult for Huawei to get chip-making equipment. We may see tougher US action against Chinese telecom equipment suppliers in the future.
Wear OS powers Googles Pixel Watch series of smartwatches. However, the Fitbit ecosystem and the application facilitate most health and fitness tracking features of these wearables. Fitbit rolls out regular updates to its application for the Pixel watches from time to time. It has now rolled out another update for the Fitbit Wear OS app on the Pixel Watch series.

Fitbit app for the Pixel Watch has received a minor update

Users of the Pixel Watch have received a notification to update the Fitbit app on their smartwatches. They are getting a new Update available notification. Owners can Tap to start the update option, which opens the app listing in the on-device Play Store. The size of the update is 3.8MB. Your devices firmware build will go from version 3.25 to version 3.27 after the update.

Sadly, the latest update for the Fitbit app for the Pixel Watch doesnt bring any significant new features. There arent any changes to the wearables Today, Exercise, or Relax apps/experiences features. Also, the Tiles and complications options are the same when the device restarts after the update installs. As first reported by 9to5Google, the update doesnt bring the Cardio load and Readiness cards to a Pixel Watch 2.

Pixel Watchs next software update wont arrive before March 2025

Just to remind you, the Pixel Watch series next update will not arrive until March 2025. Earlier, Google used to release monthly updates to its smartwatches. However, they havent received any updates after the November 2024 update. Googles decision to delay the updates for the Pixel watches is part of a larger strategy to better allocate engineering resources.

Google might also be aiming to offer more substantial updates every quarter with major new features. Its worth mentioning that the three-month gap in updates doesnt have any major impact on the end user experience.
Bulldogs are ready for another successful year in 2025.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- South Carolina State University welcomed back students and employees for the Spring 2025 Semester this week. As students returned to residence halls, the administration welcomed faculty and staff with a series of events on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Faculty members participated in the annual Spring Faculty Development Institute, during which they received an update about campus projects and initiatives from SC State President Alexander Conyers. The institute also featured Dr. Ashlye Wilkerson, a leadership expert from the Winthrop University Board of Trustees, and an update on the future of the university's core curriculum from Faculty Senate President Alexander Thierry and Dr. Thomas Cassidy, a professor in the Department of English and Communications.

After the institute, President Conyers treated faculty and staff members to a New Year's drop-in at the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium.

Students and faculty returned to SC State's classrooms on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Darwin Nunez scored twice in stoppage-time as Premier League leaders Liverpool left it late to claim a 2-0 victory at Brentford.

Nunez came off the bench to give Liverpool the lead with a close-range finish before he rounded off a swift counter attack two minutes later to put the seal on a hard-fought victory.

Arne Slots side were facing a third game without a win, after draws with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, but the Uruguayans late salvo returned the Reds to winning ways.

Brentford showed how dangerous they could be in transition early on, with Bryan Mbeumo twice causing Kostas Tsimikas trouble.

The wide-man got past his marker and his first cross of the match was almost touched in by Yoane Wissa from six yards out before Mbeumo forced the left-back into giving away an early yellow card.

Ryan Gravenberchs effort from range was tipped wide by Bees keeper Mark Flekken but the hosts responded by showing their final-third threat.

Christian Norgaard, who headed the equaliser in Brentfords 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Tuesday, continued to display his aerial prowess when he met Mikkel Damsgaards free-kick and forced Alisson into action as Thomas Franks men came close to an opener.

Dominik Szoboszlai used his strong frame to hold off a marker before turning and lacing a strike across goal, which dipped and bounced off the crossbar in the 35th minute.

After the break, the hosts resilience at the back forced the first signs of cracks in Liverpools patience as errors started to become more common in their search for a breakthrough.

Slot turned to the bench with 10 minutes to play and the push for a winner opened up even more space for Brentford to grab a goal of their own.

Trent Alexander-Arnolds shot from the edge of the area was just wide of the bottom left-hand corner and Wissas shot from inside the box fell favourably into the grasp of Alisson as the match was becoming end-to-end.

Nunez, who had been hardly involved after coming on, surged into the area in added-time after Alexander-Arnold picked up the ball on the right.

His smart movement paid dividends as he finished off the right-backs delivery with a first-time smashed finish past Flekken.

The striker was not done there. After Brentford committed bodies forward to snatch a leveller, Liverpool countered with Nunez providing the finishing touch once more from inside the area to delight the travelling fans and earn three precious points for the title favourites.
The future of mens tennis has been on show at the Australian Open but Gael Monfils struck a major blow for the old guard with victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz.

Frenchman Monfils is only the second player aged 38 or over, after Roger Federer, to make the last 16 in Melbourne since 1988.

He is enjoying quite the start to 2025 after becoming the oldest ever winner of an ATP Tour singles title in Auckland last weekend.

Monfils followed that up by defeating US Open finalist Fritz 3-6 7-5 7-6 (1) 6-4, celebrating by dancing on Margaret Court Arena to the delight of the Australian crowd.

It is only the second time Monfils has beaten a top-five opponent at a grand slam, with the first coming way back in 2008.

It was an unbelievable match, said Monfils. I felt like I could move great today and the game plan was to hold my baseline. Ive done the job.

Ive been fortunate but every day is different. We work hard. I try to be very disciplined with the recovery, I have a strong belief in myself and a strong belief that I can still do some damage. Here we are in the second week of the Australian Open.

Monfils joins 37-year-old Novak Djokovic in the last 16, while, at the other end of the age spectrum, 20-year-old Alex Michelsen reached the fourth round at a slam for the first time.

Alex Michelsen is through to the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time (Ng Han Guan/AP)

The American, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round, was an impressive 6-3 7-6 (5) 6-2 winner against 19th seed Karen Khachanov.

Michelsen revealed his favourite player to watch growing up was Monfils, who turned professional the year the American was born.

The guys pure athlete, said Michelsen. All the feel and circus shots. He was incredible. I still love watching him. I always love watching him. For sure my favourite guy.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner cruised into the fourth round of the competition with a straight-sets victory over Marcos Giron.

The top seed reached the last 16 after earning a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win in just over two hours, which included eight aces during the match.

I am very happy to be in the next round. Every match has its own difficulties, Sinner said in his on-court interview after the match.

Today I felt like he was very solid from the back of the court when he served well. I still have room to improve, but every win is great, especially in these conditions.

Sinner will meet world number 13 Holger Rune in the next round after he claimed an impressive 6-7(5) 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 win over Miomir Kecmanovic.

Learner Tien became the youngest man since Rafael Nadal to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The 19-year-old qualifier pulled off an upset in the previous round to beat three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in a late-night clash.

Alex de Minaur (pictured) battled from a set down to earn a hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP)

He carried momentum from that match in the third round, earning a 7-6 (10) 6-3 6-3 win over Corentin Moutet and will meet Lorenzo Sonego in the next round.

Alex de Minaur reached the fourth round in Melbourne or the fourth-consecutive year with a 5-7 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-3 victory against Francisco Cerundolo.

The Australian battled from a set down to earn a hard-fought victory over the 31st seed in three hours and 52 minutes.
Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October attack, as at least 10 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The Jenin raid also left at least 40 wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third dayChief of Staff Lt General Herzi Halevi became the most prominent Israeli official to step down over the militant groups attack when he announced his resignation on Tuesday.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack on Tuesday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

Meanwhile, Hamas official Taher al-Nunu has said four female Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday in return for Palestinian prisoners in the second such exchange under the truce, according to AFP.

And US president Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, has told a Senate confirmation hearing that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the West Bank.

Key Points

Israels top general resigns citing failures over Hamas attack that ignited war in Gaza

At least ten Palestinians killed from Israeli attack on Jenin

Four injured in a Tel Aviv knife attack

Settlers attack Palestinian villages hours after Trump rescinded Biden sanctions

Were closing our live blog

11:44 , Alex Croft

We are pausing our live coverage of the developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Before we do, here are the latest developments in the region from the past 24 hours:

Details emerged of a settler attack on Palestinian villages in the West Bank. Palestinian medics say 12 were injured, while local officials said houses, shops, nurseries and cars were attacked and burned.

The casualty toll in a raid by Israeli forces on Jenin in the West Bank has reached at least 10, with 40 wounded.

In Tel Aviv, four people were injured following a stabbing by a foreign national, which authorities believe was a terrorist attack.

Israel has been accused of breaching the ceasefire, with Palestinian news outlets reporting a 15-year-old boy is among those shot and injured in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect.

Israels top general, Lt General Herzi Halevi, has stepped down citing the failures which allowed the October 7 attack to take place.

UN chief calls on Iran to renounce nuclear weapons

11:27 , Alex Croft

Iran must commit to not developing nuclear weapons, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

The country must make a first step towards improving relations in the Middle East and with United States by making clear there are no plans for further nuclear development, he said.

The most relevant question is Iran and relations between Iran, Israel and the United States, Mr Guterres said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Here my hope is that the Iranians understand that it is important to once and for all make it clear that they will renounce to have nuclear weapons, at the same time that they engage constructively with the other countries of the region.

Israels top general resigns over 7 October Hamas attack  as military launches major West Bank offensive

11:12 , Alex Croft

Israels top general has announced his resignation over the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on 7 October 2023  saying he will stand down in March.

Lt General Herzi Halevi, the Israeli armed forces chief of staff, is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack. The move comes just days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza war that was triggered by the attack, during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry and forced 90 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 of the hostages still held in the territory are due to be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails over the course of six weeks. The first three hostages were released over the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners. A Hamas official told AFP that four women will be released this coming weekend, without naming them.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew and international editor Chris Stevenson report:

Israels top general resigns over Hamas attack  as military launches West Bank raid

Qatari PM and Mossad chief to discuss second phase of hostage deal this week - report

10:48 , Alex Croft

The prime minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is set to meet with the boss of Israels intelligence agency to discuss the second phase of a hostage deal.

Qatars Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani will meet with Dedi Barnea of Mossad later this week, journalist Barak Ravid reported in Walla News.

The hostage deal requires negotiations on the second phase of the deal to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. Mr Thani is interested in beginning negiations before, Walla reported.

Within four weeks, the parties must have an agreement on the release of men under the age of 50 held by Hamas, in exchange for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.

In pictures: Palestinians look through damage after West Bank settler attacks

10:22 , Alex Croft

Men check burnt structures following an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut (AFP via Getty Images)

A Palestinian man checks the site of an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut in the north of the occupied West Bank, on 21 January 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Palesitnian medics said 12 were injured in the attacks (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

They beat us every day: Freed Palestinian prisoners allege abuse in Israeli jails

09:42 , Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent

They beat us every day: Freed Palestinian prisoners allege abuse in Israeli jails

More details on settler attack in West Bank that injured 12

09:13 , Alex Croft

Earlier, we reported that dozens of masked men believed to be Israeli settlers had marauded through at least two Palestinian villages in the Israeli-occupied West Bank late on Monday, attacking residents and terrorising neighbourhoods.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated 12 people who had been beaten by the men in the northern West Bank villages. The Israeli military said the men threw rocks at soldiers who arrived to disperse them and that an investigation had been launched.

Jalal Bashir, the head of Jinsafuts village council, said three houses, a nursery and a carpentry shop had been attacked.

"The settlers were masked and had incendiary materials," said Bashir. "Their numbers were large and unprecedented."

Louay Tayem, head of the local council in Al-Funduq, said dozens of men had fired shots, thrown stones, burned cars, and attacked homes and shops, the Associated Press reported.

Charred shells of cars littered the side of the road in Jinsafut on Tuesday, and residents were seen surveying the damage to a burned storage space.

Men check burnt structures following an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut (AFP via Getty Images)

Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc welcomes Gaza ceasefire

08:52 , Alex Croft

The southeast Asian bloc ASEAN has welcomed a ceasefire in Gaza and called for its full implentation along with the release of all hostages, its chair Malaysia said.

We also call for a full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinians, the bloc said in a statement released on Wednesday.

France issues arrest warrants against Syrias Assad

08:42 , Alex Croft

French investigating magistrates have issued an arrest warrant against deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, on accusations of complicity in war crimes, a legal source said on Tuesday.

The mandate was issued on 20 January as part of an investigation into the case of Salah Abou Nabour, a Franco-Syrian national who was killed in a bombing raid in June 2017.

It is the second arrest warrant Assad faces in French courts, after he was charged in November 2023 for complicity in crimes against humanity and complicity in war crimes.

A French investigation into chemical attacks in Douma and Eastern Ghouta which killed more than 1,000 people in August 2013.

Assads government has denied using chemical weapons against its opponents in the civil war, which broke out in March 2011.

The former Syrian leader was overthrown in early December 2024 by insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

In pictures: Israeli vehicles in Jenin, West Bank, as 10 Palestinians killed

08:27 , Alex Croft

Israeli military vehicles operate during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank (REUTERS)

At least 10 Palestinians have been killed in the raid (REUTERS)

Who in Israel has resigned over the Hamas attack?

08:03 , Namita Singh

Israels top general on Tuesday became the highest-ranking official to resign over Hamas 7 October 2023 attack, the worst security failure in the countrys history.

Like much of Israels top brass, Lt General Herzi Halevi remained in his post through the 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, the related conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and tensions with Iran that led the two countries to exchange fire twice last year.

But days into a ceasefire with Hamas, and with the other conflicts having wound down, he and the head of Israels Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, announced they would step down.

Their resignations are likely to fuel longstanding calls in Israel for a public inquiry into the security and intelligence failures.

Heres a look at who has taken the fall for 7 October and who hasnt.

Who in Israel has resigned over the Oct. 7 security breakdown, and who hasn't?

At least 10 killed in Jenin, says Palestinian health ministry

07:32 , Namita Singh

At least 10 have been killed in Israeli military raids on Tuesday, while 40 have been injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

It comes after the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launching of a large-scale and significant military operation to eradicate terrorism in the territory, which he dubbed operation Iron Wall.

He said that Israel is acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms  in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria  and with our hands still outstretched.

Palestinian men hold up an ID card near a checkpoint on the day of an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, 22 January 2025 (Reuters)

Israel has 'biblical' dominion over West Bank, says Trumps UN nominee

07:16 , Namita Singh

President Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN has said that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the occupied West Bank.

Elise Stefanik made the remarks during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, when she was confronted over her backing of a position that aligns with the Israeli far-right.

She was asked if she agreed with those like Israels finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and former national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir who believe that Israel has a biblical right to the entire West Bank.

Representative Elise Stefanik testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on her nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations (Getty Images)

Yes! Ms Stefanik replied.

Mr Trumps plan for peace and stability in the region would be very difficult to achieve ... if you continue to hold the view that you just expressed, shot back senator Chris Van Hollen, who was at her confirmation hearing.

Ms Stefanik repeatedly refused to say if Palestinians have the right to self-determination.

I think President Trump is uniquely positioned at this very challenging moment to bring peace to the region, to eradicate terrorists of Hamas and Hezbollah, to protect Israels national security. If you look at the failures, weve given billions of dollars, and this is just the bilateral aid to the Palestinians, and it has been abused by Hamas, Ms Stefanik said.

More than 2,400 aid trucks enter Gaza under truce, UN says no big looting issues

06:10 , Namita Singh

Nearly 900 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the third day of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, as a senior UN official said so far there had been no apparent law-and-order issues.

The latest arrivals bring the three-day total to more than 2,400 trucks entering the enclave.

Throughout the 15-month war, the UN has described its humanitarian operation as opportunistic - facing problems with Israels military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza and more recently looting by armed gangs.

Displaced Palestinians chase a humanitarian aid truck amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Rafah (EPA)

Muhannad Hadi, the top UN aid official for Gaza and the West Bank, said there had been minor incidents of looting in the past three days, but not like before.

Its not organised crime. Kids jumped on some trucks trying to take food baskets. There were some other people (who) tried to take some bottled water. Hopefully within few days this will all disappear once the people of Gaza realise that we will have aid enough for everybody.

Muhannad Hadi

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 897 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, citing information it received from Israel and the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement - the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The truce deal requires at least 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of those trucks are supposed to go to Gazas north, where experts have warned famine is imminent.

ICYMI: Israel's top general resigns over failure to stop Hamas attack as he calls for public inquiry

05:55 , Namita Singh

Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October 2023, attack. Lt General Herzi Halevi is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack.

He announced his resignation on Tuesday, just days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israels Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, also tendered his resignation.

Their resignations will likely add to calls for a public inquiry into the 7 October failures, something prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said must wait until the war is over.

Herzi Halevi, Chief of General Staff of the Israeli army, looks on before a meeting between the US and Israeli defence ministers (AFP via Getty Images)

Lt General Halevis resignation letter noted that the militarys investigations into those failures were currently in their final stages.And he made his most explicit call yet for a public inquiry in comments to journalists, saying it would be granted full transparency by the military.

Israels former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, was fired by Mr Netanyahu in November after the two clashed on a number of issues, including Mr Gallants pushing for a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician who resigned as Public Security Minister on Sunday over his opposition to the ceasefire, welcomed Lt General Halevis announcement and called on Mr Netanyahu to appoint a new chief of staff who will be strong and on the offensive in order to demolish Hamas.

Four wounded in Tel Aviv stabbing attack

05:06 , Namita Singh

Four people were wounded in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv yesterday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

Two people were in moderate condition and two had light wounds, according to Magen David Adom, Israels emergency rescue service. Ichilov Hospital said one person was in moderate-severe condition with a stab wound to the neck.

Police patrol the area along Nahalat Binyamin street and Rothschild after at a nearby restaurant, four people were stabbed and wounded on 21 January 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Getty Images)

Police block off the area of a restaurant after a stabbing that left four people wounded on 21 January 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Getty Images)

The attacker was reportedly killed by a civilian bystander (Getty Images)

Authorities only identified the attacker as a 28-year-old foreign national but believe the stabbings were a terrorist act. The attack took place in a bustling area filled with restaurants and cafes.

Another stabbing attack in Tel Aviv over the weekend left one person seriously wounded, and the attacker was also shot and wounded, police said at the time.

We found nothing: Palestinians return to destroyed homes and businesses in Gaza

05:03 , Namita Singh

Many Palestinians from the southern Gaza city of Rafah who returned to the area on Tuesday were shocked to find nothing left of their homes and businesses.

Manal Selim, a single mother of six, worked as a hairdresser and owned a shop that rented wedding and evening dresses. Her family lived upstairs.We thought wed find some place to live in or stay, she said. The destruction is scary. Its like an apocalypse.

Nour Abu Al Zamar salvage items from under the rubble of her destroyed family home, in Rafah (AP)

She broke down in tears seeing it all destroyed, pulling a few ripped dresses from under the rubble.This is my house. I built it brick by brick for 25 years, she said.

Elsewhere, Murad Miqdad found his home and electric appliance store in a three-story building completely destroyed.We found nothing, he said. Theres nothing to pull out of the house, and if you were able to pull anything out, you still wouldnt be able to use it.

UN says aid is flowing smoothly into Gaza

05:00 , Namita Singh

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Gaza says trucks from the UN, aid groups, governments and the private sector are arriving and no major looting has been reported beyond a few minor incidents.

Nearly 900 aid trucks entered Gaza on the third day of the ceasefire on Tuesday, the United Nations said. Thats significantly higher than the 600 trucks called for in the deal.

A displaced Palestinian chases a humanitarian aid truck amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Rafah (EPA)

Muhannad Hadi, who returned to Jerusalem from Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, told UN reporters by video that it was one of the happiest days of his 35-year humanitarian career to see Palestinians in the streets looking ahead with hope, some heading home and some starting to clean up the roads.

In his talks with families at a communal kitchen run by the UN World Food Program and elsewhere, he said, they all told him they need humanitarian assistance but want to go home, to work and earn money.

Displaced Palestinians chase a humanitarian aid truck (EPA)

They dont like the fact that they have been depending on humanitarian aid, Mr Hadi said. Palestinians talked about resuming education for their children and about the need for shelter, blankets and new clothes.

Mr Hadi, who is also the deputy UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said the UN hopes to start early recovery programmes, beginning with cash-for-work removing the tons of rubble in Gaza. But he said the UN must make sure the banking system is operating and electricity is back, stressing the critical role of UN member states and the private sector in early recovery.

Israel launches major operation in West Bank

04:19 , Namita Singh

Israel launched a major military operation Tuesday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin that killed at least nine Palestinians and left at least 40 more people wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third day.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack and the suspect was killed by security forces, according to Israeli police.

Authorities only identified the attacker as a 28-year-old foreign national but believe the stabbings were a terrorist act.

A Palestinian man checks the site of an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut in the north of the occupied West Bank, on 21 January 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Settlers attack Palestinian villages hours after Trump rescinded Biden sanctions

03:30 , Namita Singh

Violence has surged in the West Bank, with Israel launching a deadly raid on the Jenin refugee camp on Tuesday. It comes as settler leaders rushed to praise Donald Trumps decision to reverse the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration aimed at punishing far-right settlers.

Late on Monday, dozens of masked men who are widely believed to be settlers marauded through at least two Palestinian villages and attacked homes and businesses, according to officials in Jinsafut and Al-Funduq, which are roughly 50km north of Jerusalem.

Smoke rises during clashes with Israeli forces near the checkpoint of Bet Forik at the entrance of Nablus, West Bank (EPA)

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it treated 12 people who were beaten by the men.

Jalal Bashir, the head of Jinsafuts village council, said that the men attacked three houses, a nursery and a carpentry shop located on the villages main road. Louay Tayem, head of the local council in Al-Funduq, said dozens of men had fired shots, thrown stones, burned cars, and attacked homes and shops.The settlers were masked and had incendiary materials, said Mr Bashir. Their numbers were large and unprecedented.

UN says it could take many years to rebuild widely devastated Gaza

03:00 , Tara Cobham

A United Nations damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel's bombardment of Gaza could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion.

To make matters worse, some of the debris is believed to be contaminated with asbestos, as some of the coastal enclaces devastated refugee camps, built up into cities since the 1940s, are known to have been constructed with the material.

Gaza health authorities say at least 47,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with the rubble likely holding the remains of thousands more.

A UN Development Programme reports says that development in the territory has been set back seven decades by the war.

"They [Gazans] are able to return home. ...It's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, I would say, to call it homes, because mostly, particularly in the north, it's mountains of rubble that they find. So they need help with that," Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, told a Geneva press briefing on Tuesday.

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah in the Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Palestinians dig through rubble for bodies of loved ones

02:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinian rescue workers continued the search for remains of Gazans buried under the wreckage of their houses and along the roadsides, locating at least 150 bodies since the truce went into effect, according to the Gaza civil emergency service.

Shocking images of decayed bodies spread on social media. At Shejaia cemetery, which had been flattened by Israeli tanks and bulldozers in previous months, several men dug up the ground searching for the graves of their relatives.

"I have been searching and looking for my father grave, my brothers grave and my brothers wifes grave, and I cant find them," Atef Jundiya, said at the cemetery in Gaza City.

"I mean, we are relieved by the ceasefire, but at the same time, we are still searching for our martyrs and searching for our graves and cant find them," Jundiya told Reuters.

The civil emergency service estimates that 10,000 bodies remain under the rubble, calling for heavy machinery and earth-moving vehicles to help in the extraction process, which officials expect to last for several months.

Palestinians head back home to destruction after truce deal with Israel

01:00 , Tara Cobham

Some Gazans have not been able to even recognise where they once lived and have consequently turned their back on shattered neighbourhoods to return to tents where they have sheltered for the past several months. Others have begun to clear debris to try to move back to the wreckage of their homes.

"We are cleaning the house, and removing the rubble, so we are able to return home. Those are the quilts, pillows, nothing was left at the house," said Palestinian woman Walaa El-Err, pointing to her destroyed belongings at her bombed-out home in Nuseirat, a decades-old refugee camp in central Gaza.

She said the feeling of returning to her neighbourhood was "indescribable". She said she'd stayed up all night on Saturday waiting for the truce to take effect the next day. But the optimism surrounding news of a ceasefire has faded.

"When I went into the camp, I teared up, as our camp was not like that, it was the best. When we left all the towers (and) homes were still untouched, and none of the neighbours had been killed," she lamented.

In Gaza City in the enclave's north, Abla, a mother of three children, waited for a few hours to make sure the truce held on Sunday before heading to her home in the Tel Al-Hawa suburb, demolished by Israeli bombardments and ground offensives.

The scene was "horrific" she said, as the seven-floor building had been levelled, "smashed like a piece of biscuit".

"I heard the area was hit hard and the house could have been gone, but I was driven by both doubt and hope that it could have been saved," she told Reuters via a chat app.

"What I found wasn't just a house, it is the box of memories, where I had my children, celebrated their birthday parties, made them food, and taught them their first words and moves," she said.

Palestinians walk through the rubble caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Yemen vice-president says Trump return pivotal in fight against Iran backed-Houthis

00:00 , Tara Cobham

The vice president of Yemen's UN-recognised government on Tuesday welcomed Donald Trump's return as US president, saying it was a decisive turning point to curb the Iran-backed Houthis, who he said threaten regional stability and maritime security.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi told Reuters that Trump's strong leadership and willingness to employ military strength were in sharp contrast to the Biden administration, which he said had allowed the Houthis to consolidate power, bolster their military capabilities and extend their reach beyond Yemen.

"Trump knows what he wants. He is a strong decision-maker," Zubaidi said in an interview on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.

"We are fans, admirers and supporters of Trump's policy .... because he has a personality that has enough decision-making power to rule America and the world," he said, adding that he expected talks with the incoming administration to begin soon.

Airlines cautiously return to Middle East

Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:00 , Tara Cobham

Concerns about conflict in the Middle East have prompted airlines to suspend flights to the region, but with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place, some are cautiously resuming their services.

Air France, Transavia France, EasyJet and Ita Airways are among the airlines to have recently announced planned resumptions to travel.

EasyJet is among the airlines to have recently announced planned resumptions to travel in the Middle East (Getty Images)

Harvard settles lawsuits over antisemitism on campus

Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:00 , Tara Cobham

Harvard University has agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of rampant antisemitism.

Under a settlement announced on Tuesday, Harvard will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism when evaluating whether alleged discrimination or harassment violates the university's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies.

Harvard will also post online a Frequently Asked Questions document related to those policies, report annually for five years on its responses to discrimination or harassment, and provide expert training on combating antisemitism to staff who review discrimination complaints.

Both lawsuits accused Harvard of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin.

The lawsuits were among many accusing major universities of encouraging antisemitism after war broke out in Gaza in October 2023 between Israel and Hamas.

Both settlements include unspecified monetary terms. Harvard did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.

Harvard University has agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of rampant antisemitism (iStock/ Getty Images)

Palestinians confront a landscape of destruction in Gaza's 'ghost towns'

Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians in Gaza are confronting an apocalyptic landscape of devastation after a ceasefire paused more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Across the tiny coastal enclave, where built-up refugee camps are interspersed between cities, drone footage captured by The Associated Press shows mounds of rubble stretching as far as the eye can see  remnants of the longest and deadliest war between Israel and Hamas in their blood-ridden history.

As you can see, it became a ghost town, said Hussein Barakat, 38, whose home in the southern city of Rafah was flattened. There is nothing, he said, as he sat drinking coffee on a brown armchair perched on the rubble of his three-story home, in a surreal scene.

Read the full report here:

Palestinians confront a landscape of destruction in Gaza's 'ghost towns'

Netanyahu pressed Starmer about Britains freeze on arms exports to Israel'

Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:30 , Tara Cobham

Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Sir Keir Starmer about Britain's freeze on arms exports to Israel, Israel's readout of Tuesday's discussion between the two prime ministers said.

A statement published by Israel's ministry of foreign affairs said: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon (Tuesday January 21 2025), spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who thanked him for the release of British citizen Emily Damari and congratulated him on his actions for the release of the other hostages.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu raised the issue of the weapons export licences to Israel that have been frozen in the UK.

"Prime Minister Starmer said that an evaluation of the issue is being carried out."

The Government suspended 30 arms export licences for items used in Gaza by the Israeli defence forces in September last year, over concerns about Israel's compliance with human rights during the conflict.

Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Sir Keir Starmer about Britains freeze on arms exports to Israel, Israels readout of Tuesdays discussion between the two prime ministers said (AP)

Trump rescinds sanctions on far-right Israeli settlers

Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:00 , Tara Cobham

Among other Biden-era executive orders that US President Donald Trump rescinded Monday is one that authorises sanctions on people who undermine peace in the occupied West Bank.

The Biden administration used the executive order to impose a handful of sanctions on extremist settlers accused of using violence against Palestinians who live in the West Bank after violence erupted after Hamas' 7 October, 2023 attacks on Israel.

Settlers in the territory have celebrated the incoming Trump administration, believing it will take a more favorable approach to illegal settlements. During his first term, Trump took unprecedented steps to support Israel's territorial claims, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and moving the US Embassy there, and recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.

Among other Biden-era executive orders that US President Donald Trump rescinded Monday is one that authorises sanctions on people who undermine peace in the occupied West Bank (AP)

Watch: Netanyahu thanks Trump for helping free Israeli hostages

Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:30 , Tara Cobham

Israeli commanding officers resignation letter in full

Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:00 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Here is a translation of the letter from MG Yaron Finkelman, the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, to the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi:

Commander,

Led by my moral compass and the values that guide me, I have decided to leave my role as the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command and end my service in the IDF.

On 7 October, I failed in defending the western Negev and its beloved and heroic residents.

This failure will be etched into me for the rest of my life.

Out of responsibility to the State of Israel, the cherished and dear residents of the communities of the Gaza Envelope, the IDF, and my soldiers, I have since worked to lead the war against Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.

I had the privilege to command, during this war, remarkable commanders, male and female combat soldiers  the Generation of Victory.

Their fighting is a chapter of great heroism and valor in the history of the IDF and the state.

With deep pain, I will forever carry in my heart the memory of the fallen. The finest of our sons and daughters, courageous in spirit, heart, and deed.

We will march forward with their legacy, and I will always stand with the bereaved families.

Our wounded also remain with me, sharing their pain and their inspiring struggle toward recovery and health.

In this war, we dealt Hamas a significant blow.

It is imperative to continue striking the enemy, to bring home all our hostages, and to return the communities to their lands in safety and prosperity.

I thank you, commander, for your true partnership during these ultimate tests and for your stable and moral leadership.

I will continue my mission for as long as required.

Major General Yaron Finkelman,

Commanding Officer of the Southern Command

Some 72 bodies taken to Gazan hospitals in past 24 hours

Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:30 , Tara Cobham

Some 72 bodies have been taken to Gazan hospitals in the past 24 hours, almost all of them recovered from attacks before the ceasefire, Gazas Health Ministry said today.

An unknown number of bodies remain unreachable because they are in northern Gaza, where access remains restricted, or in buffer zones where Israeli forces are.

Israel's military campaign has killed over 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities, who say women and children make up more than half of the fatalities but do not say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

After 15 months of war, Hamas still rules over what remains of Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:00 , Tara Cobham

As a ceasefire brought calm to Gaza's ruined cities, Hamas was quick to emerge from hiding.

The militant group has not only survived Israel's 15-month military campaign  among the deadliest and most destructive in recent memory  but it remains firmly in control of the coastal territory that now resembles an apocalyptic wasteland.

For all the might it deployed in Gaza, Israel failed to remove Hamas from power, one of its central war aims. That makes a return to fighting more likely, but the results might be the same.

Qatar PM hopes Palestinian Authority will return to Gaza when war ends

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:30 , Tara Cobham

Qatar's Prime Minister has said he hoped the Palestinian Authority would return to play a governing role in Gaza once the war with Israel comes to an end.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday, two days after the ceasefire Qatar helped broker came into effect in Gaza, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani cautioned that Gazans  and not any other country  should dictate the way the enclave will be governed.

"We hope to see the PA back in Gaza. We hope to see a government that will really address the issues of the people over there. And there is a long way to go with Gaza and the destruction," he said in Davos.

How Gaza will be governed after the war was not directly addressed in the deal between Israel and militant group Hamas that led to an immediate ceasefire and hostage releases after nearly 15 months of talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S.

Israel has rejected any governing role for Hamas, which ran Gaza before the war, but it has been almost equally opposed to rule by the Palestinian Authority, the body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords three decades ago that has limited governing power in the West Bank.

The PA, dominated by the Fatah faction created by former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, faces opposition from rival faction Hamas, which drove the PA out of Gaza in 2007 after a brief civil war.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday (REUTERS)

UN welcomes surge in aid into Gaza on day three of ceasefire  but warns massive needs remain

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:03 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The UN has welcomed the surge in lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza on day three of the ceasefire  but warned that massive needs remain across the devastated enclave.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Tuesday that aid is entering the terriroty at scale in line with the ceasefire agreement.

Aid trucks began entering Gaza a few minutes after the deal entered into force on Sunday, said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. Up to now  these two first days of entry - there [have] been no reports of looting or attacks against aid workers.

Scenes from Nuseirat refugee camp in #Gaza show people returning to what was once home. With such widespread devastation, the path to recovery will be long.



Many homes across the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. The needs for immediate aid and long-term support are critical. pic.twitter.com/c0Yvt4dpgp  UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 21, 2025

Islamic Jihad also condemns Israeli operation in Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:00 , Tara Cobham

Islamic Jihad has also condemned the Israeli operation in Jenin.

The militant group, which is smaller and more radical than Hamas, said it reflected Israel's "failure to achieve its goals in Gaza". It said it was also a "desperate attempt" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to save his governing coalition.

Full story: Israels top general resigns over 7 October Hamas attack  as military launches major West Bank offensive

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:30 , Tara Cobham

Israels top general has announced his resignation over the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on 7 October 2023  saying he will stand down in March.

Lt General Herzi Halevi, the Israeli armed forces chief of staff, is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack. The move comes just days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza war that was triggered by the attack, during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry and forced 90 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

As part of a the first, six-week, phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 of the hostages still held in the territory are due to be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The first three hostages were released over the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners. A Hamas official told AFP that four women will be released this coming weekend, without naming them.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew, in Jerusalem, and international editor Chris Stevenson report:

Israels top general resigns over Hamas attack  as military launches West Bank raid

Starmer speaks with Netanyahu on third day of Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:00 , Tara Cobham

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a ceasefire between his country and Hamas enters its third day.

Giving a readout of their phone call, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu today.

"The Prime Minister began by offering the UK's support for the hard-fought and long-awaited ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its third day.

"He offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari. To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict, he added.

"The leaders moved on to discuss the need to see the next stages of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of the remaining hostages. The Prime Minister reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it.

"Both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability. The Prime Minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

"They agreed to continue their close co-operation on defence and security matters in support of wider stability in the region - particularly in the face of the ongoing threat posed by Iran."

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a ceasefire between his country and Hamas enters its third day (PA Wire)

UN alarmed by renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli forces in West Bank

Tuesday 21 January 2025 15:30 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The UN has said it is alarmed by renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli forces in the West Bank.

The UN Human Rights Office for Palestine said today: OHCHR Palestine is alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied West Bank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees.

This has been accompanied by increased restrictions on Palestinians freedom of movement across the West Bank, including complete closure of some checkpoints and installation of new gates, effectively confining entire communities.

.@OHCHR_Palestine is alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied #WestBank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees. This has been accompanied by  UN Human Rights Palestine (@OHCHR_Palestine) January 20, 2025

Saudi foreign minister tells Davos Iran-Israel war should be avoided

Tuesday 21 January 2025 15:17 , Tara Cobham

A war between Israel and Iran should be avoided, Saudi Foreign Minister said in Davos on Tuesday, adding that he did not see the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump contributing to the risk of such conflict.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, who spoke during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland, also said he would visit Lebanon later this week, the first such trip in more than a decade.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud spoke during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday (REUTERS)

UPDATE: Death toll from Israeli attack on Jenin rises to eight Palestinians

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:48 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces backed by helicopters raided the volatile West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, killing at least eight Palestinians in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a "large-scale and significant military operation".

The action, launched a day after US President Donald Trump declared he was lifting sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian villages, was announced by Netanyahu as a new offensive against Iranian-backed militants.

"We are acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu said. Judea and Samaria are terms Israel uses for the occupied West Bank.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism operation in Jenin. It follows a weeks-long operation by Palestinian security forces in self-rule areas of the West Bank to reassert control in the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which get support from Iran.

As the operation began, Palestinian security forces withdrew from the refugee camp and the sound of heavy gunfire could be heard in mobile phone footage shared on social media.

Palestinian health services said at least eight Palestinians were killed and 35 wounded as the Israeli raid began, a week after an Israeli air strike in the Jenin refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza ceasefire allege abuse in jail  and fear re-arrest by Israel

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:45 , Tara Cobham

Palestinian prisoners released during Gazas ceasefire deal have alleged abuse inside Israels jails  saying they feel mixed emotions about being freed as they fear the fragile truce will not hold, and they may be arrested again.

Ecstatic crowds waving flags greeted the buses that left the sprawling Ofer prison complex in the occupied West Bank early on Monday. Inside were 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women, teenagers, and children, many of whom say they were abused and tortured inside Israels detention system  allegations that Israel has repeatedly denied.

They were freed as part of a long-fought-for ceasefire brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt. Split into three phases, the initial six-week period will see Hamas release 33 hostages it seized during its bloody attacks on 7 October. In exchange, almost 2,000 Palestinians in Israeli detention would also be freed.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports from Jerusalem:

Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza deal allege abuse in jail  and fear re-arrest

7 October failure will burn my heart for all my life: Israeli commanding officer reveals reason for resignation

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:18 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The Israeli Commanding Officer has revealed his reason for resigning is similarly the failure over Hamas 7 October, 2023, attack, which will burn my heart for all my life.

In a handwritten note released today, MG Yaron Finkelman said: I decided to end my role as the commander of the South forces and my service in the IDF.

On 7 October, I failed to defend the western negev and its residents and beloved Heroes this failure will burn my heart for all my life.

Footage captures large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:10 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Footage has captured a large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in the West Bank.

A large scale operation was launched on the city of Jenin today.

             . pic.twitter.com/JxG8ERdn6N     (@qudsn) January 21, 2025

Netanyahu issues statement on West Bank raids

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:05 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids.

Today, he said: On the directive of the Security Cabinet, the IDF, the ISA and the Israel Police have today begun an extensive and significant military operation to defeat terrorism in Jenin  Iron Wall.

This is an additional step in achieving the objective that we have set  bolstering security in Judea and Samaria.

We are acting methodically and with determination against the Iranian axis wherever it reaches  in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and] Judea and Samaria  and we are still active.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids (IsraeliPM)

Top Israeli general issues statement taking responsiblity for terrible failure over Hamas attack

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:54 , Tara Cobham

The top Israeli general who has resigned has said the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israels citizens when Hamas attacked the country on 7 October 2023, citing his responsibility for this terrible failure in his reasons for ending his tenure.

In a statement issued today, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said: On the morning of 7 October, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israels citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price  in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many  security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians  were not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will remain with me for the rest of my life.

He continued: In recognition of my responsibility for the IDFs failure on 7 October, and at a time when the IDF has recorded extraordinary achievements and restored Israels deterrence and strength, I request to conclude my tenure on 6 March, 2025.

He added: In the time remaining, I will finalise the investigations and continue strengthening the IDFs readiness for the challenges ahead. This will ensure a smooth and structured transition of command to my successor.

I will always be a soldier of the State of Israel.

Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi (right) with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (AFP or licensors)

Israeli defence minister responds to top generals resignation

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:47 , Tara Cobham

Israels defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas 7 October attack.

A spokesperson for Israel Katz said in a statement issued today: The Chief of Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, informed me today of his desire to terminate his position for the reasons he detailed in his letter.

I would like to express my appreciation to the Chief of Staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a fighter and as a commander, and for his part in the great achievements of the IDF in the difficult war that was forced upon us.

The Chief of Staff will continue to fulfill his duties and will carry out an orderly overlap procedure until the end of his duties.

Israels defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas 7 October attack (REUTERS)

Israeli Commanding Officer also resigns

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:44 , Tara Cobham

An Israeli Commanding Officer has also resigned.

The Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Yaron Finkelman, informed the Chief of the General Staff today of his decision to end his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Hamas urges Palestinians to escalate fighting against Israel in West Bank amid Jenin raid

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:20 , Tara Cobham

Hamas has called upon Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to escalate fighting against Israeli forces in response to a military offensive in the city of Jenin, the militant group said in a statement.

Israels top general resigns citing failures over Hamas attack that ignited war in Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:19 , Tara Cobham

Israel's top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack.

He announced his resignation Tuesday, just days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, notifying Defense Minister Israel Katz that he intends to resign on 6 March.

In a statement, Halevi said he is leaving the military after recognizing my responsibility for the failure of the IDF on 7 October, and at the point in time in which the IDF has recorded significant achievements, and is in the process of implementing an agreement to release hostages.

Until 6 March, Halevi said, he will complete the investigations into the 7 October Hamas onslaught and prepare the IDF for future challenges.

I will transfer command of the IDF in a high-quality and thorough manner to my replacement, he adds.

The Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi (pictured front left) will resign his post in March, several Israeli media outlets report (Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool Photo via AP)

UPDATE: Major Israeli operation in West Bank leaves six dead and dozens wounded

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:15 , Tara Cobham

A major Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank has left at least six dead and dozens wounded, Palestinian health officials have said, as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza entered its third day.

The operation on Tuesday was centered in the city of Jenin, which has seen repeated Israeli incursions and gunbattles with militants in recent years, even before Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack ignited the war in Gaza.

The Israeli military announced a "significant and broad military operation" in the West Bank, just days into a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza that is supposed to last for six weeks and see 33 militant-held hostages released in return for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war.

UN highlights need for specialised care for 30,000 Palestinians with life-changing injuries

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:00 , Tara Cobham

The UN has said 30,000 Palestinians have life-changing injuries and highlighted their need for specialised care.

The World Health Organization currently has a 60-day plan to increase beds and deploy overseas health workers to Gaza hospitals, said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.

Around one million children depend on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, says UN

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:40 , Tara Cobham

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the more than two million people in Gaza, about half of them children, depend on humanitarian aid entering the Strip, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq has said.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said on Sunday that the needs in Gaza are staggering and his office said on Monday that aid workers are ramping up the delivery of food, clean water, shelter materials and other essential supplies.

UPDATED: Two killed in Israeli strike in West Bank, Palestinians say

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:20 , Tara Cobham

An Israeli strike on a built-up refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has killed two people, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday, as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip entered a third day.

The Israeli military said in a statement that "forces have initiated a counterterrorism operation" in the area. The identity of those killed in the Jenin refugee camp, where militants are active, was not immediately clear.

Throughout the 15-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Jenin has been a focus of Israeli raids into the occupied territory. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, launched its own raid into the area late last year, hoping to position itself as a serious player in governing postwar Gaza.

Violence in the West Bank has surged during the war in Gaza, with Israel saying it is operating to stamp out militancy. The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli raids since the war began after Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attacks.

In pictures: Palestinian children chase aid trucks arriving in Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians chase humanitarian aid trucks that arrived through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into Gaza (AP)

Humanitarian aid trucks are seen arriving in Rafah on Tuesday (AP)

A Palestinian child chases a humanitarian aid truck arriving in the Strip (AP)

UPDATE: One Palestinian reported killed in Israeli military raids in West Bank

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:45 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces launched an operation in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, killing at least one Palestinian, officials said on Tuesday.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism action in the city, giving no further details.

Prior to the Israeli action, Palestinian security forces had been conducting a weeks-long operation to reassert control in the city and the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian health services said at least one Palestinian was killed and four wounded as the Israeli raid began in Jenin, where an Israeli air strike last week in the refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

The move into Jenin, where the Israeli army has carried out multiple raids and large-scale incursions over recent years, comes only days after the start of a ceasefire in Gaza and underscores the threat of more violence in the West Bank.

Late on Monday, bands of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, smashing cars and burning property, just as newly installed US President Donald Trump announced he was lifting sanctions on violent settlers.

The attack near the village of al-Funduq, in an area where three Israelis were killed in a shooting earlier this month, was the latest in a long sequence of incidents that have accelerated strongly since the start of the war in Gaza.

The military said it had opened an investigation into the incident, which it said involved dozens of Israeli civilians, some in masks.

Palestinians searching for bodies under rubble reportedly found 66 in Gaza yesterday

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:25 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians searching for the thousands believed to be buried under rubble in Gaza found 66 bodies yesterday, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

They were found in the south and north of the Strip, it reported Palestinian medical sources as saying.

Palestinians stand near destroyed homes in the northern Gaza Strip (Reuters)

Two people reportedly shot in Gaza despite ceasefire deal

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:00 , Tara Cobham

Two people have reportedly been shot in Gaza despite the ceasefire deal that is in place, according to Palestinian reports.

The civilians were injured in Israeli gunfire in two separate incidents on Tuesday, one in the sea of Gaza City and the other in the Sabra neighborhood, reported Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Israeli military begins operation in West Bank city of Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 10:46 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces have begun an operation in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, the military said on Tuesday, without providing further details.

Prior to the Israeli action, Palestinian security forces had been conducting a weeks-long operation to reassert control over the city, a major centre of armed militant groups.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are serving life sentences without parole for murdering their parents, have had their resentencing hearing moved due to the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Prosecutors and defence counsel met with LA Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic on Friday, where a new date of March 20-21 was agreed for the hearing.

The continuance is due to the impact of recent wildfires on the parties extensive preparations for the hearings, LA district attorney Nathan Hochman, who recently replaced George Gascon, announced.

Los Angeles County district attorney Nathan Hochman (Damian Dovarganes/AP)

The hearing had originally been scheduled to take place on January 30-31.

The 1989 murder case has been in the headlines over the last few months after a Netflix drama series and documentary film were released.

The Menendez brothers have never disputed that they fired the fatal shots that killed their parents, Jose and Mary Louise Kitty Menendez, on August 20 1989 at their Beverly Hills home.

But the pair have always claimed their actions were an act of self-defence, rooted in physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.

After the series aired, then-district attorney Mr Gascon announced his recommendation for resentencing of the brothers, who have also received backing from the majority of their family and stars including Kim Kardashian.

Resentencing could mean immediate release from prison for the brothers, but it has to be approved by a judge.

At the last court hearing, family members of the pair made compassionate pleas advocating for the brothers freedom.

Joan VanderMolen, sister of Kitty Menendez, told the court that no child should have to endure what the brothers did at the hands of their father.

I love Erik and Lyle and I want them to come home, the 93-year-old added.

Terry Baralt, 85, the oldest sister of Jose Menendez, said: Thirty-five years is a long time, I think it is time for them to go home.

Defence counsel for the Menendez brothers, Mark Geragos and Bryan Freedman, were pictured exiting the court house on Friday.

Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez and Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez in the Netflix drama, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)

The brothers were convicted and sentenced to life without parole in 1996 and are serving time at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.

It came after an initial mistrial with a hung jury for both brothers, as prosecutors claimed there was no evidence of any abuse and the pair had murdered their parents to inherit the family fortune.

Mr Gascon later supported the brothers request for clemency from California governor Gavin Newsom, which said all family members except for Milton Andersen  the brother of Kitty Menendez  supported the petition.

Netflix launched drama series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story by co-creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan.

The nine-part series stars Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as the brothers, while Oscar-winner Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny portray parents Jose and Kitty.

At the time, the real Erik Menendez criticised the series, calling it a dishonest portrayal of a time when prosecutors built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused.

Netflix also released a documentary film titled The Menendez Brothers which featured interviews with the pair.
Pro-Palestine protesters will gather for a rally in Westminster on Saturday after police curtailed organisers plans for a march past the BBC and near a synagogue.

The Metropolitan Police denied putting a ring of steel around Broadcasting House as the forces said officers would be posted nearby after preventing plans by protesters targeting the BBC to gather in Portland Place.

The Met blocked the march from gathering there due to Broadcasting Houses close proximity to a synagogue and the risk the protest could cause serious disruption to the Jewish holy day, as congregants attend Shabbat services.

The protest will be a static rally in Whitehall instead.

The force also said a woman had been arrested for inciting others to breach the forces restrictions.

A 61-year-old woman was arrested on Friday on suspicion of inciting others to breach Public Order Act conditions after she was allegedly heard at a rally on January 10 encouraging other protesters to do so, police said.

The Met said further investigations into other allegations of inciting people to breach conditions are ongoing.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) are understood to be confident that none of its supporters will breach the conditions imposed by police.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said more than 1,100 officers are due to be deployed on Saturday, with 200 coming from other forces.

Questioned on whether the Met was putting a ring of steel around Broadcasting House, he said: I wouldnt describe it as a ring of steel.

What I would describe it as is a visible presence of officers in and around the BBC/Portland Place area and surrounding streets.

Firstly, their role is to engage with people, make sure people understand the conditions that are around there, and generally do their policing duties as they would do every day.

If anyone is considering breaching those conditions, we have brought officers in from other forces, eight other forces, to assist  so we have got significant forces to enforce any breaches of conditions.

On Thursday, senior Conservative MP Bob Blackman said those who defy police orders by deliberately gathering outside a synagogue should face the full force of the law.

The PSC described the Mets conditions as repressive, saying: We reiterate our call for the police to lift the repressive restrictions they have imposed and allow us to march.

If they continue to refuse to do so and prevent us from marching, we will rally on Whitehall in protest.

In a statement, Campaign Against Antisemitism claimed pro-Palestine marches posed a threat to synagogues.

A spokesperson said: It is shameful that the Met has refused to act on that threat all this time and is mustering a show of strength only now that it appears that the war might be ending.

The least that it can do is see this tokenistic gesture through and finally limit these marches to static protests, as we have been urging for over a year.

In its own statement, charity Community Security Trust, which aims to provide safety to Jewish people, said of the planned protest: We have been working closely with the police and with affected Jewish community locations to put sufficient security in place so that services and other activities can go ahead in safety tomorrow.
Lord Hermer was mentored by Sir Keir Starmer when the pair were barristers at the same chambers - Jamie Lorriman

Elizabeth I loomed large over Lord Hermers right shoulder as the new Attorney General strode to the podium to deliver his first major speech.

As his eyes scanned the room, over the heads of an audience packed with lawyers, they would have settled on an imposing wooden edifice directly opposite. Known as the Armada screen, it was reputedly crafted from the oak timbers of a galleon captured during victory over the Spanish invaders.

This Elizabethan theme  harking back to an era of gunboat diplomacy and state-sanctioned piracy  was an incongruous backdrop for the speech.

Yet it was in these historic surroundings last October that Sir Keir Starmers new legal chief quietly lifted the lid on Labours fervour for international law.

Delivered in a dulcet tone, this highly political speech paved the way for a series of government decisions that have baffled MPs and the public alike.

Lord Hermers remarks help explain why No 10 has been so determined to give away the Chagos Islands in the face of almost universal opposition.

They also provide a rationale for the decision to open the door for a compensation payout to Gerry Adams, despite the obvious backlash it would spark.

During his lecture, delivered at Grays Inn, the new Attorney General said a fervent obeyance of international law would help fight the populist challenge.

He argued that Britain must not only elevate international law above its own but actively go further than simply meeting our obligations to restore our reputation.

In a particularly telling passage, he acknowledged this was to persuade former colonies in the Global South that human rights were not an imperialist construct.

The UK will once again be a champion for international courts and institutions, taking positive steps to promote their importance and to rebuild the respect for them that the populists have sought to destroy, he told his audience.

International law is not simply some kind of optional add-on, with which states can pick or choose whether to comply.

Our reputation as a country that can be trusted to comply with its international law obligations, and has a robust adherence to the rule of law, is essential to our ability to grow the economy.

Gerry Adams is in line for taxpayer-funded compensation because of Starmers human rights plans - AFP /Paul Faith

Lord Hermer defended the proposed deal to give the Chagos Islands away to Mauritius, which by this point had already prompted a heavy backlash.

He said it showed the Governments deep commitment to international law and made plain our commitment to our cornerstone international institutions.

The Attorney General similarly said Labours controversial decision to limit arms exports to Israel showed that it was applying law, not politics.

That speech, delivered on October 15, was the first of several in which Lord Hermer would return again and again to international law as central to his world view.

Nine days later he travelled to the UN General Assembly, in New York, where he repeated his message to the cavernous hall of international delegates.

There he opened by thanking the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled against Britain in the Chagos case, for the quality of their judgment.

I would like on behalf of the United Kingdom to express my gratitude to all members of the court and the registry for their continued commitment to the sound administration of justice and the peaceful resolution of international disputes, he said.

And as the globe currently faces critical challenges, there has never been a more important moment for us all to reaffirm our commitment to that ideal, to the international rule of law and thus to the important world of the ICJ.

This week, as ministers scrabbled around for ideas to kickstart the economy, Lord Hermer once again returned to international law as the answer.

He said Britain would reap the benefits of an absolutist approach which would mean global free trade, investment flows and international commerce can flourish.

International law and support for the international legal order is beneficial not just to the UK economy but to building prosperity around the globe, he said.

It helps us move towards a world in which disputes are settled in courtrooms and arbitration centres rather than battlefields.

Lord Hermer has defended the proposed deal to give the Chagos Islands away to Mauritius - Getty Images

Lord Hermers worldview is thought to match closely with that of Sir Keir, who was his mentor whilst the pair were barristers at the same chambers.

Danny Kruger, the Tory MP for East Wiltshire, said that the Prime Ministers core political belief is that international law binds Government and Parliament.

He said this had led to the mad decision on the Chagos and bad decisions such as paving the way for potential compensation for Mr Adams.

The only higher law is the natural law, which is in us all and only the voters can properly adjudicate, he said.

Meanwhile practical sovereignty resides in the King in Parliament  the executive, accountable to MPs. Treaties between nations are inferior to this.

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, said that Lord Hermer was at the heart of a small cabal of Left-wing lawyers which Britain is now governed by.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: Some say that he and Starmer are just pernickety, and that they have a cult of crazed legal maximalism. I dont think that fully reflects the sheer perversity of the Lefty-lawyer mentality.

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.
Kamala Harris concedes the election to Donald Trump in November. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

The meeting was billed as an opportunity for the voters of Saginaw, Michigan to ask elected Democrats difficult questions about why Donald Trump, and not Kamala Harris, is moving into the White House on Monday.

Vincent Oriedo, a biotechnology scientist, had just such a question. What lessons have been learned, he asked, from Harriss defeat in this vital swing county in a crucial battleground state that voted for Joe Biden four years ago, and how are the Democrats applying them?

As the town hall with Michigans secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, and the local representative in the state legislature, Amos ONeal, came to an end, Oriedo said he was disappointed with their answers, which amounted to bland statements about politicians listening to the voters.

They did not answer the question, he said.

Related: Voters who backed Trump identify new swamp to drain: corporate power

It tells me that they havent learned the lessons and they have their inner state of denial. Ive been paying careful attention to the influencers within the Democratic party. Their discussions have centred around, If only we messaged better, if only we had a better candidate, if only we did all these superficial things. There is really a lack of understanding that they are losing their base, losing constituencies they are taking for granted.

Trumps decisive victory in Saginaw, a bellwether county that he won in 2016 and then lost four years later, came as a shock to the local Democratic party but not to many of its supporters.

Community leaders in some of the poorest parts of Saginaw, where voter turnout dropped, repeatedly warned that the Harris campaigns focus on attacking Trump as unfit for office and winning the support of middle class white women, particularly over abortion rights, was alienating a large part of the Democratic constituency simply struggling to pay the bills and looking for economic reform.

Carly Hammond, a Saginaw city councillor and former trade union organiser who campaigned for Harris, said she sees little evidence the Democratic party has learned the lessons of her defeat, let alone how to apply them. She said the partys national leadership does not understand that it is facing a generational political realignment n places such as Saginaw across the US.

Its hard to find a good way to look at it. Ill say the national Democratic party has really put themselves in a position of loss for a generation because I believe that this election was securing, not just starting but securing, a political realignment thats been happening for decades now, she said.

We have set ourselves up for generational loss because we keep promoting from within leaders that that do not criticise the moneyed interests. They refuse to take a hard look at what Americans actually believe and meet those needs.

After the meeting, ONeal told the Guardian that he believes Harris lost in Saginaw because her campaign was too focused on abortion rights which was less of an issue in Michigan after voters amended the state constitution in 2022 to protect access.

We already fought the race of womens rights. What we missed were the table top issues that people were dealing with. They couldnt afford to go into the grocery store, cant buy food, trying to make ends meet. We didnt talk about that economics. We missed it, he said.

ONeal blamed the national party for failing to listen to local voices.

The policy was decided nationally. Ive been in politics for over 20 years and I didnt get much communication from them. Just using myself, for example, I could have been much more impactful. Had I been engaged early, I could have been out and been a voice and advocating for the message, he said.

Hammond said that is partly the result of the Democrats reliance on polling over policy.

The problem is that the consultant class has led every politician to believe that if they just have the right formula, they can put in any candidate, churn them through the machine, and people will vote for that candidate. And thats not true, she said.

The Democrats have shown that they dont have any principles, that they will follow the polls, that if they just talk about the economy and kitchen-table issues in such a way that they dont actually have to promise anything, then theyll win next time. But they will lose.

Hammond said that the Democratic leadership erroneously thought it could gloss over core issues, such as anger over the Biden administrations support for Israels war in Gaza, and a thirst for structural economic change which helped drive support for Trump. Thats a view backed by a YouGov poll released on Wednesday, which found that 29% of people who voted for Biden in 2020 but not for Harris last year said the Gaza war was the main reason why. Another 24% cited economic policy.

Pat Parker, who has campaigned for Democratic presidential candidates in Saginaw through five elections, is one of those who is trying to forge a change in the partys electoral strategies by forcing it to listen to local voices.

We were screaming locally at the Harris campaign: This isnt working. Were putting a lot of energy in, and theres something off. We had a huge team working really hard, but they might have been just throwing dirt in a new pile. It didnt produce the desired result at all, said Parker, a clinical social worker.

The things Harris said, like she was going to give $25,000 for people to buy their first home, there were a lot of people said she was giving their money away to people who didnt deserve it. It cost her votes. We were trying to tell her that.

In the weeks since Trumps victory, Parker gathered together groups sidelined by the Democratic establishment, including Black community leaders, trade unions and local party activists in an attempt to drive a bottom up approach to future elections. She said the local party leadership has engaged with them.

But Hammond is not optimistic that the national leadership will listen.

I think that the Liberal ideology, with a capital L, is what is being revolted and rebelled against at a very fundamental level by a majority of America. But the Democrats cant see it, she said.

A lot of people on the ground level, a lot of community organisers, a lot of people who were giving the warnings are exhausted of trying to save the Democratic party from itself. Theyre the ones who have been shown the door long ago as the party systematically excised criticism from its midst. The leadership actually dont want a big tent, they want a very top down small tent.

Hammond said there is one other legacy of the campaign that the Democrats may come to regret for more than just failing to get Harris elected.

A large part of the Harris ad blitz in Michigan was dedicated to attacking Trump as a convicted criminal and a front for Project 2025, the authoritarian plan to impose rightwing control across the entire US government.

The national party has made it so that theyve set up a standard where if Donald Trump doesnt literally ruin democracy in a very visible way that people feel, then theyre proven wrong. It wasnt as bad as we thought, so theyre liars again. They have set themselves up for failure, said Hammond.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta discussed ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights of immigrant communities at the Bernal Heights branch of the San Francisco Public Library on Dec. 4. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Immigrant rights advocates and their allies, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, were feverishly reviewing their strategy for the incoming Trump administration Friday in San Francisco, a week after federal immigration raids sent shock waves through the Central Valleys farmworker community.

As President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to enact a mass deportation plan, prepares to take office on Monday, advocates said organizations are ramping up know your rights workshops, connecting people with immigration attorneys and advocating for funding for organizations that provide legal services  the latter of which Rita Mancera, executive director of Puente de la Costa Sur, a Pescadero-based nonprofit that works with the immigrant community in San Mateo County, said she was most worried about.

Nonprofits are maxed out, and I havent seen a pouring of dollars so that when we refer people, they can take their cases, Mancera said. Its going to be a little bit of a bottleneck.

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State officials were also sounding the alarm on Friday, reminding residents that they are preparing for potential mass deportations with plans to add more resources to the state attorney generals office for expected legal battles, said California Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, at an event at Mannys, a cafe in San Franciscos Mission District.

The Legislature is in the midst of a special session intended to insulate the state from potential Trump policy decisions. One bill would send an additional $25 million to Bontas office on top of whats currently in the budget; another would set aside another $25 million for legal aid organizations and immigration centers aimed at defending immigrants.

The Mannys event focused on the history of mass deportations in California  such as the Mexican Repatriation in the 1930s when local and state governments deported up to 1.8 million people of Mexican descent  and how state leaders can learn from the past.

Becker pointed to another bill, AB49, that would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from entering school sites and day care centers to protect children and their families.

We cant afford a reactive, destructive mass deportation, Becker said.

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Sarah Souza, a DACA recipient, advocate and San Francisco immigrant rights commissioner, urged people to share immigrants stories and why they support immigrant communities, push congressional leaders to create humane immigration reform and support immigrant rights groups.

What the immigrant community needs from you and from our leaders is support, including rapid-response legal services, Souza said Friday at the Mannys event.

Bonta said at a news conference Friday that his office is prepared to sue the Trump administration if its policies and actions violate the law.

President-elect Trumps plans for mass deportations and arrests, his claims that hell deport U.S. citizens and use the military on American soil to execute his plans are inhumane, illogical and fiscally irresponsible, Bonta said.

California is a sanctuary state, which means local and state law enforcement agencies are prohibited from investigating, interrogating, detaining or arresting people for the purposes of immigration enforcement. They are also banned from providing federal immigration officials information to aid immigration enforcement, with few exceptions.

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The state is home to 10.6 million immigrants, almost 30% of the state population, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Immigrants are the backbone of our nation, Bonta said. Immigrants make America great. Immigrants make California great. He added that California will remain the beacon of progress it has always been.

In Trumps first term, the California Department of Justice, then led by Xavier Becerra, sued the Trump administration more than 100 times, including in 2018 against Trumps attempt to add a citizenship question to the U.S. census, which the state argued would chill participation from undocumented immigrants and cause an undercount of Californias population, which was expected to have reduced the House seats, Electoral College votes and federal funding the state would receive. The case was ultimately dismissed, with the citizenship question not taking effect.

The state also defended Californias sanctuary state status, alongside the city of San Francisco, when the Trump administration attempted to condition federal grants on these jurisdictions removing its sanctuary status, successfully arguing that it violated the U.S. Constitutions 10th Amendment on state powers.
A protester films a confrontation with a police officer during the march in London - Carlos Jasso/Reuters

More than 70 pro-Palestinian protesters have been arrested in Trafalgar Square on suspicion of breaching protest conditions after demonstrators broke through a police line as they marched from a rally in Whitehall.

The Metropolitan Police warned the group to disperse or face arrest, later announcing 77 people had been arrested  the highest number across more than 20 national Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) protests since October 2023.

Some 65 had been detained for a breach of conditions, five for public order offences, two for obstructing police, one for supporting a proscribed organisation, one for inciting racial hatred, one for common assault, one for assault on an emergency worker and one for sexual assault.

Commander Adam Slonecki, who led the policing operation, said: We have policed more than 20 national protests organised by the PSC since October 2023.

This is the highest number of arrests we have seen, in response to the most significant escalation in criminality.

He accused the organisers of the march of a deliberate effort to breach the conditions.

We could not have been clearer about the conditions in place. Protesters were to remain in Whitehall with no march towards the BBC, Mr Slonecki said.

Our relationship with protest organisers has to be based on trust and good faith. If they say they will act responsibly and lawfully we need to be able to know those are genuine assurances.

That is why it was so deeply disappointing to see a deliberate effort, involving organisers of the demonstration, to breach the conditions and attempt to march out of Whitehall.

Officers responded bravely and decisively, ensuring they got no further than Trafalgar Square and certainly nowhere near their target.

I am quite confident this was a co-ordinated breach with the intention being to reach the BBC at Portland Place in defiance of the conditions.

There is video footage of one of the organisers clearly inciting the crowd to join a march and one of the organisations involved has released a statement this evening confirming as much.

At the same time as the group was attempting to force its way past police lines, camera crews were seen arriving in Portland Place. It is unlikely that the timing was simply a coincidence.

We are in possession of footage from officers body-worn cameras, from CCTV and from social media. We know who was involved in leading the movement of so many people through police lines.

Investigations are now under way and we will make every effort to bring prosecutions against those we identify.

One masked activist stood on top of a police car waving a Palestinian flag after protesters breached the police line.

Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, and John McDonnell, the partys former shadow chancellor, were seen among the crowds but are not thought to have been among those defying police.

The unrest followed threats by the PSC to defy the Mets ban on marching past the BBC offices.

The group had been planning to gather outside the corporations headquarters in Portland Place, before marching to Whitehall. However, the Met imposed restrictions under the Public Order Act to prevent them from doing so, following an intervention from the Chief Rabbi, amid fears worshippers at a nearby synagogue could be harassed.

Members of the public found themselves caught up in the demonstration. One person who asked a police officer why people could not move was told: Because its an illegal march at the moment.

Police warned the group to disperse or face arrest.

Protesters attend a rally for Palestine in London - Alishia Abodunde/Getty

Before the protest, Ben Jamal, the PSC director, said the group had faced extreme repression from police in organising the demonstration.

Until two days ago, they were trying to impose on us a march endorsed by the British Board of Deputies, he said in a piece to camera posted on social media.

We decide where we protest, not Zionist groups that have supported Israels genocide.

The Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) criticised the Mets decision to block the march, calling it an outrageous assault on democracy, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.

Youth Demand, a campaign group, said three of its supporters were arrested after they stood outside the BBC with signs, one of which read: Can I protest here?

On Friday, a 61-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of inciting others to breach the Public Order Act conditions after she was allegedly heard at a rally on Jan 10 encouraging protesters to do so, police said.

The Met said further investigations into other allegations of inciting people to breach conditions were ongoing.

Ade Adelekan, the Mets Deputy Assistant Commissioner, said more than 1,100 officers were due to be deployed on Saturday, with 200 coming from other forces, in what he described as a visible presence of officers in and around the BBC/Portland Place area and surrounding streets.

The PSC described the Mets conditions as repressive.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism claimed pro-Palestine marches posed a threat to synagogues.

Following Saturdays protests and arrests, Lord Austin, the former Labour MP, said: For months we have been told that these intimidating demonstrations were merely demands for a ceasefire.

Todays disgraceful events are final proof that this was never true. We now have a ceasefire but the habitual violence and aggression seen on marches has only increased. Enough is enough.
Nigel Farage in Washington - Stuart Mitchell

Nigel Farage has predicted that he could be prime minister before Donald Trump leaves office in four years in a worldwide political tide of Right-wing election wins.

The Reform UK leader told Republicans at a party to celebrate Mr Trumps inauguration that he believes he will win the next election, which he said could come sooner than Sir Keir Starmers five-year term.

He called the president-elects victory the start of a political tide that is going to sweep across the Western world, and said Americans were lucky to be entering four years of Mr Trumps second term.

Speaking at a party hosted by the Brexiteer businessmen Arron Banks and Andy Wigmore in Washington on Friday, Mr Farage set a deadline for his ambition to replace Sir Keir in Downing Street.

He said: I honestly believe that what youve seen here is going to be a political tide that is going to sweep across the Western world.

Mr Farage and Steve Bannon have both predicted that the Reform leader will be the next prime minister - Stuart Mitchell

Theres much else happening across Europe too, including in the set of islands that I come from, where there is a new insurgent political party led by a maverick from the outside.

And who knows? I actually do believe that we will win the next general election. I do believe I can become the next prime minister. I just hope it happens quickly while Donald Trump is still in office.

Mr Trump will return to the White House on Monday after a pared-back inauguration ceremony, which was moved indoors because of freezing weather.

The temperature in Washington is unlikely to exceed -5C, and feels like -12C with the added wind chill factor.

Mr Trumps inauguration committee, which is running the schedule, announced that the event would be livestreamed to an arena, with a few guests allowed to attend the ceremony itself inside the Capitol rotunda.

Mr Farage, a longtime ally of Mr Trump, has criticised Sir Keir for endangering the special relationship with the United States by designing a deal to give away the Chagos islands, and allowing Labour activists to campaign for Kamala Harris during the election.

Labour and Downing Street said the activists flew to the US during the campaign in a personal capacity.

Fridays party was attended by Liz Truss, the former prime minister, and other British political figures including Reform UKs fundraising director, Nick Candy.

Steve Bannon, a Right-wing commentator who rose to fame during Mr Trumps first term and also attended the party, told The Telegraph that Mr Farage would be the UKs next prime minister.

It is unclear whether Mr Farage or Ms Truss would attend the inauguration in person, despite receiving tickets to the outdoor ceremony that has since been cancelled.

Dame Karen Pierce, the UKs outgoing ambassador to Washington, was also scheduled to attend the inauguration, although her replacement Lord Mandelson was not invited.

Some in Mr Trumps inner circle are understood to be pushing for him to make an appearance outside the Capitol to greet fans who have travelled from across the country to witness him take the presidential oath of office.
Farmer ploughing field

A farmer has lost a decade-long legal battle to plough his own fields because they contain ancient archaeological artefacts.

Andrew Cooper received 200,000 over 20 years for leaving his fields uncultivated under an environmental scheme.

But when he wanted to return to planting cereal crops on the land, he was blocked from doing so by the public body responsible for conserving the landscape.

Experts found Mesolithic flint arrowheads and D-Day relics on the site, including the pillbox signed by Private Alfred Augustine, the US soldier who was killed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, during the landings.

Mr Cooper defied the stop notices and began ploughing, saying that he would persist even after being slapped with a 7,500 fine and court costs of 24,000 following a conviction.

After criminal prosecution failed to stop him, Natural England applied to the High Court for an order prohibiting the farmer from working the fields.

A judge initially ruled that the public body did not have the jurisdiction to request a permanent injunction.

However, the Court of Appeal has now reversed the ruling and granted the court order in a bid to stop Mr Cooper.

The court heard that before 1992, he farmed the earth on Croyde Hoe, North Devon, as arable land but joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) that year. This meant that his fields were turned into pasture for livestock grazing and he received 200,000 over two decades in return.

He began renting his 67 hectares of land from the National Trust on a yearly basis in 1993.

But when the second agreement under the CSS came to an end in 2012, Mr Cooper decided that he wanted to cultivate the earth and applied to Natural England for a screening decision.

However, it concluded that the fields contained features of important historic interest and could not be worked without their consent. Mr Cooper had started ploughing three of the fields covered by the decision in April 2013.

He was issued a remediation notice by Natural England a year later requiring the land to be restored to its previous condition, which Mr Cooper appealed in May 2014.

His appeal was dismissed but he went on to cultivate two more of the fields with cereal crops in March 2016 and September 2017.

In 2018, Natural England began investigating the breaches and eventually brought a prosecution against the farmer to Barnstaple Magistrates Court in Devon.

Mr Cooper pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court in April 2021 and was handed a 7,500 fine as well as an order to contribute towards the prosecutions costs of 24,000.

He then applied for leave to appeal after arguing that the judge had erroneously ruled that he was unable to challenge the validity of the stop notice, leaving him with no choice but to plead guilty. Again, this was refused as his application was misconceived and without merit.

Mr Cooper went on to plough three more of the fields in 2021 and was served with another remediation notice by Natural England.

The public body began their application for an injunction in April 2023, stating that Mr Cooper had given no indication that he would cease work unless restrained by the court. An interim injunction was granted.

The case was heard at the High Court in Bristol by Jonathan Russen KC, who was told that the cause of the stalemate was Mr Coopers unwillingness to pay around 10,000 for further archaeological surveys.

Mr Cooper claimed that Natural England was concerned with protecting the natural environment and not archaeological features.

Mr Justice Russen concluded that the environmental agencys remit did include the archaeology of the land but refused to grant the injunction because the organisation did not have the power to bring a claim for one.

Natural England then appealed the judgement before Lord Justice David Holgate, Lord Justice Peter Coulson and Lord Justice Stephen Males, who reversed the decision by Mr Justice Russen for being far too narrow.

Lord Justice Holgate said: To say that Natural Englands claim was simply consequential upon a concluded prosecution and therefore was not incidental to a [regulatory] function, involves far too narrow a view of the regulatory scheme.

He added: Mr Cooper has not advanced any point which could justify a refusal of an injunction by the court.

The judge was entitled to find that Mr Cooper has made it plain that  in the absence of that injunction  he would persist in cultivating the land in breach of the 2006 Regulations, notwithstanding the availability of criminal sanctions.
A protest last Wednesday demanding a deal to bring every Israeli hostage home, in Tel Aviv. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

For over a decade the world seemed to have forgotten Avera Mengistu.

An Israeli Jew of Ethiopian heritage, who reportedly had mental health issues, Mengistu was 28 when he entered the Gaza Strip voluntarily on 7 September 2014 after a dispute with his mother.

Mistaken for an Israeli soldier and spy, Mengistu was captured by Hamas and detained in a prison within the territory. Since then, his whereabouts remained a mystery, with him appearing sporadically in Hamas videos, calling for his release. His family claimed the Israeli army and government never really tried to bring him home.

That all changed on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack, killing 1,200 people in Israel and abducting another 250. Since then, Mengistus family, who never ceased their fight for his release, has joined forces with the families of other Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.

On Friday, after the approval by the Israeli government of a ceasefire deal to exchange 33 hostages held in Gaza for Palestinians in Israeli jails, and pause a 15-month war for an initial six weeks, a list containing the names of those who will be freed by the militant group has been circulating on the main Israeli news sites. The list included Mengistus name.

I cant even remember the last thing we talked about or even the last time we met, his cousin, Gil Elias, told the Observer. My heart is beating 200bpm, my stomach is flipped. For 10 years we have been waiting for this moment to come, but it never did. And now finally its happening. I know hes still alive.

He should have been here a long time ago, added Elias. But he is not because of negligence from the government.

Caught between hope and despair for the past 15 months, Eliass expectations  and those of the relatives of the other hostages  have been raised and dashed numerous times since the October 2023 attack. Over the course of these those months, every time the agreement seemed close, it was promptly derailed.

The government didnt work hard enough on bringing him back when they actually could do it, said Elias. They didnt want to pay the price for bringing him back and at the time we couldnt put pressure on the government because of the censorship, so we werent allowed to talk about it at all.

In recent weeks, the families of Israeli hostages have voiced cautious optimism their loved ones may soon be freed as Israel and Hamas appeared to edge closer towards a deal.

Its been like this in the past where we were lured by the tantalising prospect of an imminent deal and then having it snatched away, having our hopes raised to stratospheric levels and then dashed on the rocks of despair, said Adam Maanit, whose cousin Tsachi Idan, 50, was taken hostage from the Nahal Oz kibbutz.

Every weekend and for over a year, the relatives of those held captive in Gaza have been taking to the streets of Israels major cities, calling on Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, to bring their loved ones home.

However, their return, which was supposed to be the primary goal of the conflict from the outset, had gradually become less of a focus, the families argued. Instead, Netanyahus government carried out one of the bloodiest wars in recent history, with the aim of eradicating Hamas.

The Israeli military operations and bombings not only caused the deaths of more than 46,500 Palestinians, but have also put at risk the lives of the hostages trapped in Gaza, some of whom have died at the hands of the Israeli military.

In November 2023, Hamas released 105 of the hostages in return for 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, during a brief ceasefire. Of the 251 hostages kidnapped by Hamas, 94 are still believed to be held in Gaza. Israeli and western intelligence services estimate that at least a third of them have died.

Every day you fear the worst, Moshe Emilio Lavi  whose brother-in-law, Omri Miran, is among the hostages  told the Observer. Time ran out a long time ago. The international community completely failed. Our government failed by not prioritising their release enough.

A significant turning point was reached as the inauguration day of US President-elect Donald Trump approached, who made it clear from the start that a ceasefire agreement needed to be reached before he took office. The will of Trump, and that of the administration of the current President Joe Biden, who has worked for over a year to find an agreement, has thus pushed both sides to accelerate the process towards a deal.

Finally, on Friday, after an unexpected delay that sparked fears that last-minute disagreements between Israel and Hamas might scuttle the deal, the Israeli government ratified the agreement. Netanyahu warned on Saturday that a ceasefire would not go ahead unless Israel receives the names of hostages to be released, as had been agreed.

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.

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.

Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, another mentally ill Israeli man who entered Gaza a decade ago and has since been held hostage by Hamas, will be released in exchange for 30 prisoners.

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.

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.

Analysts and political observers remain sceptical that all stages of the ceasefire deal will be fully implemented. Families are painfully aware that the long-awaited agreement for the return of their loved ones is still fragile, with every misstep having the potential to plunge Gaza back into turmoil and leave them in limbo.

We urgently call for swift arrangements to ensure all phases of the deal are implemented, and emphasise that negotiations for the next phases must begin before day 16, the committee of families said in a statement on Thursday. This is just the first step  we wont stop until the last hostage returns.

Relatives of those still held captive in Gaza fear the deal may be hindered by the far-right parties of Netanyahus coalition that refused to accept a deal until Hamas is completely defeated.

Far-right members of the Israeli coalition government have already threatened to resign, potentially derailing months of work to end the conflict.

Before the vote on Friday, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahus hardline national security minister, 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.

Israeli media have reported that Ben-Gvir and Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, the head of one of the hardline nationalist religious parties in the ruling coalition, might at some point during the ceasefire derail the agreement and push Netanyahu to resume the bombings. Ben-Gvir has threatened to resign on Monday.

They are exploiting the hostage deal because they have other interests, like re-establishing settlements in northern Gaza, Lavi said. I just hope the government is not going to make an unwise decision this time.

Meanwhile, Sunday will not merely be a day of celebration for the families of the hostages. Hundreds of relatives of Palestinian prisoners, held in Israeli jails, wait in anticipation for their loved ones to finally be released.

About 100 of the Palestinian prisoners slated for release are serving life sentences for violent attacks on Israelis; others were jailed 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.

Israels ministry of justice issued a partial list of 95 prisoners who will be released in the first phase of the deal.

According to a copy of the agreement seen by the Observer, 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.

According to figures published by Israeli NGO HaMoked, as of January 2025, there were 10,221 Palestinians in Israeli prison. About 3,376 of them are held under administrative detention, while 1,886 are classified as unlawful combatants, which also allows detention without charge or trial. The Israel Defense Forces and Israeli government say the measures comply with international law.

Palestinians have long alleged that imprisonment is a key element of Israels 57-year-old occupation: various estimates suggest that up to 40% of Palestinian men have been arrested at least once in their lives.

Ahmed Mahmoud Abu Ghulous, 66, is the father of Ahmed Abu Ghulous, who was arrested over the 2004 murder of an Israeli in a Jerusalem settlement, in an attack claimed by Hamas.

My son was 18 years old at the time; he has been in prison for 21 years, his father said. Every hour and minute we follow the news.

Abu Ghulous added: I hope all the Palestinian prisoners will be released, as well as the Israeli hostages, and get to see their loved ones. I am a father and I know exactly what it means to live apart from your children. Every human being is valuable to his loved ones.

Jamal Risheq contributed to this report
A view of flames and giant smoke over the sky as a fire erupts at Moss Landing Power Plant on Thursday in Monterey county, California. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

A fire at one of the worlds largest battery-storage plants in northern California flared up again on Friday afternoon, sending up plumes of toxic smoke after authorities had said the blaze was mostly over.

The fire in Moss Landing in Monterey county started on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of up to 1,500 people and the closure of a major highway. Fire crews were not engaging with the fire but rather waiting for it to burn out on its own, a local fire official said.

The blaze was still burning on Friday but it had not gone beyond the facility, according to a Monterey county spokesperson, Nicholas Pasculli.

The Moss Landing Power Plant, located about 77 miles (125km) south of San Francisco, is owned by the Texas-based company Vistra Corp and contains tens of thousands of lithium batteries. The batteries are important for storing electricity from such renewable energy sources as solar energy, but if they go up in flames the blazes can trigger a chain reaction known as thermal runaway, which requires massive amounts of water to extinguish.

Lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to put out with water because they generate their own oxygen and release toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, which can be harmful if inhaled. Even after the fire appears to be extinguished, there is a risk of re-ignition, the San Bernardino county fire department explained last year after a truck carrying batteries crashed and caught fire. The battery cells can remain hot and unstable for hours or even days.

County health officials warned residents on Friday afternoon to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems.

Theres no way to sugarcoat it. This is a disaster, is what it is, Glenn Church, a Monterey county supervisor, told KSBW-TV. But, he said, he did not expect the fire to spread beyond the concrete building it was enclosed in.

The county board of supervisors held an emergency meeting on Friday morning to receive a briefing on the fire. I can update that most of that fire burned out through the night, the local fire chief, Joel Mendoza, said at the briefing.

Church, the county official, said at a news conference on Friday morning that the fire was not acceptable. This is really a lot more than just a fire. Its really a wake-up call for this industry, Church said. If were going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have safe battery systems in place.

This is the fourth fire at that site since 2019, he added. There are two battery operations going on there and both of them have had fires, and this has got to be the last one.

Later on Friday, Church and California state lawmaker Dawn Addis told reporters that the fire had reignited and that they had called on the operator to keep the energy-storage facility offline until it can be guaranteed as safe.

Church is the author, with the journalist Kathryn McKenzie, of the book, Humbled: How Californias Monterey Bay Escaped Industrial Ruin, which tells the story of how local environmentalists, including Ansel Adams, blocked the proposed construction of a huge Humble Oil refinery in Moss Landing in the 1960s.

The evacuation orders were lifted late on Friday by the Monterey county sheriffs office following what it called an assessment by environmental agencies that there was no threat to human health from the smoke above the area. However, another agency, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, sounded a more cautious note, pointing out that it lacks the ability to track a key toxin.

It should be noted that MBARD does not have the capability to test for hydrofluoric acid (HF), a toxic air pollutant of concern associated with battery fire emissions from lithium battery fires, the agency said in a press release. HF is a highly reactive gas that can readily react with water to form hydrofluoric acid, which can further react with other substances in the environment, impacting its mobility and toxicity.

There were fires at the Vistra plant in 2021 and 2022 that were caused by a fire sprinkler system malfunction that resulted in some units overheating, according to the Mercury News.

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.

North Monterey county unified school district announced that all schools and offices would be closed on Friday due to the fire.

Associated Press contributed reporting
Bristow Helicopters

A search-and-rescue helicopter crew were forced to abandon a sailor from a fishing boat that sank off the Falkland Islands after he fell from the aircrafts winch while just seconds from safety.

The FV Argos Georgia foundered about 220 miles east of the Falklands after capsizing in 30ft (8m) waves last July.

Although rescuers reached the site, tragedy struck when an unconscious casualty fell 80ft back into the South Atlantic despite the helicopter crews herculean efforts to save him.

A shortage of fuel meant that they were forced to leave the fisherman and return to base.

The Falklands Islands government has now praised the four-strong Bristow helicopter crew for doing everything they possibly could to rescue the mariners aboard the Argos Georgia.

Details of the night-time tragedy  and the helicopter crews heroism  emerged in an Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) report published this month.

The Bristow-operated AW189 helicopter was scrambled on July 22 to the scene of the sinking, being guided into position by an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft that had pinpointed the spot.

Efforts to hoist away four sailors who were clinging to the sinking hull of their 2,000-tonne boat were thwarted by challenging operating conditions including 30ft waves and gusting winds of up to almost 60mph.

The AAIB report said: As they prepared to depart, a person was spotted floating in the water near the aircrafts nose.

The casualty was face-up with arms and legs outstretched in a star shape, showing no movement other than that caused by the swell.

As the casualty was lifted clear of the water his left arm slipped out of the rescue strop.

The winchman maintained the strop in place with physical force and the casualty was brought to the aircraft door.

However, he casualty slipped out of the strop and fell 80ft back into the sea because of the weight of seawater that his immersion suit had absorbed and a covering of fuel oil from the sinking boat.

The report said: With their time on scene exceeded by two minutes, the crew had no choice but to depart for Stanley.

Nine people perished out of the 27 people aboard the Argos Georgia. Four were declared missing, presumed dead. It is believed that the sailor who nearly made it into the helicopter was one of those who died.

Ten of the crew were from Spain, eight were Russians, five were from Indonesia and the others were from Uruguay and Peru.

A spokesman for Bristow Helicopters said: Our search and rescue teams in the Falkland Islands, and across the globe, often work in perilous, life-at-risk circumstances.

On this occasion the severe weather conditions, 30ft waves and remote location of the stricken vessel seriously hampered the response and, from the outset, the helicopter search and rescue crew knew they would be very limited in what they could do.

Nonetheless, they flew to the scene determined to help and, at considerable personal risk and with just minutes worth of fuel available, did everything they possibly could to rescue the mariners.

We are immensely proud of the commitment, dedication and skill they displayed that night.

Our hearts go out to the friends and families of everyone who was affected by this tragic event.

The Falklands Islands government hailed the helicopter crews bravery and herculean efforts to rescue the fishermen.

Chris Moorey, the islands head of maritime, said: However no official report of this nature can fully convey what they did then, and the Falkland Islands Government would like to express profound gratitude to them for their efforts, both on that immensely challenging occasion but also for what the Search and Rescue helicopter team routinely do for the civilian community across the Falkland Islands.
Sheng Thao outside court in Oakland on Friday. Photograph: Santiago Mejia/AP

Sheng Thao, the former mayor of Oakland, and three others have been indicted for a slate of federal charges including conspiracy and bribery. The indictment, which was unsealed and announced in California on Friday, is the culmination of an investigation led by the FBI, the US Postal Inspection Service, and the US Internal Revenue Service.

Also charged in the indictment were Andre Jones, Thaos longtime romantic partner, and David and Andy Duong, a father-son business duo who own Cal Waste Solutions, the company that picks up the recyclables of Oaklands more than 436,000 residents. The foursome are accused of orchestrating a scheme in which Thao allegedly extended contracts for Cal Waste Solutions, appointed high-level officials who would allegedly help the Duongs business interests, and bought housing units from another company owned by the Duongs.

In exchange, the Duongs allegedly promised to pay $300,000 in direct cash payments for no-show jobs to Jones, and allegedly put $75,000 toward a mailer campaign that targeted Thaos opponent in the 2022 mayoral election.

The indictment also mentions an unnamed person referred to only as Co-conspirator 1 who founded the company Thao allegedly promised to buy houses from with the Duongs, and who was allegedly involved in setting up the scheme before the November 2022 mayoral election.

Our communities depend on local government for critical services, Patrick D Robbins, with the US attorneys office, said at a press conference. The public needs to know it can trust those in charge of city hall to work for the best interest of the people. This public trust was broken when elected officials agreed to a pay-to-play system to benefit themselves.

The unsealing of the federal indictment comes nearly three months after Thao, 39, was recalled by Oakland voters and seven months after Thaos Oakland home was raided by the FBI. At the time, Thao denied any wrongdoing and said the raid was suspiciously timed, since it came days after backers of the mayoral recall were informed by the city clerk they had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, the Guardian reported last June.

In a statement to the Guardian, Jeff Tsai, Thaos attorney said: There can be no reasonable debate that the governments provocative investigative steps contributed materially to the outcome of last years recall election, yet the result is a feeble indictment that fails to establish a credible link between Mayor Thao and the scheme they have alleged against others. That is because Sheng is innocent of the charges, and she looks forward to her opportunity to defend herself against these meritless accusations.

Winston Chan, Andy Duongs attorney, said his client was innocent and that the allegations against him were baseless.

Chan said in a statement: We have kept quiet despite the media frenzy of the past months in the hope that the government would correctly come to see through objective investigation that the allegations are baseless, and being fanned by nothing more than gossip and supposition, stitched together by the fabrications and delusions of those who lack all fundamental credibility.

But disappointingly, Andy instead is today the most recent in a long line of Asian Americans who unfairly are singled out and forced to pay a price for daring to be active in the political sphere.

Robbins, with the US attorneys office, said the investigation was triggered by information shared with the FBI by people with Oaklands public ethics commission. According to the indictment, which was published online by Oaklandside, a local news outlet, the alleged scheme between the Duongs, Thao and Jones began in the weeks leading up to the 2022 mayoral election, which Thao narrowly won, by 677 votes.

In early October 2022, the co-conspirator allegedly met with Thao to discuss the terms of their agreement. After that meeting, the co-conspirator broke down his meeting with Thao in a text exchange with Andy Duong, which was included in the indictment. In the messages, the co-conspirator told Andy Duong that Thao agreed to buy 100 of their housing units for $300,000 apiece.

After Thao won the election, the co-conspirator texted Andy Duong saying: So we may go to jail  But we are $100m richer. To which Andy Duong allegedly replied: Money buys everything.

In December, Jones, Thaos longtime romantic partner, began cashing checks from the co-conspirators bank accounts and from the housing company owned by the anonymous person and the Duongs. Although Thao, a Democrat, did not cash the checks, she allegedly benefited from the payments made to Jones, since the pair lived together and the money was allegedly used to pay their rent and other household bills, the indictment read.
A pint of Guinness has become increasingly popular drink for women and gen Z. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty

At the Lamb, a pub on Londons Holloway Road, Hamish Goodwin is nursing a pint of Murphys.

A Guinness drinker, Goodwin recently fell in love with the lesser-known stout, which he calls slightly richer. Though generally less common, Murphys has been creeping up in pubs and bars in the capital recently, hes noticed.

Another Guinness drinker at the Lamb, Chris Wold, says he opts for an alternative stout wherever possible. Guinness is hugely reliable, but its a bit vanilla. When I noticed they didnt have Guinness on, I was happy to see Murphys.

Yet thanks to social media  with accounts like Shit London Guinness (dedicated to incorrect pours), posts on the splitting the G challenge, and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Olivia Rodrigo drinking it  the popularity of Guinness, once considered an old mans drink, has risen dramatically. And especially among women and gen Z.

Guinness 0.0 is now Britains best-selling non-alcoholic beer, and Diageo, which owns the brand, is almost doubling its output.

Soaring Guinness sales  20% up in the four weeks to November compared with the same period a year before  led to a Christmas shortage. A spokesperson for Diageo said in December the company was planning to ship more Guinness to Britain than it had for St Patricks Day, traditionally the busiest time of the year. Supplies were rationed and some pubs were unable to stock it.

The beers success, and the shortage, has now opened the door to rival stouts. Though overall beer, wine and spirits sales fell by 1.6% in 2024, demand for stout in supermarkets rose by 13% .

Murphys has been one of the biggest beneficiaries. Last week its owner, Heineken, said sales in UK pubs and bars were up 632% in December, compared with the same month in 2023. Sales throughout 2024 were up 176%, and it is now stocked in more than 500 British pubs, with strong growth in London and the north-west. The brand is also introducing cans. It recently poked fun at Guinnesss famous slogan, with a campaign titled Good things come to those who are waiting.

Wexford-based Brennans is also benefiting. Owner Peter Brennan has made sweet, caramelly stout since the 1990s and, after Brexit, joined North Yorkshires Theakston Brewery to increase production for the British market. December was a fantastic month for us, Brennan told the Observer. We sold three to four months of beer in just two weeks. But we have to keep our feet on the ground  the Guinness shortage is not going to last for ever. Theakstons said 100,000 pints of Brennans were consumed last year, and it believed the total could hit 250,000 in 2025.

The Lamb recently turned to Brennans, but last week it sold out and was replaced with Murphys. The pub also stocks Black Vinyl, a stout by London-based Signature Brew. Landlord Ade Clarke said that three years ago he sold five or six kegs of Guinness a week; now he regularly reaches eight. A popular haunt for Arsenal fans, Clarke said on one matchday last year Guinness outsold lager for the first time. But Clarke was affected by the shortage and sought alternatives.

Other British stouts are also in demand. Fullers boss Richard Whitty said the brewerys Black Cab has benefited from Guinnesss success. Last year, Bedfordshires Wells & Co launched a stout, Genesis, and ramped up production by 50% during the festive season due to growing demand.

Anspach & Hobday launched London Black in 2021, a dark porter similar to stout, which now makes up 73% of its output and is stocked in more than 300 pubs, said co-founder Jack Hobday. Sales grew 110% over the past year, predating the Guinness shortage, which sent things up a notch. We saw some pubs come over, he added. Guinness is the final monopoly that craft beer hasnt really opened up.

Experts think that is changing. The Guinness shortage is a great opportunity for beer drinkers and publicans to look for local and independent breweries and sample beers normally kept off the bar, said Ash Corbett-Collins, chair of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Sarah Hall had never sold Guinness at her bar and restaurant, Peaks & Troughs, in Ingleton, North Yorkshire. But an increasing number of punters, especially younger ones, ask for it. People automatically ask for Guinness. They dont even look, said Hall. She also serves stout from local breweries such as Lancaster Brewerys Lancaster Black. Halls stout sales have doubled over the past year.

Diageo confirmed last week that Guinness supplies would return to normal for the Six Nations rugby tournament, which begins on 31 January and for which Guinness is the headline sponsor. A spokesperson said: Demand for Guinness remains at unprecedented levels. We are making good progress in replenishing stocks.

By the time they get to the bar, however, rugby fans might find a wider choice of stouts than ever.

 This article was amended on 19 January 2025. The stout made by Fullers is called Black Cab, not Black Cap as an earlier version said.
Mimi M Khayisa in A Good House - Camilla Greenwell

South African playwright Amy Jephtas latest is a trenchant racial and social satire about burgeoning black middle-class aspirations and insecurities, inveterate white prejudices and respectability politics in modern-day Cape Town.

When a corrugated iron shack is mysteriously erected on a vacant plot in the gated community of Stillwater (a Stepford cul-de-sac in an affluent suburb), three couples in the local Residents Association, aghast at the prospect of plummeting house prices, meet to discuss their response. New black middle-class couple Sihle and Bonolo are recruited by their Machiavellian white neighbours (for the optics) to serve an eviction notice and get the shack demolished.

Jephta mercilessly skewers pieties and prejudices with panache, eviscerating black middle-class mores and pretensions (symbolised by a cheese knife and a wine aerator  the ultimate bourgeois accoutrements) as well as latent racist white fears and self-flagellating guilt. With strong Beckettian overtones  the invisible shack dwellers are omnipresent by their absence  and inevitable comparisons with Clybourne Park, Bruce Norriss 2010 smash hit, A Good House skilfully satirises liberal and conservative attitudes to land ownership, and in so doing paints a bleak, pessimistic picture of a Rainbow Nation ill at ease with itself.

Jephta excels at rapid dialogue fraught with complexity, awkwardness and mordant humour, and her script bristles with acutely observed racial and social tensions, leading to an exceptionally powerful denouement. Bristol Old Vic Artistic Director Nancy Medina ensures a wonderfully taut production, and veteran designer Ultzs sparse yet sleek set, dominated by the aloof shack, conveys palpable foreboding.

Sifiso Mazibuko is outstanding as Sihle, the aspirational township boy made good yet beleaguered by an ardent desire to assimilate into a white community in order to achieve his dream of bourgeois respectability. Likewise, Mimi M Khayisa is artfully convincing as his wife Bonolo, an insufferably pretentious snob who plays at espousing activists rhetoric and whose performative blackness rankles her nimby husband. Scott Sparrow is delightfully oleaginous as Chris, brimming with faux amity and white entitlement, and Olivia Darnley as his wife Lynette exudes prissy self-righteousness.

Amy Jephtas A Good House at the Royal Court - Camilla Greenwell

A Good House not only asks profound existential questions about the racial and social fissures in post-apartheid society, but also addresses the ubiquitous phenomenon of informal settlements, particularly relevant given the millions of indigent black and brown South Africans who live in shacks across the Cape Flats. It is fitting that the Royal Court, which famously staged Athol Fugards iconic anti-apartheid protest dramas The Island and Sizwe Bansi Is Dead more than half a century ago, should now put on Jephtas morally nuanced, exhilarating and deeply humane work. And it is also encouraging that such an internationally collaborative project  between not only the Court and the Bristol Old Vic, but also Johannesburgs Market Theatre and Cape Towns Fugard Theatre  has come off so seamlessly.

Jephtas lacerating, emotionally charged interrogation of the quotidian realities and ambiguities of post-apartheid Cape Town marks her out as one of South Africas leading contemporary playwrights, and suggests that South Africas drama scene is in rude health.

Until Feb 8. Tickets: 020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com
Manston, a short-term holding facility where overcrowding led to an outbreak of diphtheria and scabies in 2022. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Asylum seekers will receive funded legal representation at an inquiry into a catalogue of failures at a centre in Kent where small boat arrivals are processed, after a legal challenge by detainees.

Manston, a short-term holding facility outside Ramsgate, was established in January 2022 to deal with the increasing numbers of asylum seekers crossing the Channel to the UK in dinghies.

By the second half of that year it had descended into chaos. Despite reports that ministers at the time were repeatedly warned about the unfolding crisis, problems continued for several months between the late summer of 2022 until its temporary closure in November of that year.

Sixteen Manston detainees challenged a decision by Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, to downgrade an inquiry into what happened there from a statutory public inquiry, which can compel witnesses to give evidence under oath, to a non-statutory inquiry with no funded legal representation for the asylum seekers involved.

But just days before a high court hearing was due to take place, the Home Office agreed to upgrade the inquiry again.

In a high court order agreed this week, the Home Office accepted there would be an independent inquiry which will be held in public and include funded legal representation for claimants as the chair of the inquiry, whose appointment has yet to be confirmed, sees fit, along with effective access to documents. It will still be a non-statutory inquiry.

Related: Councils keen to help Home Office move asylum seekers out of hotels

The situation at Manston became critical in the autumn of 2022, when the site, which was designed to hold a maximum of 1,600 people, was accommodating 4,000.

The overcrowding led to an outbreak of diphtheria and scabies. Asylum seekers were forced to sleep on filthy floors or flattened cardboard boxes, while toilets were overflowing with faeces. Women and children were forced to sleep close to unrelated men and there were claims of assaults by guards.

About 18,000 people  out of a total of 29,000 processed between June and November 2022  were detained there beyond the 24-hour limit. The longest recorded period of detention was 32 days.

On 19 November, a Kurdish asylum seeker, Hussein Haseeb Ahmed, who was processed at Manston, died in hospital after contracting diphtheria.

Calls by asylum seekers and human rights organisations for a full investigation into what went wrong at Manston have hit various roadblocks.

A public inquiry was requested in November 2022 by asylum seekers held there. In March 2024 the then home secretary, James Cleverly, agreed to a statutory public inquiry. Coopers decision upon reaching office to opt for a non-statutory inquiry, with no requirement to hold hearings in public, is thought to have been made to save money.

Lewis Kett, a solicitor from Duncan Lewis who represents several of the claimants, said: The inquiry will be vital to ensure that lessons are learned and any repetition of the crisis at Manston can be avoided.

In separate legal proceedings, more than 100 former detainees held at Manston for more than 24 hours are suing the Home Office for unlawful detention there. Settlement of these claims could cost the government tens of millions of pounds.

The Home Office declined to comment on this weeks high court order, although sources said their commitment to conduct an Article 3 compliant investigation into what went wrong at Manston, which examines inhuman or degrading treatment, has been consistent throughout.
Roman Lewett poses for a portrait on his boat at Clipper Yacht Harbor in Sausalito on Thursday, Jan. 16. Lewett unintentionally found a piece of a shipwreck from the ocean floor back in 2018. Minh Connors/Special to the Chronicle

Roman Lewetts mystery began when his fathers Boston Whaler broke down as he was piloting it to a fishing spot just west of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Lewett, 25, chucked the anchor overboard, and his friends threw lines into the water to fish while he tried to get the engine going again.

Once he got the engine restarted, he tried to pull the anchor up. It wouldnt budge.

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He opened the throttle  nothing.

Finally, he threw the boat into reverse, and got some movement. But the boat felt heavy and sluggish.

He and his friends began hauling the anchor from the seafloor 80 feet below. When it came into view, they saw that it had snagged onto a U-shaped piece of corroded bronze.

Lewett debated selling the 50-pound object for scrap, figuring it was worth a few hundred dollars. But Lewett came from a family of mariners, fishermen and oyster farmers, and it didnt feel right to junk what appeared to be a piece of an old ship.

He turned it over to the U.S. Park Service instead, hoping that experts there might be able to figure out what it was and what ship it might have come from. That was in 2018. Today, a determined Golden Gate National Recreation Area archeologist and a small cadre of Bay Area historians and scientists are getting closer to solving the nautical mystery.

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Lewetts discovery marked the first time in 15 years that new evidence had emerged from the dozens of shipwrecks scattered on the sea floor in Bay Area waters, according to Peter Gavette, the archeologist to whom Lewett gave the mysterious object.

Recently, Gavette and other experts have returned to the years-old mystery, conducting new research and testing to try to determine where the item came from.

Small items can tell interesting stories, Gavette said. It can look like just a hunk of metal in one aspect, but it represents a much larger history.

National Park Service Archaeologist Peter Gavette works to unveil the history behind a bronze pintle discovered by a fisherman in 2018 while working at the Archaeology Lab in Sausalito on Jan. 7. The pintle is believed to be part of a wrecked ship from the gold rush era. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The artifact appears to harken back to San Franciscos beginnings, amid the frenzied rush to the city in 1849 sparked by the discovery of gold at Sutters Mill.

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The first puzzle piece, identifying the object, was easy to solve: it was a pintle, a pin that ship builders used to connect a rudder to its ship.

Its size led experts to suspect that it had come from a 19th century ship that was at least 100 feet long and carried between 250 and 300 tons  potentially one of the earliest located remains of a shipwreck in the Bay Area.

Figuring out which ship it came from, however, has proved trickier.

Hundreds of ships carried passengers and cargo through the Golden Gate to San Francisco, turning the citys waterfront into a forest of tall-masted ships. But for inexperienced captains, the trips could be fraught. The geography creates a natural funnel. Combined with the areas strong currents, tides and heavy fog, many ships found passage precarious.

With hundreds of ships arriving, every once in a while someones going to hit (rocks), said Jim Delgado, a marine archaeologist and Gavettes predecessor, who charted all the known wrecks around the area in 1989. To this day, anyone who sails in and out of the Golden Gate knows that it can be a very unforgiving gateway and sea.

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At least 150 ships have foundered and wrecked over the last 300 years in Bay Area waters that stretch from Bodega Head in the north to Point San Pedro, Delgado said. Two of those shipwrecks occasionally surface if tide conditions align just right: the S.S. Tennessee, which wrecked off the Marin Headlands in 1853, and The King Philip, a clipper ship that foundered off Ocean Beach in 1878.

Gavette found maps and newspaper articles pointing to at least a dozen shipwrecks in the area where Lewett had found the pintle. They included the Daisy Rowe, a schooner built in 1879 north of San Francisco by a Danish-American shipbuilder named Hans Bendixsen; the Dolphin, a steam tug that foundered at Point Bonita in 1890; the Eureka, a steamship built in 1900; the Kona, a 336-foot-long barge that wrecked in high waves in 1979; and the Mersey, a 393-ton barque built all the way back in 1840 and which wrecked on Dec. 16, 1850.

Initially, Gavette suspected that the pintle came from the Daisy Rowe. According to records of the Marine Exchange of San Francisco, the ship struck rocks one November evening in 1900, just west of Point Diablo  or almost exactly where Lewetts fishing boat was anchored.

Gavette enlisted the help of Jesse Obert, an archeologist who has specialized in metallurgy, to analyze the metal used to make the pintle, and to compare it to the pintles on the C.A. Thayer, a Bendixsen schooner that was preserved and is docked at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.

When the ship was recently put in drydock for maintenance, Obert used an X-ray spectrometer to compare the pintles of the two ships. He discovered the metal used in the pieces was a hybrid of brass and bronze, with traces of lead in the alloy  an unusual combination he hadnt seen before, since adding lead to the metals makes them weaker.

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I dont know why they were mixing elements in these ways, he said, it probably speaks to a broader approach of the late 19th century to the way (shipbuilders) made pintles.

But another clue raised doubts about the pintle belonging to a Bendixsen vessel.

A piece of birch wood used to connect a bronze pintle to a rudder, discovered in 2018, is believed to be part of a wrecked ship from the gold rush era. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

When hed first received the pintle, a small chunk of wood from the rudder was still attached to it, Gavette found. The corrosion of the metal over the years likely made the wood inedible to marine organisms, experts said.

Gavette sent the piece of wood, about the size of a small clothespin, to a U.S. Department of Agriculture lab in Madison, Wis.

Scientists at the lab determined the wood came from a birch tree. That probably ruled out the Daisy Rowe because that vessel was built on the West Coast.

California shipbuilders typically used Douglas Fir, said Delgado, the marine archaeologist. Birch was a weaker wood than fir, and more commonly used on the East Coast  on schooners made in New England, and on Prince Edward Island.

Now, Gavette is testing various theories about ships that wrecked near the Golden Gate, eliminating potential matches one by one. One ship, the Jenny Ford, was made of mixed woods and wrecked nearby, but was towed away.

The City of New York, a 339-foot passenger-freight steamer, also foundered in the area, but it was an iron-hulled boat, not a vessel that would have had a wooden rudder.

But another ship, the Mersey, was built in Montreal in 1840  and wrecked on Dec. 16, 1850, in bad weather near Bonita Cove.

For Gavette, Thats a pretty good location for where we suspect the pintle came from.

The captain of the ship, William Cubbin, wrote a letter to the ship owners published in the Daily Alta California, a 19th-century San Francisco newspaper, on Dec. 17, 1850, describing the harrowing ordeal.

I am sorry to inform you of the loss of the Mersey, he wrote, asking his bosses how he should proceed. We drove ashore with three anchors ahead, and with the greatest difficulty saved all lives.

Gavette is also considering another vessel, the San Francisco, a clipper ship built in New York in 1853. The archaeologist hopes to find more clues in old insurance documents from companies that insured the vessels, and is considering other ways to research the wrecks in and around Bonita Cove.

Of course, its also possible that a vessel wrecked but was never written about. Strong currents could have pushed wreckage from any number of ships to the area where Lewett found the pintle.

Ultimately, Gavette said, he hopes to bring divers from the park services Submerged Resources Center to see what they can find, though that might be difficult given the areas strong currents and low visibility.

In the meantime, Gavette said he hopes to display the pintle at the Point Bonita lighthouse, in recognition of the many vessels that have sunk or otherwise fallen victim to the treacherous conditions around the Golden Gate and the role shipping played in the history of the region.

Seven years after he pulled the pintle from the depths, Lewett is also still thinking about the mystery.

I want to dive that site and find what else is down there, he said. What if its a gold-rush-era boat?
Humpback whales have been seen around the Isles of Scilly as well as close to the coast at Deal, Kent, and Eastbourne, Sussex. Photograph: Anton Sorokin/Alamy

The slap of an enormous tail upon grey waters as a humpback whale leaps from the sea is becoming an increasingly possible  although still rare  natural thrill around Britain.

The 30-tonne, 15 metre-long migratory giants are being spotted in growing numbers and locations this winter from Kent to the Isles of Scilly.

There have been 17 sightings of the whales around the Isles of Scilly between 29 December and 8 January this year. Several individuals spotted include one called Pi because of the distinctive markings on her fluke (the lobes of her tail), who has turned up for a winter vacation around the archipelago every year since 2019.

Related: Scottish government must do more to control salmon farming, inquiry finds

More unusually, humpback whales have also been seen in the eastern English Channel, close to the coast at Deal, Kent, and Eastbourne, Sussex. The Deal and Eastbourne sightings were within an hour.

I know humpback whales are fast but they are not that fast, said Thea Taylor of the Sussex Dolphin Project. This means that the sightings were of at least two individuals.

The humpback whales are migrating from their feeding grounds near Troms, Norway, to warmer waters around the Cape Verde islands, where they rest and breed.

Traditionally, the whales move around the western side of Britain but some are now swimming down the east coast and through the Strait of Dover  possibly re-establishing ancestral routes that were abandoned when so many humpbacks were slaughtered by 19th- and 20th-century whale-hunters.

Experts say the sightings could be a positive sign that the humpback whales global population of 84,000 mature animals is recovering following the ban on commercial hunting in 1986.

But the growing number of winter sightings may also be linked to the changing availability of food. Humpbacks are filter feeders, scooping up huge quantities of plankton, tiny crustaceans and small fish.

Were seeing a lot of bait fish  smaller fish like anchovies  around the south west coasts, said Ruth Williams, the head of marine conservation for the Wildlife Trusts. They are very quick reproductively, and with climate change their stocks are moving up closer to our waters.

Wildlife tour guide Carl Chapman reports a fisher seeing a likely humpback off the East Anglian coast late last year alongside a large gathering of minke whales, drawn to an exceptional gathering of spawning herring.

He believes the presence of more whales around Britains coasts is because warming waters are causing a more northerly distribution of prey. According to Chapman, in recent autumns, there has also been a more northerly distribution of corys, great and sooty shearwaters  fish-feeding birds typically seen further south in the Bay of Biscay, which supports this theory.

Marine scientists caution that there is no conclusive evidence for any theories yet  and reasons for their presence around Britain include the more alarming suggestion that underfed individuals are compelled to pause their southerly migrations to feed.

Williams warned whale-watchers not to disturb the whales by getting too close in boats. These individuals might be stopping off because they are vulnerable and need to feed so we ask boat owners to give them space.

Its hard not to see a humpback breaching and not want to protect the ocean, said Emily Cooper, science communicator for the Marine Conservation Society. But there are a number of not so great reasons for more sightings  whales and marine life are facing a huge number of pressures, including getting caught in ghost fishing nets, and oceans becoming busier and busier, with more noise pollution. All have the potential to alter whale behaviour.

There are concerns that humpbacks taking the easterly migration route around Britain must pass through crowded shipping lanes and beside windfarms and new power cable installations that could disorient them or lead to collisions or strandings.

The Dover Strait is a very small area of water, very narrow, and incredibly busy  not only shipping but a lot of industrial fishing, said Taylor. There are always concerns about collisions with large shipping vessels. We know so far they seem to be hugging the coast going past Kent and Sussex  we hope they continue to do that and stay out of the busiest shipping lanes.

The humpbacks appearance off the Kent coast is also raising fears about the impact of new subsea electricity cables for new offshore windfarms on marine mammals.

Emma Waller, planning and policy officer for Kent Wildlife Trust, said that National Grids Sea Link project, which plans to install an underwater cable between Kent and Suffolk, had not undertaken enough research on its impact on whales, seals and other marine mammals and its landfall at Pegwell Bay could disrupt marine ecosystems.

The sightings underline the need for these large offshore projects like Sea Link to fully consider their impacts on marine mammals, said Waller. Their current approach lacks adequate mitigation for marine mammals. Renewable energy is vital, but it must not come at the expense of wildlife when alternative options are available.

There needs to be a review of the standards of ecological surveys for such projects  we need to understand what these impacts and implications are going to be.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - Noam Galai/Getty

Since Wednesday, I have been asked quite a bit about my reaction to the ceasefire deal announced that evening. The first batch of hostages are due to be released on Sunday.

Decent people the world over are jubilant as they think of a cessation to enormous suffering and bloodshed. They think of how those who have lost their homes and loved ones in Gaza will get a chance at some relief and to rebuild, and they think of the return of the hostages to their family in Israel after 15 months of torture.

For the families of the hostages who were murdered in captivity, the fury and heartbreak will never end. Still, each hostage returned alive is a world of meaning and love, worth everything to get back. Crushing Hamas was crucial, and Israel has done this to an extent that has exceed expectations.

But jubilation doesnt capture what I feel. Indeed, it is hard to overlook what October 7 has cost Israel and Jews, beyond the forced confrontation with a new dimension of human monstrosity.

Israeli society has been through a nightmare, which has both strengthened and weakened it, Anti-Semitism has been unleashed again around the world  a recent Anti-Defamation League report found that 46 per cent of the worlds population has entrenched anti-Semitic views (six million in Britain alone), twice the figure of a decade ago  while the global statesman class no longer needs to be subtle in its anti-Zionist positions. Undisguised and irrational hostility to the Jewish state can now be shouted from the rooftops, from Madrid to Dublin to Johannesburg.

But if we go up a level, then this ceasefire serves to remind us of a distinction of key importance not just to this conflict, and even Israel, but of the whole world: that of life versus death; light versus dark; civilisation versus depravity and barbarism.

We are reminded that Israel, and the moral and political world to which it belongs, stands for life, love and reason against the barbarians, whether in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen or Gaza, to say nothing of dictators in Russia and China. Israels foes are defined and consumed by the brutality of their leaders, utterly drunk on their ghoulish mixture of rabid irrationality and an intoxicating enduring love affair with death and martyrdom, murder and mayhem.

Meanwhile, Israeli society has been torn apart by two conflicting drives: to destroy Hamas entirely so that there is never another nightmare like October 7 on the one hand, and on the other, to do anything and everything to get the hostages back, including releasing hundreds of Palestinian terrorists (1,000 are promised in return for the hostages and the ceasefire).

Both of these aims, which many say have been impossible to align, have been about preserving Israeli life at all costs. Hamas, by contrast, has been driven exclusively and explicitly by the desire to kill and maim Israeli Jews. Like the Taliban, Islamic State and other extremist Islamist groups, it loves, hunts down, and boasts about death.

Back in Israel, the care over those returning made me cry. At Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv, a bespoke complex for returning hostages has been prepared. Each will have their own private room, spacious and cosy, with an adjacent room for reunions and family gatherings. We are preparing for a more complex health and mental situation than before, so we assume that family members will want to stay by their loved ones side for a long time, said a hospital representative.

The rooms are not standard-issue hospital areas, and the womens rooms have been designed to have a soft, non-threatening atmosphere to help soothe after the sexual torture it is likely they have endured.

And in the Israeli president Isaac Herzogs speech on Wednesday, the credo of respect for life and humanity was articulated movingly and with clarity in a way I  and many other Jews  found deeply soothing, a reminder of who and what we are and why this bitter fight against darkness and barbarism must be won.

My sisters and brothers, citizens of Israel, we are at a most crucial moment, said Herzog. For hundreds of days, our sisters and brothers have been held and tormented by vile murderers, after the State of Israel failed in its duty and the most basic covenant between a state and its citizens  when it did not prevent their abduction. Now we have an obligation to take a step towards righting this.

There is no mention of revenge or martyrdom. Instead, Herzog urges the government to accept this grossly imperfect deal because it will bring the hostages home. 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 the be laid to rest.

When I feel angry  or that Israel should have wreaked more hell on Hamas, and finished the job  I reread this sentence, and it rings true, because thats who we are, and what we stand for.

It is a stark reminder for the whole West: as irrationality, authoritarianism and Holocaust-denial flourishes we must, all of us, resist being sucked into the lying, life-scorning death spiral of those who want to drag us down there with them.
Vet

Vets in the Netherlands are facing a mental health crisis made worse by increasing numbers of aggressive pet owners.

Young veterinarians in particular complained that intimidating people were contributing to already high stress levels at work. They reported verbal aggression and, to a lesser extent, physical threats.

Vets considered changing jobs more often than those in other professions in the Netherlands, a survey found. Horse doctors considered themselves the most overworked.

In a survey of 1,000 vets, the Royal Dutch Society for Veterinary Medicine found that pressure to respond to emails outside of office hours had grown and vets were struggling to maintain a good life-work balance.

Sophie Deleu, the societys chairman, said: The results of this research speak for themselves. Only together can we meet the great challenge that lies ahead. All hands on deck.

She added: Veterinarians do not distance themselves enough from their work and also have too little time to recover from sometimes intense work.

Fear of reprisal

State broadcaster NOS interviewed 12 vets about the rising number of belligerent animal owners. They only spoke about their experience on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

I had just started working as a veterinarian at a clinic, said one from the north of the Netherlands.

Within half a year I was already dealing with owners who could not cope with the care of their dog with various health and behavioural problems.

One dog was confiscated by the authorities after the vet was forced to report its condition.

The owner embarked on a campaign of harassment that lasted about two months. The owner threatened to destroy the vet in a series of angry phone calls and threatening emails.

At a clinic in South Holland, a client burst into a pet clinic after being referred to a different vet once it was established that his animal was not at risk of death.

He came anyway. On the phone he had also said he would destroy us. He was furious, shouting and throwing computers. I had to flee with my colleagues to another room, where we called the police, the vet told NOS.

The veterinary association said tensions were often exacerbated by the cost of animal healthcare, which can reach thousands of pounds if operations are necessary.
Officer in charge of handling response to Israel-Gaza protests is under investigation for allegedly sharing confidential information - Jeff Moore/PA

The police chief in charge of coordinating the response to the Israel-Gaza protests is being investigated for allegedly sharing confidential information, The Telegraph has learnt.

Chris Noble, chief constable of Staffordshire Police, is the seventh police chief to have faced an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) within the past year, heightening concerns about standards and leadership in the police service.

Last week, Jason Hogg, the Thames Valley Police chief constable, was suspended for alleged gross misconduct. The IOPC is investigating claims that he failed to properly investigate allegations that a former officer kept hold of sensitive police information after leaving the force.

The investigation into Mr Noble, who is the National Police Chiefs Council lead for the policing of protests and the national head of Operation Tarlac, the policing response to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, centres around an employment issue from 2018, before he joined the Staffordshire force.

Mr Noble, who previously worked at Humberside Police and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), remains at work and has not been suspended.

Inquiry into Chris Noble heightens concerns about standards and leadership in the police service - Siobhan Fenton/PA Archive

The inquiry is believed to be linked to an investigation into Una Kelly, Cheshire Polices assistant chief constable, who also served the PSNI, as well as South Yorkshire Police. She was suspended last November.

An IOPC spokesperson said: We can confirm we are independently investigating allegations that in 2018 two senior police officers at separate forces shared confidential information relating to an employment matter without proper purpose.

This follows a referral in late October from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, and a referral in November from Cheshire Constabulary.

Other police leaders under investigation include two of Devon and Cornwalls recent chief constables. Will Kerr was suspended in July 2023 over serious allegations of sexual offences in Northern Ireland, where he served as a police officer for 27 years. Mr Kerr has denied any criminality.

Last November, Jim Colwell, Mr Kerrs temporary replacement at Devon and Cornwall, was suspended for potential gross misconduct. The IOPC said it was in relation to Mr Colwells use of a work issue mobile phone to exchange messages of a personal nature without a policing purpose.

Jason Hogg, the Thames Valley Police chief constable, was suspended for alleged gross misconduct - Maureen McLean/Alamy Stock Photo

James Vaughan, the former Dorset chief, has come out of retirement to replace Mr Colwell, the fourth man to lead the force in less than three years.

Rod Hansen, the chief constable of Gloucestershire Police, is also under investigation for the handling of an allegation of computer misuse and a potential data breach by another member of staff. He was initially suspended but is now back at work in a separate policing role.

Additionally, Humberside former chief Paul Anderson is under investigation over allegations largely relating to communication and behaviour towards colleagues, according to the IOPC.

On the day his case was referred to the watchdog Mr Anderson offered his retirement. He still remains under investigation.

Last June, Nick Adderley, Northamptonshires chief constable, was sacked for gross misconduct after a disciplinary panel found that he had lied and exaggerated his naval rank, length of service and achievements.

The IOPC had begun an investigation when allegations emerged casting doubt over Mr Adderleys Falklands War medal that he had worn on his uniform since 2009, despite only being 15 at the time of the conflict.

Last June, West Mercia Police lost its incoming chief constable, Kyle Gordon after a vetting issue.

The force said Mr Gordon, a Metropolitan Police commander, would not be taking up the job despite his appointment having been announced seven months previously, and with him yet to work a day in the role.

It has left the force without a permanent chief constable since October 2023.

Regarding the investigation into Mr Noble, the office of Staffordshires Police and Crime Commissioner said: We made a referral to the IOPC in late October concerning Chief Constable Chris Noble, based on information provided by them, and understand that this matter is now being investigated.

The referral relates to the alleged sharing of confidential information regarding an employment matter in 2018, prior to him joining Staffordshire Police.

During this period, it is very much business as usual and the Chief Constable is continuing to perform his full range of duties.

Chris Noble is continuing to perform his full range of duties while he is under investigation - Jordan Pettitt/PA

Rick Muir, director of the influential Police Foundation, an independent think tank, said:

I think there is something of a crisis in police leadership. It is worth reviewing these misconduct cases in their totality and looking at what wider lessons can be learnt.

We should also be looking at how long it takes to resolve these matters, given these officers are suspended on full pay with their reputation in question for months, even years, on very expensive salaries.

The shorter tenure of chief constables, linked to the introduction of the PCC model, is also a cause for concern. I think all of this merits some kind of wider review.
Stan Shaw was a self-employed knife maker - SWNS

A real ale that championed a Sheffield blade maker whose clientele included the Royal family has been axed because it promotes knife crime.

Stan IPA, produced by Little Mesters Brewery, honoured Stan Shaw, featuring a cartoon version of him holding one of his famous blades in its branding.

Shaw was one of the Steel Citys last self-employed knife makers known as little mesters and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2017  becoming the first of his craft to receive the honour.

The master craftsmans customers included Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and members of Elvis Presleys band, before he died aged 94 in 2021.

However, an anonymous complaint was launched about the beers hand pull, shaped like a knife handle, and its clip, depicting Shaw holding a blade.

The branding of the IPA featured a cartoon version of Shaw holding one of his famous blades

The complaint said: The idea of Stan is a homage to one of the last little mesters in Sheffield.

As much as I appreciate the respect to the history of the city of Sheffield, using a knife handle as a tap handle is perhaps a step too far and could encourage alcohol-related violence.

In its submission, the company argued the tap was a specially made ornamental knife handle to commemorate the craftsmanship of Mr Shaw.

The company described him as a master craftsman, who made various knives ranging from ceremonial swords to pocket knives, which had been made for numerous notable people including Queen Elizabeth II.

So-called little mesters made Sheffield famous in the Victorian age. They were a network of self-employed craftspeople working out of small workshops or even their own homes and would specialise in particular products ranging from razors to penknives, knives or surgical instruments.

Mr Shaw became an apprentice at 14 and went on to spend almost 80 years forging, grinding and finishing blades and continued to work into his 90s.

It was upheld by Portmans Group Independent Complaints Panel (ICP), which said the image of the knife had been the central focus of the design.

Rachel Childs, the ICP chairman, said: A drink, its packaging and any promotional material or activity should not in any direct or indirect way suggest any association with bravado, or with violent, aggressive, dangerous, anti-social or illegal behaviour.

She added: While [we] acknowledged that the producer had simply sought to celebrate an important local craftsman, it was of the view that any depiction of knives on alcoholic packaging had to be approached with great caution.

Rates of knife crime in Sheffield and the rest of the UK had risen over recent years and generate a high level of public concern.

Shaw received a British Empire Medal in 2017 - SWNS

The panel found that the imagery could potentially glamourise the depiction of sharp knives which were often used as weapons in violent crime.

The tap pulls design was also seen to mimic a knife handle.

As a result, the panel concluded that the overall impression created by the tap handle, pump clip and imagery all resulted in a cumulative effect which glamourised knives that were not ceremonial or cutlery-like but instead sharp blades which could potentially be associated with knife-related violence.

A Little Mesters Brewery spokesman said: We respect the decision made by the Portman Group and the important role they play in the industry.

However, we do not agree our branding, celebrating a master craftsman and the huge part he and other little mesters played in building industry in our fantastic city in any way encourages antisocial behaviour nor promotes knife crime.

The product has since been discontinued.

Little Mesters Brewing company said: It is with a very heavy heart we have to inform you we are retiring the Stan beer from our portfolio.

It said as a result of a complaint - which they believed to come from a disgruntled ex-employee, they had decided to retire the brand as we believe the image without reference to his craftsmanship just wouldnt do him justice.

Fans of the drink, or Mr Shaw, were encouraged to buy any remaining cans as the now limited edition stock was sold.
Rachel Reeves

A darker and little-reported backdrop to Chancellor Rachel Reevess visit to China last week raises questions of where we should be placing our priorities and bets to boost the UKs economic growth.

Shortly before Reevess trip, Gao Shanwen, a prominent Chinese economist who dared question the sustainability of Chinas growth model, simply disappeared, sending a chilling message about the state of the worlds second largest economy.

Gaos apparent detention followed his suggestion that Chinas era of rapid growth  which underpins the Communist Partys legitimacy  was coming to an end. President Xi Jinpings increasing paranoia about criticism may reveal a deeper truth about the countrys fundamental challenges.

A property crisis, a related and serious debt crisis with steadily rising debt to GDP, declining foreign investment and demographic headwinds that threaten to make it old before it ever gets rich  an amplified version of the classic middle-income trap  were a long way off when others reached out more than a decade ago.

Advocating the same strategy under Xi that looked reasonable under Hu Jintao misses the shift to Marxist nationalism that former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd has warned about. It fails to recognise the national security implications that have seen a rare moment of unanimity on the US Supreme Court as it upholds the ban on TikTok. Thats what made Reevess visit to China last week so unlikely to succeed. The 90 billion trade we have with China is important, but securing just 600 million for the UK economy over five years has told us something else: we need to do better at sourcing investment at home.

Since 2001, we have been badly behind our peers. Britains stock market value relative to GDP has dropped by 30 per cent, while others in Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the US have, on average, increased by more than 50 per cent. This decline reflects a broader pattern of selling off strategic assets and failing to capture the value of homegrown innovations.

If we had just kept pace with these nations, the stock market would be worth 5.5 trillion today, rather than 2.5 trillion. Thats not just a loss of capital, its a loss of control.

Just look at the cases of ARM Holdings and DeepMind, two British technology champions that are now foreign-owned. Lets be clear: both have outstanding leaders who didnt make bad decisions  they made the only decisions they could. But thats all the more telling. Despite their positions as market leaders, the UK capital wasnt there. Facing losing ideas and people to rivals, they elected to keep the firms together by raising money abroad.

That even such extraordinary leaders couldnt find a better solution shows the depth of the problem. Fast-growing tech innovators are being held back not by regulation in their own field, but by rules governing pensions  leaving them unable to serve the wider economy.

To understand how we got here, we need to look back to the early 2000s. Policy changes prompted UK pension funds to move money away from holdings in listed UK companies and instead into bonds, triggering an unprecedented sale of great British companies. This switch from live money  the money that supports ideas, hires teams and changes the future  to dead money  the loans made to the state  are a soft nationalisation that has drained our pools of finance and seen us sell the golden geese.

The contrast with Australia is instructive. The Australian super system, mandating significant pension contributions, has created massive domestic investment pools. But even Australias experience shows that having capital isnt enough; it needs to be deployed with the right time horizon. Australian super funds, while better capitalised than their British counterparts, sometimes face pressure for short-term performance that can conflict with the longer-term needs of developing technology companies.

Consider the story of CSL, the Australian biotech giant. In its early days, patient capital from Australian institutions gave it time to develop its technologies. Today, CSL is a global leader in blood plasma products, worth more than 100 billion Australian dollars. This success story shows whats possible when domestic institutional investors take a long view.

For us, there is an alternative. Proposals such as those set out in a report last year for the Tony Blair Institute have illustrated the benefits of enlarging the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to global scale by extending its role as the natural consolidation vehicle for the UKs thousands of small, fragmented defined benefit pension schemes. These funds are at present mostly invested in gilts and therefore are simply dead money when it comes to funding growth and innovation. The PPF also has a long and proven track record of superior returns generated by a best-in-class investment team.

The beauty of pension fund capital lies in its natural alignment with national economic development. It is the wealth of the old fuelling the ideas of the young and the energy of the young supporting the retirement of the old. Unlike foreign strategic investors who might prioritise technology transfer or market access, pension funds succeed when the broader economy succeeds. Their multi-decade investment horizons match perfectly with the development cycles of advanced technology companies.

This isnt about protectionism or closing Britain to foreign investment  we must stay open, but with open eyes. Instead of betting again on the policies of the past or looking at asset sales as the solution, we need answers closer to home so that British savers participate in British success stories.

The question isnt whether we need reform or whether to bet on Chinas debated future, its whether well act before more DeepMinds and ARMs slip through our fingers.

Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP served as security minister
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

What should we make of claims in Vanity Fair that podcast staff needed long term therapy or took extended breaks from work after working with the Duchess of Sussex?

A lengthy 8,000 word cover story in the latest edition of the high profile US magazine portrays Meghan, 43, as a ruthless boss who treats those who fail to impress her with contempt.

One person is quoted as saying that this manifested as undermining, adding: Its talking behind your back. Its gnawing at your sense of self. Really, like, Mean Girls-teenager. Another says: I left because I couldnt live with myself any more, adding: You dont tell the couple no.

A third reports: Shes constantly playing checkers  Im not even going to say chess  but shes just very aware of where everybody is on her board.

And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment.

According to Vanity Fair, one former employee who was excited to begin working with the couple on media projects did not believe reports that Meghan had bullied palace aides.

After working with her, this person realised, Oh, any given Tuesday, this happened, it is alleged.

Suffice to say, this is not the first time I have heard that both Meghan and Harry, 40, were tricky to work for. As I reported in the aftermath of Megxit in 2020  palace staff had taken to nicknaming them Duchess Difficult and The Hostage.

As an aide warned me at the time in no uncertain terms: Shes not just difficult, shes dangerous.

It was in the autumn of 2018  around six months after Harry and Meghans fairytale wedding  when I first got wind of the happy couples diva-ish behaviour.

The discovery that the Princess of Wales had been left in tears following a bridesmaids dress fitting for her daughter, Princess Charlotte appeared to be just the tip of the iceberg. Tantrums had also allegedly been thrown about tiaras, the aroma inside St Georges Chapel  and, as I later discovered, Kate wearing Meghans favourite designers dresses.

Although Meghan would later dispute the bridesmaid dress tears story during her March 2021 bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey  claiming it was Kate who had made her cry  the fallout with her sister-in-law appeared to be emblematic of something bigger.

By then we had discovered that around the time I wrote the bridesmaid dress tears story, Jason Knauf, then the couples communications secretary, had lodged a bullying complaint claiming Meghan had driven two personal assistants out of the household and was undermining the confidence of a third staff member.

A spokesman for the Sussexes claimed they were the victims of a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. Meghans lawyer, Jenny Afia, later claimed the word bullying had been used too casually. She added: What bullying actually means is improperly using power repeatedly and deliberately to hurt someone, physically or emotionally. The Duchess of Sussex absolutely denies ever doing that.

Yet as multiple sources have told me, Meghan wasnt someone who screamed and shouted. It was much more subtle than that. As the Vanity Fair piece suggests: You can be yelled at even if somebody doesnt raise their voice.

One former employee told me: Meghan has a habit of using a whisper shout, so when Harry is in the room, he just hears her talking normally and doesnt understand why people describe her as aggressive.

His default response is always Meghan is misunderstood.

Shed throw around phrases like lack of accountability, disappointment or we know what you did, and yet we still decided to support you. But when staff tried to get clarity, asking what exactly they had done wrong, shed dismiss them with lines like, I think its best we keep it to ourselves and not advertise it in front of the team, Were here to protect you, not throw you under the bus.

I was branded a racist, a liar and even received death threats for challenging Meghans truth, but it seems other peoples truth may finally be catching up with Meghan.
Protesters marched in support of Palestinians in Gaza in London. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

More than 70 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested in central London on Saturday on suspicion of breaching protest conditions after some allegedly broke through a police line as they marched from a rally in Whitehall.

Thousands of people had gathered to protest Israels 15-month war in Gaza, a day after a ceasefire deal was agreed with Hamas, with signs saying Stop arming Israel and Free Palestine.

The crowds were initially blocked from marching up Whitehall towards Trafalgar Square by a line of police, but some protesters broke through to advance toward the London landmark.

Footage posted on X appeared to show the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell among the protesters passing by officers as the crowd moved towards Trafalgar Square.

The Metropolitan police said a total of 77 people were arrested.

According to the PA news agency, police blocked entrances in and out of the square to contain the protest.

The Muslim Association of Britain criticised the Mets decision to block the march, calling it an outrageous assault on democracy, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

Earlier, seven people were arrested, four on suspicion of public order offences, and two others on suspicion of breaching conditions for the protest, according to the Met. One of the conditions prevents those participating from entering a specific area around Portland Place.

A seventh individual was also arrested on suspicion of holding a placard suggesting support for banned organisations, the Met said.

One of those arrested was a member of the Stop the War coalition, the peace group said. It called for the release of Chris Nineham, the chief steward of the national Palestine marches.

The group said 10 police officers came to the front of the march on the pretext of discussing the march with Nineham and then jumped on him, forcing him on the ground, while protestors attempted to defend him.

Stop the War said: This is an outrageous assault on the Palestine movement. It is an unacceptable assault on civil liberties. Chris Nineham must be released without charge. We refuse to be intimidated.

The Met did not comment in response to the allegation.

Met commander Adam Slonecki, who led the policing operation, said: This is the highest number of arrests we have seen, in response to the most significant escalation in criminality.

We could not have been clearer about the conditions in place. Protesters were to remain in Whitehall with no march towards the BBC.

Our relationship with protest organisers has to be based on trust and good faith. If they say they will act responsibly and lawfully we need to be able to know those are genuine assurances.

Slonecki added: I am quite confident this was a coordinated breach with the intention being to reach the BBC at Portland Place in defiance of the conditions. There is video footage of one of the organisers clearly inciting the crowd to join a march and one of the organisations involved has released a statement this evening confirming as much.

At the same time as the group was attempting to force its way past police lines, camera crews were seen arriving in Portland Place. It is unlikely that the timing was simply a coincidence.

At the rally, The Crown actor Khalid Abdalla said in an address: Tomorrow phase one of the ceasefire begins. It remains to be seen if the ceasefire will hold or if the blood shed since it was announced augurs what it will become.

But still we will have cause to celebrate whatever its shape for the respite in this genocide, for the return of the hostages, for the release of prisoners.

The demonstrations, which began days after the 7 October attack in 2023 and have continued weekly as the war stretched on  becoming one of the biggest protest movements in recent British history  have called for the end of the conflict that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians inside Gaza by Israeli attacks, according to health officials in the territory.

For 15 months we have marched, we have rallied, we have protested in towns and cities across the UK with one of our central demands being that there be a ceasefire and now we stand on the brink of a ceasefire that promises to bring an end to the immediate, catastrophic killing of the Palestinian people, said the Palestine Solidarity Campaign director, Ben Jamal.

On Friday, the Israeli government ratified a ceasefire deal to exchange dozens of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians in Israeli jails and to pause the war for an initial six weeks. The deal will take effect on Sunday.

Last week, the Met banned the march from gathering outside the BBCs London headquarters, owing to its proximity to a synagogue. Protesters were planning to gather outside Broadcasting House before marching to Whitehall.

The Palestinian Forum in Britain said they categorically rejected a Met attempt to relocate the protest to Russell Square, with threats of arrest for individuals assembling elsewhere. The organisations said after immense public pressure the protest was able to proceed at Whitehall as planned.
Elon Musk

Our relationship with the United States is teetering on the edge of a precipice. One more wrong step from Labour and we wont just miss out on trade opportunities; we will wreck the alliance on which our security, and that of the free world, has rested since 1941.

What makes the gathering storm so fierce is that it is about culture and identity. The incoming American administration is filled with people who care deeply about Britain, applauded Brexit and hoped that it would lead to a stronger Atlantic alliance.

Now they fret that the nation they regard as the birthplace of their own liberties, the land of Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights, is turning into a woke despotism where violent criminals are released from prison to make room for free speech martyrs.

This is not just one more diplomatic spat. The two great Anglophone democracies have never had identical foreign policies. Their governments currently disagree about the role of global institutions, trade with China, control of the Chagos Islands and the terms on which the Ukraine war should end. Such tensions are part of the normal give-and-take among allies, and need not cause serious problems between Labour and Republican governments.

Free speech, though, is in a different category. To the new American administration, it is a fundamental principle.

Labour MPs who struggle to understand this should think about how they react to, say, the Talibans brutality towards Afghan women. Afghanistan may be a sovereign country, but that does not make British politicians indifferent to the repression of its female citizens. US Republicans feel something similar about the criminalisation of opinions.

In my experience, Left-wingers find this hard to accept. They would rather paint Donald Trump and Elon Musk as megalomaniacs than ask whether they have a point. They dont like to admit, even to themselves, that Britain has a free speech problem. And they believe that victimhood is intrinsically virtuous. Britain, being a relatively strong country, does not often get to play the underdog, so they squeeze every drop of indignation they can from rows with our more powerful cousins.

Hence the flurry of demands for online crackdowns. Ministers talk of looking again at our internet safety laws. Labour backbenchers demand measures against Musks platform, X, and call for new measures to stop foreigners from meddling in British politics (something they had no problem with when the foreigners were Eurocrats). In a long-scheduled Lords debate about the protection of children on Friday, Labour peers made speeches, not about abused children, but about Musk.

The Lib Dems are more blatant. Donald Trump is a threat to peace and prosperity around the world, said Sir Ed Davey on Thursday, demanding that Britain rejoin the EU customs union  which would leave us suffering Trumps tariffs on the EU in return for absolutely nothing.

Suppose that Sir Keir Starmer were to give in to such pressure  and, indeed, to his own instincts  and pursue a Brazil-style ban on X. It could happen. After the Southport murders last year, the newly elected Prime Minister menaced Musk with legal action, announcing that large social media companies and those who run them were responsible for harmful disinformation.

That is also a crime, said Starmer. It is happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere.

It was a bizarre fight to pick. The old adage cautions against arguing with people who buy ink by the barrel, but no press baron ever had a fraction of Musks reach. X has a thousand times more regular users than the largest British newspaper print run.

If Starmer hoped that Musk would back down and promise to take nasty comments off X, he badly misread him. The worlds wealthiest man has an absolute commitment to free speech. Far from being anti-British, he is motivated by a touching sympathy for the land from which most of his ancestors came. A living embodiment of the Anglosphere, the South-African/Canadian/American entrepreneur sees himself as culturally English. For him, free speech is an inalienable attribute of the land that gave the world Milton and Mill, Lilburne and Locke, Wycliffe and Wilkes (and thats just the Johns).

Instead of acquiescing in Starmers clampdown, Musk escalated, single-handedly reviving the row over the grooming scandal which, while not exactly ignored, had not received anything like the horrified attention it deserved a decade ago.

In doing so, he was behaving as a news entrepreneur should. The established media, partly because of the same cultural fastidiousness that had enabled the scandal in the first place, had given the abominations a fraction of the attention that they were to give to, say, the murder of George Floyd. Musk was compensating for a market failure, giving consumers what they wanted.

But Starmer hit the roof. He dismissed those calling for inquiries as wanting to jump on a bandwagon of the far Right. It was a catastrophic thing to say. It had been precisely the fear of being labelled racist or, in other words, far Right that led local authority staff and police to overlook the abuse.

I dont doubt that Labour MPs deplore the rape of vulnerable girls. Yet they are uneasily aware that the councils at fault were largely Labour-controlled. For decades, Labour politicians have elevated anti-racism as the supreme value, and they dont like to hear stories that undermine the narrative of happy integration. Plus, MPs were understandably angry when Musk responded to Jess Phillipss opposition to an inquiry by calling her a rape genocide apologist.

Focusing on the insult to Phillips is a way of not having to think too hard about the abused children. But it has led inescapably to demands for stronger action against X. Such action might not even require new legislation. The 2023 National Security Act, created a foreign interference offence, which was extended by the 2024 Online Safety Act. In theory, a company that falls foul of that statute could be fined 10 per cent of its global revenue.

Imagine that ministers, backed by our Leftist judges, decided to move against X. Imagine that a British court ordered Musk to hand over 10 per cent of all Xs revenue. What impact do you suppose that would have on US-UK relations?

It is not too late. Starmer could yet pivot and seek to work with the Americans, as every previous Labour prime minister has done. There are indications, for example, that he wants to pick up the free trade talks that Trump had been pursuing until they were halted by Joe Biden. It makes sense. The US is by far our largest national export market, nearly as big as our second, third, fourth and fifth markets combined. The rules that we adopted when we joined the Pacific trade nexus (CPTPP) last year happen to be almost identical to those which the US follows in its North American trade deal (USMCA), making an agreement logistically straightforward.

It is perhaps the only policy that offers Starmer what he wants: economic growth with little political downside. Indeed, a massive upside, for Labour would be able to boast of having delivered what the Tories never did: simultaneous trade agreements with America and Europe.

But he is dealing with Donald Trump, a man who sees all international questions as part of a single interconnected bargaining process, and who determines foreign policy on the basis of personal chemistry.

The problem for Starmer is not just that Trump smells weakness in his terrible opinion poll ratings and paltry growth forecasts. It is that Trump sees him as being on the wrong side of the great divide between patriots and globalists. Decisions that Starmer sees as being about international law  giving away the British Indian Ocean Territory, unilateral decarbonisation, a reluctance to deport illegal immigrants on human rights grounds  strike Trump as betrayals.

If Trump and Musk were truly trying to coerce this country, Starmer would be able to rally the British people against the bullies. But, on all these issues, most Britons feel closer to the Americans than to Starmer. That is why, if the PM insists on pushing ahead with this fight, there will be only one winner.
Its one thing to say youre pro-worker, and its quite another thing to do it. Photograph: Reuters

Even as Donald Trump says he will battle for Americas workers, the acting secretary of labor, Julie Su, is voicing fears that Trump will undo many of Joe Bidens pro-worker policies, which include protecting workers from extreme heat and extending overtime pay to millions more workers.

In an interview with the Guardian, Su said that Trump might fall far short on delivering for workers considering the first Trump administrations many anti-worker policies and in light of his having Elon Musk and other billionaires advising him. Its one thing to say youre pro-worker, and its quite another thing to do it, Su said. You cant be pro-billionaire and pro-working class. You cant be pro-Elon Musk and pro-worker.

Musk, who has become one of Trumps top advisers, is vehemently anti-union and seeking to have the National Labor Relations Board declared unconstitutional. He once said: I disagree with the idea of unions.

Related: No way: US labor watchdog refuses to bow to SpaceX, Amazon and Starbucks

Su expressed concern that the Trump administration, with all its billionaires and business magnates, might give short shrift to poor and working-class Americans. When you look at the track record of some of the people in the next administration, and then you look at the lack of representation of working-class and middle-class folks, Im worried that the perspectives of those who struggle, of those who rely on government to act not just in the interest of the privileged, are not well-represented  while union-busters are.

Su  who became acting labor secretary nearly two years ago after serving as deputy labor secretary  voiced pride in the Biden administrations accomplishments for workers. She pointed to the $1tn infrastructure bill, Bidens strong backing of unions, the regulation to protect workers lungs from silicon dust, the increase in factory jobs and the first-ever regulation to protect workers from dangerous heat. (With the senator Joe Manchin opposing her, she never got a Senate majority to confirm her as labor secretary.)

This president has prioritized working people in everything that hes done

As for other achievements, Su pointed to her behind-the-scenes role in helping secure good union contracts for Boeing workers and dock workers on the east and west coasts. She also cited her departments enforcement efforts  since Biden took office, it has collected more than $1bn for workers victimized by wage theft.

This president has prioritized working people in everything that hes done, she said. This president has had a very strong commitment to unions.

Su warned that the second Trump administration might be as anti-union as the first. The first time they were here, they had a virulently anti-union NLRB, Su said. In order to do what they said theyre going to do this time, which is to be pro-worker and pro-union, theyre going to have to do a 180-degree U-turn from what they did last time.

Peter Robb, who served as the NLRBs aggressively pro-business general counsel during Trumps first term, is heading Trumps transition efforts for the labor board. Trumps pick for labor secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has had far more support from unions than most Republicans; several unions endorsed her last fall when she ran unsuccessfully for re-election to Congress from Oregon.

There are places in this country where vulnerable workers depend on this department to breathe life into labor laws

Su had some advice for her successor: The American people need and deserve a strong labor department. There are places in this country where vulnerable workers depend on this department to breathe life into labor laws, and there are 15,000 career people who wake up every day and want to do that work. Having the support of the labor secretary to do that and use the full authority theyve been given to make life better for workers, is really important. Its also important to be a voice for workers.

As for Musks ambitious plan to make $2tn in budget cuts, Su said her department already did not have enough money and further cuts would undermine its mission. We do not have the resources that we need for this departments important mission after the cuts of the last Trump administration, Su said. She added that the department needed adequate resources when workers tell us they werent paid the $7.25-an-hour minimum wage, when 13-year-olds work in dangerous jobs and 16-year-olds work on dangerous equipment, when firefighters seek workers comp after a whole career of saving peoples lives, but are denied it.

Su fears that Trumps appointees will scrap the Biden administrations first-ever national regulation to protect workers against extreme heat. Similarly, she worries that the Trump administration will reverse a rule that makes it harder for businesses to misclassify construction workers and others as independent contractors, often to skirt overtime and other laws.

Su, who won high praise for her innovative policies as Californias labor commissioner, vigorously denied that Bidens loss in November meant that voters had rejected his pro-worker policies. Su said policies to ramp up manufacturing, build clean energy and rebuild infrastructure will take years to complete, and many voters didnt yet feel the benefit. We needed more time, she said.

President Biden wanted to fundamentally change the playbook of how the economy works for working people, Su said. He called the lie on the decades-old con of trickle-down economics.

You cant be behind a mass-deportation policy and be pro-worker. Those policies make workers afraid and much more exploitable

As labor secretary and as Californias top labor official, Su often devoted herself to helping the most vulnerable workers. Too many workers continue to struggle, and a lot of those are workers of color and immigrants, she said. The rhetoric about immigrants, the flat-out lies about what immigrants and immigrant communities bring and contribute  those lies are terribly damaging. Anti-immigrant policies are anti-worker.

Su condemned Trumps talk of mass deportations: You cant be behind a mass-deportation policy and be pro-worker. Those policies make workers afraid and much more exploitable.

Discussing the Los Angeles wildfires, Su  who grew up in Los Angeles county  said immigrant workers usually do the work cleaning up and rebuilding after hurricanes, fires and other disasters. There is going to be a herculean effort needed in light of the devastating fires that are still raging in my home state, she said. Those workers who have done cleanup and rebuilding before are going to be the ones we rely on, and they, like all workers, should be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

A policy of mass deportations, she added, will get in the way of that important work and make the people doing that work more vulnerable.

If Trump is serious about helping workers, Su maintained, he should continue her departments efforts to enforce labor laws aggressively, whether minimum wage, child labor or occupational safety laws.

The last administration slashed the Department of Labors enforcement capacity. You cant eliminate and slash [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration] and wage-and-hour and mine inspectors and keep workers healthy and safe, Su said. Trumps nominees say were going to cut red tape and regulation, but the people who rely on strong regulation are the most vulnerable people in our communities, including working people, she said.

Su voiced frustration that conservative judges have overturned labor department regulations, including Bidens rule extending overtime pay to 4 million more workers. She complained that those who benefit from the gap between the rich and the poor have figured out a way to stymie progressive and worker-friendly actions.

I think about these people who think its a game to strategize and take away these kinds of protections. Its a tragedy

She talked of one worker she met who said that thanks to Bidens overtime expansion, she was going to receive a pay increase that would enable her to pay her rent and have a little left over for her daughter. But a federal judge in Texas, a Trump appointee, overturned Bidens overtime expansion.

Much of what we put in place are fundamental policies to lift up people who are struggling to get by, Su said. I think about these people who think its a game to strategize and take away these kinds of protections. Its a tragedy.

Su decried the repeated efforts by Republicans, business lobbyists and conservative thinktanks to block efforts to raise the federal minimum wage, which has been frozen at $7.25 for 15 years.

Industry lobbyists continually challenge policies that are good for working people, Su said. You cant say youre pro-worker and support them. Its unconscionable to stand in the way of policies that put more wages into workers pockets.
Bernal Heights hill covered in rain-induced wintergreen. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle A fire scar on redwoods at Muir Woods, north of San Francisco. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle

It was one of those special winter days we get around here, so inviting. I went for an afternoon walk on the neighborhood hill. The sky had been swept clear by the wind and the grass had turned wintergreen. I sat for a while and looked out, counting the ships anchored in the bay, watching the cars on the freeway, noticing the sun glinting off the towers of the city. It was a great day to do nothing, so thats what I did.

When it was time to go home, I walked down the hill on the same path as a woman, someone I did not know. We live in a beautiful place, she said, and walked away.

I had been to Southern California only a few weeks earlier and noticed the mountains, the houses on the hills, the canyons, the miles of ocean bluffs  palisades, they call them down there. And now that part of California was burning, with fire on the winter wind. And here, in another part of California, the weather is so beautiful that strangers will remark on it.

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I have trouble figuring it out. Maybe you can.

Donald Trump raised the question last week, in a blast at his political enemies, writing, The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out.  They just cant put out the fires. Whats wrong with them?

Trump is both right and wrong. The California authorities cant put out the fires. Nobody can. The fires will eventually die down when the wind shifts. And nobody, not the incompetent pols, the competent firefighters, nobody can stop a fire driven by a wind blowing at 70, 80, 100 mph.

These L.A. fires are driven by Santa Ana winds which come roaring out of the interior of California. Unlike the common westerly winds that blow from the ocean on to the shore, the Santa Ana winds blow from the north or northeast, toward the ocean. These winds are thought to originate in the vicinity of Santa Ana. Similar winds in the Santa Barbara area are called Sundowner winds, and in the Bay Area winds from the northeast in the direction of Mount Diablo are sometimes called Diablo winds.

Articles in the California Folklore Quarterly mention these winds in the period of Spanish exploration of California over 200 years ago, well before climate change.

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Sundowner winds produced the devastating Santa Barbara fire of 1990, when fire jumped a six-lane freeway and destroyed nearly 500 homes. The next year winds got behind a small fire in the East Bay hills and produced a firestorm that killed 25 people and destroyed more than 3,000 homes.

Anyone who has seen these fires knows what they can do; with the wind behind them, these fires couldnt be stopped by all the fire engines in the world or the power of the 101st Airborne Division.

The reality is that California is designed to burn, like a piece of paper. It has a climate that is wet in winter and dry in summer. It has a climate that has wild swings, from downpours and floods to droughts. You dont need to be a climate scientist to notice this. For example it rained in December in the Bay Area but there was only one rainy day in January. And no rain in sight for weeks to come, a winter thats like summer.

You cant depend on it, either. For example, in 1862, floods nearly destroyed the young Golden State. Water covered the Central Valley from Redding to Bakersfield. In 1863 and 1864, a devastating drought destroyed the states ranching economy.

Worse, Californias water supply is unevenly divided. Almost all the rainfall comes in the northern half of the state, but the bulk of the need for water is in the southern half. California is like a bald man who has a bushy beard  there is plenty of hair, but its in the wrong place.

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And all of this is tempered by fire. Muir Woods, just north of San Francisco, has some of Californias oldest and tallest trees, ancient redwoods, preserved as a national monument. Yet, these trees have fire scars so large that whole tourist families can stand inside the gaps made by fires that burned hundreds of years ago. California has always burned.

In 1910, not long after Muir Woods became a national monument, Los Angeles County had 504,000 people, 196% more people than it had only 10 years earlier. Now there are 9.6 million residents in Los Angeles County.

According to the U.S. Census, more than half of the residents of L.A. County moved there from somewhere else. Growth, progress and development is what has driven California.

Now there are 39 million Californians.

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TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19 - Dado Ruvic/REUTERS

TikTok will go dark in the United States on Sunday unless the White House provides assurances to other social media platforms, the company said late on Friday.

The company said the only way to prevent it from being switched off was for president Joe Bidens administration to provide assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.

The statement came hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to be blocked from its 170 million American users.

The courts 9-0 decision throws the social media platform into limbo, and its fate in the hands of Donald Trump, who has vowed to rescue TikTok after returning to the White House on Monday.

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 said.

The White House declined to comment.

Apple, Alphabets Google, Oracle and others could face massive fines if they continue to provide services to TikTok after the ban takes effect.

The law was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress last year and signed by Biden, though a growing chorus of lawmakers who voted for it are now seeking to keep TikTok operating in the United States.

TikTok, ByteDance and some of the apps users challenged the law, but the Supreme Court decided that it did not violate the US Constitutions First Amendment protection against government abridgment of free speech as they had argued.

ByteDance has done little to divest of TikTok by the Sunday deadline set under the law.

But the apps shutdown might be brief. Trump, who in 2020 had tried to ban TikTok, has said he plans to take action to save the app.

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 social media post.

Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, plans to attend Trumps second inauguration on Monday in Washington.

Shou Zi Chew will attend Trumps second inauguration on Monday - BAY ISMOYO/AFP

Trump said he and the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, discussed TikTok in a phone call on Friday.

For years TikToks Chinese ownership has raised concerns among US leaders, and the TikTok fight has unfolded at a time of rising trade tensions between the worlds two biggest economies.

Lawmakers and Bidens administration have said China could use TikTok to amass data on millions of Americans for harassment, recruitment and espionage.

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 Supreme Court said in the unsigned opinion.

TikTok has become one of the most prominent social media platforms in the US, particularly among young people who use it for short-form videos, including many who use it for small businesses.

The companys powerful algorithm, its main asset, feeds individual users short videos tailored to their liking. The platform presents a vast collection of user-submitted videos that can be viewed with a smart phone app or on the internet.

As the Jan 19 deadline approaches, millions of users have jumped to other Chinese-owned apps like RedNote, finding they had to decipher its all-Mandarin platform to kickstart their feeds.

The Biden administration has emphasised that TikTok could continue operating if it is freed from Chinas control. The White House said on Friday that Biden will not take any action to save TikTok.

Biden has not formally invoked a 90-day delay in the deadline as allowed by the law. This decisions going to be made by the next president anyway, Biden told reporters.
The People's March in Washington on 18 January 2025, two days before the inauguration of Donald Trump. Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

Eight years since its gargantuan first protests as a reaction to the incoming president being serially accused of sexual misconduct and misogyny and campaigning on restricting reproductive rights, the Womens March on Saturday reprised in the nations capital before the return of that man to the White House  with, as in 2017, spin-off rallies taking place in various other US cities.

Rebranded and reorganized, the protest was given a new name by organizers, the Peoples March, as a means to broaden support, especially during a difficult and introspective time for progressive organizing after Donald Trumps decisive win in November.

Once again, Trump beat a Democratic nominee who, if she had won, would have been the first female president of the United States. The Republican takes the oath of office on Monday to become the 47th president, having beaten Kamala Harris in 2024 more solidly even than he did Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

Since the last time Trump was in the Oval Office, he has been found liable in civil court for sexual abuse, as well as convicted in criminal court of a form of election fraud for paying off adult film star Stormy Daniels and disguising the transaction. And the US supreme court justices he chose tipped the balance of Americas highest court to the right and helped overturn Roe v Wade, the ruling that allowed the national right to seek an abortion and that had stood for almost 50 years.

Women outraged over Trumps 2016 presidential win flocked to Washington DC in 2017 two days before his inauguration and organized large rallies in cities throughout the country, building the base of a grassroots movement that became known as the Womens March. It marked one of the largest single-day demonstrations in US history.

At the time, Evvie Harmon, global coordinator of the marches, said initial and unofficial estimates put the crowd in Washington at more than 1 million and the attendance at events worldwide in excess of 3 million.

This year in the capital, organisers said they expected 50,000 marchers but DC police estimated 25,000  which included pro-science and pro-climate-action protests  amid the realization that a majority of votes for Trump can no longer be seen as an aberration or experiment.

Under the slogan We are not going backwards, thousands of people gathered for the weekend of feminist-led action.

But what the Peoples March in Washington lacked in sheer numbers, the movement compensated for in geographic diversity: more than 350 protests in cities across every US state. In New York, around 1,000 protesters showed up outside the federal court buildings in lower Manhattan.

The comparative quiet on Saturday contrasted sharply with the white-knuckled fury of the inaugural rally, when massive crowds shouted demands over megaphones and wore vivid pink pussy hats, often home-knitted, in reaction to Trumps comments that became public in October 2016 that he had a habit of grabbing women by the pussy without their consent.

Womens marches were held every January for a few years, on a lesser scale, but ultimately the movement fractured amid a steady push to the right by the first Trump administration.

The reality is that its just hard to capture lightning in a bottle, said Tamika Middleton, managing director at the Womens March. It was a really particular moment. In 2017, we had not seen a Trump presidency and the kind of vitriol that that represented.

A flurry of pink pussy hats still featured in the diverse crowd in a chilly downtown Washington DC on Saturday as people held signs with messages such as Abortion rights now, We will not be silent and Stop racism and listened to a series of speakers calling Trumps rightwing agenda against abortion rights, transgender rights and democratic norms dangerous, while urging people to educate, activate, advocate, although acknowledging that many progressives are tired.

Saturdays demonstrations focused on feminism, racial justice and anti-militarization, as well as other issues, and were set to end with discussions hosted by social justice organizations.

The Peoples March is unusual in its vast array of issues brought together under one umbrella, said Jo Reger, a sociology professor who researches social movements at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Womens suffrage marches, for example, were focused on the specific goal of voting rights.

For a broad-based social justice movement such as the march, conflicting visions are impossible to avoid and there is immense pressure for organizers to meet everyones needs, Reger said. But she also said some discord isnt necessarily a bad thing.

Often, what it does is bring change and bring in new perspectives, especially of underrepresented voices, Reger said.

Middleton of the Womens March said Saturdays goal was to draw attention broadly to womens rights and reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, climate and US democracy, rather than centering it more narrowly on Trump.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
Actress and model Poppy Delevingne has announced that she is expecting her first child with partner Archie Keswick.

The 38-year-old, who is the sister of Cara and Chloe Delevingne, said becoming a mother is all Ive ever wanted as she shared the pregnancy news in an interview with Elle magazine.

Delevingne revealed she first discovered she was pregnant during London Fashion Week when her clothes began feeling tighter at a second fitting for a Burberry show.

She really is all Ive ever wanted, Delevingne told the magazine.

She added: The people that are closest to me know how much I have wanted this my whole life.

Ive watched a lot of my friends do it, I have nine godchildren, I am an auntie, and I think theyve known that since I was a little girl, I dreamt of being a mumma.

There were points during the last few years where I thought that maybe this wouldnt happen for me. Id made my peace with that. So I think when we told people the news they were very emotional and happy.

Delevingne had been keeping very tight-lipped about the pregnancy, but felt there was no chance of hiding her bump anymore as she is due in May.

I always imagined that if this moment had ever happened to me I would have told people, she said.

But it was quite extraordinary, I became very tight-lipped about it. I think I just wanted to protect it more than anything.

I think I was really nervous, as well. It just feels like such an extraordinary privilege to be able to do this, to be able to have a baby at this age and at this time, and when it happened, I couldnt really believe it. It still feels really surreal.

The model revealed she has been in a constant state of worry about having a baby in her late 30s, but she is feeling less anxiety and more excitement as the weeks pass.

Ive got to the point where Im just so excited to meet her. If I shut my eyes, I feel like I know her, she added.

Shes already making me laugh, I think shes going to be a funny one.

Delevingnes sisters  32-year-old model Cara and 39-year-old socialite Chloe  were elated when they found out there would be a new addition to the family, and spent Christmas getting excited together.

We were all in New York, with each other and with the bump and there was a lot of talking to the bump, stroking the bump. Theyre just elated, she said.

Delevingne was previously married to businessman James Cook, having met him when she was 20 years old, and they split around 15 years later.

She previously suggested the stigma of becoming a divorcee was the reason her marriage did not end sooner.

The actress, who appeared in Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Riviera, also reportedly dated Prince Constantine Alexios of Greece and Denmark.
Eight people have been arrested at a pro-Palestine rally in central London, as hundreds gathered amid a heavy police presence.

A man was arrested on suspicion of holding a placard suggesting support for banned organisations, while four people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and three others on suspicion of breaching conditions put in place for the protest.

One of the conditions prevents anyone involved in the protest from entering a specific area around Portland Place.

A masked protester wearing a Celtic football tracksuit was seen being handcuffed by police and escorted away from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) rally in Whitehall, with a large group following with megaphones and chanting: Let him go.

Also at Saturdays protest, a woman was laid on the ground as a group of police officers appeared to be detaining her, prompting a large crowd to surround the officers and shout youre a disgrace, shame on you and let her go.

The protest in Whitehall is underway. So far there have been six arrests  four for public order offences and two for breaching the conditions that have been put in place. pic.twitter.com/IrbiXF4QR6  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) January 18, 2025

A minor scuffle broke out as police attempted to push protesters away before officers took the woman behind some barriers while people continued to chant let her go.

Protesters held signs that read Gaza. Stop the massacre and Stop arming Israel, with a large group of people having marched from Trafalgar Square holding a banner that said Labour, Tories, BBC. You show Russias crimes but hide Israels. Why?

The rally comes after police curtailed organisers plans for a march past the BBC and near a synagogue.

The Met denied putting a ring of steel around Broadcasting House as the force said officers would be posted nearby after preventing plans by protesters targeting the BBC to gather in Portland Place.

The force blocked the march from gathering there due to Broadcasting Houses close proximity to a synagogue and the risk the protest could cause serious disruption to the Jewish holy day, as congregants attend Shabbat services.

The protest was adjusted to be a static rally in Whitehall instead.

A 61-year-old woman was arrested on Friday on suspicion of inciting others to breach Public Order Act conditions after she was allegedly heard at a rally on January 10 encouraging other protesters to do so, according to police.

Hundreds gathered in Whitehall for the protest (Jeff Moore/PA)

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said ahead of the rally that more than 1,100 officers were due to be deployed, with 200 coming from other forces.

He denied that the Met was putting a ring of steel around Broadcasting House, saying he would instead describe it as a visible presence of officers in and around the BBC/Portland Place area and surrounding streets.

On Thursday, senior Conservative MP Bob Blackman said those who defy police orders by deliberately gathering outside a synagogue should face the full force of the law.

The PSC described the Mets conditions as repressive and called for the force to lift them.

In a statement, Campaign Against Antisemitism claimed pro-Palestine marches posed a threat to synagogues.

A spokesperson said: It is shameful that the Met has refused to act on that threat all this time and is mustering a show of strength only now that it appears that the war might be ending.

The least that it can do is see this tokenistic gesture through and finally limit these marches to static protests, as we have been urging for over a year.
Donald Trump chose former Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate in the 2024 election. Getty Images

Former Ohio Sen. JD Vance will serve as Donald Trump's vice president.

A former Trump critic, Vance rose to fame as the author of a bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy."

Vance was elected to the Senate in 2022 and became an outspoken supporter of Trump.

Donald Trump's dramatic Veepstakes came to an end with the selection of JD Vance as the former president's running mate in June. As of Inauguration Day, the former senator from Ohio will serve as the next vice president of the United States.

Despite winning the coveted spot as Trump's No. 2, though, Vance has had a winding path through Trumpism and politics overall.

Here are 10 things you need to know about Vance, the 50th vice president and heir apparent to the MAGA movement.

Born James Donald Bowman in Middletown, Ohio, JD Vance grew up in the Rust Belt and joined the Marines after high school.

JD Vance. Astrid Riecken For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Vance served in Iraq as a public affairs marine, escorting members of the press and writing stories about service members. He wrote in his 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," that the Marine Corps "taught me how to live like an adult."

"It was in the Marine Corps where I first ordered grown men to do a job and watched them listen; where I learned that leadership depended far more on earning the respect of your subordinates than on bossing them around; where I discovered how to earn that respect; and where I saw that men and women of different social classes and races could work as a team and bond like family," he wrote, according to an excerpt published by Military.com.

He went on to study at Ohio State University and Yale Law School.

Yale Law School. Plexi Images/GHI/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Vance majored in political science and philosophy at Ohio State and graduated summa cum laude. He then graduated from Yale Law School in 2013.

While at Yale, law professor and "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" author Amy Chua encouraged Vance to write a memoir about his upbringing.

Before becoming an author and politician, Vance worked at a venture capital firm backed by billionaire Peter Thiel.

JD Vance worked at VC firms before entering politics. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

As a law student, Vance attended a talk by PayPal founder Peter Thiel. He wrote in The Lamp in 2020 that it was "the most significant moment" of his time at Yale.

After two clerkships and a brief career in corporate law, Vance began working at Mithril Capital, a firm backed by Thiel, in 2016. A year later, he moved to Revolution, a VC firm in Washington, DC.

He wrote a best-selling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy."

Vance's novel, "Hillbilly Elegy," illustrated the lives of poor white Americans just before Trump's first presidency. Jeff Swensen

Vance published "Hillbilly Elegy" in the summer of 2016, before Trump was elected or projected to win the presidency. The memoir, which became a New York Times bestseller, focuses on Vance's experience growing up poor in Ohio and Kentucky and was largely read as an honest illustration of America's white working class. After Trump won, many turned to the book as an explanation for Trump's meteoric and unexpected rise.

A movie adaptation of "Hillbilly Elegy" came out on Netflix in 2020.

Vance is married to former litigator Usha Chilukuri Vance.

JD Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Vance met his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, when they were both students at Yale Law School. In "Hillbilly Elegy," he wrote that Chilukuri Vance was his "Yale spirit guide" who encouraged him to seek opportunities within the elite institution. They wed in 2014.

Chilukuri Vance clerked for Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the US Court of Appeals before he became a Supreme Court Justice and also clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts, The New York Times reported. She worked as a litigator at the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, then quit her job when Trump chose Vance as his running mate.

Vance and his wife have three young children.

JD Vance with his son, Vivek. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

They have two sons, Ewan and Vivek, and a daughter, Mirabel.

In February, Vance read "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss on the Senate floor in honor of Vivek's 4th birthday.

Vance started out as a "Never Trumper," but slowly changed his tune and embraced the former president.

JD Vance opposed Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, but supported him in 2020. GAELEN MORSE, Reuters

When he published "Hillbilly Elegy," Vance was a self-described "Never Trumper" and even called the former president "reprehensible" in a now-deleted X post.

As the years  and Trump presidency  wore on, though, Vance started to take a different approach. He told The Financial Times in 2018 that the former president "recognizes the frustration that exists in large parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, eastern Kentucky, and so forth."

Come 2020, Vance supported Trump's campaign and expressed regret for his previous stance. The tide turned in both directions, as Trump began to support Vance's foray into politics.

In 2021, Vance entered a crowded Senate primary race.

Vance announced his candidacy in 2021 and entered a crowded primary race. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

A junior congressman, Vance was only elected to the Senate in 2022 but has since become one of Trump's most loyal supporters. He entered a cramped Ohio primary in 2021 in the mold of an unrelenting Trump supporter and anti-elitist.

Vance embraced the former president's policies and eventually earned his coveted endorsement. With Trump's blessing, he catapulted through the primary and into Congress.

Vance served on various congressional committees and represents the "New Right."

As a senator, Vance tried to push the Republican Party in a more conservative, populist direction. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In the Senate, Vance serves on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; the Joint Economic Committee; and the Special Committee on Aging. Like Trump, he has an isolationist bent on foreign policy and takes a hard-line approach to immigration.

During his limited time in office, Vance has come to embody what Politico dubbed the "New Right" movement  an ill-defined coalition of younger conservatives who are trying to push the Republican party toward more populism, conservatism, and nationalism.

Vance will be one of the youngest vice presidents in US history.

Donald Trump and JD Vance at the Republican National Convention. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Trump announced Vance as his vice presidential pick in a post on Truth Social in June. In it, he celebrated Vance's business background and said that, as vice president, the youngster "will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN."

Together, they went on to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz in the 2024 election.

Upon taking the oath of office, 40-year-old Vance will become one of the youngest vice presidents in the nation's history  as well as the first millennial VP  and well-positioned to inherit the MAGA crown.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The passenger who died on an AirFrance flight from Scotland to Boston has been identified as Barbara DiPoli, 53, from Topeka, Kansas.

A US Army veteran and former member of the Kansas Air National Guard was identified as the woman who died while on an Air France flight home after celebrating her retirement from service, officials said.

Chief Master Sgt. Barbara DiPoli, 53, suffered a sudden medical episode while flying to Boston from Scotland on Jan. 14, with her official cause of death still unknown, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Her father, Joseph DiPoli, a US Army and Navy veteran, said he was heartbroken and feared that the mental health issues she suffered following her tour in Iraq may have contributed to her sudden death.

Massachusetts State Police said DiPoli suffered a medical episode while flying to Boston from Scotland on Jan. 14 as her official cause of death hasnt been revealed. Margaret M Flanagan/Facebook

She just wore herself out. There was nothing left. Nothing left for her to fight back with when she got sick, Joseph told WCVB.

DiPoli, of Topeka, Kansas, served at least 22 months in Iraq and developed PTSD and an eating disorder following her tour, according to her father.

She became a Kansas Air National Guard member in September 2007, and was eventually promoted to chief master sergeant in 2022 before being stationed in Washington, DC.

DiPoli retired from service in September 2024 and left for Scotland to kick off the start of her golden years. It was while she was overseas that DiPoli fell ill, WCVB reports.

DiPolis father, Joseph DiPoli, a US Army and Navy veteran, was heartbroken to learn of her daughters death and believes the mental health issues she suffered following her tour in Iraq may have contributed to her sudden death. ABC 5 WCVB

Air France officials said that there was a doctor on the flight to administer CPR and emergency aid, but DiPoli could not be saved and died.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Massachusetts said it is currently probing DiPolis cause of death, which will be determined at a later date.

Joseph said that after her vacation plans, DiPoli was preparing to help counsel other veterans also living with PTSD.

No parent should ever have to bury their child. Ever, Joseph lamented. I could never accomplish in my 34 years in the military  I never came close to accomplishing what she did in 21 years.

DiPoli is set to be cremated and buried at Arlington National Cemetery, her father added.
In some ways, 2024 was a great year for space investors.

With 138 combined Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launches, SpaceX launched more rockets last year than all the rest of the world combined. That made 2024 a pretty terrific year for SpaceX. But for the rest of the space industry... not so much.

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In a series of space investing disasters, 2024 saw:

The destruction of Astra Space as a public company when, after scoring only two successful launches out of seven attempts and narrowly avoiding bankruptcy, the one-time billion-dollar company sold itself to its founders for just $0.50 per share.

ABL Space Systems abandon its dream of becoming a space launch company -- and helping launch communications satellites into orbit -- and announce plans to become a missile defense contractor for the Pentagon instead.

The private market valuation of Relativity Space -- once a dark horse darling of space investors -- roll into reverse at the same time as it's been forced to abandon one rocket design and switch to a new one, which won't be ready to fly for more than a year.

Virgin Galactic shutter its space tourism business (temporarily?) while it works to build a new spaceplane capable of resuming commercial flights in 2026.

Speaking of which, all of this comes in the wake of 2023's very public failure of Sir Richard Branson's other space company, Virgin Orbit, which filed for bankruptcy and was broken up for parts.

Taken as a whole, America's space start-ups kind of resemble a train wreck right now. And yet, there are still a few railcars intact. With the Great Space Shakeout of 2024 behind us, it's starting to become clearer which space stocks investors should pay attention to.

The rise of Rocket Lab

First in the minds of investors lately has been Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), the company that bought Virgin Orbit's California manufacturing facility out of bankruptcy for a mere $16.1 million, and made it Rocket Lab's own U.S. headquarters.

One monster contract win from the U.S. Space Force, an accelerating cadence of rocket launches, plus the prospect of a brand new rocket arriving in 2025 helped push up Rocket Lab's stock price fivefold in 2024. Next to SpaceX, this company is now the second most prolific rocket launcher in the U.S.

Perhaps Rocket Lab's most surprising announcement last year, though, was that its rockets are in such high demand that it's actually able to raise its prices. Electron rockets in Q3 sold for an average of $8.4 million each. While Rocket Lab didn't come out and say it, it seems the thinning out of competition from other small launchers -- Virgin Orbit, Astra, and ABL -- is giving Rocket Lab pricing power in this market.

On top of all this, investors anxiously wait to see if Rocket Lab will deliver its new Neutron rocket next year, and begin charging $50 million and up for launches on that much bigger platform. If it succeeds, CEO Sir Peter Beck has promised a "flip" to profitability for Rocket Lab.

Hey! Europe has rockets, too!

Meanwhile in Europe, Airbus (OTC: EADSY) subsidiary Arianespace also seems to have survived the Great Space Shakeout -- for now. After years of delays, the European continental space champion finally got its Ariane 6 rocket off the pad in July. However, six months after that event, the company still hasn't followed up its success with a second launch.

Going forward, the attractiveness of Airbus stock to investors, in terms of its Arianespace holdings, will depend on Arianespace's ability to increase launch volume and reduce launch costs to rival SpaceX and Rocket Lab. While Continental pride will probably ensure there's a market for Arianespace's services in Europe no matter the cost, I wouldn't buy Airbus stock until it proves Arianespace can compete on the world stage.

Various rocket models stand in a line.

Image source: Getty Images.

Space dinosaurs still roam America

Last but not least, a few words seem required of America's other space companies:

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), joint owners of United Launch Alliance (ULA), are the great "show me" story of 2025. Like Arianespace, ULA successfully launched its new rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, in 2024. And unlike Arianespace, ULA got a second Vulcan launch off before the year ended.

The second didn't go off entirely without a hitch, however, and ULA has been cooling its heels since October waiting for permission to launch a third time. Management insists approval is imminent, and has promised investors they will see as many as 20 launches this year, and at prices competitive with Arianespace, if not quite as cheap as SpaceX. If it delivers on that promise, ULA will take a lot of investors by surprise, and could set the stage for a revival of the space divisions at both Lockheed and, especially, Boeing.

And finally, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC). Often an afterthought in America's space race, launching smaller rockets than ULA's, and launching them less frequently, Northrop Grumman has teamed up with privately held Firefly Aerospace to inject a bit of start-up energy into its business. Together, the two companies are building a new version of Northrop's Antares rocket (outfitted with Firefly engines), and also an entirely new rocket called the MLV.

Neither new rocket is expected to fly until 2026, granted. But Northrop isn't out of this space race yet. It's still worth keeping an eye on as it makes its final push to remain a viable competitor in space.

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A 34-year-old Australia woman is being charged with torture after police say she made a 1-year-old girl sick for over two months to make thousands of dollars off GoFundMe donations.

The southern Queensland woman, described by multiple media outlets as a social media influencer with over a million followers, is accused of administering multiple unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medication to the infant, according to state police. The alleged poisoning occurred from Aug. 6 to Oct. 15, 2024, before medical staff reported her to the authorities.

Police arrested the woman Thursday morning in Logan, Queensland, charging her torture, administering poison, child exploitation and fraud, among others.

Queensland Police did not share the identity of the woman or specify her relationship with the infant, who the department said "was known to her." Outlets including the BBC and People reported that she's the girl's mother.

We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harms way and hold any offender to account," Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said in a news release. "There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a 1-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival."

Woman raised over $37,000 on GoFundMe

Dalton said the woman used GoFundMe to raise $60,000 Australian dollars ($37,000 USD), profiting off the sick infant, according to the BBC.

It is alleged the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers, police said in a news release.

The fundraising platform is reportedly working to repay people who donated to the fund. USA TODAY has reached out to GoFundMe representatives for comment,

Medical personnel at a hospital in Brisbane reported harm against the baby girl to authorities on Oct. 15, leading to an investigation into the woman, Queensland Police said. The baby tested positive for being under unauthorized medication on Jan. 7.

Police allege the woman underwent great lengths to obtain the drugs, including taking old medication for a different person in their home, according to the news release. She also allegedly concealed her ongoing efforts to drug the child until it was reported to the police.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Influencer charged with poisoning 1-year-old for GoFundMe money
President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

President Joe Biden is expected to make further use of his clemency power before leaving office next week, potentially extending pre-emptive pardons to individuals who could be targeted for retribution by President-elect Donald Trumps incoming administration, according to a senior White House official and a person familiar with the discussions.

Biden has not made a final decision on any pardons for people in that group, the White House official said on Friday.

The timing for the clemency actions, should Biden decide to grant them, is likely to be during his final hours in office  on Sunday or before noon on Monday, the two sources said, though timing is subject to change.

On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to prosecute his political opponents during a second term.

NBC News previously reported that Biden was considering pre-emptive pardons for potential targets of that retribution, including Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a manager during Trumps first impeachment; Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former top infectious diseases expert who locked horns with Trump over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic; and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who served as vice chair of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and campaigned with Vice President Kamala Harris against Trump last year.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the former chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee, said this week that he would accept a pardon, telling CBS News that if that is something thats offered to me, I will accept it.

A spokesperson for Thompson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

In a statement Friday announcing his biggest single-day act of clemency, Biden indicated that he could take more clemency action before he leaves office Monday.

I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons, he said.

Biden has issued more individual pardons and commutations than any of his predecessors. In December, he pardoned his son Hunter Biden the same month he was scheduled to be sentenced on federal gun and tax charges, saying that raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.

Several U.S. presidents in recent decades have issued pre-emptive pardons, including George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.
Its one of the most important jobs never applied for. Unelected, yet inextricable from politics; constantly visible on the world stage, but rarely the one behind the microphone  for all its glamour, the first lady of the United States is a role of unsolicited duty, often bringing with it intense public scrutiny, including over what they wear.

For previous first ladies, fashion has been an important communication tool signposting what they stand for individually. Michelle Obama  who could transform a designers career with a single photograph  used clothes as a vehicle to platform and support diversity in the fashion world. During former President Barack Obamas term, she diligently wore looks by up-and-coming talents such as Jason Wu, Fe Noel, Jonathan Simkhai, Pyer Moss as well as Isabel Toledo (the Cuban-American designer became a household name after she created Obamas 2009 inauguration dress). And though Dr. Jill Biden has reached for more traditional labels in the last four years  Oscar de la Renta, Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren, to name a few  symbolism was, at times, literally stitched into her outfits. During her husbands inauguration concert in 2021, Biden wore a custom Gabriela Hearst gown embroidered with federal flowers from every state and territory of the US.

After four years of relative anonymity, Trump's wardrobe sparked conversation again when she arrived at the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on January 9 wearing a black Valentino dress and oversized collar. - Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Melania Trump, who will soon resume her post as first lady, has yet to follow suit on such sartorial storytelling. During President-elect Donald Trumps first term, the Slovenian-born former model arrived perfectly coiffed and statuesque in her vertiginous Louboutin stilettos and tailored Christian Dior skirt suits. But there was seemingly little narrative depth to her wardrobe choices, aside from a few eyebrow-raising exceptions: the fuchsia pussybow blouse she wore just days after her husbands controversial comments about groping women (from a 2005 tape) came to light, or the I Really Dont Care, Do U? Zara jacket worn to visit an immigrant childrens shelter on the US-Mexico border. (She later clarified the phrase was a message to the leftwing media).

In October 2016, days after her husband's comments about "grabbing women by the pussy" were leaked, Trump was photographed wearing a pussy-bow blouse. - Rick Wilking/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

During a visit to an immigrant children's shelter on the US-Mexico border in 2018, Trump's Zara jacket raised eyebrows for its inflammatory message. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

And while many first ladies have made a point of wearing American-made looks, Trump appeared to worship at the altar of European luxury in Valentino, Versace and Chanel. She even wore a black tuxedo jacket from Dolce & Gabbana for her official first lady portrait. Despite her husbands mantra at the time being Buy American, Hire American, Trump was rarely seen in anything homegrown after her sky-blue Ralph Lauren inauguration outfit. It was baffling, and to some, disrespectful. I believe that if you are (associated with) an elected official and if you are representing American workers, then you should give that a high priority in your decisions about what to buy, said New York-based designer Nina McLemore, whose designs have been worn by Hillary Clinton and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Whether she likes it or not, she has a responsibility. And that is to represent the constituency that elected her (husband).

Though how much choice Melania had in the matter is up for debate. Dressing the first lady is a career-defining achievement most American labels can only dream of. But the former presidents divisive politics meant the outwardly liberal-leaning fashion industry often kept his wife at arms length. Independent designer Sophie Theallet, whose clothes were worn regularly by Obama, wrote an open letter in 2016 refusing to dress or associate in any way with the next first lady. Marc Jacobs told WWD he had no interest in working with Trump, while Christian Siriano echoed that, as a gay man, he couldnt support a campaign where I might not have the same rights. Instead, Trump often turned to off-the-rack Net-a-Porter pieces she had bought herself, according to Kate Bennett, CNNs former White House correspondent and author of the 2019 biography Free, Melania.

Melania was coming off (the back of) Michelle Obama, who really viewed fashion as an art form, Bennett said in a phone call. She was also lacking the backbone of what the industry wanted to reflect, which was not, quite frankly, the policies of her husband.

What has changed?

Eight years later, where does the fashion industry stand on her? The question is met with a wall of silence. Several top American designers  including Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors and Hearst  who have each dressed at least one first lady, did not reply to CNNs request for comment on whether they would be open to working with Trump. Ralph Lauren, who recently received the presidential medal of freedom from the Biden administration and made her first inauguration coat in 2017, also did not respond. However, a spokesperson for Oscar de la Rentas eponymous label  whose designs have been worn by every presidential wife since Jackie Kennedy  said over email that the brand is always honored when asked to dress the first lady of the United States, adding that its mission is to make her look and feel her best regardless of politics. And smaller, emerging designers may be more enthusiastic about dressing the incoming first lady, but Bennett speculates thats not really interesting to Trump.

Trump opted for a Christian Dior skirt suit while accompanying President-elect Donald Trump and their son Baron at the Palm Beach Convention Center on election night last November. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Of course, the incoming first lady can wear whomever she wants, regardless of whether the labels actively participate in sourcing, styling or designing outfits for her. With or without the help of US designers, theres no doubt she strives to look her best  with the Washington Posts fashion writer Rachel Tashjian noting last April that the incoming first lady dresses more like a woman who enjoys a good afternoon at Neiman Marcus.

Shes driven by the beauty of clothes, said Bennett, who added that Trump probably wont amp up the soft-power messaging during her husbands second term. Shes into what she likes, what looks good, what her taste is When I talk to people in Washington, theyre like, Oh, Im so glad fashion is coming back. No matter what you think about (Donald Trump), I cant wait to see (Melania Trumps) outfits.

Even if the elusive American-made fashion houses were to start lining up at the White House, Bennett believes it might be a case of too little, too late. I think everything is partisan. Even fashion. Should that be the case? I dont know. Its not for me to decide, but no one experienced that more than Melania Trump, Bennett said. She has a long memory. Shell remember the people who supported her and shell remember the ones who didnt.

But the designer McLemore  who said she would absolutely dress Trump if the opportunity arose  suggested that the first lady might do well to consider the symbolism of her clothing this time around. Its a fine line between dressing the way you see yourself and your personality, and understanding that you are, in fact, on stage and wearing a costume, McLemore said.

Her penchant for European luxury was reaffirmed with this black asymmetric Versace gown, worn to a New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago. - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images

Nichola D. Gutgold, a professor and member-at-large of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE)  a university-affiliated initiative examining the impact and legacies of first ladies  predicts we might simply see her less. In November, CNN reported that Trump, who was notably absent from the campaign trail, is unlikely to move to the White House full time. She is very aloof, Gutgold said over Zoom. I think (events) will be carefully chosen and the schedule will be much lighter. And maybe she wont need as large a wardrobe as a very active first lady.

A triple standard

Its no secret that the presidents wife faces a particular type of double standard: their appearance is dissected under a microscope, while their husbands often non-descript tailoring is often taken at face value. I suspect when we elect a woman president of the United States, the first gentleman is not going to be tortured too much over the kind of suit he wears, said Gutgold.

Throughout history, first ladies have struggled to please everybody with their outfit choices  no matter the decade or political party. I remember Nancy Reagan getting into trouble because she had very expensive clothing, said Gutgold. Rosalynn Carter similarly outraged designers when she chose to re-wear a dress to the late Jimmy Carters inauguration in 1977. She (re)wore the dress she wore when her husband was inaugurated as the governor, because she loved it so much and was naturally very thrifty. But that sent American designers into a tailspin, Gutgold added.

Even Jackie Kennedy  who was celebrated for her ever-appropriate, timeless dress sense  sometimes eschewed the unwritten mandate of wearing American apparel. She recognized that there needed to (be) some fashion diplomacy, said Gutgold, and chose more American designers, but I would say not always. The day her husband was assassinated, as we sadly all remember, she had a pink Chanel suit on.

In Trumps case, the double standard intensifies by one more degree. Shes beautiful and dresses in a high fashion way, said McLemore. So people are going to comment on her, her clothes, no matter what.

While on a trip to Egypt in 2018, the incoming first lady opted for an all-white Chanel pantsuit. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

At the Republican National Convention in July, Trump re-wore a Christian Dior double-breasted, form-fitting skirt suit from her wardrobe. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Bennett agrees that Trump comes across as less relatable than other first ladies. While the press wrote fully priced round-ups of her costly outfits, Biden, was lauded for her down-to-Earth dress sense. (Jills) taste is very expensive, said Bennett. But just because shes Jill from Philly, and she wears it in a different way But thats still a $5,000 dress shes wearing to an elementary school visit.

Studying Trumps image-making is, for better or worse, one of the few windows into the worldview of an otherwise impenetrable figure. With limited press access and few speeches to interpret, onlookers are forced to analyze her carefully curated exterior.

Its very hard for anybody whos been with Donald Trump for 20-plus years to make their voice heard, said Bennett. The oxygen of the room is sucked out by the person next to you. You have to find another way to make people look, and I think shes been very effective.

Gutgold hopes that, one day, optics will matter less. I think that it would be progress for the spouse of the president to express themselves as they wish, she said. But so much of American politics, of politics globally, is played out visually, she added. Many people around the world will have their TVs on (during) inauguration day. They might not even have the volume turned up, but theyll be half-watching while theyre going on with their lives.

Thats one of the reasons why so much of this matters, because its going to be a global event. Its the visual nature of our world.

This article was updated to reflect when Donald Trumps taped comments about groping women were made.

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Ice that is melting around Earths poles is sending water  and mass  toward the equator and is working to slow the planets rotation, though there are other, countervailing forces that are making it spin faster. Planet Observer/Universal Images Group via Getty

The start of the year has sometimes come with an extra second added to our clocks.

The adjustment is made to coordinate the precise ticking of Atomic Time with the less regular timing of day and night as dictated by Earths wobbly rotation.

Since 1972, there have been 27 such leap seconds added to Coordinated Universal Time, the clock we collectively use (though none this year). This reflects the fact that the planet has been rotating a bit slower  and the days running a bit longer  than an exact 24-hour period.

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Earths spinning, however, has recently begun to speed up and the length of the day has started getting shorter, for reasons not fully understood. In fact, research by a geophysicist in California finds that its only a matter of years before an extra second will need to be subtracted from universal time, rather than added to it.

This possibility is raising concern because many computers, which have been programmed to handle an additional second, arent designed to lose a second, threatening to create glitches in systems governing aviation, financial markets, healthcare and more. Its reminiscent of Y2K, when widespread bugs were feared when the calendar flipped to 2000.

The research, published last year in the science journal Nature, also finds that such a negative leap second and its potential problems are being delayed, perhaps surprisingly, by climate change. Ice that is melting around Earths poles is sending water  and mass  toward the equator and consequently slowing the planets rotation, counteracting the faster spin.

A second doesnt sound like much, said Duncan Agnew, author of the recent research and a geophysicist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, in a communication to the Chronicle. But, as he explained online: In todays interconnected world, getting the time wrong could lead to huge problems.

Agnews head-scratching projections are based on the complex and still largely unexplained physics of Earths rotation.

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As we all know, the planet takes about 24 hours to fully spin around. But because of several factors, this timing varies ever so slightly. Its also hard to predict. The variation was basically irrelevant until the age of computers, when milliseconds became make or break for things like stock trades and rocket launches.

Earths rotation, for thousands of years, has mostly slowed, the biggest driver being the changing tides that come with the gravitational tug of the moon. Currents in the planets outer core, which scientists are still trying to figure out, also have slowed the spin. But the core can speed up the spin, too, which may be whats been happening recently. Additional leap seconds have become a lot less frequent the past two decades.

Since about 1990, Agnew says, the warming climate has become an additional factor, working to slow Earths rotation and increase the length of the day. He likens the effect of melting polar ice and the spreading meltwater on the planets spin to the inertia of a spinning skater: When the skater spins with her hands over her head, she rotates faster than when she extends her arms to the sides.

Global warming has proceeded to the point that its effects are showing up in how fast the whole Earth rotates, Agnew said. This change in rotation has never been seen before, and this re-emphasizes that we are living in a time when unprecedented changes are happening.

By extrapolating trends for Earths core and other factors affecting rotation, Agnew finds that without the melting ice, a leap second would need to be subtracted from universal time as soon as next year to account for the faster spinning planet. Now, a second wont have to be removed until 2029, he says.

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Judah Levine, an adjunct physics professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a fellow of the National Institute of Standards and Technology who has long worked on synchronizing clocks, said a negative leap second may be coming but cautions that it can be difficult to say how soon.

There is a lot of uncertainty about the leap second business, he wrote in an email, noting that he was expressing his personal views, not those of his affiliates. The short-term variations in the rotation rate of Earth means that any extrapolation has a very significant uncertainty.  I would not make any prediction about a leap event before 2035.

While the prospect of subtracting a leap second is raising anxieties, the truth is that even the addition of leap seconds hasnt been universally popular.

In 2012, several companies, notably the discussion website Reddit and Australias Qantas Airlines, saw their computer systems go down when a second was added to universal time. The last leap second, added on Dec. 31, 2016, was less troublesome, but not problem-free.

International timekeepers at the General Conference on Weights and Measures voted three years ago to get rid of leap seconds by 2035 and come up with new standards for syncing the clocks. Whether this will be done before the potential need for a negative leap second is unknown.

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One alternative that Levine, Agnew and others have put forth is allowing the different measures of time to diverge to a greater extent. Then, larger, but less frequent corrections could be made to coordinate clocks.
Jeffrey Epstein, second from left, with his lawyers in Courtroom 11F under Judge Deborah Dale Pucillo at the West Palm Beach County Courthouse, Florida, for his sentencing

Jeffrey Epstein was offered a sweetheart plea deal by federal prosecutors in return for incriminating information that would lead to President Trumps impeachment, according to the late pedophiles cellmate.

Ex-Westchester cop and convicted killer Nicholas Tartaglione, Epsteins bunkmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan weeks before his death in August 2019, said the disgraced financier dished on the dirt-digging expedition after a confab with the feds.

He said, When you were a cop, what do you know about proffers and cooperating? I said, Jeff, its pretty simple, the prosecutors, you know, they caught a fish  you. Theyre not gonna let that fish off the hook unless you give them a bigger fish,' recalled Tartaglione in a phone call with Jessica Reed Kraus, a California-based self-described journalist who recorded the conversation and later posted it to her Substack.

Nicholas Tartaglione shared a cell with Jeffrey Epstein shortly before the financiers suicide.

He said, Yeah, well, thats what they said,' the quadruple murderer recalled. He said, They told me theyd let me plead out something small, and Ill do just a couple of years in a camp, if I can give them something on Trump to get him impeached.

He says, but the government told me I dont have to prove what I say about Trump, as long as Trumps people cant disprove it, Tartaglione said  adding that Epstein considered making stuff up to save his skin. Tartaglione never said what Epstein ultimately planned to do.

Tartaglione, 57, was convicted in 2023 of murdering four people, including a man he tortured and strangled over stolen drug money. The one-time Briarcliff Manor cop was sentenced last year to four consecutive life sentences.

Tartaglione was Epsteins cellmate when the moneyman was discovered with bruises on his neck on July 23, 2019. Epstein told his lawyers that Tartaglione roughed him up, which the cellmate denied.

Epstein was removed from Tartagliones cell and put on suicide watch. He killed himself three weeks later on Aug. 10  though questions over the possibility of foul play remain. While he was supposed to be placed with a new cellmate, Epstein was alone, according to a report from the Department of Justice Inspector General.

Epstein at the time was facing a raft of charges from federal prosecutors, including sex trafficking of minors and sexual exploitation and abuse.

Trump and Epstein did know each other, but they werent friends, Tartaglione said. Getty Images

According to Tartaglione, Epstein said he knew Trump only socially and the two were not friendly. In fact, he said Trump once threw him out of a party at Mar-a-Lago for being flirtatious with young women.

I said, Well, do you know Trump?' Tartaglione claimed in the phone call. He says, Well, you know, I know him. I met him, but we dont like each other. I laughed. I said, Why? He said, Trump threw me out of a party at his place in Florida.

I said, Why he throw you out? He said, Oh he got mad, I was talking to some girl.

By now I got wind of what he was in there for, Tartaglione told the interview. And I said, How old was the girl, Jeff? And he says, Oh about 18, 19.

So, I was a cop. I said, Jeff, that means probably 14, 15. And he says, Well he threw me out. I havent talked to him since.'

It is not clear when the party was.

Tartaglione said Epstein admitted, I dont know anything about Trump.

Tartaglione added that Epstein was additionally considering turning because he wanted to save his girlfriend  a likely reference to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years for sex trafficking in 2022.

Epstein committed suicide in his prison cell an incident which many believe involved foul play. Brigitte Stelzer

Before his death, Epstein said that he had so much dirt on Trump and Hillary Clinton that he could have had the 2016 election cancelled, his brother Mark Epstein told The Post last year.

Kraus, who posted her conversation with Tartaglione, additionally reported on her substack that the ex-cop was choked and stabbed by other inmates in October. A spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons declined to comment on the matter.

Kraus, 45, told The Post she was first introduced to the killer two years ago  and believes he was wrongly convicted.

We were introduced by a friend in common almost two years ago. Nick knows I record him. He believes I can help him prove his conviction is unjust, Kraus said.

Tartagliones attorneys declined to comment. Reps for Manhattan federal prosecutors declined to comment on Tartagliones allegations.

Epstein said he considered making up a story for the feds in order to save Ghislaine Maxwell, according to Tartaglione. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Legal experts told The Post that the purported fed offer to Epstein sounded plausible.

Anything is possible when it comes to high-profile cases like this. They are career makers, said Alan Dershowitz, a close confidante of Trump who represented him during his first impeachment trial.

It could have originated at some point lower than the US attorney or one of the middle ranking officials at the Southern District of New York or the FBI. They are always looking to make cases.

Added defense lawyer Jason Goldman: Federal prosecutors in particular are known to conduct these types of proffer sessions. Defendants facing extreme sentences are pressured to name names and conform to the governments version of the truth, even where there may be resistance.

The threat to prosecute Maxwell is extremely plausible  the fact that she wasnt simply arrested alongside Epstein but rather only later on, after his unwillingness to implicate Trump and after his apparent suicide, speaks volumes about the governments tactics.
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Editors note: This article contains descriptions of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Childhelp Hotline at (800) 422-4453.

A Florida children's author and her husband pleaded guilty to abusing and neglecting their three children, leaving one girl hospitalized in critical condition with multiple organ failure.

She was 8 years old, according to local news reports. She weighed just 40 pounds, arrest records show. The children were beaten with a device called a "whacker," locked up, and not allowed to speak to each other.

Jennifer Wolfthal, 45, who wrote a children's book called "A Real Friend," and her husband, 43-year-old Joseph Wolfthal, an engineer at Lockheed Martin, pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse and three counts of child neglect each earlier this week, according to court records reviewed by USA TODAY.

One of the children "described an existence in which she did not see or talk to anyone other than her parents including her siblings and spent virtually all of her time locked alone in her bedroom," according to a search warrant written by Seminole County Sheriff's Deputy Sean R. Platter. Two of the children also said they were often sent to bed, punished with a bottle of cold water poured over them, and left in that condition overnight.

The children were forced to write sentences as part of their punishments, they told investigators. A search of the house turned up over 1,100 paragraphs repeating: "my body stays flat on the bed at all times. I was never given permission to move or say anything. Now I get to write about this along with everything else. I'm a fool."

Jennifer Wolfthal

The parents were arrested in 2021 after the 8-year-old was hospitalized. In addition to multiple organ failure, she had sepsis, a staph infection, black eyes, open wounds and scabs, pneumonia and malnutrition, records show.

The other children were also taken to the hospital for care for malnourishment and bruises after a welfare check at their Casselberry home in central Florida. The children were adopted, according to the couple's arrest reports.

More: Nurse charged with abuse after multiple newborns suffer fractures in intensive care unit

Joseph Wolfthal

Platter wrote in reports that the children were afraid to leave their rooms at night to use the bathroom and would have accidents. One child said she hadn't been bathed in months and was only fed a mixture of cereal and vegetable puree, sometimes not having a first meal until late afternoon.

The couple used the object one child called a "whacker" to hit them, Platter wrote in an arrest record. The children said they were hit to the point of drawing blood and would be hit in the same spots that were already wounded.

Jennifer Wolfthal's book was published in 2020. The story is about best friends Max and Benny who get into an argument, according to a description on Goodreads. Benny tries to build a new friend after getting annoyed. "A recognizable picture book about playing together, quarreling and patching up a quarrel," the description says. "For playful children ages 4 years and up."

Clavis Publishing wrote in the book's description on Google Books and other sites after the arrest that it would stop further commercialization of the book.

"We were made aware of horrific news regarding one-time, Clavis' author Jennifer Wolfthal's arrest and strongly condemn child abuse, abandonment and neglect, today and always," the company said.

According to her author description, Jennifer Wolfthal grew up in South Florida, has a degree in elementary education and worked as a fourth-grade teacher for eight years at a public school. "She enjoyed instilling a love for writing in her students," and went on to homeschool her own children, the description says.

Jennifer Wolfthal was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Joseph Wolfthal was sentenced to 10 years, according to court records. Their attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Children's book author, husband plead guilty to child abuse, neglect
After years of fast-rising housing costs, 2024 provided many renters throughout the US with some relief  rents stayed relatively flat or even fell in much of the country.

The exception? The Midwest. The region has enjoyed a strong economy and an influx of new residents seeking a lower cost of living, but that has exacerbated a housing shortage stemming from residential construction thats lagged other parts of the country. Rents are still growing in most major Midwestern metro areas, with cities including Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri, increasing at some of the fastest rates anywhere in the country.

The rising rents threaten to push living costs out of reach in one of the few pockets of the country that is still affordable.

Renting for longer

A lack of supply, coupled with the fact that many renters now delay homebuying due to high costs, has kept rents elevated in the region, said Matt Vance, vice president and Americas head of multifamily research at CBRE.

They dont have the competition among new landlords trying to lease up their properties because there arent many new properties being delivered, and because renters are renting for longer, he said.

A good barometer of expanding housing inventory is if an area is delivering 5% or more of its inventory in the next two years, Vance said. Some rapidly expanding cities like Austin have had deliveries reach 25% or more in recent years. But with the exception of Columbus, most Midwestern cities are falling short of that metric.

As of September, eight out of the 10 largest Midwestern markets experienced rent growth from a year earlier, with only Chicago and Detroit seeing price reductions, according to Realtor.com. Nationwide, however, rents were down about $8, or half a percent, during that time period.

Read more: Should you rent or buy a home? How to decide.

Sticker shock in Cincinnati

Few parts of the region have seen rents rise as much as Cincinnati. The median rent there was $1,365 in November, up 2.6% in the last year. City native Maggie Shreve has seen her rent go up by even more. Since she relocated from Chicago and moved into an income-restricted apartment for senior citizens in late 2022, rent on her two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has jumped more than 20%, to over $1,100 from $920.

Its a burden for Shreve, who serves as a volunteer pastor in retirement and brings in about $35,000 annually in Social Security and pension income. She doesnt want to move  she likes her apartments location in a walkable part of town, accommodations for seniors like bathroom grab bars, and her friends in the building.

"Cincinnati was advertised as 20% below the cost of living in Chicago," Shreve said. "I thought everything would be lower, and that did not turn out to be true."

Her neighbor Denise Nichols has received similar increases.

I really would like to stay here forever, but if it keeps going up like that, I would not be able to, Nichols said.

Downtown Cincinnati buildings on July 29, 2019. The median rent in Cincinnati was $1,365 in November, up 2.6% in the last year. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images) (Raymond Boyd via Getty Images)

Some of their neighbors have already moved instead of shouldering the higher rents. One tenant relocated to a homeless shelter, while another managed to find a cheaper apartment elsewhere in the city. A third moved in with family temporarily while looking for a new, more affordable place to stay.

Shreve, Nichols, and other building residents formed a union and sent a letter to their buildings management asking that future rent increases be capped at no more than 3%.

Emily Damelio moved to Cincinnati a decade ago to attend college and rented her first studio apartment halfway through her schooling. In the years since she graduated, shes worked as an oboe instructor and in arts administration. Her income has nearly doubled, but the citys fast-rising rents make it hard for her to feel comfortable about upgrading to a larger apartment.

As I graduated and started to get jobs and make more money, I slowly realized that I would never be able to move out of a studio apartment  that I would never really be able to move up, she said.

Read more: What is rent-to-own, and can it help me buy a home?

Still more affordable by comparison

There are few catalysts for rent growth to slow in much of the Midwest anytime soon. Housing starts in the region have been roughly flat in recent years, whereas regions like the South that are seeing rents fall the fastest enjoyed years of construction growth thats only now starting to fade.

Midwesterners do still benefit from slightly better affordability than other regions. At the end of 2024, a couple earning local minimum wage in St. Louis, Kansas City, Cleveland, Chicago, or Columbus would each need to work just over 40 hours a week to split their cities' minimum rent while staying under conventional affordability guidelines, according to Realtor.com.

Thats about half the hours it would take in pricier areas subject to the $7.25 federal minimum wage, like Nashville and Atlanta. Minimum wage increases that took effect on Jan. 1 in around half the countrys 50 largest metro areas also helped improve the math in those areas.

In some markets, incomes do keep up better with rents, said Danielle Hale, Realtor.coms chief economist. But affordability is tough for a lot of households across the spectrum.

Claire Boston is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance covering housing, mortgages, and home insurance.

Click here for real estate and housing market news, reports, and analysis to inform your investing decisions

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Smoke rises from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza strip on January 16, 2025. (Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images)

The long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release deal between the Israeli government and Hamas will take effect on Sunday, potentially signaling a new chapter in a bloody 15-month conflict that has enflamed the Middle East.

The deal, which is made up of three phases, will come into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time (1:30 a.m. ET) on Sunday.

The first phase, expected to last six weeks, will see a pause to the fighting in Gaza and the release of 33 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip will also be ramped up; 600 trucks will now be sent into the enclave per day, a significant increase from the 614 truckloads of aid that entered Gaza in the first two weeks of January, according to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The deal was reached between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday, but still needed final approval from the Israeli government before it could be enacted.

The 33-member cabinet deliberated for more than seven hours into early Saturday before green-lighting the agreement, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office. There were 24 votes in favor of the deal and eight against, an Israeli official told CNN, with communications minister Shlomo Karhi abstaining.

It will be the second ceasefire since the war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. The military offensive launched by Israel in response has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians and injured more than 110,000 in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its figures.

Though Israels Supreme Court will still hear appeals by Israelis opposing freedom for any Palestinian prisoners slated for release, that process is not expected to delay the start of the ceasefire.

Hostages released

The breakthrough has inspired fresh  yet cautious  hope among the families of Israeli hostages still trapped in Gaza, many of whom do not know if their relatives are dead or alive.

Nobody knows the fate of their loved one for sure, Sharone Lifschitz, whose father has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, told CNNs Christiane Amanpour. If he has stayed alive, its a wonderful miracle.

Foreign hostages, including Americans, are expected to be released in addition to the 33 Israeli hostages, a source familiar told CNN Friday.

Three female Israeli civilian hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released on the first day, according to two US officials. Ninety-five Palestinian prisoners are set to be released after 4 p.m. local time Sunday, Israels Ministry of Justice said.

Hamas and its allies still hold 94 people taken from Israel 15 months ago. At least 34 of them are dead, according to the Israeli government, though the true number is expected to be higher.

All but 10 of the 94 hostages are Israeli or dual citizens, while eight are from Thailand, one is from Nepal, and one is from Tanzania, according to the Israeli Prime Ministers Office.

Negotiations for the second and third phases of the ceasefire will begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal, according to an Israeli official.

A joint operations room will be established in Cairo to monitor the implementation of the deal and will include representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, Israel, and Palestinian officials, according to Egypts state-affiliated Al Qahera News, citing a senior Egyptian official.

Humanitarian relief

The deal also offers an opportunity for humanitarian workers to shuttle much-needed aid into the battered Gaza enclave, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are starving, according to the United Nations, and living conditions are dire.

Hundreds of aid trucks carrying food, clothing, medical supplies and other relief materials, are lined up at the Rafah border crossing in anticipation of the deal going into effect Sunday, Al Qahera News reported. The trucks came from various areas of the Egyptian region of North Sinai, and some have been waiting for months, the news outlet said.

However, the United Nations warned Thursday the increased aid allotment would be only a start in addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

The start of the ceasefire will be a reprieve for Gazans who have endured 15 months of relentless Israeli strikes, which have reduced much of the enclave to rubble.

Scenes of jubilation emerged across Gaza shortly after mediator Qatar announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had come to the agreement, though Israels bombardment has ramped up in the days since.

Israeli strikes have killed more than 122 people since the ceasefire deal was announced, including 33 children, according to Gazas Civil Defense.

The first ceasefire, in November 2023, lasted about a week. In that period, 105 hostages being held by Hamas  primarily women, children and elderly people  were released, while Israel released about 240 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.

Netanyahu faced major political fallout ahead of the cabinet meeting to approve the deal, with two far-right parties threatening to quit the government if the deal went through  a move that could cause the prime minister to lose his majority in the Knesset, or parliament.

Netanyahu told his security cabinet on Friday that he received guarantees from negotiators that the US would back a return to war if future talks with Hamas break down, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim, Abeer Salman, Caitlin Danaher, Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Sana Noor Haq, Kareem Khadder, Jeremy Diamond, Lauren Kent, Helen Regan, Eric Levenson and Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Alexander Cornwell and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel's cabinet approved a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday, a day before the agreement's scheduled start.

In the early hours of Saturday, after meeting for more than six hours, the government ratified the agreement that could pave the way for an end to the 15-month-old war in the Palestinian enclave, which Hamas controls.

"The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday," Netanyahu's office said in a brief statement.

In Gaza, Israeli warplanes have kept up heavy attacks since the ceasefire deal was agreed.

Israeli tanks shelled eastern areas of the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City and Israeli planes fired on areas in central and southern Gaza on Saturday, residents said. Medics in Gaza said five people were killed in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis during an airstrike on the enclave's south.

Some 123 Palestinians have now been killed by Israeli bombardments since the accord was announced on Wednesday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said.

Sirens sounded in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Saturday. The military later said it has shot down a missile fired from Yemen and there was no mention of any casualties.

After the Israeli cabinet approval, lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk said the plan was moving forward on track.

The ceasefire will come into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman posted on X. The White House expects three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross.

"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident... it is ready to be implemented on Sunday," McGurk told CNN from the White House.

Under the deal, the three-stage ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase when hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners and detainees jailed in Israel.

Thirty-three of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives, are to be freed in this phase. In return, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinians from its jails.

They include 737 male, female and teen-aged prisoners, some of whom are members of Palestinian militant groups convicted of attacks that killed dozens of Israelis, as well as hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza in detention since the start of the war.

The Israeli Justice Ministry published their details early on Saturday, along with the ceasefire agreement, which said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday.

The Israeli military said it was preparing to receive the hostages "in accordance with the set agreements" and that the military "is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail."

After Sunday's hostage release, McGurk said, the accord calls for four more female hostages to be released after seven days, followed by the release of three further hostages every seven days thereafter.

HARD-LINERS OPPOSE CEASEFIRE

With the accord opposed by some Israeli cabinet hard-liners, media reports said 24 ministers in Netanyahu's coalition government voted in favour of the deal while eight opposed it.

The opponents said the ceasefire agreement represented a capitulation to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved and urged other ministers to vote against it. However, he said he would not bring down the government.

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.

After a last-minute delay on Thursday that Israel blamed on Hamas, the Israeli security cabinet voted on Friday in favour of the ceasefire accord, a requirement before the full cabinet vote.

Israel began its assault on Hamas in Gaza after the group's fighters burst into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

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 prewar population of 2.3 million several times, according to Gaza authorities.

If successful, the ceasefire could ease hostilities elsewhere in the Middle East, where fighting has spread to include Iran and its proxies - Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq - and the occupied West Bank.

Gaza civilians have faced a humanitarian crisis due to hunger, cold and sickness. The ceasefire agreement calls for a surge in assistance, and international organisations have aid trucks lined up on Gaza's borders.

Palestinian relief agency UNRWA said on Friday that it has 4,000 truckloads of aid, half of which are food, ready to enter.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, Nidal Al Mughrabi in Cairo, Hatem Khaled in Gaza and Ahmed Tolba and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo; Writing by Cynthia Osterman and Timothy Heritage; Editing by David Gregorio, Diane Craft and William Mallard)
This summer, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from her husband of two years, Ben Affleck. According to a source speaking with Us Weekly, Lopez has been adjusting to life without Affleck and is enjoying being single.

Shes enjoying being single and is feeling herself, said the insider, adding that she has no regrets.

She was very in love with Ben, but love isnt enough sometimes, the source shared. Things worked out for the best and how they were supposed to.

J.Lo is having fun while she is working on some big movie projects and enjoying showing how amazing she looks.

The actresss new film Unstoppable was scheduled to premiere in Los Angeles on January 7, but the event was delayed due to the wildfires across the city. The movie was produced by Affleck in conjunction with his friend and collaborator Matt Damons production company, Artists Equity.

Lopez recently said similar things to the source about her healing process in a December interview with British Vogue, sharing how she approaches hardships.

I think the way I overcome things is not by thinking of them as happening to me but happening for me and what is the lesson that needs to be learned in the moment, the star explained. When I think of things that way and stay in a kind of a more positive mindset about it, its easier to kind of embrace it for the lesson that it is.

She continued, Because thats really what our hardships are in life. What am I supposed to learn here? There are no coincidences. This is not happening, you know, just randomly. Its happening for a reason.

Lopez added, What can I learn and how can I come out the other side better, stronger, more knowledgeable and kind of evolve and grow from this point?

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US District Court Judge Aileen Cannon and former President Donald Trump. (From United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, AP)

Judge Aileen Cannon suggested Friday she was not inclined to allow the Justice Department to share special counsel Jack Smiths report on the classified documents case with Congress  at least for now.

At the end of the day, whats the urgency of doing this right now? Cannon asked Justice Department attorney Elizabeth Shapiro at a hearing in her Ft. Pierce, Florida, courtroom.

Attorney General Merrick Garland earlier this week released the part of Smiths report focusing on January 6 and Trumps attempt to overturn the election. The Justice Department is seeking to show the classified documents report to a handful of members of Congress, but not yet make it public.

Cannon, appointed by Trump in 2020, has had oversight over issues in Trumps criminal case in Florida, where he was charged by the special counsel in connection with allegedly mishandling classified documents taken to his Mar-a-Lago estate. Assigned the case at random, after previously issuing rulings in Trumps favor  later overturned by higher courts  in a civil case that stymied the investigation into the documents, Cannon drew criticism for delays in the case and then controversially dismissed the charges against Trump, saying Smiths appointment violated the Constitution.

Smith has resigned from the department, and Garland will lose all control over what happens to the report  and the classified documents case writ large  once Trump is inaugurated Monday at noon. Fridays hearing ended without Cannon issuing a ruling.

At the heart of the dispute before Cannon is the transparency that Congress is entitled to in a special counsel investigation, especially after Trump made clear during the 2024 campaign that he would not respect the typical independence a special counsel probe would have from an administration.

Friday, Cannon peppered Shapiro with questions why the department was offering the report to Congress now, when there is a possibility that the prosecution against Trumps former codefendants could be revived. Cannon dismissed the case against them last summer but that ruling is on appeal.

Trump was dropped as a defendant in the appeal after his reelection, but Cannon on Friday asked the Justice Department whether its possible Trump could see the charges brought again down the road, since he had been dismissed without prejudice  meaning the possibility of being prosecuted again hadnt fully been foreclosed.

Shapiro said she did not have an answer to that question.

The Justice Department says that if allowed by the court, it plans to show the report to the GOP and Democratic leaders of House and Senate Judiciary committees  and they would only be allowed to view it behind closed doors on the condition that they would not disseminate information from it.

Still, the judge demanded examples of when the department has disclosed non-public information to Congress from its investigatory work when the matters werent fully closed.

Cannon noted that in past examples of the department releasing a special counsels report, those reports had been disclosed after a moment of finality when there was no doubt.

Cannon is one of the people outside of DOJ, including Trumps attorneys, who has seen the report. Earlier this week, the department provided Cannon with an unredacted version and a version with the redactions they had planned for the limited review by lawmakers.

The specter hanging over the courtroom that Trumps Justice Department  which will likely be led by some of the same defense attorneys who had sought court orders blocking the release of both volumes of Smiths report  could bury the report once he is inaugurated was not explicitly confronted.

That possibility went unaddressed even though Trump himself is seeking to formally intervene in the dispute so he can bring his own arguments against the limited disclosure. Faced with Cannons questions for why department was pushing to share the report with Congress now, Shapiro instead referenced Garlands general commitments to transparency, and his desire to see things through with a special counsel that he appointed.

Trump attorney John Lauro, meanwhile, claimed the urgency was motivated by a wish by the Biden administration to get our last licks in here before we leave.

Much of Cannons questioning for the defense counsel focused on the conceptual framework she would be using to do the legal analysis of their request. She also floated the possibility that she would delay the limited disclosure of Congress for additional proceedings on what would need to be redacted under federal law protecting grand jury proceedings.

Trump and his former co-defendants have been able to upend Garlands plans for rolling out the two-volume report. Though the president-elect was unable to block the release of the reports volume on the 2020 election subversion investigation, Cannon has already placed a hold on the classified documents report being disseminated outside of the department that remains in place.

Cannon dismissed the case last summer, with her concluding that Smith had been unconstitutionally appointed. But with the appeal of the ruling ongoing, Trumps former co-defendant say that even disclosing the report to the members of Congress would be prejudicial to them if the case were to go to trial. Cannon on Friday was focused on the lack of mechanism the court has to enforce the lawmakers to keep quiet about what they learn from the report.

If a member of Congress went to the House floor to describe what they had read, that conduct would be protected by the Constitutions Speech or Debate Clause.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Ruby Chen is for now determined to keep referring to his son as a "hostage" in the traditional sense: He's being held against his will, may be hurt and will be released once the kidnappers get whatever they're asking for.

Chen, who's from New York, is not referring to him as a middle child who loved to sing and dance, adored basketball, had a loving girlfriend and was known inside the family as the "connector."

He's a hostage and a son in the present tense, still very much here.

Still alive.

On Sunday, a ceasefire deal endorsed by Israel and Hamas went ahead. It will see the first of dozens of captives held by the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip for the past 15 months freed. The truce will also see Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli prisons. It represents the first break in fighting in Gaza in over a year.

US 'confident' about Gaza ceasefire: What's the hitch?

A person rides a scooter in front of posters of hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7 2023, attack by Hamas, in Jerusalem on Jan. 16, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

In the deal's first phase, due to take place over six weeks, 33 hostages, including women, children and elderly people will be released in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

In all, Hamas is holding seven Americans. Two of the three presumed to be alive are expected to be included in the deal's first stage, according to senior Biden administration officials.

Chen's son Itay, a citizen of the U.S., Israel and Germany, will not be among them.

Itay was 19 and serving in the Israel Defense Forces when Hamas attacked Israel's southern border with Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and returning to Gaza with 251 other hostages.

Israel's intelligence services concluded in March that Itay was killed at some point by Hamas gunmen while he was deployed with a tank unit. His body was brought to Gaza and hidden, to be used as a bargaining chip in an exchange like the one getting off the ground Sunday, they said.

Yet in the absence of physical, corroborating evidence, Itay's family is still holding onto hope that the son they think of as a classic middle child, full of energy and mischief, "who had all the possibilities in front of him" and "whose favorite sport was playing mom off dad," is somehow, against the odds, still amongst the living hostages.

"Hamas has not given us any indication" that he's dead, his father said in a phone interview from Israel. "From our perspective, if you want to define my son the first adjective would be 'hostage.' That has not changed."

At last, Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire

What has changed is that for the first time since November 2023  when 105 hostages were freed from Gaza during a weeklong truce between Israel and Hamas, while Israel released about 240 Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons  families like the Chens now stand a real chance of being reunited with their loved ones.

Their 20-year-old is a hostage in Gaza: Here's what they know about her condition

Yet the Chens might need to wait a while longer. The identities of those being freed in Gaza have not officially been made public, though several Israeli media outlets did publish Friday a leaked list of the 33 hostages expected to be released in the first stage. It includes kidnapped children, female soldiers who were teenagers when they were abducted, two Americans, a Nova music festival survivor and an 84-year-old peace activist.

Israel has cautioned that it can't guarantee that all of the hostages released in the deal's first phase will definitely be alive. The order of the releases has also not been made public because, Israel says, it can change last-minute.

On the Palestinian side, Israel's justice ministry published a list of 95 prisoners who could be included in the first part of the swap. Most were women, arrested after Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks. About ten thousand Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel. Some have been detained for throwing stones or incendiary devices. Others have been jailed for crimes including attempted murder or manufacturing knives and daggers. Some have murkier offenses attached to their names such as state security or "damage to the security area." Some have no charges at all.

Ruby Chen, the father of Itay Chen.

Who are the Americans held in Gaza?

Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36  who is not related to Itay Chen though the two men share a similar tragic fate as hostages held in Gaza  and Keith Siegel, 64, are expected to be the first two Americans freed in the deal.

Dekel-Chen has family ties to Bloomfield, Conn. He qualifies for release in the agreement's first stage because he is believed to be badly injured. Dekel-Chen was last seen kissing his pregnant wife as he locked her and their two daughters inside a safe room as Hamas militants invaded his home on Nir Oz kibbutz, in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

She advocated for Palestinians: Then Hamas came

Dekel-Chen's family escaped. He did not.

In a phone interview, Dekel-Chen's father Jonathan described his son as an entrepreneur whose "moonlighting gig is repurposing old buses for new uses." He said he's "the son anyone would love to have. You can't meet him and not smile. He's endlessly positive. He's a builder. He's a creator. He's been that his entire life."

Siegel is originally from Chapel Hill, N.C. Since he's in his mid-60s, he meets the age criteria for release in the deal's early stages. He was kidnapped along with his wife Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the hardest-hit communities during Hamas' attacks. Just a mile from Gaza, Kfar Aza's houses were burned by explosives, riddled with bullet holes and reduced to rubble by tank shells. Israel's military battled Hamas militants there for days.

Aviva Siegel was freed in the November 2023 truce. As a hostage, she had to beg for food and water, she's said in interviews. Since her release, she's been pleading with Israel's government to help secure her husband's freedom. As Hamas militants led him away from their home on Oct. 7, his ribs were broken and he was shot in the hand.

Chilling details of what hostages faced: 'We know they were raped in Hamas captivity'

Former Hamas hostage Aviva Siegel poses with a t-shirt showing a picture of her husband Keith Siegel during an interview with AFP, while on her visit to the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Feb. 28, 2024. Aviva Siegel was released on Nov/ 26, 2023, her husband is still being held hostage.

Adi Alexander is waiting to learn if his 21-year-old son Edan will be among the released hostages. He said in a phone interview that he is hoping his child has been spared the worst while in captivity.

"I just want to hug him and I hope he will say, 'You know what? It wasn't so bad guys. I'm good.'" A high school swim team star from New Jersey, Edan Alexander has piercing eyes and a smile his father has said was popular with girls. He chose to spend his gap year before college serving in Israel's military when he was kidnapped.

Hamas released a video in which he appeared in late November. He speaks under duress, and in English for part of it, urging the Israeli government to end the war and make a peace deal. The Alexander family recognizes that because their son was in the IDF when he was kidnapped he is unlikely to be released before the deal's second phase, at the earliest. Negotiations about the timing of that phase are expected to happen by the 16th day of the first phase. However, the Alexanders are optimistic about the ceasefire and what it could mean for them.

"We've been hopeful all the time. For the first time, it feels like we are finally there," said Adi Alexander.

Finally, jubilation in Gaza

Still, a sense of expectation and guarded relief is not limited to Israel's hostage families.

In Gaza, as the news was announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had committed to a fresh ceasefire, millions of Palestinians celebrated. They took to the streets to sound horns, wave Palestinian flags and express jubilation amid a backdrop of countless buildings and homes that have been reduced to rubble.

The agreement calls for a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where Palestinians, the United Nations and aid groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross say there are severe shortages of food, water, shelter and fuel. The UN and ICRC say they are preparing to scale up their aid operations for when the ceasefire takes effect.

If the agreement holds, it will pause the fighting that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run authorities. Most of the region's 2.3 million people have been displaced multiple times.

Palestinian boys stand near a damaged tent for displaced people, after an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 17, 2025.

"It's all about celebrations right now," Nour Swirki, a Palestinian TV journalist, said in a brief WhatsApp message.

Swirki has spent large parts of the war living in a tent, on the grounds of a hospital in Deir al Balah, in central Gaza. She evacuated her children to Egypt and is desperate to be reunited with them.

Swirki's wishes seem implausibly modest: a home, sleep without fear, to hug her children.

Trapped in Gaza for a year: One journalist's harrowing story

In fact, even as the ceasefire looms, Israel has continued its bombing campaign in Gaza.

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured since the agreement was unveiled.

Amal Nassar said her family is sheltering in a neighbor's apartment in their bombed-out building in Deir Al-Balah, also in central Gaza. Nassar spent months raising thousands of dollars for a time when she might be able to evacuate to Egypt with her husband and three young children. As the war has dragged on, prices for everyday goods have skyrocketed. All the money has now been spent for "survival."

The border in every direction is closed to civilians.

"Yeah!!!," Nassar wrote in a WhatsApp message about the ceasefire, before sending a reporter a video of her three children jumping up and down excitedly while repeating, "Ceasefire! Ceasefire! Ceasefire!"

One of Nassar's children, Mira, born during the war, just turned one. In the video, she, too, jumps alongside her siblings, Ahmad, 8, and Yara, 7. She mimics their speech and movements. Her feet are unsteady.

Pregnant in Gaza: women face starvation, no anesthesia

"We are OK," Nassar said in the message. "We have lost lots of our relatives."

Nassar said if the war finally ends, her family may stay and rebuild. Or try to leave again. She's not certain.

Waiting for definitive proof of life  or death

Israel's government believes 94 hostages are still in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead.

In addition to Itay Chen, they believe American hostages Gad Haggai, 72; his wife, Judith Weinstein, 70; and Omer Neutra, 21, are dead. None of them are expected to be returned to their families in the deal's early stages.

For the families, the waiting is intolerable.

"All the hostages need come out, regardless of their physical status," said Chen, who wants definitive proof before describing his son as deceased. Chen said he plans to fly to Washington, D.C., to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday and meet with members of Trump's national security team and envoy for hostage affairs. The other families of American hostages have also been invited to Trump's inauguration.

"We need to remind everybody there are five Americans who are not coming back in the deal's first stage and that the obligation the United States has to its citizens will not be forgotten," he said.

Ultimately, it's not clear how long such reminders will need to continue. The return of all the hostages is not expected to conclude until the deal's third and final stage. There is no specific timeframe for this yet.

One of the hostages has been waiting to be released for most of his young life. Kfir Bibas was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 when he was nine months old. On Saturday, he had another birthday, his second.

Both were in captivity.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel and Hamas are ready for a hostage deal. So are the families
A deranged business owner is behind bars for allegedly kidnapping and viciously beating a man who he believed stole a box of vape pens from his convenience store in Kentucky.

A business owner is behind bars for allegedly kidnapping and viciously beating a man suspected of stealing a box of vape pens from his convenience store in Kentucky.

Kaushalkumar Patel, 40, was arrested on Thursday after he and several others allegedly carried out the deranged plot on Oct. 6, 2024, after spotting the customer leaving his E-Z Super Food Mart in Louisville without paying, multiple outlets reported.

Police said the accused shoplifter fled from the store as Patel and others chased him down in a van and pepper sprayed him in the face.

Kaushalkumar Patel, 40, was arrested on Thursday and charged with kidnapping, assault and wanton endangerment. Louisville Metro Corrections

The alleged thief reportedly crawled into a yard before Patel pulled up his shorts and blasted mace in his anus before forcing him into the van, police said, according to WDRB.

The group took the man to a garage near Patels business, where they allegedly punched, kicked and then whacked him with a piece of wood.

The alleged beating happened after the suspected shoplifter swiped vape pens from Patels Louisville store. Google Maps

The suspected shoplifter was shoved back into the van and later dropped off at Lee Street where his mother picked him up and drove him to the hospital to get stitches, police said, according to the Courier Journal.

He also suffered a concussion and bruising, the outlet reported.

The store owner was arraigned Friday on charges of kidnapping, second-degree assault and wanton endangerment, of which he pleaded not guilty.

Patel is being held at Louisville Metro Detention Center on $100,000 bond, according to court records.

He is due back in court on Jan. 24.
A Volkswagen bus, named Azul by its owner, sits among burned-out homes in Malibu, California, on January 9. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

Editors note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.

In travel news this week: the worlds 50 best cities according to Time Out, huge religious festivals in Italy and India, plus the little blue bus that faced down wildfires and is ready to hit the road.

Beacon of hope

In one of the most striking images to emerge from the unfolding tragedy of the Los Angeles wildfires, a bright blue vintage Volkswagen van stands out miraculously untouched amid the destruction in Malibu.

The vans owner, surf and skateboard designer Megan Krystle Weinraub, says her friends have always referred to the lucky vehicle as the magic bus.

I just cant believe that  my bus is the only thing that survived on the street that I walked by with my dog like every single day, she told CNNs Erin Burnett. Im speechless to see all the houses burnt, and I cant believe that Azul the bus  thats what we named it  survived, she said.

The 1977 van, which she named after the Spanish word for blue, was previously owned by her friend Preston Martin, who lived in it for a year. The pair had gone surfing in the iconic leisure wagon the Sunday before the fires erupted, parking it in the Malibu neighborhood, reported The Associated Press.

Its so cool that its become this, like, beacon of hope, Martin said. Everything around it was toasted, just destroyed. And then heres this bright blue shiny van, sitting right there, Martin told AP.

Worlds best cities

Publishing giant Time Out has revealed its 50 best cities for 2025, and an African city with a jaw-dropping natural setting, colorful architecture and its very own penguin colony is top of the list.

However, some of the very deserving names in its ranking  such as Lisbon, Amsterdam and Barcelona  are already swamped with visitors, so we have some other suggestions that didnt make the cut on Time Outs roundup.

Ho Chi Minh City is the lively commercial heart of Vietnam, where embracing the pandemonium is part of the fun.

Almaty in Kazakhstan was once a drab Soviet metropolis but is emerging as Central Asias new capital of cool.

In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is known as the Paris of Appalachia and offers a warm welcome to its hilly city filled with Golden Age architecture.

When exploring new neighborhoods as a tourist, its always wise to be security-conscious. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have this roundup of the best money belts on the market.

Religious journeys

More than 35 million people are predicted to visit Rome in 2025 as its year-long Catholic Jubilee celebrations get underway. The highlight for pilgrims is the chance to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City.

Watch here as CNN takes a Vespa tour around the city to see the preparations.

Over in India, the worlds largest religious festival is taking place in the city of Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh Mela celebration lasts six weeks and is expected to draw 400 million visitors, many of whom will have come to bathe in the sacred waters where three holy rivers meet. See the awesome spectacle in this video.

In case you missed it

Pakistans national airline is in trouble over a disturbing social media ad.

The poorly judged graphic appears to evoke a terror attack on Paris.

Italy is going to need proof that your hotel was really that bad.

The country is expected to pass a law to help make review sites more truthful.

Her husband died after they moved to Spain.

Now this American woman says shes determined to live their dream.

Two strangers got stuck on a train for two days in 1990.

Heres how they ended up married.

CNNs Dalia Faheid contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
An Oakland man was sentenced to one year in prison for money laundering. Marilyn Nieves/Getty Image

An Oakland man who served as his business anti-money laundering compliance officer was sentenced Wednesday to one year in prison for money laundering, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced.

Jose Luis Garcia, 57, pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Along with his wife, Garcia co-owns Envios Express on International Boulevard, a money transmitting business that contracts with national wire service companies.

As a contractor, Garcia completed annual anti-money laundering training sessions and agreed to make sure his business wire transfers complied with federal reporting requirements. But instead of fulfilling his duties, he took steps to evade those requirements, federal prosecutors said.

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Garcia admitted to falsifying customers names and IDs and splitting high-value wire transfers into multiple transactions to avoid triggering reporting requirements, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. On multiple occasions, Garcia accepted $9,000 or more in cash from customers who asked him to wire the money to drug trafficking hot spots in Mexico or to people in Honduras without revealing their identity.

For example, in August 2022, Garcia accepted $9,200 in cash from an anonymous source and agreed to wire it to Mexico without using the senders name or ID, both required under federal law. Garcia split the cash into four wire payments using fake names for the receipts, and charged the sender $50 under the table for each transaction, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Garcia also kept 15,000 images of identity cards from California, Honduras and Mexico on cellphones and used them to meet the national wire companies ID requirements, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

As part of his sentence, Garcia was ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his year in prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.
Two multibillion-dollar meatpacking companies will each pay $4 million after federal investigations revealed they had illicitly employed dozens of children through staffing agencies, the Labor Department announced this week.

Perdue Farms, a meat processing company headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, was accused of employing children since 2020 in hazardous occupations at a poultry processing plant in Accomac, Virginia, which included the use of electric knives and a heat-sealing press. The children were hired through Staff Management Solutions, which was fined $125,000 for the child labor allegations, according to the Labor Department.

The agreement with JBS USA, based in Greeley, Colorado, follows a 2022 probe that found the companys cleaning contractor employed dozens of children at its facilities, according to the Labor Department. Packers Sanitation Services, of Kieler, Wisconsin, was fined $1.5 million as a result.

Government, industry, workers and advocates must come together to build solutions to the problem of exploitative child labor, said Jessica Looman, wage and hour administrator for the Labor Department. The departments work uncovering a systemic disregard for the safety of children resulted in meaningful commitments to stop and prevent child labor exploitation.

The $4 million payouts are the largest in a string of agreements the Labor Department has announced this week to resolve child labor violations. On Thursday, the agency said a cleaning contractor, QSI LLC, was fined $400,000 after investigators uncovered that children were working overnight sanitation shifts at meatpacking plants across eight states. In Farmington Hills, Michigan, the department announced Wednesday that a branch of Little Caesars paid $26,000 after finding the pizza shop had tasked minors with "operating dangerous equipment" including a 500-degree oven, and with working late hours.

DOL: Meatpacking plant employed children for years

Since at least 2020, the Labor Department said Perdue Farms illicitly employed children through Staff Management Solutions LLC and SMX LLC. Minors worked at a facility in Accomac, Virginia, which is used to debone and process chicken and other products with dangerous equipment, the department said.

The company also employed children past 7 p.m. on weekdays, according to investigators. The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits 14 and 15 year-old teens from working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. during the school year. All minors are prohibited from certain occupations and industries  including meatpacking.

The agreement follows a consent order against a Tennessee-based cleaning firm employed by Purdue Farms and another company. Investigators said Fayette Janitorial Service employed children as young as 13 on overnight sanitation shifts at slaughtering and meatpacking plants. The kids were tasked with cleaning the "killing floor" and slaughtering equipment, and at least one 14-year-old suffered serious injuries, investigators said. Fayette Janitorial was ordered to pay nearly $650,000 in civil penalties in May 2024.

Perdue Farms' $4 million in restitution will be distributed to impacted children, along with organizations advocating for child labor victims and to support work to prevent future exploitation, according to the Labor Department. The company will also pay $150,000 in civil penalties.

Perdue Farms spokesperson Andrea Staub told USA TODAY in a statement that the use of "underaged workers in our facilities was without authorization and is unacceptable."

She said $2 million will be used "for the benefit of impacted minors, and another $2 million will be directed to charities in Accomac or for organizations that assist unaccompanied immigrant children, including the Eastern Shore Community College and Kids in Need of Defense.

"Perdue fully cooperated with the Department of Labors investigation and the investigation did not identify any current underage workers at Perdue Farms," Staub said. "While we strongly disagreed with DOLs findings of liability, and 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."

JBS agreement follows massive 2022 probe

The agreement with JBS follows a 2022 Labor Department investigation that found the companys cleaning contractor employed 102 children, ages 13 to 17, at 13 meat processing facilities across eight states, according to the Labor Department. Some underage employees also worked overnight shifts, and at least three suffered injuries on the job, investigators said.

Nikki Richardson, a spokesperson for JBS, said in a statement to USA TODAY that the company admits no liability as part of the agreement with the Labor Department. She noted JBS no longer works with third-party sanitation providers to ensure high standards from a from a safety, hiring and compliance standpoint.

Richardson said the $4 million fund will be administered by Kids in Need of Defense, a nongovernmental organization that supports unaccompanied and separated children.

We believe the fund outlined in the agreement will provide valuable resources and assistance to support youth who need it, which is in alignment with our zero-tolerance policy for child labor, Richardson said.

Child labor on the rise

This week's batch of settlements represent the final stretch of the Biden administrations crackdown on child labor since 2023, when the Labor Department announced a new task force to address an alarming spike in cases.

Child labor is on the uptick in the United States, according to the Labor Department, which has ramped up its enforcement of violations in recent years. In fiscal year 2024, the agency said it found over 730 cases of child labor violations, which resulted in uncovering the illegal employment of 4,030 children  a 31% increase since 2019.

The agency said it is currently investigating about 1,000 cases.

Contributing: Thao Nguyen and Orlando Mayorquin, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Perdue Farms, JBS USA to pay $4M for child labor violations
With the Alexanders facing multiple charges of sex trafficking, a federal judge has knocked down escalating offers to secure the release of the three Miami-born brothers: Oren, Tal, and Alon.

People with vast riches get away with many things that ordinary people do not. However, as the multimillionaire one-time real estate rock stars the Alexander Brothers are finding out, there are limits to what wealth can do.

With the Alexanders facing multiple charges of sex trafficking, a federal judge has knocked down escalating offers to secure the release of the three Miami-born brothers: Oren, Tal, and Alon.

Their parents, self-made Israeli emigres Shlomo and Orly Alexander, said this week they would put up bail of any amount, up to $1 billion to get their boys out of jail.

Alon and Oren Alexander, back when they flying high, hanging out at a benefit in Watermill. Patrick McMullan/PatrickMcMullan.com

There are allegations that an incident took place at this location in Water Mill, NY. The brothers deny that anything untoward happened. Matthew Peyton

Pictures of them led into court in anti-suicide vests and jail jumpsuits are a long way from them rubbing elbows with the likes of Liam Gallagher, Kim Kardashian, and Lindsay Lohan and bragging on social media about private jet trips to luxe resort towns, as they used to.

Twins Oren and Tal celebrated their 28th birthday with a decadent bash in a $50 million Upper East Side townhouse. A nearly naked woman was on display for VIP guests to take turns dripping hot wax on her body.

Now, the Alexander brothers are believed to have been traveling by corrections department bus from Miami to New York, where they are likely to face time at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while they await their day in court.

Its the worst trip of their lives, a Miami source told The Post. Its the most horrifying thing ever.

Tal Alexander with mother Orly Alexander, while attending a family gathering. Tal Alexander/Facebook

In another bid to keep them out of incarceration, their parents had offered to provide private imprisonment. They proposed confining the brothers to a two-bedroom apartment on the eighth floor of a Miami building  non-waterfront and non-luxury, the pitch from the parents emphasized.

It was promised there would be security guards around the clock and an alarm system to ensure they did not fly the coop.

Their preferred provider would likely have been Kent Security, a family business, run by Orly and her brother Gil Neuman, and of which Alon, 37, is Vice President.

Oren Alexander with his father Shlomi, who owns a security company and has had success in real estate development. Manny Hernandez

Shlomy and Orly Alexander attended a bond hearing for Oren and Alon. Theyve expressed a willingness to put up any amount to secure pre-trial bail for their sons. MATIAS J OCNER/MIAMI HERALD/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Oren and Tal, 37 and 38 respectively, are the ones who made their name and money in high-end real estate, grabbing many congratulatory headlines along the way.

However, one source not deceived by their good looks characterized them to The Post as very mafia  very bad news.

All three have been brought down by allegations they allegedly drugged and raped dozens of women. According to charges brought against them, civilly and criminally, they sometimes participated together in perverse and violent acts. They have all pleaded not guilty.

They deserve bail; theyre innocent until proven guilty, said Joel Danero, one of the attorneys representing Oren and Alon Alexander.

Kim Kardashian is one of the high-flying celebrities with whom the Alexander brothers did real estate business. WireImage

The reason theyre not getting bond federally is because of the [woke] times were living in. Theyre being treated unfairly.

Tal is being represented separately by a different lawyer whodid not return a request for comment.

Evan Torgan, representing three women in civil suits against Oren and Alon (civil cases against Tal are being handled by other attorneys), sees it differently.

The court found them to be a danger to the community, he told The Post. The women have accused them of drugging and raping them.

Noel Gallagher is another celebrity with whom the brothers did real estate business. Getty Images for Bauer Media

Characterizing them as flight risks, federal magistrate Judge Eduardo Sanchez stated, The fact that theyre all facing these charges is enough incentive to flee.

Prosecutors maintain that over 40 women have been forcibly raped or sexually assaulted by at least one of the Alexander brothers.

A hard drive allegedly containing photos and videos of the brothers having sex with women has been recovered by federal prosecutors in New York during a December raid on Tal Alexanders Manhattan apartment.

The prosecutors claimed this week the videos show the brothers physically manipulated the womens bodies  who are visibly under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

All three have been brought down by allegations they allegedly drugged and raped dozens of women. J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan.com

Tal and Oren were, at one point, two of the most successful real estate brokers in the US. Nepo babies launched their real estate careers by selling their fathers 10-bedroom spread, located in Miamis so-called Billionaire Bunker, for $47 million in 2012. It put them on the map and from there, they aggressively worked their way up the real estate food chain

In 2019 they sold a penthouse at 220 Central Park South to hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin, which went for a record-setting $238 million.

Within the industry, they were known for having sharp elbows. They were bullies, very aggressive, said a New York-based real estate insider. They were a force of nature and everyone steered clear of them.

In terms of their alleged sexual proclivities, said a broker in Manhattan, This has been going on forever. But people were afraid to say anything because the brothers threatened people. They had a lot of power.

During the three brothers high school years, a source on the nightlife scene in Miami told The Post, They had a reputation that they were bad guys. It was known that they liked to party and take advantage of girls.

According to New York magazine, local girls were warned to not associate with the brothers and to not drink from open containers when they were present.

A source who knew them back then claims that behavior was abetted by a vehicle parked in front of their childhood home in the posh Miami neighborhood of Bal Harbor.

It was like a tour bus for the brothers to have sex parties in, the source told The Post. Everyone called it the sex bus. It was a bus to bring girls to.

Oren and Alon Alexander were known for dressing sharp and attending splashy events before the allegations came to light. Aaron Davidson

Even a source in the Alexanders camp maintains the brothers were out of control.

Were they complete assholes? Yes, he told The Post. Did they ignore girls after they had sex with them? One hundred percent. Did they hurt peoples feelings? Yeah. Did they drug anyone? No. Women were lining up around the block to sleep with them. Between the three brothers how many women they slept with? I put the over/under at 3,000.

During this past weeks hearing in New York, a lawyer stated Oren and Alon had passed polygraph tests they had conducted, in which they answered in the negative when asked if they had sex with women who had been drugged. The judge dismissed this argument for freedom as nonsense.

She also showed little sympathy for claims that the Alexander brothers have tamped down their sexual appetites since marrying.

Alon Alexander, 37, right, and his twin brother, Oren, left, attend their bond hearing at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building on December 13, 2024 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images

Alon wed Shani Zigron, with whom he has two children, in May 2020; Oren married model Kamila Hansen in April 2023 and Tal married Arielle Kogut in October of the same year. Oren pleaded with a judge in December to let him out as his wife was pregnant and due any day.

The Miami nightlifer said, The wives knew who they were marrying. But I do feel bad for [the brothers] kids. Theyll never see their fathers outside of a prison visiting room.

However, only if they are convicted. Known for their aggression and deal-making, the Alexander family is sure to be plowing their considerable wealth into the brothers legal defense team and then we may get to see a little more of what exactly wealth can do.
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.

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.

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.

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
No stranger to natural disasters, Pasadena resident Pedro Rojas keeps a safety bag in his car with essentials like a jacket, gloves and running shoes in case he needs to flee at a moments notice.

Rojas didnt wait for an evacuation order. He and his family rushed out of their home Tuesday night minutes after seeing strong winds and the Eaton Fire start to ignite, and took refuge at his daughters home in nearby Eagle Rock. All he grabbed was a box of important documents.

Its terrible because we left the house with nothing, he told CNN Thursday.

Within 12 hours, the family of 11 was forced to evacuate again. Now, Rojas is staying at a hotel in Azusa  about 15 miles east of Pasadena, and he doesnt know when hell be able to return home. While the house is still standing, it will need chemical testing and smoke and ash cleanup before its safe for the family to live there, he said.

We dont know if its going to be for one, two, three, four months, a year, Rojas said, adding that hes been trying to get temporary housing through his insurance company.

Rojas was among 41,000 people under evacuation notices nearly two weeks after the LA fires started, down from a peak of more than 170,000 earlier this week. Many were staying in temporary housing like shelters, hotels, short term rentals or with friends. Officials faced multiple challenges in ensuring the areas are safe and habitable.

The properties have been damaged beyond belief. They are full of sediment, debris, silt and hazardous materials, LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said Thursday, adding the Environmental Protection Agency is working to remove toxic debris.

An evacuee is helped across Pacific Coast Highway as smoke from the Palisades Fire envelopes Sunset Boulevard on January 7. - Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Frustrated Los Angeles County evacuees are anxious to return to their houses to survey damage, retrieve necessities, figure out what their insured losses are and assess what can be salvaged of their remaining property. But theyll have to wait at least another week before its safe to do so, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday.

Theres this extreme level of frustration, University of California, Merced professor and wildfire researcher Crystal Kolden said. But that frustration  it is really a function of trying to keep them safe.

Wildfire evacuees tend to experience evacuation fatigue when theyre unable to return home due to the danger of flare-ups, toxic smoke and hidden hazards like debris flows, fallen trees, downed power lines and gas leaks, Kolden said. Additionally, the energy, water and sewer infrastructure has to be restored in impacted neighborhoods.

I feel like going back to the home, even if you know its gone, even if you have seen the pictures or been told by a neighbor, returning to that home that has been lost is the first step in the grieving process, Kolden said.

Weve just been piecing housing together

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The first home Altadena resident Eric Martin has ever owned sustained significant smoke damage from the wildfires, he said. Now, he doesnt know if hell be able to stay in Los Angeles.

We were ecstatic to find the house because wed been looking for years, and LA is so expensive, and theres so little on the market, Martin told CNN Thursday.

At the beloved house, Martins 1- and 3-year-old sons made their first memories. This was the house that our children were going to grow up in, so we were very excited to move into it, he said.

When the Eaton Fire started 10 days ago, Martin was unable to find temporary housing nearby. So, he and his family fled to a hotel in Long Beach  about 40 minutes away. His wife loaded the car with their sons stuffed animals, along with photos and family heirlooms that Martin says are irreplaceable.

Weve just been piecing housing together between friends, houses, hotels and Airbnbs as we wait to get some answers, Martin told CNN.

For evacuees, returning to their homes varies widely from one wildfire to another, depending on the extent of the damage and safety hazards left behind, Kolden said.

This is a completely unique event in one of the most populated places in the country, Kolden said.

The wildfires have killed at least 27 people, with 31 more reported missing, devastating entire neighborhoods that will take months to be cleaned up. As many as 12,000 homes, businesses and other structures may have been destroyed just in the Palisades and Eaton fires, according to Cal Fire. Those fires still burn but containment efforts are continuing: As of Saturday morning, the Palisades Fire had not grown in six days and remained at 23,713 acres, and the Eaton Fire has stood at 14,117 acres for a week, Cal Fire reported in an update.

After the Camp Fire broke out in November 2018 in Paradise, California, it took almost a month for the first of the 30,000 residents who evacuated to begin returning home. More than 18,000 structures were destroyed, according to FEMA. More than six years on, just about 2,600 homes have been rebuilt.

In 2023, Lahaina residents who fled wildfires that ravaged Maui, Hawaii, began returning more than a month later, but the county warned many dangers remain, including the threat of hazardous materials like asbestos, heavy metals and the byproducts of plastic combustion and other chemicals.

Our lives are permanently changed

Altadena resident Ryan Bojanovic received updates from his neighbor about the firestorm on his street. He waited anxiously by the phone while each house on his block burned like a fuse  until the flames reached his own home.

The whole time we prayed it wouldnt reach it, but it felt inevitable, Bojanovic told CNN.

Finally, he heard word that his house was gone, which felt like a sudden plunge into an ice bath, Bojanovic said. He stayed up alone the whole night at a Monterey Park hotel.

Just five hours earlier, Bojanovic and his girlfriend had evacuated after noticing the fire inching closer, ash falling from the sky and the area beginning to fill with smoke.

Bojanovic is extremely pissed that he cant return to his home to find a sense of closure, he said. He tried to access his home three times, but police told him there are looters and he wont be able to return for the foreseeable future, he said.

What about the people hoping to see if there is anything left of their lives except ash? Bojanovic said. We have to live with the fact that our lives are permanently changed and parts of it completely erased.

Disaster survivors like Bojanovic are part of the worst club with the best people in it, and so people really do show up for you, said Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, an organization that is part of the nonprofit Rebuild NorthBay Foundation and assists communities recovering from wildfires.

Its important to utilize available resources, including FEMA assistance and financial counseling provided by nonprofits. Wildfire survivors should be protecting themselves financially, but also taking care of themselves emotionally, she said.

Having a community to share grief and trauma with is essential after major wildfires, Thompson said. Gaining community support leads to much faster, better and less costly rebuilds, according to Thompson.

The only way through a disaster, the only way through a mega fire is if you can view it as a group project, Thompson told CNN. We have to protect the process, because its meant for long-term health.

Its going to take a long time

Homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire are seen in Altadena, California, on Thursday. - Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Families affected by the wildfires are trying to figure out how to go about their daily lives, while also rebuilding those lives, Kolden said. Survivors have to piece together temporary housing and rebuilding plans while dealing with the loss of schools, places of worship and other community institutions. Accessing daily necessities like clothes, medicines and food can also be a challenge, she said.

Its also intensely personal for each homeowner whos lost everything theyve ever collected and moved from house to house, Thompson said. Most people do want to go back and sift through what was there and mourn.

The rebuilding process after a wildfire usually takes two to three years, with many homes not being rebuilt at all, Kolden said. As impacted homeowners work through recovery efforts, several major financial institutions will offer a 90-day grace period on mortgage payments, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Saturday. Homeowners are also promised protection from new foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days.

For Martin, it could take about six to 12 months before his family will be able to live in their house again, but theres still some question about when we would even be able to get in there to start any of this, Martin said.

All we can do is kind of plan to plan, we have no idea what the timeline is, Martin said.

In the meantime, Martin is hoping to find a place for his family to stay  but hes not sure if thats possible with the difficult and expensive housing market in Southern California, he said.

As for Rojas, he wants to get back to his house to see if he can salvage precious treasures, like photo albums capturing memories of his six grandchildren and his familys travels.

But it could take at least five to six months until his house becomes livable, Rojas estimates.

Its going to take a long time, a lot of patience, and were going to have ups and downs, because emotionally it is very draining, he said.

CNNs Dakin Andone, Rebekah Riess and Mike Madrigal contributed to this story.

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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.

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.

Representatives for Young and CNN did not immediately respond to requests for comment after the settlement was announced.

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.

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)
Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump have been given the go-ahead for their $1.4 billion luxury hotel project in Albania.

The Albanian government has given its preliminary approval to a plan put forward by President-elect Donald Trumps son-in-law, according to The New York Times. The project involves building a luxury hotel complex at a small abandoned military base off the Albanian coast.

The proposal is just one of a number connected to Trump and his family, which involves foreign governments as the family returns to the White House. Jared and Ivanka have both said they will not take official roles in the administration - but the son-in-law will advise Donald Trump on Middle East issues, according to reports.

Albanias Strategic Investment Committee, which approved the project, is headed by Prime Minister Edi Rama and hands Kushner and his associates the right to proceed with negotiations to build the resort on 111 acres on the island of Sazan. The island will be connected to the coast via ferry.

When previously asked about the projects, both the Albanian government and Kushner have said that the project is not influenced by Kushners connection to Trump or is an attempt to get favors from the the U.S., according to The Times.

The fact that such a renowned American entrepreneur shows his interest on investing in Albania makes us very proud and happy, a spokesperson for Rama told the paper last year.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have gotten the go-ahead for their $1.4 billion hotel in Albania (Getty Images)

Virginia Canter, a White House ethics attorney during the Clinton and Obama administrations, told The Times that any government deal with the Trump family gives the impression that theres an effort to gain influence with the president-elect.

It all looks like favoritism like they are providing access to Kushner because they want to be on the good side of Trump, Canter told the paper.

Albanian natives were quick to voice their concerns about the proposed deal in exclusive interviews with The Independent in the fall about the proposal.

Arben Kola, a freelance Albanian tour guide, told of her fears over the selection and building of Trumps villas.

Some of the public is blind to the danger these developments bring, people in Vlore dont want to talk about this out of fear, He told The Independent. They cant raise concerns out of fear of losing their businesses.

The way tourism works for Sazan at the moment is it helps to preserve nature, not damage it. We shouldnt change that.

However, Brunilda Licaj, a lecturer in tourism at the Aleksander Moisiu University, welcomed the proposal.

Its a good idea for Vlore; its a beautiful project. Its a development for the future. Its a positive for Albanian people, it is bringing a new sort of tourism to the country and with it new income for the local people, she said.

Residents along Albanias coast were split on the proposed development (AFP/Getty)

Kushners private equity company, Affinity Partners, is supported by about $4.6 billion from Saudi Arabia and other sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East. The company is working on the project in Albania along with real estate executive Asher Abehsera, whom Kushner has previously worked with on projects in Brooklyn.

A document recently shared online reveals that the Albanian government will work with its U.S. partners to remove any possible buried munitions from the proposed site for the hotel and that it will look into any other potential legal or environmental concerns.

But the document, which is dated December 30, also states that the government has the right to revoke the decision, following the final negotiations for the project.

Affinity Partners has said that they are planning to build a five-star eco-resort community and that they will convert a former military base into a vibrant international destination for hospitality and wellness.
Long Island police have arrested and charged a second suspect in connection to the mysterious, month-long disappearance of 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi, who her father believes was a victim of sex trafficking.

Copiague resident Bunice Knight, 47, was charged with second-degree rape, endangering the welfare of a child and three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, which court records reveal as cocaine.

Knight is accused of having sex with the teenage girl in his Jervis Avenue home on Jan. 2, according to Newsday, which reviewed the criminal complaint against Knight. That was one day before her father, Frank Gervasi, discovered her on a boat at the WhiteCap Marina in Islip after receiving a helpful tip.

A second arrest was made in the month-long disappearance of Long Island teen Emmarae Gervasi.

Gervasi disappeared from her Patchogue home when she jumped into an unknown car around 5 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Officials used surveillance cameras from nearby homes to identify Knight and make the arrest on Monday.

What done in the dark will b brought to the light, Frank Gervasi said on Facebook in response to Knights arrest.

During his Tuesday arraignment, Knight pleaded not guilty, while Suffolk County District Court Judge Alonzo Jacobs ordered Knight to stay away from the teen, court records show.

Bail was set at $500,000 cash or $1 million bond, which Knight has since posted, according to court records.

The Suffolk County District Attorneys Office did not respond to inquiries.

Knight previously spent over five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to narcotics trafficking charges in 2004, Newsday reported.

The teens father, Frank Gervasi, reacted to the arrest saying What done in the dark will b brought to the light. Dennis A. Clark

The teen was discovered on a boat owned by Francis Burkheit at a marina in Islip.

Knights defense counsel Glenn Obedin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Frank Gervasi had searched every day for his missing daughter, posting video updates to social media and helping search parties that community members had formed.

Gervasi claimed his daughter was the victim of sex trafficking, saying she was forced to do things that a 14-year-old girl shouldnt have to do.

He shared that his daughter had struggled with drug abuse in the past and was wearing an ankle monitor the night she went missing.

The person who picked her up at my house, he removed the bracelet and, again, unsavory characters did what they did with her and she was already under the influence of drugs, Gervasi previously told The Post. She just started wandering aimlessly after that.

The type of drugs theyre doing, theres definitely a link between the drugs and trafficking, he added. Heavy drugs that they use [on] these girls to get addicted to traffic them.

Gervasi searched for his teen daughter every day she was missing. @longbeard1975/Instagram

In a Facebook video posted on Jan.4, he said that Emmarae is in a facility right now getting the help she needs.

Knight is the second man to be arrested in the missing teens case.

Francis Burkheit, 64, was arrested and charged with kidnapping of the teen on Jan. 6.

A community member holds up a missing persons flyer during a search for the teen in December 2024.

Burkheit, who owned the boat Emmarae was discovered on, had planned on shipping her down to the Carolinas before his arrest, News 12 reported citing court documents.

Burkheit also pleaded not guilty to his charges.

Theres a lot more of a story than whats being told, Burkheits attorney Danielle Papa said after his arraignment.

It was not revealed if the two men knew each other.
Who ever said moving a historic floating skyscraper would be easy?

Americas flagship  the magnificent SS United States  was poised to set sail at the end of last year on her final voyage from Philadelphia to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico to become an artificial reef.

The goodbye celebrations were planned for the ocean liner that broke the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage from New York to Cornwall, England, in 1952.

People arrived in the City of Brotherly Love to mourn the majestic ship thats nearly as long as the Chrysler Building. But Coast Guard concerns and some oily residue has complicated the trip south.

This is a large project and requires multiple steps to ensure a safe move, said Nick Tomecek, public information officer for Okaloosa County, which recently purchased the long-decaying SS United States to sink off its Gulf of Mexico shores in the Florida Panhandle.

Okaloosa County is working in collaboration with federal, state and local agencies to ensure a safe move of the ship that includes requests from the Coast Guard, Tomecek told CNN.

But no new date has been set for the ships move from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama, where it is set to be prepped for sinking.

What went wrong?

The primary barrier for the ocean liner came in the form of a Captain of the Port Order sent from the US Coast Guard to the ships Florida county owners in late November.

According to a copy of the Port Order obtained by CNN, the SS United States could not move because it may not have suitable stability for the intended transit and presents a hazardous condition to the port and waterway.

The ship has sat dormant in its Philadelphia pier for more than two decades as conservationists have struggled to map out a new life for the vessel.

The Coast Guard also flagged a potentially compromised tank and a large amount of oily residue present.

The Coast Guard said that to start moving the ship south, the county needed to restore the ships structural integrity and demonstrate it could withstand the expected harsh journey.

But there have been hopeful signs.

On Friday, Okaloosa County told CNN it had hired a naval architect/engineer to conduct stability tests which are now complete.

According to Tomecek, the tests were accepted by the Coast Guard on January 8, and the next steps include establishing a tow plan, while factoring in tidal conditions.

The Coast Guard told CNN this week that positive progress has been made toward getting her ready to move.

The eviction, the plan and the fine

For more than 70 years, the SS United States has captivated the hearts and minds of Americans for her distinguished beauty, her 1952 transatlantic speed record and for carrying some of the worlds most precious cargo, including multiple US presidents and Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa. She was withdrawn from service in 1969. The admiration never ceased.

But the massive ocean liner, which is bigger than the Titanic, had a massive problem.

The SS United States travels down New York's Hudson River as it begins its first voyage to Europe in July 1952. - Jacob Harris/AP/File

After a flurry of legal battles, last year the SS United States was evicted from the pier where shes sat since 1996.

We were on a kind of furious search for an alternate parking spot, explained Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, the nonprofit that has owned the ship in recent decades. Gibbs is the granddaughter of the ships designer, William Francis Gibbs.

For years, the conservancy was hoping to have the ship preserved or repurposed in some way, at times trying to pitch it as a mixed-used development in an urban waterfront setting, for example.

Unfortunately, we were unable to secure another spot for her partly because what makes her so amazing  shes so big, it makes it challenging to dock, said Gibbs. But the eviction brought a time crunch, and then an unlikely buyer came up with a different plan.

In fall 2024, Floridas Okaloosa County bought the ship to sink her and create the worlds largest artificial reef.

I dont think of it as purchasing to sink it, I think of it as welcoming it into our family, said Jennifer Adams with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department.

The plan is to tug the SS United States along the East Coast and ultimately to Mobile, Alabama, to be stripped and prepped to be sunk.

Then the ships final home will be under about 180 feet (55 meters) of water 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the coast of Destin, Florida.

The move was scheduled to happen in mid-November, but then weather in the Gulf of Mexico delayed the departure.

A week later, the order from the Coast Guard further stalled the journey.

Because the ship didnt move by December 14, 2024, Okaloosa County had to pay a one-time penalty of $100,000, the county confirmed.

While there is still no clear timeline for the ships exit from Philadelphia, Tomecek said they expect the ship to be finally sunk in the Gulf of Mexico by the end of this year or early 2026.

Sinking an icon

Okaloosa County hopes the ship will become a destination for scuba divers and attract fish and other wildlife as a reef. It wont be the only shipwreck habitat they have.

In the past four years, weve sunk 14 vessels, Adams told CNN.

It helps our fisheries thrive, people come not just to sit on the beach  they dive  and it helps the local economy, said Adams.

While the historic ship took years to build, it will only take 10 to 30 minutes to sink.

You pull the plugs and open up and then its slow, and once it gets to the very top, the air goes to the top, it goes down quite quick, Adams told CNN.

The SS United States is set to become a diving site and marine habitat once it's cleared to leave Philadelphia. - mp34/MediaPunch/IPx/AP

Then a team of marine biologists and divers employed by the county will make sure the ship settles into its permanent resting place.

Usually you start to see creatures and plants and growth and coral about a week later, said Adams.

Sinking the ship was not at all what Gibbs and the conservancy wanted, but after the eviction, they viewed it as the best available option.

We prevented her from being scrapped, explained Gibbs, who also noted the county plans to build an accompanying museum in tandem with the conservancy honoring the ships legacy.

Bon voyage to the SS United States

It will be challenging to see the SS United States leave this pier and embark on a new adventure, Gibbs said before the latest Coast Guard delays. But I will summon the strength to bid her farewell and accompany her on her next voyage.

As the news of the eviction and impending sinking spread, people from across the country came to Philadelphia to visit and remember the work of art before its final trip.

Im heartbroken, said John Sabatos, who recently took a day trip from New York to see the ship with his mother.

It would have been really great to see her in the New York City skyline again, he told CNN, referring to the SS United States earlier life in New York. But you know, its still here, so we have a little bit of time for today, and well see what the future holds.

In November, the conservancy held a private boat tour for supporters of the ship and some who crossed the Atlantic on her decades ago.

(Its) heartbreaking to see it go, said Kelly Micca, who spent several weeks painting a picture of the SS United States on an electrical pole across from the pier. Its such a perfect landmark.

Along lines of fencing surrounding the ship, posters had gone up bidding the ship farewell with handwritten messages:

Thank you for bringing my family to the USA!

Thank you for your service to us, you will be mourned for lifetimes.

An American icon, enjoy your last voyage.

Just when that last voyage will start remains to be seen.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Patty Bartlett

Jeanette Bartlett only remembers brief flashes of her big sister, 17-year-old Patty Bartlett. She was a photographer. She was taking up photography in high school, and she was very good, Jeanette told Dateline. I just remember her taking me out and taking pictures of me as a kid.

A photo Patty took of Jeanette

Jeanette says Patty found her love of photography while taking a photo science class at Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. She just really took to it, Jeanette said, adding that Patty had received a scholarship to continue studying photography after high school. She never got to go.

Patty was the second of four siblings in the Bartlett family. Dateline spoke with older brother, Jeff, who said that in 1975, Patty was a senior in high school, and was always surrounded by friends. I have good memories with my sister, he said.

Jeanette is the youngest of the Bartlett family.

Shes incredibly beautiful. She had long dark hair, and she was thin, and just had this smile, Jeanette said. And everybody, apparently, like, just adored her.

Jeanette was only 5 years old when tragedy struck.

That was 50 years ago.

Patty Bartlett

On January 13, 1975, Patty Bartlett was murdered in the parking lot of the Oxford Valley Mall in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She had gone to the mall in Middletown Township that night to pick up some items at a camera shop. It was going to snow -- there was snow in the forecast -- so she went and ran to the mall to grab items so she could take pictures, Jeanette recalled.

After purchasing her items, Patty walked back to the parking lot. According to Jeff, it was dusk. She was attacked, Jeanette said.

Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn told Dateline the Oxford Valley Mall was a very popular mall in a safe community. But what happened that night in the parking lot was absolutely horrific. Patti was stabbed multiple times, Schorn said. There were no witnesses to the crime and no weapon was recovered at the scene. Without the murder weapon and without the eyewitness -- any eyewitnesses -- seeing a fleeing, you know, suspected perpetrator, there are inherent challenges right from the start.

Ive actually walked through the mall, walked where she went, Jeff said. I still cant believe nobody saw anything.

Patty did try to get help. She tried to make her way into the -- the entry of the mall, Schorn said. It was at that point that someone saw Patty and called for help. It was 5:30 p.m. when the Middletown Township Police were dispatched, the DA said.

Patty Bartlett

Pattys sister Jeanette said Patty fought for her life. For 50 minutes, she fought, she said. She just lost too much blood.

There was no communication from Patty if she knew or could describe her attacker before she died. In fairness, I dont think it was asked, but it -- it was certainly not communicated, Schorn said. One of the detectives expressed regret in that, you know, the emergency medical personnel were, you know, rendering aid and trying to treat Patty, so they did not question her.

Jeff was at his girlfriends house with her family that night when the phone rang. An officer was on the line to deliver the terrible news to his girlfriends father that his daughter  Jeffs girlfriend -- had been murdered. He said right to the police officer on the phone, Thats impossible, shes here right in front of me, Jeff said. Some kind of mix-up it seemed.

Eventually, another call came. It was Jeffs father. I said, Dad, whats wrong? Jeff remembered. And he says, Jeff, please come home. Jeff went home. I got home, and all the cops were in the driveway, he said. The whole thing was shocking. I mean, it was the worst day of my life.

It soon became clear what had happened back at Jeffs girlfriends house. Evidently, Patty had my girlfriends license, he said. Jeanette explained why Patty might have had Jeffs girlfriends ID. Back in the day, she said, right across the bridge, you could drink at 18.

Left: A photo Patty took of Jeanette as a child. Right: Jeanette wearing the same hat, as an adult.

Jeanette doesnt remember much after Pattys murder. I was young. I just remember lights and the sirens that evening, she said.

Everybody was panicked. I felt something was happening and --. Its so bizarre. I remember watching I Love Lucy and sitting on the couch. And I went to, like, the cellar door where she used to talk on the phone, and started to cry -- before anybody even really knew -- feeling like somethings wrong. I knew something was wrong.

What Jeff remembers most in the days that followed is the funeral. Thousands came to the viewing for Patty, Jeff said. It was unbelievable how many people showed up.

Dealing with Pattys murder was extremely traumatic for the family. We all went through hell in different ways because we were all different ages, Jeanette said. I had a tough time going through school. She also struggled with nightmares and trauma in the years that followed. My parents were rocks, she said. I dont know how they did it, but they did. Big brother Jeff agrees. My mom and dad took good care of us, he said.

And as the Bartlett family attempted to pick up the pieces, the Middletown Township Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorneys Office worked to solve the case.

The scene was processed, DA Schorn told Dateline. In speaking to the detectives that are presently handling the case that  I mean, they praised the work that was done by Middletown Township and, you know, the officers and detectives assigned at the time.

Schorn says authorities do not believe Patty was killed in a botched robbery. Her wallet and purse were untouched, she said. This is not a robbery. That was not the motive.

The DA said the officers assigned to the initial investigation did the best they could. I mean, they did a thorough job, she said. This is, like, a remarkably challenging type of investigation given the circumstances and given the limitations in the 70s.

Patty Bartlett

Jeff has talked with different detectives assigned to the case over the years. Theyve done everything they could, he said. They just said it was just a dead-end.

I wish I was there with her to protect her, Jeff lamented.

Patty had a frightening experience shortly before her death. She worked at this place called Cocos, not far from our house, and somebody followed her home, Jeanette said. That happened, like, a week before the murder.

I know that she was scared, Jeanette added. The DAs office told Dateline they looked into it, but there wasnt much they could do. They also told Dateline that one of Pattys coworkers from the restaurant had seen her with an unknown male just a few days before the murder. They had a sketch made, but ultimately were never able to identify the person Patty had been seen with.

DA Schorn says the Middletown Township Police Department and county detectives have developed some persons of interest and theories of the crime over the past five decades. She would not go into specifics or discuss the evidence that was collected at the time, but emphasizes detectives are dedicated to analyzing what they have. The highly-skilled detectives who know the resources available in the forensic science world have scrutinized the evidence and will continue to scrutinize the evidence as there are developments with regards to DNA, she said. Sadly, in many cases, we find its very unlikely that a piece of forensic evidence ends up being what is the successful key to solving the case.

And while time can sometimes be a detectives enemy, the DA says, In some cases, time has become our friend. Shes hoping that in Pattys case  it will. The key, she believes, is continuing to keep a case like Pattys in the public eye. Sometimes thats what it takes to have someone, you know, realize: The time is now, I need to come forward, she said. I mean, someone knows something. Someone does.

Schorn hopes that person finds the strength to come forward  so they can provide some measure of closure to Pattys family. No bit of information is too small or -- if you think you know something, dont think, Oh, its probably not relevant, she said. Let the detectives sort through the information.

Patty Bartlett

Given the age of the case, Jeanette Bartlett knows the person who murdered her sister may never face justice.

A lot of these people are already passed away. But it doesnt matter to me, she said. I want to know who. I want to know why.

Jeff Bartlett agrees with his sister, but takes comfort in one thing: The good Lord will take care of the guy that did that to her.

Anyone with information about the murder of Patty Bartlett is urged to contact Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354 or the Middletown Township Police Department at 215-750-3870.

Tips can also be left through CrimeWatch at www.bucksda.org or with the Middletown Township Police Department at www.mtpd.org on the anonymous tips link or on the anonymous tip phone line at 215-750-3888.

If you have a story to share with Dateline, please submit it here.
Sarah Ravani covers Oakland and the East Bay at The San Francisco Chronicle. She joined The Chronicle in 2016 after graduating from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Previously, she covered breaking news and crime for The Chronicle. She has provided coverage on wildfires, mass shootings, the fatal shooting of police officers and massive floods in the North Bay.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The Chapel of St Therese of the Child Jesus in the village of Chokragaon was set on fire, a few days after the ordination of two local priests. The authorities have opened an investigation. The bishop of Tezpur praises the "intense solidarity" and "unity" among Christians following the incident.

Delhi (AsiaNews)  On Wednesday an overnight fire devastated the Chapel of St Therese of the Child Jesus in Chokragaon, a village in the northeastern Indian state of Assam.

The authorities opened an investigation into the incident, while local Church leaders suspect foul play, Catholic Connect reported.

The fire broke out a few days after the priestly ordination of two local men, Fr Charles Murmu and Fr Lambert Ekka.

The chapel, which was 75 years old, was part of the parish of Ambagaon and was reduced to ashes, the secretary of the bishop of Tzepur, Fr Xavier Narzary, said.

A vibrant and active Catholic community that includes ethnic Santals, Bodos, Nepalis, and Adivasis inhabits the village.

Although it is a village, our community is home to an impressive 160 Catholic families, from which many religious sisters and priests have emerged over the years, Fr Narzary explained.

The villagers will now be compelled to travel to their parish church or gather in one anothers homes to continue their prayers and spiritual gatherings, he added.

Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo of Tezpur urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of such acts of violence.

For the prelate, attacks on places of worship not only damage physical structures, but also undermine the unity and fabric of the community.

Suspecting foul play, Fr Narzary suggests a link between the fire, which constitutes an unprecedented historic loss for the diocese, and the priestly ordinations in the village.

While the district administration and local police have launched their investigations into the incident, Christian organisations, like the Assam Christian Forum and the United Christian Forum of Udalguri, have expressed their solidarity to the villagers, asking for prayers and support as the community grapples with the loss of its "beloved place of worship."

Built in 1950, the chapel was not only a place for prayer, but also a cornerstone in the spiritual and cultural life of the community.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Bishop Toppo explained that "this chapel is located in a village built in 1950 with people and families of all denominations, living in peace and harmony. We don't know who or why, but the authorities told us that it was set on fire intentionally.

Coincidentally, last Sunday, two local young men were ordained into the priesthood and on Monday they celebrated their first Mass in the courtyard and nearly all the local villagers from all denominations came. The loss is more than 15 lakhs (1,500,000) rupees (US$ 17,325). Everything was burnt, roof, wooden windows, altar, crucifix, statues, etc., the prelate lamented.

Today, he added, unity week begins in the Holy Jubilee Year. We are experiencing strong solidarity for ecumenical Christian unity due to the chapel fire, united in prayer, suffering, anguish and cooperation.

Yet, sadly, Attacks on places of worship not only damage the physical structures but also undermine the unity and fabric of the community. For their part, Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and investigations are going on.
by Stefano Caprio

Just as ancient Roman Empire had its protective geniuses of war, so in todays dominant new patriarchal martyrology, the patron saints of Orthodox Russia have become associated with professional groups to imbue "traditional spiritual values" to all aspects of military and social life.

On 19 January, the Russian Orthodox Church will celebrate the Baptism of Jesus (Epiphany), with an even greater solemnity than the Christmas of Christ in accordance with the traditions of the Christian East, highlighted by the baptismal rebirth when priests and faithful immerse themselves in cross-shaped openings in the frozen waters of lakes, a practice much loved by President Vladimir Putin himself.

On this occasion, the sacred figures who illuminate Russia's spiritual journey are projected onto the year that has just begun, especially this year, dedicated to the Great Victory, 80 years after the triumph of the semi-god Stalin over the Nazi demon Hitler, in Berlin in 1945.

Just as ancient Roman Empire had its own protective geniuses of war  Jupiter, Juno and Minerva  while Mars imposed himself in battles, so the new "religion of the empire" of postmodern Russia is celebrated, with new combinations of holiness and war heroism that in todays times of war take on an increasingly symbolic value in militant Orthodoxy.

In fact, this variant of Christianity distinguishes Russians from all Christians of the various confessions, exalting its own difference precisely at the time of the universal prayer for Christian unity, a practice never much loved by the Patriarchate of Moscow, not even in times of peace.

The patron saints of Russia, in the released recently new patriarchal martyrology, are now associated with professional groups to imbue "traditional spiritual values" in all aspects of military and social life.

Thus Prince Daniel (Daniil) of Moscow, son of the great hero Alexander Nevsky and founder of the first monastery in Moscow, was named patron of the Military Corps of Engineers since "the Great Horde Road was built" in the years of his reign.

The website Great Churches of the Armed Forces of Russia calls it a "strategic direction that made Moscow the centre of trade routes", the historical reason why the Russian capital assumed the role of mother-city of ancient Rus', replacing the destroyed Kiev thanks to agreements with the Tatar-Mongols.

In an even more imaginative way, the figure of Saint John of Kronstadt is exalted. Inspirer of tsarist policies in the 19th and 20th centuries, he died in 1908 and is now the patron saint of the army's financial and economic services.

The saint was known for his charitable work in favour of the poor of St Petersburg and the island of Kronstadt, and at the same time "donated large sums of money to build welfare, educational and military training buildings" in prophetic projection of the current activities of the Russian Minister of Defence, the Orthodox subdeacon Andrey Belousov.

More natural appears the exaltation of the holy monk Joseph Volotsky (Iosif of Volokolamsk), the "hammer of heretics" of the late 15th century, as the protector of technical and material supplies, as the saint defended the prerogatives of Russian monasteries against the claims of the non-possessors (nestjazately, ), a kind of Russian Franciscans, who denied the right of monasticism to own property and engage in business activities.

The latter group, despite the importance of historical figures such as Saint Nilus of Sora (Nil Sorsky), master of Russian Hesychasm and mysticism of the post-Mongolian period, obviously did not obtain any title in the list of Russias main saints.

Absolutely classic figures are instead the Archangel Michael "the archstrategist" and Saint George the megalomartyr (great martyr) or the "victorious" in the wars against the Evil One, confirmed as patrons of the Russian armies since their veneration began in the age of 18th-century emperors.

Their icons invariably come with sword and knife, also associated with the image of the holy prophet Elijah on the chariot of fire, celebrated on the day dedicated to Airborne Troops, as the protector of warplanes and tanks.

Since the time of Peter the Great, the figure of the Apostle Saint Andrew the Protoclete (first-called, , Protokletos) has been celebrated as the patron saint of the Russian Navy, established in the port of the new capital, St Petersburg, to defeat the Swedes at the start of the 18th century, with a replica in the Black Sea in the wars with the Turks.

The Russian fleet today flies again the flag of Saint Andrew as the "Apostle of Russia", the first state order established by Peter I to remember the legend of Simon Peter's brother's travels to the Dnieper River, prophesying the foundation of Kyiv, and on the banks of the Neva to announce the birth of Novgorod, the first city of Rus' towards the mouth of the river where the northern capital would be later built.

Perhaps fearing that the apostle would not be able to withstand todays maritime rivalries, with Russian ships suffering heavy losses, Patriarch Kirill added a second patron saint to the navy, Saint Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, the true founder of the Black Sea fleet at the end of the 18th century for the war against the Ottoman Empire, also known as Ushak Pasha, canonised in 2001 thanks to the initiative of the then Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyayev), now the patriarch of Moscow.

From that time also comes Generalissimo Aleksandr Suvorov, the commander who won the most battles in Russian history, against the Poles, the Turks and across Europe, whom the patriarch wants to raise today to the honour of the altars, in a process of canonisation that should end in this year of Victory.

Happily for Saint Barbara, a 4th-century martyr from faraway Nicomedia, her feast day falls on 17 December of the martyrological calendar, which coincidentally is the day when the Strategic Rocket Forces RVSN are honoured.

Princes Boris and Gleb, the Passion Bearers (Strastoterptsy, ), sons of Grand Prince Vladimir the Baptiser of Rus', killed by his brother Sviatopolk, in turn killed by his other brother Yaroslav the Wise, are associated with the Railway Troops on the Day of the Railwayman, while 24 October, the day of the Spetsnaz, the special forces, is linked to the memory of the Elders (Starets, a) of Optina Pustyn, the monastery of the rebirth of 19th century Slavophile Russia.

Calendar associations even lead to the comparison of the most famous Russian ascetic, Saint Seraphim of Sarov, to the Kb-11 atomic weapons centre in Arzamas, the secret headquarters of the Soviet nuclear forces located next to the women's monastery of Diveyevo, founded by the saint at the start of the 19th century, in the woods where he talked to animals and even befriended bears.

The list of patron saints connected with the military can go on, as the link between spirituality and war is the main content of Russian religiosity today.

Of course, we must remember the patron saint of holy Russia of the post-Mongol revival, Sergius of Radonezh, who sent his confreres to evangelise northern Russia at the end of the 14th century and deployed warrior monks alongside Muscovite Prince Dmitry Donskoy, the first victor against the Tatars in the battle of Kulikovo in 1380.

Prince Vladimir himself, "equal to the apostles", is today the protector of Rosgvardia, while Saint Ilya of Murom guards border militias.

According to the deacon and theologian Andrey Kuraev, who was expelled from the Church and is now living in exile, the Patriarchate of Moscow has agreed with the Heavenly Forces to assign the tasks to all its saints", so holy Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky, who destroyed Kyiv at the end of the 12th century to "save it from invaders", today inspires the assaults with special, chemical weapons and toxic gas, given the success of his extermination campaigns.

Blessed Monk Pimen Ugreshsky, one of the most famous spiritual fathers of Moscow at the start of the 19th century, canonised in 2004 again on the initiative of the then Metropolitan Kirill, has been proposed as the patron saint of Prison Guards, as the seminary that is now active in his monastery in Dzerzhinsky (Moscow Oblast), trains priests destined to become prison chaplains.

In addition to the ascetics, monks and bishops who inspired the victories of Orthodox Russia against the enemies of East and West, it is also natural to compare the many figures of "victorious laymen" in the patriotic wars, from the astronaut Yuri Gagarin who first went into space (even if on his return he said he "had not seen God") to Marshal Georgy Zhukov who was the first to enter Berlin destroyed in the Great Patriotic War against Hitler, whom Patriarch Kirill does not hesitate to compare to Saint George the Victorious.

Obviously, the "Father of Nations", Joseph Stalin, could not be left out, since the man who faced down the German invasion, despite being the leader of the worlds atheists, turned to the holy seer Matrona of Moscow, who assured him of the protection of the Mother of God for all the peoples of the Soviet Union.

Vladimir Putin himself is called an "archstrategist" as the leader of the hosts of angels in the new "Blessing of War", published by the patriarchate in 2022, where prayers for the soldiers guarantee their immediate entry in Heaven, after sacrificing their lives for the Fatherland in the special military operation.

Still this year, Russian Orthodox churches were rather empty during Christmas holidays, but the trenches of wartime holiness promise to be always very crowded, in this year of Victory against the devils of Ukraine and the whole world, and of the triumph of the devil, who has now invaded the very soul of Russia.

RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
Porn Slang Terms, Explained

40 Slang Terms Youre Likely to Find on XXX Websites, Explained

Like sex and dating, porn has its own language.

Of course, the reality of the internet means most porn caters to English-speaking viewers, but even English-language porn titles, descriptions and dialogue often make use of terms that may be unclear to the uninitiated.

For instance, a seasoned porn viewer may read a porn title like Free-Use Amateur Busty BBW Milf Makes Ahegao Face While Receiving Money Shot From BBC (POV) and understand every word of it; while someone who doesnt have much porn (or English-speaking) experience may find it downright incomprehensible.

RELATED: All the Sex Slang You Need to Know, Explained

In order to help you understand the porn slang terms you encounter when surfing for adult content, heres a handy list of common words, initialisms and phrases you might encounter on the tube sites:

Ahegao

Porn / Move

An ahegao face is a facial expression where a female performer goes cross-eyed while leaving her mouth hanging open to signify that shes experiencing extreme physical pleasure. Though this originated in Japanese hentai and manga porn, its since become adopted in Western, live-action porn as well.

Amateur

Porn / Genre

Amateur porn refers to explicit video clips filmed by people who arent paid, professional porn actors. However, the distinction between amateur and professional porn has blurred in the 21st century as popular porn tube sites allow amateurs to monetize their video clips, thus essentially making them paid performers. Still, amateur porn often features low- or no-budget settings and lighting and minimal video editing, as opposed to professionally shot and edited porn put out by studios.

ASMR

aka whisper porn

Porn / Genre

ASMR stands for auto-synchronous meridian response. Its a phenomenon where certain audio triggers, such as whispering and soft noises captured very close to a microphone, can cause subtle pleasurable sensations for some people. Much ASMR content online is not pornographic, but some adult performers incorporate ASMR techniques into their JOI videos, for example.

RELATED: Here's What ASMR Porn Is & How It Works

ATM

aka A2M

Porn / Move

ATM is short for ass to mouth, a porn move where a performer goes directly from engaging in unprotected anal sex to oral sex, without the penis being cleaned off in the interim.

B/G & G/G

Porn / Genre

B/G & G/G are short for boy/girl and girl/girl, common descriptors in straight porn for scenes that show a male and female performer versus scenes that show two women together.

BBC

Porn / Performer

Not to be confused with the British Broadcasting Corporation, in a porn context, BBC is short for big, black cock, a term that plays on the stereotype that Black men have larger penises. BWC is sometimes used to describe a big white cock, however this term is less common.

BBW

Porn / Performer

Despite sharing two letters with BBC, BBW only uses one of them  big. BBW is short for big, beautiful woman, used to describe amateur or professional female porn performers who are curvier than the typically thin mainstream adult actresses.

Bukkake

Porn / Move

Another porn concept that comes from Japan, bukkake refers to porn scenes where multiple men ejaculate onto a woman (typically aiming for her face) at the same time. Its a more complex and extreme version of the traditional facial scene.

Busty

Porn / Performer

Busty means big-breasted or buxom  referring to a female performer with noticeably large breasts.

CBT

Porn / Move

CBT is short for cock-and-ball torture, a BDSM practice where a Dom uses various methods to torture a subs penis and testicles.

CEI

Porn / Genre

CEI stands for cum-eating instructions. Its a sub-genre of JOI porn where the performer instructs the viewer to eat his own cum after climaxing, playing into Dom/sub tropes.

CFNM

Porn / Genre

CFNM stands for clothed female, naked (or nude) male; such scenes often play on tropes of male humiliation.

Creampie

Porn / Move

Whereas 20th-century porn focused on showing the ejaculation occurring, much of contemporary porn is more interested in the creampie  when the ejaculation happens inside the vagina and is shown to leak out. This is easier to fake, but apparently more erotic. Some videos use variations of creampie such as throatpie or asspie for ejaculating in other orifices.

DP

Porn / Move

DP stands for double penetration. This is often two male performers penetrating a woman with both anal and vaginal sex at the same time, but occasionally could mean two penises entering one orifice at the same time.

Facial

Porn / Move

A facial is a classic porn move where the male performer ejaculates on his scene partners face, typically as the climax of a scene.

FFM & MMF

Porn / Move

FFM and MMF are abbreviations used to describe threesomes  female, female, male, or male, male, female.

RELATED: Here's What It's Really Like to Have an MMF Threesome

Footjob

Porn / Move

A footjob is a sex act where a porn performers penis is stimulated, typically with an up-and-down motion akin to a handjob, by a scene partners feet. Sometimes these are limited to foot-fetish videos, and sometimes theyre included in otherwise mainstream content.

Free Use

Porn / Genre

Free use is a relatively recent porn trend where some performers play characters who are free to be used as sex objects, consenting to all manner of touching and stimulation at all times. These scenes often show characters being penetrated while engaging in normal household tasks or activities.

Futa

aka Futanari

Porn / Genre

Futa porn is often animated (2D or 3D) but sometimes recreated visually using practical effects in live action porn  it refers to futanari, a Japanese term for a woman with a penis. In futa porn, the women arent seen as trans but rather cis women with (typically unrealistically large) penises.

Gangbang

Porn / Genre

A gangbang is a group sex scenario where multiple male performers penetrate or have sex with one person at the same time.

Golden Shower

Porn / Move

A golden shower refers to a porn performer being urinated on.

Gonzo

Porn / Genre

Gonzo porn is an older slang term for amateur porn, typically using a handheld camera (from before smartphones existed) as opposed to traditional porn shooting set-ups. Given its association with low-budget productions, it has also come to suggest raw and unscripted action, rather than the more polished vibe of studio productions.

Hentai

Porn / Genre

Hentai is the term for Japanese animated porn. Like JAV, it often explores tropes found less often in Western porn, such as monster sex or tentacle sex.

Hotwife, Cuck(old) & Bull

Porn / Performer

These terms come from the hotwife and cuckoldry subculture, and describe the three participants in a basic cucking scene  the cuck (weak, sexually ineffectual man), the hotwife (his sexually demanding wife) and the bull (another man, typically strong and virile, who joins them and fucks the woman in front of her husband).

RELATED: What Is Cuckolding? Here's What the Experts Say

Interracial

Porn / Genre

Though interracial could describe porn featuring two or more performers not of the same race, its most commonly used as a descriptor for porn that features Black male performers having sex with white female ones, as this is seen as a particularly taboo and thus erotic pairing.

JAV

Porn / Genre

Acronym for Japanese adult video. Not to be confused with hentai, which is animated, JAV porn is live-action. Because of censorship rules in Japan around porn production, JAV content typically features so-called mosaic blurring for both penises and vaginas. JAV porn also often engages in themes and scenes that are not traditional in Western porn, such as sex scenes staged on crowded trains.

JOI

Porn / Genre

Acronym for jerk-off instructions. JOI is a relatively recent genre in porn where (typically amateur) female performers address the (presumed male) viewer and encourage him in his masturbation, eventually building to a climax. Sometimes JOI videos are filmed using ASMR techniques, or include CEI or other Dominant/submissive tropes or types of role-play.

MILF

Porn / Performer

Acronym for mother Id like (to) fuck, MILF is a way to describe conventionally attractive older women  however the term is sometimes applied to women who are still in their late 20s acting in mother-figure roles.

Money Shot

aka cum shot

Porn / Move

The money shot is the climactic ejaculation shot that shows the male performers orgasm and his semen landing on his co-star(s). So named because 20th-century pornographers sensed that showing the orgasm was necessary in order for the film to make money.

RELATED: What People Did Before Internet Porn, Revealed

PAWG

Porn / Performer

Acronym for phat-ass white girl, PAWG denotes a white female porn performer with a big butt. Similar to BBC, this term grows from the perception that Black women have larger-than-average butts; in this case, its to showcase when a white womans curvy rear end is worthy of praise.

POV

Porn / Genre

Acronym for point of view, POV denotes porn thats shot from one performers point of view, typically the male performer. This porn allows the viewer to easily imagine that they are in the role of the male porn star as any co-stars will make eye-contact directly with the camera, rather than with the actor himself. POV porn is often the default for VR (virtual reality) porn.

Railed

Porn / Move

Getting railed, or railing someone, is engaging in intense penetrative sex, whether anal or vaginal.

Reverse Gangbang

Porn / Genre

A scene where a male performer has sex with three or more women at once, in a gender reversal of the straight gangbang situation where three or more men have sex with one woman.

Rimming

Porn / Move

Rimming is short for rimjob  a slang term for anilingus, or stimulating the anus with ones tongue, aka eating ass.

Spinner

Porn / Performer

A spinner is a young, skinny female porn star, so named because of their apparent ability to easily spin around on her co-stars dick. Spinner porn often tries to accentuate how small/lightweight she is compared to her male co-star, by having him easily pick her up, or having her fit inside a suitcase or other small space.

Spitroast

Porn / Move

Spitroasting is a form of threesome where a porn performer is engaged in oral sex and penetrative sex at the same time. Sometimes also called an Eiffel Tower, the receiving person is placed between the two penetrating partners; with a penis entering them at each end they may somewhat resemble an animal being cooked or roasted on a spit over a fire.

Stuck

Porn / Genre

Stuck porn is a relatively recent porn trend that features performers seemingly getting stuck in spaces around the house, such as under a bed or table, or in a washing machine. A male performer then, when asked to help free them, has penetrative sex with them first while they are unable to move.

RELATED: Stuck Porn, Step-Cest and Other Contemporary Porn Trends, Explained

Tittyfuck

Porn / Move

A sex act where one performers penis is stimulated by another performers breasts. Typically a buxom female porn star will envelop her male co-stars dick between her breasts and rub them up and down to create a handjob-like effect  without directly using her hands.

Tgirl

Porn / Performer

A porn performer whos a trans woman. Other terms like shemale and tr*nny are sometimes used, but are considered disrespectful.

Watersports

Porn / Genre

While a golden shower describes a specific act, watersports is used to describe the concept of piss play generally.

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Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction

Suffering from Penile Problems? Know Youre Not Alone

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

As a group, men spend a lot of amount of time worrying about their penises.

Whether its the size, the shape, or the presence or lack thereof of a foreskin, there hardly seems to be a single aspect of the penis that isnt fretted over.

But for many people, whether that penis can get erect or not  that might be the most important concern.

In a world where men associate their manhood with their ability to achieve erection  to the point where the word manhood can literally be used as slang for an erect penis  theres the idea that theres something wrong with a man who cant get erect or has trouble staying there.

In many mens minds, erections are supposed to be simple, lengthy and plentiful  and any deviation from that can feel like a massive failure. But that conception of erections skips out on some important facts  namely, that more than half of men will experience some form of erectile dysfunction (E.D.) at some point in their lives.

RELATED: The Science Behind How Erections Work

Considering those statistics, its a good idea for the people behind those penises to get educated about what E.D. is, where it comes from, and how to deal with it. AskMen spoke with doctors, psychologists and sexperts to help simplify the science behind getting hard.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms & Types of E.D.

Erectile dysfunction, or E.D., is a problem with many causes and many solutions, but it manifests itself in one way: difficulty achieving an erect penis.

Erectile dysfunction is when there is an erection that is insufficient for penetration or sexual activity, says Dr. Koushik Shaw, MD of the Austin Urology Institute.

However, its important to note that just because the issue manifests itself in a physical way, it doesnt mean that the root of the problem is a medical one. While there are many different physiological causes for it, its common for E.D. to occur as a result of psychological factors, too.

Its often thought of as a physical issue, while many people (including doctors) overlook emotional factors that may be contributing (such as relationship concerns), says relationship therapist and co-creator of Viva Wellness Jor-El Caraballo.

More broadly, its worth considering whether E.D. is necessarily an issue at all. Outside of health concerns, sex educator Kenneth Play argues, it might be a good idea to shift the baseline and instead change our expectations  that its quite normal for penises to remain flaccid on occasion, even when we want to achieve an erection.

It's important to look at this holistically, Play says. It may not always be a disorder. Media and society think that men should just always be ready to have sex and be easily aroused, but it isn't like just waving a steak in front of a dog.

Sexual arousal, sexual pleasure and sexuality in general is more complicated than that, and for men, too, he notes. So sometimes, what's perceived as a disorder like E.D. may actually be heavily influenced by a stereotype that men have to battle.

Who Experiences Erectile Dysfunction?

Theres a stereotype that erectile dysfunction overwhelmingly or exclusively impacts older men. Thats far from the truth, however.

Potentially anyone with a penis can be impacted by E.D., says Kayla Lords, sexpert for JackAndJillAdult.com. Stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues can cause E.D.  which impact men of all ages. Physical disability, which knows no age limit, can also cause E.D. So if you have a penis, you could, at some point, have to deal with E.D.

Beyond it just being possible at any age, its also, as Caraballo notes, common at many different ages.

At some point in their lives, most men have experienced E.D., he says. This can be due to a number of factors  including increasing age, pre-existing health issues, psychological concerns and the influence of substances. Research suggests that as many as 40% of men are affected at age 40, with those percentages increasing with age.

As well, its important to remember that men arent the only ones impacted by E.D.  non-binary people and trans people with penises can also struggle to achieve erections.

In short, if youve been having trouble getting or staying erect, youre far from alone in the matter.

Physiological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

In order to properly understand whats going on when youre struggling to achieve an erection, you first need to understand whats happening in your body when you succeed at achieving one.

Hormonal Environment: Testosterone, Estrogen and Erectile Dysfunction

For starters, if youve heard that testosterone and erections are related, theres definitely truth to that  but thats not the only hormone you need.

In order to have an erection, says Shaw, from a physiological standpoint, you need to have the appropriate hormonal environment  so you have to have enough testosterone, and you need to have some estrogen, but not too much.

Vascular System: Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

As well as the right hormonal balance, since erections are the result of blood filling up the spongy corpus callosum tissue in the penis until its hard, you also need to be able to pump blood without any significant issues.

In order to get erect, You need to have a [healthy] vascular system  so blood flow, as well as intact nerves, Shaw says. That means you need to have appropriate cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can impact erectile function. Blood pressure has to be normal. If blood pressure is high, that can attack nerves and blood vessels. You need to have good blood-sugar levels, because diabetes can affect erectile function negatively.

So hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol all negatively impact erectile function, Shaw concludes  meaning your eating habits can have a massive impact on your sex life, if youre eating foods that are high in sugar, salt or fat to the point of impacting your health.

Lifestyle Choices: Alcohol, Marijuana, Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction

Poor sleep habits or difficulty sleeping such as sleep apnea, cigarette smoking and excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol can also have noticeable effects on your erections.

RELATED: What Is Whiskey Dick?

If that sounds like your lifestyle  either currently or in the recent past  that might be whats affecting your erection struggles, at least in part.

What happens is it'll accelerate aging of the body, including the nerves and blood vessels to the penis, he says of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Often, he says, You can party in your 20s and 30s, but beginning in your 40s, these things will tend to catch up with you, and the birds will come home to roost.

So in the short term, according to Shaw, you might get away with it  but later, you're going to pay for it.

RELATED: Marijuana and Erectile Dysfunction

Other Causes: Diseases, Injuries and Medications That Cause E.D.

There are lots of other medical issues that could impact your erectile function, too.

Things like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, prostate issues, penile fractures or other scarring, pelvic or spinal injuries, and even the use of Adderall or other prescription medications can cause erectile dysfunction.

Because there are so many different potential physiological causes  and because many of them are quite serious  if youre experiencing E.D., you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

RELATED: Are Your Antidepressants Messing With Your Sex Drive?

It might be embarrassing  or it might not seem serious  but E.D. could be an early warning signal for other health concerns, so getting checked out fast is crucial.

Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

That being said, E.D. is often completely unrelated to physical health.

While the smart thing to do if youre experiencing it is to speak to a licensed medical professional as soon as you notice the issue, its possible that the issue is completely psychological one  so its a good idea to examine your mental and emotional state, as well.

Long-Term Stress and Erectile Dysfunction

Psychological and relational problems are often completely overlooked as it relates to E.D., says Caraballo. People fail to realize that a penis is not simply a dildo to be used for pleasure. Its a body part attached to a greater whole, a living person, with feelings, anxieties and day-to-day concerns to contend with.

Along with purely physical concerns, he notes, relationship problems, problems at work or school, low self-esteem and other mental health issues can be at the root of this problem.

Situational Anxiety and Erectile Dysfunction

As well as more long-term issues like the above, in-the-moment nervousness can also produce erectile difficulties.

If youre nervous about hooking up with a new partner, feeling more pressure to perform than usual, or simply beginning to doubt your sexual prowess, these feelings can have a serious impact on your erection. How? By triggering your sympathetic nervous system, rather than your parasympathetic one.

The parasympathetic system, which is the hormonal system for relaxation, good times and things like that  you need that for the erection, Shaw says. However, if it's a stressful environment, where you release the sympathetic system  which is the fight-or-flight component  you're not going to have erectile function.

You might never have heard of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems before, but youve definitely experienced them. These two states help humans govern vastly different responses to different stimuli in their environments.

And it makes sense  your body needs to be able to react differently to, for instance, a tiger attacking you than it does when your lover starts to kiss you while sitting on the edge of the bed. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems ensure that the person being chased by a tiger is ready to run for their life, while the person getting kissed is able to relax and enjoy themselves.

However, if youre feeling unexpectedly anxious in a sexual situation, your brain can read these signals as an indication to release the sympathetic nervous system  even if there arent any tigers present.

The Snowball Effect and Erectile Dysfunction

People can get caught up in this negative cycle of anxiety and stress with erectile function, which feeds on itself, says Shaw.

As a result, if the stress of not performing in one situation carries over to a future situation, even a relatively small amount of pressure can quickly snowball into what feels like a lasting and chronic problem as you become less and less confident and more and more anxious.

There are guys whose wives are going through fertility issues, and the guy is basically a sperm donor, there to have sex on a regular basis, and the wife is agitated, up in arms, trying to have kids. I have guys who come to me, like, I've never had erectile dysfunction, and now my wife wants me to have sex with her all the time, and I can't get it up!

How Can Erectile Dysfunction Impact You?

Erectile dysfunction is a peculiar medical condition in that, in and of itself, it doesnt impact any aspect of your life  except sexual function.

But because sex and libido are such important parts of so many peoples lives, and the ability to be a good lover is an important part of so many mens self-conceptions and self-esteems, E.D. can have a serious impact on your emotional well-being. It wont in every case, of course  particularly if its a rare or one-time thing. But different people will react differently to the experience.

It really depends on what a guy makes of it, and how his partner(s) responds, says Dr. Jason Winters, founder and director of the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy. Most guys will occasionally struggle to get or maintain their erections  it's pretty common.

If a guy recognizes this and can brush off the experience, then he won't likely be affected that much, Winters notes. On the other hand, if he experiences it as a devastating, humiliating blow to his ego, he's likely to become anxious about his future performance. This can have a snowball effect, because his anxiety will create a self-fulfilling prophecy, in that it will lead to difficulties in functioning during subsequent experiences.

Repeated experiences will just make things worse, and his confidence will erode, he explains. A partner who responds poorly, such as being critical or making it about them (i.e., perceiving it as being due to their lack of attractiveness), can also negatively impact a guy and leave him anxious about future experiences.

Theres a reason guys can get so worked up about this: theyre often taught from a young age that being a powerful, masculine lover is an important trait of being a man.

Culturally, we view men with E.D. as less virile, and less worthy, which only adds stigma to a very normal experience, says Caraballo. Sexologist Dr. Chris Donaghue coined the term erectile disappointment, which is far less stigmatizing, yet accurate in addressing the issue.

Whether its schoolyard jokes, portrayals of virile or effete men in pop culture, or explicit instructions about pleasing a partner, theres often little room in our cultural consciousness for men who are simultaneously impressive and impotent.

E.D. can lead to embarrassment, sexual shame and future performance anxiety, Caraballo adds. Men should realize that erectile disappointment is normal and doesnt mean that they are broken. There are a number of factors as to why it could be happening, but most importantly, men should not panic when this occurs. Consulting with a therapist and a doctor can very quickly help you get to the cause and potential resolutions.

How to Prevent, Address & Treat Erectile Dysfunction

If youre reading an article about E.D., chances are youre already being impacted by it  or youre worried about the possibility.

You probably want to know how best to prevent it from happening  whether its for the first time, the second time, or for the dozenth or hundredth time.

As Caraballo noted, its important not to panic. While struggling to achieve erection could indicate underlying health concerns, it might be a random occurrence more due to over-indulgence in drugs or alcohol, or a moment of situational anxiety, as opposed to a chronic issue.

If it's an occasional experience, then let it slide, Winters advises. It happens; erections will flat-line when conditions aren't conducive to arousal. If you find yourself struggling and getting anxious, focus on what feels good, rather than performance  sexual pleasure leads to arousal, and arousal leads to erections.

To do that, Winters suggests you try to create and tune into the sensory experiences that are going to turn you on (i.e., touch, and what you see, hear, smell, and/or taste).

Getting stuck in your head is going to distract you from what would otherwise arouse you, he notes.

And while you might find the experience (or experiences) deeply embarrassing, you should talk to your partner about them rather than trying to hide the issue or pretend nothings wrong, he says.

Addressing the elephant in the room will help you both feel better about what's happening, and will prevent your partner from taking blame, Winters notes. If you continue to struggle with psychological issues that are causing E.D., he suggests visiting a professional, potentially a sex therapist.

RELATED: What You Should Know About Sex Therapy

But make sure that it's someone who has the credentials and expertise to be able to help you out, he cautions. Doing a bit of background research first can go a long way towards solving the problem.

Erectile Dysfunction and Doctors

Before you start looking up psychologists and sex therapists, you should first consult a medical doctor.

If the erection issues youre experiencing are symptoms of a health issue, figuring out what that is exactly should be your first concern, since some causes of E.D. are linked with much more serious conditions than a flaccid penis.

RELATED: The Health Screenings Every Man Should Have

So however important your sex life is to you, talking to your doctor about your E.D. could be an issue impacting your actual life. In other words, power through any concerns you have about making a doctors appointment and set some time aside in your schedule.

Guys don't go to the doctor on a regular basis, but when they have erectile issues, they come in, Shaw says. A lot of guys are embarrassed to come in and get checked out.

There is scientific research and data that suggests that guys in their 30s and 40s who have early-onset erectile dysfunction have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke in the upcoming decade, because there are lurking factors, he adds. Way before you block a major coronary artery or your aorta or your carotid artery, the tiny blood vessels to the penis are going to get affected first. So the penis is like the canary in the coal mine.

So yes, that E.D.-inspired doctor visit could mean the difference between catching a potential health crisis with enough time to prevent it and falling victim to it.

The right answer is to go visit the doctor and get evaluated, Shaw says. I always suggest going to a urologist or a primary care or internal medicine doctor for evaluation, because then you're going to get the thorough, deep-dive check. Being checked by a medical professional is probably the best way to make sure that nothing is missed.

Erectile Dysfunction and Pills

Shaw says that the prevailing culture might be to try to fix the problem with an easy pill-based solution, but a full check-up is necessary to make sure the doctor can figure out the root causes of your erection issues.

All that stuff is, go get a Viagra, go get a Cialis, which may work for a lot of people, Shaw says. But I will tell you, a guy may have an underlying factor, like low testosterone. They may have diabetes and don't know it. They may have high cholesterol and don't know it.

RELATED: The Best Herbal Viagras and Other Natural ED Cures

That being said, if your E.D. isnt linked to more serious health concerns, modern medicine can help fix it  but you dont need to break the bank to do so. Why? Paying top dollar for brand names just isnt necessary now that there are generic versions on the market. You can get the same effect for a much lower price, and through a pharmacy, meaning you arent dealing with shady black-market ingredients.

I would say to go with a mainline medication like sildenafil or tadalafil, which is the generic Viagra and Cialis, Shaw says. Don't try to buy things off the Internet, because they may be laced with other agents. Go through a licensed reputable physician and pharmacy for your medical treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction & Sex

If the issue isnt immediately or easily resolvable, so long as youre seeking treatment for it, you might wonder what to do in the interim. Can you have good sex if you have E.D.?

The answer is a resounding yes  provided youre willing to change your expectations somewhat. For starters, youll need to say goodbye to how you used to have sex  at least for a little bit.

RELATED: Why Every Guy Should Master Non-Penetrative Sex

Rethink what sex means, Lords advises. If you only view sex as penetration, youre going to be disappointed in your post-E.D. sex life. But if you look at it as anything that feels good sexually  to you or to your partner  then youve opened up a range of options.

Can Porn or Masturbation Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

If youre a big consumer of internet porn, you dont necessarily have to quit watching it.

While its true that studies have shown that porn consumption can impact sexual desire and function in some people  by watching porn to the point where they struggle to remain aroused without it  most E.D. issues are related to other factors.

If youre able to achieve an erection while watching porn but struggle to without it, it might be a good idea to try to wean yourself off porn for a while in order to reset your relationship to it.

How to Stimulate a Man with Erectile Dysfunction

Regardless of your gender or sexual orientation, if its your partner whos struggling with erection issues, you might be wondering how to touch them now, or whether its your fault.

Because E.D. is so often a physiological issue, theres a good chance that its not you  particularly if youve been together a long time and theres no first-time jitters.

That being said, changes in the relationship can impact what the sex is like, so its worth talking to your partner honestly to find out if theres something making them stressed out in a way that might impact their arousal levels.

As for what you can do, well, the only limit is your imagination.

We reduce men's sexuality to equipment, function, and performance, and we think performance is literally only penetrative sex with a penis into a vagina, says Play. We should think more about the full picture here. Men have more erogenous zones than just their penis, which are often overlooked.

And if a guy is worried about not being able to pleasure a female partner without a throbbing erection, theres lots to learn.

Pleasure for women is often actually much more about touch and external stimulation of the clitoris, Play says. Pleasure and performance can have a much broader category. If you want some examples, think erotic massages, sexual touch, kink, prostates and nipples, and so much more.

Lords agrees, adding that couples can try oral sex performed on your partner, fingering or handjobs, and using sex toys. For people with E.D., now might be a time to try anal play  prostate massage, butt plugs, rimming, pegging.

RELATED: How to Massage the Prostate

Products to Help People Impacted by Erectile Dysfunction

Apart from exploring all your many kinks and new sensations to the fullest, unhooking sex from pure penile penetration can also mean you explore using sex toys for the first time  or more than youre used to.

Depending on the cause and symptoms of a persons E.D., some sex toys might help, says Lords. Cock rings can help you maintain an erection by squeezing the base of the shaft (or testicles) to restrict the blood flow once youre hard. Penis pumps can help draw the blood into your shaft so that you get an erection. Prostate issues (such as an enlarged prostate) can lead to E.D., so prostate massagers that help you stimulate that area might also be something to try.

RELATED: Do Penis Pumps Really Work?

Looking to improve your sexual performance and satisfaction in bed? While you should definitely prioritize seeking medical attention and having a candid conversation with your doctor instead of attempting home remedies that might not work (or might not be safe!), there are some sex toys and supplements that might make a slight difference if your ED is mild.

Here, a few options to attempt  just keep in mind that your health is far more important than attempting to solve the issue on your own. Consult a trusted physician before trying anything below your belly button:

Promescent Penis Ring Vibrator

If youre comfortable adding a toy to the mix, a vibrating cock ring like this one from Promescent could go a long way towards amping up your erection, by clamping down on the blood flow out of your corpus cavernosum while adding buzzy thrills that will stimulate your arousal as well.

$44.99 at Promescent.com

VitaFLUX Daily Supplement

This supplement not only brings a wellness boost to your every day, with benefits including increased energy, improved circulatory help, and faster recovery from workouts, but it can also help you out in the bedroom. The ingredient blend of L-arginine (2000 mg), L-citrulline (1000 mg), L-Carnitine tartrate (1000 mg, Zinc, and Magnesium, gives the libido a boost, increases testosterone production, and improves blood flow, resulting in erections that are stronger and easier to gain and maintain.

$49.95 at Promescent.com

Extra Strength L-Arginine Supplement

Made with extra-strength L-Arginine, this natural supplement combines with Arginine HCI and Arginine Alpha Ketoglutrate with Citrulline, to rev up your body and prepare it for the long haul of love-making. What is L-Arginine? Talk to your doctor before popping a pill, but this amino acid converts into Nitric Oxide, so it helps your blood vessels relax while amping up your blood circulation. This recommended brand contains no artificial ingredients, sugars, chemicals, or preservatives, so its about as all-natural as you can get.

$19.58 at Amazon.com

Hims Sildenafil

hims has changed the way men are taking care of themselves from head to... well, penis. Using telemedicine practices that link patients to doctors through the internet, hims launched with affordable hair loss options both OTC and prescription in early 2017, and soon made their way into prescription remedies for erectile dysfunction. To obtain Viagra in the past, guys had to get a script from the doctor with a hefty price tag. hims now offers the option to obtain Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, for a fraction of the price. Arriving in nondescript packaging, you can rest assured no one is going to be any wiser to your new found erectile freedom.

Try hims for only $5 at forhims.com

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Commentary: Steer China-EU relations toward shared growth, global stability

Xinhua) 10:33, January 18, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
People displaced by the Eaton Fire wait for aid at the Pasadena Convention Center on Jan. 10. Richard Vogel/Associated Press Evacuees from the Eaton Fire arrive at the Pasadena Convention Center on Jan. 8. Ryan Pearson/Associated Press

Vivian, the citys public health nurse, meets me at the entrance, past the cameras and reporters in yellow jackets. No media are allowed inside. Its early in the morning. Her eyes are dark: shes been up all day and night. A slight limp.

Great youre here. She wants to round. Only the ones Im most worried about, she says.

The halls of the convention center stretch wide. A forest of folding army-green cots. Those papery Red Cross blankets mean somethings gone wrong. Vivian says 1,200 souls. The number feels fluid but right.

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Its day two after the fire. Air like burnt paper. Ashy and sticks to your skin.

First stop: Unresponsive Alzheimers patient. Residents from a few evacuated assisted living facilities are housed separately in Hall C. Kudos to the organizers. The patients vitals  OK and glucose normal. Coma score eight  not good  but her airway is patent (open). She cant stay here. Call 911, lets transport out.

We step outside. Pasadenas streets are nearly empty. The traffic signals down, lights slowly flashing. A police cruiser gliding past. Public works trucks make their runs.

Vivian keeps moving, always moving. Ive known her voice on the phone for years on health department calls. Its my first time seeing her in person and in action. Shes a leader.

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We go see a woman in a wheelchair. Ragged. Red eyes. Probably 50 going on 70. That smell: wet and cheesy, unmistakable. Shes angry. She wont let us check under her sweats where soaked dressing over infected, swollen feet surely lies. She says shes had no sleep in 34 hours.

I always sleep sitting, she says. Cant breathe lying down.

Classic orthopnea. Doesnt mention congestive heart failure but it fits. Her only friend is unreachable, in the fire zone. I know the type. Fiercely independent. Time to pull rank. Maam, I know youre not ready. Thats OK. Sleep now. But were cleaning your wounds in the afternoon. She accedes.

Another Pasadena public health nurse Terry is here. Has been for a while. Hes great. Vivian, I plead, please go home.

Help starts trickling in.

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A good Samaritan stops us.

Can I run out for supplies? We review the first aid table. Yeah, I say. Eye drops. Allergy meds. Those are low.

A neurologist comes. Two pediatricians. More nurses, one retired, show up. Theyre here for their community. Honestly, its beautiful. Roles are assigned. We hand paper and pen to two college kids. Take an inventory. Update Terry every four hours.

People line up for first aid. Some have bad cat scratches; it must be hard to round them up in a hurry. We find a pharmacy to help.

Cal Oaks Pharmacy: What do you need? they say. Just text. Well deliver. No paperwork. No insurance. Only care. I wish it were always so.

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The faces blur. The newly homeless mingle with those whove lived that way for years. Children clutch stuffed animals and makeup games. Along one wall, theres a long counter covered with clothes, toiletries and essentials. Volunteers float throughout, inquiring, serving.

More help arrives.

The pharmacy team from our sister mental health department arrives. One is a friend. Small world in a big county. Its a godsend. Local pharmacies burned, too. Medications were left behind in flight. Blood thinners, insulin, seizure prevention. Hundreds of prescriptions to call in. Without these, many more wheels come off for people already suffering. Too much already ablaze. Staff from the AltaMed health center are here. Their clinic is gone. Where else would they be?

A young volunteer runs up panicked and leads me to a small girl, 8 years old. Gasping. Terrified. She tells me, I was coming from the bathroom. My heart suddenly started racing. Her pulse is thready. I listen. Decent air entry, heart rate 200. Not panic. Shed been using her inhaler too much  like everyone with asthma here. Its supraventricular tachycardia triggered by stress and albuterol.

Ready to try something strange? I ask. Valsalva  bearing down as if clearing your ears on an airplane. Carotid massage  pressure along the neck.

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Hey! she said. It just stopped. I can breathe!

Were lucky. Sometimes the maneuvers work. The girls mom appears. Mom cant believe her child is ill on top of everything else. I send them off for cardiac monitoring.

My brother texts from West L.A. The evacuation zone is creeping closer to him. That house we wanted to buy near Angeles National Forest? Maybe not. Thinking of our two babies, three dogs, aging parents. Mental math never stops. Whos safe? Whos next?

We all take turns getting a bite at the food trucks outside. The trucks donate their food for free. They want to help, too. Someone cracks a joke about the Yeastie Boys bagels. Laughter spreads. A wandering dog becomes everyones therapy.

I should do more. The firefighters are still out there. This isnt enough. They dont have time to pen reflections.

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

Ive seen this before. Post-war camps. Incoming refugees. Epidemics. Hospitals in the jungle. Crisis spaces. This is different. Not just awful. Dystopic. I hear looters are out. An old mentors voice repeats inside my head: Theres always darkness. And theres always light.
18 January 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Kyrgyzstan will adopt a National Development Program for the period up to 2030 this year, Azernews reports, citing the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev, as he said at a cabinet meeting following the results of 2024.

He noted that the national program will define the development plan for the next six years.

Among the main goals, the head of government highlighted improving the efficiency of public administration, enhancing the welfare of the people, developing human potential, strengthening strategic sectors of the economy, and implementing national projects.

"With the adoption of the 2030 agenda, we are entering the second stage of development. Time, order, and decisions will be the foundation of our work," he stated.

It is important to note that Kyrgyzstan began developing its National Development Program last year, setting ambitious goals to strengthen its economy, improve social services, and drive sustainable growth. The program is expected to focus on creating a more diversified economy, expanding infrastructure, and investing in education and healthcare, which will ultimately enhance the quality of life for citizens. The government is working closely with international organizations to ensure that the program aligns with global sustainable development goals.
18 January 2025 10:30 (UTC+04:00)

Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), recently met with a delegation led by Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the delegation was briefed on the scale of the landmine problem in Azerbaijan, the consequences it has caused, and the extensive humanitarian demining operations being carried out in the liberated territories.

The discussions also focused on increasing international awareness about the mine threat during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of CICA, sharing Azerbaijan's experience in mine clearance, promoting international solidarity with member countries facing mine problems, and addressing other mutual interests.
18 January 2025 13:15 (UTC+04:00)

In a significant diplomatic event, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, recently welcomed his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. This meeting underscored the enduring alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, highlighting their cooperation on multiple fronts.

According to Azernews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that after the initial welcome, Bayramov and Fidan engaged in a one-on-one discussion. This was followed by a broader meeting, further delving into key topics of mutual interest.

During these discussions, both ministers addressed a wide range of cooperation issues stemming from the Azerbaijan-Turkiye alliance. They explored areas such as security, economy, trade, transportation, communication, and humanitarian efforts.

Regional and international security issues, notably the situation in the Middle East, were a significant part of the dialogue. Additionally, they focused on the current state of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia post-conflict, the ongoing peace agenda, and the remaining challenges in the peace process.
18 January 2025 15:25 (UTC+04:00)

In ten days, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan will meet in Turkiye to establish a new trilateral format, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, as he announced during a joint press conference in Baku with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

Minister Bayramov emphasized the extensive scope of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

"Various steps are being taken to further expand these relations. There are close contacts between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Despite frequent meetings, new topics continue to emerge," he stated.

Bayramov highlighted the increasing number of Turkish companies operating in Azerbaijan, particularly in the liberated territories.

"The growing activity of Turkish companies in these areas should be particularly emphasized," he added.
18 January 2025 13:45 (UTC+04:00)

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has discussed the trade of oil products with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Azernews reports, ing to Trend, this took place during a meeting between SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and Pakistan's Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik.

It was noted that the meeting highlighted the successful development of fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

It was also mentioned that the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to Pakistan in July last year significantly contributed to strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding cooperation in all areas.

During the conversation, joint projects and achievements in the energy sector to date, as well as opportunities for cooperation in various directions, were discussed. There was an exchange of views on the trade of oil products and other mutually interesting matters.
18 January 2025 18:45 (UTC+04:00)

The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States, potentially denying the video-sharing app to 170 million users in two days, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

In a major defeat for TikTok, the court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government had demonstrated legitimate national security concerns about a Chinese company owning the app.

The Supreme Court last week heard arguments from the company, ByteDance, that the law should be stopped because it was a violation of free speech.

"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 said.

"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," they concluded.

With that decision, Sunday's ban effectively stands even if lawmakers and officials across the political spectrum were calling for some sort of delay.

Congress overwhelmingly passed a law last year forcing ByteDance to either sell the platform or close it in the United States by January 19. The law was an answer to widespread belief in Washington that the highly popular app could be used by China for spying or propaganda.

White House officials on Friday told US media that they would not enforce the ban and leave it up to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office a day later.

Trump said that he discussed TikTok in a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump's incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz said the administration would put in place measures "to keep TikTok from going dark."

"The legislation allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table," he said. "Essentially that buys president Trump time to keep TikTok going."

"It's been a great platform for him and his campaign to get his America first message out," he added.
18 January 2025 21:50 (UTC+04:00)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is facing an investigation for accepting free tickets to a Taylor Swift concert, Azernews reports, citing international media outlets.

The members of the Conservative Party in the London Assembly have called for the investigation.

The issue arose because the tickets accepted by Khan were not properly and timely registered in the City Hall registry. The Mayor's press service stated that the gift was transparently declared, but due to an administrative error, there was a delay in the records, which has since been rectified.

It is worth noting that in August of last year, Sadiq Khan received six free tickets worth 3,000 from a private company to attend Taylor Swift's concert at Wembley Stadium. Along with him, five City Hall employees, including two high-ranking officials, also attended the concert in the VIP box.
Rosemary McDonnell-Horitas insurance wouldnt pay to replace her wheelchair with the same model she had been using for 10 years. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Rosemary McDonnell-Horita and her husband, Weston Morris, are pictured on their wedding day in a photo at their Berkeley home. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle After spending more than a year trying to get insurance to cover her new wheelchair, Rosemary McDonnell-Horita turned to crowdfunding to pay for it. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Rosemary McDonnell-Horita uses a wheelchair made by Colours that fits her needs. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

For Rosemary McDonnell-Horita, a disability advocate living in Berkeley, its been a yearlong fight to get a new wheelchair.

McDonnell-Horita had been using the same chair for 11 years, and like most people, her body and its needs have changed over time. Most insurance plans allow a replacement chair every five years or so but the pandemic, and insurance issues, put her plans on hold.

So, in October 2023, McDonnel-Horitas doctor submitted a referral for a new chair to National Seating & Mobility, the main mobility device supplier servicing the Bay Area. Eager to get her new chair, she says she called the company weekly to ask if theyd gotten the referral.

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When she finally got to talk to a sales representative, he told her that the company couldnt get her a chair from Colours, which makes a model that works best for her needs. National Seating & Mobility couldnt get it covered by insurance and didnt have a contract to work with Colours, she said. She spent six hours calling Colours directly and asked friends about their experiences getting new chairs. One friend, who actually worked for McDonnell-Horitas insurance company, told her that theyd even had to pay for their own wheelchair out-of-pocket.

I didnt bother negotiating with my insurance because I knew they werent going to cover the chair I needed even if it is deemed medically necessary, McDonnell-Horita said.

Its not like McDonnell-Horita was holding out for the Rolls-Royce of wheelchairs  just the one that would fit her body the best as a person with osteogenesis imperfect, a genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily.

Several people I spoke to compared the basic device, like the ubiquitous chairs you see airline staff using for disabled passengers, to a lawn chair with wheels. A lawn chairs better than nothing and fine for a concert. But imagine sitting in one for more than eight hours a day, 365 days a year. You could get pressure sores that risk infection, arthritis, back pain from ergonomic strain, and even breathing and digestive problems. So when you find the right chair, you remember which one it is.

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Then in November, just before McDonnel-Horita was set to go on a trip, one of her chairs caster wheels fell off, catapulting her out of the seat. Thankfully, she was at home. But now the issue was frighteningly urgent. At this point, if she wanted the right chair, she had to quickly rustle up the $9,000 herself.

When I first became aware of McDonnell-Horitas situation in November, her life had basically stopped. A friend had loaned her a spare wheelchair, but it wasnt reliable enough to depend on. She had to cancel a work trip to New York City at the last minute; even worse, she was stuck at home, worried that the loaner or her old chair would fall apart while she was out on her own. It would be five weeks before she could do anything independently, she told me recently. What got her there wasnt an insurance miracle, reconsideration from the wheelchair supplier or anything indicative of a system working well: It was a fundraising campaign that she posted on Instagram.

Scour sites like GoFundMe, and youll see fundraisers for people who need essential medical equipment like wheelchairs all the time. A woman in Tracy needs to replace a defective powered wheelchair that she says Medi-Cal wont cover. After a hit-and-run destroyed the wheelchair of a nonprofit leader in Vallejo, he needs help with medical expenses and a new chair. Like McDonnell-Horita, mobility-challenged people and their loved ones are too often left trying to patch holes in the safety net.

Jessica Lehman, a disability organizer and powered wheelchair user living in Oakland, told me that, when last she looked, getting herself a new chair would cost $16,000  and that might even be on the low end for power chairs, she said.

Through the insurance plan she had through her previous job, Lehman said shed have to pay 20% of the base cost, plus all of the costs of customizations that werent medically necessary, like a function that would raise the chair enough for her to reach her kitchen cupboards. Many plans only offer to reimburse up to $2,000 for chairs, which falls well short of their total cost.

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Other unnecessary customizations include a type of footrest that would make getting on and off a toilet easier or a decent battery life that wouldnt leave Lehman stranded if she left home.

Those are essential, she said. If this is where Im spending 16 hours a day, it needs to be something thats not gonna hurt, thats gonna allow me to do what I wanna do, thats gonna allow me to get around.

And then theres the possibility that insurance wont cover any wheelchairs, let alone the mediocre ones. When Lehman went freelance and lost her employer-provided insurance, she realized that the insurance plan she acquired through the Covered California marketplace didnt cover a new wheelchair or repairs for her current one. She shared documents with me that showed that while the plan did cover some varieties of base durable medical equipment  the category that might broadly include wheelchairs  it classifies wheelchairs as supplemental and therefore not covered.

In 2021, a disability rights organization sued the states Department of Managed Health Care and the Kaiser Foundation, asserting that not guaranteeing effective wheelchair coverage was discriminatory.

A Covered California representative stated via email that the plans in its marketplace must all provide, at minimum, the essential benefits detailed in the benchmark plan that serves as the states standard for health insurance. The plan, the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Small Group HMO 30, covers rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, including certain durable medical equipment, she wrote. That said, California is currently in the process of evaluating and updating the benchmark plan.

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At a public meeting in June to discuss the process of choosing a new benchmark, the Department of Managed Health Cares chief counsel, Sarah Ream, explicitly noted that the states benchmark plan does not cover wheelchairs. If California were to exceed its benchmark and mandate more coverage now, the federal government wouldnt subsidize the cost of that benefit, so the state would have to pay for it, she said. The benchmark plan would have to change first. The state plans to decide on a new one by May, which would be enacted in 2027.

Then there are the challenges of a market dominated by a handful of wheelchair suppliers. McDonnell-Horita and Lehman both told me that, in years past, smaller, locally owned shops made the buying experience much more pleasant than it is now. At the Sacramento supplier that Lehman used to go to as a child, she and her mother would spend a long time trying out different chairs and talking to the owners about what she needed.

They would really think about what was gonna work well for me, she said.

But the Sacramento business was acquired by a bigger company, and then quickly closed. McDonnell-Horitas favorite distributor in the East Bay was bought by National Seating & Mobility  one of the two main players in the wheelchair market.

As reported by Mother Jones in 2022, National Seating & Mobility and another company, Numotion, have aggressively acquired smaller businesses and consolidated the market while cutting labor costs, outsourcing and de-emphasizing less-profitable services like repairs.

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This might seem like a niche issue  but there are nearly 2 million wheelchair users in the United States. And, as disability advocates often note, most able-bodied people will age into being disabled eventually.

McDonnell-Horita told me that she initially felt shame about struggling to pay for a new chair out-of-pocket. But when she posted about the situation online, so many others shared similar nightmare stories about trying to work within the system to get what they needed, she said. It was a reconfirmation of what many in the disability community already knew: They can count only on each other.

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

About a week after her chair fell apart, she took to Instagram to ask for $8,000 so she could buy a new one from Colours. Less than 24 hours later, her community raised the full amount.
Monica Showalter, writing at the American Thinker, reports:

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.
As a major secession movement, called the Greater Idaho Movement gathers steam among rural counties in Oregon, infuriated with the liberal crap imposed on them by the liberal coastal counties, another such movement is being kicked off in rural Illinois. Rural southern Illinois is outraged by the policies imposed on them from the Chicago-dominnated state government. Many rural citizens want to either divid the state into two or to have the rural southern counties join Indiana instead.

Led by a group called Illinois Separation Referndum and another called New Illinois State, 33 counties have now held referenda on leaving Illinois,. It has passed handily in all 33, with the average Yes vote at 74%. While largely a grassroots movement, it has attracted support from many local government leaders. In fact, in 24 of the 33 counties, it was the county board itself that put the separation referendum on the ballot.

Many advocates of leaving Illinois want to create a complete new state to be called New Illinois, while others favor joining neighboring Indiana. The Speaker of Indiana's state House of Representatives, Todd Huston has encouraged the disgruntled counties to join his own state. A bill has been introduced to create a Boundary Commission in Indiana to explore expanding the state's boundaries to take in disgruntled counties from Illinois.

While almost all of the counties which have passed resolutions to separate from Illinois are in the southern part of the state, Iowa is also putting forward a proposal to attract rural counties in nothern Illinois to join Iowa.

A slogan of the secession movement is "Leave Illinois without moving"

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14293995/rural-midwest-counties-secede-failed-blue-state.html

https://greateridaho.org/
NI writer: The world needs more like Paisley and McGuinness stepping forward to form unlikely friendships

Belfast-born writer and director Nick Hamm speaks to Aine Toner about why NI is putting itself on the map as regards film-making

Colm Meaney and Timothy Spall as Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley in The Journey

Aine Toner Mon 20 Jan 2025 at 17:24

A young boy, a skilled marksman and an apple, the components of one of legends most pervasive scenes  and one that is at the centre of a new film about a Swiss folk hero.
Thousands of workers taking part in a day of strike action at Belfast City Hall on February 21, 2023 (Photo: Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

There is growing anger among teachers who say they have been left feeling sidelined by the last-minute decision from unions to abandon action short of strike last week.

Members of the four unions representing teachers in Northern Ireland had been set to take part in action short of strike from Monday for four weeks.

Last week, the unions announced that the action had been suspended in an effort to successfully conclude negotiations.

Its understood teachers were caught unaware by the pause to expected industrial action, with many now saying that decision has weakened their position in pay negotiations after they had voted in large numbers in favour of the action before Christmas.

Some took to social media to vent their frustrations at the development, claiming the unions no longer represent the views of members having agreed to suspend action that members had backed.

Its also understood the decision has prompted concerns that disgruntled members will reject any pay offer that does emerge in the next four weeks over the way the negotiations have been handled.

With members questioning the priorities of unions, some are concerned they are cosying up to top management in allowing a four-week period for an offer to be brought forward.

At least one union has written to members in a bid to quell the discontent as talks are set to continue over the next three weeks.

In a letter to members, seen by the Belfast Telegraph, the NASUWT said: I know many of you have questions about what will happen next regarding pay, and some may still be uncertain as to why the union decided to pause action short of strike action.

Unlike in England, pay in Northern Ireland is negotiated collectively at the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC) between Management Side and the five unions who make up the Northern Ireland Teachers Council (NITC).

A TNC subgroup is made up of one representative from each union, employer and Department of Education (DE). In theory, the NITC and the Management Side agree on an increase, which the minister then approves.

In practice, however, the minister must work within Executive pay policy and, ultimately, the Executive budget. For some time now, it has been Management Side policy not to implement an increase while unions are engaged in industrial action.

When progress cannot be made through negotiation, unions may resort to industrial action to force change on pay or terms and conditions."

The letter goes on to say that in July last year, the School Teachers Review Body in England had recommended a 5.5% increase for teachers there.

It added that, despite the NITC claim being for 13.6%, no offer had been made from Management Side as the new academic year began.

The letter added that the union had made it clear that if no offer was received by the end of October, it would ballot their members.

We balloted our members in November, and 99% of you indicated that you were prepared to take action short of strike action, while 90% supported strike action, the letter continued.

As not enough progress had been made, we called on you to take action short of strike starting this week.

The letter went on to say that since then, the position of the Education Minister had changed, who on January 9 indicated that a formal offer would be made within four weeks.

It wasnt until Friday lunchtime that all parties confirmed their agreement. This change occurred because the minister recognised the determination of teachers and understood that he could not offer less than the 5.5% agreed in England and Wales, the letter to members added.

While this campaign is focused on pay, everyone is mindful of the elephant in the room, which is workload. The purpose of action short of strike is not merely to take action, but to force meaningful change from the employers. Although this ballot was specifically on pay, discussions regarding workload are ongoing.

When the minister refers to a period of industrial peace, he knows that the NASUWT is firm in stating that this will only happen if teachers believe that workload is being properly addressed.

There are no circumstances in which the union could agree to a pay offer that would limit the rights of members to take action in the future. The minister must create conditions where teachers do not feel compelled to take further action.

Many members have asked if this pause can be repeated. Legally, the answer is no; the law only allows for an extension of four weeks to take industrial action.

At the end of those four weeks, either a deal must be in place or we will proceed with action. If no agreement is reached, we would need to re-run the ballot. This would not be in our interests.

The letter to members concluded by saying that when an offer is made, members will have the opportunity to decide whether they want to accept it, and that significant developments will be shared with members.

Members of the four main teaching unions had voted to take part in industrial action in December.

The action short of strike action had been expected to commence on Monday after unions said teachers had not been offered a satisfactory pay increase for the 2024/25 academic year.

All four main teaching unions were contacted for comment.
The driver attempted a three-point turn in the middle of the carriageway

A man has been arrested after leading police on a chase along the main road between NI and the Republic, the PSNI has said.

The incident occurred after police were called to a report of an altercation in the Craigmore View area of Newry on Friday night.

Inspector Mackin said: "At around 10.20pm, we received a report that an altercation was ongoing. Officers were immediately tasked to the scene, and established that a 23-year-old man had left the scene in a blue Nissan Qashqai, despite being disqualified from driving.

"The vehicle was spotted by officers on the Dublin Road at around 11.10pm, and failed to stop when signalled to do so. The vehicle was being driven in an extremely dangerous manner, and was stopped while attempting to perform a three point turn in the centre of the carriageway.

"The driver was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, driving with no insurance, driving while disqualified, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, dangerous driving, and two counts of failing to stop for police. He remains in custody at this time. "

"The consequences of these actions on the main arterial route between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could have been much more significant. I want to commend our officers for stopping this vehicle before the driver was able to cause serious harm.

"We would appeal to anyone who was in the area and witnessed the vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1869 of 18/01/25.

"You can also report online at www.psni.police.uk/report.
The sun rises behind the US Capitol (Jon Elswick/AP)

Thousands of Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol after he lost the 2020 presidential election.

Four years later, some of them are allowed to return to the nations capital so they can celebrate Mr Trumps return to the White House.

At least 20 defendants charged with or convicted of joining the January 6 2021, attack on the Capitol have asked federal judges for permission to attend President-elect Trumps second inauguration Monday in Washington, DC, according to a review of court records.

The majority can go while several others cannot.

In most cases, Justice Department prosecutors have argued that Capitol riot defendants should not be able to return to the scene of their crimes while they are under the courts supervision.

Whats past is prologue, and the defendants could easily find themselves in another situation where they engage in mob violence, a prosecutor wrote in opposing a New York couples travel request.

Supporters of then President Donald Trump rally at the US Capitol on January 6 2021, in Washington (Jose Luis Mangana/AP)

At least 11 defendants have received the courts permission to attend the inauguration, a day when Mr Trump may issue mass pardons to Capitol rioters.

Judges have denied requests made by at least seven others.

Many other convicted Capitol rioters may be free to attend if they have completed their sentences.

Typically, those who remain under the courts supervision after an arrest, a probation sentence or release from prison must get a judges approval to travel outside their home district.

Among those who can attend is Deborah Lynn Lee, a Pennsylvania woman accused of posting social media messages calling for the execution of her political opponents in the days leading up to the riot.

Lee was charged in August 2021, was convicted of four misdemeanours after a trial in October and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27.

Justice Department prosecutor Carlos Valdivia argued that Lees return to Washington would endanger Capitol police officers and create an absurd situation.

Lees presence in D.C. was restricted for years to keep the community safe, but in a few days, she would be allowed to return to attend a ceremony that demands heightened security, Mr Valdivia wrote.

Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui approved Lees request, noting that she is not accused of engaging in violence and has complied with her release conditions.

The magistrate said Ms Lee is coming to celebrate, not demonstrate this time.

While the Court is tasked with predicting the future, this is not Minority Report.

There has to be credible evidence of future danger to justify related release conditions, Mr Faruqui wrote.

District Judge John Bates agreed to let a New York couple, Carol Moore and Kevin Moore, attend the inauguration while awaiting a trial in April.

Prosecutors argued that police officers could be retraumatised by the Moores presence, but Mr Bates said it was unlikely that any officers at the inauguration would recognise them.

First, past is not prologue here, the judge wrote.

The nature of the inauguration is wholly different from the last event the Moores attended that involved the transition of power.

Put simply, the inauguration will involve a crowd largely supporting the peaceful transition of power, not opposing it.

The couples lawyer said the Moores plan to join others in displaying signs reading Day One, an appeal for Trump to make good on a campaign promise to pardon Capitol rioters on his first day back in office.

Mr Trump repeatedly has referred to January 6 defendants as hostages and patriots.

The list of January 6 riot defendants allowed to be in Washington on Monday also includes a New Jersey man who reported himself to the FBI, a New Hampshire woman who must serve a four-month prison sentence and a New Jersey man accused of using a bullhorn to encourage other rioters.

Members of the US military Joint Honour Guard parade as they rehearse ahead of the upcoming presidential inauguration (Ben Curtis/AP)

Prosecutors did not object to allowing Colorado bed-and-breakfast operator Rebecca Lavrenz, the self-described J6 praying grandma, to attend the inauguration while she is on probation.

Ms Lavrenz said her daughter is serving as the deputy director of Mondays swearing-in ceremony after working on Mr Trumps campaign last year.

Among those barred from attending the inauguration are Jared Miller, a Virginia man charged with assaulting police.

Millers lawyer, Stephen Brennwald, said Mondays inauguration presents a completely different scenario than the 2021 riot.

The lawyer also argued that his clients conduct that day is irrelevant to his travel request.

No longer will the participants and observers be in the District out of anger, ready to fight to try to wrest back the power they felt had been unjustly taken from them. Rather, they will be cheering the person they support, and law enforcement will not be in an antagonistic position to those attending the event, Mr Brennwald wrote.

District Judge Rudolph Contreras denied Millers request, pointing to his assault charges.

Russell Taylor, a California man who had a knife and a hatchet in his possession when he helped other rioters overrun a police line outside the Capitol, said he was invited to attend the inauguration by former US Representative Chris Stewart, a six-term Utah Republican who resigned in 2023.

District Judge Royce Lamberth, who sentenced Taylor to six months of home detention, said it would not be appropriate to allow somebody who tried to thwart the last presidential inauguration to attend such a hallowed event.

To attend the Presidential Inauguration, which celebrates and honours the peaceful transfer of power, is an immense privilege, Mr Lamberth wrote.

Judges also rejected the travel requests made by a North Carolina man who participated in the first act of violence against Capitol police on January 6, a Mississippi man charged with assaulting officers with a flagpole and a Maine man accused of attacking police with bear spray.
Moraga-Orinda Fire District Chief Jeff Isaacs drives along a network of remote rural fire roads above the community of Canyon near Moraga and Orinda in the East Bay. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

In 2019, when state lawmakers were grappling with the bankruptcy of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Californias largest electrical utility, they needed an estimate of how much a worst-case-scenario wildfire might cost. They tapped Michael Wara, a Stanford University climate expert, who used fire-risk models to identify three communities where a major fire would be extremely costly and devastating.

One was the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, where an ongoing fire has reduced thousands of buildings to rubble and forced tens of thousands of people to flee in one of the most costly natural disasters in U.S. history.

Another was the East Bay communities of Moraga and Orinda.

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Wara was looking for residential areas where weather and topography make wildfires especially dangerous, where a fast-moving blaze could burn many homes quickly, and where narrow roads could make it hard for firefighters to get to the flames.

Orinda and Moraga have strong winds and fire-prone ecology. Roughly 36,000 people live in the two towns, where many homes are built on narrow roads that snake through the hills. The communities are vulnerable to fires from many angles, and the layout of the streets makes them difficult for firefighters to defend.

Many California communities have similar risks, including the South Bay community of Los Altos Hills, the third area Wara modeled. Similar risks are also present in other parts of the state. But the convergence of so many risk factors in Orinda and Moraga makes fires there particularly threatening.

If Orinda or Moraga were to burn, it would not be a wildfire, Wara said. It would be an urban firestorm.

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An insurance exodus

An example of a Moraga-Orinda Fire District mitigated fuel break alongside a network of remote rural fire roads above the community of Canyon. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

There are key differences between the Orinda-Moraga area and Pacific Palisades. Experts say the oak forests of Orinda and Moraga are less explosively flammable than the California chaparral in Los Angeles. And the extreme weather in Los Angeles ahead of the fires and after they ignited posed a much greater risk than whats typically seen in either area.

But both the East Bay hills and Pacific Palisades have seasonal winds that can fan a spark into a conflagration with terrifying speed. And the concentration of houses means a wind-whipped wildfire could quickly leap from dwelling to dwelling.

Insurance companies agree. The Orinda-Moraga region has, like Pacific Palisades, seen an increase in insurance cancellations. From June to September, the ZIP code that most closely maps to Orinda saw the greatest growth in people purchasing policies through the FAIR Plan, a last-resort offering for those who cant find insurance on the private market. In the past five years, more than a third of Orinda home insurance policies have been dropped.

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The modeling Wara did in 2019 indicated that the total real estate losses in a worst-case-scenario fire in the area could reach around $30 billion, though he stressed it was a back of the envelope estimate of the worst possible outcome.

While experts say fires are inevitable, they warn that catastrophic disasters like the devastation in Pacific Palisades are not. To avoid them, local officials must marshal residents to change the way they live.

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District has spent millions of dollars creating fuel breaks in the hills surrounding the communities and has been lauded by experts as doing some of the most innovative and aggressive fire mitigation work in the state. And local water officials have a plan to ensure that fire hydrants dont run dry the way some did in Pacific Palisades. But firefighters say the most important thing that can be done falls to individual homeowners.

Local officials are urging residents to improve the fire resistance of their roofs and gutters and clear vegetation from around their homes. Such measures also appeal to insurance companies.

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Can we do something as a pilot project  get neighborhoods to adopt this in return for carriers agreeing to write insurance for a couple of years? Orinda Mayor Latika Malkani said. My dream would be to start something like that.

Safer forests

A Moraga-Orinda Fire District mitigated fuel break alongside a network of remote rural fire roads above the community of Canyon. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

Standing at the top of a ridge, at the end of a long dirt road, Moraga-Orinda Fire Chief Jeff Isaacs pointed down the hill where chainsaw-wielding firefighters recently cleared brush and cut low-hung branches along the steep hillside. The result is whats known as a shaded fuel break, where tall oak trees, stripped of their lower limbs, block the sunlight, slowing the proliferation of flammable grasses. In their place, the forest floor is strewn with oak leaf litter and branches.

The branches and fallen leaves would still burn, Isaacs said, but slowly. The clearing of shrubs and tree limbs should keep a fire low to the ground as it climbs the hill.

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If a fire breaks out, Isaacs and his team will race the flames. They built the fuel break to give themselves the edge. Theyll drive firefighting vehicles and bulldozers out on the narrow municipal road to the spot where Isaacs is standing. If they beat the flames to the ridge, theyll mount a defense, spraying them and clearing more vegetation to keep the fire from advancing.

But if the flames win, the ridge will be lost. Isaacs turned from the treated area to the other side of the road, where untamed coyote brush grows in a dense thicket.

Moraga-Orinda Fire District Chief Jeff Isaacs unlocks a fence leading to a network of remote rural fire roads above the community of Canyon near Moraga and Orinda in the East Bay. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

Over here, youre going to have 20- to 30-foot flames, he said. Those flames will then be hard to prevent from traveling down the hill into the small community of Canyon, through an old Pinehurst Road fuel break that has become overgrown, and over the next ridge. Then theyll be in Oakland. Canyon and Oakland are on the opposite side of the hills from Orinda and Moraga, but the threat of fires exists in all of those communities, and fires that proliferate in one community could quickly threaten others.

Before humans built their homes in the hills, brought in nonnative plants and started fighting fires that naturally burn through the landscape, the oak forests looked much like the fuel break Isaacs and his firefighters have built. Every few years, fires would burn through the hills, clearing grasses and shrubs, and allowing baby oak trees to peek up through the leaf litter in the shade of their massive older relatives. Fires were regular, but not as destructive because grasses and other plants that serve as their fuel were regularly cleared out.

California is a fire-dependent, not fire-prone, landscape, said Dave Winnacker, who previously served in Isaacs job before retiring last month. There is no future without fire.

But people have interrupted that cycle. Putting out fires before they burn through the hills has kept people safe, for now, but it also makes future fires more dangerous, because remaining dense vegetation can burn later.

California has some of the best firefighting resources in the world, Winnacker said, and that often gives residents a false sense of security that we can tame nature.

All were really doing is carrying that fuel load to a hotter, drier future where that bill will come due with interest, Winnacker said.

Protecting homes

Tight and narrow winding roads snake through the rural El Toyonal neighborhood in the hills above Orinda. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

When Malkani moved to Orinda in 2012, rosemary bushes surrounded her house. They were beautiful, but dangerous. Rosemary leaves contain flammable oils, and large bushes conceal tangles of dry branches that provide perfect kindling for a wildfire.

She has removed the rosemary, along with about 10 Monterey pines and eucalyptus trees. She still has more plants she plans to relocate. After that, she will lay decorative rock.

Its not my first choice, she said. Would I rather keep the lavender and rosemary? Of course. It was beautiful. But those are highly flammable.

As mayor of Orinda, Malkani said fire is the main thing that keeps her up at night. Her heart broke as she watched the fires burn Pacific Palisades, and she anxiously refreshed the evacuations page to see if the fires were encroaching into the area around UCLA, where her son is a student. Since the fires broke out, she has spent many sleepless nights thinking about Los Angeles, but also the looming possibility that the same thing could happen in her community.

The Santa Ana winds that drove the Los Angeles County fires tend to be stronger than the Diablo winds that blow through the East Bay hills each winter, but those can still be dangerously strong. This year, the Bay Area has experienced a lot of strong wind, said Chronicle meteorologist Greg Porter, but heavy rainfall in November and December has kept fire risk down.

UC Berkeley fire scientist Scott Stephens described the chaparral in Los Angeles as the most volatile and difficult fuel bed almost in the world. But the ecology of the East Bay hills can still support devastating fires, as the region saw in 1991, when the Oakland Hills fire killed 25 people.

The Orinda-Moraga area has not had a mega-fire in modern memory. But firefighters with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District have identified the routes fires are most likely to travel into neighborhoods. Theyve built fuel breaks, like the one Isaacs pointed out on the ridge, in strategic places.

Moraga-Orinda Fire District Chief Jeff Isaacs looks out at the fuel break between the powerline fire road above the community of Canyon near Moraga and Orinda. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

The department has treated thousands of acres this way in recent years, but its work that never really ends. Isaacs pointed out one fuel break, done three years ago, thats already completely overgrown.

He also noted the large swaths of the hills where his department and the local water utility have cut the grass and vegetation down to a few inches. But it wont stay that way.

If we dont keep treating this, in two to three years, youll never know we were here, he said.

On individual properties, Orindans can apply for up to $1,000 in matching funds from the city to clear plants and wooden fences from around their homes. The city also clears brush that residents remove and pile by the roadside for collection. Local police and fire officials have published detailed evacuation instructions for residents.

Orinda and Moragas evacuation plans include protocols to turn main streets into one-way highways to get people out of neighborhoods and onto the freeway. On red flag days, when fire danger is highest, they have rules prohibiting street parking on the longest and most narrow roads. They also plan to change the medians on a major road leading to the freeway that will allow for more traffic flow during an evacuation.

In the days after the Palisades Fire erupted in Los Angeles and reports began to emerge that an empty reservoir and power outages may have caused hydrants to run dry, the East Bay Municipal Utility District released some details of its plans to help ensure water is available in the event of a big East Bay blaze. The district says it tops up reservoirs on red flag days and has backup generators that power municipal water lines when the power goes out. But the district noted that water pressure can still drop when dozens of hydrants are all in use at once in the same zone.

Stephens said the Moraga-Orinda Fire District is doing some of the best controlled burns and vegetation management in the area. But its still not enough. How do we get a neighborhood or a larger area working to do this  to get people to work for the greater good? he asked. Thats something all of us need to do better.

Zone zero

A Moraga-Orinda Fire District mitigated fuel break alongside a network of remote rural fire roads above the community of Canyon near Moraga and Orinda. Bryan Banducci/Special to the Chronicle

One of the best defenses is for homeowners to clear 5 feet of space around their homes free of flammable plants and wooden fences. That concept, known as keeping a zone zero around property, has been shown to dramatically reduce the chance that embers enter the structure.

Last year, the city of Orinda tried to impose such a rule, but it was met with strong and organized opposition, as Winnacker described it. Residents who attended a public meeting on the proposal argued he and other officials were overstepping their place and that a zone zero requirement would destroy home values.

Several years earlier, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that required the state to implement buffer zone requirements by Jan. 1, 2024. But the Board of Forestry has not written the regulations, so the requirements are still not in effect.

Winnacker said that, after his experience in Orinda, he doesnt think local communities can individually enact the zone zero rules without state officials stepping in.

Its been super challenging that the state hasnt come out with their regulations, Isaacs said. Were trying to do it here locally. Theres just so much pushback.

Isaacs said he wonders if the Los Angeles County fires will finally convince state officials to finish the zone zero rules.
A building collapse last summer in Mt. Tabor and its aftermath set off a chain of events pitting town officials, neighbors, and the property inhabitants at odds with frustration on all sides. It is a story repeated in small towns throughout Vermont, struggling with finding an acceptable balance between property rights, public safety, zoning concerns, and the quality of life in small-town Vermont.
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Pittsfield's Staples location in the Berkshire Crossing Shopping Center at 555 Hubbard Ave. will close on Dec. 13. The store had been operating at that location since 1995.
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.
Patrick Tutwiler is on a "Financial Road Show" to get more students to apply for financial aid for college. He said there is "a lot of money on the table" for students. But first they have to apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Sheep sit together in a pile of hay as they graze in a field recently between routes 7 and 43 above Green River Farms in Williamstown. They'll be happy to have their own wool coats in the coming days, as the coldest temperatures of the season are expected.
Protesters representing a variety of rights groups join the Peoples March in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, two days before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Similar Peoples Marches were held in hundreds of cities, including San Francisco. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images Protesters rally against President-elect Donald Trump at the Peoples March in Washington on Saturday, two days before the inauguration. The gathering was rebranded from the Womens March eight years ago when Trump first took office. Mike Stewart/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Eight years ago, I reported from Washington on how more than 500,000 people  many wearing pink pussyhats  had massed in the nations capital to protest the victory of Donald Trump and flex the power of the Trump resistance. Joined by 3 million people around the world, the Womens March was the largest single-day protest in the nations history.

On Saturday, two days before Trump was to be sworn in for his second term, organizers expected about 50,000 to attend its sequel, rebranded as the Peoples March. Unlike Trump, who moved his inauguration indoors because of frigid weather in the forecast, Peoples March participants braved bone-chilling elements. So who are the snowflakes here?

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Nevertheless, the diminished turnout is another sign that the resistance hasnt just shrunk, it is changing. And like much of the progressive left, it is searching for what form it is going to take during Trump 2.0. The anti-Trump energy is still there, demonstrators insisted, it is just tired. Saturdays demonstration was intended to invigorate the core believers and inspire them to figure out how to best channel their opposition.

In 2017, we made history, and today we are here to make our future, Tamika Middleton, managing director of the Womens March, told the crowd gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial, which included many wearing the same hats they did in 2017. Today, we have a choice to accept a future that is forced on us or to fight for the future that we want.

A large crowd protests at the Peoples March in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, two days before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Demonstrators were encouraged to participate in a conference call with Peoples March organizer this month to find out how to channel their angst and anger into an existing organization that is fighting the Trump agenda.

Folks keep asking, what is this march? What are we marching for? Who is this march for? , Womens March executive director Rachel OLeary Carmona told the throng of people lining the frozen Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. And thats it. At the Peoples March, we are calling out the people who use power to strip our freedoms. We are calling in we the people, and we are calling on all of us to fight.

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Just hearing that there were other people who felt that way, and to be surrounded by thousands of them, was what drew many of Saturdays demonstrators, the vast majority of whom were female, to Washington. Many said they felt isolated and alone after seeing Trump not only again win the Electoral College but also capture the popular vote for the first time in his three runs for the White House.

But Trump will surely have a different take on Saturdays proceedings, which were mirrored in hundreds of cities nationwide, including San Francisco. Aerial photos compiled by Vox in 2017 showed that there was a bigger crowd on the National Mall during the Womens March than during Trumps inauguration, to which 250,000 tickets were distributed, officials said.

Celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, Janelle Monae and Madonna, attended in 2017. On Saturday, the subfreezing temperatures and intermittent light rain kept most A-listers home. Perhaps the most prominent star sighting was the image on flags of the Star Wars Princess Leia character, a rebellion leader in the film, above the phrase, We are the resistance.

Instead, the rebranded Peoples March was less of a flex of power than a search for kindred souls and a reassuring hug.

Two protesters in pink pussyhats rally against President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday during the Peoples March on Washington. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The world feels like its just insane right now. Im angry, Im sad. I need to do something and be here, said Claire Reber, a 22-year-old graduate student who lives in Washington. As she left the rally holding a blue sign saying Keep abortion legal, she said it was affirming just knowing that theres so many people who think that same way I do when it feels like just everythings going to s.

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But this event didnt capture the publics imagination like its predecessor, which spread virally in the weeks before Trumps first term. It inspired participants to craft their own pink pussyhats, a response to the release during the 2016 campaign of a decade-old Access Hollywood video in which Trump boasts of using his celebrity to force himself upon women. Grab them by the pussy, Trump said in the recording. You can do anything.

While Saturdays march didnt pack the same number of participants as before, it featured perhaps an even more powerful undercurrent of anger toward Trump, who is now more familiar after eight years as a near-daily presence in the national consciousness. The days bestselling button simply said F Trump, closely followed by another that said the same thing under the image of a young woman wearing stars-and-stripes tinted glasses flashing a middle finger. F Donald Trump was the days most prevalent chant, sprinkled in among calls for the rainbow of left-leaning interests, from trans rights to Palestinian advocacy to calls for reproductive justice.

Protestors representing a variety of rights groups join the Peoples March on Washington on Saturday. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Trumps wealthy advisers were called out, too, (F this klepto-corpocracy read one sign) with billionaire Tesla, Space X and X leader Elon Musk being name-checked many times. Read one sign satirizing Trumps tough immigration policies: Trumps immigrant wives: Ivana, Melania, Elon.

Their anger was rooted in fear of what many expect to happen after Trump takes the oath of office, based on what he campaigned on and his promise to issue executive orders on day one.

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Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, told demonstrators gathered at Franklin Park, across the street from the Washington Post, that they dont have to guess what the Trump-Vance administration has in store for us, they have advertised it.

They want to deport our immigrant neighbors, Inez McGuire said as the crowd responded, Hell, no!

They want to push our trans siblings back into the closet, and they want to push a national abortion ban that would make our decisions a crime, she said. They want to sell our democracy off piece by piece to a bunch of tech bros, but we wont let them. We know how to fight back.

Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), told the Franklin Park gathering, We have a very clear job to do. When Trump lies, we fight back.

A crowd rallies against the incoming Trump administration Saturday during the Peoples March on Washington. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The challenge will be rallying Americans fried after eight years of resisting to fight back. One woman carried a sign that said, I carried this sign in 2017. Dont make me come back! Another read, No sign is big enough to list ALL the reasons Im here.

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Perhaps Jennifer Quirk-Pickmans plea, scrawled on a piece of cardboard, best summoned the mood of the day, a possible preview of the next four years for some: So bad, even introverts are here. Several demonstrators held similar handmade signs.

Quirk-Pickman, a 59-year-old retired special education teacher and self-described introvert who traveled to Washington from her home in upstate New York near the Canadian border, said she wanted to do something after feeling frustrated and powerless after the election. She said she was there to stand up for the reproductive rights of her daughter and for the protection of her son, who is gay.

In the future, if they were to ask me, Well, what did you do (to express your resistance)? I can say, Well, for starters I went to the Peoples March, she said.

A protester with a Have Hope sign rallies in Farragut Square before the Peoples March in Washington on Saturday. Mike Stewart/Associated Press

Erline Johnson, a retired teacher who drove from New Hampshire for the demonstration, carried a sign with one of the more positive messages of the day: WE can do this! Unite. Inform. Resist. Support. Motivate.

Johnson, who attended the 2017 Womens March, said Saturdays event was quieter. I think were worn out. I think its been a long time that weve been fighting this.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will be obsessed with delivery over the next five years when the next government is formed.

The Taoiseach was speaking as members of his Fine Gael party met in Dublin to begin the process of ratifying the draft programme for government.

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Mr Harris also said there needed to be clarification over whether members of the Regional Independents group which will form part of the prospective new government can also form a technical group on the opposition benches.

Following the results of the general election in November, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and a group of independent TDs have agreed the plan which is expected to lead to the formation of the new government.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is greeted as he arrives at the meeting (Brian Lawless/PA)

The 162-page programme for government, published this week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is expected to replace Mr Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday and the new coalition is formed.

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He will hold the office for three years before it then reverts back to Mr Harris for another two years.

But first the parties must ratify the draft governmental plan.

Fianna Fail will hold a special Ard Fheis on Sunday.

Fine Gael is holding a series of regional meetings over the coming days.

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Speaking before the first meeting got under way, Mr Harris said: This is a new process for my party, the first time that we are holding a series of regional meetings right across the country where every member who has been a member for two years or more has a vote in our electoral college system.

It is an opportunity for people to come out, to hear from the people who have negotiated on behalf of Fine Gael the programme for government and then to cast their vote.

He added: We have agreed a programme for government that is very true to the Fine Gael manifesto.

Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and some independents have worked together to put in place really exciting plans about the direction we want to take this country in over the next five years.

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But really the key word here is delivery.

I think the challenge and opportunity for the new government, which I look forward to playing a leadership role in, is delivery, delivery, delivery.

That is what I heard from people right across the country.

Mr Harris said: That is going to be my absolute obsession and that of my colleagues in government over the next few years.

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The Taoiseach also addressed a controversy after members of the Regional Independent group indicated they want to establish an opposition benches technical group despite also some of the group being in the potential new coalition, which would allow them to have more speaking time in the Dail.

Sinn Fein has said it will oppose the move.

Mr Harris said the new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy would make a decision on the issue.

He said: In relation to the issue of where people sit in Dail Eireann, I do think that needs a bit of clarification and thought.

I think if groups are in government, we need to look and see how the Dail rules can accommodate that and no doubt the Ceann Comhairle will make a decision on that.

He added: The Regional Independents are a group in the Dail, thats their right.

My understanding is there are members of that group who wont be in the government.

There will be some Regional Independents who will hold ministerial office, other Regional Independents who will not hold ministerial office.

This issue will be resolved and the person who is in a position to resolve it is the Ceann Comhairle.

Ceann Comhairle Ms Murphy said on Friday night that she has written to all members of the Dails Business Committee on the issue.

Ms Murphy invited members of the committee to make submissions to her.

She said: I will carefully consider the points raised and take any necessary further advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers.

Following the Dublin Fine Gael meeting, further party meetings will be held across Ireland in the coming days.

Party members will vote in a secret ballot on whether to ratify the programme for government with the results announced on Monday.

Several Dublin representatives attended the meeting on Friday night.

Fine Gaels Regina Doherty (Brian Lawless/PA)

MEP Regina Doherty said she believed the overwhelming response of party members would be that the draft programme for government had the stamp of Fine Gael.

She added: An awful lot of the things we had in our manifesto have now been put into the programme for government.

What we want to do is get taoiseachs, tanaistes, ministers elected as soon as we can and get down to work.

Minister of State Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill said the meeting was the first opportunity to bring the programme for government to party members (Brian Lawless/PA)

Explained What's in the new programme for government? The ke... Read More

Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who helped to negotiate the plan, said it was the first opportunity to bring it to the membership.

She added: We feel as the negotiating team we have put together a programme for government with Fianna Fail and with the independents that does reflect the values of Fine Gael, that does reflect what people have said to us on the doors during the election.
A man (40s) has been arrested and around 400,000 worth of cannabis was seized following the search of a residence in Swords, Co Dublin, on Saturday.

Gardai attached to the Dublin Crime Response Team searched the property as part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of illegal drugs and related criminal activity in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).

During the course of the search, 40 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis herb, each weighing around 500g, with a combined total of 20kg and a street value of 400,000, subject to analysis, were seized.

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7,000 in cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also seized by the DCRT.

The man was arrested at the scene for an offence contrary to Section 15 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84 and is being detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

The seized drugs will now be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland to undergo analysis.

Speaking following the seizure, Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, DMR said that the "large seizure is another step towards the dismantling of this gang, from whom An Garda Siochana in the DMR have now seized over 2 million in illegal drugs."

"An Garda Siochanas continued efforts will ensure that those in our communities who are involved in criminal activity will be targeted and brought to justice," he said.

Investigations are ongoing.
Britain's Northern Ireland secretary has said he appreciates why families of some Troubles victims remain sceptical about a new investigatory and truth recovery body.

Hilary Benn said he knows reform of legislation underpinning the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is required to secure the confidence of bereaved relatives.

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The ICRIR was set up by the last government as part of its contentious Legacy Act.

While the UK Labour government has vowed to repeal parts of the Act, including the contentious offer of conditional immunity for perpetrators of Troubles killings, it has decided to retain the commission.

However, last year the Court of Appeal in Belfast ruled that a UK government veto power over what sensitive material can be disclosed to families by the commission is incompatible with human rights laws.

Some families want to see the new commission axed (Brian Lawless/PA)

The court also found that the work of the commission does not provide victims and their next of kin adequate means to participate in its processes.

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The Appeal Court judges did uphold the operational independence of the commissions structures.

Some families who lost loved ones during the conflict have vowed not to engage with the commission, claiming it lacks the teeth and independence to properly re-examine their cases.

Mr Benn, writing in Saturdays Irish News, insisted he was committed to making changes.

Everybody I have spoken to agrees that there needs to be a means of conducting investigations and of recovering information, he wrote.

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And we do now have, for the first time, an independent judge-led commission, responsible for doing both these things.

I am the first to acknowledge that the legislation that established the commission needs to be changed and I appreciate why, after all these years, and given the origins of the Legacy Act, there is scepticism about it.

I know that reforms will be needed to secure the confidence of families.

But a growing number of requests for investigations and information are now being made to the commission, over 120 at the last count, and the Northern Ireland Courts have been clear that it has the powers it needs to carry out independent, human rights-compliant investigations.

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Whats more, the legislation I will propose will ensure that the commission is, in specific circumstances, able to hold public hearings, take sworn evidence from individuals, and ensure families have effective representation.

Mr Benn said one of the advantages of the commission was that it can quickly get to work, as he noted that its team of investigators was growing.

The commission also has full police powers to help find answers without the long years of waiting that are often involved with public inquiries, which must establish staff, premises and processes from scratch, he added.

There are a number of families, including the family of (murdered GAA official) Sean Brown, whose inquests were brought to a premature end (by the Legacy Act), and who continue to experience great pain and suffering.

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For each of these families, I want to ensure that there is a full, thorough and independent investigation into the death of their loved one as soon as possible.

I urge all those still searching for answers, for justice or for acknowledgement of what happened, to talk to the commission to hear and discuss what they propose, knowing that the government will strengthen it in our forthcoming legislation.

Sean Browns widow Bridie Brown (centre) after attending the Court of Appeal on Thursday to hear the Government attempt to overturn a judges order for a public inquiry into his murder (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Labour MP said the complexity and sensitivity of dealing with the legacy of the past required a need to build as broad a consensus as possible.

I am determined, with the help of all interested parties, including the Irish government, to achieve this, he said.

Nothing will ever ease the pain that so many families endure to this day.

But we must do all we can to help society in Northern Ireland, which has come such a long way since 1998, to finally begin to heal the terrible wounds of the past and look to a better future together.

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal in Belfast heard a UK government bid to overturn a judges order that a public inquiry be established in the Sean Brown case.

Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Derry, 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.

In December, High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys issued an order compelling the UK government to set up a public inquiry.

Mr Benn is challenging his ruling. The believes the case should instead be dealt with by the ICRIR.
Israels cabinet has approved a deal 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 1am Jerusalem time on Saturday, following an hours-long meeting of the full cabinet that went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, in a reflection of the moments importance.

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In line with Jewish law, the Israeli government usually halts all business for the Sabbath except in emergency cases of life or death.



A woman and a child walk outside their tent at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Mediators Qatar and the US 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.

The ceasefire  just the second achieved during the war  will go into 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.

Mr 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.

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The 33 are women, children, men over 50 and sick or wounded people. Hamas has agreed to free three female hostages on day one of the deal, four on day seven and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks.

Hundreds of Palestinian detainees are to be released as well, and the largely devastated Gaza should see a surge in humanitarian aid.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 700 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in the deals first phase and said the release will not begin before 4pm local time on Sunday.

All people on the list are younger or female.

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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 such as incitement, vandalism, supporting terror, terror activities, attempted murder or throwing stones or Molotov cocktails.



A woman in Jerusalem walks past photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

Trucks carrying aid lined up on 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 on Friday in Cairo to discuss the reopening of the crossing.

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An Israeli official confirmed a delegation was going to Cairo.

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 is left of their homes.

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.

Hamas triggered the war with its October 7 2023 cross-border attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and left some 250 others captive.

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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.



A man washes a tray outside a tent at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

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 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.

Longer-term questions about post-war Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

The conflict has destabilised the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

It has also highlighted political tensions inside Israel, drawing fierce resistance from Mr 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 on Friday, writing on social media platform X: If the deal passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart.

Mr Ben-Gvirs resignation would not bring down the government or derail the ceasefire deal, but the move would destabilise the government at a delicate moment and could eventually lead to its collapse if Mr Ben-Gvir were joined by other key Netanyahu allies.

Later on Saturday, Israeli police said one person had been seriously wounded in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv.

A passerby shot the attacker and he was in critical condition, according to Magen David Adom, Israels emergency rescue services.

Police did not identify the attacker but believe the stabbing on Saturday afternoon was a terrorist act.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are serving life sentences without parole for murdering their parents, have had their resentencing hearing moved due to the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Prosecutors and defence counsel met with LA Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic on Friday, where a new date of March 20th-21st was agreed for the hearing.

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The continuance is due to the impact of recent wildfires on the parties extensive preparations for the hearings, LA district attorney Nathan Hochman, who recently replaced George Gascon, announced.

Los Angeles County district attorney Nathan Hochman (Damian Dovarganes/AP)

The hearing had originally been scheduled to take place on January 30th-31st.

The 1989 murder case has been in the headlines over the last few months after a Netflix drama series and documentary film were released.

The Menendez brothers have never disputed that they fired the fatal shots that killed their parents, Jose and Mary Louise Kitty Menendez, on August 20th, 1989 at their Beverly Hills home.

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But the pair have always claimed their actions were an act of self-defence, rooted in physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.

After the series aired, then-district attorney Mr Gascon announced his recommendation for resentencing of the brothers, who have also received backing from the majority of their family and stars including Kim Kardashian.

Resentencing could mean immediate release from prison for the brothers, but it has to be approved by a judge.

At the last court hearing, family members of the pair made compassionate pleas advocating for the brothers freedom.

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Joan VanderMolen, sister of Kitty Menendez, told the court that no child should have to endure what the brothers did at the hands of their father.

I love Erik and Lyle and I want them to come home, the 93-year-old added.

Terry Baralt, 85, the oldest sister of Jose Menendez, said: Thirty-five years is a long time, I think it is time for them to go home.

Defence counsel for the Menendez brothers, Mark Geragos and Bryan Freedman, were pictured exiting the court house on Friday.

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Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez and Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez in the Netflix drama, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)

The brothers were convicted and sentenced to life without parole in 1996 and are serving time at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.

It came after an initial mistrial with a hung jury for both brothers, as prosecutors claimed there was no evidence of any abuse and the pair had murdered their parents to inherit the family fortune.

Mr Gascon later supported the brothers request for clemency from California governor Gavin Newsom, which said all family members except for Milton Andersen  the brother of Kitty Menendez  supported the petition.

Netflix launched drama series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story by co-creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan.

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World Critics Choice Awards rescheduled for third time a... Read More

The nine-part series stars Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as the brothers, while Oscar-winner Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny portray parents Jose and Kitty.

At the time, the real Erik Menendez criticised the series, calling it a dishonest portrayal of a time when prosecutors built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused.

Netflix also released a documentary film titled The Menendez Brothers which featured interviews with the pair.
South Koreas impeached president will appear at a hearing in a Seoul court on Saturday to oppose a formal arrest over last months imposition of martial law, his lawyers said.

Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been in detention since he 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 December 3, which set off the countrys most serious political crisis since its democratisation in the late 1980s.

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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 Mr Yoons formal arrest.



Police officers stand guard outside of the detention centre where President Yoon Suk Yeol is being held in Uiwang (Lee Jin-man/AP)

After meeting Mr Yoon at the detention centre, lawyer Yoon Kab-keun said in a text message that the president had his legal teams advice to appear personally before the judge.

The president plans to argue that his decree was a legitimate exercise of his powers and that accusations of rebellion would not hold up before a criminal court or the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him, his lawyer said.

Hundreds of Mr Yoons supporters rallied overnight at the court, calling for his release.

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If he is arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment. If the court rejects the investigators request, Mr Yoon will be released and return to his residence.

The crisis began when Mr Yoon, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. 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 December 14.
Hines believes her early experience has strongly shaped how she approaches her interactions with the contestants on Idol, as even decades on she still keenly remembers how it feels to be standing in the position of the audition hopefuls.

No, girlfriend, please. I came for six months! she says with an uproarious laugh.

Singer and Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines never imagined shed still be in Australia more than half a century after moving here from America in 1970 as a teenager to make her stage debut in an Australian production of Hair .

People refer to me as the kind judge and its not that Im kind, its just I think that if youre going to criticise someone you should give them constructive criticism. These kids have been brought from obscurity, theyre put on television and they look like a deer in the headlights sometimes.

So try to give them something that they can work with. I was 16 when I came here, and I was a pain in the ass, Im sure, and all I did was ask questions. The people that I was around, they were very good to me and explained things because I knew nothing about the industry.

Mark Holden (left), Hines and Ian Dicko Dickson were the original judges of Australian Idol. Credit:

Australian Idol was an instant hit when it arrived on television in 2003 on Ten, launching the careers of Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Casey Donovan, Matt Corby and more, and running until 2009. When the singing competition was rebooted in 2023 on Ten, original judge Hines did not come back on the main judging panel, but only as a guest judge, a decision she took in her stride.

So they had the return of Idol after years and they didnt ask me. So what does one do? I bit the humble pill and just thought, OK, cool, I didnt get the gig.
A medical source, who did not want to be named because of tensions in the menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) debate, told this masthead that at least five Australian medical specialists and academics had voiced concerns to the RACGP about claims made by speakers at the So Hot Right Now events. The specialists had complained some speakers were putting ideology above the evidence base [on the powers of some hormone therapy], she said. The ideology in question is the belief that women have the right to hormone treatment that could make menopause optional in future. Susan Davis, a professor in womens health, says menopausal and perimenopausal women may miss out on much-needed treatment if they take advice from influencers that is not based on research evidence. Credit: Penny Stephens MHT has been hotly politicised. International practitioners have built large followings, in part by telling women they should have access to hormones they say offer potentially life-changing health benefits. Many of these practitioners sell their own health products. Some have been criticised or questioned by established menopause researchers, including Monash Universitys Professor Susan Davis, who say portrayals of certain hormonal treatments as revolutionary are not supported by clinical trial data.

Davis says suggestions that testosterone therapy, in particular, improves energy levels, concentration/cognitive function and motivation in women are spurious, as are assertions that testosterone declines at menopause and never returns. Louise Newson says women need to know menopause is forever, and once your hormones go down theyll never go up again  which is actually not true, says Davis, an endocrinologist and head of Monash Universitys womens health research program. Three research groups [including Davis] have now shown testosterone starts to increase from their mid-60s  based on the published data, there has not been evidence testosterone levels fall at menopause. A spokeswoman for Newson said the question of education accreditation for So Hot Right Now was for the conference organisers, and that the Care Quality Commission [CQC] was carrying out a routine inspection of Newson Health, not a formal investigation.

Newson Health is confident in the quality of care it provides and maintains a CQC Good rating, she said. Loading Newson Health utilises a wealth of clinical experience and data, as well as the best available scientific evidence, to treat every patient on an individualised basis and provide the best possible menopause care. Professor Martha Hickey, chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at Melbourne University and the Royal Womens and Mercy hospitals, said some influencers were dismissing evidence that combined menopausal hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. This information, based on the largest random controlled trial of menopause hormone therapy, has certainly not been debunked, she said.

There is a significantly increased risk of breast cancer with combined MHT  amounting to a 56 per cent increase after 10 years of use. Whilst Newson et al claim that newer MHT products do not increase breast cancer risk, there is no robust data to support this, Hickey said. Davis has trials under way to test if testosterone therapy may prevent bone loss and improve muscle mass and function at menopause, and offer any protection from heart failure. Her earlier studies included questions asking women on testosterone trials if they felt better when given testosterone, but the result showed both the placebo group and those on the active compound said they felt better. Davis said a lot was at stake when inaccurate information circulated online  women could overdose on testosterone formulations designed to be used by men, or miss out on much-needed therapy for depression if hormonal fluctuations were deemed to be the problem and hormone therapy the solution.

There is no evidence from clinical trials that, compared with the placebo, testosterone will improve depressed mood, she said. Loading Women could be missing out on treatment effective for their symptoms, and then theres the cost: women risk spending money on something that will not help. Dr Sarah White, chief executive of the not-for-profit Jean Hailes for Womens Health, echoed Davis concerns, saying: We have some clinicians coming here presenting themselves as world experts, yet some of what theyre putting out on social media is not accurate. Whats at stake is women being made to feel like theyre missing out on care, when in fact theyre getting the correct care, she said.

Also at stake is GPs feeling theyre being pushed into prescribing something that may not be appropriate  there is a case we are undermining the confidence women have in their GP. The key organiser of So Hot Right Now, Sydney GP and founder of the platform Healthy Hormones, Dr Ceri Cashell, said organisers were surprised the RACGP did not contact them directly about their concerns regarding the conference. The conference also no longer appears on the medical education website PraxHub, which was presenting it as a provider to RACGP members. Dr Sarah White is among the Australian experts warning that menopause influencers are making claims about the powers of novel hormone treatment that are not supported by data. Credit: Wayne Taylor No individuals have raised concerns directly with the organisers regarding the event or its content, she said. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and stakeholders. She said the conference will only present current evidence surrounding testosterone use by menopausal women for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (low libido), which Davis has researched. Newson  who discusses the benefits of testosterone widely on social media  had not been asked to speak on this topic.
Read the rest of our stories in our summer that changed everything series.

It was one morning in late January 20 years ago. The city was already steamy with summer heat and the promise of a scorcher to come. I was crossing York Street on the way to work when my phone rang.

Middle brother Paul was calling from England. In those days, no one called a mobile from overseas unless the news was urgent or catastrophic.

It turned out to be both.

Our elder brother, Tim (I am/was the youngest of three) had suffered a massive stroke. Just 50 years old, he was hanging by a thread in the intensive care unit of a UK hospital.

Youll need to get here, said Paul.
Aspiring dentists accepted into one of the countrys most prestigious universities have been unexpectedly barred from starting their postgraduate degree this year after the university accepted more enrolments than it had capacity for.

Some students who were due to start the dental surgery degree at the University of Melbourne this month have been told they will have to wait until 2026. Among them is a student relocating to Melbourne from Perth, who quit their job and rejected another university offer.

The University of Melbourne said there had been an unprecedented demand for places on the dental course. Credit: Simon Schluter

A University of Melbourne spokeswoman said some applicants who were offered places in 2025 had their admission deferred to 2026.

We have apologised to the affected students for the disappointment and inconvenience this has caused, and have been meeting with these students to provide support and discuss their options, she said.
More than 500,000 Australian workers will make an income from the booming $49 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme that its co-architect Bill Shorten has credited with boosting jobs growth and helping keep the economy afloat during an interest rates crisis.

In his final major interview before retiring on Monday to take up a university job, Shorten revealed new data that shows the equivalent of 311,000 full-time workers are employed via the NDIS, and fired back at critics of the ballooning scheme who fear it will cost more than the age pension within a decade.

Long-time Labor MP Bill Shorten will leave politics on Monday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Shorten, the outgoing minister for the NDIS and longstanding member for Maribyrnong in Melbournes west, said he hoped those in the cheap seats would have enough self-reflection to reconsider their words if they had a disabled or injured family member.

Since the formation of the NDIS, a new part of the Australian economy has been created, Shorten said of the scheme, which he had a significant hand in creating during the Rudd-Gillard governments, marking what he argued was one of the most important economic reforms of recent history.
We want to see hostages released. We want to see proper aid be able to get to the people of Gaza. And we want Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in peace and security. Israels deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, said she had met Australias Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus in Jerusalem last week and had expressed her disappointment with the shift in the Australian governments attitude towards Israel. Haskel said she had also conveyed her deep concern regarding the shocking rise in antisemitism in Australia and the clearly ineffectual response from the Australian government and state governments. There is no doubt this has been caused in part by the Australian governments ongoing campaign against Israel, she said, echoing a fiery December social media post by Netanyahu.

The Hamas-run civil defence agency said eight people had been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza since the ceasefire was supposed to take effect; the Israeli military said on Sunday it had struck terror targets in northern and central Gaza. According to the prime ministers directives, the ceasefire will not come into effect until Hamas fulfils its commitments, Hagari said in a televised statement. Far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir announced he was quitting Netanyahus conservative coalition in protest over the ceasefire agreement, ending his controversial tenure as the countrys minister for national security and weakening Netanyahus hold on power. Fellow far-right cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich, Netanyahus finance minister, has also opposed the ceasefire deal but has not said he would quit the government over the issue. Meanwhile, Israel announced that it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier who was killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained in Gaza after the 2014 war and had not been returned despite a public campaign by their families.

Palestinians walk along a street market in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Credit: AP Netanyahu said he had instructed the military that the ceasefire will not begin until Israel has in its possession the list of hostages to be freed, which Hamas committed to provide. He had issued a similar warning the night before. Israeli forces had already started withdrawing from areas in Gazas Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza, pro-Hamas media reported early on Sunday. Israels military warned Gaza residents not to approach its troops or move around the Palestinian territory ahead of the ceasefire deadline, adding when movement was allowed, a statement and instructions will be issued on safe transit methods. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv, Israel, hold portraits of hostages Kfir Bibas, his parents Shiri and Yarden Bibas, and brother Ariel, who are among those being held by Hamas. Credit: AP

The ceasefire agreement followed months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and came just ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. The agreements first stage is to last six weeks, during which 33 of the remaining 98 hostages  women, children, men over 50, the ill and wounded  are to be released in return for almost 2000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The Palestinians include 737 male, female and teenage prisoners, some of whom are members of militant groups convicted of attacks that killed dozens of Israelis, as well as hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza in detention since the start of the war. Three female hostages were to be released on Monday morning AEDT through the Red Cross, in return for 30 prisoners each. After the initial hostage release, lead US negotiator Brett McGurk said, the accord called for four more female hostages to be freed after seven days, followed by the release of three further hostages every seven days thereafter.

Among the hostages expected to be released in coming weeks is Kfir Bibas, the youngest of those taken during Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023. The toddlers family marked his second birthday on Saturday. Kfir has become a symbol across Israel for the helplessness over the hostages plight. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu in 2017. Credit: AP During the first phase, the Israeli army is to pull back from some of its positions in Gaza, and Palestinians displaced from areas in northern Gaza will be allowed to return. In a national address 12 hours before the ceasefire was due to begin, Netanyahu said his country was treating the truce as temporary and retained the right to continue fighting if necessary. He claimed he had the support of Trump, who told NBC News that he told Netanyahu to keep doing what you have to do. Netanyahu also asserted that he negotiated the best deal possible, even as Israels far-right Public Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he and most of his party would resign from the government in opposition to it.

US President Joe Bidens team worked closely with Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to push the deal over the line. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv call for the immediate release of hostages being held by Hamas. Credit: AP As his inauguration approached, Trump had repeated his demand that a deal be done swiftly, warning repeatedly that there would be hell to pay if the hostages were not released. But what will come next in Gaza remains unclear in the absence of a comprehensive agreement on the postwar future of the enclave, which will require billions of dollars and years of work to rebuild.

Israel has vowed it will not allow Hamas to return to power and has cleared large stretches of ground inside Gaza, in a step widely seen as a move towards creating a buffer zone that will allow its troops to act freely against threats in the enclave. In Israel, the return of the hostages may ease some of the public anger against Netanyahu and his right-wing government over the October 7, 2023, security failure that led to the deadliest single day in the countrys history. Loading On the diplomatic front, Israel has faced outrage and isolation over the death and devastation in Gaza. Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant on war crimes allegations and separate accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Israel has reacted with fury to both cases, rejecting the charges as politically motivated and accusing South Africa, which brought the original case, as well as the countries that have joined it, of antisemitism. The war was triggered by Hamas October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which 1200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Gaza since. Israels 15-month campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health ministry figures, which do not distinguish between fighters and civilians, and left the narrow coastal enclave a wasteland of rubble. Health officials say most of the dead are civilians. Israel says more than a third are fighters. with Reuters, AP
A BOOK about the Civil War featuring some of the best local writers was launched recently in Carlow.

Civil War: writers respond  an anthology was launched in Carlow Library, marking the completion of the work carried out by Carlow County Councils Decade of Centenaries Committee, which started in 2016.

County librarian John Shortall and Padraig Dooley pictured at the launch of 'Civil War: writers respond  an anthology' in Carlow Library Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie

Authors, poets and playwrights from across Co Carlow were invited to reflect on the theme of civil war and use their individual expertise to create a short piece of writing  in a variety of formats  to illustrate how this emotive theme can be used as inspiration for their creativity. The resulting publication is a reflective and thought-provoking body of work that explores the devastating division, sorrow and hope that can be found in such conflicts, both among those that lived through them and the generations that followed.

Chairman of Carlow County Council's Decade of Centenaries Committee cllr Charlie Murphy

The launch started with an address from Carlow arts officer Sinead Dowling, who called to mind the trying days of the Covid pandemic, when this project, a collaboration between the arts office and library service, began. Sinead hailed the wonderfully deep pool of artistic talent that the county can both produce and attract, and thanked the collaborators for their contributions.

The book was then launched by Decade of Centenaries chair cllr Charlie Murphy, who gave historical context to the Civil War in Ireland and the many what if? questions that the conflict poses.

Fiach Moriarty performs his piece 'The Death of McNeill' at the launch

There then followed a most enjoyable recital of prose, poetry and song from contributors Peter Murphy, Jessica Traynor, Marc-Ivan OGorman, Darren ODonohue, Fiach Moriarty, Derek Coyle and Oonagh Kearney. Each performer presented their work in a very insightful and engaging manner. Running through all of the excellent performances was the strong and challenging theme that gave rise to the anthology in the first instance: the concept of a society at war with itself.

Fiach Moriarty, Darren Donohoe, Jessica Traynor, Derek Coyle, Peter Murphy, Oonagh Kearney and Marc-Ivan O'Gorman

The book is now available, compliments of Carlow County Councils Decade of Centenaries Committee, at all Carlow library branches and was published with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will be obsessed with delivery over the next five years when the next government is formed.

The Taoiseach was speaking as members of his Fine Gael party met in Dublin to begin the process of ratifying the draft programme for government.

Mr Harris also said there needed to be clarification over whether members of the Regional Independents group which will form part of the prospective new government can also form a technical group on the opposition benches.

Following the results of the general election in November, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and a group of independent TDs have agreed the plan which is expected to lead to the formation of the new government.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is greeted as he arrives at the meeting (Brian Lawless/PA)

The 162-page programme for government, published this week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is expected to replace Mr Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday and the new coalition is formed.

He will hold the office for three years before it then reverts back to Mr Harris for another two years.

But first the parties must ratify the draft governmental plan.

Fianna Fail will hold a special Ard Fheis on Sunday.

Fine Gael is holding a series of regional meetings over the coming days.

Speaking before the first meeting got under way, Mr Harris said: This is a new process for my party, the first time that we are holding a series of regional meetings right across the country where every member who has been a member for two years or more has a vote in our electoral college system.

It is an opportunity for people to come out, to hear from the people who have negotiated on behalf of Fine Gael the programme for government and then to cast their vote.

He added: We have agreed a programme for government that is very true to the Fine Gael manifesto.

Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and some independents have worked together to put in place really exciting plans about the direction we want to take this country in over the next five years.

But really the key word here is delivery.

I think the challenge and opportunity for the new government, which I look forward to playing a leadership role in, is delivery, delivery, delivery.

That is what I heard from people right across the country.

Mr Harris said: That is going to be my absolute obsession and that of my colleagues in government over the next few years.

The Taoiseach also addressed a controversy after members of the Regional Independent group indicated they want to establish an opposition benches technical group despite also some of the group being in the potential new coalition, which would allow them to have more speaking time in the Dail.

Sinn Fein has said it will oppose the move.

Mr Harris said the new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy would make a decision on the issue.

He said: In relation to the issue of where people sit in Dail Eireann, I do think that needs a bit of clarification and thought.

I think if groups are in government, we need to look and see how the Dail rules can accommodate that and no doubt the Ceann Comhairle will make a decision on that.

He added: The Regional Independents are a group in the Dail, thats their right.

My understanding is there are members of that group who wont be in the government.

There will be some Regional Independents who will hold ministerial office, other Regional Independents who will not hold ministerial office.

This issue will be resolved and the person who is in a position to resolve it is the Ceann Comhairle.

Ceann Comhairle Ms Murphy said on Friday night that she has written to all members of the Dails Business Committee on the issue.

Ms Murphy invited members of the committee to make submissions to her.

She said: I will carefully consider the points raised and take any necessary further advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers.

Following the Dublin Fine Gael meeting, further party meetings will be held across Ireland in the coming days.

Party members will vote in a secret ballot on whether to ratify the programme for government with the results announced on Monday.

Several Dublin representatives attended the meeting on Friday night.

Fine Gaels Regina Doherty (Brian Lawless/PA)

MEP Regina Doherty said she believed the overwhelming response of party members would be that the draft programme for government had the stamp of Fine Gael.

She added: An awful lot of the things we had in our manifesto have now been put into the programme for government.

What we want to do is get taoiseachs, tanaistes, ministers elected as soon as we can and get down to work.

Minister of State Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill said the meeting was the first opportunity to bring the programme for government to party members (Brian Lawless/PA)

Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who helped to negotiate the plan, said it was the first opportunity to bring it to the membership.

She added: We feel as the negotiating team we have put together a programme for government with Fianna Fail and with the independents that does reflect the values of Fine Gael, that does reflect what people have said to us on the doors during the election.
What does 2025 have in store for us in terms of visual effects spectacle?

Are filmmakers starting to wise up to audience sensibilities toward how visual effects are used? Are original imaginative special effects films a thing of the past? Are animation studios done plundering their own archives? Will the Sundance Film Festival unleash more unexpected gems than we could ever predict here? Will A.I. eat us all?

The answers to some of these questions may, or may not, be found below in Cartoon Brews highly subjective guide to interesting vfx-heavy films on the horizon for this year. Titles are grouped by type. Credits are not final nor complete. Click trailers at your peril.

Tentpoles

Mission: Impossible  The Final Reckoning (May 23)

ILM and company reunite with superstar Tom Cruise and filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie to bring down the curtain on the eighth and final entry in the Impossible Mission Force series. This time, renegade agent Ethan Hunt is back creating havoc in the U.K., Malta, South Africa and Norway, with some stunning aerial action  about which all vfx secrets will likely be closely guarded.

Superman (Jul. 11)

The superhero genre is still ticking, and many comic fans are anticipating a good Fantastic Four on July 25, but Siegel and Shusters Superman, the orphaned son of Krypton, remains the grand-daddy of them all. This time, James Gunn reportedly takes inspiration from the Fleischer Studios 1940s Superman animated shorts, and promises to return to the heart of the hero  joined by Krypto the Superdog. Gunns Guardians of the Galaxy vfx supervisor Stephane Ceretti reteams with Gunn for this film.

Tron: Ares (Oct. 10)

Joachim Rnning takes over from director Joseph Kosinski, returning to the glittering cybernetic realms of Disneys sci-fi adventure thriller. The computerized action this time tackles artificial intelligence as the outgrowth of proto-gamer Flynns creation. Initiated by Steven Lisberger in 1982. ILM is among the studios working on the film.

Avatar: Fire and Ash (Dec. 19)

James Cameron unveils part three of five in his science fiction epic with Weta FX creating new Pandoran realms and new characters, bringing a different hue to the Alpha Centuri paradise. No trailer yet, but teaser images are gorgeous and intriguing.

Franchise

Paddington in Peru (Mar. 21)

Michael Bonds urbane, marmalade-eating, talking bear travels back to his roots, in Darkest Peru, in this third hybrid animation adventure with Framestore. Dougal Wilson directs. The film is already a big hit in the U.K.

Snow White (Mar. 21)

The first of three hybrid cg-animated adaptations of much-loved animated features this year tackles the big one with Disneys 1937 classic. Marc Webb directs Rachel Zegler as the raven-haired princess, with Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Animated diminutive gemstone miners and other fantasy creatures are credited at IMDb to MPC and Framestore.

A Minecraft Movie (Apr. 4)

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures tackle the popular blocky world-building videogame as a tongue-in-cheek adventure starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, directed by Jared Hess in league with vfx supervisor Dan Lemmon. Imageworks and Weta FX are credited at IMDb.

Lilo & Stitch & How to Train Your Dragon (May 23, Jun. 13)

A remarkable twofer of hybrid live-action/cg-animated feature adaptations, both connected. Disneys remake is based on their 2002 2d animated feature of a furry blue alien stranded in Hawaii, co-written and directed by Chris Sanders and Dean Deblois, now directed by Dean Fleisher Camp. Vfx are credited at IMDb to ILM, MPC, and Imageworks, among others.

Then, a month later, DeBlois writes and directs an adaptation of his own animated feature, How to Train Your Dragon (2010), teaming with Framestore to bring to life characters (including green-eyed Night Fury Toothless) to live-action realms for Universal.

Outliers

Presence (Jan. 24)

Steven Soderbergh and David Koeps minimalist haunted house story, from Sundance 2024, not a huge vfx vehicle (supervised by Yuval Levy of Smile and I Saw the TV Glow). But, from all accounts, this is inventive, unnerving, and something to look out for.

Mickey 17 (Mar. 7)

How does Bong Joon-ho follow Oscar-winning Parasite? With a wry sci-fi thriller that looks like Harry Harrison channeling Philip K. Dick with Robert Pattinson facing an identity crisis as a long-suffering clone. Dan Glass, who worked on Bongs Snowpiercer, is vfx supervisor.

28 Years Later (Jun. 20)

This films terrifying trailer puts a riveting spin on the living dead Rage Virus, filmmaker Danny Boyles zombie saga now three films in, reveals post-apocalyptic U.K. reduced to almost medieval survival, reminiscent of BBC TVs harrowing 1984 atom bomb drama Threads.. Boyle directs from a script by frequent collaborator Alex Garland. Technical credits pending.

Predator: Badlands (Nov. 7)

After last years terrific streaming sleeper hit, Prey, which dropped Foxs invisible alien hunter into the 1800s Comanche Nation, director Dan Trachtenberg returns to pit the bloodthirsty extraterrestrial trophy-hunter against Elle Fanning in new unexpected territory. Vfx are credited at IMDb to Weta FX.

Streaming

Severance (Jan.17  Apple TV+)

The long-delayed second season to Apple TV+s surreal 2002 sci-fi drama, starring Adam Scott as a lonely man surgically severed from his work-life. Ben Stiller directs the pilot with visual panache, with vfx supervisor Eric Leven, MPC, ILM and others credited at IMDb.

Alien: Earth (Summer  Hulu)

Noah Hawley, showrunner of Showtimes hit film-to-tv adaptation Fargo, unleashes Dan OBannon and H.R. Gigers xenomorphic nightmare on the small screen, reportedly set on Earth 2120, two years before the events of Alien. IMDb credits Zoic Studios. Beware fake fan-made trailers lurking online.

Frankenstein (probably Oct.  Netflix)

Horror maestro Guillermo del Toro has stated, Frankenstein to me is the pinnacle of everything. Here, he tackles his dream project, a true-to-the-source-material Victorian Gothic nightmare based on Mary Shelleys story of The Modern Prometheus. Oscar Isaac stars as the misguided professor, vfx supervisor is del Toros long-trusted collaborator, Dennis Berardi. Prosthetics are by Steve Newburn.
Gao Shan Pictures, the animation studio that Arnauld Boulard founded in 2014 in Reunion, an island east of Madagascar  recently announced the launch of Gao Shan Annecy, a new satellite studio based in Annecy, France, famously the home of the worlds largest animation festival.

Gao Shans new facility, operated by producer Anne-Flore Aussant and creative director Paul O Muiris, is the companys fourth production facility, following the original Reunion location, Shan Too in Angouleme, France, and Gao Shan Pictures Animation Studio in Mauritius.

The companys various studios have been involved in the production of numerous recent European animated features including Mars Express, Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds, They Shot the Piano Player, My Sunny Maad, I Lost My Body, and Into the Underwoods.

Boulard explained the decision to expand the companys operations in Annecy: The choice of Annecy, a recognized hub in the animation field, gives the studio direct access to a pool of exceptional talent and allows us to benefit from professional events such as the international animation film festival and events organized by CITIA [Annecys state-funded organization that promotes creative industries and organizes the animation festival].

Cartoon Brew caught up with Gao Shans developments in an email conversation with Gao Shan Annecy creative director Paul O Muiris.

Cartoon Brew: Why did Gao Shan decide to open a new studio in Annecy?

Paul O Muiris: Gao Shan Annecy was born from conversations between Anne-Flore, Arnauld, and [myself] while working together at Gao Shan Pictures on Reunion island. Finding a common enthusiasm for original stories and passion for animation of all kinds, the seed was planted. Our primary focus at the Annecy studio is development and pre-production, which, combined with the strengths of Gao Shan Pictures in Reunion (2d/cg hybrid pipeline through to compositing) and Shan Too in Angouleme (which provides a 2d service pipeline) it gives us the ability to cover the full spectrum of production. We chose Annecy for its ideal location, which [hosts the annual] International Animation Film Festival and MIFA, and will see the opening of the International City of Animation in 2026. The city also boasts an exceptional talent pool, with experienced artists based locally and three animation schools established in Annecy (Les Gobelins  Ecole de lImage, Ecole Brassart Annecy, and ENAAI). La Poudriere and Emile Cohl [are] also based in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. The region is also attractive due to its dedicated incentives promoting the development of the animation sector, with different funds accessible in the department of Haute-Savoie and the wider region of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

Was there a specific project you had in mind for your Annecy studio?

Our focus is on developing our own IPs. We currently have three tv series projects in development at our Annecy studio: an original action/adventure tv series (for kids 9 to 12) [created and directing by Muiris], a preschool show based on a popular childrens book series, and a comedy series about performing arts for kids 5 to 7 years, which is also based on a beloved childrens book series.

Can you share some of your business details  how you financed this expansion, and where your new studio is located?

This expansion is financed by Gao Shan Pictures, the Reunion island-based animation studio. We have also worked closely alongside Yannick Heude [head of economic development and training] and [economic support manager] Cecile Schultis from CITIA, whove been of great support with our installation in Annecy. Our team has moved into Les Papeteries Image Factory, which is an incredible animation hub, very dynamic and at the center of the local animation scene  perfect for our first steps in this beautiful region. We currently have one oce but were aiming to expand slowly in the next couple of years.

Who are the key staff members at your Annecy studio, and how do you foresee the three Gao Shan studios working together?

[Anne-Flore and I] manage the Annecy-based studio. We have both worked with Gao Shan Pictures in Reunion island on previous projects, [so we] know the team well and share the same values and ambitions. Given the structure of financing French/European productions, which involves public funding, it is common to have a work split between different studios in different regions (for instance, Little Nicholas or They Shot the Piano Player were made between the Angouleme and Reunion island studios). We are used to working with different partners across the world on our productions, but find that we are more ecient working with our own animation studios. With this new studio in Annecy, we will be able to offer the experience and expertise of Gao Shan Pictures across three regions, which broadens the range of artistic and technical solutions we can offer.

What projects does Gao Shan have on the horizon?

We will be presenting our projects in development to broadcasters and partners during the Annecy Animation Festival in June 2025. Were looking forward to introducing these projects to the world from our new home!
The School of Journalism and Communication at Southern Adventist University invites the community to IGNITE Live, an inspirational variety show featuring Christian recording artist Britt Nicole on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m. in Iles P.E. Center on campus.

The ticketed, student-led event is sponsored by Merge Worship, Hope Studios, Crosswalk Chattanooga Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kettering Health and Plainview Outdoor Advertising.

Review for Britt Nicole:

A Grammy-Award nominee known for uplifting and empowering songs, Nicoles heartfelt lyrics and dynamic performances resonate with audiences of all ages. Her chart-topping singles like Gold and The Sun Is Rising inspire listeners to embrace their worth, trust God, and find hope even during lifes challenges. The family-friendly evening will include an exclusive interview with Nicole, details about the transformative power of faith and music in her life, and a performance showcasing her most beloved hits, all complemented by interactive elements, games, and live music.

For ticket pricing and additional information, visit southern.edu/ignite or call 236-2330.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced Friday a landmark settlement with BlackRock, Inc., resolving allegations that the global investment firm misled consumers regarding the role of Environmental, Social and Governance factors in its investment practices. The settlement concludes a lawsuit filed by the State of Tennessee under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

Tennessees suit alleges that BlackRock failed to adequately disclose its integration of ESG considerations into its decision making with respect to asset management. The suit further alleges that BlackRock overstated the financial benefits of ESG-related strategies. These practices allegedly misled investors and consumers regarding BlackRocks investment objectives and alignments with climate-focused initiatives and other policy-oriented goals.

This resolution assures that the money Tennesseans invest with BlackRock is managed consistent with the funds disclosures, said Attorney General Skrmetti. While investors are always free to buy cause-oriented products instead of focusing on maximum return, this settlement ensures that only investors who make a knowing choice will see their assets directed toward these non-financial goals.

Key Terms of the Settlement:

Enhanced Transparency: BlackRock will increase its disclosure of proxy voting practices, ensuring investors have greater insights into decision-making rationales.

Compliance and Oversight: BlackRock will implement compliance measures, including audits by a third-party service to monitor adherence to the agreements terms.

Investor Communications: BlackRock commits to ensuring that its communications with investors are consistent with well-established laws governing disclosure and fiduciary duty.

Commitment to Financial Interests: For funds that do not have investment objectives beyond financial performance, BlackRock commits to casting shareholder votes solely to further the financial interests of investors.

As part of the settlement, the State of Tennessee will dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice, reserving the right to refile if BlackRock does not substantially comply.

You can view the full settlement here.
The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Friday that it is leading an application for $800 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program with a coalition of partners, including Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Indiana Michigan Power - an AEP Company, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Sargent & Lundy, Scot Forge and North American Forgemasters, the State of Tennessee and other utilities and advanced nuclear project developers.

In 2024, Congress appropriated grant funding to spur the first Gen III+ SMR deployments in the U.S., which will strengthen Americas domestic nuclear industry and help meet the growing demand for affordable, reliable, and clean power.

We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play a critical role in our region and nations drive towards greater energy security, said Jeff Lyash, TVA president and CEO. Enabling and accelerating this technology will take innovation and partnership, as well as discipline and hard work. Nuclear is the most reliable and efficient energy the world has ever known, and TVA is uniquely positioned to help drive this forward. We are committed to working with partners and this grant would expedite our work as we invest in Americas nuclear future.

If awarded, Mr. Lyash said the funding will accelerate construction of an SMR at TVAs Clinch River Project, in Oak Ridgee, by two years  with commercial operation planned for 2033. He noted that by working with these partners, TVA is ensuring this funding paves the way for deployment of not just the first SMR at Clinch River but also to help establish a domestic supply chain and support future deployments of advanced nuclear units in the U.S. and beyond.

The benefits from this funding reach beyond Clinch River as TVA will work with partners to share lessons and best practices that will offset costs and reduce risks for customers, while advancing nuclear technology for the entire country.

TVA is following a structured planning process that carefully advances the Clinch River project in phases at which the TVA Board will evaluate and consider approving any next steps. TVAs Board has not voted to approve an SMR at the nuclear site. Should the Board approve an SMR, the availability of DOE funding would help accelerate the early activities of the project.

TVA is a nuclear energy leader, pursuing the BWRX-300 technology in the U.S., along with Ontario Power Generation in Canada who is on the path to construct the same technology and is expected to be operational by 2029. Building on OPGs progress, TVA is planning for the potential deployment of up to four SMRs at the Clinch River Nuclear site. These deployments will stimulate the supply chain for BWRX-300 reactors in the coming decades.

Tennessee is leading the nation with safe, reliable, clean nuclear energy to ensure Americas energy independence and a brighter future for all, said Governor Bill Lee. I thank the Tennessee Valley Authority and key partners for requesting funding to accelerate SMR development, which will support Tennessees nuclear ecosystem development and strengthen our workforce to create even more high-paying jobs for Tennesseans.

Emerging nuclear technologies are showing great promise for increasing our nations power generation capabilities by offering reliable, affordable, flexible and clean-energy alternatives. Traditional nuclear energy is already a safe and secure energy source and SMRs will continue to improve safety and security. Their smaller footprint means they can be built more quickly, are easier to operate and better fit into the landscape due to their compact size, said officials.

AEP President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Fehrman said, "Not only will this funding allow us to accelerate our own SMR ambitions, but this partnership will also allow us to collectively advance the entire industry. This is a substantial step toward meeting the needs of our states and customers with reliable power.



President of Bechtels Nuclear, Security & Environmental Business Dena Volovar said, This partnership with TVA marks an exciting step toward a cleaner energy future. For over 70 years, Bechtel has helped our customers deliver clean, nuclear power. From design through construction and initial operations, we have contributed to 150 nuclear plants around the world, resulting in more than 76,000 megawatts of new nuclear power coming online. We look forward to bringing our capabilities to this historic project.

BWXT President and Chief Executive Officer Rex D. Geveden said, BWXT has manufactured nuclear reactor components for government and commercial markets for more than 60 years. We are well-positioned to support the major projects that will transform our nations energy infrastructure and build on our robust supply chain capabilities. We are committed to being a strong and reliable partner in this effort to develop new nuclear energy resources for the U.S.

President of Duke Energy Harry Sideris said, As the operator of the largest regulated nuclear fleet in the U.S., we are pleased to join this important initiative to advance new nuclear technologies with the DOE and key industry peers. Small modular reactor technologies can play a vital role in our long-term energy transition strategy, and public-private partnerships can help accelerate their introduction by ensuring industry learnings and best practices are leveraged to deliver the best value for our customers and communities.

EPRI President and CEO Arshad Mansoor said, EPRI is pleased to be among the collaborators in TVAs efforts to accelerate SMR construction in Tennessee. Together, the participating organizations have the opportunity to develop, share, and document lessons learned to support this project as well as future deployment of this type of SMR technology.

GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said, "Nuclear power has a key role to play in reaching a cleaner and more secure energy future. Funding from this grant would play a critical role in the path forward, and we look forward to working with TVA and this strong team of utility and supply chain partners to accelerate the roll- out of small modular reactors in the United States."

ORAU Chief for Research and University Partnerships Kenneth Tobin said, ORAU is very excited to partner with TVA on this initiative. We look forward to sharing our experience and expertise to help increase nuclear energy workforce capacity in the State of Tennessee and across the country.

Victor Suchodolski, Sargent & Lundy chairman, president and CEO, said, Sargent & Lundy has been at the forefront of the nuclear industry since its inception, and this project will pioneer the implementation of GEHs BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology in the United States. This further cements our decades-long relationship with the TVA, and were eager to work with GEH and the project team to deliver on the promise of safe, reliable and clean energy to meet the growing needs of the region.

EO & Chairman of the Board at Scot Forge John Cain said, To build energy independence for our nation, sustainable new sources of base load energy must become a larger portion of the mix over time. The development and manufacture of small modular reactors will require, but more importantly bring with it, a strategic build out of and trust in our domestic industrial base. This confidence in our domestic ability and in our women and men who make up our manufacturing workforce has been an unwavering component of TVAs vision for energy independence. Scot Forge is proud to support TVA and the team as part of the Gen III+ SMR Pathway to Deployment application.
Text messages between Jason Chen and Jasmine Pace showed no arguments or disagreements between them prior to her savage murder at Chen's North Chattanooga apartment on Nov. 23, 2022, it was testified Friday.

Detective Zack Crawford said out of just under 1,400 texts there was no indication of acrimony between the young couple.

He also said it did not appear that one person in the couple was pushing the relationship more than the other. "They were just casual conversations," he said. The detective said Ms. Pace would most often go to Chen's residence rather than he to hers.

It was also testified Friday that, according to phone records, Chen was playing video games with a group on the night of the murder and the delivery of the body to a slope off Suck Creek Road.

Also, Chen was found to have gone on the Tinder dating ap the morning after the murder was carried out. He asked "Sarah" "What's going on?" and to "Victoria" he said, "So I guess we're dating now." One of the women responded to his text.

Chen is standing trial in the courtroom of Judge Boyd Patterson for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.

Attorney Josh Weiss earlier told the jury that on that night Ms. Pace became enraged when she picked up Chen's phone and saw he had been calling other women. He said she went after him with a wine bottle and Chen wound up stabbing her.

The medical examiner said Ms. Pace, whose body was shackled and stuffed in a suitcase, had 60 stab wounds.

District Attorney Coty Wamp tried to keep out certain text messages said to be of an explicit sexual nature between the couple, but Judge Patterson said they could go before the jury because they dealt with the couple's relationship.

DA Wamp afterward read a number of excerpts from the texts that began Nov. 3, 2021, when the couple met on the Bumble dating site. They corresponded a few days, then Chen picked it back up in late April 2022.

Chen on April 29, 2022, reached out to her for the first time since the previous November. Ms. Pace responded, "I do have you in my phone. You must be okay since I gave you my phone number."

She asked, "Can you send me a picture of yourself?" They then exchanged photos.

Chen asked, "Does 7 or 8 tonight work for you?" She said she was busy that night and a girlfriend wanted her to stay with her that weekend. Ms. Pace said she was going to Rainbow Falls alone and he could join her on that hike the next afternoon.

The couple began seeing each other, and Chen invited her to go on a trip to Chicago with him. Ms. Pace said she worked her schedule around so she could go.

She said, "It's been years since I took a trip. I'm so excited. This is going to be so fun."

The 22-year-old Ms. Pace added, "I've never taken a trip with a guy before. I'm glad it's with you."

A week after the trip Ms. Pace ironically recommended that he go for a drive along Suck Creek Road "before the leaves all fall off."

In another text, she told Chen she was sorry to have missed his birthday. In still another, she said she was going off for a few days because "I just need a break."

On Nov. 20, 2022, she told him, "I don't think I'll be able to make it." Two days later, he asked her over for "fun shower time and cuddle for a bit." Ms. Pace said she was not feeling so well.

Chen told her he had "given me some inspiration to get some doughnuts." She asked, "How were they and where did you get them from?"

Chen, also on Nov. 20, 2022, asked, "What are you doing this Wednesday by the way?" He said, "When I see you I'll give you the biggest hug."

DA Wamp said, "Three days before he murdered her he asked her to his apartment on the date he murdered her."

Also on the 22nd, Ms. Pace asked, "Are you still at the gym?" He said, "Just finishing up." She said, "My schedule is touch and go the next few days." She arrived at his apartment not long before midnight.

The next morning at 11:46 a.m., after Ms. Pace had been killed, Chen wrote to her phone, "Good morning. I slept like a baby. Making myself a mocha."

Cellphone expert Mark Hamilton said there are a number of "likes" and "loves" in the texts, but the preceding text was no longer found. He said those were either deleted or somehow lost.

He said using cellphone pings from Chen's phone off towers and with video from several stores, Chen's exact movements around the time of the murder could be tracked.

The witness said records show that on Nov. 23, 2022, at 6:15 p.m. that Chen left in his Toyota Camry and headed for the Suck Creek Road suitcase dropoff. He left that spot by the river at 6:33 p.m. and headed for Walmart on Signal Mountain Road, then on to Walgreens on North Market. It was testified earlier that he bought cleaning supplies and other items and took them to his blood-covered apartment at 110 Tremont.

It was at Walmart, the witness said, where Chen apparently shut off the phone of Ms. Pace. It was never heard from again.

The investigator said Chen then left the apartment complex at 8:27 p.m. and drove in Ms. Pace's Chevrolet to 900 Mountain Creek Road, where he left the vehicle in a parking lot. He then took a gray Pruis Lyft back to his apartment, arriving back at 9:02 p.m.

Investigator Hamilton said Chen apparently remained at his apartment until Nov. 25 when he drove to the home of his parents at Nolensville, Tn.

There, he said, Chen took the SIM card from his phone and moved it to the larger, newer IPhone of Ms. Pace. Her SIM card was found by police at the parents' home.

Investigator Hamilton said records show that on Nov. 27, 2022, Chen drove back to Chattanooga. He said he was in the neighborhood of his apartment within a block or two, but does not seemed to have gone up to the unit. He went up to Hixson, then later headed back to Nolensville, where he was soon found by police.

Finerprint experts earlier in the day said fingerprints found on one of three garbage bags found around the body were those of Chen.

The trial continues on Saturday morning before a jury from Nashville. It will also be conducted on Monday after a day off on Sunday.

All of the 200 pages of texts were allowed to go to the jury.

The family of Ms. Pace in November filed a $17 million Circuit Court lawsuit against the Chen parents, saying they illegally harbored a fugitive and covered up the murder. It asks $12 million compensatory damages and $5 million punitive damages.

Their attorney, Ben McGowan, has been sitting with the Pace family throughout the trial and at prior hearings.
The FBI and the TBI are investigating after a hit and run at Soddy Daisy revealed a major scam operation run out of California.

Two California men have been placed under $1 million cash bonds by Soddy Daisy Judge Marty Lasley, who said he wants to help an elderly Soddy Daisy man get his $1.3 million back.

Charged with theft over $250,000 are Raymond Guan, 42, and Ho Yin Li, 36.

Larry Cox, an 83-year-old veteran, said he received an email from the Federal Trade Commission and a Gary Wilson, said to be with the fraud department of his bank, First Horizon.

He said in early December he was told by "Wilson" that "I would be helping the government and the bank" by providing large sums of money that would be all returned to him on Jan. 10.

Mr. Cox said at a preliminary hearing in Soddy Daisy this week, "I didn't question it. At the time it felt real. I went over it and I couldn't find anything wrong with it."



He said the FCC letter "had all the decals and everything. It looked real."

Mr. Cox said he was asked to furnish large amounts of money, and it could not be paid by a check. He said he proceeded to withdraw large sums from the IRA of his wife, who is in a memory care facility.

He said he was first asked to convert the money to cryto currency, so he went to a gas station on Dayton Pike that has a crypto machine. He said he had $32,000 in cash (in $100 bills) with him.

But he said he had trouble figuring out how to feed the pile of cash into the machine, especially with two customers waiting behind him. So he finally gave up.

Mr. Cox said he was then asked to send the money in gold bars. He went to a store on Rossville Boulevard on three occasions, where he converted piles of cash for $85,000 gold bars. In one case he handed over seven bars, and in two other it was four bars to the scammers.

He said he was told that a secret agent named "Mike" would be coming to his house that night to pick up a box of the gold bars he had prepared. On all three occasions, there were passwords. One was Black Friday. He said the agents were always ready with the password.

Mr. Cox said he finally realized that "this isn't working. I don't feel good about this." He finally went to authorities and quit talking to "Wilson" who afterward called him 14 times in one day.

He said "Wilson" had "a thick accent." He said the agents who came to his door were Asian.

On Dec. 3, as the "agent" was leaving the Cox subdivision on Captains Cove Drive, there was a hit and run in which "Mike" was badly injured. "Mike" was later identified as Guan, and a second "agent" as Li.

Both Guan and Li were questioned by Soddy Daisy Police after the hit and run. At the time neither were theft suspects. However, the TBI was called in and they soon were defendants themselves.

Their story was they had stopped by the road to look at Christmas lights when a truck came along and struck Guan. They said the driver of the truck got out and took $3,000 to $5,000 from the injured Guan as well as the gold bars. They could give no identification of the driver and said they had no idea who was after them.

By the time Soddy Daisy Police got to the wreck scene, everyone was gone. A BOLO was put out for the rental car with Florida tags the two "agents" were in. Officer Eddie Richmond said he was sitting at Walgreens at 2 a.m. when the car came by. He stopped it and the men were then questioned.

He said he asked to take pictures of Guan's injuries, which included a lot of road rash and a puncture to the head. He said when Guan took off a bandage it showed "he had a hole down to the skull." Paramedics were summoned and Guan was taken to the hospital

A TBI special agent said his office was called by District Attorney Coty Wamp to investigate the incident. That was before anything was known about the theft.

Steven Brown, of the Public Defender's Office, asked, "Did you think it was unusual for General Wamp to call you to investigate a hit and run in Soddy Daisy?"

The agent said his interview started out with Guan as the victim, but ended with Guan and Li as suspects in the theft. He said, "Both admitted they knew they were doing something illegal."

He said they said they made such money collections for a man they knew as "Andy" in California. Guan said he made collections four times previously from different victims and Li had a couple of times. They admitted using passwords each visit.

The TBI agent said the FBI was able to get a photo of the man they believed to be "Andy" and Guan and Li said that was him.

Attorney John McDougal argued against the high bond, saying, "You don't even have million dollar cash bonds in murders."

Judge Lasley said, "I've got a guy who lost over a million bucks. We want this gentleman's money back."

He added, "Andy should have the cash - in gold bars."

Judge Lasley said the two defendants "were extremely vague on who hit them."

Larry Cox said he has not gotten any of his money back.

He said he was sworn to secrecy and did not tell his son and daughter he was taking the money out.

A video distributed on the Internet is said to be the incident in which Guan was hit and the driver got out of the truck and stole from him. Click here for video.
Sheila Lynn Brown Clark, 58, graduated to her eternal life in heaven on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Born on Feb. 26, 1966, in Hialeah, FL to Martin and Lynn Brown, and later moving to Chattanooga when she was three, Sheila attended Hamilton County Public Schools, and was a proud graduate of Tyner High Schools 1984 class, majoring in Social Studies, but not the Social Studies we all know. Sheila was a social butterfly, who never met a stranger.

After high school, Sheila went on to study nursing at Chattanooga State, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, serving in pediatrics and later serving at Chattanooga International Medicine for Dr. Patrick Ryan.

Sheila was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in early 2002, and was forced to retire from her lifelong passion for patient care in 2013. Although retired, Sheila would not allow her illness to keep her from enjoying life and spending time with her family and friends. Sheila loved to travel, shop, and most of all, spend time with her eight grandchildren.

Sheila leaves behind to cherish her many memories, a loving husband and caretaker of 23 years, Jason Clark; two sons, Justin Moller and Tyler (Victoria) Moller; step-daughter, Caitlyn Clark; eight grandchildren, Braedyn Moller, Lindsay Moller, Lily Clark, Maverick Moller, Molly Moller, Jaxon Clark, Parker Moller, and Laney Weems; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Clark; daughter-in-law, Julie Moller; brother-in-law, Ken Walker (Natasha), sister-in-law, Christy Burgner (Ackworth, Ga.); two very special nephews, T.J., and Austin Brown (Ackworth, Ga.), as well as her beloved Boxers, Mili and Izzy.

Additionally, Sheila leaves behind a very special group of friends: Dottie Ingle Willmore, who was a lifelong friend and cared for Sheila daily for over 10 years, Amy Weems, who has been in Sheilas circle for over 25 years, and Susie Magnuson who has been in Sheilas life since junior high school.

All of your care and support has meant the world to Sheila and the entire family throughout the years. We would also like to thank the family members of the above-mentioned who worked behind the scenes and selflessly allowed the three special ladies to assist Sheila and I during the last decade.

To the many friends that Sheila had at Chattanooga Internal Medicine Group, each of you meant the world to Sheila, and she spoke of you often.

Thank you to the Weber, Burnette, and Lane families for always calling, or dropping in to visit Sheila through the years. Each visit and phone call was definitely a highlight in Sheilas life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Forrest Sowell for their care and support throughout the years. Your compassion and care means the world to us.

We would also like to thank our church family at Maple Groove Baptist. Though Sheilas condition prevented her from attending services, we rarely missed a live feed and the opportunity to worship in the comfort of our home.

The family requests no flowers, none of them would last anyway because Jason would forget to water them and you would be wasting your money.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Humane Society or St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 1-4 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Ronnie Dotson leading the service.

Share your memories and express condolences at www. turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.




Home News The International Court of Justice now led by Evangelical judge, Julia Sebutinde

The resignation of International Court of Justice President Nawaf Salam to become Lebanon's prime minister has elevated Vice President Julia Sebutinde to the role of acting president, marking a dramatic shift in the court's leadership.

Under Article 13 of the ICJ Rules, Vice President Sebutinde will fulfill all presidential duties until February 2027, when Salam's original term would have ended. The Christian Ugandan jurist, who became the court's first African female judge, has expressed markedly different positions from her predecessor on cases involving Israel.

On Feb. 6, 2024, the court elected Judge Nawaf Salam (Lebanon) as president and Judge Julia Sebutinde (Uganda) as vice-pPresident. President Salam resigned effective Jan. 14.

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The contrast between outgoing President Salam and Acting President Sebutinde was illustrated in their approaches to recent cases.

Salam, during his previous tenure as Lebanon's United Nations ambassador, consistently voted to condemn Israel, casting 210 votes against the Jewish state, according to UN Watch. In 2008, he delivered a speech accusing "terrorist Jewish organizations" of committing "organized massacres" and later described Israel as a "triumph of blatant racist & colonialist choices" on social media.

In contrast, Judge Sebutinde emerged as a lone dissenting voice in the ICJ's January 2024 order on South Africa's genocide case against Israel, arguing that while Gaza faced a humanitarian crisis, total responsibility did not lie solely with Israel. "Hamas bears at least partial responsibility for the welfare of Palestinians," she wrote, noting instances where the terrorist group impeded aid delivery.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment as the court handles multiple cases involving Israel. While Salam departs to lead Lebanon's government with support from both Muslim and Christian factions, his replacement, a newly appointed ICJ judge, will be determined through elections in the U.N. General Assembly and Security Council starting Feb. 5.

Under Article 14 of the ICJ rules, when the vice presidency becomes vacant, the role falls to the senior judge based on length of service. The U.N. is likely to appoint the senior judge Peter Tomka of Slovakia as he has consistently demonstrated anti-Israel bias.

Sebutinde's judicial philosophy appears shaped by careful consideration of history. In her dissenting opinions, she has emphasized the importance of understanding the region's complex history from ancient times through the British Mandate period. She contends that proper legal assessment requires examining competing sovereignty claims and warns against incorrect conclusions about occupation and settlements.

"The ICJ failed to conduct critical analysis of pivotal issues," Sebutinde wrote in one dissent, arguing that reliance on 1949 Armistice lines as de facto borders was legally problematic.

The incoming acting president's ties to Uganda's Evangelical community, particularly the Watoto Church in Kampala, have drawn considerable attention. Christian Zionism is common in Ugandan Pentecostal circles, and her colleagues emphasize that her 40-year legal career demonstrates rigorous adherence to international law, which is consistent with her theological faith.

Salam's departure for Lebanese politics highlights the complex relationship of law and regional dynamics. As a member of Beirut's Sunni Muslim elite, he secured broad parliamentary support, including from Christian lawmakers aligned with President Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian.

The U.N. will soon begin the process of selecting Salam's replacement on the court. The election requires winning majorities in both the General Assembly and Security Council, with permanent Security Council members wielding veto power.

Looking forward, Acting President Sebutinde faces the challenge of restoring the court's credibility. Her previous dissents suggest she will emphasize historical context and resist pressure to support Islamic conclusions.

"The Court should have declined to render an advisory opinion," she argued in one case, citing insufficient reliable information to fairly assess complex issues. She expressed concern that one-sided narratives prevented comprehensive examination of historical facts.

The transition highlights enduring tensions in international law between competing principles: self-determination versus territorial integrity, security versus humanitarian protection, national sovereignty versus universal jurisdiction and international law verses Sharia law. As acting president, Sebutinde inherits responsibility for managing these tensions in an institution with a mandate to facilitate peaceful dispute resolution.

Her ascension comes as the court's role faces fresh scrutiny. Critics argue its decisions increasingly reflect political pressure rather than rigorous legal analysis. Supporters counter that international law must address current realities.

The contrast between Salam and Sebutinde's approaches to Israel-related cases reflects this broader debate. Where Salam emphasized Palestinian rights and Israeli obligations, Sebutinde has called for more correct analysis considering security threats and historical reality.

The process of selecting Salam's replacement will reveal whether U.N. member states prefer jurists who echo majority views or those, like Sebutinde, willing to write detailed dissents challenging opinions based on Islamic religious law.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home Opinion Joe Rogan knows atheism is stupid. Why isnt he a believer, then?

Joe Rogan is an interesting character. His brash antics and colorful language paint a misleading picture of him. To anyone whos followed his show for any length of time, its clear he is not an intellectual lightweight; hes a really deep thinker. He reads broadly, is well-informed on a variety of issues, and is extremely intellectually curious.



Earlier in January, he had Christian apologist Wesley Huff on his show. Although I rarely listen to the Joe Rogan Experience these days, I cant remember the last time he was this impressed with a guest. In a span of close to 3 hours, he said wow more times than I can count.

What was going on there?



Joe is not a Christian. But hes not an atheist either



According to him, science requires one miracle  the Big Bang. The notion that the universe sprung into being out of nothing is absurd to him. As it should be! Regarding the biblical text, when they discussed the transmission of the Book of Isaiah, he described the whole process as a miracle. The fact that the oldest manuscript of Isaiah is virtually identical to the most modern one blew him away. He is not shy about identifying many phenomena as being miraculous in nature. While he never outright professes a belief in God, its clear he rejects atheism. The mysteries of the universe and creation itself are too much for him to ignore.

And yet, when Wes kept bringing up the evidence for Jesuss resurrection, he couldnt accept them. One of the most essential claims of Christianity is lost on him. Why is that?



I believe Jesus Himself can help us. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus says:

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But Abraham said, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. And he said, No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent. He said to him, If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead (Luke 16:29-31, ESV).

Ill be honest, this story has always baffled me. What do you mean people wont believe even if they see a dead person walking? That makes no sense. Yes, were naturally skeptical as human beings, but a miracle of that magnitude has to convince even the most ardent skeptic. Doubt has its breaking point, doesnt it?

But that sentiment underestimates the extent of rebellion in the human heart. If you truly know yourself, you recognize just how deeply your worldview influences your way of thinking in the day-to-day.



Christian astrophysicist Jason Lisle used a funny illustration to demonstrate this:

Once upon a time, a young man believed he was dead.



For months, his friends and family tried desperately to convince him that this was not the case, but to no avail. Finally, at their wits end, they decided to take him to see the family doctor in hopes that he could offer some sort of medical counsel to help the young man come to his senses. After two unproductive hours of talking with the young man and reasoning with him using the latest medical journals, charts, and photos, the good doctor had an idea! Son, do dead men bleed? He asked. The young man thought for a moment and then responded, well, if a person is dead, there is no heartbeat to pump the blood and, therefore, no blood pressure to force the blood out of the body, so, no, dead men do not bleed. Upon hearing this, the doctor took a needle and pricked the young mans index finger. As the blood began to ooze from the small wound, the young man grabbed his finger and cried with great excitement:



Well, what do you know! Dead men DO bleed after all!

Truth is, the way to God is not paved by mere intellectual ascent. The reason is because the claims of Christianity are offensive. Jesus doesnt merely call us to accept a checklist of scientific/historical facts  He asks us to die first: Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).

Yes, coherent arguments are absolutely necessary for faith to thrive, but theyre insufficient in engendering it. Ultimately, becoming a Christian requires a heart transplant. An entire worldview shift must happen in the heart and mind of a person before they can come to accept the claims of Christianity. This isnt a popular stance, but I dont believe the Bible gives us room to say otherwise.

Human beings are not neutral entities. They either worship the creator or they worship the creation (Romans 1). While Christianity is based on objective propositional truths, and accepting them is necessary to becoming a Christian, they are fundamentally insufficient. Conversion requires a total overhaul of the secular worldview within us. Not in part, but completely. Nothing besides a new birth (John 3:3) will do.

No one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3)



The funny thing about my conversion story is that I logically accepted the historicity of Jesus resurrection four years before I was even converted! Much like Joe Rogan, I was never an atheist. I believed in a higher power of some kind, just like he does. And it made no difference. I was just as alienated from the Almighty as Ive ever been. The chasm that separated me from Heaven was just as wide. It took a miracle to finally open my eyes to the reality of my sin and the glories of Christ.



Remember, Joe Rogan isnt alone. Every unbeliever around you is in the same exact position  just as youve been in before you came to Christ.



Pray for them consistently. Pray God might open their eyes. And pray also for Joe Rogan. God is not done with him yet.
Home News Elon Musk taking on 'danger' posed by woke AI  including tool created by company he co-founded Emergence of politicized ChatGPT 'not what I intended at all,' Tesla CEO says

Elon Musk is reportedly putting together a research team to combat what he has termed the deadly threat of woke artificial intelligence.

Musk, 51, has contacted a select group of artificial intelligence researchers in recent weeks about forming a new research lab to develop an alternative to ChatGPT, according to The Information.

In December, the founder of PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX and other ventures warned about the potential risks in the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, which Musk tweeted as one example of training AI to be woke.

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The danger of training AI to be woke  in other words, lie  is deadly  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 16, 2022

According to the report, Musk  who recently regained his title as the worlds richest man  is hoping to recruit a number of top AI researchers, including Igor Babuschkin, who worked at the DeepMind AI unit for Google parent company Alphabet.

Its a reversal of sorts for Musk, who co-founded OpenAI, the company which created ChatGPT, as he now seeks to build a competitor to a company of his own making.

When Grit Capital CEO Genevieve Roch-Decter tweeted about the irony of Musks warnings about AI posing one of the biggest risks to civilization after he co-founded OpenAI, Musk responded that such a development was never his intention.

OpenAI was created as an open source (which is why I named it Open AI), nonprofit company to serve as a counterweight to Google, but now it has become a closed source, maximum-profit company effectively controlled by Microsoft, he replied. Not what I intended at all.

Speaking virtually at the World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, earlier this month, Musk issued another warning about the urgent need to regulate AI.

One of the biggest risks to the future of civilization is AI, said Musk. But AI is both positive or negative  it has great promise, great capability but also, with that comes great danger.

Musks warnings are far from new: as far back as 2017, Musk said he hoped the still-nascent OpenAI would help minimize the dangers that AI technology poses on humans as a species.

While pledging to help prevent the world from becoming a real-life "Terminator" film, Musk conceded even then that OpenAI has the cards stacked against it.

"Maybe there's a five to 10 percent chance of success," he said at the time.

His dire predictions sparked somewhat of a backlash from AI experts like Toby Walsh, an AI professor at the University of New South Wales, who said that Musk made an alarmist remark.

"There's a healthy research community working on ensuring that these machines won't pose an existential threat to humanity," Walsh said. "I expect they'll have worked out precisely what safeguards are needed by then."

Subbarao Kambhampati, who teaches computer science at Arizona State University, also described Musk's statements as alarmist. Kambhampati said Musk is likely thinking about a "super-intelligence take-over" situation involving AI, which he described as "far-fetched" in an interview with Inverse.

For his part, Musk has offered solutions to any potential domination of economic activity by AI: the Tesla CEO told the World Government Summit in Dubai in February 2017 that humans must become part machine to be able to interact and keep up with ever-evolving forms of technology, or risk irrelevance.

Musk raised the scenario of mass employment as AI could begin to supplant human work in more and more jobs. As machine-learning and robotics technology improve, "There will be fewer and fewer jobs that a robot can't do better, he said.

The key to keeping humans competitive, Musk added, is "a closer merger of biological intelligence and digital intelligence.

Humans, according to the billionaire, must close the gap: "It's mostly about the bandwidth, the speed of the connection between your brain and the digital version of yourself, particularly output."

Musk might have had that biological upgrade in mind when he founded Neuralink, a medical device company that is reportedly designing a tool to not only "read" from neural activity but "write" signals into the brain.

At that time, Musk said that the technology was placed inside a monkey's brain and that the animal was able to control a computer through its thoughts. He aspired to have it implanted in a human being by the end of 2019.

That goal was ultimately revised in December when Musk announced he expects Neuralink to successfully develop a wireless brain chip and begin human clinical trials on such a device by mid-2023.

The reason I created Neuralink long-term as a risk mitigation for digital super-intelligence, in that if we are able to effectively achieve symbiosis with digital intelligence, then  the collective human will is better able to steer things in the direction that wed like, or even with benign AI, at least go along for the ride, he told The Babylon Bee in a December 2021 interview.

Were already at this point partially a cyborg  in that our phones and computers and applications are a digital extension of ourselves at this point.
Home News Pastor released from prison after US removes Cuba from terror list

Cuban pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was released from prison before completing his eight-year sentence for peacefully protesting in 2021, joining several others who were freed after the United States government removed Cuba from a key terror list.

Rosales Fajardo, who had been serving a sentence linked to Cuba's 2021 protests, was released on Friday from Mar Verde prison as part of a mass amnesty, the United Kingdom-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide announced.

He was one of 553 political prisoners chosen to be released, alongside Afro-Cuban Yoruba religious leader Donaida Perez Paseiro, who had also been behind bars. Perez Paseiro's husband, ethnic Yoruba leader Loreto Hernandez Garcia, was not freed.

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The mass amnesty occurred after the U.S. announced it would remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move criticized by both Democrats and Republicans who allege that Cuba is complicit in enabling Hamas, Hezbollah and other "terrorist enemies" of the U.S.

Pastor Rosales Fajardo was first taken into custody on July 11, 2021, in Palma Soriano, along with hundreds of others who participated in peaceful demonstrations across the island. In a June 2024 statement, the eight-country International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance said authorities "beat him and treated him in a violent and humiliating manner" following his arrest.

His detention, due to his religious leadership and involvement in nonviolent gatherings, was seen as politically motivated. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention deemed his detention "arbitrary."

The pastor was prosecuted in December 2021 on charges that included disrespect, assault, criminal incitement and public disorder. The number of political prisoners in Cuba increased five-fold in 2021 as the government cracked down on protesters demonstrating for various reasons, including a shortage of medicine and food during the pandemic, according to the Madrid-based watchdog Prisoners Defenders.

The demonstrations represented the largest protest against Cuba's Communist dictatorship since 1959, the year Fidel Castro took power.

The pastor was initially placed in Boniato Maximum Security Prison. In early 2023, his relatives confirmed that he was transferred to a lower-security facility closer to home.

Pastor Rosales Fajardo was "singled out for humiliation" in detention, according to The IRFBA, with prison guards speaking disparagingly about his faith. He was placed in a "punishment cell" in 2022 when he refused to halt sharing his religious teachings inside the prison.

Family members had repeatedly expressed concern over his treatment and the conditions of confinement.

During appellate proceedings, only prosecutors were permitted to introduce evidence, which included the testimony of a dozen police officers, while the pastor's lawyer allegedly faced restrictions in accessing case files.

CSW cites a document from the Permanent Mission of Cuba in Geneva to the United Nations that first referred to an eight-year sentence, then mentioned a revised term of seven years without a clear explanation.

CSW's Director of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl says the pastor and Yoruba leader have endured "abusive treatment."

"We call on the Cuban government to immediately release Loreto Hernandez Garcia, and to ensure that Pastor Rosales Fajardo and all political prisoners and their families are free to enjoy their freedom without any further harassment," Strangl said.
Home News Sean Duffy seen praying with family ahead of confirmation hearing

A nominee to serve in President-elect Donald Trumps cabinet said a Hail Mary with members of his family ahead of his confirmation hearing.

Video footage shared by Fox News host Rachel Campos Duffy shows her husband, Sean Duffy, a former congressman from Wisconsin, and their family praying a Hail Mary together on Capitol Hill Wednesday, shortly before the United States Senate Committee on Commerce conducted a confirmation hearing in consideration of his nomination as secretary of transportation in the forthcoming Trump administration.

Duffy, a Catholic father of nine, also posted a picture of his family gathered together following the hearing.

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I am grateful to the members of the Senate Commerce Committee for considering my nomination today, he wrote in the X post. Duffy also thanked Trump for nominating him and expressed gratitude to his family for their support: If confirmed, I look forward to working tirelessly to make travel in America more efficient, comfortable and safe!

Trump nominated Duffy, who hosted a show on Fox Business until recently, to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation and shared the news publicly in a Nov. 18 post on Truth Social. He praised Duffy as a tremendous and well-liked public servant who began his career as the district attorney of Ashland, Wisconsin, and later represented Wisconsins 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican.

Duffy served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 through 2019, when he resigned to spend more time with his family after it was determined that their then-unborn daughter was going to suffer from health problems. He predicted that despite the challenges, his youngest child would become a great gift from God.

Trump spoke positively about Duffys tenure in Congress when announcing him as his pick to lead the Department of Transportation, describing him as a respected voice and communicator in the Republican Conference who advocated for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and rural development. He also characterized the former congressman as a champion for the needs of families, farmers, and small businesses.

Trump vowed that as secretary of transportation, Duffy would prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding Americas highways, tunnels, bridges and airports in addition to ensuring that our ports and dams serve our Economy without compromising our National Security and making the skies safe again by eliminating [diversity, equity and inclusion] for pilots and air traffic controllers.

After noting his role as a father of nine children, Trump expressed confidence that Duffy would use his experience and the relationships he has built over many years in Congress to maintain and rebuild our Nations Infrastructure, and fulfill our Mission of ushering in the Golden Age of Travel, focusing on Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation in addition to elevating the Travel Experience for all Americans.

Duffys fate now rests in the hands of the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, which consists of 15 Republicans and 13 Democrats. Mathematically, Duffy should be able to secure confirmation with only Republican votes as the party controls more seats in the Senate than their Democratic counterparts, and the same is true for the full Senate. Confirmation by the full Senate would follow a favorable committee report.

Although the Senate consists of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, Campos Duffy indicated in her X post showing her family praying together that she believed her husband would receive bipartisan support. She pointed to her daughter, Valentina, repeatedly giving Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., hugs as her favorite moment of the day. Baldwin is one of the 13 Democrats serving on the Senate Committee on Commerce.

Duffy isn't the only person well-known for his time on Fox News or its affiliates slated to serve in the Trump administration. Pete Hegseth, Trumps pick to serve as secretary of defense, was one of Campos Duffys co-hosts on Fox & Friends Weekend until recently. Unlike Duffy, Hegseths path to confirmation looks like it will receive little to no support from Democrats.
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 Texas A&M president cancels trip to conference excluding white, Asian students after Gov. Abbott threat

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to fire the president of Texas A&M University after it was revealed that the institution was sponsoring student travel to a conference that excluded white and Asian students.

The PhD Projects Annual Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois, is specifically designed for "historically underrepresented individuals considering business doctoral studies." The event, which promotes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), explicitly limited eligibility to non-white, non-Asian students.

The controversy began on Monday when activist Christopher Rufo shared an image on social media platform X exposing that Texas A&M was promoting the event despite its discriminatory policy.

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In his post, Rufo wrote: Texas A&M is sponsoring a trip to a DEI conference that prohibits whites and Asians from attending. The university falsely claims that this use of taxpayer funds does not violate the state's DEI ban. @TAMU is supporting racial segregation and breaking the law.

Rufos post also included screenshots from a partial email in which a university employee wrote that the universitys general counsels office had concluded that supporting The PhD Project is permissible under recruitment exemptions in SB 17.

The post sparked a quick condemnation from the governor, who replied emphatically, Hell no. Its against Texas law and violates the U.S. Constitution. It will be fixed immediately, or the president will soon be gone.

DEI programs at public universities are prohibited under Texas newly implemented law, Senate Bill 17.

Soon after, Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III issued a public statement reaffirming the university's commitment to comply with SB-17 and asserted that it does not engage in discriminatory practices.

The statement read: Texas A&M does not support any organization, conference, process or activity that excludes people based on race, creed, gender, age or any other discriminating factor. The intent of SB-17 is very clear in that regard. We will continue to honor both the letter and the intent of the law.

In another statement, Welsh later told Fox News he was canceling the trip altogether: "While the proper process for reviewing and approving attendance at such events was followed, I dont believe we fully considered the spirit of our state law in making the initial decision to participate.

"This particular conferences limitations on the acceptable race of attendees is not in line with the intent of SB-17, and, as a result, we will not be sending anyone to participate in this conference."

Welsh, a retired four-star general who has served as Texas A&Ms president since 2023, has a history of pushing DEI initiatives. As dean of the Bush School of Governance and Public Service in 2016, Welsh delivered a speech in which he encouraged students to focus on creating diverse job slates and if there is a "tie" among candidates, to choose the individual who brings racial or gender diversity.

The PhD Projects Annual Conference lists at least eight other Texas public universities that have participated in the conference in the past but will no longer be participating, according to the Texas Tribune.
Members of the civil defence teams carry out search and rescue operations in the rubble of a residential building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. (Photo: Mohammed Talatene/dpa/Alamy Live News)

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas due to come into effect on Sunday has been welcomed by Church leaders both within and beyond the Holy Land.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the ceasefire would be a source of "relief" for many people in the region and that it hoped it would end to the "immeasurable suffering" caused by the war.

However, it added that a long-term commitment to peace was needed if it is to be "sustainable", and that political leaders and the international community must work together "to develop a clear and just political vision for the post-war period".

"[The ceasefire] is a necessary step to halt the destruction and meet the urgent humanitarian needs of countless families affected by the conflict," it said.

"However, we are aware that the end of the war does not mean the end of the conflict. It is therefore necessary to seriously and credibly address the deep-rooted issues that have been at the root of this conflict for far too long.

"Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved through a just solution that addresses the origin of this long-standing struggle.

"This requires a long process, a willingness to acknowledge each other's suffering and a focused education in trust that leads to overcoming fear of the other and the justification of violence as a political tool."

The Gaza ceasefire will begin on Sunday at 6.30am GMT after the Israeli cabinet approved a deal on Friday night that will also see the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

News of the ceasefire was welcomed by Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Church leaders in the UK. In a joint statement, they said that the ceasefire "will come as an enormous relief for all living in Gaza and for those waiting for the release of hostages held by Hamas".

However, they also called on Israel to lift its ban on the UN agency UNRWA, saying that it "jeopardises vital life-saving assistance".

"The ceasefire announced today is only a first phase lasting six weeks. As church leaders we call for the ceasefire to be permanent and unconditional so that humanitarian aid can be rolled out unimpeded in Gaza," they said.

They added, "We pray for a just, equitable, and lasting peace in the region that goes beyond simply the absence of violence.

"Our churches will continue to work closely with Israeli and Palestinian partners, agonising with them in their current sufferings yet confident that God's grace and deliverance offers hope for the future for all."

The statement was signed by Rev Lynn Green, General Secretary, the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Rev Helen Cameron, President of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain, Carolyn Godfrey, Vice-President of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain, and Rev Philip Brooks, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) with the United Reformed Church.
(Photo: Getty/iStock)

Christian Today spoke to the Rev Marcus Walker, Rector of St Bartholomew the Great in the City of London and founder of the Save the Parish movement in the Church of England, about what he is looking for in a new Archbishop of Canterbury after Justin Welby stepped down in January.

CT: You publicly called for the resignation of Justin Welby after the publication of the Makin Review last November into the John Smyth abuse scandal. What are your reflections now on his resignation?

MW: It's desperately sad that we reached that point. I have a lot of time for Justin Welby and respect for him, but his position had become untenable. I hope this will allow the church to move forward.

CT: You have been a member of General Synod since 2021 and so have seen the leading bishops at close hand. Who is your pick for the role and why?

MW: I'm afraid that I think my endorsement for any candidate would kill their chances stone dead! I do, however, think that we need a clear break from the managerial Church which has become so stifling of the Church and its mission. Anyone involved in the disastrous policies of mass mergers of parishes should be avoided.

CT: What would you like to see the next Archbishop do to save the parishes?

MW: The first thing is to love them! To show that he or she actually likes the people in the pew and to stop attacking them and their history and their practices. Pretty much every Anglican in England wants to be able to get on with the core business of worshipping God, and the central Church seems to spend all its time making that less possible, less pleasant, and less affordable.

The new Archbishop could be transformative if the energies of the national Church were devoted to helping the local church. Oh, and getting back to preaching Christ would be good - we don't need a Church Shadow Cabinet; we need a bench of shepherds, pastors, and teachers.

CT: On a scale of 1 to 10 from pessimism to optimism, how optimistic are you that a new Archbishop can make a difference to frontline parishes?

MW: Full 10/10 - the new Archbishop could make a difference. Will they...?

CT: Given the deep divisions in the C of E, particularly over the proposed services of same-sex blessing, to what extent could any person, however gifted and godly, actually be able to lead such a divided house?

MW: With God, all things are possible.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Mary Kay Cabot, Browns reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, talked with students at the Cleveland Media Academy on Jan. 11 about how she started her career and what advice young journalists can follow.

Cabot talked about a recent story when she interviewed Browns cornerback Denzel Ward to talk about the loss of his dad to a fatal heart attack when Ward was a freshman at Ohio State.

At first Ward was hesitant to talk about it, but Cabot said she shared with Ward about how her husband had gone through open-heart surgery, and how close she was to losing him during that operation. Cabot said that finding that common ground helped Ward open up and they were able to talk about their experiences with each other.

Some other highlights of her talk to the students:

Be open to change. Be ready for anything that comes, and keep broadening your skills so you can do anything.

Make yourself so good at what you do that (your employer) cant imagine life without you.

Sometimes you have to fight through adversity, but thats OK. It will make you tougher.

When that little red flag goes up in the back of your mind, do NOT ignore it.

Leave no stone unturned in your question for information that you need. Thats how I break stories. I wont give up on them. You just dont give up. You keep going until you get what you need.

Kameron Bradley is a high school student and reporter in the Cleveland Media Academy, which is an eight-week high school journalism program sponsored by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer in partnership with News 5, Signal Cleveland, WKYC Studios and the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists.
China eyes upholding genuine multilateralism through WEF annual meeting

Xinhua) 10:36, January 18, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China looks forward to enhancing exchanges and communication and upholding genuine multilateralism with all parties through its attendance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting 2025, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked about China's expectation for this year's WEF annual meeting.

According to Guo, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will attend the meeting in Davos, Switzerland and visit Switzerland and the Netherlands from Jan. 19 to 24.

Ding will deliver a special address at a session on China at the meeting's opening plenary session, said the spokesperson.

Guo said China looks forward to enhancing exchanges and communication with all parties, promoting understanding and trust, building consensus on cooperation, upholding genuine multilateralism, jointly advocating an equal and orderly multipolar world, and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, as well as contributing positive energy to improving global economic governance and promoting world economic growth.

The WEF, known as the world economic bellwether, is one of the most internationally influential unofficial economic forums. This year's annual meeting, under the theme of "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," has invited all parties to explore ways to strengthen cooperation and jointly seize development opportunities in the smart era, the spokesperson added.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
TikTok 
CNBC's Jim Cramer on Friday reviewed earnings reports from top banks that reported this week, saying he's impressed with all them, but especially Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs. He said investors would have benefitted from owning all of these names this week and praised the industry as a whole.

"Despite the big gains for the banks this week, their stocks have quite a bit more upside, because those earnings explosions, well, I got to tell you, all they did was make the price to earnings multiples lower than we think, much lower than the rest of the market," he said. "If you don't yet own any of these banks, I want you to pick up at least one or two."

Here is Cramer's take on six major banks:

JPMorgan Chase quarter easily topped earnings and revenue estimates, also posting record annual profits that came in at $58.5 billion. Cramer lauded the company's lower-than-expected overhead ratio, which is costs divided by revenues. He was also encouraged by JPMorgan's guidance for 2025, as the company raised its full-year net interest income forecast.

Bank of America miss from its sales and trading business was noticeable. He said the company had a modest revenue beat and a solid earnings beat. He noted that the stock moved more when other banks reported this week instead of on the day of its own report.

Wells Fargo beat, Cramer said. He said its report suggested the bank has good credit quality, adding that he likes that it also managed to maintain its "incredibly aggressive buyback." Overall, he said, Wells Fargo's quarter was solid, which is what investors need for the company, which is "still very much mounting a comeback."

Citigroup bank beat on earnings and revenue and saw growth in each of its businesses. The highlight of Citi's report, however, was its guidance, he said, which was "the most forward-looking guidance of anyone." While Cramer said he's still guarded on the stock  as it had struggled for while  he suggested it is the cheapest of its peers, and it has more upside if earnings continue to impress.

Goldman Sachs reporting $11.95 earnings per share versus the $8.22 estimate from LSEG. He was impressed by the revenue growth in its numerous businesses, as well as the reduction in its operating expenses. While Goldman Sachs finished the week trading at an all-time high, Cramer said he thinks it has more room to run.

Morgan Stanley beats, as well as growth in its institutional securities division, which includes investment banking, sales and trading. He also said he appreciated CEO Ted Pick's commentary on the conference call, where he expressed excitement about momentum across different business segments, as well as opportunity in M&A.

Goldman Sachs, Citi, JPMorgan and Bank of America declined to comment. Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to request for comment.
TikTok said its services will go dark on Sunday without a guarantee from the Biden administration that it won't punish Apple , Google and other service providers if they support the app.

"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 in a statement on Friday.

The statement indicates that TikTok's American users base, which the company claims is over 170 million, will not be able to use the service when they open the app or website on Sunday.

In response, the White House on Saturday called TikTok's threat to shut down in the U.S. a "stunt" and said it sees no reason for TikTok or other companies to take any action in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday, Jan. 20.

"We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them."

TikTok issued its statement after the Supreme Court on Friday ruled unanimously to uphold a law requiring that service providers no longer support its app within the U.S. if parent company ByteDance fails to carry out a "qualified divestiture" of the app by Sunday. As a result, Apple, Google and Oracle could face tough penalties if they fail to adhere to the law.

"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," TikTok said in its statement.

However, Biden's term ends on Monday, when President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term in the White House. Trump, who previously supported a TikTok ban, later flip-flopped on the matter. In December, Trump asked the Supreme Court to pause the law's implementation and allow his administration "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case."

In a Friday post on his social media app Truth Social, Trump wrote, "My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!"

Earlier Friday, the Biden administration had issued a statement saying TikTok "should remain available to Americans, but simply 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," the statement said.

Attorney General Merrick Garland and Lisa Monaco, his deputy, said in a release that the decision "enables the Justice Department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine America's national security."

WATCH: We are the only TikTok bidder that meets the SCOTUS' criteria, says Frank McCourt
India will likely cut its disinvestment and asset monetization target by 40% for 2024-25 in the federal budget to be presented next month, The Economic Times newspaper reported on Saturday, as planned sales of state-run firms run into a host of setbacks.

The government will likely revise the target to less than 300 billion rupees ($3.47 billion) from the initial 500 billion rupees, the newspaper said, citing people aware of the deliberations.

The government may set the target at about 450 billion rupees to 500 billion rupees for the next fiscal year, as it intends to conclude the IDBI Bank transaction and step up its asset monetization bid, the report said.

The Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters' email seeking comment.

The Indian government, which owns 45.48% in IDBI Bank, and state-owned Life Insurance Corp of India which holds 49.24%, together plan to sell 60.7% of the lender. The sale process was first announced in 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration moved from the usual practise of setting a stake sale target in its budget presented last year.

Modi's ambition of privatizing state-run firms has taken a back seat due to regulatory hurdles, complex decision-making, political considerations and valuation issues, but his government has delivered more stake sales than any previous administration.

The government has raised 86.25 billion rupees from disinvestments so far in this fiscal year.

The government will continue to reduce its stakes in some entities via the offer-for-sale route, the report added.
The advent of so-called physical artificial intelligence is believed by many to be the next frontier of the AI investing cycle, opening up opportunities to get behind robotics makers, auto suppliers and specialty semiconductor companies. Investors are looking for another way to play AI after huge runs in Nvidia and the other stocks powering and producing digital bots like ChatGPT. Search bots were the start and the technology has now moved into "agentic AI" like customer service representatives and research assistants. Now the focus for investors analyzing the leading edge of this technology is becoming interaction in the physical world with devices acting independently through artificial intelligence, like robot nurses and self-driving drones and cars. And analysts believe this is where the big money will be. "As you go into 2025, agentic AI is that next inflection point here before you hit that physical AI moment ... like with everything else in the world, you have to crawl before you can walk and then run," said CFRA senior equity analyst Angelo Zino. "Gen AI hasn't really seen much monetization thus far. So when you start thinking about agentic AI and robotics and what have you, there's a real kind of belief out there  and expectation. You'll see those use cases start to come about this year." Uber , along with Mobileye , a maker of driver assistance tech, and Aptiv , an auto parts supplier, could be beneficiaries of this futuristic trend. The burgeoning humanoid robot market also has several big-name players, which we previously reported on, like Tesla and XPeng . And of course, Nvidia is a huge frontrunner in physical AI as well, according to several Wall Street analysts. Wall Street is expecting realistic AI-enabled agent applications to start coming out this year and physical AI innovations to begin playing out later, most likely in self-driving cars first . Physical AI has created "an additional leg to the stool" to the AI build-out phase, said Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari. "There's an additional driver now that augments what's going on today and AI broadly." Nvidia and the 'chatGPT moment' for robotics Nvidia has been the AI darling for as long as investors can remember, as it owns the majority of the AI chips market and continues to be a standout name in the agentic AI space. But its efforts in robotics haven't yet caught up to Wall Street's near-term estimates on the stock. Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang's Jan. 6 CES keynote left investors and analysts optimistic on the company's announcements across its hardware and software products. Huang touted during his speech that "the ChatGPT moment for general robotics is just around the corner," and said the company expects to enable the development of three key robots in the coming years: agentic agents, self-driving vehicles and humanoid robots. Huang spent much the keynote on Nvidia's development of agentic models that can perform tasks like coding and chat support. He also announced Nvidia's Cosmos platform for companies looking to train and develop physical AI systems. The Cosmos world foundation models can generate physics-based videos from several inputs, like video, image text, as well as robot sensor and motion data, according to a recent Nvidia press release. Eminent robotics and automotive companies, like XPeng , ridesharing giant Uber and Agile Robots, have already adopted the platform, the company has said. Several humanoid makers have also adopted Nvidia's Project GR00T model. In an interview, Goldman's Hari said he was "struck" by the Cosmos announcement and the pace at which Nvidia is innovating. His buy rating and $165 price target are driven by Nvidia's Blackwell GPU sales and generative AI-fueled data center growth, as well as continued cloud and enterprise spending, which he expects to see throughout 2025 and 2026. Although physical AI is not a big part of Hari's Nvidia bull thesis right now, the analyst said that the "concept of physical AI would lead to increased confidence in this business growing year-over-year" in his 2027 and 2028 estimates. CFRA's Zino and Bank of America senior analyst Vivek Arya also remain bullish on Nvidia's broader footprint in AI, especially after Huang's keynote. But they also reiterated that multiple unknowns exist when it comes to how long the company's robotics efforts can translate into its financials. Arya said that Nvidia's approach to being the brains behind physical AI, rather than the maker of actual autonomous cars and humanoids, puts the company in a spot "where the big pools of profit are" given that consumer device makers ultimately deal with lower margins and greater competition. Zino said the Nvidia's existing swathe of customers and partners should eventually allow it to "continue to really gain a lot of traction as physical AI becomes more of an opportunity." He added that "it's too early to really say how this is all going to evolve, but Nvidia is going to clearly be a winner here." Other emerging winners of 'physical AI' Several companies involved in the technologies powering physical AI systems, like sensors and control system makers, also stand to benefit from the trend. Oppenheimer analyst Colin Rusch named autonomous driving tech developers Aptiv and Mobileye, warehouse automation company Symbotic and high-energy lithium-ion battery maker Amprius Technologies as some top picks. "We see physical AI as a nascent interdisciplinary field poised to transform the industrial complex through increased asset productivity and labor efficiency," Rusch said in a recent note. "We see outsized investment return potential in sensing, sensor fusion, compute hardware & software architecture, connectivity, controls, and AI training strategies," he continued, adding that he expects the maturing technology to benefit companies with strong balance sheets and access to incremental investment capital. Auto parts supplier Aptiv is a strong play in sensors, as the company provides radar and sensor fusion technologies that help build "a truly comprehensive and reliable environmental model," the analyst said. Sensor fusion technologies take a combination of data from radar, lidar and camera sensors to create a detailed image of the driving environment. Intel-owned Mobileye is also a top Oppenheimer pick in the software architecture side of physical AI. "While select vertically-integrated players will likely emerge in an autonomous future, we believe MBLY will be the key enabler of most legacy OEMs delivering autonomous functionality," Oppenheimer stated in a note. Rusch noted Mobileye's "leading" expertise in sensors and a Compound-AI system approach for self-driving systems. MBLY 1Y mountain Mobileye stock performance over the past year. Amprius, another top physical AI pick from Oppenheimer, has seen its shares pop roughly 105% over the past month fueled by the company's Tuesday announcement of its SiCore cell, which is part of a platform that provides high-performance energy and power performance for drones, electric vehicle and aviation applications. The firm's price target suggests a whopping rally of more than 316% over the next year. There's no exact timeline on when the physical AI opportunity will emerge and most analysts are still struggling to incorporate it into their short- and medium-term models. "Most of these companies, most of these great minds a year ago were talking about hitting that point within a three-year span or maybe sooner, others a little bit later," Zino said. That's "when we start seeing a multi-trillion dollar TAM opportunity on the physical AI side of things."
When Mark Cuban started the company that made him a millionaire, he was nearly at rock bottom  and he doesn't think that was a coincidence.

"If you've got nothing, it's the perfect time to start a business," Cuban told the "Lex Fridman Podcast," in an episode that aired last year.

He cited himself as proof: He'd recently been fired from his job at a computer software store and was sleeping on the floor of a three-bedroom apartment with six roommates when he launched his first startup, a tech company called MicroSolutions, in 1983.

"I couldn't go any lower," said Cuban, now 66. "There was no downside for me starting a business."

DON'T MISS: How to use AI to be more productive and successful at work

After roughly seven years  during which a secretary allegedly almost bankrupted the company, and Cuban himself, with forged checks  Cuban sold MicroSolutions to CompuServe for $6 million, becoming a millionaire in the process. He became a billionaire after his next tech company, an audio streaming service called Broadcast.com, sold to Yahoo for $6 billion in 1999.

The serial entrepreneur and startup investor currently has an estimated net worth of $7.79 billion, according to Bloomberg.

"If you want to take that next step, you have to be able to deal with the consequences of changing your circumstances," Cuban said, noting that people with jobs, children or mortgages may have good reason to be uncomfortable with entrepreneurship's uncertainty. "Creating a business gives you the greatest potential upside and the greatest leverage on your time, but it also creates the most risk."

You can at least partially mitigate the risk by saving at least six months' worth of living expenses, Cuban recommended in a 2023 Wired interview. And you should intensively study your prospective business' industry ahead of time, he said on the podcast.

"I get emails and approached by people all the time [saying], 'What kind of business should I start?' That tells me you're not ready to start a business," he said.

Other successful entrepreneurs often agree: When you start a business, you need to take your research seriously and commit yourself  both personally and financially  to seeing your idea through, for better or worse.

"First, build conviction by learning more about what you want to do. Don't just do some of the cursory work," billionaire serial entrepreneur Jay Chaudhry told CNBC Make It last year. "Second, start by putting in your own money. That actually is part of testing your conviction. If you really have conviction, you'll take a chance on yourself."

Knowing what it feels like to struggle  and being comfortable with the idea of doing it again  can lend you some useful perspective, too.

"I know what the bottom feels like. I don't mind if I go back. So, I'm just going to put all the chips on the table," Jake Loosararian, CEO and co-founder of the $633 million robotics firm Gecko Robotics, told CNBC Make It last year, adding: "That actually is a superpower. Those scars allow you to act with confidence, courage and a will to make [your goals] become reality."

Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank," which features Mark Cuban as a panelist.

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Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, CEO of Telefonica, during a keynote at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 26, 2024.

Spanish telecom giant Telefonica's board agreed on Saturday to appoint defence company Indra's chairman Marc Murtra as its new CEO, replacing Chief Executive Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete following a request from state-owned fund SEPI.

Telefonica's board held an extraordinary meeting on Saturday to decide to terminate Alvarez-Pallete's contract and offer his job to Murtra, who accepted it, the company said in a filing to the stock market regulator.

The decision still needs to be ratified by shareholders, the company said.

State-owned investment fund SEPI had proposed to replace Alvarez-Pallete, who has led the company since 2016, with Murtra, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters earlier on Saturday.

The current term of Alvarez-Pallete was due for renewal this year at the annual general shareholders meeting usually held in April or May.

Under Murtra, Indra, which is 28% owned by the Spanish government, has focused on its defence and aerospace business to benefit from European countries' increased military budgets following heightening world tensions.

The Spanish government bought a 10% stakeworth about 2.3 billion euros ($2.36 billion) in Telefonica through SEPI in May 2024 to counterbalance the acquisition of a similar stake by Saudi Arabia's STC in late 2023.

The acquisition gave the government a seat on Telefonica's board.

Given Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company, the government only approved the transaction in November 2024 after securing a stake in the telecom company similar to STC.

Over the past years, Telefonica, like rivals in Europe, has faced a squeeze on profitability from fierce competition and the need for hefty investment in infrastructure for the 5G next-generation mobile technology.

It has been selling stakes in more mature businesses such as submarine cables or mobile masts and smaller operations in Latin America to fund 5G and optic fibre.
Specific sectors of the market could be standout winners once President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday, according to Alpine Macro. Those pockets include small caps, industrials, fossil energy, and aerospace and defense stocks, Dan Alamariu, the firm's chief geopolitical strategist, wrote in a Thursday note. Specifically, he suggested investors go long on oil stocks and small-cap industrials, and short on crude oil prices, alternative energy and specialty retailers. Alpine Macro's picks come as stocks linked to the so-called Trump trade came back to life this week, including the Russell 2000 and defense and energy stocks. More broadly, stocks notched their best week since early November and turned green for the year after a weak start in January. .RUT 3M mountain Russell 2000, 3 months Stocks linked to Trump's return to the White House rallied on the heels of his election in November, as the president-elect has long espoused deregulation and pro-domestic manufacturing policies that investors viewed as beneficial for small caps and banking. His rhetoric that allies need to increase their defense spending to better align with the United States' contribution to NATO also helped lift defense stocks. But the trade seemed to weaken at the start of the year, only to come roaring back. The Russell 2000 has advanced 4% this week, alongside the S & P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index ETF (XAR) . "The Alpine Macro view is that U.S. equities should continue to perform well in 2025, as the Trump administration will be pro-growth and prioritize market-friendly, rather moderate policies," Alamariu said. XAR 3M mountain S & P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index ETF (XAR), 3 months That said, he cautioned that the new administration's first 100 days could be marked with volatility. Also, he said, the market remains vulnerable to a potential correction due to geopolitical and domestic risks, as well as headwinds from Trump's tariff plans. Although Trump remains an advocate of U.S. energy dominance and independence, Alamariu expects this stance will help oil stocks more than oil prices. Oil companies, particularly U.S. shale producers, are likely to benefit from gaining a bigger share of the global oil market. "Trump's Day 1 EOs will emphasize 'drill, baby drill,'" he wrote. "Policies will include withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords, opening federal lands to fossil fuel production, lifting Biden's restrictions on LNG exports, rescinding EPA power plant emission rules, and rolling back SEC climate disclosure re- quirements." And because Trump has pushed for allies to increase military spending and purchase U.S.-made equipment, Alamariu said, aerospace and defense stocks are well positioned, especially those that supply airpower equipment or defense names that have underperformed their peers. To be sure, Alamariu said Trump's call for tariffs on global imports remains a potential headwind to markets until more clarity is given. "If any policy is most likely to dislocate markets and the economy, it is Trump's approach to tariffs," Alamariu said. "The economic and policymaking consensus on tariffs has been slowly shifting in favor, but the Trump's administration may not yet have decided how to proceed."
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks after a meeting with Republicans in Congress at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 8, 2025.

President-elect Donald Trump told NBC News' "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker in a phone interview Saturday that he will "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the U.S. after he takes office Monday.

Trump said he hadn't made a final decision but was considering a 90-day extension of the Sunday deadline for TikTok's China-based parent company to sell to a non-Chinese-buyer or face a U.S. ban.

"I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. You know, it's appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It's a very big situation," Trump said in the phone interview.

"If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday," he said.

A 90-day extension is explicitly allowed for in a bipartisan law made last year under specific conditions. But an extension Monday may not be enough to avoid the app going dark for at least a day, because the current deadline for compliance is Sunday.

The fate of TikTok is one of the subjects that has consumed the final days of the Biden administration, and many of the app's millions of U.S. users are eagerly awaiting a resolution.

The Biden administration has repeatedly said that it does not plan to enforce the law, punting that responsibility to Trump, but TikTok said Friday that the White House's assurances may not be enough to prevent the app from shutting down. TikTok has said it plans to "go dark" Sunday unless it receives greater "clarity and assurance" about potential legal fallout including against third-party service providers.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikTok's plans to go dark "a stunt" in a statement Saturday morning.

"We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday," she said.

"We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them," she said.

President Joe Biden signed the law last April requiring the app's Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to a non-Chinese-buyer or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States, but in recent days his aides have been looking for ways to keep TikTok available when that law takes effect Sunday.

Under the law, the president can grant a one-time extension of 90 days if he certifies to Congress that three things are true: There's a path to divestiture, there's "significant progress" toward executing it and "there are in place the relevant binding legal agreements to enable execution of such qualified divestiture during the period of such extension."

No such binding legal agreements have been made public. If a last-minute buyer came forward, they would likely need to spend tens of billions of dollars for TikTok's U.S. operations.

Trump did not say whether he was aware of any recent progress toward a sale.

Trump's support for TikTok is a sharp reversal from his stance during his first term, when Trump signed executive orders to ban not only TikTok but also the Chinese messaging app WeChat. Trump's attempt then was blocked by the courts. His reversal came after he met briefly with one of the app's billionaire American investors last year.

Lawmakers who have supported a sale or ban say some action is necessary because of ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government, which they say shouldn't have control of a major media property that could be used for propaganda purposes. They also cite the app's collection of personal data from American citizens.

TikTok's fans have protested the possible sale or ban, including by downloading other Chinese apps such as RedNote despite potential security concerns about those apps, too.

On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the law, rejecting the app's free speech arguments in an unsigned opinion with no dissents.

Ahead of the Supreme Court's ruling, Trump asked the court to hit pause on the law, asking for some time for his administration to work to find alternative solutions to banning the app.
When Mary Braun met her husband Sebastien, they were both living in Chicago. But on their second date, Sebastien, a native of France, told Braun he wasn't planning on staying in the United States for much longer  he had been in America for 15 years and wanted to move back to Europe soon. "He actually almost moved back but then decided to stay just a little bit longer and met me, so it was very serendipitous in that way," Braun tells CNBC Make It. At the end of 2020, the couple moved into a two-bedroom apartment together on the North Side of Chicago. At the time, Sebastien worked for ZF Group, a German technology manufacturing company, while Mary worked as a social media manager for a haircare company. Both worked remotely and eventually the apartment proved too small for them, so the couple moved across the street into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex where they paid $2,585 a month in rent. "I miss it so much. It was a really cute building that still had brick walls and Chicago character but was gutted and renovated," Braun says.

When Mary Braun met her husband Sebastien, they were both living in Chicago. But on their second date, Sebastien, a France native, told Braun he wasn't planning on staying in the United States for much longer. Mary and Sebastien Braun

Braun and Sebastien lived in the apartment for about a year and got through the Covid-19 pandemic together there. During that time, they started seriously considering a move to Europe and which country they would soon call home. Switzerland was at the top of their list. Sebastien was enrolled in an executive MBA program at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. "He chose it because he was able to do a lot of it remotely from the U.S.," Braun says. "Since the long-term goal was moving back to Europe, it made sense for him to do a European program." Another mitigating factor for the couple was that Sebastien hadn't been able to see his family in France for an entire year because of pandemic travel restrictions. He started actively working to get transferred to his company's European offices. The ZF Group offered Sebastien a transfer to an office in Germany, but Braun balked at the idea. She didn't speak the language and there were no direct flights to and from Chicago. He was then offered the opportunity to work out of a ZF office in Bern, Switzerland, the country's capital. Though a move to Bern still didn't appeal to Braun  it also has no direct flights in and out of Chicago  she realized Zurich was close enough that Sebastien could commute into the office every day. "He really thought it was the best career opportunity for him, and at the time, the company that I worked for was willing to let me go and work remotely for them from Switzerland," Braun says. "The stars aligned."

By December 2021, the couple had started the process of moving to Switzerland  which included attaining Swiss visas  so they didn't end up actually moving until September 2022. Braun and Sebastien married in March of that year, shipped most of their belongings to Switzerland, and moved in with Braun's parents while they waited for the paperwork to clear. "We still had a long time to adjust to it and be with my family," Braun says. "Which I think helped make the transition easier." When Braun and Sebastien finally made their move to Zurich, they lived in temporary housing  first in a furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom that they paid 3,880 francs or $4,253 USD and then a 2-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom place that rented for 5,090 francs or $5,580, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. "I remember sitting on the bed in the temporary housing with our dog and thinking how is this real? How are we in Switzerland? How did our dog make it here? How did everything fall into place?" Braun says. "This was our real life now and we had to deal with it. It was just surreal." That December, the couple found a more permanent living arrangement. It was a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom apartment in the Enge neighborhood of Zurich where rent was 4,120 francs or $4,516.

When Braun and Sebastien finally made their move Zurich, they lived in temporary housing. The couple soon found a more permanent living arrangement. Mary and Sebastien Braun

The couple loved that apartment, but in January 2023, Braun learned she was pregnant. Living on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator became a major concern. The couple were also notified that their rent would be raised. They figured it was the right time to find a place with more space. Five months later, Braun and Sebastien left the old apartment behind and moved to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in Uitikon, a town just outside of Zurich, for 3,950 francs or $4,330 a month. Braun says one of the upsides for them was that their taxes went down because they weren't living in the city anymore. In Switzerland, people pay federal income tax rates ranging from 0 to 11.5%, but that doesn't include local taxes, according to H&R Block. The cantons, which are similar to states in the U.S., and municipalities also charge taxes.

The couple lived in this apartment in Uitikon for about eight months. Mary and Sebastien Braun

A downside? It wasn't all that easy to get around their new town without a car. When Braun gave birth to the couple's daughter and went on maternity leave, she was employed as a social media manager for a Swiss company that wasn't friendly towards remote work. "I was starting to get concerned about just balancing life," she says. There was a possibility that Braun would lose her job if she didn't return to her office full-time when her leave was up. "If I were in the U.S., I would have my mom or someone I knew well to watch our daughter. We started thinking that we needed to have a plan for the worst-case scenario financially."

The couple and their daughter currently live in a town just outside of Fribourg, Switzerland. Mary and Sebastien Braun

Eventually, Braun's boss confirmed the worst, and she considered her options. "I appreciated that [my boss] was very honest with me, but it was a bummer because I kind of had to choose between my career or my family," she says. "I took the loss, but there are other bonuses to being at home with our daughter. Being a stay-at-home mom is just a different job." Last year, the couple and their daughter moved to a town outside of Fribourg, just under two hours from Zurich's city center, where the family still resides. They pay 2,630 francs, or $2,883, a month for their 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment. "We were able to save a huge chunk of change and Sebastien was making more money. It didn't really close the gap between me losing my income but it definitely helped from a financial standpoint," Braun says.

The family has a scenic view of the town from nearly every window in their apartment. Mary and Sebastien Braun

Plus, as French is a primary language in that area, Braun was excited to raise her daughter there, knowing she would learn the language and she could improve her own. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, Braun says she really appreciates the sense of safety that comes with living in Switzerland. She takes a lot of nature walks alone with her daughter and the family dog. "The safety level is so different here that honestly, as a woman, I just feel safer doing things that I would probably think twice about doing in the U.S.," Mary says. "It feels very secure and safe while still being beautiful at the same time." Braun and Sebastien have lived in Switzerland for over two years now, and though they miss America's sense of celebration and having so much more readily available, the results of the 2024 presidential election means that moving back might be off the table  at least for the next four years: "There's too much uncertainty in the U.S." "I never want our daughter to feel like she's not American and I want her to culturally identify with the U.S., at least the good parts of it," Braun says. "It's also tempting because for me, it would be easy to get back into the job market with my journalism background, especially as a freelancer, which isn't really a thing in Switzerland."

The apartment has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Mary and Sebastien Braun

Still, "I think socially it doesn't really make sense for us at the moment," she adds. The couple thinks they will eventually move again to be closer to Sebastien's family, but that won't happen any time soon. "To have the ability to have help and have someone to rely on and watch our daughter is amazing," Braun says. "To have her grow up in one of her cultures, I think, would be really cool for us."

Mary doesn't think the family will be moving back to the U.S. any time soon. Mary and Sebastien Braun
The US is hitting back against the threat group, dubbed Salt Typhoon by Microsoft, which is allegedly behind recent cyber attacks against American telecommunications providers, as part of a wider campaign against Chinese-based hacking.

On Friday the Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it is sanctioning Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, a Sichuan-based cybersecurity company, for its alleged direct involvement in the Salt Typhoon cyber group.

Also being sanctioned is Yin Kecheng, a Shanghai-based cyber actor who allegedly was involved with the recent compromise of the Treasury network.
Michael Waqunga Dlamini, a visionary educator and school administrator, highlighted the need for political education in Eswatini in 1996.

This was during a meeting hosted by the Sive Siyinqaba National Movement at Mhlatane High School in Piggs Peak, where he was the head-teacher. I had the privilege of attending this meeting as a reporter for the Times of Swaziland (Eswatini) based in Piggs Peak. During this meeting, Dlamini fervently argued against depriving the youth of political education.

He pointed out the incorrect perception that such education would incite rebellion against the State. Instead, he emphasised that political education not only enlightens but also crafts an intelligentsia capable of understanding, critiquing and engaging in robust debates. Had the curriculum been revised as Dlamini advocated, Eswatini might have avoided the unprecedented and deadly uprising of 2021. This, I say because political education fosters critical thinking and helps individuals appreciate dissenting views.

Embracing dissenting views is an essential component that shapes ones character and forms the basis of a cohesive society. Brothers and sisters, in the contemporary global landscape, the significance of political education cannot be overstated. Therefore, I want to mention today that it is crucial for fostering informed citizens who can participate in, and contribute to, the political discourse in a meaningful way.

For Eswatini, I have personally learnt that the establishment of fully-fledged faculties of Political Science, Peace Studies, and International Relations and Diplomacy in universities represents not just an academic advancement, but a vital step towards holistic national development. As it stands, the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), the countrys premier institution of higher learning, offers political science merely as a course within the broader Social Science Faculty. The fragmented approach lacks the focus and resources required for achieving substantial depth and breadth in political education.

Therefore, creating a fully-fledged faculty of political science at UNESWA would ensure an adequate budget, dedicated resources, and a comprehensive framework to fulfil its mandate of producing politically literate graduates who can navigate complex socio-political landscapes. Political science education teaches students the art of dialogue and the value of respecting differing opinions.

A person who does not respect differing opinions not only violates the Constitutions freedom of expression provision, but scoffs at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I raised this concern because this attitude leads to violence and refusal to accept election results.

Unforeseen

To avoid unforeseen circumstances, it is instrumental in nurturing the understanding that conceding defeat in an election can be a smart and necessary step for the greater good. Moreover, it encourages the recognition that war offers no true laurels, only tremendous loss and suffering. Without a dedicated political science faculty, I have realised that we rely heavily on insights and arguments from law graduates, who, while intelligent, may not have the nuanced training to thoroughly address political questions.

I can safely say that the poor quality of political engagement in Eswatini observable among many of our people can be directly attributed to the lack of a structured political education from an early age. Political science encompasses a variety of subjects such as political systems, sociology and political philosophy. It is crucial to understand the diversity of existing political systems to form well-rounded opinions and participate in informed discussions.



Those educated in political science learn to question: If I am wrong, what makes you correct and this is the mindset that discourages the often-rampant shallow discourse seen on social media and other platforms. Leading academics and politicians have long stressed the critical importance of political education. For instance, the works of renowned scholars like Samuel P. Huntington in The Clash of Civilisations, and Robert A. Dahl in Democracy and Its Critics provide valuable insights into the profound dynamics of political structures and thought.

These texts, along with John Lockes Two Treatises of Government and Karl Marxs The Communist Manifesto, offer foundational knowledge that is indispensable for understanding and engaging with political concepts effectively. I wish our children are exposed to such books at an early stage. There would be nothing untoward for them to read these books.

If such literature were more widely studied in Eswatini, it would significantly elevate the level of political discourse and create a community that engages effectively and wisely. With children learning about peace and international relations at Form II, I see a brighter future  politically and otherwise.

Dynamics

The importance of fostering peace and understanding the dynamics of international relations cannot be overstated.

In todays interconnected world, countries are working collaboratively to address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism and pandemics. I urge universities to recognise and embrace the veracity that peace studies equip students with the tools to advocate for reconciliation and conflict resolution, while international relations and diplomacy courses prepare them to navigate the complexities of global politics.

Understanding these dynamics empowers individuals to contribute to a more peaceful world, harmonising domestic and international agendas. I have realised that the establishment of fully-fledged faculties dedicated to Political Science, Peace Studies, and International Relations at universities is not merely a luxury but now a necessity.

If they were available in the country, such institutions would produce graduates, who are not only well-versed in political theory and practice but also adept at engaging in critical debates that could steer Eswatini towards more resilient democratic principles.

Political education, introduced early in the educational trajectory, can significantly transform the societal landscape by nurturing informed adults who contribute to the nations progress in meaningful ways. Do we have a calibre of these people? Where are they? Outside government, my wish is to see 10 000 of emaSwati who have the capacity and understanding to engage robustly and intellectually.

They must engage like Dr PQ Magagula, a retired UNESWA Lecturer in political science, Selby Gama, a UNESWA lecturer, Thembinkhosi Dlamini, the Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO), Sikelela Dlamini, ex-Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Emmanuel Ndlangamandla, a member of the Swaziland Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF), Mduduzi Gina, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA), among others. I mention these fellow emaSwati because I have read their presentations and interacted with them on points of law and politics. If we could have such intellectual minds, we are pretty safe at the negotiation table.

Parliament

If we can have such minds at the cattle byre during the Peoples Parliament, we can come up with a balanced approach to the ever-changing political dynamics.I am aware that Tinkhundla System of Governance does have brains, but there is a need to have a structured think-tank. In case I want to balance up a thesis or whatsoever, I should know who I can call among the diehards of the Tinkhundla system and get a response pertinent to the subject. I should not always depend on Alpheous Nxumalo for a general political question that has nothing to do with government. I do not need to get permission or endorsement to state that Nxumalo can argue his point and the South African, in particular, can bear testimony.

I am aware that he studied theology and political science. In conjunction with the late Prince Mfanasibili, he played a leading role in negotiating with the late deposed and exiled Chief of Macetjeni, Mliba Fakudze, to return home from South Africa. We can then see how he is influential and convincing. In conclusion, Michael Waqunga Dlaminis call for integrating political studies at the senior secondary school level was a prescient recognition of the power of education in shaping society. The creation of comprehensive faculties dedicated to these disciplines would honour his vision and provide emaSwati with the tools necessary to foster a more informed, engaged, and peaceful future.






The Mail has been deeply sceptical of the vast number of reviews and inquiries set up by Labour since it came to power.

Decisions on many of the most important issues faced by Britain today  social care being the prime example  have been delayed by Keir Starmer's tendency to put off difficult decisions.

Why, then, is the Prime Minister so scared of a national inquiry into the multiplicity of grooming scandals this country has endured? This invidious sexual abuse is one area which does deserve intense and joined-up scrutiny.

And yet Labour remains indolent. The reason, we suspect, is self-interest.

Labour-run councils are particularly at risk because many of the grooming gangs ran rampant on their turf.

Who knows what a meticulous inquiry could discover about what went on behind the scenes?

Also, one key focus of a national inquiry would be the role of ethnicity. Asian men are thought to have been involved in such gangs in disproportionate numbers.

The Government is perhaps comfortable with a lack of authoritative data because it does not want to upset the 40-plus per cent of Asian Britons who vote Labour.

Pakistani and Bangladeshi voters, in particular, began to turn their backs on the party last year in protest at its stance on the Middle East.

Sir Keir will not be keen to lose more supporters if an inquiry were to pinpoint problems within those communities.

Labour must change course and commit to finding the truth.

It would be contemptible to place party interests above protecting our children from sexual predators.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has continually delayed a national inquiry into the multiplicity of grooming scandals

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper delivered a statement on child sexual exploitation and abuse before the House of Commons on Thursday

Iron deficiency

Among her many shortcomings, Rachel Reeves may now stand accused of suffering delusions of grandeur.

'I'm happy to be the Iron Chancellor,' she told the BBC in an ill-advised comparison with Margaret Thatcher.

The Chancellor should wait until there is some sparkling news about the economy before making such laughable claims.

In contrast to her swagger, the International Monetary Fund was distinctly guarded yesterday in its forecasts for UK growth, which were far from Labour's pledge to make ours the fastest-growing economy in the G7.

Retail sales unexpectedly fell in the run-up to Christmas, while earlier in the week long-term government borrowing costs hit a 27-year high and one Tory ex-minister branded Ms Reeves a 'lame duck'.

The Chancellor  and the rest of the Cabinet  must remember they have much work to do, and much to prove.

Rachel Reeves likened herself to former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in a recent BBC interview

We need visa reform

The world's best scientific minds are being deterred from coming to Britain by our topsy-turvy immigration system.

Significant fees must be paid upfront to obtain a visa from the Home Office.

It is driving highly skilled workers to go elsewhere.

The points-based immigration system introduced by the former Tory government offers great flexibility in the way our immigration system can operate.

Ministers should take advantage of that flexibility and change the rules so that scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs enjoy preferential terms.

Britain must be competitive on the world stage in order to attract the brightest and the best.
It was quite the image. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's merciless assault on the school system was deemed so destructive Tory shadow minister Laura Trott branded her 'our very own Miley Cyrus, swinging her wrecking ball'.

Warming to her theme, Trott declared Phillipson was 'undermining the consensus built over two decades  between successive governments of all parties  that has driven improvements in our schools'.

It's an argument that has been gaining some traction over the last few weeks.

Phillipson  reportedly drunk on power and ideological zeal  is accused of trashing a golden decade of transformative change within Britain's academic institutions.

'A robust curriculum, robust exams, more freedoms for schools to know what is best for their students and a thriving education system in which English children have soared up the

PISA education rankings,' is Trott's rose-tinted perspective of our educational hinterland.

The problem is this view is a complacent, self-indulgent, self-serving fantasy. And the working parents of Britain know it.

At the end of September, ministers were presented with the findings of a survey conducted by pollsters Ipsos Mori. It found that at the start of the millennium, 76 per cent of those using their local nursery school were satisfied with the service it provided. Today that figure has collapsed to 52 per cent.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's merciless assault on the school system was deemed so destructive that Tory shadow minister Laura Trott branded her 'our very own Miley Cyrus, swinging her wrecking ball'

A decade ago, 89 per cent declared themselves satisfied with their local primary school. Last year it was 58 per cent.

In 2002, 78 per cent of respondents claimed they were satisfied with the quality of their local secondary. By the end of 2024, less than half  44 per cent  were prepared to say the same.

Even allowing for changes in research methodology over the years, these are damning statistics. And they show the belief Britain has a thriving education system is a conceit on a par with the fatuous claim our NHS is the 'envy of the world'.

Yes, some of the responses partly reflect a broader perception public services have gradually been eroded under the less than tender ministrations of both main political parties. But it's a perception still grounded in reality.

According to the Department of Education's own statistics, only 12 primary school children in every class of 30 leave with a firm foundation in reading, writing and maths skills. A third of Year 11 students fail to achieve a Grade 4 in English and Maths. Twenty per cent of pupils are persistently absent from class, with 10 per cent missing at least half of lessons every month. And those are just national averages. In areas such as Knowsley and Blackpool, the English and Maths failure rates are as high as 60 per cent.

Imagine these statistics being extended to any other area of the state. If 60 per cent of soldiers finished their basic training unable to fire a rifle. Or 60 per cent of hip operations ended with the patient being infected with sepsis.

No one would seriously claim this represents a source of national pride. Instead, they would rightly say they were a national disgrace.

This myth of the robust health of Britain's education system is  as in so many areas of our public life  a product of sophistry and spin. People on the liberal Left still lovingly recite Tony Blair's pledge to make his three priorities 'education, education and education'.

But they conveniently forget how his first dedicated Education Secretary resigned after just over a year, stating she wasn't up to the job, his most radical education reforms had to be watered down after a mass rebellion within his own party, and his real priority turned out to be Iraq, Iraq and Iraq.

Similar can be said about the 14 years of Tory rule. It's true that Michael Gove launched a brave and uncompromising effort to wrest education from the clutches of the all-consuming Whitehall 'blob'. And for his troubles, he was unceremoniously sacked, as David Cameron decided he had to 'get the barnacles off the boat'.

Ms Phillipson  reportedly drunk on power and ideological zeal  is accused of trashing a golden decade of transformative change within Britain's academic institutions

Theresa May's major education reform was a manifesto pledge to impose VAT on private schools, after she claimed they had become 'divorced from public life'. A policy that was promptly dumped following her election debacle.

Boris Johnson pledged to build 500 new schools by 2030. And ended up constructing 23 as he burnt through four education secretaries in three years, including one who was in post for precisely 35 hours.

The truth is that the quality of education in this country remains a lottery. One in which if you come from a working-class background you are frequently banned from buying a ticket.

Primary schools persistently fail to provide children of working families with the basic foundation necessary to excel academically. Secondary education remains a two  or even three  tier structure, in which middle-class and wealthy parents continue to game the system to give their children a discreet escape route out of educational mediocrity.

And the university sector is teetering on the edge of financial collapse, struggling to safeguard the most basic principles of intellectual integrity and freedom, while subsisting on an annual handout from the Chinese Communist Party.

It's true that since taking office Bridget Phillipson has made some mistakes. In particular, she has suffered from the affliction shared by a number of her colleagues of fighting on too many fronts simultaneously, and trying to fix things that aren't broken.

But to her credit she appears to be learning from them. Last week, she conceded she'd garbled her messaging on academy schools, and confirmed they would retain freedom to set teachers' pay.

She has also moved to revive laws to protect free speech on university campuses. And I understand that in the next couple of weeks she will defy the unions by announcing a new set of proposals to beef up the despised Ofsted inspection regime, deploying 'hit squads' to drive up teaching standards in persistently failing schools.

All of these moves will no doubt see criticism of her mount, from both her supposed political allies and opponents. But people can't have it both ways. You cannot demand radical reform in education, then expect the Education Secretary to simply maintain the status quo.

Because the harsh truth is the status quo has not been working. No golden national consensus has delivered excellence to British education. What has actually transpired is another self-satisfied attempt by the political class to slap itself on the back and claim all is well, when working-class families know the opposite.

So someone does indeed need to take a wrecking ball to an educational establishment that bovinely remains happy to accept standards of literacy and numeracy for the children of Knowsley and Blackpool that they would never dream of accepting for their own.

Bridget Phillipson should at least be given a chance to swing it.
Rattling through the Ukrainian night in his T-shirt, aboard Kievs grandiose official train, Sir Keir Starmer ponders spending yet more money we do not have on a war in which we have no interest.

What is this foolishness? Who and what does Sir Keir think he is? What sort of country does he think he leads? He speaks as if he imagines he is the late Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, a mighty ruler commanding huge armies. Yet he is not really much more powerful than the King of Legoland. He has no money, and he has no strength.

Our state is so weak that shoplifters laugh at it as they hurry home with their loot. Burglars and vandals likewise scoff at it. Supposedly illegal marijuana is grown in flourishing criminal farms using stolen electricity. It is then consumed openly in the streets. Yet nothing is done.

This matters. Almost daily we see another case in which a crazed killer has been smoking this ghastly, dangerous drug. You want to know why we have so much knife crime? This is almost

certainly why. Sir Keirs not interested. This has become a country in which we more or less apologise to illegal drug takers, for the

damage they do to the rest of us. Here, have a free needle, and a special tax-funded place to stick it in your arm.

The state is so feeble at defending our shores that scores of illegal immigrants pour ashore almost daily on our undefended beaches. Much of our Navy is immobile or conked out. Our Army is tiny. Our fabled superpower nuclear deterrent, when tested, either veers crazily over the USA or plops, lifeless, into the sea. I suspect it will be a while before we risk any more such tests. I often wonder if we are only pretending it exists.

Rattling through the Ukrainian night in his T-shirt, Sir Keir Starmer ponders spending yet more money we do not have on a war in which we have no interest, writes Peter Hitchens

Yet we stomp about in Ukraine with gifts of money and missiles.

Why do we do this? If Britain has such stern principles against foreign countries being invaded, why did we illegally invade Iraq on false pretences in 2003 and bomb Serbia without UN approval in 1999? If we loathe tyrants so much, why do we perpetually suck up to Saudi Arabia, the reigning Olympic champion in repression, despotism, injustice etc? All our rhetoric about Russia is just that, hypocritical bombast, bellowed by a global mouse through an enormous megaphone.

The USA wants a confrontation with Russia. It has been seeking one since Washington adopted the aggressive and rather stupid Wolfowitz Doctrine in 1992. But why should we join in?

Almost everyone intelligent in US foreign policy opposed this strategy. The greatest American diplomat of the 20th century, George Kennan, spoke fiercely against it. But it went ahead anyway, with the support of that vain, squalid nuisance, Bill Clinton.

The crucial thing to grasp is that Putins aggression, undoubtedly nasty, is not what you have been told it is. Putin does not dream of the day when his Army washes its boots at Calais, while preparing the first successful invasion of these islands since 1066. He couldnt if he wanted to.

He knows that his thuggish armed forces are corrupt, badly equipped, poorly led and badly trained. They still cannot even take the Ukrainian city of Kharkov, 20 miles from the Russian border. So a march on Warsaw, Berlin, Paris and Brussels is unlikely. What he wants is to prevent Ukraine becoming the host for American forces and missiles. This is not wholly unreasonable.

English foreign policy was based for centuries on keeping the French out of Scotland, a similar principle. You will have to ask yourself why the Americans want to push their power into Eastern Europe, as they have been doing for 35 years, because I can think of no good reason for it. Then again, I still do not know why they invaded Iraq in 2003.

But I am convinced of one thing. Britain has no interest in this quarrel. On the contrary, it needs to wake up to this key fact: we are no longer a superpower.

Yet, despite all the stupidities of the past 70 years, this remains a beautiful, potentially prosperous nation. If we choose to use our resources in our own interests, we can rebuild this country as an advanced, peaceful, well-defended, well-policed, just and well-educated place. But the first vital step towards this is to recognise that the nation we need to worry about most is our own.

The world is not waiting for our supposed wisdom. The world knows that we are a military minnow, and a heavy debtor. We are the only ones who still think that we bestride the globe like a colossus. Wake up. Grow up. Accept reality. Slay the real dragons at home.

Timotheees putting safety in jeopardeee

I am assured by sources that the actor Timotheee Chalameee was not rewarded by Lime Bikes for riding one of their nasty, dirty machines to the premiere of his new Bob Dylan film in London last week. So it is a mystery that Timotheee was accompanied on his ride by his photographer Aidan Zamiri. Why would you need a photographer for that?

Sources also dismissed his claim that he was fined 65 for the way he parked it. He said: Actually its horrible because it was an advert for them. Well, that last bit is true. What these dangerous, overpowered, street-cluttering things need is celebrity condemnation, not endorsement.

What would the young Bob Dylan have done?

Timothee Chalamet steals the limelight riding in on a Lime e-bike at the London premiere of A Complete Unknown

At last, Blair says something sensible

How terrible it is when Sir Anthony Blair says something sensible. He is so dim, that it is hard to compute, like rain falling indoors. Yet his words are actually quite right: Life has its ups and downs, and everybody experiences those. And youve got to be careful of encouraging people to think theyve got some sort of condition other than simply confronting the challenges of life.

I have argued for years that ADHD is a myth and its treatment with amphetamines a disgrace. I have said antidepressants were often a risk (sometimes of suicide, as the tragic Thomas Kingston case has underlined) to those who take them, that the science behind them was not just flawed but wrong, as it is.

My reward, as usual, was abuse. Far too many influential people drug their children for ADHD or themselves take antidepressants. But if even the Blair creature can see that this has gone too far, there may be hope.
A pilot revealed her tips for nervous flyers and what to avoid doing before a flight if you are anxious.

Shibani Kaur Gupta, from London, who currently works as a Line Training Captain for Wizz Air, has revealed what nervous flyers should and shouldn't do during a flight.

The pilot, who got her private licence when she was just 17 years old, revealed she has spoken to a lot of passengers over the years and always shares her crucial advice to them.

Speaking to Metro she said: 'It really helps if you can talk to the crew. Definitely the cabin crew but also if you get the opportunity, speak to the pilot.'

The 35-year-old claimed after previously speaking to nervous flyers it 'calmed them down', she revealed hearing that everything is going to be ok 'from the horses mouth really makes a difference.'

She added: I got to tell them that I know what Im doing and Im not going to jeopardise the safety of the flight, because its my life at risk as well. So I think talking about your nervousness is a good trick.

Shibani, who often gets mistaken for cabin crew, also offered some advice on what to avoid doing ahead of a flight if you are anxious.

She warned against drinking alcohol before or during a flight as a way to try and calm your nerves.

Shibani Kaur Gupta, from London , who currently works as a Line Training Captain for Wizz Air, has revealed what nervous flyers should and shouldn't do during a flight

She added: Its also a good idea not to smoke before a flight  its a proven fact that if youre a smoker it makes it more difficult to breathe on a plane because youre at a much higher altitude, so avoid that.

The pilot claimed it was a good idea to drink a lot of water, because its very dry in the cabin, and said reading a book could be a good distraction.

It comes after another pilot echoed Shibani's advice and explained how you should be thinking of turbulence.

Steve, an American Airlines pilot who goes by the username @aapilotsteve on social media, shared some guidance in a recent video posted to his TikTok account.

He began the video by explaining that there are tons of people who have a fear of flying, and that you're not alone in your discomfort.

In fact, according to a 2023 story by The Hill, about 40 percent of the U.S. population has a fear of flying.

The pilot, who got her private licence when she was just 17 years old, revealed she has spoken to a lot of passengers over the years and always shares her crucial advice

'A lot of people have a fear of flying, and it's usually due to turbulence,' Captain Steve said in the beginning of the clip.

However, he assured viewers that going through turbulence is 'no big deal.'

'I want you to think of turbulence like a river,' he explained.

'A river has currents, sometime it's real smooth, like a lake, sometimes it's a little more rapid where the water picks up speed, sometimes it's really rapid, like whitewater rafting,' he continued.

Well, according to the pilot, the same thing occurs in the air's currents.

'They pick up speed, and sometimes they get a little bumpy, and that's when you feel that unease in the back of the airplane, when the airplane starts to bump,' he explained.

Captain Steve then offered a solution that can help your unease, and that is talking to the pilot before you take off.

'Next time, before you take off, and you're boarding the airplane, do this - ask the flight attendant if you can go up and visit the pilot,' the American Airlines captain suggested.

'Ask them about the route of flight, tell them that you're a nervous flyer, they'll put you at ease, they'll explain the route of flight, they'll explain any bumps,' he continued.

'That reassurance will make all the difference next time you fly a jet airliner.'
A British woman who believes her newborn was stolen by Spain's cruel baby-snatchers is still looking for her daughter Rebecca - 32 years after doctors said she died at birth.

Ruth Appleby, 61, is relentless in her pursuit for the truth, with the Yorkshire native all but certain Rebecca was among the 300,000 babies born in Spain that were stolen and sold by a network of doctors, nurses, and priests under General Franco's reign.

Sharing her story in a new ITV series hosted by Davina McCall, Ruth hopes the publicity will spark renewed national and international interest in the Spanish baby scandal that changed her life forever.

'The important thing is the truth, and just knowing what really did happen to my daughter,' Ruth exclusively told FEMAIL.

'If she did die, they should be able to prove it, and then I can start to find closure.

'And if not well, then what did happen?'

It is a question Ruth will have asked herself every day for three decades, replaying the day she gave birth to Rebecca while agonising over all the sinister signs that something was terribly wrong.

Ruth and her former husband Howard, a fellow Briton who worked in publishing, were living in the northern city of La Coruna when she fell pregnant.

Ruth Appleby says that 'the important thing is the truth, and just knowing what really did happen to my daughter'

'The pregnancy was absolutely idyllic,' she recalled fondly. 'I had no complications. It was a dream pregnancy.'

Two weeks after her due date, however, when she had not yet given birth, Ruth was admitted to Hospital Materno Infantil Teresa Herrera where, almost immediately, a number of odd and suspicious situations arose.

Unusually, it was not until two days later, on December 2, 1992, that she was induced.

The previous day, she had an unsettling experience; Ruth overheard one of the nurses telling a patient with a difficult pregnancy to 'be careful because otherwise your baby will die'.

'Then she looked at me and said Like this ladys baby is going to die,' Ruth continued. 'It was odd, but I put it down to the fact she was a grumpy old lady, and it was a Friday, and she wanted to finish work.

At 8pm, two nurses gave her an injection, which they explained was morphine, a drug that can be harmful to an unborn child.

The baby was eventually born with Ruth under general anaesthetic at 1.20am. Howard went to see the infant in the creche.

She looked fine; perfect. He was elated, Ruth recalled in a 2013 interview with the Daily Mail.

Ruth, pictured with Davina McCall, contact producers of the ITV programme Long Lost Family to try and find out more

At 4.30am Howard received a call telling him to return to the hospital. When he arrived, he was informed his daughter had died from heart problems, and was told it was not possible for him to see her because the post-mortem had already been carried out.

When Ruth came round at 7.30am, she says she was told baby was doing well. However, Howard arrived at her bedside and broke the news that Rebecca was dead.

Ruth never even had the chance to hold her baby.

'My whole world just crashed down around me,' she said. 'It was really, really hard when I look back on it because it was so unexpected.

'There had been no complications whatsoever, and there just didn't seem to be a reason for it.

'And it was devastating.'

After Ruth was discharged from the hospital, they were informed that Rebecca had been buried in a local cemetery overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Ruth suffered from depression for many months and did not feel ready to try for another baby for a long time. Eventually, in 1995, she gave birth to Rosie, followed by Benjy, in 2001. Howard and Ruth split up, although they remain on good terms, and Ruth and the children moved back to Britain in 2006.

After what happened, Ruth fell into depression for many months, and did not want to try for another baby for some time

In 2010, she decided to have Rebeccas remains cremated and brought back to Britain. It was this decision, and its botched execution, that first led her to re-evaluate the circumstances surrounding Rebeccas birth and death.

She flew out to La Coruna and, with a Spanish lawyer, witnessed the babys coffin being exhumed.

A crematorium had provided a box in which to put the coffin, but it proved too large to fit. The cemetery workers took a crowbar and opened the coffin to transfer the remains into the box. Ruth tried not to look, but could not avoid seeing the contents.

There was no way the remains inside the coffin could belong to a newborn baby.

It was also much bigger than I was expecting  more like the skeleton of a toddler,' she told the Daily Mail. 'I was so traumatised by the sight that I went ahead with the cremation.

'Now, I regret it deeply.

Then, after five decades of suppression, the Spanish baby scandal surfaced in 2011 - when it was revealed that up to 300,000 Spanish babies were stolen from their parents and sold for adoption.

Like Ruth, several mothers were told their first-born children had died during or soon after they gave birth.

In reality, the babies were sold to childless couples whose devout beliefs and financial security meant that they were seen as more appropriate parents.

Ruth is the only British woman who became involved in the scandal, and 14 years since she became suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Rebecca's 'death' in 1992.

Last year, she decided to contact producers of the ITV programme Long Lost Family after a co-worker told her about the British show fronted by Davina - that reunites family members who have never met through the help of DNA testing.

Ruth had what she was told was the body of her baby cremated, a decision she says she now regrets

'The majority of the cases that I know about in Spain where families have been reunited are all down to DNA,' she said.

'There's one or two where it's been information given through a third party, but the vast, vast majority are DNA. And so I thought, it's the ideal opportunity and I'll give it a go.'

The latest episode of Long Lost Family will trace Ruth's dogged pursuit for the truth - culminating in her decision to undertake a DNA test in the hope of being reunited with Rebecca.

Despite the chances of getting any real justice being described as 'virtually non-existent', Ruth refuses to give up

The chance of getting any real justice, however, is 'virtually non-existent'.

If she is alive, Rebecca would now be 32 - having grown up without her real parents.

Despite the unlikelihood that Ruth will be reunited with her firstborn, she refuses to give up hope.

'You never know, there could even be someone who sort of says, "Hang on, doesn't she look like you?"'

Long Lost Family Special: The Spanish Baby Scandal is on ITV1 at 9pm on Tuesday, January 21.
He posted a photo to Reddit, where viewers were equally as disgusted

One airport passenger was horrified to find a man clipping his toenails

Airports are a world of possibility - holidays beginning, loved ones reuniting, but also extreme displays of uncouth behavior.

One plane passenger was horrified to find someone completing some personal grooming whilst waiting for his flight by clipping his toenails in the lounge.

The act was captured in a post to Reddit, showing the gentleman in question with his slides on the floor while resting his foot on the airport seating to cut his nails.

'Bleach my eyes,' the Reddit user declared.

Users were both horrified and amused by the picture, sharing their thoughts online.

'I mean to be fair when he puts his feet up into the section in front of him he wants them to look good.' one user joked.

'My unfiltered mouth would have stated in an elevated voice, "THAT IS SO GROSS, DUDE!" but then I'd regret it being so loud,' claimed one flyer.

'Saw someone do that on the plane once. I almost opened the emergency door and ejected them but I wanted to arrive safely at my destination,' shared another.

A passenger was horrified to find someone completing some personal grooming whilst waiting for his flight - clipping his toenails in the seating area

'There legitimately has to be something wrong with your head to think it's acceptable to clip your disgusting nails in public and leave your clippings behind,' whined someone else.

Another declared: 'As a society, we need to bring back public shaming.'

Previously, Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, told the Dailymail.com that practicing personal hygiene in public should be avoided.

'It's off-putting to have someone brushing their hair next to you and the hair is flying into another person's public space,' she said.

Grooming in airspace is a hot-button topic, with one passenger sparking a heated debate earlier this week after brushing her hair in first class.

A woman shared a video of herself brushing her hair in business class and revealed another passenger in the background giving her dirty looks.

'Me in business class minding my business while aunty gives me nasty stares,' she captioned the post.

In the video, the woman is seen brushing her hair, tying it back, and getting comfortable in her spacious first-class seat.

Then act was captured in a post to Reddit, showing the gentleman in question with his slides on the floor while he cut his nails on the plastic airport seating

The weary traveler declared he needs to 'bleach' his eyes after seeing the disgusting act (stock image)

Users were both horrified and amused by the picture, sharing their thoughts online

While she brushed her hair for the video, another woman was seen looking at her in shock and disgust.

The original creator turned off the comments on her post, however, an Instagram account reposted the video with the caption, 'I just want to brush my hair in peace.'

The altercation prompted a swift reaction from the internet, with many sounding off in the comments on whether it was appropriate behavior or not.

Elaine Swann, the founder of Swann School of Protocol and a former flight attendant told The Washington Post that passengers need to be aware of their space on a plane.

'I think people are forgetting that they are still in a public environment,' she said. 'We're on the aircraft and it's small. It feels very much like this is our own space. It's not out and about, walking in the mall or what have you, but an airplane is still a public environment.'
The 2025 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump is expected to be a far cry from the former president's inaugural events of 2017.

This year's inauguration, which takes place on Monday, January 20, will be filled with a flurry of balls, musical acts, and political conferences throughout the weekend.

Perhaps the most stark difference between Trumps first inauguration eight years ago are the musicians willing to perform at the event - including country music star Carrie Underwood, Gavin DeGraw, Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jason Aldean.

The frigid weather forecast has also led to some changes to the 2025 program compared to Trump's first inauguration.

On Monday, temperatures in DC are expected to be at a high of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, with a low of just 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a result, Trump posted on Truth Social that the swearing-in ceremony would be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

He will also deliver his inaugural address from there.

Ahead of Trumps second presidential inauguration, FEMAIL has taken a look back at the 2017 swearing-in ceremony  including its high-profile guests and political fashion statements  as Americans can expect an even bigger and better event on Monday.

President-elect Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration takes place on Monday, January 20

A frigid weather forecast has forced the swearing-in ceremony to be held indoors in the Capitol Rotunda

Former president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome the Trumps to the White House

In line with tradition, Donald and Melania Trump were greeted by previous White House resident Barack and Michelle Obama before the inauguration ceremony in 2017.

On the steps of the White House, Melania then gifted the former first lady a Tiffany & Co box after she exited the limousine.

The former model - wearing a powder-blue Ralph Lauren dress with matching elbow-length gloves - had given Michelle a photo frame beautifully wrapped in a Tiffany blue box.

Michelle awkwardly searched for a place to put the box during the exchange, before her husband stepped in and passed it off to a nearby White House aide.

This year, itll be Trumps feuding foe President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, who will welcome the incoming couple on Inauguration Day with some tea at the White House.

'The difference is I know where I will be going, I know the rooms where we will be living. I know the process,' Melania recently told Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earhardt about this go-around.

'The first time was challenging, we didnt have much of the information.'

Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama display peaceful transition of power with welcome to the White House

In an awkward exchange, Melania gifts Michelle with Tiffany & Co box as Michelle scrambles to find a place for it before their photo-op

This year, Michelle won't be attending Trump's second inauguration because she refuses to 'be fake' about her loyalties

Michelle notably wont be in attendance for Trumps second inauguration because she refuses to 'be fake' about her loyalties, a source told Page Six.

'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, they added. 'Her absence speaks volumes.'

Trump takes the presidential oath of office and delivers inaugural address at the US Capitol Building

Just before noon, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath.

Trump placed his left hand on the Bible and his right hand in the air as he was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States.

In his inaugural address, Trump delivered an elegy to Americans who felt neglected by their government.

'I will fight for you with every breath in my body,' he pledged. 'And I will never, ever let you down.'

Trump promised 'America first' would become the central organizing principle around which his government is organized.

Trump takes the presidential oath of office administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the US Capitol Building

A crowd of thousands gather at the National Mall in Washington, DC for Trump's inauguration

Trump promises 'America first' would become a central organizing principle of his administration in inaugural address

'We will follow two simple rules. Buy American and hire American,' Trump declared.

'Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration on foreign affairs, will be made to protect American workers and American families.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to spectators during the inaugural parade

Since 1977, the president and first lady have walked the procession route along Pennsylvania Avenue, from the Capitol to the White House.

However, this year was different due to security concerns and potential threats. At the time, the streets of DC were flooded as riot police clashed with protesters.

Trump and Melania stepped out of their armored car, dubbed The Beast, and walked the parade with their son Barron.

Vice President Pence and his wife Karen Pence also joined in the parade with their extended family.

Servicemembers, marching bands, first responders, and veterans groups participated in the parade as well, which lasted approximately two hours until the early evening.

President Trump and Melania wave to supporters lined along Pennsylvania Avenue during inaugural parade

President's eldest daughter Ivanka Trump walks with her son Joseph, then three years old, in the parade

The Trumps were flanked by Secret Service and a motorcade due to security concerns and potential threats

Tiffany Trump wore white while Ivanka stunned in a cream ensemble

Barron Trump shot an interesting look in his mother's direction

An enthusiastic Barron looked more excited to be in his father's presence

The inauguration balls commence until the late evening

Much like this year, Trump attended three inaugural balls throughout the evening of Inauguration Day in 2017.

The Liberty Ball and the Freedom Ball, which were held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, were attended by supporters and those who purchased tickets for the festivities.

For the occasion, Trump wore a classic black tuxedo with a white button up shirt and black bow tie.

Meanwhile, Melania wore a vanilla silk crepe off-the-shoulder gown designed by French-American fashion designer Herve Pierre.

The dress featured a ruffled accent trim along the neckline and a thin red ribbon tied around the waist.

At the Liberty Ball, the Trumps famously danced to their first song, a cover of My Way by Frank Sinatra.

Trump then invited Vice President Pence and his wife to the stage, followed by the entire Trump brood.

President Trump and Melania address attendees at the Freedom Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center

Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner salute the crowd after dancing on stage during the Freedom Ball

Trump and Melania dance for a third time at the Salute To Our Armed Services Ball

The newly sworn-in president continued the festivities at the Salute To Our Armed Services Ball.

The third ball was held in honor of active duty and servicemembers, wounded veterans, emergency medical workers, and Medal of Honor recipients.

After the Trumps danced alongside each other for the third time that evening, the Inauguration Day events finally came to a conclusion just before midnight.
A major new article by Vanity Fair magazine has looked over the five years that have elapsed since Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior roles in the British Royal Family.

Despite initially signing major deals with streaming giant, Netflix, and podcaster, Spotify, with one or two exceptions, the couple are widely not considered to have produced any work of note.

Among their rare success stories is the pair's controversial Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, during which they shared information about the Royal Family.

Prince Harry, 40, famously released a memoir Spare, in which he claimed his brother Prince William, 42, physically attacked him and described his hair loss as 'alarming baldness'.

Other projects have not had as much success. The couple only released one podcast via their Spotify deal - Meghan's Archetypes - which sought to dismantle the stereotypes put on women and included her interviewing celebrity friends, such as Serena Williams.

Spotify and the pair's Archewell Audio released a statement confirming they had mutually agreed to part ways in June 2023.

Among the claims made in the article - for which the Sussexes declined to comment - was that some people who worked with Meghan ended up needing therapy.

Here, FEMAIL looks at the top 10 allegations from Vanity Fair's savage takedown of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex...

Vanity Fair (pictured) has published an article about the the five years since Mexgit have panned out for the Sussexes

1. 'Staff allegedly needed therapy after working with Meghan '

While previously in England, allegations of bullying of staff by Meghan have been made - and strenuously denied by the Duchess - the issue once more popped up in the Vanity Fair piece.

Two unnamed sources claimed that one colleague working on Archetypes took a leave of absence after working on three episodes.

This is before they left Spotify's Gimlet studio altogether.

It's claimed others described 'taking extended breaks from work to escape scrutiny, exiting their job, or undergoing long-term therapy after working with Meghan'.

The source told the writer she felt that if Meghan chose to 'acknowledge her own shortcomings or personal contributions to situations' instead of adopting a perpetual victim role, her perception might be 'better'.

The couple were famously disparaged by podcaster Bill Simmons who worked with the Sussexes at Spotify. In June 2023, he famously referred to the couple as 'f******* grifters', adding: 'I have got to get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. It's one of my best stories. F*** them. The grifters.'

2. 'Slammed by neighbours'

Meghan Markle is pictured in her office in the home she shares with Prince Harry in Montecito (seen in August 21)

The article also claimed that during the couple's deal with Spotify, during which they only yielded one project - Archetypes - Meghan dd not create the idea for the series

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's neighbours have slammed the duo as the 'most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet'.

In a series of cutting remarks in the article, wealthy homeowners living in star-studded Montecito near the couple's $29million mansion criticised Harry and Meghan for turning their once-peaceful neighbourhood into a noisy throng of tourists and fast cars.

One fuming local told Vanity Fair: 'They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States.'

A Montecito resident, who has never met the couple, referred to the duo as the prince and 'the starlet' to the outlet.

Other negatives attributed to the pair include increased visits from out-of-towners, it being impossible to get a walk-in booking at Lucky's, a steakhouse the pair have frequented several times, and increased house prices.

3. 'Meghan did not come up with the idea for Archetypes', it is alleged

Vanity Fair cites a source who claims that the idea for the Sussexes' Archetypes came from another employee.

However, the source noted, that the 'employee didn't own any of the intellectual property'.

Because of Archewell Audio taking so long to handle production, Spotify's studio Gimlet was called in, meaning the production was costlier and required more resources from the podcasting giant than expected.

4. 'Meghan 're-parents' Harry'

A source familiar with the couple described their dynamic as Meghan having a 'caregiver and facilitator' role in which she is the one who 'makes things happen'.

They noted that Harry has changed since entering the relationship, saying he would previously pop into the Palace's press office, where he may seem a little bored while asking questions, but also keen.

However, they added that they cannot imagine the Harry of today being willing to engage with the media 'in search of purpose'.

The source concluded: 'I don't want to be like, oh, it's an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like she's reparenting him in a way.'

5. 'Harry 'didn't understand' repercussions of tell-all book

One source claimed that Prince Harry simply did not understand the implications of publishing his memoir during such a fractious time

A source told Vanity Fair that they believed Prince Harry simply hadn't believed that selling a tell-all book about his famously private family would have the effect that it did.

This, they added, was particularly impactful as the book was published during the middle of the public relations crisis between the Royal Family and the Sussexes - one which had rumbled on for years.

They added that they wondered if Harry understood the 'power of the written word, and the power of the narrative' while undertaking the project.

6. 'They are the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet'

A further disgruntled Montecitan described the couple as 'the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet'.

They added that while the Sussexes claimed they left England to avoid media scrutiny, they appear to constantly court media attention in the States.

7. 'I don't believe she didn't know she'd have to curtsey for the Queen'

Much was made of Meghan's theatrical bow during Netflix's Harry & Meghan docuseries - but some don't believe the former actress wouldn't know she would have to curtsey to the Queen

Fashion and cultural commentator Tom Fitzgerald, who also lives in the Sussexes' home time of Montecito, recalled a story where a server at a restaurant told him Meghan had called the eatery ahead of going there, in order to ask about how private the seating arrangement was.

Because of her reputation for research and planning, Fitzgerald told Vanity Fair that he didn't find it 'particularly believable' that she 'went into meeting the royal family completely cold, with no research whatsoever' - adding that his opinion is based on information Meghan has shared about herself.

8. 'It's huckerism: they try and monetise everything'

Another project that came under fire in the article was Meghan's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

According to Vanity Fair, it is in fact Santa Barbara that is today known as the American Riviera - with all Montecitans interviewed for the piece saying they hadn't heard their area referred to in that way.

One resident said: 'It's such a kind of hucksterism,' one resident says. 'It's just finding every way she can to monetise something.'

9. 'They had no ideas'

Despite the major opportunities offered to the Sussexes upon their arrival in California, in the shape of Netflix and Spotify deals, they failed to yield consistent, successful content.

According to a former Spotify employee, Harry and Meghan were unlike other celebrity podcasters, who will 'turn on the mic and talk'.

Instead, they claimed the couple 'wanted a big theme that would explain the world, but they had no ideas'.

10. 'Harry was 'challenging' to engage with'

Prince Harry (pictured in September 2023) was described as 'challenging to engage with' by a former Spotify staffer

One former Spotify staffer described Prince Harry as 'challenging to engage with'.

They added that while the couple were interviewing someone for a job, the Duke of Sussex gave off an air of 'why should I do this?'

This prompted the employee to wonder: 'Didn't Spotify pay you a lot of money to do this?'

A person who knows the couple added that it was their belief that Harry would be happy for Meghan to make all the money.

Instead, they think the former royal would prefer not to have to, and to instead concentrate on charity work.
You do it 20,000 times a day without a single thought and it powers the bodys 15 trillion cells.

The impulse to breathe is both automatic - like digestion, our bodies perform the process without us taking an active role - and controlled - such as when you hold your breath.

Around 20 percent of the body's oxygen intake goes to the brain, and the supply must be continuously replenished to keep cells healthy.

After one minute without oxygen, the early stage of brain damage begins. After five minutes, that brain damage becomes permanent. After 10 minutes, the brain dies.

But since we dont have to think about breathing, its easy to take it for granted, Dr Michael Breus, author of Sleep Drink Breathe, says.

He writes: Just because you can do a thing doesnt mean youre doing it to the best of your ability.'

But, poor breathing can lead to major health problems, including weakened lungs and jaw, gum disease, anxiety, brain damage and cognitive decline linked to dementia.

Luckily, Dr Breus says our breathing can be improved. In his book, he details how were breathing wrong and offers advice on how to do it correctly.

Breathing calms anxiety, boosts immunity, fuels energy production, nourishes cells, and eliminates toxins. Dr. Breus points out, given all these benefits, why not focus on improving your breathing? Even minor adjustments can lead to significant benefits, especially as you age

Below, DailyMail.com details the six bad breathing habits Dr Breus says people are guilty of.

Bad breathing habit #1  Breathing through the mouth

As a general rule, the mouth is for eating and the nose is for breathing.

While exceptions can be made, such as when youre congested and can't breathe through your nose, Dr Breus urges people not to make it a habit.

Breathing through the mouth welcomes every floating germ, dust mite, and environmental toxin into the body, which nostril hairs are adept at filtering out.

Mouth breathing dries out and irritates the throat, causing micro-tears that become ideal homes for bacteria and viruses.

Nasal passages, meanwhile, naturally humidify the air we breathe, making it less likely that nose-breathers will experience a dry, sore throat in the morning.

Over a long time, such as years from birth through early childhood, habitual mouth breathing can cause a weakened jaw, a long, narrow face, recessed chin, and misaligned teeth.

Mouth breathing can cause dental issues like cavities and gum disease.

It's also usually a sign of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts while a person sleeps, leading to dreadful sleep quality. Overweight, tonsils, and structural abnormalities in the airway are the most common causes of sleep apnea, which affects 26 million to 39 million Americans.

Over time, sleep apnea raises the risk of myriad debilitating illnesses including heart attack, stroke, insulin resistance and diabetes, memory issues, higher risk of accidents, mental health issues, and reduced quality of life.

In 2020, researchers in Spain set out to better understand how breathing and sleep patterns impact thinking and memory during the day in people with high blood pressure.

They wanted to know if these patterns made a difference in people with mild memory problems (MCI) compared to those with normal aging and whether tiny brain injuries (like small strokes or damaged white matter) played a role.

They found that having lower oxygen levels during sleep was linked with poorer thinking skills, especially in memory and decision-making.

On the other hand, higher average oxygen levels were tied to better brain performance.

Even when the researchers looked at people without brain injuries, these patterns stayed the same, showing that oxygen during sleep directly affects how well the brain works.

Disrupted sleep throws the brain into chaos, as it disrupts the natural nightly 'clean up process' by which the glymphatic system in the brain clears out amyloid protein and tau, both implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

Basically, Dr Breus said, breathing through your mouth is like putting leaded gas in your car.

Mouth breathing dries out and irritates the throat, causing micro-tears that become ideal homes for bacteria and viruses

Bad breathing habit #2  Taking it for granted

The first minor adjustment to make is to flip the mental switch and stop thinking of breathing as the bodys job,' Dr Breus said.

He added: 'Instead, think of it as a superpower you can master and skill you can use to improve your health and wellness and to change your mind and body for the better every single day.'

The medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem that links the brain to the spinal cord, controls involuntary behaviors like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.

When it senses the body's balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is off, it sends a message to the diaphragm  the dome-shaped muscle below the lungs  to flatten.

This makes the lungs expand, creating a vacuum that sucks air into the nose and mouth, a process called inspiration.

When you dont inhale, such as when you willingly hold your breath, you start to feel air hunger.

The lack of oxygen to the brain is called hypoxia, and it has severe consequences. Prolonged deprivation, such as when trying to or having to hold your breath, can lead to irreversible brain damage that accelerates cognitive decline.

Researchers in Beijing reported in 2022 that hypoxia long-term can harm mental skills like attention, learning, memory, processing speed, and decision-making. The longer and more severe the oxygen deprivation, the worse the impact on thinking abilities.

Boosting your breathing skills earlier in life will pay off as you age, as the diaphragm weakens, tissue in the respiratory system diminishes and the ribs that allow the chest to expand become brittle.

Dr Breus said: Its hard to imagine that one day, something you have always done with ease will be compromised through no fault of your own.

But you can strengthen your respiratory system at any time to slow the aging process and keep your lungs in good shape throughout your life.

A respiratory rate of 20 or more breaths per minute indicates that you might be hyperventilating. Breathing in too little oxygen can kickstart the body's stress response

Bad breathing habit #3  Breathing too shallow

The primary objective of breathing  to draw in oxygen  cant be achieved with shallow breaths.

Taking in little puffs of air, mainly through the mouth, does not entirely fill the lungs, potentially causing hypoxia, or an insufficient amount of oxygen in the body.

Shallow breathing is also a key manifestation of the bodys stress response.

When the body feels anxious or threatened, it prompts the fight-or-flight response. This involves the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream, which prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

It also quickens breathing in an effort to deliver more oxygen to muscles and organs.

At this point, the body may begin to rely more on the chest to pull in oxygen than the diaphragm, a pattern known as thoracic breathing.

When this type of breathing becomes a habit, the body can be thrown into a chronic hormone imbalance, suffer heart disease, a weakened immune system, and ulcers.

The lungs can also become weaker over time, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of harmful shallow breathing.

To ensure he gets a sufficient amount of oxygen into his body, Dr Breus starts his day by taking 15 deep breaths: I visualize each lobe filling up with each breath.

'First, I inhale deep into the bottom lobes, flexing the diaphragm. Then I take another quick inhale that expands the ribs and fills the middle and top lobes.

Another technique is to alternate between chest and abdominal breathing to fill every nook and cranny of both lungs with air.

It feels amazing. Instantly invigorating.

Breathing from the diaphragm can measurably improve stress. In a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers divided 40 people into two groups.

One group, the breathing intervention group (BIG), trained in deep breathing for 20 sessions over 8 weeks using a device to help them practice breathing at 4 breaths per minute.

The other group, the control group (CG), didnt get this training. Both groups were tested before and after the study on their ability to stay focused, their mood, and their cortisol levels (a stress marker).

Meanwhile, researchers tested their cortisol levels through saliva, and found, 'Its concentration decreased significantly after the 20 sessions intervention, which was consistent with previous results from parents of children and adolescents with diabetes type 1.'

The correct way to breathe is horizontally from the diaphragm, which involves expanding the ribs away from your midline as you inhale. The belly should come outward as you inhale and the lungs open up, filling up every part of them with air

Bad Breathing Habit #4  Breathing 'vertically'

Take a deep breath and pay attention to your shoulders and stomach. Do your shoulders rise toward your ears? Does your stomach stay roughly where it is?

You might be vertical breathing, a pattern where your shoulders and chest rise as you inhale and fall when you exhale, only filling the tops of the lungs with air.

While the chest expands and the shoulders rise, the diaphragm remains stagnant, contributing to back pain, digestive problems, and general stress on the body.

The correct way to breathe is horizontally from the diaphragm, which involves expanding the ribs away from your midline as you inhale. The belly should come outward as you inhale and the lungs open up, filling up every part of them with air.

Dr Breus said: Whenever I see someone rubbing their neck or shoulders, my first thought is, They need to breathe horizontally.

No matter how many massages you get or Epsom salt baths you take, if you breathe vertically, your upper body muscles are going to be overworked.

Vertical breathing can also worsen anxiety. Shallow breathing signals to the brain that something is wrong, triggering the bodys fight or flight response and the release of the stress hormone cortisol.

Bad breathing habit #5  Breathing too fast

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In a healthy body, a persons at-rest breathing rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute at medium depth, bringing in several liters at a time, Dr Breus said.

Healthy people ordinarily inhale for one or two seconds, and exhale for two or three, so a typical cycle lasts for three to five seconds.

A respiratory rate of 20 or more breaths per minute indicates that you might be hyperventilating, he added.

A rate exceeding 28 breaths per minute merits an urgent trip to the hospital and could indicate a severe respiratory issue, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia.

Quick inhales and exhales only allow the body to take in a small amount of oxygen while expelling too much carbon dioxide, which can cause dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps, chest pains, and fainting.

Dr Breus added: 'Fast breathing isn't really a choice; it's either a sign of respiratory limitation or a habit. But breathing problems can be treated and habits can be broken.'

Bad breathing habit #6  Holding your breath

We often hold our breath without intending to when were nervous, awaiting big news, or concentrating closely on something at work, a phenomenon known as 'email apnea.'

Dr Breus said: Whether anxious or focused, people tend to clench their muscles, including the respiratory ones.

Its a natural reflex, like a cat freezing in place right before it pounces on prey or a toy.

When anxious or focused, people tend to clench their muscles, including those in their respiratory system.

Dr Breus said: 'We are on screens for hours and hours per day. We receive untold emails and texts, and each one - in particular, unexpected and anxiety-producing ones - can trigger a breath-holding pattern.

'If that pattern turns into an unintentional habit that you might not even be aware of, you can wind up living, continually, in stress mode, inflamed, at risk for burnout, and exhausted.'

Just a couple of minutes without oxygen can kickstart brain damage, and death can follow.

After five minutes, oxygen to the hippocampus and the cortex are damaged, areas that govern memory and higher cognitive function.

By about 10 minutes, the oxygen deprivation will have permanently damaged and killed brain cells. Lack of oxygen also disrupts the brain's ability to regulate the balance of fluids in it, leading to pressure against the skull and brain damage.
A sleeping position designed for astronauts could be the secret to banishing insomnia and getting longer-lasting rest, according to an NHS doctor.

The technique called 'zero gravity' is designed by NASA and is thought to help astronauts get shut-eye while in an environment with an extreme amount of pressure.

But down on earth the position can also help people get to sleep, according to Dr Tim Mercer, the NHS GP Partner and GP Trainer with Opera Beds.

The technique involves lying on your back and elevating the head and legs to just above the heart level so the spine is in a relatively straight line.

The head is raised slightly, with knees and elbows slightly bent.

He explained that raising the head allows the airways to open up and take in more oxygen while you sleep.

For this reason the sleeping position can help people with respiratory conditions, making it a good way of nodding off when you have a cold.

'Sleep is essential for recovery when battling the flu. Quality rest allows your body to allocate energy towards immune function, accelerating the fight against a virus,' Dr Mercer told the Express.

Zero-gravity sleep is meant to relieve stress throughout the body. Either with an adjustable bed or extra pillows, you can achieve this by elevating your feet and head above your heart

'During sleep, your body produces cytokines  proteins that combat inflammation and infection  making it an essential tool for recovery,' he added.

The NASA sleeping position is also said to help improve blood circulation around the body, speeding up healing from injuries.

That's because when standing or sitting leg veins have to work against gravity to move blood back to the heart.

But elevating the legs allows blood to circulate easily because the body is working with gravity, rather than against it.

What's more, the position takes pressure off muscles and joints, inducing relaxing feelings of weightlessness, which improves quality and quantity of sleep and reduces any painful sensations.

Experts argue that these factors make you less likely to want to change position while sleeping, increasing the chances of a deep, long-lasting sleep.

The NASA sleep method was developed as a way of helping astronauts nod off without fighting the pressure of gravity.

Dr Mercer also recommended other sleeping positions that can help you doze off if you're struggling with the symptoms of a cold.

Side sleeping  specifically on your left side  can alleviate congestion as it stops mucus from building up at the back of your throat while you're asleep.

He added that the steam of a hot shower or bath could also ease congested airways.

The findings of a study published last year revealed that around around one in six Brits suffer insomnia, yet 65 per cent never seek help for their sleep problem.

The poll on 2,000 people, by The Sleep Charity, found nine in ten experience some sort of sleep proble, while one in two engage in high-risk or dangerous behaviours when unable to sleep.

Dr Tim Mercer often shares handy health hacks on his TikTok channel, where he has 46,000 followers.

Poor sleep has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, stroke and infertility.

The drugs watchdog Nice recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment for both short and long-term insomnia.

However, a recent Freedom of Information request found just 17 (12 per cent) of the 132 NHS Trusts that responded offer both face-to-face and digital CBT-I.

Commenting on the charity's findings, deputy chief executive Lisa Arti said: 'While public health campaigns around healthy eating and physical activity have been ongoing for decades, sleep has been left in the "solutions box", despite evidence showing poor sleep increases mortality by 13 per cent and is linked with major physical and mental health conditions. We believe it's high time this changed.

'At a time when the government has never been more focused on preventative measures to tackle ill-health, our report clearly demonstrates that sleep can play an oversized role in supporting this ambition and positively impacting on all six of the major health conditions in the UK, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and mental ill health.

'Its impact extends far beyond our health too, with sleep issues estimated to cost the UK billions of pounds every year in lost productivity.'
Your odds of getting a sexually transmitted infection are up to 31 times higher in one state than others.

Mississippi has the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.

It had a staggering score of 9.64 out of 10, making it the most heavily impacted state by STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.

The state also has a low HPV vaccination rate  38.5 percent  which is about 20 points lower than the national average.

Alaska follows closely behind with an STI score of 8.47 out of 10.

The state has fewer overall STI cases than larger states, but given its relatively small population, the rates per population are particularly concerning, according to Universal Drugstore.

Gonorrhea is widespread, with about 25 cases per 100,000 people and chlamydia remains the states most widespread STI, with 701 cases per 100,000 people.

North Carolina was close behind with a score of 8.37. The state has 65,867 cases of chlamydia  roughly 608 cases per 100,000 people.

About one in 100 US adults has an STD, including over 209,000 cases of syphilis, over 600,000 cases of gonorrhea, and over 1.6million cases of chlamydia , according to the CDC

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Alabama ranked fourth with a score of 8.27. After Alabama came Arkansas with an 8.17 and has reported a 67 percent increase in HIV cases. Georgia followed, with the highest HIV rate in the US in 2022, with 23 cases per 100,000 people  more than double the national average of 11.8 cases per 100,000 people.

Louisiana came next with a score of 7.96 followed by South Carolina with 7.86, Nevada with 7.66, and Florida with 7.6.

Many of the states ranking in the top 10 emphasize abstinence education as a primary method to prevent pregnancy and STIs, which could be a driver behind their higher rates.

And many states do not mandate sex education in schools, meaning millions of students miss out on potentially life-saving information.

In addition to states most affected by STIs, Universal Drugstore also ranked states those were were the least impacted: New Hampshire, Vermont, Idaho, Maine, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.

In New Hampshire, which scored 0.31 out of 10, health officials have recorded 588 cases of gonorrhea  about 42 cases per 100,000 people. There are also 139 cases of syphilis, or 9.9 cases per 100,000 people.

The number of chlamydia reports is higher at around 197 for every 100,000 residents, its lower still than the national average.

New Hampshire also has one of the countrys highest HPV vaccination rates at 76.2 percent, just behind Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

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Vermont came in at second place 0.46 out of 10. It has about 202 cases of chlamydia per 100,000 people. The state also has the lowest rates of gonorrhea and syphilis out of the entire US, at 34 and 3.3 cases per 100,000 respectively.

Since 2019, the state has also seen a decline in gonorrhea and syphilis cases. Syphilis reports dropped from 24 to 21, while gonorrhea cases decreased by nearly 24 percent, falling from 1,718 to 1,307.

Idaho came in third, SCORE despite having the highest rates of syphilis and chlamydia, with 13 and 294.9 per 100,000 people. Its rates of gonorrhea, though were lower than the rate reported in New Hampshire, at around 40 for every 100,000 people.

After Idaho came Maine scoring 1.38 followed by Connecticut with a 1.68. Then came Iowa with a 1.99 followed by Massachusetts with 2.50, Wisconsin with 2.5, and Minnesota with a 2.6. North Dakota rounded out the list with 2.81.

Years of rising rates of STIs has culminated in what experts call a public health crisis, driven by decreased condom usage and poor sex education.

People, particularly young people, are using condoms less regularly. They went from the top contraceptive tool for 75 percent of men in 2011 to 42 percent of men by 2021.

About one in 100 US adults has an STI, including over 209,000 cases of syphilis, over 600,000 cases of gonorrhea, and over 1.6million cases of chlamydia, according to the CDC.

Universal Drugstore gleaned statistics from CDC databases for gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia in both 2019 and 2023 as well as HIV cases in 2018 and 2022.

The number of gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia cases per 100,000 residents and the rate of HPV vaccinations for adolescents were both considered 'factors'.

Each factor was assigned a score based on its value, such as number of cases or age at vaccination, and these scores are combined to create the overall STI score for each state.

The authors of the report said: 'Unfortunately, STIs are more common than we would hope, with statistics indicating that one in five Americans have had an STI.

'While advancements in science over the decades have resulted in effective STI treatments in the form of prescription drugs, prevention is always the best option.'

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the US, particularly in the 20 to 24 age group. There has also been a recent uptick in the number of seniors citizens contracting chlamydia. As the fear of pregnancy disappears, so does the belief that condoms are still necessary.

The 20 to 24 age group reports the highest number of new gonorrhea cases, totaling 142,526. This is followed by the 2529 age group with 113,774 cases and the 3034 age group with 96,504 cases.

It is unsurprising that this sex-related bacterial infection is most prevalent across ages known for having a higher sex drive, the authors of the report said.

Syphilis among all ages is on the rise nationwide, increasing nearly 80 percent over the past five years, and the surge is worrying public health officials, as the disease can advance to damage the brain, nerves, eyes, and heart if it goes untreated.

Syphilis is most commonly reported among 30 to 34-year-olds, a slightly older group compared to other infections.

Within this age range, men are significantly more affected than women, with rates of 62 cases per 100,000 residents compared to 21.5 cases per 100,000 for women.

Symptoms begin with small open sores on the genitals, mouth, or rectum, as well as enlarged lymph nodes.

In the second stage, a skin rash develops, as well as genitals sores, fever, muscle and joint pain, vision changes, and loss of appetite.

When the infection advances further, it can inflame and damage heart valves and slowly degrade the brain, causing personality changes, memory loss, difficulty making decisions, and strokes.

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. And while the infection can usually be easily treated, some strains are resistant to commonly used antibiotics - making them harder to clear.

Common symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, abdominal tenderness, pain during intercourse, irregular bleeding, and fever.

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However, less than half of infections show symptoms, and many are asymptomatic.

STI increases have been largely driven by young people 15 to 24 years old. Despite making up only a quarter of the population, this group accounts for approximately half of new STIs every year.

However, there are some positive signs that a decade-long rise could be plateauing and even turning a corner. There were 2.4million sexually transmitted infections in 2023, a two percent decline from 2022.

Gonorrhea cases fell for a second year, declining seven percent from 2022 to below pre-pandemic levels while chlamydia case rates remained stable.
On my list of uplifting things to do in 2025  more theatre! I began the year with the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, which has been extended to 18 October. Apparently, its become the fastest-selling show in the Dominion Theatres history.

Coat, Joseph, top, Cos, trousers, NA-KD, bag, Bottega Veneta

Vanessa Williams is terrific as Miranda, the constantly furious editor of fashion bible Runway. And I especially loved Amy Di Bartolomeo as her senior assistant Emily, whose tightly wound antics made me laugh out loud. Georgie Buckland makes a strong London stage debut as junior PA Andy and, despite her awful ribbed wool tights at the start of the show, has a convincing style transformation between acts. However, Andys boyfriend Nate, who annoyed me when the movie originally came out in 2006, is still as controlling as ever and constantly undermines and mocks everything she tries to achieve at Runway. He even encourages her to chuck it all in to wear an ill-fitting brown leather jacket and write about janitors unions (no offence to janitors, but [yawning]). I was really hoping theyd write him out for the musical nearly 20 years later and reviews suggest the show could have benefited from some script updates. Mine would have included banishing this drippy character  no strong female would put up with his nonsense today.

Staying with lifestyle improvements, I also read Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik, which I recommend if youre interested in either of these legendary female writers of the 1960s and 70s. In the book, Anolik pitches the women against each other, though she admits shes a huge Eve Babitz fan and, as a result, is very one-sided, casting shadow over Joan Didion, undoubtedly the more successful one, with suggestions that she was an alcoholic, a ruthless workaholic and her husband of over 30 years was secretly gay.

Despite Anoliks fawning over Babitz, who was constantly high on drugs, its an interesting journey featuring famous faces such as Harrison Ford who, back in his carpenter days, Babitz claims, was her cannabis dealer and could sleep with nine women in 24 hours.

The book sent me down a rabbit hole and I ended up watching several clips of Didion, who as well as a terrific writer had great style. I loved all her black outfits in later life and those huge sunglasses and blunt bob. Remind you of any current Vogue editor? Im convinced Anna Wintours entire look and manner are based on Didion.

@thestylistandthewardrobe

@youmagazine

ROLL OUT THE BARREL

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The coolest cut for jeans right now? The barrel-leg. Style it with heels or a pointed sock boot and a blazer or cosy knit.

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January requires a stylish bag to cheer us up. French brand Polenes appeal has spread to the UK and this cherry-coloured holdall is perfectly shaped.

SPOTTED

Rewearing a red-carpet outfit isnt common  unless youre the thrifty Princess of Wales, of course. But besides our Kate, another Cate is changing this mindset. At this months Golden Globes she wore the same Louis Vuitton gown (right) she was seen in at the Cannes Film Festival last year. She has form. The Armani Prive gown she sported at the 2023 SAG Awards featured lace from a dress she rocked at not just the 2014 Golden Globes but 2018s Cannes, too. Bravo!
Story line Theres a strange new trend taking over in the UK. Were not talking male mullets or those dreadful mesh ballet pumps. No, its when youre eating a shop-bought baguette and your friend gleefully grabs it to scan the barcode with their phone. Whats happening? Youre being Yuka-ed, thats what.

Guideline If no one has preached to you yet about Yuka  users are very devout  then let me explain. Its an app that allows people to scan their food (and cosmetic products) so they can see a health ranking. For edibles this is derived from factors such as calories, sugar, saturated fat and fibre. Sixty per cent of the rating is based on nutritional value, ten per cent on whether it is organic or not and 30 per cent on additives (particularly pertinent now that weve all read Chris Van Tullekens Ultra-Processed People and become terrified of chemical-laden foods). Dateline Yuka was launched in France in 2017, by Julie Chapon and brothers Benoit and Francois Martin. It now has more than 60 million users across 12 countries, with around 68 products scanned every second.

Hardline The app scores food out of 100: 75 or higher is deemed excellent, more than 50 is good, poor is above 25, while below 25 is judged as bad. This is explained with traffic-light rankings and when a product is poor, users receive suggestions for healthier options.

Dividing line Obviously, whole unprocessed foods are generally the best, but one of the addictive aspects of Yuka is finding surprise results. Vegetarian sausages get a bad rap for being ultra-processed, but Richmonds sage and onion version gets a green flag, while Edwards Welsh beef steak meatballs score an abysmal eight out of 100. Marks & Spencers cheddar and onion quiche only manages nine points (into the red zone) yet Lidls microwavable Mexican rice pouches are rated excellent.

Out of line Shock poor performers include a Waitrose falafel and hummus pot (49/100, so not the healthy snack buyers might have thought) and Huel, which brands itself as a nutritionally complete food. According to Yuka, its got too much salt, too many calories and additives, albeit with limited risk.

Fine line Yuka is not without its critics, as some experts point to the lack of nuance in its verdicts. For instance, certain ingredients flagged as harmful are considered safe in low doses. Yuka highlights their presence, but it is up to the user to investigate what is an acceptable quantity, reports Euronews.

Official line Doctors we spoke to are generally pro-Yuka, as it empowers users to make better food choices. For patients with specific health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, these apps can help them monitor their intake of certain ingredients, says Dr Elise Dallas of The London General Practice. However, it may not be suitable for all. Focusing too much on additives might cause unnecessary anxiety, she says. People with eating disorders might become obsessive about the scores, leading to restrictive eating.

Battle line Yuka now has a Call out the brand button, which allows users to challenge manufacturers directly when a scanned product flags health concerns. Theres an option to email the companies, pushing them to rethink their use of harmful additives, or you can publish a post on X advocating for change.

Down the line Occasionally brands do change their ways because of Yuka. French supermarket chain Intermarche, for example, altered 900 recipes by removing 140 additives due to pressure from users. Vouloir, cest pouvoir!
When television presenter Kirstie Allsopp allowed her 15-year-old son Oscar to go Interrailing with a friend last summer, it sparked a heated debate. Did her decision constitute a child protection concern as the social worker who contacted her contended? Or was Allsopp rejecting the risk averse culture that she believes is damaging Britains young people?

It got me thinking about my own solo travels in 1970 when I was just months older than Oscar. In a pre-internet age, I was unaware that my plan to travel overland to India would take me through some of the wildest and most lawless places on earth.

Post travels: a now worldly-wise Alan, 17

The route was sketched out with my friend Rod over a pint of Guinness at a Worthing pub named the Thieves Kitchen. My parents didnt object, but they clearly thought wed be home in a few days.

Rod and I set off in November, taking a ferry to Holland before hitchhiking into Germany. I had 120, the clothes on my back, some paperbacks (Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse and Graham Greenes Stamboul Train) and a sleeping bag.

Delhi the city of life-changing mango lassis and vegetable thalis

Those first few days were freezing. We spent nights sleeping under autobahn bridges as we sought our next ride, waking up with bed rolls frozen solid. Sometimes movement was the only way to ward off the cold and wed finish a half-empty bottle of wine then walk ten miles to get the blood flowing. One night we watched a lorry crash on the icy road, its wheel bouncing past us. Rod gave up after four days, leaving me in Belgrade, then still behind the Iron Curtain. It was the loneliest moment of my life, like being lost on the moon.

Pressing on alone, I got to Thessaloniki in Greece before catching a train to Istanbul. With all the unfamiliar smells of spices and incense and the intense heat, I had my first taste of the East. I washed up in a hotel called the Gulhane, which was cheap, although mostly frequented by Italian junkies. I wandered around the Grand Bazaar, saw the Blue Mosque and visited the legendary Pudding Shop  a popular restaurant that was something of a bulletin board for travellers looking to message, meet and head east in the days before online. It had recently hosted a couple of ambitious hippie types, named Blair and Clinton.

In Kathmandu, Alan endured a monsoon  and dysentery

After a few days I mustered the courage to take a train through Turkey, including a trip on a storm-tossed Lake Van. Crossing the Iranian border, I headed towards Tehran with the Elburz Mountains providing a lovely and unexpectedly alpine backdrop. The city, with its American cars and modern buildings, surprised me after the Oriental atmosphere of Istanbul. It was all very modern as the Shah was yet to be deposed.

I was travelling with no maps and, of course, no mobile phone. Nobody in the world had any idea where I was. In Herat, in Afghanistan, it was as if Id entered a time machine and travelled back centuries.

There didnt seem to be any cars. Dramatically attired horsemen with bullet belts appeared on the horizon. My room, in the only guesthouse, contained a dirty hammock and a hole in the floor that turned out to be the toilet. It was certainly en suite.

Lahore? more like Lahot thanks to a heatwave

On a bus in Afghanistan I had my first brush with danger. Two bandits with guns boarded. They rifled through peoples pockets, looking for money (I had a small money belt under my shirt and about 50 stuffed in it). One sat behind me, poking his rifle at me. There I was, a 16-year-old who looked about 12, bumping down the Herat-to-Kandahar Road, a musket resting menacingly between my thighs. I sat still, praying the flimsy wooden flintlock that looked like it might go off at the slightest jolt didnt finish my chances of fatherhood there and then.

Then, as suddenly as theyd arrived, they were gone, melting into the dunes.

I went for days without speaking to anyone. Crossing the Khyber Pass on an empty bus riddled with bullet holes, more than once the back wheels skidded over a precipice. I booked into a guesthouse in Lahore, but didnt get much further because a heatwave hit and the thermometer reached 136 degrees Fahrenheit. I lay on the bed soaked in sweat, looking at the fan.

Annapurna, where the mountains wowed and leeches sucked

On the down junction train to India it felt like I was in a Rudyard Kipling story.

In Delhi, I gravitated to Connaught Circus and discovered mango lassis and vegetable thalis, life-changing as a non-meat-eater  this was in the wake of the late 60s, after all.

Somehow I navigated the complexities of buying a railway ticket and found myself a little space in the luggage rack for the journey to Benares (now Varanasi). Once in a while the train arrived at a station where hundreds of people camped out. The shout of chai! went up and Id buy a little cup of milky tea before retreating to my cubbyhole in the roof of the carriage.

I was overwhelmed by the kindness of Indian people who, despite living in a country struck by famine, would offer me a bowl of dhal. They wanted to hear about life in London and whether it was raining cats and mice.

Kathmandu in Nepal was like something out of Tolkien. I visited the Eden Hashish Centre, which sold different strengths of the smoke from various altitudes, like a fine wine shop. The monsoon arrived and streets became rivers, which was how my stomach felt with my first bout of dysentery.

From there I travelled to Annapurna and breathtaking views of Everest. One morning a line of Buddhist monks drifted by in the mist as if in a dream. Less pleasant were the leeches that attached themselves to my arms and had to be burned off. At night I slept in a hut with a fire in the middle. In the morning Id wash in an icy-cold stream flowing from the Himalayas. Id been gone seven months and the UK already seemed strangely distant.

Varanasi  city of kindness and lots of dhal

In Delhi, I cabled my father asking for 50 to get home and began the long trek back. Under seven stone and suffering from the first case of typhoid on the South Coast for 15 years, I was sure my parents would be shocked. But Dad said, Oh, where have you been? as if Id returned from the pub.

Yet I was completely changed. Somewhere along the Great Trunk Road from Kabul, Id left my childhood behind. Years later, when dealing with superstars like Mick Jagger, David Bowie, the Spice Girls and Prince in my career as a manager, Id cast my mind back to my Indian adventure. Buses full of bullet holes. Being held up at gunpoint. Begging for a banana. A bad review of an album wasnt the end of the world by comparison.

Kids these days are nervous of travel, but they dont know what theyre missing.

My advice? Get yourselves down to the Thieves Kitchen in Worthing (yes, its still there), order a pint of the black stuff and start planning a great adventure.

Alan will be talking about his memoir I Was There on 6 and 7 February in London and Brighton; more details at myticket.co.uk
I was surprised that you can get a phone signal in the middle of the North Sea, but it turns out you can. Not much  maybe one or two bars  but still enough signal that, one evening in December 2023, on the deck of the 12-hour overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, I was able to call my boyfriend and complain about how seasick I was. I feel like I might die, I said, which was dramatic but seemed true at the time. You know, it really makes me think that I could never row the Atlantic. He replied that this was a shame because I had always had you down as someone who would row the Atlantic one day. I considered throwing my phone overboard.

This was my second trip to the Shetland Islands. The first was in May 2021, when the weather was better and the sea was steadier. I went with my mum, and I remember thinking that it was beautiful but also, somehow, overwhelming. One morning we went for a walk along some cliffs and didnt bring any packed lunches. We assumed wed see a shop or a cafe.

Six hours later, we sat on a beach with empty stomachs, laughing about being such naive city girls.

Shetlands only town, Lerwick, in winter

The next time was different. In winter, Shetland gets approximately six hours of light a day. At its darkest, on 21 December, there are only five hours and 49 minutes of daylight. For comparison, in London  where I live and find to be sunless enough  the same day has seven hours and 49 minutes.

I was also, that second time, on my own. When I texted various friends asking if they wanted to come with me to the darkest, windiest, most northern point of Britain for 48 hours in December, most of them thought it was a joke. All of them declined.

On the ferry  as the boat made actual creaking sounds and I watched a teenage girl vomit into a paper bag  I started to envy them. I had taken an anti-seasickness pill, but it made no difference. The only thing that helped was to sit outside on the deck. It was minus 1C, windy and the darkness was astonishing (in 2022, Anish Kapoor made a series of sculptures using a specially patented paint that he said was the blackest shade of black; Id wager that the view from the middle of the North Sea, in the middle of the night, in the middle of December, is blacker).

There are around 100 islands and skerries within Shetland, but only 16 are inhabited. At its peak, in 1870, the population was 30,000 but now its about 22,000. Of those people, 7,500 live in Lerwick  Shetlands only town, where I stayed  and the largest local industry is seafood. On average, Shetland lands over 50,000 tonnes of herring and mackerel every year: thats often more than all of England and Wales combined.

Its an expensive place, too. Because of things like haulage costs, a colder climate and lack of consumer choice, life in Shetland costs up to 65 per cent more than the UK average. Additionally, the islands have the highest rate of fuel poverty in the country, despite being home to one of the largest oil terminals in Europe  Sullom Voe.

Theres also a persistent idea that Shetland has no trees, but thats a myth. There are trees here, just not lots of them.

My December weekend to Lerwick revolved, mostly, around meeting Eve Eunson, a 44-year-old local designer, who is the last person in the world making traditional Fair Isle strawback chairs. The chairs are wooden, with curved woven backs designed to protect the sitter from the wind. Each chair costs 2,000 and the backs take at least 50 hours to weave. The crime writer Ann Cleeves  who wrote the series Shetland  owns one. Eunson also runs an annual, eight-session-long craft course at the Shetland Museum, where for 50 participants learn to weave strawback chairs and stitch baskets. I went to one, not to make a chair or a basket, but to watch. It was a lively room, filled with men and women in their 50s and 60s, nearly all wearing thick, probably hand-knitted jumpers. The whole thing seemed so folksy it felt almost cliched, but in the corner there was a tired-looking teenager wearing a massive hoodie, which redressed the balance.

I walked over strands of discarded straw and sat at a table with three women. They were all from Shetland, and I asked them what it was like to grow up and live there. Very good, they said. What about if you moved here, from somewhere else? I think it takes people three or four years to adjust, said one. At the start its an adventure. Its wild, extreme, dictated by the weather. But you need time to understand what it really is to live here.

They said the island attracts different sorts of newcomers: there are people who want a slower pace of life or people who like the outdoors. And then there are people who are running from something or other. They all laughed at this. One woman put down her basket and said: Theres nowhere else to run from Shetland! If you arent happy with yourself, you wont find it here.

Theres no anonymity, either. Everyone knows everyone. Its like a small community anywhere. You cant come here and be insular, because that means you arent contributing. Weve all got to do something.

A few months later, I spoke to Jen Hadfield, an English-born poet who moved to Shetland 18 years ago. I get asked, over and over again: Isnt it awfully remote? It must be terribly bleak? Hadfield is opposed to this sort of talk. If you make yourself remote, you make yourself powerless. And, like everyone else, Shetlanders dont perceive themselves as being remote, they perceive themselves as being at the centre of things.

I understood what she meant. On my last day in Lerwick, I had a bowl of soup in the Peerie Cafe (peerie is a Shetland term for small) and then went for a walk. Outside, standing by the port which was filled with colourful wooden boats, I heard a jangling noise  bells, and maybe even drumming  then happy-sounding shouts. I followed it until I got to Bains Beach, a small stretch of sand that is just off one of Lerwicks main roads, Da Street. There I saw 70, 80, maybe 100 people. Some of them were standing on the street playing musical instruments, but most of them were in the water, even though its temperature was just 6C. It was some sort of charity winter swim. As more and more people got into the sea, the musicians played louder and louder, and spectators took photos and cheered. And I thought about how much I really didnt want to take a ferry home  not just because the inevitable seasickness was going to be so incredibly abysmal, but because it would have been nice to have stayed here for longer. And how, actually, it did not feel remote at all.
The City regulator is 'incapable' of acting quickly to protect the UK's investment trust sector from overseas predators, a leading peer has warned.

It comes as seven London-listed trusts face a showdown with US hedge fund Saba Capital, which aims to oust their boards and replace them with its own nominees, saying leaders have 'failed shareholders' and made poor decisions.

Baroness Sharon Bowles, a Liberal Democrat peer and board member of the London Stock Exchange, told The Mail on Sunday that the corporate raid on the investment trust industry had been encouraged by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) being too slow to respond to problems in the sector, causing trust share prices to suffer, making them prime targets for takeover swoops.

She highlighted leftover EU rules that had made it seem more costly to invest in UK trusts than was the case. This double counting, revealed by The Mail on Sunday last year, has discouraged savers from turning to investment trusts, depressing their share prices.

Action to resolve the issue was promised by Labour and the FCA last year, but only after a campaign by the industry, and has still not been fully implemented.

'I think the slowness of response by the authorities to the cost issue and their lack of understanding going right to the top has led to Saba's campaign and it will be the end game for more investment trusts unless they take fast action now,' Bowles said.

High stakes: Corporate raider Boaz Weinstein with ex-wife Tali Farhadian

'Also the FCA just seems incapable of any kind of enforcement action to make changes happen.'

Saba Capital, run by Wall Street financier Boaz Weinstein, has stakes in each firm ranging from 19 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 situation has seen the heads of the seven trusts call on small investors to exercise their right to vote and oppose Saba's plans.

John Baron, a former member of the Treasury Committee who holds shares in the trusts, raised concerns about Saba's ability under current rules to take control of the businesses without securing the support of a majority of investors. 'This David and Goliath contest brings into question shareholder democracy,' he said.

He called for efforts to 'galvanise' retail investors and for the FCA to investigate whether small shareholders were properly informed of their rights ahead of the votes called by Saba.

It followed a letter from the Association of Investment Companies urging the FCA to change rules so all investors automatically hear of plans to change investment trust strategy or their leadership.
Some of England's biggest privately-run children's homes have raked in more than 95million in profit in the past three years, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The firms, which have been draining millions from the budgets of cash-strapped councils, include outfits controlled by private equity firms, as well as the daughter of a former City stockbroker linked to fraud.

Data from regulator Ofsted shows private firms dominate the sector, with 83 per cent of children's homes under their ownership. The draw is that the industry is lucrative.

Last year, a report by news website This House revealed that the average cost of placing a child in care was 281,000 a year, five times that of keeping an adult in prison.

It followed a 2023 report from the Local Government Association that showed some councils were paying as much as 63,000 a week to keep a single child in care.

But the cost does not always translate into better service. A 2022 study from the University of Oxford concluded that for-profit providers were 'significantly more likely' to be rated of lower quality than public alternatives.

Cashing in: 28-year-old care home owner Melissa Bell

Private groups also violated more requirements and received more improvement recommendations. This is despite the most recent Ofsted data from 2019 saying eight of the ten largest private and voluntary children's home providers had a higher-than-average number of homes rated good or outstanding.

Of the 2,748 children's homes in private hands, 18 per cent are run by the top five operators.

England's second-biggest children's home operator is Keys Group, with 116 locations. It is owned by G Square Capital, a private equity firm based out of London's fashionable Savile Row. Between 2022 and 2024, Keys Group made an overall operating profit of 7.8million.

Another private equity player is Netherlands-based Waterland, the owner of Aspris, which runs 81 children's homes. The firm raked in 14.6million in 2023, according to its most recent accounts, reversing a 4.7million loss from the previous year.

A big private operator is HCS Group, trading under the name Hexagon Care Services. It runs 56 children's homes in England. Hexagon is owned by 28-year-old Melissa Bell, who took control of the firm in 2016 when she was just 19 and a student at the University of Manchester.

She is the daughter of Paul Bell, a former City stockbroker who was previously arrested in connection with an alleged 21million tax fraud. He later settled the claims.

Labour donor: CareTech founder Farouq Sheikh (right) and his brother Haroon

HCS made a profit of 6.9million last year after hauls of 6million and 5.2million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. For 2024, the firm also paid out 1.5million in dividends, at least three quarters of which will have been pocketed by Melissa Bell, who controls more than 75 per cent of the business.

The largest operator by far is CareTech, a Hertfordshire-based outfit that owns 200 children's homes  10 per cent of the total.

It is controlled by its founders, brothers Farouq and Haroon Sheikh, who led an 870million buyout of the business in 2022, removing it from the London Stock Exchange. Farouq is an avid Labour Party donor, having given thousands of pounds to support the campaigns of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

CareTech, which also provides adult social care, raked in 25.5million in profit in 2022 and 12.2million the following year.

The encroachment of profit-seeking firms into children's homes comes after The Mail on Sunday revealed last month that three private equity firms running some of England's largest foster care agencies had made a total 40million in profit in 2023.

One of the biggest private foster care providers, Compass Community, has made a similar impact in children's homes, where it controls 49 properties.

Compass, owned by private equity firm Cap10 Partners, has made profits of nearly 22million in the past three years from fostering and children's homes, though it says it will invest this into growing its capacity to meet rising demand for its services.

Like children's homes, private fostering agencies are increasingly dominant as local council provision falls.

But the number of foster families is shrinking too, with many put off by low pay and the lack of workers' rights, since most foster carers are classed as self-employed.
Firefighter response times are at an all-time high  despite there being fewer blazes than ever before.

Laying bare the 'emergency' facing 999 crews, statistics show teams took 8m 1s on average to attend home fires in 2023/24.

This was nearly 40s slower than when records began in 2010, before a funding crisis tore apart services across the country.

Seconds can prove the difference between life and death with blazes.

A fire can rip through a home and be fully engulfed in flames within just five minutes, although there are no central response time targets.

In Cornwall, England's worst-performing service, crews took an average of 10m 59s to attend 230 house fires.

Hereford and Worcester did not fare much better, with an average of 10m 41s across 440 incidents.

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Three other services had an average response time above ten seconds: Staffordshire (10m 25s), Oxfordshire (10m 19s) and North Yorkshire (10m 18s).

For contrast, responses times were just 6m 4s in Tyne and Wear, the country's best-performing service, which attended 582 blazes.

Home Office statistics show similarly low times were recorded by the West Midlands (6m 31s) and London (6m 32s).

Over the last decade, MailOnline can reveal that three-quarters of fire services saw a rise in average response times.

Kent's jumped the most, by more than two minutes from 7m 19s to 9m 41s.

In the same decade there was a huge fall in house and flat fires.

Fire services in England responded to 24,430 incidents in the year to June 2024, a 20 per cent drop from the 30,660 in 2013/14.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) blamed reduced funding, warning that it was 'concerned' by its impact on public safety.

Union bosses say one in five firefighter jobs have been cut since 2010. Dozens of fire stations have also shut.

The number of 'wholetime' fire stations  staffed by crews ready to take action 24/7  fell by more than a third from 2011 to 2021, from 663 to 423.

These have mostly been replaced with fire stations which are only manned part of the time and at other times work on an on-call system.

On-call firefighters  who work other full-time jobs  are only paged in response to an incident.

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Typically, it takes them longer to respond to 999 calls because they're based at home or work and must reach the fire station before they are able to head out.

Wholetime firefighters, on the other hand, are already working in the station.

An NFCC spokesperson said: 'Many factors determine the time it takes a fire and rescue service to respond to an incident, which includes population density, local road conditions and firefighter crewing arrangements.

'The Home Office figures confirm the time it takes to drive to an incident is almost always the reason for the largest proportion of the increase in response times from one year to the next.

'A correlation should not be drawn between a fall in the number of dwelling fires and an increase in response times.

This is because it is unusual for a fire and rescue service to have two incidents running at the same time in the same fire station area, in which there could then be an impact on the response time to the second incident if crews are already committed to the first.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Throughout the country, our firefighters operate in uniquely challenging and high-risk environments, constantly responding to the call of duty to protect our communities.

'The provisional Local Government settlement sets proposed funding allocations which will mean standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities receiving a 3% increase in core spending power in 2025-26.'

The most recent data relates to the 12 months until June 2024. In previous years the financial calendar (April to March) was used to report statistics.

The Fire Brigades Union has previously branded the situation an 'emergency', saying Government funding has plunged from 1.2billion a decade ago to just 935m now.

As such, services have had to make savings to keep afloat.

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Firefighters at the worst performing service, Cornwall, took an average of 10m 59s to respond to 230 house fires. Pictured: Firefighters putting out a building fire in St Ives, Cornwall

It warned the UK is 'dangerously underprepared' for tackling blazes and demanded Sir Keir Starmer invested in the sector when he entered No10.

The FBU claimed several fire and rescue services across the UK have now adopted a new policy of sending firefighters out in crews of three instead of the minimum of five needed to respond to incidents where lives are at risk.

In serious incidents, they're forced to wait for additional crews to arrive before acting, wasting crucial time needed to save lives.

It also warned that the 'climate emergency is resulting in more frequent and extreme weather events and wildfires'.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary said: 'The fire and rescue service is in crisis after years of austerity and fragmentation. While we face the flooding, wildfires and extreme weather of the climate emergency, we have lost one in five firefighters to cuts.

'Fewer resources mean that fire engines take far longer to arrive at a fire than in the 1990s, and fire services' capacity varies wildly by region.

'Last years' response times, the slowest in recent records, should have been a wake-up call.

'The government must deliver on promises to end the fire cover post-code lottery through a statutory advisory body, and provide the urgent investment needed to protect homes and lives.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Throughout the country, our firefighters operate in uniquely challenging and high-risk environments, constantly responding to the call of duty to protect our communities.

'The provisional Local Government settlement sets proposed funding allocations which will mean standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities receiving a 3 per cent increase in core spending power in 2025-26.'
A young surfer is lucky to be alive after a pod of dolphins threw him off his surfboard leaving him seriously injured and unconscious.

Eli Anderson, 20, was surfing his local break at Emerald Beach on the NSW mid north coast on December 29 when he suddenly felt 'like he was hit by a car'.

The carpenter was thrown from his surfboard and then caught up in a frantic frenzy of up to 20 dolphins blindly hunting for food.

Mr Anderson was knocked out cold and suffered a fractured pelvis in the terrifying incident, and he says he is still struggling to deal with the trauma.

'They came from nowhere and one of their fins sliced my board,' Mr Anderson told Daily Mail Australia.

'I was knocked off and then knocked out so I don't remember much until I was washed up on to the beach.

'As I came around, I started to count my limbs and checked for blood. I was in a lot of pain but also so confused, because I thought it must have been a shark attack.'

Mr Anderson was surfing with his dad, Luke, at the beach about 20km north of Coffs Harbour and said they're always wary of sharks in the water - but not dolphins.

Eli Anderson (right) and his dad Luke (left) have surfed their local break at Emerald Beach NSW their whole lives but never considered dolphins a threat

Eli Anderson's surfboard had a large chunk taken out of the side from one of the dolphin's fins

The keen surfer has always been wary of sharks but says the ocean is their domain

The freak accident happened at Emerald Beach about 20km north of Coffs Harbour

They have been even more vigilant after their close-knit community was rocked by the tragic shark attack death of a local surfer a little over three years ago.

Father-to-be Timothy Thompson, 31, died after his arm was mauled by what was believed to be a great white shark just metres from where the pair were surfing.

Despite the best efforts of first responders and paramedics, Mr Thompson died at the scene.

'I have seen (sharks) from time-to-time swimming under the board and I've been charged by some of the smaller sharks,' Mr Anderson said.

'But I never thought dolphins would be a problem.'

His dad Luke had already paddled to shore and was helpless to assist when he witnessed his son get knocked out by the aggressive dolphin pod.

'I'd told him I just wanted to catch one last wave and he was waiting for me on the beach,' Mr Anderson said.

'He reckons there was at least 20 of them and it must have been a feeding frenzy where they push the bait to the shallow waters.'

Surfer Timothy Thompson lost his life after being mauled by a shark at Emerald Beach

Dolphin hunt feeding frenzies are rare but have been reported in Australia

The beach hunting technique used by dolphins is extremely rare but has been reported in Australia.

It involves the mammals swimming rapidly to generate waves that push fish towards the shoreline before the dolphins charge into them at high speed and scoop them up.

Mr Anderson was treated for his injuries at Coffs Harbour Health Campus Hospital and his full recovery is expected to take weeks.

He said he is still shaken by the terrifying incident but insists it won't put him off getting back in the water.

'It's taken me a long time to process it really, but nothing could stop me surfing,' he said.

'It's their domain, not mine. The dolphins won - and I'm ok with that.'
A once quietly prosperous city in California's bay area has been gripped by a crime wave.

A Uniform Crime Reporting Program has named the city of Vallejo, just 30 miles outside San Francisco, as having one of the highest crime rates in the state.

The problem has become so bad that frustrated residents have started a petition pleading with Governor Gavin Newsom to increase the police presence in the area.

'As a resident of Vallejo, I am deeply concerned about the safety of my community. Vallejo is currently experiencing an alarming increase in crime rates,' Paula Conley, 55, wrote in a petition addressing the escalating crime in her hometown.

The city with a population of just 123,000 has seen a twofold increase in property crimes in the last four years, according to the Real-Time Crime Index, an independent site that pulls data from a variety of police departments.

But between 2014 to 2024, violent crimes remained steady - until they exploded at the start of 2024.

Vallejo had a staggering 23 murders, 12 fatal traffic incidents, 44 rapes, 86 sexual assaults, 503 aggravated assaults, 1,101 auto burglary/theft cases, 200 shootings and 352 domestic violence cases by November, according to Vallejo Police reports.

And locals say that in the last two months of the year, those numbers only increased.

Residents of a 'dangerous' California city are begging for intervention from local law enforcement as a terrifying wave of crime has overwhelmed the struggling Bay Area community. Pictured: The Carquinez bridges in Vallejo, California

Vallejo, located just 30 miles outside San Francisco, has been inundated with crime in recent years, raising alarm for its residents who have since pleaded with the state's Governor, Gavin Newsom (pictured), for increased police presence.

On Christmas Eve, a public works crew discovered a human limb sticking out of a bag of construction debris at an alleged illegal dumping site, Open Vallejo reported.

And to mark Vallejo's most violent year ever, a New Year's Eve shooting left one person dead and brought up the city's 25th homicide in 2024.

Deaths during the year included Damien Davis, 34, who was shot dead on Sonoma Boulevard and Louisiana Street in July. In October, another man was found dead in the middle of the road Daniels Avenue, near Sacramento Street.

In late November, the city's 22nd and 23rd murders were confirmed when police discovered two men fatally shot at the scene of a car crash.

'Drug crime, shootings and shoplifting are increasingly commonplace. Prostitution on Sonoma Blvd/Hwy 29 in particular is rampant,' Conley wrote in her petition that's already had more than 3,500 signatures.

Vallejo, a city of 123,000 people, has seen a twofold increase in theft in recent years, compared with four years ago, according to theeal-Time Crime Index. Pictured: Police investigate an officer-involved shooting in Vallejo

In 2024 alone, Vallejo tallied over 20 homicides, 12 fatal traffic incidents, 44 rapes, 86 sexual assaults, 503 aggravated assaults, 1,101 auto burglary/theft cases, 200 shootings and 352 domestic violence cases, according to Vallejo Police reports

Paula Conley (pictured), 55, wrote in a petition demanding action against the crime wave in her hometown

In July, the city of Vallejo marked its 14th homicide of the year after 34-year-old Vallejo resident, Damien Davis, was fatally shot on Sonoma Boulevard and Louisiana Street in Vallejo

'Our streets are dangerous to drive or walk along due to excessive speeding. Businesses and residents are unsafe due to slow or nonexistent police response times,' she said.

Fearful for their safety and wellbeing in the place they call home, residents are now urging officials to act, asking for more police and quicker response times.

'We believe that additional support from California Highway Patrol and Sheriff officers could significantly help address this issue. Their presence would not only bolster our local law enforcement capacity but also serve as a deterrent for potential criminals,' Conley wrote.

Conley, who is just one of many advocates for the crime-riddled community, created the petition aimed at urging Newsom to 'deploy CHP/Sheriff officers to Vallejo.'

'I started the petition. I tried working with our city, tried to get answers and everything, I talked to the county and I mean, who else can we go to? Let's go the Governor, right?' Conley said in an interview with FoxNews Digital.

'CHP does come when they can. The Sheriff does come when they can. But its not on a consistent basis, its when they have time,' she added.

The 55-year-old Vallejo resident also noted that after a 'surge of officers' were sent to Oakland - a city just 25 miles south of Vallejo - the city's crime rates 'went down and their quality of life got better'.

She also claimed that Vallejo has 'the exact same problems Oakland does' but that Vallejo is 'just a smaller city.'

Conley added that the distressing crime Vallejo is seeing is a product of 'poor leadership' and 'lack of urgency' in handling the ongoing crime crisis.

An armed parolee abandoned his vehicle in Vallejo and fled on foot, desperate to evade capture, he tried to cross I-80 during busy midday traffic and was quickly arrested while attempting to cross the center median in November

A Vallejo burglary suspect lost control and collided with two unoccupied parked vehicles near Solano Avenue and Tuolumne Street in December

'We believe that additional support from California Highway Patrol and Sheriff officers could significantly help address this issue. Their presence would not only bolster our local law enforcement capacity but also serve as a deterrent for potential criminals,' Conley wrote. Pictured: A California Highway Patrol vehicle

'At some point, somebody has to help us,' she pleaded.

But despite their pleas, Newsom has refused to offer any additional police support.

'I want the folks in Vallejo to know you're not getting the [California Highway Patrol] to do the work of local law enforcement,' Newsom said at a news conference in early January.

'They think somehow the state is going to come in and provide the support for free.'

Newsom, who's been California's governor since 2019, directed the CHP to expand its presence in Vallejo to help address understaffing there.

However, he also wants to see the city's police department fill vacant positions by contracting with the Solano County Sheriff's Office for services.

The Vallejo Police Department, Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell and members of the Vallejo City Council have previously asked the governor for 'law enforcement support.'

'We don't have infinite resources as the California Highway Patrol to go in and take over police responsibilities,' CHP Deputy Commissioner Ezery Beauchamp said at the conference.

CHP last year carried out law enforcement surges in San Francisco, Oakland, San Bernardino and Bakersfield, however, Newsom said that help would not be 'open-ended'.

While the CHP will not commit to a full-scale surge in Vallejo, Beauchamp said CHP officers had begun assisting Vallejo police in a limited capacity.

On December 19, 2024, the Vallejo Police Department participated in a high-speed chase that ended in a reckless collision. Upon arrest, VPD officers discovered two loaded, unregistered firearms with extended magazines inside the vehicle

On December 13, a suspect caught robbing a bystander and another local business, ran from police before confronting VPD with a knife until his eventual surrender to K9 Officer Morty (pictured)

The officers had made 32 arrests, 600 traffic stops and assisted with 40 incidents since July, he said.

But, for some residents, this is not enough.

'How many more lives need to be lost or harmed before the governor takes action? I'm grateful for the neighboring CHP and other officers from nearby counties who are stepping up, but we need to improve the situation, and it doesn't appear to be happening,' one resident commented on the petition.

Another wrote: 'I have been here 39 years and the determination of this once beautiful city is so disheartening. We need help, we need leadership, we want our city back!'

'I've lived in Vallejo for years! I've been shot at four times seen our house get destroyed my sideshows here in Vallejo! I've seen people getting robbed at gun point it's out of hand! Vallejo needs more help!' another urged.

The city has a long history of crime, dating back to the 1960s when an alleged serial killer terrorized the area, responsible for at least five known murders in the Bay Area between 1968 and 1969.

A mugshot of Arthur Leigh Allen

The other two of the Zodiac Killer's five victims - Michael Renault Mageau (left) and Cecelia Ann Shepard (right)

The individual, credited as the Zodiac Killer, claimed, via cryptic messages sent to newspapers, to have committed 37 serial murders.

Investigators have since agreed on seven confirmed assault victims, five of whom died and two of whom survived.

Between July 4 and 5, 1969, two Zodiac victims Michael Renault Mageau, then-19, and Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin, then-22, were shot around midnight in the parking lot of Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo.

While Mageau survived the attack, Ferrin was pronounced dead at Kaiser Foundation Hospital.

Despite extensive investigations, no one was ever apprehended or prosecuted for the heinous crimes due to insufficient evidence, leaving the case unsolved.

However, investigators did identify a prime suspect, Arthur Leigh Allen, who died in 1992 at 58 from arteriosclerotic heart disease.
Twisted nurse Erin Strotman had her entire life planned out before her arrest for breaking the legs of babies in her care  leaving her facing 30 years in jail.

Pinned social media posts on a profile belonging to Strotman showed the life she was longing to have  an engagement, dad and mom photoshoots and holiday party ideas.

But now the 26-year-old could be spending those years behind bars after being charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse.

The nurse from Midlothian, Virginia, was caught on video breaking the thigh bone of one five-month-old premature boy in the neonatal intensive care unit of Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond.

She is accused of harming six other children, with police reopening their 2023 investigations into their injuries.

Strotman is facing up to twenty years in prison for malicious wounding and ten for child abuse  a total of 30 behind bars if a sentencing judge chooses to make them run concurrently.

Her Pinterest board painted a picture of the life she wishes she had  including inspiration for an engagement shoot.

Sources say her long-term boyfriend has been trying to 'distance himself' from the nurse. Going as far as removing all traces of her from his social media shortly after her arrest.

Twisted nurse Erin Strotman had her entire life planned on Pinterest boards where she fantasized what her wedding would look like - before her arrest for breaking babies' legs

A Pinterest profile belonging to Strotman showed the life she was longing to have  an engagement, dad and mom photoshoots and holiday party ideas

Sources said Strotman's long-term boyfriend is trying to 'distance himself' from the nurse, removing all traces of her from his social media shortly after her arrest

But despite this, Strotman clearly had high hopes for their future, saving loved-up engagement pictures to her page just a week before she was arrested.

Ironically, she had several images saved under 'nurse stuff', including a ring and bracelet showing a heartbeat.

The NICU nurse also had several couples' photos saved under the headline 'dad and mom photoshoot', despite not having any children of her own.

One of her boards was flagged as 'sensitive content', with Strotman saving two files of boudoir photoshoots and pose ideas.

She also had tattoo ideas which included a jellyfish, a compass, a matching couple's wolf paw design and the words 'what's coming is better than what is gone'.

Other day-to-day images include cowboy stew in dinner ideas and a Disney-themed Mickey Mouse birthday party, as well as Halloween appetizers.

Her future fantasies were uncovered after DailyMail.com revealed the horrific details of how Strotman broke the legs of the babies in her care.

A police report detailed that one five-month-old boy had a broken thigh, a fractured right tibia and several broken ribs.

Strotman was charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse after being caught on the hospital's 'angel cameras' breaking a premature babies' leg  she faces 30 years in prison

Noah Hackey was one of seven babies who suffered inexplicable injuries at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, Virginia in 2023 and 2024

Strotman was caught on camera on November 10 after she and three other colleagues under investigation returned to work. They had been suspended with pay for a year while CPS looked into the fractures of four boys, but they failed to uncover who was responsible

Strotman took the boy  identified only as Y.H.  by the legs and then applied pressure to them, wrote Detective Megan Lynch.

'Ms. Strotman was observed to be placing her weight down on the legs of Y.H.' added Lynch.

'Ms. Strotman was observed then taking both legs and pushing them backwards to where Y.H.'s feet were at his head.

'Y.H. looked to be crying and in distress,' the detective wrote, noting that the boy's left leg moved normally but the right did not.

She has only been charged in relation to one child so far, but remains in jail after bail was refused by a judge.

The video was made on November 10 when Strotman had returned to work after she and three colleagues had been suspended on full pay for almost a year after four boys received unexplained leg fractures.

They were allowed to return after investigations failed to find who was responsible for the injuries.

While the nurses were suspended, the hospital installed 'angel cameras' which allowed constant monitoring of the premature babies. Staff claimed that is how Strotman was caught.

Strotman longed for a life of domestic bliss, according to her Pinterest pages

Coworkers and former classmates of Strotman told DailyMail.com they suspected she was 'racist' although cops do not believe that was behind her alleged assaults on babies

Officials confirmed that the injuries discovered this year were 'similar to an incident involving four babies in the summer of 2023', with Henrico County Police reviewing 'dozens of videos' from inside the unit.

Detectives are re-examining the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of the broader investigation.

Details of how Strotman allegedly injured the boy comes after sources close to the hospital told DailyMail.com that she was 'racist' and initially targeted only black children.

One source told DailyMail.com: 'The majority of the babies were black babies, when she came back when they noticed the pattern, she tried to throw them off by targeting a white baby and a girl baby.'

The source also stated that Strotman was a weak student during her time in nursing school.

'She wasn't the strongest in the class, she was literally one of the slowest. People are saying she's a white supremacist but that's a bit of a stretch.

'I definitely felt like she was racist, she was deeply southern rooted,' they explained.

'I was surprised at what she did, but I'I was surprised at what she did, but I'm not surprised that it was her. If anyone was to do something crazy, she would have been at the top of the list.'

Social services told parents Dominique and Tori Hackey that they determined an NICU employee at the hospital caused their son Noah's fracture

Dominique was present at Strotman's January 3 arraignment, along with three of the other families who had babies that were allegedly abused at the NICU

But Henrico Police said in a press release that 'social media videos' claiming Strotman's motivation behind her heinous actions were based on race was 'not factual'.

Despite this statement from officials, those who trained and worked with Strotman told DailyMail.com they were shocked that she had been placed on the specialist unit in the first place.

One described her as being 'weird' and always 'in the background' during their training at ECPI University in Richmond.

Strotman's arrest came after Dominique and Tori Hackey spoke out after Virginia Child Services informed them that their newborn baby Noah had been abused by an employee at the NICU when he suffered a fractured leg following his premature birth.

Dominique was present at Strotman's January 3 arraignment, along with three other families who had babies that were allegedly abused at the NICU.
A blind, Arkansas woman with a rare genetic disorder was left to waste away by her 73-year-old adoptive father in a squalid, roach-infested house of horrors she shared with five handicapped siblings, police have charged.

The gruesome discovery of Caterina Whitten's lifeless body was made by officers responding to a 911 call placed by her elderly widower caretaker in the early hours of January 3 from the house in Lowell.

Inside the rural home - about 200 miles northwest of Little Rock in the Ozarks near the Missouri border - police found nightmarish living conditions.

Caterina, 29, lay lifeless across a bed, her roach bite-ridden head hanging off the edge as the bugs crawled along the walls. She was wearing a soiled diaper and also had a gash on her forehead.

Investigators believe the positioning of her body was staged, a police report said.

Amid the scurrying cockroaches, police noted mysterious dried brown fluids on the bed and pillows, the box spring and on the walls. A responding detective ordered a rape kit after he observed a separate room with nothing in it but a bed, a woman's dress and blood on the wall.

David Whitten had adopted all six of the adults - ranging in age from 23-29 and deemed incompetent by authorities - with his wife, a nurse who died, leaving him alone to care for the large special-needs brood.

He was arrested on a charge of negligent homicide and multiple counts of endangering the welfare of an incompetent person.

The house where Caterina's body was found was littered with trash, feces and cockroaches

David Whitten was arrested in connection with his adopted daughter's death

Scattered throughout the one-story home - which was flooded with sewage from a burst septic tank - were soiled adult diapers, trash and dog feces.

The dishwasher was full of rotting food buildup and cockroaches; the fridge also had molding food. The bathrooms - which only had one working toilet and soiled toilet paper wadded up in the out-of-order ones - had floors and sinks covered in filth.

After cops made their initial sweep through the disgusting house, detectives questioned David Whitten about his daughter's horrifying death.

Whitten told police that Caterina, who was blind and had Fraser syndrome - a lived in the home with six of her adopted siblings, all of whom had disabilities.

She had also been diagnosed with Fraser syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can result in fused eyelids, missing or under-developed extremities and kidney issues.

Whitten told police that Caterina had been healthy up until Christmas Day. Her siblings - four men and a woman with conditions including Down syndrome and severe autism - tried to bring her downstairs to open presents, but she collapsed to the floor and refused to move.

He claimed that Caterina frequently went through periods where she wouldn't eat, so he initially didn't think anything of her behavior. And he said that he gave her Boost calorie and protein shakes but police found no evidence of those pre-made drinks in the home.

When asked why he didn't call for help sooner, given her listlessness, Whitten claimed that he didn't want to 'overuse' the emergency room before admitting it was a 'mistake' not to call 911 while she was suffering.

Kyle Fairfax, a neighbor of the family, spoke to a local news outlet on the sadness he felt after the tragedy of Caterina's death

Anthony Kirby, a resident in the area, spoke to local news after the tragic events unfolded leading to Caterina's death

The septuagenarian also claimed that he didn't know first responders could provide care for a patient in their homes.

But he did call two of his other sons - who do not live in the house - and they came to the home. One of his sons, Samuel, told authorities that Caterina had been in a wheelchair and was recently pushed by one of her adopted siblings.

Whitten was arrested on six counts of endangering the welfare of an incompetent person and later charged with negligent homicide. He was booked at Benton County Detention Center and held on a $25,000 bond.

The horrifying story shocked the small town of Lowell, leaving residents in disbelief.

'I mean, to me, it sounds like a really sad story on both sides, to be honest,' Anthony Kirby, a neighbor of the Whittens told local ABC affiliate, KHBS News.

'You know, there's a few aspects of it,' another neighbor, Kyle Fairfax, told KHBS. 'One, you never know what's going on in any of the other houses that are on your street. Another is you don't know what everybody else is going through.

'You know, I feel so sorry for everybody in this situation.'

Fairfax added that there should be a greater emphasis on social welfare for people in vulnerable positions.

Despite the horrific findings inside the home, he said he had some compassion for Whitten, saying that sometimes people 'bite off more than they can chew.'

Before Whitten's arrest, his late wife, who was a nurse, took care of their six adopted disabled children. It wasn't clear when they were adopted or when she died.

He told police that he struggled with their care after she was gone.

'If you're not ready to ask for help, then things can get out of control. Out of hand really fast,' Fairfax said of the situation.

Caterina's five other siblings were taken to a nearby hospital and placed in the care of Adult Protective Services.

Dailymail.com has reached out to the Benton County Coroner's office and the Lowell Police Department for comment but did not immediately hear back.
A record 183 teachers were struck off last year for shocking misconduct - including sleeping with pupils and being drunk on the job, a MailOnline investigation has revealed.

The damning cases, brought before the Teaching Regulation Agency watchdog, saw educators accused of bombarding students with explicit messages, pursuing inappropriate relationships, and failing in their duty to protect children.

The number of teachers struck off the profession's register in 2024 - equivalent to more than 15 each month - comes as complaints from parents surge.

One jaw-dropping case involved a headteacher whose pupils had sex, drank alcohol and carried knives during a foreign ski trip.

Justine Drury, 52, organised the holiday to Switzerland for a dozen pupils from CP Riverside School in Nottingham, during which one girl claimed to have had sex with three boys.

Another girl was said to have accepted 30 to have sex with a boy, while groups of the teenagers were also involved in shoplifting and stealing bottles of spirits from their hotel.

Drury was banned from teaching indefinitely after the Teacher Regulation Agency watchdog ruled she should have called off the trip and failed in her safeguarding responsibilities.

The panel concluded Mrs Drury had failed to adequately protect pupils, adding it saw 'no evidence to suggest that she has any remorse or that she has learnt from her errors'.

Justine Drury, 52, organised a holiday to Switzerland for a dozen pupils from CP Riverside School in Nottingham , during which one girl claimed to have had sex with three boys

Head teacher Mrs Justine Drury, 52, organised the ski trip for a dozen pupils to Switzerland

The panel said despite Pupil A's claim of 'potential non-consensual sexual activity' on the first day of the trip, Mrs Drury did nothing to prevent the risk of sexual activity happening again

The publicly-available disciplinary cases also include a primary teacher was struck off after moonlighting as a 1,600-a-night escort.

Samantha Barguss, 30, was teaching infants at Hall Green Infant School in Birmingham when her saucy second job was exposed in an anonymous letter.

Barguss also admitted posting inappropriate images and videos of herself on the internet having sex, telling followers: 'I love my job and I desire nothing more than to gratify you in every way possible.'

TRA panel chair Terry Hyde said of the footage: 'The still images of the movies appeared to show Ms Barguss engagingin sexual intercourse.

'The images within the gallery section of the profile showed Ms Barguss' body from a range of angles, whilst she was wearing minimal clothing.'

Barguss said she thought her adult profile would be a 'safe and discreet' and keep 'private and work life apart'.

Sex-obsessed Kandice Barber was struck off in January last year after grooming a boy aged 15 and having sex with him in a field after school.

Married Barber, 39, sent the youngster sordid topless pictures on Snapchat and X-rated footage of herself performing a sex act.

Ms Samantha Barguss (pictured) has been struck off over her outrageous behaviour at Hall Green Infant School, in Birmingham

Kandice Barber (pictured with ex husband Daniel), now 38, was jailed for six years and two months in 2021 after being convicted of grooming a 15-year-old

Barber's ex husband Danny Barber, 41, said it had been her dream to succeed in teaching but 'she has no place around anyone's children.'

Kandice Barber had a promising career ahead of her but abused her trust by seducing an impressionable 15-year-old boy into having sex with her in a field

The mother-of-three, who worked as form tutor at a school in Princes Risborough, Bucks, was banned from the profession after being jailed for six years.

In September, a teacher at the Princess of Wales's former school was struck off for three years over inappropriate conduct with pupils.

Dale Wills, 42, who taught music at Marlborough College from 2019 to 2021, bombarded two pupils with 7,000 messages and told another: 'Love you'.

A disciplinary hearing heard how he also bought vapes for a pupil and hinted that he would stab a colleague at the elite 51,000-a-year school.

David Goode, an organ teacher at Eton College, was banned having used his work laptop to search for images of 'gay little boys'.

The former housemaster, 52, made 229 searches for terms including 'cute Thai boys' and 'Algerian gay boys' in 2021. Goode, considered one of the country's leading organists, admitted his actions were sexually-motivated.

While teacher Robyn Hedges pestered a pupil to talk about her thongs, other favourite underwear and shaving.

The 31-year-old also discussed body piercing, vaping and relationships with the girl on Instagram.

The scathing report in July concluded: 'Instead of teaching the dangers of social media to young children taking their initial steps into the online world, she actively exposed them to such risks.'

Referrals to the disciplinary body the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) rose by 62 per cent between April 2023 and March last year - driven by an increase in complaints from 'members of the public'.

Of 1,684 complains, the watchdog investigated 625 cases and struck off 157 teachers, up from 137 the previous year.

Andrew 'Drew' Povey, former executive head of Harrop Fold School, Worsley, was accused of 'off-rolling' three pupils before the January 2018 census to boost performance data

Andrew Povey on Educating Greater Manchester in 2017 (pictured) - he helped turn the school around after his stewardship saw it rated by Ofsted as 'good' in contrast to a government official telling the chairman of governors it was 'the worst school in the country' in 2003

Prohibition orders ban teachers from working in any school, sixth form college, children's home or youth accommodation in England.

In 2024, shamed teachers were hauled to gross misconduct hearing for faking exam results, dealing drugs and turning up to lessons intoxicated.

A headteacher who starred in Channel 4 reality hit Educating Greater Manchester was hit with a teaching ban in November.

Drew Povey, 47, removed pupils from the register at Harrop Fold School, in Salford, in a process known as 'off-rolling'.

The TRA panel said the move was likely to have manipulated the school's GCSE performance.

Private school teacher Nicole Finch, 32, was banned for five years after being caught smuggling drugs and seven phones into a prison.

While Essex sixth-form teacher Stephanie Szymanska, 36, was banned for at least three years after being dealing cocaine.

Primary school miss Isabel Lawrence was spotted 'slurring her words' in front of pupils at Tyndale school, Oxford.

She had popped out for a bottle of wine during morning break - and returned 'spaced out' to teach Year 4.

She said she had struggled dealing with children from the 'tough inner-city school'.

Primary school teacher Matthew Clare, 37, was banned after police unmasked a 'barbaric' sexist WhatsApp chat called 'Nip Clockers'.

Clare, a teacher in Upminster, East London, received messages branding female collagues as 'kinky sluts', 'pure filth' and 'f***buddy material', the TRA heard.

Drew Povey (centre) starred in television programme, 'Educating Greater Manchester'

The teacher said he was 'ashamed' and admitted the messages gave the impression he was regularly ogling his female colleagues breasts.

One read: 'Clocked the Ns massively coming on from lunch. This cold weather.' Another received said: 'That rack alone makes her top 2 material'.

Last month, a survey found that one in seven secondary school teachers faced an allegation from a pupil or parent in the past year.

A survey of almost 8,000 staff found 14 per cent had been accused of wrongdoing.

The most common type of complaint was from pupils  affecting 10 per cent of teachers.

Men were more likely to be accused than women, with 12 per cent getting a complaint from a pupil compared to six per cent of female teachers.

Education body Edept, which carried out the poll, said many of the complaints were 'vexatious'.

A TRA annual report said: 'The primary purposes of a prohibition order are to protect pupils, maintain public confidence in the teaching profession, and support schools in upholding proper standards of conduct.'
As thousands of panicked Californians fled their homes on January 7 while the first flames approached seemingly out of nowhere, there was one place they all checked for updates.

It wasn't a government website or alert, but a privately-run app that maps fire danger and tells people where to go - and where to avoid - next.

Watch Duty, set up by tech entrepreneur John Mills after he watched mini blazes quickly gathering pace on his own property.

Now, the disaster teams in charge of the disastrous LA clean up are begging him for help.

'Watch Duty has had a lot of struggles getting acceptance from the government because they want us to fit into their mold, they want to be able to control us,' he says.

Commenting on local agencies, he adds, 'When they tell us what to do it doesn't work because what they've been doing hasn't been working.

'We are in touch with the LA County emergency operations and a couple others.

'We're helping them as best as we can. They're definitely asking us for help and we're trying to oblige.'

John Mills, creator of the Watch Duty app, performs a controlled 'prescribed burn' on his 200-acre ranch in Sonoma County, designed to clear away vegetation that acts as fuel for forest fires

A page from the Watch Duty app that millions have used over the last week to flee the fires

An example of how the innovative Watch Duty displayed wildfire information to users

Mills, who started writing computer code when he was eight, admits it has been 'bonkers' since the deadly Los Angeles infernos began ripping through the embattled city, causing apocalyptic scenes of mass destruction.

He proudly calls himself a 'geek' and 'misfit' and reveals he started brainstorming the must-have app after experiencing fires close to his 200-acre ranch set in remote landscape west of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, northern California.

Today, Watch Duty has become Apple's most downloaded free iOS app. Mills reveals the number of total downloads is now 5 million after the number jumped by 2.3 million when the Palisades fire first ignited at 10.30am local time on Tuesday January 7

He says it has been 'hellacious' since the fires took over the city and admits to being 'frazzled.'

Local authorities have been reaching out to Mills to help develop additional means of responding to fires although he remains focused on making sure the app, which went live in 2021, is functioning efficiently during the current disaster.

'We've been asked for different integrations with different governments, text messaging services, a variety of things. We're not making any strategy plans currently. You don't make plans during a live fire exercise.

'We're trying our best to stay focused although we're being asked to build all sorts of things... we're not going to do that under duress.

'That's not what firefighters do and that's not what we're going to do either. We have to really focus on the conflagration and get through this. We're just trying to figure out how we can be of service and that's really what we're here for.

'Right now our service must stay up and so we're focused on our operations not doing development during a live fire.'

The app is used by first responders tackling the historic LA fires - along with staff in charge of the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center - as they strategize how to manage blazes on multiple fronts.

Inside the headquarters of the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center with the Watch Duty app displayed on the huge main screen as staff monitor and respond to the deadly wildfires

At the core of Mills' non-profit company are 200 enthusiastic volunteers - and a few staffers - consisting of retired firefighters and other first responders who work around-the-clock, monitoring radios, websites and many other sources to feed crucial information into the app.

'These selfless human-beings have been doing this for much longer than I have,' explains Mills. 'They've experienced these mega fires. Banding them together was really the spark that made all this happen.

'We're a bunch of misfits. We don't always fit into the norms of society. It's really cool to be able to band the misfits together to make a difference and save lives.

'We have sons and daughters of firefighters who've been listening to the radios because it's been in their background for 20 years as they've grown up.

'They're retired first responders who spent 30 or so years as firefighters. We have a bunch of retired dispatchers who were doing dispatch for decades.

'They have the experience to do this and help their community.'

Adds Mills, 'When you go through a fire like this, before Watch Duty you would go onto Facebook and Twitter and try and find the radio operators who were really good at listening to what is happening on the ground and relaying that information to the community.'

He purchased his expansive ranch 70 miles north of San Francisco, with its oaks and towering redwoods, at the end of 2019 and experienced his first vegetation fire the following month.

'It's hard to compare with what's been happening in LA, but I've been through a couple (of) wildfires myself on my property out here,' says Mills.

'We've been ravaged by fire the past 10 years. I've had large fire within a quarter mile twice. And then another time with larger distances.

The Palisades fire left total devastation in the once sought-after Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, know for celebrities, ocean views and mild weather

Fire-ravaged wreckage of formerly impressive multi-million dollar homes in Malibu skirting the Pacific Ocean

A resident valiantly attempts to hose down the dancing embers of a burning house in Pacific Palisades which has been almost completely destroyed by fire

'I was very ill prepared for that and then of course there was no alert.

'After having a bunch of close calls and realizing there wasn't good information out there I took it upon myself to figure out what I could do to help.

'That's when it first started to hit, man - I'm in danger out here. And so that's why this whole process started (creating the app).

'It was really much simpler than most people probably think.'

Before launching Watch Duty, Mills launched Zenput which created software for the restaurant industry. He founded the company in 2012 and sold it in 2022.

The software is used in every Chipotle restaurant around the world and also by companies such Five Guys, Domino's Pizza, Popeyes and Sweetgreen.

Mills lives on the ranch with his girlfriend of two years, Jana, 42, who he met at the annual Burning Man festival held in August in Nevada's Black Rock Desert

The eco-friendly property includes a timber-beam cob house which, he says, is built using hay bales in the walls, and other natural materials, including wood, from the property.

'We're completely off the grid,' says Mills. 'We make our own power, our own water.

'I can survive here if - when - fire comes again. I'm able to stay and defend and fight for what I have built here.

John Mills, creator of Watch Duty, taking in the surroundings at his 200-acre Sonoma County ranch

'I spend time taking care of my forest. I do prescribed burns. I do home hardening. I build sprinkler systems. I do what I can do to protect my own reality.'

Mills says it is important to create a workable balance between nature and encroaching urban landscapes.

'We need to learn how to live with the ecology that is happening,' he explains. 'We need to learn how to live with our environment better like I have done here in my forest.

'For California, it's been a gold rush of great weather for a long time. Mega fires didn't start happening until 2015 or so with the Valley Fire and then ever since they're just increasingly getting worse.'

The Valley Fire destroyed 76,000 acres and killed four people in northern California during the 2015 wildfire season.

'You never heard about wildfires very much until 2015,' adds Mills. 'They are increasing in frequency as we've noticed.'

Mills says it's impossible to define a singular cause of the latest California wildfires.

'It's a number of factors,' he says. 'It's it's too reductionist to blame it on one thing.

'Yeah the climate is changing. Yeah, forest management is bad.

'There's so many different things going on here. We have some really crazy laws. The forest health is really suffering. We don't allow logging but we allow dead trees to sit in the forest for years and become fuel.

'We're in the business of safety and conflagration when it happens and so why the LA fires happened is not really part of our purview, nor am I an expert.'

Mills tells DailyMail.com that he draws inspiration from Burning Man and says he's attended the festival 16 times.

'You learn a lot about being off the grid through experiences like that,' he tells DailyMail.com. ''Being a 'burner' helps you understand that.'

He takes his converted school bus to the outlandish festival as well as to parties. 'It's really fun,' says Mills.

'I grew up a hacker and a misfit and so developing the app meant not worrying about what is what is right or wrong or normal.'

Mills says he is committed to keeping Watch Duty a non-profit organization - unlike, he adds, OpenAI which started as a non-profit venture but recently became for-profit, making its lauded 'tech bro' creator Sam Altman a billionaire.

'People have been offering us lots and lots of money,' reveals Mills, including billionaire philanthropists. Last year a billionaire donated $1million. Google previously donated $2million.

'We have absolutely zero interest in becoming a for-profit,' insists Mills. 'We are not for sale. That is obvious and boring. We want to be different. Like, hard pass.

'Resistance isn't enough - you've got to fight and we're fighting to do the right thing here.'

'Let's do the right thing and keep going. Let's keep pushing and fighting. I want to help civic engagement and create some sanity in the world.'

With flames continuing to engulf parts of Los Angeles and more destruction predicted, Mills comments, 'We're not out of the situation yet. Until the dust settles we are all hands on deck.'
Experts have identified the brand-new threat that may further destroy the Golden State as Californians continue to lose their homes to hellish wildfires.

At least 25 people have lost their lives and over 12,000 buildings have burned to the ground in the Palisades Fire - which has razed much of the Pacific Palisades, once a stunning coastal enclave home to the rich and famous.

However, according to the US Geological Survey the worst is yet to come.

As firefighters battle the flames and continue to diffuse them out, the federal agency claims landslides caused from burn scars left after the fires are out and rainfall returns will become a bigger issue in the future.

'After compiling one year's worth of soil and sediment erosion quantities occurring after large California wildfires between 1984 and 2021, scientists found that postfire erosion has accelerated over time, particularly in northern California, likely reflecting both the increase in wildfire in the state and the frequency of wet water years,' the study read.

The USGS also said post-wildfire landslides can move great loads on objects in their paths, strip vegetation, block drains, damage structures and endanger human life.

Extreme blazes can also destabilize pre-existing, deep-seated landslides over long periods of time.

A home in Los Angeles which was spared during the apocalyptic fires was split in two this week by a mudslide in the aftermath of the blaze

Experts say landslides caused from burn scars left after the fires are out and rainfall returns may further destroy the Golden State as Californians continue to lose their homes to hellish wildfires

At least 25 people have lost their lives and over 12,000 buildings have burned to the ground in the Palisades Fire - which has razed much of the Pacific Palisades, once a stunning coastal enclave home to the rich and famous

According to Costas Synolakis, a professor of civil engineering at USC, the landslide danger will be highest in Pacific Palisades as there is no debris basin in the area.

'Palisades is going to be an area that people need to be on the watch out for landslides because the valley walls are steep.

'The houses that did survive the wildfire in the Palisades could also be in great danger of a severe rainstorm undercutting the foundation.

'Homes near creeks and steep hills could also contribute a lot of debris to landslides,' he told ABC.

The debris from the potential landslides could also cause serious environmental damage.

In the short run, flowing debris can choke rivers and streams and deprive fish of oxygen.

Sediment runoff can also fill reservoirs and take up water storage space - which in turn could damage flood control infrastructure and threaten nearby communities vulnerable to flash flooding.

Hugh Safford, a research fire ecologist at the University of California, Davis said since the fires have left mostly human-made structures into dust, the materials used to construct them will deposit toxins into the air and ground as they combust.

'This is going into the local creek systems and in the local soils,' Safford told ABC, adding that many of the homes built before the 1980s likely are filled with asbestos.

Debris from the scorched houses that once stood on edgy cliffs is also expected to end up in the ocean through the wind and sea, Synolakis predicts.

'Researchers are already monitoring soil to see what kinds of heavy metals and other toxins have seeped in during the combustion process.

The USGS also explained that post-wildfire landslides can exert great loads on objects in their paths, strip vegetation, block drainage ways, damage structures and endanger human life

Pacifica resident Cindy Abbott, a vocal supporter of managed retreat despite owning a home in the hazard zone said: 'We're running out of time. 'Forty or 50 years from now, future generations might not have the luxury to talk about what we're talking about today. It'll be too late'

Hugh Safford, a research fire ecologist at the University of California, Davis further explained that since the fires have left mostly human-made structures into dust, the materials used to construct them will deposit toxins into the air and ground as they combust.

'It won't be long before the toxins end up in the ocean through the watershed,' he told the publication.

Glen Martin, a spokesperson for the environmental nonprofit California Water Impact Network commented on the predications and said: 'It's not surprising but it's good to see it quantified by USGS.

'It points out what the bigger problem is, which is, California  your water supplies, your reservoirs, your fisheries are already on the brink and these catastrophic fires are going to push it over for a variety of reasons,' he told LA Times.

An influx of sediment from burned houses can potentially both decrease a basin' capacity and degrade its water quality.

The agency's research noted that 57 percent of the state's post-fire erosion occurred upstream of reservoirs, 'indicating a growing risk to water security'.

'These results indicate increasing pressure on water resources from post-fire erosion with ongoing climate change,' study authors wrote.

Calling it an 'unvirtuous cycle', Martin believes that more fires would lead to more eroded soil, causing more infrastructure failures and ultimately less water.

It 'has huge consequences for everything from fisheries to water supply, and this study confirms that,' Martin said.

An influx of sediment from burned houses can potentially both decrease a basin' capacity and degrade its water quality

'We can't build seawalls high enough to protect us forever. So, in the long run, it's either going to be managed retreat or unmanaged retreat. It's up to each community to decide,' Gary Griggs, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at UC Santa Cruz said

However Helen Dow, a research geologist with USGS and the study's lead author believes that documenting the problem, its source and after effects can help agencies improve their mitigation efforts

The rising natural disasters and their long term effects issues have caused homeowners to fear for their life and hopeless about the future.

'We can't build seawalls high enough to protect us forever. So, in the long run, it's either going to be managed retreat or unmanaged retreat. It's up to each community to decide,' Gary Griggs, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at UC Santa Cruz told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Pacifica resident Cindy Abbott, a vocal supporter of managed retreat despite owning a home in the hazard zone added: 'We're running out of time.

'Forty or 50 years from now, future generations might not have the luxury to talk about what we're talking about today. It'll be too late.'

And it seems like the aftermath of the disastrous blaze has begun in the Golden State.

A home in Los Angeles which was spared during the apocalyptic fires was split in two by a mudslide as a consequence of the blaze.

The oceanfront $2million one bed, one bath home in Pacific Palisades survived the fire which destroyed some 5,300 other properties in the area, charred 23,000 acres of land and killed at least nine people.

But just a day after the threat of fire began to ease, a mudslide split the home straight down the middle in a cruel reminder to residents that they're not yet out of the woods.

Residents in fire-ravaged communities have been warned the risk of mudslides are heightened and they should be on alert for any warning signs.

Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, spoke of the risk of landslides on January 16.

He said: 'A warning to all those residents no matter where you live in LA County: if you have slopes behind your homes or if you're located on top of a slope, these slopes have become fragile.

'The soil supporting your home has all become fragile due to the events we've had, winds included.

'There are mud and debris flow hazards that are existing even when it's not raining so we want people to be very careful.'

He told residents to stay on high alert for 'any of these conditions in and around their property - in the fire area or outside.'

'Please contact 211 and we will send a team of geologists and soil engineers and flood control engineers to look at your property and make an assessment to safeguard your property,' he said.

The wildfires have disrupted the soil and gravel across Los Angeles, pushing 'debris into the streets and into properties,' Pestrella said.

Now, some of this material is helping to support some of the structures which were not razed during the fires.

The oceanfront $2million one bed, one bath home in Pacific Palisades survived the fire which destroyed some 5,300 other properties in the area, charred 23,000 acres of land and killed at least nine people

Residents in fire-ravaged communities have been warned the risk of muslides are heightened and they should be on alert for any warning signs

The water that is used to fight the fires elevates the risk of landslides, turning otherwise dry soil into mud.

'You can imagine the amount of water which was placed in the firefighting effort,' he noted. 'There were also gas lines and water lines which were destroyed.'

Officials are working to maintain any slopes around fire-ravaged communities in an effort to avoid dangerous conditions.

However Helen Dow, a research geologist with USGS and the study's lead author believes that documenting the problem, its source and after effects can help agencies improve their mitigation efforts.

'Knowing this is a problem that's worsening in Northern California, and having an idea of the size of the problem both in Northern and Southern California, might inform how agencies think about fire,' she said.

'What needs to be done is increased fuels control on both public and private lands,' Martin added, 'so that when we do get fires, they aren't absolutely devastating, burning down to mineral earth, turning the landscape into essentially a moonscape.'

After the Thomas fire which hit southern California in 2017, two people were killed as a result of the inferno but a further 23 died from the landslide which followed.
Gray wolves are being secretly shipped across the US-Canada border and released into the Colorado mountains.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife is refusing to reveal where the wolves imported from British Columbia are being set free to protect the predators and the staff responsible for transporting and releasing them.

The operation began on January 10 by flying at least 15 gray wolves from British Columbia into Colorado.

Officials confirmed the wolves arrived at Eagle County airport but they have refused to disclose their final release locations. This is despite previously sharing a video of an earlier December 2023 release.

A petition to delay the reintroductions by ranchers concerned about stock losses has already been dismissed.

Wolves in Colorado are federally protected and cannot be hunted or killed.

Now, residents of three counties - Garfield, Eagle or Pitkin - are on edge.

Garfield County Commissioner Perry Will has voiced growing community concern over the lack of transparency about the release which is part of the state's wolf restoration plan.

Wolves are being shipped in from British Colombia and released into Colorado mountains (a previous release of wolves in December 2023)

A pack of gray wolves was spotted at a US National Park for the first time in a century, officials said. A still shows a wolf from another pack in Northern California

'People are more upset about them being so secretive about it than they are about the wolves being here,' Will told Cowboy State Daily.

'Some are even disgusted,' he added.

The predators could be released in any of three counties, but local officials say they've been left in the dark.

'Due to the complexity of the operation, and to ensure the safety of our staff and the animals, CPW will not be sharing wolf release details while the operation is underway,' Gonzales told Dailymail.com.

Colorado rancher Howard Cooper, who is a member of the Colorado Conservation Alliance, said he struggles to understand why the governor's office and the CPW can't be more transparent about the release program.

Some residents also expressed concerns about proper disease screening given the rapid timeline.

However, the CPW insists the wolves are being thoroughly examined.

'Wolves will be examined and provided treatment for possible diseases and infections at the source site,' the CPW said trying to reassure local.

The agency plans to continue releases for up to five years, aiming to establish 10-15 wolves per year across Colorado's western slope.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife have released five endangered gray wolves onto public land in Grand County as a part of the state's reintroduction plan

Colorado rancher Howard Cooper who is a member of the Colorado Conservation Alliance expressed concerns about proper disease screening given the rapid timeline

Garfield County Commissioner Perry Will voiced growing community concern over the lack of transparency

'We remain committed to working with all parties as we continue to implement the law as passed by the voters,' said CPW Director Jeff Davis.

'We have been working all year in preparation to have more wolves on the landscape with an improved Conflict Minimization Program, the addition of new staff to work alongside producers, strengthened partnerships, and guidelines for producers as it relates to chronic depredation and lethal management considerations.'

Northwest Region Public Information Officer Rachael Gonzales said adding wolves from British Columbia to the existing population in Colorado will increase the likelihood of pairing, breeding and pack formation.

'Established wolf packs defend territories, which will allow CPW to monitor patterns within a territory and will improve the agency's ability to collaborate with producers on active behavior and coexistence strategies to best protect livestock,' Gonzales added.

British Columbia has between 5,300 and 11,600 wolves.

Officials note they are specifically choosing wolves from areas that don't overlap with livestock to avoid introducing predators already involved in livestock conflicts.

CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell emphasized the benefits of reintroducing the beasts.

'This new source population of gray wolves will provide additional genetic diversity to Colorado's wolf population,' he said in a statement.

Northwest Region Public Information Officer Rachael Gonzales wrote: 'Adding wolves from British Columbia to the existing population in Colorado will increase the likelihood of pairing, breeding and pack formation'

'We've been told that there are places in Eagle County that are suitable for the releases, but we haven't been told anything since,' Eagle County Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney told Cowboy State Daily

He said a future public press conference will provide more detail about the location and number of wolves they are planning to release.

All residents know is that the wolves will be released in select sites across Garfield, Eagle or Pitkin counties.

This is despite a majority of residents in both Garfield and Eagle opposing wolf reintroduction when Colorado passed a law in 2020 by the narrowest of margins - 50.91 percent to 49.09 percent.

'We've been told that there are places in Eagle County that are suitable for the releases, but we haven't been told anything since,' Eagle County Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney told Cowboy State Daily.

There is also concern over Colorado's wolves pushing north toward the Wyoming state line where they can be 'shot on sight.'

Colorado Parks and Wildlife aims to 'restore and manage' a population in the state 'using the best scientific data available'

'If I had a crystal ball, what do I think? I think that sometime within the next four to six weeks, we'll have one cross, or maybe a couple cross over,' Colorado resident John Michael Williams told the Cowboy State Daily.

'And we'll see some of them getting shot.'

The first wolves were released in December 2023 at an undisclosed location in Grand County during an invitation-only event.

They included two juvenile females and two juvenile males, as well as one adult male.

The CPW collected genetic material  tissue and blood samples  before fitting each animal with a GPS satellite collar for tracking.

The wolves were also given vaccines and treated for parasites.

Wolves will travel up to 140 miles from where they are freed, according to the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, which is why they were released at least 60 from the state borders of Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and the sovereign tribal lands in southwestern Colorado.

But these states aren't the only one that can potentially expect wolf sightings.

In November, a small pack of gray wolves were spotted the Lassen Volcanic National Park for the first time in almost 100 years.

The wolves were believed to have been hunted to extinction in the area.

A mother, father and their two pups, the pack was detected by a camera trap just south of the sprawling expanse in Northern California, the US Forest Service said.

'Historic day for Colorado and for the first time ever - we released five wolves, three males and two females, in Grand County today,' US Forest Service said of the rare sighting.

'The wolves were captured in Oregon where our veterinarians and biologists evaluated them, collected genetic material  tissue and blood samples  before fitting each with a GPS collar for tracking. The wolves were given vaccines and then placed in crates and flown to Colorado for their release into the wild.'
A bigamist who wed his 16-year-old stepdaughter while married to her mum - and then had children with both of them - has admitted it was a 'weird' situation.

John Ingram, 69, changed his name so he could marry the schoolgirl in 1988, in a ceremony attended by his own wife.

Twisted Ingram then fathered several children with the mum and daughter but many of them were unaware of who their dad was.

His web of lies were only discovered in February 2020 - 32 years after the bigamy.

Facing a lengthy jail sentence, Ingram was let off with just a two-year community order and 450 costs.

Speaking from his terraced home in Sheerness, Kent, he boasted to Mail Online that avoiding jail actually saved the taxpayer money.

He denied he had benefited at all from the strange set-up - and claimed it was all for the good of his stepdaughter.

Ingram told police his wife did not know he had fathered kids with her daughter.

He told MailOnline: 'I'm lucky I did not go to prison.

John Ingram (pictured), 69, changed his name so he could marry his schoolgirl step daughter in 1988, in a ceremony attended by his own wife

Ingram fathered several children with his wife and her daughter but many of them were unaware of who their dad was.

'Bigomy seems to be bigger in America. But it can be anything from a suspended sentence to a couple of years.

'I took a bag (to court). I feel lucky. If I had then social services would have had to pick up the bill for looking after my wife. She has Alzheimer's and is also disabled.

'Not sending me to prison has saved the taxpayer money.'

When asked about the situation as a whole, he said: 'It's weird.'

He was asked if he was concerned that what he had done had harmed his stepdaughter and family.

He was also asked why he did it.

He added: 'The misunderstanding, when my step-daughter left school back in the 80s, you automatically had to go on a training scheme.

'But because she was pregnant we were able to manipulate the situation, where instead of going on to the Youth Training Scheme, she was able to finish early and went straight on to benefits.'

Trying to justify the strange set-up, he said: 'It made it sound like I benefited.

'I did it to benefit her.'

He revealed in detail how he kept the whole sordid situation a secret from his family.

He added: 'The only people who knew were my wife and my mum.

'It all came out in February 2020. There were a lot of questions. I answered them, truthfully.

'And we worked around it.

'The family talk to me. They have forgiven me.

'I have been to prison once and that was back in 1985. It's one of them things, if it happens, it happens.'

When asked if he had a message to the judge, he said: 'I did thank everyone on the day.'

Ingram's web of lies were only discovered in February 2020 - 32 years after the bigamy

Maidstone Crown Court (pictured) heard how Ingram fathered children by his two wives, who are mother and daughter

The court heard that the 'manipulative' Ingram has fathered several children with both women, though many of the youngsters had grown up unaware of who their father was.

It was not until February 2020 that Ingram was arrested for his deceptive lifestyle.

He admitted bigamy at a hearing in May last year, but was spared jail by a judge who said that, though he'd 'exploited and abused' the trust of his family, he had only deceived the institution of marriage.

The court heard that Ingram, of Sheerness in Kent, changed his name by deed poll so he could marry again at the age of 32, and signed his marriage certificate with his step-daughter as 'Neil Carr'.

The same surname was also used by his wife when she signed as a witness on the same marital document.

When interviewed by police, he confessed and claimed the motive for the illegal marriage had been financial.

Ingram pleaded guilty to bigamy when he first appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court in May last year.

However, due to the seriousness of the offence - which carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison - the case was committed to the crown court for sentencing.

At that hearing on Monday last week, prosecutor Jeremy Kingsford said Ingram had married his wife in January 1983, before illegally wedding his step-daughter five years later.

Referring to a police interview following his arrest, Mr Kingsford said: 'He admitted the offence and claimed he had married to allow [his step-daughter] to be entitled to additional government benefits.

'He confirmed he had changed his name by deed poll to do this.

'He told police that [his wife] was present for the wedding ceremony and that when he married [the step-daughter] she was 16 and the relationship was consensual.'

Ingram also admitted in his police interview that his legal wife did not know that he was the biological father of her daughter's children.
Donald Trump has indicated he is open to using the Insurrection Act to deploy U.S. troops on American soil  and a big majority of his party agrees with him.

Trump is just days away from taking the Oath of Office on the same spot where rioters breached the Capitol on January 6 four years ago, in an event that provoked new focus on when and where it is lawful to deploy the military domestically.

During his campaign, Trump spoke about not repeating what he considers mistakes of his first term when it comes to establishing order in the streets.

The end of his tenure featured protests and violent demonstrations over the murder of George Floyd, with key aides chafing at a push to put thousands of troops on the ground.

Now, a new poll for DailyMail.com by J.L. Partners reveals the depth of support the president-elect has for invoking the Insurrection Act, even at a time his political enemies fear he will carry out 'retribution.'

Asked whether they support using it, an overwhelming 57 percent of Republicans backed the idea strongly or somewhat.

That compares to just 21 percent of Democrats, with 61 percent opposed.

Overall, the public is split, with 35 percent in favor and a somewhat larger 39 percent opposed.

A total of 57 percent of Republicans strongly or somewhat support Trump invoking the Insurrection Act against 'domestic enemies'

Then results suggest that if Trump wants to deploy the military on U.S. soil, it won't cost him with his MAGA base.

Support was highest among younger people, with 44 percent in the 18-29 demographic backing it, while 59 percent of those 65 and over oppose it.

Respondents were told that some have suggested 'Trump might invoke the Insurrection Act once he became President, giving him executive powers and the ability to direct the military against "domestic enemies"', and asked whether they would support or oppose it.

During his campaign, Trump raged against 'crime dens' in Democratic run cities like Chicago, raising alarms among his critics about what were his intentions with the military he controls as commander-in-chief.

'The next time, I'm not waiting. One of the things I did was let them run it and we're going to show how bad a job they do,' Trump said in Iowa in 2023. 'Well, we did that. We don't have to wait any longer.'

Trump has spoken about deploying U.S. troops at the southern border, using them to put down unrest.

He has also discussed using the military to carry out mass deportations that were a key campaign promise.

Plans to conduct large-scale immigration raids on across the country in cities like Chicago 24 hours after his inauguration emerged on Friday night.

'I will rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered,' Trump said when talking about the Denver suburb he described as a 'war zone' because of Venezuelan gang activity. 'We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or kick them out of our country.'

'We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or kick them out of our country,' Trump said while raging against gangs in the U.S.

The Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from taking part in domestic law enforcement. But Trump has long spoken about deploying the military domestically while raging about an 'enemy within'

Trump demanded the military put 10,000 troops on U.S. streets following George Floyd protests, some of which turned violent, in 2020, CBS reported

He also spoke about using the military against the 'enemy within.'

'I think the bigger problem is the enemy from within,' Trump told Fox News Channel last fall. 'We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think they're the big  and it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military, because they can't let that happen.'

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary questioned Trump's pick to run the Justice Department, Pam Bondi, about whether she would have fealty to Trump while serving as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

Some raised doubts after she failed to state who won the 2020 election, instead repeating that Biden is the president of the United States.

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he doesn't think he can support Bondi because 'the attorney general has to have the grit and gumption to say no to Donald Trump, and Pam Bondi has yet to convince me that she has those qualities to stand up to Donald Trump.'

'I see no way that I can responsibly vote for a nominee for attorney general who lacks the ability to say no to Donald Trump when he asked her to do something thats illegal or immoral. Its not a question of whether or if, Donald Trump will ask the attorney general to do something illegal or immoral. Its when,' he says.

Trump sent shockwaves through D.C. Wednesday after a top House Republican charged with overseeing the CIA and FBI was dramatically replaced. Speaker Mike Johnson stunned lawmakers Wednesday when he announced that he is replacing House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner. Johnson denied Trump had a direct role, but repeatedly praised Turner's capability even while booting him.

The Insurrection Act actually references a series of laws passed by Congress in the first 100 years of the Republic. It provides an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from taking part in domestic law enforcement, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

Invoking the Insurrection Act provides for a temporary exception.

Russell Vought, Trump's nominee to run the Office of Management and Budget and a author of Project 2025 who testified in the Senate Thursday, spoke about domestic use of the military in an undercover sting video set by a British journalism nonprofit.

'The President has, you know, the ability both along the border and elsewhere to maintain law and order with the military, Vought said on camera. And thats something that, you know, its going to be important for, for him to remember and his lawyers to affirm.

Trump demanded the military put 10,000 troops on U.S. streets following George Floyd protests, some of which turned violent, in 2020, CBS reported.

He met resistance form his Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, as well as AG Bill Barr and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley.

Trump named Milley and Esper in an online post Wednesday of his administration blacklist, asking people not to bother to 'send, or recommend to us, people who worked with, or are endorsed by,' them, or people he accused of having 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.'

Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days - The brand new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.
Daily Mail Australia's political editor Peter van Onselen brings an insider's view into the petty, backstabbing world of Canberra politics.

Guardian fact-checks its own staff exodus. Here's my response

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

In the past week, my colleague Steve Jackson and I have been flattered by the attention our revelations of disquiet at the Guardian Australia have received.

We beat the SMH and Crikey to get the scoop, only for certain unnamed sources to breathlessly brief against our 'inaccurate' reporting without offering any real facts to the contrary.

For those who missed Inside Mail, we exposed the disquiet among the ranks of the Guardian's Canberra bureau stemming from the appointment of new political editor and respected press gallery veteran Karen Middleton.

Within a few months of her being poached from The Saturday Paper, three of the outlet's political journos and a photographer picked up their ball and went home.

Why the mass exodus? Firstly, money. They weren't getting paid enough - and I can confirm Guardian's low salaries are common knowledge in Canberra. And secondly, internal candidates were passed over for promotion.

PVO's revelations about turmoil at the Guardian prompted a flurry of briefing to other reporters about 'inaccuracies'. He is happy to confirm former live blogger Amy Remeikis (pictured) did not leave because she applied for the political editor job that eventually went to Karen Middleton; she left because she got offered more money elsewhere

Now, let's just say one of the departing staff members did not appreciate our white-knight role in exposing these goings-on... But I must say, some of those leaving did have such an almighty whinge on their way out that they seemed to be begging for attention.

Erstwhile chief political correspondent Paul Karp delivered some pointed barbs in his farewell speech to colleagues, which just happened to make its way into the media because, you know, journos are known for being discreet.

And Amy Remeikis basically announced she was leaving because her salary was too low by retweeting a cartoon saying the best financial advice is to 'make more money'.

Which, I hear, is exactly what she is doing with her sinecure at The Australia Institute. A small top up to help fund her investment property perhaps?

Karp took to social media too, saying he had pushed for 'positive cultural change' in the Guardian's Canberra bureau. Ah, that old chestnut. Complaining about unspecified 'cultural' issues is just vague enough to imply your boss is toxic without having to back it up with proof.

For what it's worth, we defended Middleton as a seasoned pro at the time and stand by that. It's hard not to think sour grapes played at least some role in attacks directed at her.

Some of those departing, such as Karp, applied for her job but missed out. Others didn't formally apply. However, just because you haven't popped an application and resume in the mail doesn't mean you have zero interest in the role.

I would love to be the next CommBank CEO, for example, (cha-ching) but won't waste my time applying when the gig next comes up. I'm just not qualified for it!

Daily Mail Australia was first to report on the staff exodus at the Guardian's Canberra bureau that followed the appointment of respected press gallery veteran Karen Middleton (pictured) as political editor

So yes, to address some of the private criticism of our earlier reporting: Remeikis did not formally apply for the political editor role either. And this was because she knew she didn't have a chance, and fair enough, I say.

Knowing one's limitations can be a strength. As Kevin Costner once said: 'If you don't understand your limitations, you won't achieve much in your life.'

'Change the date', I say - but not for the reason everyone thinks

Australia Day weekend is coming up, so expect the annual argument about changing the date to rear its ugly head like it always does.

Activists condemn the date as 'Invasion Day'; defenders of it label such insults 'woke'.

Pick your side and prepare to be criticised no matter what you say!

Peter Dutton's history with Indigenous rights - and activism - is a long and windy one.

As a John Howard acolyte after entering parliament in 2001, Dutton echoed Howard's anti-apology stance. The now Opposition leader has the former PM to thank for his early promotion into the ministry.

People forget Dutton served as Peter Costello's assistant treasurer in the dying days of the Howard government. As an aside, I've always thought he could make more of that, especially now that economic management and cost of living challenges are front and centre.

Anyway, Dutton's thrall to Howard on the apology became a career-limiting legacy issue for a few years. After Howard lost to Kevin Rudd in 2007, Dutton turned his back on Rudd's apology to Indigenous peoples in parliament.

Regretting having done so - if only politically - Dutton has tried to explain away the 'mistake' ever since.

For all the various divisive issues floating around the Indigenous rights space - from a treaty to Australia Day criticism to a Voice to Parliament - a national apology for past wrongs is no longer one of them.

But when Albo embarked on his ill-fated Voice referendum, the worm turned ever so slightly. Mostly because of how badly it was handled by the PM, not to mention the over-the-top efforts some activists partook in to try to arm-twist Australians into voting for what was proposed.

It didn't work. Goodwill was replaced by mainstream irritation at activists going too far.

Peter Dutton (pictured) turning his back on Rudd's apology to Indigenous peoples in parliament was once an albatross around his neck. But after the failure of the Voice referendum, his move doesn't seem that bad politically

The political value in standing one's ground against such activism has grown, and Dutton is riffing off that now.

During the week, he scored points when he blew up at a journalist's suggestion he should attend a National Australia Day event in Canberra next weekend, which, let's face it, is more about criticising the First Fleet's arrival than celebrating it.

As another aside, we probably shouldn't celebrate Australia Day and the arrival of the First Fleet as the beginning of the nation Australia became on January 26 anyway.

Not because the activists tell us not to - but because that's not when it arrived!

The First Fleet landed in Botany Bay on January 18, not January 26. It made landfall before deciding to look for a better location to set up the colony, in the search for farmable land and a reliable supply of fresh water.

Arthur Phillip sailed into Sydney Harbour and laid anchor at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay. That didnt happen on January 26 either. It occurred on the 21st. Historians believe he stayed there overnight.

It wasn't until January 26 that the fleet finally sailed up the harbour, landing at Sydney Cove in Port Jackson, now Circular Quay.

That is when Phillip planted the Union Jack and claimed the land for the mother country. An important(ish) moment in British history, to be sure, but the date that matters to the foundation of our country is the 18th.

The date to celebrate Australia Day will one day be changed, I have no doubt. It might just take a while to happen, but it eventually should. It won't shift to the 18th however. More likely if we ever do become a republic, THAT date will takeover.

And finally... guess who, don't sue

Which high-profile political couple is bracing for impact, ready to present a united front to save his career if one of the women he had an affair with decides to go public?

It may never happen, of course. And what people do in their private lives, to a certain extent, is their business. Although politicians do put themselves out there (including this one) by wheeling out their family from time to time for positive headlines...

Are politicians private lives public business? The answer is probably yes, but most of their private lives are frankly too boring to bother reporting on.

The couple in question have already made their peace with his past, and apparently he's mended his ways too. Now they are readying themselves to push back if - and only if - his past comes back to bite him.

There's a saying in politics that nothing stays buried forever (well, apart from one noteworthy trip to a massage parlour that has, somehow, stayed out of the press).

Now it's a delicate game of 'wait and see' for the party. Will it break before the election or after? Or perhaps never if the media continues to look the other way?

The subjects of this blind item are not named or pictured elsewhere in this article.
From peaceful southern Illinois, Chicago can look like a crime-ridden hellhole that's welcomed far too many asylum seekers and is driving the state off a financial cliff and into a $3.2 billion deficit.

No surprise, then, that Illinois lost 83,839 residents in 2023, its 10th straight year of decline  as people and businesses flee across state lines seeking lower taxes and less red tape.

Now, separatists say rural counties should wave goodbye to Chicago and surrounding Cook County, and forge the state of 'New Illinois.'

Their mantra is: 'Leave Illinois without moving.'

American history is littered with examples of states and counties trying to redraw maps  and most often they're doomed.

But Illinois' separatists have the wind in their sails after winning nonbinding ballot resolutions in 33 of the state's 102 counties.

Neighboring Indiana has taken notice, offering to shift its western border and absorb disgruntled parts of Illinois.

G.H. Merritt, chairman of New Illinois State, says she expects Illinois to soon 'crash and burn' due to the progressive tax-and-spend policies of Chicago's political elite.

Residents of southern Illinois want to wave goodbye to Chicago, with its crime, homelessness, and immigration issues

The 5,000 residents of Staunton are among those who could choose to join'New Illinois State'

'A lot of businesses have left the state,' Merritt told DailyMail.com.

'They leave Chicago because it's dangerous, and the taxes are too high. Over the course of a few years, we've lost a million residents.'

Those leaving often point to Brandon Johnson of Chicago, whose abysmal approval ratings have made him 'America's most hated mayor.'

He's struggled to accommodate the tens of thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers who turned up in Chicago, seeking jobs, homes, and schools after crossing the southern border.

Others slam Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker for running up a $3.2 billion deficit in his 2026 budget and overseeing a staggering $144 billion pension debt, according to Illinois Policy, a think tank.

Critics note that Pritzker only won his 2022 election through victories in the heavily-weighted counties around Chicago.

Illinois is 'on the verge of bankruptcy,' warns Merritt.

'If we can't make New Illinois happen, you're going to see a lot more people leave Illinois and go to states where they feel they'll have a voice.'

It's not clear that New Illinois would have better finances after jettisoning Cook County.

Chicago is surrounded by several wealthy blue counties  and their taxes subsidize poorer areas down south, says research from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

The separatist movement was launched in 2018, but it's started making real progress in recent months.

The state's Democratic Gov JB Pritzker insists that Illinois is and will remain 'one state'

Voters in Madison County, a metropolitan area and suburb of St. Louis, have approved the symbolic referendum

Separatists have secured support from voters on ballot initiatives in 33 out of 102 counties

It echoes efforts in Colorado, California and Oregon, where vast swaths of red, rural counties are dominated by a few blue cities.

The divide between urban and rural America has long been a fault line in the world's biggest economy.

President-elect Donald Trump played up tensions on the campaign trail as he railed against large Democratic-run cities.

Now, animated separatist groups see his second administration as friendly to sparsely-populated red areas that get pushed about by metropolitan liberals.

Late last yearn, Merritt's group passed the first draft of a new constitution, and counts support in 68 counties.

A sister organization, Illinois Separation Referendum, has secured support from voters on ballot initiatives in 33 counties.

In November, even Madison County, a metropolitan area and suburb of St. Louis, approved the symbolic referendum about splitting from the Chicago area and forming a new state.

Still, it's a daunting process, requiring the consent of the state legislature and Congress, says the US Constitution.

It's only happened a handful of times, including the formation of Kentucky, with the consent of Virginia, and Maine, which once belonged to Massachusetts.

The most recent example was West Virginia, which left Virginia during the Civil War  162 years ago.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has struggled to accommodate the tens of thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers who turned up in Chicago

Separatists say they want to redraw the maps and 'Leave Illinois Without Moving'

Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia have since vaunted the idea of becoming a 51st state.

Meanwhile, Texas, California, and some other states have efforts to split from the US entirely.

In Oregon, a group called Greater Idaho wants to redraw state lines so its eastern conservative rural counties can join Idaho.

Though Illinois' separatists have support among a dozen lawmakers, they have little succor among the elites in Chicago and Springfield, the state capital.

'We're one state,' Gov Pritzker told reporters before last year's election.

'The idea that someplace in Illinois wants to kick out another place in Illinois should not be on the ballot.'

This month, Illinois politics got messier once again, with neighboring Indiana joining the ruckus.

Republicans in Indianapolis introduced a bill to launch a boundary commission to redraw state lines and absorb disgruntled parts of Illinois.

It would 'embrace neighboring counties that want to join low-tax, low-cost Indiana,' says the bill.

Indiana Republican House Speaker Todd Huston said: 'Instead of seceding and creating a 51st state, they should just join us.'

Still, even with support in Indiana, that effort would need to win over Springfield and Washington DC  another long-shot.

Pritzker has rejected Indiana's move as a 'stunt' and advised his residents against joining a 'low-wage state' with few worker protections and shoddy healthcare.

From peaceful southern Illinois, Chicago can look like a crime-ridden hellhole thanks to shootings investigations like this

G.H. Merritt says debt-ridden Illinois will 'crash and burn' in as little as three years

Still, for Merritt, who lives near Chicago in Lake County, it's a more a question of how much of Illinois that Indiana would be willing to absorb.

'If it were to work, I'd say 'great',' she told DailyMail.com.

'But I wouldn't want Indiana to grab 33 counties in southeastern Illinois, because then the rest of us would get left behind.'

'Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days' is the new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.
MBABANE  Due to unavailability of adequate cash to settle tax debts, a court order has been issued to attach cattle for company directors.

The deputy sheriff has been instructed to ensure that the cattle belonging to the directors of Kinalimodise Investment (PTY) LTD are attached to settle a debt owed to Eswatini Revenue Srvices (ERS). The company, according to court papers, is registered in Siphofaneni in the Lubombo Region. On the strength of the court documents, the directors are domiciled in Siphofaneni.

The attachment of cattle by a public enterprise may be viewed in some quarters as rare, but it happened in the early 1990s. The then SwaziBank, now EswatiniBank, under the leadership of the late Sam Kuhlase, launched what to be later known as the infamous grab-a-cow debt recovery programme. Debt collectors led by the late Deputy Sheriff, Maswazi Sibandze, repossessed anything valuable from defaulters, including cattle, goats, chickens and maize harvest.

Feared

Taking no prisoners, Sibandze was one of the most feared deputy sheriffs of that time, ransacking homes and churches, causing defaulters to hide under beds and in the forests. This is not to suggest that ERS will do likewise as the EswatiniBank debt recovery programme was marred by controversies, because the government owned financial institution did not benefit from the cattle that the deputy sheriffs collected.

According to court papers in the possession of Eswatini News, in a matter held at the High Court of Eswatini in Mbabane, ERS is set to recover an outstanding amount of E215 849.27 through, among other things, auctioning these cattle. The auction is expected to take place on January 31, 2025, at the Manzini Magistrates Court.

The legal proceedings against the company began when the ERS, formerly known as the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA), initiated action against Kinalimodise Investments and its directors, Ntombikayise Dudu Maziya, Gabile Bhekithemba Maziya and Mbalenhle Celiwe Anibal.

ERS claimed that the defendants had failed to pay value-added tax (VAT) owed to government, as stipulated under Section 40 of the Value Added Tax Act. Despite multiple demands for payment, the defendants allegedly neglected to settle the outstanding amount, prompting the tax collector to pursue a legal recourse. Having reviewed the evidence presented, the court granted ERS a Writ of Execution, allowing the agency to recover the owed tax through the sale of the defendants assetsin this case, livestock.

A Writ of Execution is a legal document issued by a court that authorises the enforcement of a judgment. It typically directs a law enforcement officer, such as a deputy sheriff, to take action in order to fulfil the courts ruling. According to a Public Notice issued on January 15, 2025, in the Times of Eswatini, the auction will be conducted by the Hhohho district deputy sheriff at the Manzini Magistrates Court, an established venue for public auctions in the region.

Notice

The notice also advises interested bidders to attend, as the sale will be open to the public and that it will be held on a Friday. In the notice, it shows that five cattle will be sold by public auction at 10am on the mentioned date. It is understood that action taken by the ERS aligns with the provisions set forth in the Revenue Authority Act, 1 of 2008, which empowers the agency to recover taxes owed to government. The courts ruling reinforces the authority of the ERS to enforce tax compliance through various means, including asset liquidation.

In past cases, similar measures have been employed by revenue authorities across different countries when taxpayers fail to meet their obligations. Research by this newspaper has not shown jurisdictions that have witnessed attachments of cattle to pay debts arising from failure to honour tax obligations. The research was confined to Africa, mainly the Nguni which values cattle. However, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has been conducting auctions of movable and immovable property to recover unpaid taxes. This has also been happening in the country.

Consequences

It is said that such actions serve as a reminder to taxpayers of their responsibilities and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Meanwhile, the directors of Kinalimodise Investments could not be reached for comment on the matter. This newspaper wanted to pose a few questions unrelated to the merits and de-merits of the case, such as whether they were aware of the court order authorising the attachment of their cattle.

They were not located at Siphofaneni during our visit on Thursday. It must be said though that emaSwati hold cattle in high esteem as, apart from just using them for beef or milk, it has other cultural purposes. It is for this reason that emaSwati generally have special names for cattle, such as Jamuluti, Bhantong, or Blens and interestingly, even the beasts know their names. Noteworthy, through the Ministry of Agriculture, cattle owners can be identified just by checking the ear tag attached to livestock.

These ear tags contain numbers which are registered under the owner. With this information, the identity document (ID) number of the owner of the beast can be identified through the digits on the ear tag or vice versa.

That is how cattle are valued in Eswatini.






The Obamas have faced affair rumours since they first entered the spotlight in the early 2000s - with scrutiny of their marriage following them throughout the former president's two terms in office and beyond.

In 2013, the National Enquirer speculated that their then-more than 20-year marriage had been dissolved after a string of fights that were prompted by accusations of infidelity and a beaming selfie President Obama took with the Danish Prime Minister.

Pictures of Barack taking the selfie with Helle Thorning-Schmidt - as Michelle looks on, less than impressed - took the internet by storm, with claims that the Obamas even switched seats to separate the two world leaders.

There will be no photo opportunity for the Obamas on Monday however, with Michelle breaking protocol by skipping Donald Trump's inauguration - just days after her husband put on a friendly display with the Republican.

A source reportedly said that the former First Lady refuses to 'be fake' about her loyalties - in stark contrast to her husband's recent efforts to 'unify'.

There has been no official explanation for her absence, sparking speculation online that there might be some other explanation as to why she's not appearing alongside her husband.

It is just the latest in a series of sensational rumours about the Obamas' marriage.

Pictures of Barack taking the selfie with Helle Thorning-Schmidt - as Michelle looks on, less than impressed - took the internet by storm in 2013

Jennifer Aniston is seen with Michelle Obama at a Hollywood fundraiser for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007

The couple - who met in college - celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October

Jimmy Kimmel presented the Hollywood actress with the magazine which made allegations about her and the former pPresident

With current rumours, on Friday, the former President shared a picture of him and his wife sat at a dinner table holding hands with the caption: '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 life's adventures with you. Love you!'

These may have been to put out any hearsay that the relationship is in a rocky state.

Late last year, Friends actress Jennifer Aniston, 55, was romantically linked to Mr Obama, 63, in a baseless story published in a gossip magazine - the front page of which declared it contained 'the truth about Jen & Barack'.

This was compounded by the hosts of a popular pop culture podcast  Who? Weekly  who claimed, without evidence, that the couple were 'living separate lives' while he and Aniston were having a full-blown affair.

The Hollywood A-lister strongly denied the claims during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in October.

'Of all the calls you get from your publicist where you're just like 'Oh, no, what's it gonna be?' or you get an email saying some cheesy tabloid is gonna make up a story - and then it's that'

'I was not mad at it,' she then added with a giggle, before clarifying that the story is 'absolutely untrue'.

With current rumours, on Friday, the former President shared a picture of him and his wife sat at a dinner table holding hands in a birthday post

'So, the truth about Jen and Barack is that there's no truth?' Jimmy confirmed.

Jennifer continued: 'I've met him [Obama] once. I know Michelle more than him.'

In a jokey tone, Jimmy then asked: 'Is there a truth about you and Michelle?'

'That is not true,' she said with a smile.

In 2007, a star-studded Hollywood gala in honour of the then-budding young senator is thought to have been the first - and only time - Aniston met Barack Obama.

Pictures taken at the event show her smiling with her arm around Michelle Obama's waist, as the future First Lady beams for the camera and Morgan Freeman and other A-listers enjoy the party behind them.

The event was organised by tinsel town big wigs Steven Spielberg and his DreamWorks co-founders David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

Tickets were $2,300 each - the maximum individual donation to a federal campaign - and were bought up by the likes of Tom Hanks, Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington, according to the New York Times.

Jennifer addressed the rumor on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where she said it was 'absolutely untrue'

The duo cleared up any speculation surrounding the story during Wednesday's episode

With the rich and famous signing cheques as they drank with the Obamas and their staff, the event was reported to have brought in at least $1million in what was the first major event of the Democrat's presidential campaign.

A VIP group of attendees - those who had at least 20 tickets to their name - were invited to privately dine with the Obamas at Gethen's mansion after the event. It is unclear if Aniston was among them.

Fast forward to Obama's first term in office and he and Michelle became one of the most scrutinized couples in the world, with their every move watched and pictured.

In late 2013, the National Enquirer claimed the Obamas' marriage had dissolved after Michelle discovered his Secret Service bodyguards were covering up for his infidelity.

They were endlessly fighting, the tabloid cited anonymous sources as saying, after he posed for a selfie with Denmark's married leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt, at a memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

Mrs Obama was photographed sitting on his other side looking less than amused as her husband and Thorning-Schmidt shared a joke and he patted her on the shoulder.

The First Lady, the Enquirer claimed, would stand by her husband until his presidency ended.

But more than a decade on this has not come to pass, and the couple have continued the public declarations and displays of love for one another which have gained them a huge fanbase.

The pair  who met as young lawyers working for the same Chicago firm in 1989  celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October and delighted their army of fans by sharing a photo of them hugging each other at a museum in New York.

'I couldn't have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with,' said Mr Obama in a message accompanying the photo.

She echoed the sentiment, saying: '32 action-packed years with my honey! Through it all, thank you for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile. I love you, @Barack Obama.'

Like any marriage however, it has not been all smooth sailing, as the Obamas themselves have been happy to admit.

Michelle famously said in a 2022 panel discussion that for a decade  when their daughters Malia and Sasha were young  that she hated her husband during a large part of their marriage.

The former president and his wife tied the knot at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago on October 3, 1992

People think Im being catty  its like, there were ten years where I couldnt stand my husband.'

In 2023, Mr Obama also tackled the subject of marriage difficulties in an interview with CBS, and was asked about Michelles remarks the previous year. Let me just say this: it sure helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her, he said.

The ex-First Lady, who has continued to carry out the duties expected of her as a former president's wife since Obama left office, was noticeably absent from Jimmy Carter's funeral, where her husband was seen laughing and cozying up to Trump.

Trump sat side by side with Obama, and later revealed they get along despite their differences and their past attacks on one another.

'It did look very friendly, I must say,' Trump later said.

But according to a source who spoke to Page Six, Michelle has no such plans to smooth over her relationship with Trump - putting her at odds with her husband's friendly efforts.

Former US President Barack Obama and former US First Lady Michelle Obama attend the unveiling of their portraits at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, February 12, 2018

Historically, this would be seen as a monumental snub given all former presidents and first ladies have attended inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues.

Trump and his wife Melania were the first to blow up the modern tradition of attending successors' inaugurations when he refused to come to Joe Biden's four years ago.

When Mrs Obama missed Carter's funeral, it was immediately cleared up that she had a 'scheduling conflict' which prevented her from attending. She was enjoying an extended holiday in Hawaii at the time.

When they first had children, the couple had some fights, as Barack would commute on a six-hour round trip to work at the Illinois Senate, and sometimes spend days away due to his job

But on this occasion, her office has made no such effort to explain away her absense.

She previously admitted that she found it difficult to sit through Trump's first swearing-in ceremony in 2017, saying she later broke down in tears.

'She's never been fake and she's never been phony. She's always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up,' a source said of her decision to miss this one.

They went on: '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.'
A deep red town that's a stone's throw from migrant haven Denver is anxiously awaiting Donald Trump's inauguration - and the sweeping deportations that he's promised.

The residents of sleepy Castle Rock and other nearby parts of Colorado have had enough of the crime wave rattling Denver, that many blame on gun-toting Venezuelan gangsters taking control of whole apartment blocks.

Now, they're taking action, by pledging to support president-elect Trump's hard-line immigration crackdown.

'Denver does not speak for all of Colorado, and Denver certainly does not speak for Douglas County,' Max Brooks, a Castle Rock councilman and state representative, recently told Fox News.

The town council last month unanimously passed Brooks' measure expressing 'strong support' for Trump's plan to 'solve this nation's ever-growing immigration crisis by undertaking mass deportations of unauthorized migrants.'

It added that Castle Rock would 'cooperate with federal immigration officials'  in stark contrast to the so-called 'sanctuary cities' that refuse to hand over detained illegal aliens.

With some 73,000 residents, Castle Rock is the most populous town in Douglas County, a conservative region where some residents say they're hurt by the pro-immigrant policies of state leaders.

Brooks says his measure was a direct response to Denver, where Mayor Mike Johnston in November suggested city police could be deployed to resist federal immigration officials in a 'Tiananmen Square moment' against mass deportations

The 'Castle Rock' mesa that gave the sleepy conservative Colorado town its name

Some of Castle Rock's 73,000 residents say they've been hurt by the state's pro-immigrant policies

The Democrat later walked back that statement.

Denver welcomed some 43,000 migrants between December 2022 and last summer, city data show.

It spent a whopping $356 million of taxpayers' money on migrants, according to a study by the Common Sense Institute in November.

The flow of arrivals slowed after President Joe Biden took executive action to tighten the southern border in June 2024.

Denver shuttered its last migrant shelter in October, citing lack of demand.

Brooks says Johnston's administration was foolhardy to believe all the newcomers would 'remain within Denver's walls.'

'They are going to spread out across the Front Range, which makes this a Colorado Problem,' he said.

He highlighted Douglas County Jail, where 15 percent of its 369 inmates are listed as non-US citizens.

A viral video of alleged armed Venezuelan gangsters marauding an apartment complex in Aurora, a Denver suburb, last August put Colorado in the crosshairs of a national immigration debate.

It showed men with rifles and handguns purportedly from the prison gang Tren de Aragua threatening apartment residents before a 25-year-old man was shot and killed.

Trump visited the city on the campaign trail last fall, drawing a cheer by vowing to 'expedite the removals of these savage gangs.'

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, rejects claims that Colorado is a sanctuary state, and this month said federal agents were welcome to help round up and deport criminal irregular migrants.

Donald Trump received a warm welcome at his rally in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2016

But he added that they shouldn't go 'after law-abiding Coloradans who might've lived here for 20, 30 years.'

Still, Brooks says Castle Rock and other towns are 'significantly hamstrung' by state laws dictating that police cannot work with immigration agents.

Max Brooks, a Castle Rock councilman

A 2019 Colorado law bars police from arresting or detaining someone solely based on a request from federal immigration officials, while probation officers cannot share information about their clients to them.

It allows police to assist federal immigration agents in executing a federal warrant or transferring a prisoner to and from federal custody.

'The words don't matter so much as action,' Brooks said.

'We want cops to be cops. We want cops to be able to do their jobs.'

Douglas County previously sued the state over its sanctuary policies, but a district court dismissed the suit last month.

Brooks said officials are weighing new legal action, but are waiting to see what happens once Trump is back in the Oval Office.

'We know that we're going to secure the southern border,' Brooks said.

'We know that Denver is not going to, as much as they perhaps might like, continue to bring in illegal migrants here.'

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris handily defeated Trump in Colorado, even as she lost an election in which immigration was a top issue.

Coloradans are split over whether to help people fleeing from poverty, violence and other problems in Latin America and other parts of the developing world, or to enforce US laws and only welcome legal migrants.

Footage from a resident in an Aurora apartment complex appeared to show armed men knocking on a door, intensifying fears the Tren de Aragua gang was in control of the complex

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said city police could be deployed to resist federal immigration agents in a 'Tiananmen Square moment'

A pretty sunrise with a full moon and a windmill near the town of Castle Rock, Colorado

One Castle Rock resident, who said he legally emigrated from Brazil, said it was difficult to judge how many people had entered the US illegally in recent years.

'It's hard 'cause they're running away from poverty, violence, criminality or whatever they're running from,' said the resident, who did not wish to be named.

'For them to take that step in their life and be such a vulnerable place that they are, it must be really bad out there.'

But Catherine, who said she legally immigrated from Colombia to Colorado two years ago after a nine-year process, said it's 'necessary to be strict' at the border.

'If you don't control the rules, probably in [the] future, your country will be the same [as our countries],' she said.

Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days - The new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.
She looks like an innocent schoolgirl - but Paris Willows is a one woman crimewave who has terrorised neighbours in the Cheshire town where she lives - and locked up an astonishing 100 convictions before she turned 20.

In her latest brush with the law, teenage tearaway Willows was locked up for biting a nurse and kicking a police officer during a drunken rampage.

And neighbours in the previously quiet village just outside Warrington have united in celebrating the decision to lock her up, describing her as a screaming nightmare and a vicious bully who lashes out after drinking to excess or taking drugs, as she frequently does.

Incredibly, this will be her third spell in custody, despite only turning 20 in November.

And Willows only defender in the village is her godmother - who insists, astonishingly, that shes a good girl really.

Police most recently arrested Willows after they found her in possession of cannabis as well as prescription drug pregabalin and the tranquilliser clonazepam at Warrington bus station on November 18 - just weeks after she had exited her teens and turning 20.

But rather than subduing her, the experience of being taken to custody saw her to descend into a violent rage.

Officers were so concerned that instead of putting her in a cell they transferred her to hospital but there she verbally abused a staff member and kicked a police officer.

News that Paris Willows had finally been locked up is being celebrated in Orford after she was described as a vicious bully who lashes out after drinking to excess or taking drugs

Liverpool Crown Court heard that her latest offences meant she has now amassed more than 100 previous convictions

Still in hospital the next day, Willows bit a nurse who was trying to care for her.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that her latest offences meant she has now amassed more than 100 previous convictions.

Some of the highlights of her rap sheet include sending messages that were 'grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character and assaulting a vulnerable 15-year-old girl by punching her in the face.

News that she had finally been locked up is being celebrated in Orford.

Neighbour Karl Robinson, 64, said: She looks a real baby-face but she could be a real horror. She had slanging rows with people and was a real druggie.

'She shouted abuse at people. She always seemed to be in trouble with the police always round. It wasnt easy living near her. She'd have loud parties.'

Another neighbour, who was too concerned about Willows rages to volunteer her name, said: She was a right handful, throwing things and racing in shopping trolleys.

She was a nightmare  always causing trouble. She always seemed to have a spliff on the go and would scream insults at people.

Neighbour Karl Robinson, 64, said Willows (pictured) 'looks a real baby-face but she could be a real horror'

Some of the highlights of Willows' (pictured) rap sheet include sending messages that were 'grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character and assaulting a vulnerable 15-year-old girl by punching her in the face

It was horrible living near her. She got in lots of fights and was really vicious, picking on younger kids. Im glad shes been banged up.

Another former neighbour, Karen Sims, 56, said: She was a right handful. Youd see her smoking marijuana and swearing at people. A lot of people stayed well clear of her.

The latest sentence is not her first time in custody.

In May last year she was sentenced to nine weeks in a young offender institution for sending a number of Facebook, text and voice messages that were 'grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character'.

That same day, she assaulted a 'vulnerable' 15-year-old girl by punching her in the face.

She was also locked up for 12 months in March 2024 after being convicted of five counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker by pinching and kicking police.

Willows had previously been spared jail in January 2024 after swearing at her probation officer.

She told the officer that she wished her child would die and said: 'I will stab you, you just watch.'

That hearing in January 2024 was told that Willows already had an 'extensive' criminal record. Willows mother, Rebecca, declined to discuss her daughter this week.

Willows had previously been spared jail in January 2024 after swearing at her probation officer

The hearing in January 2024 was told that Willows already had an 'extensive' criminal record

However Willows godmother Karen Hamson, who also lives locally, leapt to her defence and claimed she was at heart a good girl.

She told Mail Online: I hope Paris is going to turn things around. We all really hope so as she is only young. Shes just made a few mistakes. Shes a good girl really.

And she gave an insight into how Willows' mothers life has been troubled and said she has consequently struggled with some aspects of parenting.

Rebeccas partner Billy Moore, 31, was stabbed to death on the doorstep of her home in Warrington in December 2022.

He was stabbed repeatedly in the face, throat and chest in front of two young girls and was left to die in a hallway.

Rebecca found him and dialled 999 but he could not be saved.

James Ireland told the trial he had gone to their home because his 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old cousin told him that Mr Moore had shouted at them and tried to grab them.

When Mr Moore answered the door, Ireland stabbed him numerous times on his chest, neck and head.

Paris godmother Ms Hamson, who is a close friend of Rebecca, said: Rebecca has had a lot to deal with.

First the murder of her partner and then Paris. Its not been easy.
A woman duped into handing over 700,000 to a scammer who used AI to pose as Brad Pitt is now suffering 'severe depression', is homeless, penniless and living with a friend as she desperately tries to recover her money, it can be revealed.

The victim, known only as Anne, blames her ordeal for her troubles, her lawyer has exclusively revealed to the Daily Mail.

Paris-based lawyer Laurene Hanna told how her client has been branded 'dumb', 'naive' and 'stupid'  and been harassed so mercilessly online that she's deleted all her social media pages.

Read the full shocking and tragic details of Anne's predicament and the mental toll it has taken on her in the exclusive Mail+ interview here.

Divorceee Anne tried to kill herself three times, Ms Hanna says - yet continues to face online mockery.

The victim became the target of trolls after revealing she had parted with the money to help fund what she believed was cancer treatment for the film star.

Two months ago, Anne admitted herself to a mental health clinic where she remains today.

Speaking this week, Ms Hanna described her case as 'terrible' and said she was 'astonished' by the reaction on social media.

The victim, known only as Anne, is now suffering 'severe depression ', is homeless, penniless and living with a friend

The victim, who is known only as Anne, became the target of trolls after revealing she had been scammed by an AI version of Brad Pitt

Actor Brad Pitt playing Sonny Hayes in the 'F1' movie, December 5, 2024

'It's like people are discovering only now that people get scammed,' she said.

'Love scams on the internet are not new. Anne is really not the only one.

'What my client needs is to be given some sensible advice and to be treated with dignity.'

Ms Hanna told how she is helping Anne pursue a civil case against her French bank for allowing her to make such huge money transfers to overseas accounts unchecked.

Anne, an interior designer, said the ordeal started when she received a message on social media from someone claiming to be the actor's mother after sharing photos of her lavish ski trip to Tignes on Instagram.

A day later, she received a second message from an account posing as Brad Pitt, saying his mother had spoken a lot about her already.

The victim, who said she was going through a difficult period with her millionaire husband, told how she struck up an unlikely friendship with the account from February 2023, receiving poems and kind affirmations.

The scammer sent her badly photoshopped images of Brad Pitt in hospital

One of the many badly generated images apparently from a hospital bed the scammer sent

The victim started receiving requests for large sums of money having disclosed she was getting a divorce from her wealthy husband

'There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done,' she said, as reported by BFMTV.

She revealed she did have her suspicions and thought the account was fake at first, but after messaging every day and receiving AI generated photos and videos of the star, she became more at ease.

Soon the blossoming relationship took a turn as the fake Brad Pitt proposed to her and overwhelmed her with the promise of fancy gifts.

The only catch was that she would need to pay customs fees to receive them. This soon added up to 9,000 euros (7,566).

With the victim already having shown willing to part with money, the scammer went on to make more and more absurd requests.

When the victim told her 'friend' she was expecting a hefty divorce settlement from her husband, the scammer upped the stakes.

The Brad Pitt account appealed for help in funding urgent kidney cancer treatment, lamenting that they could not access funds due to their ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie.

Anne parted with nearly one million euros before her suspicions were roused

She started having doubts when the star was pictured not in hospital - and with his new partner

Some of the AI generated photos circulated on social media

The scammer reportedly began sending AI-generated photos of Brad Pitt apparently from the confines of a hospital bed.

The two communicated by text and with photos, but the victim said he was never free for a call - a trope of online scam artists.

In sum, she parted with nearly one million euros over the course of the relationship until her suspicions were roused by seeing the actor with his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in the press.

The victim went to the authorities with the story, who launched an investigation.

Click HERE to read the full story.
Both Donald Trump Jr.'s new socialite girlfriend Bettina Anderson and his ex-fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle will be at Monday's inauguration, as revealed by the Daily Mail's new podcast, Welcome to Magaland: Inside Trump's Second 100 Days.

Allies of the president-elect had been trying to keep Anderson away, but the inauguration will be the new couple's first public event.

Guilfoyle will also be there, and - sources say - is expected to be seated near the family in her new role as the US ambassador to Greece.

'Anderson is supposed to be there, so there will be some tension if both she and Guilfoyle are in the room,' Kelly Laco, Executive Editor of Politics for DailyMail.com and host of the new podcast, said.

'But from what I've seen and from what we've heard from sources, the two, Don Jr. and Kimberly, still have a cordial relationship...

'She was posting for his birthday recently, sharing pics of herself with their family and the kids, sort of a big blended family with his ex-wife.'

Welcome to Magaland's first episode, also reveals who is expected to sit near Trump - especially as the ceremony has been moved inside the Capitol due to extreme low temperatures Monday.

Donald Trump Jr's new girlfriend Bettina Anderson is expected to attend the inauguration in DC on Monday, despite the MAGA world's reported objections. For more insider gossip around the inauguration, listen to Welcome to MAGAland wherever you get your podcasts now

Kimberly Guilfoyle is also expected to be close to the Trump family on Monday, as she has been selected to be the US ambassador to Greece following the power couple's break up

Among the VIP guests will be many names who seem to either no longer be hiding their support for Trump, or have switched sides to the GOP, including Amber Rose and performers Carrie Underwood and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The nation's tech giants, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman and Elon Musk, are also expected.

'The "tech oligarchy," as Joe Biden seemed to call them in his farewell speech, will all be there supporting the new president,' chief US reporter Germania Rodriguez Poleo said on Friday's episode of Welcome to Magaland.

'They are all going all sitting together, kind of representing this new tech American power.'

But there are also some notable people who have chosen not to attend, such as Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi, and the first episode of Welcome to Magaland dives into their possible reasons as well as rumors of trouble in paradise for the Obamas.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Kelly and Germania will bring you everything you need to know about Trump's White House in just 15 minutes.

They will be joined by a regular cast of commentators, political insiders, and Trump staffers for a run down on the worlds biggest, most powerful soap opera.

Search for Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days wherever you get your podcasts now.
Michelle Obama narrowly beats Melania Trump as the most popular first lady while Jill Biden doesn't even come close, according to a new poll from DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners.

Despite skipping out on Jimmy Carter's funeral and Donald Trump's inauguration - and amid wild divorce speculation with husband Barack - voters named the former first lady their favorite of the most recent batch of women to occupy the East Wing.

But it was a close race with the incoming first lady, who will stand by her husband's side when he is sworn into office for the second time on Monday.

Michelle Obama came in at 43 percent with Melania Trump only four points behind at 39 percent. Jill Biden trailed them heavily at 10 percent.

Most voters revealed their glowing affection for, Melania, describing her as 'beautiful,' 'classy,' and 'elegant.' Democrats however were far harsher, calling her a 'gold digger.'

Michelle Obama topped a DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll of recent first ladies

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As Michelle's approval numbers came in, Barack Obama pushed back on divorce rumors by posting a gushing tribute to the 'love of his life' in honor of her 61st birthday on Friday.

Speculation erupted that the couple of more than 30 years was having marital problems after fans began to notice that Michelle has been mysteriously absent from her husband's side in recent weeks.

'Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,' he wrote, alongside a snap that showed them holding hands while enjoying dinner.

'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 life's adventures with you. Love you.'

'Love you honey,' she wrote back.

Meanwhile, the poll showed when it came down between Melania Trump and Jill Biden, it was Melania who was the people's favorite.

According to the survey of 1,009 registered voters, the incoming first lady had a 47 percent approval rating compared to the outgoing one.

Jill Biden came in at 41 percent. Melania also had a much lower disapproval rating - 35 percent - to Jill Biden's 41 percent disapproval.

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Melania Trump has been preparing to move back into the White House while Jill Biden has been packing up for her post-Washington life.

The incoming first lady will be followed by a film crew as she makes a documentary about her return to the White House. Amazon paid $40 million for the rights. Melania Trump serves as an executive producer.

She is downplaying reports she will be a part time first lady.

'I will be in the White House. When I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach,' she told Fox News.

She also revealed she's already chosen the furniture and other items for the upper floors where the first family lives. And it will mostly be like it was four years ago when the Trumps lived there.

'A little bit of changes. Not much,' she said.

Melania Trump beat Jill Biden when the two first ladies were put head-to-head

Moving trucks have been spotted around the White House as the Bidens prepare for their post-political lives.

In addition to leaving Washington D.C., Jill Biden is retiring from teaching after nearly 50 years on the job. She had taught English at Northern Virginia Community College.

President Joe Biden and Jill Biden will attend Trump's inauguration on Monday. Then they will head to California, NBC News reported, to stay in Santa Ynez, where they spent time in August on vacation.

After Trump takes the oath of office, they will board the blue-and-white 747 for their journey west.

But it will no longer be Air Force One - the designation for the plane that carries the President of the United States. The flight will simply be known as Special Mission.

Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days - The brand new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.
High visa fees are deterring some of the worlds most highly skilled workers from joining Britains science and entrepreneurial sectors, experts have warned.

Leading scientists have now called on ministers to review the upfront costs that must be paid by workers in science, technology, engineering and maths fields, who play a key role in boosting Britains economy.

The cost of securing permission to work here has spiralled over the past five years, giving a boost to global competitors  while the visa regime has failed to curb huge levels of immigration.

Government figures put net migration in the year to June 2023 at 728,000, driven mainly by the arrival of more than 470,000 foreign workers.

Professor Alison Noble, of the Royal Society, said: There is a worldwide shortage of scientists and because its a worldwide shortage, theres worldwide competition. If the visa process is not attractive then that will be a reason why people choose not to come. They will end up with multiple job offers, and they will look at the reasons why they might go to one country or another.

The Royal Society published research last year which showed visa fees have risen by 126 per cent since 2019. The UKs fees are higher than any of the 17 other leading nations scrutinised by the report, including the United States, Japan, France and Switzerland.

Meanwhile, some countries have reduced their fees. France slashed its skilled worker visa costs by 92 per cent to 278 in 2023.

Visa costs  including the immigration health surcharge intended as a contribution towards NHS care  must be paid upfront for the duration of the visa. So a scientist applying to come here for five years might pay up to 1,639 for a visa plus a 5,175 health surcharge.

Leading scientists have now called on ministers to review the upfront costs that must be paid by workers in science, technology, engineering and maths fields, who play a key role in boosting Britains economy

Government figures put net migration in the year to June 2023 at 728,000, driven mainly by the arrival of more than 470,000 foreign workers

Professor Alison Noble, of the Royal Society, says there is a 'worldwide shortage of scientists and because its a worldwide shortage, theres worldwide competition'

The fees also apply for spouses and children, so the total could be tens of thousands of pounds.

Cancer Research UK has said it spent more than 477,000 on visas for researchers in 2022-23, with costs set to rise by more than 210,000 per year.

Professor Noble added: Why cant you pay annually, for example? This would then reduce this barrier.

John Longworth, of the Independent Business Network of Family Businesses, said: There needs to be a balanced approach where we dont overcharge people who are making a net contribution to the economy. They could get a discount on their visa fees.

A government spokesman said: We are grateful for the incredible work skilled international professionals do in the UK.

Our visa fees have been informed by the principle that those who use and benefit from the immigration system should contribute towards the cost of operating it, reducing the level of taxpayer funding that would otherwise be required.
President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to slap tariffs on multiple countries when he returns to the White House as he argues the U.S. has been taken advantage of on trade.

His announcements have sparked backlash around the globe and concerns of trade wars, with nations like Mexico and Canada warning they will retaliate to harsh economic policies.

But Americans think most countries have acted fairly when it comes to trade with the U.S. - with one major exception.

According to exclusive polling for DailyMail.com conducted by J.L. Partners, only 20 percent of voters believe China has acted fairly when it comes to trade while 59 percent said it has not.

As a result, more than half of voters would support placing tariffs on Beijing, despite wide-ranging concerns the move would increase prices.

That's dramatic difference from other countries where more Americans than not believe they have acted fairly.

When it comes to the United Kingdom, 50 percent of Americans believe they have acted fairly on trade while only 20 percent believe they have not.

53 percent of Americans believe Canada has acted fairly while only 24 percent believe they have not.

46 percent of Americans believe Japan and European Union countries such as France and Germany have treated the U.S. fairly on trade while only 25 percent said such countries have not.

More Americans than not also believe Mexico has treated the U.S. fairly on trade 39 percent to 32 percent.

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The polling shows that some of the opinions on trade break down along party lines.

While 53 percent of voters believe Canada has treated the U.S. fairly on trade, that includes 70 percent of Democrats and 47 percent of independents but just 40 percent of Republicans.

However, more Republicans than not still believe the U.S. has been treated fairly by Canada 40 percent to 39 percent.

While 39 percent of voters believe Mexico has treated the U.S. fairly on trade, only 25 percent of Republicans believe that while 52 percent of Republicans do not.

However, more Democrats and Independents than not believe Mexico has treated the U.S. fairly on trade.

With that, 52 percent of voters strongly or somewhat support slapping tariffs on China.

But even while more voters than not believe other countries have treated the U.S. fairly on trade, more voters than not still want tariffs in most cases.

41 percent support tariffs on Mexico while 30 percent oppose it. 37 percent support tariffs on European Union countries while 30 percent do not.

37 percent support tariffs on Canada while 33 percent do not.

The polling was conducted from January 10 to 12 of 1,009 registered voters. The margin of error was 3.4 percent.

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It comes as Trump has threatened a wide range of tariffs targeting multiple countries, including the U.S.'s top trade partners.

On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to slap China with 60 percent tariffs. After the election, he threatened 10 percent additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

He has also claimed he would slap 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada if they do not meet his demands to address drugs and illegal immigration coming across U.S. borders.

Both countries have warned they would respond with retaliatory tariffs should the president-elect move forward with his threats, triggering a trade war.

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Trump has threatened across-the-board tariffs but he specifically singled out China, Mexico and Canada for additional tariffs since winning the election

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Economists have warned tariffs on top U.S. trade partners would raise prices on U.S. consumers, but Trump's treasury secretary nominee signaled support for his plans.

In a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.) blasted blanket tariffs, arguing U.S. small businesses and workers would get clobbered with additional taxes.

'They're going to be paid for by our workers and small businesses. All through the campaign, we hear they weren't, foreign countries were going to pay it,' Wyden said. 'I think that's baloney!'

But Trump's pick to lead the Treasury Department rejected that the tariffs would end up being a consumption tax on Americans already dealing with higher prices.

'If we were to say, use the number that has been thrown around in the press of 10 percent, then traditionally, the currency appreciates by 4 percent, so the 10 percent is not passed through,' Bessent claimed. 'Then we have various elasticities.'

Wyden fired back that that Bessent had a very 'academic view' and history has shown it 'clobbers people of modest means.'

Trump also wrote in a social media post that he would launch an 'External Revenue Service' but creating an agency to handle revenue collections from tariffs would require an act of Congress.

The U.S. also already has the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which is tasked with facilitating trade and collecting import duties.

Welcome to MAGAland: Trump's Second 100 Days - The brand new politics podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from Trump insiders. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts now.
Aussies have been urged to remain vigilant for a crafty scam that uses fake Australia Post QR codes to target unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.

Hackers are using the social media platform to dupe online sellers in a bid to steal their personal information and commit identity theft.

Cyber criminals are posing as interested customers and sending the fake QR codes to sellers in response to their advertisements on Facebook Marketplace.

When the seller tries to receive the payment using the code from the fake customer, the scammer is then able to access and steal their personal information.

One message sent by the scammers informed the seller they had paid using one of the QR codes and pre-paid the cost of the shipping.

'I paid for the goods. You need to confirm the transaction and receive the money. Scan the QR code to go to the AusPost website. Tell me later if you got your money so I'll have peace of mind,' the message reads.

'Once on the proof of payment page, click on the receive payment button and you will be taken to a page where you will be asked to select you bank.'

However, the payment feature does not exist and Australia Post does not provide a pre-payment service for listings on Facebook Marketplace.

The scammers also entice sellers by claiming they have pre-paid the cost of shipping (pictured, an Australian Post worker delivering parcels)

The scammers claimed they were a business partner with Australia Post and provided an address in Queensland when the seller tried to verify who they were.

'Is this still available?' they wrote to the seller, in a message seen by 7News.

'Do you mind if I arrange shipping by AusPost courier? I will pay for all shipping costs. I will arrange door-to-door shipping. A courier will come to you and pick up the item.'

Customers have been urged to never to click on a message on social media to arrange for a courier service to deliver products advertised on Marketplace listings.

'Australia Post encourages customers to exercise caution and stay vigilant against scams of all types,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia

We will never call or message customers to request payment, or provide links or QR codes relating to online marketplace listings.'

Daily Mail understands that Australia Post has been made aware of the scam.

Australia Post has been providing regular updates about the fraudulent behaviour on their website and it's understood different versions of the scam currently exist.

Cyber criminals send the QR codes to Facebook Marketplace sellers after they respond to their advertisements claiming to be interested in the product (stock image)

Customers are encouraged to download the Australia Post app to ensure they have access to accurate and reliable information about their delivery services.

The latest report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians lost $2.74billion to scams in 2023.

Investment scams claimed the most losses with fraudsters claiming $1.3billion.
The father of a young Aussie girl who drowned in a Bali swimming pool was forced to send his Airbnb host a message during his grief to ask for extra time to check out following the tragic incident.

Janaa Al Easawi, three, from Liverpool in Sydney's west, was found unresponsive in the pool at her parent's holiday accommodation in Seminyak on Thursday afternoon.

Her parents had mistakenly thought the gate to the pool had been locked.

Her father was the first to spot her and pulled her out of the water before rushing her to the D'Square Medical Clinic, also in Seminyak.

The three-year-old was unconscious on arrival at the clinic but a pulse was still detectable, a doctor told Balinese police.

Janaa was taken in an ambulance to BIMC Hospital, but despite efforts to revive her with CPR she was declared dead at about 2pm.

A villa staff member told police that just hours later, Janaa's father had contacted her through the Airbnb app informing her that his child had died.

The Aussie dad asked if he could leave their luggage at the villa until the evening and whether that would incur an extra charge.

Three-year-old Janaa Al Easawi, from Sydney, was found unresponsive in the pool at her parent's holiday accommodation in Seminyak on Thursday afternoon

North Kuta Police (pictured) could be seen investigating the swimming pool at the Seminyak pool on Friday and also spoke to several witnesses

The staff member replied with their condolences and reassured him that there was no need to worry about the luggage.

She also offered to help the father with reporting the incident to the authorities, but the grieving dad replied only with 'thank you'.

He informed the host they had checked out just after 11pm that night.

North Kuta Police could be seen investigating the swimming pool on Friday and spoke to several witnesses, including the doctor and the staff at the villa.

The couple had left their home in Campbelltown to holiday in Bali over the summer holidays before Janaa was due to celebrate her fourth birthday.

They are now planning to fly home to Sydney with their daughter's body where a funeral will be organised for the three-year-old.

Her distraught parents shared a statement following their tragic loss saying they were grateful for the time they had with Janaa.

'Her memory will live on forever in the countless moments she gifted us. 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,' they told 7News.

Janaa's parents had mistakenly thought the gate to the pool had been locked prior to the incident (pictured Balinese police at the scene)

'Our precious Janaa, you will be forever loved and remain in our hearts, always.'

Other heartbroken relatives also shared tributes to the 'beautiful' youngster.

Her parents said they want Janaa's life to be celebrated but also hope the tragic story will serve as a warning to others.

They hope their pain will make others think twice about booking accommodation with backyard pools.

They 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.
The defense team representing a Kentucky sheriff who allegedly shot a judge in his chambers last year says they are reviewing 'voluminous' amounts of evidence.

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines was jailed after the murder of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, on September 19. Stines was indicted by a grand jury on one count of murder of a public official, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The 44-year-old former sheriff's defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley, said in a remote court hearing on Friday that the defense is reviewing 'voluminous' amounts of potential evidence provided by prosecutors.

Prosecutors may take another four to six months to amass all potential evidence and complete any testing of it, according to prosecutor Jackie Steele.

'We still have some things coming in and things being tested,' Steele said.

Stines, who appeared remotely from jail for Friday's video conference, showed no emotion as he sat behind his lawyers while his upcoming murder trial was discussed.

Stines' attorneys also indicated that they plan to ask that bond be set at another hearing, which is yet to scheduled.

Circuit Court Judge Christopher Cohron, who was appointed last month as special judge in the case, said he would be 'glad to address bond' then.

Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, 44, appeared remotely from jail on Friday as he and his lawyers prepare for his upcoming murder trial. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley said that the defense is reviewing 'voluminous' amounts of potential evidence provided by prosecutors

Stines was jailed after the murder of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins on September 19

Stines' attorneys also indicated that they plan to ask that bond be set at another hearing, which is yet to scheduled

Bartley said the matter of Stines' bond release had been in limbo until Cohron's appointment to the case.

Stines, who was sheriff at the time, has been accused of fatally shooting Judge Mullins, who died at the scene.

The incident had been caught on camera in a video showing a man, identified as Stines by authorities, pulling out a gun and shooting Mullins as he sat at his desk.

The man then walked around the desk and fired the gun again at Mullins who had fallen to the floor.

Stines allegedly entered the courthouse and told others he needed to speak with Mullins alone. Once in the chambers, the two began arguing and Mullins was shot several times, according to authorities.

He was said to have surrendered to law enforcement and is being held in a different Kentucky County Jail.

Stines stepped down from his position as sheriff shortly after the incident.

Just days prior to the shooting, Stines had been deposed in a separate federal lawsuit filed by Sabrina Adkins, who claimed that Deputy Sheriff Ben Fields was using his position to pressure women to have sex in exchange for favorable treatment.

Stines, who was sheriff at the time, has been accused of fatally shooting Judge Mullins (pictured), who died at the scene

Judge Mullins was accused of inappropriate behavior amid claims he was seen performing sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment

Stines had been a close friend to Mullins for around 30 years and the pair had even been seen dining together at a local restaurant for lunch just hours before the shooting

Judge Mullins was also accused by Adkins of inappropriate behavior.

Adkins also alleged that Fields filmed illicit encounters, some of which she claimed involved Mullins.

The disgraced sheriff was also mentioned in the legal proceedings just three days before the shooting.

Bartley referenced this case as a potential factor in Stines' actions, he said: 'I think the deposition has several important roles in this case... it's going to be a large portion of the story we tell.'

Stines had been a close friend to Mullins for around 30 years, and the pair had even been seen dining together at a local restaurant for lunch just hours before the shooting.

The alleged judge shooter could face the death penalty if convicted.

There has been no mention of any specific evidence and police have given no official motive for the shooting.
The women of ABC's The View have guessed Michelle Obama's shocking decision not to attend President-elect Donald Trump has to do with his alleged 'racism'.

One of the show's five co-hosts, Sunny Hostin, 56, offered her take during the Friday broadcast as to why the former First Lady will skip the inauguration on Monday, suggesting the decision was due to Trump's alleged 'lack of diversity.'

The 56-year-old television star suggested Michelle, 61, has opted out of the ceremony because 'she did not enjoy Trumps 2017 inauguration', which distinctly had a 'lack of color'.

'What I will say is, she said that she did not enjoy Trumps 2017 inauguration, because there was no diversity, there was no color on that stage, she said there was no reflection of what the broader sense of what America looks like and many people took pictures of her, and she just wasnt in a good mood,' Hostin said.

The famed co-host agreed with Michelle's surprising decision, claiming 'she is so right' prompting an eruption of applause from the studio audience.

'Yes, Lord, she is so right, she is so right!' Hostin started while the audience audibly clapped.

'She gave us that, "When they go low, we must go high," and I think shes changed her tune. I think when they go low, you have to meet that energy and perhaps go even lower [and] become small like an ant and go to the Earths crust,' Hostin added.

The women of ABC's The View shared their take on Michelle Obama 's shocking decision not to attend President-elect Donald Trump

During Friday's episode of the popular daytime show, one of the show's five co-hosts, Sunny Hostin (pictured), 56, offered her take on why the former First Lady will be skipping the 47th President's inauguration on Monday

The 56-year-old television star suggested Michelle Obama (pictured), 61, would be skipping the politically-charged event because 'she did not enjoy Trumps 2017 inauguration.'

Shockingly, the Friday broadcast saw all five hosts, Behar, Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin - who all have differing political opinions - agree with the former First Lady's unexpected announcement.

Griffin, 35, who previously worked for Trump, agreed that she had 'no problem' with Michelle ditching.

'I think as a spouse, she served her time,' Griffin said. 'I dont think that shes obligated to be there.'

Haines, 47, also chimed in and added that she does 'not mind' the 'highly-educated' Chicago-native 'not attending.'

'Their family has given so much to this country, [and] they have done so much,' Haines said.

'Let me say this about Michelle, I think Michelle Obama is living her best life, and I think she has learned to put herself first and put her mental health first,' Navarro, 53, argued.

Navarro reminded viewers that Michelle already 'did her job when she was the outgoing first lady' and 'played nice' when Trump took office for the first time in January 2017.

The former first lady made headlines on Tuesday when her office announced that her husband- former President Barack Obama - will be attending the billionaire businessman's inauguration, but Michelle would not be present.

Griffin, 35, who previously worked for Trump, agreed that she had 'no problem' with Michelle ditching

Haines, 47, also chimed in and added that she does 'not mind' the 'highly-educated' Chicago-native 'not attending.' 'Their family has given so much to this country, [and] they have done so much,' Haines said

Michelle has been keeping her distance from the President-elect, since her eye-catching absence from the 39th President, Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9. Pictured: President-elect Donald Trump talks with former President Barack Obama talks who's wife was notably absent from the January event

President Trump will be sworn-in on January 20, 2025 at noon - wrapping up a spectacular political comeback that was two years, two months and five days in the making

The representative did not elaborate on Michelles reasoning, but a source later told Page Six that she has 'always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up.'

The news sparked divorce rumors between the star-studded couple, which Barack seemingly put out with a gushing tribute to the 'love of his life' in honor of her 61st birthday on Friday.

Speculation erupted that the couple of more than 30 years was having marital problems after fans began to notice that Michelle has been mysteriously absent from her husband's side in recent weeks.

But the former President, 63, proved that they're still going strong when he uploaded a sweet message to his wife for her birthday.

'Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,' he wrote, alongside a snap that showed them holding hands while enjoying dinner.

'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 life's adventures with you. Love you.'

The image featured a smiling Barack in a gray button down top and black dress pants, as he sat across from Michelle, who donned a dark V-neck sweater dress and a patterned headpiece.

They lovingly grabbed each other's hands as they faced the camera.

Michelle has since shared the post to her own account alongside a simple caption that read: 'Love you, honey!'

Michelle has been keeping her distance from the President-elect, since her eye-catching absence from the 39th President, Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9.

President Trump will be sworn-in on January 20, 2025 at noon - wrapping up a spectacular political comeback that was two years, two months and five days in the making.

The massive MAGA celebration will include a slew of parties, distinguished guests including the country's biggest tech titans and musical acts including the Village People and Snoop Dogg.

His victory and return to office follows a unprecedented campaign where he survived two assassination attempts and saw his first opponent drop out over concerns of his age and mental acuity.

Thousands will gather in the nation's capital to watch him take the oath of office as President Joe Biden, 82, leaves 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue after four years.

Plans are already taking shape, with Carrie Underwood set to perform 'America The Beautiful' before the garbage truck that went viral during Trump's campaign makes an appearance in the parade.

The historic day will be drawn to a close with glitzy inaugural balls, where the 47th president will dance with the incoming First Lady Melania Trump.
Meghan Markle's friends have denied rumours that the Duchess of Sussex was approached about a book deal detailing a potential divorce with Prince Harry.

Talks of another prospective project for Meghan in the form of a book began circulating a few years ago, Vanity Fair claimed in its bombshell new article, which was intended to be written 'post-divorce'.

The potential manuscript was not meant to detail Meghan's past experience with former husband of three years, producer Trevor Engelson, but that of her second spouse Prince Harry.

It was not based on current events in Meghan's life, but set to take place in the event of a separation between the Duke and Duchess.

However, Meghan's friends shut down the claims, with one knowledgeable source saying: 'If that's true to any degree, she would have been approached and not vice versa.'

Rumours of a seperation between the pair swirled around last year when Harry was seen carrying out multiple public engagements without his wife.

He jetted off alone to New York to meet royals and celebrities before a solo trip to Britain in September, while Meghan stayed in Montecito.

Meghan Markle's friends have denied rumours that the Duchess of Sussex was approached about a book deal detailing a potential divorce with Prince Harry

Rumours of a seperation between the pair swirled around last year when Harry was seen carrying out multiple public engagements without his wife

Locals in their home of Montecito have blasted Harry and Meghan as the 'most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet' in Vanity Fair's new article.

Neighbours of the Sussexes criticised the couple for claiming to leave the UK to get away from the press while also trying to attract the attention of the media in the US, calling them the prince and 'the starlet'.

One local said: 'I still think they're the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet.

'They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press, and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States.'

It is reported the couple became 'local villains', according to a number of people the magazine spoke to.

Celebrity commentator, Lainey Gossip, said the most common criticism of the former Suits actress, as well as Harry, was 'you can't cherry-pick the good parts and leave out the bad parts' of fame.

Harry and Meghan attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in July 2024 in California

But she pointed out the couple are not alone in this as 'all celebrities do this'.

The article then explains how, following the tragic loss of his mother Princess Diana, Harry has drawn direct parallels between his late parent and wife Meghan, revealing his biggest fear is 'history repeating itself'.

'I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces,' he wrote in a 2019 statement about Meghan's treatment by the press.

But while Harry fears for his wife's safety, a person who worked closely with the couple claimed Meghan's role in their relationship is primarily caregiver - not victim -and the one who makes things happen, the report reveals.

A source who worked closely with Harry and Meghan said: 'I can picture him meeting Meghan and being just a deep breath of, like, 'I've been so exhausted, and you make everything so easy'.

'I don't want to be like, oh, it's an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like she's reparenting him in a way.'

MailOnline has contacted Harry and Meghan for comment.
Israel's full cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed.

Israel's security cabinet previously recommended that the deal be approved earlier on Friday, with the truce likely to start on Sunday.

Initially, the deal would see 33 of 98 hostages freed over a six-week period, with around half of the 98 believed to still be alive.

The remainder of those held captive are set to be released in a second phase that is yet to be negotiated.

Hamas said it will not release all hostages without a proper ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Israel.

Meanwhile, between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released, with the number depending on how many hostages are freed.

Hardline ministers in Israel's coalition government criticised the deal as giving in to Hamas. Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it went ahead.

Relatives of hostages held in Gaza hold a rally in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday

Demonstrators hold torches during a protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip

Israel's full cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed

While the ceasefire was in the works, Israel continued strikes on Gaza, with officials in Palestine saying 86 people were killed the day after the agreement was uncovered.

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 killed 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.

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.
A Pennsylvania woman said she falsely accused an innocent man she never met of trying to rape and kidnap her all because he looked 'creepy'.

Anjela Borisova Urumova, 20, pleaded guilty on Thursday to filing a false police report against 41-year-old Daniel Pierson, whom she accused of attempting to kidnap and rape her.

Pierson was held on a $1 million bail, charged with multiple felonies and spent a month in jail as a result of the false claims.

According to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, Urumova alleged that on April 16, 2024, Pierson attacked her outside of a supermarket.

She claimed that he had pulled her pants down and struck her in the face.

'As part of the investigation, Middletown Township Police collected and reviewed available surveillance videos from multiple retailers in the area of the reported attack, and a detective with the Bucks County District Attorney's Office conducted a forensic review of Urumova's cellphone data,' the DA's office said in a release.

'The review led to the discovery of multiple inconsistencies and contradictory information with Urumova's account of the attack.'

Urumova was confronted by authorities and 'admitted she lied about the entire incident', confirming she hadn't been attacked by anyone, prosecutors said.

Anjela Borisova Urumova, 20, pleaded guilty on Thursday to filing a false police report against 41-year-old Daniel Pierson who had been accused of attempting to kidnap and rape her

Pierson was held on a $1 million bail, charged with multiple felonies and spent a month in jail

Urumova was confronted by authorities and 'admitted she lied about the entire incident', confirming she hadn't been attacked by anyone

Urumova also said that she 'specifically targeted' and identified Pierson as her attacker because she had 'seen him and the truck in the past' and was able to describe him and the vehicle to the police.

She described the vehicle as a dark blue Ford F-150 pickup truck with a 'thin blue line' sticker on the back windshield with visible dents and rust of the exterior.

The injury to her face was allegedly due to an altercation with a family member.

'Her grandmother, who Urumova claimed suffered from dementia, did not recognize her as she entered the house and threw a plastic object at her, striking her in the lip. This incident allegedly caused the laceration to her lip that she later blamed on Pierson,' the criminal complaint said, Law & Crime reported.

Urumova pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor charges: one count each of false alarm to an agency of public safety and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of false reports, and three counts of unsworn falsification to authorities.

The charges against Pierson were dropped, and he was freed.

Common Pleas Judge Stephen Corr deferred sentencing so she can undergo a pre-sentence investigation.

The story comes just months after a woman claimed video evidence exonerating her two alleged rapists was edited.

Amanda Zawieruszynski, 40, whose rape claim against two black men was thrown out by a grand jury is sticking to her story, claiming key evidence was tampered with

John Marks and Freddie Douglas were arrested in December 2023, but the aggravated rape and kidnapping charges were dismissed by a grand jury in May after footage from Marks' home security system exonerated them

Amanda Zawieruszynski, 40, accused her neighbor John Marks, 41, of raping her on November 8 last year along with his friend, policeman Freddie Douglas, 43.

The mother-of-three claimed the pair forced her to have a threesome in the pool at Marks' house in in Manvel, just outside Houston.

Marks and Douglas were arrested in December 2023, but the aggravated rape and kidnapping charges were dismissed by a grand jury in May after footage from Marks' home security system exonerated them.

The men accused her of racism. They said her claims were an attempt to invoke white privilege to put them behind bars.

But Zawieruszynski insisted her rape claims were true and filed her own lawsuit on August 26 demanding more than $1 million in damages.

Zawieruszynski, in her complaint, claimed the footage was tampered with to make the men look innocent.

However, Douglas' lawyer Michael Kerensky told DailyMail.com her claim the footage was altered was 'pure fantasy' and was being used to 'justify the false allegations'.

'Marks never deleted any of the footage, and even if he did, the district attorney's office obtain the full, unedited source video from the Ring doorbell company' where all footage is backed up and can't be altered by the customer, he added.

Kerensky said the grand jury viewed the full footage during their deliberations, which are - by law - closed to both parties.

Zawieruszynski, who said she was a single mother-of-three since breaking up with her husband Michael last year, claimed she was forced to flee her home with her family because Marks and Douglas harassed her.

Her lawsuit claimed she 'believed she would die that night' and was held captive and raped numerous times, each more violent than the last, which it laid out in graphic detail - some too horrifying to publish.
Its blend of offal and spices has made it a uniquely Scottish dish for centuries.

But now Scotlands largest haggis maker is creating a new recipe for the dish in order to export it to the US for the first time in more than 50 years.

Macsween of Edinburgh is developing a version of the culinary favourite to get around strict American food regulations.

Traditional haggis was banned by the US authorities in 1971 after they ruled food containing offal - sheep lung - was unfit for human consumption.

The Scottish firm is now set to substitute the ingredient with sheep heart while preserving the traditional blend of spices, oatmeal and fat in the delicacy.

The product is currently in the testing phase but the company hopes it will be ready to launch in time for Burns Night next year - when Scots the world over celebrate the life of national poet Robert Burns on January 25.

It will give millions of Americans and ex-pats the chance to sample haggis made in Scotland for the first time in decades.

Scotlands largest haggis maker is creating a new recipe for the dish in order to export it to the US for the first time in more than 50 years

Traditional haggis was banned by the US authorities in 1971 after they ruled food containing offal - sheep lung - was unfit for human consumption

The firms managing director James Macsween said: The company has been developing a new haggis recipe that complies with US regulations, aiming to introduce haggis to the American market for the first time since a 1971 ban.

In response to this long-standing ban, we have been innovating to create a compliant version of haggis without compromising the dishs authentic flavours and texture.

This involves substituting sheep lung with sheep heart while preserving the traditional blend of spices, oatmeal and fat.

The new recipe aims to stay true to the spirit of haggis while meeting the stringent regulations imposed by US food safety authorities.

Once launched the haggis in the US would represent a significant opportunity for us, as we seek to introduce one of Scotlands most iconic dishes to a broader audience.

This effort aligns with traditional food events, such as St Andrews Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night celebrations, which are growing in popularity among Scottish American communities, and the broader appreciation of global cuisine in the US market.

This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and growth in the global market.

Macsween of Edinburgh is developing a version of the culinary favourite to get around strict American food regulations. Pictured: James MacSween

The move into the US market comes after the company successfully started exporting an alternative haggis to Canada in 2017.

Canada lifted an import ban on red meat from Europe in 2015 but offal is still banned.

Macsween replaced the lung with lamb heart and lamb fat, complying with the regulations set by the countrys Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Mr Macsween said Canada is now the businesss largest overseas market.

The company has also exported vegetarian versions of its haggis to the US in recent years to tap into the growing market for gluten-free, plant-based and vegan foods.

The Scottish Veggie Crumble was stocked in stores of grocery chain Fairway Market in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The US has previously suggested its long-standing ban on haggis could be lifted but talks remain ongoing.
Two men have been arrested after an hours-long standoff saw hundreds of terrified residents ordered to stay inside their homes on a Queensland street.

Police chased two men inside a blue Volkswagen Amarok in Birkdale, near Brisbane, before road spikes stopped the vehicle on Old Cleveland Road early on Saturday.

Two men fled the car, with one quickly arrested, and the other evading police for several hours and triggering an exclusion zone in the coastal suburb.

Officers from the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) tactical group told residents to stay inside their homes for their own safety with a emergency declaration made under the Public Safety Preservation Act.

Resident Kulwinder Singh said police quickly ushered him inside when he tried to check on his neighbours during the lockdown.

'One of my neighbours called in a panic because they thought something was wrong,' Ms Singh told the Courier Mail.

'So we went to go see them but we were immediately told to get back inside by police. I opened the door and there were police cars everywhere I couldn't believe it.'

Louise Pack said it was an unusual scene to wake up to.

Police chased two men inside a blue Volkswagen Amarok (pictured) in Birkdale, near Brisbane, before road spikes stopped the vehicle on Old Cleveland Road early on Saturday

Police set up an exclusion zone in the area and deployed officers from the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) tactical group (pictured)

Photos from the scene showed a huge police presence gathered at the abandoned Volkswagen

'It is pretty shocking to find that is what has happened overnight - Birkdale is such a lovely neighbourhood so it is a shame to hear these things are happening,' she said.

'But you know this seems to be happening a lot now.'

A 40-year-old Roseneath man was finally taken into custody at 5am local time.

Photos from the scene showed a huge police presence gathered at the abandoned Volkswagen, with the tires visibly damaged from the road spikes.

The car had been reported as stolen from a Northgate address on December 30.

Old Cleveland Road has since reopened and the exclusion zone has been lifted.
A woman has been left with life-threatening burns after she was allegedly set on fire in a suspected domestic violence incident.

Emergency services were called to an address near Jacaranda Avenue in Kingston, a suburb in Logan, south of Brisbane, just before 8am on Saturday.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said she was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Officers and forensic investigators were seen taking photos during an inspection of the Kingston property with several police cars parked outside.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed the incident is being treated as domestic violence related.

The house has been cordoned off with police tape.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempted to stop the federal rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine six months after it began.

The son of the former United States Attorney General and Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services has faced backlash over his views on vaccines in general.

He has insisted that he is not necessarily anti-vaccine and does support the jab for the polio virus.

However, research into the one-time presidential hopeful's past has unearthed a petition he filed with the Food and Drug Administration to stop authorizing the shots and not approve any new ones.

In May 2021, when he filed the petition, the New York Times says the jab is estimated to have already saved about 140,000 lives.

However, Kennedy - whose nonprofit Children's Health Defense filed the petition - claimed the benefits of the vaccine were not worth the health risks and that reasonably good treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine were available.

Trials have shown that ivermectin does nothing to prevent Covid patients from getting ill, while over 100 Americans died of the virus despite taking hydroxychloroquine in 2020 alone.

Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, called the petition a 'massive error.'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allegedly attempted to stop the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine six months after it began

The son of the former United States Attorney General and Donald Trump 's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services has faced backlash over his views on vaccines in general

Several other members of the public health establishment agreed and the FDA rejected his request within months.

Kennedy - whose confirmation hearings have yet to be scheduled - has not responded to requests for comment.

In November, he appeared to pivot on the COVID jab, telling NBC: 'I wouldn't have directly blocked it. I would have made sure that we had the best science, and there was no effort to do that at that time.'

Trump has had a complicated relationship with the program to administer the jabs, 'Operation Warpspeed,' which he has tried to take credit for amid reticence from some of his base.

In 2021, he claimed the world could have seen 100 million deaths from COVID-19 if his administration had not developed a vaccine.

However, he has hired Kennedy to run the nation's health which suggests a pivot from his former championing of the program.

Trump appears to be backing Kennedy and said last month: 'I think he's going to be much less radical than you would think. I think he's got a very open mind, or I wouldn't have put him there.'

But a recent story about Kennedy's top advisor, Aaron Siri, pushing to revoke the polio vaccine's approval appears to now be imperiling his nomination among Republicans.

Trump appears to be backing Kennedy and said last month: 'I think he's going to be much less radical than you would think. I think he's got a very open mind, or I wouldn't have put him there'

Following a New York Times story highlighting Siri's efforts and Kennedy's past remarks on vaccines - many of them not positive - longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, released a statement ridiculing anyone attempting to degrade the treatment.

Now the HHS nominee is making sure people know where he stands.

'I'm all for the polio vaccine,' the 70-year-old said when arriving at the Capitol complex for meetings with senators on Monday.

It was his first time appearing on the hill since being nominated by Trump, and other than his vaccine remark, Kennedy did not say anything else or take any further questions.

Last week following the story about Siri, the 82-year-old McConnell used his personal experience to tear into Trump's preferred health secretary.

'Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed - they're dangerous,' McConnell said of the bid from Kennedy's advisor, while not singling out Kennedy by name.

'Anyone seeking the Senate's consent to serve in the incoming administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.'

'The polio vaccine has saved millions of lives and held out the promise of eradicating a terrible disease,' McConnell wrote.

Robert Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services, arrives at the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 16, 2024.

As a toddler in 1944, McConnell's upper left leg was paralyzed by the disease. However, treatment available at the time likely saved him from being disabled for the rest of his life.

About a decade later, the first successful vaccine was developed by U.S. physician Jonas Salk. The disease is now commonly considered extinct in the U.S. because of the vaccine.

'Mr. Kennedy believes the Polio Vaccine should be available to the public and thoroughly and properly studied,' a Kennedy spokesperson said in response to McConnell.

Kennedy has drawn connections between vaccines and rising rates of autism, something Trump himself mentioned at a press conference on Monday, seemingly defending his nominee's stance on the matter.

'If you look at autism, so 30 years ago we had I heard numbers like 1 in 200,000, 1 in 100,000. Now I'm hearing numbers like 1 in 100. So something's wrong,' Trump said.

While health professionals say there is not a clear line between the two, autism cases have been ticking up dramatically in recent years. Tough the uptick in cases, some medical professionals say, should be attributed to clearer diagnosing criteria.

One in 36 or so U.S. children is diagnosed with autism today, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, in 2000 that number was closer to one in 150, CDC data shows.

'There's something wrong,' Trump continued. 'And we're going to find out about it.'
German authorities have launched an investigation after a group of carnival witches were accused of beating up a local politican.

Alexander Kebeck, who is a mayoral candidate for the southern German town of Loburg, claims he was left with broken ribs after an unprovoked assault in the Black Forest region.

The 43-year-old had been attending a local carnival in the area and was making his way home when he encountered the coven of 'witches'.

Speaking with German tabloid Bild, Mr Kebeck claimed that the group of six witches 'jumped from behind and hit me in the back, brutally knocking me to the ground'.

The local politician alleges that the group were donning costumes belonging to a local association of witches known as the Heimbach-Hexa.

However, the group strongly denies any involvement in the attack.

Members of the group dress in hoods, leather aprons, dark stockings and horned devil masks, with Mr Kebeck alleging his attacks wore all these distinctive items apart from the masks.

According to German news outlet Merkur, the group of witches have vowed to fully support authorities in their investigation into the incident.

Alexander Kebeck alleges that the group who attacked him were donning costumes belonging to a local association of witches known as the Heimbach-Hexa (pictured)

Alexander Kebeck, who is a mayoral candidate for the southern German town of Loburg, claims he was left with broken ribs after an unprovoked assault in the Black Forest region

'Our association strongly rejects violence, hatred and incitement,' a spokesman told Merkur.

'We stand behind the motto for every carnival fool: For everyone's joy, for no one's suffering'.

The group is based off the local legend of the Heimbach Witch, a tale dating back over 500 years to 1488.

Local folklore claims that a number of raftsmen vanished along a journey down the Heimbach river, after they apparently encountered two magic-worshipping sisters on the riverbank.

The Heimbach-Hexa association's version of the legend on its website states: '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'.

A German police spokesman also confirmed that the force was 'investigating suspicion of bodily harm committed by unknown suspects'.